Cultural Pittsfield: Feb 3-9

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This Month: BCC Art Gallery Photo Show

The Berkshire Community College Art Gallery presents Photo Show, an exhibit by Larry Goldberg, on display through February 23 at Berkshire Community College's (BCC) gallery at the Intermodal Transportation Center. Photo Show is based on Goldberg's love for photographing flowers, particularly orchids.

Friday, February 3–Wednesday, February 22 | Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 2pm–5pm | Intermodal Transportation Center | corner of North Street/Columbus Avenue | 413-499-0886 | FREE


 

Friday: Bisque, Brush & Beverage Class

Bisque, Beads & Beyond offers this step-by-step instructional course teaching adults how to paint a fabulous Funky Heart Platter (photo left). All supplies are included, as well as snacks. This class is limited to 12 students. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Friday, February 3 | 6pm–8pm | Bisque, Beads & Beyond | 141 North Street | 413-442-9300 | $40


 

Norwegian Wood at the Little Cinema

The Little Cinema presents Norwegian Wood, a film based on the bestselling novel by Haruki Murakami with the same title. Norwegian Wood, set in tumultuous 1960s Tokyo, is the story of a teen romantic triangle. It features gorgeous cinematography and a genius soundtrack by Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood. In Japanese with English subtitles. Peter Bradshaw of the Guardian UK said Norwegian Wood is "beautifully made, well acted and offers a swoon of pleasure.”

Friday-Monday, February 3–6 | 7pm; + Monday 1:30pm | Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | $5


 

Ras Moon and Monsoon at Flavours

Flavours of Malaysia presents Ras Moon & Monsoon, a Cape Verdean reggae band, as part of its weekend series of live music entertainment. Rui Antonio Santos (Ras Moon) was born in the Cape Verdean Archipelago. Ras Moon's 2009 release, Live Every Day, reflects the evolution of his music, blending styles and languages into a unique world music offering.

Friday, February 3 | 10pm | Flavours of Malaysia | 75 North Street | 413-443-3188 | $5


 

Saturday: Music + Poetry at Berkshire Music School

The Berkshire Music School presents its Music with Poetry program, a unique combination of the music of BMS faculty member Alice Spatz and the poetry of Dennis Pollock, a lifetime local resident. The music is composed for BMS flute faculty member Norman Thibodeau.

Saturday, February 4 | 3pm | Taft Recital Hall | 30 Wendell Avenue | 413-442-1411 | FREE


 

Saturday: Benefit for Jon Valentine Jr. at the Back N9ne

The Back N9ne (located at the General Electric Athletic Association) hosts a benefit for Jon Valentine Jr., who is currently battling with osteosarcoma, stage-3 bone cancer. Rock out with local bands Live Wire and Legacy, while showing you're your support for this good cause. There will be food served and raffles.

Saturday, February 4 | 2pm–6pm | GEAA | 303 Crane Avenue | 413-212-6887 | $20 adults, children under 13 FREE


 

Saturday: Bousquet Apres Ski Party

Bousquet Ski Area hosts this exciting night of winter fun to benefit Berkshire Carousel. Lift tickets will be sold at a discounted price of $10 for skiing, snow boarding, and tubing. For those who aren't winter savvy, there will also be great local music and dancing for no cover, as singer/songwriters Tor Krautter (4pm), Tony Lee Thomas (7pm) and Billy Keane (8pm) perform acoustic sets. Following a poker-run race, a deejay will be playing hits in the loft from 9pm on. 

Saturday, February 4 | 6pm | Bousquet Ski Area | 101 Dan Fox Drive | 413-442-8316 | $10 lift ticket/FREE live music


 

Saturday: Liam Geddes & Friends at Barrington Stage


Barrington Stage Company hosts a live concert featuring music by extraordinary Irish recording artist & Irish Idol winner Liam Geddes & friends with Marissa Massery. Proceeds from the show go to benefit the St. Joseph's High School sports team trip this summer to Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland, Pittsfield's Sister City.

