Antiques Shows______

April 19: 6th Annual Meridian Lodge Antiques Show, Maloney High School, 121 Gravel St, Meriden, 10 am-3 pm (early buying 9 am, adm $10), regular adm $4, 50 dealers; NestEggAuctions.com.

April 24-26: Southport-Westport Antiques Show 2003, Fairfield County Hunt Club, 174 Long Lots Rd, Westport, Thurs (preview party) 6:30-8:30 pm (call for details), show hours Fri 11 am-6 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm, adm $10, 60+ dealers, call for details on programs for 39th annual Southport-Westport incl Designers Choice House Tour, Saturday Night Spaces, etc; 203-259-1710.

April 27: 48th Edition Greater Hartford Vintage Clothing & Jewelry Show & Sale, Emanuel Synagogue, Mohegan Dr, West Hartford, 10:30 am-4:30 pm, adm $5; 860-342-2540.

April 27: 22nd Annual Connecticut Postcard Club Postcard Show, Holiday Inn North Haven, 201 Washington Ave/Rte 5, North Haven, 10 am-4 pm, adm $3, 35 dealers; 203-888-0205.

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 April 27, “Janice Caswell: New Work,” colorful iconic maps by Ms Caswell, consisting of hole-punched paper, collage, marker, acrylic & pins arranged on white background, offer glimpses of places both real & imagined.

Through April 27, “Mark Dion: Full House,” first major New York area solo exhibition of an internationally-recognized American artist (& winner of 2001 Larry Aldrich Foundation Award) offers 7 major installations incl selection of 80+ drawings, collections of artist’s journals ca 1983-present, 1,000 cubit foot Vivarium (22-foot-long fallen tree-turned-home for moss, lichen & insects).

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 April 27, “Lasting Impressions,” new works by Anda Styler offering a departure in that the artist is presenting “perfect memories of perfect places.”

Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place, Bethel. Hours: Wed 7:30 pm (opens for weekly poetry program), Thurs 4:30-9 pm, Fri-Sat 12-9 pm, Sun 11-4 pm. Call 798-2193 or 740-7351.

*(new show) April 19-June 1, “Intimate Italy,” paintings by Jo Ann Simon inspired by the artist’s recent first trip to Italy coupled w/ additional works by BAJ members; April 19, opening reception, 6-9 pm.

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

Through April 28, recent paintings by Tina Gauthier, many inspired by artist’s journey in China from November 2001 to February 2002.

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

Through May 18, “Grand Re-Opening Celebration!” first group exhibition at new location celebrates gallery’s growth & success w/ 50 works of art incl pcs by Deborah Chabrain, Mel Crawford, Tom Key, Edward Martinez, Alain Picard, Bill Rice, John Swatsley, also new artists to gallery incl Micharl Garland, Tom Key, Frank Metz, Lorraine Ryan, et al.

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.

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

Through April 23, “People, Places and Things,” landscapes, still lifes & figure studies in oil by Edward Spaulding DeVoe, all marked by brilliant use of color & exquisite detail.

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

Through April 19, “Winners’ Circle,” annual group exhibition featuring works by winners of Annual Juried Show –works by Ann Bridgman, Lynne Cheson, Veronica Day, Ann Kromer, Susan Margolis, Bart Mauceri, Jr, Plonia Nixon, Gian Ontaneda, Bitty O’Sullivan Smith & Renee Santhouse.

Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-2282.

Through April 30, oils, acrylics & watercolors by students of Wooster Community Art Center.

Sandman Studios & Gallery, 596 Old Sherman Hill Rd, Woodbury. Hours: Thurs-Sun 3-5 pm, also by appt. Call 203-695-9964.

*(new show) April 17-June 11, “Ascend To Summer,” oil landscape paintings by David P. Curtis; April 27, open house, 3-5 pm.

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

*(new show) Through Oct 5, “Hooking: Folk Art To Fiber Art,” 1 hooked rugs drawn from museum collections & private lenders (incl award-winning rug artist Liz Alpert Fay of Sandy Hook).

Through April 20, “Marsden Hartley,” first Hartley retrospective in 20 years of one of most celebrated names in American painting presents 85 paintings & 20 works on paper demonstrating the stylistic & thematic range of Hartley’s innovative work.

