Antiques Shows______

July 26: 43rd Guilford Antiques Festival & Sale, Thomas Griswold House Museum, 171 Boston St, Guilford, 9 am-4 pm rain or shine, adm $4, 100 dealers; 203-795-6465, 203-458-2887.

Aug 2: 30th Annual Historical Society of Glastonbury Antiques Festival On The Green, Main & Hubbard Sts, Glastonbury, 9 am-4 pm rain or shine, adm $4 (early buying during set-up/7 am, $10), catered refreshments, free shuttle available from high school; 860-633-6890.

Aug 8-10: 7th Annual Antiques & Treasures Sale, Keeler Tavern Museum, 132 Main St/Rte 7, Ridgefield, Fri-Sat 9 am-5 pm (early buying Fri 8 am, $10), Sun 12-5 pm, refreshments available, fundraiser for museum; 203-438-5485.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

The Barnum Museum, 820 Main St, Bridgeport. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-4:30 pm, Sun 12-4:30 pm. Call 203-331-1104.

Through Aug 30 (exhibition dates extended), “Double Vision: The Circus Series,” black & white photos by the award-winning photographer Kimberly Gremillion featuring 8 dark, shadowy images of circus performers displayed on transparent screens & 25 printed enlargements.

 “Grand Adventure: A Celebration of the American Spirit in Bridgeport,” permanent exhibit on museum’s 2nd floor provides in-depth exploration of Bridgeport’s 19th Century industrialization & urbanization w/ emphasis on P.T. Barnum’s role in the city’s growth.

Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place, Bethel. Hours: Wed 7:30 pm (opens for weekly poetry program), Thurs 4:30-9 pm, Fri-Sat 12-9 pm, Sun 11-4 pm. Call 798-2193 or 740-7351.

Through Aug 24, “When It Sizzles: An Exhibit by Member & Guest Artists.”

Brookfield Craft Center, 286 Whisconier Rd (Rte 25), Brookfield. Hours: M-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 775-4526.

Through Aug 10, “DelecTABLE: Exceptional Functional Ceramics,” invitational exhibition created & curated by collector Gail M. Brown features work by 16 nat’l profile ceramic artists.

Brookfield Historical Society, Rtes 133 & 25, Brookfield Center. Hours: 2nd & 4th Sat/month 12-4 pm, also by appt. Call 740-8140.

Through Aug 30, “From The Beginning,” items from museum’s collection of last 35 years, celebrating life of museum.

Burnham Library, Rte 133, Bridgewater. Hours: Tues 1-5 pm, Wed 9 am-6 pm, Thurs 9 am-5 pm, Sat 9 am-1 pm. Call 860-354-6937.

*(new show) July 29-Aug 29, “A Collection of Works by Alain Picard,” fine pastel portraits & landscapes by local artist; Aug 24, artist’s reception (public welcome), 2-4 pm.

The Cosmic Hippo, Kent Green Shopping Village, Kent. Hours: daily 10 am-4 pm. Call 860-927-3069.

*(new show) Through Aug 30, works by Linda Banks (caned wine holders), Karen Belcher (mosaic wine-theme coffee table), Christopher Brown (wrought iron w/ mahogany top wine rack) & Lisa Caron Hickey (ceramic hand painted wine stoppers, whimsical cheese platters).

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

*(new show) July 31-Sept 22, “Beasts, Butterflies & Blossoms,” works by gallery artists; Aug 9, reception, 11 am-5 pm.

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.

Grey Horse Gallery, 3 Washington Ave/Rte 34 (in old Masonic Temple, 1st floor; behind St John’s Episcopal Church), Sandy Hook. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-4 pm. Call 270-1199.

Permanent display of oils & pastels by Dick McEvoy.

Highstead Arboretum, 127 Lonetown Rd, Redding. Hours: Mon-Fri by appt. Call 938-8809.

