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Music and Dance
The Guthrie Center , 4 Van Deusenville Rd. in Great Barrington presents RICK ROBBINS on Friday, August 30 at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. The Guthrie Center is housed in the Old Trinity Church made famous in "Alice’s Restaurant"; sandwiches, ice cream and drinks will be available. Please bring at least one canned good or non-perishable food item to donate; for more info call 413-528-1955, or visit <www.guthriecenter.org>.
Charter Oak Cultural Center, 21 Charter Oak Ave. in Hartford presents HEALING RHYTHMS, an earthen music celebration benefiting holistic education on Saturday, August 31 from 7-10 p.m. Featured performers include Harmonious Soul, a women’s a cappella group; Tierra Mestiza with musical traditions of the Americas; and African-American dance and drum ensembles Practicing Umoja with Cheza Ngona. Suggested donation is $10; for more info call 860-249-1207.
Music Mountain in Falls Village presents the SHANGHAI STRING QUARTET with pianist Ruth Laredo on Saturday, August 31 at 8 p.m. The program includes Beethoven's String Quartet in D Major, Opus 18 #3; Shostakovitch's String Quartet #3 in F, Opus 73; and Beethoven's Piano Quartet in E Flat Major, Opus 16. Tickets are $17.50 in advance, $20 at the door, $10 students; for more info call 860-824-7126.
The Guthrie Center, 4 Van Deusenville Rd. in Great Barrington presents WINTERGREEN AND NORMAN SCHELL with Youth Well Spent on Saturday, August 31 at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. The Guthrie Center is housed in the Old Trinity Church made famous in "Alice’s Restaurant"; sandwiches, ice cream and drinks will be available. Please bring at least one canned good or non-perishable food item to donate; for more info call 413-528-1955, or visit <www.guthriecenter.org>.
Reverend Tor presents JAMAZON, a CD release celebration and music festival on Sunday, September 1 from noon-9 p.m., rain or shine at Bucksteep Manor, Washington Mountain Rd. in Washington, MA. There will be performances by Reverend Tor Band and Friends (featuring Scott Murawski and Mark Mercier of Max Creek), Scott Murawski and Mark Mercier performing an acoustic set, Electric Blue and the Kozmic Truth, Hobo Jungle, and Liberty Bus (a Grateful Dead tribute). Admission is $15 (all ages); no glass, no dogs. A limited number of discounted rooms will be available; for more info call 413-623-5535.
Music Mountain in Falls Village presents the SHANGHAI STRING QUARTET with pianist Ruth Laredo on Sunday, September 1 at 3 p.m. The program includes Mozart's String Quartet in B Flat Major, K. 589; Beethoven's String Quartet in B Flat Major, Opus 18 #6; and Franck's Piano Quintet in F Minor. Come early for a special pre-concert treat: at 2 p.m. the Canine Quadrille returns, as dogs and their human friends dance and perform. Tickets are $17.50 in advance, $20 at the door, $10 students; for more info call 860-824-7126.
The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford presents Michael Flatley’s "LORD OF THE DANCE" on Tuesday through Thursday, September 3-5 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, September 6 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, September 7 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, September 8 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Celtic step dancing goes a step further in this mesmerizing, mystical dance opera of love and passion, good vs. evil, inspired by Irish folklore. Tickets are $15-$60; for more info call 860-987-5900.
The Kent Singers host an AUTUMN SING-IN featuring choruses from Handel’s Messiah on Wednesday, September 4 at 7 p.m. at St Andrew’s Church, Route 7 in Kent. This event marks the beginning of an ambitious season for the Singers, an organization established in 1973 and dedicated to preparing and performing the finest in choral music, from traditional classics to contemporary works. For more info call Marie Prentice at 860-672-6261, or Marguerite Mullee at 860-927-5265.
Litchfield County Barbershop Chorus (Norwestones) hold a WEEKLY REHEARSAL on Thursday, September 5 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; high school and 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.
