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Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Nov. 6-12
10:49AM / Friday, November 06, 2015
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Office of Cultural Development | City of Pittsfield
 
 

Thousands of items: hardcovers, paperbacks, DVDs, CDs, something for the whole family. Proceeds from these sales sponsored by the Friends of the Library support library activities.

Friday-Saturday, November 6-7 | 10am-4pm | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 | FREE

Little ones can explore the Aquarium and three Museum galleries! Each week features songs, stories, scavenger hunts, play time, and more. Check our weekly e-news for each week's theme. This program is geared towards children 18 months to 3 years. Older and younger siblings are always welcome.

Friday, November 6 | 11am-11:30am | Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | FREE with museum admission
Marcia Sowycz will display her acrylic paintings of animals and nature in the Main Lobby at Berkshire Medical Center for the month of November
 
Enjoy seventeen different art shows featuring work by over 20 accomplished regional artists in Pittsfield's bustling Upstreet Cultural District during the First Fridays Artswalk and all month long! In most venues, artists will be present from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, November 6th! Join us for a free guided tour beginning at 5pm on November 6th at the Intermodal Center @ BRTA, 1 Columbus Ave!

The fun doesn't stop at 8! Join us for the Afterwalk Dance Party from 8-10 pm at the Whitney Center for the Arts, 42 Wendell Avenue. Free and open to the public!  Click here for more information
Friday, November 7 | 5pm-8pm | Upstreet Cultural District | 413-499-9348 | FREE
 
The Mastheads opens with reception at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts. The exhibition will showcase designs for five writing studios based on the mid-19th century authors' network in Pittsfield that included Melville, Thoreau, Hawthorne, Longfellow, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. 
In addition to presenting designs for five studios that will dot the Pittsfield landscape in Summer 2016 and house a group of a writers-in-residence, the exhibition will explore the idea of reinterpreting a literary network across time.  The exhibition runs through November 28.   
 
Friday, November 6 | 5pm-8pm |Lichtenstein Center for the Arts| 28 Renne Ave | 413-499-9348 | FREE
 
Join us as Carrie Wright presents works by Ben Evans & Karl Mullen for view and sale. Benjamin Evans is a Berkshires based ceramic artist specializing in handmade functional and sculptural ceramics. Karl Mullen was born in Dublin, Ireland, and lives in Massachusetts where he works in a studio in the cow stall of a nineteenth-century barn. He has developed his own distinctive approach to art making, utilizing walnut oil, raw powder pigment and a wax medium that coalesce into color-saturated, luminous images. 
 
Friday, November 6 | 5pm-7pm | Dottie's Coffee Lounge | 444 North Street | 413-443-1792 | FREE
 
In response to the hyper-competitive art game, Cindy Hoose and Jacinta Bunnell played with their art to create the 52 pieces in your turn, dear, taking turns on each painting in a manner reminiscent of Exquisite Corpse. Their work directs our attention to the reasons we play games: to explore the world imaginatively, free of the hope for success or the fear of failure, and to connect with each other in the spirit of joy and sentimentality. In taking turns painting, Hoose and Bunnell had to forego the solo artist's executive authority, risking each move to the counterplay of the other player, and enter into the uncertainty of outcome essential to all games. Celebrate the opening of this show with a good old-fashioned game night! We're not in charge! You are! The more games you bring to share and teach to others, the more fun.
 
Friday, November 6 | 5pm-8pm | Shire City Sanctuary | 40 Melville Street | 413-236-9600 | FREE
 
Gallery opening with complimentary wine, beer and snacks starting at 5pm in the space. Tongues in Trees will be playing music from their debut release, PARALLEL (Sinj Records). "Dreamy pastoral soundscapes, many of them colored with the precise modulations and ecstatic peaks of Indian carnatic music, and set to trancey rhythms orchestrated with richly multilayered guitar textures." - New York Music Daily.
 
Friday, November 6 | 7pm | Shire City Sanctuary | 40 Melville Street | 413-236-9600 | FREE

November is Family Literacy Month in Massachusetts! The Museum will transform its galleries into family reading centers featuring community leaders and educators as guest readers, spaces for families to read together, and free books for all children in attendance to take home, while supplies last. New additions to the event this year include poetry for kids in the Crane Room, a drop-in singalong performance in the theater, local authors reading their work, and multilingual reading stations, including Spanish, Polish, Hebrew, Mandarin, and more!

Friday, November 6 | 5:30pm-7:30pm | Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | FREE
 
On Friday night paint Sunset Hay Field and on Saturday, it's Orchard Landscape. All painting materials and light snack included for this 2 hr painting. BYOB.
 
