Jazz flutist featured
Jazz flutist Ali Ryerson brings four decades of experience to Wilton Library’s Hot & Cool: Jazz at the Brubeck Room concert on Friday, March 27, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Brought up surrounded by music in New York with her father Art Ryerson, a renowned jazz guitarist, Ali has carried on the family tradition becoming an international touring and recording artist with performances ranging from Carnegie Hall to the Blue Note to festivals worldwide. She has nearly two dozen albums as leader or co-leader and has performed and recorded with jazz greats such as Stephane Grappelli, Red Rodney, Roy Haynes, Hubert Laws, Art Farmer, Kenny Barron, Frank Wess, and Joe Beck to name a few. She recently became a faculty member at Sacred Heart University as the flute instructor. Joining Ms. Ryerson are Don Friedman on piano and David Finck on bass. Suggested donation for the evening is $10 per person. The concert series is funded by the William and Karen Tell Foundation with special thanks to Ed and Catherine Romer and Chris and Tish Brubeck. An informal reception follows the concert. CDs will be available for purchase and signing. Advance registration is strongly suggested. Pre-registrants should arrive by 7:20 p.m. to be guaranteed seating; wait-listed and walk-in registrants will be admitted after 7:20 if space is available.
Puppy reading pal
Ridgefield Operation Animal Rescue (ROAR) brings its therapy dogs to the library on Saturday, March 28, from 11 to noon for kids to read to them in the Tales to Tails program. Children who are independent readers can practice reading aloud to these quiet canines. Registration is required.
Weir Farm artist rescheduled
Patricia Miranda, the Weir Farm artist in residence for March, has rescheduled her exhibition for this Monday, March 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. In her work, she utilizes natural materials to reveal connections between art, science, history and culture. She will incorporate Weir Farm as content in her work, the Witness Project, an installation using natural materials as a lens to uncover larger narratives. The program is co-sponsored by Weir Farm Art Center and Weir Farm National Historic Site and presented by Wilton Library. There is no charge. Registration is suggested.
Civility series concludes
The final installment of the Wilton Interfaith Series, “And Who is My Neighbor?” is Tuesday, March 31, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and features a panel from the Wilton Clergy Association. The panel includes The Rev. Arnold Thomas (Wilton Congregational Church); The Rev. Shannon White (Wilton Presbyterian Church); Father Reggie Norman (Our Lady of Fatima); The Rev. Jason Coker (Wilton Baptist Church); Rabbi Rachel Bearman (Temple B’nai Chaim) and Swami Balgopal (Hindu Mandir Temple). The series has been delving into ways the community can respond to differences, divisions and conflict. Registration is recommended through the library’s website. Donations are always welcomed. The program is sponsored by the Wilton clergy, the Wilton Interfaith Action Committee (Wi-ACT), and the library.
What’s cookin’?
Kids in grades 3 through 6 might find the question, “What’s cookin’?” to have a very different meaning once they attend the five-program, “Chemistry of Cooking and Candy” series on Wednesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, from 4 to 4:45. In this series, kids will watch and participate as they investigate the sciences of cooking — including dairy, leavening, reactive and others. They will get to see Mentos explode and create their own marshmallows and rock candy crystals. The program is supported by the Amadeo Family. Registration is required. Once the child is signed up for the first session, he or she will automatically be registered for the follow-on weeks.
Checkmate
Chess instruction is available for children who are just beginning to play chess, or who already have moved into the advanced realm. Christopher Potts, an instructor, tournament player and US Chess Federation-certified tournament director, offers his expert training to kids in an eight-week program beginning Thursday, April 2 through May 21. The Beginner sessions are from 4 to 5 p.m. for kids in grades 1 through 7 and the Advanced sessions are from 5 to 6 p.m. for kids in grades 3 through 7. Those new to chess will learn the history and rules of the game; basic checkmate themes and patterns; and basic strategy and tactics. The more advanced student will review the basics; learn more advanced strategy and tactics; learn optimal opening and endgame play; and gain an appreciation for the vital importance of making and carrying out sound plans. Time will be provided for students to play games and put the classroom lessons into practice. The program fee is $80 per student for all eight meetings. In-person registration is required at the Children’s Library service desk; payment is due at the time of registration.
Call for book donations
Wilton Library’s annual Gigantic Book Sale is set for Saturday, April 25, through Tuesday, April 28. The volunteers are working feverishly to get materials ready for the sale. Donations for the fund-raiser will be accepted up to close of business on Friday, April 10, in preparation for the sale. The library thanks the community for their donations which are in pristine condition.
Reminder: Wilton Library’s Wine Tasting Benefit & Restaurant Showcase is tonight, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. As of this writing, tickets may still be available for the fund-raiser. To register for programs, visit wiltonlibrary.org and click on Events or call 203-762-3950, ext. 213 for adult programs, ext. 217 for children’s activities and ext. 243 for teen events.