Shark Petting, an Intriguing New Documentary, Two Concerts and More

Where: The Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton

When: Saturday 7:30 — 9:30 p.m.

Why Go? Because this documentary is great. It’s about an eccentric shopkeeper who attempts to capture high-profile street artists and vandals on camera. The film contains footage of world-renowned street artist Banksy, Shephard Fairey, and Invader along with a number of other graffiti artists at work. But there’s a twist. As Banksy discovers that the shopkeeper, Thierry Guetta, is a terrible filmmaker with marginal editing skills, but that his personality is odd enough for the camera, Banksy starts filming Guetta and tries to draw him over into the graffiti world. Is the movie an elaborate hoax by Banksy? No one knows for sure, but people are talking about it. This documentary has an 8.2 on IMDB, a 99 percent (!) on RottenTomatoes.com and was nominated for an Academy Award. Local documentary filmmaker Megan Smith-Harris will be moderating the event.

Price: Free, registration is suggested.   

Where: Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St, Norwalk

When: April 16 to 24. The Maritime Aquarium is open from 10 to 5 p.m.

Why Go? To touch a shark! The event (aptly titled “Touch a Shark”) will feature live nurse sharks, a species that is docile enough to be pet. Pretty cool, right? And be sure to bring your camera for a photo op next to a 16-foot great white shark model while standing inside a real shark cage.

Price: This event is included with admission. Tickets vary. To just see this exhibit in the Aquarium, it is $12.95 for adults, $11.95 for seniors, $9.95 for children, and free for members. Click here to see combo ticket pricings—you know, if you want to catch an IMAX movie, or see one of their famous “ride films” too. 

Where: Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield

When: Friday at 8 p.m.

Why Go? Irish and Celtic products will be available for purchase from O'Reilly's Irish Gifts (248 Main Street, Farmington) and UK Gourmet.

Órla Fallon, formally of Celtic Woman, is a renowned singer/harpist who stems from the village of Kockananna in County Wicklow, Ireland. Since leaving Celtic Woman at the end of 2008, Órla has been charting a solo path that is launching with her very own PBS holiday special, “Órla Fallon's Celtic Christmas.” The Pope, Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and Irish President Mary McAleese, have all been a part of Órla's audiences throughout the past five years, both as a solo artist and with the phenomenally successful group Celtic Woman. Complimentary wine tasting in the lobby beginning at 7 p.m., as provided . Need another reason? Irish and Celtic products will be available to buy from and . 

Price: $40

Concert: The McLovins

Where: Stage One, 70 Sanford Street, Fairfield

When: Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Why Go: This band has an unusual success story. I’ll let them explain it: A revealing story about how powerful our clicking around on the internet can be, the McLovins (still in high school) quickly soared to their current height from YouTube links and Phish fan boards to stages and festivals all across New England and beyond. These young Hartford-based jam rockers have the chops, the raw musical ability and the destiny of true prodigies. Online fans helped name the band because of slight resemblances to the Superbad character McLovin, but Jake, Jason and Jeff are ready to prove there’s talent, knowledge and hard work behind the jokes. What’s special for Stage One?

“In preparation for our [second] McLovins show, we’re taking the seats out and getting StageOne ready for the locally grown dance party. If you heard their last album, Conundrum, or their latest collaboration with Tom Marshall (Phish lyricist) and Anthony Krizan (Spin Doctors), 'Cohesive,' then you know why the seats have to go.”

Price: $17 for tickets

Where: Rockwell Art and Framing Gallery, 379 Danbury Road, Wilton

When: During gallery hours through June 3

Why Go: Artists included in this gallery exhibition are Kevin Stevens, Susan Minier, Jane Petruska and Lisa Black. These artists have explored the use of elemental mediums of paper, fabric and cutting. The exhibit will be up until June 3, so if you can’t catch it this weekend, it’ll be around for a little while longer.

Price: Free.