May 29, 2007
Entertainment
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Are there any annual events in town?
There are many, many annual events in town. A partial list includes General Put’s Ride in February, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in March, Connecticut Daffodil Show in April, Rotary Ramble/5K Race in April, Kite Flying Festival in April, Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt, Knights of Columbus Flea market in May, Threads and Treads Greenwich Cup Biathlon May; Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department Memorial Day Parade; Jim Fixx Memorial Day 5-Mile Run; Byram Memorial Day Parade, Art to the Avenue in May; Bruce Museum Outdoor Crafts Festival in May, Fourth of July Fireworks at Binney Park, Sidewalk Sale Days in July, Greenwich Car Show in July, Scarecrow Festival in October, Taste of Greenwich in October, Bruce Museum Outdoor Arts Festival in October, Byram Veterans Day Parade, and the Festival of Lights Celebration in December.
Are there any summer concerts?
There are
Tuesday Noon Time Concerts sponsored by the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce on Tuesdays in July and August from 12:15 to 1:15, on the Greenwich Common, Greenwich Avenue.
The free
Wednesday Night Concert Series takes place at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in July and August. It is run by the Parks and Recreation Department, which is seeking sponsors. Call Frank Gabriele at 622-7821 for details.
Jazz on the Sound features Dixieland jazz band concerts on the Island Beach Ferry and Island Beach one Sunday in each of June, July, and August.
The
Greenwich Arts Council will present three concerts over the summer at various locations. Check greenwicharts.org for details.
The
Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department Band plays Sunday evening concerts in July and August at Binney Park.
For details on any of the above, check The Greenwich Post, the town Web site greenwichct.org or the calendar of events at communityanswers.org.
Are there any fireworks displays?
There are two during the Independence Day celebrations: at Tod’s Point and Binney Park.
Who offers concerts?
The
Greenwich Symphony Orchestra (869-2664/greenwichsym.org) performs regularly at the Greenwich High School Auditorium. A number of concerts for young people are scheduled each year.
The
Chamber Players of the Greenwich Symphony is an ensemble of Greenwich Symphony principal players presenting four concerts each year. A wine and cheese reception with the artists follows each concert. For information, call 869-6468 or 869-2664.
The
Center for Chamber Music (661-6626/centerforchambermusic.com) presents a series of concerts in intimate settings throughout the year. A reception with the artists follows each concert.
Community Concerts of Greenwich presents classical music programs, particularly for young musicians and their teachers. Call Marie Van Vorst Williams at 661-6856.
Music from the Top is a series of free spring and fall concerts on Wednesdays at 12:15 at 59 East Putnam Avenue in downtown Greenwich. They are presented by the First Presbyterian Church. Check fpcg.org for schedule.
The Gateway Classical Music Society (gcms@optonline.net) presents a classical performance each year.
Musica Plenti is a vocal chamber ensemble performing several concerts a year. Call Kate Humphrey at 637-3058 or e-mail musicaplenti87@yahoo.com.
Armstrong Chamber Concerts presents a concert series from October through June. For details, visit online at accnct.org.
The
Sunday Afternoons Live music series takes place during January and February at the First Congregational Church of Greenwich in Old Greenwich. The music begins at 4 and the audience is seated at candlelit round tables. Light refreshments are available. A $10 donation is requested. For the schedule, visit fccog.org and click on “music.”
Where can I hear live music?
Offerings vary but you can try the following clubs:
Arcadia Coffee Company (637-8766/arcadiacoffee.com), 20 Arcadia Road, Old Greenwich;
Beach House Cafe (637-0367), 220 Sound Beach Avenue;
Thataways Cafe (622-0947), 409 Greenwich Avenue.;
Sundown Saloon (629-8212), 403 Greenwich Avenue. For calendar listings, check the Arts & Leisure section of The Greenwich Post.
What choral groups are in town?
Grace Notes is a women’s a cappella group that sings at nursing homes, libraries, schools, and civic events. Membership is by audition. For an appointment, e-mail information@thegracenotes.com. The Web site is thegracenotes.com.
