Archive for the ‘Home & Gardens’ Category

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, May 3, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy
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Above, the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s Model Ts to Mustangs outdoor antique and classic car display will take place Saturday, May 4, 2013, and feature many makes and models. However, special attention will be given to Fords this year. For more information, call 203-322-1646 or visit http://www.stamfordmuseum.org. Contributed photo

With the spring blooms having sprung and nice weather on tap for the weekend, it appears to be the time to check out a number of outdoor events planned over the next few days.

Car fans can see how the Model T eventually gave rise to the Mustang, and later Ford models, during the 10th annual classic and antique car show at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. About 70 cars are expected to roll their way onto the meadow on Saturday, and perhaps pick up a few honors in the process. Flora will be the focus in Fairfield when the 78th annual Dogwood Festival gets under way. There will be music, blossoms, outdoor items to purchase and food to enjoy. KidsFest will bring vendors, activities and inflatables to Ridgefield’ Ballard Park. And Wilton will enjoy a Go Green festival in this season of green.

Of course, there will be music, too, including a special concert at Sacred Heart University in honor of the late actress and singer Patricia Hemenway-Cook. The Greenwich Choral Society will be spreading a bit of “Eternal Joy,” and welcoming back Greenwich native Holly Sorensen. Pacifica Quartet will be in Westport and Rodgers and Hammerstein will be honored with a show in Bridgeport. The Connecticut Master Chorale will put on “A Hungarian Rhapsody” in Newtown. Joni Mitchell’s “Blue” tribute will be staged in Hamden. And, Yale’s Redhot and Blue will perform at the Coastal Chordsmen Barbershop Chorus’ annual show in Stratford.

The weekend continues into next week, with a melding of film and music when the Fairfield Theatre Company hosts a screening of “Stop Making Sense,” the 1984 Talking Heads concert movie. It will help to raise funds for the theater company and WPKn 89.5.

Live productions aimed at a younger audience include “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” and “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” in Fairfield, “Little Mermaid Jr.” in Ridgefield and the “Wizard of Odds” in Bridgeport. Children and families may also want to check out the Victorian tea party that is taking place in Norwalk.

The stage is not just for children’s fare. “American Idiot” comes to the Shubert, while Albee’s “Seascape” comes to New Milford. “Looped” arrives in Hartford; “Clybourne Park” settles in to New Haven run; “The Dixie Swim Club” will be presented in Stamford and “The Dining Room” continues in Westport. “Of Mice and Men” will open in New Canaan and “The Little Dog Laughed” will play in Newtown.

There are several art events, as well, including an opening reception for Steven Miller’s work in Greenwich, an ongoing show of Philip Trager’s work, a First Fridays event at the Aldrich, the 14th annual Vivian and Stanley Marine Show opens at the Stamford Art Association galleries.

Tomorrow also marks Free Comic Book Day. Several shops around the area will be hosting the day with special events, including Stamford’s A Timeless Journey. At Heroes Comics & Cards in Norwalk, Jeff Marsick and Kirk Manley will be there signing their books (“Dead Man’s Party” and “Z-Girl and the 4 Tigers”), making art and giving away items. Rogue Comics of Bridgeport will be involved, as will Alternate Universe of Milford and New Haven.

Rounding out the weekend (and into next week), Florence Henderson, a star of theater and television, will be at the Sacred Heart University’s Edgerton Center this weekend to talk about her career. You can see her before she attained her “Brady Bunch” fame in performance below. Dennis Elsas of WFUV will present “Rock ‘n’ Roll Never Forgets” at the Avon Theatre in Stamford and comedian Elaine Williams comes to Ridgefield.

Get on out there. Until next time …

 

Dart on over to Audubon Greenwich for special screening

Wednesday, May 1, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy
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As part of the launch of its Hummingbirds At Home science initiative, Audubon Greenwich (613 Riversville Road, Greenwich) will host a special screening Friday of the PBS Nature program, “Hummingbirds: Magic In The Air,” as well as a visit by Geoff LeBaron, the National Director of Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count. (Above, you can see a preview of the show’s original broadcast.)

