Antiques Shows______

July 12: 30th Annual Madison Antiques Show, Madison Green, Rte 1, Madison, 9 am-4 pm rain or shine, donation $3.50, free age 10 & under w/ adult, 100+ dealers, refreshments; 203-421-3241.

July 12-13: Sixth Annual Wethersfield Glass Show, Pitkin Community Center, 30 Greenfield St, Wethersfield, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-4 pm, adm $4; 860-257-3647.

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.

Through July 13, “Portrait Gallery,” sculpted portraits of the heads of artists, critics & art dealers by Nina Levy, w/ all portraits suspended roughly eye-level from the ceiling.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

July 19, Mid-Summer’s Eve Art Festival, 3-9 pm, special one-day art show & reception to celebrate artists & the beauty they create, event will feature ongoing demos in watercolor, acrylic & oil painting, also pottery demos.

Flanders Nature Center Welcome Center, Church Hill at Flanders Rd, Woodbury. Call 203-263-3711.

Through July 31, “Picture Perfect: Natalie Van Vleck,” paintings & other works by Natalie Van Vleck, founder of Flanders, in direct response to the beauty she found on her land, in its buildings, & in the animals & people surrounding her, complements Mattatuck Museum’s major summer exhibition.

ood 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.

Gregory James Gallery, Bank Street Plaza, 27 Main St, New Milford. Hours: Tues-Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-4 pm. *note: this is gallery’s new location & hours.  Call 860-354-3436.

Through July 13, “New Work,” 40 brand-new works incl oil landscapes by Christopher M. Magadini.

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.

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).

Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave/Rte 34, Derby. Call 734-2513.

*(new show) Through July 3, “Wildlife in Watercolors,” watercolor paintings by Alice Fredericks.

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

*(new show) July 12-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; July 12, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

New Britain Museum of American Art, 56 Lexington St, New Britain. Hours: Tues, Thurs-Fri & Sun 12-5 pm, Wed 12-7 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm. Museum Highlights Tour offered each Sun at 2 pm. Call 860-229-0257.

Through July 13, “Winslow Homer’s America,” the complete collection of 220 woodcuts creater by Homer early in his career as an illustrator (age 21-39), plus 20± watercolors & oils from later in career.

Ridgefield Community Center/The Lounsbury House, 316 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield. Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm. Call 203-438-6962.

Through July 17, “The Ordinary Is Extraordinary,” recent paintings by Janno (nee Jannette McLaughlin).

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 July 20, “The Extended Portrait,” group show portraying self exploration, from traditional to abstract self-portraits, juried by Nancy Hall Duncan & incl work of Adam Niklewicz (of Sandy Hook), et al.

Through July 20, “Director’s Choice: Debra Schaffer – Images in Dimension,” three-D mixed media photo collage works by Ms Schaffer.

Weston Library, 58 Norfield Rd, Weston. Hours: Mon-Tues, Thurs-Fri 11:30 am-1:30 pm, Wed 4-7 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Call 203-222-2656.

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

Wilton 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; July 11, opening reception, 5-7 pm.

Yale Center For British Art, 1080 Chapel St (at High St), New Haven. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-432-2800.

Through July 20, “Bill Brandt: A Retrospective,” major touring exhibition spans Brandt’s photographic career w/ 155 vintage gelatin prints from Bill Brandt Archive in London; July 17, exhibition tour, 11 am; July 19, architectural tour of YCBA, 11 am; July 19, exhibition tour, noon.

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; July 12, YCBA introductory tour, 11 am; July 12, exhibition tour, noon; July 24, exhibition tour, 11 am.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, Rte 25, Brookfield Center. Call 775-0023.

July 14-15: Open auditions for Neil Simon’s The Prisoner Of Second Avenue, 7-9 pm both days, director Suzanne Kinnear is seeking 2 men & 4 women, production dates are weekends Sept 5-25, co-producers are Christa & John Jenson.

