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Entertainment DirectoryJanuary 25, 2003 

 

Music and Dance

Wadsworth Atheneum, 600 Main St. in Hartford presents the world premiere of "SCHUBERT’S SHADOWS" on Thursday, January 23 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, January 26 at 2 p.m. in the Aetna Theater, with a pre-concert talk by the author beginning 30 minutes before each show. Written by Harry Clark, "Schubert’s Shadows" is a biographical drama with classical music. In 1827, at the age of 30, composer Franz Schubert knew that he was dying, yet he was prodigiously productive, creating some of his greatest masterpieces in the year before his death. Johann Michael Vogl, the famed opera and lieder singer, was Schubert’s friend as well as an influential admirer and performer of the composer’s work, telling the world of the genius emerging from the shadow of Goethe and Beethoven. Portraying Schubert is German baritone Tobias Scharfenberger, and Vogl is played by Hartford’s own John McDonough; pianist Sanda Schuldmann is also featured. Tickets are $25 members, $30 non-members, $10 students, with center section preferred seating available for an extra $10 per seat; for more info call 860-278-7148.

Berkshire Museum, 39 South St. in Pittsfield presents BOB BROZMAN on Friday, January 24 at 8 p.m. Redefining musical diversity worldwide, Brozman is a remarkably prolific artist whose wit, energy and musical technique combine powerfully to create an unforgettable live performance. A master of slide, fingerstyle and percussive guitar, his exhilarating show spans the global musical spectrum. Advance tickets are $15 members, $18 non-members; tickets are $20 at the door. For more info call 413-443-7171, ext 10.

Trinity Episcopal Church, 220 Prospect St. in Torrington presents SUSAN OSBORN AND PAUL HALLEY in a benefit concert for Trinity’s new grand piano on Saturday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m. Singer-songwriter Osborn and choir director-pianist-organist Halley worked together often when both played with the Paul Winter Consort, and they continue to collaborate on recordings and occasional performances. Tickets are $40 priority, $20 general admission; for more info call 860-482-4411.

Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd. in Canton presents BILL MORRISSEY on Saturday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m. Since Bill Morrissey last played RBNC, he has released his ninth disc, titled "Something I Saw or Thought I Saw." The twice Grammy-nominated performer/ novelist returns with songs that blend the musicality of his roots guitar influences, John Hurt and Mance Lipscomb, with his storywriter’s eye for telling details and moving themes. Opening act Karaugh Brown is a Boston-based songwriter/ guitarist who is known for her stark, edgy delivery and her literate, well phrased lyrics; she has just released her second CD, "One Round Orange," produced by Bill Morrissey. Tickets are $15 in advance, $17 at the door; for more info call 860-693-0263.

Northwest Park Coffeehouse presents RANI ARBO & DAISY MAYHEM on Saturday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Northwest Park Nature Center in Windsor. Powered by Rani Arbo’s passionate, expressive vocals and the group’s wonderfully cohesive and creative playing, daisy mayhem gives a bracing, delightful fusion of American acoustic music that dips into country, blues, old-time and originals but never strays far from the heart of a song. Tickets are $12; proceeds benefit the Gordon Taylor Educational Fund for environmental studies. For more info call 860-285-1886.

Artwell Gallery, 19 Water St. in Torrington presents OPEN MIKE NIGHT on Saturday, January 25 at 8 p.m. All are invited to listen or participate in an eclectic and inspiring mix of spoken words, music or any other stand-up entertainment. Five-minute time slots are available on a first-come basis; call Stewart Wilson at 860-482-2045 to reserve a spot in advance, or arrive slightly before 8 p.m. to sign up. Suggested donation is $5.

Nutmeg Square and Round Dance Club holds a Plus Level SQUARE AND ROUND DANCE on Saturday, January 25 from 8-11 p.m. at Judson School, Hamilton Lane in Watertown. Caller is Ed Rutty, with cuer Liz Becker. 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.

Center Congregational Church, 155 Main St. in Torrington hosts "THE GOSHEN PLAYERS PRESENT," a Broadway music revue on Saturday, February 1; a full-course chicken dinner begins at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7:15 p.m. Enjoy your favorite show tunes performed by the ever-popular Goshen Players. Tickets for both dinner and the show are $12 adults, $8 children (10 and under); show-only tickets are $7. For more info call 860-489-8301.

