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Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Dec. 25-Jan. 7
12:27PM / Wednesday, December 23, 2015
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Office of Cultural Development | City of Pittsfield
 
 

We at the Office of Cultural Development want to
wish all of you a very happy and healthy holiday
season!

Here's to a wonderful 2016! 
 

Take a break during the holiday rush with a special treat from Assembly Coffee Roasters. The Pittsfield-based company will host a Pop-Up Holiday Café at the Museum, and will serve their specialty coffees, hot chocolate, and sweet and savory baked treats. A custom blend created for the Museum will be available by the cup and in 8 oz. bags for home preparation.
 
Saturday & Monday-Thursday, December 26 & 28-31 | During museum hours | Berkshire Museum | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 
  

 
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.
 
Saturday, December 26 | 11am & 2pm | Berkshire Museum | 39 South St. | 
413-443-7171 | Included with museum admission

 
David Grover & Grover's Gang will perform humorous and warm-hearted folk music for kids. This holiday-themed concert mixes originals like "Santa Musta Got Up on the Wrong Side of the Sleigh Today" with classics like "Little Drummer Boy" and "Away in a Manger," as well as songs about latkes and Hanukkah lights. 
 
Saturday, December 26 | 11am | Whitney Center for the Arts | 42 Wendell Ave. | 
413-443-0289 | FREE

 
This mouthwateringly entertaining film travels the globe to unravel a captivating culinary mystery. General Tso's chicken is a staple of Chinese-American cooking, but who was General Tso? And how did his chicken become emblematic of an entire cuisine? Director Ian Cheney journeys through Shanghai, N.Y., the Midwest and beyond to uncover the origins of this iconic dish, turning up surprising revelations and a host of humorous characters along the way.
 
Saturday-Monday, December 26-28 | Sat. 4pm & 7pm, Sun. & Mon. 7pm | Berkshire Museum | Little Cinema | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | $5 Museum Members, $7.50 Non Members 

 
Musician Todd McLeod will perform live in the restaurant.
 
Saturday, December 26 | 7:30 pm | Rainbow Restaurant | 109 First St. | 413-443-0004 | NO COVER

 
Mr. Doubtfire, with Alden Grover, will perform live at the A. Dress up at Mrs. Doubtfire to win a cash prize in the costume contest!
 
Saturday, December 26 | 9pm | Tavern at 
the A | 303 Crane Ave. | 413-442-3585 | $5

 
"A Berkshire Candlelight Christmas" will include seasonal readings and music. Teresa Mango, harp; Sarah Novak, soprano; and Joy Mullen, organ will help keep the season bright. The one-hour program will be followed by mulled cider and cookies in the Guild Room.

Sunday, December 27 | 4pm | St. Stephen's Episcopal Church | 67 East St. | 413-448-8276 | FREE 

 
In this crash-course camp, campers build their own robots and test the skills of their robotic creations in feats of strength, speed, and endurance. Each day will feature new challenges, robot designs, and tons of fun. No prior robot experience necessary. Space is limited to 10 campers. Ages 10+. Reservations required.
 
Monday-Thursday, December 28-31 | 9am-12pm | Berkshire Museum | Little Cinema | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171, ext. 360 | $150, $125 Museum member

Teens and tweens (those between the ages of 11-18) are invited for some decorating fun. All supplies will be provided, including frosting, sprinkles, candy and (of course!) cupcakes. Judging will be based on originality and creativity, with prizes awarded to the top three decorators. No registration required.
Monday, December 28 | 2pm | Berkshire Athenaeum | 1 Wendell Ave. | 413-499-9480 | FREE
  

 
Berkshire Children's Theater presents Disney's "The Jungle Book" Kids. On the run from Shere Khan, a ferocious tiger, a human boy named Mowgli is aided by an agile panther named Bagheera. Along the way, the two meet a sinister snake named Kaa, a herd of elephants, and a giant bear named Baloo, who teaches them the swingin' musical rhythms of the jungle.
 
