What To Do This Weekend

What to Do This Weekend December 16th, 17th, & 18th ITT New London Subase is on Facebook! Like us today! View our blog at http://www.ittnewlondon.blogspot.com/     Upcoming ITT Trips!!! New Year’s Eve in NYC Time Square-Saturday December 31st, leave Dealey Center at Noon and leave New York City at 2:00 am on Sunday January 1st. Registration Open now by phone or by person, Guest Welcome! $ 48.00 per person, $45.00 for groups of 3 or 4, and $40.00 for Single Sailors. Reserve your spot today! Call ITT 860-694-3238   ITT Needs Your Help!- ITT is looking for great driving loops for those who wish to view Christmas lights and decorations. Please send us street names (no house addressed please) along with the name of the city so that we can share them with our followers. Please email us at ittnewlondon@navy.mil Thank you   All Weekend Long- Cirque Dreams Holidaze Providence Performing Arts Center December 13, 2011 - December 18, 2011 xFrom renowned director Neil Goldberg, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE reinvents the holiday season at PPAC December 13 - 18, 2011. The New York Daily News says CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE is full of energy it could end our dependence on oil and the Erie Time News says, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE is stuffed with so much holiday cheer and audacious acts, Scrooge would exit with a big ol' smile on his face. An international cast of over 30 multi-talented and brilliantly costumed artists come to life and perform astonishing acrobatic feats. An original music score and some seasonal favorites accompany hundreds of spectacular costumes and holiday dreams in a setting of gigantic gifts, colossal candy canes, and 30-foot towering soldiers. Providence Performing Arts Center 220 Weybosset Street Providence, Rhode Island 401-421-2997 **** Twas the Night Before Christmas Sapinsley Hall in the Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, Rhode Island College December 17, 2011 - December 18, 2011 Sat 7:30pm; Sun 1:00pm & 6:00pm Admission: $30 general, $20 seniors, $15 students and children.Sugar Plums will dance, Reindeer will prance, and all the familiar characters take to the stage in Providence Ballet Theatre's playful adaptation of Clement C. Moore's classic poem, Twas the Night Before Christmas! This colorful performance with original choreography and a hip-style is the perfect addition to your Holiday season. Fun for all-ages, come experience the traditional story in a whole new way! Sapinsley Hall in the Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, Rhode Island College 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI 02908 Providence, Rhode Island 401-861-4842 http://ProvidenceBallet.org **** STORRS  "Frank Ballard: An Odyssey of a Life in Puppetry" Venue: Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry Dates: March 27, 2011 - December 18, 2011 Description: Frank Ballard's rich career as a director, designer and teacher is celebrated in this retrospective exhibit. The exhibition presents the stories, designs, construction processes, and performance of Ballard's many productions, including rare video footage, as well as the many personal challenges Ballard faced in his career. **** STORRS "Frank Ballard: Roots & Branches" Venue: Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry Dates: March 27, 2011 - December 18, 2011 Description: What made Frank Ballard, born in Alton, Illinois in 1929, pursue a life in puppetry? This exhibition examines the many influences on Ballard's work, from the 1930s traveling shows of  Romain and Ellen Proctor, to the puppet modernism of Tony Sarg, Rufus and Margo Rose, Marjorie Batchelder McPharlin, and Jim Henson. **** STORRS- "Project 35" Venue: William Benton Museum of Art Dates: August 30, 2011 - December 18, 2011 Description: This fall the fourth part of the touring video program will be shown. Mining Independent Curators International's (ICI) extensive international network of professionals, the project is recognized as a budding model for organizing, sharing and circulating art videos as cultural objects. **** STORRS "Barkley L. Hendricks: Some Like It Hot" Venue: William Benton Museum of Art Dates: October 25, 2011 - December 18, 2011 Description: Exhibit focuses on the artist's work during his travels to Jamaica and West Africa. With their compelling scenery and captivating inhabitants, these tropical regions have provided Hendricks with a wealth of inspiration, and the resulting photographs and paintings represent a significant portion of his creative output. **** STORRS "In Retrospect: Art Department Faculty Emeriti, 1961 to 2001" Venue: William Benton Museum of Art Dates: October 29, 2011 - December 18, 2011 Description: In honor of the 50th anniversary of the School of Fine Arts, the Benton is proud to present a visual time capsule of the Art Department from 1961 to 2001. Emeriti faculty from every decade and from across the country will exhibit work they created during their time at the University, while creating for viewers a history of the styles and media of these years. **** Student Holiday Art Sale Venue: Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts Dates: December 9-18, 2011 Description: The show is comprised of a selection of original works in a variety of media by emerging artists. The exceptional quality of the artwork reflects the extemely high quality of teaching at the College by faculty. Opening reception, Fri., December 9 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m., which includes music and refreshments. **** MASHANTUCKET Winter Solstice Venue: Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center Dates: December 16-17, 2011 Description: Enjoy a puppet show in the Gathering Space or join storyteller Meredith Vasta (Turtle Mountain Chippewa) in the Longhouse. Kids create lanterns at the activity table in the Gathering Space, where local Native artists offer unique holiday gifts. ****   Friday Dec. 16th- Comix Presents LISA LAMPANELLIDecember 16, 8:00 PMCLOSE $35 - $60 BUY TICKETS Venue: MGM Grand Theater Program Length: 90 mins. Rating: Mature Audiences December 16 MGM Grand Theater Mature AudiencesLisa Lampanelli has been described as a cross between Don Rickles, Archie Bunker, and a vial of estrogen. She is a regular on late night TV and frequent guest on Howard Stern’s radio shows. In 2009 she recorded her first HBO special and released her autobiography: Chocolate, Please: My Adventures in Food, Fat and Freaks. Her rise to fame began in 2002 when she was the only female comedian invited to roast Chevy Chase on Comedy Central, and has since roasted Pam Anderson, William Shatner, and David Hasselhoff, among others. Logo television is currently developing Big Loud Lisa, which will follow Lisa in standup and examine her new relationship/life on the road. She’s also working on a one-woman show for Broadway with plans to debut in 2012. **** Big Little Holiday Party Friday, December 16th - 6:00pm  Special Event Have your holiday party with us! Celebrate the season with delicious food, a DJ, prize drawings, a dance floor and holiday decor.Depending on the size of your group, reserve a couple tickets for you and some friends for only $60.00* per person, or reserve a table for ten for $600.00* for your company holiday outing, then let our team of experts take care of all the details, so you can relax and enjoy the party! Reception: 6:00pm - 7:00pm Dinner Buffet: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Prize Drawing and Dancing: 9:00pm – Midnight **** Chubby Checker Friday, December 16th - 8:00pm The Wolf Den Chubby Checker is the legendary voice behind "The Twist." Not only was the recording a #1 hit, but it also introduced the concept of "dancing apart to the beat." In September 2008, "The Twist" topped Billboard's list of the most popular singles to have appeared in the Hot 100 since its debut in 1958 **** Golden Dragon Acrobats Friday, December 16th - 8:00pm  Mohegan Sun Arena$15.00 Tickets On Sale: Monday, November 7, 2011 at 10:00am The Golden Dragon Acrobats will bring fun, excitement and relaxation, just in time to get you and your family into the holiday spirit. The Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of a time honored tradition that began more than twenty-five centuries ago. The Golden Dragons are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today. The reputation of the company is solidly rooted in a commitment to the highest of production values and an attention to artistic details that is unparalleled in the art form. World renowned impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty. **** Mohegan Sun's Signings and Sightings Presents Nation's Bravest: Firefighters Unite, 2012 charity calendar Friday, December 16th - 9:00pm  Special Event  FREE ADMISSION* 9:00pm Calendar signing on the Tuscany Patio Mohegan Sun's got a scorchin' Signings & Sightings event lined up when the hot hunks of the Nation's Bravest Firefighters calendar make a stop in Uncasville. As part of Diva Fridays, the Nation's Bravest sizzle when they sign copies of their 2012 Charity Calendar for fans on the patio at Todd English's Tuscany. All proceeds from the calendars will benefit each firefighter's charity. ****         Saturday Dec. 17th- Winter FestivalDate: December 17, 2011 Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Event Description This second annual event features a spectacular display of 6 foot ice sculptures throughout downtown Westerly-Pawcatuck.  