Antiques Shows______

Saturdays (through mid-Dec): 39th Season Woodbury’s Famous Antiques & Flea Market, 787 Main St South (Rte 6, near Rte 64), Woodbury, 7 am-1 pm, 150+ vendors each week; 203-263-2841.

Sundays (through Dec): Elephant’s Trunk Country Flea Market, Rte 7, New Milford, 7 am-2:30 pm (early buying 5:45 am, $20), adm $2, free ages 12 & under, leave pets home, vendors offer antiques, collectibles & misc, refreshments available; 508-896-1975.

Sundays (through fall): 8th season Clinton Village Antiques & Collectibles Flea Market, 327 East Main St/Rte 1, Clinton; 860-669-3839.

April 12-13: Westchester Glass Club 32nd anniversary Collectors Glass Show & Sale, Greenwich Civic Center, Old Greenwich, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, adm $7, 60 dealers, glass repair, ID booth, lunch & afternoon tea, special presentation “Tools of the Trade” by Sweetwater Glass Studio owner Arthur Reed (Sun 9 am), partial show proceeds to benefit The Bruce Museum; 973-763-4524, 203-966-1777.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St, Ridgefield. Hours: Tues-Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-438-4519.

Through May 26: “Charlotte Schulz: An Insufficiency in Our Screens,” first solo museum exhibition by artist who participated in Aldrich’s 2003 Radius program features 2- & 3-dimension charcoal drawings that “invite the viewer to explore strange composite architectural spaces in which dreams blend w/ memory & reality.”

Through June 8: “James Prosek: Life & Death – A Visual Taxonomy,” latest work of the CT artist, falling during 300th anniv year of birth of Carl Linnaeus (father of modern taxonomy), incl works depicting 24+ species of birds where artist has replaced the names of birds w/ an alternate taxonomy based on geometric lines & shapes, showing the artist’s great love & respect for natural work while offering viewers an opportunity to consider the real & metaphorical significance of birds.

The Barnum Museum, 820 Main St, Bridgeport. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-4:30 pm, Sun 12-4:30 pm. Call 203-331-1104.

Permanent exhibitions: “Come One Come All: The Barnum Festival,” exhibit highlighting the history & significance of the festival as an event & an organization in constant operation since 1949 incl ballgowns, portraits of past Ringmasters, pins, posters & props, photos & other paraphernalia to reflect upon as symbols of community spirit & historical significance the festival has given to city of Bridgeport. “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; “P.T. Barnum: Bethel To Broadway To Bridgeport,” artifacts incl reproduction of Barnum’s Fejee Mermaid, souvenir pc of cake from Tom Thumb’s 1863 wedding & personal items from Barnum family; re-creation of library from Barnum’s first Bridgeport mansion Iranistan; “Baby Bridgeport,” preserved 6’8” 700-lb elephant, 2nd elephant born in captivity & 1st to be preserved; re-creation of drawing room from Harral-Wheeler mansion, considered one of most outstanding examples of Gothic Revival in America, ca 1847; “P.T. Barnum Presents the ‘Divine Jenny’ Lind,” artifacts from American tour of opera star reveals impact of Barnum-Lind collaboration on culture & society & Barnum’s promotional talents; 1,000-sq ft 3/4-inch scale model of five ring circus hand-carved by Meriden resident William Brinley w/ more than 3,000 miniature pcs; “General Tom Thumb,” original furniture, clothing & personal objects belonging to Barnum’s legendary protégé; and Pa-Ib, an Egyptian mummy documented by Egyptian priest as more than 2,500 yrs old.

Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Hours: Mon-Thurs 10 am-8 pm, Fri 12-5 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 426-4533.

In first floor display cases — Through April 30: “Works In Connecticut Wood,” dozens of hand-turned wooden bowls & vases by self-taught artist (& Newtown resident) Michael C. Agius, who uses locally found wood for his works.

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

Through May 4: “Jump: The Synergy of Connection,” works by cross discipline contemporary artists who use the repetitive process of joining multiple circles, or jump rings, to create “rhythmic patterns & interesting forms that are sculptural & ornamental,” curated by David Licata, collection also incl works by David Austin, Conner Bishop, Ruth Borgenicht, Robert Dancik, Dennis Gardner, Lindsay Ketterer Gates, Cas Holman, Scott David Plumlee, Leslie Pontz, Judy Walker and Donovan Widmer.

