Tag: news

Winter Wonderland Children’s Ball February 22

Calling all little princes and princesses! Stepping Stones is rolling out the red carpet as the museum transforms into a snow-kissed wonderland for its sixth annual Winter Wonderland Children’s Ball on Saturday, February 22 from 6:00 – 8:30 pm.

Winter wonderland ball. Photo credit: Thomas McGovern
Winter wonderland ball. Photo credit: Thomas McGovern

Children are invited to dress up in their party best for a memorable evening of fun and entertainment. Moms and Dads, sons and daughters will be treated like the princes and princesses that they are as they enjoy a magical wintry celebration featuring dancing and full access to all the exhibits in the museum. Families will enjoy posing for the paparazzi as they arrive, learning ballroom moves from the experts and making wonderful winter crafts.

Winter Ball Photo credit Thomas McGovern
Winter Ball Photo credit Thomas McGovern

Be sure you bring your camera. Photo opportunities abound as we celebrate the magic and wonder of the season amidst a whimsical winter backdrop of a lighted courtyard, a play-sized igloo, a life-sized snow globe, spectacular winter murals, snowflake-adorned galleries and a myriad of snow people. Bring your appetite as well. The Stepping Stones Cafe will be open for purchases of their healthy fare.

Photo Miguel Cruz
Photo Miguel Cruz

Tickets for this unforgettable evening for the whole family cost $10 per person for museum members and $15 per person for non-members. Children under the age of one will be admitted for free. Winter Wonderland Children’s Ball tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Registration is required. Space is limited, so register early. Call 203 899 0606, ext. 264 or visit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org/wonderland. For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

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 LEED Gold certified museum encompasses five hands-on galleries, state-of-the-art Multimedia Gallery, Family and Teacher Resource Center, cafe and retail store. 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.

JanetLeave a comment

Oysters, Pearls of Long Island Sound at the Bruce Museum

Found in estuaries around the world, oysters play a significant role in ecosystems and economies. These bivalve mollusks have sustained Native Americans and created waterside cultures. The Long Island Sound’s native oyster, the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), is a keystone species in the local environment, providing critical habitat and food for many other species, recycling nutrients, cleaning the water as it feeds, and driving an industry. Its value lies in these worthy attributes rather than in its potential for jewels. Like other true oysters, the Eastern oyster rarely produces a pearl. If it does make one, the pearl lacks the lustrous quality of those produced by pearl oysters, which are in a different family.

Eastern Oyster Eastern Oyster Crassostrea virginica Bruce Museum Collection Photo by Paul Mutino
Eastern Oyster
Eastern Oyster
Crassostrea virginica
Bruce Museum Collection Photo by Paul Mutino

The Bruce Museum celebrates the Eastern oyster in the exhibition Oysters, Pearls of Long Island Sound, running through March 23, 2014.

The exhibition will explore the science and history of the Eastern oyster in Long Island Sound, examining how its nutritional and commercial values have made the Eastern oyster a popular commodity for residents along the Sound for eons.

Hassam_Sloop Childe Hassam (American, 1859 – 1935) Oyster Sloop, Cos Cob, 1902 Oil on canvas National Gallery of Art, Washington, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Collection, 1970.17.100
Hassam_Sloop
Childe Hassam (American, 1859 – 1935) Oyster Sloop, Cos Cob, 1902
Oil on canvas
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Collection, 1970.17.100

Native Americans harvested oysters from mile-long natural beds and collected individual oysters that were up to a foot long. By the early 1800s, the natural beds had become depleted and oysters were cultivated on artificial beds.

The oyster industry was a powerful force in the local economy by the end of the 19th century. However, overfishing, pollution, natural disasters, and disease brought about a decline and the industry was seriously threatened through the early to mid-20th century.

In recent years, the oyster trade has experienced resurgence as a result of improved aquaculture techniques and oysters’ popularity among food connoisseurs who enjoy their distinctive flavor, which varies with each local environment.

