Fantasy of Lights runs Friday, November 18, 2011 to Saturday, January 7, 2012

New Haven, CT - The Fantasy of Lights, presented by Easter Seals Goodwill Industries and sponsored by PSEG, has become a holiday tradition for thousands of families. This dazzling holiday light display illuminates Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, CT for the holiday season. This year, the Fantasy of Lights will open on Friday, November 18, 2011 and run an extra week, ending on Saturday, January 7, 2012. The Fantasy of Lights is adding the extra week to be open on Three Kings Day, which is celebrated on January 6^th, twelve days after Christmas and often viewed as the last day of the Christmas season. The park opens nightly at 5pm and is open until 9pm on Sundays through Thursdays, and until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Each display is sponsored by a local area business, corporation, individual or organization. This year, the Fantasy of Lights will feature two brand new displays. A Fire Dog with Santa is sponsored by Honeywell Fire Systems and a Nativity Scene is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. The Nativity Scene display will have a sign in both English and Spanish saying “Keep Christ in Christmas.”

The Fantasy of Lights is also going green this year, with fourteen of the over 60 displays featuring LED light bulbs. These new bulbs not only save energy and electricity, they also make the displays more colorful and more vibrant. We are working with display sponsors to convert more and more displays to LED bulbs in the future.

Admission to the Fantasy of Lights is $10 for passenger cars/family fans, $25 for 15-passenger cans or mini-buses and $50 for full sized buses. All proceeds go to support Easter Seals Goodwill Industries’ mission to enhance employment, educational, social and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities and other challenges.

For more information about the Fantasy of Lights or how you can help out, contact the Development Department at (203) 777-2000 x263, email them at events@esginh.org or visit our website at www.eastersealsgoodwill.org/fantasyoflights.

New Haven, CT

The tree lighting celebration will be highlighted by over 20,000 LED lights on a 65 foot tall Norway spruce tree in the heart of the downtown area. The event will also include children’s activities, as well as food and snacks provided by multiple area organizations. Kids will also get the chance to take pictures with some great holiday characters such as Rudolph and Santa. With one of the largest tree lighting ceremonies in the state of Connecticut, this is certain to attract visitors from all over.

One great part of the December downtown celebration in New Haven is Festival Fridays. On December 3, 10 and 17 the downtown district will be home to a weekly, area wide holiday celebration. These weekly festivals will include wine tastings at multiple stores, as well as free holiday trolley rides. On these Fridays, all area shoppers will receive a 20 percent discount at a local store.

Following up the festival Fridays, the downtown area will be home to some great deals in the form of Saturday Shopping Strolls. Taking place on December 4, 11 and 18 these events will offer up the opportunity to take in over 50 shops in the downtown area. The stores will be offering up excellent promotional deals as well as some treats and beverages. Carolers will also be performing throughout the day, filling the air with holiday music.

The celebration weekends will be closed out by Sunday Singing events on December 5, 12 and 19 in downtown New Haven. A number of local school music ensembles will take to the streets and take part in great performances every Sunday. The ensembles will be singing along two separate streets, both Broadway and Chapel Street.

On top of the weekend events taking place, children will also have the chance to go downtown with their parents and take free pictures with Santa this December. The free photos will be offered at the Yale Barnes & Noble Bookstore in the Broadway District on both Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month of December. All guests will receive a digital and print photograph to keep for the holidays. Certainly the New Haven area will be home to some great holiday events throughout the month, but the downtown districts will be home to some great opportunities every weekend this December.

Jones Winery & Holiday Gatherings Gift Shop

Shelton, CT- This past weekend we kicked off the Christmas season with a visit to Jones Tree Farm in Shelton.  The 400 acre farm features harvest-your-own and pre-cut trees, wreaths, garland, tree stands, pine cones, kissing balls and other traditional Christmas décor.  We went for a short tree – about 4 feet tall, which was perfect for the corner of the living room in our apartment.

Once we cut our tree and loaded it into the back of the car we walked back down the hill to the Winery, which was transformed for the holiday season into the Holiday Gatherings gift shop. There we sampled the wines, bought a few bottles, and picked up a few ornaments for the tree.

If you plan on visiting, I recommend visiting their website for a list of things to remember before getting your tree. In 2011, the cost of a “harvest-your-own” tree is $60 (cash or check only), regardless of size.  Each family that purchases a tree receives a special dated and farm-designed pewter ornament from Woodbury Pewter.