Friday & Saturday, November 6 & 7 | 6pm-8pm | Berkshire Paint & Sip Studio | 305 North Street | 413-205-8346 | $30
 
"...a very revivable comedy play whose situation touches us, enlightens us and amuses us..." - The Berkshire Edge

Holy Laughter follows an Episcopal priest who finds that the reality of leading a church is radically and hilariously different than what she learned in seminary. As she wrestles with church finances, eccentric parishioners, changing sexual mores and her own doubting human heart, Abigail struggles to make peace with the realities of contemporary church life. 25% of the box office proceeds will be donated to Berkshire based Hands in Outreach and Sisters for Peace and their girls education projects in Nepal.  

Friday-Sunday through November 22 | Fri 7:30pm Sat 2pm & 7:30pm Sun 2pm | WAM Theatre | St. Germain Stage | 36 Linden Street | 413-236-8888 | $18-$40  

The Eagles Community Concert Band, celebrating its 79th year in the Berkshires, is pleased to present their Annual Fall Concert. This band, under direction of Carl Jenkins, will present a varied program of works by Gustav Holst, Charles Ives, William Schuman, Leonard Bernstein, Johannes Hanssen, John Philip Sousa, and a recent commission by New England composer Andrew Boysen. Composed in 2009, "It Finds an Echo in my Soul" is based on the Quaker Hymn "How can I Keep from Singing". Also on the program is a trumpet concerto by Carl Hahne entitled "Slavonic Fantasy".

Friday, November 6 | 7pm | Colonial Theatre | 111 South Street | 413-997-4444 | FREE
 
Mr. Holmes is a new twist on the world's most famous detective. In 1947, an aging Sherlock Holmes returns from a journey to Japan, where, in search of a rare plant with powerful restorative qualities, he has witnessed the devastation of nuclear warfare. Now, in his remote seaside farmhouse, Holmes faces the end of his days tending to his bees, with only the company of his housekeeper and her young son, Roger. Grappling with the diminishing powers of his mind, Holmes comes to rely upon the boy as he revisits the circumstances of the unsolved case that forced him into retirement, and searches for answers to the mysteries of life and love - before it's too late.
 
Friday-Monday, November 6-9 | Fri-Mon 7pm, Fri 4pm, Mon 1:30pm | Berkshire Museum | Little Cinema | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | $5 Museum Members, $7.50 Museum Non Members
Friday: Live On North Presents Satellite Shine
 
Head to the Hotel on North for its LiveonNorth series.  This week, Satellite Shine will be performing.  

Friday, November 6 | 7:30pm | Hotel On North | 297 North Street | 413-553-4210 | NO COVER
 
The major fundraiser for the Crusader Club, which supports St. Joseph's sports and co-curricular activities programs, will take place on Saturday, November 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Craft Fair features handmade crafts, food, raffles and fun!
Saturday, November 7 | 9am-3pm | St. Joseph Central High School | 22 Maplewood Ave | NO COVER
 
The all time favorite workshop, Sweater Chop Shop participants will learn simple cutting and hand sewing techniques to design and construct a wonderfully new garment from discarded wool sweaters and/or cotton sweatshirts. Turn run of the mill recycled sweatshirts and sweaters into wearable art. Students will learn simple hand sewing stitches and cutting techniques. You will be able to choose between recycled wool sweaters OR 100% recycled cotton sweatshirts . We supply a hearty collection of recycled materials and hand tools. No experience necessary. Bring an open mind, a yummy bag lunch and your favorite pair of cutting scissors (if you have them).
 
Saturday - Sunday, November 7 - 8 | 10am-4:30pm | Shire City Sanctuary | 40 Melville Street | 413-236-9600 | $195 day, $350 weekend
 
It is a case defined by superlatives - the largest art theft in history, carrying the world's largest reward offer, longer on the FBI's list of biggest unsolved art crimes than any other save one. Two men disguised as Boston Police officers trick their way into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum after midnight, tie up the two night watchmen and make off with an estimated half billion dollars' worth of artwork. 25 years after the theft, Stephen Kurkjian, the principal reporter on the case for the Boston Globe for years, has written a gripping account of the still-unsolved heist of a quarter century ago.
 
Saturday, November 7 | 10:30am-11:30am |Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | FREE with museum admission

Art Lab has been reconstructed with a new time and a new twist. We are now introducing activities that create art with a Kitchen Ka-Boom science approach. This fall we will be making finger paints, marbled paper, and cinnamon ornaments. Is it science of art or is it the art of science? Try both at Art Lab! For children ages 2 to 6; older and younger siblings welcome!

Saturday, November 7 | 11am-11:45am |Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | FREE with museum admission

Help prepare enticing feasts for the turtles, fish, chameleon, and even the blue-tongue skink in the Aquarium!

