South Farms - Summer Concert The Gibbonses

South Farms located in Morris Connecticut just off Rte. 109 on 21 Higbie Road is presenting an exciting musical event on July 22 with doors opening at 7 p.m.

This iconic New England farm best known for its farmers market and event venue is supporting the debut album release of the Dallas based, multi-instrumentalist duo The Gibbonses.  This dynamic duo is embarking on a month long summer tour up the East Coast and across the mid-west; and as the band’s only public appearance in CT, this is one show you’re not going to want to miss!

With a unique blend of Southern Soul, Americana, and Rhythm & Blues, Torrington native Brandon Gibbons (Charity) and his wife Jackie have been capturing the attention of music lovers across the Southwest. The band has shared the stage with The Black Lillies, Kimberly Dunn, Dalton Domino, Sam Riggs, and Prophets and Outlaws to name a few. In a recent album spotlight, Texas Music Picker’s had this to say about their record, Among The Rubble; “This captivating record offers a tale of tragedy and finding resolve, leaving the listener engaged throughout the journey in between! Every song has something to say and we’re impressed by the maturity in this talented band’s debut record!”

Local legends of folk and bluegrass, Switch Factory, will start the show off. These guys are incredible! John Fitts, a writer for the Litchfield County Times, writes, "With a fun live show, impeccable chops and tight harmonies, the members of Switch Factory are in a great place musically."

Along with this fantastic musical line up you will enjoy the beauty that is South Farms in Morris, CT.  don't miss indulging on some tasty dessert treats by AmandaBakes completing this "sweet" evening!

Pre-Sale Ticket for The Gibbonses Concert on July 22, 2016 are available at South Farms in Morris, CT. Tickets are $15 and they are on sale now online. Space is limited to 200 so get yours now!  Please present ID and ticket email at door for admission.  This event is being produced/sponsored by: The Gibbonses, The Desultory Theatre Club, DJ Zerp & Zerp Radio, South Farms, and Amanda G. Love with her company AmandaBakes.

Historic Walking Tours and more in Fairfield

Fairfield is rolling out a red, white and blue carpet on July 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that promises to be fun for the whole family. The day begins on the historic town green to celebrate the final day of the display of the Declaration of Independence. Pack a picnic lunch or enjoy food from a food truck from 1 a.m. to 1 pm. while enjoying crafts, games and even a British encampment.

 The British encampment that will simulate what Fairfield looked like when the redcoats invaded.  Participants will experience life during the Revolutionary War by visiting with members of the 54th CT Regiment of Foot, a British regiment like the ones who invaded Fairfield in 1779. The members of the 54th will set up a British soldier’s encampment, explaining the equipment that was likely used during the British invasion of Fairfield as well as demonstrating the manual of arms. There might also be a need to proclaim the “King’s will” to those in attendance while being part of the force occupying the town for the day!

 Of special historic interest in honor of the 240th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, take a look at an early version of the Declaration of Independence and other historical artifacts such as a document bearing John Hancock’s famous signature! Connecticut signers of the Declaration included Oliver Wolcott, Roger Sherman, William Williams and Samuel Huntington.

 The highlight of this event are the Burning of Fairfield Walking Tours on: Sunday, July 10 at 12:30 p.m., 1p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.; to reserve a spot visit the website  tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.  

This walking tour brings the burning of Fairfield back to life as your guide explains the history and events surrounding the attack on Fairfield by the British on July 7-8, 1779. Participants will listen to the Proclamation from the British General William Tryon and Admiral Collier, to the people of Connecticut.  You will hear the anguished words of Eunice Burr, as she witnesses the ransacking and destruction of her home, at the site where it happened. Young William Wheeler’s voice speaks to you of his family’s struggle to evacuate the town and his feelings of pride at the heroic actions of the local militia and the Fort at Black Rock as they work to fend off the Crown Forces. The walk ends with the somber after action report of Reverend Andrew Eliot as he reflects on the events of those two days in July, and their meaning for the town and its future.  This popular event is one that is not to be missed.

For more area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

A roster of summer fun @ Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury

The summer season at Quassy Amusement Park has ramped up and is dishing out plenty of summer fun for families. This fun filled lakeside amusement park has a history that goes back to 1888 when Mr. Richards opened a grove house for clambakes. By 1905, the Wallace Hotel replaced the grove house and a trolley, picnic area and carousel was added. By 1937, three local businessmen purchased the property and began adding attractions. In 1952, the park became a full-fledged amusement park with the addition of even more rides. Today this unique family amusement park overs more than twenty rides, swimming, picnicking, a large arcade and Splash Away Bay Water Park as well as the award winning Wooden Warrior roller coaster.

New this year is the new ride called reverse time that will be the first ride of its kind in all of North America plus new waterslides. Reverse Time, themed as a giant clock, accommodates 24 riders seated in a circular configuration facing outward. As the ride starts to spin it is lifted into the air with the supporting turntable rotating in the opposite direction.