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

Theatre is accepting pictures and résumés from adult & teen actors (young leading men & women, character men & women, teenage boys & girls) for 2003-04 season, 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.

Seven Angels Theatre, Hamilton Park, Plank Rd, Waterbury. Call 203-591-8223 x24.

July 12: Auditions for 5th Annual Comedy Festival, by appt only (call Jessica Grover at # above for appt), must have 5 minutes of material prepared, video submissions accepted by July 1 (call for details), open to professional & non-professional, male & female, accepting all comic acts (stand-up, impressionists, comedy prop acts), July 12 early auditions followed by 8 pm performance to audience, semifinals on July 18 before audience, July 26 Laugh Off performance will be before audience & taped for CPTV, cash prizes & bookings awarded.

Town Players, The Little Theatre, Orchard Hill Rd, Newtown. Call 270-9144.

July 13-14: Auditions for Lives of The Saints, Sun 2-4 pm, Mon 7-9, open auditions for ensemble cast of off-beat comedy to be presented weekends Sept 5-27, directors are Mary Poile and Rob Pawlikowski.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

July 12: 29th Annual Pickin’ & Fiddlin’ Contest, Hurlburt Park, Apple La, Roxbury (follow signs from Rte 67), starts 5 pm, spectator adm $10, judged competitions in old-time fiddle, old-time banjo, mandolin, trick & fancy fiddle, finger & flat picking, open guitar, more, youth & senior awards, no electric instruments, refreshments available, children’s arts & crafts, vendors; 860-354-7210, 860-350-3228..

July 12: Vance Gilbert at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, tickets $17.50, gates open 6 pm, opening set by Kim & Reggie Harris begins 6:45 pm, Gilbert’s set begins 7:30, annual ZooFolk series continues w/ contemporary folk superstar headlining, concerts outdoors (in Carousel Museum if rain), picnics welcome (no alcohol allowed in park); 203-394-6565.

July 15: The Al Thomson Big Band at Ashlar of Newtown/Lockwood Lodge, 139 Toddy Hill Rd, Newtown, 7 pm, free concert of music from the Big Band era, bring blankets or chairs for seating, all welcome; 426-5847.

July 20: BridgeFest: A Celebration of Cultural Diversity, Washington Park, corner Washington & Barnum Aves, Bridgeport, begins 2 pm, free adm, ethnic heritage festival w/ musicians, dancers & food from Puerto Rico, India, Portugal, Africa & Ireland, part of 6th Annual International Performing Arts Summer Sounds of the World sereis; 203-367-7917.

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

Stage A/Performance Art & Music Series, performances 8 pm: July 11, Andy Stochansky, tickets $20, pop-rock performance by former Ani DiFranco drummer now supporting his own “richly melodic & ambient pop sound” release, Five Star Motel.

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: July 18, Washboard Slim & The Blue Lights; Aug 15, The Golden Angels Jazz Band.

CHIRP 2003 (Concert Happenings In Ridgefield’s Parks), Ballard Park, off Main Street/Rte 35, Ridgefield..Call 203-431-2760.

Free concerts (donations gratefully accepted & used to pay performers’ fees, also series scheduling, park maintenance, etc), performances 7 pm, rain location is Temple Shearith Isreal (400 Main St): July 15, Billy Jonas, solo performer w/ original songs & makeshift instruments “magnetizes audiences of all ages”; July 22, Lunasa, all-star quintet combines traditional Irish instrumentation w/ “jazz-flecked, percussive groove.”

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

Summertime Festival 2003/Family Nights, Thurs 6:30 pm, free: July 17, Island Rhythm Extravaganza, rhythms of calypso, steel drums & beach party music; July 24, Celtic Cross, Danbury-based pipe & drum corps offers Irish & Scottish tunes in “true spirit of Celtic tradition.”

