THURSDAY - APRIL 26, 2018 |
| SONSINI ANIMAL SHELTER PAINT & SIP FUNDRAISER Pittsfield, 6:30 p.m.
Cancer couldn't stop him, so let's be inspired by Courageous Kane and create some art to support the shelter that saved his life! Join us on THU 4/26 6:30-8:30pm for a Paint and Sip fundraiser to benefit the Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter. You'll learn to paint this inspirational image of "Courageous Kane" on a 16x20 canvas. At the Polish Falcons Club, 32 Bel Air Ave, Pittsfield, MA. All painting materials, instruction and donation included for $35. Cash Bar. Reserve your seats at www.berkshirepaintandsip.com or call (413) 205-8346.
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PURPLE VALLEY PLAYS: A FESTIVAL OF NEW YORK FOR THE STAGE Williamstown, 7:30 p.m.
Back for its third round—under the freshly minted title of Purple Valley Plays—this festival will present original works for the stage written, directed, designed, and performed by current Williams students. In the fall term, all works submitted will be anonymously read and selected by a committee made up of faculty, staff, and students. During the spring, each new work will be given full production support by a company of artists, who will meet to conceptualize and rehearse, transforming the CenterStage into a flexible venue for world-premiere theatricality. All Williams students are eligible to participate. Come one, come all!
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WILLIAMS BRASS BASH 2018 Williamstown, 7 p.m.
Williams Brass Ensemble Director David Wharton leads the group in a celebration of brass, including Raymond Premru’s “Movements from Divertimento.” Also, music of Holburne, Adson, and Gabrieli. http://music.williams.edu/?post_type=event&p=12620 Free Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall Bernhard Music Center, 54 Chapin Drive, Williams College, Williamstown, MA @ 7 p.m.
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DINING IN THE DARK Pittsfield, 5 p.m. The Berkshire Benevolent Association for the Blind will be holding its fourth annual Dining in the Dark at the Housatonic Academy formally the St. Mark’s School located at 400 Columbus Ave. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 5 to 10, and children under 5 are free. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a pasta dinner blindfolded. The meal will be prepared and served by the members of UNICO. Along with the meal, there will be a 50/50 raffle, an international raffle, and live entertainment. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Association’s President Phil Schallies at 413-442-6600. Proceeds from the night will stay in Berkshire County to assist people that are visually impaired.
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LIVE UNITED CELEBRATION Great Barrington, 4-6 p.m. Berkshire United Way's Live United Community Celebration will be held at Crissey Farm located at 426 Stockbridge Road. The event, which celebrates the organization’s volunteers, will spotlight some of Berkshire United Way’s investments in south county and will include the presentation of the Robert K. Agar, Jr. Volunteerism Award to Jim Murray and Ray Murray of Ray Murray, Inc. In addition, Cara Davis, former executive director of Construct, Inc., will be honored with the Daniel C. Dillon Helping Hands, Caring Heart award and the winner of the Target Employee Campaign Coordinator Award will be announced. The cost of the event is $25. To register, call 413-442-6948.
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'HUMAN CONDITION' OPENING North Adams, 5-7 p.m. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will present this year’s senior class show, “The Human Condition,” opening with a free reception. This annual exhibition serves as the culminating event that provides graduating artists with the tools they will need to further their careers, as they learn how to display and install their art, and more. The artists featured in this year’s show are seniors Molly Gurner, Halie Smith, Jacqueline Smith, Nicole Stearns and Samantha White. The show runs through May 20.
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CABARET SERA GOES TO BROADWAY Pittsfield, 6 p.m. The Whitney Center for the Arts presents Cabaret Sera goes to Broadway with Steve & Kimberly, an early evening dinner cabaret. Steve Hassmer, who has performed in a National Tour of My Fair Lady and recently performed the role of Emile de Becque in "South Pacific" at the Mac-Haydn Theatre, joins Kimberly Gritman, who has delighted audiences with her lovely vocals in numerous local productions, with pianist Jeff Hunt, for a celebration of Broadway. Tickets are $20 and include dinner and one beverage. Tickets are available online or by calling 413-443-0289.
