Antiques Shows______

Feb 1: 43rd annual Tolland Antiques Show, Tolland Middle School, Old Cathole Rd, Tolland, 10 am-4 pm (early adm 8:30 am, adm $15), regular show adm $5, 65+ exhibitor booths, presented by & benefit for Tolland Historical Society; 860-870-9599.

Feb 8: 16th Annual Antiques & Collectibles Show, Naugatuck High School, 543 Rubber Ave, Naugatuck, 9:30 am-3:30 pm, (no early buying) adm $3, 60+ dealers, sponsored by NHS Music Dept; 203-723-2588.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St, Ridgefield; 203-438-4519.

Through Feb 8: “Peggy Preheim: Little Black Book,” the museum exhibition to fully explore the wide range of Ms Preheim’s very delicate & intensely private work incl 75 drawings, paintings, sculptural objects & photos created between 1984-2007.

Through Feb 14: “The Soul – Journey to America,” huge freestanding paper sculpture (14+ ft tall, approx 650 pounds) by the Korean artist Kwang-Young Chun.

Through Feb 14: “Full Circle: Ten Years of Radius,” anniversary celebration of successful professional artist development program presented by the Aldrich that has jumpstarted many careers will incl work by14 previous Radius artists.

Through Feb 14: “The Silent Echo Chamber,” multiscreen video installation by award-winning comedic actor,writer, musician & radio host Harry Shearer.

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

In Olga Knoepke Meeting Room (lower meeting room) — In Olga Knoepke Meeting Room (lower meeting room) — Through Jan 31: “Two Generations of Artists,” quilts by the Newtown quilter Mary Eddy (“The Jelly Bean Quilter”) & dry brush paintings by her father, Benjamin Palagonia of Sherman.

In first floor display cases — Through Feb 20: “The Wonderful World of Miniatures,” tiny dioramas from found & purchased objects created by Martha Bishop.

Brookfield Craft Center, 286 Whisconier Rd (Rte 25), Brookfield; 775-4526.

*(new show) Feb 1-March 8: “Sacred Containment: Vessels, Nests and Shelters,” art forms created using earth-born & contemporary materials by curator Miani Carnevale & 12 addt’l artists; Feb 1, opening reception, 2-4 pm, curator’s talk at 3.

Featured Artist of the Month, special presentations in BCC Gift Shop:

Good News Café & Gallery, 684 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury; 203-266-4663.

Through March 10: “À la recherche du temps perdu,” mixed media works by visual artists, author & teacher Florin Ion Firimicã done circa 2004-08.

Mattatuck Museum Art & History Center, 144 West Main St, Waterbury; 203-753-0381.

*(new show) Through April 12: “Travelers’ Tales: Artists at Home and Abroad,” 65 works by 12 artists from first half of 20th Century exploring architectural & landscapes of sites from Istanbul & Florence to Woodbury, artists incl Taylor Arms, Orr, Roth, Balthazar, et al.

Through March 22: “Lest We Forget: Images of the Civil Rights Movement,” compelling presentation of work by the late Woodbury artist Robert Templeton, who devoted two-plus decades to creating portraits of those who personified the Civil Rights Movement.

Minor Memorial Library, 23 South St, Roxbury; 860-350-2181.

Through Feb 23: “Birds From The Hand,” works on paper by Audrey Anastasi & sculpture by Deborah Menzell Dressler.

Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven; 203-432-5050.

Through Feb 22: “Jungles: Photographs by Frans Lanting,” 45 photos shot over 20-year period by master renowned wildlife photographer Frans Lanting, shot in some of the most mysterious & remote locations on earth, capturing beauty, manic pace, wonder & fragility of the planet’s “forgotten Edens.”

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main St, Hartford; 860-278-2670, TDD 860-278-0294.

