Highlights from the Sculpture Gallery at the Glass House

The Glass House, once the home of  architect Philip Johnson was built between 1949 and 1955 and is a National Trust Historic Site located in New Canaan, Connecticut. The pastoral 49-acre landscape comprises fourteen structures, including the Glass House (1949), and features a permanent collection of 20th-century painting and sculpture, along with temporary exhibitions. Tours of the site are available in May through November and advance reservations are recommended.

This season a special exhibition organized by Irene Shum will be on display in a building known as Da Monsta - designed by Philip Johnson in 1995 as a visitor center and now a contemporary art gallery.  This seasons show, Highlights from the Sculpture Gallery that will be on display through November 30, 2015 includes sculptures by John Chamberlain and Robert Rauschenberg, as well as the debut of a sculpture by Robert Morris never before publicly displayed at the site. This exhibition supports the Sculpture Gallery Restoration Project, also taking place in 2015.

A jagged pavilion of curves and contours, Da Monsta reflects Johnson's interest in then-current Deconstructivist architecture as well as pre-Modernist sources such as German Expressionism. The dynamic interplay between art and Da Monsta continues inside. Two sculptures — John Chamberlain's The Archbishop, The Golfer, and Ralph (1982-83) and Robert Rauschenberg's Empire II, (1961)— occupy the first gallery.

The second gallery will display Robert Morris' Untitled (Nine Fiberglass Sleeves) (1967), consisting of translucent fiberglass in nine parts, installed in a grid, twelve inches apart that sits within the unique contours of the room. Highlights from the Sculpture Gallery is part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's commitment to reinvigorate its historic sites with innovative arts and public programming.

For tour information visit http://theglasshouse.org

Open Your Eyes Studio Tour 2015 June 27-28 in Litchfield Hills

The Northwest Connecticut Arts Council is presenting the sixth annual Open Your Eyes Studio Tour on June 27 and 28, 2015 in the towns of Washington, Roxbury, Morris, and Bethlehem, CT. The 2015 tour will feature 27 artists and artisans who have their studios in Washington, Roxbury, Morris, and Bethlehem. Participating visual artists and artisans will open their creative spaces and show their processes to the public during the days of the tour. Free Ticket Packets can be ordered through the website and include a map, directions sheets, and convenient sign-in stickers.

Both the Studio Tour on June 27th & 28th and the Preview Party on June 13th are free to the public. This year's tour artists include painters, photographers, sculptors, collage and multi-media artists, ceramicists, textile artists, jewelers, a mask maker, illustrators, metal and glass artists, and woodworkers. The artists and artisans are Linda West, Ann Harriet Carew, Peter Wooster, Georgette Miller, Katie Re Scheidt, Joan Stracks, Laura Evans, Judy Jackson, Carol Brightman Johnson, Missy Stevens, Will Talbot, Kezia Hearn, Zeb Mayer, Sebastian Tillinger, Charles Raskob Robinson, Larry Livolsi, Markis Tomascak, Tyler Farmen, Betsey Roger-Knox, Andrew Peklo III, Larry Hunt, Matang Gonzales, Steve Eazarsky, Pat Keegan, Steinen Hurtado, Linda Boston, and Robert Crawford.

The Tour Preview Party will be held on Saturday, June 13 from 4-6 pm at Washington Town Hall and will be the only time the Tour artists will all be in the same location at once with samples of their work. Attendance is free, donations welcome, and information about the party is available on the event website http://www.openyoureyestour.org.

For more area event information on the Litchfield Hills www.litchfieldhills.com

Maritime Garage Gallery Presents “Boom”for Summer 2015

The City of Norwalk Parking Authority’s Maritime Garage Gallery presents “Boom,” a new exhibit at the Maritime Gallery,  through July 31, 2015. 

           

 “Boom” will showcase art that looks at prosperity and the overindulgences that have become the norm in a group show of artists that includes Ben Quesnel from Stamford, Ruth Kalla Ungerer from Westport and Sue Benton from Stratford, Sue Benton from Stratford, as well as Charmaine Rawsthorne and Michael Thron, of Norwalk, among others. 

Maritime Garage Gallery Curator Sooo-z Mastropieto describes the concepts that fuel the art in the exhibit. "Eat. Sleep. Work. Spend. BOOM explores lofty aspirations and striving for goals, while making our mark in the world. It questions, how much is enough and are we ever happy once those endeavors are met?"

           

 The Maritime Garage Gallery is part of the Parking Authority’s “Art in Parking Places” initiative, an effort to support art in public spaces making Norwalk a more vibrant destination. The gallery is located at 11 North Water Street in South Norwalk in the Maritime Garage. It is free and open to the public from 9:00am -5:00pm Monday through Friday.  For more information, call 203- 831-9063, or visit www.norwalkpark.org/public-art.

For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Night Sounds at The Glass House June 28

The Glass House Visitor Center located on 199 Elm Street in New Canaan has announced a performance series called Night Sounds that parallels the seven part sculpture-in-residence exhibition Night (1947 – 2015). Guests join the performer and program curators for a live performance on the Glass House campus. Night Sounds is guest curated by Jordan Stein.

