Tuesday, August 31, 2010

KidHaven Chats With Music Together

If it isn't obvious, New Haven Kids is a HUGE fan of Music Together, and it appears our fellow New Haven Mom/Blogger KidHaven is too! Check out her interview with Liz from Music Together HERE.

It's just part 1 of their interview, so please check back tomorrow for part 2. I must say, part 1 is very informative...I'm curious to see where else they'll take this discussion.

And don't forget! Music Together free demos are beginning this week in various locations. Click Here to see the complete list.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Home Depot Kids Workshops

This is old news to most of you, but worth the reminder!

The first Saturday of every month, your local Home Depot hosts a Kids Workshop for ages 5-12.

The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit.

The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children.

In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.


For more info, visit their website.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Free Music Together Classes!

Come and join us for a free demonstration class!

Please RSVP to 203-691-9759 or e-mail liz@musicalfolk.com if you wish to attend.

Each semester demo classes will be held for families who wish to preview a class. Whether you’re coming to Music Together for the first time, or you want to return with your new little ones, demos are held approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to the next semester. Moms, Dad’s, grandparents, and nannies are welcome to attend our demos and our classes. Just come prepared to participate, and to have fun making music and dancing with your child!

Upcoming Free Demonstration classes~

Hamden
The Unitarian Church
700 Hartford Turnpike, Hamden, CT
Thurs, Sept 2nd at 10am
(Please note this address has been corrected from the previous post)
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
North Madison
The North Madison Congregational Church
1271 Durham Road, Madison, CT
Fri, Sept 1oth- 10am
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Woodbridge
JCC of Greater New Haven
360 Amity Road, Woodbridge, CT
Sat Sept 11th- 10am
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Branford
Blend - a creative space for kids
1120 Main Street, Branford
Sat, Sept 11th at 10am

Thursday, August 19, 2010

It's County Fair Time!

What could be better than a county fair? When I was a kid, we waited all summer for those funnel cakes and rides! (Perhaps not in that order).

To find the dates for all the Connecticut county fairs, CLICK HERE! Many are this weekend!

What's Going On This Weekend?

August 20-21 - Milford
Milford Oyster Festival. Enjoy the sights, sounds, tastes and history of Milford. Entertainment for children and music fans, harbor canoe and kayak races, over 200 arts and crafts vendors from around the country, a classic car show and food offered by local non-profit civic organizations. Free Admission. Fri. 5:30-9:30 PM, Sat. 10 AM - 6 PM www.milfordoysterfestival.org (203) 878-5363

August 20 - 22 - Wolcott
Wolcott Country Fair, 24 Todd Road. Animals, arts and crafts, food, rides, entertainment and more. Visit the website for details. www.wolcottfair.com (203) 879-5466

August 21 - Essex
Arts & Crafts Fair on the Town Green, Main St. Juried show with more than 50 exhibitors, food gazebo with homemade items. 10 AM-4 PM. Free. (860) 434-0751

August 21- Trumbull
Westfield Trumbull’s Back to School Bash at Westfield Trumbull 5065 Main St. Celebrate the beginning of the upcoming school year with Westfield Trumbull as we host our ‘Back to School Bash.’ The biggest end of summer party will take place August 21st between 10am and 6pm on the upper level outside of Lord & Taylor. This free event will feature multiple movie viewings, fashion shows, arts and crafts, Radio Disney family challenge, a retailer marketplace and more. 10 AM to 6 PM Free. www.westfield.com/trumbull 203-372-4500

August 21-22 - Guilford
What's a Baffle? Henry Whitfield State Museum, 248 Old Whitfield St. Find out and see it down for the first time in decades. Admission Fee. 10 AM-4 PM www.cultureandtourism.org (203) 453-2457

August 22- Guilford
Wellness Fair. The Guilford Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a Wellness Fair on the Guilford Green. 4:30-6:30 PM. Free. www.guilfordparkrec.com (203) 453-8068

August 22 - Guilford
Concerts on the Green sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department. Featuring Lennon Live - A John Lennon Tribute. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the music. Free. 6:30-8 PM. www.guilfordparkrec.com (203) 453-8068

Thursday, August 12, 2010

What's Going On This Weekend?

