Antiques Shows    _________________________

March 12-13: Connecticut Spring Antiques Show, CT Expo Center, 265 Rev Moody Overpass, Hartford, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-4 pm, adm $10, 70+ exhibitors; 860-345-2400.

March 20: Northwest CT Antiques & Collectibles Show, NW Region 7 School, Rte 444 at Rte 8, Winsted, 9:30 am-4 pm (early buying 8:30 am, $10), $6, verbal appraisals ($6, no firearms), refreshments, sponsored by New Hartford Lions Club, proceeds to benefit local charities & scholarships; 860-489-9188.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places ___________________________

Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-4533.

In first floor display cases: Through March 31: “Penguins on Parade,” penguin dolls & figures of all sizes, also books, slippers & other items featuring the aquatic birds, all from the personal collection of Miss Mia Hochstetler.

Gallery at The Historic Arcade Mall, 1001-12 Main St, Bridgeport; 203-522-4154.

*(new show) Through April 8: “Paper or Plastic?” works by William Corprew, Mark DeRosa, Diane DiMassa, Jahmane, Richard Killeaney, Marcella Kovac, Philip Lique, Alan Neider & Rita Vally, who appropriate, reference & harness materials, branding strategies, symbols & themes found in consumer culture, juxtaposed w/ images of historic figures (such as Jahmane’s “MLBK Jr” or “Malcolm Exxon”).

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

Through March 28: “Recent Works in Oil & Pastel,” loosely representational landscape paintings by Ariane Luckey.

Through March 28: “Stars and Stripes: new work by Patricia Brace,” new work by grad student who uses craft & minimalism to align concepts of American patriotism & feminism.

Housatonic Community College, 900 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport.

Burt Chernow Galleries/Housatonic Museum of Art: Through March 25: “It’s For You: Conceptual Art and The Telephone,” response to wide-ranging use of phones in hallways & other areas of campus celebrated through artworks that use the phone as an artistic medium or mediator incl sound pieces, videos & objects that resonate w/ functions, technologies & physicality of the telephone.

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

The Artist’s Corner (in Museum Shop, can be visited without paying full museum adm): Through March 30: Northeastern woodland crafts by Monica “Little Flower” Alexander, a self-taught porcupine quill & bead artist of Mi’Kmaq & Metis descent.

Kent Art Association, The Gallery at KAA, 21 South Main St/Rte 7, Kent; 860-927-3989.

*(new show) March 20-April 10: “KAA Member Show I,” original representational & non-representational work by members of KAA; March 19, Artist’s Talk: Patricia Broun, 10 am, presentation by Ms Broun; March 20, opening reception, 1-5 pm; March 26, awards reception, 2-4 pm (awards announced at 3).

Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury; 203-753-0381.

Through March 25: “Suburban Dreams: Middlebury in the 20th Century,” survey of historic sites & buildings in Middlebury combined w/ links between industrial leaders of Naugatuck Valley & growth of Middlebury from farm town into Valley suburb.

Through March 30: “Quiet Spirit, Skillful Hand: The Graphic Work of Clare Leighton,” works by the CT artist (1898-1989) who was a leading figure in the revival of the art of wood engraving in early 20th Century.

Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro, 97 South Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-0805.

Through April 17: “Edge of Reality: Recent Paintings by Virginia Zic,” new works ranging from semi-abstract garden images to abstract landscape views by the Newtown artist.

Auditions, Juried Event _       ________________

Clear The Clutter Tailgate Tag Sale, at Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen Street, Newtown; 203-426-1035.

March 26: Deadline to register in advance for tag sale being organized by Newtown Woman’s Club Inc., to run 8 am-4 pm, parking spaces to be used as space markers, $25/adv fee ($35/day of, cash only), residents & organizations invited to clean closets, basements, attics, etc & sell off whatever they can, unsold items must leave w/ vendors at end of day (nothing to be left on school grounds), proceeds to benefit club’s philanthropic efforts, mail checks w/ note of vehicle size (up to small SUV can use one space; large SUVs, vans & trucks will need to reserve 2 spaces) & license plate to Newtown Woman’s Club GFWC Inc, PO Box 101, Newtown CT 06470, contact Anna Wiedemann at above phone # for details & addt’l info.

