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Music and Dance
Berkshire Museum, 39 South St. in Pittsfield presents CHERYL WHEELER
on Friday, January 11 at 8 p.m. Ms. Wheeler draws upon her childhood roots
for some of her more poignant work, capturing simple-hearted joy or dark,
lonely feelings from everyday life. Rather than attempting to wow with
startling images, Wheeler wraps her songs around familiar and shared events.
Wheeler's songs have been hits for a diverse group of singers ranging from
pop legend Bette Midler to Maura O'Connell's Irish ballads and beyond.
Classified as a folk by some, she has also written hits for country singers.
Tickets are $21; for more info call 413-443-7171, ext 10.
Sweet Harmony's Coffee House, located at St. Andrews Church, Route
202 (at the blinking light) in Marbledale presents AMY GALLATIN AND STILLWATERS
on Friday, January 11 at 8 p.m. Ms. Gallatin sings various musical styles–country,
folk, bluegrass and western swing–branding each song with soulful sincerity.
Stillwaters include musicians Kevin Lynch on mandolin and guitar, Roger
Williams on the resophonic guitar, and John Urbanik playing on several
instruments ranging from percussion to string bass. Tickets $8; bring a
mug and the coffee is free. For more info call 860-868-2846.
Warner Theatre, 68 Main St. in Torrington hosts "IN ORBIT" by Momix
on Friday and Saturday, January 11-12 at 8 p.m. In an endless search for
another gravity, artistic director Moses Pendleton combines athletic dance,
riveting music, outrageous costumes, inventive props and pure talent to
create an entertaining multimedia experience. Demonstrating dance theatre
illusion humor, Momix transports audiences from their everyday lives to
a fantasy world through its trademark use of magical lighting and imagery.
Tickets are $34.50 and $27.50; for more info call 860-489-7180.
Friends of Northwest Park present DEBI SMITH on Saturday, January
12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Northwest Park Nature Center in Windsor. Debi has
played at such prestigious venues as the Kennedy Center, Bethlehem Musikfest,
Hartland Folk Festival and Wolf Trap, and has appeared on NPR's "Prairie
Home Companion" and "All Things Considered," "Mountain Stage" and TNN's
"New Country." Smith has gained distinction for her delicate soaring vocals
as part of the Hags, an all-female Celtic group, before teaming up with
her sister, Megan, as part of the Smith Sisters. Playing guitar, piano
and bodhran, her show blends original contemporary, traditional and country
tunes with warmth and humor. Tickets are $10; all proceeds benefit the
Gordon Taylor Educational Fund. For more info call 860-285-1886.
Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd in Canton presents BILL
STAINES on Saturday, January 12 at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening with this
folk and country singer-songwriter who's known for his cowboy songs. Bring
your requests and join him on instantly memorable choruses. Tickets are
$12; for more info call 860-693-0263.
Nutmeg Square and Round Dance Club holds a Student Level SQUARE AND
ROUND DANCE on Saturday, January 12 from 8-11 p.m. at Judson School, Hamilton
Lane in Watertown. Caller is Allan Brozek, with cuer Sandi Everetts. The
dance is held in a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment; spectators
are always welcome. Fee charged for dancers, no fee for spectators; refreshments
will be served. For more info call Mary at 860-283-9943, or Rich and Ellen
at 860-274-6876.
Hotchkiss School, Routes 41 & 112 in Lakeville hosts a BENEFIT
CONCERT for 9-11 Firefighter Families on Sunday, January 13 at 1 p.m. Over
ten musical groups will perform, with all proceeds going to the Widows
and Children of the Firefighters of Ladder Company 5, Engine Company 24
in New York City. Performers include the Hotchkiss Baroque Ensemble, Trio
Sonata, McEachern Hot Jazz, CCB Blues Band, Fabio & Gisele Witkowski
Piano Duo, Seaton/ Sosin Cabaret, and more. Donations for the concert may
be made at the door or sent to: Engine 24, Ladder 5 Family Relief Fund,
227 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10014. For more info call the
Hotchkiss Music Dept. at 860-435-2233.
Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave. in Collinsville presents the
acoustic music of TOO HUMAN on Sunday, January 13 at 2 p.m. Topical and
relevant in the singer-songwriter tradition, the blues/ jazz-influenced
contemporary folk music of this duo is appropriate for all ages. Topics
range from hilarious dog put-downs to love songs–all with gritty, heartfelt
vocals, great harmonies and driving rhythms. For more info call 860-693-5800.
