Antiques Shows______

Saturdays (through mid-Dec): 38th 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 11): Elephant’s Trunk Country Flea Market, Rte 7, New Milford, 7 am-2:30 pm (early buying 5:45 am, $20), adm $1; 508-896-1975.

July 23: 45th Guilford Antiques Festival & Sale, Thomas Griswold House Museum, 171 Boston St, Guilford, 9 am-4 pm rain or shine, adm $5, 100 dealers; 203-795-6465, 203-458-2887.

July 31: Wicked Weekend Toy Show, CT Grand Hotel, 3500 Main St, Waterbury, 8 am-2 pm, adm $2 (free parking), also toy auction that evening (7 pm); 860-395-1886.

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 Aug 7: “Contemporary Erotic Drawing,” drawings that follow traditions in Western & Eastern art & sensibilities, ranging from humorous, raunchy & abstract to fetishes, personal & intimate by 34 artists.

Barker Animation Art Gallery (at Barker Animation, Fine Art & Sculpture), 1188 Highland Ave, Cheshire. Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 am-5:30 pm. Call 800-995-2357.

Through Aug 1: “The Art of Dr Seuss: A Retrospective and National Touring Exhibition,” special CT premiere of traveling exhibition celebrating artist’s 100th birthday highlights works created between 1920s-1990s that chronicle Seuss’ little-known political cartoons ca WWII, rarely-seen advertising art, also colorful & complex paintings from The Secret Art of Dr Seuss; July 21, gallery talk by Kevin Friest, call for start time of evening program.

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 July: “William Brinley’s Amazing All-New Miniature Circus,” more than 5,000 hand carved figures & circus equipment, all ¾-inch-to-1-foot ratio, that took CT resident Mr Brinley more than 36 years to create.

Permanent exhibit: “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.

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 12-5 pm. Call 426-4533.

In first & second floor display cases — Through July 31: “Tools of The Trade,” collection arranged by Newtown Hist Society presented occupational tools & utensils used in non-occupational pursuits during 18th to early 20th Century, visitors encouraged to enter contest to name uses for 14 unidentified tools (contest closes & answers will be posted July 25).

Also on first floor, in separate location — Through July 31: “The Second CT Governor’s Horse Guard at 200 Years,” celebration of troop that remains one of oldest continuously serving cavalry units in country offers weapons, equipment & memorabilia accumulated by group headquartered in Newtown.

In Olga Knoepke Meeting Room (lower meeting room) — Through July 28: abstract realist landscape paintings by Sandi Randall.

Housatonic Museum of Art/Burt Chernow Galleries at Housatonic Community College, 90 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport. Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri 8:30 am-5:30 pm (Thurs until 7 pm), Sat 9 am-3 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Call 203-332-5000.

Through July 30: “Housatonic Museum of Art Annual Open Juried Show,” art in many mediums by artists from across NY-NE area (incl surrealist painting Richard Budman of Sandy Hook) as selected by juror Judy Kim (curator of exhibitions, American Federation of The Arts).

Kent Art Association, 21 South Main St/Rte 7, Kent. Hours: Thurs-Sun 1-5 pm. Call 860-927-3989.

Through July 17: “The KAA Elected Artists Show & Sale,” more than 100 paintings (oils & watercolors), pastels, graphics & sculpture by KAA artists who have achieved Elected Artists status (juried show participation & selection by current elected artists).

Miller Studio & Gallery, 495 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Tues-Sat 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Mon-Tues by chance or appt. Call 203-263-3939.

Through July 18: “Dog Day,” annual spring-summer fundraiser exhibition this year offers most recent paintings (landscapes & still lifes) by gallery artists Helene Brier, Joy Bristol, Ella Crampton-Knox, David Dunlop, Sue Falato, Robert Kozora, Katrina Schmidt-Rinke & Mary Whyte, percentage of proceeds from all art sales will be donated to Animals for Life.

Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-432-5050.

