Antiques Shows______

Feb 6: Greenwich Indoor Winter Market Antiques Show & Sale, Hyatt Regency, 1800 East Putnam Ave, Old Greenwich, 10 am-5 pm, adm $6, exhibitors from CT, MA, NY, NJ, etc; 203-222-2259.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St, Ridgefield. Hours: Tues-Thurs & Sat-Sun 1-5 pm, Fri 12-8 pm. Call 203-438-4519.

*(new show) Jan 23- June 22: “Solitude and Focus: Recent Work by MacDowell Colony Fellows in the Visual Arts,” featuring works by 13 artists who participated in recent residencies at Peterborough, N.H., artists’ colony founded in 1907, to incl a cross-section of visual arts disciplines incl photography, painting, drawing, animation, sculpture, printmaking, video & installation; Jan 23, opening reception, 4-6 pm.

*(new show) Jan 23-June 22: “Alyson Shotz: Light, Sound, Space,” a solo exhibition of site-specific sculpture by Ms Shotz incl a shimmering wall of light consisting of 18,000 plastic oval Fresnel lenses measuring 38 ft L & over 14 ft H; Jan 23, opening reception, 4-6 pm.

*(new show) Jan 23-June 22: “Shannon Plumb: Behind the Curtain,” a series of super-8 short films by the artist Shannon Plumb, ranging from 3 to 8 minutes, each starring the artist dressed as diff characters & described as witty self-portraits; Oct 23, opening reception, 4-6 pm.

Through March 27: “Jonathan Seliger: Politeness Counts,” museum’s new Main Street Sculpture Project features objects from daily vernacular – 7-ft tall brown grocery bag sculpted in aluminum.

Through March 27: “Michael Rees: Large and Moving,” digitally designed sculpture & animation by Mr Rees.

Through April 10: “Bottle: Contemporary Art and Vernacular Tradition,” exploration of the use of the bottle as a poetic container, the nature of the bottle as a spiritual space & its use as a container for liquor offered through works by 25 artists & selections from various bottle collections.

Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Hours: Mon-Thurs 10 am-8 pm, Fri 12-5 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 426-4533.

In Children’s Dept — *(new show) Through mid-February, creations by young Newtown resident Donny Gies done w/ Lego building blocks, also presentation of Lego instruction books & catalogs.

Bruce Museum of Arts & Sciences, One Museum Dr, Greenwich. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-869-0376.

*(new show) “Recent Acquisitions: Photography from the Permanent Collection,” approx 35 photos from over 400 recently given to the museum by 13 donors incl 19th & 20th Century vintage prints – portraiture, travel photography, Civil War photography, modernism & photojournalism, abstract work & color photography

Through Jan 30: “Drawn By The Brush: Oil Sketches by Peter Paul Rubens,” exploration of the central role oil sketches played in Rubens’ creative process & his career through presentation of quick paintings the artist used in preparation for larger & more detailed paintings, murals, tapestries & altarpieces, is first exhibition in the country ever to focus solely on Rubens’ oil sketches (note: there is a $15 special exhibition fee for adm into this show).

City Lights Gallery, 37 Markle Court, Bridgeport. Hours: Tues 12-5 pm, Wed-Fri 11 am-6 pm, Sat 11 am-2 pm & by appt. Call 203-334-7748.

Through Feb 12: “The Heart,” works by artist members of Women’s Caucus for Art-CT (incl Virginia Zic of Newtown) which respond to the immense power of the human heart.

Cosmic Hippo, 41 North Main St/Rte 7 (on Kent Green), Kent. Hours: Fri-Mon 10 am-5 pm & by appt. Call 860-927-3069.

Through Jan 31: “Winter Whites,” hand painted, crocheted & cross-stitched linens by Maria Christina, handmade soap by Rose Garbien, rugs by Linda Hall, tote bags by Jessica Watkins & Françoise Morgan, & works in glass by Linda Banks, Jane Bell, Lisa Caron Hickey & Heidi Kelly, also black & white photos, prints & unique jewelry by other gallery artists.

