Out on the Town 8/04-08

The Russell Library is continually hopping and, while other venues in the city slow down or close during August, there's lots to see and do within its cozy confines.

Check out the "August Exhibits." In the first floor display case, you can see the work of Library staffers. Items range from needlepoint to painting to gardening and much more. In the Information Area on the 2nd floor, take your time to examine "Roots Music in Connecticut - A Celebration of Cultural Diversity", a photography exhibit of the work by Mike Michaels. Mr. Michaels has worked for Shoreview Newspaper, The Shoreline Times, INK Magazine and other local publications and has taken hundreds of photographs of musicians at events all throughout the state.

On Friday at 2 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, the Library's Children's International Film Festival presents "Children of Heaven", the 1997 movie written and directed by noted Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi. The film tells the story of a brother and sister who have to share one pair of shoes in a comic mishap that turns into an adventure. Recommended for children ages 5 - 12, the movie is shown with a Farsi soundtrack and English subtitles. To learn more about "Children of Heaven", go to http://filmsufi.blogspot.com/2008/05/children-of-heaven-majid-majidi-1997.html.

For more goings-on at Russell Library, go to www.russelllibrary.org.

The City of Middletown's "Summer Sounds" Series continues Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. with Joey Milardo & The Musical Cavaliers. The Portland-based bassist leads a band that specializes in polkas, waltzes and obereks and other forms music for dancing. In case of rain, the show moves indoors to South Congregational Church, at the corner of Main & Pleasant Streets.

At the same time on the same night, Jorge Arevalo Mateus leads a "Latin Jazz Workshop" in the Art Gallery of MAC 650, 650 Main Street. For more information, call 343-1516.

Boney's Music Lounge presents the LIVIU Pop Group on Friday at 8:30 p.m. Joining the energetic drummer will be the Boston-based keyboard player Amy Bowles (pictured, the Sam Kiniger Band.) Expect the music to be extremely funky with a cool jazz edge.

On Saturday evening, the Lounge presents the Varela-Laramie-Marshall Project at 8:30 p.m. Composed of Frank Varela (guitar), Bob Laramie (bass) and Rick Marshall (drums, vocals), the trio plays a mix of original tunes and jazz, blues and funk standards. If you wish to reserve a table, call Boney's at 346-6000.