Through July 31: “Elephants!” specimens (incl 13-ft tall Hebior mammoth skeleton) & re-creations combine w/ DVD presentations, computer interactives & other hands-on exhibits to tell the story of the remarkable animal from its early evolutionary history to today’s latest research on complex social interactions.

River Glen Fine Arts Gallery, 3 Washington Ave/Rte 34, Sandy Hook. Hours: Tues 12-4 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am-4 pm. Call 270-1199.

Paintings by Rainie Crawford, Frank Federico, Leslie Lillien Levy, Dick McEvoy, Alain J. Picard & Peter Seltzer, sculpture by Sterett-Gittings Kelsey.

Walsh Art Gallery at Quick Center, Fairfield Univ, North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Hours: Tues-Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Call 203-254-4000 x2969.

Through July 30: “Night and Day,” juried exhibition w/ works by members of The Women’s Caucus for Art & other invited female artists incl paintings, photography, mixed media, sculpture & 1 lg installation.

Washington Art Association, Bryant Plaza, Rte 47, Washington Depot. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 860-868-2878.

Through July 24: “July 2005,” paintings by Harold Reddicliffe, abstract paintings by Deborah Muirhead & sculpture by Damian Olsen.

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

*(new show) July 15-31: pastel landscapes by Nancy White Cassidy, photographs by Russell DeGaeto, paintings by DeWolf Hotchkiss, collages by Plonia Nixon & ceramics by Marsha Taylor; July 16, artists’ opening reception (public invited), 1-4 pm.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Kent Art Assn, 21 South Main St/Rte 7, Kent. Call 860-927-3989.

July 22-23: Receiving for President’s Art Show & Sale, Fri 1-4 pm, Sat 10 am-1 pm, artists (members & non-members) invited to submit work in oils, watercolors, pastels, graphics & sculpture (no collage, no computer art) for poss inclusion in juried show, opening reception & awards ceremony will incl $2,200 in cash awards, Medal of Merit & Solo Show Award, details available at www.KentArt.org or at above phone #.

Nichols Arts and Crafts Festival, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1734 Huntington Turnpike/Rte 108, Trumbull. Call 203-378-1781.

Aug 13: Deadline for vendors seeking to participate in this year’s event, 12 x 12 spaces are $40 (50 spaces available), fair will be Sept 10 from 10 am-4 pm (set-up to begin at 8), vendors provide their own tables, call Alice Britton for full details, reservations.

Newtown Congregational Church Flea Market, at Reed Intermediate School, Trades Lane, Newtown. Call 426-4174.

Aug 20-21: Openings available for vendors, event will run 9 am-4 pm rain or shine, vendor set up will begin at 7 am, non-refundable tax-deductible space donation is $35/adv per day, $40/weekend of flea market (cash only), for 10 x 20-ft space, contact Barbara Fields for reservations or addt’l info.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

July 15: Darol Anger & The Republic of Strings at Silvermine Guild Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan, 8 pm, tickets $25 adults, $10 ages 18 & under, performance by renowned fiddler & his band (guitar master Scott Nygaard, cellist Rushad Eggleston & fiddler Brittany Haas), galleries will be open during concert’s intermission for visits; 203-966-9700 x14.

July 15: Jazz concert at First Congregational Church, on the green (Rte 47 at 6 Kirby Rd), Washington Green, 8 pm, adm by freewill donation, performance will feature Karen Rockwell on clarinet & sax, Mike van Allen on piano; 860-868-0569.

July 16: Northernbound at The Pleasance, Sugar St at Main St (Rte 302 at Rte 25), Newtown, free, 7 pm bluegrass concert by 4-man band sponsored by C.H. Booth Library will continue library’s 2005 summer concert series (at library if rain); 426-4533.

July 16: “Celebrating Bethel’s 150th Birthday: 19th Century Dance & Music,” Bethel Municipal Center front lawn, School St, Bethel, 1-2:30 pm, free participatory program of historical dances done to lively jigs, reels, marches & such used for social dancing, performance & narration by caller Susan de Guardiola & The Reel Thing.

