Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St, Ridgefield. Hours: Tues-Thurs 11:29 A11/P11 Sat-Sun 1-5 pm, Fri 12-8 pm. Call 203-438-4519.*###new show) Sept 23-Jan 7, “Best of the Season: Selections of the 2000-01 Manhattan Gallery Season,” biennial survey recognizes best examples of art displayed during the season in Manhattan, presents emerging 11:29 A11/P11 established artists’ works.The Barnum Museum, 820 Main St, Bridgeport. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-4:30 pm, Sun 12-4:30 pm. Call 203-331-1104.*###new show) Through Oct 31, “Ringing Bros. and Barnum 11:29 A11/P11 Bailey Circus Clowns,” unique three-dimensional life casts of the three basic types of clowns who perform in “The Greatest Show on Earth”   white face ###serious clowns), Auguste ###prankster 11:29 A11/P11 silly movement clowns) 11:29 A11/P11 Character ###hobo or tramp clowns), all created by Texas native Ruth Chaddock.Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport. Hours: daily 9 am-4 pm. Call 203-394-6565.Through mid-Sept, “Cargo To Extinction,” World Wildlife Fund’s traveling exhibit on wildlife trade presents animal products ranging from ocelot skins 11:29 A11/P11 crocodile handbags to canned whale meat 11:29 A11/P11 ivory jewelry, all imported illegally 11:29 A11/P11 confiscated by US Fish 11:29 A11/P11 Wildlife Service.Highstead Arboretum, 127 Lonetown Rd, Redding. Hours: Mon-Fri by appointment. Call 938-8809.*###new show) Through Oct 30, “The Botanical Illustration of A Scientist: The Paintings and Drawings of Dr Stephen K-M. Tim,” botanical artwork by the late Dr Kim, a taxonomist at Brooklyn Botanical Garden who cultivated a blanace between science 11:29 A11/P11 art; Sept 20, reception, 4-7 pm ###guided tour of arboretum will begin at 2 pm).Kent Art Assn, 21 South Main St/Rte 7, Kent. Hours: Th-Sun 1-5 pm. Call 860-927-3989.*###new show) Sept 15-Oct 14, “KAA Annual Fall Show,” 120+ works of representational art in oil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic, graphics 11:29 A11/P11 small sculpture by regional artists, also special selection of works by 2000 KAA Medal of Merit winner Rainie Crawford; Sept 15, opening reception, 1-5 pm.Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-753-0381.*###new show) Sept 15-Nov 18, “Images of Contentment: John Frederick Kensett and the Connecticut Shore,” shoreline paintings by one of the nation’s most loved landscape painters done ca 1867-1872 done on and of land owned by the artist, coupled w/ historic photos, maps 11:29 A11/P11 mariner’s charts, also examples of works by Vincent Colyer ###Kensett’s neighbor 11:29 A11/P11 fellow painter); Sept 21, “Images of Contentment: An Introduction to the Exhibit,” noon, Nov5, overview gallery talk will be led by curator Ann Smith.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 Sept 16, “Silvermine School of Art Faculty Exhibition,” works by members of the school’s faculty in various mediums.Thirteen Gallery, 13 Library Place, Danbury. Hours: Tues-Fr 7-10 pm, Sat-Sun 12-4 pm, 11:29 A11/P11 by appt. Call 790-6754.Through Sept 30, “Grounded,” first major show of photographs by Lysbeth Guillorn, large ###4x5) digital prints 11:29 A11/P11 traditional black 11:29 A11/P11 white prints created in sev formats incl 35 mm, Brownie, medium- 11:29 A11/P11 large-format shots w/ available light. Through Sept 30, first major exhibition of photos by David Haislip, black 11:29 A11/P11 white photos ###35 mm shot w/ available light) incl street-style portraits 11:29 A11/P11 still lifes.Wadsworth Atheneum, 600 Main St, Hartford. Hours: Tues-Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 860-278-2670.Through Sept 23, “Picasso: The Artist’s Studio,” paintings by the artist of his studio, which reveal the painter’s irrepressible imagination 11:29 A11/P11 capacity for experimentation 11:29 A11/P11 self-renewal in Cubism, Realism, Symbolism, Surrealism, using array of subjects, commentaries 11:29 A11/P11 allegories.Washington Art Association, Bryant Plaza, Washington Depot. