Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Aug. 14-20| 11:58AM / Friday, August 14, 2015 | |
|
Office of Cultural Development | City of Pittsfield
|
|
 |
Mary Poppins flies onto the Colonial stage for Berkshire Theatre Group's 10th Annual Community Theatre Production. In this beloved musical, written by Julian Fellowes of Downton Abbey fame, a practically perfect nanny teaches us"anything can happen if you let it." For the third time in a BTG community production, actors will fly through The Colonial Theatre, the first two years ago in Peter Pan, the second in last year's community production Seussical. This year's 10th annual community production will feature over 100 talented Berkshire County natives tap dancing and chimney sweeping their way to your heart
Through August 23 | 2pm & 7pm | Colonial Theatre | 111 South Street | 413-997-4444 | $15-$30
|
 |
Sent from her foster home in the city one summer to a sleepy town by the sea in Hokkaido, Anna dreams her days away among the marshes. She shuts herself off from other people and never expects to meet a friend like Marnie, who does not judge Anna for being just what she is. But no sooner has Anna learned the loveliness of friendship than she begins to wonder about her newfound friend. Based on the novel by Joan G. Robinson with Hailee Steinfeld, Kiernan Shipka, and John C. Reilly in the English-dubbed version.
Friday- Monday, August 14-17 | 7pm, Mon 1:30pm | Berkshire Museum | Little Cinema | 39 South Street |413-443-7171 | $5 Museum Members, $7.50 Museum Non Members
|
 |
Join Oakes & Smith for live music at the Whitney Center for the Arts this Friday night. With us will be Justin Hillman, Justin Green and Alex Sovronsky. Tickets are $15
Friday, August 14 | 7:30pm | Whitney Center For The Arts | 42 Wendell Ave| 413-443-0289 | $15
|
 |
It's summer in New England and every weekend is someone else's engagement party. The wildflowers, specialty cocktails and artisanal appetizers are perfectly Instagram-ready. When reality looks this good, who cares if it's all an illusion? Definitely not Lauren, the unforgettable anti-heroine of this pitch-black anti-romantic comedy, a midsummer night's dream about the conflicted Millennial generation.
Through August 30 | Tues- Sat 7:30pm, Thurs/Sat 4pm, Sun 3pm | Barrington Stage Company | St. Germain Stage | 36 Linden Street | 413-236-8888 | $40+
|
 |
Friday+: His Girl Friday at Barrington Stage
Editor Walter Burns will do anything to find an ace reporter cunning enough to scoop a story in the cutthroat Chicago press world, even if that means turning to his ex-wife, Hildy Johnson, who comes back to the newsroom one last time before leaving the game for good. In Guare's adaptation, the play takes place in 1939, the day before war breaks out in Europe, which adds a political framework to the otherwise antic proceedings.
Through August 30 | Thurs-Sat at 8pm; Sun at 5pm, Wed/Fri 2pm Tues/Wed 7pm | Barrington Stage Company | Boyd-Quinson Mainstage | 30 Union Street | 413-236-8888 | $20
|
 |
What are William Finn and Deborah Abramson up to these days? Bill has written some knock-down fabulous lyrics to Deborah's thrilling music. The results: funny harangues and skewed portraits in this new bunch of songs.
Friday - Monday, August 14-17 | Fri/Sat 9:30pm, Sun/Mon 8pm | Barrington Stage Company | 36 Linden Street | 413-236-8888 | $45
|
 |
Come get fresh with Northern Berkshire Beekeepers Association, who will join to talk Beekeeping 101. They will showcase an empty hive as well as a hive with live bees (under glass). Come taste and purchase local honey! From 11am to 1pm live music by Lara Tupper (accompanied by Ben Kohn). Shoppers will find pasture-raised meats, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, breads, baked goods, coffee, wine, cut flowers, and plants, as well as beautiful artisan wares. The Market will run rain or shine. SNAP (EBT/Food Stamps) accepted.
Saturdays through October 31 | 9am-1pm | The Common | 1st Street and Eagle Street | info@farmersmarketpittsfield.org | NO COVER
|
 |
Evan Williams of Glass Bottom Brewery in Lee will lead a presentation and Q&A on the science and art of beer-making in the Berkshires. After the program, participants are invited to join him for a tasting journey down the road at the brewery taproom. Seating is limited, so reservations are requested.
Saturday, August 15 | 10am-11am |Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | FREE with museum admission
|
 |
Are we alone in the universe? For the first time in human history, we have the science and technology to address that question in a meaningful way. Hear more from Professor John Delano, someone who has been on the forefront of serious research.