July 19: Lunch & Knishes: Pianist Roger Young, Walzer Family Jewish Communities of Western CT, 444 Main St North, Southbury, lunch at noon, program at 1 pm, adm $5.50 (RSVP by July 15), fresh-prepared lunch by Chef Nancy Stokes, then performance by Mr Young w/ vocalist Alexa Fitchett of relaxed repertoire of American standards, jazz favorites & show tunes; 267-3177 x105.

July 21: Southbury Senior Center Opera Series: The New Moon, Southbury Public Library, 561 Main St South/Rte 6, Southbury, 1 pm, free screening of Sigmund Romberg’s popular operetta The New Moon, recorded when NYC Center Opera Company produced the operetta during 1980s; 262-0651.

Ashlar of Newtown, 139 Toddy Hill Rd, Newtown. Call 426-5847.

19th Annual Summer Sounds Concert Series, 7 pm, free, bring chairs/blankets: July 27, The Housatonic Jazz Band, ragtime to jazz favorites.

Ballard Park, Main St/Rte 35 at Gilbert St, Ridgefield. Call 203-431-2760.

CHIRP (Concert Happenings In Ridgefield’s Parks) series, 7-9 pm, free, picnics welcome (rain location East Ridge Middle School): July 19, Brave Combo; July 26, Eliza Gilkyson.

Booth Library Concert Series, at The Pleasance, 1 Main St at Sugar Street (Rte 302), Newtown. Call 426-4533.

Summer Concert Series, free, 7 pm, concerts move to library’s meeting room if rain (25 Main St): July 16, Northernbound, bluegrass by 4-man band.

CityCenter Danbury Summertime Festival, CityCenter Bandshell at CityCenter Green, Ives St at Patriot Dr, Danbury. Call 792-1711.

Free concerts, Thurs 6:30 pm (Family Nights): July 21, The Zucchini Brothers, stir-fry of musical styles by trio playing guitar, keyboard & drums; July 28, Triple E’s Animal Party, “a musical link to ecology for children” (NY Times).

Free concerts, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm: July 15, Kenn Morr Band, singer-songwriter Morr is celebrating completion of new album New Moon Rising, music is “strangely uplifting w/ sound coming directly from the American heartland”; July 16, “Lance Brown’s Tribute to Will Rogers,” original script draws audience to the source of Rogers’ humor & wisdom w/ history, hilarity, rope tricks, the spirit of Rogers & hope for today; July 22, Louis Landon’s Tribute to Frank Sinatra; July 23, The Glamour Girls, popular dance hits from 60s-80s w/ show highlighted by costume changes & eye-catching choreography.

Gate House Coffee House, Rte 172, Southbury. Call 586-2144 (Southbury Training School).

Summer Concert Series, Tues 6:30 pm (under pavilion if rain), free adm: July 19, Timmy Maia & F.U. Jazz Boy with special guest Jeral Jackson, R&B & soul band w/ former member of The Five Satins; July 26, Julee Glaub & Claudine Langille, traditional Irish & Appalachian songs & tunes.

Homesteads at Newtown, 166 Mt Pleasant Rd/Rte 6, Newtown. Call 426-8118.

4th Annual Summer Concerts in The Courtyard series, 7 pm, seating & refreshments provided: July 17, Cheshire Community Band.

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

Summer Concert Series, shows 7:30 unless noted, all shows rain or shine, children’s lawn tickets $12 (ages 2 & under free/lawn), all tickets $3 higher day of show: July 22, Michael McDonald, 7:30 pm, tickets $25-$75.

McLaughlin Vineyards, Albert’s Hill Rd, Sandy Hook. Hours: daily 11 am-5 pm. Call 426-1533.

Sunday Music Series, 1-4 pm, $15: July 17, Garden Jazz; July 24, bluegrass music.

