Solve infectious disease mysteries by examining interactive patients, analyzing lab tests and identifying culprit microbes. Running Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m. through Jan. 31.

Sea Tea Improv and City Steam Brewery Café Launch Monthly Evening of Beer and Belly Laughs: “Second City Steam”

HARTFORD, CT--  Local improvisational theater troupe Sea Tea Improv has partnered with City Steam Brewery Café to create a monthly evening of off-the-cuff theatrical comedy.  The performance series, named “Second City Steam” after Chicago’s world-famous theater and training center, will launch on October 4^th at 7 PM at City Steam and recur monthly.  Admission is free to the public and City Steam’s full restaurant menu and service will be available. 

The eight members of Sea Tea Improv met through the Hartford Stage Studio training program last summer.  After a year of workshops and performances, Sea Tea Improv began rehearsing and performing independently.  Sea Tea Improv is not formally affiliated with the Hartford Stage but is a product of its rigorous training and esteemed background.   

Sea Tea Improv began its relationship with City Steam almost one year ago, when City Steam Brewery became the informal post-class meeting location.  Students discussed class over a Naughty Nurse, audience members shared a pint with players after a performance, and the formal formation of the company took place at City Steam.  Managers generously allowed Sea Tea Improv to rehearse in the Richardson Room on a regular basis, turning a social spot into a place for artistic discovery and refinement.  On July 19^th, Sea Tea Improv hosted its first City Steam Improv show in the Richardson Room.  On a quiet Sunday evening in downtown Hartford, more than 50 guests cheered on a 90-minute performance.  

"Improv," or improvisational theater, is any type of theater created in the moment and without the benefit of script or set staging.   Over the last thirty years, improv has burst into mainstream popular culture through television’s hit show WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY and institutions like SECOND CITY (which launched the careers of actors John Belushi, Mike Myers, and Bill Murray). 

Following the October 4^th performance, Sea Tea Improv plans to invite other improv troupes and their followers to participate in comedy shows at City Steam.  Since its inception, Sea Tea Improv has been dedicated to fostering improv through performance and building grassroots support and awareness throughout the Connecticut community.  The ensemble has developed friendly relationships with a number other performance groups in the area.  Sea Tea Improv created and manages an online improv community through Facebook called “CT Improv” to encourage communication and growth within the Connecticut theater scene.  Within a few short months, “CT Improv” has become a hub of information and an excellent resource for its almost 300 members.

City Steam Brewery Café is a 15 barrel brew house, located at 942 Main Street in downtown Hartford.  Brewmaster Ron Page hand crafts up to 12 styles of ales and lagers at a time and rotates them seasonally. The casually priced classic brew house menu with new world touches provides a menu for everyone's tastes. The award winning Brew Ha Ha Comedy Club is Thursday and Friday at 8, and Saturday at 7 and 10 p.m. City Steam plays free classic movies on Mondays and hosts a DJ on weekend evenings with no cover.

“Second City Steam” will kick off on Sunday, October 4^th at 7:00 PM.  Future dates have not yet been announced but shows will run approximately once a month.  For more information visit www.seateaimprov.com, www.citysteambrewerycafe.com, or become a fan of Sea Tea, City Steam, or CT Improv on facebook.  If you’d like to hear a human voice please call Julia Pistell at (908) 418-7357.  She can provide information about Sea Tea and City Steam, and promises to laugh at your jokes and remember your name.

Hunt Hill Farm invites you to “A Home Town Holiday” at The Silo Gallery, the theme of this year’s 37^th annual Christmas tree beginning Saturday November 7^th, at 44 Upland Road, New Milford, CT.  View the 27 ft. towering tree decorated with hand-crafted wooden ornaments by folk artist Joy Gaiser.  Adorning the tree are 21 well-known New Milford buildings, over 40 snow-capped pine trees and a moon with the silhouette of Santa and his eight reindeer at the top.  Gaiser’s garland of festive picket fences and snowflakes made by 4^th graders at Sarah Noble Intermediate School add the finishing touches to this spectacular tree!  The New Talent Gallery will feature artist Diana Luscombe for a second year, displaying her “Healing Strokes” paintings and a new line of note cards.  Silo tastings from The Silo Cooking School will be served throughout the exhibit’s opening day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Joy Gaiser and her father started “Handmade by Dad and Me” in 1985 consisting mostly of Christmas ornaments, wooden jewelry, birdhouses, home decorations and historic buildings of New Milford.  After her father passed away in 1997, Joy’s husband John took over the task of cutting the wood, formerly her father’s job, so the business could continue and renamed it “Dad and Me Too”.  The husband and wife team with the help of their daughter and Joy's sister worked over a year to complete the ornaments in time for this year’s show.  Over 200 additional ornaments and decorations made by the artist will be for sale in The New Talent Gallery.

