Discover Pittsfield

Fresh: Group Art Show to Benefit New Farmers Market

Cultural Pittsfield — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:27:16 +0000

Lichtenstein Center for the Arts to host “Farm to Gallery” exhibit

Locally made art & locally produced food are coming together during the month of June in upstreet Pittsfield. The City of Pittsfield’s Office of Cultural Development and Alchemy Initiative are working together to present an invitational art exhibit entitled FRESH: From Farm to Gallery, a celebration of locally-made food and art at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts at 28 Renne Ave. in Pittsfield, Mass. Thirty percent of all art sales will benefit the new Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market.

“We are big supporters of local artists and also of local farmers and food producers. What could be better than bringing the two together?” noted Pittsfield’s Cultural Development Director Megan Whilden. “Buying local art and locally-produced food is good for our communities and our local economy.”

Alchemy Initiative Director & Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market Manager Jess Conzo added “FRESH is a perfect expression of our mission at Alchemy Initiative and of the Farmers Market: celebrating local creativity and sustainability in one fell swoop!”

Berkshire County artists featured in FRESH: From Farm to Gallery include Phil Bastow, Marge Bride, Denise Chandler, Joan Ciolfi, Tom Fiorini, Diane Firtell, Ann Getsinger, Carol Gingles, Kate Knapp, Nina Lipkowitz, Nancy Magnusson, Laurie McLeod, Susan Merrill, Jen Morse, Isha Nelson, Sam Ponder, Gabrielle Senza, Mary Sipp Green, Savannah Spirit and Scott Taylor.

An opening reception will be held during upstreet Pittsfield’s monthly First Fridays Artswalk on Friday, June 7th, 5-8pm. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided by farmers and food producers from the new Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market. FRESH: From Farm to Gallery will be on display at the Lichtenstein from June 7^th through June 29^th, 2013. Gallery hours are 12 noon to 5pm, Wednesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free.

FRESH was curated by artist Diane Firtell. She noted, “Twenty accomplished artists are contributing to this colorful and lively show. Pieces in all mediums will be hanging on the wall, hanging from the ceiling and standing on the floor and on pedestals. There will be farm animals in ceramic, metal and oil as well as pastoral paintings of bucolic farmland. Mediums include oil, watercolor and acrylic on canvas, paper and glass, traditional and digitally manipulated photography, iPad art and ceramic and metal sculpture and furniture.”

The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts is a city-owned community arts center located in Pittsfield’s Upstreet Cultural District at 28 Renne Avenue. The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts is home to changing art exhibits in its gallery space, nine working artist studios, a ceramics studio and community room, and a range of performances, classes, workshops and other events serving the Pittsfield community and beyond. For more information, visit discoverpittsfield.com or call 413-499-9348.

The weekly Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market is a collaboration between the City of Pittsfield, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., and Alchemy Initiative and provides a venue for local farmers, food producers and artisans to come together to bring fresh, locally-grown and produced food and related products to the community. The market encourages direct communication between consumers and producers, fosters community building, and promotes healthy living. The Market is located on First Street, across from the Common and runs every Saturday from May 11 to October 26 from 9am to 1pm. For more information, visit farmersmarketpittsfield.org. Alchemy Initiative serves as the market manager. Through the exploration of sustainability and creativity, Alchemy Initiative enlivens, engages and educates the greater Berkshires, fostering a healthier community. Founded in 2009, Alchemy Initiative produces programs and presents events across the County. www.AlchemyInitiative.org

Berkshire Musicians Organize Rock and Soul Concert at First Church To Celebrate Local Environmental Group

Cultural Pittsfield — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:45:40 +0000

Over 20 Berkshire musicians will gather at 3 pm on Sunday, June 2, 2013 for “Beats 4 BEAT” – a rock and soul concert to support the work of BEAT (Berkshire Environmental Action Team.) The event at First Church of Christ on Park Square (27 East Street, Pittsfield) brings together a variety of Berkshire musicians (including Carlton Maaia II, Linda Worster, Rebecca Leigh and Andy Kelly) who are donating their time and talent to raise funds for BEAT and share the joy of music with Pittsfield. Pastor James Lumsden, organizer of “Beats 4 BEAT” said, “This Sunday afternoon concert is an event for the whole family – a slow, safe and fun time to come together in music – and celebrate peace and compassion.”

“Beats 4 Beat” is part of an annual series of concerts sponsored by First Church of Christ on Park Square. There is no admission charge but a freewill offering will take place with all proceeds going to local organizations committed to promoting peace, justice and care of the environment. (i.e. Christian Center and PACC Emergency Heating Fund.) Throughout the summer, BEAT brings Berkshire citizens together to clean the Housatonic River and sponsors a variety of year round educational events. “We have partnered with BEAT for five years,” Lumsden said, “and want to help them strengthen their outreach and effectiveness. One of the best ways to do this is by bringing the wider community together with local musicians who love the Berkshires. It will be a gas – and some youth musicians will be sharing their gifts, too!”

WHO: Beats 4 BEAT – a Rock and Soul Concert
WHAT: A concert featuring Berkshire musicians Linda Worster, Carlton Maaia II, Andy Kelly, Rebecca Leigh, Between the Banks and special guest Miche Fambro and others
WHERE: First Church of Christ on Park Square (27 East Street, Pittsfield)
WHEN: Sunday, June 2, 2013 at 3 pm

For more information, please contact:
The Reverend Dr. James Lumsden
First Church of Christ on Park Square
27 East Street, Pittsfield, MA
413-447-7351
Lumsden.james700@gmail.com
www.firstchurchpittsfield.net

Berkshire Magazine brings you Creating, Surviving, and Thriving in the Berkshires

Cultural Pittsfield — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:03:47 +0000

Berkshire Magazine Live Panel Discussion

Internationally-acclaimed glass artist Tom Patti joins a panel of artists on Sunday, June 2, at 4pm to discuss the relationships and survival of galleries and artists in the Berkshire County. The event takes place at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Ave. in Pittsfield. Refreshments are served following the discussion. The event is free and open to the public.

The panel includes the following individuals:

Tom Patti, internationally renowned glass artist and Pittsfield resident

Lauren Clark, who has owned a gallery in Housatonic for 19 years

Marilyn Kalish, internationally collected artist whose studio-salon is located in Great Barrington

Melanie Mowinski, artist, teacher, and founder of PRESS in North Adams

Scott Taylor, Pittsfield-based painter

Moderator Anastasia Stanmeyer, editor of Berkshire Magazine, will pose questions and the audience will have an opportunity to ask questions.

This is the latest in a series of Berkshire Magazine Live panel discussions that brings to light a topic that is written about in the magazine. In the just-released June issue of Berkshire Magazine, the feature story “Selling Art” by Ellen Lahr explores the real need for to diversify in order to survive. It explores the struggle of artists trying to survive and thrive both here and beyond Berkshires.

“The Berkshires really depend on the economic optimism of our tourists, and we haven’t been seeing as much of that,” says one gallery owner. “We’ve been profitable, but it’s been close to the line.”

This discussion is expected to be lively and insightful, on a topic important to so many people here in our cultural Berkshires.

Cultural Pittsfield This Week: May 17-23, 2013

Cultural Pittsfield — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:41:15 +0000



		Friday: Emily Danger at Marketplace Cafe!Emily Danger is a dark cabaret rock band from Brooklyn that combines haunting melodies and lyrics with orchestral, heavy, and often dissonant arrangements. They’ve toured throughout the US and Canada, been featured on WFMU radio and various satellite radio programs internationally & on the West coast, and play throughout the East Coast and NYC. Friday, May 17 \| 6:30pm-9pm \| The Marketplace Café \| 53 North Street \| 413-358-4777 \| NO COVER

		Friday-Sunday+: Grease at Pittsfield HighJoin Danny, Sandy, Rizzo, Kenickie, and all the gang from the great musical Grease as the students at Pittsfield High School transform the stage into Rydell High School. Grease is the word for two weekends at Pittsfield High! Click here for more photos of the production. Friday-Sunday, May 17-19 & Saturday-Sunday, May 24-25 \| Fri & Sat 7:30pm Sun 1:30pm \| Pittsfield High School Auditorium \| 300 East Street \| 413-499-9535 \| $10-$12

		Friday, Sunday & Monday: The GatekeepersCharged with overseeing Israel’s war on terror-both Palestinian and Jewish-the head of the Shin Bet, Israel’s secret service, is present at the crossroads of every decision made. For the first time ever, six former heads of the agency share their insights and reflect publicly on their actions and decisions. The Gatekeepers documentary validates the reasons that each man individually and the six as a group came to reconsider their hard-line positions and advocate a conciliatory approach toward their enemies based on a two-state solution. Friday, Sunday & Monday, May 17, 19 & 20 \| Fri, Sun & Mon 7pm; Mon 2pm \| Little Cinema at the Berkshire Museum \| 39 South St. \| 413-443-7171 \| $5 Members $7.50 Non Members