*(new show) Through Aug 29, “Beauty and Beast: Invasive Plants of Connecticut,” original works on paper by members of Greater New York chapter of Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, 19 works by 12 artists, etchings to watercolor.

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

Through Aug 31, “Messengers: The Paintings of Joan LaRocca,” watercolor originals & limited edition signed & numbered giclee prints by Ms LaRocca characterized by Native American & dream imagery woven together, often featuring multiple layers of transparent images embedded within total design, accompanied by works of middle school students & faculty of Chippens Hill Middle School (in Bristol, where Ms LaRocca teaches).

Knights of Columbus Museum, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven. Hours: Labor Day to May 1, Wed-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm; May 2 to Labor Day, daily 10 am-5 pm. Call 203-772-2130.

Through Sept 11, “Attack On The World Trade Center,” memorial exhibition designed to memorialize the nearly 3,000 people killed on 9/11, to remember the families who lost loved ones, & present affects on CT residents.

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.

Permanent exhibition: “Fortune’s Story/Larry’s Legacy,” new research findings offer details about skeleton of African-American slave who lived in Waterbury during late 1700s.

Military Museum of Southern New England, 125 Park Ave, Danbury. Hours: (Nov 1-March 31) Fri-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Hours: (April 1-Oct 31) Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 790-9277.

“Unterseeboot,” exhibit detailing the history of submarine warfare during WWII incl formation of the German Submarine Art and the April 5, 1942 attack on Cape Hatteras.

Permanent life-size interior dioramas w/ major military vehicles, extensive outdoor displays, also “Names on the Wall” computer program to help locate names on Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.

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

*(new show) Aug 3-29, “Annual Juried Student Exhibition,” works in various mediums; Aug 3, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

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.

Through Aug 10, “Crescendo Works,” paintings by Rosalyn A. Engelman said to be “the memories of the artist’s soul, the music of her life.”

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.

*(new show) Aug 2-31, celebration of painting in oil w/ works by Joseph Byrne (haunting works), Deborah Kahn (abstract works by figuratively trained artists) & Colleen Randall (explorations of space & light); Aug 2, opening reception, 3-5 pm.

Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Rd, Wilton. Hours: Wed-Sun 8:30 am-5 pm. Call 203-834-1896.

Through Aug 31, “A River Half Empty: Artists Engage Connecticut’s Environment,” collaborative exhibition between Aldrich Museum, CT Fund for the Environment (CFE), Weir Farm Trust & National Park Svc at Weir Farm w/ artists reflecting on some of the environmental concerns CFE has worked to address during its 25-year history, presented at Aldrich Museum & Weir Farm, artists incl Mara Adamitz Scrupe, Rachel Berwick, Adam Frelin, Lisa Kereszi, Frank Noelker, Sven Pählsson, Claudia Schmacke, Michelle Segre & Peter Waite.

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 Aug 9, “59th Annual Summer Art Exhibition,” works by returning artists (incl Maria Jarreau-Heller, Jen Shelley & Carolyn Larsen) & new talent in oils, watercolors, pastels, drawings & sculpture.

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.

*(new show) July 30-Sept 11, “Summer Series X2,” fine art prints & unique works by Claudia Mengel & Karen Vogel; July 30, opening reception, 6-8 pm.

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

Through 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 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; Aug 2, introductory tour of YCBA, 11 am; Aug 2, exhibition tour, noon.

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.

Sherman Players, Sherman Playhouse,   Rte 37 at 39 (behind firehouse), Sherman. Call 860-354-8264 (director), 746-5626 (producer).

July 26-27: Auditions for Robert E. Sherwood’s The Petrified Forest, 1-5 pm, director Christine Daley is seeking 15 men (ages 18-80) & 3 women (ages 18-50) for “a variety of roles,” actors may arrive w/ monologue if they wish, familiarity w/ script recommended, to be staged Oct 3-25 weekends w/ one Sun matinee, contact director or producer (Barbara Rogers) w/ questions.

TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford. Call 860-350-6863.

