One-of-a-Kind Furniture in Windsor; Beiber in Suffield; Christmas in July in Farmington

Works by 12 New England Furniture Makers at Windsor Art Center

Jonathan Binzen, former senior editor and now contributor to Fine Woodworking Magazine said, “Furniture making is not a career for the faint of heart. It promises long hours, little limelight, and only a trickle of compensation.” Binzen was writing in the forward to The Next Wave – a 3rd Generation of Studio Furniture Makers, a new exhibition of works opening July 9 at the Windsor Art Center in Windsor. The show, curated by award-winning New Canaan furniture maker Thomas Throop, casts a bit of limelight on 12 New England-based masters of the craft. Connecticut participants are Throop and Andy Peklo III of Woodbury.

The exhibition runs from July 9 through August 20. An opening reception is scheduled for July 10 from 3 to 5 p.m. Admission is free.The Windsor Art Center is at the corner of Central and Mechanic streets in Windsor. For more information, visit www.windsorartcenter.org or call 860-688-2528.

Bieber and Cedar on Screen for Free in Suffield

Is there a teeny bopper in your house who would love to see footage of Justin Bieber's 2010 concert tour? Then don't miss the free July 7 screening hosted by the Kent Memorial Library in Suffield. Also screening this week at the library is "Cedar Rapids," the 2011 comedy starring Ed Helms, John C. Reilly and Anne Heche. The film, to be shown July 8, begins as Helm's character is sent to represent his company at an insurance convention. The film is rated R.

Screenings for both movies start at 2 p.m. All screenings are free. No registration is required. No food and drink is allowed. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Kent Memorial Library is at 50 North Main St., Suffield. For more information, visit www.suffield-library.org or call 860-668-3896.  

Colonial Kids' Adventure Camp at Noah Webster

What was it like to be a kid during colonial times in America? Today's children, ages 8 to 11, are invited to find out when West Hartford's Noah Webster House hosts Colonial Kids' Adventure Camp. Three separate weeklong sessions run from July 11 to 15, July 25 to 29, and August 8 to 12. Activities include colonial crafts and hearth cooking, playing with colonial toys, and putting on a colonial-themed skit for parents. The children also visit Westmoor Park in West Hartford where they dip candles, wash wool, and care for animals.

Camp hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Cost is $265; $239 members. The Noah Webster House is at 227 South Main St., West Hartford. For more information, visit www.noahwebsterhouse.org or call 860-521-5362.

It's Christmas in July at the Stanley-Whitman

There are early bird shoppers, and then there are early bird shoppers. For the latter, Farmington's Stanley-Whitman House presents Christmas in July, a program of sales and crafting workshops designed to give area Santas a head start on the December holidays. From July 8 to 31, the historic museum hosts a holiday shop loaded with items ranging from felted hearts and hand-knit socks to handcrafted ornaments, quilts, and more. In addition, a series of crafting workshops are offered including drop-in make-your-own-ornament sessions on July 8 and 9 and 22 and 23. (Hours are noon to 3 p.m. Fee is $5 per ornament.) July 17 brings a make-your-own snow globe workshop for children ages 7 and older. It runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Fee is $10 per child.) On July 31, adults are invited to sew a bird ornament. The workshop runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Fee is $10 per person.)

The Stanley-Whitman House is at 37 High St., Farmington. For more information, visit www.stanleywhitman.org or call 860-677-9222.

A Summer Concert by the Simsbury Community Band

The Simsbury Community Band performs a free concert July 13 at the Simsbury Farms Hockey Arena. The 60-member ensemble plays under the direction of Ertan Sener.

Concert time is 7 p.m. at the Simsbury Farms Hockey Arena, 100 Old Farms Road, West Simsbury. For more information, visit www.simsburyband.org or call 860-658-3836.

Bear Sighting in Canton (Make That, Yogi Bear)

The Shoppes at Farmington Valley in Canton begin its annual series of free outdoor films on July 9 with a screening of the 2010 family friendly animated comedy Yogi Bear. Magician James David will be on hand for some pre-show entertainment.

The pre-show runs from 6 to 8 p.m. The free screening begins at dusk in the main parking area near the barn. The Shoppes at Farmington Valley are at 110 Albany Turnpike, Canton. For more information, visit www.theshoppesatfarmingtonvalley.com or call 860-693-3059.

HSO and the Big Easy

A short drive takes you all the way to the Cresent City when the Hartford Symphony Orchestra teams up with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy for an evening of New Orleans-style jazz and big band music. The July 8 concert, part of the Talcott Mountain Music Festival at Simsbury Meadows, includes Voodoo Daddy's biggest hits – Go Daddy-O, Mr. Pinstripe Suite, The Jumpin’ Jive, Jungle Book (I Wanna Be Like You), Calloway Boogie, and more. You'll be dancing on the lawn as HSO's concertmaster Leonid Sigal conducts. 

Pack a blanket and a picnic. Gates open at 6 p.m. Concert time is 7:30 p.m. A variety of seating options are available – from lawn to table arrangements. Ticket prices range from $20 to $45. (Lawn tickets for kids 12 and under are $5.) For reservations and more information, visit www.hartfordsymphony.org or call 860-244-2999. The Performing Arts Center at Simsbury Meadows is at 22 Iron Horse Boulevard, Simsbury.This concert will be performed rain or shine.

LeAnn Rimes at Infinity Hall on July 24

Consider this early notice: Country superstar LeAnn Rimes' only Connecticut appearance is at Infinity Music Hall & Bistro in West Norfolk on July 24. Rimes is the youngest person to win a Grammy. She has sold more than 37 million records, and placed 42 singles on the Billboard charts. Infinity Hall owner Dan Hincks is thrilled. “When we opened the hall three years ago, we were hoping to attract major league musicians who value the kind of acoustics the hall provides. Having LeAnn choose us over other venues is just another sign that the hall has arrived.” 

Concert time is 8 p.m. Tickets cost $130 or $160. For reservations or more information, visit www.infinityhall.com or call 866-666-6306. Infinity Hall is at 20 Greenwoods Road, West Norfolk.