Music and Dance
Berkshire Concert Choir presents its annual Christmas concert featuring SONGS FROM MANY NATIONS on Friday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge; and on Saturday, December 22 at 3 p.m. at Zion's Lutheran Church, First St. in Pittsfield. The concert will present the 60-voice chorus in special holiday music from Peru, featuring the first published piece of western music sung in the Inca language, Quecha. Also from Peru is a Magnificat for double chorus, written for the Cathedral in Bogota and first performed in 1542. Other Christmas music will feature German, French, Spanish, American and African carols as well as old favorites, which the audience will be asked to join and sing with the chorus. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 seniors and students; for more info call 413-528-9949, or 413-442-1684.
Joyful Noise presents CHRISTMAS ANGELICUS featuring Chorus Angelicus and Gaudeamus with special guest John McDonough on Friday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Simsbury United Methodist Church, 352 Main St. in Simsbury; on Saturday, December 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Hotchkiss School Chapel, 11 Interlaken Rd. in Lakeville; and on Sunday, December 23 at 4 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 220 Prospect St. in Torrington. Chorus Angelicus, the acclaimed children's choir, and Gaudeamus, the adult vocal ensemble, present their eleventh annual Christmas concert, a festive celebration of holiday music and readings to warm your heart. Tickets are $20-$30 adults, $10 students; for more info call 888-788-8882.
Litchfield County Jewish Community Center presents the 5th annual KLEZMER ON THE HILLS on Saturday, December 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Johnson Arts Center at the Forman School, Route 63 & Norfolk Rd. in Litchfield. Klezmer is the Jewish folk dance music whose roots lie in old Eastern Europe. It was popular in the United States in the 1930s and ‘40s, when immigrants merged these roots with the big band style. It then nearly died out, but since the late ‘70s it is back, as indicated by the popularity of Itzhak Perlman’s recent recording, entitled "In the Fiddler’s House." The event will begin with a candlelight vigil dedicated to those lost in the horrific events of September 11. Tickets are $16 in advance (by December 23) and $20 at the door, with a $5 discount for students and seniors. For more info call 800-477-6849, or stop by any Strawberries Music and Video store.
The Youth Advisory Committee of the Torrington Area Foundation for Public Giving is running a BATTLE OF THE BANDS on Monday, December 31 from 7:30-11:30 p.m. in the Torrington City Hall auditorium as part of this year’s First Night celebration. Local bands were auditioned and four bands–DB Nuts, Jon Ericson, Shades of Grey, and The Pants–will be competing for cash prizes. Also, DJ Venom will be spinning tunes to provide non-stop music for teens and others during this drug- and alcohol-free event. First Night Buttons are available for $7 adults, $3 children through December 25; after that date, buttons cost $10 adults, $3 children. Buttons are available at many locations in Torrington; for more info call the First Night office at 860-489-5986.
Drama and Comedy
Hartford Stage, 50 Church St. in Hartford presents Eve Ensler's "NECESSARY TARGETS" through December 23. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday; 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; with 2 p.m. weekday and 2:30 p.m. weekend matinees on select dates. This is a story of two Americans who go to war-torn Bosnia to assist refugee women in confronting the devastation of their homeland and their shattered lives. Tickets are $22-$60; for more info call 860-527-5151.
TheaterWorks, 233 Pearl St. in Hartford presents "THREE DAYS OF RAIN" through December 23, with performances on Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The first act takes place in 1995; a world famous architect has recently died, and his two children, along with the son of his long-dead partner, reunite before the reading of the will and the discovery of a lost diary with its cryptic first entry: "three days of rain." In a surprising turn, act two transports the audience back in time to 1960, where the mysteries of the diary are revealed by the parents of the characters in act one. Tickets are $25, except for $35 on Saturdays; center section reserved seats $10 extra. Free student tickets are available for select performances; for more info call 860-527-7838.
