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.

Through July 13, “Portrait Gallery,” sculpted portraits of the heads of artists, critics & art dealers by Nina Levy, w/ all portraits suspended roughly eye-level from the ceiling.

Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury. Hours: (Jan-March) Wed-Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 12-4 pm, (April-Dec) Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 778-8337.

July 12-13: Danbury Railroad Station 100th Anniversary. Current feature exhibit: “A Railroad At Work – The New Haven Railroad, 1956-1966,” series of photos from vast portfolio of Jack W. Swanberg depicting New Haven Railroad, incl many taken in & around Danbury.

Permanent exhibitions on railroad history (museum is along old New Haven RR line & housed in former Danbury station & railyard), also original & restored rolling stock incl a New Haven RR Mack FCD railbus, Alco RS-1 diesel locomotive, fully operating turntable, etc.

Fine Line Art Gallery, 586 Main St South/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Thurs-Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 266-0110.

Through June 30, “Innovations in Color and Light,” watercolors & acrylic paintings by Julie L. Hickcox.

Flanders Nature Center Welcome Center, Church Hill at Flanders Rd, Woodbury. Call 203-263-3711.

Through July 31, “Picture Perfect: Natalie Van Vleck,” paintings & other works by Natalie Van Vleck, founder of Flanders, in direct response to the beauty she found on her land, in its buildings, & in the animals & people surrounding her, complements Mattatuck Museum’s major summer exhibition.

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

Through Aug 25, recent paintings by the acclaimed French artist Jean Duranel & striking photography by  CT native Ted Witek; June 29, opening reception, 3-5 pm.

Gregory James Gallery, Bank Street Plaza, 27 Main St, New Milford. Hours: Tues-Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-4 pm. *note: this is gallery’s new location & hours.  Call 860-354-3436.

Through July 13, “New Work,” 40 brand-new works incl oil landscapes by Christopher M. Magadini.

Gunn Memorial Library, 5 Wykeham Rd (at Rte 47), Washington Green. Hours: Mon & Fri 9:30 am-5 pm, Tues 2-8 pm, Thurs 9:30 am-8 pm, Sat 9:30 am-3 pm. Call 860-868-7586.

Through July 7, works by Gabrielle Ammirati ranging from landscapes to surrealistic images.

Jeffrey Weiss Gallery, 2938 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport. Call 203-333-7733.

Through June 30 (show dates extended), “The Cutting Edge,” 23 assemblage works by Nina Bentley completed during the last 4 years & dealing w/ issues of aging, illness & personal relationships.

Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-753-0381.

Through Sept 18, “Picture Perfect: Images of Northwest Connecticut,” major loan exhibition of 33 paintings of northwest CT created by leading American artists betw 1790-1840 incl works of Cropsey, Ralph Earl, Homer Dodge martin, William Trost Richards, et al, plus related exhibits at historical societies at Litchfield Historical Society, Cornwall Library, Gunn Historical Museum, Kent Historical Society, Flanders Nature Center, Old Bethlehem Hist Society & New Milford Hist Society; July 11, Art in the Park, 12-3 pm, free presentation on Waterbury Green (opposite museum) of artists working en plein aire, children welcome to bring their own art supplies, picnics welcome.

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

Through July 10, handmade furniture incl desk, bed, dining table & bookcasemade of Honduran mahogany by Strother Purdy & colorful, impressionistic paintings by Janine Wesselmann.

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 July 13, “Winslow Homer’s America,” the complete collection of 220 woodcuts creater by Homer early in his career as an illustrator (age 21-39), plus 20± watercolors & oils from later in career.

Ridgefield Community Center/The Lounsbury House, 316 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield. Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm. Call 203-438-6962.

Through July 17, “The Ordinary Is Extraordinary,” recent paintings by Janno (nee Jannette McLaughlin).

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 July 20, “The Extended Portrait,” group show portraying self exploration, from traditional to abstract self-portraits, juried by Nancy Hall Duncan & incl work of Adam Niklewicz (of Sandy Hook), et al.

Through July 20, “Director’s Choice: Debra Schaffer – Images in Dimension,” three-D mixed media photo collage works by Ms Schaffer.

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

Through July 6, “Structures of Difference,” works made during the past 50 yrs incl figurative & abstract painting, photography & sculpture, all linked by the idea of difference.