Featured Artist of the Month, special presentations in BCC Gift Shop: *(new show) Through April 30: works by multi-faceted artist Linda Banks, BCC faculty member & glass studio manager, who works in glass, jewelry, baskets & gourds; April 13, artist’s reception, 2-4 pm, public invited to meet Ms Banks & view first in new exhibition series.

Bruce Museum of Arts & Sciences, One Museum Dr, Greenwich. Call 203-869-0376.

Through March 22: “Navajo Textiles from the Bruce Museum,” 10 examples from Transitional period to Rug period, exploring important period in the history of Navajo artistic when technolog advances & growth of commercial interest in Navajo craft replaced traditional methods of weaving.

Through April 20: “Robotics,” exploration of the science behind the operation of robots in environment designed for fun, also presentation of fictional robots that inspire the imagination; April 13, “Almost Human: Making Robots Think,” 3 pm, $5 (reservations strongly recommended), lecture by Professor Lee Gutkind (author, editor & founder of Creative Nonfiction Foundation; also prof of English at Univ of Pittsburgh) will concern his new book (also name of lecture), which goes behind the scenes at Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute; April 20, Robots Family Day, 1-4 pm, fun & education activities for all ages incl making robot masks & gallery hunt through exhibition, also see CT FIRST Robot.

Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury. Call 778-8337.

Permanent exhibitions on railroad history (museum is along old New Haven RR line & housed in former Danbury station & railyard), also original & restored rolling stock incl a New Haven RR Mack FCD railbus, Alco RS-1 diesel locomotive, fully operating turntable, etc.

Easton Public Library, 691 Morehouse Rd (at corner of Center St), Easton. Hours: Mon 10 am-5 pm, Tues-Wed 10 am-8 pm, Thurs 10 am-6 pm, Fri 10 am-5 pm, Sat 10 am-3 pm. Call 261-0134.

Through May 7: pencil point carvings & sculptures by Dalton M. Ghetti, who carves very intricate & miniscule pcs of art on the graphite of pencil tips; April 12, opening reception, 12-2:30 pm.

Fairfield Arts Council, 70 Sanford St, Fairfield. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-4 pm, Sat 1-4 pm. Call 203-319-1419.

Through April 25: “Art… With Found Objects/Arthur Burke Assemblages,” collection of mixed media assemblages by Mr Burke.

Fenn Gallery of Contemporary Art, 345 Main Street/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Wed-Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-263-2821.

Through May 11: “Spring Fever,” monotypes & monoprints by printmakers Zemma Mastin White, Tom Stavovy & Nancy McTague-Stock, works on paper from the estate of Gertrude Barrer, plus encaustic paintings by gallery artist Kim Bernard.

Kent Art Association, 21 South Main St/Rte 7, Kent. Hours: Sat-Sun 12-4 pm. Call 860-927-3989.

Through April 13: “Members’ Show,” 100+ works in oil, watercolor, pastel, graphics, also sculpture in various mediums & non-representational work.

Koenig Frameworks, 97 Main Street South, Newtown. Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 270-1887.

Through May 5: “Arborescense,” oil, acrylic & mixed media works by Paula Renee & Ann Kromer.

Mark Twain Library, Diamond Hill Rd at Rte 53, Redding. Hours: Mon-Thurs 10 am-7 pm, Fri-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-938-2545.

Through May 30: “Heat and Pressure – 100 Years of Bakelite,” 250+ rare Bakelite objects & related materials assembled from the Amsterdam Bakelite Collection owned by Reindert Groot.

Minor Memorial Library, 23 South St, Roxbury. Hours: Mon 12-7 pm, Wed 10 am-7 pm, Thurs-Fri 10 am-5 pm, Sat 10 am-2 pm. Call 860-350-2181.

Through May 12: “Private Labyrinths,” mixed media works on wood & masonite by Florin Ion Firimita.

Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven. Call 203-432-5050.

Through July 19: “Las Artes de Mexico,” celebration of rich & diverse artistic traditions of Mexico from ancient worlds of Mayas & Aztecs to great 20th Century works of Miguel Covarrubias, Jose Clemente Orozco & Diego Rivera, also pre-Colombian artifacts, Mexican textiles.

