Tag: Fairfield County

A Trio of Maple Sugaring Festivals For March 17 In Litchfield Hills and Fairfield County CT

The Institute for American Indian Studies will have a different take on sugaring at its annual festival on the 17th from 11 am- 3 pm. Demonstrations will show how local Native Americans traditionally made maple syrup and its importance to their culture and pancakes made by IAIS staff will be served with local maple syrup from 11 am – 1 pm. 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT 06793. (860)868-0518

The sweet aroma of boiling sap and syrup will fill the air and samples of fresh syrup will be handed out to guests at the annual Maplefest at the Sharon Audubon Center on March 17th from 10 am – 4 pm.. Guided Tours throughout the day take approximately 45 minutes. Visitors walk down Maple Trail, where they can peek at the sap dripping into the hanging buckets while learning about the tapping and gathering process. The Sugarhouse is a favorite stop along the tour. Here, visitors smell the aroma of boiling maple syrup as they watch the sap turn into syrup right in front of their eyes. The last stop of the tour includes a re-creation of Native American and early Colonial sugaring methods. Fresh maple syrup is available for purchase at the Nature Store. www.sharon.audubon.org. Audubon Sharon, 325 Cornwall Bridge Rd.Sharon, CT 06069. (860) 364-0520.

The New Canaan Nature Center’s Syrup Saturday festival returns on Saturday, March 17 from 10:30am – 2:00 pm. This annual event celebrates the New England tradition of maple syrup making and includes a pancake brunch with different varieties of syrup, including the Nature Center’s own. www.newcanaannature.org.

Nature Center educators and local families who have “adopted” a tree for the season have been collecting sap from over 50 of the center’s maples over the last month.

How does it work? Freezing temperatures create suction that draws water in through a tree’s roots, and warm periods create pressure which causes the sap to flow out through a tap hole where it’s collected in buckets. This sap, a combination of water, salt and sugar, serves as the tree’s food and is the sole ingredient of pure maple syrup.

During Syrup Saturday, visitors will get a chance to observe the entire process from tree tapping to boiling into syrup at the “sugar shack”. Educators will also demonstrate historic methods of maple syruping.

Local maple syrup and maple baked goods will be for sale. Guests can test their taste buds on real vs. fake syrup and learn what the different grades mean.

Join Nature Center naturalists for a hike along “Maple Lane” to learn how to identify sugar maples and other trees while hunting for signs of spring. Kids will make a maple-themed craft to take home. This event is primarily held outdoors and activities will be ongoing throughout the day.

Members: $8/person / Non-Members: $12/person.

About the New Canaan Nature Center

New Canaan Nature Center , 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, CT 06840. (Rte. 15, Exit 37). (203) 966-9577. Two miles of trails traverse diverse habitats, including meadows, woodlands, ponds, dense thickets, an old orchard and a cattail marsh on 40 acres. The center offers a live birds of prey exhibit, gardens, a greenhouse and a Visitors Center with a Discovery Room, art exhibits and gift shop. Programs include a nature-based preschool, camp programs, birthday parties, special events and volunteer opportunities. Admission is FREE. Visitor’s Center open Mon. – Sat., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Grounds and trails open dawn to dusk daily. www.newcanaannature.org

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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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Westport Arts Center “Gets WACky” with Toys on March 11

Many kids and their families will descend upon the Westport Arts Center on Sunday, March 11, 2 to 4 p.m., to make art with toys and inspired by toys. “WACky Family Day,” the Arts Center’s popular program which is entering its third year, is an opportunity for families to make art in a creative community environment.

For the dynamic March program, all the art projects will be centered around the theme of “Toys,” inspired by the Arts Center’s current exhibition, “Toy Stories,” which features works of art that were created by artists that work with toys, video, and toy-creation technology.

WACky Family Day promises to deliver a wide array of exciting art projects using a range of materials, inspired by the artists in Center’s exhibition. The goal of WACky Family Days is to provide quality arts experiences for the entire family. Projects families can participate in include Calder-inspired circus figurines, crayon mosaics, funky-faced robots, and more.

Admission is $10 for adults free for adults and children age two and under. Due to the popularity and in order to ensure the quality of this program, advanced registration is strongly encouraged. Pre-registration is requested by phone at (203) 222-7070 or by purchasing tickets online at www.westportartscenter.org. Ticket sales at the door will be on a first-come first-served basis.

