Antiques Shows______

Aug 23: 32nd Madison Historical Society Antiques Fair, On the Green, Rte 1, Madison, (9:30 am-4:30 pm rain or shine, adm $3.50, 120 dealers, refreshments; 203-245-0642.

Aug 23-24: 44th Papermania Plus, Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, adm $6 (Sun, senior citizens half price), 150 exhibitors; 860-563-9975, 860-529-2234.

Aug 30-31: Farmington Antiques Weekend, Farmington Polo Grounds, Farmington, 10 am-5 pm, adm $7 Sat (early buying 7 am, $25), $5 Sun, outdoors & under tents, 600± dealers from US & Europe, shipping available; 317-598-0019, (show phone) 860-677-7862.

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.

*(new show) Aug 24-Sept 7, “Radius: Emerging Artists from Connecticut and Southeastern New York,” fifth annual exhibition offering exhibition space for artists who have not yet had a one-person show in an established gallery this year presents black & white photos by Mary Anne Haggerty, paintings by Andrew Prayzner, landscapes by Charlotte Schulz, mixed media abstract works by Rosalie Tisch & sculpture by Matthew Weber; Aug 24, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

Through Aug 31, “A River Half Empty: Artists Engage Connecticut’s Environment,” collaborative exhibition between 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.

Through Aug 31, “Elizabeth Demaray: The 2003 Aldrich Emerging Artist Award Recipient,” sculptures “that make profound connections between science, art & cultural assumptions” by conceptually based sculptor & winner of annual major award from Aldrich.

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

*(new show) Aug 24-Oct 12, “Transcending Process: Contemporary Fiber,” group exhibition developed by guest curator & priminent fiber artist Norma Minkowitz featuring work of 13 artists who embody “a vision of art unified by process, but freed from the traditional use of materials,” works by Carol Beadle, Jerry Bleem, Lia Cook, Olga DeAmaral, Pat Hickman, Kiyomi Iwata, Ferne Jacobs, Tracy Krumm, Jane Lackey, Joan Livingstone, John McQueen, Rebecca Medel & Margo Mensing.

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.

Through 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.

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.

Ruth A. Haas Library, 181 Main St (WCSU main campus), Danbury. Hours: Mon-Thurs 8 am-11 pm, Fri 8 am-4 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 1-9 pm. Call 837-9100.

Through Sept 19, “One Day/One Book,” celebration of Joyce’s most acclaimed work features rare editions of Ulysses treasured for their design, also commemorative stamps from Nat’l Postal Museum, Joyce’s death mask, first-edition volume of Ulysses, more.

Through Sept 28, “The Great Outdoors,” original works & giclee prints by Tom Cooke, Bob Crofut, Robert Ferrucci, Robert Giusti, Michael Patterson, John Spann, John Swatsley & Janine Wesselmann that offer impressionistic, realist, folk art & surrealist looks at each artist’s interpretation of the show’s theme.

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

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).

Jeffrey Weiss Gallery, 2938 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport. Hours: Thurs-Sun 12-5 pm & by appt. Call 203-333-7733.

Through Sept 7, “Seen, Read, Dreamt,” 23 paintings & sculptures by Santa Fe-based artist Holly Wood; Aug 15, special preview, 5-7 pm; Aug 16, opening reception, 5-7 pm.

Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St, Norwalk. Hours: daily 10 am-6 pm. Call 203-852-0700.

Through Sept 7, “The Robot Zoo,” interactive stations offer a chance to experience concepts & adaptations of robots incl giraffe, rhino under construction, 10-foot chameleon, 6-foot house fly, giant squid, & others.

Permanent exhibit: “Sea Turtles,” loggerhead sea turtles in 15,000-gallon habitat, also displays on sea turtle conservation, life history, behavior, migration & latest studies; also “On The Water,” second floor/Maritime Hall exhibit of maritime models & nautical facts offers insight into boats & their origins, plus explanations of nautical terms such as “between the devil & the deep blue sea.”

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.

Ridgefield Guild of Artists (RGA) Gallery, Halpin La, Ridgefield. Hours: Thurs-Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-438-8863.