Organized with the assistance of scientists and historians and developed in cooperation with the Town of Greenwich Shellfish Commission, Oysters, Pearls of Long Island Sound features hands-on, interactive displays, videos, specimens of bivalves from around the world, and historical objects that appeal to all ages. Objects from the Bruce Museum collection are supplemented by loans of shells, oystering tools, food-related items, and boat models from local collectors including oysterman Norm Bloom and institutions such as the Yale Peabody Museum, Rowayton Historical Society, National Gallery of Art, Grand Central Oyster Bar, and Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s Milford Laboratory.

Complementing the exhibition will be a science lecture series in the fall and a history lecture series in the winter in addition to a variety of programs suitable for all ages.

About the Bruce Museum

Explore Art and Science at the Bruce Museum, located at One Museum Drive in Greenwich, Connecticut. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm; closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for students up to 22 years, $6 for seniors and free for members and children under 5 years. Individual admission is free on Tuesday. Free on-site parking is available and the Museum is accessible to individuals with disabilities. For additional information, call the Bruce Museum at (203) 869-0376 or visit the website at www.brucemuseum.org. For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

JanetLeave a comment

Celebrate 375 Years in Fairfield at the Museum and History Center

This year, Fairfield Connecticut is celebrating 375 years of culture and history. The Fairfield Museum and History Center has put together a special exhibit to celebrate Fairfield’s musical heritage. This exhibition will take place through April 28, 2014.

RockinTopTen_Web

This exhibition features the top ten performers in the region who were active 25 years ago or more. Musician and music historian Chris Frantz, drummer for the Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club, is the guest curator. The exhibit opened with the Museum After Dark series and a roundtable discussion with some of Fairfield’s most talented performers, hosted by Chris Frantz. Explore the history of this region’s rich musical heritage through lectures, performances, and a film series presented with local community partner Fairfield Theatre Company.

Fairfield’s Rockin’ Top Ten celebrates 10 musicians who have helped create our community’s musical legacy. The exhibition will feature rare photographs, music videos and iconic artifacts from a diverse list of artists, including: Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson, The Remains, Leonard Bernstein, David Brubeck, Jose Feliciano, Chris Frantz & Tina Weymouth, Richard Rodgers, Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards, Keith Richards and Donna Summer.

On January 29, the Fairfield Theatre Company and the Fairfield Museum and History Center present Chris and Tina’s all Stars, a concert and wine tasting celebration that will be held at the museum starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $95 per person, available online http://fairfieldtheatre.org/shows/chris-and-tinas-all-stars
Hosted by Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth and featuring performances by Caravan of Thieves, Mystic Bowie and The Zambonis.

On February 23, at 2:30 p.m. there is an adult lecture called Home of the Happy Dancers: The Story of Bridgeport’s Ritz Ballroom with author Jeffrey Williams. This lecture will focus on the roaring twenties to the rockin’ sixties, when the Ritz was one of New England’s foremost dance palaces and offered a respite for people who danced their cares away. The cost of the lecture is $5 for non-members and members free.

The Fairfield Museum is located on 370 Beach Street in Fairfield. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. For additional information www.fairfieldhistory.org. For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

JanetLeave a comment

Learn the Most Embarrassing Things about George Washington Through Improv

On a one dollar bill, George Washington may appear to be an imposing figure, but did you know that he, too, was embarrassing sometimes? Join the Litchfield Historical Society in welcoming Christina Frei on Wednesday, January 8 at 3:00 pm as we explore the Top 10 Most Embarrassing Things about George Washington!

georgewashington

No need to sit in front of a screen on this half-day—using games, magic, and comedy improvisation, participants will learn all about our first president. Through this funny and interactive program, your kids will learn all sorts of new and embarrassing historical facts to share at the dinner table. No stage experience is necessary!

Christina Frei is a motivational youth speaker and performer from Connecticut. She uses stories about the Founding Fathers and their “Revolutionary thinking” to turn children into confident leaders. A master at storytelling, Frei has also written a book, 5 Rockstars of the American Revolution: Surprising Stories and Big Life Lessons of the Founding Fathers. She has been featured on the History Channel, the Today Show, and NBC News.