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm ###closed Wed), Sun 2-5 pm. Call 860-868-2878.Through Sept 23, “Recent Works,” ceramic reliefs by Mary Lou Alberetti, vibrant paintings by Ellen Hackl Fagan, and paintings by Alyse Rosner, all CT-based artists.Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Rd/Rte 7, Wilton. Hours: Mon 11:29 A11/P11 Fri 10 am-6 pm, Tues-Thurs 10 am-7 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-762-3950.Through Sept 27, works in watercolor 11:29 A11/P11 colored pencil by scientist-turned-artist Pat Pranitis; Sept 9, opening/artist’s reception ###public invited), 11:30 am-1 pm.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.*###new show) Sept 14-Dec 30, “Myer Myers: Jewish Silversmith in Colonial New York,” 104 silver 11:29 A11/P11 gold objects by one of the most accomplished craftsmen working in pre-industrial America, most presented chronologically in order to show silversmith’s stylistic development 11:29 A11/P11 how patrons ###represented by their portraits) influenced his choices of designs. Center for the Performing Arts, Sacred Heart Univ, 5151 Park Ave, Fairfield. Call 203-374-2777.Sept 18 11:29 A11/P11 20: Auditions for the musical Man of La Mancha, 7 pm, have one of show’s songs prepared for audition, director is Maureen Hamill, performances will be weekends Nov 2-18.New Zenith Theater/Naugatuck Valley Cmmty College Theater Arts Dept, 750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury. Call 203-596-2124, 203-575-8038.Sept 17: Auditions for community actors interested in upcoming productions incl works of Tennessee Williams, Sam Shepard, Harold Pinter, also major production of Dickens’ Great Expectations, 7-10 pm ###Room L501, opposite library), bring monologue or song ###cold reading will also be available), seeking actors age 16+, no experience necessary, call theater arts director Ed Wierzbioki for directions incl where to park on campus.Saint John’s Chorale, St John’s Church Parish Hall, on the green/Rte 47, Washington. Call 860-868-2140.Sept 17: Auditions for new chorale season, 6:30-8 pm by appt, regular rehearsals begin Sept 18 at 7:30, contact Zemma White for appointments and/or details.Sept 14-16: 7th Annual Greater Danbury Irish Festival, Ives Concert Park, University Blvd ###Western CT State Univ westside campus), Danbury, Fri 5-10:30 pm, Sat 11 am-10:30 pm, Sun 11 am-7 pm, adm Nov8 adults, free ages 12 11:29 A11/P11 under, live performances by Black 47, Eileen Ivers, Tipperary Knights, Andy Crooney, Dermot Henry, et al, also pipe bands, step dancers, ceili 11:29 A11/P11 set dancing, cultural exhibits, Irish imports, food 11:29 A11/P11 drink stations, souvenir tents, children’s activities 11:29 A11/P11 sporting demos; 312-0305, 730-8211.Sept 15: The Bear Cats Band, Ashlar of Newtown, 139 Toddy Hill Rd, Newtown, 10 am-3 pm rain or shine, free concert of favorite classics will be complemented by car show presented by Classic Nights Car Club, bring lawn chairs; 426-5847.Sept 15: Wood’s Tea Company at Keeler Tavern Museum, 132 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 8 pm, tickets Nov12, performance by VT-based group of musicians known for easy-going 11:29 A11/P11 witty rapport, music reflects inspiration of Woody Guthrie; 203-438-5485.Sept 16: “An Afternoon with Kevin Briody,” Richter House, 100 Aunt Hack La, Danbury, 3 pm, voluntary contributions for adm, acoustic guitar 11:29 A11/P11 tenor vocals wrapped around original works by CT’s current State Troubadour, bring blankets/chairs for seating, indoors if rain; 748-7177.Sept 21: 2001 Country Jamboree, Edmond Town Hall gymnasium, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 6:30-10:30 pm, admission Nov5 ###includes refreshments), dancing to two-steps, polkas, waltzes, contras, Eastern 11:29 A11/P11 Western square dancing, performances of bluegrass, western, country 11:29 A11/P11 folk music, all levels of dancers ###including first-timers) welcome, soft-soled shoes required, musicians invited to join ###set-up begins 5 pm), hosted by Rocking Roosters Square Dance Club of Newtown; 426-4817, 264-6855.Sept 23: Newtown Meeting House Organ Dedication Recital, Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 2 pm, free performance to celebrate the restoration of the building’s 