		Friday-Sunday: The Diviners at Miss HallsThe Miss Hall’s School Theater Ensemble presents The Diviners: A Play in Two Acts and Elegies, a story of faith and friendship in Depression-era Indiana. Reservations are strongly recommended, as the performances take place during the School’s Alumnae Weekend. Senior citizen and handicapped-accessible seating is available. Additionally, please note that the performance is best suited for high school students and adults. Friday-Sunday, May 17-19 \| Fri 8:30pm Sat 8pm Sun 3pm 3:30pm-4:30pm \| Miss Halls School \| 492 Holmes Road \| 413-443-6401 \| $5

		Friday-Sunday: Spamalot at BCC The BCC Players present Monty Python’s Spamalot, a musical comedy “lovingly ripped off from” the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Like the film, it is a highly irreverent parody of the Arthurian Legend, but it differs from the film in many ways. The original 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards & 14 Tony Award nominations. Click here for tickets. Last weekend! Friday-Sunday, May 17-19 \| Fri & Sat 8pm Sun 2pm \| Berkshire Community College \| Boland Theatre \| 413-236-4564 \| FREE

		Friday: Badmagick and Lincoln Park at ChameleonBadmagick is New England’s tribute to Godsmack. They have been playing the east coast for six years now. Recently they’ve been throwing in some Nickelback, Motley Crue, Shinedown, Disturbed, and others. Lincoln Park was just added to this event. Come rock with them! Friday, May 17 \| 9pm \| Chameleons \| 1350 East St. \| 413-499-2582 \| $5 advance/$8 at the door

		Saturday: Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market!The first week was a BIG success – come see what the buzz is all about! The Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market features fresh, locally grown food, local artisans, and much more. This week make origami with the Berkshire Athenaeum, enter to win a beautiful petunia hanging basket, and check out our local vendors selling plants, vegetables, eggs, cheese, bread, meats, craft, and much more! Click here for a full list of vendors! Saturdays through October 26 \| 9am-1pm \| Parking Lot across from The Common \| 120 First Street \| 413-443-6501 \| FREE

		Saturday & Sunday: Berkshire Woodworkers ShowSee the work of the Berkshire Woodworkers Guild on display at the newly renovated McKay Street Shops. The Guild is a group of professional woodworkers who live and work in the vicinity of Berkshire County in western Massachusetts. Saturday & Sunday, May 18 & 19 \| Sat 10am-5pm Sun 12pm-4pm \| McKay Street Shops \| 57 North Street \| 413-358-4782 \| NO COVER

		Saturday: Repair Café at St. Stephen’s ChurchDo you have a couch cushion with a broken zipper? Or a bike that needs maintenance? A broken lamp? Take it to the Repair Cafe and get it fixed for free! Anyone with a repairable broken item, such as small appliances, clothing, toys, small furniture items, and so on may bring it to the Repair Cafe, but guests are asked not to bring shoes, watches, or CRT TVs or monitors. Volunteers will fix as many articles as possible. The Repair Cafe is a project of the Pittsfield Resilience Circle. Saturday, May 18 \| 1pm-5pm \| St. Stephen’s Church Basement \| 67 East Street \| 413-212-8589 \| FREE

		Saturday: Women of Color Giving Circle Annual Graduate EventThe Women of Color Giving Circle of Berkshire County will be hosting its annual Graduates Event. The Graduates Event, now in its eighth year, celebrates and honors the achievements of African-American high school graduates in Berkshire County. Each graduate will be presented with an award. The ceremony’s speakers are former Commissioner of Early Education Dr. Sherri Killins (at left) and Destiny Saunders, recipient of the graduate event stipend. Saturday, May 18 \| 2pm \| Spice Dragon \| 297 North Street \| 413-443-1234 \| FREE

		Saturday: Spring Songfest at Berkshire Music SchoolStudents from the studio of Kathleen McDonald will present Spring Songfest at the Berkshire Music School. The program features songs from musical theater, classical repertoire, and the folk and popular genres. Singer-songwriter David O’Neil, one of McDonald’s students, will be premiering three original compositions. BMS faculty member Christine Oberfield is the collaborating pianist. Saturday, May 18 \| 3pm \| Berkshire Music School \| 30 Wendell Avenue \| 413-442-1411 \| FREE

		Saturday: Wine Gala and Auction at Berkshire MuseumThe evening begins with a wine-tasting reception and silent auction in the Museum’s elegant Crane Room and concludes with a gala dinner in the Museum’s galleries. Mr. Riccardo Illy, winemaker and the scion of Italy’s famed family of coffee producers, will be the honored guest at the Gala and will supply special vintages from his winery for the evening’s dinner. Click here for the full schedule and more information. Saturday, May 18 \| 5pm \| Berkshire Museum \| 39 South Street \| 413-443-7171 x37 \| $100-$500


		Saturday: Literacy Program Fundraiser at Spice DragonThe late Marilyn Hamilton was a West Side matriarch who served as a social worker for the state Department of Social Services for 23 years. A group of community advocates is keeping her memory alive by starting a summer reading program at AME Zion Church in her name. Help raise funds to support this new reading and literacy program! There will be live jazz, food and poetry readings, and State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier will be the keynote speaker. Saturday, May 18 \| 7pm \| Spice Dragon \| 297 North Street \| 413-281-5660 \| $30

		Saturday: Guitar Jam V at the Colonial The Berkshire Eagle presents Guitar Jam V, a concert featuring four top local artists or bands from previous Guitar Jam shows. This year’s lineup features Steve Ide, voted the best guitarist in the Berkshires before Guitar Jam I in 2009; singer/songwriter Bobby Sweet from the 2010 all-acoustic show; solo blues guitarist Robin O’Herin from Guitar Jam III in 2011; and the Arthur Holmes Blues Band, a dynamic outfit and one of the top vote-getters from last year’s concert. Per tradition, the show will end with an All-Star Jam that promises to be spectacular. Saturday, May 18 \| 8pm \| The Colonial Theatre \| 111 South Street \| 413-997-4444 \| $17-$27

		Saturday: Laugh Lounge at Spice DragonThe Laugh Lounge at Spice Dragon features Yannis Pappas this time around. Yannis Pappas has been featured on Comedy Central, ASX TV, VH1′s Best Week Ever and CBS. He tours the world doing stand up comedy and is known for his immensely popular characters Mr. Panos and Maurica. Click here for upcoming performances at the Laugh Lounge. Doors open at 7pm for dinner seating and the show begins at 8pm. Saturday, May 18 \| 8pm \| Spice Dragon \| 297 North Street \| 413-441-9414 \| $12 in advance; $15 at the door

		Saturday: Live Music at FlavoursChris Merenda joins the Fallen Starlets for a night of rock at roll at Flavours of Malaysia. The Fallen Starlets say that they return rock music to its glorious roots of loud guitars, loud clothes and boys behaving badly. Girls, TV, robots, breakups and famous people are recurring themes in their songs. Chris Merenda has made his presence felt on the Berkshire musical scene in various guises, lately leading his ﬁve- or six- member band The Wheel. For adults 21 and over. Saturday, May 18 \| 9:30pm \| Flavours of Malaysia \| 75 North Street \| 413-443-3188 \| $5

		Sunday: Blues Brunch at Mad JacksMad Jacks will have Misty Blues playing again live during their Sunday Blues Brunch. Soak in some blues while indulging in their authentic southern style, all-you-can-eat brunch, including creme brulee French toast, hush puppies, grits, and much more. Click here for the full menu. Sunday, May 19 \| 10:30am-1:30pm \| Mad Jacks BBQ \| 295 North Street \| 413-442-2290 \| $16 Adults/$8 Kids under 10

		Sunday: Bike Rodeo at The CommonThe Kiwanis Club of Pittsfield presents Bike Rodeo and Family Safety Day. Bring your bicycles and ride through the bike course. There will be a fire truck, a police car, the boy scouts, a dental hygienist, food, cotton candy, an ambulance squad, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, and much, much more! There will also be a free bike give-a-way! This is open to all children in Pittsfield grades K-4. Sunday, May 19 \| 11am-2pm \| The Common \| 120 First Street \| 413-242-6363 \| FREE

		Sunday: Town Players Presents BFF at the WhitneyTown Players of Pittsfield presents a staged reading of the play BFF by Anna Ziegler. BFF, an acronym for Best Friends Forever, chronicles the story of best friends, Lauren and Eliza as they face the challenges that come with the onset of adulthood. It is a deeply felt and incisive play with an unexpected turn of events. The director is Denise Roller. Sunday, May 19 \| 3pm \| Whitney Center for the Arts \| 42 Wendell Avenue \| 413-443-9279 \| $5

		Sunday: A Place for Us Concert at Zion ChurchEnjoy a very special spring concert by The Berkshire Concert Choir, directed by Carlton E. Maaia II, and the Taconic High School Chorus, directed by Jessica Passetto. Featuring Randall Thompson’s Frostiana, with show music by Bernstein and others. Tickets are available at the door or from any choir member. Sunday, May 19 \| 3pm \| Zion Lutheran Church \| 74 First Street \| 413-442-6120 \| $10 Adults $5 Students Children 12 and under FREE

		Sunday: Free Jazz Jam at LichtensteinEvery month on the third Sunday, you’re invited to join the monthly free jazz jam at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts in Pittsfield’s Upstreet Cultural District. Sit back and enjoy an afternoon full of great music or bring your instrument and join in! Every third Sunday \| 3pm-5pm \| Lichtenstein Center for the Arts \| 28 Renne Avenue \| 413-499-9348 \| FREE

