Williamstown Jazz Festival Returns in April

WILLIAMSTOWN - The Williamstown Jazz Festival returns to Williams College from Wednesday, April 9, through Thursday, April 17.

The week will feature many free events and some with moderate ticket prices. Many venues will be hosting festival-related events, including the '62 Center for Theatre and Dance, the Clark Art Institute, Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, the Orchards Hotel, Spice Root, St. John's Episcopal Church and Cafe Latino. All events are open to the public.

The festival will kick off with a monthlong photo exhibit in the '62 Center of works by Donn Young, the official photographer for the Port of New Orleans. Young will also speak about post-Katrina New Orleans in "40 Days and 40 Nights," which will feature his photographs, on Friday, April 11, at 4:30 p.m. at the center.

Continuing the New Orleans theme, dance instruction will be taught by Cajun and zydeco expert Susan Huppe to prepare those participating in the Zydeco Dance Party featuring C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band on Friday, April 11, at 8 p.m at Mass MoCA.

The festival will feature multiple ensembles playing in the Intercollegiate Jazz Festival, this year to be adjudicated by Charles Ellison and Gary Smulyan on Friday, April 11, from noon to 4 and Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the '62 Center. Gospel artists Kim and Reggie Harris will be performing on Friday, April 11, at 6:30 p.m. at St John's.

Headlining the festival will be the Robert Glasper Trio, opening for the Joe Lovano Quartet on Saturday, April 12, at 8:30 p.m. at the center. Freddie Bryant will appear on Sunday, April 13, at 2 at Williams College Museum of Art and Gabriela Montero will perform on Wednesday, April 16, at 8 p.m. at the Clark.

Other events include the films "Left Behind in Louisiana" and "South of Ten" on Thursday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. at Mass MoCA, postconcert open jam sessions, a Dixieland brunch with music, and an art assembly.

The festival is sponsored by the Williams department of music, the '62 Center, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Berkshire Bank, Gala and Orchards Hotel, Spice Root, St. John's, the Williams Inn, Berkshire Hills Motel, Banknorth, Cafe Latino, JAM, Mass MoCA, WCMA, the High Meadow Foundation, the Mohawk Trail Association and Williamstown Chamber of Commerce.

For a complete list of events, click here.

Williamstown Board Opts to Negotiate with College on Water St. Lot

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:04AM / Tuesday, June 09, 2026

Newly elected board member Nate Budington, far left, participates in his first in-person meeting along with, from left, Matt Neely, Stephanie Boyd, Peter Beck, Shana Dixon and Town Manager Robert Menicocci.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.

 

But the board members made it clear that the college's proposal to acquire the lot is a starting point, not a final deal that the elected officials would accept.

 

"For the sake of continued conversation, I'm in favor of [awarding Williams the site], but if this process wasn't continued with the opportunity for further negotiation, I wouldn't vote to continue this," Peter Beck said. "I think that next step is necessary for us to get to a yes on this."

 

"I think there's wide agreement on that," Matthew Neely said just before the 5-0 vote to enter talks with the college.

 

Williams was the sole respondent to a town-issued request for proposals to develop the former town garage site, currently a dirt lot.

 

The college's stated intent is to build a new Facilities office and create up to 170 parking spaces at 59 Water Street. That use will allow the college to redevelop the current Facilities building site and parking lot as part of a reconception of the school's indoor athletic and recreation facilities.

 

Under the terms of the RFP, the college's proposal was subjected to review by an ad hoc advisory committee to the town manager, who brought the question to the Select Board. That board will have the final say on any purchase and sales agreement.