Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Nov. 9 - Nov. 15

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Diva Night  

Friday:  Diva Night at Bisque Beads & Beyond

It's the last Diva Night of 2012!  Celebrate with all the Divas in your life while sharing the fun & freedom of being creative. Paint pottery, try mosaics, create a beaded masterpiece or play in the fused glass center.  Other fun Diva Night features include a bingo game every hour, great food – including the Diva Chocolate Fountain, win Diva dollars for free merchandise and more.  Seats are limited, so preregistration is required.

Friday, November 9 | 5:30pm-9pm | Bisque Beads & Beyond | 141 North Street | 413-442-9300 | $10 cover charge + cost of project


Beer and Wine Tasting  

Friday: Beer and Wine Tasting 

The Pittsfield Family YMCA hosts a Beer & Wine Tasting fundraiser at Berkshire Hills Country Club Friday evening.  Explore rich, compelling selections of beer and wine along with light appetizers. Stroll through the silent auction and stay past 8pm for the DJ. All proceeds benefit the Y's Reach Out for Youth Campaign which provides financial assistance for youth memberships, childcare, camps, programs and more.  You must be at least 21 years old to attend.

Friday, November 9 | 6pm-8pm+ | Berkshire Hills Country Club | 500 Benedict Road | 413-499-7650 x 12 | $25


Monty Python Holy Grail  

Friday, Sunday & Monday: Monty Python & the Holy Grail 

The classic film that inspired the Broadway hit Spamalot returns to the big screen – for the first time ever in high definition!  Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a 1975 British BBC comedy film, written and performed by the comedy group Monty Python (Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin), and directed by Gilliam and Jones.

Friday, Sunday & Monday, November 9, 11, 12  | Fri & Sun 7pm Mon 1:30pm & 7pm | Little Cinema at the Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | $5


Henry IV  

Friday: Henry IV at Taconic High School  

Taconic Theatre presents Henry IV, Part 1 as part of the Fall Festival of Shakespeare.  Henry IV, Part I depicts a span of history that begins with Hotspur's battle at Homildon against the Douglas late in 1402 and ends with the defeat of the rebels at Shrewsbury in the middle of 1403.

Friday, November 9 | 7pm | Taconic Theatre | 96 Valentine Road | 413-448-9634 | $7


Matt Cusson  

Friday: Matt Cusson at the Garage 

Pittsfield native Matt Cusson is an award-winning singer/songwriter and pianist. He excels in jazz, pop, and soul, as demonstrated on his critically acclaimed self-titled debut album of 2009. That same year, Matt won the John Lennon Songwriting Contest's top annual prize for his song One of Those Nights. Learn about his approach to songwriting, his inspiration and the way he overcomes the various challenges of creating a song at a songwriting workshop before the concert.

Friday, November 9 | Concert 8pm Songwriting Workshop 4pm | The Garage at The Colonial Theatre | 111 South Street | 413-997-4444 | $15


Matchstick Architects  

Friday: Live Music at Flavours

Matchstick Architects will be rocking the house at Flavours of Malaysia.  The band plays their own brand of driving original rock music and a selection of cover material. For adults 21 and over.

Friday, November 9 | 10pm | Flavours of Malaysia | 75 North Street | 413-443-3188 | $5


I Live in Stockbridge  

Saturday: I Live in Stockbridge Book Signing 

Susan Geller and Susan Merrill will be at Gallery 25 for a book signing of I Live in Stockbridge, a children's history of the town. Originally published in 1976, it has been republished and updated by its author Susan Geller and illustrator Susan Merrill.  Geller and Merrill collaborated on the 48-page account of the town they remember from their own childhoods.

Saturday, November 10 | 12pm-1pm | Gallery 25 | 25 Union Street | ILiveInStockbridge@gmail.com | FREE


Tempest  

Saturday:  Met Opera: The Tempest Live in HD 

The Met: Live in HD season continues with The Tempest. Composer Thomas Adès conducts the Metropolitan Opera premiere of his own work, with baritone Simon Keenlyside starring as Prospero. Director Robert Lepage recreates the interior of 18th-century La Scala in this inventive staging.

