presents POPS AT THE BUSHNELL with special guest drummer and composer Victor Lewis on Sunday, June 2 at 3:30 p.m. in the Bushnell's Auturino Great Hall, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford. Victor Lewis has played with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Woody Shaw, Stan Getz and Dexter Gordon and is internationally known in his own right. Other artists featured in this cabaret-style performance will be Jimmy Greene's Jazz Quintet, Paul Brown & Jim Martin's Sextet, Bob DePalma's Sax Quartet & Lab Band, and Dianne Mower's Real Ambassadors. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 students; for more info call 860-757-6388 or visit <www.crec.org/theater>.
Jewish Federation of the Berkshires sponsors THE JOY OF MUSIC on Sunday, June 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, 270 State Rd. in Great Barrington. This performance features selected original compositions by Joy Robin Dronge, a Juilliard-trained flutist and composer. The concert is dedicated to her daughter, Risa Graubard, who passed away in 1995 from cancer; also to world-renowned jazz and classical composer Jimmy Giuffre; the late Geraldine Rabens, mother of Wendy Rabinowitz; and the families and victims of September 11. (This performance was initially scheduled for the evening of September 11, 2001.) The concert and reception are and open to the public; for more info call 413-442-4360.
Canton Senior High School Symphonic Band presents a CONCERT IN THE PARK on Tuesday, June 4 at Mills Pond Park; a picnic and prelude will begin at 6 p.m., and the concert follows at 7 p.m. Featured in the evening's program will be the CHS Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Choir, and the Symphonic Band. The Cawasa Grange will be honored for their generous support to the instrumental program. The Canton Parents for Music are selling box suppers provided by LaSalle Market by advance order only; all proceeds benefit the Canton Public School Music Program. For more info call Linda Hill at 860-693-2695. The concert is free and open to the public; rain location is the Canton Junior/Senior High School gymnasium.
Litchfield County Barbershop Chorus (Norwestones) hold a WEEKLY REHEARSAL on Thursday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the school rooms at the Litchfield Congregational Church. The Chorus, which has been in Litchfield County for 36 years, is looking for men who like to sing; college students are welcome. Come and join us on any Thursday and get hooked on the sound of four-part harmony. For more info call Al at 860-482-5413.
Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd. (Route 202) in Litchfield presents "LISZT: MUSIC'S FIRST MATINEE IDOL," a series of two talks by Jeffrey M. Engel and Judith Chatfield on Fridays, June 14 and June 21 from 1:30-3 p.m. This will be a fascinating opportunity to learn more about one of the supreme musical talents of the 19th century–Franz Liszt. Music historian Jeffrey M. Engel, formerly a professional cellist in Paris, is joined by Judith Chatfield, a specialist in the history of Italian and European gardens with an extensive background in art history, for a colorful look at Liszt's music and his life, the cultural backdrop of his time, and the role Italian gardens played in inspiring his genius. Cost is $15; register by June 7. For more info call 860-567-8302.
Drama and Comedy
Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, 235 East St. in Pittsfield presents "SIN SONGS" on Saturday, June 1 at 8 p.m. Accomplished jazz and blues singer Natalie Lamb tells the story of Jewish Broadway star Libby Holman in this two-act play. A musical revolutionary, Holman succeeded at two different musical careers spanning the prohibition era of the 1920s, World War II, and the advent of the political and social ferment of the 1960s. Strong, daring, "dark" and impetuous, this feisty Jewish woman led a rich public life touching a dizzying array of people from Montgomery Cliff to Alice B. Toklas. From a deep sense of personal commitment to racial justice, she later made contributions to the Civil Rights Movement as both an artist and a wealthy benefactor, helping to finance Martin Luther King Jr.'s visit to India to meet Mahatma Ghandi. Tickets are $10. The performance is open to the public; for more info call 413-442-4360, ext 21.