1924 pipe organ after September 1999’s Hurricane Floyd caused major damage to the instrument; 426-1767.Acoustic Café, 2926 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport. Call 203-335-FOLK ###3655).Open mic every Tues, sign ups 7 pm, performances begin at 8; Video Nights Wed 11:29 A11/P11 Thurs, 8:30 pm ###call for each night’s selection, or just show up).Sept 14, Gandalf Murphy 11:29 A11/P11 The Slambovian Circus of Dreams, 9 pm, Nov12, quartet offers thought-provoking songs primarily on acoustic instruments, group’s style defined by lead singer as “punk-classical-hillbilly-Floyd   surreal Americana”; Sept 15, Milk, 9 pm, Nov7, female quartet w/ tons of energy; Sept 16, Leni Stern, 7 pm, Nov10, guitarist 11:29 A11/P11 songwriter returns material off new album Kindness of Strangers; Sept 19, CT Songwriters’ Assn Songwriters’ Showcase, 8:30, Nov2, monthly open mic 11:29 A11/P11 showcase w/ 3 featured artists; Sept 20, Robert Urban, Wishing Chair, Cadence Carroll 11:29 A11/P11 Mike James, 8 pm, Nov10; Sept 21, Cosy Sheridan 11:29 A11/P11 Diane Ziegler, 9 pm, Nov12, Sheridan’s candid songs cover everything from body piercing 11:29 A11/P11 a more user-friendly Barbie doll to the loneliness of an elderly neighbor and the small things in life, also contemporary folk by the acclaimed songwriter Zeigler; Sept 22, Lara Herscovitch, 8 pm, Nov10, spicy Latin music blended w/ homey folk; Sept 23, Steve Forbert, 5 pm, Nov20.Chamber Music Society at Yale, performances at Battell Chapel, College 11:29 A11/P11 Elm St ###opposite green), New Haven. Call 203-432-4159.Performances 8 pm, single tickets Nov24-Nov29 regular concerts, Nov12 bonus concerts, season tickets available: Sept 25, The Colorado Quartet ###Richard Killmer, oboe; Deborah Redding, violin; Marka Gustavsson, viola; Diane Chaplin, cello) w/ guest violinist ###11:29 A11/P11 founding member) Julie Rosenfeld, works of Ives, Britten 11:29 A11/P11 Beethoven.Danbury Concert Assn, WCSU/Ives Concert Hall, Fifth Ave at White St, Danbury. Call 748-0522.Performances 3 pm, subscription Nov32 ###good for all season), students age 18 11:29 A11/P11 under free, guests ###attending w/ member) Nov12, post-performance receptions w/ performers: Sept 23, The Bach Aria Group, season opener w/ group devoted to Bach music w/ instrumental 11:29 A11/P11 vocal performances on violin, cello, flute, oboe 11:29 A11/P11 harpsichord, soprano 11:29 A11/P11 baritone soloists.Hartford Symphony Orchestra, The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave, Hartford. Call 860-246-6807.Performances 8 pm, tickets Nov10-Nov53 ###Nov5 students): Sept 21-22, “Opening Night11,” season opener w/ HSO principal trumper Jay Lichtman 11:29 A11/P11 former HSO principal bassoon Vance Lee leading Hindemuth’s Concerto for Trumpet, Bassoon and Strings, also works of Barber, Vaughan Williams 11:29 A11/P11 Mussorgsky, pre-concert discussion of works to be performed 7 pm ###free to ticket-holders).Merryall Center for the Arts, Chapel Hill Rd ###off Merryall Rd), New Milford. Call 860-354-7264.Performances 8:30 pm ###unless noted), tickets Nov15, season tickets available: Sept 15, Richard Slade, Irish tenor will perform “Irish Minstrelsy: A Tribute to John McCormack,” covering the tenor’s career from opera 11:29 A11/P11 art songs to Irish ballads; Sept 22, Rhonda Larson, flutist will conclude 50th season w/ grand finalé concert.Music Mountain, Music Mountain Rd ###near Rtes 63 11:29 A11/P11 126), Falls Village. Radio broadcasts on WMNR ###Monroe, 88.1 FM). Call 860-824-7126.72nd Season, tickets Nov17.50/adv, Nov20/door, Nov10 students.Baroque Concerts, 8 pm: Sept 15, “An Evening of Words and Music,” 7 pm, music 11:29 A11/P11 poetry by local artists 11:29 A11/P11 recording artists The Joint Chiefs 11:29 A11/P11 Bill Lauf, Jr, benefit for David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village, call for ticket 11:29 A11/P11 other details.Newtown Friends of Music, Newtown. Call 426-6470.Concerts at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 3 pm, Nov14, Nov12 seniors/students, free ages 5-14 w/ adult ###subscriptions available), reception follows performances: Sept 23, The