Washington Art Association, Bryant Plaza, Rte 47, Washington Depot. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm (closed Wed), Sun 2-5 pm. Call 860-868-2878.

July 5-6, 12th Annual WAA Clothesline Art & Craft Sale, Washington Town Hall green, 10 am-4 pm both days rain or shine, oils, acrylics, watercolors, sculpture, photos, collages, prints, plus unique jewelry, ceramics, art glass, toys, hats, clothing by regional artists & artisans.

Weston Library, 58 Norfield Rd, Weston. Hours: Mon-Tues, Thurs-Fri 11:30 am-1:30 pm, Wed 4-7 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Call 203-222-2656.

Through July 5, “Weaving Wonders,” 51 original weaving by Weston resident & self-taught artists Frank & the late Julia Conway; June 29, opening reception & special one-day exhibition of delicate woodcarvings by Mr Conway, 4-6 pm.

Wilton Historical Society/Wilton Heritage Museum, 224 Danbury Rd/Rte 7, Wilton. Hours: Mon-Thurs 12-4 pm, some Sundays 1-4 pm (call ahead). Call 203-762-7257.

Through Aug 31, “Wilton Collects,” collections of Wilton residents incl folk art, Orientalia, Shaker, political Americana, also children’s rock collections, Beanie Babies, foreign money, more;

Wooster Community Art Center, 73 Miry Brook Rd, Danbury. Gallery hours: M-F 9:30 am-6:30 pm. Call 744-4825.

Through June 30, prints & drawings by Marc Chabot.

*(new show) July 7-Aug 29, ceramic work by David Frank; July 11, opening reception, 5-7 pm.

Yale Center For British Art, 1080 Chapel St (at High St), New Haven. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-432-2800.

Through July 20, “Bill Brandt: A Retrospective,” major touring exhibition spans Brandt’s photographic career w/ 155 vintage gelatin prints from Bill Brandt Archive in London; July 5,YCBA introductory tour, 11 am; July 5, exhibition tour, noon; July 17, exhibition tour, 11 am.

Through Sept 7, “Behold, The Sea Itself,” celebration of important themes in British maritime art incl travel, trade & colonization, naval power & the sublimity of storm & shipwreck by British artists, writers & musicians; June 28, exhibition tour, noon (preceded by optional YCBA introductory tour, 11 am); July 12, YCBA introductory tour, 11 am; July 12, exhibition tour, noon.

Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St at York, New Haven. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-6 pm. Masterpiece Tours of Permanent Collection every Sat 1:30 pm, Sun 3 pm. Call 203-432-0600.

Through July 6, “Homer To Hopper: Masters of American Watercolor,” works by Winslow Homer (ca 1870s) coupled w/ pcs that follow elevated standing of watercolor in American art history incl Eakins, La Farge, Prendergast, Singer Sargent, Demuth, Burchfield, Hopper, et al.

*(please note: as of May 18, all exhibitions & most programs are in adjacent Egerton Swartwout building; YUAG will be undergoing extensive renovations for two years.)

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Danbury Music Centre, 256 Main St, Danbury. Call 748-1716.

Oct 20: Applications must be postmarked for 2nd Annual Concerto Competition, open to student musicians within greater Danbury, up to senior year of high school by Sept, open to performers of all orchestral instruments, also piano & voice, winner will earn solo performance during Feb 2004 Danbury Symphony Orchestra concert, contact Nancy Sudik at music center for details.

Downtown Cabaret Children’s Company, Downtown Cabaret Theatre, 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport (06604). Call 203-576-1636 (box office).

Theatre is accepting pictures and résumés from adult & teen actors (young leading men & women, character men & women, teenage boys & girls) for 2003-04 season, no roles for children, all positions paid, send photos & résumés to Artistic Director Bert Bernardi, c/o theatre (address above), season will incl Frankenstein & The Three Bears, Rumpelstiltskin, Pinocchio, others.

Seven Angels Theatre, Hamilton Park, Plank Rd, Waterbury. Call 203-591-8223 x24.

July 12: Auditions for 5th Annual Comedy Festival, by appt only (call Jessica Grover at # above for appt), must have 5 minutes of material prepared, video submissions accepted by July 1 (call for details), open to professional & non-professional, male & female, accepting all comic acts (stand-up, impressionists, comedy prop acts), July 12 early auditions followed by 8 pm performance to audience, semifinals on July 18 before audience, July 26 Laugh Off performance will be before audience & taped for CPTV, cash prizes & bookings awarded.