Seven Angels Theatre at Hamilton Park, Plank Rd. in Waterbury presents a Gary Grant Talent production of MOMMY'S SHOW on Saturday, June 1 at 8 p.m. Marion Grodin hosts and stars in this performance. With four comedians, all of whom are mothers, "Mommy's Show" is a hilarious send up on motherhood. These four comedians put motherhood from pregnancy through the teens on the comedic stage with wit, frankness and outright outrageousness. Tickets are $25; for more info call 203-757-4676.
The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford presents Elton John and Tim Rice's "AIDA" through June 9 with performances on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Based on the classic story of star-crossed love between Nubian princess Aida and the Egyptian captain Radames, this "Aida" is the first new musical by Elton John and Tim Rice since they wrote "The Lion King" together; this production received four 2000 Tony Awards and is still playing to capacity audiences in New York. For more info call 860-987-5900.
Hartford Stage Company, 50 Church St. in Hartford presents Edward Albee's "SEASCAPE" through June 30 with performances on Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; as well as matinees on selected dates. Mark Lamos directs this revival of the 1975 Pulitzer Prize winner from Albee, whose credits include "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and "The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?" George Grizzard stars in a lively and often humorous look at life and love through the eyes of two couples–one human and one not. Tickets are $22-$60; for more info call 860-527-5151.
Winsted Summer Theater Festival holds AUDITIONS for the production of Thornton Wilder’s American classic "Our Town" on Saturday, June 8 from 1-3 p.m.; and Sunday, June 9 from 7-9 p.m. in the Lee Anne LaClaire Room in Winsted Town Hall, Main St. in Winsted. The production will be mounted at the Gilbert School practice field in mid-August. Auditionees should come prepared to read from the script and play improvisationally. The script calls for fourteen men, five women, one young boy and one young girl, but many parts can be nontraditionally cast. For more info call Penny Owen at 860-738-3138.
Stage II Community Theatre, the community theatre division of Seven Angels Theatre, Hamilton Park Pavilion on Plank Road in Waterbury holds an OPEN CASTING CALL for its September production of "Guys and Dolls" on Monday, June 10 from 7-9 p.m.; and Tuesday, June 11 at 7-9 p.m. This casting call is for many adult roles and some for ages 18+; several lead roles need to be cast, and there are many parts open for male and female chorus and dancers. Be prepared to read from the script, sing and perform some dance movements. Tom Chute will direct with musical direction by Jane Bate; for more info call 203-591-8223, ext 24.
Art Exhibits
Artwell Gallery, 19 Water St. in Torrington presents TONAL VISION, an exhibition of members’ artwork inspired by music through June 16. All types and styles of work will make for a very harmonious exhibit. The gallery audience will participate in the exhibition by voting for their favorite piece of work during the run of the show; the winning artist will receive the $50 cash People’s Choice award courtesy of Rainbow Press in Torrington. Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday from 1-8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-482-5122.
Washington Art Association in Washington Depot presents an exhibition of NEW WORK through June 16. Featured are paintings by Steven Hicks, clay horses by Louise King, and paintings by Carol Heft. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday from 2-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-868-2878.
Gallery on the Green, Route 44 in Canton presents its JURIED ANNIVERSARY SHOW in the Lower Gallery through June 22; Rachel Rosenfield was the juror for this competition. The UNDERLYING IMAGE exhibition runs concurrently in the Upper Gallery, featuring the work of Jon Eastman, Andrea Meyers, Lucy Sceery and Michael Zych. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, June 1 from 6-9 p.m.; free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-693-4102.
New Arts Gallery, 513 Maple St. in Litchfield presents an exhibit by CHARLES CAJORI and BARBARA GROSSMAN from June 1 through June 24. Charles Cajori's body of work relies on both drawing and his ability to energize his work with the gestural rhythm of mark-making; there is a tension and conflict that inhabit his paintings and drawings, bringing the viewer into the power of both process and image making. Color, line, form and space define the work of Barbara Grossman; while her paintings are primarily about interiors and women in them, they are not about specific interiors or specific women. Her concerns are more about the juxtaposition of her figures and objects in the space they inhabit and the relationship of colors that give her forms weight and mass. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, June 1 from 3-6 p.m. Gallery hours are Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-567-5015.
