Keeler Tavern Museum To Host First Annual Spring Artisans’ Show

Ridgefield, April 3, 2014. Distinguished artists and craftspeople from across the region will be present when the Keeler Tavern Museum hosts its inaugural Spring Artisans’ Show on Saturday, April 26, to be preceded by a special Preview Party on Friday evening, April 25.

The Museum campus at 132 Main Street in Ridgefield—with its distinctive Cass Gilbert Carriage Barn, picturesque gardens, and charming Garden House -- will be the setting for this premier event curated by VS Shows. The collection will feature fine art, high-quality handmade furniture, fiber, and home décor items, distinctive jewelry, and a wide range of one-of-a-kind offerings. A multi-media exhibit titled “Expressions: Spring – painting, sculpture & photography,” will be staged in the Carriage Barn. While Saturday visitors browse, children will be able to enjoy games and crafts of their own. Food will be available for purchase.

Some 20 notable artisans and artists from all over the region are expected to participate, including Ridgefield artists Peggy Thomas who will be displaying her pottery; Kokoon Jewelry designer Debbie Thornton; and painter Spencer Eldridge whose works will be shown in the Carriage Barn as part of “Expressions: Spring.” Among the regional artists featured are Pamela Dalton who will be showing her intricate paper cuts - Scherenschnitte; Heidi Howard, who paints 18^th and 19^th century trade and tavern signs; doll-maker Eva-Maria Araujo; Kathleen McDonald who makes chalkware figurines handcrafted from a collection of antique chocolate molds; and Robert Ferrucci, an artist of abstract action art, drip art and contemporary American Folk Art.

Saturday show hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; admission that day is $8 ($7 with presentation of pre-show announcement postcard or advertisement). The special wine-and-cheese Preview Party on Friday evening will offer early purchasing from 6 - 9 PM, as well as opportunities to engage with artisans and artists; admission is $40 ($30 for Museum members). Proceeds from ticket sales on both days benefit the Keeler Tavern Museum, a non-profit historical site that is entirely self-funded.

Free off-premises parking is available nearby. To make reception reservations, and for directions or other information, visit www.keelertavernmuseum.orgwww.keelertavernmuseum.org or call (203) 438-

5485.  For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

Saltana Caves a perfect place to Unwind

In Europe and Asia, salt caves are well known for their healing powers. Visitors to Litchfield Hills can experience the healing and wellness powers of a salt cave at Saltana Cave Spa, at the junction of Rte. 7 and Rte. 35 on 590 Danbury Rd. in Ridgefield located between Danbury and Norwalk. Here you will experience the European tradition and health benefits of a salt cave. http://saltanacave.com

Entering the salt cave at Saltana Cave Spa you are surrounded with tons of pink and tan hued health healing Himalayan salt crystals. The salt is underfoot and the crystals are literally and beautifully embedded in the walls.  The room glows with a warm pink light that induces immediate relaxation.

Saltana Caves offers speleotherapy better known as salt cave therapy as well as halotherapy, a special treatment that uses a salt vapor. Halotherapy is reputed to treat respiratory ailments, skin irritations and is said to combat mental lethargy.   As you get settled in zero gravity chairs the first thing you will notice is that you are entirely surrounded by salt, the cave even has a glimmering salt fireplace.

 Imperceptibly dry aerosol salt vapor is pumped into the air and is accompanied by a tape that details the health benefits of the salt minerals that surround you. Soft new age music follows the introduction to salt cave therapy and is perfect to unwind to.  A highly regarded benefit of salt cave therapy is the naturally produced negative ions that are said to reduce stress, headaches, and lethargy. 

 Cave sessions last about 45 minutes and run on the hour from noon to 7 p.m. (last session at 6 p.m.) from Tuesday – Friday. On Sat. the Cave is open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Sessions for children one to eight take place Tuesday - Friday at 12 noon and 5 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Guests are asked to arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to be signed in.  Call (203) 969-4327 for reservations.  For more information http://saltanacave.com

Several area hotels have packages with Saltana including Danbury Crowne Plaza that offers a package with a salt treatment for one through December 31, 2014 starting at $144 inclusive of overnight stay and salt cave treatment for one. Additional passes for the salt cave experience can be purchased. Call the Crowne Plaza for 203-794-0600 for reservations.

For area information www.visitlitchfieldhills.com

Neil Sedaka Performs at Ridgefield Playhouse Oct. 19

The history of Rock ‘n’ Roll would be incomplete without the innumerable contributions of singer/songwriter Neil Sedaka who will be appearing at the Ridgefield Playhouse on October 19 at 7:30 p.m.

For some fifty years, Sedaka has written, performed and produced countless songs and inspired top artists with his canon of enduring compositions. Sedaka has penned top hits and helped create careers for other famous artists including Captain & Tennille  (“Love Will Keep Us Together”) and Clay Aiken (“Solitaire”). Neil Sedaka is a consummate musician, extraordinary vocalist and ageless songwriter. This Grammy® nominee and multi-award winner keeps writing and performing proving, that Sedaka is back, or more aptly never left. His special guest is Karen Jacobsen, an Australian born and New York based singer/songwriter who has a new release Take a Little Drive.  Bistro 7 (Danbury Rd., Wilton) is offering a free glass of house wine with dinner the night of this event when tickets/stubs are presented.  All Sedaka tickets include open bar & hors-d’oeuvre at 6:45 p.m. in the lobby, call or visit the box office at The Ridgefield Playhouse, (203) 438-5795, or order online at www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org.  The ticket price for the balcony/mezzanine is $125, orchestra is $135 and gold circle meet and greet is $175. 

On October 20 at 8 p.m. the Robert Cray Band will be performing a steamy set of blues.  Headliner,Robert Cray is five time Grammy Award Winner, best known for his breakthrough album "Strong Persuader".   The ticket price is $65.

On Monday, October 21, at 6:30 p.m. the National Theatre Live will broadcast Manchester International Festival's production of Macbeth with Kenneth Branagh in his first Shakespeare performance in over a decade and Alex Kingston as Lady Macbeth.  Visit Bernard's on the day of the show for a great Prix Fixe menu or free glass of wine with dinner when you present your tickets to this performance. Tickets are $25, seniors and members $20 and students $15.

On October 26 a children's series, Three Little Pigs will be performed live at 11 a.m. and  2 p.m. Ticket are $15 and don't forget to visit Piccolo's Gelato Bar on the day of the show for a free scoop of gelato with your ticket stub!

Ridgefield Playhouse is located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield.  The box office is open Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Sat. 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. and one hour prior to a live performance.  For a complete calendar, tickets and additional information visit  www. ridgefieldplayhouse.org.