Summertime Festival 2003, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, free: July 11, Meia Agua, Brazilian group performs samba, bossa nova & authentic native rhythms; July 12, Cinema, 70s classics & progressive rock (rain location Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St); July 18, The Danbury Brass Band, 24 professional musicians offer unique repertoire of diverse musical periods & styles incl military suites, marches & jazz; July 19, Lenahan, “one of top Celtic rock bands in the world” (The Washington Post; **rain location Rogers Park School, 21 Memorial Dr).

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: July 22, Jim Scianna Trio, also featuring saxophonist Carem Leggio & pianist Mack Templeton.

Ives Concert Park, WCSU westside campus, University Blvd, Danbury. Call 837-9226 (or TicketMaster, 744-8100).

2003 Summer Concert Series, tickets $3 higher day of show, all shows $26 for adult/lawn (unless noted), $11 children/lawn, children ages 2 & under free/lawn: July 12, Hall & Oates, 8 pm, tickets $41 & $56 reserved; July 18, An Evening with Kenny Loggins, 7:30 pm, tickets, $46 & $61 lawn.

Merryall Center for the Arts, Chapel Hill Rd (off Merryall Rd), New Milford. Call 860-354-7264.

Performances 8:30 pm (unless noted), tickets $15, season tickets available: July 12, master guitarists Joel Brown & Edward Flower, post-performance reception.

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: July 11-12, guest pianist Todd Crow & clarinetist Jo-Ann Sternberg will join ensemble for season opening performance of Brahms’s Trio, Opus 114 & Olivier Messiaen’s Quartet for The End of Time.

Southbury Green, 775 Main St South, Southbury.

6th Annual Summer Concert Series, 6-8 pm at the gazebo, free, postponed if rain: July 17, The Kenny Lee Band, 5 musicians perform variety of music.

St James Church Wednesday Carillon Concert Series, St James Episcopal Church, 25 West St, Danbury. Call 748-3561.

Concerts by guest performers on church’s Bulkley Carillon, seating on church lawn (bring blankets, low chairs), performances 12:30 pm rain or shine, picnics welcome: July 16, Adolph Rots (of Appingedam, Veendam & Winschoten, The Netherlands).

Films _________________

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

July 11-17: The Man on The Train (R, French w/ subtitles), daily 9:45 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 3:15 pm; Spellbound (G), daily 7:25 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:10 & 5:20 pm; Whale Rider (PG-13), daily 7 & 9:25 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:30 & 4 pm; Winged Migration (G), daily 7:15 & 9:35 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1, 3:05 & 5:10 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.

Through July 13: Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (PG-13), daily 7 pm, mat daily 1 pm.

July 14-22: Chicago (PG-13), daily 7 & 9:10 pm, mat daily 1 pm, also Sat-Sun 4 pm.

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

Through July 15, Maritime Aquarium 15th Anniversary IMAX Film Fest, screenings 3:30 pm: July 11, Everest (1998); July 12, Mysteries of Egypt (1999); July 13, Amazon (2000); July 14, Journey into Amazing Caves (2001); July 15, Shackleton’s Antarctic Adventure (2002).

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: July 15, Breakfast at Tiffany’s; Aug 19, The Fixer.

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

 “Photographers On Film” series, free screenings, 2 pm: July 12, The Year of Living Dangerously (1982, PG); July 19, The Governess (1988, R).

For Kids & Families _________

July 19: The Mighty Mysterious Megapuff by The Cosacomicakids, at The Performance Space, 55 West St, New Milford, performances 11:30 am & 2:30 pm, al tickets $6, “delightful & fantastic journey for all ages told w/ masks, puppets, music, song & more”; 860-210-1444.

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

Free public programs: July 13, Miffy Visit, 3:30 pm, meet the white rabbit & hear readings of some of her stories; July 17, Lost and Found Storytime, 11 am, stories about finding things incl Barroux’s Where’s Mary’s Hat?

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

July 12, Puppet Sale, 10 am-4 pm, as part of Friends of Library’s annual book sale CT puppetmaker Fred Reidy will have handmade puppets ranging from $5 for finger puppets & up; July 17, Scrapbooking For Teens, 6:30-8 pm, area students in grades 6-12 invited to hands-on workshop where they will learn how to create safe & beautiful environment for photos & memorabilia, bring photos (no Polaroids & no valuable originals that cannot be replaced), materials provided, registration requested.

