Antiques Shows______

Sept 6: Antiques In A Cow Pasture: One Day Antiques Show, 92 Canaan Rd/Rte 44, Salisbury, 10 am-4 pm rain or shine (early buying begins 8 am, $20), adm $6 adults, free ages 16 & under, 100+ dealers returning to grounds of Carrell Homestead for 3rd incarnation of a tradition resurrected by Frank Gaglio 3 years ago, refreshments, proceeds benefit Salisbury Visiting Nurses Assn; 845-876-0616.

Sept 7: Annual Westport Outdoor Antiques Show & Sale, Colonial Green, 244 Post Rd East, Westport, 10 am-4 pm (rain date Sept 22; early buying 9 am, $15), adm $5, 55+ dealers; 203-227-9234.

Sept 7: 31st Annual Antiques al Fresco, Bates-Scofield Homestead, Darien, 11 am-5 pm (early buying & opening of “Homestead Treasures” 10 am, $15), adm $5, 55 dealers; 508-674-9186.

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

Beaux Arts Gallery, 495 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: M-F 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Sat 9:30 am-4:30 pm, Sun by appt. Call 203-263-3939.

Through Oct 2, “New England Waterways,” recent work by David Dunlop featuring waterways of New England incl pcs finished following this summer’s trip to Maine; Sept 13, opening reception & artist’s talk, 4-6 pm.

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

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

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

*(new show) Through Sept 30, “Solo Exposure,” works by Sherri Baxter; Sept 7, opening reception (feat entertainment by guitarist Joe Beck), 1-5 pm.

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

Good News Café, 684 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Call 203-266-4663.

Through Oct 13, recent paintings by Frederick Velardi, who observes that color & shape are his primary subject matter.

Grey Horse Gallery, 3 Washington Ave/Rte 34 (in old Masonic Temple, 1st floor; behind St John’s Episcopal Church), Sandy Hook. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-4 pm. Call 270-1199.

Permanent display of oils & pastels by Dick McEvoy.

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

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

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

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

Through Oct 31, “a brush with destiny: paintings by Manabu Saito,” botanical art by the international known artist.

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

Through Sept 30, “Small World Portraits,” colorful & limited edition photos by professional photographer Don Garbera of “the small world which exists within the ‘wilds’ of backyards & woodlands.”

Knights of Columbus Museum, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven. Hours: Labor Day to May 1, Wed-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm; May 2 to Labor Day, daily 10 am-5 pm. Call 203-772-2130.

Through Sept 11, “Attack On The World Trade Center,” memorial exhibition designed to memorialize the nearly 3,000 people killed on 9/11, to remember the families who lost loved ones, & present affects on CT residents.

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

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

Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-753-0381.

Through Sept 18, “Picture Perfect: Images of Northwest Connecticut,” major loan exhibition of 33 paintings of northwest CT created by leading American artists betw 1790-1840 incl works of Cropsey, Ralph Earl, Homer Dodge martin, William Trost Richards, et al, plus related exhibits at historical societies at Litchfield Historical Society, Cornwall Library, Gunn Historical Museum, Kent Historical Society, Flanders Nature Center, Old Bethlehem Hist Society & New Milford Hist Society.

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.

*(new show) Sept 5-Dec 7, approx 55 paintings on loan from Terra Museum of American Art (Chicago) incl works by Cassatt, Chase, Church, Copley, Eakins, Hassam, Homer, Hopper, Phillips, Sargent, et al; Sept 7, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

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

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

Silvermine Guild Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan. Hours: Tues-Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-966-5617.

*(new show) Sept 7-Oct 5, “Secrets, Lies & Revelations,” sculptural handmade paper by Jeanine Esposito exploring the idea of telling lies & keeping secrets (“lies of omission”) through the phases of deception; Sept 7, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

*(new show) Sept 7-Oct 5, “Printo Forma: Contemplations on Primal Origins,” paintings, prints & sculpture by Eve Stockton; Sept 7, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

*(new show) Sept 7-Oct 5, “The City,” installation by Alex McFarlane measuring 15’ L x 4’ W that incl sculpture, paintings & graphite; Sept 7, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

*(new show) Sept 7-Oct 5, “Director’s Choice: In The Name of The Children,” photography & mixed media works by Ann Weiner exploring & questioning the roles played in lives by destiny & freewill, feelings about life & death, God, & the forces at work in our lives; Sept 7, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

*(new show) Sept 7-Oct 5, “Director’s Choice: Roz Chast,” cartoons by the legendary The New Yorker artist; Sept 7, artist’s talk, 1 pm, $5; Sept 7, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

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

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

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

(Also through Oct 19: “Federal Dining Parlor,” satellite exhibit re-creating Nutting’s 1916 “Federal Dining Parlor,” at The Joseph Web House (part of Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum), in Wethersfield).

