CONNECTICUT

Arts and crafts festival on beautiful Windsor Town Green. Many varied artists and crafters, with a wide variety of products. Always held Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend.

In dog years, he may be only 7, but Clifford the Big Red Dog is turning 50. The big guy is on tour in this special anniversary new musical for 2012-13, and makes an early stop in Storrs. Join him and his frisky friends Cleo and T-bone and his favorite two-leg – Emily Elizabeth – as they delight fans of the popular PBS KIDS show based on the books by Norman Bridwell.
Tickets and information: 860-486-4226 or visit jorgensen.uconn.edu

Need a good laugh? Stop by Comix At Foxwoods to see the best national club headliners, cutting-edge alternative comedy and musical variety acts, along with superb local talent. Comix also presents top-ranked national comedians at Foxwoods’ MGM Grand and Fox Theaters. Comix…life's tough, laugh hard.
Information: www.comixatfoxwoods.com or call 860-312-5050
Real Comix of New Jersey. February 8 and 12. Expect plenty of big hair, big accents, big personalities, and big laughs when “The Real Comix of New Jersey” fist-pumps its way to Comix At Foxwoods. Time: 8 p.m. Admission: $15
Tammy Pescatelli. February 9. Tammy Pescatelli really has a funny family. See their real-life antics on WE TV‘s new reality series,” A Stand Up Mother,” documenting her life as a comic, wife and mother of a large, loud Italian family. Mature Audiences. Time: Thursday and Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 and 10:30 p.m. Admission: $20-$40.
Comix Valentines Gay-la. February 14. Comedy show and dance party featuring Jim Lauletta and Doug Blay, hosted by Andrew Williams. Time: 8 p.m. Admission: $25.
Bobby Slayton. February 16-18. One of the most energetic, distinctive, and respected comedians of today, Slayton has been taking charge of the comedy scene for over 20 years. Bringing his talent to the big screen Slayton has been featured in major motion pictures including “Get Shorty” and “Dreamgirls,” as well as dozens of appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Politically Correct.” Time: Thursday and Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Admission: $20-$50.
Dueling Pianos. February 17. A monthly show featuring two grand pianists playing contemporary tunes combined with bits of comedy and lyric substitutions. Time: 8 p.m. Admission: $5, $10
Big Apple Comix. February 19. Big Apple COMIX brings some of New York’s best and brightest to COMIX at Foxwoods for an unrivaled night of hilarity. Time: 8 p.m. Admission: $15
Wild Bill’s COMIX with Greg Warren. February 23. Nationally touring comedian Greg Warren takes the stage for the “Wild Bill’s Comix” showcase. The gut-busting show also features Rhode Island’s favorite comic Bill Simas. Time: 8 p.m. Admission: $15-$30
Greg Warren. February 24-25. This warmly endorsed comedian has been sharing his side-splitting stories to captivated audiences for years during which he has made countless TV appearances on hit programs like CMT’s “Comedy Stage” and Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend.” Warren entertained crowds across the country last year with the “Friends of Bob and Tom Comedy Tour” where his “Flute Man” bit became one of the most requested pieces of the show’s history. Time: Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 and 10:30 p.m. Admission: $20-$50. For mature audiences only.
Comix and Crohnies. February 26. A riotous evening of entertainment featuring Boston Comedy Festival semifinalist and New England comedy mainstay Dan Crohn. Headlining this showcase is comedian/writer Tony Moschetto. Time: 8 p.m. Admission: $15

Harvey first hit the scene in the mid 1980s with a stand-up routine known for its cutthroat, tell-it-like-it-is comedy. His success as a stand-up comedian led to a long stint as host of “It’s Showtime at the Apollo.” In the following years, Harvey starred in the “Kings of Comedy” tour alongside Cedric The Entertainer, the late Bernie Mac and D.L. Hughley.
Information and tickets: www.foxwoods.com or call 866-646-0609 or 800-745-3000.