 

Drama and Comedy

Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts presents "ANTIGONE" by Jean Anouilh on Friday and Saturday, January 24-25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Black Box Theater on the Learning Corridor campus, 359 Washington St. in Hartford. Some of Greater Hartford’s most talented high school students bring to life one of the most powerful and moving stories in the history of world literature. Anouilh wrote his version of Sophocles’ classic during the Nazi occupation of France, using classical mythology to explore the theme of resistance to oppression. After the fall of Oedipus, his daughter, Antigone, confronts questions of right and wrong and life and death in her struggle against her uncle, Creon, the new king. Admission is $5; for more info call 860-757-6388.

Seven Angels Theatre, located at Hamilton Park Pavilion on Plank Rd. in Waterbury presents "MESSHUGAH NUNS!" through February 2, with performances on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. and Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. This is the 5th show in the series created by Dan Goggin, which began with "Nunsense" in 1986. This time, the Little Sisters of Hoboken embark on a cruise to the Holy Land. Along the way, they're asked to fill in for the seasick cast of "Fiddler on the Roof." Tickets are $24-$38.50; for more info call 203-757-4676.

Hartford Stage, 50 Church St. in Hartford presents Sophocles’ classic tragedy "ELECTRA" through February 9 with performances on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; and selected weekday and weekend matinees. This gripping story of a daughter seeking revenge on the mother who betrayed her family will feature a multi-cultural cast, including the acclaimed Yugoslavian film actress Mirjana Jokovic in the title role and Carmen Roman as Queen Clytemnestra. The brand new production features design elements that reflect both the traditional Greek setting of the play and the stark modern aspects of war, grief and revenge found in the play. Tickets are $22-$60; for more info call 860-527-5151.

Thomaston Opera House, 158 Main St. in Thomaston presents the musical "HAIR" from January 25 through February 9, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. An opening night reception for all audience members will be held in the Lena Morton Gallery on Level 3 before the performance on Saturday, January 25. Much more than hippies set to music, "Hair" challenged establishment values and imagined an exuberant and colorful world guided by "harmony and understanding." Note: Due to the content of this musical, it is not recommended for young children. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door; for more info call 860-283-6250.

Clockwork Repertory Theatre, 133 Main St. in Oakville presents Agatha Christie’s "TEN LITTLE INDIANS" on Fridays and Saturdays through February 8 and Saturday, February 15 at 8:15 p.m. Ten strangers are invited to a private island by a mysterious host, but the holiday doesn’t turn out quite as planned when one by one the guests begin dying off. Tickets are $14; for more info call 860-274-7247.

Repertory Theater of New Britain, 23 Norden St. in New Britain holds OPEN AUDITIONS for the rock opera "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" on Sunday, February 2 from 1-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.; and Wednesday, February 5 from 7-9 p.m. There will be a cast of 30, plus roles available for ages 14 and up. The director is seeking singers who can move (bring a song to sing) as well as singing and non-singing dancers. For more info call 860-635-7651, ext 5.

 

Art Exhibits

Washington Art Association, 4 Bryan Plaza in Washington Depot presents its YOUNG TALENT SHOW through February 2. Featured artists are Jae-Yong Kim, Adrian Kalyesuba, Jesus Moreno, Marsha Doran, Dorothy Frey and Rachael Weinstein. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday from noon-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-868-2878.

Canton Artists’ Guild presents "ON AND OFF THE WALL," a group exhibit of works by Palmer, Holzman and Knaus, along with solo shows by Michael Zych and Susan Bradley through February 23 at the Gallery on the Green, Route 44 in Canton. An opening reception on Friday, January 24 from 6-9 p.m. is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-693-4102.

 

Lectures and Presentations

Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge presents an ARMCHAIR TOUR OF HOLLAND’S FLORIADE 2002 on Wednesday, Saturday, January 25 from 10 a.m.-noon. Once every ten years, the Netherlands hosts a world horticultural exhibition, the Floriade. In 2002 the Floriade covered 160 acres of reclaimed landscape with more than 100,000 perennials and tens of thousands of naturalizing bulbs, as some 200 Dutch plant growers and more than 20 countries presented their horticultural best. This slide lecture highlights the remarkable variety of plants and the ingenuity of landscape design that makes the Floriade a wonderful learning experience for gardeners everywhere. Presenter and instructor Ruth Green designs and maintains gardens through her own business, and holds degrees in landscape architecture and sculpture. Cost is $15 members, $20 non-members; advance registration is required. For more info call 413-298-3926.