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

Performances 8 pm (unless noted), tickets $15, season tickets available: July 16, Richard & Cynthia Slade, duet cabaret-style mélange of Gilbert & Sullivan favorites for soprano, tenor & piano; July 23, Hank Milligan, solo performance of classical piano will be followed by parlor presentation of card magic – all by Mr Milligan.

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

Performances 8 pm unless noted: July 24, Blues Traveler, tickets $50 & $55.

Silvermine Guild Arts Center auditorium, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan. Call 203-966-9700.

46th Silvermine Summer Music Series, 7 pm, tickets $25 (subscriptions $85), $10 students/ages 18 & under: July 15, Darol Anger’s Fiddle Ensemble; July 29, Turtle Island String Quartet.

Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Rd/Rte 7, Wilton. Call 203-762-3950.

Summer Music & More Concert Series, performances 5-6:30 pm, free adm, also wine tastings & refreshments: July 21, Bob Riccio & Kix, rock & roll.

Films _________________

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

July 15-21: Cinderella Man (PG-13), daily 9:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 2:45 pm; Dark Water (PG-13), daily 6:45 & 9 pm, mat Fri 4:20 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:50 & 4:20 pm; Heights (R), daily 7:10 & 9:10 pm, mat daily 5:10 pm, also Sat-Sun, Wed 1:10 & 3:10 pm; Mad Hot Ballroom (PG), mat daily 5:25 pm; March of The Penguins (G), daily 7:35 & 9:20 pm, mat daily 5:50, also Fri 4:10 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 12:50, 2:30 & 4:10 pm; My Summer of Love (R), daily 7:40 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1 pm.

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

July 15-21: The Interpreter (PG-13), daily 9 pm, mat Sat-Sun 4 pm, Thurs 1 pm; Kicking & Screaming (PG), daily 7 pm, mat Fri-Mon 1 pm, Tues-Wed 1:30 pm.

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

Lost & Found Film Series, 7:30 pm screenings followed by guest speakers for Q&A, tickets $15: July 15, Colorado Cowboy: The Bruce Ford Story.

For Kids & Families _________

July 15: Snow White by Stara Zagora, Naugatuck Valley Community College Fine Arts Center, 750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, 7:30 pm, tickets $8 adults, $5 ages 12 & under, special presentation by the award-winning State Puppet Theatre of Bulgaria will offer familiar fairy tale performed w/ rod puppets, suitable for all ages; 203-575-8193.

July 16: The Frog Prince by The Dramalites, Shepaug Valley High School, South St, Washington, curtain 3 & 7 pm, tickets $7 adults, $5 ages 12 & under, performance under the auspices of The Missoula Children’s Theatre will incl cat of 50-60 local young actors ages 6-18 who have spent week preceding performances studying theater, script & presentation; 860-350-1047, 860-364-6077.

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

July 20, “A Knight’s Tale,” 7-8 pm, students entering grades 6-12 in the fall invited to kick-off event for Joust Read Summer Reading Program when guest speaker from Higgins Armory Museum describes & demos arms & armor of the Medieval knight; July 21, Card Making Workshop, 6:45-7:45 pm, students entering grades 6-12 in the fall invited to join craft workshop, materials provided (registration required).

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

Children’s programs, free unless specified: July 20, PJ Story Time, 6:30 pm, ages 3-7 invited to evening program of stories, songs & puppet shows, no registration needed, PJs & blankets encouraged; July 26, “We Dig Reading & Science: Walter Heinz, The Fossil Hunter,” 4 pm, ages 5-10 invited to special science & reading program, seating for 75 available first-come, first-serve.

Young Adult programs, free unless specified: July 20, Duct Tape II, 2-4 pm, $5 (due at registration), Katie Stevenson returns for popular workshop w/ new projects incl tool belt, cell phone or iPod holder, purse, sandals, etc (limited to 15 participants, ages 10 & up); July 27, Let’s Talk About: YA Book Discussion, 1 pm, at Reed Intermediate School, one-hour discussion for readers entering grades 5 & up in the fall will concern Nancy Farmer’s The House of The Scorpion.