August 12, 14, 15 - Old Saybrook
Connecticut Free Shakespeare - "Twelfth Night" Performance. Town Hall Green. Join us for a night under the stars with moonstruck lovers, mismatched couples, secret passions, hidden identities, practical jokes, wacky sword fights, comic revenge, and a happily ever after! Everyone is welcome, and admission is free! 8 PM www.ctfreeshakespeare.org (203) 393-3213

August 14 - Norwalk
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Arabic Music, Dance and Culture at Stepping Stones!
Join Karim Nagi-Mohammed as he illustrates Arabic culture through musical instruments like the Buzuq and performs exciting music and dance.

August 14 - Essex
Family Maritime Festival. Connecticut River Museum, Steamboat Dock, 67 Main Street. Learn how to rope, caulk a ship and participate in maritime games. Tour a historic schooner and be entertained by maritime music. Free. 1-4 PM for festival activities, 5-7 PM for concert. www.ctrivermuseum.org (860) 767-8269

August 14 - Middlefield
Peach Fest at Lyman Orchards, Rte. 147 & Rte. 157. Celebrate peach season with a host of fun-family activities! Enjoy fresh baked Peach Pies in the Apple Barrel, live music on the deck with Bus13, a local Connecticut rock band that continues to draw big crowds, featuring the musical talents of guitarist and vocalist Todd Daniels. Fun activities include contests and prizes, horse drawn wagon rides with Foxglove Farm, pony rides for kids, and more! Free. 11 AM-9 PM. www.lymanorchards.com (860) 669-5735

August 14 – Windsor Locks
Space & Aviation Day. Bradley International Airport & New England Air Museum (36 Perimeter Rd.) and Bradley Air National Guard Base, 100 Nicholson Rd., East Granby. Featuring static aircraft displays, live demonstrations, space exploration activities, music, entertainment, games, contests, Space Race 5K and more. Free. www.spaceandaviation.org (203) 772-0522

August 14 -15 – Mystic
Mystic Outdoor Art Festival in Historic Downtown Mystic. Celebrating over 50 years, the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival is the oldest festival of its kind in the northeast. Over 300 artists and craftsmen display and sell their wares along the streets of Historic Downtown Mystic. Enjoy the Children’s Art Park where children can participate in art themed activities, and a Future Artists Pavilion featuring the artwork of local students. 10 AM – 6 PM. Free. alexa@mysticchamber.org (860) 572-9578

August 14 - 15- Sharon
Sharon Audubon Festival, Sharon Audubon Center- 325 Cornwall Bridge Road (Route 4) The Sharon Audubon Festival features two days of various nature programs and hikes for kids and adults, live animal presentations, musical performances, vendors, food and more. 9:30 AM-5:30 PM. $7 adults, $5 kids 12 and under www.sharon.audubon.org (860) 364-0520

August 15 - Norwalk
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Stepping Stones Museum Community Block Party
Enjoy free museum admission, special performances, fun activities and Touch-A-Truck!

August 15 - Bridgeport
Teddy Bear Fest at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave. Bring your favorite teddy bear friend to the Zoo! This “beary” fun day also will feature children’s crafts and storytelling focusing on Bear Awareness and the facts about real bears. FREE admission for children under age 12 who bring their teddy bear to the “Teddy Bear Clinic” and are accompanied by a paying adult. Noon- 3 PM. www.beardsleyzoo.org (203) 394-6565

August 15 - Brooklyn
Sundae Social at Creamery Brook Bison Farm, 19 Purvis Road. Build your own sundae with New England ice cream. Take an evening ride to see the bison. Free ice cream cup and spoon for all paid participants 12 years and under. 5:30 PM. $10. (860) 779-0837

August 15 - Guilford
Concerts on the Green sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department. Featuring Liberation – A Chicago Tribute. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the music. Free. 6:30-8 PM. www.guilfordparkrec.com (203) 453-8068

August 15 - Madison
Dr. YaYa’s Gumbo Party. Evenings on the Green. These are free concerts for all to enjoy. Please refrain from bringing alcohol with you as it is not allowed under our agreement for use of the Green by the First Congregational Church of Madison. Come on down and sit on a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the music! 6 – 8 PM Free. www.madisonrec.com (203) 245-5623

August 15 - Middlebury
Dance Day at Quassy Amusement Park, Rte. 64. From jazz to tap, and some elaborate group routines. Entertainment from all age groups at the Lakeside Theatre stage. Program: noon-6 PM. www.quassy.com (203) 758-2913

