NEWPORT, R.I. – At this point, the weekend weather prediction suggests another fine autumn weekend (of course, most Newporters know the legendary Mark Twin quote: “If you don’t like New England weather, wait a minute.”). That said, there’s plenty of indoor and outdoor happenings worth checking out:
ONE GOLDEN YEAR TO REMEMBER
Do you appreciate fine sail trim? Is that tan you got while on the water all summer beginning to fade?
If so, then perhaps you should consider heading over the to the Pickens on Friday for a “preview screening” of the “The Golden Year of 12 Metres,” a Gary Jobson-produced piece scheduled to run on ESPN Classic on Nov. 7, showcasing the past summer’s flurry of 12 Metre racing in Newport, New York, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
Sponsored by theInternataional 12 Metre Class, the screening will be held Friday Nov. 6 at the Jane Pickens Theater and Event Center. A 6 p.m. “Legends Panel” moderated by Jobson will feature some former America’s Cup greats sharing stories of the past year and reflecting on the 50th anniversary of the 12 Metre’s introduction into Cup racing.
A “Director’s Cut” screening will follow at 7 p.m. with proceeds benefiting the Friends of the Jane Pickens Theater and the Seamen’s Church Institute of Newport.
Tickets are $20 and are available at the Jane PickensTheater box office, online at www.janepickens.com, or in advance by check made payble to ITMA and sent to: Jennifer Stewart, 40 Mary St, Newport, RI 02840 (received no later then November 3, 2009).
OVER THE HILL AND THROUGH THE WOODS
You don’t need to be a roadrunner to enjoy the great outdoors at Aquidneck Land Trust’s Race for Open Space 5k Run and Walk. The scenic race on ALT’s Sakonnet Greenway Trail, the largest nature trail on the island, begins at the Glen in Portsmouth near the Polo Fields and walkers are more than welcome to bring leashed dogs and strollers. To register online, visit needtorace.com. For more information, contact Courtney Huth at chuth@ailt.org or call 401.849.2799 x 19, or register online.
FOR THE KIDS
Little ones will enjoy the animated antics about an assortment of animals (yea for onomatopoeia) by area storytellers at Middletown’s Potter League for Animals at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8. Proceeds from admission fees, $5 for adults; $3 for children, support the shelter. Those looking for a little more bounce in their step should look to the Easton’s Beach Bounce which kicks ofs its winter schedule this Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for Saturday’s event is $8; seasonal family passes available.
BACH TO BASICS
Baroque master cellist and local treasure Audrey Cienniwa plays the complete Bach Suites for Cello Solo in two concerts at Trinity Church on Saturday, Nov. 7. At 3:30 p.m., Cienniwa tackles suites 1, 4 and 5; at 7:30 p.m., suites 2, 3 and 6. Visit www.newportbaroque.org for information and tickets.
LAST CHANCE
Before being shuttered for the season, be sure to see Doris Duke’s famed duds at Rough Point’s Shop Like an Heiress: Buying Fashion in the 20th Century exhibit, closing Sunday, Nov. 7. For tickets, hours and information, visit www.newportrestoration.org or call 401-849-7300
It’s also your last chance to take get lost in the corn maze at Escobar’s Highland Farm in Portsmouth before the farmer comes through and raises this year’s crop. Visit www.escobarshighlandfarm.com or call 401-683-1444 for more details.
Finally, if you can still get a reservation, sample some of Newport’s autumnal offerings during these last few days of Newport Restaurant Week. Click here (www.gonewportrestaurantweek.com) for menus and event information.
HOW BAZAAR
NN has already reported on St. Joseph’s Harvest Fair taking place Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. CLICK HERE for our full report.
SING OUT LOUD
Salve Regina’s chorus, Madrigals and Cliff Notes a cappella ensemble, along with Bryant’s University’s singers and a cappella ensemble, will each perform separately before doing a combined presentation at their Voices in Harmony combined Choral Concert on Saturday. Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. Free admission and open to the public. Call 341-2295 for more information.
HARVEST CELEBRATION
Newport Vineyards will celebrate the 2009 harvest on November 7, 2009. Back by popular demand are an assortment of gourmet specialty foods, all available for purchase directly from these New England sources. The winery will be providing tastes of all its wines, along with Barrel samples from future releases.
Admission is complimentary for case club members. All other tickets are $10. The event hours are 11-5 pm.
RSVP suggested to 401 848-5161 x0 or email info@newportvineyards.com



Newport, RI