		Monday: Buffet Dinner Fundraiser for Berkshire Immigrant Center at FlavoursEnjoy a fabulous buffet AND help the Berkshire Immigrant Center. There will be two seatings at 5pm and 6:30pm. Reservations are strongly suggested. Flavours is pledging 50% of all dollars generated to The Berkshire Immigrant Center. If you cannot make the dinner, please make a donation to keep the Berkshire Immigrant Center fully operational. Monday, May 20 \| Seatings at 5pm and 6:30pm \| Flavours Of Malaysia \| 75 North Street \| 413-443-3188 \| $30

		Tuesday: Open Mic hosted by Gabriel SquailiaOpen Mic is for those who wish to share poetry or short prose, either of their own or of others. This is an opportunity for anyone interested in performing their work during the August WordXWord Festival, to present it for consideration. In-person signups begin 1 hour prior to the event – first come, first served. Click here for more information. Tuesday, May 21 \| 8pm \| Y Bar \| 391 North Street \| No phone \| No cover

		Beginning Wednesday: Bahir Lazhar at Barrington StageThe American premiere. Bashir Lazhar tells the story of an Algerian immigrant who is hurriedly hired as the teacher at an elementary school in Montreal for a class of distressed students. His unorthodox teaching methods draw him into surprisingly explosive territory. The 2012 Best Foreign Film Oscar Nominee *Monsieur Lazhar* is based on this timely and beautifully written play. “…a fantastic exploration about racism … love and loss, and institutional failure” - *The Charlebois Post.* Wednesday-Saturday, May 22-June 8 \| Tues-Sat 7:30pm; Sat 4pm; Sun 3pm \| Barrington Stage Company \| St. Germain Stage \| 36 Linden Street \| 413-236-8888 \| $40

		Thursday: Two Art Openings at Hancock Shaker VillageVillage Views features Berkshire-based artists Marguerite Bride, Deborah Carter, Michael Cohen, Joan Palano Ciolfi, Ellen Joffe-Halpern, Ivor Parry, and Scott Taylor. They will exhibit works in a variety of mediums, including watercolor, acrylics, and oil. These works will be for sale, with partial proceeds to benefit Hancock Shaker Village. Fakes & Forgeries will examine the imitations next to the authentic articles, pointing out the details that make Shaker chairs unique and worthy of duplication, even today. Please click here to RSVP. Thursday, May 23 \| 4pm-6pm \| Hancock Shaker Village \| 1843 West Housatonic Street \| 413-443-0188 \| FREE

		Thursday: The History, Life and Times of Louie Armstrong at ArrowheadDixieland Stomp presents The History, Life and Times of Louie Armstrong. In this program, Dixieland Stomp performs the actual music as performed by Louie Armstrong’s music from the Hot 5 and Hot 7 recording done in Chicago 1927 to 1929. You’ll also learn how a poor destitute child from New Orleans became the world’s greatest trumpet player. Dixieland Stomp – the 6 man group performs traditional New Orleans Ragtime/Dixieland music. Click here to hear music samples. Thursday, May 23 \| 7pm \| Arrowhead \| 780 Holmes Road \| 413-732-4137 \| FREE

Here At Home Concert to Feature Mary Verdi

Cultural Pittsfield — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:42:37 +0000

May 16th 3rd.Thursdays Celebrates Youth on the Move

Cultural Pittsfield — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:53:45 +0000

3rd.Thursdays Street Festivals Return for 7th Year With Music, Performances, Activities & More!

Click here for a free downloadable schedule & map of all the fun upstreet!

Upstreet Pittsfield’s free, family friendly street festival, 3rd.Thursdays, returns for its seventh year on Thursday, May 16th. May’s 3rd.Thursdays theme is Youth on the Move, celebrating youth performers and living an active and healthy lifestyle and generously sponsored by Berkshire Health Systems, in partnership with the Healthy Pittsfield Committee and the Pittsfield Public Schools’ Balancing the Equation initiative.

Once again North Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from West Street to Linden Street and will be filled with music, performance, good food and community. Attendees will enjoy performances up and down the street by the Pittsfield Youth Alive Step Team & Band; YMCA gymnasts and breakdancers; the Mason Zink Band, featuring a four year old bluegrass and country singer; a sneak preview of Pittsfield High School’s production of Grease opening this weekend; the young musicians of Kids 4 Harmony (making their 3rd.Thursdays debut!); the Young Westports at Crowne Plaza; and a special appearance by rockstar nutritionist Jump With Jill.

Always had a yen to perform at 3rd.Thursdays? New this year is our 3rd.Thursdays Open Mic stage on North Street at the corner of Maplewood Avenue, hosted by Justin Allen from Mission Bar & Tapas popular Open Mic series. The Berkshire Rocks stage at Sottile Park on North & Eagle Streets will feature Olivia Stein, the Weiner Jazz Trio, Ella Sears, and Genie and the Barncats. Pittsfield Community Television will be broadcasting live from Dunham Mall during 3rd.Thursdays, as well as WTBR-FM, the Pittsfield Public Schools radio station, in front of the Beacon Cinema.

Everyone’s invited to take part in activities throughout 3rd.Thursdays, including zumba at Park Square and square dancing with Cliff Brodeur on the lawn of St. Joseph’s Church. Pittsfield Public School teachers will lead fun family-friendly activities in front of the St. Joseph’s Church, from 5-6pm including African jump dance, dance bands, a parachute dance and more. Keep your eyes open for roving performances by the Morris Men Dancers and the Crossing Guard Parade Brigade, as well as a few surprises.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness will be holding their Minds Matter fundraising walk during 3rd.Thursdays. Registration begins at 5pm at the corner of North Street and Park Square. At 5:45pm State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier will speak along with NAMI interim director Brenda Carpenter, and the walk will kick off at 6pm, travelling the length of 3rd.Thursdays and back. For more information call or visit www.namibc.org

More performances can be found indoors as well. The Pittsfield High School orchestra will give a free concert at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church at 6pm; Chris Vecchia and Jordan Franklin will be rocking the Marketplace Cafe; the Berkshire Museum hosts PechaKucha at 7pm; and the Blue Jazz Quartet featuring David Bartley will be heating up MadJack’s BBQ. At 8pm head over to Patrick’s Pub for Rakish Paddy’s monthly set of Irish music or check out the Picky Bastards at Mission Bar & Tapas, a collective of rotating local folk, rock and Americana musicians hosted by Dave Brown and Chris Merenda. Both are no cover.

The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts hosts a reception for its annual Art in our School show featuring over 200 works of art by Pittsfield public middle and high school students. If you missed the May First Fridays Artswalk, you can visit many of the art exhibits during 3rd.Thursdays. Artswalk partners who will be open during 3rd.Thursdays include Bagels Too, Marketplace Cafe, Y Bar, Bisque, Beads & Beyond, the Crowne Plaza, Spice Dragon, Mary’s Carrot Cake, the Lantern Bar & Grill and more. Be sure to stop by Persnickety Toys’ new location at Crawford Square, and visit the Berkshire Running Center to get in gear for the running season, featuring custom fittings and consultations with their run specialists.

Great food abounds at 3rd.Thursdays so plan to have dinner out on the town. Stop by MadJacks BBQ for some barbeque sliders and other goodies, Mary’s Carrot Cake Cafe for locally baked treats, the Lantern Bar & Grill for the county’s best burgers, Spice Dragon for sushi and Vietnamese comfort food, or Mission Bar & Tapas for Spanish wine, craft beer, and Spanish tapas. Enjoy outdoor seating at Patrick’s Pub or try out North Street’s newest culinary hotspot J. Allen’s Clubhouse Grille. 3rd.Thursdays food vendors on the street include For the Love of Pie, Lucia’s Latin Kitchen, the How We Roll Food truck, and Gunther’s Sausage Wagon. And be sure and visit the historic Popcorn Wagon on Park Square.

3rd.Thursdays season sponsors include Berkshire Gas, Guardian Life, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Sabic, Berkshire Health Systems and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Upcoming 3rd.Thursdays dates and themes are June 20th: Play Ball, July 18 Under the Sea, August 15th: Weird Science; September 19th: Festa Italiano; and October 17: Monster Mash. 3rd.Thursdays is organized by the City of Pittsfield Office of Cultural Development. For more infomation on 3rd.Thursdays please visit discoverpittsfield.com/3rdthursdays, email thirdthursdayspittsfield@gmail.com or call 413-499-9348. 3rd.Thursdays are held rain or shine and there is plenty of free parking throughout downtown’s Upstreet Cultural District.

May 16th 3rd.Thursdays Outdoor Performance Highlights

City Stage (Union Street at North Street)
5:30pm The Mason Zink Band
6:30pm The Youth Alive Step Team & Band
7pm Nutritionist Rockstar Jump With Jill!

