PUMPKIN PATCH at The Shore Line Trolley Museum. October 18, 19, 25, 26, 11 AM to 4 PM.

Take the trolley and children select a little pumpkin to decorate. Toy train layouts, refreshments, and more!

Adults: $8, Seniors: $6, Children $5  203-467-6927,  17 River Street, East Haven, CT.

Thirty-six artists from fifteen different countries were selected to participate in this next outstanding biennial art exhibit Latin Views 2008, which opens on September 19, at 6:00 pm at the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art at the University of Connecticut's Avery Point Campus, located in the Branford House Mansion.   The Latin Views 2008 will be an extraordinary international celebration of art that will be sure to excite and entertain any art lover.  The exhibit will cover narrative, fantasy, myths, prophesies, spectacle, and the ambiguous territory between the real and unreal.  This exhibit is an invitation to the viewer to enter, explore, and immerse himself in the imaginary world of contemporary Latin artists, which is filled with emotions and imagery. The exhibition will occupy the entire gallery creating the ideal atmosphere to showcase these impressive works of art.   The Latins Views 2008 was curated by the directors and advisors of the LNVA jointly with The Griffis Art Center Board of Trustees and overseen by Julia Pavone, Director of The Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art.  The artistic director of Latin Views 2008 is Sharon Griffis, who is also the Director of Griffis Art Center of New London CT and has extensive experience organizing exhibitions throughout Connecticut. Highlighted among the special events of this exhibition is a Panel Discussion organized by the LNVA that will be presented in association with The Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art at the Marine Science Building, University of Connecticut at Avery Point on the following day of the opening reception, September 20, 2008 at 1:30 pm. Since its inception in 2003, the Latin Views exhibits have greatly evolved and have become the leading medium offering international contemporary art to southeastern Connecticut.  The exhibit will run from September 19th to November 2nd, 2008.  The opening reception will be on Friday September 19th, from 6.00 to 8.00 pm and the panel discussion will be on September 20th at 1:30 pm.

Join award-winning local artist Doug Brega for an afternoon presentation and print signing fundraiser.  Hosted by Union Church of Christ in Ludlow, MA. Event begins at 12:30 pm in the church vestry. A reception will follow.  There is no charge for this event and it is open to the public.  For more information please call 413-427-6963. 

Ed Smith, popularly known as "Herbal Ed," will be presenting a lecture and slideshow entitled “Using Herbs to Optimize Physical, Athletic & Sexual Performance.”  Topics include: herbs and super foods that support and enhance physical and athletic performance and endurance; herbs that strengthen and repair muscles, ligaments and tendons; herbs and super foods that enhance sexual health, fertility, performance and stamina. 

This informative lecture and slideshow will be held on Sunday, October 19^th from 3:00-5:30 PM at Tommy K Vitamins located at 54 Research Drive in Stamford, Connecticut. Due to limited seating, advance registration is required by calling Ellen at 203-325-9544.

Tired of feeling excluded because you aren't Southern, Latino, Jewish, or Gay enough? The "Average White Guy Tour" includes everyone (even those not overly white or average!)

The idea of this tour "Why isn't being funny enough?" We named it, "Average White Guy Tour" because shows are now going out do to themes, what if you don't fit the niche? Or don't want to! Come and see humor meant to be enjoyed and understood by all people. Three headliners come together for the best night in comedy allowed by law.

Stan Stankos

Chicago native and now in New York City, Stan is a comic not to be missed. He's a frequent guest on the Bob and Tom radio show. He's heard on both Sirius and XM radio. Quick, clever and topical Stan is one of the best comics out there and a rising comedic talent. Stan performed at the 2007 New York City Underground Comedy Festival to rave reviews.

DJ Hazard

Ten years of Commercial Art, Theater and Rock Bands brought DJ Hazard to the comedy stage. A founding member of the infamous Ding Ho Club (whose members include Steven Wright, Bobcat Goldthwait, Paula Poundstone, Jimmy Tingle, Denis Leary, Lenny Clarke, Brian Kiley and Barry Crimmins) Hazard went on to tour nearly all of North America, achieving near cult status along the way.

Jay Black

In six short years, Jay Black has gone from being a high school teacher to one of America's most accomplished young headliners. In the past year alone, Jay has toured relentlessly, headlining at over 100 colleges as well as the top clubs in country. Jay's fierce stage presence has not gone unnoticed: Campus Activities magazine named Jay their "Reader's Choice for 2008's College Comedian of the Year." Jay made his television debut on Showtime and has followed that up with appearances on Fox Business Channel and A&E. As a writer, Jay has spent the last few years as one of Hollywood's most sought after screenwriters, working on several feature films.

Westport Arts Center presents:

Optomism

Sept. 26 - Nov. 30

An exhibition examining the role of art as a form of political activism. Open to the public.

Gallery Talkback: Wed, Nov. 12, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

WAC Main Gallery

For more information, contact WAC at 203-222-7070, www.westportartscenter.org, or visit the gallery, M-F 10-4; Sat/Sun 12-4 at 51 Riverside Ave., Westport.

Stamford Theatre Works presents Defiance by John Patrick Shanley

Directed by Patricia R. Floyd

Jan. 28 - Feb. 15

Set in 1971 in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, two U.S. Marine officers, one black and one white, are on a collision course over power, responsibility, and an affair with an enlisted man's wife. Performances on Tuesdays though Saturdays at 8 p.m.; matinees Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.; first Sunday and first Tuesday at 7 p.m. Tickets $25 to $43.

Stamford Theatre Works, 200 Strawberry Hill Ave. (campus of Sacred Heart Academy), Stamford.
www.stamfordtheatreworks.org / Box office: 203-359-4414

October 7 - 25 and October 30 - November 1

Westport Country Playhouse stages "Of Mice and Men," a classic drama by John Steinbeck. Tony Award-winning designer Michael Yeargen will be scenic designer, with the legendary Jane Greenwood as costume designer. $30 - $65. For more information and tickets, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or for out-of-town callers toll-free at 888-927-7529, or visit the box office at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, in Westport, CT. Information about the Playhouse is also available at www.westportplayhouse.org.