Fenn Gallery of Contemporary Art, 345 Main Street/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Thurs-Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 203-263-2821.

*(new show) Through Feb 27: “The Drawn Line,” exhibition of works on paper & sculpture incl pcs by Marc Chabot, Ivy Dachman, Vince Giarrano, Paton Miller & Michael Paterson; Jan 22, opening/artists’ reception (public invited), 4-6 pm.

Good News Café, 684 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Mon, Wed-Sat 11:30 am-10 pm, Sun 12-10 pm. Call 203-266-4663.

Through Feb 7: “Paintings & Etchings,” works by the CT artist Richard Carleton offering “a visual epiphany” of diverse images by an artist who likes his works to look like they have been done by a number of different people (rather than following a structured identifying style).

Through Feb 7: glassware by the Vermont craftsman Michael Egan, who offers selections w/ distinctive artistic design on platters, pitchers, bowls & vases (encore presentation of Mr Egan’s holiday 2003 show).

Mark Twain House & Museum Center, 351 Farmington Ave, Hartford. Hours: 9:30 am-5:30 pm (open to 8 pm first Thurs/month). Call 860-247-0998.

Through Jan 30: “Writers Unbound: The Photography of Jill Krementz,” black & white photos of more than 60 famed authors at work incl Updike, Williams, King, Tan, Morrisson, Dr Seuss, E.B. White, et al, by one of the country’s most celebrated portrait photographers.

Miller Studio & Gallery, 495 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Sun 12-4:30 pm. Call 203-263-3939.

Through March 30: “Winterludes,” works by 10 artists incl Thomas C. Adkins, Joy Bristol, Robert Holden, Gabo Rodriguez & 6 others, which will change during the course of the show, presenting fresh, bright works to offer a respite from the bleak outdoors.

New Britain Museum of American Art, 56 Lexington St, New Britain. Hours: Tues, Thurs-Fri & Sun 12-5 pm, Wed 12-7 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm. Museum Highlights Tour offered each Sun at 2 pm. Call 860-229-0257.

Through Jan 31: “New/Now: Jennifer Knaus,” works by a painter whose interest is in combining female iconography w/ autobiography.

*(new show) Through March 13: “Contemporary Photography in The Age of Mechanical Reproduction,” 40 photographs from public & private collections provide a glimpse into a largely unexplored world at NBMAA incl works of Gregory Crewden, David Levinthal & Cindy Sherman; Jan 26, “Art Happy Hour” What Is A Photograph, Anyway?” 5:30-7 pm, lecture at 6 by photographer Peter Bosco; Feb 2, “Art Happy Hour: Techniques and Art of The Camera – A Look at Traditional & Digital Photography,” 5:30-7 pm, lecture at 6 by guest speaker Loretta Eason; Feb 9, “Art Happy Hour: It’s Me, It’s Me,” 5:30-7 pm, lecture at 6 by NBMAA docent Datio Bollacas will concern the work of Cindy Sherman.

River Glen Fine Arts Gallery (formerly Grey Horse Gallery), 3 Washington Ave/Rte 34, Sandy Hook. Hours: Tues 12-4 pm, Thurs 7-9 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am-4 pm. Call 270-1199.

Paintings by Rainie Crawford, Frank Federico, Leslie Lillien Levy, Dick McEvoy, Alain J. Picard & Peter Seltzer, sculpture by Sterett-Gittings Kelsey.

Silvermine Guild Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan. Hours: Tues-Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-966-5617.

Through Feb 6: “Annual New Members’ Show,” showcase of 22 newest elected members of Guild – fiber artist Jeannie Thomma, illustrator Cecilia Fradet, Dean Fisher & Richard Wegenroth, mixed media artists Karin Bartimole, Martha Bloom, Peggy Dembicer, Karen Kalkstein, Valerie de Montvallon, Gloria Santoyo Ruenitz, Arle Sklar-Weinstein, Woodfin Wood, painters Hyun Joo Jung & Gerald Saladyga, photographer Nathaniel Gibons, printmakers Don Axleroad, Tina Blackburn, Karen Sorenson, Deborah Waimon, and sculptors Dalton Ghetti, Susan Halls, Margaret Roleke.