Diana Luscombe’s acrylic paintings continue to be inspired by scenes from nature.  Her study on birds has progressed with more sensitivity to detail compared with last year's paintings which were derived primarily from memory and imagination.  After a serious car accident over two years ago resulted in Diana being paralyzed, painting became an emotional release for her.  She is having fun with her new endeavor and is amazed at what flows from her paintbrush!  Prior to the accident, being an artist had never crossed her mind.  The gift of painting, Diana says is “an emotional and spiritual place for me to heal and let go because it’s peaceful.”   It also is much needed “me time” for the painter who is married with two young children, all who are extremely supportive of her efforts.  “Hannah is my biggest fan!  With Cole, I just have to keep his fingers out of the paint!”  Donations from her “Healing Strokes” exhibit will go towards a handicap accessible van for Diana.

This holiday season, plan on spending some extra time on the farm to see all that The Henderson Cultural Center has to offer.  Find your traditional Silo favorites like Marzipan Stolen and Holly Berry Wreaths under the tree.  View a slice of Skitch’s life touring The Skitch Henderson Museum.  Stop by The Silo Cooking School to register for a holiday cooking class including; Gingerbread House Making, Rick Rodgers’ Thanksgiving Bash, Christmas Cookie Workshops for all ages and more!  A Home Town Holiday is free and open to the public.  Hunt Hill Farm hours are Wed. through Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday’s noon to 5 p.m.  For more information, please call Valerie Culbertson, Silo Gallery Director at (860) 355-0300 or visit their website www.hunthillfarmtrust.org. 

Stanwyck Cromwell

Journey (2):  A Renewed Consciousness

Downtown Library, 3rd Floor

November 6, 2009-January 15, 2010

Artist Reception November 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter

A Goodspeed Christmas

As Christmas approaches the world of Frogtown Hollow, Emmet Otter and his Ma can only dream of buying each other gifts.  So when a Christmas Eve talent contest is announced, both secretly enter hoping to win the prize money.  In a heartwarming twist on “The Gift of the Magi”, Emmet and Ma risk all they have and end up with the greatest grand prize of all.  Featuring a lovable mix of actors, puppet characters from The Jim Henson Company, and a toe-tapping score, it’s a classic holiday musical for all ages!

Goodspeed Musicals

6 Main Street

PO Box A       

East Haddam, CT 06423

860.873.8668

www.goodspeed.org

Bonus Days for Kids: Child ticket only $25 with purchase of adult ticket for performances on Wednesday, Dec. 9, and Thursday, Dec. 10.

Constitution Plaza in Downtown Hartford will soon dazzle with more than a quarter-of-a-million tiny LED lights. Experience the magical illumination during the Opening Ceremony of the Hartford Festival of Light®. On Friday, Nov. 27 at 5:30pm, this annual holiday tradition marks its 46th anniversary. Since 1963, the event has drawn together thousands of area residents to officially kick off the season that celebrates community, family, and the magic of the holiday. The true spirit of the holiday will be experienced by all during this festive celebration.

The Hartford Festival of Light® ceremony, geared for all ages, will be co-emceed by WDRC personality Brad Davis and 96.5 WTIC’s Damon Scott, along with a special guest appearance by a Fox 61 personality. Headlining this year is a live performance by Connie Talbot, the eight year old singing sensation from Britain’s Got Talent™. Attendees will be able to see the actual tree lighting, as well as the festivities being projected onto a large sail on the plaza, which allow visitors to stroll and enjoy the events taking place. Special guest performers including the Hartford Children’s Theatre will delight with holiday dance and music and you may also catch a sneak peak of Santa’s travel as he makes his way to Hartford to help light the tree. Once the man in the big red suit arrives, he will greet children and lead them in song to magically light the tree together.

Pre-show activities include:
• A Children’s Lantern Parade, marshaled by Tiny Tim from the Hartford Stage’s production of A Christmas Carol, will process from the Connecticut Science Center to Constitution Plaza at 4:45pm;
• A reading of If I Had a Magic Carpet III: Haunted Holidays by Rhode Island-based author Laura Clarizio at the Old State House at 3:00pm;
• The Nutmeg Ballet will perform a free vignette from its 2009 production of The Nutcracker; 
• All events taking place Constitution Plaza, unless otherwise indicated.