Town Players, The Little Theatre, Orchard Hill Rd, Newtown. Call 270-9144.

July 13-14: Auditions for Lives of The Saints, Sun 2-4 pm, Mon 7-9, open auditions for ensemble cast of off-beat comedy to be presented weekends Sept 5-27, directors are Mary Poile and Rob Pawlikowski.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

June 27: “An Evening of Chamber Music,” Wilton Presbyterian Church, New Canaan Rd, Wilton, 8 pm, free performance by violinist Richard Errante, cellist Lois Errante & pianist Kyong Hee Cho, program incl Trios by Mendelssohn & Shostakovich; 762-8943.

June 28: John McCutcheon at Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, tickets $17.50, gates open 6 pm, CT Bonus Set begins 6:45 pm (artists TBA), Gilbert’s set begins 7:30, annual ZooFolk series opens w/ traditional folk musician & multi-instrumentalist headlining, concerts outdoors (in Carousel Museum if rain), picnics welcome (no alcohol allowed in park); 203-394-6565.

June 28: Annual Greater Bridgeport Symphony Blockbuster Pops Concert, outdoors at Fairfield University Bellarmine Hall lawn, North Benson Rd, Fairfield, 8 pm, free annual performance by 50-member orchestra will this year feature Broadway & Hollywood hits, patriotic tunes, opera favorites & light classics, pre-concert performance by Ash Creek String Band (6 pm) rain date June 29; 203-576-0263.

July 1: The Frank Porto Band at Ashlar of Newtown/Lockwood Lodge, 139 Toddy Hill Rd, Newtown, 7 pm, free concert of dance band music from 1930s-60s, bring blankets or chairs for seating, all welcome; 426-5847.

July 3: 102nd Army Band concert, Brookfield Town Hall, 100 Pocono Rd, Brookfield, outdoor concert w/ band performing from town hall’s bandstand, BYO blankets/low chairs for seating; 775-7310.

July 6: US Army Field Band & Soldiers Chorus, Veterans Park field, 8 Governor St, Ridgefield (rain location Ridgefield High School, 700 North Salem Rd), 6 pm, free outdoor concert w/ full band & chorus, also 5 cannons & church bells for 1812 Overture; 203-438-8684.

July 10: Angkor Dance Troupe at Chase Plaza/City Hall Annex, 999 Broad St, Bridgeport, noon, free, opening concert of 6th Annual International Performing Arts Summer Sounds of the World will offer elegant classic & lively folk dance of Cambodia by leading Cambodian dancers in exotic costumes; 203-367-7917.

July 10: Banjo Dan & The Midnite Plowboys at Bridgeport Ferry Terminal, Water St, Bridgeport, 6 pm, free performance opens International Performing Arts 6th Annual Summer Sounds of the World evening series w/ “exciting music, spontaneous humor & great entertainment by Northeast’s leading bluegrass band” (CD Review); 203-367-7917.

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

Stage A/Performance Art & Music Series, performances 8 pm: June 27, Chocolate Genius, tickets $25, performance by Panamanian-born singer-songwriter & performer of funk, soulful blues & gritty rock; July 11, Andy Stochansky, tickets $20, pop-rock performance by former Ani DiFranco drummer now supporting his own “richly melodic & ambient pop sound” release, Five Star Motel.

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

2003 Summer Concert Series, 7 pm, performances on library’s back lawn, indoors if rain: June 27, Treblehook.

CHIRP 2003 (Concert Happenings In Ridgefield’s Parks), Ballard Park, off Main Street/Rte 35, Ridgefield..Call 203-431-2760.

Free concerts (donations gratefully accepted & used to pay performers’ fees, also series scheduling, park maintenance, etc), performances 7 pm, rain location is Temple Shearith Isreal (400 Main St): July 1, Mad Agnes, trio uses 3-part harmonies & multiple guitars to produce “elegant originals & haunting traditionals”; July 8, The Fairfield Counts, 18-pc swing band w/ vocalist plays favorites from Big Band era.

CityCenter Danbury Green, Ives St & Patriot Dr, Danbury. Call 792-1711.

Summertime Festival 2003/Family Nights, Thurs 6:30 pm, free: July 3, no concerts Independence Day Weekend; July 10, The Zucchini Brothers, “the Beatles of kids music” offer a stir-fry of musical styles.