Through Oct 5, “Hooking: Folk Art To Fiber Art,” 21 hooked rugs drawn from museum collections & private lenders (incl award-winning rug artist Liz Alpert Fay of Sandy Hook), meant to complement Nutting exhibitions.

Washington Art Association, Bryant Plaza, Rte 47, Washington Depot. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm (closed Wed), Sun 2-5 pm. Call 860-868-2878.

*(new show) Sept 5-28, recent paintings by Cathy Osman, Loran Ritz & Marlene Rye, each of whom specializes in landscapes w/ their own personality; Sept 6, opening reception, 3-5 pm.

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

Through Sept 7, batik paintings by Phyllis Boger, primarily plein-aire paintings by Diane Mesagno & multi-media works by Paula Renee.

Wilton Art Gallery & Framing, 379 Danbury Rd/Rte 7, Wilton. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat 9:30 am-5 pm, Sun by appt. Call 203-762-8311.

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

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

Through Sept 7, “Behold, The Sea Itself,” celebration of important themes in British maritime art incl travel, trade & colonization, naval power & the sublimity of storm & shipwreck by British artists, writers & musicians; Sept 6, exhibition tour, noon; Sept 7, exhibition tour, 2 pm;

On view indefinitely, “Revisiting Tradition: Painting & Sculpture in The Twentieth Century”; Sept 11, exhibition tour, 11 am; Sept 13, exhibition tour, noon; Sept 14, exhibition tour, 2 pm.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

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

Sept 19-20: Auditions for all dancing roles for Annual Nutcracker Ballet, area dancers invited to open auditions, all ages (ages 7 & up incl teens & adults) invited, most roles are for dancers w/ formal training, very few roles available for non-dancers, auditions & performances at Danbury High School, performances will be Dec 12-14, call for appt time, artistic director/choreographer is Arthur Fredric, co-director/choreographer is Lisa Denton, assoc director/choreographer is Bianca Johnson.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fairfield County Chorale, Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Ave, Norwalk. Call 203-254-1333.

Sept 7: Open auditions for 2003-04 season, 3-5 & 7-9 pm, openings in all vocal parts, nothing to prepare, season’s music incl Honegger’s L’Une Cantique de Noel (w/ Fairfield County Children’s Choir), Handel’s Samson, Mozart’s Requiem & Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, weekly rehearsals Mon eves.

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

Sept 7: Auditions for Ira Levin’s Deathtrap, 1-4 pm, director Suzanne Kinnear has roles for 3 men & 2 women ages 25-60, production will run weekends Nov 7-29 (incl 1 Sun mat, Nov 23), call for details.

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

Sept 8-9: Open auditions for Jacques Brell is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, 7-9 pm, be prepared w/ 2 songs (ballad & upbeat), bring sheet music, be able to move on stage, production dates Oct 31-Nov 22.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

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

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

Sept 6: “After Dinner Opera,” Danbury Music Centre, 256 Main St, Danbury, 4 pm (new time, rescheduled to avoid conflict w/ nearby Taste of Danbury events), sugg adm $10, performances by Danbury Opera regulars & dessert reception will close abbreviated season for opera company; 203-938-4136, 938-3930.

Sept 6: Rufus Wainwright at The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, 8 pm, tickets $35, solo performance by celebrated singer-songwriter will highlight previous releases while celebrating upcoming release, Want One; 203-438-4519.

Sept 12-14: 9th Annual Greater Danbury Irish Festival, Ives Concert Park, WCSU westside campus, off Mill Plain Rd, Danbury, Fri 5-10:30 pm, Sat 11 am-10:30 pm, Sun 11 am-7 pm, adm $10 adults/day, $5 college students w/ ID, free ages 12 & under, live music by Tipperary Knights, Highland Rovers, Merry Ploughboys, more, also step dancers, ceili & set dancing, cultural exhibits, Irish imports, food & drink, souvenir tents, children’s activities & sporting demos; 730-8211.

Sept 13: CT Artist Spotlight: Patty Larkin at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, tickets $17.50, gates open 6 pm, CT Bonus Set begins 6:45 pm, final concert of annual outdoor ZooFolk series will feature Patty Larkin headlining, opening set by The Kennedys (in Carousel Museum if rain), picnics welcome (no alcohol allowed in park); 203-394-6565.