Night Sounds #6 will feature a performance by Bill Orcutt alongside the sixth installment of Night (1947 – 2015), the sculpture Arm (2014) by artist Kevin Beasley.

Bill Orcutt's sound is a stuttered reimagining of blues guitar. One can hear familiar Southern folk scales between Orcutt's jagged solo acoustic phrases, pulling and pushing melodies into unresolved fragments that eventually come unmoored in vast and satisfying note-torrents.

The performance is from 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. on June 28, 2015 and tickets are $50.  To purchase a ticket go to https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe.c/10005040

Photo: Robin Hill (c)

Music Mountain's 86th Summer Music Season in Litchfield Hills

This year marks the 86th Season of Music Mountain and concert aficionados from around the country will want to make room on their summer calendars for Music Mountain, America's oldest continuing summer chamber music festival, this summer. Music Mountain will continue their season past Labor Day – making this season, once again, one of the longest running seasons since the 1930s! The summer will include many favorite returning chamber ensembles, first time guests, the ever-popular Saturday Evening Twilight Series featuring Jazz, Country, and Folk Music, and the first Great Artist Recital Series. Concerts are scheduled through September 27.

In 2015, 28 works will be given their Music Mountain premiere. Including compositions of Dutilleux, Penderecki, Kurtag and Caroline Shaw. However, the core schedule remains what Music Mountain has long been known for: wonderful performances of the great string quartets, played by world famous artists. In addition, in a tribute to Music Mountain's illustrious past, 12 works from the founding 1930 season will be reprised.

The Saturday Evening Twilight Series begins on June 20 (6:30PM) with The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players and continues with Cantata Profana (June 27);Jeff Newell's New-Trad Quartet (July 4); Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks (July 11); The New Black Eagle Jazz Band (July 18); Swingtime Big Band (July 25); The Galvanized Jazz Band (August 15); Peter & Will Anderson with Alex Wintz (August 22); Michael Berkeley (August 29); The Falcon Ridge Folk Festival presenting Spuyten Duyvil (September 12); and Jive By Five (September 19). Special pre-concert themed dinners will also return as part of the Twilight Series.

The 86th season will also feature the first Great Artist Recital Series on select Friday evenings ---- visiting Master Teachers Daniel Phillips, Kim Kashkashian, and Colin Carr will each perform a unique and exclusive program including works by Mozart, Bach, Brahms, and Kashkashian's Grammy Award winning solo performance of György Kurtág: Signs, Games and Messages for Solo Viola.

Music Mountain is located in Falls Village, Connecticut on Music Mountain Road, where a short scenic drive will bring you to Gordon Hall atop Music Mountain. Free parking and picnic facilities are available. Food, wine & beer are also available for purchase.

Tickets for the Season Opening Concert & Reception on Sunday, June 14 are $75 and include a voucher for any regularly priced 2015 concert. Tickets for the Labor Day Benefit Concert & Reception on Sunday, September 6 are $75 and include a voucher for any regularly priced 2015 or 2016 concert. Two specially priced concerts on Sunday, June 28 with the Juilliard String Quartet and on Sunday, July 12 with Peter Serkin and Julia Hsu are $60.

Chamber Music Concerts are $35 at the door/$30 in advance. Twilight Series Concerts are $30 at the door/$27 in advance. Friday Evening Great Artist Recital Concerts are $35 at the door and $30 in advance. Children ages 5-18 are admitted FREE for ALL CONCERTS when accompanied by a ticket holder. Saturday Twilight Concerts are at 6:30pm. Chamber Music concerts are at 3pm on Sundays, unless otherwise noted. Group rates and pre season ticket vouchers are available. Discounts apply through participating organizations. For a complete summer schedule, special ticket prices, and to download a ticket order form visit www.musicmountain.org or call 860-824-7126.

2015 CHAMBER MUSIC SCHEDULE

SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 3PM
Calidore String Quartet
Daniel Phillips, Viola

Schubert: Quartettsatz in C Minor, D. 703 (1820) (8)
Caroline Shaw: Entr'acte (2011) (1)
Mendelssohn: String Quartet in F Minor Opus 80 (1847) (5)
Brahms: Viola Quintet in G Minor, Opus 111 (1890) (16)

SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 3PM
Juilliard String Quartet
All Tickets: $60
Underwritten by an Anonymous Donor

Haydn: String Quartet in G Major, Op. 33 No. 5 (1781) (2)
Webern: Five Movements for String Quartet, Op. 5 (1909) (5)
Schubert: String Quartet No. 14 in D Minor, D. 810 "Death and The Maiden" (1824) (30)

SUNDAY, JULY 5, 3PM
Arianna String Quartet
Colin Carr, Cello

Mozart: String Quartet in D Minor, K.421 (1783) (13)
Boccherini: Cello Concerto in G Major, G. 480 (1770) (1)
Grieg: String Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 27 (1877) (6)

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 3PM
Peter Serkin and Julia Hsu, Piano, 4 Hands
All Tickets: $60
Underwritten by an Anonymous Donor