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main St, Hartford. Hours: Sat-Sun 10 am-5 pm, Tues-Fri 11 am-5 pm (open to 8 pm first Thurs/month). Call 860-278-2670, TDD 860-278-0294.

Through April 27: “Martin Luther King, Jr: Life, Times, and Legacy,” reflection on Dr King’s quest for freedom & equality displays imagery from Civil Rights era incl work by contemporary artists (Elizabeth Catlett, Jeff Donaldson, David Driskell, Terrence Hammonds, Wadsworth Jarrell, Gordon Parks, Alexis Peskine, Sheila Pree-Bright, Faith Ringgold, Betye Saar, Moneta Sleet, Travis Somerville, et al) who examine themes of race & injustice in America.

Through May 11: “Impressionists By The Sea,” exploration of the transformation of Normandy & Brittany coasts as depicted by French artists of 19th Century (incl Monet, Renoir & Manet), compared to works of predecessors (Corot, Courbet, Isabey, Jongkind & Whistler) & contemporaries allied w/ Paris Salon (Boudin, Daubigny & Pelouse), all arranged chronologically, also travel books & postcards of the period, **note: exhibition has addt’l $10 adm fee on top of regular museum adm (plus $3 adm added to all admissions April 24-27, during Fine Art & Flowers).

Wisdom House/Marie Louise Trichet Gallery, 229 East Litchfield Rd, Litchfield. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-4 pm. Call 860-567-3163.

Through April 19: “Portals,” drawings by Mary Lou Alberetti based on studies & travels through Italy, Spain & Turkey, plus works by her husband Robert Alberetti in oil, collage, mixed media, watercolor & encaustic.

Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St at York, New Haven. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-6 pm. Call 203-432-0600.

Through May 4: “Making It New: The Art and Style of Sara and Gerald Murphy,” exploration of couple who served as inspiration for Fitzgerald’s Tender Is the Night offers all 7 of Mr Murphy’s surviving canvases along w/ paintings, watercolors, drawings & photos by artists within their circle, also personal correspondence & artifacts.

Through May 4: “Colorful Impressions: The Printmaking Revolution in Eighteenth Century France,” more than 100 images from the most groundbreaking period in the history of color printmaking, organized by National Gallery of Art, many presented in multiple impressions or alongside related drawings.

Auditions, Juried Events  ___

Apple Festival at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, 175 Old Tannery Rd, Monroe. Call 268-4265.

Sept 6-7: Artists & craftspeople invited for annual Apple Festival, to be held on Monroe Green, Sat, Sept 6, 10 am-5 pm & Sun, Sept 7, 10 am-4 pm, contact Judy Hamilton in parish office (phone # above) for details.

Literary Coffeehouse, at Bethlehem Public Library, 32 Main St South, Bethlehem CT 06751. Call 203-266-7251.

April 14: Application deadline for Literary Coffeehouse to be held April 28 at library, writers & readers invited to present their works, will have 10-min limit, send note w/ info about type & title of material, also copy of material to be considered, or call Dorothy Adamson at phone # above for details.

Oxford Day, Oxford High School, 61 Quaker Farms Rd, Oxford. Call 203-888-2468.

June 7: Artists & crafters invited to apply for inaugural event to be held at high school, will run 10 am-5 m (rain date June 8), seeking handmade crafts, also fine art incl watercolors, oils, acrylics, pastels, photography & sculpture, all must be original & available for purchase.

Playhouse on the Green, 177 State St, Bridgeport. 203-696-0033.

April 16-17: Auditions for Barnum – The Musical, 5:30-7:30 (sign-ins begin at 5), director-choreographer is Steven Smeltzer, prepare full song from show or traditional musical comedy uptempo & ballad in style of the show that best shows your voice, bring sheet music, accompanist provided, bring photo & resume, full character descriptions available at PlayhouseOnTheGreen.org, rehearsals will begin May 12 & run weeknights after 7 plus weekends, performances will be Thurs-Sat June 13-22, also Sun matinees.