Norfolk Library, Route 44 in Norfolk presents the National Marionette Theatre and their unique rendition of "BEAUTY AND THE BEAST" on Friday, December 28 at 3:30 p.m. The National Marionette Theatre is particularly known for its large and elaborate productions. Members of the company are recognized as fine international performers, and they are included in many "by invitational only" festivals in Europe. For reservations call 860-542-5075.
Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford presents the Hartford Stage production of "A CHRISTMAS CAROL" through December 30 in the new Belding Theater; performances are at 7 p.m. on Tuesday through Sunday, and at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $$30-$45; for more info call 860-987-5900.
Seven Angels Theatre, located at Hamilton Park Pavilion on Plank Road in Waterbury presents its annual STAND-UP NEW YEAR'S EVE COMEDY SHOW on Monday, December 31 at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Ring in the New Year with laughter. New York City comedians J.J. Ramirez, Sherry Davey, Tom Pecora and Peter Fogel will be joined by local radio host Tom Chute and special guest Joyce Follo. Tickets are $38 for the early show; ticket price of $60 for the late show includes a champagne reception and hors d'oeuvres to ring in the New Year. For more info call 203-757-4676.
Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, 225 East St. in Pittsfield holds OPEN AUDITIONS for its May production of the Neil Simon comedy "God’s Favorite" on Thursday, January 10 at 7:30 p.m. A Broadway hit in 1974, the play is about how a modern-day Jewish family living in a mansion on the north shore of Long Island handles the outrageous tests that God delivers. Organizers are seeking actors and actresses, set designers, costume designers and sewers, stagehands and general assistants. Anyone who either has previous stage experience or has always wanted to perform or work behind the scenes is invited to participate in what is hoped will be a community-wide event. J. Peter Bergman, whose has experience as a writer, theater critic, actor, director and stage manager in Berkshire County and New York City, will direct the play. For more info call 413-442-4360.
The Warner Theatre in Torrington is looking for NEW DIRECTORS for future projects to be presented by the Warner Stage Company and Studio Theatre. Directors should posses strong, verifiable experience directing in professional, community or educational theater, a desire to work with actors at all levels of development, and enthusiasm for making great theater happen. Stipends are available for qualified directors. Send resume and cover letter to Executive Director Barry Hughson, The Warner Theatre, PO Box 1012, Torrington, CT 06790; for more info visit <www.warnertheatre.org>.
Art Exhibits
Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington features the work of SUSAN JORDAN through January 6. Her watercolors of local villages in fall and winter, trees, barns, houses and flowers will be on display. Mrs. Jordan works in a traditional, realistic style with fresh, transparent color and a strong interest in the interplay of light and shadow. A signature member of the National Watercolor Society, Mrs. Jordan and her husband Rocky, a photographer, moved to Litchfield in 1998. For more info call 860-567-4525.
The Warner Theatre, 68 Main St. in Torrington presents a special exhibit of ORBS in its atrium through January 12. Artists from Artwell used 12-inch acrylic globes as the basis for construction of these pieces, which will be auctioned off at the end of the exhibit. Guests who view the exhibit can vote for their favorite orb, and the top three will be awarded cash prizes. For more info call 860-489-5986.
The Moviehouse Studio Gallery, Main St. in Millerton presents LOCAL COLOR, an exhibit of paintings by Scott Culbreth through January 24 during regular theater hours. For more info call Carol Sadlon at 860-435-2897.
The Marie Louise Trichet Gallery at Wisdom House in Litchfield will hold a JURIED SHOW, "Madonna and Child 2002" from April 14 through July 6. Juror for the show will be Susan Galassi, Associate Curator of the Frick Collection in New York. Interested artists can send a SASE for the prospectus and application form to: Marie Louise Trichet Galley, Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center, 229 East Litchfield Rd., Litchfield, CT 06759. The deadline for submissions is February 2. The prospectus may also be viewed at <www.wisdomhouse.org>; for more info call 860-567-3163.