Saturday, November 10 | 12:55pm | The Beacon Cinema | 57 North Street | 413-358-4780 | $25


Joseph Firecrow  

Saturday & Sunday:  Native American Festival at Berkshire Museum

Don't miss the Chief Konkapot Festival of Native American Culture and History, presented in partnership with Healing Winds and the exhibition Rethink! American Indian Art at the Berkshire Museum.  The festival features the rich history and culture of the Mohawk and Nipmuck tribes, conveyed through storytelling, music, and ritual. The performers are Jerry Thundercloud McDonald, Joseph Firecrow (pictured left), Larry Spotted Crow Mann, and Sandy Rhodes.

Saturday & Sunday, November 10 & 11 | Sat 1pm & 7pm Sun 1pm & 3pm | Berkshire Museum | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | $3-$20  


Bobby Sweet  

Saturday:  Habitat for Humanity Benefit 

Local singer-songwriter Bobby Sweet hosts the annual Giving Thanks Fundraising Benefit Concert for the Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity.  The evening includes a farm-to-table dinner and a show featuring Bobby Sweet and his BSweet Band, with special guests Jordan Weller and the Feathers.  There will be numerous raffles, including one for 500 gallons of home heating oil or propane, donated by Brown Oil.

Saturday, November 10 | Dinner 5pm-7pm Concert 7pm | First United Methodist Church | 55 Fenn Street | 413-442-3181 | Dinner $10/ Concert $10


I Own A Theatre Gala  

Saturday:  I Own A Theatre Gala Celebration at the Colonial Theatre

Celebrate Berkshire Theatre Group's Education Programs with an evening of theatrical surprises with Master of Ceremonies Ralph Petillo (pictured left).  Mingle and munch throughout the theatre with surprise pop up entertainment followed by a dance party with DJ BFG in The Garage and late night munchies. Funky festive and fun attire. Leave the ties and heels at home!

Saturday, November 10 | 6pm-11pm | The Colonial Theatre | 111 South Street | 413-997-4444 | $75-$500


Open Mic Night at Marketplace Cafe  

Saturday:  Young Artists Open Mic Night!

The Marketplace Cafe in Pittsfield's Upstreet Cultural District hosts young artist open mic nights each month, inviting any and all local talent 21 years old and younger to share their performing skills in its intimate environment for many to listen to and enjoy. Come check out the talents of the next generation!

Saturday, November 10 | 6:30pm–8:30pm | The Marketplace Cafe | 53 North St. | 413-358-4777 | No cover


 
Sideways  

Saturday:  Dinner and a Movie at Dottie's

Go on a date night at Dottie's for dinner and movie.  A screening of the movie Sideways and pairing Dottie's four course dinner with select Pinot Noirs. The menu includes salmon, linguini in a creamy wild mushroom sauce, chicken, and more. All inclusive. 

Saturday, November 10 | 7pm | Dottie's Coffee Lounge | 444 North Street | 413-684-0870 | $70


Gypsy Lane  

Saturday:  A Night of Cabaret & Burlesque!

Join Gypsy Layne Cabaret & Company as they step back in time to the speakeasy era, Midnight in Paris style.  Let the Gypsies dazzle you with bathtub gin, a poetry brothel and the Charleston. Get ready for some fun, laughs, and good times.  Featuring special guest star Prudi Fresh and opening and closing music by DJ Deify. Reservations are encouraged.

Saturday, November 10 | Doors 0pen 8pm/ Show 9pm | Upstairs at Spice Dragon | 297 North Street | 413-443-1234 | $20


Shredvember  

Sunday:  Shredvember at the Pittsfield Skate Plaza

The weather gets a little cooler, but the shredding doesn't stop. Join The Garden at the Pittsfield Skate Plaza for another raucous Skate/BMX Jam, where you can show off your chops on the pipes and rails or watch as other talented riders throw down big tricks. For beginners and amateurs, there will be prizes, giveaways and raffles.

Sunday, November 11 | 12pm | Pittsfield Skate Plaza | 300 East Street | 413-442-9088 | $5


Veteran's Day  

Monday:  Veterans Day Parade

Honor the men and women who have served our country in the military and in harm's way this Veterans Day at the annual parade and ceremony in downtown Pittsfield. The parade, which features veterans groups and both the Pittsfield High School and Taconic High School marching bands, steps off at 10am from Fenn Street, heading down North and South Streets to the Peace Memorial on Veterans Way for a ceremony featuring William Sturgeon as the keynote speaker.

