Music and Dance

Social Connections sponsors a SINGLES CELEBRATION DANCE on Friday, November 2 from 8 p.m.-midnight at Nuchie's, 164 Central St. in Bristol. Be sure to come and bring your friends. There will be a buffet from 8-9:30 p.m., a DJ from D&J Productions, and door prizes. Admission is $12; dress to impress. For more info call Gail at 860-582-8229.

Hartford Symphony Orchestra presents MARK TWAIN: "MUSIC & MISCHIEF" on Friday and Saturday, November 2-3 at 8 p.m. at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford. The humor of Mark Twain comes alive in a concert traversing the life and times of Hartford's most celebrated author, interspersed with a sampler of American popular songs. Actor Ken Richters' portrayal of Twain is spellbinding, bringing out the wit and sarcasm of the beloved storyteller. Tickets are $10-$53; for more info call 860-987-5900.

AIDS Ministry of the Salvation Army and the Living Center of Hartford sponsor RED HOT BLUES on Saturday, November 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the University of Hartford. This jazzy fundraiser will include silent and live auction items along with great food and beverages, leading up to a concert by pop/ jazz vocalist Suede at 8:15 p.m. in the Gengras Student Center. Tickets for the entire event are $40 single, $70 couple, or $25 for the concert only; for more info call Barbara Mase at 860-543-8400.

The Church at 59 Barber Street in Torrington presents HUGH BLUMENFELD and the LOVE AT WORK BAND on Saturday, November 3 at 7:30 p.m. Blumenfeld, a Connecticut State Troubadour, has been described as one of the most compelling of the new generation of song poets. His unique brand of folk and acoustic rock mixes haunting ballads, political satire and comic improvisations. The Love at Work Band consists of four creative musicians, Stan Bronski, Kath Bloom, Tom Hanford and Fran Patnaude, playing original and traditional music with a bluesy improvisational feel. Guitars, fiddle, harmonica and stand-up bass accompany their dynamic vocal harmonies. A suggested donation of $8 is requested, which includes complimentary wine and beverages. For more info call 860-489-0137.

Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd. in Canton presents LUI COLLINS in concert on Saturday, November 3 at 7:30 p.m. Blending Celtic, Appalachian and modern influences into her vocal, guitar and piano arrangements, she shares her favorite recordings. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door; for reservations or more info, call 860-693-0263.

Sandisfield Arts Center, Route 57 and Hammertown Rd. in Sandisfield presents 39 STRINGS with Judith Davidoff on Saturday, November 3 at 8 p.m. This one-woman show features music from the 12th through the 21st centuries with commentary. An expert on the viola da gamba, Ms Davidoff performs with such organizations as the New York Consort of Viols, the Arioso Trio, and the New York Philharmonic. The show will take place, café-style, on the lower level of the historic arts center. Admission is $5; for more info call 413-258-3309.

Falls Village Volunteer Fire Department holds its 77th ANNUAL BALL on Saturday, November 3 from 8 p.m.-midnight at the Lee H. Kellogg School in Falls Village. The band Flashback will play, and hors d’oeuvres will be catered by LaBonne’s. Tickets are $20 per couple, with setups provided; funds raised will go toward the purchase of vehicle rescue equipment, specifically rescue airbags. To purchase tickets or make a contribution, call David and Beckie Seney at 860-824-9882, or Timothy Downs at 860-824-1070.

Beacon Grange, 670 Northfield Rd. (Route 254) in Northfield presents a COUNTRY WESTERN DANCE with the Country Travelers on Saturday, November 3 from 8 p.m.-midnite. Donation is $9; door prizes, raffle and refreshments available. For more info call 860-482-1962.

Waterbury Symphony Orchestra presents SING, SING, SWING! at the Warner Theatre, Main St. in Torrington on Saturday, November 3 at 8:15 p.m. This program salutes the sounds of the Big Band Era with jazz singers, the New York Voices. Tunes of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey and others will be featured. Tickets are $40, $30 and $18; for more info call WSO at 203-574-4283.

New Milford High School in New Milford hosts SKITCH HENDERSON & THE NEW YORK POPS ALL STARS in concert on Sunday, November 4 at 3 p.m. as a benefit for the New Milford Hospital. Musicians include Peter Appleyard on vibraphone; Gene Bertoncini on guitar; Dan Block on clarinet; baritone Keith Buterbaugh; Sara Caswell on violin; Skitch Henderson on piano; Jay Leonhart on bass; Mark Patterson on saxophone; John "Bucky" Pizzarelli on guitar; and percussionist Bobby Rosengarden. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at Union Savings Bank, 27 Main St. and 164 Danbury Rd. in New Milford; or at The Silo, 44 Upland Rd. in New Milford. For more info call 860-355-0300.

Joyful Noise presents MUSIC FOR A GREAT SPACE on Sunday, November 4 at 4 p.m. at St. Justin Church, 230 Blue Hill Ave. in Hartford. New England’s premier children’s choir, Corus Angelicus, will be joined by the adult vocal ensemble Gaudeamus and the Battell Chamber Orchestra and Brass to present Durufle’s "Requiem" as well as music by Mendelssohn, Elgar and Lauridsen among others. The choirs and brass will be performing in all areas of the church, creating the ultimate in live surround sound, for which the sanctuary of St. Justin’s is well known. CPTV will be taping the concert, portions of which will be included in a short feature they are producing about Chorus Angelicus. Free and open to the public; for more info call (toll-free) 888-788-8882.

Valley Community Baptist Church, 590 West Avon Rd. (Route 167) in Avon presents a choral concert featuring THE GOLDEN NOTES on Sunday, November 4 at 7:30 p.m. The Golden Notes is one of nineteen choirs and ensembles that meet weekly at Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond, VA. The 90 active members of the group perform regularly for worship services and special events, including an annual tour. Come for an evening of encouraging and inspirational music. Free; child care will be provided for ages 3 and under. For more info call 860-673-6826, ext 121.

Canton High School, 76 Simonds Ave. in Canton presents its Fall Concert, DEDICATED TO AMERICA on Wednesday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the school auditorium. There will be performances by the Concert Band, under the direction of Tom Scavone, and the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, under the direction of Mary Anne Barnicle. Special guests include the color guard of the Albert Johnson American Legion Post #30, Anthony DiPinto, Commander. Free and open to the public; for more info call 693-7707.