Saturday, August 15 | 10am | Berkshire Community College | 1350 West Street | 413-236-2190 | Members $10 Guests $15
|
 |
Co-Curator and director of collections & curatorial affairs Maria Mingalone will conduct tours of the exhibition twice a week, offering insight into the creation of the exhibition, the selection of the art, and fascinating details on the objects and works included in the galleries. Immortal Present features the Berkshire Museum's historic collection of Asian art and showcase works by a number of significant and influential contemporary artists with ties to Asia.
Saturday, August 15 | 11am-12:15pm |Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | FREE with museum admission
|
 |
Imagination Playground in a Cart™ is an innovative design in play equipment that encourages creativity, communication, and collaboration. Imagination Playground provides a changing array of elements that allow children to turn their playground into a space constantly built and re-built by their imagination. The Imagination Playground was generously provided by Dr Pepper Snapple (DPS) and national non-profit KaBOOM!
Saturday, August 15 | 1:30pm-3:30pm |Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | FREE with museum admission
|
 |
Saturday: USA Dance at Berkshire Ballroom
Berkshire Ballroom is hosting a Social-Ballroom dance on the third Saturday of August. Music and dance lesson by Dan DeBenedetto from Ballroom on Sunset, Lahtam, NY begins at 7pm -- general dancing from 8pm to 10:30pm. Enjoy our infamous snack table -- along with a cash bar. Admission is $10 for USA Members, $15 for Guests and $5 for school students.
Saturday, August 15 | 7pm | The Polish Falcon Club| 36 Bel Air Avenue| $10 members, $15 guests, 5 students
|
 |
Berkshires Jazz will be presenting a centennial tribute to jazz giants Billie Holiday and Billy Strayhorn featuring the DeChamplain Trio, a fast-rising group that is making their Berkshires debut. Matt DeChamplain is a piano virtuoso, with a range that spans from delicate and intimate to energetic and powerful. A strong improviser and interpreter of the "great American jazz book," he is joined by his wife, vocalist Atla DeChamplain, and the remarkable bassist Matt Dwonszyk. Atla is "moving by leaps and bounds towards stardom as a jazz vocalist," according to the legendary vocalist Jon Hendricks, with whom she has appeared. Tickets are running low. Advance purchase is recommended.
Saturday, August 15 | 8pm | Baba Louie's | 34 Depot Street | $20 in advance $25 at the door
|
 |
Tavern has live music this Saturday night, with White Liger. The band features Abe Guthrie, Dan Teichert, and Darren Todd and plays a great collection of songs from Led Zeppelin, Toto, AC/DC, ZZTop, Coldplay, Whitesnake, Scorpions, Joe Walsh, Tom Petty, Van Halen, Def Leppard, and more. 21+.
Saturday, August 15 | 9pm | Tavern at the A | 303 Crane Ave | 413-448-9009 | $5
|
 |
Fly on over to The Berkshire Museum's Crane Room following the 7pm performance of Mary Poppins. Practically perfect in every way feast provided by Mazzeo's Ristorante. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious treats provided by Chocolate Springs. Step in time on the dance floor, marvel at the items in our silent auction...and place your bid. This night won't be grey and ordinary, and would be quite unsatisfactory without you,
Saturday, August 15 | 9:30pm | Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-448-8084x14 | $75/adults, $35/children
|
 |
Social Media has been heralded as the death of literary thinking and a means for younger generations to be lazy with language, but what if social media is a powerful tool for ushering in a renaissance of poetry? Open to ages 12-100+ [Register free at http://wXw365.org/workshops]
Sunday, August 16 | 3pm | Dottie's Coffee Lounge | 444 North Street | 413-443-1792 | FREE
|
 |
The sCrawl departs from Dottie's and ends at the Berkshire Museum. This is a multi-stop, walking poetry tour. Comfortable footwear advised. Hosted by Robbie Q Telfer & Fatimah Asghar.
Sunday, August 16 | 5pm | Dottie's Coffee Lounge | 444 North Street | 413-443-1792 | FREE
|
 |
Sunday: Stockbridge Sinfonia Concert at Zion Lutheran Church
One of two free Stockbridge Sinfonia Concerts dedicated to the memory of Founding Conductor, Leonard Marcus, with music by Beethoven, Haydn and Strauss. For more information, call (413) 637-4059.
Sunday, August 16 | 6pm | Zion Lutheran Church | 74 First Street | 413-637-4059 | FREE
|
 |
Pittsfield PechaKucha is a special evening of presenters sharing their stories of passion, curiosity, risk, and invention! The only rule is 20×20: twenty slides, twenty seconds each. Refreshments will be available courtesy of Wandering Star Brewery. For more information click HERE.
