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Music and Dance
Music for a Change presents SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND featuring Guy-Michael Grande, Maria Sangiolo and Jerree Small on Friday, November 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Wilde Auditorium at the University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave. in West Hartford. Grande returns to his alma mater with a debut CD, "Familiar Strangers," and a rising reputation on the folk music scene. Sangiolo has a multi-faceted music career, winning rave reviews for her sparkling and well-crafted songwriting as well as her "pure, honest soprano. Small is a Minnesota native now living in Connecticut; named a finalist in the 1999 Lilith Fair Talent Search, she is garnering critical recognition and a popular following. Tickets are $14; proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity's Alternative Spring Break program. For more info call 860-768-4228.
First Congregational Church, 40 DeForest St. in Watertown presents a concert by organist SCOTT LAMLEIN on Friday, November 22 at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Lamlein will perform works both old and new, including works by J.S. Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, Louis Vierne and M. Searle Wright. The church’s 1873 meetinghouse houses a 23-rank Holtkamp pipe organ that was installed in 1981. A reception will follow the concert. Free, but donations will be accepted to benefit the music program of the church; for more info call 860-274-6737.
Social Connections sponsors a SINGLES CELEBRATION DANCE on Friday, November 22 from 8 p.m.-midnight at Nuchie’s, 164 Central St. in Bristol. Enjoy the evening and dance the night away to the music of our DJ, D&J Productions. There will be a delicious buffet from 8-9:30 p.m. Admission $12, dress to impress; there will be door prizes. For more info call Marcia at 860-828-4817.
Litchfield Grange #107 hosts JUST FRIENDS BLUEGRASS BAND on Saturday, November 23 from 7-9 p.m. at the Litchfield Grange Hall, Route 202 in Litchfield. Just Friends play traditional gospel and contemporary bluegrass music. The band has performed in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts at coffee houses, festivals and private parties as well as at several local venues. Admission is $10 adults, $5 children (ages 10-16), free for children under 10; refreshments will be available. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Litchfield Grange Camp Fund, the purpose of which is to send four local children to the CT State Grange’s Camp Berger in Winchester.
The Warner Theatre, 68 Main St. in Torrington presents Broadway star LINDA EDER on Saturday, November 23 as part of its celebration of the restoration of the 1931 theater's art deco auditorium. Wowing even the most jaded audiences with her star-making performance in "Jekyll & Hyde," five stellar solo albums, and a sold-out concert run at Carnegie Hall, Eder draws comparisons to our era's most legendary singers, including Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Main Street at 6:45 p.m., the show begins in the theater at 8 p.m. There will be donor acknowledgements, a short film on the history of the Warner, some special surprises, and then Eder will take the Warner stage to perform pop standards and favorites from Broadway, in addition to songs from her latest album, "Gold." For more info call 860-489-7180.
Music for a Change presents ART GARFUNKEL with Maia Sharp and Buddy Mondlock on Saturday, November 23 at 8 p.m. in Lincoln Theater at the University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave. in West Hartford. With 11 solo albums to his credit, Garfunkel is working with a trio for the first time, encouraged by veteran songwriter, performer and producer Billy Mann. Garfunkel, Sharp and Mondlock will be performing tunes from their new CD, "Everything Waits to be Noticed." Rolling Stone founder Jann Wenner describes their group venture as "a brisk, bopping pop-jazz set … an open-hearted dialogue full of joy and daring." Garfunkel calls their collaboration a life-changing experience. Tickets are $38 and $47 in advance, $43 and $52 the day of the show; proceeds benefit Common Cause-Connecticut. For more info call 860-768-4228.
Trinity Arts Series presents "NOYE’S FLUDDE" on Saturday, November 23 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, November 24 at 4 p.m. Benjamin Britten’s opera about Noah and the ark is conducted by Paul Halley and directed by Bruce Fifer. This colorful production of 100 performers features the acclaimed children’s choir Chorus Angelicus with orchestra, a medieval-style set, and director Bruce Fifer as Noah, Katherine Griswold as Mrs. Noah, and John McDonough as God. For more info call 860-482-4411.
CT Choral Artists present Purcell’s 17th century English masterpiece "DIDO AND AENEAS" on Sunday, November 24 at 4 p.m. in the Carol Autorino Center at St. Joseph College in West Hartford. The production will feature CONCORA soloists and chorus in a concert-style performance that will include dances of the period. The afternoon begins with an introductory presentation by Phillip Cave, organist and choirmaster of St. James Church in West Hartford. The Arcadia Players, an orchestra of period instruments, will join CONCORA to present an historically informed performance. For more info call 860-224-7500.