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

April 14-15: Auditions for William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, 7-9:30 pm each night, director Ruth Anne Baumgartner needs 15 or more cast members, various ages, possible gender-blind casting in minor roles, cold reading from script (prepared Shakespearean comic monologue also acceptable), some characters must sing; Musicians who play lute, flute, or recorder welcome; no children at this audition, those interested in tech work should attend auditions and speak with director, rehearsals to begin mid-May, production will run in July. Contact director for addt’l info at RuthAnneB@mindspring.com.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

April 13: David Jacobs-Strain at The Acoustic Celebration, Temple Shearith Israel, 46 Peaceable St, Ridgefield, 7 pm, tickets $15/adv, $20/door, opening set by Barry Finch, headlining performance by blues prodigy who moves from country blues to grooves of the Mississippi Delta on slide guitar & w/ vocals; 203-431-6501.

April 19: Swing Lessons & Dance, Norfield Grange, 12 Good Hill Rd, Weston, doors open 7 pm, adm $15 for dance & 1 lesson, $20 dance & 2 lessons, intro swing fundamentals lesson w/ swing DJ Stretch at 7:30,supplemental swing dance lesson at 8:30, dancing 9:30-midnight, very beginner friendly, no partner required, premium hardwood dance floor in charming, 100+ year old hall, music by swing DJ Stretch, air-conditioned and dehumidified, presented most 1st & 3rd Sundays, hosted by Fair WestSwing Project; 203-522-5341.

April 20: Band Festival & Dinner at Portuguese Cultural Center, 65 Sandpit Rd, Danbury, begins 12:30 pm reservations due by April 15, adm $30 adults, $15 ages 6-12, 4-four dinner to be followed by performances by Sons of Portugal Band & Naugatuck Community Band, then coffee & dessert; 942-9303.

Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies & Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-5795.

Performances 8 pm unless noted: April 25, Roseanne Cash, $67.50.

Roots Music Coffeehouse, at Common Ground Annex dance studio (former CityCenter Dance Factory space), 345 Main St, Danbury. Call 417-9607.

Doors open 7:30 pm, open mic at 8, featured performer at 9, suggested donation $10/adv, $12/door: April 12, Victoria Vox headlining, Susan Kane opening.

Young Persons Concert Series, at Trinity Church, 651 Pequot Ave, Southport. Call 203-254-0123.

Free concerts, 2 pm, suitable for ages 5-17 (usu about an hour long): April 19, two performances (call for start times) of Hansel and Gretel w/ special guest vocalists from Boston Lyric Opera.

Films _________________

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

Global Warming: Fact or Fiction? screenings 7 pm: April 15,  An Inconvenient Truth.

Independent Film Festival, free, screenings 7:30 pm:

Searching For Shakespeare, free screenings:

Danbury Library, 170 Main St (at West), Danbury. Call 797-4533.

“European Film Classics: From Silents to the New Wave,” free screenings, Sun 2 pm, optional discussions follow, sound films will be subtitled (not dubbed): April 13, The Wages of War (French).

Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Ave, Bridgeport. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm & most Monday holidays (call ahead). Call 203-372-3521.

Planetarium shows: One Small Step and Larry – Cat in Space, call museum for screenings schedule.

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

April 11-17: The Spiderwick Chronicles (PG), daily 7 & 9 pm, mat Fri-Sun 1 & 4 pm, Mon-Thurs 1 pm.

For Kids & Families _________

Young Persons Concert Series, at Trinity Church, 651 Pequot Ave, Southport. Call 203-254-0123.

Free concerts, 2 pm, suitable for ages 5-17 (usu about an hour long): April 19, two performances (call for start times) of Hansel and Gretel w/ special guest vocalists from Boston Lyric Opera.

Miscellaneous ___________

April 11: Comedy-Dinner at Portuguese Cultural Center, 65 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury, dinner buffet 6:30-8 pm, performance at 8:30, tickets $25 (reservations required), performances by Billy Garan & Mike P. Burton; 470-7528.

April 11: Poet Mark Sullivan at Westover School, 1237 Whittemore Rd, Middlebury, 7:30 pm, free reading by award-winning poet whose work has appeared in numerous publications, also author of Slag (published 2005); 203-758-2423.

April 11-12: Tag Sale, Gaylordsville United Methodist Church, 685 Kent Rd/Rte 7, Gaylordsville, Fri 4:30-6 pm, Sat 9 am-4 pm, no early birds, refreshments/lunch available, clothes boutique & more; 860-355-0553.

April 12: Fly Fishing & Casting Clinic, Newtown Bait & Tackle, 78 Main St South/Rte 25, Newtown, 9:30 am-4 pm, free ongoing casting & fly tying lessons, also pros from several rod manufacturers, refreshments, co-sponsored by Candlewood Valley & Naugatuck-Pomperaug Trout Unlimited chapters; 426-6629.

