Sweet Honey will perform in concert at MASS MoCA

Print Story | Email Story
(left to right) top row: Aisha Kahlil, Shirley Childress Saxton, Louise Robinson middle row: Carol Maillard, Arnaé, Nitanju Bolade Casel front: Ysaye Maria Barnwell ( Photo: Dwight Carter Studios )
North Adams - Sweet Honey in the Rock is an internationally renowned, Grammy Award-winning female a cappella ensemble that stretches deep roots into the sacred music of the black church—spirituals, hymns, gospel—as well as into jazz and blues, reggae, rap, hip hop, ancient lullabies and African chants. Evoking all the rich textures of African American legacy and traditions in transcendent vocal harmonies the group will perform in concert at MASS MoCA on Friday, March 18, at 8 P.M. According to The Washington Post, “To call a performance by Sweet Honey in the Rock supremely entertaining is barely to scratch the surface." Entertainment Weekly says, "The venerable choral septet revels in passionate gospel/blues/you-name-it workouts that could raise goose bumps on Formica.” Founded in 1973 by Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, Sweet Honey In The Rock consists of seven African American women who join their powerful voices and hand percussion instruments to create a blend of lyrics, movement, and narrative that variously relate history, point the finger at injustice, encourage activism, and sing the praises of love. The music speaks out against oppression and exploitation of every kind. The septet, whose words are simultaneously interpreted in uniquely expressive American Sign Language, demands a just and humane world for all. The group takes their name from Psalm 81:16 which promises a long-oppressed people that they will be fed by honey out of the rock. Honey is an ancient substance, sweet and nurturing; rock is an elemental strength, enduring the winds of time. The metaphor of sweet honey in the rock captures these women whose repertoire is steeped in the sacred music of the black church, the clarion calls of the civil rights movement, and songs of the struggle for justice everywhere. Dr. Reagon is a noted political activist, a Distinguished Professor at Washington's American University and a curator emeritus at the Smithsonian Institution. She also occasionally records solo albums and was a founder of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee Freedom Singers in the 1960s, and also writes songs as well as books. Before founding Sweet Honey in the Rock, she was the vocal director of the D.C. Black Repertory Theater. To Reagon, music is a means for affecting change in society, instilling a sense of heritage and cultural pride, and creating solidarity in the face of adversity, uniting people while simultaneously celebrating their differences. After 30 years of leading and singing with the ensemble, Dr. Reagon retired from Sweet Honey in February 2004 stating: “Making the commitment was just the beginning; we have worked very hard in many ways to create the way ahead for Sweet Honey to create her voice as our communal voice for justice and truth in the world.” The performance will be interpreted for the deaf and hearing impaired. Designated seats are available for deaf and hearing impaired patrons and should be requested from the box office when tickets are ordered. Tickets for Sweet Honey in the Rock are $32 for orchestra seats or $25 for mezzanine. MASS MoCA members receive a 10% discount. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams from 11 A.M. until 5 P.M. (closed Tuesdays). Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or purchased on line at www.massmoca.org.
Share
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Dalton Announces New Supplier for Energy Program

DALTON, Mass. – The Town of Dalton has signed a thirty-four month contract with a new supplier, First Point Power.
 
Beginning with the January 2026 meter reads, the Dalton Community Choice Power Supply Program will have a new rate of $0.13042 per kWh. The Program will also continue to offer an optional 100 percent green product, which is derived from National Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), at a rate of $0.13142 per kWh.
 
For Dalton residents and businesses who are enrolled in the Town's Program, the current rate of $0.13849 per kWh will expire with the January 2026 meter reads and the new rate of $0.13042 per kWh will take effect. This represents a decrease of $5 per month on the supply side of the bill given average usage of 600 kWh. Additionally, this new rate is 3 percent lower than Eversource's Residential Basic Service rate of $0.13493 per kWh. Residents can expect to see an
average savings of $3 per month for the month of January 2026. Eversource's Basic Service rates
will change on Feb. 1, 2026.
 
Dalton launched its electricity program in January 2015 in an effort to develop an energy program that would be stable and affordable. From inception through June 2025, the Program has saved residents and small businesses over $1.7 million in electricity costs as compared to Eversource Basic Service.
 
It is important to note that no action is required by current participants. This change will be seen on the February 2026 bills. All accounts currently enrolled in the Program will remain with their current product offering and see the new rate and First Point Power printed under the "Supplier Services" section of their monthly bill.
 
The Dalton Community Choice Power Supply Program has no fees or charges. However, anyone switching from a contract with a third-party supplier may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier. Ratepayers should verify terms before switching.
 
View Full Story

More Stories

Sports
image description

Lee Executes Game Plan to Perfection in Quarter-Final Win

Sports
Sports
image description

Lenox Volleyball Reaches State's Final Four

Sports
Sports
image description

Mount Greylock Boys Win 3rd Straight Regional Crown

Sports
Sports
image description

Mount Greylock Girls Again Top Monson in Western Mass Final

Sports
Sports
image description

Lenox Sweeps Its Way to Western Mass Crown

Sports
Community News
image description

North Adams License Commission Sees Little Need for License...

Community News
Latest Stories
Previous Next

What's Trending?