Drama and Comedy
Greenwoods Theatre , Route 44 in Norfolk presents "THE LIVING SECTION" through September 1, with performances on Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Geoff and Gabriella find love on the Lower East Side in this madcap musical. Tickets are $20 and $25; for reservations call 860-542-0026.
Light Opera Company of Salisbury presents Gilbert and Sullivan's "PIRATES OF PENZANCE" on Saturday, August 31 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, September 1 at 2 p.m. in Walker Auditorium at the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville. This is the tuneful and amusing tale of Frederic, who was indentured to become a pirate by mistake (he was supposed to become a pilot, but his nurse was hard of hearing). Released from his indentures on his 21st birthday, he falls in love with Mabel, a ward of Major-General Stanley, but returns to the pirates out of a sense of duty when he discovers that he was born on February 29, leap year day, and so has had only five birthdays. The operetta contains some of Gilbert and Sullivan's best-loved patter songs and most beautiful tunes as well. Tickets for Saturday are $20 adults, $15 seniors and students; tickets for Sunday are $15 adults, $13 seniors and students. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Connecticut; for more info call Wendy Hamilton at 860-435-6268.
Sandisfield Arts Center, Hammertown Rd. (off Route 57) in Sandisfield presents celebrated mime ROBERT RIVEST on Sunday, September 1 at 1 p.m. One of America’s most sought-after mimes, Robert Rivest is a former student of Marcel Marceau; he has written and choreographed more than 90 original works, performs throughout the U.S. and Europe, and is receiving national television exposure through his Heinz "Family Works" appearances. Known for his unique ability to reach audiences of all ages, Robert Rivest offers performances that are humorous, compassionate and inspiring. This free performance is made possible by grants from the Sandisfield Cultural Council and regional foundations; for more info call 413-258-4953.
Connecticut Heritage Productions presents "RECKLESS" by Craig Lucas on Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. through September 7 at Oddfellows Playhouse, 128 Washington St. in Middletown. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 students and seniors; for more info call 860-347-7771.
TheatreWorks, 233 Pearl St. in Hartford presents "SPINNING INTO BUTTER" from August 30 through October 6; show times are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Set in a small college campus in Vermont, "Spinning Into Butter" examines the dangers of both racism and political correctness in America today. When one of the few African-American students at liberal Belmont College begins receiving hate mail, the campus erupts, first with shock, then with mutual recrimination as faculty and students alike try to prove their own tolerance by condemning one another. Tickets are $25 except Friday and Saturday evenings, which are $35; center section reserved seats are $10 extra. For more info call 860-527-7838.
Thomaston Opera House, 158 Main St. in Thomaston holds OPEN AUDITIONS for its Winter Children’s Theatre production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" on Monday and Tuesday, September 23-24 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Casting requirements call for four men, six women, eight boys (ages 7-13), and nine girls (ages 7-13). All roles are open, and all auditioning will be asked to read from the script. This play is a hilarious adaptation of the best-selling book: a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids, probably the most inventively awful kids in history; mayhem ensues. Director is Jeffrey Dunn; for more info call 860-283-6250.
Art Exhibits
Washington Art Association , 4 Bryan Plaza in Washington Depot presents a memorial retrospective celebrating the life of artist JANE MORSE from August 31 through September 22. Jane Morse, a noted fashion illustrator and sculptor, graced the art world and the Washington community until her death in June 2001 at the age of 93. Her "blithe spirit" created emotionally charged figures conveying her "fascination with the human body." The public is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, August 31 from 3-5 p.m. 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.
Bachelier-Cardonsky Gallery, Main St. in Kent presents INSIDE OUT featuring painters Kirill Doron, Cole Carothers and Suzanne Howes-Stevens from August 31 through October 6. Warm interior still lifes and stunning, vast landscapes unite these artists—and, in some cases, both inside and outside merge in harmony. A reception for the artists will be held on Saturday, August 31 from 3-5 p.m. Gallery hours are Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-927-3129.