Drama and Comedy
Northwestern Theatre presents Arthur Miller’s "DEATH OF A SALESMAN" on Friday and Saturday, November 22-23 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, November 24 at 2 p.m. at Northwestern Regional #7 School, 100 Battistoni Dr. in Winsted. Tickets are $11 for Friday night’s gala performance, which features an onstage reception following the production; tickets for Saturday and Sunday performances are $10. Tickets may be purchased at the door, or in advance by calling 860-379-8525, ext 3323 (weekdays).
Theatre Guild of Simsbury presents Irving Berlin’s "ANNIE GET YOUR GUN" on Saturday, November 23 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday November 24 at 2 p.m. (preceded by a family reception at 1 p.m.) at Simsbury High School, 34 Farms Village Rd. in Simsbury. Tickets are $17 adults, $12 students and seniors, $8 children (12 and under); for more info call 860-658-0666.
Clockwork Repertory Theatre, 133 Main St. in Oakville presents "ANYBODY FOR MURDER?" on Friday and Saturday, November 22-23 and Saturday, November 30 at 8:15 p.m. In this play by Brian Clemens and Dennis Spooner, Max is planning to murder his wife, Janet, collect her life insurance and enjoy life with his girlfriend. But old friends Mary and George arrive with the news that Mary and Janet are the recent beneficiaries of a huge fortune. Plans and plots hatch, and soon everyone is bent on murder! All that stands in the way is the presence of a neighbor who knows a thing or two about murder, crime writer Edgar Chambers. This thrilling mystery is by the writers of the television series "The Avengers." Not only did they write an exciting thriller in the style of their hit TV series, but they also made it into an hysterical comedy. Tickets are $14; for more info call 860-274-7247.
Seven Angels Theatre, located at Hamilton Park Pavilion on Plank Rd. in Waterbury presents Neil Simon's "RUMORS" through December 1, with performances on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Four couples arrive at the home of New York's deputy mayor for a 10th wedding anniversary celebration, but the atmosphere is more frantic than festive when the host is found bleeding from an unsuccessful suicide attempt, the hostess is nowhere to be found and, as each new couple arrives, no one can remember who has been told what about whom. Doors slam, improbable injuries occur and confusion reigns as the couples get more and more crazed trying to sort things out. Tickets are $24-$38.50; for more info call 203-757-4676.
Thomaston Opera House, 158 Main St. in Thomaston presents "ALWAYS … PATSY CLINE" through December 1; performances will be held on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., with an additional matinee on Saturday, November 30 at 2 p.m. This musical is based on the true story of singer Patsy Cline's friendship with a Houston housewife. Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 at the door; for reservations call 860-283-6250.
Repertory Theater of New Britain, 23 Norden St. in New Britain presents "PLAY ON" on Fridays and Saturdays through December 7 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, December 1 at 5:15 p.m. This comedy by Rick Abbot tells the story of what goes on backstage to put on a play. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 seniors, $8 students; for more info call 860-223-3147.
TheaterWorks, 233 Pearl St. in Hartford presents "DINNER WITH FRIENDS" through December 22, with performances on Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Gabe and Karen, Beth and Tom are two Connecticut couples who have also been best friends for as long as any of them can remember. Married for 12 years, they planned on eating, drinking and parenting their way into old age together. But when Gabe and Karen host a dinner to try out some new recipes on their best friends, only one arrives bearing news that will test their friendship and even their marriage. Tickets are $30, except $40 on Friday and Saturday; center section reserved seats are $10 extra. For more info call 860-527-7838.
The Warner Studio Theatre, 69 Main St. in Torrington holds AUDITIONS for its January production of "The Icebox" on Monday and Tuesday, November 25-26 starting at 7 p.m. Eight roles are available for men and women. Appointments are required; for more info call 860-489-7180.
Art Exhibits
Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave. in Collinsville presents an exhibit of works by outdoor adventure and mountain photographer WALT HAMPTON through November 30. Published and shown widely, Hampton is known for his high altitude photography, his stunning use of color and his stark black and white landscapes; this exhibit features recent photographs from across the country and around the world. A reception will be held on Sunday, November 24 from 2-4 p.m. 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.
Creamery Gallery at Canton Clay Works, 150 Cherry Brook Rd. (Route 179) in Canton presents THE NEW POTTERS MARKET through December 28. This holiday exhibit and sale features unique, American-made crafts of high quality glass, ceramics, woodturning, sculpture, basketry and textiles, as well as fine art and jewelry. Sale hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; the market will be closed for Thanksgiving on November 28 but will be open on Monday and Tuesday, December 23-24. For more info call 860-693-1000.
