Antiques Shows______

Aug 2: 30th Annual Historical Society of Glastonbury Antiques Festival On The Green, Main & Hubbard Sts, Glastonbury, 9 am-4 pm rain or shine, adm $4 (early buying during set-up/7 am, $10), catered refreshments, free shuttle available from high school; 860-633-6890.

Aug 8-9: Pine Point School Antiques Show & Sale, Barnes Rd, Stonington, Fri 11 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, adm $4.50 (early buying Fri 10 am, $10), 50 exhibitors, benefit for Pine Point Parents Assn; 860-536-7729.

Aug 8-10: 7th Annual Antiques & Treasures Sale, Keeler Tavern Museum, 132 Main St/Rte 7, Ridgefield, Fri-Sat 9 am-5 pm (early buying Fri 8 am, $10), Sun 12-5 pm, refreshments available, fundraiser for museum; 203-438-5485.

Aug 9: 30th Annual Antiques Exchange Club of Madison Antiques Exhibit & Sale, On the Green, Rte 1, Madison, 9:30 am-4:30 pm (early buying 8:30 am, $10); 203-245-7139.

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 31, “A River Half Empty: Artists Engage Connecticut’s Environment,” collaborative exhibition between museum, CT Fund for the Environment (CFE), Weir Farm Trust & National Park Svc at Weir Farm w/ artists reflecting on some of the environmental concerns CFE has worked to address during its 25-year history, presented at Aldrich Museum & Weir Farm, artists incl Mara Adamitz Scrupe, Rachel Berwick, Adam Frelin, Lisa Kereszi, Frank Noelker, Sven Pählsson, Claudia Schmacke, Michelle Segre & Peter Waite.

Through Aug 31, “Elizabeth Demaray: The 2003 Aldrich Emerging Artist Award Recipient,” sculptures “that make profound connections between science, art & cultural assumptions” by conceptually based sculptor & winner of annual major award from Aldrich.

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.

Through Aug 24, “When It Sizzles: An Exhibit by Member & Guest Artists.”

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

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

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

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

Burnham Library, Rte 133, Bridgewater. Hours: Tues 1-5 pm, Wed 9 am-6 pm, Thurs 9 am-5 pm, Sat 9 am-1 pm. Call 860-354-6937.

Through Aug 29, “A Collection of Works by Alain Picard,” fine pastel portraits & landscapes by local artist.

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

Through Sept 22, “Beasts, Butterflies & Blossoms,” works by gallery artists; Aug 9, reception, 11 am-5 pm.

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

Through Aug 25, recent paintings by the acclaimed French artist Jean Duranel & striking photography by CT native Ted Witek.

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.

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

Through Aug 29, “Beauty and Beast: Invasive Plants of Connecticut,” original works on paper by members of Greater New York chapter of Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, 19 works by 12 artists, etchings to watercolor.

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

Through Aug 31, “Messengers: The Paintings of Joan LaRocca,” watercolor originals & limited edition signed & numbered giclee prints by Ms LaRocca characterized by Native American & dream imagery woven together, often featuring multiple layers of transparent images embedded within total design, accompanied by works of middle school students & faculty of Chippens Hill Middle School (in Bristol, where Ms LaRocca teaches).

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.

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

Through Aug 21, “Quiet Reductions,” photographs by George Incandela, who “draws” w/ photographic chemicals so that viewers see brush strokes, highlights & multiple perspectives, and ceramics by Ann Mallory who creates sculptural forms & vessels that focus on the spiritual essence of a subject.

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) Aug 3-29, “Annual Juried Student Exhibition,” works in various mediums; Aug 3, 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. 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 Aug 10, “Crescendo Works,” paintings by Rosalyn A. Engelman said to be “the memories of the artist’s soul, the music of her life.”

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) Aug 2-31, celebration of painting in oil w/ works by Joseph Byrne (haunting works), Deborah Kahn (abstract works by figuratively trained artist) & Colleen Randall (explorations of space & light); Aug 2, opening reception, 3-5 pm.

Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Rd, Wilton. Hours: Wed-Sun 8:30 am-5 pm. Call 203-834-1896.

Through Aug 31, “A River Half Empty: Artists Engage Connecticut’s Environment,” collaborative exhibition between Aldrich Museum, CT Fund for the Environment (CFE), Weir Farm Trust & National Park Svc at Weir Farm w/ artists reflecting on some of the environmental concerns CFE has worked to address during its 25-year history, presented at Aldrich Museum & Weir Farm, artists incl Mara Adamitz Scrupe, Rachel Berwick, Adam Frelin, Lisa Kereszi, Frank Noelker, Sven Pählsson, Claudia Schmacke, Michelle Segre & Peter Waite.

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

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

Wilton 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.

Wilton Historical Society/Wilton Heritage Museum, 224 Danbury Rd/Rte 7, Wilton. Hours: Mon-Thurs 12-4 pm, some Sundays 1-4 pm (call ahead). Call 203-762-7257.

Through Aug 31, “Wilton Collects,” collections of Wilton residents incl folk art, Orientalia, Shaker, political Americana, also children’s rock collections, Beanie Babies, foreign money, more;

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Newtown Congregational Church Flea Market, at Fairfield Hills soccer fields, Wassermann Way, Newtown. Call 426-4174 or 426-9024.

Aug 30: Group event seeks tag sale participants, crafters, antiques dealers, local businesses & organizations, baked goods/refreshments vendors for church building/expansion project, spaces $35 each, set-up begins at 7, sale will run 9 am-4 pm.

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

Aug 4-5: Auditions for Martin McDonagh’s The Lonesome West, Mon-Tues 7-9 pm, director Richard Pettibone is seeking 3 men (ages 30s-40s) & 1 woman (age 18-early 20s), Irish accents a must for all actors, readings will be done from script, rehearsals to run Mon-Thurs eves beginning late August, performances weekends Sept 26-Oct 18.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Aug 1-3: 8th Annual Litchfield Jazz Festival, Goshen Fairgrounds, Rte 63, Goshen, Fri grounds open 4:30 (music 7-10 pm incl Taj Mahal), Sat grounds open 10:30 (music 12-10 incl Dave Berkman, Jane Bunnett & The Spirits of Havana, The Heath Brothers, Wayne Shorter, et al), Sun grounds open 10:30 (music 12-10 incl Matt Wilson, Benny Green & Russell Malone, Brad Mehldau, Soulive, et al), tickets $30 (lawn)/day, $48 (tent)/day, free ages 12 & under w/ parent/guardian, weekend passes available, picnics welcome, plenty of food available on-site, no photos or video or tape recording in tent, also arts & crafts vendors; 860-567-4162.

Aug 4: Ron Murray & Vuelo at Gate House Café, Rte 172 (on grounds of training school), Southbury, 7 pm, free concert by band that performs flamenco guitar & jazz improv will open 2003 IBM/DMR Summer Concert Series, at nearby pavilion if rain.

Aug 7: Drum Day with Mikata, Chase Plaza/City Hall Annex, 999 Broad St, Bridgeport, noon, free performance by 6 master percussionists performing folkloric rhythms & dances of West Africa, the Caribbean & Brazil incl music from African roots to new world music of Haitian voodu, Cuban conga, etc, w/ world class musicians performing in traditional costumes, continues 6th Annual International Performing Arts Summer Sounds of the World series; 203-367-7917.

Aug 7: Drum Day: The Voice of The Drum, Bridgeport Ferry Terminal, Water St, Bridgeport, 6 pm, free jam session featuring some of CT’s leading drummers from Africa, Caribbean, Asia & Europe incl closing community drum circle, part of 6th Annual International Performing Arts Summer Sounds of the World series; 203-367-7917.