The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford presents "GRAND CANYON" on Sunday, January 26 at 2 p.m. in the Belding Theater. Scenes of wondrous natural beauty and diverse animal life abound as filmmaker and narrator Dale Johnson takes the audience on a cinematographic expedition through the Grand Canyon, including a descent into the inner canyon on mules and a thrilling whitewater ride. Learn the canyon’s history, from the ancient ruins of the Anasasi tribe to Major Powell’s 1869 expedition down the Colorado River, and explore fascinating hidden spots. Tickets are $6.50-$7.50; for more info call 860-987-5900.

Connecticut Historical Society, 1 Elizabeth St. in Hartford hosts Dr. Dennis Waring as he presents THE INSTRUMENT MAKER on Sunday, January 26 at 3 p.m. Using a wide array of instruments, indigenous and homemade, Waring weaves fascinating tales of the origin of music and musical devices across all cultures. Through demonstration and performance, the program showcases almost 50 handmade musical instruments based on ideas and inspirations from around the world. The author of "Great Folk Instruments to Make and Play," "Cool Cardboard Instruments to Make and Play," and "Make Your Own Electric Guitar and Bass," Waring is recognized as one of the most innovative instrument makers in the country. This presentation will also give practical ideas for making instruments from discarded, scrounged and recycled materials. Admission is $6 adults; $3 seniors, students and youth (ages 6-17); free for members and children under 6. Reservations are requested; for more info call 860-236-5621.

Beardsley & Memorial Library, 40 Munro Place in Winsted presents a lecture and book signing with MARCIA REID MARSTED on Wednesday, January 29 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Marcia dedicated her book "About My Hair: A Journey to Recovery" to her mother, Doris A. (Marshall) Currier, who lived in Colebrook for more than 40 years. Her mother died of cancer in 2000; the book recounts her experiences with the disease, including chemotherapy and hair loss, and finally follow-up care. Marcia will also talk about the many happy hours she spent at the library while she was a student in Colebrook and at Regional #7. This program will be sure to touch many hearts and give hope to those who hear her and read her book. For more info call 860-379-6043.

Torrington Library, 12 Daycoeton Place in Torrington presents author ERNEST BARKER of Goshen discussing his book "Fred and Jennie: A Civil War Love Story" on Wednesday, January 29 (snow date is February 5) at 7 p.m. The book was inspired by a collection of Civil War period letters from Frederic Allen Lucas, serving in the CT Heavy Artillery, to Sarah Jane "Jennie" Wadhams, who was studying to be a teacher. These letters were found in Mr. Barker’s family home in Goshen; letters from Sarah to Fred were later found in another Goshen homestead. Mr. Barker will talk about how he came to write this book, and will share other stories associated with the area and the period. Free and open to the public, but advance registration is required; for more info call 860-489-6684.

University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave. in West Hartford hosts a FORUM ON MEDIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST on Thursday, January 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Wilde Auditorium. Speakers Matthew Silver, an editor at Ha’aretz (a respected, liberal independent daily newspaper in Israel), and Paul Lewis, news director at Fox 61 in Hartford, will discuss the media’s coverage of Israel and the conflict in the Middle East. The program is sponsored by the University’s Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies. Free and open to the public; for more info call Amy Hecht, program coordinator for the Greenberg Center, at 860-768-4963.

 

Classes and Workshops

Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury offers "ENTREPRENEURSHIP OPTIONS: Start-Up, Purchase or Franchise?" on Thursday, January 30 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Deborah Polydys of Strategic Management Resources, LLC will be the guest speaker. The workshop will give an overview of three options for entrepreneurs: starting their own company, purchasing an existing business, and buying a franchise operation. Attendees will learn the critical differences between these options, the pros and cons of each option, and the common mistakes business owners make in each situation. The workshop is geared to people thinking about starting a small business. Free and open to the public; to register or for more info, call Jennifer Keohane at 860-658-7663.