Aug 4-5: Auditions for Martin McDonagh’s The Lonesome West, Mon-Tues 7-9 pm, director Richard Pettibone is seeking 3 men (ages 30s-40s) & 1 woman (age 18-early 20s), Irish accents a must for all actors, readings will be done from script, rehearsals to run Mon-Thurs eves beginning late August, performances weekends Sept 26-Oct 18.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

July 25: John Carty with John Blake at Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 8 pm, tickets $10 adults, $5 children, traditional Irish music featuring Mr Carty on fiddle & banjo, Mr Blake on guitar; 203-256-8453.

July 26: Ballroom Dance at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (in ballroom), 4070 park Ave, Bridgeport, 7 pm-midnight, tickets $15, performance by undefeated US national standard ballroom champions Victor Fung & Liene Apale, open dancing w/ music by DJ, singles & couples welcome, comp snacks includes, reservations suggested; 203-374-7308.

July 27: Cellist Thirzah Bendokas & pianist David Johnson at The Homesteads at Newtown, 166 Mt Pleasant Rd/Rte 6, Newtown, 2:30 pm, free return engagement by concert cellist & pianist is open to public, in main dining room of Homesteads; 426-8118.

July 27: “This Land Is Your Land” performance at The Brookfield Library, 182 Whisconier Rd/Rte 25, Brookfield Center, 4 pm, free performance by David Bates & Roger Tincknell on library’s lawn (indoors if rain) will be celebration of America in song, part of library’s 2003 Afternoons at The Arbor Concert Series; 775-6241 x104.

July 27: Salsa Banda de Unidad at Went Field, Wordin Ave, Bridgeport, 2 pm, free performance continues 6th Annual international Performing Arts Summer Sounds of the World series; 203-367-7917.

July 29: The Billy Cofrances Jazz Band at Ashlar of Newtown/Lockwood Lodge, 139 Toddy Hill Rd, Newtown, 7 pm, free concert of jazz favorites, bring blankets or chairs for seating, all welcome; 426-5847.

July 31: Concert by Buck’s Rock Musicians, Temple Sholom, 122 kent Rd/Rte 7, New Milford, 7:30 pm, free performance by campers of New Milford’s Buck’s Rock Performing & Creative Arts Camp will be revival of an old traditing dating to 1942, vocal & instrumental works in variety of genres by orchestra, chorus, chamber groups & jazz band; 860-354-0273.

Aug 1-3: 8th Annual Litchfield Jazz Festival, Goshen Fairgrounds, Rte 63, Goshen, Fri grounds open 4:30 (music 7-10 pm incl Taj Mahal), Sat grounds open 10:30 (music 12-10 incl Dave Berkman, Jane Bunnett & The Spirits of Havana, The Heath Brothers, Wayne Shorter, et al), Sun grounds open 10:30 (music 12-10 incl Matt Wilson, Benny Green & Russell Malone, Brad Mehldau, Soulive, et al), tickets $30 (lawn)/day, $48 (tent)/day, free ages 12 & under w/ parent/guardian, weekend passes available, picnics welcome, plenty of food available on-site, no photos or video or tape recording in tent, also arts & crafts vendors; 860-567-4162.

Aug 4: Ron Murray & Vuelo at Gate House Café, Rte 172 (on grounds of training school), Southbury, 7 pm, free concert by band that performs flamenco guitar & jazz improv will open 2003 IBM/DMR Summer Concert Series, at nearby pavilion if rain.

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

Stage A/Performance Art & Music Series, performances 8 pm: Aug 15, Aimee Mann, tickets $40 (general adm), folk-rock singer-songwriter is touring for her 4th solo release, Lost In Space.

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: Aug 15, The Golden Angels Jazz Band.

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 29, Live from New York, 4 NY-based singer-songwriters in collaborative evening of music & impromp humor; Aug 5, Slaid Cleaves, lead performer & his band combine twangy country, roots rock & dust bowl folk.