Saturday, February 4 | 7pm | Barrington Stage Company | 30 Union Street | 413-236-8888 | $20-$25


 

Saturday: Astronomy for Everyone

Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum presents Astronomy for Everyone: Size & Scale of the Universe, a discussion in which astrophysicist Kevin Manning shares details about the size and scale of the universe, the stars and other celestial wonders using hands-on activities and assorted visuals. Weather permitting, a telescope will be available for viewing the craters on the moon and other objects of the night sky.

Saturday, February 4 | 7pm | Berkshire Athenaeum | 1 Wendell Avenue | 413-499-9480 | FREE


 

Saturday: Misty Blues at Spice

Spice Dragon presents Misty Blues, a blues band that carrys on the tradition of classic blues performers. Misty Blues pays homage to the older blues music made popular by the bold and brassy women of its time, while still paying respect to the more contemporary female artist that carry on their rich traditions.

Saturday, February 4 | 9pm–12am | Spice Dragon | 297 North Street | 413-443-1234


 

Saturday: DJ Flexy and the Leezard at Chameleons

Chameleons Nightclub presents DJ Flexy, spinning all the club-thumping sounds you want to dance to. Adults 21 and over can enjoy dancing and drinks. Must have a valid ID.

Saturday, February 4 | 9pm-12am | Chameleons Nightclub | 1350 East Street | 413-499-2582 | $5 cover, ladies FREE until 10:10pm; $10 after 11:30pm


 

Sunday: Superbowl Parties Abound!

Brulees Restaurant hosts a Super Bowl Party with five flat screen TVs, draft specials and all-you-can-eat buffet with wings, Swedish meatballs, wraps and a nacho bar beginning at 5pm. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door.

The Beacon Cinema will screen the Super Bowl in high definition, with digital surround sound! A special gameday menu features beer, wine, and frozen drinks for adults; free popcorn and chips; and wings from Patrick's Pub. Admission is free.

Chameleons Nightclub hosts a Superbowl Party, full of drink specials, a buffet and plenty of giveaways! For adults 21 and over. $3 cover.


 
 

Monday: Mandy Patinkin Live on the Big Screen

Barrington Stage Company presents Live from NY's 92nd Street Y, a simulcast of the popular satellite-broadcast series. This week, Thane Rosenbaum speaks with Mandy Patinkin, whose career encompasses theater, film, television, recordings and the concert stage. Patinkin's Broadway credits include Evita, The Secret Garden, Sunday in the Park with George and solo concerts.

Monday, February 6 | 8pm | Barrington Stage Company Mainstage Theatre | 30 Union Street | 413-236-8888 | $10


 

Wednesday: Arts, Community & Local Politics

The Ferrin Gallery hosts a monthly series of creative discussions entitled Tricks of the Trade. February's session revolves around Art, Community, & Local Politics. Panelists include newly-elected Mayor of Pittsfield Dan Bianchi, State Senator Ben Downing, State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier and City Councilor of Pittsfield John Krol, and will be moderated by Massachusetts Creative Economy Director Helena Fruscio. Q & A with the audience will be encouraged!

Wednesday, February 8 | 6:30pm | Ferrin Gallery | 437 North Street | 413-442-1622 | FREE


 

Thursday: Writing a Love Poem Workshop

Valentine's Day is coming up and what could be a better gift to your beloved than a love poem written just for them! Berkshire Community College invites you to an evening writing workshop taught by Aaron Beatty on Writing a Love Poem. Participants read and examine a few classic and contemporary love poems, then utilize writing exercises to frame, compose and workshop their own love poem.

Thursday, February 9 | 6pm–9pm | Berkshire Community College | 1350 West Street | 413-236-2127 | $35



 

Taconic High Valentine Dinner & Concert

Taconic High School Music and Culinary Departments host its annual Valentine Dinner and Concert in the school's cafeteria. The concert will include performances by the Chorus, Honors Chorus, and Guitar Ensemble, while the Culinary Department will serve pasta marinara, pasta alfredo, meatballs, tossed salad with vinaigrette, rolls and chocolate sour cream cake. Reservations suggested!

