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.

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.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.

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

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.

Through Sept 22, “Beasts, Butterflies & Blossoms,” works by gallery artists.

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.

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).

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.

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

Through Aug 21, “Quiet Reductions,” photographs by George Incandela, who “draws” w/ photographic chemicals so that viewers see brush strokes, highlights & multiple perspectives, and ceramics by Ann Mallory who creates sculptural forms & vessels that focus on the spiritual essence of a subject.

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

*(new show) Aug 17-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 17, opening reception (w/ most artists present), 3-5 pm; 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.

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).

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, multi-media works by Paula Renee, primarily plein-aire paintings by Diane Mesagno & batik paintings by Phyllis Boger; Aug 23, opening reception, 1-5 pm.

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

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

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

Through Aug 29, ceramic work by David Frank.

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.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 15: Danbury Music Centre Summer String Concert, at Rogers Park School, 21 Memorial Dr, Danbury, 7:30 pm, free, Larry Deming & Alison Breisley will conduct student performances from beginners to advanced string players incl an ensemble; 748-1716.

Aug 16: The Riverboat Ramblers at The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, Rte 25, Brookfield Center, 2:30 pm, tickets $20, performance by traditional Dixieland style band that performs in authentic dress & does standard New Orleans walk-around, 30-min intermission will feature an ice cream social; 775-0023.

Aug 16: Trumbull Jazz Festival, Indian Ledge Park, Whitney Ave, Trumbull, 3-9 pm, parking $20/car includes adm, walk-ins $5, headlining performance by Jimmy Heath w/ Tonny Pussone & His Power Jazz Trio, also The Bearcats, Phil Bowler & Pocket Jungle, refreshments; 261-7743.

Aug 16: “MOMIX: The Midsummer Night’s Festival,” Moosehorn Hollow Farm, Roxbury, tickets $175-$500, cocktails, poolside dinner by The Pantry, then performance by company of dancer-illusionists will benefit The Wellspring Foundation; 203-266-8004.

Aug 17: “Pages from The American Songbook,” Minor Memorial Library, 23 South St, Roxbury, 2 pm, free concert by jazz quartet The Fryer/Balaban Swingtet will offer program of works by popular composers incl Gershwin, Porter, Ridgers, Kern & Carmichael; 860-350-2181.

Aug 17: “Marty Rotella: Spirit Power,” The Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, 4:30 pm, tickets $10 adults, $7 students, free ages 10 & under, ecumenical Christian music for everyone performed by Mr Rotella; 203-438-5795.

Aug 18: The Get Back Band at Gate House Café, Rte 172 (on grounds of training school), Southbury, 7 pm, free concert by band that performs from all stages of Beatles career will conclude 2003 IBM/DMR Summer Concert Series, cancelled if rain.

Aug 21: The Afro-Semitic Jazz Experience, Chase Plaza/City Hall Annex, 999 Broad St, Bridgeport, noon, free performance continues 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.

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): Aug 19, Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem, lively combo of swing, jazz, bluegrass & more accompanied by Rani’s fiddling.

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

Summertime Festival 2003/Family Nights, Thurs 6:30 pm, free: Aug 21, John Fogarty;

Summertime Festival 2003, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, free: Aug 15, I-95 Unplugged, acoustic evening of local talent featuring Ethan James, Pat McMinn, Jeffrey Braun, David Brewer & Ethan Carey, plus headliner Joel Cage; Aug 16, One Heart Festival, Christian style acoustic pop/rock, r&b, funk, jazz, rap & gospel by Holyfire, Charlie Hall, Soul Lifters; 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.

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 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.

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 16-17, Musical Fair America, Sat 1-10 pm (music & dance incl jazz, blues, reggae, bluegrass, orchestral, yoga demos, step dancers & more), Sun 1-8 pm (“A Caribbean Carnival” theme w/ music, food vendors, dance demos, costume parades & crafts representative of Caribbean culture); Aug 22, Julio Iglesias, 7:30 pm, tickets $46 & $66 reserved.

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: Aug 20, George Matthew, Jr (from Middlebury College & Norwich Univ, Vt.).

Films _________________

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

Aug 15-21: 28 Days Later (R), daily 9:15 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 4 pm; Dirty Pretty Things (R), daily 7:20 & 9:35 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1, 3:05 & 5:10 pm; Le Divorce (PG-13), daily 7 & 9:25 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:30 & 4:15 pm; Swimming Pool (R), Fri-Tues, Thurs 7:35 & 9:45 pm, Wed 9:45 only, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:10, 3:15 & 5:24 pm; Whale Rider (PG-13), daily 6:50 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:20 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.

Aug 15-21: Anger Management (PG-13), daily 7 & 9 pm, mat Fri-Sun, Thurs 4 pm; Rugrats Go Wild! (PG), mat daily 1 pm.

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

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

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

Hollister Film Series: Movies Through The Century – The 1950s,” free screenings, 1:30 & 7 pm, evening screenings followed by open discussion: Aug 19, The Fixer.

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 21, Back to School Storytime, 11 am, read Natasha Wing’s The Night Before Kindergarten & other books about the first day of school.

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.

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 15, Red Riding Hood.

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 19 & Aug 26.