Guests will dip and dive as the ride reaches a maximum speed of 20 revolutions per minute. Mid-cycle, the ride will change direction adding to the exciting experience.

The park is also hosting many special events this summer that includes:

July 4- ‘3D’ Fireworks – Have a blast this July 4th at the Quassy special ‘3D’ fireworks presentation after dark to benefit Healthy Eyes Alliance. Viewing glasses will be sold for $1. Parking $10 on July 4th. Presented by TD Bank, Price Chopper, Premier Auto Group of Watertown, Pepsi and Quassy.

Aug. 27-Christian Dance Day – Christian praise and worship dance teams perform on the Carousel Theatre stage at 2 p.m. Great family entertainment.

Sept. 3 & 4 -Irish Dance Competition – 20th Annual Constitution State Feis (Irish Dance Competition) with hundreds of dancers from throughout New England competing. To take place at the Carousel Theatre. Presented by the Horgan Academy of Irish Dance.

Sept. 5 – Carload Labor Day – Say goodbye to summer with a special $45 Carload Labor Day (up to 10 persons in your car) at Quassy! Support the Campership Fund as a portion of the day’s proceeds helps to send kids to camp!

Sept. 24- Second Annual Dance Competition – 11 a.m. at Carousel Theatre stage.

Sept. 24 & 25- 25th Annual OKTOBERFEST – Great German food, live music, dancing and more. Noon to 6 p.m. both days in the OKTOBERFEST pavilion. Music starts at 12:30 p.m. Rides operate 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about the park visit www.quassy.com. For more area informationwww.litchfieldhills.com

A Pet Parade to celebrate the fourth in Litchfield Hills

The Litchfield History Museum located in the heart of this bucolic village is celebrating July 4th  with a Pet Parade and Turn-of-the-Century Fest! 

This is your chance to show off your favorite pet and to celebrate Independence Day at the Litchfield Historical Society's annual Pet Parade and Turn-of-the-Century Festival on Monday, July 4th from 2:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Visitors are welcome to join the festivities with or without pets.

After the parade, enjoy ice cream, donated by Peaches N' Cream, at Turn-of-the-Century Fest and then try your skills at old-fashioned lawn games  on the Green. Fest participants will have the opportunity to compete in egg and spoon races, a tug of war, a sunflower seed spitting contest, and three-legged races. 

Better yet, this event is free and open to the public. Pets of any kind are welcome, but all pets must be either on a leash or in a cage and, where applicable, must come with a rabies certificate.

Registration begins at 2:15 pm and the celebration kicks off at 2:30 pm. For more information or to register, please call us at (860) 567-4501 or email registration@litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org.

For more area information www.litchfieldhills.com

The Aldrich - Site Lines: Four Solo Exhibitions Engaging Place

The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art is hosting a new show from May 1- February 5, 2017 called Site Lines: Four Solo Exhibitions Engaging Place. This series of exhibitions will also feature David Brooks, Peter Liversidge, and Virginia Overton, presenting site-specific commissions, ranging from sculpture to drawing and performance-based works.

Kim Jones, Untitled (Big Wheel), 1973-1985-1999
Courtesy of the artist and ZENO X GALLERY, Antwerp

The exhibitions will encompass both the monumental and the ephemeral, intersecting, interconnecting, or mirroring the Museum's interior galleries and two-acre sculpture garden, as well as the surrounding community. The artists will utilize materials found on or indigenous to the grounds and the area, offering a response to "site" that underscores the institution's material history and its visual condition by transforming scale and circumstance.

The works will seek to "frame" the interiority of the galleries against the natural landscape while also accentuating the Museum's unique architectural features, such as a pitched roofline, paned windows, and a room-scale camera obscura.

Viewers will be able to respond to works from multiple vantage points as they move around the Museum's galleries, grounds, and the environs. Gravel Mirror (1968), a work by the influential artist and writer Robert Smithson, incorporated gravel found on the grounds of The Aldrich, and was a significant touchstone for the development of this exhibition series.

A free opening reception for Site Lines will be held on Sunday, May 1, from 2 to 5 pm, and will offer visitors the opportunity to meet the artists, take exhibition tours, participate in family activities, and purchase gourmet farm-to-museum boxed lunches prepared by Ridgefield's own No. 109 Cheese & Wine. The Aldrich is located at 258 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT. For more information, call 203.438.4519 or visit aldrichart.org . For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

The Museum 

Founded by Larry Aldrich in 1964, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is dedicated to fostering the work of innovative artists whose ideas and interpretations of the world around us serve as a platform to encourage creative thinking. It is the only museum in Connecticut devoted to contemporary art, and throughout its fifty- year history has engaged its community with thought-provoking exhibitions and public programs.

