All proceeds from tickets sales benefit the education programs of Billings Forge, Hartford Stage and the Mark Twain House.

Submitted by Jenni French, Watkinson School

Watkinson School, Hartford’s oldest coed independent day school for grades 6-PG, announces the sixth anniversary season of “Freshly Squeezed with Colin McEnroe.”

Based on the premise that everyone loves a juicy conversation and in the best tradition of Connecticut conversation, Watkinson School continues this series of nimble, participatory and personal discussions hosted by Colin McEnroe. These low-cost lectures not only feature smart panelists discussing fascinating topics, they also include an optional pre-show community dinner in Watkinson School’s Feringa Hall.

All of the profit from ticket sales benefits the education programs of three shining Hartford institutions: Billings Forge, Hartford Stage and the Mark Twain House. The discussion series is generously sponsored by Fiduciary Investment Advisors.

Watkinson’s Head of School Teri Schrader says, “We are so eager for parents, community leaders, educators – everyone who cares about the challenges we’re facing these days – to have the opportunity to think and talk together. Amazing synergy has developed from our community partnerships with Billings Forge, Hartford Stage and The Mark Twain House; we are excited for that to continue.”

Fiduciary Investment Advisors Executive Vice President Mike Goss adds, “We are thrilled to continue to be the lead sponsor of this series with Colin McEnroe.  In addition to evenings filled with stimulating and thought provoking conversation, proceeds from these events benefit three important Hartford institutions, which is consistent with FIA’s community involvement initiatives.”

Hartford Stage Director of Education Jennifer Roberts comments, “We’re really excited to continue this partnership with Watkinson School and for the opportunity to tell more people in our community about Hartford Stage’s extensive education programs, which include not only bringing students to Hartford Stage, but also sending our teaching artists out into schools to work with students of all ages.”

The three events on the series include:

The Great Democracy Suggestion Box!

Oct. 4, 2017

They say: if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. But what if it is? Many of us don’t recognize—in the current state of affairs—the democracy we studied in middle school civics. Our panel of constitutional scholars, pundits and other know-it-alls will consider some fixes, including ones submitted by you!

Who’s Afraid of the Bix Bad Beiderbecke? A Non-Threatening Conversation About Jazz

Jan. 31, 2018

We always look for an excuse to roll out Watkinson’s beautiful piano. Hartford has an amazing jazz history, and Colin has a lot of jazz musician friends. We’ll have a little onstage jazz party. Talk about what makes jazz jazz. Invite the audience to sing. Teach the audience to scat.

The $12 Potato Chip – And Other Horrors

April 4, 2018 

In 2016, a Swedish brewery offered for sale artisanally prepared potato chips. $59 for 5 chips in what looks like a jeweler’s box. They sold out. Crazy, right? But be honest: have you gone to more than one place looking for just the right coffee bean or golden beet or … something? Meanwhile, behind all this posturing, what do Americans really cook and eat?

Forums are at 7 p.m. and are preceded by an optional pre-show light meal at 5:30 p.m. prepared by Chef Jon Birney. Last season, all three forums sold out.

Pricing Options:

1 forum with Dinner: $25

All 3 forums with Dinner: $50

1 forum (no Dinner): $10

All 3 forums (no Dinner): $20

All events are held in the Foisie Family Amphitheater at Watkinson School. Seating is very limited and general admission, so order today. Purchase tickets at brownpapertickets.com (search Watkinson School) or by calling 800-838-3006.