Summertime Festival 2003, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, free: June 27, Lucinda and Promize, local folk musician recently awarded place in Songwriter’s Hall of Fame Professional Songwriter Showcase will open evening followed by band that offers variety of rock sounds comparable to Creed, The Church & Da Da Cult; June 28, Revolver, night of Beatles music featuring cast of Beatlemania sans costumes (rain location Ives concert Hall, 181 White St); July 4-5, no concerts Independence Day Weekend.

Gate House Coffee House, Rte 172, Southbury. Call 586-2144 (Southbury Training School).

2003 Summer Concert Series, 2nd & 4th Tues, 6:30 pm (under pavilion if rain), free adm: July 8, Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem, “harmonious, melodious, groove delicious string band.”

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

Performances 8 pm, tickets $17-$47 w/ student & group discounts: June 28, Blockbuster Pops Concert, outdoors at Fairfield University Bellarmine Hall lawn, North Benson Rd, Fairfield (rain date June 29), 8 pm, free annual performance by 50-member orchestra will this year feature Broadway & Hollywood hits, patriotic tunes, opera favorites & light classics – pre-concert performance by Ash Creek String Band (6 pm).

The Homesteads at Newtown, 166 Mt Pleasant Rd/Rte 6, Newtown. Call 426-8118.

Summer 2003 Concerts in The Courtyard series, performances Tues 7 pm, free: July 8, The Kenny Lee Band, hits from 1940s-50s.

Ives Concert Park, WCSU westside campus, University Blvd, Danbury. Call 837-9226 (or TicketMaster, 744-8100).

2003 Summer Concert Series, tickets $3 higher day of show, all shows $26 for adult/lawn (unless noted), $11 children/lawn, children ages 2 & under free/lawn: July 5, Annual Pops & Fireworks Concert, 7:30 pm, tickets $36 reserved, $21 adult lawn, annual celebration of Independence Day returns this year w/ Conductor Peter Mansfield & Hartford Symphony Orchestra, also “Casey Up At Bat” w/ guest narrator, autographs by Danbury Westerners.

Merryall Center for the Arts, Chapel Hill Rd (off Merryall Rd), New Milford. Call 860-354-7264.

Performances 8:30 pm (unless noted), tickets $15, season tickets available: June 28, cellist Ben Larsen & pianist Jennifer Hsiao, cello sonatas by Mendelsohhn & Barber, “and some surprises.”

Southbury Green, 775 Main St South, Southbury.

6th Annual Summer Concert Series, 6-8 pm at the gazebo, free, postponed if rain: July 3, The Dixie Derbies, traditional Dixieland; July 10, The Cartells, 4-pc contemporary band.

St James Church Wednesday Carillon Concert Series, St James Episcopal Church, 25 West St, Danbury. Call 748-3561.

Concerts by guest performers on church’s Bulkley Carillon, seating on church lawn (bring blankets, low chairs), performances 12:30 pm rain or shine, picnics welcome: July 2, Dionisio Lind (from Riverside Drive Church, NYC); July 9, Gijsberk Kok (from Voorschoten, Weesp & Zoetermeer, The Netherlands).

Films _________________

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

June 27-July 3: Respiro (PG-13), daily 9:45 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:10 & 5:20 pm; Spellbound (G), daily 7:25 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 3:15 pm; Together (PG), daily 6:50 & 9:15 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:30 & 4:15 pm; Whale Rider (PG-13), daily 7 & 9:25 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:40 & 4 pm; Winged Migration (G), daily 7:15 & 9:35 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1, 3:05 & 5:10 pm.

Sunday Classic with Dr Lowry, 10:30 am, $10 incl film, pre-screening info & post-screening discussion:

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

June 27-July 3: Bringing Down The House (PG-13), daily 7 & 9 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 & 4 pm, Tues-Thurs 1 pm.

Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St, Norwalk. Call 203-852-0700.

Through June 30: Coral Reef Adventure, Mon-Fri 11 am, 12:10, 1:20, 2:30 & 3:40 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am, 12:10, 1:20, 2:30, 3:40 & 4:50 pm.

Through June 30: double feature of Coral Reed Adventure & Dolphins, Fri-Sun 7 pm.