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

Through April 27, “2003 Members’ Show,” showcase of WAA members w/ works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, photography, works on paper & sculpture.

WCSU White Hall Gallery, 181 White St, Danbury. Call 837-8140.

*(new show) April 21-May 2, “The Senior Photography Portfolio Show.”

Woodbury Antiques & Fine Art, 473 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Call 203-266-4753.

Through May 31, “A Year of Travel,” new oils & watercolors by Marija Pavlovich McCarthy depicting Serbia, the Australian interior & coast, & New England coast.

Woodbury Public Library, 269 Main St South/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours Mon, Wed, Fri-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Tues & Thurs 10 am-9 pm, Sun 1-5 pm.

Through April 30, “The Italian Experience,” poetic photographs by Rita L. Frost & Francis J. Caro.

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

Through April 30, “Materials,” mixed media collage-drawings by Charlene Fox, Rita Golaszewski, Ginger Hanrahan, Joan Gillman Smith & Karen Siegel – all students of J. Pindyck Miller, who will also have works on view.

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

Through July 20, “Bill Brandt: A Retrospective,” major touring exhibition spans Brandt’s photographic career w/ 155 vintage gelatin prints from Bill Brandt Archive in London; April 15, “England Made Me: Bill Brandt and Signs of British and Continental European Identity,” 5:30 pm, lecture by Prof David Alan Mellor (Univ of Sussex, history of art professor); April 26, gallery talk, noon; April 29, “Art in Context: Bill Brandt,” 12:30 pm, program by YCBA curator of prints & drawings Scott Wilcox.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield 06877.

May 12: Slide submissions due (postmarked) for consideration in “Radius: Emerging Artists from Connecticut & Southeastern New York,” $10 processing fee due w/ entries, entries will be considered for annual juried group exhibition of artists working in all media who have not yet had one-person show in established gallery, send SASE or visit www.AldrichArt.org for full prospectus.

Housatonic Art League, PO Box 472, New Milford, CT 06776.

June 14-15: Openings for fine artists in 8th Annual New Milford Art Festival, send SASE for application, show chaired by New Milford Outdoor Art Festival Committee, event will also offer prizes, music & food.

Ridgefield Chorale, rehearsals at East Ridge Middle School, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-3425.

Openings in non-auditioned group that focuses on Broadway, swing, Pops & “occasional dash of classical,” musical director is Daniela Sikora, rehearsals are Tues 7 pm at school.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

April 22: 3rd Annual Earth*Nite Benefit, Front Street Fish House, One Front St (at Greenwood Ave), Bethel, 7-11 pm, tickets $7, performances by Cool Struttin’ featuring Pam & Howie Bujese, Dave King, The Billy Michael Band, The Larry Deming Folk String Quartet & The Other People, part of Earth Week events sponsored by PATH; 778-5253.

April 22: The Yale Cellos at Battell Chapel, College St at Elm, New Haven, 8 pm, free, call for program details; 203-432-4157, 203-432-4158.

April 24: All-Star Concert, WCSU Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St, Danbury, 6 pm, opening performance of 8th Annual WestConn Jazz Festival will feature festival’s clinicians performing, call for program & adm details; 837-8614.

April 24: Irish fiddle legend Kevin Burke at Tresslers Barn, 146 Bibbins Rd, Easton, 7:30 pm, tickets $20 adults, $5 children (limited seating, reservations required), rare solo appearance by “one of most influential Irish musicians of all time” is being presented by Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society; 203-256-8453.

April 24: Duruflé’s Requiem by Yale Glee Club, at Woolsey Hall, Grove St at College St, New Haven, 8 pm, call for adm info, glee club will be joined by Yale Freshman Chorus; 203-432-4157, 203-432-4158.

April 25: The Phil Woods Quintet, WCSU Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St, Danbury, 7 pm, performance continues programming of 8th Annual WestConn Jazz Festival, call for program & adm details; 837-8614.

April 25: “The Funky-Gia Earth*Nite Benefit,” Colorado Brewery, 6 Delay St, Danbury, 8 pm-midnight, tickets $6/adv, $7/door, performances by Gia & Funkestra, part of 3rd Annual PATH Earth*Week events; 791-1450.