Through Sept 14, “Women’s Work,” group show by members of Women’s Caucus for Art explores theme of women’s work in various mediums (incl work by Bahijeh Mehri & Virginia Zic of Newtown); Aug 24, Artist Gallery Talk: Barbara Wilk, 3 pm; Aug 31, Artist Gallery Talk: Gloria Reunitz, 3 pm; Sept 7, M.G. Martin, 3 pm; Sept 14, Nina Bentley, 3 pm.

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 Aug 29, “Annual Juried Student Exhibition,” works in various mediums.

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

Through Sept 14, “Zarina Bhimji/MATRIX 150,” film installation by London-based artist who is among contemporary artists whose work addresses themes of memory, loss & vulnerability, bring presented for first time in US.

Through Oct 19, “Wallace Nutting and The Invention of Old America,” celebration of connoisseur who gathered Atheneum’s collection of early American furniture (the largest in the country) & Nutting’s legacy as a tastemaker, cultural critic, photographer & antiquarian; Sept 20, “The Moral Aesthetics of Craftsmanship, 11 am, lecture by Prof Edward S. Cooke, Jr (Yale Univ, prof of American decorative arts) will explore ideas of early 20th C society of Arts & Crafts & the role Nutting played in American Arts & Crafts Movement; Oct 25, “The Maine Event,” 11 am, Prof Carl Little (College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, Me., prof of art history) will talk about the unique role of Maine in the world of art incl influence on Frederic Church & Winslow Homer to Wyeth generations, Hartley, Marin, et al.

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.

Through Aug 31, celebration of painting in oil w/ works by Joseph Byrne (haunting works), Deborah Kahn (abstract works by figuratively trained artist) & Colleen Randall (explorations of space & light).

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.

White Silo Farm Winery & Gallery, 32 Rte 37, Sherman. Hours: Fri-Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 860-355-0271.

*(new show) Aug 23-Sept 7, batik paintings by Phyllis Boger, primarily plein-aire paintings by Diane Mesagno & multi-media works by Paula Renee; Aug 23, opening reception, 1-5 pm.

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.

Through Sept 11, “Summer Series X2,” fine art prints & unique works by Claudia Mengel & Karen Vogel.

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 Aug 29, ceramic work by David Frank.

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  _____

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

Aug 26: Open call for 2003-04 season, seeking adult & teen actors (young leading men & women, character men & women, teenage boys & girls) esp exciting comedians w/ good vocal abilities, 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, prepare 2 songs (1 uptempo, 1 ballad), accompanist provided, bring sheet music, photo & résumé.

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

Openings in all string sections, also various wind & percussion sections, for amateur adult & teen group directed by guest conductor Christopher Hisey, group is preparing for Dec 7 concert to incl works of Rimsky-Korsakoff & Anderson, rehearsals are Wed eves, adm by audition, call for appt.

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

Vacancies in all sections, no auditions, rehearsals are Tues eves, director is Richard Price, group is preparing for Nov 16 performance to incl work of Pinkham, also Song for Athene & O Magnum Mysterium, call music center for details.

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

Openings for performers of violin, viola, cello & bass in intermediate-level string orchestra directed by Glen Lebetkin, rehearsals are Thus eves & begin mid-Sept.

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

Openings for all string sections in group of experienced orchestral performers directed by David Katz, group is preparing for Nov 2 concert called “King of Instruments,” to incl works of Poulenc & Saint-Saens, rehearsals are Mon eves.

Newtown Congregational Church Flea Market, at Fairfield Hills soccer fields, Wassermann Way, Newtown. Call 426-4174 or 426-9024.

Aug 30: Group event seeks tag sale participants, crafters, antiques dealers, local businesses & organizations, baked goods/refreshments vendors for church building/expansion project, spaces $35 each, set-up begins at 7, sale will run 9 am-4 pm.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Aug 24: Caribbean Jam Fest, Went Field, Wordin Ave, Bridgeport, begins 3 pm, free adm, performances by Latin Rhythms Dance Ensemble, Steel Pan Band Jamboree (25+ musicians total) for afternoon of “rocking rhythms, dance tunes & good vibes” will conclude 6th Annual International Performing Arts Summer Sounds of the World series; 203-367-7917.

Aug 24: Dixieland Jazz Party featuring “Fast Eddie” Erickson at The Brookfield Library, 182 Whisconier Rd/Rte 25, Brookfield Center, 4 pm, free concert on library’s lawn (indoors if rain) concludes library’s 2003 Afternoons at The Arbor Concert Series; 775-6241 x104.