Aug 7: Danbury Music Centre Summer Band Concert, at Rogers Park School, 21 Memorial Dr, Danbury, 7:30 pm, free, bands comprised of novice through accomplished students conducted by Albert Montecalvo; 748-1716.

Aug 8: Danbury Music Centre Youth Choral Concert, at Rogers Park School, 21 Memorial Dr, Danbury, 7:30 pm, free performance of classical & Broadway show tunes performed by teenage musicians, conducted by Jonathan Pope; 748-1716.

Aug 9: “Beach Boys Fan Convention: Busy Doin’ Somethin’!” at Southbury Hilton, 1284 Strongtown Rd/Rte 188, Southbury, 10 am-6 pm, $50 (cash or check; no credit cards), live music by Duophonic, listening stations w/ unreleased Beach Boys materials, mixing stations, video stations w/ rare clips, live phone chats w/ Alan Jardine, raffles, auction (to benefit The Carl Wilson Foundation), Q&A w/ director-edit Stephen Desper (Endless Harmony) & longtime band photographer Ed Roach, vendor tables, more; 203-598-7600.

Aug 9: CT Artist Spotlight concert at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo (artists TBA), 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, tickets $17.50, gates open 6 pm, CT Bonus Set begins 6:45 pm (artists TBA), Gilbert’s set begins 7:30, annual outdoor ZooFolk series continues (in Carousel Museum if rain), picnics welcome (no alcohol allowed in park); 203-394-6565.

Aug 9: 2003 Summer Festival Chorus Concert, Fairfield Univ/Quick Center for the Arts, North Benson Rd, Fairfield, 7:30 pm, tickets $12 adults, $10 seniors & children, popular chorus will celebrate 10th season w/ new & returning members performing new work by jazz pianist & composer Joe Utterback, also Pops favorites; 203-254-4010.

Aug 10: Gospel Music Festival at Washington Park, corner Washington & Barnum Aves, Bridgeport, begins 3 pm, free afternoon of inspirational gospel choirs, soloists & bands incl The Prayer Tabernacle Choir, Gospel Stars of Hartford, soloist Tina Morriar, Kevin Monroe, & Devotion, part of 6th Annual International Performing Arts Summer Sounds of the World series; 203-367-7917.

Aug 11: TNT Jazz Band at Gate House Café, Rte 172 (on grounds of training school), Southbury, 7 pm, free concert by energized band that performs jazz & blues will continue 2003 IBM/DMR Summer Concert Series, at nearby pavilion if rain.

Aug 12: Housatonic Jazz Band at Ashlar of Newtown/Lockwood Lodge, 139 Toddy Hill Rd, Newtown, 7 pm, free concert of jazz favorites and more, bring blankets or chairs for seating, all welcome; 426-5847.

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

Stage A/Performance Art & Music Series, performances 8 pm: Aug 15, Aimee Mann, tickets $40 (general adm), folk-rock singer-songwriter is touring for her 4th solo release, Lost In Space.

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

2003 Summer Concert Series, 7 pm, performances on library’s back lawn, indoors if rain: Aug 15, The Golden Angels Jazz Band.

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

Free concerts (donations gratefully accepted & used to pay performers’ fees, also series scheduling, park maintenance, etc), performances 7 pm, rain location is Temple Shearith Isreal (400 Main St): Aug 5, Slaid Cleaves, lead performer & his band combine twangy country, roots rock & dust bowl folk; Aug 12, The Waifs, Aussie-based pop-folk-rock band returns after fantastic Ridgefield debut one year ago.