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

Summertime Festival 2003, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, free: Sept 6, John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band (rain location: Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St); Sept 7, Catholic War Veterans Drum Corps, US Coast Guard Masters of Swing, finalé by Spam Brando.

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: Sept 9, CT Bristol Old Tyme Fiddlers Club.

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: Sept 13, flutist Rhonda Larson.

Films _________________

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

Sept 5-12: Camp (PG-13), daily 9:20 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed (4:10 pm); Le Divorce (PG-13), daily 7:10 & 9:35 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:30 & 4:20 pm; The Magdalene Sisters (R), daily 5:20, 7:30 & 9:45 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1 & 3:10 pm; The Secret Lives of Dentists (R), daily 6:50 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:50 pm; Thirteen (R), daily 7:40 & 9:55 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:10 & 3:20 pm; Whale Rider (PG-13), mat daily 5:30 pm (no evening shows).

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

Sept 5-7: The Hulk (PG-13), daily 7 & 9:25 pm, mat Sat-Sun 12:30 & 3:45 pm.

Sept 8-13: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (PG-13), daily 7 & 9 pm, mat Tues 1 pm, Sat 1 & 4 pm.

For Kids & Families _________

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

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

Free public programs: Sept 11, Grandparents & Grandchildren Storytime, 11 am, grandparents can bring grandchildren (& all others also welcome) for readings of Giles Andrae’s My Grandson Is A Genius! & Rhonda Gowler Greene’s At Grandma’s; Sept 14, Madeline Costume Character Visit, 3:30 pm, meet Madeline, shake her hand & hear readings of some of her favorite titles.

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

Zoo adm is $7 adults, $5 ages 3-11 & seniors, free ages 3 & under, programs included w/ adm: Sept 13, Animal Enrichment Day, 12-3 pm (raindate Sept 14), zookeepers will discuss & demonstrate how they keep zoo’s animals mentally stimulated & physically active (incl using scent balls & hidden animal treats), day will also incl Cablevision/Court TV Digital Fingerprinting Day.

Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-5795.

2003-04 Saturday Series For Children, performances 11 am & 2 pm, tickets $15 (series discounts available): Sept 13, Tom Chapin in concert, 2 pm (no early show), tickets $20 & $25, series opener by natural-born entertainer is also fundraiser for playhouse.

Miscellaneous ___________

Sept 5-7: 79th Bethlehem Fair, Bethlehem Fairgrounds, Rte 61, Bethlehem, Fri 5-10 pm, Sat 8 am-10 pm, Sun 8 am-5:30 pm, adm $6 adults, $4 seniors (Sat-Sun), free ages 12 & under, free parking, rides, games, exhibits, refreshments, horse show, Hollerin’ Contest, much more; 203-266-5350.

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

Sept 6: Western CT Orienteering Club meet, Tarrywile Park, Southern Blvd, Danbury, registration & starts 10 am-noon, $6, courses for beginner to expert levels, instruction available, participants will find their way across pre-set course using orienteering map & compass seeking flags at various land features; 860-658-7963.

Sept 6: Organic Garlic Market, at Flanders Nature Center, Flanders Rd at Church Hill Rd, Woodbury, 10 am-3 pm, tastings, seed available, natural products incl soaps, lip balm, natural bug repellent, more, presented by Sacred Organics Garlic Market; 203-263-3711.

Sept 6: 52nd Anniversary Antique & Classic Car Show, Lonetown Farm, Rte 107, Redding, 10 am-3 pm, adm $5, free ages 12 & under, 100+ pre-1942 antique & classic cars, early racecars, vintage motorcycles & trucks of owners from Fairfield County, New England, NY & NJ, also flea market, proceeds to benefit Redding His Scty; 203-938-4883.

Sept 6-7: Annual Apple Festival, St Peter’s Episcopal Church, 175 Old Tannery Rd (at Rte 111)/on the green, Monroe, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-4 pm, free adm, refreshments, The Country Kitchen (cookie walk, homemade pies & desserts), church cookbook, hardy mums, children’s games, raffle, more; 268-4265.

Sept 6-7: 52nd Annual Danbury Mineralogical Society Gem & Mineral Show, Danbury High School cafeteria, Clapboard Ridge Rd/Rte 39, Danbury, Sat 10 am-5:30 pm, Sun 10 am-5 pm, adm $3.50 adults, $2.50 seniors & students w/ ID, free for children 5 & under & Scouts in uniform, club displays of minerals, fossils, lapidary material & mining memorabilia, gold panning & grab bags for children, hourly door prizes, dealer tables, refreshments; 860-354-0296.