Koenig FrameWorks, 97 South Main St, Newtown; 203-270-1887.

March 21-23: Receiving dates for “Small Works,” seeking sm original works (no more than 12 united [length plus width] inches; sculpture & 3-D no more than 6x6x6”) in acrylic, oil, watercolor, mixed media, pen & ink, charcoal, pastel, sculpture, etchings & monoprints for show to run April 1-23, opening reception April 1, artists must be age 18 or up, entry fee $5 for first work, $3 each addt’l work (up to 5 allowed), visit KoenigFrameWorks.com for full prospectus & entry form.

Musicals at Richter, at The Melrose School, 120 Federal Rd, Brewster; 203-748-6873.

March 18-20: Season auditions for high school, college & adult performers, Fri 7-10 pm, Sat 2-6 pm, Sun 12-4 pm, prepare 2 Broadway show tunes (uptempo & ballad), bring sheet music in proper key & be prepared to dance & read, accompanist to be provided, season to incl Gypsy (July 16-July 2), Sweeney Todd (July 7-23) & Oliver! (July 28-Aug 13), also seeking performers for Fairy Tale Theater (hour-long daytime shows for younger audiences by youth ensemble), visit MusicalsAtRichter.org for full show descriptions & cast breakdowns.

March 19: Open auditions for ages 8-15, 10 am-1 pm, incl casting for featured roles in Gypsy, no openings in this age group for Fairy Tale Theater this year, visit MusicalsAtRichter.org for full show descriptions & cast breakdowns.

Town Players of Newtown, The Little Theatre, 18 Orchard Hill Rd, Newtown; 203-270-9144.

March 20-21: Auditions for Cash On Delivery!, Sun 7:30-9 pm, Mon 7-9 pm, director Gene Golaszewski has openings for 6 men (ages 30-75) & 4 women (ages 25-65) for its season opening production of Michael Cooney’s British farce, performances to be May 6-22, visit NewtownPlayers.org for addt’l info.

Concerts, Musical Events     _______________

March 19: Christine Lavin at Flagpole Radio Café, Edmond Town Hall theater, 45 Main St, Newtown, 7 pm, $18, $15 students & senior citizens, singer, songwriter & raconteur will headline evening of live music & radio style comedy sketches to also feature Jim Allyn & The Radio Café Orchestra and Flagpole Shakespeare Repertory Theatre, hosted by Chris Teskey; 203-364-0898.

March 20: Peter Fletcher at The Brookfield Library, 182 Whisconier Rd/Rte 25, Brookfield Center, 3 pm, free performance by classical guitarist to incl works of J.S. Bach, Dowland, Albeniz, Villa-Lobos, et al; 203-775-6241 x104.

March 23: Love & Knishes: The Annual Irish-Jewish Mishmash, The Jewish Federation, 444 Main St North/Rte 6, Southbury, lunch at noon, program follows, suggested donation $9.50, $7.50 seniors, lunch will be followed by music by singer & guitarist Pierce Campbell, reservations requested by March 21; 203-267-3177 x105.

March 26: Monthly ballroom dance, Holy Trinity Green Church Community Center, 4070 Park Ave, Bridgeport, 7 pm-midnight, $17, free dance lesson (8 pm), singles & couples welcome, performance by 5-time Bulgarian Professional Latin Dance Champions Plamen Danailov & Tina Gerova (9 pm), complimentary snacks; 203-374-7308.

March 27: 2nd Annual Little House That Roared Concert: Tom Chapin & Friends, Newtown High School, 12 Berkshire Rd/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, family friendly concert by multi-Grammy Award winning folk singer-songwriter will also incl performances by Daria Musk, Sam Weiser, Katie McMorran, Yossi Kohrman-Glaser, The XY Chromatones, Korey Brodsky, Jake Tolson & Alex Lampel; 203-426-5188.