April 12: Italian Dinner & Silent Auction, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 16 Saw Mill Rd, Newtown, begins 5:30 pm, adm $8 adults, $5 children, free ages 5 & under, Italian meal provided by area restaurants, silent auction to include round-trip airline tickets, autographed Steve Young football, GPS system & much more, proceeds to benefit Boy Scout and Girl Scout summer camps;  203-826-9166.

April 12: 10th annual Indoor Flea Market, Bake Sale & Raffle, North Congregational Church, 11 Main Street North (at corner Rtes 6 & 47), Woodbury, 9 am-3 pm, free adm, 30+ vendors w/ antiques, collectibles, household, jewelry, toys, crafts, glassware & more, proceeds to benefit church’s missions, programs & projects; 263-2410.

April 12: Guided walk to Nonnewaug Falls, meet at Shrove Building parking lot, 281 Main St South, Woodbury, to carpool to site, meet by 10 am, guided walk led by Dick Leavenworth will incl discussion of the importance & beauty of the historic landmark & current efforts being made to preserve the area, presented by Woodbury Open Space Strategy & Implementation Committee, all welcome; 266-4651.

April 12: Open House & Shop Tour, Black Horse Garage, 726 Union Ave, Bridgeport, 10 am-4 pm, free event will feature 60-plus rare European sports cars & American classics incl one of a kind SS1 Jaguar & unusual Packard V12, shop’s craftsmen will be available to answer questions & discuss restorations, general car maintenance & auto history, plus detailing professions; 203-330-9604.

April 12: “Saturday Seminar: The Danbury Racearena,” The Golden Age of Trucking Museum, 1101 Southford Rd/Rte 188, Middlebury, 11 am-3 pm, adm $10 incl lunch (museum members free), presentation by Kevin Brown, video of Racearena races will be screened, several Racearena drivers expected in attendance, also display of Jimmy Smith’s #3, Chick Stockwell’s #151 & Don LaJoie’s #711 (on view at Museum until May); 203-577-2181.

April 12: Care & Preservation of Home Treasures: The Repair & Restoration of Ceramics,” Keeler Tavern Museum, 132 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 12-2 pm, $10 ($8 members), ceramics artist & restorer Thomas K. Libby will discuss & answer questions on caring for items brought in by public; 203-438-5485.

April 12: Spring Fling Silent Bid Fundraiser, Bethel United Methodist Church, 141 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, 6:30-9 pm, adm $1 incl dessert & coffee, bid on everything from antiques to toys; 743-6835.

April 12: “The Bauhaus,” Washington Art Association Gallery, 4 Bryan Plaza, Rte 47, Washington Depot, 7:30 pm, tickets $10, guest lecturer Alexander Purves (professor emeritus, Yale School of Architecture) will explore the artistic expressions of one of the first colleges of design, its history, inspiration & its US offshoot “International Style”; 860-868-2878.

April 13: “Kirtan: Devotional Chants and Songs Celebrate the Divine In Each of Us,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free program by Sachin Hazen will cover the many beliefs of chanting & meditation before leading group in singing devotional songs, to be followed by group meditation & informal tea reception; 203-263-2254.

April 14: “William Webb: The Life and Times of An African-American Soldier from Connecticut in the American Civil War,” C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7:30 pm, free program by Kevin Johnson will discuss, in costume, Mr Webb & other black soldiers during Civil War; 426-5937.

April 14: “The American Civil War: The 1864 Atlanta Campaign,” Brookfield Museum & Historical Society, Rte 25 at 133,Brookfield Center, 7:30 pm, free lecture & visual presentation by David Montgomery will outline circumstances leading up to the campaign along w/ events that occurred during May-Dec 1864 conflict, light refreshments to follow, continues historical society’s ongoing series about Civil War; 740-8140.

April 15: Blood pressure screenings, Wellness Center at Ashlar of Newtown, 139 Toddy Hill Rd, Newtown, 10 am-noon, free screenings conducted by registered nurse, related info also available, no appointment needed; 426-5847.