Schumann-Bizet: 6 Etudes in Canonical Form for Pedal-Piano, Opus 56 (1845; 1873) (1)
Bizet: Selections from Jeux d'Enfants, Opus 22 (1871) (1)
Mozart: Sonata in B Flat Major, K. 358 (1733-4) (1)
Schubert: Lebensturme in A Minor, D.947 (1828) (1)
Schubert: Theme & Variations in B Flat Minor, D. 603 (1824?) (1)
Schubert: Rondo in A Major. 951 (1828) (1)
Brahms: Four Hungarian Dances. WoO 1 (1869) (1)

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 3PM

Enso String Quartet
Soyeon Kate Lee, Piano
Moravec: Dialogue with the Past I (2015)
(commissioned by Music Mountain; world premiere)
Schumann: String Quartet in A Major, Opus 41, No. 3 (13)
Dohnanyi: Piano Quintet #1 in C Minor, Opus 1 (1895) (22)

SUNDAY, JULY 26 3PM
Avalon String Quartet
Jan Opalach, Bass-Baritone
Jonathan Yates, Piano

Fauré: Mandoline, Opus 58 #1 (1891) (1)
Debussy: Mandoline, L. 29 (1882) (1)
Debussy: Fêtes Galantes II, L. 104 (1869) (1)
Debussy: String Quartet in G Minor, Opus 10 (1890) (36)
Lili Boulanger: Elle était descendue au bas de la prairie (1913-1914) (1)
Ravel: Don Quichotte à Dulcinée (1932-33) (1)
Ravel: String Quartet In F (1903) (44)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 3PM
Penderecki String Quartet
Matt Haimowitz, Cello
Dedicated to the memory of Michael Janeway

Bach: Cello Suite No. 2 in D Minor BWV 1008 (1717-1723) (1)
Beethoven: String Quartet in C Sharp Minor Opus 131 (1825) (16)
Schubert: Cello Quintet in C Major, Opus 163. D. 956 (1828) (25)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 3PM
St. Petersburg String Quartet
Pamela Mia Paul, Piano
Sulkhan Tsintsadze: 5 Miniatureson Jewish Folk Tunes for String Quartet (1990) (3)
Arensky: String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 35 (1894) (4)
Shostakovich: Piano Quintet in G Minor, Op. 57 (1945) (26)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 3PM
St. Petersburg String Quartet
Daniel Austrich, Violin
Melvin Chen, Piano
Prokofiev: String Quartet No. 2 in F Major, Op. 92 (1941) (11)
Ravel: Violin Sonata No. 2 (1923-27) (1)
Chausson: Concerto for Violin, Piano and String Quartet in D Major, Op. 21 (1889-91) (14)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 3PM
Harlem String Quartet
Francine Kay, Piano
Beethoven: Scherzo from String Quartet In C Minor, Opus 18#4 (1798-1800) (24)
Turina: La Oración del Torero (1925) (25)
Bartok: Scherzo from String Quartet # 2 Opus 17, SZ 67 (1915-7) (4)
Borodin: Nocturne from String Quartet No. 2 in D major (1881) (25)
Dvorak: Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 81 (1887) (45)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 3PM
Dover String Quartet
Alexander Fiterstein, Clarinet
Dutilleux: Ainsi La Nuit (1976) (3)
Dvorak: String Quartet in F major, Op. 96 "American" (1893) (24)
Mozart: Clarinet Quintet in A Major, K. 581 (1789) (14)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 6:30PM
Shanghai String Quartet
Haydn: String Quartet in D Major, Opus 20#4 (1772) (12)
Beethoven: String Quartet in F Minor, Opus 95 "Serioso" (1810) (33)
Penderecki: String Quartet No. 3 "Leaves from an unwritten diary" (2008) (2)
Beethoven: String Quartet in B Flat Major, Opus 18 # 6 (1798-1800) (30)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 3PM
Labor Day Benefit Concert & Reception: All Tickets: $75
(Includes a Voucher for any Regularly Priced 2015 or 2016 Concert)
Shanghai String Quartet
Gilbert Kalish, Piano
Jonathan Yates, Piano
Brahms: Selected Waltzes for Piano, 4 Hands, Opus 39 (1865) (1)
Beethoven: String Quartet in C Major, Op. 59 No. 3 (1806) (39)
Brahms: Piano Quintet in Minor, Op. 34 (1864) (45)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 3PM
Cassatt String Quartet
Ursula Oppens, Piano
Clara Schumann: Romance Variée for Solo Piano in C Major, Op. 3 (1833) (1)
Mendelssohn: String Quartet in A Minor, Op. 13 (1827) (10)
Schumann: Piano Quintet in E-Flat Major, Op. 44 (1842) (41)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 3PM
Borromeo String Quartet
Bach: Fugue in C# Minor from the Well Tempered Klavier, Book 1, BWV 849 (1722) (1)
Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 12 in D-Flat Major, Op. 133 (1968) (2)
Beethoven: String Quartet in B-Flat Major, Op. 130/133 (1825-6) (15; 10)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 3PM
Amernet String Quartet
Vivek Kamath, Viola
Edward Arron, Cello
Haydn: String Quartet in D Minor, Op. 76 No. 2 (1796-7) (11)
Bartok: String Quartet No. 3, Sz. 85 (1927) (4)
Tchaikovsky: Souvenir of Florence, String Sextet in D Minor, Op. 70 (1890) (7)
2015 TWILIGHT SERIES SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
Saturday, June 20, 6:30PM
The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players
The Wandr'ing Ministrels and H.M.S. Pinafore, plus G&S Favorites!