Greenleaf Chamber Ensemble, works of Bach, Haydn 11:29 A11/P11 Brahms, also premiere of Divertimento for Oboe 11:29 A11/P11 Strings by Martin Brody.Next Stop Café, 102 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. Call 730-9940.Acoustic blues, 7-10 pm, free adm ###unless noted) but reservations sugg: Sept 15, Too Blue, Nov6, dynamic blend of traditional 11:29 A11/P11 contemporary bluegrass, swing 11:29 A11/P11 originals by Joan Harrison on banjo 11:29 A11/P11 lead vocals, Betsy Rome on guitar 11:29 A11/P11 harmony vocals, Jack Murphy on bass; Sept 16, Leo Boogie, solo show by The Romeo Kings member who entertains w/ his own “boogie beat.”Bethel Cinema, 269 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. Call 778-2100.Sept 14-20: The Deep End ###R), daily 5:15, 7:20 11:29 A11/P11 9:25 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1 11:29 A11/P11 3:10 pm; Innocence ###NR), daily 5:25, 7:30 11:29 A11/P11 9:45 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:20 11:29 A11/P11 3:20 pm; The Princess 11:29 A11/P11 The Warrior ###R), daily 9:35 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 3 pm; The Road Home ###G), daily 5:35 11:29 A11/P11 7:40 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:10 pm; Together ###R), daily 6:50 11:29 A11/P11 9:15 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:30 11:29 A11/P11 4 pm.Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-4533.Sept 16, screening of East/West, 2 pm, free, film in French 11:29 A11/P11 Russian w/ English subtitles sponsored by Alliance Française of Northwestern CT.Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, Newtown. Call 426-2475.Sept 14-20: Jurassic Park III ###PG-13), daily 7 11:29 A11/P11 9 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Tues 1 11:29 A11/P11 3:45 pm.Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk/IMAX Theatre, 10 N. Water St, Norwalk. Call 203-852-0700.Through Sept: Journey Into Amazing Caves, daily 11 am, noon, 1, 2 11:29 A11/P11 3 pm; All Access: IMAX Concert Film, Sat-Sun 5 pm; double feature Everest and Journey Into Amazing Caves, Fri-Sun 7 pm.Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-2282. Hollister Film Series, free screenings, 1 11:29 A11/P11 7 pm, preceded by Movie Chat: Sept 25, The Insider, evening screening will be followed by discussion w/ David Bass.Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel St ###at High St), New Haven. Call 203-432-2800.“British Film: American Favorites” series, screenings 2 pm, free: Sept 29, The Lady Vanishes; Oct 6, Fires Were Started and A Diary for Timothy.Sept 22: “Breakfast at The Barnum: The Finnigan Family Jugglers,” The Barnum Museum, 820 Main St, Bridgeport, doors open 10 am for breakfast, performance 10:30, adm ###incl program) Nov5 adults, Nov4 seniors 11:29 A11/P11 college students, Nov3 ages 4-18, performance by professional group whose mission is “spreading the joy of juggling throughout the known universe”; 203-331-1104 x102.Barnes 11:29 A11/P11 Noble Booksellers, Danbury Square, 15 Backus Ave, Danbury. Call 730-2733.Free public programs: Sept 20, The Magic 11:29 A11/P11 Mystery Book Club: The House with the Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs, 7 pm, book group for ages 9-12, new members welcome, registration requested.Kettletown State Park, Kettletown Rd, Southbury. Call 264-5678.Free programs for campers 11:29 A11/P11 public, evenings programs are at camp office, daytime events are at beach: Sept 15, “Animal Defense: The Stinky, Sneaky and Sometimes Scary Truth,” 10:30 am, discover interesting 11:29 A11/P11 sometimes weird ways animals defend themselves, meet live critters, learn about animal eating habits, etc; Sept 15, “Reptiles and Amphibians of Connecticut,” 7:30 pm, slide show of frogs, snakes, turtles 11:29 A11/P11 toads that call CT home, also see live specimens 11:29 A11/P11 compete in frog-calling contest; Sept 22, “Dens, Tunnels and Tickets Out of State,” 10:30 am, learn how animals prepare for winter, “become” a migrating shorebird, help build brush piles for winter wildlife habit; Sept 22, “Things with Wings,” 7:30 pm, learn about winged critters that hunt of