Saturday, November 6 | 12:30pm-1:30pm |Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | FREE with museum admission

Join us for our first Jazz & Hip Hip Dance Series as choreographer and dance instructor, Nicole Rizzo welcomes all women, men and students to this diverse dance class! This is a four week class, held every Saturday in November from 1:00pm-2:15pm. Drop-in to one class or sign up for all four. No past dance experience required, all levels welcome. Class structure will be a warm up fused with Jazz & Hip Hop techniques, followed by a fun upbeat routine changing each week! Cool down will include a stretch/core series influenced by Pilates and yoga. 

Saturday, November 7 | 1pm-2:15pm | Berkshire Yoga Dance and Fitness | Suite 201 | 55 North Street | 518-567-5394 | $15
The event will include a screening of the Empire of Dreams segment from the PBS/NEH documentary - Latino Americans: 500 Years of History. Dr. Leyla Rouhi of Williams College will then lead a presentation and discussion, focusing on themes of memory, heritage and the intersection and formation of cultural identities. She will examine the lasting impact of American culture and democracy on the idea of national liberation and identity for Latino writers. A reception will follow.
Saturday, November 7 | 3pm-5pm |
 Berkshire Community College
 | K-111 | 1350 West Street | 41
3-236-2116
 | FREE
Join Judy Myers, M.Ed, Life Coach, Author and Kripalu Yoga Teacher to learn how to manage, survive and even thrive when life forces you to change. This workshop will teach you how to successfully cope through the following changes: shocks, opportunities and transitions. Pre-register with Judy Myers: call: 978-501-2080 or email: Judymyerslifecoaching@gmail.com
 
Saturday, November 7 | 3pm-5:30pm | Berkshire Yoga Dance and Fitness | Suite 201 | 55 North Street | 518-567-5394 | $45

Saturday and Tuesday night are canvas and cocktail party at Dirty Brush Studios. On Saturday is African Sunset Elephants; the first in a matching set of canvases. Paint both for a dynamic art display for your home! Tues is Angel of Love, our folk art angel is great to remember that special person.   All color combos work beautifully. Make her your own. Includes three hours of individualized instruction, premium acrylic paints and supplies, snacks and BYOB. Call the studio to reserve your canvas.
 
Saturday & Tuesday, November 7 & 10 | 6pm-9pm | Dirty Brush Studios | 141 North Street | 413-442-9300 | $30
This is a very special Cabaret event featuring the songs of Frank Sinatra by Samantha Talora & Ron Ramsay. And to honor the Chairman the Whit will be offering a very special menu from Mr. Sinatra's favorite restaurant in NYC, Patsy's Italian Restaurant.  The special sauces and pasta will be transported for Mr. Sinatra's favorite dishes. Make your reservations, it is going to be an awesome show!

Saturday, November 7 | 6:45pm Doors Open 7:30pm Performance | Whitney Center For The Arts | 42 Wendell Ave | $20
On Saturday, the Jill Gallagher Band will be playing at the Downtown Pub, at the Crowne Plaza. Live music, drink specials and food. Come rock with us!! $5 cover.

Saturday, November 7 | 7pm-1am  | Downtown Pub | Crowne Plaza Hotel Pittsfield Berkshires | One West Street | 413-499-2000 | $5

Since marrying in 2002, two of Canada's brightest stars have been captivating audiences all over North America with their exceptional musical skills and obvious joy of performing together. Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy have received both industry-acclaim and a loyal fan following by combining their incredible individual talents, giving audiences a remarkable musical experience. Now, for the first time on stage, they'll feature their children alongside dancers and singers from their hometowns of Cape Breton and Lakefield, Ontario. The evening will highlight the unique talents, influences, and stories of the first family of traditional fiddlers through dancing, singing, and, of course, world-class music-making. 

Saturday, November 7 | 8pm | Colonial Theatre | 111 South Street | 413-997-4444 | $35-$65
 
The Farm to Glass Throwdown will pit 6 beloved local bartenders against each other as they craft cocktails with ingredients from the farmers market. Drinks will be judged by an all-star panel of judges as well as the "people's choice." Support local farmers, growers, makers and shakers, all to benefit the Downtown Pittsfield WINTER Farmers Market! Who will win "Farm to Glass Throwdown Champ" and "People's Choice Winner" awards? Come and help decide! $40, includes samples of first six cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a chance to win our Winter in the Berkshires gift basket. Dance party with DJ BFG.  Click here to purchase tickets.  
 
Sunday, November 8 | 5pm-8pm | Hotel On North | 297 North Street | 413-553-4210 | $40

This class is for users of Android Devices. We will cover common troubleshooting questions like "how do I install an app", "how do I delete an app", "how do I get myself connected to WiFi" and other issues that are raised within class. Registrants are encouraged, but not required, to bring their Android Device so they can troubleshoot and customize settings.