Marie Louise Trichet Art Gallery at Wisdom House, 229 East Litchfield Rd. in Litchfield features RECENT WORKS—PRINTS AND HORSES by Clemance Gregory of Bantam through October 12. Mr. Gregory refers to his work as "contemporary mythology." His paintings have a strong accent on horses, both symbolic and serial. Some of his works also include images of fish, which allow him to integrate the concepts of evolution into his work. Mr. Gregory’s work has been exhibited in Paris at the Musée d'Art Moderne, in LA, Bilbao, Spain and in numerous galleries in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City and Connecticut. 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.
Hubbard Art Gallery at Lost Island Farm, 159 Belden St. (Route 126) in Falls Village presents ARTS FOR THE HOME, a season-long exhibit series running through October. Currently featured works include custom fabrics by Christine Lambert. For more info call 860-824-0794.
Artwell Gallery, 19 Water St. in Torrington is ACCEPTING ARTWORK for its "Sports" exhibition. All types and styles of work that deal directly or indirectly with the theme "Sports: the games people play" are welcome. The artwork, a maximum of three pieces, must be ready to hang. The gallery audience will participate in the exhibition by voting for their favorite piece of work during the run of the show from September 28 through October 27. Artwork will be accepted at the gallery on Sunday, September 22 from 5-7 p.m.; for more info call Stewart Wilson at 860-482-5122.
Canton Artists’ Guild announces a CALL FOR ENTRIES for its 35th annual Open Juried Show to be held at the Gallery on the Green, Route 44 in Canton; drop-off dates are Saturday and Sunday, October 5-6 from 1-5 p.m., and the opening reception will be held on Saturday, October 19 from 3-5 p.m. All media are eligible, and there is no limit to the number of entries; prizes will be awarded. Juror is Power Boothe, Dean of the Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford; his work is represented in many collections including the MOMA, the Whitney Museum and the Guggenheim Museum. For a prospectus, visit the Gallery on the Green during gallery hours, Wednesday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m.; or call 860-693-4102.
Lectures and Presentations
Stone Museum , Greenwoods Rd. (off East River Rd. in Peoples State Forest) in Pleasant Valley presents SMOKE AND SILT, a slide-illustrated talk by Walt Landgraf on Saturday, August 31 at 8 p.m. Learn about the method, markets, and environmental impact of charcoal making along the Farmington River. For more info call 860-379-9074, or 860-379-6118; or visit <www.stonemuseum.org>.
The Mount presents "SAVAGE BEAUTY: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay" with Nancy Milford on Monday, September 2 at 4 p.m. at Seven Hills Inn, 40 Plunkett St. in Lenox, MA. Milford is the author of an acclaimed biography of Millay, "Savage Beauty," which was published last year. She was given exclusive access to thousands of previously unavailable letters, papers and photos, providing unparalleled insight into Millay’s sensational and tormented life. A book signing and afternoon tea follow the lecture. Tickets are $16 in advance, $18 at the door. Reservations recommended; for more info call 413-637-1899.
Classes and Workshops
New England Carousel Museum , 95 Riverside Ave. (Route 72) in Bristol hosts Miss Susan’s COMBINATION LATIN AND SWING DANCE CLASS on Tuesdays, September 3 through September 24 from 7-9 p.m. Instructor Susan Maiolo is a certified dance instructor with formal lifetime dance training in all phases of dance, both locally and in New York City. Cost is $36 for the month, $9 per class; to register call 860-585-5411.
Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. (Route 10) in Simsbury hosts a workshop for MOMS LOOKING TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS on Wednesday, September 4 from 10-11:30 a.m. Deborah Polydys of Strategic Management Resources, LLC, will cover the ins and outs of starting and running a home-based business; a mother and owner of a home-based business, she has more than 17 years experience helping women start and build businesses. Free and open to the public; to register call Jennifer Keohane at 860-658-7663.