April 15: “Lunch & Learn: Brain Attack – Stroke Prevention & Treatment,” Lockwood Lodge at Ashlar of Newtown, 139 Toddy Hill Rd, Newtown, lunch at noon, program 12:30, free lunch & program by Ashlar Medical Director Dr Diane Smith will cover prevention guidelines, signs & symptoms of strokes, plus treatment options available, reservations requested; 364-3127.

April 15: Newtown Bridle Lands Association open meeting, Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7:30 pm,  free, public invited to meet members of the group & learn about NBLA’s goals & programs, supper included (reservations requested for dinner count); 788-3213.

April 16: “400 Years of Germans in America: Searching German Roots and Impact in New York,” Western CT State Univ Alumni Hall, 181 White St/Rte 6, Danbury, 7 pm, free program by Dr Heinrich Neumann (consul for press & public information, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany) will incl film screening & discussion about 400 years of Germans in this country; 792-2795, 837-8486.

April 16-19: Botsford Fire Dept Spring Carnival, at Newtown High School, 12 Berkshire Rd/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, Wed-Fri 6-10 pm Sat 4-10 pm (discount wristbands 4-6 pm), carnival rides, contests, food, partial proceeds will benefit volunteer fire dept.

April 19: 14th Annual Earth Day Celebration at New Morning Natural & Organic, Middle Quarter Mall, 738 Main St South/Rte 6, Woodbury, 11 am-4 pm rain or shine, free adm, outdoor & under tents, “Earth Household” theme this year will offer 100-plus exhibitors w/ samples of latest in natural & organic foods (many from local producers), ideas for greener homes for health of family & community, special live broadcast of WPKN’s “Car Bob Show’s Earth Day Radio Special,” plus chance to win $500 natural groceries; 263-0673 x360.

April 19: “Sentimental Journey,” Testo’s Restaurant, 1775 Madison Ave, Bridgeport, begins 6 pm, tickets $50, family style dinner, dancing to music of 1940s & performances of “Sentimental Journey” by CT Ballroom Theatre & swing dance lesson will kick off 2008 Barnum Festival series, also debut of 2008 Ringmaster (Shelton Mayor Mark A. Lauretti);  203-367-8495.

April 19: Greater Ancient Order of Hibernians Pub Night/New Membership Drive, AOH Hall, 161 Main St, Danbury, 7-11 pm, adm $10, public invited to meet current AOH members & learn about the club, also enjoy live music by The Mighty Ploughboys, karaoke contest, food & drink; 748-7701, 203-826-7121.

April 19: Connecticut ConTacts Singles Dance Party, Colonial Tavern, 24 Hawley Rd (Off Rte 67), Oxford, 8 pm-12:30 am, adm $20 incl dinner buffet & dessert, dancing to DJ selections (Top 40, soft rock, recent oldies & requests), “dress to impress, no bluejeans; 203-468-1144.

April 20: “The Brookfield Ironworks District,” Brookfield Museum & Historical Society, Rte 133 at Rte 25, Brookfield Center, 2 pm, free lecture by William Devlin will cover history & architecture of town’s famed Ironworks District incl rare photos of the area when it served as industrial center of the community; 740-8140.

April 20: “Meditation and Spiritual Evolution: Peace for Our Families and Our World,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free program by Janaki Pierson will cover how a daily meditation practice can bring peace & spiritual evolution to families & the world, to be followed by group meditation & informal tea reception; 203-263-2254.

Audubon Center at Bent of the River, 185 East Flat Hill Rd, Southbury. Call 264-5098.

Programs free unless noted, reservations requested, call if weather is questionable, leave pets home: April 13, “Drawing From Nature” workshop, 10 am-4 pm, $55 ($35 Bent/River members, registration required, contact Chris Cohen at ext 308), Dorie Petrochko will help capture form, texture & balance drawing the natural world, suitable for experience or beginner artists; April 15, Invasive Plants Work Day, 1:30-4 pm, volunteers invited to help maintain bird & wildlife habitats by eliminating aggressive, alien plants that damage ecosystem & degrade wildlife habitats, hand tools provided, bring heavy duty work gloves (runs every Tuesday until mid-Oct); April 17, The Mating Dance of the Woodcock, begins 7 pm, fee $5 ($3 members; registration required & space limited, call Jim Dressan x306), witness the amazing aerial courtship dance of American Woodcock.