Go see what the local vineyards have to offer in the winter. Visit six participating wineries and be entered into a grand prize drawing. Pick up a program card at any participating winery. Visit all six wineries and have your card signed. Then, turn it in by April 10th 2012. Participating wineries include DiGrazia Vineyards (Brookfield), Jerram Winery (New Hartford), Haight-Brown Vineyard (Litchfield), Hopkins Vineyard (New Preston), Miranda Vineyard (Goshen) and Sunset Meadow Vineyards (Goshen).
Information: http://www.hopkinsvineyard.com/2011LitchfieldHillsWinterWineTrail.docx

Darien Restaurant Week will offer consumers great deals, the opportunity to experience some new restaurants, and re-visit a few of their favorites throughout the next installment of Darien Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants will offer a special prix-fixe lunch and/or dinner menu during the entire week. Number of courses to be offered is a minimum of 3 (Excludes tax and gratuity)
Information: www.darienchamberonline.com

In this hands-on class, you will work side-by-side with Master Chocolatier Fritz Knipschildt to create his award-winning truffles. Tasting as you go, you’ll enjoy a glass or two of Fritz's favorite wine while you prepare these heavenly treats. And, of course, you'll take home samples and the recipes to allow you to create these for your family. Registration required by phone or online.
Information: 800-842-5275 or visit www.clarkecorp.com/chefseries/

Learn about and taste shanks, ribs, veggies, and even treats from the sea that are immersed in flavorful liquids and simmered all day long. Chef Matt Storch, known for his culinary talents at Match in South Norwalk, will share his true love method of cooking used for appetizers, pasta sauces and main courses that is inspired by numerous cultures around the world. Registration required by phone or online.
Information: 800-842-5275 or visit www.clarkeculinarycenter.com

Join the man known as the best Indian chef in America, as he brings his special James Beard House dinner to The Clarke Culinary Center. This promises to be a thrilling night from Mole to Masalas, for which Chef Prasad has designed an elegant and innovative menu that seamlessly weaves together the cuisines of India and Mexico. Registration is required by phone or online to join an intimate group in this culinary exploration.
Iformation: www.clarkeculinarycenter.com or call 800-842-5275

Sanctioned and governed by the International Chili Society, cooks will compete in Red Chili, Chili Verde and Salsa categories. There will also be non-ICS categories for a Youth Division for kids under 18 years of age and People's Choice Chili. There will be a hot pepper eating contest and DEFCON will have a Death Match wing-eating contest! Cash awards will be distributed to winning teams.
Information: www.chilict.com

This retrospective exhibition spotlights the playful and interactive world of Walter Wick, author and creator of the Can You See What I See? series and co-creator of the I Spy books for children. About 40 large-scale color photographs from his books, as well as several of the models used to craft the images, will be on view in this family-friendly exhibition. Exhhibit open through April 22, 2012.
Time: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
Cost: Adults, $7; students age 5-22, $6; seniors over age 64, $6
Information: 203-869-0376 or visit http://brucemuseum.org

In this “Age of Sustainability,” jewelry artists are experimenting with both new and long forgotten materials and techniques. This trend is pushing the envelope in jewelry design and has set the stage for a renewed appreciation for the intimacy between art and science.
Time: Tuesday.-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Free with museum admission.
Information: 203- 869-0376 or visit brucemuseum.org/site/exhibitions_detail/bijoux_its_origins_its_impacts/

This exhibit presents a remarkable overview of more than a century of American World’s Fairs. Often organized to coincide with noted anniversaries, American World’s Fairs were dynamic mega-productions meant to fill visitors with a sense of awe and possibility. Countries, companies, and institutions recognized them as opportunities to present themselves in the best possible light. Their importance to industry cannot be overemphasized: companies saw them as tremendous marketing venues. Some hugely familiar products were introduced or made popular at the fair: Wonder Bread, nylon, shredded wheat, and the ice cream cone, to mention a few.
Information: www.stamfordmuseum.org.