This event is open to kids ages 9 and up, and is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Registration is required—please register by Monday, January 6 for this event by calling (860) 567-4501 or emailing registration@litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org.

The Litchfield History Museum is located at 7 South Street, Litchfield, CT. For more information about this or other programs, please call (860) 567-4501 or see www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org. For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

JanetLeave a comment

Stepping Stones Museum for Children Announces 2014 Around the World Program

Exposure to the world’s diverse cultures and customs provides priceless educational opportunities for our children. Through the Stepping Stone Museum for Children’s highly popular and award-winning Around the World programming, families can explore the world without leaving Norwalk through cultural programs brought to life.

L-ATW-Generic

The Stepping Stones Museum for Children is proud to announce the 12 Around the World “destinations” selected for each month of 2014. Frequent Around the World participants will be able to achieve “World Traveler” status and attend an exclusive end-of-the-year event in December 2014.

Since 2009, Stepping Stones has been transporting children and parents to 12 different parts of the world each year. Each month, museum guests get an extensive look at a different country’s customs through their engaging, interactive Around the World Performance Series events featuring youth performers and professional artists and musicians and their Around the World Creative Kids offering hands-on cultural craft activities.

Throughout the month, the designated country is represented on the museum’s walls with a map display and travel guide, in the Multimedia Gallery with a short film and interactive digital media floor games broadcast at various times each day and in the Family and Teacher Resource Center with the Around the World Bookshelf offering children’s books about the featured country. School vacation weeks are dedicated to Around the World programs and include special crafts, story times and activities.

From the program’s inception, participants have been receiving a keepsake Around the World “passport” that is stamped to keep track of each destination they have “visited.” Stepping Stones registers each child’s passport to keep track of his or her participation. If a child “visits” at least 6 countries during the year, he or she will receive “World Traveler” status and will be invited to the special World Travelers’ event in December 2014.

Experiencing the world’s diverse cultures can be enriching and rewarding. Below is the 2014 roster of countries that will be “explored” at the Stepping Stones Museum for Children located on 303 West Avenue, exit 14N or 15S off I-95 in Norwalk. Museum hours are Labor Day through Memorial Day, Tuesday—Sunday and holiday Mondays from 10 am-5pm; and Memorial Day through Labor Day, Monday-Sunday from 10 am-5 pm. Admission is $15 for adults and children and $10 for seniors. Children under 1 are free. To learn more, call 203 899 0606 or visit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org

2014 Around The World Performance Series Schedule:

January 18, 2014
Ballet Los Pampas – Argentina

February 15, 2014
Soro Bindi – Ghana

March 8, 2014
Inca Son – Peru

April 19, 2014
Kahana Hula – Samoa

May 3, 2014
Rossijanochka Folk Dance Troupe – Russia

June 21, 2014
Didgequest – Australia

July 26, 2014
Music and Dance of the Scottish Highlands – Scotland
August 16, 2014
Surcari – Chile

September (Date TBA)
Greek Mythology – Greece

October 25, 2014
The Catskill Puppet Theater presents The Lion’s Whiskers – Ethiopia

November 8, 2014
Shane Long – United States (Native Americans)

December 13, 2014
ABBA Girlz – Sweden

JanetLeave a comment

First Night Danbury

First Night Danbury 2013-2014, presented by Family & Children’s Aid and CityCenter Danbury, will salute the “Young at Heart.” Enjoying its 24th year as CityCenter downtown’s family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration, First Night takes place on New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, December 31st, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in Danbury downtown venues, all within easy walking distance. The highly anticipated event, often shared by three or four generations of family and friends who’ve been attending since 1989 from throughout the Housatonic Valley and beyond, annually provides everyone a chance to close out a year and begin anew, with community enthusiasm and lots of surprises