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MILHAM PLANETARIUM SHOW Williamstown, 8 p.m. Williams College astronomy students will host free shows for the public at the Milham Planetarium, located inside the Old Hopkins Observatory. Audiences will be treated to shows from the high-precision Zeiss Skymaster ZKP3/B opto-mechanical planetarium projector, installed in April 2005. Shows will last about 50 minutes. For reservations (required) contact Michele Rech at 413-597-2188 or by email. Others will be admitted as space permits. Large groups should call for special appointments.
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BARN BUDDIES 4H PAINT & SIP FUNDRAISER-BEACH SLATE SIGN New York, 7 p.m.
Get your brush on for the Barn Buddies 4H Group! Join is on FRI 4/27 7-9pm for a Paint and Sip fundraiser to benefit the Barn Buddies 4H Club. You'll learn to paint this summer image on an authentic roof slate tile - various sizes and colors available. At Mount Washington House, 2627 Rt 23, Hillsdale, NY. All painting materials, instruction and donation included for $35. CASH BAR. Reserve your seats at www.berkshirepaintandsip.com or call (413) 205-8346.
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JAMAL JACKSON DANCE COMPANY: “ROB DAY”  , 8 p.m.
This evening-length production of “Rob Day” explores gun culture and our connections to it. In this performance that merges contemporary dance forms with traditional West African dance movement, Rob is a 9mm pistol. The relationships formed on his travels reveal a charisma and influence that is undeniable. Tickets: $35 general admission, $30 PS21 members
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PURPLE VALLEY PLAYS: A FESTIVAL OF NEW YORK FOR THE STAGE Williamstown, 7:30 p.m.
Back for its third round—under the freshly minted title of Purple Valley Plays—this festival will present original works for the stage written, directed, designed, and performed by current Williams students. In the fall term, all works submitted will be anonymously read and selected by a committee made up of faculty, staff, and students. During the spring, each new work will be given full production support by a company of artists, who will meet to conceptualize and rehearse, transforming the CenterStage into a flexible venue for world-premiere theatricality. All Williams students are eligible to participate. Come one, come all! 62 Center
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PURPLE VALLEY PLAYS: A FESTIVAL OF NEW YORK FOR THE STAGE Williamstown, 7:30 p.m.
Back for its third round—under the freshly minted title of Purple Valley Plays—this festival will present original works for the stage written, directed, designed, and performed by current Williams students. In the fall term, all works submitted will be anonymously read and selected by a committee made up of faculty, staff, and students. During the spring, each new work will be given full production support by a company of artists, who will meet to conceptualize and rehearse, transforming the CenterStage into a flexible venue for world-premiere theatricality. All Williams students are eligible to participate. Come one, come all! 62 Center
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MONUMENT GIRLS WRITE ON W. Stockbridge, 6 p.m.
Monument Girls Write On The sixth annual “Monument Girls Write On” event will once again be held this year at the West Stockbridge Historical Society Old Town Hall, upstairs in the auditorium. Ten fabulous young female writers at Monument Mountain Regional High School, ages 14 to 18, will present selections from their poetry, short fiction, creative non-fiction and hybrid work. Students are chosen to participate by MMRHS English department faculty, who will also introduce the writers. Friday, April 27 – 6 PM Free and pen to the public. Reception to follow.
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"JOURNEY" TRIBUTE BAND "VOYAGE" Dalton, 7 p.m.
Concert Will Benefit UCP of Berkshire County A concert featuring the Journey tribute band, Voyage, will benefit UCP of Berkshire County on Friday April 27 at the Stationery Factory, 63 Flansburg Ave., Dalton, MA. Doors open at 7:00pm. Swingtown, a Steve Miller Tribute! featuring Randy Cormier, Dave Vittone, Dan Teichert and Darren Todd will kick off the evening at 7:30pm, followed by Voyage. Additionally, Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli will be honored during the evening as “UCP's Person of the Year.” “UCP of Berkshire County is excited to bring Voyage to the Berkshires,” said Sal Garozzo, Executive Director, UCP of Berkshire County. Tickets are only $25. To purchase tickets and learn more about how to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit www.UCPBerkshire.org tickets can also be purchased by going to Eventbrite.com. About Voyage: Voyage has been hailed by fans and critics alike as the #1 Journey tribute band in the world, performing Journey’s music with chilling accuracy! Since 2005, Voyage has dominated America with more sold out shows than any other tribute band. About UCP of Berkshire County UCP of Berkshire County — an affiliate of the United Cerebral Palsy Association — was established in 1961. UCP of Berkshire County offers support and advocacy for any individual, regardless of disability, to pursue a fulfilling, self-determined, high-quality community life — a life without limits. The UCP mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities. For more information go to http://ucpberkshire.org, or contact Sal Garozzo at (413) 442-1562.