Lectures
Kent Memorial Library, 32 North Main St. in Kent presents "The Gifts of the Magi: THE THREE KINGS IN ART" with Dr. Virginia Bush on Thursday, December 27 at 5 p.m. The talk will survey the tradition that three Kings followed a star from the East to find Jesus born in a manger in Bethlehem and presented the child with gifts of gold and myrrh and frankincense. The journey and arrival of the Kings was a favorite subject in art from at least the 5th century until the 19th, presenting–in addition to important religious and political ideas–opportunities for splendid displays of exotic peoples, animals and costumes. Dr. Bush's illustrated talk will treat many different artists and a wide range of artistic styles. Refreshments will be served; for reservations call 860-927-3761.
Classes and Workshops
Litchfield Parks and Recreation offers WINTER CAMP FOR YOUNG HORSE RIDERS on Thursday through Saturday, December 27-29 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Beginners, intermediate and advanced young riders will learn the basics of grooming, tacking and riding, and how to care for their ponies in the International Training Center’s large, warm indoor rink. Fee is $150 per child, $100 for two or more children, or $50 a day; for more info call Sarah Stull at 860-567-4114.
Farmington Valley Arts Center offers a 90-MINUTE CREATIVITY WORKOUT led by painter, speaker and performance artist Janet Luongo on Thursday, January 3 from 7-8:30 p.m. at its Sperry Park Annex, 50 Simsbury Rd. (Route 10) in Avon. Ms. Luongo will encourage participants to laugh and find energy and joy as they use a variety of media to design a colorful "quilt square" that expresses individual emotions. No artistic background is required; bring a friend and a desire to lose stress and inhibitions. Admission is $5, and drop-ins are welcome; for more info call 860-678-1867.
Northwestern CT Community College, Park Place East in Winsted offers a class for NOVICE COMPUTER USERS with Greg Waschak on Saturdays, January 5-19 from 1-4 p.m. If you’ve never turned on a computer, this hands-on course will give you the foundation necessary for later learning. Students will focus on working effectively in a Windows environment. Topics include what a computer is and what it can do, understanding ads for a computer system purchase, disk and file management, and an introduction to the major types of software programs. Microsoft Word will be used to create, format and save a document. This course can be taken for CEU credit. Cost is $99; for more info call Continuing Ed at 860-738-6446.
Farmington Valley Arts Center, 25 Arts Center Lane in Avon sponsors "Whose Life Is It Anyway? MEETING YOURSELF THROUGH POETRY" on Mondays, January 7 through February 25 from 7-9:30 p.m. Each evening participants will explore poetry as a process of self-awareness and personal transformation with poet and educator Reggie Marra. Fee is $240; preferred registration deadline is January 2. For more info call 860-678-1867.
Harwinton Recreation offers ADULT FITNESS (for ages 18 and over) with Charlene Razowski on Mondays and Thursdays from 6-7 p.m., starting January 7 and continuing through May at Harwinton Community Hall. Weights and steps will be provided, or bring your own; bring a towel or mat with you. New participants are welcome to begin any week. Fee is $25 for 10 classes, or $3 per class for walk-ins; for more info call 860-485-0626.
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge offers BOTANY FOR GARDENERS on Tuesdays, January 8-29 from 6-9 p.m. This course on plant anatomy and physiology is essential for the serious gardener as well as professionals who need to brush up on this important subject. The importance and roles of seeds, roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits will be addressed. Instructor Harold Brotzman is a professor in the Biology Department at MCLA; he specializes in botany and plant pathology. Cost is $90; advance registration is required. To register call the MA College of Liberal Arts at 413-662-5180; for more info call the Botanical Garden at 413-298-3926.
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge offers GREENHOUSE SELECTION AND MANAGEMENT on Wednesdays, January 9-30 from 6-9 p.m. This course considers all aspects of greenhouse selection, construction, care and management. Learn how to choose the appropriate style greenhouse, including framing, glazing choices and accessory equipment such as ventilation, heating, cooling and irrigation possibilities. Instructor Chris Loge is a Cornell Extension agent in New York, and is responsible for educational programs for the commercial greenhouse audience. Cost is $90; advance registration is required. To register call the MA College of Liberal Arts at 413-662-5180; for more info call the Botanical Garden at 413-298-3926.
Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury sponsors MUSIC THROUGH TIME, a music appreciation course with Ertan Seyyar Sener on Saturdays, January 12 through February 16 from 2-3:30 p.m. Mr. Sener will conduct a tour of world famous music through the ages. The course will be filled with musical anecdotes, historical tidbits, plenty of listening time, and a discussion of music in its many forms. Mr. Sener is on the faculty of the Hartt School of Music and is a member of Steel Sunrise, a steel drum band. Free and open to the public; to register call 860-658-7663.
Farmington Valley Arts Center, 25 Arts Center Lane in Avon sponsors HOORAY FOR FELT HATS! with Deborah Tait on Sunday, January 13 from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Make a warm felt hat the old-fashioned way using wool fleece and a rubber ball. Ms. Tait will ensure that you leave with a wearable work of your own. Bring lunch. Fee is $85 plus $12 for materials; preferred registration deadline is January 7. For more info call 860-678-1867.
Tunxis Community College offers an online course on TERRORISM IN AMERICA during its Spring 2002 semester. The development of terrorism as a crime, particularly as it has been directed against American society and national interests, will be examined. Focus will be on the major terrorist groups, their organizational and operational structures, and their historical roots, tactics and targets. The nation’s political, legal, financial and military responses to terrorist activities will also be explored. Open registration for Spring 2002 credit courses is January 15-18; for more info call 860-679-9521, or visit <tunxis.commnet.edu>.
Litchfield Parks and Recreation offers an American Red Cross BABYSITTING COURSE on Friday, January 18 from 3:30-7:30 p.m. and Saturday, January 19 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn the essentials for your safety as well as the young ones you watch. Learn CPR, basic first aid, diaper changing, and ask whatever questions you need to know. Fee is $25; to register call 860-567-7569.
Outdoors
Barkhamsted Christmas Bird Count will be held on Sunday, December 23. The objective of this annual event is to total all birds found on that date within a 7-1/2 mile radius of the Pleasant Valley section of Barkamsted; the count area includes all of Barkhamsted, as well as portions of Torrington, New Hartford, Winchester, Colebrook, Canton, West Granby and West Simsbury. Participants travel individually or in small groups throughout the area, counting everything from crows and gulls in downtown Winsted to elusive eagles near Barkhamsted Reservoir. More sedentary participants count birds around their yards or at their feeders; all sightings contribute to the day’s totals. Along with the results of almost 1,700 other counts nationwide, the Barkhamsted count will be published by Audubon. Count results help to monitor trends in bird populations. You need not live within the count area to participate; for more info call David Tripp at 860-693-6524, or or Jay Kaplan at 860-693-0263.
Sports
Northwestern Regional High School in Winsted hosts a BASKETBALL CLINIC for Region 7 elementary school children in grades 2-6 on Friday, December 28 from 4:30-6 p.m.; registration begins at 4:15 p.m. The clinic will be presented by the varsity girls and boys basketball teams; for more info call the Northwestern athletic office at 738-6983.
Northwestern Regional High School in Winsted hosts an ALUMNI BASKETBALL GAME between Northwestern and Gilbert on Friday, December 28; the women’s game begins at 6:45 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m. All interested alumni are invited to play and may just drop in; for more info call the Northwestern athletic office at 738-6983.
Winsted Recreation Department sponsors MEN'S BASKETBALL beginning Sunday, January 6. You may pick up rosters and registrations at the Winsted Recreation office in Town Hall. Fees are $150 for team sponsor, $50 individual, minimum $550 per team. Team rosters and registration are due by December 28; for more info call Pink Bunel at 379-7716, or the Rec. Dept. at 379-8670.
Northwestern Regional High School is now accepting nominations for the second class of inductees to its ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME. Applications are available in Region 7 town libraries, town halls, local stores, and in the Athletic office and main office at Northwestern. The selection committee’s criteria include athletic accomplishments, sportsmanship, dedicated years of coaching, or other significant contributions to sports at Northwestern. Athletes must have graduated prior to 1997; other guidelines are listed on nomination forms. For more info call Candy Perez at 860-738-6983, or Deb Wood Rice at 860-379-5674.