Palace Stage (North Street near Fenn Street)
5:30pm Pittsfield High School performers from GREASE
6pm Kids 4 Harmony
6:30pm YMCA Gymnasts & Breakdancers
7:30pm Hillcrest Drummers led by Aimee Gelinas

Berkshire Rocks Stage (Sottile Park – North & Eagle Streets)
Olivia Stein
Weiner Jazz Trio
Ella Sears
Genie and the Barncats

3rd.Thursday Open Mic Stage (North Street at Maplewood)
New this year! Hosted by Justin Allen

Crowne Plaza Stage (South Street)
The Young Westports

And Keep An Eye Out for These Roving Performers:
The Morris Men
The Crossing Guard Parade Brigade
and more!

Cultural Pittsfield This Week: May 10-16, 2013

Cultural Pittsfield — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:14:25 +0000



		Friday & Saturday: Plant Sale at Springside Greenhouse Springside Greenhouse members have been busy taking cuttings and propagating seeds to offer a wide selection of flowering plants and vegetables at their annual sale just before Mother’s Day. Stop by for a unique hanging basket or stunning combination for a larger pot. The knowledgeable members are happy to answer your questions and guide your selection. Friday & Saturday, May 10 & 11 \| 9am-4pm \| Springside Park \| 874 North Street \| 413-443-7636 \| NO COVER

		Friday-Sunday: BAM CON! The Berkshire Anime and Manga Convention Returns Enojy live music, shows, new anime, artists, actors, and tons of other fun stuff at this weekend-long, family-friendly event! The Berkshire Anime and Manga Convention is the first major anime/manga/ comic/gaming convention in the Berkshires. The convention features Japanese creators of anime and manga, voice actors from anime series, Japanese musical acts, artists, vendors and exhibits, panels, workshops, and gaming. Come for a day or the whole weekend. Click here for the schedule. Friday-Sunday, May 10-12 \| Fri 10am-10pm Sat 10am-Midnight Sun 10am-5pm \| Crowne Plaza \| 1 West Street \| 413-442-0907 \| $15-$35

		Theodicy Jazz Collective at MadJack’s The Theodicy Jazz Collective debuts at MadJack’s, featuring Andy Barnett on piano, Bill Chapman on drums, Andy Wrba on bass (pictured left) and Marisa Massery on vocals. The first set features Darrow’s elite student musicians performing original songs as well as covers from their recent Spring Music Showcase. Darrow’s top music students are well-versed in jazz and R&B, playing with a confidence that is exciting to hear. Friday, May 10 \| 8pm-11pm \| MadJack’s BBQ \| 295 North Street \| 413-442-2290 \| No cover

		Friday: Blancanieves at Little Cinema Once upon a time there was a little girl who had never known her mother. She learned the art of her father, a famous bullfighter, but was hated by her evil stepmother. One day she ran away with a troupe of dwarves, and became a legend. Set in southern Spain in 1920s, Blancanieves is a tribute to silent films. Directed by Pablo Berger. Starring Maribel Verdu, Angela Molina, Macarena Garcia, Sofia Oria. Silent film with musical score. Friday-Monday, May 10-13 \| Fri-Mon 7pm Mon 2pm \| Little Cinema at the Berkshire Museum \| 39 South Street \| 413-443-7171 \| $5 Members $7.50 Non Members

		Friday: Joan Rivers at the Colonial Theatre A force of nature and one of the hardest-working celebrities in the world, Joan Rivers is an entertainment legend of unparalleled accomplishments. A woman of many talents, Joan is best known as an internationally renowned comedienne. Joan has also appeared in many movies and television shows including, WEtv’s Joan and Melissa: Joan Knows Best?—now in its third season, and E!’s Fashion Police. Don’t miss Joan as she performs her uncensored, uninhibited standup comedy for one night only at the Colonial. Friday, May 10 \| 8pm \| Colonial Theatre \| 111 South Street \| 413-997-4444 \| $50-$125

		Friday: The Red Gala! Enjoy a festive fundraiser for the extraordinary new theatre production Rites of Passage AND get a sneak peek at the new Whitney Center for the Arts! The Red Gala features performances, DJed Balkan brass music, a silent & live auction, hors d’oeuvres, wine & chocolate. Dress to impress in red! Rites of Passage will be performed over 4 nights from June 7th through the 10th with 75 local people, age 1 to 90. The audience will walk through a living museum of art, movement, film, music, stories, and “rituals” of routine domestic gestures in the former Women’s Club of the Berkshires, now the Whitney Center for the Arts! Friday, May 10 \| 8pm \| Whitney Center for the Arts \| 42 Wendell Avenue \| 413-429-5530 \| $25-$50 sliding scale

		Friday-Sunday+: Spamalot at BCC The Berkshire Community College Players present Monty Python’s Spamalot, a musical comedy “lovingly ripped off from” the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Like the film, it is a highly irreverent parody of the Arthurian legend. It won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical of the 2004–2005 season and 14 Tony Award nominations. Click here for tickets. Friday-Sunday, May 10-12 & May 17-19 \| Fri & Sat 8pm Sun 2pm \| Berkshire Community College \| Boland Theatre \| 413-236-4564 \| $10/$5 students/seniors/BCC staff

		Saturday: The Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market Kicks Off! The Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market is here! Join us for the ribbon cutting at 9am with Mayor Bianchi, plus live acoustic music by Mountain Breeze, strolling magician Eric Thee Illusionist, & free copies of the latest issue of Edible Berkshires. Don’t forget to fill out an entry form to win a yearlong family membership to Hancock Shaker Village, two tickets to a Berkshire Theatre Group production AND lunch for two at One West Restaurant! Click here to print it out & bring to the market, or fill one out at the market. Lots of great presents for the moms in your lives too! Saturdays through October 26 \| 9am-1pm \| Parking Lot across from The Common \| 120 First Street \| 413-443-6501 \| FREE

		Saturday: Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Competition The City of Pittsfield Recreation Program has teamed up with the Donald Gleason North Little League to host a free Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Competition for area youth. This grassroots program is designed to provide youngsters with an opportunity to compete, free of charge, in a competition that recognizes individual excellence in core baseball skills. All participants must bring a copy of their birth certificate and have their parent or guardian fill out a registration/waiver form prior to the start of the competition. Click here for an age group schedule. Saturday, May 11 \| 9am-2pm \| North Little League Field \| Springside Avenue \| 413-499-9370 \| FREE

		Saturday: Backyard Beekeeping at Hancock Shaker Village Aspiring beekeepers will enjoy Backyard Beekeeping taught by Joe Moncecchi of Giuseppe’s Wild Mountain Honey. During this workshop, participants will gain the skills necessary to make their dreams of making honey come true. Click here to register. Saturday, May 11 \| 10am-5pm \| Hancock Shaker Village \| 1843 West Housatonic Street \| 413-443-0188 \| $225 Non-Members $205 Members

		Saturday: Basic Applique Quilting Workshop at Hancock Shaker Village Led by master quilters Connie Logan and artist/ quilt designer Mary Rentz, each student will start their own Shaker gift drawing block, which may be finished into a wall hanging or be the first block of a larger quilt. The expert instructors will cover fabric and color choice, cutting, placement, applique techniques and simple embroidery, as well as squaring, marking, assembly, quilting and finishing. Click here to register. Saturday, May 11 \| 10am-2pm \| Hancock Shaker Village \| 1843 West Housatonic Street \| 413-443-0188 \| $25, $22 members

		Saturday: Berkshire Idol Finals at Barrington Stage More than 80 Contestants have competed for the top 24 finalist spots of the biggest Berkshire Idol event in its history. The age ranges are 7-11, 12-16 and 17 to adults. Tickets are available at the Barrington Stage Company Box Office the day of the show, or advanced sales online. There will also be musical appearances by last year’s Idols and special guest artists. Saturday, May 11 \| 6pm \| Barrington Stage Company \| 30 Union Street \| 413-236-8888 \| $15-$20

		Saturday: Gypsy Layne Cabaret & Burlesque! After sold-out stints in Vermont and Williamstown, the Gypsy Layne caravan is making its way back down to Spice Dragon in Pittsfield this May to culminate yet another stellar season. Their latest springtime extravaganza sizzles with the sophisticated sexiness and earthy wit that has established Gypsy Layne’s growing reputation in the Berkshires and beyond. Opening act dysFUNKcrew sets the high-energy tone with inventive dance moves that blend elements of ballet, jazz, modern, step dancing, breaking, and hip-hop. You don’t want to miss this! Click here to make reservations. Saturday, May 11 \| 9pm \| Spice Dragon \| 297 North Street \| 413-443-1234 \| $20


		Saturday: Live Music at Flavours Flavours of Malaysia presents BA Dario. Pittsfield-based BA Dario produces a high-energy rock sound with electronic overtones. Their intricate guitar riffs and elaborate changes give them an electric sound that is sure to get the crowd moving. For adults 21 and over. Saturday, May 11 \| 9:30pm \| Flavours of Malaysia \| 75 North Street \| 413-443-3188 \| $5

		Sunday & Tuesday: Nabucco at Little Cinema Plácido Domingo, one of the most celebrated talents of our time, is making a major role debut – in the title role of Nabucco from the Royal Opera House. This is a rare chance to see a genre-defining masterwork, containing some of the greatest choral music ever written, along with some wonderful arias and ensembles. This new production of Nabucco is unmissable. Sung in Italian. Sunday & Tuesday, May 12 & 14 \| Sun 2pm Tues 7pm \| Little Cinema at the Berkshire Museum \| 39 South Street \| 413-443-7171 \| $18 Members $16