The evening, which will run 6 to 8:30 p.m., is a chance to catch the show, which first premiered in 2010. Using high-tech cameras and advanced techniques, the film crew was able to capture a creature that can beat its wings up to 200 times a second. You can see what the crew went through during this “behind-the-scenes” program.  The crew’s techniques also enables viewers to see how these diminutive creatures are able to hover, fly backwards and fly upside down.

For those who want to attract some hummingbirds to their homes, there will be information on this new citizen science program, which will ask individuals to keep track of the hummingbirds that they see. Data that is collected will help further knowledge about the birds and help to develop conservation strategies, according to organizers.

The cost for the evening is $10 adults, $5 youth. A reception is planned prior to the screening. Registration is requested by emailing greenwichcenter@audubon.org or by calling 203-869-5272, Ext. 239.

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, March 8, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy
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Fans of film, fans of France and fans of festivals are in such luck this weekend. Focus on French Cinema (see trailer below) will run throughout the weekend at Purchase College in Purchase, N.Y. The festival, which is in its ninth year, offers a mix of documentaries, comedies, dramas and animated films. Throughout the weekend, there also will be featured guests, who will participate in a discussion on Saturday morning. There also are student workshops. Here’s some additional information on schedule and festival passes.

Maybe it is not films, but fumes that you are seeking. Make haste, then, to get over to the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport where Monster Jam will rev it up, big wheels time. Throughout the weekend, monster trucks will rumble through any number of contests.

This weekend also will offer a rich destination for those looking to learn how to spruce up their homes and yards. The Home & Outdoor Living Expo will take up shop at the Stamford Plaza Hotel in Stamford Saturday and Sunday. It is hoped those looking to learn more about indoor and outdoor projects make the stop to check out hundreds of exhibitors, as well special prize opportunities and giveaways.

If films, monster trucks and home improvement leaves you with a ho-hum feeling, don’t worry, the weekend is packed with other activities, too.

Music, a perennial if you will, once again delivers. Clint Black will be in Ridgefield on Friday. The sister duo the Nields will perform in Westport on Saturday. The Afro-Cuban All-Stars will be in Waterbury on Sunday. The Musicians from Marlboro will be in Greenwich on Sunday. Frank Mastrone will be in Stamford Saturday and Sunday. Andy Cooney will be in Elmsford, N.Y. on Monday. The Chieftains will be in the area on Tuesday. And, the Marshall Tucker Band will be in Ridgefield on Wednesday.

Ailey II dancers are coming to Westport to help raise funds for Neighborhood Studios, which are located in Bridgeport. And the Russian National Ballet Theatre will be in Fairfield. And the Juan Siddi Flamenco Theatre Company will be in Mamaroneck, N.Y.

Sandra Bernhard will be in Tarrytown, N.Y., while other celebrities will be on stage in Danbury.

For kids, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is hosting a Slither into Spring on Saturday, featuring some of the reptilian education ambassadors. Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk will be welcoming families of children with special needs for a special morning program that features free admission. The Berenstain Bears will be performed in Ridgefield, while young people will get a taste of the orchestra in Stamford. A WACky Family Day is set in Westport. In Greenwich, the Bruce Museum will host the Diane W. Darst Family Art Appreciation Day.

On stage, you can “Play With Your Food,” on Tuesday, or catch “39 Steps” in Darien. “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” opens in Stamford.

The forecast looks good, so those looking to check out late winter vistas should get themselves on out there. Spring, to the relief of many, I suspect, will arrive soon enough.

Until next time …

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, December 28, 2012 by:Christina Hennessy
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This time around you may want to take the weekend to rest up for the all the fun to be had with the arrival of the new year early next week.. A variety of First Night celebrations afford families a way to celebrate together, during the day and into the evening. However, venues and organizations large and small have a full roster of events planned, from musical performers to staged events and galas and balls across the state. Check out the many activities to determine the place you want to be when 2013 arrives.

For those looking to get a head start, Arlen Roth will be in the area to show off his expertise with the guitar. The Steve Miller Band is coming to Port Chester, N.Y. The Sublime tribute band Badfish will be at Toad’s Place. The Backstreet Boys will be at Foxwoods. And, Coldplay arrives in Uncasville.