get-attachment-1

First Night will offer more than 30 entertainments and activities over its youthful and high-spirited 4 hours. A Vaudeville at the Palace Danbury traditionally anchors the evening, this year starring ventriloquist Kenny Warren & his “smarty pants” sidekick Leroy Cool. Seen on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” this extraordinary vocal illusionist has been one of the best known opening acts for many of America’s leading headline performers, including Jerry Seinfeld, Rosie O’Donnell, Richard Pryor, Robert Klein and Rodney Dangerfield. Of course, Leroy Cool is no slouch either. He’s always by Kenny’s side. They will be joined on the stage of Danbury’s 1928 vaudeville house by Connecticut’s newest improv group, A Work in Progress, and the jaw-dropping stunts of LuckyBob. Music, Variety, Children’s Activities, Arts & Crafts, Novelties & Exhibitions are planned for every age group, every interest, and every entertainment. There’s Magic, Giant Puppets, Storytelling, Ice Sculpting, special workshops with the Danbury Whalers hockey team, and much more.
Other artists, activities and participants include: Teen rock band Marmalade Sky, two DJ’s, Dave Wonsey’s Drum Circle, the Easton Banjo Society, the New Hope Mass Choir, and 8-year-old aspiring engineer Leo Luning. Food Truck fare on Liberty Street will keep First Night revelers merry and warm! And don’t forget to join everyone for the “Young at Heart” FINALE at 7:30pm on Library Plaza with carols and line dancing led by DJ Jim Fairchild, Linda Peck Juggling, Mortal Beasts & Deities Stilts & Large Puppets, Ice Matters’ Sculptures, and Hot Cider & Cookies courtesy of Danbury Parking Authority.

First Night buttons, perfect gifts for family, friends, neighbors, business colleagues and stocking stuffing, cost $10 – the price of a movie ticket! – or $8 (a discount of $2 each) if you purchase 20 or more. They are currently available Monday through Friday 10:00am to 5pm – and on Saturday, December 21st and Saturday, December 28th from noon to 3:00pm – at the CityCenter offices, 187 Main Street. Buttons in bulk (20 or more) can also be purchased through special arrangement outside of regular business hours. Look for buttons on sale at local outlets, including Union Savings Bank locations in Danbury, Bethel, Brookfield and New Fairfield; Savings Bank of Danbury locations in Danbury, Bethel, Brookfield, Newtown, New Fairfield, and New Milford; Patriot Parking Garage, Danbury; Danbury Library; Danbury Museum & Historical Society; Appearances Hair Salon, New Milford; and The Sweet Spot, New Milford. You can also purchase First Night buttons through PayPal by visiting www.citycenterdanbury.com For information, call (203) 792 1711.

get-attachment-4

First Night will offer more than 30 entertainments and activities over its youthful and high-spirited 4 hours. A Vaudeville at the Palace Danbury traditionally anchors the evening, this year starring ventriloquist Kenny Warren & his “smarty pants” sidekick Leroy Cool. Seen on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” this extraordinary vocal illusionist has been one of the best known opening acts for many of America’s leading headline performers, including Jerry Seinfeld, Rosie O’Donnell, Richard Pryor, Robert Klein and Rodney Dangerfield. Of course, Leroy Cool is no slouch either. He’s always by Kenny’s side. They will be joined on the stage of Danbury’s 1928 vaudeville house by Connecticut’s newest improv group, A Work in Progress, and the jaw-dropping stunts of LuckyBob. Music, Variety, Children’s Activities, Arts & Crafts, Novelties & Exhibitions are planned for every age group, every interest, and every entertainment. There’s Magic, Giant Puppets, Storytelling, Ice Sculpting, special workshops with the Danbury Whalers hockey team, and much more.
Other artists, activities and participants include: Teen rock band Marmalade Sky, two DJ’s, Dave Wonsey’s Drum Circle, the Easton Banjo Society, the New Hope Mass Choir, and 8-year-old aspiring engineer Leo Luning. Food Truck fare on Liberty Street will keep First Night revelers merry and warm! And don’t forget to join everyone for the “Young at Heart” FINALE at 7:30pm on Library Plaza with carols and line dancing led by DJ Jim Fairchild, Linda Peck Juggling, Mortal Beasts & Deities Stilts & Large Puppets, Ice Matters’ Sculptures, and Hot Cider & Cookies courtesy of Danbury Parking Authority.