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

Summertime Festival 2003/Family Nights, Thurs 6:30 pm, free: Aug 7, Amy Rogell, singer-songwriter is called “one of most innovative performers … in children’s music today”; Aug 14, Jazz For Juniors, 8 young & impressive musicians deliver electric repertoire of jazz, bluegrass & country; Aug 21, John Fogarty;

Summertime Festival 2003, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, free: Aug 1, Doug Hartline & Friends, quintet “may be one of CT’s best kept secrets,” pop-jazz w/ Mat Metheny, Steely Dan & Beatles influences; Aug 2, Danbury Drum Corps (traditional & popular arrangements will continue group’s 75th anniversary) and Young Ambassadors Brass Band of Great Britain (28 musicians selected from leading brass bands of Great Britain will perform classical overtures, military suites, marches, jazz & popular movie themes); Aug 8, The Shoo Fly Blues, tradition to brand-new blues; Aug 9, Orleans, nat’l recording artists return w/ “Dance With Me,” “Still The One,” “Love Takes Time,” more (*rain location: Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St).

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

2003 Summer Concert Series, 2nd & 4th Tues, 6:30 pm (under pavilion if rain), free adm: Aug 12, The Brubeck Brothers, classical & contemporary jazz music.

2003 Sunday Summer Concert Series, 3 pm (under pavilion if rain), free: Aug 3, Thomasina w/ John Marshall, folk music w/ dulcimer & percussion.

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: Aug 5, The Clam Diggers, 3-pc Dixie band.

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

2003 Summer Concert Series, tickets $3 higher day of show, all shows $26 for adult/lawn (unless noted), $11 children/lawn, children ages 2 & under free/lawn: Aug 3, Jars of Clay and Sixpence None the Richer, 7:30 pm, tickets $26 & $31 reserved, $21 lawn; Aug 9, Indigo Girls, 8 pm, tickets $35 reserved, $25 adult lawn.

Sherman Chamber Ensemble. Call 860-355-6155.

Ensemble regulars are Eliot Bailen, cello; Susan Rotholz, flute; Jill Levy, violin; & Sarah Adams, viola.

Fri performances @St Andrew’s Church, Main St, Kent; Sat performances @Lake Mauweehoo Clubhouse, Sherman, tickets $20 adults, $15 students & seniors ($10 lawn seats available for Sat performances, free lawn seating for age 12 & under), series tickets $45: Aug 8-9, Crumb’s Night of The Four Moons, also works of Corelli, Dowland, Paganini & De Falla.

Southbury Green, 775 Main St South, Southbury.

6th Annual Summer Concert Series, 6-8 pm at the gazebo, free, postponed if rain: Aug 7, Tony Allen & The Al Dente Quartet, the music of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, et al.

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

Concerts by guest performers on church’s Bulkley Carillon, seating on church lawn (bring blankets, low chairs), performances 12:30 pm rain or shine, picnics welcome: Aug 6, David Maker (from UConn, Storrs).

Films _________________

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

Aug 1-7: 28 Days Later (R), daily 7:15 & 9:45 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:10 & 3:50 pm; Lucia, Lucia (R), daily 6:50 & 9:15 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:30 & 4:15 pm; Swimming Pool (R), daily 7:25 & 9:35 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1, 3:10 & 5:20 pm; Whale Rider (PG-13), daily 7 & 9:25 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:20 & 4 pm.

Sunday Classic with Dr Lowry, 10:30 am, $10 incl film, pre-screening info & post-screening discussion:

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

Aug 1-7: Bruce Almighty (PG-13), daily 7 & 9 pm, mat Fri, Mon-Thurs 1 pm, Sat-Sun 1 & 4 pm.

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

Aug 1-Sept 1: Pulse: A STOMP Odyssey, screenings daily (call for schedule).

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

Free screenings, Sat 1 pm: Aug 9, Reds; Aug 16, The Nun’s Story.

For Kids & Families _________

Aug 9: “George Crumb & His Weird Instruments: A Children’s Concert,” Lake Mauweehoo Clubhouse, Rte 37 at Leach Hollow Rd, Sherman 2 pm, free introduction to the composer & his instruments incl percussion, voice, electric cello, banjo & alto flute; 860-355-5930.