August 15 - Old Saybrook
"A Step Back in Time" – A Celebration of Saybrook Colony's 375th Anniversary,1698 Bushnell Farm, Boston Post Rd. Family fun featuring games, tours, demonstrations, hay rides, plow pull, barn-raising, historical characters in period costume, storytelling, fife and drum corps, weavers, spinners; refreshments available. Adults $10, children free. Noon – 4 PM. www.SaybrookHistory.org (860) 395-1635

CT Dance Force Open House and Registration Dates

Registration for new and returning students for our 2010-2011 dance season will be held on the following days:

Wednesday & Thursday August 25th & 26th-6:30-8:30pm
Saturday August 28th- 10:00am-2:00pm

Wednesday & Thursday September 1st & 2nd- 6:30-8:30pm
Saturday September 4th- 10:00am-2:00pm

We offer dance classes to students ages 18 months through adult. Professional staff teach ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip hop and creative movement. Age appropriate, movement, music and costumes. Flexible and fun adult dance program!

For more information please visit our website at www.ctdanceforce.com, become a friend on Facebook or feel free to contact us!

CT Dance Force
1220 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06517
Kate Mai-Loretz, Artistic Managing Director
Kristopher Loretz, Assistant Director
(203) 671-9320 ~ www.ctdanceforce.com

Back To School Clothing Swap

The eco-friendly way to shop with The Painted Pomegranate at the JCC!

Sunday, August 22
10 am - 2 pm

Parents will bring children's lightly used clothes, shoes, hats and jackets to swap. (Please no undergarments).

Each item of clothing = 1 ticket
Parents will use their tickets to purchase clothing from each other!

Call to register today! (203) 387- 2522 x227
$10 registration fee

Monday, August 9, 2010

Lollipop Opera

Lollipop Opera offers a performance of Little Red Riding Hood
this coming Wednesday, August 11, at 10:00 am at Seven Angels Theatre in
Waterbury.

And look out for The Frog Prince, coming October 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 & 16!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Music Together In Hamden!

Music Together is now offering classes in Hamden! Check out Musical Folk for more details.

And for more info on the Music Together program, visit our post from May '09!

To Do List

Ongoing...

Every Saturday Night - Southington
For families with older children...pack of the family and go to the Southington Drive-In! Gates open at 6:00, movie starts at 9:00.

August 7, 14, 21, 28 - Middlebury
Quassy Amusement Park – Carload Nights! Located on Route 64. Everyone in the car gets an evening ride and "Saturation Station" pass for only $25 after 5 PM. Parking charge is included. Every Saturday through September 4. www.quassy.com (203) 758-2913

August 2-15 – Middlebury
Kent Family Magic Circus at Quassy Amusement Park, Rte. 64. Fantastic family entertainment with magic, juggling, fire eating and more. Daily shows start at 1 PM. www.quassy.com (203) 758-2913

August 10, 17, 24, 31 - New Haven“Sky Quest” - Family Planetarium Show. Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium, 355 Prospect St. Show consists of a 5-7 minute live show about tonight's sky followed by "Sky Quest", a show about star gazing. This show is particularly suitable for young children. There are only 50 seats in the planetarium theater, which are available on a "first-come, first-served" basis. All shows on Tuesday nights are free. 6-7 PM. http://lfop.astro.yale.edu (203) 285-8840

August 10, 17, 24, 31 - New Haven“Astronaut” - Family Planetarium Show. Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium, 355 Prospect St. Planetarium show begins with a 10 minute live show about tonight's sky, followed by "Astronaut". Discover the perils that lurk in space as we subject 'Chad', our test astronaut, to everything that space has to throw at him, from zero gravity to gamma radiation. There are only 50 seats in the planetarium theater, which are available on a "first-come, first-served" basis. All shows on Tuesday nights are free. Two shows available. 7-8 PM and 8-9 PM. Telescopes are available for public observation at 9 PM weather permitting. http://lfop.astro.yale.edu (203) 285-8840

August 4-8 - Guilford
Shakespeare on the Shoreline – “Twelfth Night”. Guilford Town Green. This is the 9th season of 'theatre under the stars' as the Shoreline Arts Alliance presents CT Free Shakespeare in five nights of performances of "Twelfth Night" with equity cast and crew and under the direction of Ellen Lieberman. A special addition to the performance each night is the 'living intermission' where members of the cast engage and interact with the audience with continued entertainment and music. Bring blankets, chairs and picnic dinners and enjoy family entertainment on the beautiful, historic Guilford Green. No performance if raining. Free. 7:30 PM. www.ctfreeshakespeare.org (203) 453-3890