Enjoy the holiday spirit with carolers, special retail sales, free hayrides with Santa from 10am-2pm,and a holiday shop-crawl that provides an opportunity for you to collect stamps from various participants and possibly win $100 in Chamber of Commerce gift certificates!  Event is produced by the Greater Westerly Chamber Foundation. **** MYSTIC Breakfast with Santa Venue: Mystic Aquarium  Dates: December 17, 2011 Description: Gather the family for a magical morning among the Aquarium's beautiful indoor exhibits. Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet and tell Santa your wishes for this holiday season. Registration required. **** OLD LYME Handel's "Messiah" Venue: First Congregational Church Dates: December 17, 2011 Description: For centuries audiences have reveled in the magnificence of Handel's Messiah. Join the New Haven Symphony Orchestra's Music Director William Boughton, and the voices of the Cathedral of Saint Joseph Schola Cantorum in a performance of the Christmas portion of Handel's epic masterpiece including the Hallelujah chorus and other selected works. ****   NEW LONDON  Holiday Concert Venue: Harkness Chapel Dates: December 17, 2011 Description: Concert features Bach's Magnificat, several holiday compositions by John Rutter, and a rollicking Musicalolgical Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas. Audience member will be invited to join the chorus in a festive carol sing along.   **** Kenny Rogers - Christmas & Hits with special guest Billy DeanDecember 17, 8:00 PMCLOSE  $30 - $55 BUY TICKETS Venue: MGM Grand Theater Program Length: NA Rating: NA December 17MGM Grand Theater The Holidays will be among us before you know it so why not celebrate along with Kenny Rogers in Holiday style. In the span of five decades, Rogers has recorded more than 58 albums which have sold over 100 million records worldwide. In March, 1999, the Recording Industry Association of America awarded Kenny the prestigious Diamond Award celebrating sales of more than 10 million albums for his Greatest Hits album. March 7, 2011 marked another new chapter in the remarkable career of the music legend and American icon. That is the day his first inspirational gospel album, The Love Of God, became available exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations nationwide. Featuring 12 uplifting songs sung only the way Rogers can sing them, the record includes all-new recordings of classic hymns and gospel and contemporary songs that have touched him musically and spiritually through the years. Featuring special guest Billy Dean. **** The Marshall Tucker Band Saturday, December 17th - 8:00pm The Wolf Den  From their first LP in 1973, to their powerful stage presence today, the Marshall Tucker Band has played countless concert venues around the world. The good ol' boys from Spartanburg, South Carolina remain a powerful force in the world of music. **** Ms. Lauryn Hill Saturday, December 17th - 8:00pm  Mohegan Sun Arena$78.00 & $58.00 Tickets On Sale: Friday, November 18, 2011 at 10:00am Ms. Lauryn Hill is a multi-talented recording artist and she is set to bring her infectious R&B rhythms to Mohegan Sun Arena. Ms. Hill launched her solo career with the release of the commercially successful and critically acclaimed album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The recording earned a record breaking five Grammy Awards. **** Dan Wilson featuring Vincent McElhone with special guest Rubi Nicholas Saturday, December 17th - 9:00pm  The Cabaret Theatre$20.00 Tickets On Sale: Monday, October 31, 2011 at 10:00am. A favorite on the college and club circuits, Dan Wilson has had a string of television appearances on MTV, A&E, HBO, ESPN and Lifetime. His rubbery face and keen ear for voices earned him status as a recurring sketch performer on HBO's Hardcore TV. Dan has appeared at showrooms in Las Vegas, Atlantic City & Reno and continues to headline comedy clubs nationwide as well as entertaining many families aboard Royal Caribbean Cruises. Vincent McElhone stays busy raising his two boys, coaching Little League, teaching C.C.D., while having spent years selling some 1/2" Polycarbonate plastic sheets and making his wife the happiest woman in the state of Connecticut. He continues to travel, performing at clubs all over the country. He is very popular at the corporate level, where he