Literary Speakers and Civil War Events This Weekend

April begins with a bloom of activities and entertainment around town and in surrounding areas.

Posted by Darcy Bell Symes, March 29, 2011 at 10:55 pm

Where: , 61 Atlantic St., Stamford
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, noon
Why go: David Sedaris will read selections from his best-sellers "Naked,” "Me Talk Pretty One Day" and "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim," and engage the audience with a Q&A. For more information click here
Price: $57, $52, $42 plus SCA Fees

Where: Gregory Cole Antiques, 119 Washington St., Norwalk
When: Sundays, April 3 and 10, 3-5 p.m.
Why go: When was the last time you heard live chamber music in an antique store (local or otherwise)? We didn’t think so! Take in this unique performance by Galina Zisk Rothschild, artistic director, piano; Yevgeny Faniuk, flute; Cecee Pantikian, violin; and Andrew Janss, cello. For more information click here, call 203-403-3283 or email sonocms@gmail.com
Price: $20/adults, $15/students and seniors

Where: , 1 Belden Ave., Norwalk
When: Saturday, 3 p.m.
Why go: Ralph Bloom will thank the Norwalk Garden Club for its efforts to beautify the library and present garden club president Sally D’amato and library board member/garden club member Mohan Tracy with Norwalk Public Library pewter ornaments. Mayor Richard A. Moccia will also be on hand for the occasion. Included in the event will be a gardening book sale, for which Alexandra Lovejoy (Lamarre) of Alexandra’s Gardens will create a garden at the library’s entrance, and also advise attendees on plant selections. For more information, call 203-899-2780.
Price: Free

Where: SoNo Caffeine, 133 Washington St., South Norwalk
When: Friday, 8-10 p.m.
Why go: Westporter Levi E. will deliver his sounds of acoustic blues and funk.
Price: Free

Where: The Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St., Norwalk
When: Daily at 2 p.m. through April 7; "Whales" daily at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. through May 26
Why go: The viewing of wild places and wild faces doesn't get any better on film or even in person, necessarily. "Alaska" won an Oscar for Best Short Subject Documentary in 1998. Also playing is "Whales," in which you'll see many of these wondrous marine mammals lifesize!
Price: $9 for adults, $8 for seniors 65+ and $6.50 for children 2-12. Aquarium members receive $2 discounts. To include Aquarium admission with one of the films, tickets are $19.45 for adults, $17.95 for seniors and $14.45 for children. Tickets are available at www.MaritimeAquarium.org. For more information visit the site or call 203-852-0700.

Where: (McManus Room), 20 Jesup Rd., Westport
When: Sunday, 3-4 p.m.
Why go: American feminist poet Katha Pollitt, a recipient of the National Book Critics Circle Award for her book of poetry “Antarctic Traveller,” will engage the audience with her readings. Pollitt also writes "Subject to Debate," an award-winning and notably controversial column for The Nation.
Price: Free

CIVIL WAR-RELATED EVENTS

Where: , 224 Danbury Rd., Wilton
When: Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Why go: Ever wonder what it was like to be a soldier during the Civil War? Here’s your chance to find out, as “Wilton High School senior Mike Kaelin leads a re-enactment demonstrating a Civil War encampment with the 14^th Connecticut Regiment taking place on the society’s grounds. A lecture by fellow senior Brian Caswell takes place at 1 p.m. This Living History Day event complements the society’s new exhibit, “America’s Civil War Retrospective” open Tuesdays-Fridays 10-4, Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4 (closed Easter) through May 13. For more information .
Price: Reenactment and exhibit are free for WHS members, $5 for non-member families.

Where: Darien Historical Society, 45 Old Kings Hwy. N.
When: Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; daily Tuesday-Friday through May 31
Why go: The Darien Historical Society opened this exhibit in its Scofield Barn last weekend to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War. Exhibit organizer Ken Reiss “chronicles the men from Darien who fought in the war through personal letters and memorabilia, as well as historic background on regiments and battles. The second part of the exhibition offers a background on Fitch's Home for Soldiers, the first veterans' home in the country.” For details visit http://historical.darien.org, email info@DarienHistorical.org or call 203-655-9233.

Where: 132 Main St., Ridgefield
When: Sunday, 4-6 p.m.
Why go: Charlie Pankenier, a student of the Civil War for most of his life, will discuss what the North/South conflict meant for Ridgefield, describing “the dramatic, poignant and largely untold story of how our town fought the war, what it was like to be a Ridgefield foot soldier and the sacrifices of families on the home front,” according to Keeler’s announcement For more information visit www.KeelerTavernMuseum.org or call 203-438-5485.
Price: $15/general admission, $10/members