Thursday, February 9 | 6pm | Taconic High School | 96 Valentine Road | 413-448-9634 | $12


 

Thursday: Pop-punkers Rosedale & Dividing the Skyline

Chameleons Nightclub presents Canadian punk-pop bands Rosedale, making its return to the Berkshires, and Dividing the Skyline, out of upstate New York. Rosedale is on tour in support of their new album Real. Dividing the Skyline is supporting their new release Maybe Next Year. Best of all it's an ALL AGES show!

Thursday, February 9 | 7pm–10pm | Chameleons Nightclub | 1350 East Street | 413-499-2582 | $8

Give Rosedale a listen here.


 

Thursday: T~Bone Daddy at The Garage

The Garage continues its inaugural music series with T~Bone Daddy. T~Bone Daddy is a rockin' blues band, plain and simple. From colorful renditions of cover tunes to original material, the trio produces a distinct vibe best felt in this intimate environment. 21 and over.

Thursday, February 9 | 9pm | The Colonial Theatre | 111 South Street | 413-997-4444 | FREE


 

Next Week: Young & Gifted Youth Auditions!

Berkshire County youth are invited to audition to be part of a youth performance showcase called Young & Gifted to be held Saturday, March 3rd, at 7pm at Barrington Stage Company's Main Stage. Singers, musicians, poets, dancers, actors, and others invited to audition at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts. School and studio group performers are welcome.

Friday & Wednesday, February 10 & 15 | 6pm | Lichtenstein Center for the Arts | 28 Renne Avenue | 413-499-9348


If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Lanesborough Town Meeting to Vote Budget, Bylaws & Vehicle Purchases

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Tuesday's annual town meeting includes a $14 million operating budget, new short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units and sign bylaws, and free cash article appropriations.

Voters will gather at Lanesborough Elementary School on June 9 at 6 p.m. to decide on 20 warrant articles.

The fiscal 2027 budget is up a little over 10 percent. Some of the main increases are the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School: the McCann assessment is up more than 30 percent based on factors including enrollment and the school renovation project, and Mount Greylock's is up 11 percent.

Article 11 is for the town to vote to approve from free cash the sum of $16,298.48 for the McCann Technical School roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. Article 3 is  appropriate $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School assessment.

Another notable increase was in life and health insurance, showing an increase of about 26 percent.

Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. One of the articles asks the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses.

Many town departments are looking for new vehicles. The Fire Department is looking to replace its outdated 1996 fire engine. There are two articles related to the truck at a total of $813,366. Article 12 would transfer $225,000 from free cash into the Fire Truck Stabilization Fund; Article 13 would transfer $605,000 from the fund and authorize the borrowing of $208,366.08.

The total includes a $100,000 contingency cost to cover any additional costs if a 2026 model-year chassis cannot be secured before new emissions standards go into effect in 2027.

The board at its last meeting moved the $225,000 transfer to come before the borrowing article, changing the stabilization number. If the $225,000 is not voted on, then they will amend the next article's number on the floor, subtracting the $225,000. This shows the borrowing number significantly lower.

Article 17 asks for the transfer of $80,000 from free cash to replace a police cruiser.

Police Chief Rob Derksen's aim is to replace one vehicle every other year, meaning the oldest vehicle gets replaced about every 10 years. 

He stressed that if delayed this year, the town may have to double up in a future year to get back on schedule, and that paying later usually costs more. The article will ask for $80,000 from free cash, the vehicles used to be funded by the BHRD.

Lastly, the Highway Department is looking to replace a 2014 International dump truck that will be a total of $330,000 and will take two to three years to receive.

Money will be used from last year's approval of $250,000 from free cash for the replacement of a 2012 highway front-end loader that was underspent $49,261. Town meeting is being asked to approve  a transfer of $53,274.85 from free cash and the use of $227,464 from funds from the Sale of Town Real Estate to fund the balance.

Other free cash proposals include $1,200 to purchase software to support tracking and ongoing maintenance schedules of town-owned vehicles; $42,000 for the replacement of the Highway Department's storage shed roof, $200,000 to reduce the tax levy.

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