Pre-Concert Dinner at The Falls Village Inn
(Limited to 70)
Dinner (5pm) & Concert (6:30PM): $65
Concert Only: $30 at the door. $27 in Advance
Must Reserve for Dinner by Friday, June 19

Saturday, June 27, 6:30 PM
Cantata Profana

A wildly gifted young ensemble performing two 20th century masterpieces

Stravinsky: Sacre du Printemps, (arr. for Piano, Four Hands) (1917) (1)
Stravinsky: L'histoire du Soldat (1918) for narrator, strings, winds & percussion (1)

Saturday, July 4, 6:30
Jeff Newello's New-Trad Quartet
Historic American music re-iomagined. Sousa, Foster, old hymns & more Allin Celebration of July 4.
"compelling..original " -Chicago Tribune

Saturday, July 11, 6:30PM
Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks
(Underwritten by Norman Fields)

"The Finest of the Big Bands"
Grammy Award Winners
"An erupting wellspring of Euphoria. That would describe the Vintage Swing emanating from Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks".... NY Times

Pre-Concert Dinner at The Falls Village Inn
(Limited to 70)
Dinner (5pm) & Concert (6:30PM): $65
Concert Only: $30 at the door. $27 in Advance
Must Reserve for Dinner by Friday, July 10

Saturday, July 18, 6:30PM
The New Black Eagle Jazz Band, With Dancing!

That soulful New Orleans Sound from the 1920's and 1930's
"So far ahead of other traditional Bands...there is scarcely any basis for comparison".. NY Times

Pre-Concert Dinner at The Falls Village Inn
(Limited to 70)
Dinner (5pm) & Concert (6:30PM): $65
Concert Only: $30 at the door. $27 in Advance
Must Reserve for Dinner by Friday, July 17

Saturday, July 25, 6:30PM
Swingtime Big Band, With Dancing!

Their 8th Annual Music Mountain appearance bringing back the music of Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman and others

Pre-Concert Dinner at The Falls Village Inn
(Limited to 70)
Dinner (5pm) & Concert (6:30PM): $65
Concert Only: $30 at the door. $27 in Advance
Must Reserve for Dinner by Friday, June 24

Saturday, August 1, 6:30PM
The Sharon Playhouse
Broadway at Music Mountain!

Show tunes from the popular musical theatre repertoire of yesterday and today!
Guest Performers to be announced!

Pre-Concert Dinner at The Falls Village Inn
(Limited to 70)
Dinner (5pm) & Concert (6:30PM): $65
Concert Only: $30 at the door. $27 in Advance
Must Reserve for Dinner by Friday, July 31

Saturday, August 8, 6:30PM
"Trios Fur Zwei – Trios for Two"
Ensemble Les Inégales - Rodrigo Tarraza, Traverso
Christine Gevert, obligato Harpsichord

Bach: Sonata in B minor, BWV 1030
Plus Sonatas by his contemporaries Georg Philipp Telemann, Johann Joachim Quantz & C.P.E. Bach

Saturday, August 15, 6:30PM
The Galvanized Jazz Band, With Dancing!

Dynamic and Energetic New Orleans, Dixieland Jazz, Blues, Stomps, Struts & Spirituals!

Saturday, August 22, 6:30PM
Peter & Will Anderson, Saxophone & Clarinet
with Alex Wintz, Guitar

Thrilling audiences with their broad repertoire of swing, Latin, and original works. Direct from touring Europe, South America, and Asia.

The Washington Post: (about their recent album) "imaginatively unfolding in ways that consistently bring a fresh perspective to classic jazz and pop."

"You dudes are the future!" Quincy Jones

"Virtuosos on both clarinet and saxophone." (NY Times)

Saturday, August 29, 6:30PM
Michael Berkeley presents "There is no Tune like a Show Tune"
(Underwritten By an Anonymous Donor)

Celebrate the Golden Age of Broadway with Michael Berkeley & Friends in the acoustically perfect Music Mountain Concert Hall. Thrill to your favorite show tunes in this nostalgic and fast-paced musical revue!

Pre-Concert Dinner at The Falls Village Inn
(Limited to 70)
Dinner (5pm) & Concert (6:30PM): $65
Concert Only: $30 at the door. $27 in Advance
Must Reserve for Dinner by ??

Saturday, September 12, 6:30PM
The Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Presents Spuyten Duyvil, With Dancing!

A leading & very popular folk band returns to Music Mountain with the Falcon Ridge Spirit! Spuyten Duyvil, a mighty 7-piece powerhouse of soaring vocals & traditional jug band energy join us for a barn-burning romp through the last 100 years of American Roots music.

Saturday, September 19, 6:30PM
Jive By Five, With Dancing!