If you’re looking for Santa – plan your visit between 10am to 4pm on Saturday December 17th and Sunday December 18th. Santa’s Annual Family Weekend at the farm will include time for kids of all ages to spend time with Santa and have their traditional pictures taken with St. Nick. Each day will have carols playing, visits from Frosty, crafts for the kids and more. For more information, visit http://www.jonesfamilyfarms.com.

Fall Fashion Show

Fairfield, CT - Enjoy a wonderful evening of fashion on Thursday, October 13th at Audi of Fairfiled where all attendees will receive an exclusive discount toward any White House Black Market purchase and $1,000* incentive toward any Audi of Fairfield vehicle purchased in October, 2011.

The event will feature refreshments, hors d’oeuvres and live music by the Brian Butler Jazz Quartet.

Please RSVP by October 7th, 2011 to tdoll@penskeautomotive.com or 203-246-0754.

Remember Lennon: Imagine 70

New Haven, CT - Tomorrow, John Lennon would have turned 70 years of age. On the weekend of this momentous occasion, a very special theatrical concert event entitled “Remember Lennon: Imagine 70″ will be staged over at 2 select locations in Connecticut.

On Saturday, October 9, the exact date of his 70th birthday, the remarkable live production takes place at the historic Shubert Theater in New Haven, CT at 7pm.

And on Sunday afternoon, 10/10/10, the day after John’s 70th birthday, there will be a special 3pm matinee performance at the Garde Arts Center Theater in New London, CT.

“Remember Lennon: Imagine 70″ presents one of the greatest John Lennon impersonators in existence, a world-class backing band, and audio-visual accompaniment, adding up to a show that is a respectful tribute recreating the concert John may have performed had he still been with us.

With most of the world-renowned Lennon tribute acts, close your eyes and you think you’re listening to John. With this production, keep them open and you’ll be equally amazed.

Tickets are currently on sale for all three shows, and great seats are still available. Shubert Theater proceeds benefit the Ethnic Heritage Center.

For 10/9 tickets, visit the Shubert Theater Box Office, 247 College Street, Downtown New Haven, CT or call (203)562-5666 or toll-free (888)736-2663 (website www.Shubert.com). For 10/10 tickets, visit the Garde Arts Center Box Office, 325 State Street, New London, CT or call (860) 444-4410 (website: www.gardearts.org).

“Remember Lennon: Imagine 70″ is a unique extraordinary musical theater experience celebrating the music, the memory, the magic and the LIFE of John Lennon. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime concert event.

Imagine…70.

http://www.imagine70.com

Sat 12-7 & Sun 12-6

Guilford, CT - Come and celebrate over 10 Connecticut Wineries and sample the fruits of their labor this weekend at the Shoreline Wine Festival, taking place today from 12pm-7pm and tomorrow from 12pm-6pm at Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market & Winery in Guilford.

Enjoy food from local restaurants, meet and sample products from local businesses, and enjoy and purchase crafts from local artisans. Expand your knowledge of food and wine at seminars offered by local experts. Enjoy all of this while listening to the sounds of live music from renowned bands around New England.

Admission is $30 for those 21+. Be the designated driver (or aged 16-20) and admission drops to just $10.

Participating wineries include Bishop’s Orchards, Chamard Vineyards, Hopkins Vineyard, Jones Winery, Jerram Winery, Jonathan Edwards Winery, White Silo Farm & Winery and Sunset Meadow Vineyards. For details visit http://www.shorelinewinefestival.com.

Provence by HM Saffer

Westport, CT – At a time when many businesses are imploding, the Westport River Gallery has expanded by 50% at one of the most heavily visited intersections in the region. Thanks to the many customers who keep business coming, the gallery recently carved out a doorway from the main gallery to the new space, where they have special exhibits, clearance items and full service framing services.  This is in addition to the French, European, American & Asian Fine Art for sale at the gallery. With the recent expansion, there is now even more more space for wedding showers and corporate retreats.   Visitors are welcome to stop in, enjoy a touch of lunch in the building at the Napoli Sul Fiume overlooking the Saugatuck River, and then stroll through the gallery.

SAVE 30% on Fine Art
Readers of the Connecticut Weekender can save 30% on any Fine Art at the Westport River Gallery until Sunday, August 8th with the code WEEKENDER. This promotion excludes any glassworks or items on clearance.  Call 203-226-6934 for details.

