MEMBER SIGN IN
Not a member? Become one today!
         iBerkshires     Berkshire Chamber     Berkshire Community College     City of Pittsfield    
Search
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Dec. 4-10
12:33PM / Friday, December 04, 2015
Print | Email  

Office of Cultural Development | City of Pittsfield
 
 

 
Tour the dual American West exhibitions, National Geographic Greatest Photographs of the American West and Go West, with a trained Museum docent. Learn about the cowboy life, from the origins of the rodeo to the inventor of the Stetson cowboy hat.
 
Friday & Saturday, December 4 & 5 | Fri. 2pm, Sat. 11am & 2pm | Berkshire Museum | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | Included with Museum admission

 
Enjoy over a dozen different art shows featuring work by more 20 accomplished regional artists in Pittsfield's bustling Upstreet Cultural District during the First Fridays Artswalk and all month long. 

Live Wreath Art Auction at the Licht, Life Burlesque Drawing at Dotties, a holiday reception and art show at Mary's Carrot Cake featuring watercolors by Marguerite Bride (pictured left), Michael Rousseau at the Hotel on North gallery and so much more! 
 
In most venues, artists will be present from 5-8pm. A free guided tour begins at 5pm at the Intermodal Center @ BRTA, 1 Columbus Ave., and a free after-party concert with the Dustbowl Faeries will be held from 8-10pm at the Whitney Center for the Arts.  

Friday, December 4 | 5pm-8pm | Upstreet Cultural District | 413-499-9348 | FREE

Wreath made by
Michael Vincent Bushy.
 
Going, going, gone! Celebrate the holidays at the Lichtenstein during the First Fridays Artswalk and go home with a work of art to hang on your door.  This will be a live auction of 50 wreaths created by regional artists with singing auctioneers Andy Kelly and Roy Burdick.   Preview starts at 5pm with food and drink by Mission Bar + Tapas, Balderdash Cellars and Big Elm Brewing.  The live auction begins at 6:30pm. All proceeds benefit Pittsfield Food Pantries.  Check or cash only please.

Click here to preview the wreaths.
 
Friday, December 4 | 5pm-7:30pm | 
Lichtenstein Center for the Arts | 28 Renne Ave. | 413-499-9348 | $10

 
Paint "Winter Woods" on a 16x20 canvas. Includes three hours of individualized instruction, premium acrylic paints and supplies. Reservations required.
 
Friday, December 4 | 6pm | Dirty Brush Studios | 141 North St. | 413-442-9300 | $30


Don't miss the lighting of the City of Pittsfield's official Holiday Tree!  The Taconic High School Chorus will perform a variety of carols before and after the ceremony.  Santa AND Mrs. Claus will arrive following the tree lighting, and free hot chocolate will be available, courtesy of Patrick's Pub. Those planning to attend the ceremony are asked to bring non-perishable food items that will be donated to the Christian Center's food pantry
 
Friday, December 4 | 6pm | Park Square | FREE

 
The fall season of the Fringe Music series wraps up with musical co-conspirators Meaghan Burke (cello, voice) and Carlos Cordeiro (clarinets) presenting a wide swath of new musical styles. 
 
Friday, December 4 | 7pm | Shire City Sanctuary | 40 Melville St. | 413-418-4113 | FREE

 
At once winsome and terrifying, charming and bold, the Dust Bowl Faeries is fast becoming an East Coast phenomenon. Ryder Cooley, a captivating performer, seems at times to be almost floating outward toward the audience. The band is an ethereal gothic folk band with a Dark Cabaret twist. Their unique, original songs have roots in gypsy, klezmer, and vaudeville. 
 
Friday, December 4 | 8pm | The Whitney Center for the Arts | 42 Wendell Ave | 413-443-0289 | 
NO COVER

 
Acclaimed actress Mélanie Laurent directs this drama about an adolescent friendship perched on the brink of obsession. When self-doubting 17-year-old Charlie meets the charismatic Sarah, they immediately form an intense bond. Sarah offers support for Charlie while her unstable mother copes with impending divorce. But their inseparable existence soon steers into dangerous territory. 
 
Friday-Monday, December 4-7 | Fri 4pm & 7pm, Sun-Mon 7pm, Mon 1:30pm | Berkshire Museum | Little Cinema | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | $5 Museum Members, $7.50 Non Members

The Dalton All Stars, featuring the Mullins brothers, Dan Teichert, and Jeffrey Dudziak, will rock the house. Join them as they ring in the holidays.
 
Friday, December 4 | 9pm | Tavern at the A | 
303 Crane Ave. | 413-442-3585 

 
The Cop on Top fundraiser for the Massachusetts Special Olympics returns to Berkshire Crossing. Officers will take to the roof after an opening ceremony Saturday morning at 9am, taking shifts, and some will stay overnight. At least one officer will be on top of the building until 5pm on Sunday. There will be giveaways, a bake sale and raffles, all to benefit the Special Olympics.
 