Berkshire Botanical Garden presents "MAKING MORE PLANTS—The Art, Science and Joy of Propagation," a slide-illustrated lecture with garden writer and photographer Ken Druse on Saturday, February 1 (snow date is February 2) at 2 p.m. in the auditorium at Monument Mountain High School, Route 7 in Great Barrington. Growing plants, whether from seed, cuttings or divisions, has to be one of the most satisfying experiences a gardener can have. Plant propagation can be an easy and enjoyable activity, and making new plants for free is hard to resist. This lecture will cover the techniques and tools needed to help gardeners along the propagation pathway. Learn about this most rewarding gardening experience and how to successfully make more plants at home. Cost is $20 members, $25 non-members; advance registration is required. For more info call 413-298-3926.

Connecticut Dance Theatre, 523 Main St. in Watertown holds classes in the PILATES CONDITIONING PROGRAM on Tuesdays, February 4 through April 1, with classes from 9:15-10:15 a.m. and 7-8 p.m. Developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, the Pilates Method is a conditioning program that improves muscle control, flexibility, coordination, strength and tone, as well as body alignment, breathing and efficiency of movement. Instructor is Vanessa Logan, a certified Pilates instructor and the administrative director and instructor at CDT. Fee is $120, and pre-registration is required; participants are asked to bring an exercise mat or towel to class. To register or more info, call 860-274-0004.

Northwestern CT Community College, Park Place East in Winsted offers HOME AND OFFICE PLANT PARENTHOOD on Wednesdays, February 5-26 from 7-9 p.m. In this course you will learn how to have a house or office full of healthy green and blooming indoor plants year round. Topics include optimizing your home environment for best plant growth, use of fertilizers and potting media, techniques of plant propagation and potting, growing tips, safe methods of insect and disease control, and discussion of various important plant groups including foliage plants, orchids, cacti and succulents, begonias, African violets and their relatives. Cost is $35 per person, $45 per couple; for more info call 860-738-6444.

Northwestern CT Community College, Park Place East in Winsted offers BASIC THERAPEUTIC TOUCH on Thursdays, February 6-20 from 7-9 p.m. Therapeutic touch is a healing practice based on an ancient mode of healing; learn the fundamental principles with hands-on practice. This is a simple, yet amazingly effective holistic modality. Cost is $115; for more info call 860-738-6446.

Farmington Valley Arts Center, 25 Arts Center Lane in Avon offers JAPANESE BUTTERFLY BOOKS AND STAR BOOKS on Saturday, February 8 from 9-11 a.m. Spend a quiet morning learning two simple, yet stunning, tiny book forms. This beginner-friendly class results in completion of lovely gift books, bound with ribbons and filled with colorful prints and designs. Cost is $30 plus a $10 materials fee; preferred registration deadline is February 3. For more info call 860-678-1867, ext 101.

Farmington Valley Arts Center, 25 Arts Center Lane in Avon offers PAINTED SILK BANNERS on Saturday, February 8 from noon-4 p.m. Even if you have never painted before, you will learn to create brightly colored, painted silk banners using the French "serti" method of dying, coloring and designing. Cost is $60 plus a $20 materials fee; preferred registration deadline is February 3. For more info call 860-678-1867, ext 101.

Northwest YMCA, 259 Prospect St. in Torrington holds a PARTNER YOGA WORKSHOP on Monday, February 10 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Any two people can practice partner yoga together: friends, co-workers, couples, parents and kids, advanced practitioners and beginners. In poses and exercises, partners rely on each other’s support to keep correct alignment, balance and concentration. In addition to the general benefits of yoga, partner yoga can help beginning participants feel supported and overcome any nervousness they might experience, and it can also enhance the connection between two people. Instructor is Jenna Bashore, a Kripalu Yoga teacher. Cost is $10; free for "Y" members. Space is limited and pre-registration is required; for more info call 860-489-3133, ext 135.

Litchfield Historical Society, on the Green (Routes 63 & 118) in Litchfield sponsors ADVANCED VALENTINE-MAKING WORKSHOPS for adults on Monday, February 10 from 6:30-8 p.m. Participants will learn the history of Valentines and how to reproduce fancy cards of the past. Workshops will be held downstairs, in the library, at the Litchfield History Museum. Fee is $5 members, $7 non-members; for more info call 860-567-4501.