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 183 & 102 in Stockbridge presents SCULPTURE IN THE GARDEN daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through October 20. The public is invited to view sixteen contemporary, outdoor sculptures by fifteen artists of national and international renown in the beautiful surroundings of the garden. Admission is $7 adults, $5 seniors and students, children (under 12) free; for more info call 413-298-3926.
Lectures and Presentations
The Mount presents CLASSICAL DESIGN FOR CONTEMPORARY LIFE, a lecture by Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill on Saturday, June 1 at 10 a.m. at Town Hall, 65 Walker St. in Lenox. This is the first program in a summer-long series of 14 Saturday lectures examining "The Complex Art of Civilized Living." All of the speakers are professionals in the fields of architecture, interior design, gardening and entertaining. Lectures are followed by a book signing and refreshments; books may be ordered in advance from The Mount's bookshop. Tickets are $16 in advance, $18 at the door; a discounted season pass is $190. Reservations guarantee seating; for more info call 413-637-1899.
Merritt Bookstore, 57 Front St. in Millbrook presents "FRUIT AND VEGETABLE STAND," encounters with premier greengrocer and author Barry Ballister on Saturday, June 1 at 10:30 a.m. Barry Ballister has updated his classic primer on vegetables and fruits; join him for a fruit salad demonstration and much more. For more info call 845-677-5857.
Community Forum Project presents A HISTORY OF THE PALESTINIAN-ISRAELI CONFLICT AND POSSIBILITIES FOR PEACE, a talk by Justine McCabe, Ph.D. at the Richmond Citizens Center on the Green, 40 Main St. in New Milford on Sunday, June 2 from 7-8:30 p.m. Dr. McCabe is a cultural anthropologist and a practicing clinical psychologist who has done research in Lebanon and Iran and in recent years has worked in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Co-sponsors are the Grass Roots Coalition of New Milford, the Washington Environmental League and the Western CT Chapter of the CT Green Party. Free and open to the public; for more info call Andy or Carrie Ziegler at 860-355-2482.
Litchfield Hills Audubon Society holds its ANNUAL BANQUET on Monday, June 3 at the Cornucopia Banquet Hall, Pinewoods Rd. in Torrington; there will be a social hour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Guest speaker Frank Gallo, Director of ECO Travel and Field Studies at the New Canaan Nature Center, will present a "Bird's Eye View of Peru." This slide presentation will feature the Peruvian rainforest and its many and varied inhabitants. If you are interested in attending, please call John Baker at 860-567-8427 as soon as possible to make reservations.
Northwestern CT Literary Club presents Winsted historian JUNE SENACK on Thursday, June 6 at 7 p.m. in Greenwoods Hall, Room 306 at Northwestern CT Community College, Park Place East in Winsted. "Images, Winsted, CT" by June Senack is a photographic essay of the development of Winsted from the days of dirt roads and gaslights to the present day; the 100-page book quickly sold out in its first printing. Ms. Senack is a writer, a professional genealogist and a former curator of the Winchester Historical Society. As a volunteer at the Beardsley & Memorial Library in Winsted, she does genealogical research and helps young students researching local history. For more info call 860-738-6446.
Harwinton Public Library, 80 Bentley Dr. in Harwinton hosts a scholar-led BOOK DISCUSSION on Monday, June 10 at 7 p.m. The featured book will be "The Heidi Chronicles" by Wendy Wasserstein; independent author Laurie Lisle will lead the discussion. Multiple copies of the book are available for patrons to borrow, but you need not read the book to attend the discussion. Free and open to the public, though registration is encouraged; for more info call 860-485-9113.
