Your Weekend Planner: March 25-27, 2011

1. “Through Our Eyes” New Canaan High School Art Exhibition

• Where: , 681 South Ave, New Canaan
• When: Fridays, 12-4 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5; also Tuesdays 1-4 (display ends April 12)
• Why go: Dozens of advanced art students at the high school have submitted their work as part of this invitational exhibition coordinated by Jeanne McDonagh, who teaches AP Digital Media, Advanced Digital Media, Documentary Photography and Photoshop Design at NCHS. As a teacher, it is wonderful and even breathtaking to view what our students do everyday exhibited in a professional gallery setting. Sharing the work with the community allows all to see how the students visualize their ideas, how they explore, experiment and ignite their inner spark to create their own personal voice,” McDonagh writes. Her comments and student art may be viewed here. For  information visit the Carriage Barn 
• Price: Free, open to the public

2. 

• Where: , 16 Forest St, New Canaan
• When: Sunday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Why go: "Money is such a significant double-edged force in our lives, we need to know about it deeper to not abuse its power for existing in illusion and wasting our life in ignorance of Truth," according to Birinder Bhullar, who will present this session. For more information, visit www.theanandacenter.com.
• Price: $70; to reserve a seat call 203-273-8364 or email anne@theanandacenter.com

3. New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) Workshop: “Raised Bed Gardening”

• Where: New Canaan Nature Center
• When: Saturday, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
• Why go: Learn ways to create raised beds, which are used for growing “more vegetables, herbs or ornamentals in a given area with less effort,” according to the course listing, in addition to their uses in therapeutic environments.
• Price: $28/nature center members; $31/non-members. To register, contact the continuing education department at NYBG: 800-322-6924

4. 

• Where: , Talmadge Hill Road (at the corner of Lapham Road), Darien
• When: Sunday, 4 p.m.
• Why go: Enjoy this musical performance including classical music and original compositions with Don  Wallace, clarinetist Vincent Oneppo and the Haven String Quartet. All proceeds from the concert will benefit KEYS, which provides free music instruction to under-served children in Bridgeport. For more event information visit http://www.keysmusic.org, call 203-761-0150 or email keys.bridgeport@gmail.com
• Price: $25 donation requested

5. Bumps, Babies and Beyond Expo

• Where: The Italian Center of Stamford, 1620 Newfield Avenue, Stamford
• When: Sunday, 12-4 p.m.
• Why go: Approximately 30 vendors including key sponsor Frittabello, who’s founder Jennifer Covello originated the expo in 2010, will display their wares and services. Vendors will range from AuPairCare and Bliss Baby Planning to Mothers Embrace Yoga and Wrapeaze and everything in between.
• Price: Free with advance registration; $5 at the door. Register at www.bumpsbabiesandbeyondexpo.com/

6. 8th Annual Fairfield County Home & Outdoor Living Expo

• Where: The Stamford Plaza Hotel and Conference Center (formerly the Sheraton), 2701 Summer Street, Stamford
• When: Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Why go: This one-weekend-only home show includes more than 200 exhibits of “upscale displays of home products and services,” organizers say, representing businesses in Connecticut and New York. The expo includes grand prize giveaways, kids activities and more. Part of the proceeds will benefit American Red Cross and AmeriCares.
• Price: $10 at the door; ages 12 and under free

7. Sheep Shearing Demonstration

• Where: Ambler Farm, 257 Hurlbutt Street, Wilton
• When: Saturday, 2 p.m.
• Why go: Nutmeg and Clover are ready for their spring shearing. Watch the demonstration and “learn how wool is carded and spun into yarn” as demonstrated by the Wilton Historical Society.
• Price: $10 per person

8. “Sing Me to Heaven: Music of Hope, Love and Transformation”

• Where: , 36 New Canaan Rd, Wilton
• When: Sunday, 4-5:30 pm.
• Why go: This Arts at St. Matthew’s concert, performed by the parish choirs and soloists and conducted by Rodney Ayers, includes the music of Handel, Schubert, Parry, Gawthrop, MacMillan, Casals and others. Comprised of more than 50 singers ranging from second grade through adult, the parish choirs “have appeared with such luminaries as Dave Brubeck, Judy Collins, the Paul Winter Consort, Maureen McGovern and Stephen Schwartz,” according to the church.
• Price: Free; freewill offering will be received.

9. Connecticut Blues Society’s “Blues Blizzard”

• Where: West Hartford VFW Post 9929, 83 South Street, West Hartford
• When: Saturday, 6-11 p.m.
• Why go: Blues it with Otis and the Hurricanes (featuring New Canaan's Joe Najmy) at 6; Cobalt Rhythm Kings at 7; Washboard Slim and the Bluelights at 8; River City Slim and the Zydeco Hogs at 9; and Bad Rooster at 10. Food and drink will be available. No coolers permitted.
• Price: $10 per person, $15 for two