August 11, 18 – Waterbury
Museum Wednesday For Kids: The Art of Summer. Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center, 144 West Main St. Youngsters ages five through eight years old will study the works of artists who painted the light and colors of summer in a variety of scenes. Students will create their own paintings based on their favorite summer places and activities. Classes will focus on different artists each week. Aileen Singleton and Carole Glazer will teach the classes. Ms. Singleton is an artist who teaches classes at Goldsmith’s Fine Art in Waterbury and at the Mattatuck Museum. Ms. Glazer has been is a commercial designer for over 20 years. Registration is required. $2 per child. 2-4 PM www.MattatuckMuseum.org (203) 753-0381 ext 10

This Weekend Only...

August 5-7 - Ansonia
Festa! 2010 at Holy Rosary Church, Father Salemi Dr. Celebration of the Italian heritage with freshly prepared food, musical entertainment, rides for children, games, marketplace and more. Free. 5-11 PM. (203) 735-1787

August 5 - Clinton
NewAlliance Bank Summer Concert Series-The Convertibles. Vece Gazebo, Pierson School, Main Street, Clinton. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Free. In the event of rain the concert will be canceled. 6:30 PM. www.clintonct.com (860) 669-3889

August 6 - Guilford
"The True Story of Jack and the Beanstalk" performed by Connecticut Free Shakespeare. Jacobs Beach, Seaside Avenue. Connecticut Free Shakespeare is proud to present "The True Story of Jack and the Beanstalk," a play with music for children written by Bert Garskof. It is based on the classic and familiar story of Jack and the Beanstalk but has new twists and turns taking the audience on a magical new adventure. The cast is made up of the wonderful and talented Ensemble actors from our 2010 main stage production of "Twelfth Night." Original songs and incidental music have been written by Professor Louis Negri, faculty member of the Hamden Hall Country Day School. The story is action packed, fun and exciting for children of all ages. Admission is Free! 11:30 AM and 12:45 PM. www.CTFreeShakespeare.org or (203) 393-3213

August 6-8 - North Branford
Potato & Corn Festival, Augur Farm - Rte. 22. Enjoy fresh fire-roasted potatoes and corn while listening to live bands; unique games, contests, business expo, carnival, farmer's market, classic car show, crafts and fireworks. Fri. 4-11 PM, Sat. 9 AM – 11 PM, Sun. 9 AM – 8 PM. Free. (203) 315-6017

August 7 – Norwalk
Two great events at Stepping Stones Museum!
Creative Kids Art! Create a craft project inspired by our Around the World destinations Egypt and Syria. 2:30 – 3:30.
Sound of Music Sing-A-Long! The smash-hit musical show that has been all around the world is now at Stepping Stones. For those of you not yet converted, Sing-A-Long Sound of Music is a screening of the classic Julie Andrews film musical, complete with subtitles so that the whole audience can sing along. Come dressed as your favorite character, participate in pre-movie activities and receive a free goodie-bag. So get those vocal chords warmed up, cut up those chintz curtains and hurry down for the perfect family night out. You don’t need to be a kid to attend – just young at heart! Rain or shine. Tickets $15 member/$20 non-member and $12 children ages 2-12. Reservations required. Space is limited. Register online at steppingstonesmuseum.org or call 203 899 0606, ext. 247. 7:00 – 11:00 pm.

August 7 - Bridgeport
Animal Enrichment Day at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave. Animal environmental enrichment helps keep animals active mentally and physically. Information available on ways people can enrich the lives of their pets at home. Noon-3 PM. Free with zoo admission. www.beardsleyzoo.org (203) 394-6565

August 7 - Fairfield
Family Builders for Single Parents & Kids - Annual Picnic First Baptist Church of Fairfield, 65 Church Hill Rd. Annual picnic! Come out for fun family event with outdoor games, hamburgers, hotdogs ... 1 PM Free. (203) 502-9362

August 7 – Guilford
Story Time & Scavenger Hunt at the Henry Whitfield State Museum, 248 Old Whitfield St. Enjoy reading of an historical tale or two and hunt for unique artifacts in the museum. Free. 10 AM – 4 PM. www.whitfieldmuseum.com (203) 453-2457

