Cultural Pittsfield This Week: May 3-9
 |
||
 |
Friday: First Anniversary of Artswalk! Join us in celebrating one year of First Fridays Artswalks in upstreet Pittsfield! As always enjoy new art by dozens of terrific artists in unique upstreet shops, restaurants and cultural hotspots! Click here for the Artswalk map & guide and more information on a NEW Artsbuck promotion! Friday, May 3 | 5pm-8pm | Upstreet Cultural District | 413-499-9348 | FREE |
|
|
|
||
 |
Friday-Sunday: Last Weekend of Baby Animals at Hancock Shaker Village This is the last weekend to check out Hancock Shaker Village's Baby Animals on the Shaker Farm. This spring celebration is one of the most exciting times of the year at the Village, when scores of baby lambs, piglets, calves, goats, ducklings and chicks arrive at the historic Round Stone Barn. Visitors get to meet and greet the baby animals and participate in fun, Shaker-themed craft activities in the Discovery Room. Friday-Sunday | 10am-4pm | Hancock Shaker Village | 1843 West Housatonic Street | 413-443-0188 | $17 adults, $8 children, children 12 and under FREE |
|
|
|
||
 |
Friday-Monday: Barbara at Little Cinema Barbara Wolff is a young doctor who has applied for an exit visa from the GDR and, as punishment, has been transferred from her prestigious post in Berlin to a small pediatric hospital in the country. Barbara is a story of self-sacrifice and freedom and quiet heroism at a time and place when such values are at a premium. A New York Times critics' pick! In German with subtitles. Friday-Monday, May 3-7 | Fri-Mon 7pm Mon 2pm | Little Cinema at the Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | $5 Members $7.50 Non Members |
|
|
|
||
 |
Friday: Williams College Jazz Group The Williams College Jazz Group, an ensemble comprising talented students and headed by Andy Jaffe performs at Baba Louie's Backroom. The student members come from around the country and around the world: Max Dietrich, baritone sax (Newton, Mass.); Nina Kumar, drums (Larchmont,N.Y.); Thobo Mogojwe, vocals (Botswana); Chris Janson, bass (Darien,Conn); Jack Schweighauser guitar (Lake Forest, IL). The pianist and leader is Andy Jaffe, the Lyell B.Clay Artist in Residence in Jazz and Director of Jazz Activities at Williams College. Regular dinner fare will be available at Baba Louie's. Friday, May 3 | 7:30pm | Baba Louie's | 34 Depot Street | 413-499-2400 | NO COVER |
|
|
|
||
 |
Friday: Metal/Punk Night at Chameleons Don't miss the western Mass debut of Manamana! Imagine the Muppets fronting a metal band and you get the idea! Manamana (Muh-Nah-Muh-Nah) is the embodiment of professionalism and musicianship combined with an electrifying live experience that won't be forgotten. Also performing for the first time in the Berkshires is Hard Soul. Lentner, Apollo's Creed, and Amerikan Citizens will also be making an appearance. Friday, May 3 | 8pm | Chameleons | 1350 East Street | 413-499-2582 | $6 21+ $8 18-20 |
|
|
|
||
 |
Friday: Live Music at Flavours Flavours of Malaysia presents Live Wire Friday. Live Wire is a high energy party band specializing in rock, alternatives, classics and covers. For adults 21 and over. Friday, May 3 | 9:30pm | Flavours of Malaysia | 75 North Street | 413-443-3188 | $5 |
|
|
|
||
 |
Saturday: Art With Heart at Moments House Moments House offers a free art program where participants create art projects that serve as gifts at the local treatment office for cancer patients. They are meant to brighten their day and remind them that their friends and neighbors are thinking of them and supporting them during their cancer journey. These workshops are open to kids of all ages. First Saturday of every month | 10am-12pm | Moments House | 194 Fenn Street | 413-443-6800 | FREE |
|
|
|
||
 |
Saturday: Free Genealogy Workshop The Berkshire Athenaeum hosts a free, full day genealogy workshop for beginners or those without any experience with family history research. The workshop will offer tips on using local, state and federal resources, including information about what is currently available online and guidance on what must be sought in physical records. The workshop is free and open to the public; and there is no registration is required. Saturday, May 4 | 10am-4:30pm | Berkshire Athenaeum | 1 Wendell Avenue | 413-499-9480| FREE |
|
|
|
||
 |
Saturday: Jonathan Epstein at BCC One of the Berkshire's favorite actors, Jonathan Epstein, has played kings, clowns and everything in between from Lear, Richard III and Macbeth to Touchstone, Feste and Dogberry on and off Broadway, from London to Lenox, notably at Shakespeare & Co. He is a two-time recipient of Boston's Elliot Norton award for Outstanding Actor. Enjoy a free talk Saturday morning with him on the drama of Shakespeare's sonnets. Saturday, May 4 | 10:30am | Berkshire Community College | Koussevitzky Arts Center | 413-236-4564 | FREE |
