Vintage Children's Book Fair in Southport Connecticut

Over 300 vintage children's books from the early-19th – mid-20th centuries will be included in Pequot Library's 54th Annual Summer Book Sale, including more than 100 different editions on Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. Variations on this classic children's book offered at this sale include multiple versions produced by different publishers of Robinson Crusoe rewritten in one syllable words, as well as unusual adaptations of the story, including Dog Crusoe, Little Robinson Crusoe of Paris, and Arctic Crusoe. Typical of what is being offered is a beautifully illustrated 1882 edition.

Robinson Crusoe was first published on April 25, 1719. The first edition credited the work's fictional protagonist Robinson Crusoe as its author, leading many readers to believe he was a real person and the book a travelogue of true incidents. Despite its simple narrative style, Robinson Crusoe was well received in the literary world and is often credited as marking the beginning of realistic fiction as a literary genre.

Pequot Library's 54th Annual Summer Book Sale runs from Friday, July 25 - Tuesday, July 29, 2014. It is known as "The Best Book Sale in New England." Admission is free and all Sale proceeds help fund Pequot Library's over 400 yearly inter-generational programs and events. High quality books at reasonable prices, with Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express accepted.

Over 40 categories, including the favorites: Children's Books; Art and Photography; Business; Biography; Several sections of History (USA, European, World, and Military); Computer Software and Books; Cooking; Crafts and Style; Foreign Language; Gardening; Mystery and Thriller; Romance; Science; Sports; Science Fiction; Current Fiction; Classic Fiction; Poetry and Drama; Trade Paperbacks; CDs, DVDs, records, tapes, and Audiobooks; Sheet music, music books, comic books, prints.

Please visit www.pequotlibrary.org to learn more about this vibrant library, educational, arts and cultural institution. All classes and programs are open to everyone. For information: (203) 259-0346 ext. 15.  The Pequot Library is located on 720 Pequot Rd. in Southport, CT.

After enjoying the book fair, be sure to stop in at the Delamar in Southport http://delamarsouthport2-px.trvlclick.com/dining.html for lunch, dinner or a thirst quenching beverage!   The restaurant combines local, seasonal flavors through New England inspired cuisine. Dine in the elegant yet relaxed dining room or on the outdoor patio with a lovely garden that is the perfect place for dining al  fresco.  For more information 203-307-4222.

June fun at the Greenwich Historical Society

The Greenwich Historical Society has planned four fun filled events for the month of June beginning with a lecture on June 10 by Dr. Jackson Lears on Two Gilded Ages from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Vanderbilt Education Center.  

For some years, historians have theorized that we are living in a second Gilded Age, a reprise of the era that occurred a century ago. The decades between the1980s and the 2010s hold a remarkable similarity to those between the 1880s and the 1910s, both periods characterized by unregulated economic expansion, flagrant corruption on Wall Street, growing class divisions, the concentration of wealth within a conspicuously consuming elite and a series of imperial adventures (or misadventures) abroad.

Dr. Jackson Lears will examine the parallels and differences between the two eras to explain why the growth of inequality 100 years ago provoked widespread demands for reform among the populace (even among the well-to-do, motivated then by a paternalistic sense of responsibility), while contemporary comment on the situation is largely absent.

Connecticut's Open House Day falls on June 14 this year and the Greenwich Historical Society is planning a collage workshop that will focus on creating two-dimensional collages crafted from papers, fabrics, photographs, found objects and natural materials such as dried grasses, twigs, leaves, or petals. All materials will be provided, but participants may also bring copies of favorite photos, newspaper articles or other items to incorporate into their work. The workshop will take place in the Vanderbilt Education Center from noon to 2:00 pm, and all ages are welcome.