Brad Trackman will bring comedy to the final days of 2012 in Bridgeport and Joe Devito, who grew up in New Milford, comes to Mohegan Sun. Meanwhile, “Shrek — The Musical” brings with it a diminutive lead. And, Santa’s helpers take a dive for the holidays in Mystic. The Russian culture is explored at Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, while the Paper Bag Players come to the Emelin Theatre.

You can ring in the new year with some art, whether it is the work of Falls Village artist Robert Cronin, the final days of “A Good Light” exhibition in Greenwich or the fine art of children’s books. Or, make a trip to Westport to see the works at the Arts Center and the library.

Disney brings its “Worlds of Fantasy” to the Webster Bank Arena beginning Wednesday, Jan. 2.

Until next time …

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Thursday, December 13, 2012 by:Christina Hennessy
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Fairfield playwright Joe Landry’s take on Frank Capra’s classic 1946 film “It’s a Wonderful Life” brings the action to a radio station, where a group of performers come together to present the popular story.  In Landry’s take, the audience not only gets to enjoy the story itself, but also the story of the performers telling the story. (You can see the film at the Bridgeport Library on Monday.)

Landry’s adaptation, which plays in Westport, on Saturday, has made its way across the country, with 100 theaters having staged it last year and 150 planning to stage it this year. The local production will serve as a benefit for the Music Theatre of Connecticut.

Other musical events are planned to celebrate the holidays, including a community carol sing-along in Bridgeport, a benefit concert in Danbury, a Hanukkah concert, a show by Debbie Gravitte, a candlelight concert in New Canaan, Marion Meadows (who grew up in Stamford) Jazz Christmas show, and an appearance by the Turtle Island Quartet, which will be celebrating the season’s celebrations, as well as the winter solstice.

Other musical acts are set to perform in the area, as well, including hip-hop producer Tony Simon (who is known as Blockhead), Eric Hutchinson, The Rascals (who will reunite for these performances), Abbamania, The Declassfied, the Celtic Tenors, John Fullbright and Chris Botti.

If you still want a taste of the holidays, you can enjoy a holiday open house at Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum or visit a “B-Merry Holiday mARkeT” in Bridgeport. There also are a number of places Santa will be stopping by to make a visit and reconnect with the younger set. Two area dance companies will be putting on their productions of Nutcracker this weekend. “Scenes from the Nutcracker” will be playing in Darien. Dreidel games will be taking place at Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk. And, a laser jam show is scheduled to give some pop to the season’s songs. And, you can get a look at some tasty gingerbread houses in Stamford and Westport. And, you can see trains in various forms in Stamford, Fairfield, Danbury and Wilton.

Art can be found throughout the area from community self-portraits and studio-inspired pieces in Greenwich to an opening reception at the Silo Gallery in New Milford. Ongoing art exhibitions can be found in New Canaan; Katonah, N.Y.; Stamford; and Wilton. And a new production of “Sunday in the Park with George” opens in New Haven.

Until next time …

Stamford show features intersection between art and design

Wednesday, December 5, 2012 by:Christina Hennessy
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You have another day to make an appointment to see the work of Stamford artist Benice Horowitz and designer Roderick Shade, who have collaborated on a new exhibition, “Art + Design = Magic.”

On display are upholstered chairs (featuring Horowitz’ painted fabric), stenciled wall painting and other acrylic paintings. The show opened this past weekend and continues by appointment until Thursday, Dec. 6. Horowitz has been in numerous shows and has served as a member in the New York Society of Women Artists, Stamford Art Association and Silvermine Arts Guild. Shade, who is based in the New York area, has had his work featured in many different publications and on air.

The exhibition takes place at 202 Lynam Road, Stamford. For information, or to set up an appointment call 203-329-9179 or 917-696-9107.

Thom Filicia talks redecoration and revelations in Stamford

Saturday, November 24, 2012 by:Christina Hennessy
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Is one of your 2013 resolutions to redecorate your home? You can get a head start later this week when interior designer Thom Filicia is expected to visit Stamford for the signing of his new book, “American Beauty: Renovating and Decorating a Beloved Retreat.”

