Hygienic-palooza: All the weekend events

Way back in the cobwebbed past, when the Hygienic Art Show was conceptualized, there was plenty of community skepticism. The founders seemed nothing more than beer-soaked dreamers, the bohemian equivalent of folks who produce those "Starving Artist" bazaars in hotel conference rooms that you see advertised on commercial breaks during bowling telecasts.

Fast forward 32 years.

Hygienic Art, Inc., is absolutely the finest model of How To Get Something Done. The Hygienic's galleries, art park and tangential, year-round productions are nothing short of amazing — and the annual art show, "Salon des Indépendants: XXXII," still held each January under the original "no judge, no jury, no fees, no censorship" banner, has expanded pyrotechnically to become the region's freakin' Mardi Gras.

This year's show and events, taking place Friday through Sunday — the actual exhibition goes up Saturday and remains on display till Feb. 12 — cross a wider, adventurous spectrum than ever before and include art, poetry, music, fashion, film and theater.

Here's an overview of the weekend's activities. Fasten your seatbelt.

FRIDAY

Hootenanny — 6-9 p.m., Muddy Waters, 42 Bank St. Somewhere the ghost of Pete Seger is smiling. Oh, wait, he's still alive! Several of the area's finest acoustic and folk musicians, including the Rivergods, Daphne Lee Martin and Craig Edwards, perform mini-sets in a fast-paced, fun recitation.

The Pre-Fix — 9 p.m., The Oasis Pub, 16 Bank St. To whet the rock appetite for the weekend, several of the area's finest bands will perform, including White Bronco (an offshoot of the Hempsteadys) and Anderson Family Picnic.

SATURDAY

Salon des Independents — 8 p.m., Hygienic Art Galleries, 79 Bank St. This is the axis around which all other Hygienic events circle; it's the show that began it all. This grand art show is where anyone and everyone can submit art — no judge, no jury, no censorship. Tonight's opening is your chance to see the good, the bad and the sensational (and we mean sensational both ways).

Take the Stage — noon-midnight, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St. Dozens of across-the-board acts perform, "America's Got Talent"-style — and the audience members determine their admission fee.

The Rock Fix — 7 p.m.-midnight, Crocker House Ballroom, 35 Union St. The Woodstock of Hygienic Weekend. Eclectic series of bands representing new and established acts: Burnouts from Outer Space, Bedroom Rehab Corporation, NME the Illest, Straight to VHS, John Fries & the Heat, Gone for Good, the Hempsteadys.

The Screening Room — 4-10 p.m., El 'n' Gee Club, 86 Golden St. The Hygienic spirit finds its silver-screen equivalent in this indie film fest.

Hygienic Young Artists Show — 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Garde Gallery, 305 State St. Would-be Gauguins, 14 and under, are invited to submit one piece of artwork — just like the Big People Show. Also, live entertainment and activities.

Hygienic Cabaret — 8 p.m.-2 a.m., The Oasis Pub, 16 Bank St. Sort of like Take the Stage at the Garde — only with a delightful hallucinogenic twist. Playwrights, puppets, comedy, contortionists, belly dancing, comedy and whatever you can dream of.

Fire and Ice — 8 p.m., Hygienic Art Park, 79 Bank St. Fire wizards will bewitch with skill and grace as their flames are reflected in surrounding and exotic ice sculptures.

Connections: Connecticut College and New London" — 8 p.m., Provenance, 165 State St. Students snapped photos to reflect the relationship between New London and Connecticut College, in honor of the college's centennial. The impetus came from LINCC, a student-led Conn organization of students, faculty, staff and New London community members. Also on view: work by Conn professor/photographer Ted Hendrickson and photos from the college's archives. The show runs throughs March 1.


FEB. 4

Opening of Photo-Gienic Show — 6 p.m., 230 State St. A dozen teams have 24 hours to snap photos on a dozen topics. The resulting show opens Friday.

Fashion in the Ballroom — 8 p.m., Crocker House Ballroom, 35 Union St. Get the catwalk ready: a fashion show puts the creations of local fashion and jewelry designers in the spotlight.

FEB. 5

Mayfly Playhouse 24 — 8 p.m., Crocker House Ballroom, 35 Union St. At 8 p.m. Friday, writers get their assignments and start feverishly churning out their individual scripts. By 24 hours later, a series of one-acts have been created, rehearsed and — this is where you come — performed starting at 8 p.m. at the Crocker House.

FEB. 12

Hygienic Poets — 7 p.m., Hygienic Art Galleries, 79 Bank St. Starting with an open mic and roaring to a culminating slam competition with cash prizes awarded by judges from the audience.

The Screening Room , "Burial Boys" — 8 p.m., 230 State St.

All events are free or by donation; the by-donation events are Take the Stage, The Rock Fix, Ballroom Blitz, and Mayfly Playhouse 24. For more information about Hygienic events, visit hygienic.org.