This Connecticut favorite returns with the Sizzling Dance Music of the Jazz Age. From the Charleston to the Two-Step & the Fox Trot - the wild rhythms of the 1920's for your listening & dancing pleasure!

GREAT ARTIST RECITALS

Friday, June 19, 7:30PM
Daniel Phillips, Violin
Jonathan Yates, Piano

Mozart: Violin Sonata in E Flat Major, K.380 (1781)
Bach: Sonata # 1 for Solo Violin in G Minor, BWV 1001 (1720) (3)
Eugene Phillips: Fantasy Étude (1913) (1)
Brahms, Sonata for Violin & Piano #1 in G Major, Opus 78 (1878-9) (5)
Wieniawski: Polonaise de Concert in D Major, Opus 4 (1852) (1)

Friday, June 26, 7:30PM
Kim Kashkashian, Viola

György Kurtág: Signs, Games and Messages for Solo Viola (1998-2005) (1)
(Grammy Award winning performance)
Interwoven with Bach: excerpts from Six Suites for Solo Cello 1-6, BWV 1007-1012 (1717-1723)

Friday, July 3, 7:30PM
Colin Carr, Cello
Jonathan Yates, Piano

Bach: Suite # 1 for Solo Cello in G Major, BWV 1007 (1717-1723) (2)
Beethoven: Sonata for Cello & Piano #3 in A Major, Opus 69 (1808) (5)
Bach: Suite # 6 for Solo Cello in D Major, BWV 1012 (1717-1723) (1)

All programs subject to change

International World of Colors Concert in Danbury June 20

Sattie Persaud, founder and executive director of the World Heritage Cultural Center, now located on 155 Main Street, Danbury, has announced that the organization will arrive in its new home with a pre-opening international "World of Colors" celebration.

This  free multi-ethnic, multi-arts concert of music and dance will be held on Saturday, June 20th, 10:00am to 6:00pm on the CityCenter Danbury Green (at Ives Street). This extravaganza will feature an array of entertainments, as well as food and craft, the event promises an unique journey around our planet. Over 20 countries will be represented on the stage. Hosted by Fox TV reporter and anchor Kelly Wright, radio personality Cindy Vero, as well as actor/filmmakers Shetal Shah and Victor Cruz, "World of Colors" is sure to bring attention to the diversity of communities in Danbury.

Among performing individuals and groups representing their unique cultures will be: Indian Odissi dancer Anindita Nanda; Chinese Dance from Connecticut's Asian Performing Arts; New York City's Ayazamana Ecuadorian Cultural Center's Tradiciones bolivianas; world renowned Russian music and dance ensemble Barynya; Boston's MetaMovements, performing Latin dance styles; the Philippine-American Association of Connecticut; US Jazz dancers Laurentina Bova and Paolo Pasta Lanna; as well as groups representing Cambodia, Bollywood, Mexico, Guyana, Trinidad, and Sicily to name a few of the performers.

At its concerts, the World Heritage Cultural Center also acknowledges and recognizes leading individuals, partnerships, or organizations that go the extra mile in doing good, not only in the U.S. but throughout the World. At the June 20th concert, the "World of Colors" Global Appreciation Awards will be given to honor and appreciate Alex Gonzalez-Davidson, a Spanish environmental activist currently overseeing the work of the Mother Nature organization in Cambodia; Jim Luce, Founder and President of the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation, supporting young global leadership to impact positive social change ; and Jim Ziolkowski, Founder, President and CEO of buildOn, engaging students in creating lasting change in their lives, their communities and their world, and the best-selling author of "Walk in Their Shoes".

About the World Heritage Cultural Center

The mission of the World Heritage Cultural Center (WHCC) is to make a positive impact through knowledge and charity by creating a common ground where any culture in the World can come and celebrate their way of life through the arts and food. The organization is responsible for hosting the World Stage at the popular Trade & Adventure Show, the largest of its kind, which tours major cities throughout the US annually. World Heritage Cultural Center collaborates with the American Cancer Society, the Be A "STAR" Campaign, Daniel's Music Foundation, and Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, and continues to work with worldwide institutions with similar visions. Sattie Persaud, founder and executive director. www.mywhcc.com

Hidden Garden Tour in Fairfield County

Flower lovers can take in a kaleidoscope of color on June 14 when the Westport Historical Society hosts its 24th annual Hidden Garden Tour. This year's edition will feature seven carefully landscaped and planted gardens, including one in neighboring Southport that is also the only cut flower farm in Fairfield County. 

Tour day will also see a Garden Market sprout on the WHS lawn from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Homegrown and homemade specialty items from local cottage businesses will be available to shoppers. Admission to the Garden Market is free.

Three of the hidden gardens are on or just off North Avenue in the Coleytown section of Westport. Another, with grounds in a "lush English country style," "a shady grotto" and "ancient, majestic and mature specimens throughout, stands atop Old Hill, and yet another, aptly named "Tidebrook," sits beside a tidal stream.

Still another, dubbed "Rosebrook Gardens," boasts elements of an English garden "infused by the owner's travels to a West Coast rainforest, the Italian countryside and Versailles."