Farmington Valley Arts Center offers a 90-MINUTE CREATIVITY WORKOUT led by painter, yoga instructor and art therapist Kathy Conyers on Thursday, September 5 from 7-8:30 p.m. at its Sperry Park Annex, 50 Simsbury Rd. (Route 10) in Avon. Conyers will engage participants in the process of "visual journaling," leading them through visualization and free-form drawing exercises that will help them connect with the colors, lines, shapes and forms that emerge from within. Like journal writing, visual journaling can help to quiet the mind, allowing the return of peaceful reflection and focus. No artistic background is required. Admission is $5, and drop-ins are welcome; for more info call 860-674-8315.
Gunn Historical Museum, 5 Wykeham Rd. in Washington presents a demonstration of HEIRLOOM QUILT CARE on Saturday, September 7 from 2-4 p.m., in conjunction with the museum's summer's exhibition of quilts entitled "Dreams Beneath Design." Museum staff will demonstrate and explain care and storage practices; supplies and materials needed will be available for purchase. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-868-7756.
Berkshire Taconic Foundation presents CONSTRUCTING A MEANINGFUL WORKING BUDGET on Tuesday, September 10 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, as part of the series of Fall Seminars for Excellence in Nonprofit Management. Participants will examine the thought processes behind developing a budget and how to use a budget to evaluate an organization; financial officers and executive directors are encouraged to attend together. Presenter Mike Burns is a partner in the consulting firm of Brody, Weiss, Burns, with 15 years of nonprofit management experience and more than 20 years of consulting and training. Cost is $60 per person, $100 for teams of two; to register call 800-969-2823, or visit <www.berkshiretaconic.org>.
Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd. (Route 202) in Litchfield hosts EXPAND YOUR IMAGINATION, a ten-week journey of personal growth facilitated by David Bell on Tuesdays, September 10 through November 19 (except October 15). "The finest things in life are neither costly nor hard to find. They are waiting right within you." Cost is $175; pre-registration required by September 1. For more info call 860-567-8302.
Goshen Recreation sponsors TAI CHI CLASSES with Roger Peters on Thursdays, beginning September 12 at the Goshen Center School cafeteria. Mr. Peters has more than 20 years of experience and will be offering three different style of instruction: Yang style at 6 p.m.; staff form at 7 p.m.; and Cheng style at 7:45 p.m. Cost is $80 for 8 weeks, or $120 for two sessions. To register call the Goshen Rec Dept. at 860-491-2249; for info about class content and levels, call Roger Peters at 860-567-3760.
Warner Theatre Center for Arts Education in Torrington offers PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES beginning Monday, September 16. Programs offered include preschool/ kindergarten creative dramatics for ages 4-6; beginner drama for ages 7-9 and 10-12; intermediate drama for ages 7-9 and 10-12; teen drama; group and private voice lessons; and private piano lessons. Students interested in advanced level drama classes should call for an individual interview. There are performance opportunities for all students, and master classes are held periodically with guest instructors. Classes will be held in the school’s new, larger space in the Mertz Building, 84 Main St., next to the Warner Theatre; the new Warner Studio Theatre will be located adjacent to classrooms, providing expanded performance space for students. For more info visit the Warner Theatre box office or call 860-489-7180.
Berkshire Taconic Foundation presents GRANT PROPOSAL WRITING on Thursday, September 19 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, as part of the series of Fall Seminars for Excellence in Nonprofit Management. Participants will focus on effective proposal writing, including determining the intent of the funder, the relationship between program planning and proposal writing, how to respond to RFPs and interpret funding guidelines, budgeting, the role of the board of directors, and what to do after receiving a grant. Presenter Linda Mundel is a partner in Tandem Associates, a widely-experienced grants consulting firm, which has worked with such diverse clients as UCLA, Boys and Girls Club of America, Children’s Hospital of LA, and the Grantsmanship Center. Cost is $30; to register call 800-969-2823, or visit <www.berkshiretaconic.org>.