Through March 31: “What Lies Beneath? Revealing Painters’ Secrets,” works from museum’s permanent collection that have been examined using X-radiology & infrared imaging for underimages, or images hidden under the final surface painting, incl works of van Gogh, Monet, Renior, Rousseau, et al.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Fairfield Follies, Central High School, 1 Lincoln Blvd, Bridgeport. Call 203-331-4104.

Feb 2-5: Auditions for 10th annual Fairfield Follies, 5-9 pm each night (attend just one night), callbacks Feb 5, directors seeking student performers who can sing, dance or both, have song prepared (bring sheet music, instrumental CD or tape; accompanist provided), may be asked to perform dance combo (bring tap shoes), rehearsals will begin Feb 24 Mon-Thurs 6-9 pm (at St Pius School in Fairfield, or Trinity Greek Orthodox Church or Central HS in Bridgeport), performers attend only nights their numbers are rehearsed), show of Broadway highlights from previous Follies shows will be weekend of May 29, contact Marje Tracy at above phone # or visit FairfieldFollies.org for more info.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Jan 30-31: Grease at Edmond Town Hall theater, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, curtain Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, tickets $18 adults, $14 students & seniors, cast of 72 actors (grade 7-college age) will be accompanied by 6-pc band for full, professional performance by Sabrina’s Encore Productions, LLC; 304-1236.

Jan 31: Tony DeMarco, Ivan Goff & Ryan McGiver in concert, Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7:30 pm, $20 adults, $5 ages 16 & under, Irish music by fiddler DeMarco, All-Ireland Champion uilleann piper Goff & sought-after accompanist McGiver; 203-256-8453.

Jan 31: FairWestProject Benefit Swing Dance, Norfield Grange, 12 Good Hill Rd, Weston, doors 7:15, free dance lesson 7:30, music & dancing 9 pm-midnight, adm $20, $15 ages 21 & under w/ ID, live music by Manny & The Mojomatics plus guests, also DJ Bill “Stretch” Gore, organic refreshments available, no smoking or drinking, very beginner friendly, proceeds to benefit WPKN & honor late host Victor Pachera; 203-522-5341.

Feb 1: Double Reed at Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Rd/Rte 7, Wilton, 4 pm, free performance (reservations encouraged) will continue library’s Connecticut’s Own music series; 203-792-3950.

Feb 5: First Thursday: The Willie Nininger Trio, Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, 5:30-7:30 pm, $15 ($7 museum members), live music by singer-songwriter & guitarist Nininger, keyboardist John Kuhner& drummer Ken Melton, also hors d’oeuvres & wine; 203-753-0381 x10.

Feb 6: jam for karl, Edmond Town Hall Alexandria Room, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7-11 pm, $29/adv, $33/door, live music incl Spontaneous Combustion, Big Eric & Budget Crunch w/ Chance Brown, Tim DeHuff, et al, light snacks & soft drinks, cash bar available, fundraiser for Newtown resident Karl Schwichtenberg; 744-7909.Feb 6: Arlon Bennett at Lyrics Coffeehouse, Redding Community Center, 37 Lonetown Rd, Redding, 7:30 pm, $10/adv, $12/door, performance by storyteller whose timeless vignettes & melodies echo Chapin & James Taylor, w/ guest guitarist John Sonntag; 203-938-2551.

Feb 7: NUMC Coffee House, 7:45-10:30 pm, Newtown United Methodist Church’s Rauner Hall, 92 Church Hill Road, adm $4 for those attending earlier pasta dinner (see separate Misc listing), $5 otherwise, live bluegrass & folk music, refreshments, suitable for all ages; 426-9998.

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

Performances 8 pm unless noted: Feb 5, John Pizzarelli, $48 & $57; Feb 8, Hot 8 Brass Band, $45-$50.

Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra. Call 203-438-3889.

Performances at Ridgefield High School, 700 N. Salem Rd, Ridgefield: Feb 7, “Valentine’s Celebration,” 8 pm, $25-$50, works of Ravel (Pavane pour une infante défunte), Smetana (Ma Vlast: Vltava [My Country: the Moldau], Diamond (Rounds for String Orchestra) & Barber (Knoxville: Summer of 1915), also guest soprano Sarah Jane McMahon.

