Category: Connecticut Travel

STEPPING STONES MUSEUM FOR CHILDREN CELEBRATES IRELAND APRIL 14-20

Irish Folk Group to Perform at Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Stepping Stones Museum for Children will treat visitors to a taste of Ireland with a performance by the Tigh Na Coille Irish Youth Folklore Troupe from County Clare, Ireland, on Saturday, April 14.

The following week, the museum will also offer crafts, storytelling and other activities inspired by the Emerald Isle. Made up of twelve young musicians and dancers from the heart of Ireland, the Tigh Na Coille Irish Youth Folklore Troupe brings traditional Irish music and dance to the museum. Award-winning master fiddler Denis Liddy will join the Troupe for this special Around the World performance at 2 p.m. in the museum’s multimedia gallery. Members of the Troupe will also lead an interactive workshop at 1 p.m.

Visitors are invited to meet, dance and sing with these talented young performers. The Troupe will demonstrate traditional Irish instruments and teach participants a bit of Gaelic.

The museum continues its celebration of Irish history and culture April 16-20 with a different activity each day, such as making a Celtic pendant and a replica harp. Activities will occur at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily.

The performance, workshop and vacation week activities are all free with museum admission.

Vacation Week Schedule:

Saturday, April 14, The Tigh Na Coille Irish Youth Folklore Troupe will lead an interactive workshop at 1 p.m., followed by a musical performance at 2 p.m.

Monday, April 16, Listen to an original fairy tale about a clever young lady who triumphs over a greedy leprechaun king in Teresa Bateman’s story Fiona’s Luck. 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Tuesday, April 17, Make a Celtic pendant and learn about the symbols that have survived from the Iron Age. 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Wednesday, April 18, The harp is among the chief symbols of Ireland and was played as long ago as the 10th century. Listen to traditional Celtic folk music and create a replica harp. 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Thursday, April 19, Ireland is famous for its medieval castles scattered across the green countryside. Explore their history and create a castle to take home. 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Friday, April 20, Discover the work of Irish stained glass artist Harry Clarke (1889-1931) and create a replica stained glass window. 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

About Stepping Stones Museum For Children

Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, Conn., is an award-winning, private, non-profit 501(c)(3) children’s museum committed to broadening and enriching the lives of children and families. Located on five acres in Mathews Park, the recently expanded LEED Gold certified museum encompasses five hands-on galleries, state-of-the-art Multimedia Gallery, Family and Teacher Resource Center, café and retail store.

Stepping Stones also offers onsite educational events and workshops, school and group programs and traveling resources for schools, libraries and youth-serving organizations. Stepping Stones is located at 303 West Avenue, exit 14N or 15S off I-95 in Norwalk. Museum hours are Monday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Admission is $15 for adults and children. Children under 1 are free. To learn more, call 203-899-0606 or visit http://www.steppingstonesmuseum.org.

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A Brush With the Civil War At Weir Farm April 15

Weir Farm National Historic Site

Wilton Connecticut’s Weir Farm National Historic Site is hosting a special commemorative event on the relationship between J. Alden Weir and the Civil War on Sunday, April 15 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

Weir Farm celebrates the life, artwork and artistic legacy of J. Alden Weir. What most people don’t know is that Weir and his family held deep ties to the Civil War. Born in 1852 in West Point New York, by 1861 nine year-old J. Alden Weir witnessed firsthand the escalating tensions at the U.S. Military Academy, and later watched his older brothers march off to war.

Join Park Ranger Allison Jordan for A Brush with War: The Weir Family and the Civil War, a special presentation to commemorate the Civil War sesquicentennial, and learn about the incredible connections the Weir family had to our nation’s bloodiest conflict.

Weir’s family included a Professor at West Point, a winner of the Medal of Honor, a sailor caught in the battle of Mobile Bay, a commander of the United States Colored Troops, and an artillery lieutenant whose actions at Gettysburg haunted him for the rest of his life.

There is no fee to attend A Brush with War, but registration is requited. Plenty of seating will be available. To register, or for additional information call 203-834-1896×12 or visit www.nps.gov/wefa/index.htm Weir Farm is located on 735 Nod Hill Rd. in Wilton CT.

About Weir Farm

In June of 1882, painter J. Alden Weir boarded a train from New York bound for his modest farm among the hills of Branchville, CT. Once here, Weir and his family transformed their summer retreat into a creative refuge for friends and fellow artists. After Weir, artists Mahonri Young and Sperry Andrews lived and worked here, continuing the legacy of artistic expression that still inspires today.

