Ridgefield Weekend Guide: The Blind Boys Of Alabama, Community Day At The Aldrich And A Battle Bus Tour

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield's weekend mixes gospel, contemporary art and Revolutionary history, from a purple martin success story at the library to the Blind Boys of Alabama at the Playhouse, a free Community Day at the Aldrich and a bus tour of the 1777 battle route, from Thursday, Oct. 15, through Sunday, Oct. 18.

This Weekend's Arts & Entertainment

• "Purple Martins: A Ridgefield Success Story" — Thursday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m. Conservation Commissioner and birder Allan Welby explains how McKeon Farm became home to one of Connecticut's largest purple martin colonies, with more than 360 hatchlings this year; registration is requested. Ridgefield Library, 472 Main Street
• The Blind Boys of Alabama — Songs in the Key of Life — Friday, Oct. 16, 8 p.m. The Grammy-winning gospel group marks the 50th anniversary of Stevie Wonder's album, pairing his songs with selections from its own repertoire. The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Road
• Community Day — Saturday, Oct. 17, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission to "The Aldrich Decennial: I am what is around me," with guided tours of the exhibitions and sculpture garden, hands-on art making and live music-making; at 2 p.m., artist Anindita Dutta presents "The Dream of Being," a new performance built around a double-sided day-and-night composition of worn garments, shoes and purses. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main Street
• Battle of Ridgefield Bus Tour — Sunday, Oct. 18, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Battlefield historian and archaeologist David Naumec narrates a ride along the British troops' route and recent archaeological finds; tickets are $65 to $75, with a waitlist if it sells out. Ridgefield Historical Society, Scott House, 4 Sunset Lane.

Learn about the purple martins Thursday, hear the Blind Boys on Friday, spend Saturday at the Aldrich and follow the redcoats' route on Sunday.

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