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BIRDING AT CANOE MEADOWS Pittsfield, 8-10 a.m. Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary will host a free birding walk. Spring is the best season to look for migrants of all kinds, especially the beautiful wood-warblers, orioles, thrushes, and more. Walk past wetlands and through meadows and woodlands observing changes in bird species each week. Preregistration is not required and the walk is free.
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SPRING SALAMANDER & FROG SEARCH Lenox, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox will host a Spring Salamander & Frog Search for adults and children 5 and up. Visitors will search the woods and wetlands of Pleasant Valley for these fascinating animals and learn about their interesting lives. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register at 413-637-0320; adults are $8 and children are $4.
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JOURNEY TRIBUTE BAND Dalton, 7:30 p.m. A concert featuring the Journey tribute band, Voyage, will benefit UCP of Berkshire County at the Stationery Factory, 63 Flansburg Ave. Doors open at 7 p.m. Swingtown, a Steve Miller Tribute! featuring Randy Cormier, Dave Vittone, Dan Teichert and Darren Todd, will kick off the evening at 7:30 p.m., followed by Voyage. Additionally, Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli will be honored during the evening as “UCP's Person of the Year.” Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online.
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'INTO THE WOODS' North Adams, 8 p.m. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' 2017-18 theater season, "We the People," will culminate with the theater program's adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods." For more information or to reserve tickets, call the box office at 413-662-5123 or go online. Directed by Jeremy Winchester, assistant professor of theater at MCLA, the show explores what happens after the "happily ever after" in the intertwined stories of several traditional fairy tales.
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EXHIBIT OPENING New York, 6:30 p.m. Darrow School's Joline Arts Center will hold a reception to announce the opening of a new exhibit titled "Signals and Disruptions" by Darrow Artist in Residence Maggie Mailer. Mailer will hold a question-and-answer session at 7 p.m. Student artwork will also be on view. Visitors are also welcome to attend the Spring Music Showcase following the reception at 8 p.m., featuring an eclectic selection of music performed by the Darrow Chorus and the Darrow Jazz Ensemble in the acoustically excellent Tannery. Darrow is located at 110 Darrow Road in New Lebanon, N.Y. Please RSVP by email.
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BFAIR ANNUAL MEETING Pittsfield, 7:30 a.m. Berkshire Family & Individual Resources will host its annual meeting at the Berkshire Hills Country Club, 500 Benedict Road. The breakfast will include the presentation of several awards for employee recognition, as well as the recognition of the community partner of the year, Richard Alcombright, former mayor of North Adams and longtime advocate for people with disabilities who currently serves as vice president of local business and customer relations manager at MountainOne. This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Chris May, advocate and photographer. A young man living with Down Syndrome, Chris has worked hard to advocate for himself and others at the State House and in Washington. His love of photography has flourished into an impressive hobby and job. RSVP by April 20 to Carol Fox by calling 413-664-9382 ext. 40, by emailing or by going online. The cost is $10.
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'I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO' Adams, 5-7 p.m. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will present a community film screening of the James Baldwin documentary, “I Am Not Your Negro,” at BART Charter Public School. This event is free and open to the public. The film will be followed by a discussion, which was organized by Dr. Jenna Sciuto, assistant professor of English at MCLA, and students from her “African American Literature” course. This collaborative event was organized by faculty and students at MCLA, as well as faculty and administrators at BART Charter Public School.
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'GROWING AN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY' Great Barrington, 7 p.m. The annual meeting of the Berkshire Community Land Trust and the Community Land Trust in the Southern Berkshires will feature a talk titled "Growing an Agricultural Economy" by Sarah Waring, executive director of the Center for an Agricultural Economy based in Hardwick, Vt., and Matthew Derr, CAE board member and the president of nearby Sterling College, a liberal arts college specializing in environmental stewardship. The event will take place at the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington. The entry fee to the lecture is $10 or 10 BerkShares at the door.
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GROWING AN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY Great Barrington, 7 p.m.