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

Free programs (unless specified): July 17, World Wise Story Time: Grasslands, 11 am-noon (registration required, class size limited), guest readers Philomena Conti & Rabiya Ansari will offer stories focusing on habitats around the world; July 22, Young Adults Poetry Workshop, 3-4:30 pm, ages 10 & up (or entering 5th grader or higher) will work w/ published poet Thalia Marakas on what poetry is, its problems & potential solutions, all levels of writers welcome, limited to 15 participants, registration mandatory.

Musicals at Richter Fairy Tale Theatre, at Wooster School, Ridgebury Rd, Danbury. Call 748-6873.

Off-site series by Musicals at Richter’s young actors’ ensemble, grounds open 10:30 (crafts offered), performances 11 am, all tickets $5, BYO blankets/seats: July 12, The Frog Princess; July 19, Selections from Aesop’s Fables.

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): July 11, The Frog Princess; July 18, Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs.

Miscellaneous ___________

July 11: Brookfield Philatelic Society meeting, Brookfield Community Center, Pocono Rd, Roxbury, 7:30 pm, open to anyone interested in stamp collecting, guest speaker Kenneth Kutz will present “Unique Postal Covers” program, circuit books & club materials available; 792-0341.

July 11-12: 13th Annual Appalachian Fair, Holy Trinity Church, Rte 37, Sherman Center, Fri 12-8 pm, Sat 10 am-2 pm, free adm, handmade crafts, woven baskets, rugs, wooden items, toys, quilted items, hand thrown pottery, etc direct from Appalachian region, all proceeds are returned to crafters; 860-210-0174.

July 12: 9th Annual Historic House & Garden Tour, Newtown & Sandy Hook, 11 am-5 pm, tickets $20, privately-owned homes and “secret gardens” will be open to ticket-holders for walking tours, maps provided, presented by Newtown Historical Society; 426-5937.

July 12: Annual Green Fair, on the green, Rte 47, Washington Green, 10 am-2 pm, free adm, silent auction, White Elephant Walkway, books, crafts, gift shop, plants, baked goods, BBQ pit & more, presented by First Congregational Church; 860-868-0569.

July 12: The River Ramble: Fun in the Sun on the Banks of the Five Mile River, Wilton, 11 am-3 pm (rain date July 13), pony rides, face painting, games & dunk tank, extensive silent auction, also live auction, refreshments (incl raw bar), live music, more, major fundraiser for Rowayton Civic Assn; 203-899-0448, 203-838-7887.

July 12-13: Summerfest Crafts Faire, Cannondale Field, Rte 7 at Cannon Rd, Wilton, Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 11 am-4 pm, rain or shine event will feature crafters from region, also face painting & visits w/ Gammie The Clown, presented by Artisans Alliance; 749-0863.

July 12-13: Danbury Railroad Station 100th Anniversary, Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury, 10 am-6 pm both days, celebration of museum’s current home & its former use w/ family fun, rides on classic train, caboose, RDC & turntable, view engines, antique military vehicles & other exhibits, ice cream tasting, magic show, clowns, more; 778-8337.

July 12-13: 2nd Annual Parade of Ponds, Sat 9 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, $20, self-guided weekend tour of water gardens in Fairfield, Litchfield, Westchester, Putnam & Duchess counties will also be benefit for Family & Children’s Aid, tour booklets & maps w/ paid adm or reservations; 790-6700.

July 12-13: Friends of Bethel Public Library Annual Book Sale, Bethel Municipal Center, 1 School St, Bethel, 10 am-4 pm both days (early buying Sat 8 am, $10), free adm, wide variety of subjects, also books on tape, music CDs, computer software, videos & more, proceeds benefit library’s expansion project, programming & acquisitions (also on Sat 10-4, Puppet Sale by Fred Reidy, handmade hand puppets from $5 for finger puppets & up); 794-8756.

