Tag: Litchfield Hills CT

Native American Drum Making Workshop at The Institute for American Indian Studies

The most important Native American instrument was and still is the drum. Most Native Americans prefer to use drums made from traditional materials made by a master drum maker or make their own. This is because of the strong spiritual associations of the drum….it is the heartbeat of Mother Earth.

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Indigenous peoples made several kinds of drums; log drum, water drum and the most common, the hand drum. Hand drums could be single or double-headed. In the northeast region they were traditionally made using a wooden base and an animal hide; typically deer or elk.

The drum is considered to be the first musical instrument used by humans; historians believe the drum has been virtually every culture known to mankind. The original purpose was for communicating over long distances as a type of signal.

On Saturday, February 23 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Allan Madahbee, Ojibway artist and musician, will instruct participants in making their own single-face drum while sharing the importance of the drum in Native American culture. This workshop is recommended for cildren ages 12 and up. The workshop fee is $150; $125 IAIS Members. Reservations and a $50 nonrefundable deposit is required by calling 860-868-0518. The museum is located on 38 Curtis Rd. in Washington Connecticut. For additional information www.iaismuseum.org. For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

About The Institute for American Indian Studies

IAIS is a Not-For-Profit organization. We do not receive monies from the State, Town of Washington nor any other museum or gaming facility. We reply on membership, programs and contributions for support.

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Salisbury Jumpfest and Eastern U.S. Ski Jumping Championships Feb. 8 -10

Despite last week’s rain and 50 degree temperatures, there will be no shortage of snow at Satre Hill this weekend when the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) hosts ski jumping for the 87th year during Jumpfest Weekend in Salisbury, CT, drawing some of the best junior jumpers in the East- many with Olympic aspirations.

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SWSA president Ken Barker said “The night time temperatures dropped right after the warm spell and we’ve been making snow ever since.” Barker added “We have two snow guns that produce huge volumes of snow.”

With overnight temperatures remaining low this week SWSA directors will continue snowmaking to add extra cover to the landing hill.

photo credit Jonathan Doster
photo credit Jonathan Doster

“Our biggest problem,” Barker said “is that because there isn’t much snow on the ground out there, people may think that we don’t have any either. Right now, our ski jump facility looks like a big white patch in a otherwise brown world.”

The three-day Jumpfest will include Target-Jumping Under the Lights as well as the Human Dogsled Race, a crowd favorite where five humans pull one human on a sled around a .3 mile course. Teams get very creative with both their costumes and sleds.

photo credit: Jonathan Doster
photo credit: Jonathan Doster

Junior jumpers, many of whom have recently completed in the junior jump camp, will show off their new-found skills as they compete on the 20 and 30 meter hills.

Ice carving will return to the Scoville Memorial Library again this year, but with a new twist. In place of an actual competition, the event will feature multiple-block demonstration pieces by some the areas (and country’s) best carvers that will be sure to impress. To add to the fun, the areas best restaurants will compete in a chili cook-off. At night, Snow Ball revelers can dance to the rock and roll music of Common Folk and Treetop Blues featuring Joe Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult fame.

Schedule of Events

Friday
Nite Lites

6:30 pm- Chili Cook-off
7 pm- Target-Jumping under the lights.
Following jumping- Human Dogsled Race

Saturday

9 am- Nordic Kids 20 and 30 meter competition
11am-noon- practice for Salisbury Invitational ski jumping competition
1pm-3pm- Salisbury Invitational Competition
11am-3pm- Ice Carving Demonstration featuring area’s best carvers, Scoville Memorial Library, free admission
8pm-midnight- Snow Ball, featuring opening band The Common Folk and treetop Blues with Joe Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult fame, at the Lakeville Hose Co., admission: Adults $12, children 12 and under free.

Sunday

Pancake Breakfast at Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance building
11am- Practice 87th Annual Eastern Ski Jumping Championships
1pm- Competition including Junior Olympic hopefuls.

All jumping events held at Satre Hill in Salisbury.
Unless otherwise noted, admission for all events: $10 for adults and children 12 and under are free.

Proceeds from Jumpfest Weekend will fund SWSA’s children’s skiing programs.

For updates and program changes go to www.Jumpfest.org. For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

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February Fun at White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield Hills

The White Memorial Conservation Center, an Environmental Education Center and Nature Museum, is located in the heart of the 4000-acre White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield.

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The Conservation Center operates a Nature Museum with exhibits focusing on the interpretation of local natural history, conservation, and ecology, as well as a Museum Nature Store.
The grounds includes the wildlife sanctuary maintained by the White Memorial Foundation that comprises 4000 acres of fields, water, and woodlands, trails, campground and boating facilities.

In February, White Memorial is planning some exciting programs for children and adults. On Feb. 3 for example, at 1 p.m. learn to paint a winter sunset in watercolor with internationally celebrated botanical artist Betsey Rogers-Knox. Step by step instruction will be offered for all levels for ages 12 and up. The cost is $30 for members and $40 for non-members and pre-registration and payment is required.

The Center is also hosting the 2nd Annual Adult Museum Sleep In: A Sense of Wonder! So, pack your sleeping bag, your love of nature, sense of childlike wonder, and hearty appetite and stake out your floor space in the Museum or the Carriage House Bunk Room and celebrate the life and times of Rachel Carson! Night walks, day walks, and readings by Ilvi Dulac and David Leff, sing-alongs too are all part of the fun. This program is limited to 20 happy campers! All meals provided but BYOB! Members: $70.00 Non-members: $ 90.00. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

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If you are interested in winter wildlife tracking, don’t miss the free walk on Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. with Deneen Bernier to look for clues left behind by animals that tell the story of how they live this time of year.