SAFFER DELIVERS PROVENCE
A new exhibit is underway featuring new works by award winning artist HM Saffer. His new works on board include Provence (see above), and are a unique blend of Klimt, Van Gogh and his own imagination. H.M. admits he is a character. He enjoys life, his family, a bottle of fine wine at a cafe, and in recent years his works have achieved a much higher-level of international notice. Congrats. He deserves it.  Click for more works.

Painting by Henri Lepetit

LEPETIT PAINTINGS ON DISPLAY
New paintings featuring Saint Tropez, Southport (Connecticut), Paris (see right) and south of France have arrived by Henri Lepetit. His paintings are gutsy, bold, and positive. He paints with flair and without hesitation. He knows exactly where he is going and exactly how he is going to achieve the end result. Sizes range from 9×11 to 20×40. For more images click here.

NEW GLASS SCULPTURES
A new arrival is unique glass sculpture by Fusani, 50, of Argentina. In 1991, he traveled around Japan and Europe where he visited principal centers of ceramics and glass. He began combining two techniques: lost wax (Pate du Verre) and fusing glass. Two or more layers of glass create forms that trigger the imagination of the observer. Fusani enjoys discovering the different characteristics and potential of glass: transparencies, textures, stretching, elements which compliment his initial concept. Prices range from $75 to $150. Size is from 2” squared to about 7” wide. The glass looks like its sea washed, and about a half inch thick. Unique gifts for favors, birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or “just because.” Each has two or three figures.

Painting by French Artist Eitel

ON CONSIGNMENT
Four classic works by known French artists are being offered at below market prices, since they are on consignment. This includes Poumelin, Eitel (right) and Mogart.

CLEARANCE
Making way for new paintings, about 8 older paintings by award winning artist Barbara Krupp are now on “severe clearance.” Originally priced about $2400 to $6000, they are now reduced 75%. So, for example a 24×48 is now only $600. See the works here.

TALK ON IMPRESSIONISM AUGUST 11 IN ORANGE
Gallery co-owner Pat Warren and Impressionist Brian Sage will offer a discussion on Impressionism at the Angel Hair Salon in Orange 6-8 pm Aug 11. Works will also be for sale and will benefit non-profit homeless advocate Columbus House, based in southern Connecticut. Space is limited so let Pat know if you wish to come. 203-226-6934.

Westport River Gallery is open Wednesday-Sunday or by special appointment. The gallery specializes in original fine international works of art from Europe, the Americas and Asia, and also offer framing services, and gallery rental for special events. Call 203-226-6934 or visit www.westportrivergallery.com for more information.

On display at the Kehler Liddell Gallery

New Haven, CT – This month the Kehler Liddell Gallery presents ARTIST AS CURATOR, an exhibition curated by the gallery’s artists, who live and work in New Haven and surrounding areas. The exhibition began on July 1st and continues until August 8, 2010. There will be an opening reception on Sunday, July 11 from 3–6pm, with an artist talk at 3pm.

Connecticut has a rich history of attracting artists to settle along its shoreline. Over the past decade, New Haven has established itself as one of the Northeast’s most densely populated, academically minded artist enclaves, poised to become an alternative to the New York art scene.

For this exhibition, each Kehler Liddell Gallery artist has invited one regional guest artist, whom he or she thinks is making exceptional work, to partake in the show. The result is a compelling installation of new painting, sculpture, mixed media constructions, and works on paper.

ARTIST AS CURATOR explores tacit dynamics of the curatorial experience, possibly offering concrete examples of what it means to be an “Aritst’s Artist.” The 22 pairings between artist and their invitees document idea-exchanges that many outsiders have no means of detecting. In many instances, these collaborative relationships are unbound by medium, age or art world status.

Following is the list of artist curators and their invited guests: Joseph Adolphe to Ting Ou-Yang; Amy Browning to Lori Glavin; Frank Bruckmann to Jason Noushin; Jason Buening to Gulgun Aliriza; Susan Clinard to Janice Bielawa; Rod Cook to Melody Best; Emilia Dubicki to Jonathan Waters; Matthew Garrett to Kevin Van Aelst; John Harris to Tom Reilly; Lisa Hess Hesselgrave to Alanna Fagan; Blinn Jacobs to Richard Lytle; Keith Johnson to Andrew Hogan; Gigi Horr Liverant to Jean Dalton; William McCarthy to Catherine Doocy; Lawrence Morelli to Chris Durante; Hank Paper to Terry Dagradi; Joseph Saccio to Fethi Meghelli; Gerald Saladyga to Jeremy Keats Saladyga; Deirdre Schiffer to Thomas Stavovy; Alan Shulik to Douglas Nygren; Gar Waterman to
Richard Carleton; Marjorie Wolfe to Susan Cutler Tremaine.