Once again this year, the festival also serves as a major toy drive for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots™ program. The toy drive is expected to collect thousands of toys during the festival’s duration to benefit children in need throughout the state of Connecticut. In the spirit of holiday giving, festival attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the opening ceremony on Constitution Plaza, during special festival weekend events, or at satellite toy collection locations.  Constitution Plaza Garages and State House Square Garages will offer free parking during the Opening Ceremony with the donation of a toy or $5.

Following the opening ceremony, attendees are invited to stroll down to State House Square, where hungry folks can warm up in the State House Square food court & nibble on treats and drinks served by vendors, including New Haven’s The Cupcake Truck™.  Take a free tour of the Old State House, celebrate with costumed re-enactors, and join in a caroling session.

Following the opening ceremony festivities, guests can visit Constitution Plaza for “Santa Saturdays,” on Sat. 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, and 12/19. Families and children can enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus in the State House Square Atrium before or after taking in the holiday music and lights across the plaza. Kids can help Santa this year by bringing him a toy for Toys for Tots to help a child in need. Santa Saturdays will also feature different activities each weekend, such as an ice carving demonstration, a visit from the Bob’s Discount Furniture Outreach Truck and free laminated child I.D. cards. Check LetsGoArts.org/HFOL for dates/times.

New to this season’s festival is a storefront decorating contest. Local merchants will be decking their halls in hopes that YOU will vote for them online. Stay tuned online for details: LetsGoArts.org/HFOL.

“With just over a month left, we are getting very excited to ring in the holiday spirit,” said Kate Bolduc, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Hartford Arts Council.  “Alongside our title partners, Capital Properties, Connecticut Light & Power, Mohegan Sun, and United Technologies we’re proud to welcome guests from near and far, and hope everyone will come downtown in the evening or on a Saturday at least once to experience the festival’s magic.”

More details about the Hartford Festival of Light® can be found at LetsGoArts.org/HartfordFestivalofLight or by calling the Greater Hartford Arts Council at 860-525-8629.

The Hartford Festival of Light® is made possible through the generosity of sponsors throughout the region.  To date, Title Sponsors include Capital Properties, Connecticut Light & Power, Mohegan Sun, and United Technologies. Platinum Sponsors: Allied Printing Services, Inc., READCO LLC Gold Sponsors: Hartford Business Improvement District, XL Insurance. Silver Sponsors: Dunkin Donuts, Robinson & Cole LLP, Trantolo & Trantolo, UCONN School of Business. We are proud to partner with Fox61 for media on this event. Special thanks to AAO Music, the City of Hartford, to E.D.P. Wiring, and to the Charlie Company 1st Battalion 25th Marine Regiment.

* * *

The Greater Hartford Arts Council enlivens the spirit and economy of Connecticut’s Capital Region by planning, promoting and raising funds for cultural programs that are building one of our nation’s most vibrant communities.  It is the largest independent arts council in New England, one of the top 10 United Arts fund in the country, and a national leader in diversified services and cultural promotions.  The Greater Hartford Arts Council has raised and invested $58 million for the arts over 38 years, helping to rank Greater Hartford in the top 6 percent of metropolitan areas in North America for its arts and culture.  More information about the Greater Hartford Arts Council may be found at LetsGoArts.org. For a full list of Holiday events, visit LetsGoArts.org/Calendar.
 

 Hartford — The Clare Gallery is pleased to present A Prophet’s Ink: Drawings by Brian Kavanagh, Catholic Worker Artist. The exhibition is free and open to the public and extends from November 19, 2009 to January 26, 2010. A reception and panel discussion will be held on Tuesday, January 26th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The panel will include the artist Brian Kavanagh; his agent Stephen Kobasa, writer on the arts for the New Haven Advocate, New Haven Independent, and Big, Red and Shiny: An Arts Web Journal;Jackie Allen-Doucot, activist and artist, of the Hartford Catholic Worker; and Father John Baptist Pesce, C.P., Passionist priest from Holy Family Monastery.

For over fourteen years Brian Kavanagh’s work has graced the pages of the Hartford Catholic Worker newsletter, reflecting the tradition of Christian pacifism and solidarity with the poor. Therefore, his artwork feels right at home in the communal meditative environment of the Clare Gallery at the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry. The small drawings, artwork from 1997 to the present, are graphic in style referencing a woodcut texture. Themes of outrage, sorrow and hope are powerfully visible throughout the series.