April 25: Philharmonia Orchestra at Yale Benefit Concert, at Woolsey Hall, College St at Grove St, New Haven, 8 pm (free pre-concert lecture by Bruckner scholar & YSM Professor Paul Hawkshaw, 6 pm), tickets $15 reserved seats, $10 general adm, $6 students, guest pianist Dean Robert Blocker will join orchestra for works of Beethoven & Bruckner; 203-432-4157, 203-432-4158.

April 25-26: 3rd CT Choreographers’ Forum Concert, Naugatuck Valley Community College Fine Arts Center, 750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, performances 8 pm, tickets  $15 adults, $8 students, showcase of works by choreographers Patricia Buchanan, Terre Lefferts, Mary Barnett & James Robey, performances by students of Brass City Ballet; 203-575-8179, 203-573-9419.

April 26: Ridgefield Chorale spring concert, at East Ridge Middle School, Ridgefield, 7 pm, tickets $10 adults, $5 seniors & students, free ages 5 & under, performance of five decades of pop hits from all music genres w/ accompanist Gina Wilson, also Ridgefield Swing Band, vocalist Wendy Cahill; 203-438-3425.

April 27: “Music For AN Earth Celebration II,” United Congregational Church, 877 Park Ave (at State St), Bridgeport, 4 pm, free performance w/ guest organist K. Bryan Kirk; 203-335-3107.

April 27: Pianist Fred Hersch at WCSU’s Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St, Danbury, 7 pm, performance by Grammy-nominated pianist joined by WCSU Jazz Orchestra concludes programming of 8th Annual WestConn Jazz Festival, call for program & adm details; 837-8614.

April 27: Ailey II at Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, 4 pm, tickets $20 & $25 adults, $15 students & seniors, performance by second touring group of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; 203-438-5795.

Greater Bridgeport Symphony, Klein Memorial Auditorium, 910 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-0263.

Performances 8 pm, tickets $17-$47 w/ student & group discounts: April 26, “Festive Blast,” upbet program w/ guest trumpeter Allen Vizzutti will incl works ranging from Baroque favorites to Argentinean tango incl handle, Hertel, Beethoven, De Falla, Piazolla & Vizzutti (7 pm, pre-concert performance by GBS harpist Wendy Kerner Lucas).

Ives Concert Hall at WCSU, White Hall, Fifth Ave & White St, Danbury. Call 837-8350.

April 24-26, 8th Annual WestConn Jazz Festival, call for details; April 29, “Mozart Mania: WCSU Concert Choir & WCSU Chamber Singers Spring Concert,” 8 pm, free (donations will benefit music dept), performance by 95-voice non-auditioned ensemble & select group of 17 vocalists will highlight vocal works of Mozart from each decade of his life.

Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield Univ, North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Call 203-254-4010, 877-ARTS-396 (877-278-7396).

April 22, Fairfield University Orchestra Spring Concert, 8 pm, tickets $8 adults, $5 students, spring concert will be 3 Grieg masterworks (Lyric Suite Piano Concerto in A minor & Peer Gynt Suite) w/ guest pianist Eric Hachinski.

Films _________________

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

April 18-24: Bend It Like Beckham (PG-13), daily 7:05 & 9:35 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:20 & 4:10 pm; City Of God (R), Fri-Tues, Thurs 7:15 & 9:45 pm, Wed 9:45 pm only, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:30 & 4:20 pm; The Good Thief (R), daily 6:50 & 9:15 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:10 & 4 pm; The Pianist (R), Fri-Tues, Thurs 6:40 & 9:25 pm, Wed 6:40 only, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:05 & 3:50 pm.

April 23: Screenings of Dr Seuss’ The Lorax, Jean Jacques Annaud’s The Bear & Ron Frick’s Baraka, tickets $8 adults, $2 children, family & environmentally friendly films night part of 3rd Annual PATH Earth*Week 2003.

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

April 18-23; The Jungle Book II (G), Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, Mon-Wed 7 & 9 pm, mat Fri-Sat 12, 2:30 & 5:30 pm, Tues 1 pm.

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

IMAX film through June 12: Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West, Mon-Fri 11 am, noon, 1, 2 & 3 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am, noon, 1, 2 3 & 4 pm.

IMAX double features through June 12: Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West and The Discoverers, Fri-Sun 7 pm.