Northwestern CT Community College, Park Place East in Winsted holds two sessions of REAL ESTATE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES: on Tuesdays, February 11 through May 13 from 6-9 p.m. at Oliver Wolcott Technical School in Torrington; and on Fridays, February 14 through May 9 from 9 a.m.-noon on the NCCC campus. Required for real estate licensing, the course will also be beneficial and rewarding for property owners, buyers, sellers, and anyone interested in real estate careers or operation. "Principles and Practices" provides a clear explanation of modern real estate practices, plus a working knowledge of real estate in Connecticut. For more info call 860-738-6444.

Northwestern CT Community College, Park Place East in Winsted offers "UNDERSTANDING YOUR BODY TYPE—Key to Dynamic ealth" on Wednesdays, February 12 through April 2. Have you ever wondered why a health and weight control program that worked for your best friend didn’t work for you? It’s because people are different, and what’s right for one persn may be completely wrong for someone else. You need to know your body type to know the right diet, exercises and nutritional supplements for your own metabolism. Instructor Kate Lynch has 25 years in the holistic health and wellness field and an MA in teaching. Cost is $75; for more info call 860-738-6446.

Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd. in Litchfield offers an ADVANCED ITALIAN LANGUAGE COURSE with Dona Frauenhoffer on Thursdays, February 20 through May 22 (no class on April 17) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cost is $48 seniors, $55 others; register by February 10. For more info call 860-567-8302.

 

Outdoors

White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd. (off Route 202) in Litchfield offers a WINTER TREE ID WALK led by Lukas Hyder on Saturday, January 25; meet in the museum at 10 a.m. Free; for more info call 860-567-0857.

Sharon Audubon Center, 325 Cornwall Bridge Rd. (Route 4) in Sharon holds BIRD SEED SAVINGS DAY on Saturday, January 25 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with a BIRDS OF PREY PROGRAM at 1 p.m. Bird lovers can purchase high-quality bird seed at reduced prices, as an alternative to low-quality mixtures which contain extra seed that goes uneaten and ends up sprouting weeds in the yard; offerings include black oil sunflower, sunflower chips, thistle (niger), mixed seed and suet. Visitors to the Birds of Prey Program will see the live hawks and owls that are residents at the Center. Many of these birds come to Sharon Audubon because they have been injured by people. Hopefully, by seeing these magnificent animals up close, people will walk away with a sense of wonder and value for these creatures and all wildlife. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-364-0520.

Colebrook Lions Club holds its annual SKATING PARTY on Sunday, January 26 from 1-4 p.m. at the Colebrook town skating area, next to the ball field in the center of town. Free and open to the public; hot chocolate will be served.

Sharon Audubon Center sponsors WINTER TRACKING on Saturday, February 1 from 10 a.m.-noon at either Miles Wildlife Sanctuary or Housatonic State Forest. DEP Biologist Paul Rego leads this popular annual program. We hope to find the tracks of some "elusive" animals such as bobcat, weasels, coyote and river otter, and there is always the chance of seeing an eagle passing by. Participants should wear warm, waterproof footwear and be prepared for cold weather. This field trip is dependent on good weather and some snow cover or mud; to register call Laurie Fortin at 860-424-3963.

 

Kids

The Warner Theatre, 68 Main St. in Torrington presents "YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN" as part of its Young Actors Series on Saturday and Sunday, January 25-26 at 2 p.m. Based on Charles Schultz’s timeless comic strip, this imaginative and sunny take on "Peanuts" was created in 1967 by Clark Gesner and revived in 1999 for a Tony Award-winning run on Broadway. Along with his resourceful beagle Snoopy, best friend Linus, "psychiatrist" Lucy and the rest of the Peanuts gang, the wishy-washy" boy with the zigzag sweater sings and dances his way through this light-hearted musical. Directed by Sandy Parente and featuring charming performances by students of the Warner Theatre Center for Arts Education, this production is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. Tickets are $10; for more info call 860-489-7180.

Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd. in Canton presents a TEDDY BEAR JAMBOREE with Gary Rosen on Sunday, January 26 at 1:30 p.m. This one-hour concert is geared especially for children ages 2 and up, and promises a performance filled with catchy one-of-a-kind tunes and just plain fun. Youngsters should bring their own teddy bears to dance along with a special surprise guest bear. Tickets are $7 members, $8 non-members; for more info call 860-693-0263.

Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave. in Collinsville presents THE BAT LADY on Sunday, January 26 at 2 p.m. Geri Greb-Lasky—known as the Bat Lady—is an educator and a licensed wildlife rehabilitator specializing in bat welfare. With her will be Poppy and Peppy, two bats she has had for 10 years. She will talk about the myths and the fears surrounding bats as well as their benefits to humans. (They eat pounds of mosquitoes!) Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-693-5800.

Torrington Parks and Recreation offers a VALENTINE’S DAY CERAMICS PROJECT class for ages 6 and up on Friday, February 7 from 4-5:15 p.m. at the Recreation Hall on East Albert St. in Torrington. Jody Forsberg teaches how to make a special ceramic gift for Valentine’s Day. Fee is $12; for more info call 860-489-2274.

 

Trips

Goshen Recreation offers a day trip to an IRISH CABARET REVUE on Wednesday, March 12; bus leaves Camp Cochipianee on Beach St. at 9 a.m. and returns at 6 p.m. The song, dance, music and comedy of the Emerald Isle are brought together in an outstanding Irish Revue at the Venus de Milo in Swansea, MA. There will be beautiful ballads performed by three noted Dublin tenors and Jury’s Cabaret star soprano Jackie Whelan, as well as storytelling by Ireland’s Master of Mirth, Jimmy Kennedy—and, of course, traditional Irish step dancers. Luncheon is your choice of corned beef and cabbage or broiled scrod, accompanied by other Irish fare and topped off with cheesecake with creme de menthe. Non-residents are welcome to participate. Cost of $57 includes lunch, show and gratuities; for more info call Dale at 860-491-2249, or Barbara at 860-491-3230.

 

And More

St. Andrew’s Society of CT holds its 21st annual ROBERT BURNS EVENT on Saturday, February 1 from noon-4:30 p.m. at the Hawthorne Inn in Berlin. Robert Burns (1759-96) is the beloved national bard of Scotland and the author of such works as "Auld Lang Syne," "My Luve is Like a Red, Red Rose," and "Address to a Haggis." Entertainment will be provided by Maggie Carchrie and Thomas Leigh of Ru-Ra; and Jeff Miller, the Society’s own piper. After the address to the haggis, the appetizer of haggis with neeps and tatties will be served. (Neeps are turnips, and tatties are potatoes.) Entree choices are chicken tuscany, prime rib, or baked stuffed shrimp; children’s entree is chicken fingers. Cost is $30 adults, $14 children. For reservations call Peg Limbacher at 203-272-9013; for more info call chairman Ellen Waff at 860-346-4126, or visit <www.sasct.org>.

Social Connections sponsors a SINGLES ASTROLOGY HOUSE PARTY on Saturday, February 1 at 7 p.m. at a location in Rocky Hill. We have invited an astrologer to help you discover your hidden self, find out who attracts you, and understand your current cycle. There will be an additional cost of $10 for your reading. While each person is in session, the rest of us will party; bring an appetizer or dessert to share. Cost is $5 members, $10 guests; for reservations call Gail at 860-582-8229.

The Warner Theatre, 68 Main St. in Torrington hosts a MARDI GRAS MADNESS fundraiser party on Saturday, February 1 from 7-11 p.m. Come in costume to the newly restored Warner, transformed into a bit of Bourbon Street for a spicy evening of New Orleans-style "carnaval." Dance the night away to a special Southern mix with live music by "Dean’s List" and enjoy festive fare, including authentic Cajun hors d’oeuvres and King Cakes. Prizes will awarded for the best male and female costumes, and everyone can enter a raffle to win a trip for two to the Big Easy itself—New Orleans. Tickets are $35 and include beads and mask, hurricane glass and first drink of the night; premium tickets are $100 and offer the above plus two tickets to your choice of one of four upcoming shows and doubloons for hurricane refills. Complimentary soft drinks will be available, and those who arrive in costume will receive additional drink doubloons. For more info call 860-489-7180.

Beardsley & Memorial Library, 40 Munro Place in Winsted reminds its patrons that it has PASSES TO LOCAL MUSEUMS. Patrons may check out passes for seven days and gain free or reduced admission to the Peabody Museum of Natural History in New Haven, the Wadsworth Athenaeum in Hartford, the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, the Timexpo Museum in Waterbury, Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, and (coming soon) the Science Center of CT in West Hartford. For more info call 379-6043.