February 3–May 7
Matrix 191 — Trained in carpentry and fabrication, Los Angeles-based artist Matt Paweski makes hyper-formal sculptures from painted aluminum. In his first solo museum exhibition, Paweski sets a recent suite of modestly scaled tabletop and wall-mounted sculptures inside an installation that mixes elements of architecture, furniture and interior design. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Fundamental St., Hartford. 860-278-2670
February 5–June 11
Hangama Amiri: A Homage to Home — This primary solo museum exhibition of labor by the Afghan Canadian artist combines painting and printmaking techniques with textiles, weaving together stories based on memories of her homeland and her diasporic experience. Amiri fled Kabul, Afghanistan, together with her family in 1996 when she was 7, moved through quite a few countries over several years, then immigrated to Canada in 2005. Her alternative of materials stems from autobiographical origins — her mother taught her to stitch, her uncle was a tailor, and her textiles reference the colours, fabrics and content she remembers from the bazaars and the streets of Kabul. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Fundamental St., Ridgefield. 203-438-4519
ONGOING
Through February 9
Layers Revealed — Exploring the various cycles and layers of humanity, nature, beauty, creation and decay, this exhibition displays works in a wide range of mediums by photographer Jerri Graham and invited artists Melissa Newman and Tim Holmstrom. Norwalk Art Space, 455 West Ave., Norwalk. 203-252-2840
Through February 19
Monochrome — This exhibition features contemporary figurative artists’ seek for expression and meaning inside a single-color or limited palette, featuring greater than 30 artworks in a wide range of media. Lyme Academy of Fantastic Arts, 84 Lyme St., Old Lyme. 860-434-5232
Through February 26
The Spell of the Studio: Balthus’ Portrait of Mrs. Cooley — Some of the controversial artists of the Twentieth century, Frenchman Balthus (Balthasar Klossowski) is best known for his charged imagery of adolescent girls. While his portraits of adult sitters are lesser known today, they played a vital role within the Nineteen Thirties. Portrait of Mrs. Cooley is Balthus’ first work depicting an American sitter, on this case Hartford-born Jane Cooley. This portrait, on loan from a non-public collection, joins two paintings by Balthus from the Wadsworth collection and divulges the deeply passionate yet ambivalent relationship between Balthus and his audiences at a moment when modern art became fashionable within the U.S. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Fundamental St., Hartford. 860-278-2670
Through February 26
Winterlude — Featuring works by Connecticut-based Gallery One artists, this exhibition celebrates the great thing about the quiet winter season. Artists include Rosemary Cotnoir (Westbrook), Victor Filepp (Latest London), Karen Israel (West Hartford), Michael Fanelli (Clinton), Ann Knickerbocker (Old Saybrook), Paul Fitzpatrick Nager (Old Lyme), T. Willie Raney (Ivoryton), Diana Rogers (Clinton), Rick Silberberg (Ivoryton) and Jill Vaughn (Ivoryton). La Grua Center, 32 Water St., Stonington. 860-535-2300
Through February 26
The Photography of Bill Brandt and Henry Moore — Brandt and Moore each produced images depicting people sheltering within the London Underground during World War II, works considered amongst essentially the most iconic of the period. Along with wartime images, this exhibition includes photographs of industry, coal mining, urban space, family life, found objects, fragments of nature, and the human body. Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel St., Latest Haven. 877-274 8278
Through March 2
First Impressions: thirty first annual Associate Artist Show — This juried exhibition of the Lyme Art Association’s Associate Artist members, completed artists who’ve been exhibiting in selective shows, celebrates the tradition of making representational art as began by the Lyme art colony founders greater than 100 years ago. Lyme Art Association, 90 Lyme St., Old Lyme. 860-434-7802