		Tuesday: Poet Mindy Nettifee at Y Bar Acclaimed poet/spoken word artist Mindy Nettifee is Pushcart Prize nominated writer and accomplished performance poet. She is the author of two full-length collections *Sleepyhead Assassins* and *Rise of the Trust Fall,* and a collection of essays on writing Glitter In The Blood – A Poet’s Manifesto for Better, Braver Writing. Mindy believes “poetry “should hammer all the nerves and swell the heart and shake the sleeping.”” She is co-founder and director of the nonprofit poetry organization Write Now Poetry Society whose mission is to build the audience for poetry. She has curated poetry events for the Smithsonian, The Getty Museum, GirlFest, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission and more. Click here for more information. Tuesday, May 14 \| 8pm \| Y Bar \| 391 North Street \| No phone \| NO COVER

		Wednesday: Taconic High School Chorus at Berkshire Museum Enjoy an eclectic selection of music presented by the Taconic High School Chorus. This group of talented young singers is led by Jessica Passetto. Free and open to the public. Wednesday, May 15 \| 6pm \| Berkshire Museum \| 39 South Street \| 413-443-7171 \| FREE

		Wednesday: Bollywood SciFi at the Beacon! This fundraiser and special Berkshire screening of the Bollywood hit film Ra.One features a cocktail reception and presentation by Ra.One visual effects supervisor Jeff Kleiser. Ra.One is about a video game developer’s world spiraling out of control when his shape-shifting indestructible virtual creation becomes all too real. This event benefits the Berkshire Film and Media Commission and Williamstown Film Festival. Click here to purchase tickets. Wednesday, May 15 \| 6pm Cocktail Reception 7pm Screening \| Beacon Cinema \| 57 North Street \| 413-528-4223 \| $20

		Thursday: Old Family Friends at Whitney Center for the Arts Town Players of Pittsfield presents a short staged reading of Old Family Friends by local playwright, Chris Newbound at the Whitney Center for the Arts at 5:30pm and again at 7pm. This is a Third Thursday free event. Thursday, May 16 \| 5:30pm & 7pm \| Whitney Center for the Arts \| 42 Wendell Avenue \| 413-443-9279 \| FREE

		Thursday: PechaKucha Night #6 at the Berkshire Museum The fastest, most innovative, and inspiring evening of presentations in Berkshire County returns for its sixth installment. Known globally for its 20 x 20 format where 20 Powerpoint slides progress automatically every 20 seconds, Berkshire Museum brings you the coolest 6 minute 40 second presentations you have ever seen. Refreshments provided by Wandering Star Craft Brewery. Thursday, May 16 \| 7pm \| Berkshire Museum \| 39 South Street \| 413-443-7171 \| $5 Members FREE

		Thursday: First 3^rd Thursdays of the Year! Spring is here are so are 3rd.Thursdays! The first 3rd.Thursdays celebrates Youth on the Move with terrific performances by local youth performers including 4 year old country singer Mason Zink (pictured left), fun physical activities thanks to the Pittsfield Public School’s Balancing the Equation initiative – from square dancing to yoga, the annual NAMI Minds Matter Walk, live coverage by WTBR-FM and PCTV, and the mysterious dancing Morris Men! Extra special thanks to our generous May 16th 3rd.Thursdays lead sponsor, Berkshire Health Systems. Thursday, May 16 \| 5pm-8pm \| Upstreet Cultural District \| Downtown Pittsfield \| 413-499-9348 \| FREE

		Thursday: Trendkill Live at Chameleons Tru Entertainment and Promotion presents another night of great live music at Chameleon’s! Tonight it’s Trendkill (the ultimate Pantera tribute) with special guests From Solace to Sorrow, Sworn to Remember, Losing Faith. Thursday, May 16 \| 8pm \| Chameleons \| 1350 East Street \| 413-499-2582 \| $10 in advance; $12 at the door

Join us at the Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market this Saturday!

Cultural Pittsfield — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:09:37 +0000

It’s Our Opening Week!

Saturday May 11th

Here we go!

This week’s farmers market features nearly 25 farmers and artisans selling fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, meats, cheeses, baked goods, cutting boards, jewelry, hand-woven textiles, pottery and more.

And don’t forget you can pick up flowers, hanging baskets, and other great gifts for Mother’s Day!

May 11th Vendors:

Ali Herrmann: Jewelry, watercolors (inspired by botanicals), encaustics and paintings

Berkshire Mountain Bakery: Artisanal sourdough breads

Climbing Tree Farm: Pasture-raised pork, grass-fed lamb, cutting boards, photo notecards

Cricket Creek Farm: Artisanal farmstead cheese, butter, buttermilk, whey, fresh baked goods, eggs, beef, veal

Diane Firtell Designs: Decorative flowerpots, notecards, jewelry, small works of art

Dutch Desserts: European-style fruit tarts, chocolate tarts, other unique desserts

Elmartin Farm: Grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork

For the Love of Pie: Pecan pie, pie tarts, and brittle made with 100% local maple syrup

Hancock Shaker Village: Starter vegetables, potted herbs, potted flowers, CSA shares

Hilltop Orchards: Apples, cider, baked goods, preserves, wine

Holiday Brook Farm: Grass-fed and pasture-raised meats, organic vegetables, maple syrup, and wool yarns

Hosta Hill: Kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh

How We Roll: Comfort food wrapped in egg rolls served from a food truck

JK Custom Furniture & Design: Cutting boards, cheese boards, live edge serving boards, serving trays, and more

Justin Green Massage: Thai Yoga Massage and Structural Bodywork

Muttley Crew Dog Bakery: Natural, preservative-free dog treats and cuisine

North Plain Farm / Blue Hill Farm: Chicken, pork products and cuts, beef cuts, eggs, grilled sausages

The Nutrition Center: Food Adventures is a hands-on learning experience for students to learn about nutrition and healthy food choices.

Ryan Landscaping: Flowers and shrubs, annuals and perennials, hanging baskets, flats and containers, firewood, compost and topsoil

Taft Farms: Fruits, vegetables, prepared foods, goats milk soap

Wheel and Loom: Handwoven textiles, pottery, woodcrafts (cutting boards, spoons, and tables)

Windy Ridge Farm: Vegetables, bedding plants

Wyomanock Farm: Vegetables, eggs, grass-fed beef

Our Mission

The Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market provides a venue for local farmers, food producers, and artisans to come together to bring fresh, locally-grown and produced food and related products to the community. The market encourages direct communication between consumers and producers, fosters community building, and promotes healthy living.

The Market is a collaboration between the City of Pittsfield, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and Alchemy Initiative.

Where to find us!

First Street, across from the Common. Every Saturday from 9am to 1pm through October.

This Week’s Schedule

9am: Ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Bianchi and Market partners Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and Alchemy Initiative

9:30am+: Wandering magician Eric Durant

9am 1pm : 4-H Club at the Community Booth

9:30am: Spinach salad how-to with guest chef Pam Tobin (Director of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.)

10am-12pm: Live Music by Mountain Breeze

11am – 12pm : “Home Composting Made Easy” workshop with CET

What’s FRESH?

* Hanging baskets and flower arrangements just in time for Mother’s Day

* Vegetable seedlings to get your garden started

* Asparagus and salad greens to eat!

Stay connected

Our Sponsors

The Market would not be possible without our generous sponsors:

Greylock Federal Credit Union
Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
Berkshire Health Systems
Massachusetts Cultural Council
RB Design Co.
BBE Office Interiors
MyCom Federal Credit Union

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email us at: info@farmersmarketpittsfield.org

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Guitar Jam V Coming to the Colonial

Cultural Pittsfield — Tue, 07 May 2013 17:55:10 +0000

The Berkshire Eagle presents Guitar Jam V, a concert featuring four top local artists or bands from previous Guitar Jam shows. This year’s lineup will feature Steve Ide, voted the best guitarist in the Berkshires in an Eagle readers’ poll before Guitar Jam I in 2009; singer/songwriter Bobby Sweet from the 2010 all-acoustic show; solo blues guitarist Robin O’Herin from Guitar Jam III in 2011; and the Arthur Holmes Blues Band, a dynamic outfit and one of the top vote-getters from an Eagle Facebook poll before last year’s concert. Per tradition, the show will end with an All-Star Jam that promises to be spectacular. You won’t want to miss this special anniversary concert.

Click here for ticket information.

Rites of Passage Fundraiser to be held at the Whitney Center for the Arts

Cultural Pittsfield — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:58:25 +0000

This is a fundraiser for Pooja Prema’s new theatre production Rites of Passage featuring performances, DJ’d Balkan Brass Music, a silent & live auction, hors d’oeuvres, wine & chocolate.

The gala is Saturday, May 10th at 8pm. Ticket prices range from $25-$50 with a sliding scale entry. It will take place at the Whitney Center for the Arts at 42 Wendell Ave. Dress to impress in Red!