Drama and Comedy
The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford presents the FORBIDDEN
BROADWAY 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR on Friday and Saturday, January 11-12 at
8 p.m. Every year, the madly inventive Gerard Alessandrini updates his
scathing homage to Broadway's hottest musicals. The show's targets include
"The Lion King," "Miss Saigon," "Rent" (in which Seasons of Love become
Seasons of Hype), "Showboat," "Kiss Me Kate," "Chicago," and the perpetual
"Cats," which meets "A Chorus Line." Tickets are $37.50; for more info
call 860-987-5900.
Hartford Stage Company, 50 Church St. in Hartford presents "LETTERS
FROM TENNESEE: A Distant Country Called Youth" through January 27. Show
times are Tuesday through Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and
8 p.m.; Sunday, January 13 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, January
20 at 2:30 p.m.; and Sunday, January 27 at 3 p.m. Adapted and directed
by Steve Lawson from "The Selected Letters of Tennessee Williams, Vol.
1, 1920-1945," this one-man show will feature a rotating cast of actors
portraying Tennessee Williams from the earliest phases of his career through
his first major success, "The Glass Menagerie." The actors include Richard
Thomas on January 10-13, John Michael Higgins on January 15-17, Andrew
McCarthy on January 18-20, Campbell Scott on January 23-24, and Mark Lamos
on January 27. Tickets are $17.50-$45; for more info call 860-527-5151.
Clockwork Repertory Theatre, 133 Main St. in Oakville holds OPEN
AUDITIONS for its upcoming production of Neil Simon’s "The Odd Couple"
on Saturday, January 19 from noon-4 p.m. This play features excellent roles,
large and small, in an extremely comedic play. Come and read with the other
actors for a great stage classic. All actors who are cast will be paid
a stipend to assist with travel expenses. For more info call director Harold
J. Pantley at 860-274-7247.
Thomaston Opera House, 158 Main St. in Thomaston holds OPEN AUDITIONS
for its April production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" on Monday and Tuesday,
January 21-22 at 7 p.m. All roles are open to audition; no appointments
necessary. Director Keith Winegar is seeking a large ensemble cast (ages
16 and older) for this production. All auditioning are asked to come prepared
with a contemporary song (if not from "Jesus Christ Superstar," please
provide sheet music). Auditioners will also be asked to perform a brief
dance combination that will be taught at the audition. Please dress comfortably;
for more info call 860-283-6250.
Art Exhibits
Artwell, 19 Water St. in Torrington presents its FALL 2001 YOUNG
AT ART exhibit through January 12. This exhibit of art and writings is
the culmination of a collaboration between Artwell, local businesses and
organizations, visiting artists, high school teachers and students from
Litchfield, Wamogo, Torrington and Gilbert, and senior citizens from Sarah
Pierce Assisted Living Community in Litchfield. There will be a community
reception on Saturday, January 12 from 5-7 p.m. Gallery hours are Thursday
and Friday from 1-8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from noon-5 p.m. For more
info call 860-482-5122.
Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South St. in Litchfield exhibits EXPRESSIONS
AND IMPRESSIONS by Waterbury artist Vincent Rosa through January 25. The
exhibit will consist of primarily watercolor landscapes that capture nature's
ever-changing moods and seasons. Also, NARRATIVE IMAGES ON CLAY hand carved
by art teacher Hollie A. Hecht are on display in the lobby of the library.
The exhibits can be seen during regular library hours; for more info call
860-567-8030.
Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave. in Collinsville exhibits the
paintings of Canton resident DANA SCHREIBER in the library’s display case
through the month of January. At the same time, the work of HANNAH LIBMAN
of West Hartford will be exhibited on the walls of the library. Ms. Libman
works in a variety of media, but uses collage predominantly; her work features
a "slice of life" theme. Library hours are Monday through Thursday from
10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; for more info
call 860-693-5800.
Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center, 229 East Litchfield Rd.
in Litchfield presents BETWEEN TIMES, the paintings of Nancy Earle through
February 2 in the Marie Louise Trichet Gallery. Hours are Monday through
Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; for more
info call 860-567-3163.
Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, 540 Litchfield St. in Torrington exhibits
the photographs of ROBERT H. GROHS through February 4 in the main lobby.
The exhibit consists of color butterfly, flower and nature scenes. Several
of these images are close-ups in which one is able to see the minute details
of the butterfly. Mr. Grohs' subjects were photographed in Litchfield County
in their natural environment. For more info call Mr. Grohs at 860-489-1832.
Audubon Sharon is searching for wildlife artists, photographers and
crafters to participate in its Winter Wildlife Weekend ARTS GONE WILD!