Newtown Friends of Music, at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown; 203-426-6470.

Concerts at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 3 pm, tickets $20, free ages 5-14 w/ ticket-holding adult, reception follows performances: March 20, Hugo Wolf Quartett, works of Haydn, Wolf & Beethoven.

For Kids & Families ______________________

March 20: Annual Purim Carnival, Congregation Adath Israel, 115 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown, 11:30-2 pm, $10/child, $15/2 children, $25/family, Purim carnival games & activities incl bowling, basketball, fishing, car racing, bean bag toss, dinosaur operation & more, also face painting ($2), refreshments, children’s costumes encouraged, all welcome; 203-426-5188

New Pond Farm, 101 Marchant Road, West Redding; 203-938-2117.

For Ages 4-5 & Adult (programs 1:15-2 pm, $8/child): March 22, Celebrate Spring Hike, celebrate spring by looking & listening for signs & sounds of the new season.

Miscellaneous ____________________________

March 19: St Thomas’ Book Fair, St Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 95 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, 9 am-2 pm, gently used books, all $1 or less; 203-743-1494.

March 19-20: 2011 Spring Home Show Event, Spector Furniture & Home Décor, 385 Main St, Ansonia, Sat 9 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, free, local artists will offer ongoing demos, vendors, interior design contest; 203-734-2525.

March 20: Open House & Spinning Wheel Demonstrations, Matthew Curtiss House, 44 Main St, Newtown, 12-4 pm, free tours of Newtown Historical Society’s headquarters led by docents, also ongoing demonstrations by Fiona Fine of using a spinning wheel; 203-426-5937.

March 22: “Hello, My Garden,” C.H. Booth Library meeting room, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 1 pm, free program by gardener & author Colleen Plimpton hosted by The Garden Club of Newtown; 203-512-7320.

March 25: Friday Fish Fry, St Rose of Lima Gathering Hall, 42 Church Hill Rd, Newtown, 5-8 pm,  $8, $5 child ($30 max/family), Lenten meal of fresh fish & French fries prepared by Knights of Columbus, also April 1; 203-426-1014.

March 25-26: Friends of Ridgefield Library Paperback Book Sale, Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, Fri 10 am-5 pm, Sat 9 am-5 pm, nothing more than 50¢, no children’s books; 203-438-9777.

March 26: Spring Into Auction, The Alexandria Room at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7-11 pm, $45 (incl hors d’oeuvres, drinks & desserts), largest annual fundraiser by Head O’Meadow School PTA will offer approx 100 items incl gift certificates for goods & services, unique items created for the event & more; 203-426-6590, 203-426-7743.

March 27: Newtown Spring Welcome Craft Fair, Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 11 am-5 pm, free adm, fine area crafters; 203-261-2414.

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-4533.

March 22, “Artscapades: Impressionism & Post-Impressionism —From Paris to Cos Cob,” 7 pm, first of 3-part appreciation lecture series to focus on French & American Impressionists; March 23, “The Ropes of Life” Book Group, 7:30 pm, discussion led by Julie Stern concerning The Great Gatsby (new date) newcomers welcome; March 24, Literature and Life: The Dubliners, part two, 7 pm, discussion about James Joyce’s collection of short stories led by Yale College Assoc Dean Mark Schenker, registration required; March 29, “Artscapades: Impressionism & Post-Impressionism —From Paris to Cos Cob,” 7 pm, second of 3-part appreciation lecture series to focus on French & American Impressionists.

Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-2475.

March 19, Flagpole Radio Café feat Christine Lavin, 7 pm (knitting circle 6 pm), $18, $15 students & seniors, see addt’l info in Concerts listing above.

March 20, Hugo Wolf Quartett concert, 3 pm, $20, free ages 5-14 w/ ticket-holding adult, works of Haydn, Wolf & Beethoven.

(FILM) March 18-24: Tangled (PG), Fri 7 & 9 pm, Sun-Thurs 7 pm, mat Tues 1 pm.

