Yo La Tengo to perform live score for surreal silent film

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North Adams - Featuring a live score by experimental indie rock trio Yo La Tengo, this event is as much concert as film – but the fish films, by revolutionary documentarian Jean Painleve, are stunning in their own right. In short, The Sounds of Science to be performed in MASS MoCA’s outdoor Cinema Courtyard at 9 P.M. on Saturday, July 9, is a “happening” and is tied intimately to MASS MoCA’s summer exhibition Becoming Animal. As Moviepie described a recent performance in Seattle: “Though the pairing of the atmospheric, reverb-heavy, and genuinely lovely music of Yo La Tengo and Painlevé's surreal, spooky, and downright space-alien-esque aqua-critters seems like a match made in heaven, it was obvious that the vast majority of the people there weren't Painlevé groupies. ‘YO! (La Tengo) I NEED A TICKET!’ cried one poor fella's poster out on the sidewalk at the sold-out show. Though he got points for being clever, it didn't score him entrance to the event.” The evening starts with a sassy, rock-n-roll musical warm-up by Yo La Tengo before they begin the musical accompaniment to the first of many short (most are 5-10 minute) documentaries. Each film focuses on one particular animal—the sea anemone, the minuscule "creeping" starfish, and the hermit crab all get their moments of big-screen glory. The factual subtitles offer both information about the creatures portrayed, as well as tongue-in-cheek commentary. Yo La Tengo's accompanying score offers the octopus a dark moody score, another bouncy squishy creature a playful and sweet soundtrack -- the shrimp the most toe-tapping piece. As the beasties cannibalize one of their weaker brethren, Yo La's drummer Georgia Hubley kicks up a beat simultaneously radio-friendly and vaguely sinister. Yo La Tengo is known for adventurous eclecticism, defiant independence, and restless creative ambition. So frequently compared to the Velvet Underground that they even portrayed the legendary group in the 1996 film I Shot Andy Warhol, the Hoboken, New Jersey-based unit explores the extremes of feedback-driven noise rock and sweetly melodic pop, shading its work with equal parts scholarly composure and fannish enthusiasm. Prolific and mercurial, Yo La Tengo ultimately transcended its myriad influences to ensconce itself as a beloved institution of the indie community. The core of Yo La Tengo (Spanish for "I've got it!") consists of singer/guitarist Ira Kaplan and his wife, drummer/vocalist Georgia Hubley, who formed the band in 1984 and were joined by bassist James McNew in the early ‘90s. Over the years the group has become known for sonic schizophrenia often including two Jekyll-and-Hyde versions of the same track -- one a gorgeous instrumental, the other a blistering feedback freakout. The films of Frenchman Jean Painlevé span the decades, from silent films starting in the 1920s, through his later work in full color, and ending with his last film in 1960. Famous for groundbreaking camera work and imagery at once gorgeous and utterly compelling, Painleve’s films have become cult favorites. The event is sponsored by Blue Q and the National Endowment for the Arts. The galleries will be open until 7:30 with a special admission price for ticket-holders. Seating will start at 8 P.M. Food and drink from Lickety Split and the MASS MoCA bar will be available before and during the event. Tickets for Sound of Science with Yo La Tengo are $22 in advance or $26 the day of the show. 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) through June 20 and from 10 – 6 daily after July 1. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or purchased on line at www.massmoca.org. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside to the Hunter Center.
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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.
 
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