Happening this Week
THE MEANING OF OMELETS AND LIFE: TECHNIQUE MEETS SOUL
February 1st, Thursday 6:30-8PM
John E. Finn’s mother possessed a great love for the craft and delight of one particular food and spent many hours in the kitchen perfecting it. A salute to its worthiness is acclaimed French chef Jacques Pépin’s considering it the benchmark of a great chef: the perfect omelet. John E. Finn brings 100 omelet recipes to life in a charmingly illustrated cookbook about the iconic omelet filled with practical wisdom about omelets, cooking and life. As a graduate of the French Culinary Institute he offers precise technical guidance, as the Professor Emeritus of Government at Wesleyan University he brings experience teaching academic courses about the relationship of culture and cuisine and as a son he shares the knowledge, wisdom and passion passed down from his mother. Join Finn to learn about the origins and creation of this book, volunteer to assist him in his live omelet preparation demo or simply to enjoy the results. Free.
Torrington Library. 12 Daycoeton Place. Torrington CT. 860.489.6684
A LIFE IN FASHION AND BEYOND: DRAMATIC DRESSING
February 1st, Thursday, 2:30PM
Known for his innate style, Ron Leal spent over thirty years in the fashion industry, first gaining recognition dressing socialites like Lee Radziwill and Mica Ertegun in his Madison Avenue boutique. He then moved from Madison to 7th Avenue where he began designing what would become his eponymous label—high-end sportswear in the tradition of Giorgio Armani and Michael Kors. Leal’s life before and after his career in fashion is equally colorful—traveling the Nile, modeling in Italy, studying theatre at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, staging fashion shows for charities, and, locally today, being the creative force behind the Litchfield Community Center’s annual Summerfest. Listen to Leal’s tales about his career in fashion, ideas about dressing without spending a fortune and advice learned through his myriad experiences during an illustrious career. Talk to be followed by a High Tea reception. $10 Non-members, Free members.
Litchfield Community Center. 421 Bantam Road. Litchfield CT. 860.567.3966A
WHEEL WITH FRIENDS: A CLAYFUL EVENING
February 2nd and 16th, Friday, 7-10PM
Pull your hair back, put on some work clothes, trim your fingernails…and yes, this is going to be laborious, serious work. Just kidding! This two night pottery wheel session is for anyone no matter what age, gender or skill level. Spend two nights on the wheel learning from the Village Center for the Arts’ expert Sharon. You can also return at your leisure to glaze your finished masterpiece. So again, pull your hair back, wear water-safe shoes, bring a hand towel and last but not least, bring a beverage and a best friend. Register in advance. $110
Village Center for the Arts. 12 Main Street. New Milford CT. 860.354.4318
JOINT CHIEFS ALBUM RELEASE:
TIGHT HARMONIES, LOOSE ATTITUDE
February 2nd, Friday 8PM
Local musical legends The Joint Chiefs return to Infinity Hall to celebrate the release of their newest album. Delighting audiences with soaring harmonies, stellar musicianship and a fun-loving attitude, this quartet has been characterized by their “tight harmonies and loose attitude.” Joining them are The Carleans, who just performed at Infinity with The Subdudes and received a roaring standing ovation from an enthused crowd. Now mixing their own writing with a repertoire of music from well-known artists like Alison Krause, Michael Jackson and The Subdudes. Singer George Potts tell us “don’t be surprised when your favorite R&B standard suddenly sounds like an Appalachian Waltz.” $22-$37
Infinity Hall Norfolk. 20 Greenwoods Road. Rte 44. Norfolk CT. 860.542.5531
While in Norfolk discover our favorite things!
THE ORCHESTRA NOW: CLASSICS BECOME CURRENT
February 3rd, Saturday 8PM
February 4th, Sunday 2PM
The Orchestra Now is a group of vibrant young musicians from across the globe making orchestral music relevant to today’s audiences. The group is in residence at Bard College and performs at Carnegie Hall, the Met, Lincoln Center and many other significant venues. Associate Conductor James Bagwell will lead the group in Gershwin’s rhapsodic and bluesy tone poem An American in Paris—a piece oboist Regina Brady has described as “…lively, hazy excited, and characteristically French. It’s such a fun piece to listen to.” Also on the program is Jennifer Higdon’s blue cathedral, a commemoration of her late brother that is both exuberant and ethereal. Rounding out the program is Schumann’s Symphony No. 2. Enjoy these supremely talented young musicians who have taken on the challenge of honoring orchestral traditions in a context that an audience today can relate to, thus securing its relevance in the future. $20-$35
Fischer Center at Bard College. Sosnoff Stage. 60 Manor Ave. Annandale-on-Hudson NY. 845.758.7900
NEW FACES OF COMEDY: FRESH FUNNIES
February 3rd, Saturday 8-11PM
Saturday night three NYC comedians will be taking over at Seven Angels Stage. The lineup includes: Jason Chatfield, self-titled “Comedian & Idiot.” Don’t be fooled though, this Aussie is a syndicated cartoonist whose illustrations regularly appear in the New Yorker, a charismatic stage performer who has traveled the globe (even going places people thought his Australian accent was a birth defect) and can be found on the leading online comedy platform Funny or Die. Also performing is New York City born Ian Lara, a rising star on the New York comedy scene. During his most recent tour he announced he is thrilled to be part-owner of an airline….having recently bought three shares of Delta. His disarming smile and feigned naivety are a delightful blend for stand-up comedy. Rounding out the line-up is Erica Spera, a comedian whose perfectly dry delivery has gotten her recognition as a 2017 TBS Comics to Watch. She also co-hosts a show on Friday nights in Brooklyn that has been named one of TimeOut NY’s Best Comedy Shows. $35
Historic Hamilton Park Pavilion. Seven Angels Theatre. 1 Plan Road. Waterbury CT. 203.757.4676