About The Westport Art Center

The 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 Westport Arts Center is supported with funds from the Artur and Heida Hermanns Holde Foundation, Inc., Bernstein Global Wealth Management, the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, 4th Row Films, Thomas and Jeanne Elmezzi Private Foundation, Fairfield County Bank, Fairfield County Community Foundation, Gault, Inc., GWAY Marketing Gymnasium, Andrew J. & Christine C. Hall Foundation, Melissa & Doug, Moffly Media, New Alliance Bank, Newman’s Own Foundation, Pepperidge Farm, Inc., U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, Westport Resources, Westport Sunrise Rotary, Young Voices Program, Xerox Foundation, and WSHU Public Radio Group.

For more information, contact Westport Arts Center at 203-222-7070, www.westportartscenter.org. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 2p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., at 51 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT.

For more information about Fairfield County visit www.visitwesternct.com

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Audubon Greenwich ~ The Birds & The Bees?

Since the beginning of society, the origin and nature of the honeybee has awakened the curiosity of humankind. For five million years, bees, best known for their sweet gift of nature, has been an animal of special sanctity, symbolizing many things to a diverse cultural cross section of people world-wide. Today, more than ever, bees play a crucial role in our ecosystem. Over one- third of the fruits and vegetables we eat depend on bees for pollination. Because of their important role as pollinators, the tracing of their sudden-die off (Colony Collapse Disorder) in recent years is a critical environmental issue. On February 25 and 26 the Greenwich Audubon is offering two important programs on Bees and how it relates to our environment and future.

FILM SCREENING & PRESENTATION BY GUNTHER HAUK
Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us?
Saturday, February 25 ~ 6:30-9:00 pm
Join Gunther Hauk for a local screening of the acclaimed film ‘Queen of the Sun’. Gunther has been a biodynamic beekeeper for 35 years and is featured in the film. An introduction by Gunther will precede the film. The film is a profound, alternative look at the global bee crisis from Taggart Siegel, director of THE REAL DIRT ON FARMER JOHN. Taking us on a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of bees and the mysterious world of the beehive, this engaging and ultimately uplifting film weaves an unusual and dramatic story of the heartfelt struggles of beekeepers, scientists and philosophers from around the world including Michael Pollan, Gunther Hauk and Vandana Shiva. $10-$20 suggested donation for Audubon and Spikenard Farm. Space very limited. RSVPs required to Jeff: 203-869-5272 x239.

BEEKEEPING WORKSHOP WITH GUNTHER HAUK
Toward Saving The Honeybee: An Introduction to Sustainable & Biodynamic Beekeeping Practices and Principles
Sunday, February 26 ~ 1:00-4:00 pm
This workshop is for current beekeepers and those who are interested in learning more about beekeeping with natural approaches, including biodynamic beekeeping. Don’t miss this exciting and rare opportunity to learn from the master himself! Gunther’s beekeeping workshops are full of information, lively discussion, Q&A, and inspiration. Space very limited. $50 workshop fee will be donate to the Spikenard Honeybee Sanctuary efforts for bees and to Audubon Greenwich’s conservation and education initiatives. RSVP required to Jeff Cordulack: 203-869-5272 x239

More about Gunther Hauk: Gunther Hauk was a Waldorf teacher for 23 years and was co-founder of Spikenard Farm in 2006 and the Pfeiffer Center in 1996. Hauk is the author of Toward Saving the Honeybee (published by the Biodynamic Association). He and his wife Vivian are now located in Floyd, Virginia, where they are building up the honeybee sanctuary in which people can experience the healing of the land, the honeybees, and, ultimately, the human being. www.spikenardfarm.org.

For more information about Gunther Hauk, the Spikenard Farm Sanctuary, and the issues facing honeybees and other native pollinators, visit our event website: www.greenwich.audubon.org

Audubon Greenwich’s Nature Store Hours:
Tues-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m./ Sundays 12-5 p.m. / Store Closed Mondays

NATURE SANCTUARY ADMISSION
Members: No charge
Nonmembers: Adults $3.00/Students & Seniors $1.50
(Please pay in the store)

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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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