The Clare Gallery primarily features exhibitions that emphasize world religions or interfaith themes, as well as social justice themes, on either a global or local level. The Gallery is housed in the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry at 285 Church Street. The Center is part of St. Patrick – St. Anthony Church, a vibrant and active downtown faith community.  

The Clare Gallery’s hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The Gallery and all related events are free and open to the public. Free parking is available directly across from the church, and the facility is handicapped accessible. More information may be found at www.spsact.org, click “Community Life” and then “Clare Gallery

This exhibit is ONGOING through Feb. 27, 2010. Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday noon to 5 p.m.

The New Haven Museum announces the opening of a new exhibit, “East Shore Reflections,” a shining review of this neighborhood’s evolution from agrarian farm area, to seaside resort, to modern day family enclave and residential setting.

Treasure Books: Selections from the Caroline M. Hewins Collection of Children’s Literature, is an exhibition developed by guest curator Leonard Marcus, leading historian on American children’s books.  His highly acclaimed books include Golden Legacy: How Golden Books Won Children’s Hearts; Minders of Make-Believe; Margaret Wise Brown: Awakened by the Moon; Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom; and The Wand in the Word.  Caroline Hewins came to Hartford in 1875 as librarian of the Hartford Young Men’s Institute, the predecessor to Hartford Public Library.  She held this position for 50 years and earned a national reputation as an imaginative, spirited, and dedicated leader, especially well regarded for her library work with children.

Hartford History Center, 3rd Floor

December through May, Tuesday through Saturday, 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Opening Reception

Hartford History Center, 3rd Floor

Sunday, December 6, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Hunt Hill Farm invites you to “A Home Town Holiday” at The Silo Gallery, the theme of this year’s 37^th annual Christmas tree at 44 Upland Road, New Milford, CT.  View the 27 ft. towering tree decorated with hand-crafted wooden ornaments by folk artist Joy Gaiser.  Adorning the tree are 21 well-known New Milford buildings, over 40 snow-capped pine trees and a moon with the silhouette of Santa and his eight reindeer at the top.  Gaiser’s garland of festive picket fences and snowflakes made by 4^th graders at Sarah Noble Intermediate School add the finishing touches to this spectacular tree!  The New Talent Gallery will feature artist Diana Luscombe for a second year, displaying her “Healing Strokes” paintings and a new line of note cards.

Joy Gaiser and her father started “Handmade by Dad and Me” in 1985 consisting mostly of Christmas ornaments, wooden jewelry, birdhouses, home decorations and historic buildings of New Milford.  After her father passed away in 1997, Joy’s husband John took over the task of cutting the wood, formerly her father’s job, so the business could continue and renamed it “Dad and Me Too”.  The husband and wife team with the help of their daughter and Joy's sister worked over a year to complete the ornaments in time for this year’s show.  Over 200 additional ornaments and decorations made by the artist will be for sale in The New Talent Gallery.

Diana Luscombe’s acrylic paintings continue to be inspired by scenes from nature.  Her study on birds has progressed with more sensitivity to detail compared with last year's paintings which were derived primarily from memory and imagination.  After a serious car accident over two years ago resulted in Diana being paralyzed, painting became an emotional release for her.  She is having fun with her new endeavor and is amazed at what flows from her paintbrush!  Prior to the accident, being an artist had never crossed her mind.  The gift of painting, Diana says is “an emotional and spiritual place for me to heal and let go because it’s peaceful.”   It also is much needed “me time” for the painter who is married with two young children, all who are extremely supportive of her efforts.  “Hannah is my biggest fan!  With Cole, I just have to keep his fingers out of the paint!”  Sales from her “Healing Strokes” artwork exhibit will go towards a handicap accessible van for Diana.

This holiday season, plan on spending some extra time on the farm to see all that The Henderson Cultural Center has to offer.  Find your traditional Silo favorites like Marzipan Stolen and Holly Berry Wreaths under the tree.  View a slice of Skitch’s life touring The Skitch Henderson Museum.  Stop by The Silo Cooking School to register for a holiday cooking class.  A Home Town Holiday is free and open to the public and is on display through January 4^th, 2010.  Hunt Hill Farm hours are Wed. through Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday’s noon to 5 p.m.  For more information, please call Valerie Culbertson, Silo Gallery Director at (860) 355-0300 or visit their website www.hunthillfarmtrust.org. 