About the Project:
Rites of Passage will be performed over 4 nights from June 7th through the 10th 2013 in Pittsfield, MA, involving 75 local people, age 1 to 90. It takes place inside a house where each room will represent a different stage of initiation in women’s lives from girlhood through elderhood. The audience will walk through this living museum of art, movement, film, music, stories, and “rituals” of routine domestic gestures. The show will culminate in a dance-play with music from a mini- all-female brass band. The production will be staged inside the former home of The Women’s Club of the Berkshires, now the Whitney Center for the Arts.

Contact Info: Pooja Ru Prema: 413-429-5530



		Friday: Emily Danger at Marketplace Cafe!Emily Danger is a dark cabaret rock band from Brooklyn that combines haunting melodies and lyrics with orchestral, heavy, and often dissonant arrangements. They’ve toured throughout the US and Canada, been featured on WFMU radio and various satellite radio programs internationally & on the West coast, and play throughout the East Coast and NYC. Friday, May 17 \| 6:30pm-9pm \| The Marketplace Café \| 53 North Street \| 413-358-4777 \| NO COVER

		Friday-Sunday+: Grease at Pittsfield HighJoin Danny, Sandy, Rizzo, Kenickie, and all the gang from the great musical Grease as the students at Pittsfield High School transform the stage into Rydell High School. Grease is the word for two weekends at Pittsfield High! Click here for more photos of the production. Friday-Sunday, May 17-19 & Saturday-Sunday, May 24-25 \| Fri & Sat 7:30pm Sun 1:30pm \| Pittsfield High School Auditorium \| 300 East Street \| 413-499-9535 \| $10-$12

		Friday, Sunday & Monday: The GatekeepersCharged with overseeing Israel’s war on terror-both Palestinian and Jewish-the head of the Shin Bet, Israel’s secret service, is present at the crossroads of every decision made. For the first time ever, six former heads of the agency share their insights and reflect publicly on their actions and decisions. The Gatekeepers documentary validates the reasons that each man individually and the six as a group came to reconsider their hard-line positions and advocate a conciliatory approach toward their enemies based on a two-state solution. Friday, Sunday & Monday, May 17, 19 & 20 \| Fri, Sun & Mon 7pm; Mon 2pm \| Little Cinema at the Berkshire Museum \| 39 South St. \| 413-443-7171 \| $5 Members $7.50 Non Members

		Friday-Sunday: The Diviners at Miss HallsThe Miss Hall’s School Theater Ensemble presents The Diviners: A Play in Two Acts and Elegies, a story of faith and friendship in Depression-era Indiana. Reservations are strongly recommended, as the performances take place during the School’s Alumnae Weekend. Senior citizen and handicapped-accessible seating is available. Additionally, please note that the performance is best suited for high school students and adults. Friday-Sunday, May 17-19 \| Fri 8:30pm Sat 8pm Sun 3pm 3:30pm-4:30pm \| Miss Halls School \| 492 Holmes Road \| 413-443-6401 \| $5

		Friday-Sunday: Spamalot at BCC The BCC Players present Monty Python’s Spamalot, a musical comedy “lovingly ripped off from” the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Like the film, it is a highly irreverent parody of the Arthurian Legend, but it differs from the film in many ways. The original 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards & 14 Tony Award nominations. Click here for tickets. Last weekend! Friday-Sunday, May 17-19 \| Fri & Sat 8pm Sun 2pm \| Berkshire Community College \| Boland Theatre \| 413-236-4564 \| FREE

		Friday: Badmagick and Lincoln Park at ChameleonBadmagick is New England’s tribute to Godsmack. They have been playing the east coast for six years now. Recently they’ve been throwing in some Nickelback, Motley Crue, Shinedown, Disturbed, and others. Lincoln Park was just added to this event. Come rock with them! Friday, May 17 \| 9pm \| Chameleons \| 1350 East St. \| 413-499-2582 \| $5 advance/$8 at the door

		Saturday: Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market!The first week was a BIG success – come see what the buzz is all about! The Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market features fresh, locally grown food, local artisans, and much more. This week make origami with the Berkshire Athenaeum, enter to win a beautiful petunia hanging basket, and check out our local vendors selling plants, vegetables, eggs, cheese, bread, meats, craft, and much more! Click here for a full list of vendors! Saturdays through October 26 \| 9am-1pm \| Parking Lot across from The Common \| 120 First Street \| 413-443-6501 \| FREE

		Saturday & Sunday: Berkshire Woodworkers ShowSee the work of the Berkshire Woodworkers Guild on display at the newly renovated McKay Street Shops. The Guild is a group of professional woodworkers who live and work in the vicinity of Berkshire County in western Massachusetts. Saturday & Sunday, May 18 & 19 \| Sat 10am-5pm Sun 12pm-4pm \| McKay Street Shops \| 57 North Street \| 413-358-4782 \| NO COVER

		Saturday: Repair Café at St. Stephen’s ChurchDo you have a couch cushion with a broken zipper? Or a bike that needs maintenance? A broken lamp? Take it to the Repair Cafe and get it fixed for free! Anyone with a repairable broken item, such as small appliances, clothing, toys, small furniture items, and so on may bring it to the Repair Cafe, but guests are asked not to bring shoes, watches, or CRT TVs or monitors. Volunteers will fix as many articles as possible. The Repair Cafe is a project of the Pittsfield Resilience Circle. Saturday, May 18 \| 1pm-5pm \| St. Stephen’s Church Basement \| 67 East Street \| 413-212-8589 \| FREE

		Saturday: Women of Color Giving Circle Annual Graduate EventThe Women of Color Giving Circle of Berkshire County will be hosting its annual Graduates Event. The Graduates Event, now in its eighth year, celebrates and honors the achievements of African-American high school graduates in Berkshire County. Each graduate will be presented with an award. The ceremony’s speakers are former Commissioner of Early Education Dr. Sherri Killins (at left) and Destiny Saunders, recipient of the graduate event stipend. Saturday, May 18 \| 2pm \| Spice Dragon \| 297 North Street \| 413-443-1234 \| FREE

		Saturday: Spring Songfest at Berkshire Music SchoolStudents from the studio of Kathleen McDonald will present Spring Songfest at the Berkshire Music School. The program features songs from musical theater, classical repertoire, and the folk and popular genres. Singer-songwriter David O’Neil, one of McDonald’s students, will be premiering three original compositions. BMS faculty member Christine Oberfield is the collaborating pianist. Saturday, May 18 \| 3pm \| Berkshire Music School \| 30 Wendell Avenue \| 413-442-1411 \| FREE

		Saturday: Wine Gala and Auction at Berkshire MuseumThe evening begins with a wine-tasting reception and silent auction in the Museum’s elegant Crane Room and concludes with a gala dinner in the Museum’s galleries. Mr. Riccardo Illy, winemaker and the scion of Italy’s famed family of coffee producers, will be the honored guest at the Gala and will supply special vintages from his winery for the evening’s dinner. Click here for the full schedule and more information. Saturday, May 18 \| 5pm \| Berkshire Museum \| 39 South Street \| 413-443-7171 x37 \| $100-$500


		Saturday: Literacy Program Fundraiser at Spice DragonThe late Marilyn Hamilton was a West Side matriarch who served as a social worker for the state Department of Social Services for 23 years. A group of community advocates is keeping her memory alive by starting a summer reading program at AME Zion Church in her name. Help raise funds to support this new reading and literacy program! There will be live jazz, food and poetry readings, and State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier will be the keynote speaker. Saturday, May 18 \| 7pm \| Spice Dragon \| 297 North Street \| 413-281-5660 \| $30

		Saturday: Guitar Jam V at the Colonial The Berkshire Eagle presents Guitar Jam V, a concert featuring four top local artists or bands from previous Guitar Jam shows. This year’s lineup features Steve Ide, voted the best guitarist in the Berkshires before Guitar Jam I in 2009; singer/songwriter Bobby Sweet from the 2010 all-acoustic show; solo blues guitarist Robin O’Herin from Guitar Jam III in 2011; and the Arthur Holmes Blues Band, a dynamic outfit and one of the top vote-getters from last year’s concert. Per tradition, the show will end with an All-Star Jam that promises to be spectacular. Saturday, May 18 \| 8pm \| The Colonial Theatre \| 111 South Street \| 413-997-4444 \| $17-$27

		Saturday: Laugh Lounge at Spice DragonThe Laugh Lounge at Spice Dragon features Yannis Pappas this time around. Yannis Pappas has been featured on Comedy Central, ASX TV, VH1′s Best Week Ever and CBS. He tours the world doing stand up comedy and is known for his immensely popular characters Mr. Panos and Maurica. Click here for upcoming performances at the Laugh Lounge. Doors open at 7pm for dinner seating and the show begins at 8pm. Saturday, May 18 \| 8pm \| Spice Dragon \| 297 North Street \| 413-441-9414 \| $12 in advance; $15 at the door

		Saturday: Live Music at FlavoursChris Merenda joins the Fallen Starlets for a night of rock at roll at Flavours of Malaysia. The Fallen Starlets say that they return rock music to its glorious roots of loud guitars, loud clothes and boys behaving badly. Girls, TV, robots, breakups and famous people are recurring themes in their songs. Chris Merenda has made his presence felt on the Berkshire musical scene in various guises, lately leading his ﬁve- or six- member band The Wheel. For adults 21 and over. Saturday, May 18 \| 9:30pm \| Flavours of Malaysia \| 75 North Street \| 413-443-3188 \| $5

