Tag: CT Travel

The Pietasters, Ska Music Like the English Beat, on StageOne

The Pietasters

StageOne in Fairfield (www.fairfieldtheatre.org) is celebrating St Patrick’s Day, March 17th, with a special concert by The Pietasters at 7:30 PM (doors open at 7:00 PM). Tickets are $22 and members get a $3 discount.

The Pietasters — a term of British slang for “fat guys”– are a seven-piece ska revival band founded in 1990 in Washington, DC by Stephen Jackson and some friends from Virginia Tech. Ska, for the uninitiated, is a musical style that originated in Jamaica in the fifties; a mix of horn riffs, calypso and Caribbean sound played by musicians with a general appreciation of drinking, fun-loving, and rebellion. It is also recognized as precursor to reggae.

Obsessed with the musical history of soul and Motown and influences coming from seventies ska bands like The Specials (Coventry, UK) and Bad Manners (London), The Pietasters stepped into the spotlight when they opened for the British ska band Bad Manners in 1992.

Their tight, high-energy, brassy punk reggae style gets people up and dancing before they know it. This could be why bands like The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Ozomatli, and Cherry Poppin Daddies have asked them to share the stage on tour, or why James Brown had them back him up in front of 25,000 people in DC.

The Pietasters have been playing together for 22 years. They are known as a band playing catchy, energetic music that knows how to take control of a room, playing such favorites as Drunken Master, Night Owl, and One Dollar Bill besides fan favorite renditions of Maggie Mae (Rod Stewart), Come Together (The Beatles) and Listen to Her Heart (Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers). Their lineup has changed over the years but some core members remain — namely founder Steve Jackson on vocals — but their sound is as tight as ever. Don’t miss this eight-man band that SPIN Magazine calls “an equal opportunity dancehall crasher — part ‘60s keg rock, part 2Tone and part Motown.”

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Tickets On Sale – “The Warhol Ball – A Night at The Factory”

Tickets are on sale for the Westport Arts Center’s (WAC) first annual Art Affair, “The Warhol Ball – A Night at The Factory,” set for Saturday, April 28, at 8 p.m. The fundraising event will recreate in Fairfield County the avant-garde, pop art atmosphere of Andy Warhol’s legendary Manhattan studio, The Factory. Guests at WAC’s Warhol Ball will gather for their “15 minutes of fame” at the Steel Shed, 140 Water Street, South Norwalk.

Andy Warhol (1928-1987) was a catalyst as well as a creator. In the ‘60s, his studio, The Factory, was a revolutionary intersection of art and experimentation, drawing together artists, writers, musicians, underground celebrities, and art lovers to create, act, dance, and socialize. Warhol himself created popular and controversial images of dollar bills, celebrities, and brand name products, produced prints using the silkscreen method and created more than 500 films at The Factory. In Warhol’s words, “Art is anything you can get away with.”

WAC’s Art Affair will emulate the bold spirit and setting of Andy Warhol’s studio. Like nights at The Factory, the evening planned by the Westport Arts Center will be highlighted with unexpected intervals of film, art, new media, sculpture, music and dance. The goal is for every guest will experience the excitement of seeing art in the making and feel the energy of a creative space where anything is possible.

In addition to live electric jazz, unique food offerings, rock music and an open bar, the event will feature a live auction of premier experiences and a silent auction of local artists’ photography. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support WAC’s diverse, high-quality visual and performing arts programs that reach more than 11,000 people annually, including 4,000 school-aged children.

Ticket levels are $200, $350 and $500. The $500 VIP tickets will include a pre-event cocktail hour with delectable food from SoNo Baking Company, live jazz with Otis and the Hurricanes, and feature contemporary artist Brendan Cass, painting in action. Cass takes inspiration from postcards and travel brochures to create bold and brilliantly colorful, large-scale abstract landscapes.

About Westport Arts Center

The not-for-profit Westport Arts Center is a visual and performing arts organization dedicated to creating arts experiences that enrich the lives of area residents and the entire community. The WAC gallery is open free of charge, seven days a week, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., at 51 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT

For more information or tickets to The Warhol Ball, contact Westport Arts Center at 203-222-7070 or visit the website at warholball@westportartscenter.org.