Berkshire Taconic Foundation presents INDIVIDUAL DONORS: THE BASIS FOR SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS on Tuesday, September 24 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, as part of the series of Fall Seminars for Excellence in Nonprofit Management. Explore ways in which organizations (including members of their boards) can identify, motivate, cultivate and solicit individuals to ensure maximum support by learning how to marshal the tools at their disposal. Presenter Marion Simon, Ed.D., a consultant in development and philanthropy based in Monterey, MA, has more than 20 years’ experience as a successful fundraiser. Cost is $30; to register call 800-969-2823, or visit <www.berkshiretaconic.org>.
Outdoors
White Memorial Conservation Center , off Route 202 in Litchfield offers a program on the CT MIGRATORY BIRD STOPOVER HABITAT SURVEY on Saturday, August 31 at 2 p.m. in the Arthur B. Ceder Room. There will be a slide presentation and walk presented by DEP staff. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-567-0857.
Stone Museum offers a HIKE TO UPPER BEAVER MEADOW led by Walt Landgraf on Sunday, September 1; meet at 9 a.m. at the entrance to the Matthies Grove Picnic Area in Peoples State Forest, East River Rd. in Pleasant Valley. Explore old mill sites, clay beds and farm sites. There will be about two miles of off-trail hiking. Bring water and insect spray; allow about two hours. For more info call 860-379-9074, or 860-379-6118; or visit <www.stonemuseum.org>.
Farmington River Watershed Association holds a twilight canoe trip, WILDLIFE ON THE FARMINGTON on Sunday, September 8; participants will meet at Curtis Park in Simsbury at 5:30 p.m. for the 2-3 hour trip. Trip leader Jay Kaplan, Director of Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton, will share his broad knowledge of plant and wildlife species commonly found along the Farmington River at twilight. All ages and levels of canoeing experience are welcome. Cost is $10-$30, depending on the need for a canoe and FRWA membership status; register early as space is limited. For more info call Regina Mahony at 860-658-4442.
Sports
Winsted Elks #844 hold a SOCCER SHOOT-OUT on Saturday, September 7 from 9 a.m.-noon at Walker Field in Winsted. First and second place winners in age groups 7-under, 8-9, 10-11, and 12-13 will receive trophies. All boys and girls in the above age groups are invited to come and have fun!
Charlotte Hungerford Hospital sponsors the Winsted Emergency and Medical Services FALL GOLF CLASSIC on Thursday, October 3 at Fairview Farms Country Club, 300 Hill Rd. in Harwinton. Registration begins at 10 a.m., light lunch will be served from 11 a.m.-noon, and there will be a shotgun start at noon. A buffet dinner begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by awards and raffle. Cost of $120 includes 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch and dinner, and prizes; dinner only costs $25. All proceeds will go toward the services provided by Charlotte Hungerford Hospital at the Winsted Health Center; for more info call Bill Godburn at 860-738-6610.
Festivals and Sales
Goshen Agricultural Society sponsors the 90th annual GOSHEN FAIR on Saturday and Sunday, August 31-September 1 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Monday, September 2 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Goshen Fairgrounds on Route 63 in Goshen. Exhibits include flowers, fruit, vegetables, canning, needlework, sewing, arts, crafts, photography, bakery and children’s department. Animals include dairy and beef cattle, goats, draught animals, sheep, swine, poultry and rabbits. Entertainment this year features the River Street Band, Stone Canyon Country Band, Shirley’s Country Line Dancing, Northwestern Concert Band, and (on Sunday morning) the Bristol Old Tyme Fiddlers. For the children, a juggler and a magician will be performing several times each day. The Layton’s Percheron draft horse team will be giving several demonstrations each day of the fair. Admission is $6 adults, children (under 12) free; admission for seniors on Saturday only is $4.