Through Feb 6: “Vertical Versions,” mixed media works by Constance Kiermaier.

Through Feb 6: “Line Dance,” video installation & drawings by David Burke incl a new series of drawings involving fatherhood.

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main St, Hartford. Hours: Wed-Fri 11 am-5 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am-5 pm. Hours. Call 860-278-2670.

Through March 6: “Traditions/Transitions: The Changing World of Fiber Art,” exploration of techniques of fiber art (weaving, knotting, stitching & dyeing) incl newly acquired works by Lenore Tawney & Norma Minkowitz.

Through March 13: “For Women: Icons of Struggle, Strength and Dignity,” celebration of the 60-year career of sculptor & printmaker Elizabeth Catlett (b 1919) as an overtly political & spellbinding artist, esp during Civil Rights Movement.

Walsh Art Gallery at Quick Center, Fairfield Univ, North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Hours: Tues-Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Call 203-254-4000 x2969.

*(new show) Jan 27-March 20: “Ethiopia: Religious Pageantry and Tribal Traditions,” photos by photographer Barbara Paul that depict the daily life & customs of a region many in the West will never see, images feature cultural dances & body decorations of Omo Valley tribes; Jan 27, opening reception, 6-8 pm.

Washington Art Association, Bryant Plaza, Rte 47, Washington Depot. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 860-868-2878.

Through Jan 30: “Young Talent Show 2005,” prints inspired by experiences in intense thunderstorms by Michael Alberetti, oil paintings by Catherine Balco, paintings by Steven Budington & Trent Miller, works by Jason Buening & Erin Raedeke, sculpture by Dana Filbert, & digital works by Jacqueline Sweeney.

Wilton Art Gallery & Framing, 379 Danbury Rd/Rte 7, Wilton. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat 9:30 am-5 pm, Sun by appt. Call 203-762-8311.

Through Jan 31: “Into The Light,” stained glass works by Carol Engelson & paintings by Diana Wege.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Adesso Choral Society, at Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, 207 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-2980.

Openings for female singers, group rehearses Tues 7:30-9:30 in choir room of church (address above), contact director Meg Collins Stoop at phone # above for details.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Jan 22: “Corni Quatro,” Danbury Music Centre, 256 Main St, Danbury, 8 pm (snow date Jan 29), free recital by horn section of Danbury Symphony Orchestra will incl standard horn music incl hunt choruses & Wagner motifs, plus music not usually associated w/ horns incl “Scarborough Fair,” 748-1716.

Jan 23: “Stella Splendens: Sacred Music for Starry Nights,” performance by The Everyman Guild at Church, Church, South St at Wellers Bridge Rd, Roxbury, 3 pm, tickets $30, music & dances from medieval & Renaissance eras by 7-person group dressed in 15th Century costumes & performing on period instruments, performance will be followed by reception w/ musicians; 860-354-4113, 860-354-1790.

Jan 23: Rebel at St Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 351 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 4 pm, suggested donation $10, performance by acclaimed ensemble regularly featured on NPR & perhaps the most aired American baroque chamber group today continues 2004-05 St Stephen’s Sunday Afternoon Concert Series, proceeds benefit church’s Fund For Music; 203-438-3789.

Jan 23: “Words of Albert Schweitzer and Music of Bach,” First Congregational Church on The Green, Rte 47, Washington Green, 5 pm, adm by donation, readings of work by missionary doctor, philosopher & environmentalist Schweitzer by actors Paul Doherty & Lenka Peterson & radio personality Clint MacGowan (WMNR), performance on organ by Sharon Abner & Richard Busch of Bach selections, donations will benefit L’Hôpital Albert Schweitzer in Haiti; 860-927-3879.