		Sunday: Blues Brunch at Mad JacksMad Jacks will have Misty Blues playing again live during their Sunday Blues Brunch. Soak in some blues while indulging in their authentic southern style, all-you-can-eat brunch, including creme brulee French toast, hush puppies, grits, and much more. Click here for the full menu. Sunday, May 19 \| 10:30am-1:30pm \| Mad Jacks BBQ \| 295 North Street \| 413-442-2290 \| $16 Adults/$8 Kids under 10

		Sunday: Bike Rodeo at The CommonThe Kiwanis Club of Pittsfield presents Bike Rodeo and Family Safety Day. Bring your bicycles and ride through the bike course. There will be a fire truck, a police car, the boy scouts, a dental hygienist, food, cotton candy, an ambulance squad, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, and much, much more! There will also be a free bike give-a-way! This is open to all children in Pittsfield grades K-4. Sunday, May 19 \| 11am-2pm \| The Common \| 120 First Street \| 413-242-6363 \| FREE

		Sunday: Town Players Presents BFF at the WhitneyTown Players of Pittsfield presents a staged reading of the play BFF by Anna Ziegler. BFF, an acronym for Best Friends Forever, chronicles the story of best friends, Lauren and Eliza as they face the challenges that come with the onset of adulthood. It is a deeply felt and incisive play with an unexpected turn of events. The director is Denise Roller. Sunday, May 19 \| 3pm \| Whitney Center for the Arts \| 42 Wendell Avenue \| 413-443-9279 \| $5

		Sunday: A Place for Us Concert at Zion ChurchEnjoy a very special spring concert by The Berkshire Concert Choir, directed by Carlton E. Maaia II, and the Taconic High School Chorus, directed by Jessica Passetto. Featuring Randall Thompson’s Frostiana, with show music by Bernstein and others. Tickets are available at the door or from any choir member. Sunday, May 19 \| 3pm \| Zion Lutheran Church \| 74 First Street \| 413-442-6120 \| $10 Adults $5 Students Children 12 and under FREE

		Sunday: Free Jazz Jam at LichtensteinEvery month on the third Sunday, you’re invited to join the monthly free jazz jam at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts in Pittsfield’s Upstreet Cultural District. Sit back and enjoy an afternoon full of great music or bring your instrument and join in! Every third Sunday \| 3pm-5pm \| Lichtenstein Center for the Arts \| 28 Renne Avenue \| 413-499-9348 \| FREE

		Monday: Buffet Dinner Fundraiser for Berkshire Immigrant Center at FlavoursEnjoy a fabulous buffet AND help the Berkshire Immigrant Center. There will be two seatings at 5pm and 6:30pm. Reservations are strongly suggested. Flavours is pledging 50% of all dollars generated to The Berkshire Immigrant Center. If you cannot make the dinner, please make a donation to keep the Berkshire Immigrant Center fully operational. Monday, May 20 \| Seatings at 5pm and 6:30pm \| Flavours Of Malaysia \| 75 North Street \| 413-443-3188 \| $30

		Tuesday: Open Mic hosted by Gabriel SquailiaOpen Mic is for those who wish to share poetry or short prose, either of their own or of others. This is an opportunity for anyone interested in performing their work during the August WordXWord Festival, to present it for consideration. In-person signups begin 1 hour prior to the event – first come, first served. Click here for more information. Tuesday, May 21 \| 8pm \| Y Bar \| 391 North Street \| No phone \| No cover

		Beginning Wednesday: Bahir Lazhar at Barrington StageThe American premiere. Bashir Lazhar tells the story of an Algerian immigrant who is hurriedly hired as the teacher at an elementary school in Montreal for a class of distressed students. His unorthodox teaching methods draw him into surprisingly explosive territory. The 2012 Best Foreign Film Oscar Nominee *Monsieur Lazhar* is based on this timely and beautifully written play. “…a fantastic exploration about racism … love and loss, and institutional failure” - *The Charlebois Post.* Wednesday-Saturday, May 22-June 8 \| Tues-Sat 7:30pm; Sat 4pm; Sun 3pm \| Barrington Stage Company \| St. Germain Stage \| 36 Linden Street \| 413-236-8888 \| $40

		Thursday: Two Art Openings at Hancock Shaker VillageVillage Views features Berkshire-based artists Marguerite Bride, Deborah Carter, Michael Cohen, Joan Palano Ciolfi, Ellen Joffe-Halpern, Ivor Parry, and Scott Taylor. They will exhibit works in a variety of mediums, including watercolor, acrylics, and oil. These works will be for sale, with partial proceeds to benefit Hancock Shaker Village. Fakes & Forgeries will examine the imitations next to the authentic articles, pointing out the details that make Shaker chairs unique and worthy of duplication, even today. Please click here to RSVP. Thursday, May 23 \| 4pm-6pm \| Hancock Shaker Village \| 1843 West Housatonic Street \| 413-443-0188 \| FREE

		Thursday: The History, Life and Times of Louie Armstrong at ArrowheadDixieland Stomp presents The History, Life and Times of Louie Armstrong. In this program, Dixieland Stomp performs the actual music as performed by Louie Armstrong’s music from the Hot 5 and Hot 7 recording done in Chicago 1927 to 1929. You’ll also learn how a poor destitute child from New Orleans became the world’s greatest trumpet player. Dixieland Stomp – the 6 man group performs traditional New Orleans Ragtime/Dixieland music. Click here to hear music samples. Thursday, May 23 \| 7pm \| Arrowhead \| 780 Holmes Road \| 413-732-4137 \| FREE



		Friday & Saturday: Plant Sale at Springside Greenhouse Springside Greenhouse members have been busy taking cuttings and propagating seeds to offer a wide selection of flowering plants and vegetables at their annual sale just before Mother’s Day. Stop by for a unique hanging basket or stunning combination for a larger pot. The knowledgeable members are happy to answer your questions and guide your selection. Friday & Saturday, May 10 & 11 \| 9am-4pm \| Springside Park \| 874 North Street \| 413-443-7636 \| NO COVER

		Friday-Sunday: BAM CON! The Berkshire Anime and Manga Convention Returns Enojy live music, shows, new anime, artists, actors, and tons of other fun stuff at this weekend-long, family-friendly event! The Berkshire Anime and Manga Convention is the first major anime/manga/ comic/gaming convention in the Berkshires. The convention features Japanese creators of anime and manga, voice actors from anime series, Japanese musical acts, artists, vendors and exhibits, panels, workshops, and gaming. Come for a day or the whole weekend. Click here for the schedule. Friday-Sunday, May 10-12 \| Fri 10am-10pm Sat 10am-Midnight Sun 10am-5pm \| Crowne Plaza \| 1 West Street \| 413-442-0907 \| $15-$35

		Theodicy Jazz Collective at MadJack’s The Theodicy Jazz Collective debuts at MadJack’s, featuring Andy Barnett on piano, Bill Chapman on drums, Andy Wrba on bass (pictured left) and Marisa Massery on vocals. The first set features Darrow’s elite student musicians performing original songs as well as covers from their recent Spring Music Showcase. Darrow’s top music students are well-versed in jazz and R&B, playing with a confidence that is exciting to hear. Friday, May 10 \| 8pm-11pm \| MadJack’s BBQ \| 295 North Street \| 413-442-2290 \| No cover

		Friday: Blancanieves at Little Cinema Once upon a time there was a little girl who had never known her mother. She learned the art of her father, a famous bullfighter, but was hated by her evil stepmother. One day she ran away with a troupe of dwarves, and became a legend. Set in southern Spain in 1920s, Blancanieves is a tribute to silent films. Directed by Pablo Berger. Starring Maribel Verdu, Angela Molina, Macarena Garcia, Sofia Oria. Silent film with musical score. Friday-Monday, May 10-13 \| Fri-Mon 7pm Mon 2pm \| Little Cinema at the Berkshire Museum \| 39 South Street \| 413-443-7171 \| $5 Members $7.50 Non Members

		Friday: Joan Rivers at the Colonial Theatre A force of nature and one of the hardest-working celebrities in the world, Joan Rivers is an entertainment legend of unparalleled accomplishments. A woman of many talents, Joan is best known as an internationally renowned comedienne. Joan has also appeared in many movies and television shows including, WEtv’s Joan and Melissa: Joan Knows Best?—now in its third season, and E!’s Fashion Police. Don’t miss Joan as she performs her uncensored, uninhibited standup comedy for one night only at the Colonial. Friday, May 10 \| 8pm \| Colonial Theatre \| 111 South Street \| 413-997-4444 \| $50-$125