Sunday, August 16 | 7pm-9pm | Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | $5, FREE for Museum Members
|
 |
The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Connecting with Community series presents "Core Stability, Flexible Feet, and Balance" with Carol Bennett. Good postural stability is the basis for comfortable, pain free movement. Each part is meant to move within a particular range. We will begin with chair work to strengthen deep abdominals, hip stabilizers and scapular muscles. Using the chair as support, we will prepare for static and dynamic balance.
Monday, August 17 | 10:45am-12pm | Temple Anshe Amunim | 26 Broad Street | 413-442-5910 | FREE
|
 |
Craft Activities last for 30 - 40 minutes and are intended for children 5 - 12 years old. Registration is required (in person or by phone). Signups start one week prior to activity and is limited to the first 18 children. If you can't make it to the activity, you must call to cancel so the space can be offered to another child. Two "no-shows" mean your child cannot sign up for further craft activities.
Monday, August 17 | 1pm | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 | FREE
|
 |
The second Shire City Session features headliner Wild Adriatic. Calling to mind the soulful, dynamic sounds of 70s giants such as Led Zeppelin, Humble Pie, and Free's early years, Wild Adriatic has won early acclaim from places such as Rolling Stone, USA Today, Relix and Guitar World. Special guests B.A. Dario will open for them. Free admission. Open to all ages. Bring your chairs. Big Elm Beer and food from How We Roll and more will be available for purchase.
Monday, August 17 | 5pm-9pm | Shire City Sanctuary | 40 Melville Street | 413-320-4175 | FREE
|
 |
Spoken word & poetry by young Berkshire voices. Hosted by Hanif Willis-Abdurraqib. With Robbie Q Telfer, Franny Choi, Phil Kaye & Fatimah Asghar.
Monday, August 17 | 7pm | Whitney Center For The Arts | 42 Wendell Ave| 413-443-0289 | FREE
|
 |
By popular demand, These Mysterious Hills will present a Summer reprisal of October's "Ghosts & Legends of Upstreet Pittsfield" historic downtown walking tour. Hosted by local folklorist and historian Joe Durwin, the tour explores some of the history of downtown Pittsfield through the lens of its folklore, legends, and mysteries. Starting in front of the Pittsfield Common, this 1.5 hour guided walk will delve into ghost stories, oddities, and strange-but-true tales attached to many Upstreet locations, including several of the city's premiere cultural venues. Non-matinee tours will take place primarily after dark and will cover some mature themes, and parental caution is advised. This event may not be suitable for persons under 12.
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, August 17, 18 & 20 | Mon 7pm, Tues & Thurs 3:30pm | Upstreet Cultural District | 413-499-9348 |
$5
|
 |
Congratulations! You have an Android tablet and/or phone, but it is so new to you that you do not know where to start. This open format class is geared towards first-time users who are having trouble with gesturing and orienting themselves around the device. We will cover topics like affiliating your tablet with a Google account, what apps are and other questions that are raised during class. This class is ideal for people who identify themselves as "extremely new to technology" users. (Taught by Andrea)
Tuesday, August 18 | 9:30am-10:30am | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 | FREE
|
 |
Special Program: The Storycrafters present Stories and Music. Jeri Burns and Barry Marshall believe in the time-tested wisdom of traditional stories, and share that wisdom with today's audiences. They strive to honor world cultures by telling the old stories in respectful ways, often integrating the musical instruments, songs or dances indigenous to that region. Then of course, look out for their original modern renditions of the oldest stories ... some of their most requested material.
Tuesday, August 18 | 1pm | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 |FREE
|
 |
The Eagles Band will perform an outdoor concert at Springside Park. Patrons should bring a blanket or chair and take advantage of the picnic-like atmosphere.
Tuesday, August 18 | 7pm | Springside Park | 413-499-2071 | FREE
|
 |
On Tuesday, storytellers, chosen through a series of pre-festival prelims, compete for a spot in the WXW Story Slam Finals. Then on Wednesday, poets chosen through a series of three prelims compete for a spot in the WXW Poetry Slam finals and a shot at the coveted title
Tuesday & Wednesday, August 18 & 19 | 7pm | Dottie's Coffee Lounge | 444 North Street | 413-443-1792 | FREE
|
 |
Stop in to learn your numbers! The Berkshire Health Systems Community Outreach Van and professional staff on the van offer free Blood Pressure Screenings. They will be at South Congregational Church at 110 South Street from 8:00am-10:30 am, followed by the Intermodal Station, Pittsfield 2:30-4:30 pm. No appointment necessary.
Wednesday, August 19 | 8am-10:30am, 2:30pm-4:30pm | South Congregational Church |110 South Street | FREE
|
 |
Lego Club meets the third Wednesday of each month, for ages 5 and up. Registration is not required.
