
	River Gallery School enrolling winter classes Wednesday, December 31 BRATTLEBORO -- River Gallery School is beginning registration for the upcoming semester of winter-spring art classes for children and adults. Full Story Film on work of Chuck Close shown at BMAC Wednesday, December 31 BRATTLEBORO -- On Thursday, Jan. Full Story 'Taking Root' runs at Latchis Jan. 9-15 Wednesday, December 31 BRATTLEBORO -- Five years in the making and powerful enough to resonate for a lifetime, "Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai," a documentary produced and directed by Marlboro filmmakers Alan Dater and Lisa Merton, will be screened in its final form for local audiences at the Latchis Theater from Jan. Full Story A&E briefs Wednesday, December 31 Strong Coffee Stage Company debuts with 'New York Stories' BRATTLEBORO -- Strong Coffee Stage Company, in collaboration with the Arts Council of Windham County, presents as its premier production "New York Stories: Short Plays About Life & Death in the Big City," featuring short works by Joel Pintauro, David Mamet, Daniel Meltzer and original works by Matt Maranian Full Story Opera Theatre of Weston presents 'Hansel & Gretel' Wednesday, December 31 WESTON -- Opera Theatre of Weston will present three matinee performances of the enchanting fairy tale opera "Hansel & Gretel" on Sunday at Rutland's Paramount Theatre at 2 p. Full Story Ongoing exhibits Wednesday, December 31 BELLOWS FALLS The Framery Featured: Artwork by members of the Saxtons River Art Guild. Full Story New exhibits Wednesday, December 31 'New Beginnings' Where: Windham Art Gallery, 69 Main St. Full Story Start the New Year with the 'Yes We Can' Festival Wednesday, December 31 BRATTLEBORO -- Celebrate New Year's day by attending the "Yes We Can" Music Festival from noon to 9 p. Full Story Music briefs Wednesday, December 31 Renewal singers perform in Guilford GUILFORD -- Renewal, a world music ensemble composed of 15 college-aged singers from the Northeast, all veterans of many years of touring with the Village Harmony teen ensemble, will present concerts in locations throughout the Northeast, including a local stop. Full Story On Ensemble returns Wednesday, December 31 BRATTLEBORO -- On Friday, Jan. Full Story Music Calendar Wednesday, December 31 Thursday, Jan. 1 JAZZ Jazz at Rick's Where: Rick's Tavern, Route 30, Newfane. Full Story Wheeler's deepening sense of place Wednesday, December 31 NORTHAMPTON, Mass. Erica Wheeler, more than just about anyone currently on the acoustic music circuit, writes songs about the intimate connection between people and places. Full Story 'Benjamin Button' overcomes its delusions of grandeur Wednesday, December 31 HARRISVILLE, N.H. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button -- Based on a short story by F. Full Story Step lively into the new year with Gallery Walk Wednesday, December 31 BRATTLEBORO -- The New Year begins in festive fashion this week with Gallery Walk, Brattleboro's monthly first-Friday celebration of the arts. Full Story Film calendar Wednesday, December 31 'The Court Jester' What: Pothole Pictures screens classic 1956 comic masterpiece "The Court Jester," starring Danny Kaye. Full Story Dance calendar Wednesday, December 31 Let's Dance -- West Coast swing When: Friday, Jan. Full Story Historian Ellis to give talk Wednesday, December 31 BRATTLEBORO -- Pulitzer Prize-winning author Joseph Ellis will discuss America's most politically formative years in a talk at Brooks Memorial Library on Wednesday, Jan. Full Story The Bookshelf Wednesday, December 31 BRATTLEBORO -- "The Bookshelf" features book reviews written by students from Academy, Green Street and Oak Grove Schools who have been participating in the BEEP Literary Club, organized by Flo Nestor, coordinator of the Brattleboro Elementary Enrichment Program. Full Story Read me a story: Wednesday, December 31 BRATTLEBORO -- Every Wednesday afternoon in January, the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center will present book readings for children, ages 5-9. Full Story Johnny Winter, James Montgomery headline Jan. 15 BUHS Band benefit Wednesday, December 31 BRATTLEBORO -- Legendary musicians Johnny Winter and James Montgomery are headlining Blues and R&B Legends Jam for the Band! Full Story Seattle group does 'The Grand Duke' proud Wednesday, December 31 KEENE, N.H. Grand Duke -- Gilbert & Sullivan's final collaboration, "The Grand Duke," was created in less than the best of circumstances. Full Story Classes Wednesday, December 31 Kids Weaving Parties When: Friday, Jan. Full Story The year in arts: Hopeful audacity, new ventures and adventures Wednesday, December 24 BRATTLEBORO -- One of the signature art events of 2008 began in a strange, impersonal way. Full Story BELLOWS FALLS Wednesday, December 24 The Chapel Gallery Featured: Photography by Barbara West and Cassandra Royce in exhibit titled "Inspiring Moments. Full Story Music Calendar Wednesday, December 24 Friday, Dec. 26 POP, ROCK, FOLK, HIP-HOP Juke Box Night Where: The Mole's Eye Café, 4 High St. Full Story Holiday contra dance Wednesday, December 24 When: Friday, Dec. 26, 8 to 11 p. Full Story Wine tasting Wednesday, December 24 When: Saturday, Dec. 27, from 4 to 6 p. Full Story Putney Library book group Wednesday, December 24 What: Monthly meeting of group, which will discuss "Olive Kitteridge" by Elizabeth Strout. Full Story 'Elmer and the Elder Tree' presented at Sandglass Wednesday, December 24 PUTNEY -- The Piti Theatre Company, based in Shelburne Falls, Mass. Full Story 'Yes We Can' Music Festival benefits BUHS Band Wednesday, December 24 BRATTLEBORO -- Celebrate New Year's day by attending the "Yes We Can" Music Festival from noon to 9 p. Full Story