Through March 5
Chromatopia: Stories of Color in Art — Explore the wealthy history of pigments and dyes and their impact on art and culture on this exhibition featuring greater than 30 objects from prehistory to the current including ancient Greek and Egyptian artifacts, late-medieval illuminated manuscripts, Fifteenth-century Chinese ceramics, Seventeenth- and 18th-century Flemish oil paintings, Nineteenth- and Twentieth-century European and American paintings, and traditional Australian Aboriginal bark paintings. Works by modern artists, corresponding to Josef Albers, Richard Anuszkiewicz and Gene Davis, can be featured, as will recent works by Carson Fox, Patricia Miranda and Porfirio Gutiérrez. Lyman Allyn Art Museum, 625 Williams St., Latest London. 860-443-2545
Through March 11
The Unique Still Life — Although still life typically focuses on commonplace, natural or man-made objects, how these objects are chosen and arranged is what makes the work unique. Discover recent works by artists who explore this in paintings, drawings, mixed-media pieces and images. Spectrum Art Gallery, 61 Fundamental St., Centerbrook. 860-767-0742
Through April 6
Women’s Rights Are Human Rights — This exhibition features posters created by each men and girls worldwide to have fun and acknowledge the vital role that every one residents play in protecting and promoting human rights while difficult gender inequality and stereotypes, advancing reproductive and sexual rights, protecting women and girls against brutality, and promoting women’s empowerment, education and participation in society. Fairfield University Art Museum, 1073 N. Benson Road, Fairfield. 203-254-4046
Through May 30
Alfred Pope: An Evolution of Ingenuity — This exhibition presents the little-known father of Hill-Stead Museum’s founder, Theodate Pope Riddle, as a number one collector of European modernism. On view can be a bunch of paintings and drawings he once owned, which are actually scattered all over the world, in addition to chosen works on paper, objects and ephemera from Hill-Stead’s collection and archives that illuminate Pope’s life. Hill-Stead Museum, 35 Mountain Road, Farmington. 860-677-4787
Through Summer 2023: Fish & Forrest — Corey Wheeler Forrest is a third-generation business fishermom and fishdealer understanding of Sakonnet Point, Rhode Island. Her family is the last trap-fishing operation in southern Latest England and was featured within the mini-doc The Last Trap Family: A Rhode Island Family Keeps Sustainable Fishing Alive. This photography exhibition will feature greater than 30 photos culled from Forrest’s Instagram, @fishandforrest. Mystic Seaport Museum, 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic. 860-572-0711
theater
February 3–26
Queen of Basel — It’s Miami’s Art Basel, where real estate heiress Julie reigns over the blowout her mogul father is throwing at his South Beach hotel. But after tangling with him, Julie plots her next move within the hotel’s storage kitchen with Christine, a waitress who recently fled violence in Venezuela, and Christine’s fiancé John, an Uber driver with ambitions. This explosive elixir of power, class and race throughout the Latinx community from playwright Hilary Bettis (TV’s The Americans) examines the timelessness of affection and betrayal. See website for times. $25–$65. TheaterWorks, 233 Pearl St., Hartford. 860-527-7838
February 10
DRUMLine Live — Created by the musical team behind the films Drumline and Drumline: A Latest Beat, this spectacle pays homage to the show-style marching popularized at historically Black colleges and universities with a world-class forged of percussionists, musicians and dancers. 8 p.m. $40–$72. Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., Latest London. 860-444-7373, ext. 1
February 19
Letters From Home: Reviving Patriotism — Creator Erinn Dearth and Dan Beckmann unleash a USO-style show with a contemporary edge featuring high-energy singing and tap-dancing performances, all to honor American veterans from all branches. 3 p.m. $37. Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Fundamental St., Old Saybrook