Aug 27: Double Play at East Hill Woods auditorium, 611 East Hill Rd, Southbury, 7:15 pm, free concert by world’s only professional tuba-flute dio (flutist Amy Riding & tubaist Patrick Scianella), this year’s “European Cruise” tour features music of Rossini, Handel, Tchaikovsky & Andrew Lloyd Weber, also demos on “hose-horn” & baroque flute & demo by Mr Scianella’s guide dog; 262-6161.

Aug 27-28: “Butterflies & Elephants,” Danbury Music Centre, 256 Main St, Danbury, sugg adm $5, 5 pm (light refreshments 4:30), professional singers incl local debuts will perform w/ Danbury Opera regulars for abbreviated season “matinees,” different performers & selections each day of operatic vignettes, arias & ensembles, also lighter theater music; 203-938-4136, 938-3930.

Aug 28: Music From The Heart at Nunnawauk Meadows community building, 3 Nunnawauk Rd, Newtown, 7-8:30 pm, free concert of standards open to all ages; 426-5000.

Aug 30: Ballroom Dance featuring Dmitri & Svetlana Ostashkin (2002 champions, American Star Ball), Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Park Ave, Bridgeport, 7 pm-midnight, tickets $15, music provided by DJ George Smith, couples & singles welcome, dance lessons at 8 pm, performance by Ostashkins at 9:30, reservations suggested; 203-374-7308.

Sept 5: “An American Showcase: Music from Main Street to Broadway,” Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown, 7:30 pm, adm by donation, family concert by The Community Wind Ensemble of Western CT will feature easily recognized music of Big Bang, march, light classical & stage composers of American music history, proceeds to benefit NCC Building Fund; 426-6148, 426-9024.

Sept 6: NUMC Coffee House, Newtown United Methodist Church’s Rauner Hall, 92 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook, 7:45-10:30 pm, adm $3 for those attending earlier pasta dinner (see details under Miscellaneous), $4 otherwise, live bluegrass & folk music, refreshments, suitable for all ages; 426-0617.

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

Summertime Festival 2003, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, free: Aug 22, The Peter Spink Band, led by singer-songwriter known for his high energy, band delivers acoustic folk-rock sounds of old faves & originals influenced by James Taylor, Jackson Browne & Paul Simon; Aug 23, In Harmony (formerly Harmony Street), New England’s premiere doo wop vocal group; Sept 6, John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band (rain location: Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St); Sept 7, Catholic War Veterans Drum Corps, US Coast Guard Masters of Swing, finalé by Spam Brando.

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: Aug 26, season finalé, Kenny Hamber & Jeral Jackson.

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 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: Aug 22, Julio Iglesias, 7:30 pm, tickets $46 & $66 reserved.

Sherman Chamber Ensemble. Call 860-355-6155.

Ensemble regulars are Eliot Bailen, cello; Susan Rotholz, flute; Jill Levy, violin; & Sarah Adams, viola.

Fri performances @St Andrew’s Church, Main St, Kent; Sat performances @Lake Mauweehoo Clubhouse, Sherman, tickets $20 adults, $15 students & seniors ($10 lawn seats available for Sat performances, free lawn seating for age 12 & under), series tickets $45: Aug 29-30, season finalé to incl Mendelssohn’s String Quartet in A Major, Opus 18, also other music for strings & flute.

Films _________________

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

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

Aug 22-28: X2: X-Men United (PG-13), Fri-Tues 7:30 pm, Wed-Thurs 7 pm, mat Fri-Tues 1 & 4 pm.

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

Through Sept 1: Pulse: A STOMP Odyssey, screenings daily (call for schedule).

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

Free screenings, Sat 1 pm: Aug 23, St Louis Blues.

For Kids & Families _________

Aug 30: The 5th Annual SCE Bluegrass Jamboree, Lake Mauweehoo Clubhouse, Rte 37 at Leach Hollow Rd, Sherman, 2 pm, free children’s concert featuring virtuoso fiddler Paul Woodier & the Sherman Bluegrass All-Stars promises singalong fun for children & adults of all ages, presented by Sherman Chamber Ensemble; 860-355-5930.

Sept 6: Picture Perfect Treehouse Time, Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, 1:30-4:30 pm, $25, children ages 8-12 invited to enjoy story telling, painting & creation of a Treehouse inspired by museum’s current exhibition, call for details, reservations; 203-753-0381.