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Lamothe’s Sugar House Maple Sugaring Weekends Through March

Lamothe's SugarHouse, Burlington CT

If it seems as though this winter will never end, take heart, the sweet scents of maple syrup in the making clearly announces that spring is coming—and this is a good reason to plan a visit to Litchfield Hills.

Although self-guided tours and samples of maple syrup products are available year round – one of the most exciting time to visit Lamothe’s Sugar House in Burlington Connecticut is on any given weekend in February and March.

The Lamothe family started farming in 1971 with a few pigs and a vegetable garden. They began making maple syrup for their own use with a modest 7 taps. As word got around, so did requests from far and wide to purchase the precious maple syrup they made.

Lamothe’s has come a long way since their first 7 taps; today, Lamothe’s is Connecticut’s largest sugar house with more than 4,000 taps and a state-of-the-art sugar house.

On weekends, in February and March, Lamothe’s offers free tours on their farm from 1 pm to 4:30 pm. Visitors will learn how maple syrup was discovered and how it developed over time and is made today. Visitors will see how maple syrup and sugar are made and enjoy delicious samples. Complimentary coffee and hot cider is also served. Store hours are Mon. – Thurs. 10-6, Fri.-Sat. 10-5 and Sun. 12 – 5.

Showroom at Lamothe's Sugarhouse

Lamothe’s maple syrup is available in Grade A Light Amber, Grade A Medium Amber, Grade A Dark Amber, and Grade B. They suggest that you serve their maple syrup on ice cream and cereal, as well on pancakes or waffles.

Lamothe's Products

Lamothe’s also makes a full array of maple sugar based products from granulated make sugar to popcorn, spices, sauces, preserves and spreads to name a few.

Some of the candy that Lamothe’s makes includes pure maple candy including Pure Maple Flavor Drops and Maple Walnut Caramels, Maple Salt Water Taffy and Peanut Clusters. For a wonderful snack try the Maple Sugar Coated Nuts and maple farmhouse kettle corn.

Consistently innovative, Lamothe’s also makes spice rub for pork and chicken from maple sugar and spices, savory sugar and spice, maple barbeque sauce and a maple tinted marinara sauce.

Lamothe’s even offers a line of unique New England bridal or shower favors such as a lovely 100ml plastic container of maple syrup, or several elegant imported glass containers in 40 or 50 ml sizes. They also offer pure maple candies in one, two, or four packs that are tied with a ribbon in the color of your choice.

Favor Boxes

On March 3, Lamothe’s is hosting Billy Steers the Connecticut Author of “Tractor Mac” at the sugarhouse from the 11am-3pm to do a book signing, reading, meet & greet visitors. Billy Steers illustrates all of his own books and will be bringing Tractor Mac for the children to take pictures with.

Lamothe’s Sugar House is located on 89 Stone Road, Burlington, CT (860-675-5043). For more information visit their website at www.lamothesugarhouse.com.

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Fairfield Museum and History Center Will be Open During its Regular Weekday Hours for Presidents Week and Limited Space is Still Available for Kids and Family Programs

Fairfield History Museum

Fairfield Museum and History Center www.fairfieldhistory.org will be open everyday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends during the Presidents Week vacation and there is still space available for kids of all ages to come and explore theatre with activities. An array of exciting programs, including a family time gallery tour, sketching of costumes and set designs; making mixed media masks, improvisation and so much more are open to various ages. Details are below. And pick up a Scavenger Hunt for a family-friendly activity.

And there are two ongoing exhibitions on view in the Museum’s galleries. Bravo! A Century of Theatre in Fairfield County continues through April 1st . Visitors will discover Connecticut’s theatrical history, a legacy that dates from the 19th century to the present.

Fairfield Historical Society

And an innovative exhibition, showcasing innovative computer models, writing, poetry and photography of a group of 8th grade students from The Unquowa School in Fairfield, who partnered with 5th grade students from New Beginnings Family Academy in Bridgeport on sustainable plans for empty lots and abandoned buildings on upper Main Street in Bridgeport along with the students should be a must-see for visitors. Through their collaboration, the students looked to the future and became problem-solvers and urban planners to develop proposals for revitalization in Bridgeport.