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

Hollister Film Series, free screenings, 1:30 & 7 pm, evening screenings followed by open discussion: April 22, Chaplin (1993).

For Kids & Families _________

April 27: 2nd Annual Waldorf School 5K Fun Run, Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, 1 Jacklin Rd (at Rte 302), Dodgingtown, registration opens 7:30 am, race begins at 8 for children, 9 for adults, awards & raffles; 364-1113.

April 27: Housatonic Valley Waldorf School Open House, 1 Jacklin Rd (at Rte 302), Dodgingtown, 10 am-noon, meet teachers & learn about curriculum for preschool & grades K-8, also puppet show presentation by Early Childhood teachers; 364-1113.

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

Free public programs: April 24, Life-The-Flap Storytime, 11 am, find out what’s hidden beneath the flaps in Where’s Sam by Yves Got, Who Took The Cookie from the Cookie Jar? by David A. Carter & Peek-A-Moo! by Marie Torres Cimatusti; April 27, book signing & discussion w/ Joan Vernierno, 3pm, Monroe-based author of new release Victory or Death! will discuss her collection of 8 stories geared toward ages 8-12.

Beardsley Zoological Gardens, 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: April 22, Earth Day Celebration, receive free evergreen sapling, small garbage bag to use in car & pamphlet w/ eco-friendly tips while supplies last.

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

Free programs (unless specified): April 26, Tea With Felicity, 4 pm, dramatization of American Girl play followed by discussion of “issues of the day” (set in Colonial America).

Downtown Cabaret Children’s Theatre Co., 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-1636.

Hansel & Gretel, April 19-May 25, curtain Sat-Sun 12 & 2:30 pm, tickets $11.50.

The Graceful Planet, 75 Glen Rd, Sandy Hook. Call 426-8215.

April 26, Earth Day Celebration, family yoga 10:30 am (free), Danskinetics 11:30 am ($25, pre-registration required), family drum circle 1 pm (free).

YogaKids, $100, 8-week series begins April 22 for 6-9-year-olds (group meets Tues, 3:30 pm), April 23 begins 10-12-year-old session (meets Wed 5:30 pm), pre-registration required.

Miscellaneous ___________

April 18-19: Annual Ladies Auxiliary Easter Flower & Plant Sale, Sandy Hook Main Firehouse, Riverside Road, Sandy Hook, 9 am-4 pm, presented by Ladies Auxiliary of Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company.

April 18-19: Annual Easter Craft & Bake Sale, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 17 Roberts Ave, Danbury, Fri 5-7:30 pm, Sat 10 am-3 pm, homemade pierogies, kulich, poppy seed rolls, cookies, also imported Russian craft items, etc; 748-0671.

April 19: Hike at Tarrywile Park, 170 Southern Blvd (entrance is opposite Immaculate High School), Danbury, 10 am-2 pm, free hike sponsored by EMS Danbury will depart from park’s red barn, registration required; 794-1043.

April 20: “Uplifting Our Hearts and Minds Through Chanting,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free program by daily meditator Ann Vaccarelli will be followed by group meditation & tea reception; 203-263-2254.

April 21: Candlewood League of Artists program, New Fairfield Library community room, Brush Hill Rd (off Rte 39), New Fairfield, 7-8:30 pm, free & open to all, program by prominent award-winning illustrator Robert Noreika on using fluid acrylics on paper; 746-9100.

April 23: “The Basics of Global Positioning Systems,” EMS store, Danbury Fair Mall, Danbury, 7 pm, free clinic will cover everything from how a GPS works to outdoor demo & exercise, registration required; 794-1043.

April 24: “From Servant To Service,” Glebe House Museum & Jekyll Garden, Hollow Rd, Woodbury, noon, bring light lunch (dessert & beverages provided), museum director Sarah Griswold traces the growth of the nation through the colorful life of Senator Matthew Lyon, reservations requested, part of weekly “History Bites: Putting A Face on History” series; 203-263-2855.

April 24: Lillinonah Audubon Society Annual Dinner Meeting, Colonial Tavern, 25 Hawley Rd, Oxford, social time begins 6pm, tickets $25 (cash bar), buffet dinner, presentation by renowned bird photographer Sam Fried on shorebirds & their breeding grounds in Kansas, reservations needed by 4/21; 748-2599, 203-263-4124.