Saturday & Sunday, December 5 & 6 | 9am-5pm | Wal-mart in Berkshire Crossing | Hubbard Ave. 

 
Ashley Summers of Berkshire Bakes will guide you through the process of assembling a variety of delicious Hanukkah and Christmas sweets.
 
Saturday, December 5 | 10am | Berkshire Museum | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | Included with museum admission

 
The Berkshire Music School presents a celebration of winter holiday music plus a sing-along, sponsored by the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum.
 
Saturday, December 5 | 10am | Berkshire Athenaeum | 1 Wendell Ave. | 413-499-9480 | FREE    
 

 
Alchemy Initiative's 7th annual Handmade Holiday Festival is a curated holiday market featuring nearly 50 contemporary artisans and food producers. Free kids' craft activities with IS183 Art School of the Berkshires on Sunday. Click here for a full list of vendors.
                                                                                                    
Saturday & Sunday, December 5 & 6 | Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-3pm | Berkshire Community College's Paterson Field House | 1350 West St. | 413-499-4660 | NO COVER

 
The Outlet at Pine Cone Hill is hosting a craft fair featuring handmade goods including hats, gloves, ornaments, home décor, hair accessories, stuffed toys, textile accessories, and more. Purchase from a crafter and receive 20% off an in-store Outlet purchase of a wide variety of discontinued and second products, including bedding, sleepwear, area rugs, decorative pillows, napkins, and more.
 
There are also craft fairs at the Ralph Froio Senior Center, Sacred Heart and the Christian Assembly Church on Saturday. Click here for more information.
 
Saturday, December 5 | 10am-5pm | The Outlet at Pine Cone Hill | 125 Pecks Rd. | 800-442-8157 | NO COVER

 
Dance artist Stefanie Weber will teach classic jazz dance techniques: isolations, hinges, footwork, and moving phrases. Experience a seamless blend of choreography and freestyle movement that feels invigorating and effortless. Musical accompaniments will range from Billie Holiday to PJ Harvey. 
 
Saturday, December 5 | 10:15am | Berkshire Yoga Dance & Fitness | 55 North St., Suite 201 | 
413-418-4001 | $10

 
 
Get into the holiday spirit with David Grover! A long term Berkshire County's musical icon for kids, David Grover was Arlo Guthrie's lead guitarist before finding his calling, playing for kids. For 49 years, he has sung about respecting one another and the planet among other topics. Performing his brand of folk music everywhere from the White House to the Great Barrington Bandstand. With Emmy and Grammy nods, 17 children's albums. 
 
Saturdays in December | 11am | Whitney Center for the Arts | 42 Wendell Avenue |   
413-443-0289 | FREE

 
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, December 5 | 11am | Berkshire Museum | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | Included with museum admission  

 
Kiwanis Club of Pittsfield invites families to the annual "Afternoon with Santa." Free refreshments for children, games, crafts, Home Depot activities, and gifts from Santa.
 
Saturday, December 5 | 11:30am - 2:30pm | Boys and Girls Club | 16 Melville St. | 413-242-6363 | FREE

Saturday: On Earth Together Auditions at Lichtenstein Center for the Arts 

This is a community audition (all ages welcome) with Ronald K. Brown and Arcell Cabaug of EVIDENCE, A Dance Company.

On Earth Together features the music of Stevie Wonder and brings Brown's signature humanity, grace and generosity back to Berkshire County.  This residency and performance are part of a larger community engagement project, undertaken by The Center Series at the 62 Center for Theatre and Dance.  Click here to learn more about EVIDENCE.  
 
Saturday, December 5 | 1pm-4pm | Lichtenstein Center for the Arts | 28 Renne Ave | 413-597-2425 | NO COVER

Celebrating its 41st anniversary tour of The Nutcracker, The Albany Berkshire Ballet and dance students from area schools perform one of the world's best-loved ballets. The Nutcracker tells the story of young Clara and the magical dream she has one Christmas Eve.   
   
Saturday & Sunday, December 5 & 6 | Sat. 2:30 & 6:30pm, Sun 1:30 & 4:30pm | The Colonial Theatre | 111 South St. | 413-997-4444 | Price varies  

 
Paint "You Are My Sunshine" on a 16x20 canvas. Includes three hours of individualized instruction, premium acrylic paints and supplies. Reservations required.
 
Saturday, December 5 | 6pm | Dirty Brush Studios | 141 North St. | 413-442-9300 | $30

Back by popular demand, Mr. Doubtfire, fronted by the talented Alden Grover, returns to the A.
 