relies on his past experience as a plastics salesman for "customizing" a company's needs for sales meetings, fundraisers, retirement dinners, etc. His work is extensive in political fundraisers and state and town social functions. Mr. McElhone's act has an adult overtone to it, but is certainly not considered to be overboard for the average "American family." Vincent much prefers an audience whose tastes are for creative humor as opposed to graphic language. Recently selected Nick at Nite's "Funniest Mom in America," a six-episode nationally televised series featuring weekly eliminations based on comedic challenges, Rubi Nicholas demonstrated that her unique point of view and warm, friendly style can bring together all people – through her charming sense of timing and dear charisma Rubi's humor incorporates her ethnic heritage, her family life, and the antics of her two little girls. Rubi has the ability to weave together her story and allow the audience to experience her life while thinking about the ways in which we can all find common ground is a remarkable experience. From parents to parenting, culture clashes to kids, Rubi understands what makes us laugh ****       Sunday Dec. 18th- Duke Robillard Sunday, December 18th - 7:00pm  The Wolf Den Guitarist. Bandleader. Songwriter. Singer. Producer. Session musician. And a one-man cheering section for the Blues, in all its forms and permutations. And every one of those names has shared recording studio space or stage time with a man who is a legend in the Blues community. Duke Robillard is a man in command of a full range of creative talents — unique in the Blues and rare in the music industry as a whole. He is, in fact, a complete artist at the height of his power. **** MYSTIC Community Carol Sing Venue: Mystic Seaport Dates: December 18, 2011 Description: All are invited to the 56th annual Community Carol Sing at Mystic Seaport. Bring a canned good to donate to the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center and enjoy free admission. Listen to the holiday sounds of the Mystic Seaport Carolers then participate in the group carol sing at the Museum's Anchor Circle. **** NEW LONDON United States Coast Guard Band Venue: Leamy Concert Hall at the United States Coast Guard Academy Dates: December 18, 2011 Description: The Band performs arrangements by the popular, energetic ensemble, Mannheim Streamroller. With an astonishing 28 million albums sold, you will certainly enjoy the distinctive yuletide sound. ****   Seasonal Activities- MASHANTUCKET "Diana: A Celebration" Venue: Great Cedar Exhibition Hall at Foxwoods Resort Casino Dates: September 16, 2011 - January 15, 2012 Description: If she stole your heart, you will not want to miss this exclusive Northeast engagment. The exhibition showcases the life and worth of Diana, Princess of Wales through short film clips, jewelry, 28 of her stunning dresses and the royal wedding gown she wore when she wed Prince Charles. **** NEW LONDON "Skateboards: Art on the Ply" Venue: Lyman Allyn Art Museum Dates: September 17, 2011 - February 4, 2012 Description: Exhibit explores the questions: Can skateboards by art? by bringing together more than 50 skateboards by more than 20 contemporary artists. **** OLD LYME  "The Exacting Eye of Walker Evans" Venue: Florence Griswold Museum Dates: October 1, 2011 - January 29, 2012 Description: The photographer Walker Evans found a place in American social, cultural, and artistic history with his unforgettable images of the Great Depression. After 1938 he struggled with maintaining his reputation in the wake of that powerful series. Examined as a whole, Evans’ complete body of work shows his continued interest in representations of labor and the American work ethic, capturing the essence of local identity, and discovering the beauty in common things. **** MASHANTUCKET "IndiVisible: African-Native American Lives in the Americas" Venue: Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center Dates: October 8, 2011 - December 30, 2011 Description: IndiVisible: African-Native American Lives in the AmericasA Smithsonian traveling exhibition, IndiVisible: African-Native American Lives in the Americas, focuses on the lives of people with dual African American and Native American ancestry. The exhibition sheds light on the dynamics of race, community, culture, and creativity and addresses the human desires of being and belonging. **** NEW LONDON "Hello Manga" Venue: Lyman Allyn Art Museum Dates: October 15, 2011 - March 17, 2012 Description Since the 1980s, Japanese comics have been capturing the attention of the American public and inspiring artists