migrate at night, also play The Bat 11:29 A11/P11 Moth Game.Polka Dot Playhouse, 177 State St, Bridgeport. Call 203-333-3666.Polka Dot Kids Theatre Series, monthly series w/ guest performers, shows at 10:30 am 11:29 A11/P11 1 pm, Nov12/show ###series tickets 11:29 A11/P11 discounts abvailable): Sept 22, Anansi, Spiderman of Africa by Crabgrass Puppet Theatre.Sept 14-16: 7th Annual Greater Danbury Irish Festival, Ives Concert Park, University Blvd ###Western CT State Univ westside campus), Danbury, Fri 5-10:30 pm, Sat 11 am-10:30 pm, Sun 11 am-7 pm, adm Nov8 adults, free ages 12 11:29 A11/P11 under, live performances by Black 47, Eileen Ivers, Tipperary Knights, Andy Crooney, Dermot Henry, et al, also pipe bands, step dancers, ceili 11:29 A11/P11 set dancing, cultural exhibits, Irish imports, food 11:29 A11/P11 drink stations, souvenir tents, children’s activities 11:29 A11/P11 sporting demos; 312-0305, 730-8211.Sept 15: Antique Car Show, Ashlar of Newtown, 139 Toddy Hill Rd, Newtown, 10 am-3 pm rain or shine, car show presented by Classic Nights Car Club will be complemented by performance by The Bear Cats Band; 426-5847.Sept 15: St John of the Cross Apple Festival, Shepardson Community Center, Whittemore Rd, Middlebury, 8 am-4 pm, free adm, pancake 11:29 A11/P11 sausage breakfast, church tag sale ###90+ tables), dog contest ###registration 9 am; categories incl Smallest, Largest, Most Unusual, Most Obedient 11:29 A11/P11 Most Energetic), cake decorating demo ###10 am), Book Nook, bocce tournament, pumpkin decorating, live taping of NPR’s “Food Schmooze” w/ Faith Middleton ###noon); 203-758-2659.Sept 15: Annual Harvest Fair, Church of the Epiphany, 262 Main St North, Southbury, 9 am-3 pm rain or shine, free adm, arts 11:29 A11/P11 crafts, jewelry, Country Cupboard, Farmers’ Market, children’s games, Wishing Well, white elephant, snacks, etc; 264-8150.Sept 15: 50th Anniversary Classic 11:29 A11/P11 Antique Car Show, Lonetown Farm, Rte 107, Redding, 10 am-3 pm, adm Nov5 adults, free age 12 11:29 A11/P11 under, Fairfield County Region/Horseless Carriage Club 11:29 A11/P11 Antique Automobile Club of America’s golden anniv show expects 100+ pre-1942 antique 11:29 A11/P11 classic cars, vintage motorcycles 11:29 A11/P11 trucks, drive-by of winning cars ###1-2 pm), also flea market w/ car parts 11:29 A11/P11 memorabilia, picnics welcome, refreshments available for purchase also; 203-938-4883.Sept 15: Ninth Annual Apple Festival, South Britain Congregational Church, Rte 172 at East Flat Hill Rd, South Britain, 10 am-4 pm, free adm 11:29 A11/P11 parking, homemade baked goods incl apple pies, Country Store, lunch begins 11 am, local crafters, Bristol Olde Tyme Fiddlers ###11 am), Rockin’ Rooster Square Dancers ###1 pm), more; 264-4799.Sept 15: “Equinox: A Standard Flower Show,” United Church of Christ, Main St North, Southbury, 1-5 pm, flower show by Southbury Garden Club will follow requirements 11:29 A11/P11 objectives of National Garden Clubs, Inc., 9 design classes all relating to theme of the precise time the sun crosses the Equator, also presentation of educational exhibits at Southbury Library; 267-6826.Sept 15: All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Bistro, Woodbury United Methodist Church, Main St at Church St, Woodbury, 5-7:30 pm, adm Nov8 adults, Nov7 seniors, Nov3.50 ages 12 11:29 A11/P11 under, full spaghetti dinner incl beverage/coffee 11:29 A11/P11 dessert; 203-263-4775.Sept 15: Ducks Unlimited/Housatonic chapter Benefit Dinner Auction, Stony Hill Inn, Rte 6, Bethel, begins 5:30 pm, tickets Nov55/person, Nov85/couple, dinner 11:29 A11/P11 socializing, raffles, auction, door prizes, etc; 203-417-6549.Sept 15-16: Friends of Bethel Library Annual Book Sale, Bethel Public Library lawn, 189 Greenwood Ave/Rte 302, Bethel, 10 am-4 pm both days, under tents/rain or shine, thousands of used books in myriad categories; 794-8756.Sept 16: Newtown Historical Society Open House, Matthew Curtiss House, 44 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 2-4 pm, free, costumed docents ###guides) will offer tours of the 18th Century home, also demonstrations in blacksmithing by Joseph Magnarella; 