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

Summertime Festival 2003/Family Nights, Thurs 6:30 pm, free: July 31, Julie & Brownie, duo offers “delightful, positive, original & traditional songs for all ages”; Aug 7, Amy Rogell, singer-songwriter is called “one of most innovative performers … in children’s music today.”

Summertime Festival 2003, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, free: July 25, Gunsmoke, 5-member country band performs traditional to modern country; July 26, Aztec Two Step, folk-rock duo w/ national recording contract “a guaranteed good time for any lover of voice & acoustic guitar,” rain location Rogers Park School, 21 Memorial Dr; Aug 1, Doug Hartline & Friends, quintet “may be one of CT’s best kept secrets,” pop-jazz w/ Mat Metheny, Steely Dan & Beatles influences; Aug 2, Danbury Drum Corps (traditional & popular arrangements will continue group’s 75th anniversary) and Young Ambassadors Brass Band of Great Britain (28 musicians selected from leading brass bands of Great Britain will perform classical overtures, military suites, marches, jazz & popular movie themes).

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

2003 Sunday Summer Concert Series, 3 pm (under pavilion if rain), free: July 27, Kevin Briody, former CT State Troubadour, singer-songwriter offers original folk; Aug 3, Thomasina w/ John Marshall, folk music w/ dulcimer & percussion.

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: Aug 5, The Clam Diggers, 3-pc Dixie band; Aug 19, Jeff McGill Quartet, unique blend of jazz styles; (note date: Fri performance) Aug 29, Double Play, the only flute-tuba duo in the country; Sept 9, CT Bristol Old Tyme Fiddlers Club.

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 27, Sheryl Crow, 8 pm, tickets $51 & $71 reserved, $29 lawn; Aug 3, Jars of Clay and Sixpence None the Richer, 7:30 pm, tickets $26 & $31 reserved, $21 lawn.

Southbury Green, 775 Main St South, Southbury.

6th Annual Summer Concert Series, 6-8 pm at the gazebo, free, postponed if rain: July 31, Heartland, 8-pc modern country band features 3 female lead vocalists; Aug 7, Tony Allen & The Al Dente Quartet, the music of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, et al.

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 30, Alexander Solovov (faculty member, Belgian Carillon School, Mechlin, Belgium); Aug 6, David Maker (from UConn, Storrs).

Teikyo Post Univ, 800 Country Club Rd, Middlebury. Call 203-596-4510.

Summer 2003 Sunset Concerts, 7 pm, free performances on Leever Student Center lawn (bring blanket, lawn chairs & picnics; indoors if rain): July 31, Get Back, tribute band plays songs from all stages of Beatles career.

Films _________________

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

July 25-31: 28 Days Later (R), daily 6:50 & 9:35 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:10 & 3:45 pm; The Housekeeper (R, *French w/ subtitles), daily 7:15 & 9:15 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:30, 3:20 & 5:10 pm; Swimming Pool (R), daily 7:30 & 9:45 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1, 3:10 & 5:20 pm; Whale Rider (PG-13), daily 7 & 9:25 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:20 & 4 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.

July 25-31: Daddy Day Care (PG), daily 7 & 9 pm, mat Fri, Wed-Thurs 4 pm, Sat-Sun 1 & 4 pm, Mon-Tues 1 pm.

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

Through July 31: Coral Reef Adventure, daily 11 am, 12:10, 1:20, 2:30 & 4:30 pm; Lewis & Clark, daily 3:30 pm; double feature, Coral Reef Adventure& Dolphins, Fri-Sun 7 pm.

For Kids & Families _________

Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Danbury Square, 15 Backus Ave, Danbury. Call 730-2733.

Free public programs: July 31, Boat Storytime, 11 am, sail into children’s dept for stories about boats incl Eve Bunting’s Little Bear’s Little Boat.

Bethel Public Library, 189 Greenwood Ave/Rte 302, Bethel. Call 794-8756 x4.