April 24: Open Mike Poet*Tree Night, Bethel Municipal Center, School St, Bethel, 8-10 pm, free, part of week-long 3rd Annual PATH Earth*Week 2003; 794-8501.

April 25: “A Carnival of Caring,” St Rose of Lima Parish Hall, 46 Church Hill Rd, Newtown $5/person, $16 maximum/family, St Rose School 6th grade class fundraiser will include dancing to DJ selections, games, silent auction, Easter Egg hunt, raffles and more, proceeds to benefit cancer research, reservations suggested (limited capacity); 426-2333.

April 25: Spring Psychic Fair, Danbury Holiday Hilton, Newtown Rd/Rte 6, Danbury, 6-11:30 pm, free adm, readings by psychics, clairvoyants, astrologers, tarot & gemstone readers, drawings by spirit guides, vendors; 792-2939.

April 25: “The Gilded Age, 1877-1890,” YMCA Greenknoll Annex, Greenknoll Professional Building, 60 Old New Milford Rd, Brookfield, 7 pm, free workshop/lecture presented by Dr Tim Tuttle on America circa late 19th Century; 744-1000.

April 25: CT Catholic Singles Spring Dinner Dance, Roberto’s Restaurant, 505 Main St/Rte 25, Monroe, 7:30 pm, $25, all welcome, reservations requested; 261-2414.

April 25-26: EMS Danbury Club Days, EMS store, Danbury Fair Mall, Danbury, 9 am-10 pm, representation from members of Nat’l Wildlife Federation, Earth Island Institute, The Raptor Center, Sirenian Int’l, Institute of Range and The American Mustang, The Wolf Education Center, Pandas Int’l, Orangutan Foundation, Caribbean Conservation of Sea Turtle, Wildlife Conservation Scty, Adirondack Mountain Club, Sierra Club, & others; 794-1043.

April 26: Revolutionary War Re-enactment, Fairfield Hills grounds, Mile Hill Rd, Newtown, 9:30 am-4 pm, camp life, campfire cooking & battle re-enactment (1 pm) of 1st Battalion DeLauncey’s Brigade.

April 26: Quilt Exhibition & Textiles Sale, Beardsley Homestead, 31 Great Ring Rd, Monroe, 9 am-3 pm, display of recent historical society quilt acquisitions, also Bicentennial Quilt w/ 26 individually hand made blocks on display, plus sale of new & vintage textiles, fabrics & textile equipment; 268-5511.

April 26: Third Annual Children’s Day, CityCenter Danbury, Ives St & Patriot Dr, Danbury, 1-4 pm (rain date May 3), day for parents, families & communities to value & uplift children will be celebrated w/ face painting, mask making workshops, live entertainment, give-aways, etc; 797-8088.

April 26: 18th Annual Goods & Services Auction, First Congregational Church of Bethel, 46 Main St/Rte 302, Bethel, preview begins 5:30, auction 7 pm, 100 lots to be sold w/ proceeds to benefit church’s programs & missions, partial proceeds also designated for local outreach within community; 748-6112.

April 26: “Back To The Future” open house/benefit event, Main Street Theater Company, 124 South Pomperaug Ave, Woodbury, 6-9 pm, tickets $40/adv, $45/door, celebration of what theater has already done & preview of what’s possible for the future through student performances, also refreshments, silent auction, psychic readings; 203-758-9758, 203-263-0854.

April 26-27: 7th Annual Gracious Home & Garden Show, Weston High School gymnasium, Rte 57, Weston, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, adm $6/adv, $7/door, 50+ vendors offer unique items for home & garden during fundraiser by Weston Young Woman’s Club to benefit selected Fairfield County charitable organizations; 221-0559.

April 26-27: Antique Farm Tool Exhibit, Flanders Nature Center, Woodbury, 1-4 pm, free adm, rain or shine, 500+ antique tools, farm implements & utensils illustrating life in early 1800s on view, also draft horse demos (Sat, call for time), horse shoeing demos (Sun, call for time), pony rides & hay rides, children’s art show, children’s craft tables; 203-263-3711.

April 27: 2nd Annual Waldorf School 5K Fun Run, Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, 1 Jacklin Rd (at Rte 302), Dodgingtown, registration opens 7:30 am, race begins at 8 for children, 9 for adults, awards & raffles; 364-1113.