Jan 24: The Heritage Brass Quintet at First Congregational Church, 6 Kirby Rd (at Rte 47), Washington Green, 7 pm, free performance by quintet (which is part of US Military Academy Band at West Point) w/ repertoire representing music, in all styles, from 16th Century to today; 860-210-7895.

Jan 29: Ballroom Dance at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Park Ave, Bridgeport, 7 pm-midnight, $15, dance lesson at 8, performance by American ballroom stars David Rosario & Olga Barashihina at 9:30, singles & couples welcome, refreshments available; 203-374-7308.

Feb 3: First Thursday: La Optima and Alisa’s House of Salsa, Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, 5:30-8 pm, adm $7, monthly series offers live music & chance to visit current exhibitions, also hors d’oeuvres & wine tastings; 203-753-0381 x20.

Feb 5: NUMC Coffee House, 7:45–10:30 pm, Newtown United Methodist Church’s Rauner Hall, 92 Church Hill Road, adm $3 for those attending earlier pasta dinner (see separate Misc listing), $4 otherwise, live bluegrass & folk music, refreshments, suitable for all ages; 426-0617.

Feb 6: “Sing When the Spirit Says Sing!” recital at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown, 3 pm, freewill donations accepted, recital of music “from spirituals to Sondheim” by soprano Mary Andreotta & mezzo soprano Sharon Goodkowski, w/ pianist Susan Anthony-Klein, will be in loving memory of Betty Williams, proceeds help raise funds for stained glass window in church’s new Music Room in Mrs Williams’ memory; 426-9024.

Greater Bridgeport Symphony, Klein Memorial Auditorium, 910 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-0263.

Performances 8 pm, tickets $18-$50 w/ student & group discounts: Jan 22, “Greatest Hits,” guest pianist Yael Weiss will join GBS for performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto #3, program also to incl Mozart’s “Overture” to Don Giovanni & Tchaikovsky’s Symphony #5, also pre-concert program by GBS String Quartet in inner lobby at 7.

Hartford Symphony Orchestra, The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave, Hartford. Call 860-246-6807.

Feb 4-5, All-Beethoven Program, 8 pm, tickets $19-$61 adults, $7 college students & ages 18 & under, Maestro Otto-Werner Mueller will lead HSO through “Egmont” Overture, Symphony #4 in B Major & Piano Concerto #5 (“Emperor”), the latter w/ guest pianist Boris Berman (also pre-concert showcase w/ Hartt School students, 7 pm).

Newtown Friends of Music, Newtown. Call 426-6470.

Concerts at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 3 pm, $15, free ages 5-14 w/ ticket-holding adult (subscriptions available), reception follows performances: Feb 13, Trio Solisti (violinist Maria Bachmann, cellist Alexis Per Gerlach, and pianist Jon Klibonoff), works of Haydn (Trio in G Major), Brahms (Trio No 3 in C minor, Op 101) & Ravel (Piano Trio in A minor).

Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies & Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-5795.

Performances 8 pm unless noted: Feb 4, Concord Jazz Festival, 7 pm, tickets $80 & $85, performances by Karrin Allyson, Oleta Adams & Diane Schuur.

Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, Ridgefield High School, 700 North Salem Rd (Rte 116), Ridgefield. Call 203-438-3889.

Performances, 8 pm, tickets $15-$45: Feb 5, “Beautiful Treasures,” feat Paderewski’s Piano Concerto in A minor (guest soloist Janina Fialkowska) & Mozart’s Symphony No. 40.

Films _________________

Jan 29: Indigo, Maron Hotel, 42 Lake Ave Extension, Danbury, screenings at 1, 4 & 7 pm, $10, special screening of film is sponsored by Trinity Productions; 426-9448, 845-279-2763.

Bethel Cinema, 269 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. Call 778-2100.