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

Free public programs: Aug 7, Troublesome Animals Storytime, 11 am, read about mischievous animals incl Raccoon TuneRaccoon Tune by Nancy Shaw & Bat Cat by Tracy-Lee McGuinness-Kelly; Aug 10, Maisy costume character visit, 3:30 pm, meet Maisy the white mouse & listen to readings of some of her stories.

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

Free programs (unless specified): Aug 4-9, “Chill With Will: Young Adult Shakespeare Theater Workshop,” for students entering grades 7 or above in the fall, Leland Kellogg will bring Shakespeare to life through various levels of multimedia in theater workshop; Aug 5, “Summer Science Sampler,” 1:30-3:30 pm, hands-on science experiments led by Leslie Troy incl Kitchen Chemistry, Bubbleology, Aerodynamics & Physical Science, for students entering grades 4-6/ages 9-11, limited to 14 students; Aug 6, PJ Story Time & Puppet Show, 6:30 pm, children ages 3 & up welcome to visit library in PJs for story time, no registration required; Aug 11, “Newtown’s Architecture Explored Through Folk Painting,” 1-4 pm, students entering grades 7 & up/ages 12-15 will learn from Leslie Troy how to depict Newtown through folk art style; Aug 13, “American & Israeli Folk Music with Rabbi Praver,” 10:30 pm, free program by a rabbi who has been performing for all ages since his early childhood.

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

Children’s Summer Theatre Workshop productions, 7:30, tickets $10 adults, $8 seniors & children ages 2-12, no children under 2 admitted (performance is by student actors, producers would like onstage actors to be able to concentrate without distractions): Aug 1, Betty Lou & The Country Beast, original country-western adaptation of Beauty & The Beast; Aug 8, Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs (w/ diff cast than July 18 presentation).

Tarrywile Park & Mansion, 70 Southern Blvd, Danbury. Call 744-3130.

“Magic Story Hour” Family Series, 11 am-noon, free program w/ storyteller Joyce Marie Rayno: Aug 6, Aug 12.

Miscellaneous ___________

Aug 2: Zoo-B-Q Country Barbecue Bash, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, 6-10 pm, tickets $25, outdoor party (indoors if rain) w/ BBQ buffet by High on The Hog Smokehouse Catering, cash bar, live traditional & modern country music by The Black Moon Band, proceeds will benefit zoo’s new Children’s Enrichment Playground; 203-332-4243.

Aug 3: Lillinonah Audubon Society Nature Walk, West Side Nature Center, Danbury, begins 9 am, free, 90±minute walk in preserved area that boasts wide variety New England plants & habitats, call for meeting place & reservations/other details; 748-2599.

Aug 5: 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.

Aug 9: “Beach Boys Fan Convention: Busy Doin’ Somethin’!” at Southbury Hilton, 1284 Strongtown Rd/Rte 188, Southbury, 10 am-6 pm, $50 (cash or check; no credit cards), live music by Duophonic, listening stations w/ unreleased Beach Boys materials, mixing stations, video stations w/ rare clips, live phone chats w/ Alan Jardine, raffles, auction (to benefit The Carl Wilson Foundation), Q&A w/ director-edit Stephen Desper (Endless Harmony) & longtime band photographer Ed Roach, vendor tables, more; 203-598-7600.

Aug 9: “Impressionists at Branchville,” Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Rd, Wilton, 11 am, registration required, one-hour walking tour leaving from site’s visitor center will explore farm’s landscape as an artistic setting & note locations where artists have created familiar works; 203-834-1896.

Aug 12: 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.

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: Aug 6, Weekly Adult Nature Walk, 9 am (changed recently from Tues to Wed mornings), $5, center staff member/naturalist will lead leisurely-paced walk to explore meadows for wildflowers, dragonflies & butterflies or forests for ferns & mushrooms, meet at Welcome Kiosk; Aug 9, “Little Nymphs & Eastern Sword-Bearers: A Search for Moth & Night Singing Insects,” 9:30 pm (time is correct), $5, space limited/reservations required, join CT naturalist John Himmelman (author, Discovering Moths: Nighttime Jewels in Your Own Yard) for 90-minute program focusing on nighttime insects.