The Star Party, an astronomy program organized by members of the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club and the Mattatuck Astronomical Society is back on February 15. The topic will focus on our magnetic sun and weather permitting there will be star gazing after the program at 7 p.m. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. You are invited to bring your own telescope or binoculars.

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On February 16, Gerri Griswold leads participants on a winter walk through five ponds to look for animal tracks and listen for birds. This brisk stroll is capped off with hot chocolate and a sweet treat in the A.B. Ceder Room. Meet at the museum at 2 p.m. and head to the trailhead to start this invigorating walk.

White Memorial Foundation is located on 80 White Hall Rd. in Litchfield. For program information call 860-567-0857 or http://www.whitememorialcc.org. For area information http://www.litchfieldhills.com.

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Mattatuck Museum Presents Connecticut Art from the Depression Era Federal Art Project

Beatrice Cuming, Saturday Night New London

The Mattatuck Museum celebrates the opening September 13 of its exhibition Art for Everyone: The Federal Art Project in Connecticut. The exhibition, Art for Everyone, will be on display until February 5, 2013.

During the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt and his administration set up the Federal Arts Project to create jobs. As a result of this project, 173 Connecticut artists created over 5,000 works of art many of which disappeared. The Mattatuck Museum and the Connecticut State Library have been working together to collect and catalogue both known and unknown works.

George Earle, Bridgeport Parking Lot, courtesy of Southbury Training School

Art for Everyone examines art produced for the Federal Art Project in Connecticut. Ralph Boyer, Beatrice Cuming, James Daugherty, George Marinko, Spencer Baird Nichols, Joseph Schork and Cornelia Vetter are among the artists represented in this exhibit of more than 80 works.

This exhibition is the culmination of a multi-year, multi-part project that was instigated in 2007 by the work of Amy Trout, Connecticut River Museum, and draws upon the archives and data base of the Works Progress Administration artists at the Connecticut State Library. This exhibition places the art and artist in the broader context of American artists during the Depression Era.

Ralph Boyer, Westport WPA Art Committee

Visit www.MattatuckMuseum.org or call (203) 753-0381 for more information on all of the museum’s adult and children’s programs, events and exhibits. The Mattatuck Museum is a member of the Connecticut Art Trail, a group of sixteen world-class museums and historic sites (www.arttrail.org). Located at 144 West Main Street, Waterbury, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Free parking is located behind the building on Park Place.

For area information of where to stay, dine and shop visit www.litchfieldhills.com

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Pets, Portraits & Pastries, Gallery Opening at the Woodward House

L to R
Heather Norris, Heather Norris Photography. Lisa Banik, Animals for Life Middlebury. Adele Johnson, The Woodward House.

Bethlehem’s Woodward House, on the Green is calling all canine companions! On Sunday, September 30, from 2-4PM, The Woodward House will host a gallery opening on behalf of Animals For Life. The show in the gallery titled Pets, Portraits & Pastries’ is highlighting the fun photography of dogs by Heather Norris.

Adele Johnson, owner of Woodward House and Heather Norris Photography will be donating all proceeds to Animals for Life generated from this reception. As an example, there is a dog named Molly in need of surgery, living with a foster family and the proceeds from Pets, Portraits & Pastries will go towards Molly’s surgery according to Animals for Life, located in Middlebury, CT.

Heather Norris has carefully mounted over 15 dog portraits. What makes Heather Norris’ portraits pop with pizzazz is her desire to invest time interviewing the dog’s companions. She poses questions such as, If your dog was a person, what car would they drive? What job would they have? What would they wear?’ Such thorough interviews lead to whimsical and amazing portraits such as the black and white feature of ‘Barley’ dressed in a bow tie and top hat positioned with a baby grand piano or Peaches looking white and elderly like she is The Queen of England and Stella, the boxer, who knows her value, what she desires, and is eager to please.

Adele Johnson, owner of the classic 1740’s venue, The Woodward House adores animals. Adele’s love of animals has spanned a lifetime as she has rescued every stray she found and recalls bringing home turtles, kittens, chickens, birds, and snakes. Today, Adele has three dogs: Peaches, Cocoa, and Barley as well as Woodward House’s resident chicken, Duly.

Heather and Adele have each agreed to offer unique promotions to every attendee so that attendees can experience dining at Woodward House and photography sessions with Heather Norris Photography.

The cost of the reception is $20 per person in advance, $25 at the door. Entrance includes a champagne and dessert reception featuring Heather Norris Photography. To confirm attendance for Pets, Portraits and Pastries, call The Woodward House 203-266-6902.

About the Woodward House

4 The Green, Bethlehem, CT 06751.Corner of Rte. 132 and Rte. 61. (203) 266-6902. The historic Woodward House centered in Bethlehem across from The Town Green has been reborn. Four beautiful rooms, each unique can accommodate 50 guests, for intimate to mid-size dining and meetings. The chef’s award winning hand is evident not only in the restaurants artistic entrées, but equally in the incredible desserts. Voted “Best New Restaurant Litchfield County”, CT Magazine, NY Times *** – CT Magazine *** – Hartford Courant ****, Top in Service & Décor, Zagat’s. Open Wed., Thurs., Sun. 5 pm – 8 pm and Fri. & Sat. 5 pm – 9 pm. Closed Mon. & Tues.

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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

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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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