First Night buttons, perfect gifts for family, friends, neighbors, business colleagues and stocking stuffing, cost $10 – the price of a movie ticket! – or $8 (a discount of $2 each) if you purchase 20 or more. They are currently available Monday through Friday 10:00am to 5pm – and on Saturday, December 21st and Saturday, December 28th from noon to 3:00pm – at the CityCenter offices, 187 Main Street. Buttons in bulk (20 or more) can also be purchased through special arrangement outside of regular business hours. Look for buttons on sale at local outlets, including Union Savings Bank locations in Danbury, Bethel, Brookfield and New Fairfield; Savings Bank of Danbury locations in Danbury, Bethel, Brookfield, Newtown, New Fairfield, and New Milford; Patriot Parking Garage, Danbury; Danbury Library; Danbury Museum & Historical Society; Appearances Hair Salon, New Milford; and The Sweet Spot, New Milford. You can also purchase First Night buttons through PayPal by visiting www.citycenterdanbury.com For information, call (203) 792 1711.

get-attachment-2

First Night Venues & Performers
Artist bios and other program information are listed under the host site chronologically so that when you visit, you may check out what’s happening there all in one place.
DANBURY ARENA 1Independence Way
Kids’ Crafts with Kerri LuBell (NY)
4:00 – 7:00pm
Go creative! Kerri’s clever arts and crafts creations have always insured that a child of any age goes home with playful memories… and a keepsake souvenir.

Danbury Whalers Workshops (CT)
4:30 – 5:15pm & 6:00 – 6:45pm
Danbury’s own Federal Hockey League Champion Danbury Whalers, based at the Danbury Ice Arena, invite you into their home-on-ice for a whirlwind introduction to what they do best – Skate! Their name comes from the Hartford Whalers who were a professional ice hockey team based in Connecticut and played in Hartford from 1975-1997 before relocating to North Carolina.

Public Skate (discount with button)
5:00 – 7:00pm
Admission is only $3 for everyone with a First Night button. If you don’t have your own skates, you can rent a pair for $4. Get on the ice tonight!

DANBURY LIBRARY 170 Main Street
Coconuts (CT)
4:00 – 5:15pm on the Main Level
A family-friendly music and comedy show that will have you laughing, clapping and singing along to the music of The Beatles, Four Seasons, Neil Diamond and lots of other classics. You’ll also hear hilarious parodies of some of your favorite songs. The band you won’t forget.

Marty the Magician with Lee Winters (NY)
4:00 – 7:00pm in the Farioly Room
Marty joins First Night Danbury with a decade with us under his top hat. A popular fixture on New Year’s Eve, his prestidigitation entertains children of all ages with a personal flair! He is past president of the Danbury Top Hatters Society of American Magicians. Kid Magician Lee Winters is a 2nd Place Winner at The Tannen’s Magic Camp.

Ice Matters (CT)
4:00 – 8:00pm on Library Plaza
A First Night staple, this award wnning ice carving company always captures First Night’s theme with artistry and good humor. A National Ice Carving Champion, owner Bill Covitz began his career as a graduating chef from the Culinary Institute of America. He now spends some of his time creating ice instruments on the mountaintops of Norway.

The Storycrafters (NY)
5:45 – 6:30pm & 6:45 – 7:30pm on the Main Level
Jeri Burns and Barry Marshall have been working together as The Storycrafters since 1991. Their natural, energetic style has been featured in major festivals, schools and libraries in the US, Europe, and the West Indies. With awards from Parents Choice, The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio and Storytelling World, they specialize in original retellings and modern renditions of world folklore – crafted with pizzazz!

DJ Jim Fairchild (CT)
6:00 – 8:00pm on Library Plaza
Jim has been packing dance floors for nearly 30 years for a laundry list of Who’s Who. His clients have included Adam Yauch of The Beastie Boys, Sally Jesse Raphael & Michael Bolton, plus many others in the public’s eye. Jim is one of the top DJ Entertainers in our region.