This exhibit, opening at the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, is a collaboration between oceanographic explorer Dr. Robert Ballard and Tim Delaney, a former Walt Disney designer. Bringing the legendary vessel’s timeless history to life, “Titanic – 12,450 Feet Below” captivates minds with a glowing iceberg that is cold to the touch, a bi-level adventure area inspired by Titanic’s engine room, hands-on experiences that unfold Titanic’s lingering mysteries, and modern deep-sea technology that led to Titanic’s eventual discovery. This permanent exhibit opens April 12, 2012.
Information: www.mysticaquarium.org/ife

Grammy Award winner Ricky Skaggs was considered a recognized master of one of America’s most demanding art forms by age 21, but his career took him in other directions, catapulting him to popularity and success in mainstream country music. His life’s path has taken him to various musical genres from bluegrass music, while still leaving his musical roots intact.
Information: 860-542-5531 or visit www.infinityhall.com

The Yale Concert Band (Thomas C. Duffy, Music Director) will play a concert of music from or inspired by films and video games, as well as one piece that inspired an original animation.
information: 203-432-4113 or visit www.yale.edu/yaleband/ycb/schedule.html

For more than two decades Grammy award winning artist Terrance Simien, a Louisiana Creole, has been shattering the myths about what his indigenous Creole Zydeco music is and is not. Leading his Zydeco Experience Band, Simien has become one of the most respected and internationally recognized touring and recording artists in roots music today.
Information: 860-542-5531 or visit www.infinityhall.com

Doo-Wopp Hall of Fame of America is bringing back Motown. With the smooth R&B stylings of era icons such as The Contours with Joe Billingslea singing timeless hits like ““Do You Love Me” and tribute artists such as Brian Best as Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Review.Performers to include Dave Somerville (original lead of The Diamonds), The Contours, The Vandellas and Shep’s Limelites.
Information: www.foxwoods.com

The enchanting Eroica Trio returns to Jorgensen to play a special solo Valentine’s Day program laced with the romantic works of Lalo, Kreisler, Gershwin and Bernstein. Eroica will play the autumn and spring segments of Astor Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, an aria from Heitor Villa-Lobos’ Bachianas Brasileiras, a Gershwin prelude, parts of Edouard Lalo’s Trio in C Minor, Fritz Kreisler’s Miniature Viennese March and Liebesfreud, George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess Fantasy, Bernard Godard’s Berceuse de Jocelyn, and Leonard Bernstein’s “Somewhere” from the West Side Story Suite.
Information and tickets: 860-486-4226 or visit jorgensen.uconn.edu.

Ruth Moody is a Juno Award winning songwriter from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Founding member of The Wailin' Jennys and former lead singer of the Canadian roots band Scruj MacDuhk, she has performed in sold-out venues around the world, made numerous critically-acclaimed albums, and has appeared on the national radio show “A Prairie Home Companion.”
Information: 860-542-5531 or visit www.infinityhall.com

Buckwheat Zydeco’s repertoire of Louisiana's hottest music consists of soulful original Creole tunes and the trademark exuberance that's made Stanley "Buckwheat" Dural the world's best-loved zydeco artist. Buckwheat Zydeco won the Grammy for Best Cajun and Zydeco album for Lay Your Burden Down in 2010. Buckwheat has collaborated with a “who's who” of musicians, including Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Mavis Staples and Los Lobos's David Hidalgo.
Information: 860-542-5531 or visit www.infinityhall.com

Pink Floyd Experience, aka PFX, gives a flawless recreation of the legendary songs and spectacular performances of Pink Floyd, plus much more. It’s a celebration of the music, the themes and the innovation that this great band brought to fans around the world. It is Pink Floyd, up close and personal. Sandwiches, dessert, alcohol and other beverages are available for cash.
Information and tickets: 860-486-4226 or visit www.jorgensen.uconn.edu.

The iconic American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd has raged on through tragedy and triumph and will return to the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods.
8 p.m.
$35, $45, and $55.
Information and tickets: www.foxwoods.com or call 800-745-3000 or 866-646-0609.