Rose gardens will be near their peak, and beds of lush New Dawns and David Austins will be the main attractions at two of the homes. Another, owned by a doctor who served with the U.S. military in Japan, is planted with bonsaied Japanese maple, cherry and weeping redbuds, and ornamental pines and broad leafed evergreens.

One of the Coleytown properties is described as a sloping wooded lot with lovely old stone walls, a pool, lawn sculptures and a fern walk along a pond, all on a landscape designed by Frank Geiger, founder of the Westport lawn and garden firm.

But the real stars of the show are the flowers: drifts of white daisies and frothy, chartreuse lady's mantle, borders backstopped by spires of white aruncus and false astilbe, pink lupines and purple salvias, globes of purple allium, pink and white peonies and clumps of pink astrantia. The names alone are beautiful and inviting.

Westport was once an onion growing center, so it is fitting that one of the tour homes occupies a former onion farm. The setting is essentially woodland in character and notable for its many weeping trees. In early June, azaleas and rhododendrons paint the landscape with swaths of pink, yellow and orange.

Special features at some of the gardens include: ring toss, tea and granola tastings, Qi gong moving meditation demonstrations, and music by the Windflower Flutes ensemble.

"Hidden Garden Tour," Sunday, June 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tour tickets are $45 members, $55 non-members, $60 day of tour. Garden Party tickets are $60 for both members and non-members. Combo tickets are $90 members, $100 non-members, $110 day of tour. Tickets can be purchased online at westporthistory.org, by calling 203-222-1424, or dropping by WHS at 25 Avery Place across from Town Hall. Tickets and directions will be available for pick-up at WHS on the day of the tour starting at 10 a.m. 

For those who prefer to peddle to the petals, the WHS has mapped out a bicycle route for the tour. Guests can also enter a drawing at WHS headquarters or at the Garden Party to win a new bicycle with basket and a subscription to flower arrangements from the Southport cut flower farm.

For more information www.westporthistory.org

June Fun Native American Style in Litchfield Hills

The Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in the lovely town of Washington Connecticut located in the heart of the Litchfield Hills is offering a series of programs perfect for families to enjoy this June.  On June 13 for example from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the Institute is participating in the Connecticut Open House Day and admission if free to the museum all day long in order to celebrate Connecticut's rich cultural and historical heritage.

On Sunday, June 14, Darlene Kascak, will run a Moccasin Making Workshop called Native Soles from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The word moccasin comes from the Algonquian word meaning shoe or footwear. These sturdy slipper-shaped types of shoes were sewn from tanned animal hides. Come join Darlene Kascak, of the Schaghticoke Indian Tribe, and make a con- temporary sandal moccasin that is both beautiful and functional as well. Participants will earn how to make a pattern for this modern style sandal using the same techniques that were used by moccasin makers for hundreds of years. Registration required.

Food for Thought, a living history event is scheduled for June 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Foods were the center of many Native American celebrations and ceremonies The forests and rivers of New England provided a great variety of animals, fish, trees and plants. Tribes hunted, gathered, fished and engaged in horticulture. Today, Native Peoples retain that rich culture of traditional cuisine, some of which have become iconic of present-day Native American social gatherings Stop by between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to learn the various cook- ing techniques and sample traditionally dishes prepared onsite in our outdoor replicated village. This event is free of charge with museum entrance.

If you have discovered something during your spring cleaning, stop by the Institute on June 28 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. for Artifact Identification Day. Bring your local stone artifacts or American Indian cultural items to IAIS for iden- tification by IAIS Director of Research and Collections, Dr. Lucianne Lavin, a specialist in Eastern Woodland material culture. Limit 12 items per person please. This event is free with museum admission. 

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com For more information about the Institute for American Indian Studies visit http://iaismuseum.org

June fun at Stepping Stones Museum for Children

The Stepping Stones Museum for Children, http://www.steppingstonesmuseum.org located on 303 West Ave in Norwalk is celebrating 15 years of family fun this year.  They have planned many special events for the month of June including a birthday bash on Monday June 15 that they are calling 15 -on-the-15th.  Visitors are invited to join the staff at Stepping Stones for imaginative birthday activities and surprises!

An Around the World program is being held on June 14 at 1:30 p.m. called Show Me a Tale.  This session will feature Allison's Alligator: A Tongue Twister Tale.  Participants will also create a keepsake out box out of recycled shoe boxes and other reusable materials.  There is limited space  for this event and tickets will be available at 12:30 pm. This program is good for  children ages 5 and older.

To round out the Around the World series for the month of June, on June 20 there will be a performance series at 2 p.m. featuring Florida's amazing animal ambassadors. Kids will be invited to join the Animal Embassy on a journey through Florida, with a diverse group of incredible, live animal ambassadors! Kids will discover how important each animal is to its habitat, while meeting native species such as an American alligator, a common snapping turtle or alligator snapping turtle, a red-eared slider, a green tree frog and a corn snake. Kids will also interact with a number of invasive species which have come to dwell in the Sunshine State, such as a Burmese python, Cuban knight anole or green iguana and an Argentine black and white tegu. Participants will explore how these animals have been introduced to Florida, as well as their impact on the local ecosystem. Animal Embassy allows children to connect with the natural world with this unforgettable, live animal presentation!

