An Acoustic Duo, an Alpaca Open Farm Day, Author Visits, and More in Durham and Middlefield This Weekend

Deep Ellum Acoustic Duo
Friday, 7:30 p.m. - Whether you like to sing along to American classics by Dylan, Lightfoot, or Woody Guthrie; hear some country blues, or relive the classic oldies by Ricky Nelson, Don Gibson, Guy Mitchell, and Johnny Cash, you will enjoy Deep Ellum. The acoustic duo of Rich Johnson and Jon Swift will perform on Friday. Admission is $8 at the door ($15 for two). Bring your own wine and enjoy the atmosphere in this café setting. You will also be surrounded by artwork from the 7th Annual Artist Member Art Show, so come early when the doors open at 7 p.m. to see the art, meet some of the artists, and settle in. Coffee, tea and light dessert are available.

2013 Hartford Walk for Farm Animals
Saturday, 10 a.m. - The Walk for Farm Animals raises vital funds for Farm Sanctuary’s lifesaving work and brings together thousands of people to change hearts and minds about farm animals. Enjoy fun, vegan food, music, prizes, and more. This is a family-friendly event, and dogs are welcome. Check-in is at 10 a.m. and the walk is from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. To sign up, visit http://events.walkforfarmanimals.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=632.

Alpaca Open Farm Day
Saturday, 11 a.m. - On Saturday, alpaca breeders from across the United States and Canada will invite the public to come to their farm or ranch to meet their alpacas and learn more about these inquisitive, unique animals, the luxury fiber they produce, and why the alpaca business is perfect for environmentally conscious individuals. From 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., New England Alpacas will welcome guests to join activities including visiting with the alpacas, Q&A with staff, fiber processing demonstrations, children's activities, and refreshments. There is no cost. For more information, check out www.nealpacas.com.

Elaine Wolf, the Anti-Bullying Novelist
Saturday, 2 p.m. - Elaine Wolf is the award-winning author of CAMP, a coming-of-age story about bullying and family relationships, and Danny's Mom, a novel about bullying, homophobia, and finding the courage to do the right thing. This former educator writes and speaks about the bullying epidemic and what really goes on behind the closed gates and doors of our camps and schools.

Halfway to St. Patrick's Day 5K Run/Walk
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. - The Central Connecticut Celtic Cultural Committee is hosting the inaugural Halfway to St. Patrick's Day 5K Run/Walk on Sunday at the Irish Club in Glastonbury. The proceeds will benefit the 2014 Greater Hartford St. Patrick's Day Parade. Children 8 and under can compete in the Wee Mile Race (1/4 mile). All Wee Milers will receive a medal. The top three finishers in each age group will also receive a medal. The after party will include food and music. To register, visit http://www.stpatshalfway5k.com/.

Author: Eileen Kaplan
Sunday, 2 p.m. - Eileen Kaplan is the author of Laughter is the Breast Medicine, a book she wrote after she had a successful bilateral mastectomy for breast cancer in June 2005. Through her ordeal, Kaplan realized that she was able to cope with this deadly disease through humor and positive thinking. For the past several years, since the inception and “coming out” of her book in October 2009, Kaplan has spoken about her experience to thousands of women and men in the USA and Canada. She now uses her own positive outlook in her speeches and has become anoted motivational speaker and humorist, lighting up the room with her engaging sense of humor. As quoted by Kaplan, “Chemo” is a form of therapy… so is laughter." Kaplan has always been active in fundraising for cancer research.  She won the Daffodil Award from the American Cancer Society. Little did she know that all of her success in raising money for this deadly disease would come full circle to include her own diagnosis. For the past four years, her book has helped thousands of women and men to cope with their own medical challenges, specifically breast cancer. She continues to be a positive mentor for women and an advocate for their better health.

"This is It!" The Complete Piano Works of Neely Bruce: Part I
Sunday, 3 p.m. - The first of 12 CD-length recitals by Wesleyan John Spencer Camp Professor of Music Neely Bruce of his piano music, to take place every fall, spring, and summer, concluding in the summer of 2017. This recital will feature the world premieres of A Partita for Wilhelm Gertz (1927-2007), and A Fugue for Sophia, written for Sophia Rosoff to celebrate her 92nd birthday. Bruce will be joined by guest vocalist Christopher Grundy, who will sing Five Songs on Poems of John Finlay.