Canton Artists’ Guild on Route 44 in Canton holds its HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKETPLACE open jury show from November 22 through December 23. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-693-4102.
New Hartford Art League presents its 1st annual FESTIVAL OF ART HOLIDAY SHOW, consisting of original fine art and one-of-a-kind small gift items at the Act II Gallery, 14 Church St. North in New Hartford. Festivities begin with an opening reception on Saturday, November 23 from 4-9 p.m. Come and marvel at the works created by many local artists and get into the holiday spirit! Gallery hours are Wednesday and Friday from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-379-2034.
Bristol Center for Arts & Culture, located in the New England Carousel Museum, 95 Riverside Ave. (Route 72) in Bristol presents a new exhibit, THE VIEW FROM THE AIR, FROM THE EARTH AND FROM THE CAROUSEL featuring three local photographers through December 31. Cliff Ruquist, a well-known aerial photographer, offers magnificent shots of the Bristol area from the air. Lee Abrams, a retired Bristol businessman, is known for his nature photographs. Daria Aleksandrova, a young artist originally from Russia, has photographed the Carousel Museum and the Bushnell Park Carousel. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday from noon-5 p.m. Admission is $5 adults, $4.50 seniors, $2.50 children (ages 4-14), free for members and children under 4; for more info call 860-585-5411.
Harwinton Public Library, 80 Bentley Dr. in Harwinton presents the paintings of REV. EDWARD PRZYGOCKI through December. Rev. Przygocki, the "Painting Padre," began painting seven years ago in Cape Coral, Florida under the instruction of Nina Connor-Purdee and has completed over 50 works. His themes are usually of Latin American influence with intense colors or unusual settings and composition. He is a member of the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles and has served over 10 years in South America, primarily in Peru, Colombia and Venezuela. The exhibit may be seen during regular library hours; For more info call 860-485-9113.
Potter & Slack Fine Art, Route 202 in Marbledale presents SMALL INDULGENCES, its traditional holiday exhibit and sale featuring fine art in small formats through December. Paintings on display will include works by eminent artists Bertram G. Bruestle, Roger W. Dennis and Bernard Corey. Present-day gallery favorites Curt Hanson and George Van Hook will also be represented, and a selection of small sculptures by Paul Suttman and Stanley Bleifeld will round out the offerings. Gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-868-3245 or 860-927-3684.
Lectures and Presentations
Great Barrington Council on Aging presents "CELEBRATING NEW ENGLAND: A Harvest of Seasonal Stories" with storyteller Davis Bates on Friday, November 22 at 11:30 a.m. at the Great Barrington Senior Center, Route 7 in Great Barrington. The program will involve the audience, through song and story, in a variety of cultural traditions. It will include farming stories and songs from both the past and present, sea songs and chanteys, Native American stories, folktales from immigrant cultures, and family stories from Davis’ own family. There will also be plenty of sing-alongs. For reservations or more info, call 413-528-1881.
The Questioning Citizen presents "ENRON—TIP OF THE ICEBERG?" with economist Nomi Prins on Friday, November 22 from 7-8 p.m. on Charter Community TV, channel 13 in Winsted; the first 15 minutes feature comments by attorney Joel Kupferman. This program is part of a series, "Post 9/11 America: Safe and Free?", videotaped during the 2002 URPE (Union of Radical Political Economists) summer retreat at Camp Chinqueka in Bantam. The Questioning Citizen, a weekly, one-hour public affairs program on community cable channels in northwest Connecticut, is produced by Ken Cornet and Joe Mustich.
Classes and Workshops
Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury offers a workshop entitled GETTING NEW BUSINESS FROM OLD CUSTOMERS on Tuesday, November 26 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Larry Boardman will address a common issue of small businesses, how to grow a business without spending a lot of money. Mr. Boardman will present low- or no-cost ways small businesses can increase their business with their current customers. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask for assistance with their specific sales concerns and to benefit from the speaker’s and group’s input. This program is intended for small business people as well as those thinking about starting small businesses. Larry Boardman has 35 years of business, marketing, sales and advertising experience. Free and open to the public; to register or for more info, call Jennifer Keohane at 860-658-7663.
Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd. in Litchfield offers a class in making GINGERBREAD HOUSES using all natural ingredients with chef Sarah LaPenta on Saturday, December 7 from 9 a.m.-noon. Cost is $15; registration deadline is December 2. For more info call 860-567-8302.