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

April 14, Daytime Book Discussion, 1 pm, discussion of Colm Toibin’s The Master, newcomers/drop-ins always welcome; April 22, “Reducing Our Carbon Footprint: Cooling Connecticut,” 7 pm, environmental consultant & Climate Change Stockholders member Jack Kozuchowski will offer examples of steps individuals can take to reduce their impact on greenhouse gases.

Flagpole Photographers, C.H. Booth Library lower meeting room, 25 Main St, Newtown. Call 270-8576.

Meetings 3rd Thurs/month, 7:30 pm, non-members always welcome: next meeting April 17, members’ competition on “Doors,” presentation on “Black & White Workflow” by guest photographer Bill Barnett.

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

April 13, “The Return of the Gray Wolf: Atka, the Arctic Gray,” 1 pm, adv tickets $10 adults, $6 children, tickets at door (if available, seating limited) $12 adults, $8 children, program on wolf conservation & the relationship of wolves & the environment by representatives from The Wolf Conservation Center of NY will feature visit by live Arctic gray wolf named Atka.

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

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

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

Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 9 am (spring start), free, all welcome (children must be accompanied), bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders (in parentheses) as follows: April 12, Sleeping Giant, Hamden (leader Len Patti, 426-3632); April 19, Aspetuck Valley Trail, Newtown/Redding (no dogs; leader Evelyn Schonberg, 426-0425).

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, shop carries discounted items from local businesses & private donors incl clothing, sm home accessories & more.

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

Programs 4th Wed/month, 1:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: April 23, Frank Bruckman, oil landscape.

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

Non-profit weight loss support group meets every Mon 6:30-7:30 pm (weigh-ins 5:45-6:15, meetings 6:30-7:30), meetings $2/week, membership $24/year. April 28, guest speaker: dietician from Griffin Hospital; all welcome.

Treehouse Comedy Productions.

Funniest Comic in Connecticut Contest: April 11, Quarter-Finals, at Marisa’s Ristorante, 6450 Main St, Trumbull, 8 & 10 pm, tickets $15, featuring 15 acts w/ 5 min stage time each; April 18, Semi-Finals, at Aldario’s, 240 Naugatuck Ave, Milford, 8 & 10 pm, tickets $17.50, featuring 8 acts w/ 7 min stage time each.

Shows at The New Sorrento, 32 Newtown Rd, Danbury (call 744-5575), shows 9 pm & tickets $15 unless noted: April 12, Brian Haley headlining, PJ Walsh & Mark Vierra opening; April 19, Michele Balan headlining, tickets $17.50, Joe Currie & Darryl Knight opening.

Theatre ______________

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

She Loves You!, through April 13, call for curtain & ticket details.

Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr, New Haven. Call 203-787-4282.

The Bluest Eye, through April 20, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, Sun, Tues-Wed 7 pm, mat Sat 3 pm, Sun, Wed 2 pm, call for ticket prices; April 5, Pre-Play Intro, will precede matinee; April 13, Sunday Symposium; April 15, Audience Exchange; April 17, Backstage with Technical Staff; April 19, Pre-Play Intro, precedes matinee.

Naugatuck Valley Community College Theatre Arts Dept, NVCC Fine Arts Center, 750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury. Call 203-575-8038.

Big Love, through April 12, curtain 8 pm, tickets $10 adults, $6 students w/ ID.

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

The Sunshine Boys, through April 19, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (April 6 & 13) 2 pm, tickets $22 adults, $18 seniors & students.

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

The Boys, through April 26, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, tickets $25 – matinee will be special fundraiser performance followed by Q&A w/ playwright Anne Nelson, proceeds to benefit Sherman Volunteer Fire Dept.

TheaterWorks Hartford, 233 Pearl St, Hartford. Call 860-567-7838.

Blackbird, through May 11, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, Tues-Thurs 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm, tickets $37-$57.

Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court (off Rte 1), Westport. Call 203-227-4177.

Time of My Life, through April 26, curtain Tues-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 4 pm, Sun 3 pm, also Wed (April 9 at 2 & April 16 at 3 only), call for ticket info; April 11, Prologue Series; April 13, open caption performance; April 16, Backstage Pass.

 

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

 

DEADLINE INFORMATION

Press releases for 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, Associate Editor, Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470, or to shannon@thebee.com. Photos are welcome and can be black & white or color, but must be in sharp focus. Please call for specs if you plan to email digital photo files.