April 27: Pancake Breakfast, Dodgingtown Firehouse, Rte 302, Dodgingtown, 9-11:30 am, proceeds to benefit Housatonic Valley Waldorf School.

April 27: Housatonic Valley Waldorf School Open House, 40 Dodgingtown Rd/Rte 302, Newtown, 10 am-noon, meet teachers & learn about curriculum for preschool & grades K-8, also puppet show presentation by Early Childhood teachers; 364-1113.

April 27: Odd Fellows & Rebeka’s Lodge Scholarship Breakfast, Odd Fellows Hall, Rte 7, New Milford, 8-11 am, adm $6 adults, $3 ages 12 & under, all-you-can-eat breakfast (eggs, pancakes, sides, coffee, tea & juice) will benefit lodge’s scholarship fund; 860-354-1062.

April 27: 2nd Annual Mind, Body, Spirit Expo, Danbury Sheraton, 18 Old Ridgebury Rd, Danbury, 10 am-5 pm, adm $10, free lectures, 40+ vendors/exhibitors, also workshops ($20 each, call or visit for schedule & reservations), afternoon focusing on metaphysical & alternative healing modalities, presented by Trinity Productions; 748-3125. www.TrinityProductions.org.

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: April 22, Nature Walk for Adults, 9 am, learn to identify early spring birds by sight & song, walk along Pomperaug River to listen & look for frogs & salamanders, identify spring wildflowers in meadows & forest, bring binoculars if possible, on mostly level ground w/ occasional slope; April 26, Earth Day Celebration, volunteers needed to plant trees (9 am), also hikes departing 11 am & 2 pm, test water quality along the way.

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

Free public programs: April 23, “A Practical Introduction To Feng Shui,” 7pm, consultant Nancy Opgaard will offer introductory program.

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

Programs free unless noted: April 23, discussion of April Morning, 7:30 pm, featured book for NewtownREADS program, led by Elizabeth Adam & Janice Fields; April 24, Felicity – American Girl, 7 pm, play coincides w/ era depicted in NewtownREADS featured title April Morning (performance repeats 4/28); April 24, Evening Book Group, 7:30 pm, discussion of Alice Sebold’s Lovely Bones, newcomers always welcome; April 25, Tavern night, 7-10 pm, live music by The Reel Thing, dancing, also games throughout library, part of NewtownREADS programming; April 28, Felicity – American Girl, 4 pm, play coincides w/ era depicted in NewtownREADS featured title April Morning; April 28, “Innovative Job Search Strategies,” 7 pm, program by Janice Weinberg (author, How To Win The Job You Really Want).

Flanders Nature Center/Van Vleck Farmhouse, Flanders & Church Hill Rd, Woodbury. Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am-5 pm. Call 263-3711.

Art at The Nature Center/Candlelight Art Evenings, 7:30 pm, $5: April 25, “A Work in Progress” by Peter Seltzer, master pastelist will discuss the unfolding evolution of his own process & imagery through slides of his pastels & paintings.

Misc programs: April 18, Flanders Stargazers, 8 pm, donation requested, naturalist Devon Ash leads monthly program concerning night sky & related topics (night sky objects, ancient sky lore, etc); April 23, “Wednesday Wanderings: Back To Flanders For More Spring Observations,” 9:30 am, weekly programs led by Ronnie Kamphausen ventures through woods, fields & trails of nature center, rain or shine (dress for the weather), all ages welcome; April 24, “The Story of Garlic,” 7-8:30 pm, $10, program by Joshua Rapport (founder & principal farmer, Sacred Organics), the history & folklore of garlic through discussion of growing techniques, medicinal properties of the ancient gourmet & therapeutic herb, also practical growing tips.

The Graceful Planet, 75 Glen Rd, Sandy Hook. Call 426-8215.

April 26, Earth Day Celebration, family yoga 10:30 am (free), Danskinetics 11:30 am ($25, pre-registration required), family drum circle 1 pm (free).

Highstead Arboretum, 127 Lonetown Rd, Redding. Call 938-8809.