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

Animal Tales, through Aug 26 Mon-Fri 2-2:45, stories & live animal presentations for children, included w/ zoo adm.

Musicals at Richter Fairy Tale Theatre, at Wooster School, 91 Miry Brook 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 16, Jungle Book; July 23, Hansel and Gretel

Quick Center for the Arts/Fairfield Univ, 1073 North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Call 203-254-4010.

Missoula Children’s Theatre Summer Workshop performances (student performers working w/ acclaimed nat’l program), curtain 7:30 unless noted, tickets $10 adults, $8 children (group discounts available): July 15, Sleeping Beauty (show will also run, w/ different cast, on Aug 5); July 22, Robin Hood.

Southford Falls State Park, 175 Quaker Farms Rd/Rte 188, Southbury. Call 264-5678 (Kettletown State Park office).

Free public programs: July 16, Kids’ Stream Study/Amphibian Catch & Release, 10:30 am, learn about the creatures that live in & near the park’s pond & stream incl frogs, fish & salamanders, then join a catch & release mission, wear closed-toe boots or shoes, bring water & be prepared to get a little wet (& also a little dirty); July 17, Natural & Historical Hike, 10:45 am, meet at entrance to park for 1.9-mile hike.

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

Guest performers for free weekly open-air concerts, 12:30 pm, BYO lunch & seating: July 20, Lee B. Leach (Tilton Memorial Carillon, Town Hall, Norwood, Mass.); July 27, Gerald Martindale (Metropolitan United Church, Toronto).

Miscellaneous ___________

Through July 17: Friends of New Milford Library Book Sale, at John Pettibone School, Rte 7 at Picket District Rd, New Milford, Thurs 10 am-8 pm, Fri-Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 10 am-3 pm, sale of books in myriad categories will benefit library; 860-355-1191.

July 15: “The Life & Times of Frances Osborne Kellogg: Edna St Vincent Millar,” at Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby, 12:30 pm, free program by Derby Neck Library’s Culture Club will discuss poetry of Edna St Vincent Millar (a favorite poet of the museum’s namesake) & sharing of vintage newspaper articles describing the poet’s visits to Derby; 734-1492.

July 15: CT ConTacts Singles Dance Party, at Colonial Tavern, 24 Hawley Rd (off Rte 67), Oxford, 8 pm-1 am, adm $15, dinner & dessert buffets incl special summer picnic buffet of BBQ ribs, chicken, salads & sides, also dancing to DJ selections (Top 40s, soft rock), jeans OK for this casual party; 203-468-1144.

July 16: Newtown Forest Association Guided Nature Walk, Holcombe Memorial Trail, Great Hill Rd, Newtown, 10 am (rain date July 17), join NFA board members for easy hike while learning the history of the property & discussion of plants & wildlife that might be found along the walk, will last about an hour, NFA is offering monthly walks until mid-Oct to celebrate Newtown’s Tercentennial; 270-3650.

July 16: Bird Walk at Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby, 7 am, free program for new & experienced birders & families will be led by volunteer Jay Connolly, participants will search for summer nesting birds; 734-2513.

July 16: Church of the Good Shepherd Flea Market, 680 Racebrook Rd (at corner of Shepherd Lane, betw Post Rd & Rte 34), Orange, 8 am-2 pm rain or shine, refreshments available; 203-934-4446.

July 16: CT ConTacts Singles Dance Party at Fireside Inn, 123 Main St South/Rte 25, Newtown 8 pm-1 am, adm $15, dinner & dessert buffets, dancing to DJ selections (Top 40, soft rock, recent oldies & requests), dress to impress/no jeans; 203-468-1144.

July 16-17: Friends of Bethel Public Library Book Sale, on Library Place, adjacent to library’s new addition, 189 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, 9 am-3 pm, gently used hardcover & paperback books in good condition, also DVDs, CDs, LPs, audio books & recent computer software; 792-8237, 744-6641.

July 17: “Historic Garden Walk: Ecology in The Garden,” Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, 9 Main St South/Rte 61, Bethlehem, 3 pm, $5; 203-266-7596.