July 13: DEE Coin & Collectibles Coin & Sportcard Show, Sheraton Hotel, 18 Old Ridgebury Rd, Danbury, 10 am-4 pm, free adm, 50+ tables manned by dealers from across Northeast; 746-7531.

July 13: Summer Psychic Fair, Radisson Hotel, Mill Plain Rd, Danbury, 11 am-6 pm, free adm, area psychics, clairvoyants, astrologers & gemstone readers, also vendors, energy balancer Jean Hacker, pet psychic Donna Velardi (bring photos, not animals); 792-2939.

July 13: “Daily Meditation: Coming Home to Kindness, Compassion and Tolerance” at Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free program by guest speaker Janaki Pierson (founder of yoga center) will be followed by group meditation & tea reception; 203-263-2254.

July 17: “Gregory Peck: His Own Man,” Pomperaug Woods auditorium, 80 Heritage Rd, Southbury, 3 pm, free screening of program by veteran filmmaker Gene Feldman on the life & career of the late film star will be followed by discussion of Mr Feldman’s work as a producer, his work on the Peck film & off-camera experiences; 262-6555.

July 18-19: St Thomas’ Episcopal Church Annual Colossal Tag Sale, 95 Greenwood Ave/Rte 302, Bethel, 9:30 am-1 pm both days; 743-1494.

July 18-19: Railroad Museum of New England Summer Railroad Art Festival, RMNE’s Thomaston Station, East Main St, Thomaston, Fri 7-9 pm (gala opening, call for details), Sat 10 am-4 pm, free adm, railroad-themed display of works by artists working in variety of mediums, lesson by railroad artist Robert Hauschild on painting RR theme (Sat 11:30-1), excursion trains depart 1 & 3 pm Sat (adults $10, seniors $9, ages 3-12 $7, free ages 2 & under); 860-283-RAIL (7245).

July 19: 2nd Annual Siberian Husky Club of Western CT Membership Picnic, Putnam Memorial Park, Black Rock Tpke/Rte 58, Redding, 12-4 on (rain date July 20), BYO picnics, also bring plenty of water for dogs & dogs must be on short leash or tethered to one of club’s dog lines at all times, networking w/ fellow owners, event is open to people interested in learning more about species and/or owning Siberian Husky; 203-400-1888, 203-378-3827.

July 20: Cass Gilbert Brunch, Cass Gilbert Garden House at Keeler Tavern Museum, 132 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 11:30 am, tickets $25, full brunch, also discussion by author Barbara Christen on her new release about Cass Gilbert’s career as an architect & First Selectman Rudy Marconi will review most recent ideas on restoration, reproduction, etc of Cass Gilbert Fountain; 203-438-5485.

July 20: “Reflections On A Weeklong Meditation Retreat,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free program by guest speaker Tully Moss will be followed by group meditation & tea reception, all welcome; 203-263-2254.

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

Free public programs: July 14, book signing & author discussion w/ Mark Rotella, 7:30 pm, meet author & of just-released Stolen Figs and Other Adventures in Calabria.

Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, 9 Main St/Rte 61, Bethlehem. Hours: MAY 2-OCT 28 Wed, Fri-Sun 11 am-4 pm. Call 203-266-7596.

1754 home of Bethlehem’s first minister complemented by outbuildings, 18th C apple orchard & 1915 formal parterre garden is open for summer tours (Wed, Fri-Sun 11 am-4 pm).

Bethel Public Library, 189 Greenwood Ave **temporarily at 137 Greenwood Ave (in building w/ Hauser Chocolate), Bethel. Call 794-8756.

July 12, Puppet Sale, 10 am-4 pm (as part of book sale), handmade hand puppets by CT puppetmaker Fred Reidy, beautiful puppets ranging from $5 for finger puppets on up, partial proceeds to benefit library’s capital campaign; July 19, Caricature Artist Bill Dougal, 11 am-2 pm, caricature portraits by Mr Douglas will be $15 each, $2 for additional subjects, reservations accepted, w/ proceeds benefiting library’s capital campaign.