Programs 10 am, $5 each, reservations suggested: April 19, Hurry, Hurry, guided walk seeking temporal joys of woodland floor incl the smaller, fleeting beauties of wood & swamp habitats usually overshadowed by blooming daffodils.

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

April 26, Native American flute presentation, 1 pm, adults $4, $2 children, presentation by Sioux singer Kenneth Merrick will incl singing, flute performance, & discussion of flute’s origins in North America & its music; April 27, “Writing Passion: Finding Your Voice,” call for time, $60, writing circle will encourage development of unique writing styles.

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

Meetings every other Tues of people “coming together having discussions, speakers, music, sharing of events in the area, to soar through the journey of life,” 7:30-9:30 pm, $5 donation requested:

Meetings 2nd & 4th Sun each month, 4-6 pm, $20: April 27, “Conversations With The Other Side” w/ clairvoyant & spiritual medium Cheri Scheinin, $20, **at 2nd Annual Mind-Body-Spirit Expo, Danbury Sheraton, 3-5 pm.

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: April 19, Squantz Pond, New Fairfield (Betty Horton, 860-354-7526); April 26, Audubon Center at Bent of the River, Southbury, 4-hour hike on new perimeter trail (Elsie Douglas, 426-6687, ElsaDoug@aol.com).

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

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

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

Free programs: April 19, “Winter Writing Series: Get Started Writing Your Memoir,” 7 pm, hands-on program w/ author, editor & award-winning journalist Mary Lou Weisman; April 24, “The West Nile Virus,” 7 pm, lecture by Dr John Anderson (director, CT Agricultural Experiment Station).

Sacred Grounds/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, call for details: April 26, “How To Talk with The Other Side,” $40, program w/ Cindy Miller, Cheryl Scheinin & Nancy Lawrence.

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: April 23, pastel landscape program by Alain Picard; May 28, oil program by Bob Crofut.

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

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

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

Series presented ev Wed 7:30-10 pm (featured poets 8:30 pm, poetry work-shop 9:15 pm), adm $1 ($3 if out-of-state or major guest poet), guest/featured poets as follows: April 23, Block Island innkeeper, mother, wife & poet Lisa Starr.

Theatre ______________

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

Swing! through May 18, curtain Fri 8 pm, Sat 5:30 & 8:30 pm, Sun 5:30 pm, tickets $34-$42, discounts for seniors (5:30 shows), students & groups, rush tickets 30 min before shows.

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

 Me and My Girl, April 25-July 5, 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, call for ticket prices.

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

Diosa, through May 11, curtain Tues-Thurs, Sun 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed (April 30 & May 7) 2 pm, Thurs (April 24 only) 2 pm, Sat (April 19 & May 10) 2:30 pm, Sun (April 20 & 27, May 4 & 11) 2:30 pm, tickets $22-$60; April 19, Pay What You Can matinee, 2:30.

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

On Stage II: Two Days: Last Tuesday and July 7, 1994 (two Donald Margulies one-acts), through May 11, curtain Wed-Fri 8 pm, Sat 8:30 pm, Sun & Tues 7 pm, mat Sat 4 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $15-$47.50; April 22, 29, May 6, Talkback Tuesdays, post-performance discussions; April 20, Sunday Symposium, post-matinee discussion.

Playhouse on The Green (formerly Polka Dot Playhouse), 177 State St, Bridgeport. Call 203-333-3666.

Ain’t Misbehavin’, through May 18, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 4 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $25-$35.

Seven Angels Theatre, Hamilton Park Pavilion, Plank Rd, Waterbury. Call 203-757-4676.

Beacon Hill Book Club, through April 27, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Thurs, Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets $24-$38.50.

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

Weird Romance, through May 3, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 3 pm, tickets $15 adults, $13 seniors & students.

Stamford TheatreWorks, 200 Strawberry Hill Ave (on Sacred Heart campus), Stamford. Call 203-359-4414.

Syncopation, April 23-May 11, curtain Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 4 pm, Sun 2 pm (May 4 & 11) & 7 pm (April 27 only), tickets $15-$28, discounts for students.

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

The Laramie Project, April 25-May 24, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (May 11 only) 2 pm, tickets $15; (Thurs) April 24, dress rehearsals for senior citizens, 8 pm, free; (Thurs) May 1, Pay-What-You-Can performance, 8 pm.

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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.