Litchfield County Jewish Community Center, Route 202 in Litchfield hosts the 5th annual NEW ENGLAND JEWISH MUSIC AND ART FESTIVAL on Sunday and Monday, September 1-2 from 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. The top Jewish musicians from around the world will be performing, with the adult stage featuring Israeli, klezmer and classical Jewish music along with a harpist and a boys choir. The separate children’s stage will have entertainment geared towards children and encourage audience participation. Glatt kosher food will be available, and a large selection of Jewish art and Judaica as well as all the New Year needs will be for sale. Lessons in Jewish craft making for children and adults will be ongoing; take home a future heirloom made by you or your child. Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs. Admission is $20 for one day or $35 for both, children (up to age 10) free; for more info call 800-477-6849.
Riverton Grange holds its annual RIVERTON GRANGE FAIR on Saturday, September 7 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Grange Hall on Route 20. Members and non-members are invited to enter exhibits for judging; categories include vegetables and fruits, flowers and houseplants, baked goods, canned goods, sewing, needlework and handcrafts. There will also be a state junior baking contest for chocolate chip cookies, an adult contest for orange chiffon cake, the state quilt contest for adults and juniors, and the Litchfield County Council of Fairs hand-crafted wind chimes contest. There is no cost to exhibit, and ribbons and prizes will be awarded. For more info about the contests, call Mark or Cindy Prelli at 860-379-2493. A light lunch will Tag sale space is also available for a fee; for more info call Diana Gray at 860-379-4468.
Sharon Audubon Center, 325 Cornwall Bridge Rd. (Route 4) in Sharon invites TAG SALE DONATIONS for a fundraising tag sale to be held on Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. All money raised will be used for the building of additional aviaries for the new resident education raptors at the Center. Sharon Audubon is currently home to 15 non-releasable birds of prey that act as ambassadors for their species; these magnificent birds help teach thousands of schoolchildren and adults each year about the importance of raptors and why people should continue to respect and protect wildlife habitats. For more info on contributing items for the tag sale, call Jim or Corinne Levy at 860-672-6377; no clothing or large appliances will be accepted.
Trips
Goshen Recreation offers a day trip to see the SHANGRI-LA CHINESE ACROBATS on Wednesday, November 13. En route to the historic Garde Arts Center in New London, luncheon will be at the newly renovated Port 'n' Starboard Ocean Ballroom at Ocean Beach in New London. After lunch, witness the spellbinding acrobatic feats of this renowned 18-member troupe. Cost of $56 includes coach, lunch, show and driver's gratuity; non-residents are welcome to participate. For more info call Dale Ives at 860-491-2249.
And More
Ventfort Hall Association, 104 Walker St. in Lenox hosts THE WHITE PARTY, an Edwardian Tea and Teddy Bears' Picnic on Sunday, September 1 from noon-3 p.m., rain or shine. Enjoy a house and garden party as it was a century ago: there will be games and activities for the entire family, such as lawn croquet and badminton; refreshments of tea, lemonade, sherbet and cookies; open-house tours of the Gilded Age mansion; and waltz music for a lively atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to wear white. Admission is $15 adults, free for children accompanied by a teddy bear or a doll; funds will benefit the continuing restoration efforts at Ventfort Hall. For reservations call 413-637-3206.
New England Carousel Museum, 95 Riverside Ave. (Route 72 West) in Bristol presents the annual HARLEY DAVIDSON FAT BOY RAFFLE, with the drawing to be held at the museum on Saturday, November 23 at 7 p.m. Two thousand tickets will be sold for a chance to win a silver and black 100th anniversary model, 2003 Harley Davidson Fat Boy. Tickets are $20; proceeds benefit the museum’s educational programs. For more info call 860-585-5411, or visit <www.thecarouselmuseum.com>.
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