The
Greenwich Choral Society (622-5136/greenwichchoralsociety.org) has a membership of more than 100 voices. The society presents about four concerts a year. Anyone interested in joining should arrange an audition by calling Barry Nova at 622-0837 or e-mail bjn44@hotmail.com.
Melody Men is composed of members of the Retired Men’s Association, whose repertoire includes old-time favorites, show tunes, and inspirational songs. For information, Chuck Livingston at 625-0772.
Off Sounders is a men’s chorus that entertains at private parties and community events. Call Ed Krumeich at 869-5815.
The Choir of Men and Boys includes boys in grades 3-8. The choir sings in the Anglican choral tradition. It is open to all; church membership is not necessary. It is sponsored by Christ Church Greenwich. For information, call 869-6602.
The Second Congregational Youth Choir has an interdenominational membership of children in grades 5-12. There are no auditions. For information, call 869-9351.
The Connecticut Playmakers periodically host an afternoon sing-along of favorites from the Great American Songbook or musical theater. The
Sing!Sing!Sing! ensemble leads the singing. Call 461-9274.
The
Westfair Chamber Singers is a female vocal ensemble that performs classical and popular American music. For information, call Elizabeth McLaughlin at 637-4894.
Are there any marching bands?
The
American Legion Drum Corps is a marching band open to men and women age 15 and older. It marches in area parades. New members are welcome; you do not have to be a veteran to join. For information, call 531-8890.
The
Greenwich Celtic Society Pipes and Drums is a bagpipe band. Bagpipe instruction is offered. The group helps organize the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Call Gregor MacIntyre at 570-3131.
The
Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department Band marches in the Memorial Day Parade and plays at civic events. It also presents two summer concerts (see above.) Call Rob Perelli-Minetti at 637-7856.
Are there any dance groups?
Round Hill Country Dances is mostly New England contra and square dances with live music and a caller. No experience or partner necessary. Dances are generally held the second Saturday of each month except August at Round Hill Community Center on Round Hill Road. The basics are taught at 7:30, and the dance runs from 8 to 11. Wear light clothing and soft-soled shoes. There is an $11 donation; $3 for children under 12. For information, call 914-244-7248 or visit online at roundhill.net.
The
Fox Trotters is a women’s tap dancing group. For information, call Virginia Fox at 531-8726.
Are there any boat rides available?
You may take a relaxing two-hour cruise among the islands around Greenwich aboard
The Islander II from June 10 through early Sept. 9. There are afternoon and evening departures. The ship leaves from Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Tickets are $7 and are available the day of the cruise at the Ferry Dock ticket office only, beginning at 10 a.m. (Children under 5 ride for free.) For weather cancellations, call 661-5957.
Fjord Catering & Charters offers Sunday brunch and Friday dinner cruises sailing from Cos Cob. Call 622-4020.
What is the Greenwich Arts Council?
The
Greenwich Arts Council (622-3998/greenwicharts.org) is an advocate for the visual, performing, and literary arts in Greenwich. The council runs the Greenwich Arts Center, 299 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich. There it offers exhibitions; classes in art, dance, music, theater, and language; lectures; demonstrations; and performing arts programs. The council also sponsors Art to the Avenue each May, when Greenwich Avenue turns into a strolling gallery for three weeks.
Is there an organization for artists?
The
Greenwich Art Society is at 299 Greenwich Avenue. It offers a studio school with classes for children and adults at all skill levels. The group also presents annual exhibitions in the Bendheim Gallery of the Greenwich Arts Council, the Flinn Gallery at the library, the Gertrude White Gallery of the Greenwich YWCA, and the Garden Education Center of Greenwich. There are also occasional workshops, demonstrations, and trips. For information, call 629-1533 or visit online at greenwichartsociety.org.
The
Art Society of Old Greenwich has a membership of more than 400 painters, sculptors, and photographers. It sponsors seven shows a year for members, including the Annual Sidewalk Show on Sound Beach Avenue in Old Greenwich each September, and a juried show each July at the Flinn Gallery in the Greenwich Library. For information, call 637-9949 or visit online at sidewalkartshow.com.
Is there a group for actors?
The
Acting Company of Greenwich offers a variety of theatrical presentations from the classics and lesser-known works by great playwrights to rarely seen one-acts. The group performs in the auditorium of The First Congregational Church on Sound Beach Avenue. For information, call 629-2094 or visit online at tacog.org.
