David Simon talks Treme, The Wire & Omar

David Simon's new HBO project, Treme, premiers Sunday, April 11. The show will explore the lives of musicians and other locals in a post-Katrina New Orleans. In addition to the high-level of anticipation for Treme, Simon's prior HBO series, the critically acclaimed cult favorite The Wire, has also continued to make news as universities like Harvard and UC Berkeley introduce courses that cover the series.

In 2008 Simon appeared at The Forum with playwrights Suzan-Lori Parks and Tony Kushner to discuss the art of storytelling. Simon shared insight about the development of The Wire character Omar as well as his new series Treme,



and also shared his thoughts on who he writes for when he creates stories for television.

John Legend Discusses Education on Morning Joe

Today, Forum Music Fest panelist John Legend discussed the nation's Education system on MSNBC's Morning Joe alongside (former CT Forum panelist) Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, Rev. Al Sharpton, Mike Barnicle, and others.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Click here to watch the entire discussion

John Legend is Coming to The CT Forum!

Just Announced!

Six-time Grammy Award winning musician and philanthropist John Legend will join Wyclef Jean as a panelist for the Forum Music Fest on Saturday, May 1, 2010!

Legend has performed all over the world including the recent Hope for Haiti telethon, The Democratic National Convention, and President Obama's Inauguration Celebration. His music is a blend of pop, soul, and r&b that is fueled by his intelligence, intuition, sensuality and spirit. He has released three albums that have sold in the millions: Evolver (2008); Once Again (2006); and Get Lifted (2004).

Legend considers his awards and record sales to be fringe benefits, and focuses on making a difference and touching lives beyond his music. He is known for his philanthropic work and for encouraging fans to get involved. In 2007, he started the Show Me Campaign, calling on fans to help in his philanthropic work for the Ghanaian village of Bossaso. Nearer to home, he partnered with Tide Detergent to raise awareness about the need of families in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, still reeling after Hurricane Katrina. Legend is also the national spokesman for Management Leadership for Tomorrow, a non-profit organization that assists the next generation of African American, Hispanic and Native American leaders in major corporations, non-profit organizations and entrepreneurial ventures.

For more information about John Legend and his music, you may visit our website and John Legend's official website.

For more information about Forum Music Fest or to purchase tickets - including "Ultimate" ticket packages, please visit our website or call us at (860) 509-0909 ext. 23.

Ever Wonder What's in Bob Woodward's Refrigerator?

Bob Woodward & Tina Brown at The Connecticut Forum. Photo by Nick Caito.

Each Forum, we ask our panelists to fill out a fun questionnaire to help us get to know them a little better. Check out what Bob Woodward, Tina Brown and Connie Schultz had to say!


What is your favorite place in the world? Why?

Bob: Venice, Italy. It reminds a visitor that time is very old.
Tina: The sofa in our house on Long Island.
Connie: Home-my favorite people tend to be there.


What is something you can't live without?

Bob: My wife, Elsa.
Tina: My Blackberry.
Connie: Optimism.


What book are you currently reading?

Bob: Wolf Hall
Tina: The Blue Sweater
Connie: Willie Mays: The Life, The Legend


What is always in your fridge?

Bob: Water.
Tina: How about ON my fridge? That would be a photo of myself 10 pounds overweight...in a bikini.
Connie: Skim milk from Ohio farmers.


What surprises people about you?

Bob: I don't know.
Tina: I am a secret introvert.
Connie: They never say.

Want more?
Clips from A World of Change
are now available on TheForumChannel!

A World of Change with Bob Woodward and Tina Brown at The CT Forum

Wow, what an evening!

Our Forum last night entitled "A World of Change" featured a conversation between legendary journalist Bob Woodward and renowned author and editor Tina Brown, moderated by Connie Schultz.







Check out these behind the scenes photos!

All photos by Nick Caito, Nick Caito Photo

The evening began with the panelist meeting. Here, our panelists meet for the first time, sign autographs, and gear up for the evening ahead. (Please note the Ohio State hat strategically placed by our Founding President, Richard Sugarman)

Then it's off to the YOUTH Forum Press Conference, where high school students from all over Greater Hartford (and beyond!) have the opportunity to ask our panelists anything that is on their minds in an intimate setting. This is often my favorite portion of the evening, and I can truly say that this may be the best press conference to date. Topics ranged from religion to human rights in foreign nations, and so much more. Bob shared insider information on the new book he is writing about the Obama Administration, and Connie shared touching, heartfelt memories of her childhood.

Bob Woodward sharing a story at the YOUTH Forum press conference.



The theater was buzzing with anticipation and excitement for the Forum to begin, and many audience members took the opportunity to vote on the topics for our next season of Forums!



The full panel onstage.




During intermission, Founding President Richard Sugarman carefully looks over the many great questions from our audience in preparation for the second half...



...and there were many to look over!

This was one of the Forums that truly speaks to our mission: to encourage the free and active exchange of ideas in Forums that inform, challenge, entertain, inspire and build bridges among all people and organizations in our community.

It was a night full of answers, insights and inspiration-something I think that everyone is looking for in these ever changing times. Meeting Bob Woodward, someone that has been a hero of mine for so long, is something that I will cherish forever. Listening to Tina Brown, I felt empowered, and for the first time in a while, optimistic about what the future holds for me, and the world. "Trying times often provide the opportunity for great ideas to flourish" she said at one point in the evening. Working with Connie Schultz again was like seeing an old friend. I truly admire the voice she has given to "the underdog," and her ability to tackle tough subjects with compassion, balance, and just the right amount of humor and levity.

I hope this Forum provided some of the answers you were looking for. I hope it got you thinking, wondering, questioning, and looking at the changing world around you in a different way.