The Stepping Stones Museum also offers a series of ongoing programs daily that are free with admission to the museum. 

TUESDAYS:
Zelda the Zany Owl 12:15 – 1:15 pm
Learn your ABCs and 123s with our peppy, purple professor. Ages 36 months and younger.

Mutt-i-grees 1:30 – 2:00 pm
For children ages 3 and older.
Enjoy a special canine storytime and discussion followed by a visit from a shelter dog. Shelter dogs courtesy of P.A.W.S.

WEDNESDAYS:

Toddler Tales
Children join in an interactive storytime, followed by an art project in Tot Town. Storytimes:
9:45 am members only; 10:15 am open to all and 10:45 am, Cuentos para Ninos.

Music Time 1:30 – 2:00 pm
Join us for an exploratory musical playtime! Sing, dance and play a variety of instruments.

Zumba Kids 2:30 – 3:00
Join our fitness party, dancing your way to a healthy future!

THURSDAYS:
Junior Gadgeteers 1:30 – 2:00 pm
Calling all mini scientists! Engineer gadgets, devices and inventions of all sorts and sizes.

Art Cart 2:30 – 3:00 pm
Get creative! Try out a variety of art materials and techniques while design a Masterpiece of your own.

FRIDAYS:
Zelda the Zany Owl 12:15 – 1:15 pm
Learn your ABCs and 123s with our peppy, purple professor. Ages 36 months and younger.

Boogie, Bop, Skip and Hop 1:30 – 2:00 pm
It's time to groove! Simple dance steps and a wide variety of music will have children and caregivers bopping and hopping!

SATURDAYS
Mutt-i-grees 10:45 am – 11:15 am
For children ages 3 and older.
Enjoy a special canine storytime and discussion followed by a visit from a shelter dog. Shelter dogs courtesy of P.A.W.S.

For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

A Trio of Performances at the Gary the Olivia Theatre in Bethlehem

On the grounds of the Abbey of Regina Laudis in the quite town of Bethlehem Connecticut the Clay and Wattles Theatre Company has planned two exciting performances this summer at the Gary the Oliva Theatre located on 249 Flanders Road. 

The first show is "The Trip to the Bountiful that will take place from June 12 through June 21 with Friday and Saturday  at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m. 

The Trip to Bountiful" finds a perfect home here, on the grounds of the working farm run by the Benedictine nuns at the Abbey. The roofed, open air theater was built with the vision of former actress and now Benedictine Nun, Mother Dolores Hart, and the generous support of Oscar winning actress Patricia Neal, and has a rich history. The June 12 opening night performance of "The Trip to Bountiful" at The Gary-The Olivia Theater will include a reception during intermission featuring local wines and cheeses.

The musical for the 2015 season is the Tony Award winning "Man of La Mancha." It is the unforgettable story of the "mad" knight, Don Quixote, as a play within a play, performed by Cervantes and his fellow prisoners as he awaits a hearing with the Spanish Inquisition. It will play from August 1-16 at The Gary-The Olivia Theater, with Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 2:30 pm.

A third performance, a Concert/Fundraiser for Clay & Wattles Theater company at The Gary-The Olivia Theater entitled "From Rags To Riches" will take place on Saturday, September 19 from 3-6 pm with special guest artists performing scenes, songs and dances from your favorite American Musicals and a dramatic reading from Mother Dolores Hart. The concert will be followed by a wine, cheese and chocolate reception with a meet and greet the performers.

The new season offers subscriptions for groups and individuals, and special rates for seniors. For ticket information and more details on the Clay & Wattles Theater company's 2015 season, visit www.thegarytheolivia.com, or call 203-273-5669, or email info@thegarytheolivia.com.

Ice Cream Social at Lockwood Mathews Mansion

On June 14, 2015, 12-4 p.m., the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum located on 295 West Ave. in Norwalk will recreate the atmosphere of a bygone era in Mathews Park by bringing back a highlight of summer during the Gilded Age from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

Children will play popular Victorian lawn games such as croquet and badminton and participate in turn-of-the-century activities like Maypole dancing. Visitors will learn how ice cream was made in the mid-to-late nineteenth century and how it became widely popular with the invention of the hand-cranked ice cream machine.

In recognition of Flag Day, there will be a patriotic salute to Old Glory led by local scout troops, as well as a wide range of educational, family-friendly entertainment and fun activities.

A special treat is to go on a mini tour of the mansion. Entertainment will be provided by local musicians and youth organizations.   While general admission to the event is free and so are selected programs, the Museum will charge for selected activities, for all food sold during the event. Tickets will be available at LMMM’s booths at the designated locations in Mathews Park.

Litchfield Hills Road Race June 13

This summer, the Litchfield Hills Road Race is 39 years old and "running strong'.  It has been described as "The best little race you have ever heard of"  by Runners World Magazine. This race takes place, rain or shine the second Sunday of every June in the center of Litchfield, a beautiful village in the Litchfield Hills that is known for fine dining, great shopping and interesting architecture and natural beauty.