Here are the February vacation programs and there is still time to make reservations through our web site www.fairfieldhistory.org

Special Family Time Gallery Tour!
Monday, February 20 2pm
Free for members, free with admission
Get a whole new perspective on theatre with this family-friendly tour featuring a Scavenger Hunt and Reader’s Theatre!

Sketching Theatre
Tuesday, February 21
with artist and illustrator Deborah Bassino 10am – 12pm Workshop for ages 8 – 13 $25; Members, $20
Learn sketching techniques inspired by the rich and glorious costumes and set designs in the theatre exhibition.

Mad Masks
Wednesday, February 22, 10am – 12pm Workshop for ages 6 – 10, $15; Members, $10. Create a mixed media mask inspired by the costumes and creatures in the Bravo! theatre exhibition, like Egyptian gods, feathered headdresses, donkeys and lions!

Theatre Explorers
Wednesday, February 22, 1pm – 3pm, Workshop for ages 6 – 10, $15; Members, $10. Dive in to our costume trunk and explore fun theatre games, playwriting, improv and more in the Bravo! theatre exhibition.

*Consider a Wednesday all-day option: $35; Members, $30, includes both workshops and a staff-supervised lunch break. Please bring a peanut-free lunch.

American Girl Afternoon
Thursday, February 23, 1pm – 4pm, Workshop for ages 8 – 12, Materials Fee; $30; Members, $25. Explore the history and adventures of the historical American Girl dolls, including the new pair from New Orleans, Marie-Grace Gardner and Cécile Rey, who lived in 1853. Learn about the fascinating culture of New Orleans and the French traditions that were adapted in America. We’ll make mardi gras masks, inspired by a fancy masquerade ball in the storybooks. Find out about the delicious foods popular in New Orleans and create a delicious snack!

Winter Back in Time
Friday, February 24, 9am – 12pm, Grades 3 – 6, Materials Fee; $30; $25 Members. Discover how boys and girls spent the dark days of winter in colonial times. Participants will get the chance to try on period costume and write their own stories with a feather pen and ink. We’ll also prepare a recipe inspired from times past.

Rapunzel
Presented by Purple Rock Productions, Friday, February 24, 2:30pm, $7 adults, $5 children. Free for children 3 and under.
n this wild and wacky adaptation of the classic tale, an old washerwoman tells the story of Rapunzel, who is very clever in this version. She has learned a few tricks from the witch, especially how to “sing” things to grow. She is able to “sing” a boat into existence in order that she and the Prince can get away on the ocean. The washer woman tells the story using a variety of household objects, as well as puppets. The audience is encouraged to participate in creating the story. Contact http://www.purplerock.org/html/shows/Rapunzel.html for more information.

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emancipation

Fairfield Museum and History Center will continue its promotion of a ticket stub discount from the new movie, “Lincoln” for reduced admission to its exhibition, Promise of Freedom: The Emancipation Proclamation through the engagement of the film. Visitors, who present a ticket stub, will receive $2 off of an adult admission to the exhibition, which runs through February 24th, 2013. The Museum is located on 370 Beach Road in Fairfield and is open Mon–Fri: 10am – 4pm and Sat–Sunday: 12 noon – 4pm or visit www.fairfieldhistory.org. For area information visit www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.

The Fairfield Museum planned this exhibit as the ideal educational component for Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking movie, “Lincoln”, which focuses on the war-weary president’s strategic journey from what he knew to be the “Band-Aid” fix of the Emancipation Proclamation January 1st, 1863 (150 years ago) to the final passage of the 13th amendment, which promised to abolish slavery.

The actual 13th amendment still left room for slavery to be applied as punishment for anyone who commits a crime. Nevertheless, the Proclamation and the Amendment, which are on display at the Fairfield Museum through February 24th, 2013, marked the journey towards ending slavery in America.

Promise of Freedom includes not only a rare signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation but also an even more rare-signed copy of the Thirteenth Amendment, signed by Lincoln and by almost all the members of the House and Senate who voted for it. Both documents are on loan to the museum from a private collection. The Thirteenth Amendment, which was not fully ratified by the states until well after Lincoln’s assassination, provided a stronger foundation for the elimination of slavery than did Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which rested on his wartime authority as commander-in-chief.