Wednesday, August 19 | 3:30pm-4:30pm | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 |FREE
|
 |
Live on the Lake is brought to you by Live 95.9 and Greylock Federal Credit Union. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy concerts at beautiful Burbank Park on Onota Lake. Sirsy is rock + soul - chock full of sing along pop melodies, lots of heart, & just the right amount of sass.
Wednesday, August 19 | 6pm-8pm | Lake Onota | FREE
|
 |
We are painting The Red Sunflower.. or the Pink Sunflower or the Yellow Sunflower..for Taconic High School Golf Team. Time: 6pm - 9pm (please arrive 15-20 minutes before). Price: $40 per person to be paid in cash at the door. Lite snacks will be provided and a cash bar, reservations are requested by calling Lexi at 442-9300 to reserve your canvas.
Wednesday, August 19 | 6pm | Berkshire Hills Country Club | 500 Benedict Road | 413-442-9300| $40
|
 |
Hook will screen as part of the Greylock Federal Credit Union FREE movie series at The Beacon all summer long every Wednesday night at 7pm! Tickets are FREE and will be issued on a first come first served basis beginning at 6pm, one hour before show time. Harry Potter be shown on August 26.
Wednesday, August 19 | 7pm | Beacon Cinema | 57 North Street | 413-358-4780 | FREE
|
 |
The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires' Connecting with Community series will be joined by Maria Mingalone, Director of Interpretation at The Berkshire Museum, as she offers an insider's look at the exhibition, Immortal Present: Art and East Asia. Maria will have a special focus on the museum's approach to interpreting non-western art for the western viewer and discuss more about the curatorial process. This is a rare opportunity to learn more about the Asian artworks in the museum's holdings, many of which have been viewed infrequently, if at all, in recent decades.
Thursday, August 20 | 10:45am-12pm | Congregation Knesset Israel | 16 Colt Road | 413-445-4872 | FREE
|
 |
Thursday: Knitting Circle at Dotties
Meet with like-minded knitters at this open circle. All levels are welcome. This group meets every Thursday, from 2pm-4pm.
Thursday, August 20 | 2pm-4pm | Dottie's Coffee Lounge | 444 North Street | 413-443-1792 | NO COVER
|
 |
Upstreet Pittsfield's award-winning street festival, 3rd Thursdays, returns on Thursday, August 20th
with the theme All The World's A Stage. Presenting sponsor, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America will have an arts and crafts station with sand art, giveaways and a photo booth.
Performers include: the Eagles Band; Pittsfield City Hoopla; Town Players; 8 Foot River; Dr. Seuss' Balloonatik; Matchstick Architects and more. Dottie's will feature live drawings. The Community Art Tent will be combined with a Superhero Art Tent this month in conjunction with the current exhibition at the Lichtenstein.
And don't forget the 3rd Thursday After Party at the Whitney Center for the Arts. This month features the Easy Ridin' Papas - a country blues/jazz, bluegrass, western swing and southern gospel band.
Thursday, August 20 | 5pm-8pm (and beyond!) | Upstreet Cultural District |413-499-9348 | FREE
|
 |
Admission to the Berkshire Museum is free during the City of Pittsfield's Third Thursdays celebrations for all Berkshire County residents.
Thursday, August 20 | 5pm-8pm |Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | FREE
|
 |
Learn to paint Hot Air Balloons at this open paint party on Thursday. All painting materials and light snack included for this two hour painting. BYOB
Thursday, August 20 | 6pm-8pm | Berkshire Paint and Sip | 305 North Street |413-205-8346 | $30
|
 |
The Berkshire History Theatre moves into Arrowhead's big red barn for their new play, "I Am Pittsfield." Written and directed by Sally Filkins. Based on actual historical incidents culled from both written and oral history sources, I Am Pittsfield: The Immigrant Century explores the struggles and triumphs of successive waves of ethnic immigrants - Irish, African-American, French-Canadian, Polish and Italian - who arrived and settled in Pittsfield during the period 1840 - 1940. The play is set in Pittsfield locations ranging from the city's Underground Railroad Network to Pittsfield's burgeoning mid-nineteenth century woolen and cotton mills, to family homes in ethnic Pittsfield neighborhoods. "I Am Pittsfield" honors the achievements of the city's diverse founders, both famous and obscure.
Thursdays- Saturday, through August 29 | 7pm | Arrowhead | 780 Holmes Road | 413-442-1793 | $15-$25
|
 |
Six of the Berkshires' strongest youth voices compete in the first annual Invitational Poetry Slam. With special feature by WXW 413/Youth Speak poets. With Robbie Q Telfer, Franny Choi, Phil Kaye, Fatimah Asghar and Hanif Willis-Abdurraqib.
Thursday, August 20 | 7pm | Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street |413-443-7171 | FREE
|
Fan Us On Facebook!   Follow Us On Twitter!
|
MEMBER SIGN IN