July 1-15, Maritime Aquarium 15th Anniversary IMAX Film Fest, screenings 3:30 pm: July 1, The Dream is Alive (1988); July 2, Great Barrier Reef (1989); July 3, Antarctica (1990); July 4, Race the Wind (1991); July 5, Beavers (1992); July 6, To Fly (1993); July 7, Tropical Rainforest (1994); July 8, The Living Sea (1995); July 9, Whales (1996); July 10, Alaska: Spirit of the Wild (1997); July 11, Everest (1998); July 12, Mysteries of Egypt (1999); July 13, Amazon (2000); July 14, Journey into Amazing Caves (2001); July 15, Shackleton’s Antarctic Adventure (2002).

Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-2282.

Hollister Film Series: Movies Through The Century – The 1950s,” free screenings, 1:30 & 7 pm, evening screenings followed by open discussion: July 8, A Streetcar Named Desire.

Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel St (at High St), New Haven. Call 203-432-2800.

“The English at Home” film series, free screenings, 2 pm: June 27, The Remains of the Day (1993, PG); June 28, The Full Monty (1997, R).

“Photographers On Film” series, free screenings, 2 pm: July 5, Blow-Up (1966, NR).

For Kids & Families _________

July 2-3: The Jam at The Hill, Walnut Hill Community Church, 156 Walnut Hill Rd, Bethel, Wed 3-7 pm (registration 3 pm, competition 4-7 pm, $20 entry fee,), Thurs 3-6 pm (demos & free skate), $5 spectator fee, incl food & drink, live music, “dirt cheap concessions”; 796-7373.

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: June 29, Pomperaug River Exploration, 1 pm, suggested donation $5, wade in river w/ nets to fine insect larvae & other little animals that live in the gravel & sands of river’s bottom, suitable for all ages.

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

Free programs (unless specified): June 30, Let’s All Go On (Another) Safari, 10:30 am, author Laurie Krebs returns for another program about We All Went On Safari: A Counting Journey, this time w/ husband Bill offering slide show of couple’s trip to Africa, recommended for ages 4+; July 1, UnReal Productions Video Special Effects Show, 4 pm, free (adv registration requested; must be age 10+ or grade 5+ in the fall), digital video technology program by Mark Koncewicz will allow participants to “fly” magic carpet over US, “swim” in the ocean, “walk” on the moon, etc; July 3, World Wise Story Time: The Tundra, 11 am-noon (registration required, class size limited), guest readers Philomena Conti & Rabiya Ansari will offer stories focusing on habitats around the world; July 10, deserts 11 am-noon (registration required, class size limited), guest readers Philomena Conti & Rabiya Ansari will offer stories focusing on habitats around the world.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport. Call 203-394-6565.

Zoo adm is $7 adults, $5 ages 3-11 & seniors, free ages 3 & under, programs included w/ adm: July 7-Aug 22, Animal Tales, Mon-Fri 2 pm, storytelling & live animal presentations for children.

Musicals at Richter Fairy Tale Theatre, at Wooster School, Ridgebury Rd, Danbury. Call 748-6873.

Off-site series by Musicals at Richter’s young actors’ ensemble, grounds open 10:30 (crafts offered), performances 11 am, all tickets $5, BYO blankets/seats: July 5, The Three Little Pigs & The Three Billy Goats Gruff; July 12, The Frog Princess.

Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-2282.

Free programs: July 1, Bob Conrad’s “The Magical Rain Forest,” 2 pm, call for program details; July 7, program w/ illustrator Michael Rothman, 2 pm.

Miscellaneous ___________

June 28: Seven Angels Theatre 2nd Annual Brass N’ Sass Corporate Event, Seven Angels Theatre, Hamilton Park, Plank Rd, Waterbury, begins 6:45 pm, tickets $75, fundraiser & auction featuring performances by prominent Waterbury area businessmen & women incl Major Michael Jarjura, Peter Albini & The Jimmy James Oldies Review, Carole Peck, et al, cocktails 6:30 pm, cabaret/entertainment begins at 8, dessert reception w/ cast 10 pm; 203-757-4676.

June 28: CT Catholic Singles “Summer Welcome” Dinner Dance, The Greenery Restaurant at Pinecrest Country Club, 745 River Rd/Rte 110, Shelton, begins 7 pm, $25, all singles welcome; 261-2414.