Jan 21-27: Finding Neverland (PG), daily 7:25 & 9:35 pm, mat Fri 5:15 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1, 3:05 & 5:15 pm; Hotel Rwanda (PG-13), daily 6:50 & 9:25 pm, mat Fri 4:10 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:30 & 4:10 pm; House of Flying Daggers (PG), daily 7:10 & 9:45 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:50 & 4:30 pm; Sideways (R), daily 6:40 & 9:15 pm, mat Fri 3:50 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:10 & 3:50 pm.

Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-4533.

Independent Film Series, 7:30 pm, free: Jan 25, The Man of The Year (Portuguese w/ English subtitles).

Alliance Française “Cinémathèque” screenings, 2 pm, free: Jan 30, Monsieur Ibrahim et Les Fleurs du Coran (2003, rated R).

Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-2475.

Jan 21-27: Ray (PG-13), Fri, Mon-Thurs 7 pm, Sat-Sun 7:45 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 & 4:30 pm, Tues-Wed 1 pm.

Institute For American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Rd, Washington. Call 860-868-0518.

Winter Film Festival: Jan 21, Mystic Voices: The Story of The Pequot War, 7 pm (snowdate Jan 28, same time); Jan 22, Beaver Tail Snowshoes, 2 pm; Jan 23, Nanook of the North, 2 pm.

Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies & The Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-5795.

Lost & Found Film Series, 7:30 pm screenings followed by guest speakers for Q&A, tickets $15: Jan 21, Finding Forrester, guest speaker will be set designer Jane Musky.

For Kids & Families _________

Jan 23: Karen Pierce at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Danbury Square, 15 Backus Ave, Danbury, 3 pm, free program & book signing by Newtown author will incl demos of poses presented in Yoga Bear: Yoga For Children, children invited to participate (dress comfortably); 730-2733.

Jan 29: Yoga Day USA, The Graceful Planet Moving Arts Center, at The Mill, 75 Glen Rd, Sandy Hook, 10:30-11:15 am, free family yoga for all ages is co-sponsored by Graceful Planet & NHS student group Global Voice is part of national celebration of yoga and its benefits, donations will benefit Global Voice Tsunami Relief Fund; 426-8215.

Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-4519.

Jan 22, Right Brain Saturday, 10 am-noon, $25, monthly workshops (so different topics monthly) taught by local artists & museum educators allow children to experience artwork in the galleries & then apply the methods, concepts or ideas they see into their own projects, all materials provided.

Audubon Center at Bent of the River, 185 East Flat Hill Rd, Southbury. Call 264-5098.

Free programs unless noted, reservations requested, call if weather is questionable: Jan 21, Friday Evening Moonwalk, 7-8:30 pm, $5 adults, $3 children, education director Ellen Turner will lead a magical winter walk by moonlight, participants can listen for calls of owls & learn about nocturnal animals, designed for families w/ children in elementary school & older, canceled if rain, BYO flashlight for return walk, dress warmly, reservations mandatory (limit 20).

Bethel Public Library, 189 Greenwood Ave/Rte 302, Bethel. Call 794-8756.

Jan 27, Teen Crafts Workshop, 6:45 pm, students in grades 6-12 will make decorated bookmarks using ribbons & beads, materials provided, registration required.

New Zenith Theatre at Naugatuck Valley Community College, 750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury. Call 203-575-8038.

The Little Little Red Riding Hood Show, Jan 21, curtain 7:30 pm, tickets $8 adults, $6 children, new version of Grimm’s fairy tale offers lessons about modern life (& Red is a vocabulary whiz w/ a knack for spelling), presented by the college’s performance company.

Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-5795.

Jan 29, The Lizard of Oz, 11 am & 2 pm, all tickets $15, multi-media presentation by Allynn Gooen & Annie Hickman uses audience participation, balloon sculpture, more & more to put a new spin on The Wizard of Oz.