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

Programs free unless noted: July 14, Daytime Book Group meeting, 1 pm, discussion of Jill Kerr Conway’s Road From Coorain, newcomers welcome; July 15, Evening Book Group meeting, 7 pm, discussion of Dianne Mott Davidson’s Dying For Chocolate, newcomers welcome; July 15, “Exploring Self-Employment and Franchising,” 7 pm, free seminar on career options by Tim Stubbs (owner, The Entrepreneur’s Store, Newtown); July 18, Washboard Slim & The Blue Lights concert, 7 pm, concert on library’s back lawn will continue annual summer concert series (indoors if rain).

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.

Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury. Hours: 10 am-4 pm daily (April 1-Nov 26). Call 778-8337.

July 12-13, Danbury Railroad Station 100th Anniversary, 10 am-6 pm, celebration of museum’s current home & its former use w/ family fun, rides on classic train, caboose, RDC & turntable, view engines, antique military vehicles & other exhibits, ice cream tasting, magic show, clowns, more; 778-8337.

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.

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

Free programs: July 16, AM Book Group, 10 am, discussion of Kerouac’s On The Road, all welcome.

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

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

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meetings, Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-6224.

Non-profit weight loss support group meets every Mon, 6-8 pm, weigh-ins 6-6:45, meetings 7-8, meetings $2/week, membership $20/year.

Wednesday Night Poetry Series, Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place (in former railroad station), Bethel. Call 426-3388 (Faith Vicinanza), 270-6202 (Michael Seri), 748-2828 (BAJ).

Series presented ev Wed 7:30-10 pm (featured poets 8:30 pm, poetry workshop 9:15 pm), adm $1 ($3 if out-of-state or major guest poet), guest/featured poets as follows: July 16, Jen Murphy; July 23, Robert Berner.

Weston Young Women’s Club Farmer’s Market, Coley House, corner Rte 57 at High Acre Rd, Weston. Call 203-226-3966, 226-2877.

Through Oct 4, every Sat 8-11 am.

Theatre ______________

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

Romeo and Juliet, July 18-20 & 23-27, curtain 8 pm (park opens for picnics at 6 – no alcohol allowed in park, interns’ pre-show at 7), free performances by professional actors under the stars, will move into Carousel Building if rain.

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

Broadway Through The Years: A Century of Song, through July 26, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (July 13 only) 2 pm, tickets $15; July 17, special Thurs evening performance.

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

Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, through Aug 10, curtain Fri 8 pm, Sat 8:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 5:30 pm, tickets $34-$42, discounts for seniors (matinees only), group & rush discounts also available.

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

Very Good Eddie, July 11-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: The Devil’s Music – The Life & Blues of Besie Smith, through July 20, curtain Tues-Thurs 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm, tickets $35-$45, group rates available, college student discounts.

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

Cabaret Evenings: It’s A Musical World, July 14 (raindate July 15) & Aug 4 (raindate Aug 5), curtain 8:30 pm, tickets $8, revue celebrates travel & destinations in song & dance from Cape Cod to Copenhagen.

Mainstage performances: Once On This Island, through July 26, curtain Fri-Sun 8:30 (grounds open 7:15), tickets $15 adults, $12 seniors, students & children.

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

Bat Boy: The Musical, July 16-Aug 23, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm (Aug 3 & 10), mat Sun (Aug 17 only) 2 pm, tickets $20; July 17, dress rehearsal for senior citizens, free; July 24, Pay-What-You-Can performance, 8 pm.

Town Players of Newtown, Little Theatre, theatre is on Orchard Hill Rd (mailing address is PO Box 211), Newtown. Call 270-9144.

All’s Well That Ends Well, July 11-Aug 2, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (July 27 only) 2 pm, tickets $12 evenings, $10 mat.

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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 concerning photo files to be emailed.