For Kids & Families __________

Jan 30-31: “Guys & Dolls in Concert,” Ridgefield Theater Barn, 31 Halpin La, Ridgefield, Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 5 pm, $12, performances by Ridgefield Theater Barn Young Performers Musical Workshop actors, oddball romantic comedy set in Damon Runyon’s NY City soars w/ spirit of Broadway; 203-431-9850.

Feb 1: Family Fun Shows — Danny Magic, performances 1 and 4 pm, Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, tickets $5, magic show suitable for all ages, fundraiser presented by Newtown Jr Women’s Club; 270-6569.

Feb 7: Third Annual DEP Winter Festival, Black Rock State Park, Rte 6, Watertown, 10 am-3 pm, free, range of winter outdoor activities for whole family incl ice fishing, show shoeing, map & compass use, bonfire w/ marshmallow roasting & storytelling, also ice safety rescue demos, vistis from CT Canine Search & Rescue and CT Horse Council Volunteer horse Patrol, etc, refreshment also available, dress for outdoors; 860-418-5981.

Feb 7: Duct Tape Workshop, Bethel Public Library, 189 Greenwood Ave/Rte 302, Bethel, 10:30-11:30 am, free (registration required), grades 6 & up invited to learn how to make a wallet w/ diff colored duct tapes; 794-8756.

Feb 8: Super Bowling Sunday, Brookfield Lanes, 840 Federal Rd/Rte 7, Brookfield, 12-3 pm, adm $10/person, $20/family plus $2.50/game, all ages & abilities invited to fundraiser for Dreams Come True of Western CT, contests, raffles, Bongo the Silent Clown & Friends; 790-7333.

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-4533 (children’s dept 426-3851).

Children’s programs, free unless specified: Jan 31, Valentine’s Day Craft, 1 pm, $3 materials fee due at registration (in person registration only), ages 6 & up can join Marie Walker for annual craft workshop; Feb 14, Rapunzel by Purple Rock Productions, 2 pm, free (registration required), puppet play adaptation of classic story recommended for ages 4-9.

Young Adult programs, free unless specified: Jan 27, Creative Chocolates for Valentine’s Day, 3-5 pm (snow date Feb 3), $6 supply fee payable at program (registration required, however), grades 6 & up invited to join Marie Walker for annual program, space limited;

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

Children’s series, performances 11 am & 2 pm, tickets $15: Jan 31, Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix.

Miscellaneous ___________

Through Feb 1: Annual SCAN Color in January Show & Sale, Lexington Gardens, 32 Church Hill Rd, Newtown, 10 am-5 pm, free, annual exhibition of works by members of Society of Creative Arts of Newtown (SCAN), painting demos each Sat-Sun at 12:30 (Jan 31, oil landscape by Rick Daskam; Feb 1, floral watercolor by Adele Moros), also opening reception Jan 24 2-4 pm; 203-938-3999 (show chair Pam Reese).

Jan 31: Town Meeting: CT Solar Lease Program, C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 10 am-noon, free presentation to educate homeowners about affordable solar energy options available, light refreshments served; 426-1947.

Jan 31: Bridgeport Nostalgia Walk & Discussion, The Barnum Museum, 820 Main St, Bridgeport, 12-1:30 pm, incl w/ museum adm ($7 adults, $5 college students & seniors, $4 ages 4-17), walking tour through museum’s permanent exhibitions led by Leonard Paoletta, Jeffrey Williams & Anthony Procaccini, discussion & recollections encouraged by participants; 203-331-1104 x102.

Feb 1: “Easy Restful Sleep: Yoga Postures and Holistic Tips for Sweet Dreams,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, free program by certified yoga instructor (Kripalu) Susan Hyde-Wick will be followed by group meditation (free instruction available) & tea reception; 263-2254.