From their days playing together as teenagers to their current acoustic and electric blues, probably no one has more consistently led American music for the last 50 years than Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, the founders of Hot Tuna. Hot Tuna performances have included mandolin virtuoso Barry Mitterhoff, a veteran of bluegrass, Celtic, folk, and rock-influenced bands.
Information: 860-542-5531 or visit www.infinityhall.com

Come see The King Cake Band, The Kingpins, and special guest Gene Donaldson and the Stingrays. Shake off those winter blues with some great music.
Information: 860-456-2188

With a career spanning six decades, American musician, singer, songwriter, producer and entertainer Neil Sedaka is an iconic figure in the music industry who continues to inspire artists today.
Time: 8 p.m.
Admission: $25, $30 and $35.
Information and tickets: www.foxwoods.com or call 866-646-0609 or 800-745-3000

Come watch Coco get down with the blues at Infinity Hall! A self taught guitar slinger who plays with an emotional intensity few string benders possess, Coco plays left-handed and up side down in the style of Albert King and Jimi Hendrix. Mentored by legendary bluesman Albert Collins, Coco was the guitarist for John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers for ten years before leading his own band.
Time: 8 p.m.
Admission: $25, $30, $40
Information: 860-542-5531 or visit www.infinityhall.com Infinity Hall, 20 Greenwoods Rd West Norfolk

Usually a solo performer, singer/songwriter Deeves will be joined this evening by a stellar lineup of the area’s finest musicians featuring Robbie Coffin on guitars and vocals; Scott Elliot on bass and vocals; Alfred Lund on percussion, drums and vocals. It promises to be an inspired, soulful and fun night.
Information: 207-582-7144 or visit www.johnsonhall.org

American singer, songwriter, record producer and actress Toni Braxton will join up with fellow R&B crooner Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. Braxton has the unique ability to be soulful enough for R&B audiences, smooth enough for adult contemporary, sophisticated enough for adults, sultry enough for young listeners, and ravishing enough to win over the men. Edmonds is an acclaimed singer, producer and songwriter. He worked with Braxton on her Grammy Award-winning song “Breathe Again.”
Time: 8 p.m.
Admission: $35, $45 and $55.
Information and tickets: www.foxwoods.com or call 866-646-0609 or Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000.

In a career that spans over 15 years, Grammy Nominee Joan Osborne has proven to be an artistically restless and consistently enthralling performer. In 2002, she cemented her reputation as a top tier soul singer with an incredible turn in the acclaimed documentary film Standing in the Shadows of Motown, followed by a tour with legendary Motown backing band The Funk Brothers.
Time: 8 p.m.
Admission: $57, $77
Information: 860-542-5531 or visit www.infinityhall.com

Chicago, the legendary “rock and roll band with horns” who Billboard has called the top American rock group of all time, is the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in five different decades. . In the last two years, Chicago toured extensively in North America and internationally, headlining shows in Europe, Mexico, Canada, Japan, Korea and the Philippines.
Information: www.foxwoods.com or call 866-646-0609

See our national symbol in the wild. Each winter bald eagles make their way down the Connecticut River in search of ice-free fishing. Tours are offered January 28, February 4, 11 and 18 and they leave from the Audubon Shop. Registration is required.
Information: http://bit.ly/x03tO6 or call 203-245-9056 or 888-505-9056

Visit the little red sugarhouse on Heckscher Farm and see firsthand how sap is turned into sweet maple syrup. Watch how trees are tapped and sap is collected; make a maple-themed craft; go on a scavenger hunt; have your face painted and more. On Saturday, watch local chefs create delicious dishes using local maple syrup and vote for your favorite. On Sunday, enjoy pancake brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ($5 for brunch).
Information: 203-322-1646 or visit www.stamfordmuseum.org.