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

Free public programs: Aug 28, Dinosaur Storytime, 11 am, featuring books by Jane Yolen & illustrated by Mark Teague incl How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon? & How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?

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: Aug 24, Teddy Bear Picnic, 12-3 pm, free adm for ages 12 & under who bring their teddy bears into Teddy Bear Clinic & accompanied by paying adult, also children’s crafts & storytelling.

Sherman Chamber Ensemble, at Lake Mauweehoo Clubhouse, Sherman. Call 860-355-5930.

SCE’s Children & Family Concert Series, performances 2 pm, free educational & entertaining programs that introduce young people to the delight of listening to & making live music: Aug 30.

Tarrywile Park & Mansion, 70 Southern Blvd, Danbury. Call 744-3130.

“Magic Story Hour” Family Series, 11 am-noon, free program w/ storyteller Joyce Marie Rayno: Aug 26.

Miscellaneous ___________

Through Aug 23: Annual St Jude Parish Italian Festival, parish grounds, Rte 110 at 111, Monroe, Wed-Thurs 6-10:30 pm, Fri 6-11 pm, Sat 2-11 pm, free adm, rides, games, 50/50 raffles, live entertainment, Italian specialty foods & carnival-style foods, more; 261-6404.

Aug 23: Tag Sale, First United Methodist Church of Shelton, 188 Rocky Crest Rd (at corner of Long Hill Ave), Shelton, 9 am-2 pm rain or shine (inside, air-conditioned area), misc items & refreshments; 203-929-3537.

Aug 23: 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.

Aug 23: 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.

Aug 23: Gardening Fair, Fairfield County Extension Office, 67 Stony Hill Rd/Rte 6, Bethel, 1-4 pm, free adm, free perennial plant for first 40 visitors, optional perennial plant swap (BYO from home, in pot w/ dirt, trade from others’ offerings), programs by master gardeners, guided tour & discussion of perennial gardens, wildflower ID walk, used horticultural book sale, more; 207-3262.

Aug 23: 41st Annual Beef BBQ, Roxbury Congregational Church, Rte 317, Roxbury, 5:30-7 pm, $11 adults, $8.50 high school students, $6.50 children, free preschool & under, full dinner & homemade desserts; 860-354-7210.

Aug 24: 71st Annual Cannon Grange Agricultural Fair, Grange Hall & grounds, 25 Cannon Rd (off Rte 7), Wilton, 10 am-4 pm rain or shine, adm $2 adults, free ages 12 & under, free parking, judged exhibits & competitions incl baked goods, homegrown fruits & vegetables, crafts & collections, more, tractor display, games/contests, civic & educational exhibits, working oxen show, more; 203-454-0442.

Aug 24: D.E.E. Coin & Collectibles Coin & Paper Money Show, Danbury Sheraton Hotel, 18 Old Ridebury Rd, Danbury, 10 am-4 pm, free adm, 40 tables w/ dealers from Northeast, coins & paper money, also supplies & misc for hobby, limited appraisal services; 746-7531.

Aug 24: 3rd Annual Celebration of the Family Block Party: Woodbury United Methodist Church Southwestern BBQ, 3 Church St, Woodbury, 4:30-7:30 pm, $8 adults, $3.50 children, full dinner of BBQ pulled pork sandwiches w/ sides & desserts, kids’ menu has chicken nuggets, also games; 203-263-4115.

Aug 24: “Peace and Healing: Daily Meditation Practice,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free program by yoga center director Janaki Pierson will be followed by group meditation, tea reception; 203-263-2254.

Aug 26: 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 26: Candlewood Camera Club Kick-Off Meeting, VFW Hall, 5 Byron St, Danbury, 8 pm, open to anyone interested in photography, season-opening program will have info on color photos, BW photos, digital photos & taking better snapshots; 426-3413, 744-0141.

Aug 30: Newtown Congregational Church Flea Market, Fairfield Hills soccer fields, Wassermann Way, Newtown, 9 am-4 pm, free adm, group event w/ tag sale, antiques, crafters, booths by local businesses & organizations, games & entertainment for children, refreshments, etc, fundraiser for church’s building/expansion project, rain date Aug 31 (or Sept 6 if necessary); 426-4174, 426-9024.