Mortal Beasts & Deities (CT)
6:00 – 8:00pm wandering Main Street beginning at Library Plaza. Parade with them back to Library Plaza for the closing gathering at 7:30pm
Mortal Beasts & Deities, led by Mark Alexander of northwestern Connecticut,
has been creating Controlled Mayhem and Earnest Frivolity with their Larger Than Life Puppets and Splendiferous Stilt Dancers around the United States and Internationally since 1996. Look for a Flock of Doves!

Linda Peck (MA)
6:30 – 8:00pm on Library Plaza
Linda Peck will light up the night for First Night Danbury as Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” Her moving muse “has audiences spellbound” as she spins an orb on a parasol, all the while standing on a golden globe There may even be a meteor shower of light as Linda swings and juggles fire.
“Young at Heart” Finale
7:30 – 8:15pm on Library Plaza
Featuring DJ Jim Fairchild, Linda Peck, Mortal Beasts & Deities, Ice Matters, and Hot Cider and Cookies courtesy of the Danbury Parking Authority.

DANBURY MUSIC CENTRE 256 Main Street
Dave Wonsey (CT)
4:00 – 5:00pm
Dave has facilitated Synergy Drum Circles since 1996. Dave became a World Champion drummer at the age of 16. In a career that has him to Carnegie Hall at the Cathefral of St. John the Divine, he covers a variety of styles including Jazz & Rock, Orchestral Percussion & World Percussion… even Snare Drum for Bagpipe Bands. His communal Drum Circles always are an uplifting jam. Just show up and play, hard and loud.

Masque Theatre (CT)
5:30 – 6:15pm & 6:45 – 7:30pm
Masque Theatre’s Larry Hunt is an actor, director, mask maker, and educator. He has performed throughout most of the United States, Canada, China, Japan, Australia, Poland, Denmark, Finland, Israel, Bulgaria, Serbia, Czech Republic and more. Since 1980, Larry has produced and performed his own original theater works that combine historical mask traditions with innovative approaches to body movement and improvisation.

PALACE DANBURY 165 Main Street
Easton Banjo Society (CT)
4:00 – 4:30 pm, 5:00 – 5:30pm & 6:00 – 6:30pm in the Lobby
Entertaining audiences of all ages for over half a century since founded in Easton, CT in 1957, the group serves up an unique American sound, drawn mainly from the mid-1800’s to the easily 1930’s, with banjos, sousaphone, drums, and washboard.

Kenny Wilson & Leroy Cool (NY)
Vaudevilles: 4:30 – 5:15pm; 5:30 – 6:15pm; 6:30 – 7:15pm
Seen on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” vocal illusionist extraordinaire Kenny Warren has been one of the best known opening acts for many of America’s leading headline performers, including Jerry Seinfeld, Rosie O’Donnell, Richard Pryor, Robert Klein and Rodney Dangerfield. Of course, Leroy Cool is no slouch either. He’s always by Kenny’s side. The team’s comic antics will headline the Palace Danbury vaudeville with A Work in Progress and LuckyBob.

A Work in Progress (CT)
Vaudevilles: 4:30 – 5:15pm; 5:30 – 6:15pm; 6:30 – 7:15p
Connecticut’s newest improv group serving Fairfield County and based out of A Common Ground right here in the heart of downtown Danbury. Members include founder James Diamond, improv veterans Andree Lambertson and Christopher Dube, and newcomer and rising star Ryan Cummins. Together they have over 40 years of combined improv experience.

LuckyBob (MA)
Vaudevilles: 4:30 – 5:15pm; 5:30 – 6:15pm; 6:30 – 7-15pm
LuckyBob is perfect blend of magic, juggling and comedy. From beginning to end, LuckyBob’s superb skill and affable personality will entertain, mystify and keep you wanting more. High-Energy, Jaw-Dropping Stunts and the wit of a seasoned comedian, LuckyBob proves he can do anything with his uncanny juggling skills.

ST. JAMES’ CHURCH 25 West Street
Linda Parker (CT)
4:00 – 4:45pm
Ms. Parker has sung at St. James Church for many years, performs with the Danbury Chorus, St. John’s Chorale in Washington CT, and at New Milford Fair Days. Her repertoire includes classical and sacred works as as pieces from the legenday Broadway songbook. A 2012 First Place winner of the National Association of Teachers of Singing award, Linda is currently a member of the Waterbury Chorale.