Art Show and Avian Art Contest. Winter Wildlife Weekend, to be held on
February 22-24 at the Interlaken Inn in Lakeville, is a celebration of
wildlife through art and education, and includes fine wildlife art created
by the region’s best artists, photographers, carvers, sculptors and crafters.
The event also features art workshops, a meet-the-artists reception, and
a silent auction. New this year is an Avian Art Contest featuring bald
eagle art. Anyone can participate in this art contest, and all mediums
featuring the American bald eagle will be accepted; all winners will be
determined by a popular vote, with the grand prize winner receiving $500.
For more info call Charlene Houle at 860-364-0520.
Lectures
Licia and Mason Beekley Community Library, Central Ave. in New Hartford
presents a BOOK TALK by local author Frederick Fenn on Thursday, January
10 at 7 p.m. "Journey to Common Ground," his first novel, is a simply told
and refreshing story of struggle and survival. It is a chronicle of deep
friendship between two truly good people and a runaway slave. During the
program, the author will discuss his novel and its themes, and will explore
the process of creating historical fiction. Free and open to the public;
for more info call 860-379-7235.
Sheffield Historical Society presents its annual WHAT'S IT NIGHT
with Milton Barnum on Friday, January 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Dewey Hall, Main
St. (Route 7) in Sheffield. For years now, Milton Barnum and Chris Coenen
have challenged a multi-generational audience to stump them with antique
objects brought in from home. What is that odd iron, pliers-like tool?
Can this stalwart duo continue to identify such unique items? Where do
people find these rarely seen gizmos? Was that basket used for drying herbs
or draining cheese? Search your closets, your attics, and your barns. Take
up the quest for historical understanding and join Historical Society members
for this educational and always entertaining evening. Free and open to
the public; refreshments will be served. For more info call 413-229-2694.
White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd. (off Route 202)
in Litchfield presents a slide show on MOUNT WASHINGTON with Don Kenney
on Saturday, January 12 at 2 p.m. in the Arthur B. Ceder Meeting Room.
Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-567-0857.
Farmington Valley Arts Center, 25 Arts Center Lane in Avon presents
a POETRY READING with Reggie Marra on Saturday, January 12 from 2-3 p.m.
Marra will read from his new book, "Who Lives Better Than We Do?" The reading
will be followed by a question and discussion session. Audience members
will have an opportunity to get to know Marra, who is slated to teach several
self-discovery workshops at the Arts Center this winter. The author will
also sell and sign copies of his new book. For more info call 860-678-1867,
ext 105.
Norfolk Library, Route 44 in Norfolk presents THE NEW MILLENNIUM
RIDE on Saturday, January 12 at 4:30 p.m. Experienced long distance bicyclist
Everett Briggs is an accomplished solo voyager, educator and storyteller.
He will speak about and show slides from his recent bicycle trip across
the Eurasian continent from Seoul to Lisbon, through 22 countries, linking
the citizens of 50 cities. Free and open to the public; reservations may
be made by calling 860-542-5075.
Litchfield Hills Audubon Society has rescheduled its monthly meeting
for Monday, January 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the carriage house at White Memorial
Conservation Center, off Route 202 in Litchfield. Following the meeting,
Mark Szantyr will present a program on CONNECTICUT'S RARE BIRD RECORD LIST.
Mr. Szantyr, a longtime birder who has worked with the D.E.P. and the Nature
Conservancy on numerous bird surveys, will discuss the development of records
he is working on, the state's escaped exotics, identification clinics,
how to take field notes, discussion of puzzling recent bird occurrences,
and identification questions. Refreshments will be served at 7 p.m.; members
are reminded of table prizes. The public is invited; for more info call
860-482-0819.
Litchfield County Women's Network holds its monthly membership meeting
on Wednesday, January 16 at the Winchester Restaurant, Main St. in Winsted;
there will be networking from noon-12:30 p.m., followed by lunch and program.
Rose Bishop from the Oracle Healing Center will speak about REIKI, THERAPEUTIC
TOUCH AND SELF DISCOVERY. Cost for the luncheon is $15; reservations are
required by January 11. Guests are welcome; for more info call Paula McLaughlin
at 860-379-7561.
Classes and Workshops
Northwestern CT Community College in Winsted offers T’AI CHI CH’UAN
with Robert Gordon on Fridays, January 11 through March 1 from 7:30-8:30
p.m. T’ai Chi is recognized as being a premier form of mind/ body fitness
for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. T’ai Chi relieves stress
and tension, enhances circulation and improves coordination. Robert Gordon
will also be teaching INTERMEDIATE 60 POSTURE SHORT FORM from 6:30-7:30
p.m. on January 11 through March 1. This class is for students who have
completed 16 weeks of the "Yang Style Short Form" and wish to deepen their
understanding and attain form completion. Cost of each class is $55; registration
may be made with Visa or MasterCard by calling 860-738-6446 or 738-6449.