426-5937.Sept 16: 8th Annual Colonial Fair 11:29 A11/P11 Muster Day, Glebe House Museum and Hurd House, Hollow Rd, Woodbury, 12-5 pm, free adm ###*note: parking at The Hollow), stagecoach rides, The Queen’s Rangers ###Loyalist re-enactors), Paul Peabody’s Old Fashioned Marionette Theater performances, Colonial dancing, demos 11:29 A11/P11 sales of early American crafts incl soap making, basketry, spinning, weaving 11:29 A11/P11 dairy products, etc; 203-263-2855, 203-263-2446.Sept 16: Trolley Tours of Aspetuck Hill, meet at New Milford Hist Scty building, 6 Aspetuck Ave, New Milford, rides depart 12, 1, 2 11:29 A11/P11 3 pm, Nov10/person, celebration of historic Ingleside School ###operated 1892-1914); 860-354-3069.Sept 16: First Annual Celebration of Connecticut Farms: Glorious Food 11:29 A11/P11 Landscapes, Pumpkinseed Hill, Beardsley Rd, Shelton, 2-5:30 pm, tickets Nov60 adults/adv, Nov70 adults/gate, Nov10 children, celebration of season 11:29 A11/P11 its bounty w/ offerings by 15 of CT’s finest chefs, also farmers, cheese artisans 11:29 A11/P11 vintners, live jazz, live art auction, hayrides, readings 11:29 A11/P11 book signings by Joan Gussow 11:29 A11/P11 Mark Bittman, etc; 860-723-5408.Sept 17: “P.T. Barnum, The Greatest Show on Earth” slide show, East Hill Woods, 611 East Hill Rd, Southbury, 1:30 pm, free presentation by professional photographer Robert Berthelson about the circus entrepreneur who was also a politician, author, newspaper editor, manager of performers, owner of several musems, 11:29 A11/P11 land developer; 262-6161.Sept 18: WCSU Public Observatory Night, Midtown Observatory, Higgins Hall Room 216, 181 White St, Danbury, 8-10 pm, free, public invited to view night sky through university’s telescope, call if weather is questionable; 837-8671.Sept 19: “An Evening with the Masters: The History of the Weir Farm and Connecticut Impressionist Art,” New Milford High School ###Lecture Hall Room 2325), Rte 7, New Milford, 7:15-9 pm, free, slide presentation 11:29 A11/P11 personal commentary by Constance Evans ###director, Weir Farm Trust), hosted by Housatonic Art League, New Milford Commission on the Arts 11:29 A11/P11 The Waterbury Foundation; 210-1775, 860-354-7558.Sept 20-23: Scholastic Book Fairs Sale at Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, Thurs 10 am-8:30 pm, Fri 10 am-5:30 pm, Sat 9 am-4:30 pm, Sun 1-4:30 pm, book sale presented by company specializing in sales of books 11:29 A11/P11 educational learning products incl science kits 11:29 A11/P11 creative writing sources from 150+ publishers, for readers of all ages; 203-438-1223, 203-431-9956.Sept 21: 2001 Country Jamboree, Edmond Town Hall gymnasium, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 6:30-10:30 pm, admission Nov5 ###includes refreshments), dancing to two-steps, polkas, waltzes, contras, Eastern 11:29 A11/P11 Western square dancing, performances of bluegrass, western, country 11:29 A11/P11 folk music, all levels of dancers ###including first-timers) welcome, soft-soled shoes required, musicians invited to join ###set-up begins 5 pm), hosted by Rocking Roosters Square Dance Club of Newtown; 426-4817, 264-6855.Sept 21: S11:29 A11/P11S Singles Monthly Singles Dance, Fireside Inn, 123 Main St South/Rte 25, Newtown, 7:30-11:30 pm, adm Nov12; 743-4480, 261-5960.Sept 21: CT Catholic Singles “Farewell To Summer” Dinner Dance, Tashua Knolls Restaurant, 40 Tashua Knolls La, Trumbull, begins 7:30 pm, adm Nov25, all are welcome; 261-2414.Sept 22: Newtown Health District Health 11:29 A11/P11 Safety Fair, Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen St, Newtown, 10 am-2 pm, free admission, also free health screenings, exhibits, giveaways, raffles, demonstrations, contests, tours of fire trucks and an ambulance, visit by the Life Star helicopter, also visits with Candy ###Jersey heifer from Paproskik farm); 270-4291, 426-6264.Sept 22: “Remembrances of The Great Danbury Fair, 1851-1981,” Bethel Historical Society, 40 Main St, Bethel, 12-5 pm, free adm/freewill donations, one-day photo retrospective 11:29 A11/P11 exhibit of memorabilia from Great Danbury Fair from private collections of Walter Dunlap, Billy