June 28: Ballroom Dance & Championships Performance, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (in church’s ballroom), 4070 Park Ave, Bridgeport, tickets $15, general dancing 7 pm-midnight (DJ Peter Collins will select music), dance lesson at 8, performance by current 6-time US Professional Ballroom Champions Jonathan Wilkins & Katusha Demidova at 9:30; 203-374-7308.

June 28-29: Candlewood League of Artists Art Show, Squantz Engine Company Firehouse, Rte 39 at Old Bogus Rd, New Fairfield, Sat 10 am-5 pm (reception w/ artists, 2-4, public welcome), Sun 12-5 pm, artworks by members of recently-formed artists’ collective; 746-9100.

June 29: Public Day at Beatrix Farrand Garden, Promisek at Three Rivers Farm, Skyline Ridge Rd, Bridgewater, 10 am-4 pm, $5 suggested donation, historical garden designed by in 1921 Ms Farrand (founding member American Society of Landscape Architects) will be open for visits 4th Sun/month through Sept; 860-350-8226, 860-354-1788.

June 30: “Please Be Seated,” Pomperaug Woods Wilson Hall auditorium, 80 Heritage Rd, Southbury, 2-8 pm, special one-day exhibition of 12 Queen Anne dining chairs that have been redecorated, repainted, etc by Pomperaug Woods Arts & Crafts program; 262-6555.

July 1-5: Annual St Rose Parish Carnival, St Rose Church grounds, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown, Tues-Thurs 6-10 pm, Fri-Sat 6-11 pm, games, rides, food, raffles, etc; 426-1014.

July 5-6: 12th Annual Washington Art Association Clothesline Art & Craft Sale, Washington Town Hall green, Bryan Plaza, Rte 47, Washington Depot, 10 am-4 pm both days rain or shine, oils, acrylics, watercolors, sculpture, photos, collages, prints, plus unique jewelry, ceramics, art glass, toys, hats, clothing by regional artists & artisans; 860-868-2878.

July 6: Baseball Card & Sport Memorabilia Show, Stratford Ramada Inn, 225 Lordship Blvd, Stratford, 9:30 am-3 pm, adm $3 adults, 99¢ ages 10 & under, special 1960 appearance by World Series championship pitcher Bob Friend, also sports cards & vintage cards, new sets, wax boxes, sports memorabilia, related collectibles; 203-364-1209.

July 6: Danbury Stamp & Coin Show, Holiday Inn, Rte 6/Newtown Rd, Danbury, 9:30 am-4 pm, buy, sell & trade stamps, coins, postcards & supplies; 792-4659.

July 7: BookTalk program, Southbury Public Library, 561 Main St South/Rte 6, Southbury, 2 pm, free discussion of The Conquerors: Roosevelt, Truman and The Destruction of Hitler’s Germany, 1941-1945 will be moderated by former newspaper editor John Middleton; 264-1716, 262-6123.

July 9: Nutmeg Quilters Guild Inc meeting, Ridgefield Playhouse (old Ridgefield High School building), 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, doors open 6:30, meeting begins 7 pm, guest speaker is Susan Varanka, also raffle of quilt-related items, vendor area, member Show & Tell; 203-431-6072.

July 11-12: 13th Annual Appalachian Fair, Holy Trinity Church, Rte 37, Sherman Center, Fri 12-8 pm, Sat 10 am-2 pm, free adm, handmade crafts, woven baskets, rugs, wooden items, toys, quilted items, hand thrown pottery, etc direct from Appalachian region, all proceeds are returned to crafters; 860-210-0174.

July 12: Historic Homes & Gardens Tour, Newtown & Sandy Hook, 11 am-5 pm, tickets $20, privately-owned homes and “secret gardens” will be open to ticket-holders for walking tours, maps provided, presented by Newtown Historical Society; 426-5937.

Active Singles. Call 860-489-9611 or visit www.ActiveSingles.org.

Summer Beach Parties, 9 am-6 pm incl breakfast & buffet lunch, dancing, volleyball, etc: July 13, Hawaiian Beach Party at Hop Brook Lake’s Meadows Shelton, Naugatuck, $35 (reservations requested by July 3), tropical dress encouraged.

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: June 29, Pomperaug River Exploration, 1 pm, suggested donation $5, wade in river w/ nets to fine insect larvae & other little animals that live in the gravel & sands of river’s bottom, suitable for all ages.

Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, 9 Main St/Rte 61, Bethlehem. Hours: MAY 2-OCT 28 Wed, Fri-Sun 11 am-4 pm. Call 203-266-7596.