Miscellaneous ___________

Jan 21: CT ConTacts Singles Dance Party at Fireside Inn, 123 Main St South/Rte 25, Newtown, 8 pm-1 am, $15, dinner & dessert buffets, dancing to DJ selections (Top 40, soft rock, recent oldies & requests), “dress to impress” (no jeans permitted); 203-468-1144.

Jan 22: Church of the Good Shepherd Indoor Flea Market, 680 Racebrook Rd (at corner of Shepherd Lane, betw Post Rd & Rte 34), Orange, 8 am-2 pm, wide variety of vendors, refreshments also available; 203-934-4446.

Jan 22: Alliance Française Café Conversation, Southbury Public Library, 561 Main St South/Rte 6, Southbury, 10 am-noon, free, join members of Alliance Française of Northwestern CT for conversations in French on various topics, speakers of all levels welcome, topics vary from simple chit-chat to discussions focused on French culture, history or news, call if weather questionable; 262-0626.

Jan 22: WinterFest 2005, Tarrywile Park, 70 Southern Blvd, Danbury, 1-4 pm, free, winter camping demo, “Dressing for Cold Weather” clinic, ice/cold water rescue demo, snowshoeing clinic, dog sled demo, ice fishing demo, winter hikes, snowman & snow sculpture event, hot chocolate, campfire; 744-3130.

Jan 22-30: “Color in January: The Annual SCAN Winter Show & Sale,” Lexington Gardens, 32 Church Hill Rd, Newtown, daily 9 am-5 pm, free exhibition of works by members of The Society of Creative Arts of Newtown, special artist’s demonstration at 12:30 each Sat-Sun (Jan 22, Dick McEvoy, pastel; Jan 23, Calvin Martin, watercolor; Jan 29, Nancy Warwick; Jan 30, Richard Ochs, watercolor), opening reception Jan 22 (2-4 pm, public welcome, many artists will be in attendance); 426-4929.

Jan 23: CT Catholic Singles Winter Brunch & Dance, Fireside Inn, 123 Main St South/Rte 25, Newtown, 11 am-3 pm, $25; 261-2414.

Jan 23: “Words of Albert Schweitzer and Music of Bach,” First Congregational Church on The Green, Rte 47, Washington Green, 5 pm, adm by donation, readings of work by missionary doctor, philosopher & environmentalist Schweitzer by actors Paul Doherty & Lenka Peterson & radio personality Clint MacGowan (WMNR), performance on organ by Sharon Abner & Richard Busch of Bach selections, donations will benefit L’Hôpital Albert Schweitzer in Haiti; 860-927-3879.

Jan 23: “The Butterfly Effect: Creating Ripples of Peace in Ourselves & The World,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free program by guest speaker & teacher Vincent D’Alession will offer simple & practical ways for anyone to create a more peaceful world, followed by group meditation (free instruction available) & tea reception; 203-263-2254.

Jan 24: CLA Artist Program, New Fairfield Public Library, Brush Hill Rd (corner Rte 37 at 39), New Fairfield, 7 pm, free discussion & demo by award-winning artist Bonny Hartigan Current will focus on landscapes w/ oils incl developing a proper perception of depth & distance; 746-9100.

Jan 26: Candlewood Valley Knitting Guild meeting, Brookfield Community Center, Pocono Rd, Brookfield, 7:30 pm, newcomers welcome, discussion planned on upcoming community service projects; 775-3672.

Jan 27: “South of the Border: Birding San Blas, Mexico,” 7:30 pm, C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, free program presented by bird photographer Jim Zipp is sponsored by Lillinonah Audubon Society; 426-4533.

Jan 27: Book discussion at Gunn Memorial Library & Museum, 5 Wykeham Rd (at Rte 47), Washington Green, 7 pm, free discussion led by Washington-based author Scott Tilden will concern his newest release, Architecture for Art: American Art Museum,s 1938-2008; 860-868-7586.