Canton Parks and Recreation offers SUPER BOWL MUNCHIES on Monday,
January 14 from 7-9 p.m. at the Canton Community Center. This cooking class
will consist of a demonstration, question time and sampling of all the
foods made; each participant will go home with a collection of recipes.
Cost is $25; registration deadline is January 10. For more info call 860-693-5808.
Winsted Recreation sponsors MIXED IMPACT AEROBIC CLASSES with Lucille
Kelsey on Mondays and Thursdays, beginning January 14 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
in the Mary P. Hinsdale School Gymnasium, Hinsdale Ave. in Winsted. Classes
include warm-up aerobics and cool down, followed by body sculpting for
all levels. Fee is $35 for 8 weeks (16 classes); to register call Lucille
at 860-738-4019.
Litchfield Parks and Recreation offers a beginner/ intermediate class
in AEROBICS at the Litchfield Athletic Club on Tuesdays and Thursdays,
January 15 through February 21 from 1-2 p.m. Cost is $5; to register call
860-567-7569.
Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center, 229 East Litchfield Rd.
in Litchfield offers CHI GONG with Luisa de Castro on Wednesdays, January
16 through February 6 from 6-7:30 p.m. Explore your chi (life energy) during
four evenings of gentle chi gong movement, breathing and guided meditation
to enhance the body/ mind connection and to build and maintain health.
To register call 860-567-8801.
Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center, 229 East Litchfield Rd.
in Litchfield offers "DEALING WITH ANGER: Building a Culture of Peace"
from Friday, January 18 at 7 p.m. through Sunday, January 20 at 1 p.m.
Anger is an energy that can empower or cripple us. Our response to tragedy
may engage deep anger. Patricia Plouffe St. Onge and Timothy St. Onge will
help the group learn ways of using this energy to create deeper, truer
lives and to create peace in us and around us. There will be time for presentation,
personal reflection, group meditation, sharing, and individual meeting
with the group leaders. For more info call 860-567-3163.
Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center, 229 East Litchfield Rd.
in Litchfield offers a program on SPIRITUAL DIRECTION with Cathleen Murtha,
DW on Saturday, January 19 from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The morning session will
focus on the history and practice of "spiritual direction," through which
one can become more attuned to the presence and action of God in our lives.
The afternoon session includes a one-on-one experience with a trained spiritual
director. For more info call 860-567-3163.
Harwinton Public Library, 80 Bentley Dr. in Harwinton offers an informational
BEGINNING FAMILY HISTORY CLASS with Elizabeth Wilcox, director of the Goshen
Family History Center on Saturday, January 19 (snow date is January 26)
at 11 a.m. Interested participants are asked to bring question and names
of ancestors. To register call 860-485-9113.
Washington Art Association in Washington Depot offers "CLAY–New Ways
to Think of Form" with Robin Johnson on Saturday, January 19 from 10 a.m.-4
p.m. and Sunday, January 20 from 1-4 p.m. This two-day workshop for potters
of any level will include individual instruction on developing concepts.
Slides and group discussions will also be featured. For more info or to
register, call 860-868-2878.
Connecticut Historical Society, 1 Elizabeth St. in Hartford offers
a family workshp on MEMORY BOXES on Sunday, January 20 from 2-4 p.m. Spend
an afternoon capturing your most cherished recollections in a memory box
and tell the stories nearest your heart. Boxes and other materials will
be provided; be sure to bring photos, items of personal value, and a smock.
Admission is $6 adults; $3 seniors, students and youth (ages 6-17); free
for members and children under 6. For reservations, call Amy at 860-236-5621,
ext 224.
TriArts Musical Theater Company presents TAP DANCING WORKSHOPS on
Sundays, January 20 and January 27 from 1-2:30 p.m. for non-tappers and
beginners; and from 3-4:30 p.m. for intermediate and advanced tappers at
Space (formerly known as Impact), 228 Sharon Rd. (Route 41) in Lakeville.
Tuition $35 is $20 per class or $35 for both weeks; member discounts available.
Registration is required. For more info call Pamela Chassin at 860-435-6414.
Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury presents USING
THE LIBRARY FOR YOUR INVESTMENT RESEARCH with Business Outreach Librarian
Jennifer Keohane on Wednesday, January 23 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Ms Keohane
will identify and demonstrate the wide variety of online and print resources
available at the library that individual investors might use to gather
company, industry and market information. This program will focus on research
techniques, not investment strategies, and is appropriate for novice and
experienced investors. Free and open to the public; to register call the
Adult Reference Desk at 860-658-7663.