February 19
Popovich Comedy Pet Theater — Fifth-generation Russian circus performer Gregory Popovich brings his world-famous act featuring greater than 30 animals, including house cats, dogs, parrots and even a miniature horse. The show incorporates world-class juggling, gymnastics and balancing acts into its family-favorite show. All performing pets were rescued from animal shelters. 2 p.m. $24–$26. Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, 2132 Hillside Road, Unit 3104, UConn, Storrs. 860-486-4226
Feb. 26
Pete the Cat’s Big Hollywood Adventure — When Pete the Cat and his buddy Callie sneak into the Hollywood Studios, they wander off on the planet of the films. Join Pete, Callie, Ethel the Apatosaurus, and Robo-Pete on this rockin’ recent musical adventure that features several fun-filled Pete the Cat books including Cavecat Pete, Pete the Cat and the Treasure Map and The Cool Cat Boogie. 1 & 4 p.m. $25. Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, Westport. 203-227-4177
dance
February 2
BalletX — Named “amongst America’s best” by The Latest York Times, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet company unites distinguished choreographers with an organization of world-class dancers to forge recent works of athleticism, emotion and beauty, expanding the vocabulary of classical dance. 7:30 p.m. $15–$37. Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, 2132 Hillside Road, Unit 3104, UConn, Storrs. 860-486-4226
February 11
Shen Yun — The world’s premier classical Chinese dance company transports audiences to the magical world of ancient China through the art of classical Chinese dance and a singular mix of vibrant costumes, breathtaking backdrops and an impressive orchestra. 2 & 7:30 p.m. $92–$197. The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford. 860-987-5900
February 14
Be My Valentine — Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Connecticut Ballet presents a night of classical and contemporary love duets. Curated by artistic director Brett Raphael, this system spans the gamut from the romantic Romeo and Juliet Balcony Pas de Deux to Raphael’s sexy Latest York City Serenade to Springsteen and Lynne Taylor-Corbett’s Full Moon. 7:30 p.m. $58–$76. The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford. 860-987-5900
music
February 3
Philippe Lemm Trio — A part of the Winter 2023 Jazz Series at Waterbury’s Poli Club, this dynamic jazz group performs music from its latest release, First Steps. A nod to the bandleader’s background in dance, the album draws inspiration from traditional folkloric dances and their rhythms. 7 & 9 p.m. $32. Palace Theater, 100 E. Fundamental St., Waterbury. 203-346-2000
February 4
Tribute to the King — Take a journey through the life and legacy of the nice Elvis Presley, as portrayed by critically acclaimed tribute artist Matthew Boyce. Featuring all of the hits from Elvis’ movies, television shows and iconic Vegas performances, and backed by the Suspicious Minds Tribute Band, the show also includes videos, photos and a biographic narrative. 7:30 p.m. $39. The Palace Danbury, 165 Fundamental St., Danbury. 203-794-9944
February 4
Popa Chubby — The blues rocker is an imposing figure with a shaven head, tattooed arms, a goatee and a performance style he describes as “the Stooges meets Buddy Guy, Motörhead meets Muddy Waters, and Jimi Hendrix meets Robert Johnson.” 7:45 p.m. $32. Fairfield Theatre Company StageOne, 70 Sanford St., Fairfield. 203-259-1036
February 5
The Little Mermen — The Disney cover band led by CT native Alexis Babini rocks the mouse, with favorites from The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, Frozen, Encanto and more. Wall Street Theater, 71 Wall St., Norwalk. 203-831-5004
READ MORE: The Little Mermen rock out to all of your favorite Disney songs
February 11
Carrie Underwood — Going from American Idol winner to country and pup superstar, Underwood is on the road in support of her ninth studio album, Denim & Rhinestones. Country singer-songwriter Jimmie Allen opens. 7:30 p.m. $100.50–$150.50. Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville.
