PLAN ON IT
Best of the arts in the weeks ahead
Music Daughtry uncaged
After a sold- out show in 2015, the rock band Daughtry returns to Ridgefield Playhouse in support of a new album, “Cage To Rattle.” Fronted by “American Idol” Season 5 finalist Chris Daughtry, the band has released five studio albums, scored four No. 1 hits and garnered four Grammy nominations. Hits include “It’s Not Over,” “Home” and “No Surprise.” Of the new album, Daughtry described as having a “bluesy, almost rootsy undertone to it.” Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge. Wednesday, Aug. 1, 8 p. m. $ 130. 203- 438- 5795, ridgefieldplayhouse.org
Smashing good time
Smashing Pumpkins’ Shiny And Oh So Bright Tour, which comes to the Mohegan Sun Arena later this month, coincides with the 30th anniversary of the band’s formation and highlights music from the group’s inception through 2000. Longtime Smashing Pumpkins guitarist Jeff Schroeder will also take part, as the band moves to a three- guitar lineup “to better emulate the signature tones and textures” of their albums, according to the venue’s website. Metric opens the show. Mohegan Sun Arena, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville. Sunday, July 29, 7 p. m. $ 95-$ 55. 888- 226- 7711, mohegansun. com
Melodic mix
Guitarist John Lehmann- Haupt will bring his mix of classical and popular songs to a performance in Stamford this month. Having performed throughout the Northeast, he has developed a repertoire of his own arrangements of popular and traditional songs. He is expected to play selections from Bach to Stevie Wonder. Harry Bennett Branch Library, 115 Vine Road, Stamford. Thursday, July 26, 6 to 7 p. m. 203- 351- 8292, fergusonlibrary. org
Dixieland docks
The popular Dixieland Jazz on the Sound concert program, presented by Greenwich’s Parks and Recreation, is putting on its final concert of the season next month. Musicians will play on the Island Beach Ferry dock, on Island Beach and on the return trip. Ferry riders must have a yearly park pass or a guest pass. Island Beach Ferry, Arch Street, Greenwich. Sunday, Aug. 5 ( raindate Aug. 12). Ferry leaves for island 4; returns at 6 p. m. Ferry fees ( sold at the dock), $ 13-$ 5; park pass ( available at Eastern and Western Greenwich civic centers Monday- Friday) $ 7; $ 35 parking fee may apply. 203- 618- 7649, 203- 8616100 ( weather/ cancelation hotline), greenwichct. org
Traditional blues
Big Frank and the Healers are performing in Sherman. The traditional electric and acoustic blues musician is known for his strong vocals and bottleneck slide style. Over the years, Big Frank has opened for such acts as Bo Diddley and was featured on the legendary FM radio show “King Biscuit Flour Hour.” Big Frank has been inducted into both the New York and New Jersey Blues Halls of Fame. Jewish Community Center, 9 Ct- 39, Sherman. Saturday, July 21 at 7: 30 p. m. $ 25-$ 20. 860355- 8050, jccinsherman. org
Stage
Back to ‘ Town’
A new outdoor production of Thornton Wilder’s play “Our Town” is playing Shelton. The New Haven native wrote the experimental drama about life in a small New England town 80 years ago and it is still one of the most frequently produced plays in the world. The simplicity and power of the story told by the stage manager addressing the audience directly and minimal production design — connects with theatergoers of all ages. Veterans Memorial Park, 38 Canal St. East, Shelton. Sunday, July 15 at 7: 30 p. m. Free. 203- 513- 9466, vsfestival. org
King’s healer
Shakepeare’s romantic comedy “All’s Well That Ends Well” is coming to the Stratford Public Library for one outdoor performance. The play follows the lovelorn Helena who can’t catch the eye of Bertram. She uses her skill as a physician to win over the young man by curing the king he serves. Helena asks Bertram to marry her, but he runs off to a war to avoid his commitment. The comedy of “wits and manipulation” is packed with twists and surprises. Stratford Public Library, 2203 Main St. Saturday, Aug 4 at 2 p. m. 203- 385- 4164, stratfordlibrary. org
Film
‘ The Dude’ at 20
A box- office flop in 1998, “The Big Lebowski” went on to a long and continuing life as one of the major cult films. It’s a movie that fans still prefer to see in theaters with like- minded people rather than at home alone. The Coen brothers production features Jeff Bridges as a middle- aged stoner known as “The Dude” who would rather bowl than hold down a regular job. The supporting cast includes Sam Elliott, John Goodman and Julianne Moore. Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Road. Sunday, August 5 at 7 p. m. $ 12.50. 203- 438- 5795, ridgefieldplayhouse. org
Etc. All the buzz
The industry of bees leads to a rather sweet treat, one Carla Marina Marchese savors and shares as part of her efforts to get others to better understand the different types of American honeys. As part of the “Wild Bees” exhibition on view at the Bruce Museum, she will lead a tasting this month with six honeys that she has paired with local cheeses and seasonal produce. Marchese runs Red Bee Honey of Weston. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich. Thursday, July 26, 7 to 8: 30 p. m. Advance reservations required. $ 65 to $ 50. 203- 869- 0376, brucemuseum. org
‘ Flea’ talk
Catherine Sheehy, chair of dramatic criticism at the Yale School of Drama, will be the special guest at a Westport Country Playhouse symposium on the French farce “A Flea in Her Ear.” She will discuss the play with the theater’s associate artistic director David Kennedy. The version of the play in Westport is a new adaptation by the American playwright David Ives. Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court. Sunday, July 15 at approximately 5 p. m. ( after the 3 p. m. performance). Free. 203- 227- 4177, westportplayhouse. org
Exhibit Nautical inspirations
An apt exhibition for the season is now on view at the Rowayton Arts Center. Works inspired by water scenes are featured in “Marine and Coastal,” which includes paintings, drawings, photographs and sculptures from artists across the area. As summer is fleeting, so is the show, which is only up until month’s end. Rowayton Arts Center, 145 Rowayton Ave., Rowayton. Through Sunday, July 29. Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a. m. to 5 p. m.; Sunday, 11 a. m. to 2 p. m. 203- 866- 2744, rowaytonarts. org
Film
Sunset screening
Those looking for an excuse to see the blockbuster movie “Black Panther” a second or third time — or, more unlikely, a first time — have a novel location to enjoy one of Disney’s top- grossing movies. As part of Stamford’s Mill River Park Movies in the Park series this 2018 action hero film will be shown next month under the stars. Live music will keep the crowd entertained until the movie starts at sunset. Mill River Park, corner of Washington Boulevard and Main Street, Stamford. Friday, Aug. 3, 7 to 11 p. m. Free. 203- 989 0321, millriverpark. com