Outdoors
Torrington Parks and Recreation offers SUPERVISED SLEDDING at Major
Besse Park on Riverside Ave. from 5-8 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and
from noon-8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday until further notice, depending
on weather and surface conditions.
Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd. in Canton offers an excursion
through Canton’s BIRDING HOT SPOTS with Jay Kaplan on Saturday, January
19 from 7-10 a.m. How many species of birds can be found on a mid-winter
morning? Participants should dress warmly for winter weather conditions.
Hot cocoa and compilation of the checklist will follow in the Nature Center
auditorium. Cost is $3 members, $4 non-members; pre-registration is required.
For more info call 860-693-0263.
Housatonic Audubon Society and Litchfield Hills Audubon Society offer
a field trip for WINTER BIRDING IN RHODE ISLAND on Sunday, January 20;
meet at Litchfield Grange at 7 a.m. to carpool. Ray Belding leads a day
of birding along the Rhode Island coast and Sachuest Point in search of
wintering waterfowl and other avian creatures. The highlight will be close
viewing of Harlequin ducks. Warm clothes and a bag lunch are recommended.
Free; for more info call Ray at 860-482-4046.
Housatonic Audubon Society offers a field trip to BRUCE MUSEUM in
Greenwich, CT on Saturday, January 26; meet at Sharon Audubon at 9 a.m.
for an 11 a.m. tour of the museum. The museum exhibit "The Real and the
Imagined: Animals in Children’s Book Illustration" will provide the opportunity
to compare book illustrators’ renditions to real animals. Original illustrations
by artists such as Fred Bradbury and Wendell Minor will be there alongside
taxidermy mounts of bears, owls, fox, moose, wolf and rabbits. The return
trip will include a stop for lunch and a quick tour of the Greenwich Audubon
Center. Free; for more info and to register, call Louisa LaFontan at 860-927-3950.
Sports
Winsted Recreation begins its WINSTED MEN’S CITY LEAGUE on Sunday,
January 13 at noon at Pearson School. Schedules will be available on January
10; for more info call 379-7716.
Canton Parks and Recreation sponsors a trip to see the UCONN WOMEN
play at Villanova on Saturday, January 19. The bus leaves at 7 a.m. from
Mills Pond Park, 10 East Hill Rd. in Canton for the noon game, and departs
directly after the game for home. Cost of $80 includes transportation and
ticket; for more info call 860-693-5808.
Kids
Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave. in Collinsville offers "GO GIRLS,"
a special storytime with Canton’s Girl Scouts on Saturday, January 12 at
11 a.m. All ages are welcome, but advance registration is required; for
more info call 860-693-5800.
Winsted Recreation sponsors DANCE CLASSES with Sherry Laigle at the
Pearson School gymnasium, 2 Wetmore Ave. in Winsted; programs run on Thursdays
on a continuous basis throughout the school year. Ballet, tap and jazz
classes for ages 3-5 are held from 3:45-4:30 p.m.; a combination class
for ages 6-9 is held from 5:15-6 p.m. Fee is $35 for an 8-week session;
for more info call Sherry at 860-626-0621.
TriArts Musical Theatre Company offers a SONG AND DANCE WORKSHOP
for children (ages 8-14) on Saturday, January 19 from 1-2:30 p.m. at Town
Hill School, 204 Interlaken Rd. in Lakeville. Michael Berkeley, Artistic
director of TriArts, and choreographer Cheryl Swift will lead the workshop,
which will combine singing, dancing and showmanship skills. Fee is $16
members, $20 non-members; registration is required. For more info call
860-435-6414.
Harwinton Public Library, 80 Bentley Dr. in Harwinton offers PAJAMA
PARTY STORYTIME for children in grades K-3 on Wednesday, January 23 at
7 p.m. Listen to stories and create a winter craft. To register call 860-485-9113.
Harwinton Recreation offers TUMBLE TOTS on Wednesdays, staring January
23 and continuing through June from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Harwinton Community
Hall. This is a movement exploration program for ages 2-3 accompanied by
an adult. Fee is $36 for 8 weeks; participants are welcome to join at any
time with a pro-rated fee. For more info call 860-485-0626.
And More
Social Connections sponsors a SINGLES NEWCOMER'S HOUSE PARTY on Saturday,
January 12 at 7 p.m. at a location in Bristol. This is a casual event for
all potential, new and old members to mix and mingle in a comfortable,
relaxed setting. This is one of our favorite events. Admission is $5; bring
a munchie or dessert to share. For more info call 860-582-8229.
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