On June 21, from 1:30 to 3:00 pm the Greenwich Historical Society is planning a two-wheeled adventure and will provide a historical bike tour of Greenwich Point as a part of the annual Experience the Sound event. Participants are invited to explore the rich history of Greenwich point looking at everything from its geology to the many features that make it the beloved town park it is today. Participants will meet at the first parking lot on the right after entering the park. As the group travels around the point they will stop to hear stories, take a closer look at some of the ruins and see vintage photos from the Historical Society's collection. There will also be a scavenger hunt for children. Participants must bring their own bike and helmet and a water bottle is highly recommended. No reservations required and participation is free, but a park or guest pass is required for entry to Greenwich Point. All ages are welcome but children must be able to ride a bike.

The month ends with a Festa Al Fresco, on June 29 from 4 pm to 7 pm  a potluck supper to celebrate the history and the community of Italian immigrants who settled in Greenwich in the early twentieth century. The family "festa" was launched last year as part of the Historical Society's programming for the exhibition From Italy to America and in celebration of the Town of Greenwich's twinning ( "Gemallagio") with the Italian cities of Rose and Morra di Sanctis, where many of Greenwich's Italian early immigrants came from. The event proved so successful that it's back by popular demand. Guests are invited to demonstrate their culinary skills and to show off favorite family recipes (enough to share with 6-8) in one of four categories: antipasti/appetizers, pasta/main dishes, sides and salads or desserts. Wine, musical entertainment and crafts for kids are included in the price of admission. Mangiamo!

For more information about the Greenwich Historical Society visit http://greenwichhistory.org. 

Sharon Audubon Festival in Litchfield Hills

The Sharon Audubon located on Rte. 4 in the bucolic hamlet of Sharon Connecticut is hosting its' 46th annual Audubon Festival on August 10 and 11. Gates to the festival open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m. each day.  Admission to the event is $5 per person or $20 per car load. 

The Audubon Festival that takes place in the northwest corner of the Litchfield Hills features fun and interactive ways families can learn about nature. The staff of the Audubon have scheduled two full days of nature walks and programs, live animal presentations, and children's activities that will engage kids and teach them about nature in addition to food, music, exhibits and a select number of vendors.

Scheduled programs such as Exploring Bog Meadow by Canoe, a Tree Identification Walk, Swarming Behavior of Honey Bees, Bird Banding, making Pressed Flower Bookmarks and much more will take place at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. each day.  The Festival will also host a number of ongoing activities such as the children’s Merry Marsh Activity Tent.

There will be two keynote presentations that will take place each day that is perfect for everyone whether they are a seasoned naturalist or a young explorer.  At 1:00pm on Saturday, storyteller Eshu Bumpus will present his engaging “Folktales,” sure to please young and old alike. A highlight of the day will take place at 3:30 p.m. when there will be a falconry demonstration by Brian Bradley of Skyhunters in Flight.

On Sunday, at 1 p.m. “Nature Nick’s Animal Adventures that feature 10-12 animals from all corners of the world will entertain festivalgoers.  The grand finale of the festival will be an appearance by Atka the Wolf from Wolf Conservation Center at 3:30 p.m.

For up to the minute information on the festival visit www.sharon.audubon.orgwww.sharon.audubon.org by August 1^st or by calling 860-364-0520 for more information.

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

Litchfield Jazz Festival in Litchfield Hills Aug. 9-11 2013

Litchfield Jazz Festival marks its 18^h season August 9 – 11, 2013 at the Goshen Fairgrounds and is strategically timed so die –hard jazz lovers can attend both the Litchfield and Newport Festivals.  The Festival has tent and lawn seating and adjacent, free parking.

The Litchfield Jazz Festival opens Friday evening, August 9, with a Gala for “Friends” ($150) and “Best Friends” ($350 for the Gala and VIP all weekend).  Music at this gala event is provided by some of the most outstanding students of Litchfield Jazz Camp. Tickets to this gala help support the Jazz Camp’s scholarship program. The Gala will be followed by two sets on the Mainstage.  The first at 7:45 is the Emmet Cohen Trio and includes a pianist, who recently took 3^rd place in the prestigious Thelonious Monk Piano competition. The second set includes the multi-Tony Award Winner Christine Ebersole, who teams up with virtuoso jazz violinist Aaron Weinstein and his Trio.  The Festival grounds open 5:00 PM and all festivities and music wrap up at 10:15.  