		Friday: The Red Gala! Enjoy a festive fundraiser for the extraordinary new theatre production Rites of Passage AND get a sneak peek at the new Whitney Center for the Arts! The Red Gala features performances, DJed Balkan brass music, a silent & live auction, hors d’oeuvres, wine & chocolate. Dress to impress in red! Rites of Passage will be performed over 4 nights from June 7th through the 10th with 75 local people, age 1 to 90. The audience will walk through a living museum of art, movement, film, music, stories, and “rituals” of routine domestic gestures in the former Women’s Club of the Berkshires, now the Whitney Center for the Arts! Friday, May 10 \| 8pm \| Whitney Center for the Arts \| 42 Wendell Avenue \| 413-429-5530 \| $25-$50 sliding scale

		Friday-Sunday+: Spamalot at BCC The Berkshire Community College Players present Monty Python’s Spamalot, a musical comedy “lovingly ripped off from” the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Like the film, it is a highly irreverent parody of the Arthurian legend. It won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical of the 2004–2005 season and 14 Tony Award nominations. Click here for tickets. Friday-Sunday, May 10-12 & May 17-19 \| Fri & Sat 8pm Sun 2pm \| Berkshire Community College \| Boland Theatre \| 413-236-4564 \| $10/$5 students/seniors/BCC staff

		Saturday: The Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market Kicks Off! The Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market is here! Join us for the ribbon cutting at 9am with Mayor Bianchi, plus live acoustic music by Mountain Breeze, strolling magician Eric Thee Illusionist, & free copies of the latest issue of Edible Berkshires. Don’t forget to fill out an entry form to win a yearlong family membership to Hancock Shaker Village, two tickets to a Berkshire Theatre Group production AND lunch for two at One West Restaurant! Click here to print it out & bring to the market, or fill one out at the market. Lots of great presents for the moms in your lives too! Saturdays through October 26 \| 9am-1pm \| Parking Lot across from The Common \| 120 First Street \| 413-443-6501 \| FREE

		Saturday: Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Competition The City of Pittsfield Recreation Program has teamed up with the Donald Gleason North Little League to host a free Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Competition for area youth. This grassroots program is designed to provide youngsters with an opportunity to compete, free of charge, in a competition that recognizes individual excellence in core baseball skills. All participants must bring a copy of their birth certificate and have their parent or guardian fill out a registration/waiver form prior to the start of the competition. Click here for an age group schedule. Saturday, May 11 \| 9am-2pm \| North Little League Field \| Springside Avenue \| 413-499-9370 \| FREE

		Saturday: Backyard Beekeeping at Hancock Shaker Village Aspiring beekeepers will enjoy Backyard Beekeeping taught by Joe Moncecchi of Giuseppe’s Wild Mountain Honey. During this workshop, participants will gain the skills necessary to make their dreams of making honey come true. Click here to register. Saturday, May 11 \| 10am-5pm \| Hancock Shaker Village \| 1843 West Housatonic Street \| 413-443-0188 \| $225 Non-Members $205 Members

		Saturday: Basic Applique Quilting Workshop at Hancock Shaker Village Led by master quilters Connie Logan and artist/ quilt designer Mary Rentz, each student will start their own Shaker gift drawing block, which may be finished into a wall hanging or be the first block of a larger quilt. The expert instructors will cover fabric and color choice, cutting, placement, applique techniques and simple embroidery, as well as squaring, marking, assembly, quilting and finishing. Click here to register. Saturday, May 11 \| 10am-2pm \| Hancock Shaker Village \| 1843 West Housatonic Street \| 413-443-0188 \| $25, $22 members

		Saturday: Berkshire Idol Finals at Barrington Stage More than 80 Contestants have competed for the top 24 finalist spots of the biggest Berkshire Idol event in its history. The age ranges are 7-11, 12-16 and 17 to adults. Tickets are available at the Barrington Stage Company Box Office the day of the show, or advanced sales online. There will also be musical appearances by last year’s Idols and special guest artists. Saturday, May 11 \| 6pm \| Barrington Stage Company \| 30 Union Street \| 413-236-8888 \| $15-$20

		Saturday: Gypsy Layne Cabaret & Burlesque! After sold-out stints in Vermont and Williamstown, the Gypsy Layne caravan is making its way back down to Spice Dragon in Pittsfield this May to culminate yet another stellar season. Their latest springtime extravaganza sizzles with the sophisticated sexiness and earthy wit that has established Gypsy Layne’s growing reputation in the Berkshires and beyond. Opening act dysFUNKcrew sets the high-energy tone with inventive dance moves that blend elements of ballet, jazz, modern, step dancing, breaking, and hip-hop. You don’t want to miss this! Click here to make reservations. Saturday, May 11 \| 9pm \| Spice Dragon \| 297 North Street \| 413-443-1234 \| $20


		Saturday: Live Music at Flavours Flavours of Malaysia presents BA Dario. Pittsfield-based BA Dario produces a high-energy rock sound with electronic overtones. Their intricate guitar riffs and elaborate changes give them an electric sound that is sure to get the crowd moving. For adults 21 and over. Saturday, May 11 \| 9:30pm \| Flavours of Malaysia \| 75 North Street \| 413-443-3188 \| $5

		Sunday & Tuesday: Nabucco at Little Cinema Plácido Domingo, one of the most celebrated talents of our time, is making a major role debut – in the title role of Nabucco from the Royal Opera House. This is a rare chance to see a genre-defining masterwork, containing some of the greatest choral music ever written, along with some wonderful arias and ensembles. This new production of Nabucco is unmissable. Sung in Italian. Sunday & Tuesday, May 12 & 14 \| Sun 2pm Tues 7pm \| Little Cinema at the Berkshire Museum \| 39 South Street \| 413-443-7171 \| $18 Members $16

		Tuesday: Poet Mindy Nettifee at Y Bar Acclaimed poet/spoken word artist Mindy Nettifee is Pushcart Prize nominated writer and accomplished performance poet. She is the author of two full-length collections *Sleepyhead Assassins* and *Rise of the Trust Fall,* and a collection of essays on writing Glitter In The Blood – A Poet’s Manifesto for Better, Braver Writing. Mindy believes “poetry “should hammer all the nerves and swell the heart and shake the sleeping.”” She is co-founder and director of the nonprofit poetry organization Write Now Poetry Society whose mission is to build the audience for poetry. She has curated poetry events for the Smithsonian, The Getty Museum, GirlFest, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission and more. Click here for more information. Tuesday, May 14 \| 8pm \| Y Bar \| 391 North Street \| No phone \| NO COVER

		Wednesday: Taconic High School Chorus at Berkshire Museum Enjoy an eclectic selection of music presented by the Taconic High School Chorus. This group of talented young singers is led by Jessica Passetto. Free and open to the public. Wednesday, May 15 \| 6pm \| Berkshire Museum \| 39 South Street \| 413-443-7171 \| FREE

		Wednesday: Bollywood SciFi at the Beacon! This fundraiser and special Berkshire screening of the Bollywood hit film Ra.One features a cocktail reception and presentation by Ra.One visual effects supervisor Jeff Kleiser. Ra.One is about a video game developer’s world spiraling out of control when his shape-shifting indestructible virtual creation becomes all too real. This event benefits the Berkshire Film and Media Commission and Williamstown Film Festival. Click here to purchase tickets. Wednesday, May 15 \| 6pm Cocktail Reception 7pm Screening \| Beacon Cinema \| 57 North Street \| 413-528-4223 \| $20

		Thursday: Old Family Friends at Whitney Center for the Arts Town Players of Pittsfield presents a short staged reading of Old Family Friends by local playwright, Chris Newbound at the Whitney Center for the Arts at 5:30pm and again at 7pm. This is a Third Thursday free event. Thursday, May 16 \| 5:30pm & 7pm \| Whitney Center for the Arts \| 42 Wendell Avenue \| 413-443-9279 \| FREE

		Thursday: PechaKucha Night #6 at the Berkshire Museum The fastest, most innovative, and inspiring evening of presentations in Berkshire County returns for its sixth installment. Known globally for its 20 x 20 format where 20 Powerpoint slides progress automatically every 20 seconds, Berkshire Museum brings you the coolest 6 minute 40 second presentations you have ever seen. Refreshments provided by Wandering Star Craft Brewery. Thursday, May 16 \| 7pm \| Berkshire Museum \| 39 South Street \| 413-443-7171 \| $5 Members FREE

		Thursday: First 3^rd Thursdays of the Year! Spring is here are so are 3rd.Thursdays! The first 3rd.Thursdays celebrates Youth on the Move with terrific performances by local youth performers including 4 year old country singer Mason Zink (pictured left), fun physical activities thanks to the Pittsfield Public School’s Balancing the Equation initiative – from square dancing to yoga, the annual NAMI Minds Matter Walk, live coverage by WTBR-FM and PCTV, and the mysterious dancing Morris Men! Extra special thanks to our generous May 16th 3rd.Thursdays lead sponsor, Berkshire Health Systems. Thursday, May 16 \| 5pm-8pm \| Upstreet Cultural District \| Downtown Pittsfield \| 413-499-9348 \| FREE

		Thursday: Trendkill Live at Chameleons Tru Entertainment and Promotion presents another night of great live music at Chameleon’s! Tonight it’s Trendkill (the ultimate Pantera tribute) with special guests From Solace to Sorrow, Sworn to Remember, Losing Faith. Thursday, May 16 \| 8pm \| Chameleons \| 1350 East Street \| 413-499-2582 \| $10 in advance; $12 at the door