Please join us on Friday, April 27, 2018 at 7:00pm for a talk by Sarah Waring, Executive Director of the Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) based in Hardwick, Vermont and Matthew Derr, President of Sterling College and a board member of CAE. The talk will take place at the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington as part of the annual membership meeting of the Berkshire Community Land Trust and Community Land Trust in the Southern Berkshires. Tickets are $10 or 10 BerkShares at the door. Thanks to the generosity of a member of the Berkshire Community Land Trust, farmers and students who pre-register for the event may attend for free. Please email office@berkshirecommunitylandtrust.org to reserve your tickets.
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WILLIAMS PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE - “NOTHING IS REAL” Williamstown, 8 p.m.
Williams Percussion Ensemble - “Nothing is Real” WiPE invites the audience to sit onstage with the ensemble for the concert “Nothing is Real.” - an intimate program of strange rituals and relentless grooves for percussion with strings, winds, and keyboards. Discover an amazing world of sound made with everyday objects. http://music.williams.edu/?post_type=event&p=12621 Free Chapin Hall Bernhard Music Center, 54 Chapin Drive, Williams College, Williamstown, MA @ 8 p.m.
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AUTISM AWARENESS RALLY Pittsfield, 5-7 p.m. The Autism Collaborative of Berkshire County will hold an Autism Awareness Rally at Park Square as the capstone celebration of Autism Awareness Month. The goal of this month-long campaign has been to increase access/heighten awareness of services available to individuals and families impacted by autism and to celebrate the accomplishments of those with autism.
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USED BOOK SALE Dalton, Noon-5 p.m. The Friends of the Dalton Free Public Library will be holding a used book sale at the library at 462 Main St. There will be paperback and hardcover fiction, non-fiction, childrens books, and DVDs.
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ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION , Noon The Department of Community Development’s Parks and Recreation Program will host a community Arbor Day celebration at Wellesley Park. The public is invited to attend the free celebration, which is also sponsored by the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), which will highlight the state’s Greening the Gateway Cities Program, an initiative which works to increase canopy cover and lower energy costs in designated Gateway Cities. Pittsfield is one of 26 Gateway Cities throughout the Commonwealth. Laurie Reid, urban forester with the state’s Department of Conservation & Recreation, will speak on the importance of urban trees and the impact of canopies within communities. The celebration will take place rain or shine.
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SCIENCE FAIR North Adams, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will host the 12th annual Massachusetts Region 1 Middle School Science and Engineering Fair in the campus’s Amsler Campus Center gymnasium. The event is free and open to the public from 1 to 3 p.m. This year’s keynote speaker will be Paul Reynolds, a children’s book author who also is the co-founder of FableVision and the Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning, and Creativity with his twin brother, Peter Reynolds. He will speak to students at 1:45 p.m. in the Amsler Campus Center gym. About 150 middle school students from Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties will gather to present their research projects to a panel of judges. The top 40 students will qualify for the state competition at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester on Saturday, June 2, and the top 10 percent of the finalists may submit their work to the Broadcom Masters Competition.
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DAVID DAVIS & THE WARRIOR RIVER BOYS Sheffield, 7:30 p.m. Oldtone Productions presents Alabama native and member of The Alabama Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, David Davis, who has traveled and performed as frontman for the bluegrass group, David Davis and the Warrior River Boys since 1984. He is recognized as one of the foremost practitioners of the Monroe mandolin techinique. His uncle, Cleo Davis, was Bill Monroe’s original Blue Grass Boy. The evening will feature an intimate concert of traditional bluegrass at its best at Dewey Hall. Tickets are $20. Details on Facebook.
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BCC SPRING CONCERT Pittsfield, 7 p.m. The Berkshire Community College music program will hold its annual spring concert in the Robert Boland Theatre featuring the BCC Chorale and BCC Jazz Ensemble. The BCC Chorale, under the direction of Andrea Goodman, will perform several songs, as will the Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jeff Link. The concert also will feature members of the cast of the BCC Players’ production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," which opens in the Boland Theatre on May 11, as well as student soloists Danielle Davis, Kyle Anthony Carson, Brenna Campion-Pratt, Chloe Boehm, Adam Frishwasser and Lawrence Belanger. In addition, program chair Ellen Shanahan will present the annual music award recipients. The concert is free.
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