The
Greenwich Youth Stage Summer Theater Workshop offers a summer program for children 9 to 16. Call Chandra Le Mann at 914-484-2605 or e-mail youthstage@yahoo.com.
The
Anythng’s Possible Players is a theatrical troupe of young adults 14 to 25 years old, with and without disabilities. It is overseen by ARC of Greenwich. For information, call Kim Malara at 629-1880, ext. 336 or e-mail malara@arcgreenwich.org.
Are there any museums in town?
The
Bruce Museum of Arts and Science (869-0376/brucemuseum.com) at One Museum Drive in Greenwich, offers a permanent science exhibition Changes in Our Land, which addresses natural history from global perspectives to the local environment. It also has a diverse collection of fine and decorative art, and natural history and anthropological artifacts. A series of changing exhibitions rounds out the museum’s offerings.
The museum also sponsors two festivals each year, an outdoor crafts festival in the spring and an outdoor arts festival in the fall. There are also a number of social events throughout the year including a Dinner and Lecture series.
The
Bush Holley Historic Site is maintained by the Historical Society of the Town of Greenwich. There is a visitor center with exhibitions and a hands-on history gallery. Guided tours are offered of the Bush-Holley House, which has four rooms set up to recreate the period of the Cos Cob Art Colony era that began in 1890 with American Impressionists John Henry Twachtman and J. Alden Weir. The art on display in the guest room used by Childe Hassam and in Elmer MacRae’s studio illustrate how the house and its setting inspired artists. Another section of the house recreates the year 1821 when the last generation of the Bush family occupied the house. There is a merchant’s bedroom, widow’s sick room, a parlor, and slave quarters in the attic.
The visitor’s center and museum shop are open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4, and tours are offered Tuesday through Sunday at 12:15, 1:15, 2:15, and 3:15 (weekends only during January and February). Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and students, children under six admitted free. There are also special events including festivals, walking tours, bus trips, and lectures. The site is at 39 Strickland Avenue. For information, call 869-6899 or visit online at hstg.org.
Putnam Cottage, also known as
Knapp’s Tavern, was built in the early 1700’s and is best known as General Israel Putnam’s home during the American Revolution. The cottage is restored to its colonial period and is maintained by the Putnam Hill chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. It is open for guided tours on Sundays from 1 to 4 in the summer and by appointment only during January, February and March. The cottage is at 243 East Putnam Avenue. For information, call 869-9697 or visit online at putnamcottage.org.
What about nature-oriented activities?
Audubon Greenwich (869-5272) offers a wide variety of programs, special events, and trips appealing to animal- and nature-lovers. Most events are held at the main property at 613 Riversville Road, at the corner of John Street. The Kimberlin Nature Education Center is open every day from 9 to 5, and there you can find an art gallery, wildlife viewing window, nature store, and a large three-dimensional map of the property highlighting specific bird, amphibian, and mammal habitats. There is a modest admission charge for non-members. For information, visit online at greenwich.audubon.org.
The
Garden Education Center of Greenwich offers activities and programs that appeal to both the horticulturist and home and garden aficionado. More than 100 lectures, classes, workshops, and field trips are offered each year. In its Garden Gallery the center also presents ongoing art exhibits by the Greenwich Art Society, Art Society of Old Greenwich, and individual artists.
In addition to the main building with its auditorium, gallery, classrooms, and library, the center maintains a Horticultural Building where an extensive horticulture training program is offered as well as plants for sale and free gardening advice; and two gift and garden shops.
The center is within the Montgomery Pinetum in Cos Cob at 130 Bible Street. The phone number is 869-9242. The Web site is gecgreenwich.org.
Where can I see a movie in town?
Greenwich has two movie theaters.
Clearview’s Theatre (869-6030) is at 356 Greenwich Avenue. The
Crown Plaza (869-4030) is at 2 Railroad Avenue.
There is also the
Friday Film series at the Greenwich Main Library (622-7900/greenwichlibrary.org)
For the latest listings, check the Arts & Leisure section of the Greenwich Post.
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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