Sept 6-7: 17th Annual A Taste of Greater Danbury Festival, CityCenter Green, Ives St at Patriot Dr, Danbury, Sat 6-10:30 pm, Sun 12-7 pm, free adm, samplings (for small fee, most around $4) of specials from 12 area restaurants, also live music (John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band and Damn Glad on Sat, US Coast Guard Band Masters of Swing & Spam Brando on Sun), raffles, family activities, civic organization exhibits, more; 792-1711.

Sept 7: Stratford Baseball Card & Sport Memorabilia Show, Ramada Inn, 225 Lordship Blvd, Stratford, 9:30 am-3 pm, adm $3 adults, 99 cents ages 10 & under, special apperance by Yankees legend Stan Bahnsen (12-1 only), also dealers from 5 states w/ sport cards, vintage cards, new sets, wax boxes, memorabilia, autographs & related collectibles; 364-1209.

Sept 8: “Stevenson Dam: Its History, Environmental Effects & Future,” C.H. Booth Library, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, program by John Babina Jr on past, present & future of Stevenson Dam is sponsored by Newtown Historical Society; 426-5937.

Sept 8: BookTalk meeting, Southbury Public Library, 561 Main St South/Rte 6, Southbury, 2 pm, newcomers welcome, monthly book group will discuss Dr Jerry Labriola’s Murders at Brent Institute, discussion will be led by the author; 264-1716, 262-6123.

Sept 9: Sandy Hook Organic Farmer’s Market, parking area between St John’s Church and The Villa Restaurant, Washington Ave/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, 9 am-1 pm, locally-grown organic fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, breads, coffee, sandwich café, also pony rides, live entertainment, weekly (Tues) until Oct 21; 426-9938, 270-1820.

Sept 9: “The Work of Robert Berlind,” WCSU White Hall Viewing Room 1, White St, Danbury, 11 am, free public lecture opens the annual master of fine arts slide lecture series; 837-8410.

Sept 10: Nutmeg Quilters Guild Inc meeting, Ridgefield Playhouse (old Ridgefield High School building), 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, doors open 6:30, meeting begins 7 pm, guest speaker is Sue Fish, also raffle of quilt-related items, vendor area, member Show & Tell; 203-431-6072.

Sept 11: “Myths & Realities of War in Memory of Sept 11: Open Forum,” WCSU Warner Hall, White St, Danbury, 12:30-1:45 pm, free public program moderated by Prof William Petkanas will give students, faculty & the public an opportunity to respond to displays regarding 9/11, which will remain on view until Sept 18; 837-9401.

Sept 12-13: Waterbury Festival 2003, Library Park, Grand St, Waterbury, Fri 4-10 pm, Sat 11 am-11 pm, free adm, family-friendly extravaganza highlighted this year w/ free concert (Sat 8 pm) by The Four Tops, 25 food & beverage vendors, custom motorcycle show (Fri), pre-1974 Car Cruise (Sat), children’s activities & entertainment, continuous live entertainment, more; 203-574-6712.

Sept 12-14: 9th Annual Greater Danbury Irish Festival, Ives Concert Park, WCSU westside campus, off Mill Plain Rd, Danbury, Fri 5-10:30 pm, Sat 11 am-10:30 pm, Sun 11 am-7 pm, adm $10 adults/day, $5 college students w/ ID, free ages 12 & under, live music by Tipperary Knights, Highland Rovers, Merry Ploughboys, more, also step dancers, ceili & set dancing, cultural exhibits, Irish imports, food & drink, souvenir tents, children’s activities & sporting demos; 730-8211.

Sept 13: Autumn Crafts Fair at Wilton High School, Rte 7, Wilton, 10 am-4 pm rain or shine, presented by Artisans Alliance; 749-0843.

Sept 14: 28th Annual Cider & Donuts And Arts & Crafts Festival, The Riverwalk, Canal St (near Rte 100 & Rte 8), Shelton, 10 am-4 pm (rain date Sept 21), free adm, artists & crafters from several states, refreshments; 203-926-8802.

Sept 15: CT Poetry Society/Danbury area chapter meeting at Danbury Public Library, 170 Main St (at corner of West), Danbury, 6-8 pm, free & open to non-members, bring copies of original poems to share or just sit in for critiques, group meets 3rd Mon/month; 790-8073.

Sept 16: Sandy Hook Organic Farmer’s Market, parking area between St John’s Church and The Villa Restaurant, Washington Ave/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, 9 am-1 pm, locally-grown organic fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, breads, coffee, sandwich café, also pony rides, live entertainment, weekly (Tues) until Oct 21; 426-9938, 270-1820.