Monday, November 12 | 10am | Begins at 70 Allen Street | Free


Pecha Kucha  

Tuesday:  PechaKucha Night 

Rescheduled from Hurricane Sandy, Berkshire Museum hosts the fourth outing of the popular worldwide event featuring quick, creative, fun presentations by all kinds of folks.  PechaKucha, literally translated as "chit chat” or "blah blah” in Japanese, was created in Tokyo in 2003 as an opportunity for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. Refreshments included!

Tuesday, November 13 | 7pm | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | $5 or FREE for Museum Members


NaNoWriMo  

Wednesday+:  NaNoWriMo Write-Ins at Berkshire Athenaeum 

The celebration continues for November's National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo.  More than 650 regional volunteers in more than 60 countries will hold write-ins, hosting writers in coffee shops, bookstores, and libraries. Write-ins offer a supportive environment and surprisingly effective peer pressure, turning the usually solitary act of writing into a community experience.

Wednesday, November 14 & 28 | 1pm-7pm |  Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Avenue | www.nanowrimo.org | FREE


Brooklyn Brewery Dinner at Mission  

Wednesday:  Brooklyn Brewery Dinner at Mission 

Chef James Burden and Brooklyn Brewery have teamed up to put together 4 courses of seasonally inspired dishes each featuring beer pairings from  Brooklyn Brewery. The Brooklyn Brewery's John Williams will be here from Brooklyn to talk about their beers and food pairings. Please purchase your ticket in advance at Mission.  

Wednesday, November 14| 6pm | Mission Bar + Tapas | 438 North Street | No Phone | $40 (tax + gratuity not included)


Pittsfield Babe Ruth  

Wednesday:  Babe Ruth Banquet of Champions at ITAM Lodge  

Come say Hip Hip Hooray! The Babe Ruth Banquet of Champions honors the 15 year old World Series Team and New England Regional Champions. All proceeds from the pasta & meatball dinner will benefit the Pittsfield Babe Ruth League.

Wednesday, November 14 | 6:30pm |  ITAM Lodge | 22 South Shore Street | 413-446-6546 | $12


All That Glitters  

Thursday: All That Glitters at Crawford Square

Get a jump on your holiday shopping and join the merchants at Crawford Square for a pre-holiday party. Refreshments will be served. Come fill out your holiday wish list at Ancient Language Collection, Pateez Boutique, Unusual Wedding Rings & More, Jess-et-Mia, and more!

Thursday, November 15 | 5pm-8pm | Crawford Square | 137 North Street | 413-499-0008 | NO COVER


Apocalyptic Planet  

Thursday:  Apocalyptic Planet at the Lichtenstein

NPR commentator Craig Childs, author of a new book entitled Apocalyptic Planet: Field Guide to the Everending Earth, speaks about his journey to some of the harshest environments on our planet and his discoveries of just how swiftly the earth can change. Orion magazine editor Jennifer Sahn will introduce him. The book, an exhilarating, surprising exploration of our planet, takes readers on a firsthand journey through apocalypse, touching the truth behind the speculation.

Thursday, November 15 | 7pm | Lichtenstein Center for the Arts | 28 Renne Avenue | 413-499-9348 | FREE


Flow State  

Thursday:  Warren Miller's Flow State at the Colonial Theatre

Warren Miller Entertainment brings you its 63rd film, Flow State. The Flow State is a place of such singular focus and connection with the environment that, here, the faster you ride, the slower time passes. Enter the Flow State with host Jonny Moseley and other world-class athletes like Colby West, Jess McMillan and David Wise as they throw down some of the most impressive action that Warren Miller Entertainment has ever captured.

Thursday, November 15 | 7:30pm | The Colonial Theatre | 111 South Street | 413-997-4444 | $21

 


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Crosby/Conte Statement of Interest Gets OK From Council

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Architect Carl Franceschi and Superintendent Joseph Curtis address the City Council on Tuesday.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — With the approval of all necessary bodies, the school district will submit a statement of interest for a combined build on the site of Crosby Elementary School.

The City Council on Tuesday unanimously gave Superintendent Joseph Curtis the green light for the SOI to the Massachusetts School Building Authority by April 12.

"The statement I would make is we should have learned by our mistakes in the past," Mayor Peter Marchetti said.

"Twenty years ago, we could have built a wastewater treatment plant a lot cheaper than we could a couple of years ago and we can wait 10 years and get in line to build a new school or we can start now and, hopefully, when we get into that process and be able to do it cheaper then we can do a decade from now."