July 28, Craft Program for Teens: Beaded Earrings, 2-3 pm, free & open to students entering grades 6-12 in the fall, registration requested.

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

Free programs (unless specified): Aug 4-9, “Chill With Will: Young Adult Shakespeare Theater Workshop,” for students entering grades 7 or above in the fall, Leland Kellogg will bring Shakespeare to life through various levels of multimedia in theater workshop; Aug 5, “Summer Science Sampler,” 1:30-3:30 pm, hands-on science experiments led by Leslie Troy incl Kitchen Chemistry, Bubbleology, Aerodynamics & Physical Science, for students entering grades 4-6/ages 9-11, limited to 14 students.

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: Through Aug 22, Animal Tales, Mon-Fri 2 pm, storytelling & live animal presentations for children; July 27, Big Truck Day, 12-3 pm, local companies will display excavator, articulated loader, backhoe, dump truck, cement truck, ditch witch, Bobcat, amphibious vehicle, & local fire company will showcase a fire truck.

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 26, Pinocchio.

Quick Center for the Arts/Fairfield Univ, North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Call 203-254-4010.

Children’s Summer Theatre Workshop productions, 7:30, tickets $10 adults, $8 seniors & children ages 2-12, no children under 2 admitted (performance is by student actors, producers would like onstage actors to be able to concentrate without distractions): Aug 1, Betty Lou & The Country Beast, original country-western adaptation of Beauty & The Beast.

Miscellaneous ___________

July 26: 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.

July 26: Military Museum of Southern New England Open Turret Day, 125 Park Ave, Danbury, 10 am-5 pm, $4 adults, $2 seniors, active military members & most children, free ages 5 & under, all military vehicles open to public (rubber-soled shoes necessary), also historic artifacts & exhibits; 790-9277.

July 26: Antique Trucks Show at Railroad Museum of New England, RMNE’s Thomaston Station, East Main St, Thomaston, 10 am-4 pm, free adm, special display of antique trucks from CT Yankee Chapter/Antique Truck Club of America & Nutmeg Chapter/ATCA featuring vehicles ca 1930s-60s; 860-283-RAIL (7245).

July 26-27: Civil War Encampment & Battle Reenactment, Gavel Farm, Rte 317 at Upper County Rd, Roxbury, begins 10 am each day; 860-354-7210.

July 26-27: 36th New Milford Village Fair Days, on the historic Village Green, off Rte 202, New Milford, Fri 10 am-10 pm, Sat 9 am-9 pm, free adm, 250+ booths (all under tents) incl 140 juried artists & artisans, antiques & collectibles dealers, goods & services booths, food, live entertainment, no dogs please (per organizers); 860-354-6080.

July 29: Sandy Hook Organic Farmer’s Market, parking area between St John’s Church and The Villa Restaurant, Washington Ave/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, 9 am-1 pm, locally-grown organic fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, breads, coffee, sandwich café, also pony rides, live entertainment, weekly (Tues) until Oct 21; 426-9938, 270-1820.

Aug 2: Zoo-B-Q Country Barbecue Bash, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, 6-10 pm, tickets $25, outdoor party (indoors if rain) w/ BBQ buffet by High on The Hog Smokehouse Catering, cash bar, live traditional & modern country music by The Black Moon Band, proceeds will benefit zoo’s new Children’s Enrichment Playground; 203-332-4243.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Danbury Square, 15 Backus Ave, Danbury. Call 730-2733.

Free public programs: July 30, We’re Talking About… Women Authors book discussion group, 7 pm, discussion of Sue Monk’s The Secret Life of Bees, all welcome.

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: Aug 12, monthly book discussion, 7-8:30 pm, Sandra Gulland’s The Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B.

Also: Aug 2, Car Wash, 10 am-noon, $5, outdoor event w/ teen services librarian Amy Schumann joined by teen volunteers in raising money for library’s capital campaign.

