Things to do in Connecticut in February

February 5–June 11
Hangama Amiri: A Homage to Home — This first solo museum exhibition of work 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, with her family in 1996 when she was 7, moved through numerous countries over several years, then immigrated to Canada in 2005. Her choice of materials stems from autobiographical origins — her mother taught her to sew, her uncle was a tailor, and her textiles reference the colors, fabrics and content she remembers from the bazaars and the streets of Kabul. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield . 203-438-4519

ONGOING

Through February 9
Layers Revealed — Exploring the many cycles and layers of humanity, nature, beauty, creation and decay, this exhibition displays works in a variety 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’ search for expression and meaning within a single-color or limited palette, featuring more than 30 artworks in a variety of media. Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, 84 Lyme St., Old Lyme. 860-434-5232

Through February 26
The Spell of the Studio: Balthus’ Portrait of Mrs. Cooley — One of the most controversial artists of the 20th 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 crucial role in the 1930s. Portrait of Mrs. Cooley is Balthus’ first work depicting an American sitter, in this case Hartford-born Jane Cooley. This portrait, on loan from a private collection, joins two paintings by Balthus from the Wadsworth collection and reveals the deeply passionate yet ambivalent relationship between Balthus and his audiences at a moment when modern art became fashionable in the U.S. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main St., Hartford. 860-278-2670

Through February 26
Winterlude — Featuring works by Connecticut-based Gallery One artists, this exhibition celebrates the beauty of the quiet winter season. Artists include Rosemary Cotnoir (Westbrook), Victor Filepp (New 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 both produced images depicting people sheltering in the London Underground during World War II, works considered among the most iconic of the period. In addition to 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., New Haven. 877-274 8278

Through March 2
First Impressions: 31st annual Associate Artist Show — This juried exhibition of the Lyme Art Association’s Associate Artist members, accomplished artists who have been exhibiting in selective shows, celebrates the tradition of creating representational art as started by the Lyme art colony founders more 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 rich history of pigments and dyes and their impact on art and culture in this exhibition featuring more than 30 objects from prehistory to the present including ancient Greek and Egyptian artifacts, late-medieval illuminated manuscripts, 15th-century Chinese ceramics, 17th- and 18th-century Flemish oil paintings, 19th- and 20th-century European and American paintings, and traditional Australian Aboriginal bark paintings. Works by modern artists, such as Josef Albers, Richard Anuszkiewicz and Gene Davis, will be featured, as will new works by Carson Fox, Patricia Miranda and Porfirio Gutiérrez. Lyman Allyn Art Museum, 625 Williams St., New 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 new works by artists who explore this in paintings, drawings, mixed-media pieces and photographs. Spectrum Art Gallery, 61 Main St., Centerbrook. 860-767-0742

Through April 6
Women’s Rights Are Human Rights — This exhibition features posters created by both men and women worldwide to celebrate and acknowledge the vital role that all citizens play in protecting and promoting human rights while challenging 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 leading collector of European modernism. On view will be a group of paintings and drawings he once owned, which are now scattered around the world, as well as selected 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 commercial fishermom and fishdealer working out of Sakonnet Point, Rhode Island. Her family is the last trap-fishing operation in southern New England and was featured in the mini-doc The Last Trap Family: A Rhode Island Family Keeps Sustainable Fishing Alive . This photography exhibition will feature more 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 in 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 within the Latinx community from playwright Hilary Bettis (TV’s The Americans ) examines the timelessness of love 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 movies Drumline and Drumline: A New Beat , this spectacle pays homage to the show-style marching popularized at historically Black colleges and universities with a world-class cast of percussionists, musicians and dancers. 8 p.m. $40–$72. Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New 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 modern 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 Main St., Old Saybrook

February 19
Popovich Comedy Pet Theater — Fifth-generation Russian circus performer Gregory Popovich brings his world-famous act featuring more 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 get lost in the world of the movies. Join Pete, Callie, Ethel the Apatosaurus, and Robo-Pete in this rockin’ new 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 “among America’s best” by The New York Times , Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet company unites distinguished choreographers with a company of world-class dancers to forge new works of athleticism, emotion and grace, 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 unique blend of vibrant costumes, breathtaking backdrops and an outstanding 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 an evening of classical and contemporary love duets. Curated by artistic director Brett Raphael, the program spans the gamut from the romantic Romeo and Juliet Balcony Pas de Deux to Raphael’s sexy New 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 — 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. Main St., Waterbury. 203-346-2000

February 4
Tribute to the King — Take a journey through the life and legacy of the great Elvis Presley, as portrayed by critically acclaimed tribute artist Matthew Boyce. Featuring all 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 Main 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 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 that 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 love, tragedy, courage and triumph with the music of the legendary “Queen of Soul.” Starring a live band and supreme vocalists, you’ll hear all the hits from one of the greatest artists of all time, including “Natural Woman,” “Think,” “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” “Chain of Fools,” “Respect” and many 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 iconic rock band who wrote hits “Ride My See-Saw,” “I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band),” “Isn’t Life Strange?” and many more, Lodge has been performing and recording with The Moody Blues for more than five decades, while also having a successful solo career. 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 an impressive standard for soul-searching, introspective lyrics and catchy, uplifting melodies in a three-decade recording career. Eddie Seville opens. 8 p.m. See website for tickets. Warner Theatre, 68 Main 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 full of colorful wooden characters ready 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 such as Empire and Snowfall and movies including 21 Jump Street and All Eyez on Me , the comedian-turned-actor from Chicago draws from his rough upbringing, streetwise mentality and status as a working actor. 8 p.m. $30, $40. Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket.

February 18
Tom Papa — With more than 20 years as a stand-up comedian, Papa has found success as an author, in film, TV, radio and podcasts as well as 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 being able to go in and out of original characters along 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 films celebrate the Black experience and struggle. Amistad (1997) is based 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 in 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, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Both films 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 captivating stories during the 47th annual festival of remote landscapes to adrenaline-fueled action sports. 7 p.m. for all events; see websites for tickets.
Feb. 18: The Bushnell , 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford. 860-987-5900
Feb. 25: Shubert Theatre , 247 College St., New Haven. 203-624-1825
March 4: Garde Arts Center , 325 State St., New 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 around the globe about our relationship with water: how we are drawn to it, what we learn from it, how we use it and the consequences of that use. We see massive floating abalone farms off China’s Fujian coast and the construction site of the biggest arch dam in the world — the Xiluodu, six times the size of the Hoover, as well as many other awesome wonders of water. 2–4 p.m. Free with museum admission. New Britain Museum of Art, 56 Lexington St., New Britain. 860-229-0257

expos

February 17–19
Home & Garden Show — The Southeastern Connecticut Home & Garden Show offers a diverse array of home- and garden-care products and services by New England businesses from New London to Hartford and national vendors, each presenting innovative 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 variety of topics. See website for times and tickets. Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford. 860-249-6000

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