He will be visiting the Wakefield Design Center, (652 Glenbrook Road), Thursday, Nov. 29, from 5 to 7 p.m.  The story of Filicia’s two-year effort to fix up a home in Skaneateles Lake, New York, where he had vacationed as a child, is the basis of the narrative. The author mixes his personal story with decorating tips to create rooms that balance the modern and the classic, according to a recent news release.

Filicia, who has worked with clients including Tina Fey, Jennifer Lopez and others, found fans through his appearances on a number of television programs and through his best-selling books.

If you want a sneak peek of what is in the book, here is how organizers described it in advance of the Nov. 29 appearance:

Thom Filicia wasn’t looking for another escape from his busy city life. But when visiting beautiful Skaneateles Lake, New York, a place he had discovered growing up, he fell madly in love with a fixer-upper. But there was catch—it needed structural repairs, better flow from room to room, and a serious style update.  Thom’s goal was to respect the home’s design history and its surrounding on New York’s Finger Lakes, while creating a retreat that would feel comfortable, livable, and modern—a new American classic. 18 months and one careful, respectful, and impassioned renovation later, it has become a house that he calls home—one that profoundly speaks to his happy memories of growing up in Central New York and his sophisticated, yet approachable American aesthetic.

The Nov. 29 event is open to the public, but space is limited. For more information, call 203-358-0818. Or, to reserve a spot, email info@wakefielddesigncenter.com.

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, October 19, 2012 by:Christina Hennessy
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Movie and television star, singer and dancer Jane Powell is expected to be in Ridgefield on Sunday to share some behind-the-scenes tales about the 1951 film classic, “Royal Wedding,” (see a clip above) which teamed her with Fred Astaire. In a recent article, Powell gave a taste of what one can expect during the screening and question-and-answer session, sharing some tidbits about filming and her experiences as a contract player at MGM. You can get information on movie times and tickets by visiting the Ridgefield Playhouse’s website.

Not a movie fan? There’s plenty of music to keep you entertained. Alanis Morissette is coming to Waterbury in support of her latest album, “Havoc and Bright Lights.” Mavis Staples will be in Mamaroneck, N.Y.. And a multicultural mix of performers will be serving up some “Pipescreams” on Sunday in Bridgeport. Tower of Power will be in Bridgeport, as well.

A tribute to Bobby Darin launches in Elmsford, N.Y. A New Haven venue will revisit 1940s swing and big band sounds. You can see the Psychedelic Furs, the Lemonheads with Juliana Hatfield and Counting Crows in Port Chester, N.Y., and the Silversun Pickups in Hartford. Glen Campbell, Huey Lewis & The News and Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson will all be in the state this weekend.

Classical fans have a number of options, including a visit by the American String Quartet, The Sebastian Players, pianists Andrews Russo and Frederic Chiu, and Musicians from Marlboro.

Those who like to mix their automotive passion with pastries are in luck. Burundi will be sharing its drummers with audiences in Stamford. Appraisers will be helping out with a weekend of value in Norwalk. The tale of Alice and her adventures in Wonderland will be told through music and movement. The dance-illusionist group Momix will appear in Washington. Dancers will bring Dracula to life in Waterbury. And, the harvest will be celebrated with some brews, some seasonal views and fall activities, thanks to the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. And art and music will mix in Danbury.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Greatest Show on Earth promises to come in “Fully Charged” when it arrives in Bridgeport. The trains will whistle in Danbury to bring passengers to fields of pumpkins. Meanwhile, those with a green thumb can pick up some tips in Newtown. History and art merge this time around in Newtown.

Some staged productions are set to entertain audiences across the area. In Westport, one can see “Next to Normal” and “A Raisin in the Sun.” “Wait Until Dark,” continues in Stamford. In New Haven, the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” will be staged. You can see “The Little Dog That Laughed” in Norwalk.

Ghost hunters are coming to Torrington, while Lorraine Warren will be in New Haven. Howl-O-Ween is coming to Bridgeport. Fall arts and crafts are coming to Newtown. And, one of my favorite comedians, Chris Elliott, will be in Madison next week.

Until next time …

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