The proposal rebuilds Conte Community School and Crosby on the West Street site with shared facilities, as both have outdated campuses, insufficient layouts, and need significant repair. A rough timeline shows a feasibility study in 2026 with design and construction ranging from 2027 to 2028.

Following the SOI, the next step would be a feasibility study to determine the specific needs and parameters of the project, costing about $1.5 million and partially covered by the state. There is a potential for 80 percent reimbursement through the MSBA, who will decide on the project by the end of the year.

Earlier this month, city officials took a tour of both schools — some were shocked at the conditions students are learning in.

Silvio O. Conte Community School, built in 1974, is a 69,500 square foot open-concept facility that was popular in the 1960s and 1970s but the quad classroom layout poses educational and security risks.  John C. Crosby Elementary School, built in 1962, is about 69,800 square feet and was built as a junior high school so several aspects had to be adapted for elementary use.

Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi said the walkthrough was "striking" at points, particularly at Conte, and had her thinking there was no way she would want her child educated there. She recognized that not everyone has the ability to choose where their child goes to school and "we need to do better."

"The two facilities that we are looking at I think are a great place to start," she said.

"As the Ward 6 councilor, this is where my residents and my students are going to school so selfishly yes, I want to see this project happen but looking at how we are educating Pittsfield students, this is going to give us a big bang for our buck and it's going to help improve the educational experience of a vast group of students in our city."

During the tour, Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey, saw where it could be difficult to pay attention in an open classroom with so much going on and imagined the struggle for students.

Councilor at Large Alisa Costa said, "we cannot afford not to do this" because the city needs schools that people want their children to attend.

"I know that every financial decision we make is tough but we have to figure this out. If the roof on your house were crumbling in, you'd have to figure it out and that's where we're at and we can't afford to wait any longer," she said.

"We can't afford for the sake of the children going to our schools, for the sake of our city that we want to see grow so we have to build a city where people want to go."

Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso, who served on the School Building Needs Commission for about 18 years, pointed out that the panel identified a need to address Conte in 2008.

Curtis addressed questions about the fate of Conte if the build were to happen, explaining that it could be kept as an active space for community use, house the Eagle Academy or the Adult Learning Center, or house the central offices.

School attendance zones are a point of discussion for the entire school district and for this project.

"At one time I think we had 36 school buildings and now we have essentially 12 and then it would go down again but in a thoughtful way," Curtis said.

Currently, eight attendance zones designate where a student will go to elementary school. Part of the vision is to collapse those zones into three with hopes of building a plan that incorporates partner schools in each attendance zone.

"I think that going from eight schools to three would be easier to maintain and I think it would make more sense but in order to get there we will have to build these buildings and we will have to spend money," Kavey said, hoping that the city would receive the 80 percent reimbursement it is vying for.

This plan for West Street, which is subject to change, has the potential to house grades pre-kindergarten to first grade in one school and Grades 2 to 4 in another with both having their own identities and administrations. 

The districtwide vision for middle school students is to divide all students into a grade five and six school and a grade seven and eight school to ensure equity.

"The vagueness of what that looks like is worrisome to some folks that I have talked to," Lampiasi said.

Curtis emphasized that these changes would have to be voted on by the School Committee and include public input.

"We've talked about it conceptually just to illustrate a possible grade span allocation," he said. "No decisions have been made at all by the School Committee, even the grade-span proposals."

School Committee Chair William Cameron said it is civic duty of the committee and council to move forward with the SOI.
 
He explained that when seven of the city's schools were renovated in the late 1990s, the community schools were only 25 years old and Crosby was 35 years old.  The commonwealth did not deem them to be sorely in need of renovation or replacement.
 
"Now 25 years later, Crosby is physically decrepit and an eyesore. It houses students ages three to 11 in a facility meant for use by teenagers,"
 
"Conte and Morningside opened in the mid-1970s. They were built as then state-of-the-art schools featuring large elongated rectangles of open instructional space. Over almost half a century, these physical arrangements have proven to be inadequate for teaching core academic skills effectively to students, many of whom need extra services and a distraction-free environment if they are to realize their full academic potential."
 
He said  the proposal addresses a serious problem in the "economically poorest, most ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse area" of the city.
 
Cameron added that these facilities have been deemed unsatisfactory and need to be replaced as part of the project to reimagine how the city can best meet the educational needs of its students.  He said it is the local government's job to move this project forward to ensure that children learn in an environment that is conducive to their thriving academically.
 
"The process of meeting this responsibility needs to begin here tonight," he said.
 
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