Jan 29: Yoga Day USA, The Graceful Planet Moving Arts Center, at The Mill, 75 Glen Rd, Sandy Hook, 9:30-10:30 am, free hatha yoga class is co-sponsored by Graceful Planet & NHS student group Global Voice is part of national celebration of yoga and its benefits, donations will benefit Global Voice Tsunami Relief Fund (family yoga class will be offered at 10:30); 426-8215.

Jan 29: Planetarium Show & Telescope Viewing, Western CT State University westside observatory, University Blvd (off Lake Ave Ext), Danbury, free planetarium show at 5, followed by viewing (6-8 pm) of early winter sky, call if weather questionable; 837-8672.

Jan 29: Ballroom Dance at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Park Ave, Bridgeport, 7 pm-midnight, $15, dance lesson at 8, performance by American ballroom stars David Rosario & Olga Barashihina at 9:30, singles & couples welcome, refreshments available; 203-374-7308.

Jan 29: CT ConTacts Singles Dance Party at Anthony’s Lake Club, West Kenosia Ave, Danbury, 8 pm-1 am, adm $15 incl dinner & dessert buffets, dancing to DJ selections (Top 40, soft rock, recent oldies & requests), “dress to impress,” no jeans; 203-468-1144.

Feb 5: NUMC Monthly Pasta Dinner, Newtown United Methodist Church’s Rauner Hall, 92 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook, adm $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3.50 children, full spaghetti dinner incl salad, desserts, and soft drinks/coffee raises funds each month for church, all welcome, coffee house/musical event follows (see separate Concerts listing); 426-0617.

Audubon Center at Bent of the River, 185 East Flat Hill Rd, Southbury. Call 264-5098.

Free programs unless noted, reservations requested, call if weather is questionable, leave pets home: Jan 21, Friday Evening Moonwalk, 7-8:30 pm, $5 adults, $3 children, education director Ellen Turner will lead a magical winter walk by moonlight, participants can listen for calls of owls & learn about nocturnal animals, designed for families w/ children in elementary school & older, canceled if rain, BYO flashlight for return walk, dress warmly, reservations mandatory (limit 20); Jan 23, Sunday Afternoon At The Bent, 1-4 pm, leisurely exploration of winter’s natural beauty, participants welcome to hike, ski or snowshoe (BYO equipment), then warm up in barn next to wood stove; Jan 24, “Adult Walk: Winter Weeds & More,” 9-11 am, $5, education director Ellen Turner will lead walk to locate the bare, minimalist winter structures of plants & ferns that grew last summer, also search for tracks in snow, ducks on river & birds at feeders.

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-4533.

Programs free unless noted: Jan 22, Intermediate Computing, 9 am-noon, $10 (registration required), hands-on class incl downloading files, saving photos, email topics incl sending & receiving attachments, also time for Q&A; Jan 27, “South of the Border: Birding San Blas, Mexico,” 7:30 pm, program presented by bird photographer Jim Zipp is sponsored by Lillinonah Audubon Society; Feb 5, Basic Computing, 9 am-noon, free hands-on class led by staff member from Newtown Computer Training Center w/ focus on keyboards, shortcuts & function keys, mouse skills, getting started on Internet, registration required.

Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury. Call 778-8337.

Wednesday Lecture Series, around 7:45 pm (follows brief general meeting), free, guest speakers & topics follow: Jan 26, historic slides by Ed Blackman; Feb 2, slide presentation by Bob Gambling.

McLaughlin Vineyards, Albert’s Hill Rd, Sandy Hook. Call 426-1533.

“Wine, Food & Eagles 2005,” through Feb 20, Sat-Sun mornings & early afternoons, begins 9 am, $50, spend mornings watching for eagles at Bald Eagle Observatory in Southbury, then private tour of winery in Sandy Hook, followed by lunch at Compass in Newtown (3-course lunch will be paired w/ McLaughlin Vineyard wines), reservations required.

Newtown Hikers. Call 426-2897 or 788-1398 (Ester Nichols), 270-4340 (Newtown Parks & Rec).

Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 9 am, free, all welcome (children must be accompanied), bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders as follows: Jan 22, Ransom Hunt Audubon Sanctuary, Bedford, N.Y. (leader is Dave Wesley, 203-438-1459); Jan 29, Tarrywile Park, Danbury (leader is Evelyn Schonberg, 426-0425); Feb 5, Macedonia State Park, Kent (leader is Rita Qubick, 268-4119).

Newtown VNA Thrift Shop, Edmond Town Hall (lower level), 45 Main Street, Newtown. Call 270-4377.

Shop is open every Wed 12-3 pm & Sat 9 am-noon, access is from town hall’s back parking lot, shop carries discounted items from local businesses & private donors incl clothing, sm home accessories & more.

Sacred Grounds/Trinity Productions workshops, 24 Alpine Circle, Sandy Hook, or Brookfield Commons, 246 Federal Rd, Suite C-23A, Brookfield (call for location), or by appt, or in-home by appt. Call 426-9448.

Workshops to communicate w/ angels, God, deceased or living by guidance, 2nd & 4th Sat/month in Sandy Hook, 1-3 pm, $40, call for details.

Programs at Brookfield Commons: Jan 21, Touched By Angels with Kathanna Knapp, 7:30-9:30 pm, $10, “experience your angel’s healing touch, group love & support,” also prayer circle & lively discussion on spiritual topic; Jan 28, Touched By Angels with Kathanna Knapp, 7:30-9:30 pm, $10, “experience your angel’s healing touch, group love & support,” also prayer circle & lively discussion on spiritual topic.

Shepaug Eagle Observation Area, Shepaug Housatonic Hydroelectric Station, River Rd, Southbury. Call (Tues-Fri 9 am-3 pm) 800-368-8954.

Observation area open to March 17, Wed, Sat-Sun 9 am-1 pm, free adm but reservations absolutely required.

Tarrywile Park, 70 Southern Blvd, Danbury. Call 744-3130.

Guided hikes, free, cancelled if heavy rain, wear rugged, sturdy shoes, bring water, bug spray & light snack, pre-registration requested: Jan 29, 9 am, 2-hour hike.

Wednesday Night Poetry, Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place (in former railroad station), Bethel. Call 426-3388 (Faith Vicinanza), 270-6202 (Michael Seri), 748-2828 (BAJ).

Series presented ev Wed 7:30-10 pm (featured poets 8:30 pm, poetry workshop 9:15 pm), adm $1 ($3 if out-of-state or major guest poet), guest/featured poets as follows: Jan 26, Dasha Walters (host: Mark); Feb 2, Regie Cabico (host: Faith); Feb 9, Writing Workshop with Faith, also regular open mic to open & close evening (host: Peter).

 

Theatre ______________

Downtown Cabaret Theatre, 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-1636.

Sugar Babies: The Burlesque Musical, through Feb 6, curtain Fri 8 pm, Sat 5:30 & 8:30 pm, Sun 5:30 pm, tickets $37.50-$45.50.

Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr, New Haven. Call 203-787-4282.

Singing Forest, through Feb 6, curtain Tues 7 pm, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm, mat Sat 3 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $30-$60; Jan 25, “Backstage with The Artistic Director,” 7 pm, pre-performance candid discussion w/ Craig Lucas (moderated by Gordon Edelstein); Feb 1, “Backstage with The Artistic Director,” 7 pm, pre-performance candid discussion w/ Craig Lucas (moderated by Gordon Edelstein).

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Events that appear by date have Newtown events listed first, with additional events listed by their start time. At the time of printing, the information here is accurate as presented; a call ahead is always a good idea to be safe.

DEADLINE INFORMATION

Press releases for the Enjoy calendar of events or the Enjoy section must be received by MONDAY NOON for publication in that week’s edition of The Newtown Bee. Send to the attention of Shannon Hicks, Arts Editor, Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown 06470, or to shannon@thebee.com. Photos are welcome and can be black & white or color, but must be in sharp focus. Please call for specs if you plan to email digital photo files.