August 7 – Milford
Great American Sand Sculpture Competition, Walnut Beach, East Broadway. Enjoy the day at the beach and watching the sand sculptures be created. 1-5 PM. Free. www.milfordarts.org (203) 878-6647

August 7-8 - South Norwalk
SoNo Arts Celebration. Washington & North Main Sts. Outdoor celebration in a unique presentation of visual and performing arts in historic South Norwalk. Live music, juried fine art and craft show, children's art area, film festival and interactive activities. Sat. 10 AM-midnight, Sun. 11 AM-6 PM. Free. www.sonoarts.org (203) 866-7916

August 8 - Madison
Taxmen – Rock. Evenings on the Green. These are free concerts for all to enjoy. Please refrain from bringing alcohol with you as it is not allowed under our agreement for use of the Green by the First Congregational Church of Madison. Come on down and sit on a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the music! 6 – 8 PM Free. www.madisonrec.com (203) 245-5623

Monday, August 2, 2010

Wilderness Survivors

The Painted Pomegranate Offers an Unforgettable Wilderness Survivors Summer Program for Kids

Looking for a summer experience your 8- 13-year-old children will never forget? The week-long Wilderness Survivors Camp, offered by the Painted Pomegranate, is the answer!

The Painted Pomegranate (The Pom), the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven’s (JCC) creative learning and play center, has planned a remarkable week of fantastic fun and learning that will take place on the JCC’s 40-acre campus at 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Children will learn how to make fire by rubbing sticks together, track foxes and coyotes, make survival shelters, learn how not to get lost and much more! All kids should be prepared to get dirty and have fun!

Wilderness Survivors Camp will run from August 16th-20th from 9:00am-3:00pm, and the cost is $350 per child. For more information, or to register, please call Daniela Balzano at 203-387-2522 x227.

New Haven Musician Sets Out to Bring His Dinosaur Music to the World Stage

NEW HAVEN – Local composer and orchestra manager for the Yale Symphony Orchestra, Brian Robinson, has been entertaining area toddlers and pre-school audiences for four years with his dinosaur-themed wind quintet, The Cretaceous Quintet. Now, with the help of a fund-raising website called Kickstarter, he is setting out to produce a professional recording, to be released digitally on iTunes and in CD formats.

The album, titled “Roar!”, will feature songs heard at the groups live performances at the Peabody Museum, including “It’s Not Easy to Dance with Deinonychus”, “The Alphabet of Dinosaurs”, and “Five Little Raptors”. New, never-before-heard songs will also be included. One, “Still Life with Torosaurus”, is inspired by the prominent statue outside the Peabody.

“This is a truly New Haven-borne venture” says Robinson. “I wrote our first songs on a whim for my son’s local nursery school [United Community Nursery School on Temple Street], and within two months we were playing at Dinosaur Days at the Peabody Museum. We’re in our fourth year of bringing dinosaur-themed joy to kids.”

Fund-raising for the project will begin on July 1st, and end on August 25th. Brian hopes to raise $3,000 in that time through the innovative web fundraising platform, Kickstarter. In order to acquire pledges, Robinson is giving out digital and physical copies of the album to donors, as well as signed copies of original sheet music.

The most unique pledge gift, however, is the opportunity to appear on the album itself. For a $40 pledge, you or your child can “Roar” into a microphone, send Brian a copy of the recording, and that “Roar” will wind up on the album, complete with an album credit in the liner notes.


Links:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/briansamuelrobinson/the-cretaceous-quintet-make-an-album-called-roar

http://www.facebook.com/cretaceousquintet

http://www.briansamuelrobinson.com

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Happy Birthday, Tantrum!

It was brought to my attention that Tantrum Salon just celebrated their one year birthday! Congrats, Tantrum!

I first brought my son to Tantrum just after they opened last year. We had such a great experience, I rushed home to post about how great they are. I've heard from many pleased parents who started bringing their kids to Tantrum following that post, so I thought I would help celebrate their big birthday by reminding you all about my visit. Click Here to read all about it!

Happy Birthday, Tantrum!

Music Together Fall Classes

Fall Registration for Music Together is in full swing! To view the fall schedule, click here and for more info on Music Together, see our review of this awesome program here.

Oh--and while we're on the subject, if you're interested in having a Music Together birthday party, email us at newhavenkids@gmail.com.