Classes and Workshops
Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center, 229 East Litchfield Rd. in Litchfield offers SITTING IN SILENCE, interfaith meditation led by Cheryl Della Pelle on Tuesdays, June 4 and June 18 at 7:30 p.m. Donation; for more info call 860-567-3163.
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge offers GROWING GREAT HERBS on Wednesday, June 5 from 1-3 p.m. Learn how to grow all manner of herbs, including culinary, fragrant, decorative and medicinal for the New England landscape. Consider all aspects of cultivation including selection, site preparation, soil preparation, planting, health care and harvesting. Instructor Melinda Rowley is in charge of the historic herb garden at Berkshire Botanical Garden, and is co-owner of Monkshood Nursery in Kinderhook, NY, where she specializes in growing high quality organic herbs. Cost is $15, registration is required; for more info call 413-298-3926.
Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury offers SELECTING AND USING ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES on Wednesday, June 5 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Marlene D. Jung will present an overview of the benefits of computerized accounting and the types of popular accounting software packages available to small business owners, and will provide an in-depth look of features of the QuickBooks Pro 2002 software. Program attendees will learn what features to look for in their accounting packages and how to use software to provide analysis of their business. The program is intended for small business owners as well as those interested in starting a new business. Free and open to the public; for more info call Jennifer Keohane at 860-658-7663.
Farmington Valley Arts Center offers a 90-MINUTE CREATIVITY WORKOUT led by artist Paul Iezzi on Thursday, June 6 from 7-8:30 p.m. at its Sperry Park Annex, 50 Simsbury Rd. (Route 10) in Avon. Paul Iezzi has taught painting and figure drawing classes at FVAC and worked as an art therapist at Mount Sinai Hospital in Hartford. Participants will have the opportunity to comfortably explore emotions through the medium of drawing. No artistic background is required. Admission is $5 at the door; for more info call 860-674-8315.
Foothills Adult and Continuing Education offers a CT DEP BASIC BOATING AND PERSONAL WATER SAFETY CLASS beginning Monday, June 10 at the Education Connection, Route 63 in Litchfield. This class is designed to fulfill the requirements of the CT Safe Boating Certificate. Cost is $10 for four sessions; to register call 800-300-4781, or 860-567-0863.
Outdoors
White Memorial Conservation Center, Route 202 in Litchfield offers a SPRING MIGRANT BIRD WALK with Dave Rosgen on Saturday, June 1; meet at the Museum at 9 a.m. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-567-0857.
Greater Hartford Sierra Club sponsors its CENTRAL CONNECTICUT RAMBLE bike ride on Saturday, June 1 (rain date is June 2) at 9 a.m. Join us for a 25-mile tour of north-central Connecticut, with a shorter option available. Moderate pace, rolling terrain with regrouping. Cue-sheets provided; helmets required. All are welcome; for start location and details call Michael Hoffman at 860-521-6161.
Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd. in Canton offers a FAMILY WALK on Sunday, June 2 from 2-3:30 p.m. This guided walk through Werner's Woods is suitable for all ages. The focus will be "Reptiles and Amphibians"; the program will begin in the Nature Center auditorium with a short live animal demonstration. Cost is $2 members, $4 non members; pre-registration is not required. For more info call 860-693-0263.
Housatonic Audubon Society holds its monthly BIRD AND NATURE WALK on Saturday, June 8 at 9 a.m.; this month the group will travel to a local birding area. Call the Sharon Audubon Center at 860-364-0520 for this month’s destination; bring binoculars or borrow a pair.
Sports
Social Connections attends a ROCKCATS BASEBALL GAME on Saturday, June 1; meet at the ticket booth at Willow Brook Park in New Britain at 5:45 p.m. You don't have to be a sports fan to come and enjoy being with a fun group of singles. Admission is $6; for more info call Marcia at 860-828-4817.