UMass Extension Agroecology Program holds the 3rd annual NORTHEAST LOCAL FOOD AND FARM INITIATIVES GATHERING on Thursday, December 12 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Gedney Farm on Route 57 in New Marlborough, MA. This year’s gathering of people currently or potentially involved in local food campaigns (including farmers and growers, campaign staff and funders, and food and agriculture-related groups) will feature workshops and trainings on farmers’ markets, farm stands, institution/ school/ restaurant buying, CSAs, co-ops, local distribution networks, and urban food initiatives. There will also be presentations on use of media, sustaining a campaign organization, and connecting food and farms with societal issues. A delectable local foods lunch will be prepared by Chef Peter Platt of Gedney Farm, a beautiful inn and conference center committed to supporting local food and farms. Registration fee is based on a sliding scale of $35-$65 (pay what you can afford); registration requested by December 6. For more info call Laurie Cadorette at 413-448-8285.
Sports
Charter CommunityVision 13 provides videotape replays of GILBERT YELLOWJACKET FOOTBALL vs. Haddam Killingworth on Sunday, November 24 at 8 p.m.; and Tuesday, November 26 at 1 p.m. For more info call Charter at 860-738-5090.
Goshen Running Club sponsors the 25th anniversary GOSHEN TURKEY TROT RACE on Thursday, November 28 at 10 a.m.; registration starts at 8:30 a.m. The race, which will be held rain or shine, covers 6.2 miles of mostly dirt roads with plenty of hills thrown in for good measure. This event has a friendly, holiday ambiance with turkeys and homemade pies among the prizes awarded to the winners; the Laschever Memorial Cups will be given to the first male and female runners. The running divisions range from age 10 and under to Super Grand Masters (60 and over); walkers are welcome. Pre-race fee is $12 with long sleeve T-shirts for the first 200 registered runners; race day registration is $15. For more info call Johanna Kimball at 860-491-2078.
Kids
Friday Night Out, the popular program for students in grades 7-9 in Warren, Morris, Goshen and Litchfield will be held on Friday, November 22 from 7-10 p.m. at Warren Town Hall. The program provides supervised time to hang out with friends and listen to or dance to music provided by a DJ, and open gym time. Admission is $5; soda, water and pizza will be for sale. Students and their parents are required to complete a contract; participants must stay for the entire time unless a parent picks them up. For more info call Missy Layman at 868-7241, Brian Leonard at 567-7436, Christine Victor at 491-3556, or Bill Houle at 567-7569.
Simsbury Woman’s Club sponsors DOGS TO THE RESCUE in the Program Room of the Simsbury Public Library, Route 10 in Simsbury on Saturday, November 23 at 11 a.m. This program for school-age children and parents will feature CT Canine Search and Rescue, an organization that trains dogs to assist with the search for missing or lost persons in woodland, suburban and urban areas, on land or in water. A volunteer handler, who will bring her rescue dog, will tell the children about the nine-step "Lost in the Woods" guide and the steps they should take if they think they might be lost. A member of the Woman’s Club will read the book "Emma and the Night Dogs," written by West Hartford author Susan Bivin Aller; this beautifully illustrated book tells of a girl and her dog who helped to find a lost boy. Free, but reservations are required; for more info call the library at 860-658-7663.
Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd. in Canton presents a family concert with AUBREY ATWATER on Sunday, November 24 from 2-3 p.m. This superb singer will play guitar, banjo and dulcimer on songs from her CD "Daily Growing." Tickets are $5 members, $6 non-members; for more info call 860-693-0263.
Festivals and Sales
Center Congregational Church, 155 Main St. in Torrington holds its annual HOLIDAY FAIR on Friday, November 22 from 6-8 p.m. (a magician will arrive at 7:30 p.m.); and Saturday, November 23 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Santa will be in attendance, there will be a room just for the kids to shop in, a silent auction, and all kinds of handmade and homemade sweets, treats and unique gift items for the ones you love. There will be a pasta supper on Friday from 5-7 p.m.; cost is $6 adults, $4 children. A luncheon will be served in the dining room from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday. A roast pork dinner on Saturday from 5-7 p.m. costs $10 adults, $5 children. For more info or dinner tickets, call 860-489-8301.
Sheffield Historical Society, 159-161 Main St. in Sheffield offers HOLIDAY SHOPPING with a historical flair in the newly restored 1834 Stone Store on Saturdays and Sundays in November from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; the Stone Store will also be open on Friday, November 22 from 4-6 p.m. Featured items include decorated miniature trees, limited-edition ornaments, holiday table settings and greeting cards. Custom-decorated balsam wreaths are on display and may be ordered. For more info call 413-229-2694.