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SHERATON STAMFORD HOTEL AWARDED NEW BUILDS & TRANSITIONS HOTEL OF THE YEAR

Newly Renovated Lobby at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel

This month at their Annual Meeting, Starwood Hotels & Resorts awarded the Sheraton Stamford Hotel as the“New Builds & Transitions Hotel of the Year.” The hotel, owned by RockBridge Capital and managed by Davidson Hotels & resorts, converted to the Sheraton brand on July 12, 2011.

With the hotel’s increase in revenues and RevPar Index, their compliance to Brand Standards, and high loyalty scores, it is understandable why they won this prestigious award.

Just a few blocks from the new Starwood Hotel & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. global headquarters, the 379-room Sheraton Stamford Hotel is considered the headquarters hotel for those visiting Starwood corporate offices and is the site for numerous Starwood corporate meetings.

Located at 700 Main Street, the hotel is within walking distance from the shops and restaurants in the recently opened Plaza at Stamford Town Center, the University of Connecticut Stamford campus and the headquarters of numerous major corporations and fortune 500 businesses.

From the Sheraton, there is convenient access to several multiplex cinemas, night clubs and Stamford’s key performance venues – Rich Forum and Palace Theatre. The hotel is just 20 minutes from the Westchester County Airport Hotel and a 45-minute train ride from New York City.

Stylish and comfortable, guest rooms and suites at Sheraton Stamford Hotel are equipped with an oversized work desk, custom-designed ergonomic chair, high-speed Internet, LCD flat panel television, iPod home docking station and the all-white Sheraton Sweet Sleeper® bed.

Hotel facilities include full-service dining; an indoor pool and fully equipped fitness facility featuring the brand’s revolutionary new health and fitness program, Sheraton Fitness, Programmed by Core Performance; and 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space.

For more information about the hotel visit www.sheratonstamford.com.

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Waterbury Palace Theater Announces April Line UP!

Dr. Frankenstein and Monster

From monsters to menopause, the Palace Theater’s April line-up has something for everyone. Tickets and gift certificates can be purchased by phone at 203-346-2000, online at www.palacetheaterct.org, or in person at the box office, 100 East Main Street in Waterbury. Groups of 15 or more qualify for discounted rates and should call the group sales hotline at 203-346-2011. For area information visit www.litchfieldhills.com

MEL BROOKS’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
Friday, April 13- 8pm; Saturday, April 14- 2pm & 8pm
The classic Mel Brooks movie is ALIVE and headed to Waterbury! Patrons will have a monstrously good time at this spectacular new production, winner of the 2008 Outer Critics Circle Award for BEST MUSICAL! Don’t miss the sensational cast delivering all your favorite laugh-out-loud moments from the classic film. Sponsored by Webster Bank, WTNH/MyTV9, Crystal Rock, Power Station Events.
Tickets: $68/$58/$48

Menopuase the Musical

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL
Tuesday, April 17- 7:30pm; Wednesday, April 18- 7:30pm
This hilarious celebration of women and “The Change” set to classic tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s, will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles along with hot flashes and night sweats!
Tickets: $49.50/$39.50/$28.50

AFTERWORK SMOOTH JAZZ AND R&B AFFAIR
Friday, April 20 – 5:30pm
Kick-off the weekend right with smooth vibes on a Friday night! ACTJamsProductions.com presents an intimate after-work event in the Palace Poli Club, featuring live performances by the Ron Howard Experience Band, Neo-Soul/R&B vocalist Jessica Carl, and R&B/Soul recording artist Lamone. Hors d’oeuvres and ACTJams drink specials will also be available.
Tickets: $20

C
Charlie Daniels

THE CHARLIE DANIELS BAND
Saturday, April 21- 8pm
Known for his fiddle playing and rebel anthems, Charlie Daniels has been a true music icon for 50 years. His exhilarating mixture of rock, country, bluegrass, blues, and gospel has propelled such hits as “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” and “Long Haired Country Boy.” Local band Crosseyed Cat will perform as the opening act. Sponsored by Naugatuck Savings Bank, WTNH/MyTV9, and Darter Specialties.
Tickets: $55/$45/$35

PALACE THEATER MOTORCYCLE RIDE
Saturday, April 21- 10am
Rev up your bikes and join us for the Palace’s first-ever motorcycle ride. The 47-mile scenic ride will head North through the Litchfield Hills, loop through Woodbury and Middlebury, and end on East Main Street, where Frankie’s Hotdogs and a variety of other vendors will be on site to greet the riders. Proceeds benefit the Palace Annual Fund. Sponsored by Naugatuck Savings Bank, Frankie’s Hot Dogs, Haymond Law Firm, and Darter Specialties.
Tickets: $25 per rider/$15 per passenger