Today, there are very few copies of the 13th amendment bearing Lincoln’s signature, like the rare one the Fairfield Museum has in the exhibit. The reason for this is that after Lincoln signed a several souvenir copies, the Senate passed a resolution stating that signing souvenirs was unseemly, so he stopped. Ironically, at the beginning of the Civil War, there was a completely different 13th amendment proposed, which would have protected slavery. Lincoln did not always support this amendment and had to be convinced by abolitionists and women’s rights activists that an amendment abolishing slavery was important.

ABOUT THE FAIRFIELD MUSEUM

The Fairfield Museum creates experiences that make history personal, engaging and meaningful and in so doing strengthen people’s connection to the world around them. The Museum’s collection and archive is one of the most important humanities resources in southwestern Connecticut and a valuable resource for teaching history and related disciplines. Museum exhibitions attract more than 18,000 visitors annually from New York to New Haven, and our educational programs annually serve more than 5,000 students from southwestern Connecticut. We are committed to providing educational experiences, particularly to lower income constituencies that allow all students the opportunity to participate.

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TAKE A GINGERBREAD BREAK IN LITCHFIELD HILLS AND FAIRFIELD COUNTY CONNECTICUT

Lots of places feature colorful gingerbread houses for the holidays, but Kent, Connecticut goes a step further.
The whole town will take part in the second annual Kent Gingerbread Festival from November 25 to December 30. Everyone is invited to follow the Gingerbread Walk through town to view imaginative and ingenious gingerbread delights in over 50 shop windows. Visitors can enjoy the displays as they stroll, then vote for their favorite creations at the Gingerbread Station, 1 Kent Green Boulevard. The station will have its own displays of entries from the local gingerbread baking contest and will also offer baking and craft classes Phone (860) 927-1463 for schedules. Besides gingerbread displays, Kent will have special events every weekend, from pancakes with Santa to caroler and a Messiah sing-along.

MORE SWEET TREATS

Kent has the biggest show, but Connecticut’s Litchfield and Fairfield Counties offer several other impressive gingerbread displays guaranteed to delight, as well as the chance to take home some of the prize creations or make your own gingerbread confection.


More than 60 buildings, with horse and sleigh teams, ponds, boats, and sledders, all dressed up in Christmas splendor will be featured at the 44th annual Gingerbread Village, a lavish display from December 3 to 10 at St. George’s Church on Tucker Hill Road in Middlebury. Everything is for sale, available to take home when the display ends. Admission is Free. Hours are Saturday, December 3rd 10 a.m. to 7 p.m, Sunday, December 4th, Noon to 8 p.m., Monday, December 5th to Friday, December 9th 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, December 10th, 10a.m.to 4 p.m. Call (203) 758-9557 for information.

The third annual Visions of Gingerbread: The Sweetest Architects at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center November 12 through December 18 shows off imaginative confections made by some of the area’s best pastry chefs, restaurants, and caterers. DiMare’s Pastry Shop of Stamford, SoNo Baking Company of South Norwalk and Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes of Greenwich are among those who are vying for first prize from a panel of special judges. These are far from ordinary houses; one of the past displays was a perfect miniature of the Duomo Cathedral in Florence, Italy. Visitors are invited to vote for the “Fan Favorite” of the year. Learn more at www.stamfordmuseum.org.


MAKE YOUR OWN

Those who are inspired to make their own gingerbread houses should contact the Silo Cooking School in New Milford. Each year The Silo offers classes for parents and children (ages 5 and up). There are classes also for adults, who enjoy appetizers and mulled wine as they assemble their architectural masterpieces.

Classes are held several times on November 25-27, December 2-4 and December 9-10. The cost is $85 for each adult team or each parent-child team, up to 3 people. The classes sell out every year but would-be bakers can check for openings or waiting lists at (860) 355-0300. The Silo is part of the Hunt Hill Farm Trust so they are found on-line at www.hunthillfarmtrust.org

For more information about gingerbread adventures, directions to events and listings of all the holiday doings in the region, contact the Western Connecticut Visitors Bureau, PO Box 968, Litchfield, CT 06759, (860) 567-4506, www.visitwesternct.com. They offer a free copy of UNWIND, a 112-page color guide to the attractions in the Litchfield Hills and a free color Fairfield County Getaway Guide.

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