Sept 16: “Ashlar Lunch & Learn: Avoiding Falls During the Fall,” Lockwood Lodge at Ashlar of Newtown, 139 Toddy Hill Rd, Newtown, 12-1:30 pm, pre-registration required, program by rehabilitation manager Jennifer Brennan will concern preventing falls, lunch at noon, program begins 12:30; 364-3127.

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

Free programs unless noted, reservations requested, call if weather is questionable: Sept 6, Fungi Walk, 10 am, $5, three-hour foray led by nature expert Bill Yule will seek out the numerous varieties of mushrooms found in forest incl toadstool mushrooms, also fancy corals, shelf & jelly fungi; Sept 7, Sunday at Bent of the River, 2-4 pm, $5, families & anyone interested in nature encouraged to join walk designed for all ages to look at butterflies, flowers or life in Pomperaug River; Sept 9, View Mars, 8 pm, $5, guided look at Mars during its closest encounter w/ Earth will be led by amateur astronomer & Audubon CT’s director of bird conservation Patrick Comins; Sept 11, Live Birds at Night, social time begins 6:30, program at 7, $5, Sharon Audubon Center faculty member Wendy Rineer will discuss her work rehabilitating injured raptors & discuss 2 live species she will have w/ her.

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

Free public programs: Sept 7, book signing & discussion w/ author Lauren Baratz-Logsted (The Thin Pink Line), 3:30 pm; Sept 17, Truth & Lies Writing Workshop, 7:30, writers of non-fiction (Truth) & fiction (Lies) invited to offer & hear feedback from fellow writers during group that meets 1st & 3rd Wed/month.

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

Free public programs: Sept 9, “Creating The Self” book series begins, 7 pm, discussion of Barbara Kingsolver’s Prodigal Summer.

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

Programs free unless noted: Sept 8, Daytime Book Group, 1 pm, discussion of Vann Martel’s The Life of Pi; Sept 8, “Stevenson Dam: Its History, Environmental Effects & Future,” 7:30 pm, program by John Babina Jr on past, present & future of Stevenson Dam is sponsored by Newtown Hist Scty; Sept 9, Daytime Non-Fiction Book Group, 1 pm, discussion of Laura Hillenbrand’s Seabiscuit.

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.

Newtown Hikers. Call 426-2897, 270-4340.

Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 9 am, free, all welcome, bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders as follows: Sept 6, Sam’s Point, New York, start time 8 am, all day hike w/ optional dinner out (Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025); Sept 13, Carmel, N.Y. Rail Trail, hike or bike (Nancy Ziegler, 203-732-2618); Sept 20, Tarrywile Park, Danbury (Jo Tolg, 264-2308).

Newtown Singles, meetings at Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 261-4210.

Monthly “Meet & Mingle” events, 7-9 pm: Next meeting Sept 5.

Newtown VNA Thrift Shop, Edmond Town Hall (lower level), 45 Main Street, Newtown. Call 270-4377.

Shop is open every Wed 12-3 pm & Sat 9 am-noon, access is from town hall’s back parking lot (separate door for thrift shop), shop carries discounted items from local businesses & private donors incl clothing & sm home accessories, etc.

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

Meetings 2nd Wed/month, 7:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: Sept 10, program on oil still lifes by Shauna Shane.

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: Sept 10, Suzy Lamson; Sept 17, Chocolate Waters.

Theatre ______________

Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, Brookfield Playhouse, Rte 25, Brookfield Center.

The Prisoner of Second Avenue, Sept 5-27, curtain Thurs (Sept 18 only), Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (Sept 14 only) 2 pm, tickets $15;

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

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

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

Very Good Eddie, through Oct 4, curtain Fri 8 pm, Sat 8:30 pm, Sun 6:30 pm, Wed-Thurs 7:30 pm, mat Sat 4 pm, Sun & Wed 2 pm, tickets $22-$55.

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

SummerStage 2003: Say Goodnight Gracie: The Life, Laughter and Love of George Burns and Gracie Allen, through Sept 20, call for curtain schedule & ticket prices.

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

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

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

DEADLINE INFORMATION

Press releases for the Enjoy calendar of events or the Enjoy section must be received by MONDAY NOON for publication in that week’s edition of The Newtown Bee. Send to the attention of Shannon Hicks, Arts Editor, Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown 06470, or to shannon@thebee.com. Photos are welcome and can be black & white or color prints; please call for details concerning photo files to be emailed.