Miscellaneous ___________

Aug 15: Barnum Museum Audience Participation Murder Mystery Dinner, at Bridgeport Holiday Inn & Conference Center, 1070 Main St, Bridgeport, 6:30 pm, tickets $65 (reservations requested by Aug 11), performance by New York-based Killing Kompany incl “shot in the dark & other diabolical deeds, romance, humor & all-around good fun,” fundraiser to benefit Barnum Museum, mystery between dinner courses; 203-331-1104.

Aug 15-17: 52nd Bridgewater Country Fair, Bridgewater Fairgrounds, Rte 133, Bridgewater, Fri 2-11 pm (annual Firemen’s Parade steps off 6:45), Sat 8 am-11 pm, Sun 8 am-6 pm, adm $6 adults, $5 seniors (Sat-Sun), free ages 12 & under, livestock exhibits, fruit & vegetable exhibits, art exhibit, antique tractor pull (Sat 2:30), garden tractor pull (Sun 1 pm), children’s pedal tractor pull (Sat-Sun 11 am), children’s pet parade, plenty of food, vendors, carnival games & rides; 860-354-4730.

Aug 16: Lillinonah Audubon Society Hike at Pole Bridge Preserve, Newtown (meet at Exit 11 commuter lot to car pool), begins 9 am, leisurely-paced walk w/ just one steep spot will partially explore property recently acquired by town incl open fields, woods & wetlands; 426-2607.

Aug 16: 2nd Annual Antique Auto Show, The Homesteads at Newtown, 166 Mt Pleasant Rd/Rte 6, Newtown, 11 am-2 pm, free admission, members of Packard Club and Model T Club, plus others, will be showing their cars, also music of 1940s-50s, 50/50 raffle, door prizes, proceeds from refreshments sales will benefit Alzheimer’s Association of CT; 426-8118.

Aug 16: Second Annual Hoe Down, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Rte 37 at 39, Sherman, begins 6:30 pm, tickets $15 adults, $8 kids, free ages 6 & under, full chicken dinner, BYOB (set-ups provided), live music by The Country Travelers, square & line dancing, children’s activities, western wear encouraged; 860-354-7266.

Aug 16: “MOMIX: The Midsummer Night’s Festival,” Moosehorn Hollow Farm, Roxbury, tickets $175-$500, cocktails, poolside dinner by The Pantry, then performance by company of dancer-illusionists will benefit The Wellspring Foundation; 203-266-8004.

Aug 17: “Garden Rooms Walk” at Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, 9 Main St North (corner Rte 61 at 132), Bethlehem, 3 pm, $2, site administrator Barbara Bradbury Pope will lead walking exploration of garden/landscape’s different ”rooms” & how the Ferridays divided their landscape into separate areas; 203-266-7596.

Aug 17: “Art in The Park,” Ballard Park, Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 10 am-4 pm rain or shine, free adm, 100+ exhibitors of fine art & crafts, demos by members of Ridgefield Guild of Artists (sponsoring organization), also free children’s art classes; 203-438-8863.

Aug 18: CT Poetry Society/Danbury area chapter meeting at Danbury Public Library, 170 Main St (at corner of West), Danbury, 6-8 pm, free & open to non-members, bring copies of original poems to share or just sit in for critiques, group meets 3rd Mon/month; 790-8073.

Aug 18: Candlewood Art League meeting-program, New Fairfield Library, Brush Hill Rd/Rte 39, New Fairfield, 7-8:30 pm, program on giclee prints & photographing art for portfolio presentation by Bill McCann & Bob Sabin or Putnam Imaging Center, all welcome; 746-9100.

Aug 19: 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 20: Candlewood Valley Knitting Guild meeting, Brookfield Community Center, Pocono Rd, Brookfield, doors open 7 pm, meeting begins 7:30, free & open to anyone interested in knitting, casual knit-in so bring projects, problems, questions, etc; 748-1094, 743-3701, 775-3672.

Aug 20: Housatonic Valley Paddlers Club meeting, Newtown CL&P service center, Barnabas Rd, Newtown, 7 pm, open to anyone interested in rafting in the Housatonic Valley, screening of white water rafting video, also discussion of recent trips & review schedule for upcoming trips; 203-263-3281.

Aug 20-23: 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: 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: “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.

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 20, 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; 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.

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

Programs free unless noted: Aug 15, The Golden Angels Jazz Band concert, 7 pm, concert on library’s back lawn will conclude annual summer concert series (indoors if rain); Aug 19, Mystery Book Club, 7 pm, discussion of Sue Grafton’s C is For Corpse, newcomers always welcome.

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 16, EMS Beginner/Intermediate Hike, 10 am-2 pm, join EMS staff for hike at park, call for registration & details; Aug 23, Beginners’ Hike, 8 am, free, 45-min hike over easy terrain & at easy pace, bring water, pre-registration required (group size limited).

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.

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

SummerStage 2003: Hedwig And The Angry Inch, through Aug 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.

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

Mainstage performances: H.M.S. Pinafore, through Aug 16, curtain Fri-Sun 8:30 (grounds open 7:15), tickets $15 adults, $12 seniors, students & children.

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

Crimes Of The Heart, through Aug 16, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 3 pm, tickets $15 adults, $12 students & seniors, cabaret-style seating (BYO snacks, drinks welcome), doors open one hour before performances.

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.

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.

 

Events that appear by date have Newtown events listed first, with additional events listed by their start time. 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.