Saturday, December 5 | 9pm | Tavern at the A | 
303 Crane Ave. | 413-442-3585 | $5 

 
Embodied Judaism uses the method developed by Israeli physicist and martial artist Moshe Feldenkrais to explore spirituality through movement. Certified Feldenkrais teacher Josh Schreiber Shalem will lead this program for adults and teens.
 
Sunday, December 6 | 10am | Temple Anshe Amunim | 26 Broad St. | 413-442-5910 | Free for members, $10 for non-members 

 
Dottie's Coffee Lounge presents its 3rd Annual Holiday Jazz Brunch with musicians Andy Wrba and Ben Kohn.
 
Sunday, December 6 | 11am-1pm | Dottie's Coffee Lounge | 444 North St. | 413-443-1792 

 
Paint "Mother Bird" on a 16x20 canvas. Includes three hours of individualized instruction, premium acrylic paints and supplies. Reservations required.
 
Sunday, December 6 | 1pm | Dirty Brush Studios | 141 North St. | 413-442-9300 | $30

Kickwheel Ensemble Theater presents a reading of PASSAGE, its newest collaborative theater piece, along with three short works. The event is part of Climate Change Theatre Action, a joint initiative of worldwide readings and performances intended to bring awareness to climate change. PASSAGE follows two parallel stories through the Arctic - a failed 19th century expedition and a modern couple's luxury cruise.
 
Sunday, December 6 | 3pm | Shire City Sanctuary | 40 Melville St. | 413-236-9600 

Get into the holiday spirit with Andy Kelly and the Gypsy Jazz Ambassadors during their monthly jazz night at the Whit!  Refreshments available for purchase. 
 
Sunday, December 6 | 6pm-9pm | Whitney Center for the Arts | 42 Wendell Ave | 413-443-0289  

 
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is observed annually to honor the 2,403 victims killed in the attack on December 7, 1941. The Berkshire Veterans Coalition, guest speakers, color guards and honor guards will all be in attendance.
 
Monday, December 7 | 10am | Veterans Memorial | South St. 

 
This is a two-night workshop. Find out how to make gingerbread people soap in this fun and educational class. Cost includes all supplies and produces three soaps. (To make an extra three soaps, add $15.) Please call for reservations.
 
Monday & Tuesday, December 7 & 8 | 6:30pm | The Berkshire Carousel Studio | 1440 East St., Suite #2 | 413-499-0457 | $35

 
The School's holiday cabaret will feature performances by Kelley Cain, Cherri Cahalan, Paul Houston, Pam Knisley, Erika Martin, Theresa Sprague, Kim Yarter, and Director Sherri James Buxton, with accompanist Bob Shepherd.
 
Wine, cheese, coffee and desserts will be served.
 
Monday, December 7 | 7pm | Berkshire Music School | 30 Wendell Ave. | 413-442-1411 | $15 

 
Paint "Brooklyn Bridge" on a 16x20 canvas. Includes three hours of individualized instruction, premium acrylic paints and supplies. Reservations required.
 
Tuesday, December 8 | 6pm | Dirty Brush Studios | 141 North St. | 413-442-9300 | $30

 
Soldier On will hold a pasta dinner at the Elks Lodge to benefit the Eagle Santa Fund. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
 
Wednesday, December 9 | 5pm | Elks Lodge | 
27 Union St. | 413-822-7704 | Adults $10, Kids & Senior Citizens $5, Families $25

 
Moonshine Holler, the husband and wife duo comprised of Paula Bradley and Bill Dillof, will perform old-style Appalachian songs. No registration required.
 
Wednesday, December 9 | 7pm | Berkshire Athenaeum | 1 Wendell Ave. | 413-499-9480 | FREE

 
Learn to paint winter-themed flowers, nature and landscapes using acrylic paints with artist Teri Davis. Cost includes all art supplies. Please call for reservations.
 
Thursday, December 10 | 6pm | The Berkshire Carousel Studio | 1440 East St., Suite #2 | 413-499-0457 | $35

 
Zion Lutheran Church of Pittsfield presents the annual Christmas installment of its popular "Beer & Hymns" series of sing-alongs. The aim is to gather people together in a non-church space for a loud and lively night of popular Christmas carols and songs.
 
Thursday, December 10 | 7pm |
 Tavern at the A | 
303 Crane Ave. | 413-442-3585 | NO COVER

 

Berkshire Holiday Auction
 
The Berkshire Holiday Auction is under way! There are so many great holiday gifts to bid on, from dinners and spa services to theater tickets and behind-the-scenes tours.  See the items up for bid here. The auction ends December 10. Businesses are also invited to be featured in the auction by contributing - click here.

Fan Us On Facebook!        Follow Us On Twitter!

Comments
More Featured Stories
Pittsfield.com is owned and operated by: Boxcar Media 106 Main Sreet, P.O. Box 1787 North Adams, MA 01247 -- T. 413-663-3384
© 2008 Boxcar Media LLC - All rights reserved