Aug 30: “Preserving Weir’s Farm,” Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Rd, Wilton, 11 am, registration required, one-hour walking tour leaving from site’s visitor center will explore national park as a landscape preserved for public to enjoy incl early preservationist movement, the roles of state & federal gov’t, & highlights of past & ongoing Nat’l Park Svc projects; 203-834-1896.

Aug 30: Ballroom Dance featuring Dmitri & Svetlana Ostashkin (2002 champions, American Star Ball), Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Park Ave, Bridgeport, 7 pm-midnight, tickets $15, music provided by DJ George Smith, couples & singles welcome, dance lessons at 8 pm, performance by Ostashkins at 9:30, reservations suggested; 203-374-7308.

Aug 30-31: Brookfield Craft Center’s Annual Student/Faculty Pottery Sale, at BCC, Rte 25 (just above Rte 7), Brookfield, 10 am-4 pm both days, free adm, hundreds of handmade pottery & sculptural clay items by BCC students & faculty members available for purchase, also demos by 20+ artists (Sun only, 1-4 pm); 775-4526.

Sept 2: 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.

Sept 6: NUMC Monthly Pasta Dinner, Newtown United Methodist Church’s Rauner Hall, 92 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook, 5-7:30 pm, adm $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3.50 children, full spaghetti dinner incl salad, desserts, and soft drinks/coffee raises funds each month for church, all welcome, coffee house/musical event follows (see details under Concerts); 426-0617.

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: Aug 24, Butterfly & Dragonfly Walk, 10:30 am, $5, CT Agricultural Experiment Station entomologist Mike Thomas will lead participants through sanctuary’s meadows to find butterflies & dragonflies while also explaining their unique features; Aug 27, Weekly Adult Nature Walk, 9 am (changed recently from Tues to Wed mornings), $5, center staff member/naturalist will lead leisurely-paced walk to explore meadows for wildflowers, dragonflies & butterflies or forests for ferns & mushrooms, meet at Welcome Kiosk.

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

Free public programs: Aug 27, We’re Talking About… Women Authors, 7 pm, monthly book discussion group will talk about Alexandra Fuller’s memoir Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight.

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).

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.

Flanders Nature Center/Van Vleck Farmhouse, Flanders & Church Hill Rd, Woodbury. Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am-5 pm. Call 203-263-3711.

Misc programs: Aug 28, “Everything You Wanted to Know About Growing You Own Garlic… and more,” 7-8:30 pm, $10, program by Sacred Organics founder Joshua Rapport, registration suggested (seating limited).

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: Aug 27, watercolors program by Lalit Masih.

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.

Tarrywile Park & Mansion, 70 Southern Blvd, Danbury. Call 744-3130.

Aug 23, Beginners’ Hike, 8 am, free, 45-min hike over easy terrain & at easy pace, bring water, pre-registration required (group size limited); Aug 30, Difficult Hike, 8:45 am, 4½-hour hike over difficult terrain & at steady pace (recommended for ages 12 & over), lunch stop, bring water, pre-registration required (group size limited); Aug 30, Beginners’ Hike, 8 am, free, 45 min hike over easy terrain & at easy pace, bring water, pre-registration required (group size limited); Aug 30, Intermediate Hike, Intermediate Hike, 8:45 am, 2½-hour hike over moderate terrain & at steady pace (recommended for ages 12 & over), water & small snack recommended, pre-registration required (group size limited); Aug 31, Difficult Hike, 8 am, 4½-hour hike over difficult terrain & at steady pace (recommended for ages 12 & over), lunch stop, bring water, pre-registration required (group size limited).

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 ______________

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

Meshuggah-Nuns! Aug 22-Oct 19, curtain Fri 8 pm, Sat 5:30 & 8:30 pm, Sun 5:30 pm, tickets $34-$42, senior discounts ($25, 5:30 shows), group & rush discounts also available.

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.

A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, Oct 10-Dec 14, 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.

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

West Side Story, through Aug 30, curtain Fri (Aug 1 & 29 only) & Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 3 pm, tickets $18 adults, $16 seniors & students.

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

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.

Lives of The Saints (David Ives one-acts), Sept 5-27, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (Sept 21 only) 2 pm, tickets $12 evening shows, $10 mat; production will offer Ives’ The Mystery at Twicknam Vicarage, Captive Audience & Lives of The Saints.

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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 .