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

March 19, Maple Sugaring Festival, 11 am-3 pm, $8, $6 children/adv, $10, $8 children/day of, enjoy fresh pancakes w/ local maple syrup, coffee & orange juice (11 am-1 pm), ongoing demos of how Native Americans traditionally made syrup & its importance to their culture, children’s activities (1-3).

New Pond Farm, 101 Marchant Road, West Redding; 203-938-2117.

Evening workshops, 7-8:30 pm: March 23, “Connecticut’s Bald Eagles,” $12 ($10 members), join raptor Larry Fischer as he recounts history of the bald eagle in CT, from near extirpation in 1950s to current populations, through slide show & anecdotes; March 30, Wool Soap, $12 ($10 members), workshop on the simple & forgiving craft of wet felting, bring a bar of yr favorite soap, other materials supplied.

Newtown Chess Club, at C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-4533.

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

Newtown Hikers. Call 203-788-1398 (Ester Nichols), 203-270-4340 (Newtown Parks & Rec).

Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 10 am, free, all welcome (children must be accompanied), bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders (in parentheses) as follows: March 19, Four Lakes, Oxford (Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025); March 26, Southford Falls Park, Southbury (Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025 — call Tim for hike info and food coordination).

Newtown Toastmasters, Town Hall South Parks & Recreation Conference Room, 3 Main St, Newtown; 203-313-5507.

Local chapter (NewtownToastmasters.FreeToastHost.cc) of nat’l/international organization meets 1st & 3rd Wed/month, guests & newcomers welcome: next meeting April 6.

Newtown VNA Thrift Shop, Edmond Town Hall (lower level, use rear parking lot), 45 Main Street, Newtown; 203-270-4377.

Shop is open every Wed 12-3 pm & Sat 9 am-noon, discounted items from local businesses & private donors incl clothing  &  sm home accessories.

Society of Creative Arts of Newtown, Inc. (SCAN), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-6654.

Programs 4th Wed/month, 1:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: March 23, watercolor painting by Lou Bonamarte.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-6224 (ask for Betty) or 203-264-3728 (ask for Krista).

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

Treehouse Comedy Productions; 203-702-7577.

Shows at Savin Rock Roasting Company, 946 Ferry Blvd, Stratford, 9 pm, $15 unless noted: March 18, Nick DiPaolo headlining, w/ special guest Joe List; March 26, Johnny Rizzo headlining, Ellen Karis opening, tickets $17.50.

Wednesday Night Poetry Series, at The Garage (Newtown teen center), 53 Church Hill Rd, Newtown. Call 203-426-6242, 203-364-0631.

Open mic 7:30 pm, featured poet at 8:45, poetry editing workshop follows featured poet: March 23, Jackie Sheeler; March 30, Glen River.

Theatre__________________________________

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

Nunset Boulevard: The Nunsense Hollywood Bowl Show, March 25-April 17, curtain Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 5:30 & 8:30 pm, Sun 5:30 pm, tickets $39.50.

Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin La, Ridgefield; 203-431-9850.

Parade, through April 2, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm (March 20 & 27), $26, $22 students & seniors.

Seven Angels Theatre, Hamilton Park Pavilion, Plank Rd, Waterbury; 203-757-4676.

Boeing Boeing, through April 10, contact theater for schedule, tickets $29-$37.50; March 24, Beer & Pizza Night; April 1, Sweet Maria’s Night.

Stray Kats Theatre Company, Edmond Town Hall Alexandria Room, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-514-2221.

Staged readings, 7:30 pm, $25 (season subscription available), Q&A w/ actors & reception follows: April 8, Fibber McGee & Molly

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

Talk Radio, through March 19, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm, tickets $20; recommended for mature audiences only.

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

DEADLINE INFORMATION

Press releases for Enjoy must be received by MONDAY NOON for publication in that week’s edition of The Newtown Bee. Send to Associate Editor Shannon Hicks, Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470, or shannon@thebee.com.