Ebersole and Weinstein

On Saturday, August 10 at Noon (grounds open at 11 a.m.) the remarkable Flamenco guitarist Val Ramos and his ensemble brings his Rhumba Flamenco - the Spanish jazz-equivalent-- to the Fest for the first time. Next up at 1:45 p.m., the Fest presents its first foray into Gospel with the iconic bassist Avery Sharpe presenting Gospel Explosion & Sacred Songs, a program featuring Sharpe’s Trio with Yoron Israel on drums and Onaje Allen Gumbs, piano, and members of his Extended Family Choir and the Williams College Gospel Choir which Sharpe directs.

The Gospel set will be followed by Gary Smulyan’s Baritone Summit, a six-time Grammy winner and Festival Artist-in-Residence joins forces with Claire Daly, Lauren Sevian and Andrew Hadro for a smashing Bari Quartet backed by a rhythm section with Helen Sung on piano, Matt Wilson on drums, and Jon Michel on bass. The next set stars college linebacker-turned Grammy-nominated vocalist, Gregory Porter who took the festival world by storm last season with his acclaimed performance at the Monterey Jazz Festival. The day ends on an upbeat with the 9-time Grammy Winner and newest NEA Jazz Master, the great Latin bandleader and pianist Eddie Palmieri and his Latin Jazz Band. Palmieri has been a giant on the jazz scene for more than 50 years, and his vigor is undiminished.

On Sunday, August 11, the Fest opens at Noon, with the exciting Orrin Evans Trio. Next up is, vocalist June Bisantz discovered early last year by the Festival’s Founder and Artistic Director, Vita Muir at Hartford’s hippest series, Music @ Japanalia.  June makes her Litchfield debut with Music Director Alex Nachimofsky on piano, Norman Johnson on guitar, Gabor Viragh on trumpet and Matt Dwonszyk on bass in a tribute to the late, great trumpeter/vocalist, Chet Baker.

It has been five years since Litchfield Jazz Camp Music Director, saxophonist Don Braden, has graced the Festival Mainstage as a leader.  So this year, he’s back again with an all-star band. His quartet features special guest Geri Allen on piano, Avery Sharpe on bass, and Alvin Atkinson. 

Eddie Palmieri

At 5:30 just back from a European tour, the Vincent Herring-Eric Alexander Quintet will delight the audience with a set titled “In the Spirit of Coltrane and Cannonball.” The band features Harold Mabern on piano, Joris Dudli on drums and Joris Teepe on bass.

In what seems to be becoming a tradition, Litchfield Jazz Festival 2013 closes with a rousing Latin Dance Party with the great Puerto Rican trombonist and Grammy nominated recording artist Papo Vázquez and the Mighty Pirate Troubadours.

In between Mainstage acts all weekend long, ticketholders can listen to talented Litchfield Jazz Camp students, enjoy and purchase art, craft and photography at an excellent show curated by Heron Gallery’s Ellen Corsell of Kent, CT.  Picnics are welcome and fine wines and excellent lagers from East Hartford’s Olde Burnside Brewing Company may be purchased.  A dozen food vendors provide excellent meals at reasonable prices. Activities designed for families with young children are scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday in the festival’s new Kids Zone. Artist-in- Residence Gary Smulyan will host interviews on both weekend days with Festival stars. On Saturday, August 10^th, an after Party & Jam follows at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Southbury.

Visit www.litchfieldjazzfest.com or call 860-361-6285 for tickets and info. Tickets: Advance: $30 Lawn, $55 Tent, $150 - $500 premium tickets and passes; Multi-Day Discounted JazzPasses available. Handling fees apply. Children 12 and under free on the Lawn with an adult.

For accommodations and lodging information www.litchfieldhills.com.