and fans. This exhibition celebrates the art of "manga" and explores its popularity with American audiences. **** POMFRET "Small Works, Artful Treasures" Holiday Exhibition & Sale Venue: Celebrations Gallery & Shoppes Dates: November 5, 2011 - December 31, 2011 Description: In the tradition of many galleries during the holiday season, Celebrations' "Small Works" show is designed to entice customers to give the ultimate gift of original artwork and to encourage new collectors to support the arts. During this show, Celebrations will offer a variety of original, framed art less than 200 square inches, all priced under $200. **** OLD LYME  Deck the Walls Venue: Lyme Art Association Dates: November 18, 2011 - January 7, 2012 Description: Annual show and sale featuring more than 200 works of arts in all sizes and mediums by member artists. Opening reception, Friday, December 2 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. **** The Magic of Christmas - A Holiday Celebration Venue: Florence Griswold Museum Dates: November 19, 2011 - January 8, 2012 Description: The Museum promises triple the “magic” during the Magic of Christmas celebration. Fantasy Trees, the iconic Palette Tree, and the historic decorations in the Florence Griswold House provide holiday joy for all ages. **** MYSTIC  Christmas by the Sea Venue: Mystic Seaport Dates: November 26, 2011 - January 2, 2012 Description: Experience a Victorian Christmas at Mystic Seaport's Christmas by the Sea. The Museum's 19th-century village will be decked out to reflect the joyous season. Come see the decorations, try your hand at historic crafts, listen to music and stories of the sea, or just sit by the fire in the tavern and relax with a tasty meal. **** POMFRET CENTER Holiday Nature Store Venue: Connecticut Audubon Society Grassland Bird Conservation Center Dates: November 26, 2011 - December 21, 2011 Description: Featuring all kinds of gifts for all ages with mother nature in mind with bird feeders, houses and seed, gardeing gifts, nature books and items for children, field guides, holiday plants, nature jewelry, gift baskets, holiday swags and more. Tax free on opening day. **** MYSTIC  Lantern Light Tours Venue: Mystic Seaport Dates: November 26, 2011 - December 27, 2011 Description: Step back in time to Christmas Eve, 1876, for a special guided tour of the holiday spirit in the little Connecticut town of Greenmanville. **** OLD LYME Christmastime Teas at the Museum Venue: Florence Griswold Museum Dates: December 2-23, 2011 Description: Teas feature a selection of signature savories and sweets, and are accompanied by "Miss Florence's Tea," a special blend from Sundial Gardens. Teas are served overlooking the picturesque Lieutenant River. Fee includes admission to the Museum and a 10 percent discount in the Museum Shop. Tickets must be purchased in advance. **** Old Lyme- Joy in the Making: A Creative Approach to the Holidays Venue: Florence Griswold Museum Dates: December 4, 2011 - January 8, 2012 Description: Enjoy hands-on holiday craft workshops and creative projects that relate to the spirit of the season and the decorations on view. **** Holiday Lantern Tour Museum & Shop at Brick Market November 18, 2011 - December 23, 2011 4:30pm Admission: $12 per personCelebrate the history of winter holiday traditions on a lantern-lit stroll through Newport's streets. During this 75 minute tour, hear how colonial Newporters did or didn't celebrate the holidays. Reservations encouraged as space is limited. Museum & Shop at Brick Market 127 Thames Street Newport, Rhode Island  401-841-8770http://www.NewportHistory.org **** "The Heart of Christmas" at Linden Place Mansion Linden Place Mansion December 9, 2011 - December 30, 2011 Tours of the Mansion are Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Admission: $10.00 adults, $8.00 seniors, $6.00 childrenLinden Place Museum, located in downtown Bristol, Rhode Island, is celebrating the holiday season with tours of 200-year old Federal-style mansion throughout the month of December. Inspiring and leading the decorating team again this year is Daniel Wallace, a Landscape Architect from Newton, MA. Mr. Wallace is incorporating a jewel toned color palate of reds, greens and gold throughout to reflect the warmth and energy of a family spending Christmas in this beautiful house in the heart of Bristol.Linden Place will kick-off the festivities with a performance by East Bay's own Michael DiMucci, at 7:30 PM on Friday, December 2nd at 7:30 PM in the Ballroom of Linden Place. Linden Place Mansion 500 Hope Street Bristol, Rhode Island 401-253-0390 http://www.lindenplace.org ****