Tuesday & Wednesday, December 29 & 30 | 11am & 2pm | Berkshire Museum | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | $15 adult, $8 child; Museum members $5 adult, $3 child; children 3 and under free

Warm your heart with Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. This holiday puppet spectacular features handcrafted marionettes, shadow puppets, masks, lavish costumes, vivid sets, a professional soundtrack, and a 9-foot parade puppet. No registration required. 
Tuesday, December 29 | 1pm | Berkshire Athenaeum | 1 Wendell Ave. | 413-499-9480 | FREE
  

 
Kids' open canvas class. Paint a design of your choice on a 12 x 12 canvas. All materials are included. Reservations required.
 
Tuesday & Wednesday, December 29 & 30 | 1pm | Dirty Brush Studios | 141 North St. | 413-442-9300 | $20

 
Welcome in the New Year Wild-West style. Grab a hat and lariat and practice your roping skills, pose for pictures among the cacti, then stop by the saloon to grab some grub and play some cards before you and your horse hit the trail.
 
Thursday, December 31 | 11am-2pm | Berkshire Museum | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | $15 adult, $8 child; Museum members $5 adult, $3 child; children 3 and under free

 
Young adult (age 10 and up) open canvas class. Choose from four designs to paint on a 16 x 20 canvas. All materials are included. Reservations required.
 
Thursday, December 31 | 1pm | Dirty Brush Studios | 141 North St. | 413-442-9300 | $28

 
New Year's Eve dinner at Mission will consist of oysters on the half shell and a four-course prix fixe meal for $5o per person. Add wine pairings for $70 per person. Email Missionbarandtapas@gmail.com for reservations.
 
Thursday, December 31 | 5:30 or 7:30pm | Mission Bar + Tapas | 438 North St. | $50, $70 with wine pairings

 
Celebrate the new year with Tantrum. Dinner tickets are almost sold out, but come at 9pm for dancing and champagne. The $10 dollar cover charge will benefit the Elizabeth Freeman Center. A la carte dining will be available for those joining after dinner. Space is extremely limited, so email yukicohen@gmail.com for tickets.
 
Thursday, December 31 | 7pm | Methuselah Bar and Lounge | 391 North St. | 413-344-4991 | $10 

 
Looking for something to do before you usher in the new year at midnight? Come paint with your date. Yes, beer and wine drinks are free! Reserve your seats today.
 
Thursday, December 31 | 7pm | 
Berkshire Paint and Sip | 305 North Street | 413-205-8346 | $35 per person

 
Celebrate New Year's Eve with the band Shepards Crossing. Enjoy a pre-concert buffet, music, champagne and snacks for $30. Or arrive later and pay $15 for music, snacks and champagne only.
 
Thursday, December 31 | Buffet at 7:30pm, Music at 9pm | Tavern at the A | 303 Crane Ave. | 413-442-3585 | $30 includes buffet, $15 music, champagne & snacks only


 
 
BerkshireFlirt and Hotel on North are teaming up to bring you a fun, flirty send-off to 2015. Dance your way into the new year. Eat on North will provide midnight snacks throughout the evening, and Drink on North will have a cash bar with all your favorite cocktails and beverages, including a featured pink drink. 
 
Tickets include a champagne toast, goodie bags with Pittsfield-made treats, a "Single & Mingle Lounge," dance cards, a photo booth, and hats, tiaras, and noisemakers for New Year's cheer.
 
Thursday, December 31 | 9pm | Hotel on North | 297 North St. | 413-442-3585 | $30 individual, $80 3-packs, $120 5-packs


 
 
Unlock a new year at this party which includes an elegant dinner catered by Mezze Catering, and a late-night dance party fueled by local and Brooklyn-based DJs.   The party takes place at Greylock Works in North Adams with shuttle buses (coordinated by Berkshire Shenanigans) leaving from Pittsfield.  Main Street Hospitality is also offering guests special rates at their properties, including Hotel on North.

Click here for more information.
  
Thursday, December 31 | Dinner 6pm Dance Party 8:30pm | Greylock Works | 508 State Road | North Adams  

 
Paint "Winter Tree Hugger" on a 16x20 canvas. Includes three hours of individualized instruction, premium acrylic paints and supplies. Reservations required.
 