Kids
Thomaston Public Library, 248 Main St. in Thomaston presents LOVE AT WORK, the music of Tom Hanford and Kath Bloom on Saturday, June 1 from 11-11:45 a.m. These multi-talented musicians combine music, movement and role-playing in a program designed for families with children ages 4-8. Free and open to the public; reservations not required. For more info call 860-283-4339.
Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave. in Collinsville holds a SUMMER BOOK CLUB FOR TEENAGERS starting on Monday, June 3 at 3 p.m. The first book, "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" by Ann Brasheres, will be distributed. Also at this preliminary meeting, the group will choose meeting times and the next selections to read and discuss. All interested teens are welcome; for more info call 860-693-5800.
Torrington Parks and Recreation offers a FATHER'S DAY PROJECT CERAMICS class for ages 6 and up on Friday, June 7 from 4-5:15 p.m. at the Recreation Hall on East Albert St. in Torrington. Participants will make a special holiday ceramics project to take home. Fee is $12; for more info call 860-489-2274.
Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd. in Canton offers a BOTANICAL DRAWING WORKSHOP for students in grades 5-8 on Saturday, June 8 from 9:30 a.m.-noon. In this workshop, students will develop their observational skills while learning about the elements of line, culminating in an opportunity to create a botanical drawing. Students will focus on leaves and learn about the parts of the leaf. The workshop is geared especially for students with an interest in scientific illustration. Cost is $15 members, $20 non-members; pre-registration is required. For more info call 860-693-0263.
Northwestern Regional Middle/ High School, 100 Battistoni Dr. in Winsted offers CULINARY ARTS CAMP for boys and girls in grades 5-8 on Monday through Friday, June 17-21 from 9 a.m.-noon. Campers cook a whole meal each day, including yummy desserts. The program includes eating the day's projects, and everyone takes home a recipe package. Fee is $80 in district, $95 out of district; for more info call the Student Activities Office at 860-738-6983.
Northwestern Regional Middle/ High School, 100 Battistoni Dr. in Winsted offers THEATER ARTS CAMP for boys and girls in grades 5-8 Monday through Friday, June 17-21 from 9 a.m.-noon. Campers participate in theater games and improv, get acquainted with Shakespeare, and prepare and perform a scene. Program also includes theater lingo, vocal techniques and some basic dance steps and simple choreography, and shows how to apply stage makeup and how to audition for a role. Fee is $80 in district, $95 out of district; for more info call the Student Activities Office at 860-738-6983.
Festivals and Sales
American Legion Auxiliary holds its annual RUMMAGE AND BAKE SALE on Friday, May 31 from 6-9 p.m.; and Saturday, June 1 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Litchfield Post #27, Route 202 in Litchfield. There will be books, clothes, toys, kitchen items and more. Anyone who has items to donate for this sale may bring them on Thursday, May 30 after 6 p.m.; or call Bernice Benjamin at 860-567-8533, or Sheila Smart at 860-567-9549.
Farmington Valley ARC, Inc. sponsors a PLANT SALE on Saturday, June 1 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at Mountainside Farms, 255 Avon Mountain Rd. in Avon. There will be large quantities of plants, herbs, vegetables and flowers. Rain or shine; all proceeds will benefit participants and programs at Farmington Valley ARC. Shop early for the best selection; for more info call 860-674-8839.
New Harford Lions Club sponsor a GIANT FLEA MARKET on Saturday, June 1 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at Brodie Park in New Hartford. What started out as a small fundraiser back in 1992 with 29 dealers has now grown to 175 dealers and to be one of the largest one-day flea markets in northwestern Connecticut. Vendors from throughout New England will be offering antiques, collectibles, new merchandise, arts and crafts, as well as tag sale items. General admission is $1; early buying from 6:30-8 a.m. costs $5. For more info call 860-482-1030.