Monday, November 9 | 9:30am-11am | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480x5 | FREE

For the last 25 years, Edward Insley has been a tax accountant and management consultant, and now serves as CEO of Business Gravity. Insley will deliver a lively talk about how seniors can better plan their estates. His presentation will feature a slide presentation free of legalese and techno-babble that will document a story about a fictional senior couple and the challenges of planning their estate.

Monday, November 9 | 10:45am-12pm | Congregation Knesset Israel | 16 Colt Road | 413-445-4872 | FREE
 
There are three workshops at the Berkshire Carousel Studio this week. On Monday there is a jewerlery making class and on Wednesday and Thursday painting classes featuring landscapes and birds.
 
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, November 9, 11 & 12 | 6pm | The Berkshire Carousel Studio | 1440 East Street Suite #2 | 413-499-0457 | $25-$35
The Pittsfield High School Chamber Orchestra will  
perform their holiday concert.  Directed by the award winning music educator Alla Zernitskaya, the student musicians will perform a variety of compositions.  The PHS Orchestra, 22 strong, will be joined on the last three pieces by 13 7th and 8th grade student from Herberg Middle school.  Start the holiday season with the beauty of music at this free concert, sponsored by the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum. 
 
Tuesday, November 10 | 7pm | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 | FREE
 
Join us for STEM as we explore indoor and outdoor Science, Technology, Engineering and Math concepts. This program is designed for children ages 2 to 4 to teach concepts at a level where sensory exploration rules their world. Older and younger siblings are always welcome. Free, but reservations are required. Call 413-443-7171 x 334 or emailjwilliamson@berkshiremuseum.org.
 
Wednesday, November 11 | 10:30-11am | Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street |413-443-7171 | FREE with Museum admission
Wednesday: Veteran's Day Parade

Honor the men and women who have served our country this Veteran's Day at the annual parade and ceremony in downtown Pittsfield.  The gathering begins at City Hall at 9:45am, step off is at 10am and then travels south on North Street to South Street to the Peace Memorial.   

Wednesday, November 11 | 9:45am | Pittsfield City Hall | 70 Allen Street | FREE
 
1Berkshire presents its inaugural Creative Resources Conference at the Hotel on North. This exciting day-long program will connect artists and business owners in the regional creative economy to industry experts, services, resources, and best practices. Three workshops, six panels, 30 presenters, 110 attendees and keynote speaker Matt Stinchcomb is Executive Director at Etsy. Tickets include breakfast and lunch at Hotel on North, access to post-conference reception and party at Berkshire Museum.
 
Thursday, November 12 | 8:30am-6:30pm | Hotel On North | 297 North Street | 413-553-4210 | $95
Thursday: Play & Learn with Jenn at Berkshire Athenaeum

Come hear stories, sing songs and play some games! For ages 1 1/2 - 5. No registration required.

Thursday, November 12 | 10am | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 | FREE

The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires' Connecting with Community presents Healthy Living - "Your Swallow Mechanism & Voice: Changes Associated with Age," with Jane Apkin. Dysphagia, or swallowing difficulty, is a significant health issue affecting millions. Do you or someone you know have occasional difficulty with their voice or swallowing? The same muscles control both of these processes in our bodies. Speech pathologist Jane Apkin will deliver an interactive presentation with valuable information about maintaining or restoring the swallow mechanism and voice as one ages.

Thursday, November 12 | 10:45am-12pm | Congregation Knesset Israel | 16 Colt Road | 413-445-4872 | FREE
 
Meet with like-minded knitters at this open circle. All levels are welcome. This group meets every Thursday, from 2pm-4pm.
 
Thursday, November 12 | 3pm-5pm | Dottie's Coffee Lounge | 444 North Street | 413-443-1792 | NO COVER

Join the Junior League of Berkshire County for another amazing array of fantastic dishes from some of the hottest restaurants in Berkshire County. Watch our Restaurant List grow!Click here for a complete list.  Cash Bar and great silent auction items!  Purchase tickets through a JLBC member or online at www.jlbc.info

Thursday, November 12 | 5pm-8pm | Crowne Plaza Hotel Pittsfield Berkshires | 1 West Street | 413-499-2000 | $30 per person $50 per couple

This fall, Warren Miller Entertainment will release its 66th snow sports film, Chasing Shadows. Watch JT Holmes, Seth Wescott, Caroline Gleich, Steven Nyman, and more as they pursue turns in Chamonix, Alaska's Chugach, Utah's Wasatch and the mightiest range of them all: the Himalaya. These athletes are masters in their element, and with every cliff drop, perfect line and knee-deep powder turn, they motivate us. Take a glimpse into the world of the U.S. freestyle team and the dynamics of snow sports that live on the fringe, like mono skiing, power surfing and speed riding. Explore what it means to be inspired, and what it is about exotic locations and snow-covered summits that keep us searching for more.

Thursday, November 12 | 7:30pm | Colonial Theatre | 111 South Street | 413-997-4444 | $19
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