The Museum's education and public programs are designed to connect visitors of all ages to contemporary art through innovative learning approaches in hands-on workshops, tours, and presentations led by artists, curators, Museum educators, and experts in related fields. Area schools are served by curriculum-aligned on-site and in-school programs, as well as teachers' professional development training.

Summer Fun @ Beardsley Zoo - the penguins are here!

Get ready to meet Squirt, Sal, South and Tubbs -- four African Black-Footed Penguins that are spending their summer at the Beardsley  Zoo located on 1875 Noble Ave. in Bridgeport Connecticut. They will be on exhibit from May 7 through Sept. 30 -- so make plans to stop by and see them. They are charming and fun to watch.

Photo courtesy of Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.

The Penguins will be in a temporary exhibit across from the Zoo's Peacock Cafe. Their Education Department is planning Wild Adventure Animal Shows, Animal Bytes storytelling and scavenger hunts -- all designed to help you learn, and care, about penguins.

These medium sized penguins, that weigh between two and three pounds are found along the African shore and considered to be endangered. Overfishing of their prey, oil spills and guanaco are just some of the reasons why this species of penguin is in decline. 

One of their distinctions is a pink patch above their eyes that is actually a gland that helps them adapt to changing temperatures. The hotter the penguin gets, the pinker the gland turns.  These penguins are also known for their unusual call that sounds like a donkey that is braying. Each individual penguin also has a black stripe with black spots on their chest and, much like fingerprints, no two are the same.

Check out our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LitchfieldHills.FairfieldCounty.CT. 

The 7th Annual OPEN YOUR EYES Studio Tour 2016 in Litchfield and Thomaston, CT

The Northwest Connecticut Arts Council is presenting the sixth annual Open Your Eyes Studio Tour on June 25 and 26, 2016 in the towns of Litchfield,Bantam, Northfield and Thomaston, CT. The 2016 tour will feature 25 artists and artisans who have their studios in Litchfield, Bantam, Northfield and Thomaston. 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.

Bantam Tileworks

The Studio Tour on June 25 and 26 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: Richard Heys, Jennifer Sabella, Anne Marie Papineau, Suzan Scott, Susan Wakeen, Jill Davenport, Arif Imse, Joe Yeno, Alex Bouteneff, Carol T. Moore, Amber Maida, Cynthia Zinser, Jessica Jane Russell, Albert Coffill, Bantam Tile Works, Trisha Haulenbeek, Alessandro Morosani, Doreen Breen, Claudia Duhamel, Robin McCahill, Ten to One Artists Group, Will Cummings and Mindscape Industries Artists.

Coffill - Spring Reflection

Free tickets are available online.  The free ticket system helps the art council determine how many people go on the tour and which studios are visited. The free ticket packet includes: your anonymous ticket stickers for signing into each studio, your map and brochure with artist and tour information and driving directions.  Tickets will also be available the day of the tour at Info Stations in Litchfield and Thomaston.  For more information visit the Art Council's website. For more area event information www.litchfieldhills.com

Susan Wakeen at Work

Summer Fun @ Norwalk Art Festival

Once again this year the Norwalk Arts Festival is taking place in Mathews Park located on 295 West Ave. in Norwalk on June 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Festival goers can expect to find more than 125 artisans showing one-of-a-kind ceramics, paintings, jewelry, photography and other fine arts and crafts.

Juried exhibitors specializing in wood, wearable and decorative fiber, photography, metalwork, sculpture, mixed media, glass, ceramics and jewelry will share their unique talents and artwork at this nationally recognized event held in Mathews Park surrounding the Lockwood-Mathews Museum on West Avenue in Norwalk, Connecticut. All pieces exhibited will be available for purchase.

A highlight of this event the opportunity to interact directly with highly-skilled artists who come from all over the country. In addition, the Norwalk Arts Festival also includes includes fun, educational activities for children and an international food court. 

Live music performances will be provided throughout the weekend by various musicians including Norwalk’s own Edward Wright, Annalisa Ewald, Sarah Golley and a featured recital by Rebecca Christopherson’s TESS and Suzuki students on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.

Hands-on art activities for all ages are offered free of charge in the Children’s Art Workshop area provided by Jerry’s Artarama and the Norwalk Arts Commission. The Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum will offer mini-tours and the Center for Contemporary Printmaking (CCP) galleries will be open, where the annual “Foot Prints” exhibit is currently on view, as will Stepping Stones Museum for Children.

Admission to the Norwalk Art Festival is free. Patrons will have an opportunity to visit the museums and CCP as well as the playground and take a self-guided tour of the historic Pine Island Cemetery. There is a separate admission entry to the museums. 

Mathews Park is located at 295 West Avenue and is easily reached off exits 14N and 15S off I-95. The Park is a short walk or shuttle ride from the Metro-North Railroad South Norwalk station. Parking is free in Mathews Park and across the street. There is also parking available in the South Norwalk garages, from which visitors can take the beautiful river front stroll to the park.

For additional information, visit http://www.norwalkartfestival.org.  For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.