Noble Horizons, 17 Cobble Rd. in Salisbury opens its FESTIVAL OF TREES with a special preview day on Friday, November 22 from noon-8 p.m.; the festival continues on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sundays from noon-4 p.m., and weekdays from 1-4 p.m. (except from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday, November 29) through December 8. The festival features 75 small trees and exhibits decorated for the holiday season by area residents, merchants and organizations. Admission is free; for additional times and group tours, call 860-435-9851.
Winsted Area Child Care Center, 185 Prospect St. in Winsted holds a BOOK SALE on Saturday, November 23 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; fill a bag for $1 at 1 p.m. There will be hundreds of like-new adult hardcovers as well as children’s books. Coffee and doughnuts will be available. For more info call Barbara Adams at 860-379-0006.
Holy Trinity Church, 64 Berry St. in Torrington sponsors its HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR on Saturday, November 23 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sixteen vendors will be on hand with gifts, crafts, and other goodies for the holiday season. Lunch and refreshments will be available.
Church of Christ Congregational in Goshen hosts a sale of UNBAKE HOMEMADE APPLE PIES by its PF Youth group on Saturday, November 23 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Orders should be made by calling the church at 860-491-2793.
St. Andrews Church, Route 341 in Kent sponsors HOMESPUN HOLIDAYS, its annual Christmas bazaar on Saturday, November 23 from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Parish House. Besides crafts on the Christmas table, there will be a food table with baked goods, jellies and spreads; a Golden Treasures table with antique and fine gift-quality items; a white elephant table with items suitable for Christmas giving; and a children’s table with toys in good condition, inexpensive jewelry and small gifts specially priced for children to buy for family members. Door prizes donated by local businesses will be awarded at 1 p.m.; ticket holders do not need to be present to win. Lunch and snacks will be available. Proceeds will go to furthering the efforts of the church’s Mission and Outreach Committee; for more info call Katie Reed at 860-927-3486.
Torrington Towers, 52 Summer St. in Torrington hosts its HOLIDAY BAZAAR on Saturday, November 23 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be a craft table, bake table, raffle, face painting and children’s corner. The lunch menu will include Muckies hot dogs, homemade sauerkraut and homemade chili. For more info call the Torrington Towers Craft Club at 860-626-7382.
St. Anthony School Development sponsors a SILENT AUCTION AND SPAGHETTI DINNER on Saturday, November 23 from 5-7:30 p.m. in the St. Anthony School Hall, 55 Oak St. in Winsted. Some of exciting items to be auctioned include a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan, a magic show, a Washington Capitals jersey signed by the team, a golf basket, a NASCAR jacket, French wine, dessert of the month, cooking lessons, and more. Dinner tickets are $6 adults, $3 children, under 4 free; entrance fee for auction only is $2. For more info call 860-738-7406.
Artwell Gallery, 19 Water St. in Torrington presents its HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE and small works exhibit from November 23 through December 22. The gallery will be stocked with one-of-a-kind crafts and artwork, including ornaments, wearable art, prints, paintings, sculpture, dolls, pottery, cards, boxes, jewelry, and much more. A special opening reception will be held on Saturday, November 23 from 6-8 p.m., when all are invited to stop by to meet the artists, share refreshments and browse for holiday gifts. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday from noon-6 p.m.; for more info call 860-482-5122.
Noble Horizons in Salisbury holds its 7th annual FESTIVAL OF TREES from November 24 through December 8, with a special preview day on Friday, November 22. The event features 75 miniature trees and holiday displays. Admission is free; call 860-435-9851 for festival hours, directions, or to arrange for group tours.
The FFA at Wamogo Regional High School, 98 Wamogo Rd. in Litchfield holds a CITRUS AND CHEESE SALE through November 26. To place an order call the school’s Agricultural Office at 860-567-6649.
And More
Active Singles sponsors Christmas and New Year’s DINNER DANCE PARTIES at the Knights of Columbus, 1642 North Colony Rd. in Meriden. The Christmas dance is on Saturday, December 14 from 6:30 p.m.-midnight; the New Year’s Eve dinner-dance is on Tuesday, December 31 from 6:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Both dances feature an appetizer hour followed by a 6-course dinner buffet with soda, dessert, coffee, tea and set-ups included; BYOB. Entertainment at each dance will feature a performance by a world-famous mind reader and hypnotist, DJ dancing to Top 40 music with dance contests, and door prizes. Cost is $30 for the Christmas dance, $50 for New Year’s, $70 for both; reservations required 10 days in advance. For more info call Charlie at 860-489-9611.
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