ARTFORMS GALLERY VIEWING
Saturday, April 28 – 4pm
Join the Palace Theater for a gallery viewing and cocktail reception at the Fine Line Art Gallery, 319 Main St. South in Woodbury. The exquisite showcase will highlight a variety of local artwork from 17, award-winning Connecticut artists and will feature an hors d’oeuvres and wine reception. Proceeds benefit the theater’s Annual Campaign.|
Tickets: $25

About the Palace Theater
The Palace’s primary purpose is to revitalize the Greater Waterbury community through the presentation of the performing arts and educational initiatives in collaboration with area cultural and educational institutions. Its mission is to preserve and operate the historic Palace Theater as a performing arts center and community gathering place that provides a focal point of cultural activity and educational outreach for diverse audiences. For more information, visit: http://www.palacetheaterct.org.

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Brass Valley: Made in America

The Sharon Historical Society located on 18 Main Street in Sharon CT in the historic Gay-Hoyt House is hosting the work of artist Emery Roth. The show will run through April 25. Roth’s work will be displayed in the Society’s Gallery that is open Wednesday-Friday, from 10 to 4 pm and by appointment.

Emery Roth is an accomplished photographer. This exhibit melds contemporary photography of the industry of Connecticut’s Naugatuck Valley, with text and objects from the museum’s collection that tell the stories of Sharon’s industrial past. The exhibit evolved as Mr. Roth began following the old railroad tracks through the Naugatuck Valley and photographing what was left of its industrial past.

In his photographs, he was searching for rust and a glimpse of another age. He admits that he never expected to find himself in a time warp, photographing where giant hydraulics are still hissing, steel clanking, hot, glowing metal flying through the air, where the steam still rises from old pickling vats, and men charge furnaces in buildings where the soot has had more than a hundred years to cake. He never dreamed such a place still existed and took the photographs to prove that it does still exist in Connecticut. This is a show about those places.

A highlight of this show is a guided walk through the exhibit by the photographer on Sunday April 1 at 3 pm. All are invited. For additional information, contact the Sharon Historical Society at 860-364-5688 or via email sharonhistoricalsociety@yahoo.com, or our website, www.sharonhist.org.

About the Sharon Historical Society

The Sharon Historical Society is a community museum dedicated to connecting people to the town of Sharon, its history, and its culture. Museum professionals are assisted by volunteers who care for more than 5,000 artifacts in their collection – cataloging, preserving and sharing Sharon past for the public. Tours of the Gay-Hoyt House are self-guided. Collections include American furniture from colonial to colonial revival; decorative arts, iron and iron-industry related artifacts, five portraits by folk artist Ammi Phillips, a library featuring a collection of CT history and decorative arts resources and archives/photo collection.

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The Great Egg Hunt & Spring Celebration New Canaan Nature Center March 30 & 31

The New Canaan Nature Center’s annual Egg Hunt is back again this year! On Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31 the Nature Center will host a series of egg hunts for small groups of children ages 2-10. The one-hour programs will take place at 2:30pm and 3:30pm on Friday and 11am, Noon, 1:30pm and 2:30pm on Saturday. The Nature Center is located on144 Oenoke Ridge in New Canaan (203-966-9577).

Each program will include a spring scavenger hunt to identify signs of spring as well as a chance to meet the baby chicks that just hatched at the Nature Center. Kids will learn all about the magic of eggs from NCNC naturalists and then hunt the grounds for hundreds of eggs filled with goodies. Representatives from Hop-Along-Hallow will also be at the Saturday events with their real bunny rabbits. Hop-Along-Hollow is dedicated to helping educate people on proper care of small pets and to create better living environments for rabbits and other small animals.

Volunteers from the class of 2014 National Charity League Canaan Parish collected candy donations from league members and stuffed 2,359 eggs that are used for these special egg hunts!

The programs will take place in rain or shine, with the egg hunt-taking place in the tropical greenhouse in the event of rain. These events do sell out and advance registration required: please call (203) 966-9577×20 or register online. The program is $10/child for members and $15/child for non-members.

The New Canaan Nature Center is an environmental education center and sanctuary dedicated to helping people of all ages better understand, appreciate and care for the world of nature. Visitors Center open: Monday – Saturday 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Grounds open dawn to dusk daily. www.newcanaannature.org.
For more information about Fairfield County visit: www.visitfairfieldct.com.

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