M.E.O.W., Inc. of Litchfield, a nonprofit, non-destroy feline welfare organization, is accepting TAG SALE DONATIONS on Saturday, June 1 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Bethlehem Fairgrounds, Route 61 in Bethlehem. Most donations are welcome, except clothing and computer equipment; please, no junk. For more info call 860-567-0847, or 203-266-6390.
David M. Hunt Library, Main St. in Falls Village holds its monthly BOOK SALE on Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For more info call 860-824-7424.
Civitan Club of Torrington sponsors its 20th annual ARTS, CRAFTS, COLLECTIBLE AND TAG SALE on Saturday, June 1 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday, June 2 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Goshen Fairgrounds, Route 63 in Goshen. Rain or shine; there will be food and door prizes. Admission is $1, children (10 and under) free.
Wal-Mart on Torringford St. in Torrington hosts a TAG SALE in its parking lot on Saturday, September 21 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. Space is available for a $10 donation; applications are available at the Wal-Mart courtesy desk or in the craft department. This is an excellent way for you to sell your handmade items and help to support the Children’s Miracle Network.
Trips
Salisbury Senior Services offers a trip to the METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART in New York City on Thursday, June 20; bus departs at 8 a.m. and returns to Lakeville at approximately 8 p.m. Cost of $41 includes transportation and museum admission; reservations required by June 6. All area residents are welcome; for more info call Trish Walsh at 860-435-5191.
Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd. (Route 202) in Litchfield offers a family day trip to the MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY in New York City on Friday, July 19; bus leaves the Community Center at 7:30 a.m. and leaves NYC at 5:15 p.m. to arrive in Litchfield at approximately 7:45 p.m. Tour highlights include general admission to museum exhibits; a 2 p.m. reserved tour of the exhibition "Baseball as America" by the National Baseball Hall of Fame; and a 4 p.m. reserved tour of the Hayden Planetarium. Cost is $48 adults, $44 children (up to age 12); registration required by July 1. For more info call 860-567-8302.
Thomaston Public Library sponsors a trip to TANGLEWOOD on Sunday, July 21; bus leaves the library at 10 a.m. and departs from Tanglewood at 5 p.m. There will be plenty of time for a picnic before the 2:30 p.m. performance. Kurt Masur will conduct the New York Philharmonic in the presentation of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5, "Emperor," with Yefim Bronfman on piano. The orchestra will also play Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, "Eroica." Cost of $40 includes transportation and a seat in the shed; to register call 860-283-4339.
Blanche McCarthy Winsted Senior Center offers a trip to WILDWOOD, NJ on September 30-October 4. Cost of $429 per person double, $519 single, $419 triple includes efficiency suites directly on the boardwalk and beach, 9 meals, tram ride on the boardwalk, Cape May County Park/Zoo, Renault Winery, trolley tour of Cape May, Wheaton Village, and a stop at Atlantic City. For more info call 860-379-4252, or 860-379-8325.
And More
Litchfield Historical Society hosts a TURN-OF-THE-CENTURY FAIR AND PET PARADE on Saturday, June 1 beginning at 1 p.m. at the Litchfield History Museum, on the Green, at the corner of East and South Streets in Litchfield. An afternoon of activities and treats very much like the ones people enjoyed 100 years ago: sack races and potato races, a watermelon seed spitting contest, music, an ice cream social and a chance to see several early automobiles. Admission to both the Litchfield History Museum and the Tapping Reeve House and Law School will be free; for more info call 860-567-4501.
Farmington Police Department holds its 3rd annual TIP-A-COP benefit on Wednesday, June 5 from 4-9 p.m. at George's Restaurant, 9 School St. in Unionville. Waiting on your tables will be some of Farmington's finest police officers and police dispatchers; all the proceeds will go directly to benefit the CT Special Olympics. For more info or to make "tips" in advance, call Sgt. Willie Williams or Officer Susan DeVenere at 860-675-2400.