July 17: “Getting To Know Your Self: Allowing Compassion Through Self Awareness and Study,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free program led by WYC teacher Vincent D’Alessio will concern the paths of self-study & awareness & how meditation practice supports & assists anyone’s journey, group meditation & informal tea reception to follow; 203-263-2254.

July 17: Third Annual Comedy Night, at WCSU’s Student Center Auditorium, 181 White St, Danbury, 7 pm, tickets $36 reserved seating, $25 general adm, headlining set by Cory Kahaney, opening set by local trio Miles Barel, Mindy Cass & Jilm Wilson, presented by The Jewish Federation of Danbury; 792-6353.

July 19: Lunch & Knishes: Pianist Roger Young, Walzer Family Jewish Communities of Western CT, 444 Main St North, Southbury, lunch at noon, program at 1 pm, adm $5.50 (RSVP by July 15), fresh-prepared lunch by Chef Nancy Stokes, then performance by Mr Young w/ vocalist Alexa Fitchett of relaxed repertoire of American standards, jazz favorites & show tunes; 267-3177 x105.

July 24: Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard Annual Show, 2GHG Headquarters, 4 Wildlife Drive (FFH campus, near Reed Intermediate School), Newtown, begins 8 am, adm $5 donation, 2 rings of competition w/ 87 classes to be presented, also precision demos by mini horses, refreshments, vendors, etc, fundraiser for one of oldest horse cavalry units in the country; 203-650-3148 (show secretary Naomi Gauruder).

July 24: “A House Tour & Garden Reception at The Dana-Holcombe House,” 29 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 1-4 pm, tickets $30, public invited to visit brand-new bed and breakfast, rain date July 31, all proceeds to benefit Newtown Scholarship Association; 426-2500.

July 24: “Awakening: Abandoning Consensus Trance for The Truth,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free program by yoga center co-founder & executive director Janaki Pierson will concern ways anyone can live happy peaceful life in the world outside their internally created realm, group meditation & tea reception to follow; 203-263-2254.

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

Programs $5 unless noted, reservations requested, call if weather is questionable, leave pets home: July 18, Battling Invasives, 1:30, volunteers welcome every other Monday during growing season for ongoing pulling of aggressive plants from forests & fields, BYO heavy-duty gloves; July 18, Moth Walk, 8:30 pm, naturalist Mark Szantyr will use special attractions for moths so that participants can see & photo (if they wish) the nocturnal insects, BYO camera & insect repellant.

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

 “Native American Lifeways,” weekends through Labor Day (Sat-Sun 12-4 pm), Native American will be resident in IAIS’s replicated village each weekend, demonstrating Native lifeways & answering questions.

Kismet, programs at Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place, Bethel. Call 748-3125.

Dinner programs 4th Sat/month, potluck dinners, RSVP requested: July 23, Kismet Dinner & Discussion Group, at Fairfield County Ag Center, 67-69 Stony Hill Rd/Rte 6, Bethel, 7 pm, $15 (registration required), bring favorite dish to share w/ others interested in dinner engagement to meet new friends & share thoughts & perspectives on metaphysical wellness & self-discovery.

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.

Meetings 4th Wed/month, 1:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: July 27, “The History & Basics of Printmaking,” special program by Woodstock, N.Y.-based printmakers Karen Whitman & Richard Pantell.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), 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, 70 Southern Blvd, Danbury. Call 744-3130.

Guided hikes, free, cancelled if heavy rain, wear rugged, sturdy shoes, bring water & light snack, pre-registration requested: July 16, guided hike, begins 8:15 am; July 24, guided hike, begins 8:15 am.

Treehouse Comedy Productions.

Shows at The New Sorrento, 32 Newtown Rd, Danbury, 9:30 pm, first act, featured act & headliners as follows, tickets $15 unless noted: July 16, co-headliners Vince Dantona & George and Mitchell Walters, opening set by Steve Lazarus; July 23, headliner Dave Reilly, opening set Joey Father, Guido Carpelli; July 30, co-headliners Vanessa Hollingshead & Paul Bond, opening set by Johnny Lampert.

