Music, Museums, Movies and Drama

Air Museum Open on Easter

Looking for something to do with the family after the Easter egg rampage is over? The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks is open for business on April 24. Visitors of all ages can tour the largest aviation museum in New England, take in the exhibitions, and imagine what it's like to fly.

The New England Air Museum is at 36 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks. For more information, visit www.neam.org or call 860-623-3305. 

Free Flix in Suffield

Want to go to the movies? You can't beat the price at Kent Memorial Library in Suffield, which appears to have rolled out the red carpet for school vacation week. First up on April 22 is Rapunzel, the PG-rated Disney picture based on the fairy tale. Screening time is 10:15 a.m. At 2 p.m. on the same day, the library presents the Oscar-nominated 127 Hours. Based on a true story, James Franco plays mountain climber Aron Ralston, who gets trapped by a boulder and must resort to drastic measures to free himself. The film is rated R.  On Wednesday, April 27, grab a cushioned seat for Bad Day to Go Fishing, the critically acclaimed 2009 drama from director Alvaro Brechner. Jouko Ahola and Gary Piquer star as the former "strongest man on Earth" and his wily manager. The film is not rated.

Kent Memorial Library is at 50 North Main St., Suffield. For more information, visit www.suffield-library.org or call 860-668-3896.

Noah Webster's War of the Words

Conceived in the style of National Public Radio's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me…, the Noah Webster House of West Hartford' presents the War of the Words on April 28. The second annual event pits the Red Team, whose members are "The Word Guy" Rob Kyff, Chef Prudence Sloane, author Rand Cooper, and elementary school principal Nancy DePalma, against the Blue Team, a lineup featuring University of Hartford professor Humphrey Tonkin, Hartford Courant columnist Susan Campbell, Merriam-Webster associate editor Peter Solokowski, and TV journalist and radio talk show host Diane Smith. The teams battle to test their knowledge, and proceeds benefit the museum's at-risk school programs. Anita Ford Saunders, a communication and public relations professional, emcees the event, which includes a dinner buffet, fine wines and beer, music by Hall High School's Acafella, and prizes.

The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets cost $75 per person. Reservations are required. Phone 860-521-5362 ext. 10 or visit www.noahwebsterhouse.org. The Noah Webster House is at 227 South Main St., West Hartford. For more information, visit www.noahwebsterhouse.org.

Playhouse on Park presents Swing Set

Stop/Time Dance Theater, the resident dance company at West Hartford's Playhouse on Park, presents a new production called Swing Set. Conceived and directed by Darlene Zoller, the show blends traditional swing, tap and hip-hop dance styles.

Swing Set runs from April 27 through May 1. Tickets range from $17.50 to $22.50. Playhouse on Park is at 244 Park Road, West Hartford. For tickets and more information, visit www.playhouseonpark.org or call 860-523-5900 ext.10.

Living History Days at Stanley-Whitman

Step back into the 18th century as Farmington's Stanley-Whitman House presents Living History Days on April 21 and 22. The museum and grounds are filled with Colonial-era activities – from sheep shearing and quilting to baking and candle making – designed for all ages. Refreshments are served in the tavern.

Living History Days runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days. Visit the museum website to for a complete calendar of events. All activities and refreshments are free with the admission of $5 per person; $4 museum members. No reservations required. The Stanley-Whitman House is at 37 High St., Farmington. For more information, visit www.stanleywhitman.org or call 860-677-9222.

Simsbury's Night of 1,000 Stars

Hear local luminaries read from their favorite books when the Simsbury Public Library presents the Night of 1,000 Stars. The evening of literary, musical and culinary delights runs from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on April 27.

The Simsbury Public Library is at 725 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury. For more information, visit www.simsburylibrary.info or call 860-658-7663.

Mad Agnes at Roaring Brook

Before heading off to England, the harmony-bending trio Mad Agnes plays an April 30 concert at Canton's Roaring Brook Nature Center. The trio, made up of Margo Henneback on guitar, keyboards and vocals, Mark Saunders on guitars and vocals, and Adrienne Jones on guitar and vocals, is touring to promote its new album, hush. Dan Gewertz of the Boston Herald writes, "This trio brims with experience and sophisticated musical gifts, funny showmanship and the most agile rambunctious harmonies. The beauty can be intense."

Show time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 in advance, $22 at the door. Roaring Brook Nature Center is at 70 Gracey Road, Canton. Visitwww.roaringbrookconcerts.org.

Tony-winning Hair Revival at Bushnell

Let the Sun Shine In . . . It will when Hartford's Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts presents the Tony Award-winning musical revival of Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical. Set during the turbulent '60s and '70s America, the musical follows a group of free-spirited youths whose espousal of pacificism, free love, and an end to racism, intolerance and brutality was meant to change the country forever. Director Diane Paulus' production won multiple Tony Awards and has drawn critical raves. The New York Times says, "Diane Paulus's thrilling, emotionally rich production delivers intense, unadulterated joy." Time Out New York says, "Hair speaks to a whole new generation." And The Washington Post calls it “irresistible . . . the best version yet." The music by Galt MacDermot and lyrics by Gerome Ragni include the enduring hits Aquarius, Hair, Good Morning Starshine, and Let the Sun Shine In. 

Hair performances run from April 26 through May 1. Tickets start at $17. The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts is at 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford. For tickets and more information, visit www.bushnell.org or call the box office at 860-987-5900.