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

Programs free unless noted: July 26, Intermediate-Level Computer Class, 9 am-noon, $10, Dan Tannenbaum (Newtown Computer Training Center) will focus on downloading files, saving pictures, email-related topics, pre-registration required.

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.

Highstead Arboretum, 127 Lonetown Rd, Redding. Call 938-8809.

Garden Conservancy Sunday Walks, guided walks at 10 am, noon & 2 pm: Aug 10, tour of Arboretum will focus on sweet pepperbrush.

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.

Society of Creative Arts of Newtown, Inc. (SCAN), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-6654.

Meetings 4th Wed/month, 1:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: July 23, critique session w/ Hank McLaughlin, attendees invited to bring up to 2 pcs of work, Mr McLaughlin will look at works one at a time & use his own drawings to illustrate his suggestions for improvement.

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 30, Elizabeth Thomas.

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 ______________

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

Romeo and Juliet, July 23-27, curtain 8 pm (park opens for picnics at 6 – no alcohol allowed in park, interns’ pre-show at 7), free performances by professional actors under the stars, will move into Carousel Building if rain.

Brookfield Curtains Summer Theatre, at Brookfield High School, 45 Long Meadow Hill Rd, Brookfield. Call 775-7148.

100 Years Of Broadway, Aug 1-3, curtain Fri 8:30 pm, Sat 8 pm, Sun 6 pm, tickets $10, performance by local high school & college singers & dancers.

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

Broadway Through The Years: A Century of Song, through July 26, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, tickets $15.

Congregational Church of New Fairfield, 20 Gillotti Rd, New Fairfield. Call 746-2866.

Barnum, July 25-Aug 3, curtain Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sun 3 pm, open seating $12 adults, $10 seniors & students, $8 ages 10 & under, reserved seating $9-$13 (July 27, matinee seating special, all seats for seniors $5).

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.

The Gary-The Olivia Theatre at Abbey of Regina Laudis, Flanders Rd, Bethlehem. Call 203-266-7811.

Twelfth Night, Aug 1-9, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, sugg donation $10, general admission seating.

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

Very Good Eddie, through Oct 4, 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, tickets $22-$55.

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

SummerStage 2003: Hedwig And The Angry Inch, Aug 2-17, call for curtain schedule, tickets $35-$45 (special $25 Wig-Out Pit seats for this show only), group discounts available, half-price rush tickets also available 30 min before curtain; Aug 3, Pay What You Can performance, 8 pm.

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

Cabaret Evenings: It’s A Musical World, 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: Once On This Island, through July 26, curtain Fri-Sun 8:30 (grounds open 7:15), tickets $15 adults, $12 seniors, students & children.

H.M.S. Pinafore, July 31-Aug 16, curtain Fri-Sun 8:30 (grounds open 7:15), tickets $15 adults, $12 seniors, students & children; Thurs, July 31, preview performance, all tickets $10.

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

West Side Story, Aug 1-30, curtain Fri (Aug 1 & 29 only) & Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 3 pm, tickets $18 adults, $16 seniors & students; July 31, dress rehearsal, curtain 8 pm, free, area senior citizens invited to enjoy free preview performance; Aug 1, opening night pre-show & intermission spritzer party for all ticket-holders.

The Petrified Forest, Oct 3-25, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 3 pm, tickets $15 adults, $13 seniors & students.

Summer Theatre Connections, Newtown High School auditorium, 12 Berkshire Rd/Rte 34, Sandy Hook. Call 426-4212.

Night Of A Thousand Stars, July 31-Aug 1, Thurs-Fri 7:30 pm, tickets $10 adults, $8 students & seniors.

TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford. Call 860-350-6863.

Bat Boy: The Musical, through Aug 23, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm (Aug 3 & 10), mat Sun (Aug 17 only) 2 pm, tickets $20.

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, through Aug 2, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (July 27 only) 2 pm, tickets $12 evenings, $10 mat.

 

*******************

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