The Litchfield Hills Road Race dates back to 1977 and was based on the the famous race held in Falmouth, Massachusetts. From the first race, one of the notable observations from runners and spectators alike, was that there is a feeling of equal appreciation between them. LHRR has seen runners from all over the world, representing Ireland, New Zealand, Kenya, Great Britain, Belgium, Tanzania, Canada, Yugoslavia, Morocco and Poland, keeping pace with some of our more famous American runners, including Bill Rodgers, Joan Benoit, Dave Dunham, Randy Thomas, Patti Catalano and Vin Fleming to name a few.

The challenge of this race for participants is to conquer "Gallow's Hill, rated #8 by Runner's World Magazine in their list of the greatest, most daunting hills in U.S. races— the hill that made Olympian Bill Rodgers shift to ninth gear! And of course no one wants to miss out on Death Valley" or as our younger generation calls a stretch of the race, the "Microwave Mile."

Don't miss the fun at one of the pre-race, race day and after race parties The race begins at 1 p.m. sharp on June 13!  For more information visit http://lhrr.com.

Sharon Audubon Festival June 13

The Sharon Audubon Festival is back and will be taking place at the Sharon Audubon Center, located on Route 4 in Sharon, CT on Saturday, June 13th with several refreshing changes. The Sharon Audubon Festival is an event where people of all ages can learn about nature in a fun and interactive way, and features a full day of nature walks and programs, live animal presentations, children's activities, food, music, exhibits, local craft vendors and more. Whether one is a seasoned naturalist or a young explorer, there are activities for all ages and experience levels.

This year's festival will feature several new highlights, including multiple live musical performances throughout the day, including bluegrass music by the bands Mama Tried and Too Blue at 10:30 and 2:30 respectively. Wildcat Creek will perform during a live contra-dance from 12:30-1:30 pm and the lively show will close out the day with a special fun, family performance by The Bossy Frog Band.

The 2015 festival will also showcase a variety of local crafters and vendors, who will be selling beautiful hand-crafted wooden bowls, archery bows, wildlife and nature paintings and prints, cards, children's books, painted feathers, jewelry, natural soaps and much more. StrEAT Italiano and When Pigs Fly will be offering delicious food items for  hungry festival goers and the Sharon Fire Department will be selling ice cream throughout the day!

Concurrent program sessions take place starting at 10:00 a.m. and include canoeing, bats, bobcats, bees, frogs, bugs, pond and stream searches, mushrooms, tracking, birds of prey, edible plants and more. There will be many ongoing exhibits and hands-on activities from other local environmental organizations and a children's craft tent as well.

A falconry demonstration will take place at 11:30 a.m. Festival gates are open from 9:30 am-5:30 pm each day. The event takes place rain or shine. No pets are allowed inside the gates. Admission is $10 per person OR $25 per carload. A complete schedule and description of programs can be found at www.sharon.audubon.org or by calling 860-364-0520 for more information.

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

Torrington Historical Society Open through Oct. 31

The Torrington Historical Society, located at 192 Main Street, is open for the season and will remain open through October 31st. The Society is home to three cultural attractions: the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum, the permanent exhibit, No Place Like Home: The History of Torrington, and the Hendey Machine Shop exhibit Pursuit of Precision: The Hendey Machine Shop 1870-1954. The Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum and the two exhibit areas are open to the public Wednesday - Saturday, 12-4 p.m.

Fodor's Guide to New England described the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum as "one of the better house museums in Connecticut". Built in 1900, this grand Victorian mansion was commissioned by Orsamus and Mary Fyler and was designed by New Haven architect William H. Allen. The house was built by Hotchkiss Brothers Company, a Torrington firm. The Torrington Historical Society acquired the home in 1956 when Gertrude Fyler Hotchkiss, daughter of the original owners, bequeathed the house and its contents to the Society. Today, visitors to the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum can see the home as it was when last occupied by Gertrude Fyler Hotchkiss. This grand home is rich in details: mahogany paneling, ornate carvings, stenciled walls, murals, parquet floors and ornamental plaster. Family furnishings include impressive collections of porcelain, glass and oriental carpets as well as paintings by Ammi Phillips, Winfield Scott Clime, E. I. Couse, George Lawrence Nelson and Albert Herter. Guided tours of the house museum are available for $5 per person; children 12 and under are free. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 12-4; the last tour is at 3:30 p.m.

The Torrington History Museum, adjacent to the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum, contains an award-winning permanent exhibit, No Place Like Home: The History of Torrington. This self-guided exhibit explores the city's history while showcasing photographs and artifacts from the Society's collection. Audio and video components and hands-on interactive stations are featured in this exhibit. Admission is $2; children 12 and under are free. Another exhibit, Pursuit of Precision: The Hendey Machine Company 1870-1954, is located in the Carriage House. This exhibit features an operational belt-driven machine shop, a video kiosk, and a photographic history of the Hendey Machine Company, a former Torrington manufacturer of lathes, shapers and milling machines. Admission is free.

The John H. Thompson Memorial Library houses archives pertaining to Torrington history. Researchers may visit the library Wednesday-Friday 1-4, or by appointment. For more information about the Society or to become a member, please visit www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org or contact the Society at (860) 482-8260.