Michael 11:29 A11/P11 John Ivansco, also screenings of The Great Danbury Fair at 1:30 11:29 A11/P11 3:30 pm; 743-5893.Sept 22: 3rd Annual Applefest Craft Fair, Blue Jay Orchards, Plumtrees Rd, Bethel, 10 am-4 pm, free adm, door prizes, crafters from across New England participating, presented by Artisans Alliance; 749-0863, 877-851-0684.Barnes and Noble Booksellers, Brass City Mall, 235 Union St, Waterbury. Call 203-759-7125.Open mike plus featured poet 3rd Fri/month: Sept 21, Lonnie Black, CT Commission on the Arts master teacher, teaching artist 11:29 A11/P11 performance poet.Barnes 11:29 A11/P11 Noble Booksellers, Danbury Square, 15 Backus Ave, Danbury. Call 730-2733.Free programs: Sept 16, book discussion 11:29 A11/P11 signing w/ Keith Jones ###The Farms of Farmingville) of Ridgefield, 3 pm, researched book examines 23 farmhouses 11:29 A11/P11 the families that inhabited them over last 2½ centuries in Farmingville section of Ridgefield; Sept 18, “Child Craft: Authors Writing for Children,” 7:30 pm, first meeting of discussion group for people who want to learn to 11:29 A11/P11 share about writing for children incl picture books, poems, plays, young reader/young adult novels, short stories, etc, registration requested; Sept 23, book discussion 11:29 A11/P11 signing w/ master herbalist Andrea Candee ###Gentle Healing for Baby and Child), 3 pm; Sept 24, Military History Book Group: Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose, 7:30 pm, new group will discuss Ambrose’s account of the men of Easy Company, made into current 10-part HBO miniseries, registration requested.Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport. Call 203-394-6572.Sept 21, Annual Wild Wine Safari, adults-only evening event incl fine wines from world-renowned vineyards, exotic culinary delights 11:29 A11/P11 silent auction adventure, “Jungle Safari” attire encouraged, contact zoo development director Charlie Clifford for details incl time.CT Contacts, New Haven. Call 203-468-1144.Dances each Fr @Pinecrest Country Club, 745 River Rd/Rte 110, Shelton, 8 pm-1 am, Nov13, no jeans/sneakers. Dances Sat @Colonial Tavern, Rte 67, Oxford, 8:30 pm-1 am, Nov13, no jeans/sneakers, themes as follows: Sept 21, singles dance at Pinecrest.Danbury Public Library, 170 Main St, Danbury. Hours: Mon, Th 9 am-8 pm, Tues 9 am-5 pm, Wed 1-8 pm, Fr-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun ###Sept-May) 1-5 pm. Call 797-4505.BookTalk series, 6:30-8 pm, free, refreshments, topics as follows: Sept 24, discussion of Seamus Heaney’s translation of Beowulf, 6:30-8 pm, focus on Heaney’s translation of the epic poem turned into something modern day readers can understand 11:29 A11/P11 enjoy.Devil’s Den Preserve, 33 Pent Rd, Weston. Call 226-4991.All events free, reservations required: Sept 16, 8-10 mile hike, 10 am-3 pm, moderately strenuous guided hike will celebrate end of summer vacations, led by trained natural history guides Cia Marion 11:29 A11/P11 Meg Forbes, wear hiking shoes 11:29 A11/P11 pack snack lunch 11:29 A11/P11 water; Sept 16, family nature walk, 1-3 pm, celebrate start of school 11:29 A11/P11 return of fall, approx 1-mile walk led by trained natural history guides Betsy Neuberg 11:29 A11/P11 Howard Pierpont.Highstead Arboretum, 127 Lonetown Rd, Redding. Call 938-8809.Programs 10 am, Nov5 each, reservations suggested: Sept 22, “Who Grows There?”, learn how to identify the geographic, bedrock 11:29 A11/P11 soil types that support distinct plant communities. Newtown Hikers. Call 426-2897, 270-4340.Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 9 am, free, all welcome, bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations as follows ###call hike leader if weather doubtful): Sept 15, Weir Farm, Wilton, ###Jack Donlon, 203-966-8421); Sept 22, Katonah Rail Trail bike-hike ###Ann Kozar, 203-374-6679); Sept 29, Spruce Brook Ravine, Naugatuck ###Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025).Newtown Scottish Country Dancers, sessions at Hawley School, 29 Church Hill Rd, Newtown. Call 203-938-2881.Group meets each Mon 7 pm for weekly dancing 11:29 A11/P11 instruction, soft-soled shoes required, all levels of dancers welcome, partners not required, affiliated w/ Royal Scottish Country Dance Society in Edinburgh, Scotland.Newtown VNA Thrift Shop, Edmond Town Hall ###lower level), 45 Main Street, Newtown. Call 270-4377.Shop is open every Wed 12-3 pm 11:29 A11/P11 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 11:29 A11/P11 private donors incl clothing 11:29 A11/P11 sm home accessories, etc.Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-2282.Free programs: Sept 16, PoetryWorks poetry writing intensive, 1:30-3:30 pm, open to only 6 writers ###early reservations suggested), program w/ Ira Joe Fisher; Sept 18, Critic’s Circle Book Group meeting, 7 pm, discussion of Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried: A Work of Fiction; Sept 19, AM Book Group meeting, 10 am, discussion of Anita Desai’s Baumgartner’s Bombay.Society of Creative Arts of Newtown, Inc. ###SCAN), Newtown Meeting House, Main St, Newtown. Call 426-6654.Meetings 4th Wed/month, 1:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: Sept 26, critique w/ painter ###interpretive realist) Marija Pavlovich McCarthy, members invited to bring one work of art for critique, public invited to hear illuminating 11:29 A11/P11 instructive critique offered.Wednesday Night Poetry Series, Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place ###in former railroad station bldg), Bethel. Call 426-3388 ###Faith Vicinanza), 270-6202 ###Michael Seri), 748-2828 ###BAJ).Series presented ev Wed 7:30-10 pm ###doors open 7 pm, featured poets 8:30 pm, poetry workshop 9:15 pm), adm Nov1 ###Nov3 if out-of-state or major guest poet), guest/featured poets as follows: Sept 19,  the Rev Brandon Brown, poet 11:29 A11/P11 translator, author of “one dismal chapbook,” Fourteen Poems, and 2 produced plays; Sept 26, Mary Elizabeth Lang, CT native returns for full performance ###was featured for “short program” in June), writing teacher @SCSU 11:29 A11/P11 fellow of CT Writing Project, has been writing poetry since age 7; Oct 3, Helen Trubek Glenn.Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr, New Haven. Call 203-787-4282.Mainstage: Arms and the Man, Sept 19-Oct 21, curtain Tues 7 pm, Wed-Fri 8 pm, Sat 8 pm, Sun 7pm, mat Sat 4 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets Nov15-Nov45; Sept 20, Theatre 101, 7 pm, an informative pre-show crash course on the world of theater; Sept 26, Pay-What-You-Can performance, 8 pm; Sept 29, Pay-What-You-Can performance, 4 pm.Ridgefield Theatre Barn, 37 Halpin La, Ridgefield. Call 203-431-9850.Baby, Sept 14-Oct 6, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, tickets Nov15, Nov12 students 11:29 A11/P11 seniors. TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford. Call 860-350-6863.Never Swim Alone and This Is A Play, Sept 21-Oct 13, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, tickets Nov15, Nov13 seniors 11:29 A11/P11 students; Sept 20, free preview for area senior citizens, 8 pm; Sept 27, Pay-What-You-Can performance, 8 pm, name your ticket price.Page-to-Stage Playreading Series: Town Players of Newtown, Little Theatre, theatre is on Orchard Hill Rd ###mailing address is PO Box 211), Newtown. Call 270-9144.The Weir, through Sept 29, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun Sept 23 at 2 pm, all seats Nov10.Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, Westport. Call 203-227-4177.Temporary Help, through Sept 15, curtain Fri-Sat 8:30 pm, Mon-Thurs 8 pm, mat Wed 2 pm, Sat 5 pm, tickets Nov17-Nov48.Yale Repertory Theatre Co., University Theatre, 222 York St, New Haven. Call 203-432-1234.You Never Can Tell, Sept 20-Oct 13 ###previews Sept 20-24, opening night Sept 25), curtain Tues-Sat 8 pm, Mon 7 pm, mat Sat ###except Sept 22) 2 pm, also ###Wed) Oct 10 at 2 pm, tickets Nov22-Nov39; Sept 24, Oct 1 11:29 A11/P11 Oct 8, Pay-What-You-Can performances; Sept 27, pre-performance New Haven Advocate Wine Tasting Party; Sept 29, Family Dollar Matinee, kids tickets Nov1, also free pre-show lunch from Atticus Bookstore Café; Sept 29, Re:Play, post-show discussion w/ artistic team; Oct 12, American Sign Language interpreted performance ###TDD 800-842-9710).