Kids
Torrington Parks and Recreation offers a MAGIC WORKSHOP for ages 5-12 featuring professional magician Tom O’Brien on Thursday, December 27 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Each child will learn introductory magic, receive a magic kit and learn how to perform five magic tricks. Cost is $15; for more info call 860-489-2274.
Canton Library, 40 Dyer Ave. in Canton hosts a discussion group for ages 10 and up on "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"–THE BOOK VS. THE MOVIE on Thursday, December 27 from 1-2 p.m. Participants must have read the book and seen the movie. Registration is required; for more info call 860-693-5800.
Litchfield Parks and Recreation holds a CONNECTICUT HOT SHOTS COMPETITION on Friday and Saturday, January 4-5 at Litchfield High School and the Intermediate School. Age groups include ages 9-10, ages 11-12, and ages 13-15; competition times will be announced based on registration. Registration deadline is December 28; for more info call 860-567-7569.
Festivals and Sales
Douglas Library in Canaan holds a LAST-MINUTE BOOK SALE featuring 25% off on Friday, December 21 from noon-8 p.m. The library’s Golden Basket Drawing will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tea and cookies will be served all day long, and the annual SOLSTICE CELEBRATION reading (and listening) will be held at 7 p.m. For more info call 860-824-7863.
Glastonbury Exchange Club sponsors its 22nd annual Gala New Year’s ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES SHOW on Tuesday, January 1 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Glastonbury High School, Hubbard St. (off Main St.) in Glastonbury. There will be 130 quality dealers on hand from throughout New England, New York and Rhode Island. Admission is $5 (or $4.50 with this listing); for more info call 860-342-2540.
Trips
Blanche McCarthy Winsted Senior Center sponsors a trip to ICELAND on April 22-26. Iceland is a European island situated below the Arctic Circle midway between North America and continental Europe. It takes approximately four hours to travel from Boston to Iceland. Almost everyone in Iceland speaks English. The average temperature in Reykjavik in April is 45 degrees. Iceland offers an amazing variety of natural features, including hot geothermal springs, volcanoes, glaciers, mountains, black sand beaches, fjords and desert highlands. Cost of $999 double or triple, $1099 single includes transportation to Boston, roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations in Reykjavik, admission to various attractions, and six meals. Reservations required by January 22; for more info call 860-379-4252, or 860-379-8325.
And More
Social Connections sponsors a SINGLES HOLIDAY HOUSE PARTY on Saturday, December 22 at a location in Bristol at 7 p.m. We always have a great time at our holiday parties. Dress to impress; bring an optional $10 grab bag gift, and BYOB. Bring either an appetizer or dessert to share. Admission is $15; for reservations call Gail at 860-582-8229.
Main Street Action Team sponsors FIRST NIGHT TORRINGTON throughout the afternoon and evening on Monday, January 31. This is an alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts for the entire family; over 20 locations in the downtown area of Torrington will host a variety of performers and artists. Opening ceremonies begin at City Hall at 3:30 p.m.; the celebration ends with a "Bonfire, Coffee and …" at Coe Park from 12:15-1:30 a.m. First Night Buttons, your ticket to every venue and special event, are available for $7 adults, $3 children through December 25; after that date, buttons cost $10 adults, $3 children. Buttons are available at many locations in Torrington; for more info call the First Night office at 860-489-5986.
Harwinton Recreation and the Commission on Aging sponsor a HOLIDAY CELEBRATION for adults (age 60 and over) on Sunday, January 13 (snow date is January 14) from noon-3:30 p.m. at the Harwinton Senior Center on Weingart Rd. Entertainment will be provided by the Jerry Carillo Ensemble, with a full course dinner catered by Scarpelli’s. Cost is $14, reservations required by January 9; for more info call 485-0626.