February 17
Joanne Shaw Taylor — Discovered by the Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart at age 16, the singer-songwriter and guitar slayer has put out eight studio albums which have achieved great success on the Billboard Blues Album chart. 8 p.m. $20–$99. Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, 2132 Hillside Road, Unit 3104, UConn, Storrs. 860-486-4226
February 19
R.E.S.P.E.C.T: A Celebration of the Music of Aretha Franklin — This tribute concert experience takes audiences on a journey of affection, tragedy, courage and triumph with the music of the legendary “Queen of Soul.” Starring a live band and supreme vocalists, you’ll hear all of the hits from one in every of the best artists of all time, including “Natural Woman,” “Think,” “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” “Chain of Fools,” “Respect” and plenty of more. 6 p.m. $40–$75. The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford. 203-325-4466
February 25
The Moody Blues’ John Lodge — The bass guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for the enduring rock band who wrote hits “Ride My See-Saw,” “I’m Only a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band),” “Isn’t Life Strange?” and plenty of more, Lodge has been performing and recording with The Moody Blues for greater than five many years, while also having a successful solo profession. 8 p.m. $59–$74. Infinity Music Hall & Bistro, 32 Front St., Hartford. 866-666-6306
February 25
Jeffrey Gaines — This acoustic show features the singer-songwriter and guitarist who has maintained a formidable standard for soul-searching, introspective lyrics and catchy, uplifting melodies in a three-decade recording profession. Eddie Seville opens. 8 p.m. See website for tickets. Warner Theatre, 68 Fundamental St., Torrington. 860-489-7180
comedy
February 11
Jeff Dunham — Called a “dressed-down, more digestible version of Don Rickles with multiple personality disorder,” the funnyman and ventriloquist has a closet stuffed with colourful wood characters able to speak their minds. 5 p.m. $54.50, $154.50. XL Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Hartford. 860-249-6333
February 17
DeRay Davis — Appearing in TV shows corresponding to Empire and Snowfall and flicks including 21 Jump Street and All Eyez on Me, the comedian-turned-actor from Chicago draws from his rough upbringing, streetwise mentality and standing as a working actor. 8 p.m. $30, $40. Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket.
February 18
Tom Papa — With greater than 20 years as a humorist, Papa has found success as an creator, in film, TV, radio and podcasts in addition to on the live stage. 8 p.m. $22, $32. Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket
February 25
Bob DiBuono — Armed with a sarcastic and edgy wit coupled with high energy and animated delivery, the Danbury native exposes the absurdities in life, his family and the socially conscious. His versatility includes with the ability to go out and in of original characters together with dead-on impressions. 8 p.m. $19. The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford. 203-325-4466
film
February 1 & 8
Diversity film screenings — In recognition of Black History Month, these two movies have fun the Black experience and struggle. Amistad(1997) is predicated on the events in 1839 aboard the Spanish slave ship La Amistad during which Mende tribesmen abducted for the slave trade gained control of their captors’ ship off the coast of Cuba, and the international legal battle that followed their capture. Selma (2014) chronicles the three-month period in 1965 when the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights within the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, probably the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Each movies begin at 7:30 p.m. Free. Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge Road, Ridgefield. 203-438-5795
February 18 & 25 and March 4
Banff Mountain Film Festival — Explore the world’s highest peaks and steepest slopes with charming stories throughout the forty seventh annual festival of distant landscapes to adrenaline-fueled motion sports. 7 p.m. for all events; see web sites for tickets.
Feb. 18: The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford. 860-987-5900
Feb. 25: Shubert Theatre, 247 College St., Latest Haven. 203-624-1825
March 4: Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., Latest London. 860-444-7373
February 26
Watermark — This feature documentary from multiple-award winning filmmakers Jennifer Baichwal and Nick de Pencier, and renowned photographer Edward Burtynsky, brings together diverse stories from across the globe about our relationship with water: how we’re drawn to it, what we learn from it, how we use it and the results of that use. We see massive floating abalone farms off China’s Fujian coast and the development site of the largest arch dam on the planet — the Xiluodu, six times the dimensions of the Hoover, in addition to many other awesome wonders of water. 2–4 p.m. Free with museum admission. Latest Britain Museum of Art, 56 Lexington St., Latest Britain. 860-229-0257
expos
February 17–19
Home & Garden Show — The Southeastern Connecticut Home & Garden Show offers a various array of home- and garden-care services by Latest England businesses from Latest London to Hartford and national vendors, each presenting progressive and imaginative displays. See website for times. $10 adults, $8 seniors. Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville
February 23–26
Connecticut Flower & Garden Show — Explore exhibits overflowing with fresh flowers, plants, herbs, bulbs, seeds, gardening books, garden equipment and more. View beautifully landscaped gardens and stop by the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut design and horticulture competition. Plus, over 80 hours of seminars and demonstrations in a wide range of topics. See website for times and tickets. Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford. 860-249-6000