1754 home of Bethlehem’s first minister complemented by outbuildings, 18th C apple orchard & 1915 formal parterre garden is open for summer tours (Wed, Fri-Sun 11 am-4 pm).

Bethel Public Library, 189 Greenwood Ave **temporarily at 137 Greenwood Ave (in building w/ Hauser Chocolate), Bethel. Call 794-8756.

Free public programs: July 8, Monthly Book Discussion group meeting, 7 pm, discussion of Masha Hamilton’s Staircase of A Thousand Steps, all welcome.

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

Programs free unless noted: June 27, Treblehook concert, 7 pm, concert on library’s back lawn by local trio will open annual summer concert series (indoors if rain).

CityCenter Farmer’s Market, CityCenter Green, Patriot Dr & Ives St, Danbury. Call 792-1711.

Every Thurs through mid-Oct, 3-6:30 pm, sale of locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers & baked goods, free parking in Patriot Garage w/ purchase.

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 (separate door for thrift shop), shop carries discounted items from local businesses & private donors incl clothing & sm home accessories, etc.

Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-2282.

Free programs: July 10, songwriter & lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, The Magic Show, etc) will discuss writing for musical theater, 7 pm.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meetings, Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-6224.

Non-profit weight loss support group meets every Mon, 6-8 pm, weigh-ins 6-6:45, meetings 7-8, meetings $2/week, membership $20/year.

Wednesday Night Poetry Series, 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: July 2, open mic all evening; July 9, Cortney Davis, author collections The Body Flute & Details of Flesh.

Weston Young Women’s Club Farmer’s Market, Coley House, corner Rte 57 at High Acre Rd, Weston. Call 203-226-3966, 226-2877.

Through Oct 4, every Sat 8-11 am.

Theatre ______________

Brookfield Theatre for the Arts (formerly Country Players of Broookfield), Brookfield Playhouse, Rte 25, Brookfield Center.

Broadway Through The Years: A Century of Song, July 4-26, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (July 13 only) 2 pm, tickets $15; July 17, special Thurs evening performance.

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

Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, through Aug 10, curtain Fri 8 pm, Sat 8:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 5:30 pm, tickets $34-$42, discounts for seniors (matinees only), group & rush discounts also available.

Goodspeed Opera House, Rte 82, East Haddam. Call 860-873-8668.

 Me and My Girl, through July 5, curtain Fri 8 pm, Sat 8:30 pm, Sun 6:30 pm, Wed-Thurs 7:30 pm, mat Sat 4 pm, Sun & Wed 2 pm, call for ticket prices.

Hartford Stage, 50 Church St, Hartford. Call 860-527-5151.

SummerStage 2003: The Devil’s Music – The Life & Blues of Besie Smith, July 8-20 (previews July 8, opening night July 9), curtain Tues-Thurs 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm, tickets $35-$45, group rates available, college student discounts; July 8, Pay What You Can performance.

Musicals At Richter, 100 Aunt Hack Rd, Danbury. Call 748-6873.

Cabaret Evenings: It’s A Musical World, July 14 (raindate July 15) & Aug 4 (raindate Aug 5), curtain 8:30 pm, tickets $8, revue celebrates travel & destinations in song & dance from Cape Cod to Copenhagen.

Mainstage performances: My Fair Lady, through July 5, curtain Fri-Sun 8:30 (grounds open 7:15), tickets $15 adults, $12 seniors, students & children.

Sherman Players, Sherman Playhouse, Rte 37 at 39 (behind firehouse), Sherman. Call 860-354-3622.

The Mystery of Irma Vep, through June 28, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat 2 pm (Sat, June 14 only), tickets $15 adults, $13 seniors & students.

Stamford TheatreWorks, 200 Strawberry Hill Ave (on Sacred Heart campus), Stamford. Call 203-359-4414.

Over The Rainbow: The Music of Harold Arlen, through June 29, curtain Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 4 pm, Sun 2 pm (June 22 & 29) & 7 pm (June 15 only).

Town Players of Newtown, Little Theatre, theatre is on Orchard Hill Rd (mailing address is PO Box 211), Newtown. Call 270-9144.

All’s Well That Ends Well, July 11-Aug 2, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (July 27 only) 2 pm, tickets $12 evenings, $10 mat.

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 prints; please call for details concerning photo files to be emailed.