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

Free public programs: Aug 6, Writing Workshop: Truth & Lies, 7:30 pm, for writers interested in sharpening skills, meets 1st & 3rd Wed/month, facilitated by Trudy Seagraves.

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

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

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

Also: Aug 2, Car Wash, 10 am-noon, $5, outdoor event w/ teen services librarian Amy Schumann joined by teen volunteers in raising money for library’s capital campaign.

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

Programs free unless noted: Aug 11, Daytime Book Discussion Group, 1 pm, discussion of Franz Kafka’s The Trial, newcomers always welcome; Aug 13, “Job Transitions & Networking,” 7 pm, program by Wayne Szmyt.

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 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: Aug 13, water media program by Bob Norieka.

Meetings 4th Wed/month, 1:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: Aug 27, watercolors program by Lalit Masih.

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.

Tarrywile Park & Mansion, 70 Southern Blvd, Danbury. Call 744-3130.

Aug 2, Beginners’ Hike, 8 am, free, 45-min hike over easy terrain & at easy pace, bring water, pre-registration required (group size limited); Aug 2, Intermediate Hike, 8:45 am, 2½-hour hike over moderate terrain & at steady pace (recommended for ages 12 & over), water & small snack recommended, pre-registration required (group size limited).

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).

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

Through Oct 4, every Sat 8-11 am.

Theatre_____________

Brookfield Curtains Summer Theatre, at Brookfield High School, 45 Long Meadow Hill Rd, Brookfield. Call 775-7148.

100 Years Of Broadway, Aug 1-3, curtain Fri 8:30 pm, Sat 8 pm, Sun 6 pm, tickets $10, performance by local high school & college singers & dancers.

Congregational Church of New Fairfield, 20 Gillotti Rd, New Fairfield. Call 746-2866.

Barnum, through Aug 3, curtain Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sun 3 pm, open seating $12 adults, $10 seniors & students, $8 ages 10 & under, reserved seating $9-$13.

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

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

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

Twelfth Night, Aug 1-9, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, sugg donation $10, general admission seating.

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: Hedwig And The Angry Inch, Aug 2-17, call for curtain schedule, tickets $35-$45 (special $25 Wig-Out Pit seats for this show only), group discounts available, half-price rush tickets also available 30 min before curtain; Aug 3, Pay What You Can performance, 8 pm.

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

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

Mainstage performances: H.M.S. Pinafore, through Aug 16, curtain Fri-Sun 8:30 (grounds open 7:15), tickets $15 adults, $12 seniors, students & children.

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

Crimes Of The Heart, through Aug 16, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 3 pm, tickets $15 adults, $12 students & seniors, cabaret-style seating (BYO snacks, drinks welcome), doors open one hour before performances.

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

West Side Story, Aug 1-30, curtain Fri (Aug 1 & 29 only) & Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 3 pm, tickets $18 adults, $16 seniors & students; July 31, dress rehearsal, curtain 8 pm, free, area senior citizens invited to enjoy free preview performance; Aug 1, opening night pre-show & intermission spritzer party for all ticket-holders.

Summer Theatre Connections, Newtown High School auditorium, 12 Berkshire Rd/Rte 34, Sandy Hook. Call 426-4212.

Night Of A Thousand Stars, final performance Aug 1, curtain Fri 7:30 pm, tickets $10 adults, $8 students & seniors.

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

Bat Boy: The Musical, through Aug 23, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm (Aug 3 & 10), mat Sun (Aug 17 only) 2 pm, tickets $20.

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

All’s Well That Ends Well, through Aug 2, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, tickets $12 evenings.

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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.