Drawing on the creative legacy of Skitch and Ruth Henderson, the Henderson Cultural Center at Hunt Hill Farm, which is associated with the Smithsonian Institution, is a vibrant and unique regional resource, offering the public the opportunity to explore music, art, cuisine, and permanently protected historic open space.

Reserve your cup of tea at the Bee & Thistle Inn and Spa. Relax by the fire and listen to Faith Leitner on the harp and indulge in a tradional afternoon tea, with sweet and savory fare. Wednesday through Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. through January 16, 2010. Please call for reservations at 860-434-1667.

The Farmington Valley Chorale invites experienced singers to join us in preparing Honegger's King David for an April performance with professional orchestra, soloists and narrator. Rehearsals begin Sunday January 3, 2010; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; at the Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation, 55 Bushy Hill Road, Simsbury, CT 06070. No auditions. Dues $25 per concert season; full-time students free. For more information, call 860-651-3837, or send an email to secretary@farmingtonvalleychorale.org   

The Westport Arts Center presents a WACky Music Extravaganza
Sunday, January 3, 2-4pm

At the Westport Arts Center

With your entire family, explore our latest exhibition, participate in hands-on art projects using mixed media, and listen to live music.

Build funky three-dimensional instruments, create jazz-inspired photo collages, and compose fantasy musical scores, all while listening to kid-friendly jazz music.
This special WACky family day is set against the backdrop of our exhibition of photographs by jazz musician Milt Hinton, which features photographs of prominent and recognizable figures from the history of jazz.

$10/child, admission free for adults & children 2 and under

To purchase tickets, visit www.westportartscenter.org before December 23, or at the door the day of the event.

The New Haven Museum is open to the public free of charge on the first Sunday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. beginning January 3, 2010. The Free First Sunday opening hours do not apply to the Whitney Library, whitch is closed on Sundays.

• It's 1962, and pleasantly plump Baltimore teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire - to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star, but she must use her newfound power to vanquish the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a TV network - all without denting her 'do! Be sure not to miss Hairspray! 
• Your name will be added to the CT Theatre Group Will Call list - pick up your tickets at the Will Call window
• We will meet before and after the show - join us and other Arts and Theatre Fans from the CT Theatre Group 
• Meeting Location and times will be emailed to CT Theatre Group ticket holders
• Questions or info - Call (860) 987-7888
• TICKETS with $5.50 service charge: $65.50/ $55.50/ $50.50
• BUY ONLINE AND GET OUR GROUP DISCOUNT
• Advance Tickets Only $40
• USE CREDIT, DEBIT or GIFT CARD- you will be emailed your receipt
• Pick up your ticket(s) at the Will Call window
• Directions Traveling I-84 West: Take the Union Street exit - Exit 22 - toward Downtown Waterbury. Turn left onto Union Street and then take the second right onto South Elm Street. At the first traffic light, turn left onto Scovill Street. The entrance to the Scovill Street parking garage will be on your right.
• Traveling I-84 East: Take the Baldwin Street/Downtown Waterbury exit - Exit 22. At second light, turn left onto South Main Street. Proceed straight after the first traffic light and turn right onto Scovill Street. The entrance to the Scovill Street parking garage will be on your left.
• From Rte. 8 North or South: Merge onto I-84 East via Exit 31 toward Hartford and follow directions for Traveling I-84 East as listed above.
• WE HAVE A VERY LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS IN THE CT THEATRE GROUP SECTION
• THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT - GET YOUR TICKET NOW
• Get your tickets here, visit http://www.CTTheatreGroup.org or call (860) 987-7888
• Click on Buy Now and use Credit or Debit Card or call (860) 987-7888

Sundays at the Library never sounded so good!

Atrium

Sundays, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Noah Baerman

January 3

Cassandra Kubinski

January 10

Stephanie Sands

January 17

Jonathan Chatfield

January 24

Come to the Zoo on New Year's Weekend to celebrate the New Year with the animals!  On Jan. 2 and 3, from 10:00 - 2:00, learn about our animals in the winter, watch them enjoy a special enrichment activity, and make an item to bring home for your backyard wildlife.  Hands-on workshops to create enrichment items for Zoo animals will be held for kids ages 6 to 12 - for more information and to sign-up for workshops, please call (203) 332-4243.  Walk-ins for workshops will be allowed as space permits.  One free cup of hot chocolate, coffee or tea per visitor.