Buffet Dinner and music by DJ Dennis of John Saville.
Information: 203-415-5619

This Valentine’s Day, leave the greeting cards at home and celebrate the holiday right with Comix At Foxwoods. Share some laughs with NESN Comedy All-Star Jim Lauletta, New England’s Best Bar Comic Doug Blay, and host, Andrew Williams. Then, enjoy an exclusive music video lounge reception and dance with VJ Tom Yaz. For guests age 21 and older.
Information and tickets: www.comixatfoxwoods.com or call 800-200-2882

This party with a purpose will include New Orleans-style food and drinks for purchase at multiple locations, a French Quarter photo booth, masks and t-shirts, and raffle tickets for unique prize packages. This all-day, all-night fundraiser will host performances by Nigel Hall (of The Royal Family), Tim & Eric of the Alternate Routes, The Primate Fiasco, Renard Boissiere, The Darian Cunning Band, Cosmic Jibaros, Twiddle, I Anbassa, PJ Pacifico, Hoe, and many others. BlackRock Rocks Mardi Gras, to date, has donated over $15,000 for the revitalization of New Orleans, LA, and Bridgeport, CT.
Information: www.blackrockrocks.org

Foxwoods Resort Casino will celebrate its 20th Anniversary with The Platinum Party, hosted by music mogul and entrepreneur Diddy. The MGM Grand Premier Ballroom will be transformed into the ultimate party with VIP seating, bottle service, projection screens, dancers, aerialists, giveaways and much more and the hottest DJs from New York and Boston will be spinning crowd favorite music all night long. Celebrity guests include: rapper Jim Jones and Chrissy Lampkin of VH1’s “Love and Hip Hop.” For guests age 21 and older. Proper Dress required.
Information: www.foxwoods.com

Mohegan Sun is ringing in the New Year with a variety of events including legendary singer Wakin Chau in Mohegan Sun Arena, a traditional Lion Dance, the Money God, an appearance by the top three 2011 Miss New York Chinese Beauty Pageant stars, special menu items at Sunrise Square, and bus giveaways.
Information: 888-226-7711 or visit mohegansun.com/888.
Singer Wakin Chau from Taiwan in the Mohegan Sun Arena, 2 p.m. Admission: $58 and $38. Information and tickets: www.stage66.us or call 212-925-1098.
Lion Dance throughout the Mohegan Sun property, 2 p.m. from Sunrise Square through The Shops at Mohegan Sun, Casino of the Sky and Casino of the Wind.
Kung Fu artists will perform in The Shops at Mohegan Sun, 2:40 p.m.

“Shrek the Musical”, based on the DreamWorks film that started it all, brings the hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre to life on stage. Part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun for everyone! In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre – not a handsome prince – shows up to rescue a feisty princess.
Information: 860-444-7373 or visit www.gardearts.org/

With a showman's flair, a comedian's wit, and the capacities of a bona fide Mentalist or thought reader, The Amazing Kreskin has, for 5 decades, dramatized the unique facets of the human mind, his own! He's the best mentalist in the world and he's not acting.
Information: 860-542-5531 or visit www.infinityhall.com

Start off the evening with a bang! Join “Uncle Franco” and his mobsters in a professional dinner theater production. Guests never know whom to expect – but at this thrilling, hilarious murder mystery show, they’ll know what to expect – a great meal and an evening full of fun. AspenDream Productions, Connecticut’s longest-running murder mystery comedy dinner show, puts on an action-packed performance where everyone is considered a suspect. Dinner, dancing, camaraderie, and more round out the evening. Proceeds benefit the Farmington Valley Visitors Association.
Information: www.41bridgestreet.com or call 860-676-8878.

This once-in-a-lifetime electrifying production combines Michael Jackson music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil creativity to give fans worldwide a unique view into the spirit, passion and heart of the artistic genius who forever transformed global pop culture. The show is written and directed by Jamie King and features more than 60 international dancers, musicians and acrobats.
Information and tickets: www.ticketmaster.com or www.cirquedusoleil.com/MichaelJackson or call 800-745-3000.

More than 35 vendors will be on hand to answer questions and help plan the wedding of your dreams, This is the bridal event you do not want to miss, to meet experts in …everything from photographers to floral design to invitations and more. Thousands of dollars worth of giveaways, including a honeymoon to the Caribbean. All brides and grooms admitted free with pre-registration.
Information and tickets: 866-306-7473 ext. 1 or visit www.diamondringproductions.com