Friday, January 1 | 1pm | Dirty Brush Studios | 141 North St. | 413-442-9300 | $30

Friday: First Night 5K at BCC

Start those new year's resolutions on January 1st  with the Berkshire Running Center First Night 5K Road Race.  LED lighted running caps (pictured left) to the first 200 registered.  Night of race registration and bib pick up is from 4-4:45pm.  Post race refreshments will take place inside Paterson Field House along with awards. 

Click here for more information.   
Friday, January 1 | 5pm | Berkshire Community College | 1350 West Street | 413-344-4472 | $25 pre-race $30 day of race

 
Art Lab features activities that create art with a Kitchen Ka-Boom science approach, offering kids chance to learn and explore. Is it science of art or is it the art of science? Try both at Art Lab! This week, create homemade watercolors and "snow dough."
 
Saturday, January 2 | 11am | Berkshire Museum | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | Included with museum admission 

 
Help prepare enticing feasts for the turtles, fish, chameleon, and even the blue-tongue skink in the Aquarium!
 
Saturday, January 2 | 12:30pm | Berkshire Museum | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | Included with museum admission  

 
In 2010, internationally acclaimed director Jafar Panahi was officially banned from filmmaking by the Iranian courts in reaction to his political activities. In Taxi, he lets the film unfold on its own as he drives a yellow cab through the vibrant streets of Tehran, picking up a diverse and representative group of passengers in a single day. Each man, woman, and child candidly expresses views of the world, of Western culture, of Sharia law, and of their daily lives and dilemmas while being interviewed by the curious and gracious driver/director.
 
Saturday-Monday, January 2-4 | Sat. & Sun. 7pm, Mon. 1:30pm & 7pm | Berkshire Museum | Little Cinema | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | $5 Museum Members, $7.50 Non Members

 
The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires' Connecting with Community series welcomes therapist Maggie Bittman, who will lead an inter-generational discussion and support group on "The Process of Aging."  
 
Monday, January 4 | 10:45am | 
Congregation Knesset Israel | 16 Colt Rd. | 413-442-4360, Ext. 15 | FREE

 
Town Players of Pittsfield is auditioning for multiple upcoming winter events, including staged readings of "Hearing Aid" by Pete Barry and "Senior Moments" by Frederick Stroppel. Needed are middle-aged and older men and women, and one younger woman. A fully staged production of "Ten Shorts" by Jerry Leventhal needs five men and five women of all ages. The fully staged production of "The Shape of Things" by Neil LaBute needs two men and two women, early to mid-twenties or anyone who can play that range.
 
Monday & Tuesday, January 4 & 5 | 6pm | 
Whitney Center for the Arts | 42 Wendell Ave. | 413-443-0289

 
All are welcome to attend the annual Kwanzaa celebration held by the Women of Color Giving Circle. Themes include purpose (nia) and unity (umoja). Snacks and entertainment provided.
 
Tuesday, January 5 | 6-8pm | St. Stephen's Church | 67 East St. | 413-448-8276

 
Join us for STEM as we explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. This program is designed for children ages 2 to 4 and their caregivers to teach concepts at a level where sensory and exploration rule their world. Older and younger siblings are always welcome to join in. Contact Jesseca Williamson to make your reservation at 413.443.7171 ext. 334 or by email at jwilliamson@berkshiremuseum.org.
 
Wednesday, January 6 | 10:30am | Berkshire Museum | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | Included with museum admission

 
In this offbeat mystery drama starring Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, and Parker Posey, and directed by Woody Allen, a tormented philosophy professor considers murdering a corrupt judge.
 
Wednesday, January 6 | 2pm | Berkshire Museum | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | $7.50, museum members $5

 
The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires' Connecting with Community series initiates a monthly discussion series moderated by attorney Edward Insley. The issues of the day will be discussed based on the input of attendees. Topics will be introduced by Insley, and discussion will reflect the interests of the participants.
 
Thursday, January 7 | 10:45am | 
Congregation Knesset Israel | 16 Colt Rd. | 413-442-4360, Ext. 10 | FREE

 
Enjoy the works of the in house artists at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts during this annual exhibit.  The opening reception takes place Friday, January 8.  The exhibit will be up through January 30.
 
Friday, January 8 | 4pm-6pm | 
Lichtenstein Center for the Arts | 28 Renne Avenue | 413-499-9348 | NO COVER  

 

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