Music and Dance

University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave. in Hartford presents New England folksinger and songwriter CHERYL WHEELER on Friday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Wilde Auditorium. Also performing with Ms. Wheeler will be Maria Sangiolo, a rising star on the folk circuit. Tickets are $16, with the proceeds to benefit Hospice and Palliative Care; for more info call 860-768-4228.

The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford presents JACKIE McLEAN on Friday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m. Jazz alto saxophonist Jackie McLean will bring his Jazz Dynasty, featuring special guest Rene McLean, for a rare local concert. Tickets are $26 - $36; for more info call 860-987-5900.

Artwell, 19 Water St. in Torrington presents an evening of ORIGINAL LIVE MUSIC on Saturday, December 1 at 8 p.m. featuring Anne Donohue, singer-songwriters Mitch Katz and Phil Miller, plus the singing duo That Kind of Woman, featuring Mary Edwards and Lynn M. Wilson. Formerly of musical groups the "Who Who's" and "Eight to the Bar," Anne Donohue is best known for her sweet, raw and earthy vocal style. Mitch Katz has been serenading audiences at Artwell and at coffeehouses in Connecticut and New York for years. Mary Edwards' breezy, soulful pop compositions reflect incidental, modern music, and the harmonics of Lynn M. Wilson's tandem vocals contribute to the group's signature sound. Door prizes and refreshments will be available. Donation is $5; for more info call 860-482-5122, or 860-482-2045.

The Church at 59 Barber Street in Torrington presents BILL LAUF AND THE LOVE AT WORK BAND on Saturday, December 1 at 8 p.m. Bill Lauf, a singer-songwriter who plays the tenor (4-string) guitar, has been playing in bands, duos and as a soloist for 35 years. Also performing will be pedal steel guitarist Gordon Titcomb. Suggested donation of $10 includes complimentary wine and beverages; for more info call 860-489-0137.

Farmington Valley Chorus presents THE BEAT GOES ON on Saturday, December 1 at 8 p.m. at Simsbury High School, 34 Farms Village Rd. in Simsbury. This will be an evening of great songs and zany antics featuring the Farmington Valley Chorus, Sweet Adelines and Cornerstone. Admission is $15 adults, $10 students and seniors, ages 12 and under free; for more info call 860-408-9353.

Beacon Grange, 670 Northfield Rd. (Route 254) in Northfield presents a COUNTRY WESTERN DANCE with the Country Travelers on Saturday, December 1 from 8 p.m.-midnite. Donation is $9; door prizes, raffle and refreshments available. For more info call 860-482-1962.

Litchfield Chamber Orchestra performs its ANNUAL CONCERT on Saturday, December 1 at 8 p.m. at Litchfield Congregational Church in Litchfield; and Sunday, December 2 at 3 p.m. at St. Bernard Church in Sharon. Horn player Beth Harvison will be the soloist, and will play Mozart’s Fourth Concerto for Horn and Orchestra. The orchestra will also play the familiar "Christmas Concerto" of Archangelo Corelli and the First Orchestral Suite of J.S. Bach. The Symphony in C Major of Georges Bizet will complete the program. Tickets are $10 adults, $7 students and seniors for the Litchfield performance; a donation will be accepted in Sharon. For more info call 860-567-5736, or 860-364-0518.

Thomaston Ladies Choral Club presents its CHRISTMAS CONCERT on Sunday, December 2 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church, East Main St. in Thomaston. The singers will present traditional and contemporary holiday selections, with several featured soloists. Guest artists the H. S. Liederkranz Singing Society of Thomaston will be directed by Heidi Flower and accompanied by Jeannette Brown. An optional donation of canned goods will be given to the Thomaston Ecumenical Food Pantry. The church is handicap accessible; for more info call 860-283-1173.

CT Yankee Chorale and the Torrington Civic Symphony soponsor their 2nd annual HANDEL’S MESSIAH "Sing It (or Play It) Yourself" on Sunday, December 2 at 3 p.m. at St. Francis Church, Main St. in Torrington. Scores will be available for borrowing or purchase. Suggested donation to defray expenses is $5; for more info call 860-868-0739.

Valley Community Baptist Church, 590 West Avon Rd. in Avon presents THE HANGING OF THE GREENS on Sunday, December 2 at 7 p.m. with a reception at 6 p.m. Begin the Christmas season with "A Journey of Promises," music composed by Joseph Martin, and the anthem commissioned by VCBC its their 25th anniversary. The concert will feature the Adult Choir, VCBC Orchestra, the children's choir, and a festive carol sing for everyone. Childcare for children under 3 will be provided. A free-will offering will be received; for more info call 860-673-6826.

Farmington Valley Arts Center, 25 Arts Center Lane in Avon presents Granby musician JONATHAN EDWARDS on Thursday, December 6 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jonathan Edwards performs his own distinctive style of improvisational, poly-ethnic jazz on a number of instruments including the ZenDrum, a sophisticated MIDI percussion instrument. Edwards has performed professionally for more than 25 years and has recorded with jazz, blues, ethnic and improvisational artists throughout the Northeast. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-678-1867.

The Warner Theatre, 68 Main St. in Torrington presents THREE DOG NIGHT on Thursday, December 6 at 8 p.m. Reserve seat tickets are $34.50 and $27.50; for more info call 860-489-7180.