Gallery Hours are Thursday and Friday, 10am-4pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4pm, or by appointment.

The Webster Treat Truck in Torrington, CT

Hartford, CT – Who couldn’t go for a free cone?  In celebration of 75 years in business, The Webster Treats Truck will be driving around the greater Hartford area giving out free ice cream starting this week.  Here’s a short list of some of the upcoming stops:

• Today: 6/3 – New Milford, CT & Torrington, CT
• 7/8 – Main Branch, New Britain, CT (1 PM – 5 PM)
• 7/8 – Porter & Chester Institute, Rocky Hill CT (10:30 AM – 2 PM)
• 7/10 – Berlin Rotary Alert Program, Kensington, CT (9 AM – 3 PM)

You can follow the Webster Treats truck on Twitter (@WebsterTreats) for additional upcoming stops in your area and live updates from the truck en route. You can also find a full list of dates and locations on the Webster Treats Truck website: http://bit.ly/webstertreats.

Jordin Sparks coming to the Webster Theater

Hartford, CT - Grammy-nominated, “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks is slated to make a stop at Hartford’s Webster Theater this Saturday as a part of The Battlefield Tour.

Following the success of her sophomore album release Battlefield (19 Recordings/Jive Records) and 2009 tour with the Jonas Brothers and Britney Spears, the unstoppable Jordin Sparks launched her summer headlining tour beginning this June. Jordin’s tour will hit over 35 major theatres across the U.S., ending on July 18th. Tickets for the “Jordin Sparks, The Battlefield Tour, Presented by MIKE AND IKE®”, are on sale now.

Her standout album Battlefield debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top 200 albums chart with her hit single of the same title, peaking at #6 on the Pop singles charts. Fans and critics alike rave “The strength of the tunes-and Sparks’ vocals…plays up her versatility” People Magazine, “Battlefield certainly delivers on the artistic end. . . [with] Sparks, showing heretofore unseen vocal dexterity” Entertainment Weekly and “Battlefield,” her expertly constructed second album, upholds a darker, more experienced tone… Sparks is becoming more compelling“ New York Times.

Jordin also recently announced she will make her Broadway debut in the 2008 Tony and Grammy Award-winning Best Musical In The Heights. 20 year old Jordin Sparks will play Nina Rosario in a limited 12 week engagement starting on August 19, 2010 through November 14, 2010. Performing from a young age, Sparks has enjoyed some impressive company in the world of female Top 40 radio. On the heels of becoming the youngest American Idol winner in 2007, Jordin released her self-titled debut album and went on to sell over 1.6MM copies worldwide. “Jordin Sparks”, which earned U.S. platinum status, spawned three Top 5 Billboard Pop hit singles including “Tattoo”, “No Air” and “One Step At A Time”. Cumulatively, these popular singles have sold almost 9MM downloads and ringtones. In addition to winning an American Music Award for Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist and receiving two MTV Video Music Award nominations for Best Female Video and Best New Artist; she earned one of the music industry’s highest honors with a 2008 Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for “No Air.” This multi-faceted performer is also known for her philanthropy, which includes her own project, the I’m M.A.D. Are You? campaign as well as other charitable efforts.

MIKE AND IKE® Brand Candies is pleased to mark the second year of its exclusive partnership with Jordin Sparks. MIKE AND IKE® along with its charitable partner Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer™ (ALSF) will once again join Sparks to present a custom branded experience including a tour vehicle, a green screen photo booth where fans get a free virtual photo with Jordin and samples of their favorite MIKE AND IKE® fruit flavored candies to take home. New this summer, MIKE AND IKE®and Jordin Sparks will be giving away concert tickets viaradio stations in select U.S. markets. At concert events, fans will engage with MIKE AND IKE® Tour Ambassadors, learning about Sparks’ support for ALSF, a charity which MIKE AND IKE® has been supporting with donations through its LEMONADE BLENDS® variety for over two years. Exclusive Jordin Sparks content and promotions will be available on mikeandike.com. MIKE AND IKE® will also continue to share exclusive content on its facebook page and via twitter.

Check back Sunday… we’ll have a review!