Trinity Productions workshops, 24 Alpine Circle, Sandy Hook, or Brookfield Commons, 246 Federal Rd (Suite C-23A), Brookfield (call for location), or by appt, or in-home by appt. Call 426-9448.

Workshops to communicate w/ angels, God, deceased or living by guidance, 2nd & 4th Sat/month in Sandy Hook, 1-3 pm, $40, call for details: July 17, Talking with Heaven, 4-6 pm, $35 (adv reservations required), at 6 Riverside Rd, Sandy Hook, traditional high tea ceremony & tea leaf readings by Mary Shannon.

Programs at Brookfield Commons: July 22, Angel Prayer & Healing Circle, 7:30-9:30 pm, led by Barbara Van Kirk.

Wednesday Night Poetry, 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 20, Artemis Rising, readings by members of a renowned writers’ circle incl Priscilla Herrington, Victoria Rivas, Suzy Lamson, Eileen Albrizio, Linda Yuhas, Paula Panzarella, Terri Klein, Mary Elizabeth Lang & Suzanne Niedzielska (host, John Jeffrey); July 27, Thaddeus Rutkowski (host, Alice-Anne Harwood).

Theatre ______________

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

Beyond Therapy, through July 23, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, call for ticket details.

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

As You Like It, July 22-Aug 7, curtain Thurs-Sun 8 pm (gates open at 6 for picnics, intern pre-show begins at 7), 6th annual series of free performances by Bridgeport Free Shakespeare.

The Gary-The Olivia Theatre at Abbey of Regina Laudis, Flanders Rd, Bethlehem. Call 203-266-7811.

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

The Boy Friend, through Sept 24, 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 $25-$60; July 28, Backstage at Goodspeed, call for details.

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

Phantom, through July 23, curtain Fri-Sat 8:30 pm (grounds open at 7:15 for picnics), tickets $18 adults, $15 seniors, $12 students & children, group rates & adv chair rental available.

The Sound of Music, July 28-Aug 13, curtain Fri-Sat 8:30 pm (grounds open at 7:15 for picnics), tickets $18 adults, $15 seniors, $12 students & children, group rates & adv chair rental available; (Thurs) July 28, preview performance, 8:30 pm, $10.

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

Company, through July 23, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (July 17 only) 2 pm, tickets $22 adults, $18 seniors & students; also (Thurs) July 14 & 21, curtain 8 pm, regular ticket prices apply for performances added due to popular demand.

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

Footloose, through Aug 13, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 3 pm, tickets $18 adults, $16 seniors.

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

Nine, the Musical, through Aug 13, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (Aug 1&8 only) 2 pm, tickets $25; (Thurs) July 21, Pay What You Want performance, 8 pm, name your ticket price.

Town Players of Newtown, at The Little Theater, theater is on Orchard Hill Rd (mailing address is PO Box 211), Newtown. Call 270-9144.

A Perfect Ganesh, through July 23, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (July 17 only) 2 pm, tickets $15 evenings, $12 matinee; NOTE: mature themes & some adult language, so not recommended for children.

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

Dear Brutus, through July 24, curtain Fri-Sat 8:30 pm (first Sat 8 pm, no afternoon show), Sun (first weekend only) 7:30 pm, Tues-Thurs 8 pm, mat Sat 4 pm, Sun 3 pm & Wed 2 pm, tickets $30-$65, discounts available for students & educators.

The Member of The Wedding, July 28-Aug 14, curtain Fri-Sat 8:30 pm (first Sat 8 pm, no afternoon show), Sun (first weekend only) 7:30 pm, Tues-Thurs 8 pm, mat Sat 4 pm, Sun 3 pm & Wed 2 pm, tickets $30-$65, discounts available for students & educators.

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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, 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, but must be in sharp focus. Please call for specs if you plan to email digital photo files.