Feb 6: Prayers for World Peace, Healing & Prosperity: Tibetan Monks at Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, begins 6:30 pm, $11 donation suggested, program of prayers for world peace, healing & prosperity, opportunity to meet monks during informal Q&A session, children & families welcome; 263-2254.

Feb 7: 12th Annual Winter Guard Extravaganza, Newtown High School, 12 Berkshire Rd/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, begins 5 pm, adm fee charged, competition by 30 color guards, performances by NHS teams (host of event).

Feb 7: NUMC Monthly Pasta Dinner, Newtown United Methodist Church’s Rauner Hall, 92 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook, 5-7:30 pm, adm $9 adults, $8 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); 426-9998.

Feb 8: Super Bowling Sunday, Brookfield Lanes, 840 Federal Rd/Rte 7, Brookfield, 12-3 pm, adm $10/person, $20/family plus $2.50/game, all ages & abilities invited to fundraiser for Dreams Come True of Western CT, contests, raffles, Bongo the Silent Clown & Friends; 790-7333.

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

Films: Feb 7, Under Our Skin: The Lyme Disease Movie, 1 pm, documentary investigates the story of one of the most misunderstood illnesses of our time.

Misc programs, free unless noted: Feb 3, book discussion: Noah Feldman’s The Fall and Rise of the Islamic State, 1 pm; Feb 9, book discussion: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See, 1 pm; Feb 9, They Called Me Lizzy… from slavery to The White House, 7 pm (registration requested), actress Tammy Denease Richardson will personify Elizabeth Keckley, dressmaker and confidante of Mary Todd Lincoln; Feb 9, book discussion: The Crossings by Cormac McCarthy, 7:30 pm.

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

(FILM) Feb 2-5: Four Christmases (PG-13), daily 7 pm, mat Tues 1 pm.

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

Weekly games, Sat 1-5 pm, drop-in chess open to all skill levels, sets & boards provided, hosted by US Chess Federation expert Glenn Budzinski.

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

Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 10 am (winter start time), free, all welcome (children must be accompanied), bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders (in parentheses) as follows: Jan 31, Seaside Park, Bridgeport, easy hike (Evelyn Schonberg, 426-0425); Feb 7, Rockefeller Park, Tarrytown, N.Y, easy hike (Nancy Ziegler, 203-732-2618).

Newtown VNA Thrift Shop, Edmond Town Hall (lower level), 45 Main Street, New-town. 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.

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

Seasonal: Observation area open to March 11 only, Wed, Sat-Sun 9 am-1 pm, free adm but reservations absolutely required (reservations line now open).

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-6224 (ask for Betty) or 264-3728 (ask for Krista).

Non-profit weight loss support group meets every Mon 6:30-7:30 pm (weigh-ins 5:45-6:15, meetings 6:30-7:30), meetings $2/week, membership $24/year.

Treehouse Comedy Productions.

Shows at The New Sorrento, 32 Newtown Rd, Danbury (call 744-5575), shows 9 pm & tickets $15 unless noted: Feb 7, Mike Yard, Johnny Watson opening, addt’l performer TBA.

 

Theatre ______________

Jan 30-31: Grease at Edmond Town Hall theater, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, curtain Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, tickets $18 adults, $14 students & seniors, cast of 72 actors (grade 7-college age) will be accompanied by 6-pc band for full, professional performance by Sabrina’s Encore Productions, LLC; 304-1236.

Feb 14: Cabaret performance of Love Letters, at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown, noon, $10, Town Players will offer staged reading of A.R. Gurney’s work for Valentine’s Day, bring lunch, theater will have coffee & dessert available; 270-9144.

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

Coming Home, through Feb 8, curtain Tues-Wed & Sun 7 pm, Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed & Sat 2 pm, Sat 3 pm, tickets $32-$62; call for special programming.

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Events that appear by date have Newtown items 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, Associate Editor, Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 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.