New Hope Mass Choir (CT)
5:15 – 6:00pm
The New Hope Baptist Church Mass Choir (Reverend LeRoy G. Parker) was formed in 2003. With their mission to spread the “good news,” The choir has had a long history of serving the Greater Danbury community and many other cities inside and outside of New Hope’s entire music ministry is comprised of the mass choir, the male chorus, the Praise Team, the Youth Choir and the Sounds of Joy children’s choir. The choirs are under the musical direction of Minister of Music Brother Jonathan Hill and choir director Sister Corean Strong.

Mad Hatters Barbershop Chorus (CT)
6:30 – 7:15pm
A non-profit fraternal organization the Mad Hatters are affiliated with the 24,000 member Barbershop Harmony Society. Since 1966, Danbury’s popular a cappella troupe has promoted in song one of the city’s historic industries, singing four-part harmony in the ” barbershop style,” featuring a rich repertoire of love songs, movie and Broadway Show tunes, folk, doo-wop, patriotic and 19th century vaudeville melodies.

UNION SAVINGS BANK AT THE GALLERIA 225 Main Street
DJ/MC Man-u-iLL (CT)
4:00 – 7:30pm
Considered among Hip-Hop’s best, Man-u-iLL was discovered as the proprietor of iLL iNK Graphic & Printing Services on Main Street. “Music is a reflection of life, opinions, thoughts, and feelings… Words are power and my aim is to spark brain cells and move hearts.”

Portuguese Traditional Games (CT)
4:00 – 7:30pm
Always welcomed at First Night and CityCenter events throughout the season, this group demonstrates the key components of games: goals, rules, challenges, and interaction. For the past 15 years under mentor Antonio Heitor, this group of young people find that the best feeling of all is when the older crowd expresses their memories of playing the same games.

Masque Theatre Istallation (CT)
4:00 – 7:30pm
A cascade of Larry Hunt’s exquisitely handcrafted and evocative masks.

HEIRLOOM ARTS THEATRE 155 Main Street at the end of Palace Walk
Marmalade Sky (CT)
4:45 – 5:30pm, 6:00 – 6:45pm
Jason, Josh and Ben – friends for over 10 years – started jamming together at Band Camp three years ago, where they met drummer Max. The boys were later joined by Amber on vocals. Marmalade Sky has been rocking crowds throughout CT & NY, winning the Ridgefield BandJam competitions in 2012 & 2013. Audiences are wowed by the professional quality music, spot-on covers & remarkable originals. Most importantly, the band has fun!

ESCAPE TO THE ARTS 293 Main Street
Craft Projects
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Fun new craft! Create and take home your own miniature yarn doll. Face painting will also be available.

Gallery Exhibition: For Emilie
5:00 – 7:00 pm
View exhibit of colorful paintings created by artists of all ages in honor of former ESCAPE student and Sandy Hook victim Emilie Parker.

PLAY N TRADE 147 Main Street
4:00 – 7:30pm
Video gaming (discount with button)

CULTURAL ALLIANCE OF WESTERN CT @287 287 Main Street
BlueBossa (CT)
4:30 – 7:00pm
This Danbury-based group plays bossa nova, Latin jazz, samba from Rio and folkloric traditional songs. The group featuresTom Wolff on guitar and flute, Colin Mayo on guitar, João Nunes vocals, Fernanda Franco vocals, Keith McDade on bass, and Jake Habegger on drums. A great way to celebrate Danbury’s rich Brazilian history.

DANBURY INNOVATION CENTER 158 Main Street
4:00 – 7:30pm
The Danbury Innovation Center, newly opening, will be the home of the Danbury Hackerspace, Western Connecticut Score, and will be a co-working and event space. Guest innovator is Leo Luning, a third-grader at Hudson Country Montessori School. His favorite activities are those where he can express his creativity using things he has learned about the world. Inspired by seeing a 3-D printer at Danbury’s First Night last year, Leo not only wanted to use one, but built a 3-D printer himself!

JanetLeave a comment