|
|
|
||
 |
Saturday: Berkshire Idol Semi-Finals at Barrington Stage Company More than 80 contestants will compete for the top 24 finalist spots of the biggest Berkshire Idol event in its history. The 7-11 age group will compete at 1pm , the 12-16 age group at 3:30pm, and the 17 to adults at 6:30 pm. Tickets are good for all day in/out access to the show, and available at the Barrington Stage Company Box Office the day of the show. Eight finalists in each group will be selected to move on to Finals Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 6:30 PM. There will also be musical appearances by last year's Idols and special guest artists. Saturday, May 4 | 1pm | Barrington Stage Company | 30 Union Street | 413-236-8888 | $12/FREE Kids Under 6 |
|
|
|
||
 |
Saturday: A Live Sampling Workshop at Wood Brothers This clinic with Jack Waldheim will demonstrate basic looping as well as provide an overview of what can be accomplished with an instrument or voice, a looper, and your imagination. Whether you have looped before or are just looking to start, this clinic will have plenty to offer any level of player. This is not just for guitarists, this clinic will cover looping of microphone sources including vocals, and a myriad of other instruments to build complex beats and sound-scapes. Pre-registration required as space is limited. Saturday, May 4 | 2pm | Wood Brothers Music | Allendale Shopping Center | 413-447-7478 | $15 |
|
|
|
||
 |
Saturday: Beginner Ballet at the YMCA The Pittsfield Family YMCA announces a new program called Beginner Ballet! Registrations are now open. This program is for those ages 5-12 years. The session runs from May 4-June 8. Ballet I & II is a 4-week session that will focus on less traditional barre work and more independent movement. Balance, hopping, skipping, jumping, basic locomotor movements, basic foot and arm positions as well as ballet etiquette. Students will learn ballet terminology, names of composers and the stories from famous ballets. Saturday, May 4 | 2:30pm | Pittsfield Family YMCA | 292 North Street | 413-499-7650 x45 | $20-$45 |
|
|
|
||
 |
Saturday: The Spirit of Johnny Cash This is what country music is all about – the music of Johnny Cash. The Nashville music press has hailed this show as a "must see to believe.” Harold Ford is incredible as Johnny Cash. He sings and looks exactly like the man in black – and it comes naturally. When Laura Lucy takes the stage as June Carter Cash, the combination is pure magic. And The Red Hot Cash Band is an extraordinarily talented team of musicians, who recreate the music that made Johnny Cash country music's most iconic performer. Saturday, May 4 | 7:30pm | Colonial Theatre | 111 South Street | 413-997-4444 | $29 & $39 |
|
|
|
||
 |
Saturday: Code Blue at PortSmitt's Scott and Kurt have been playing together for 12+ years. In their current incarnation as Code Blue they present a unique combination as an energetic musical duo which can transition, from acoustic music, to a full band sound using midi technology. Saturday, May 4 | 8pm | PortSmitt's | 370 Pecks Road | 413-236-5727 | NO COVER |
|
|
|
||
 |
Sunday: Brunch with TuTu Much at Dottie's TuTu Much plays folk rockin' caribe-vibe tunes with guitar, banjo, percussion, cigar box and an ol' suitcase while you enjoy Dottie's brunch menu: a french toast breakfast sandwich with bacon and Ioka Valley Maple syrup; oatmeal served with bananas, walnuts and Ioka Valley Maple Syrup; Wild Berkshire Ramp Cream Cheese on tasted bagel with cucumber, spinach, tomato and avocado; the Naked Burrito Bowl (pictured left); or the French Breakfast Sandwich- a toasted baguette with two fried eggs, spinach, bacon and mayo; or an asparagus, ramp and cream cheese quiche! Sunday, May 5 | 10am-1pm | Dotties Coffee Shop | 444 North Street | 413-443-1792 | NO COVER |
|
|
|
||
 |
Sunday: Cut-A-Thon at Hair Studio The Hair Studio is hosting a Cut-A-Thon to benefit theJunior League of Berkshire County. Donate $20 to the Junior League and receive a free hair cut! This includes a wash, cut and blow dry. 12+ please. Sunday, May 5 | 12pm | The Hair Studio | 10 Bank Row | 413-442-6570 | $20 |
|
|
|
||
 |
Sunday & Tuesday: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland at Little Cinema Those familiar with Lewis Carroll's literary menagerie of colorful characters will enjoy the clarity with which Christopher Wheeldon portrays them in dance. The whole Company is drawn into the fun, dancing a myriad of quirky characters. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a brilliantly imagined show and, with a magical score, ingeniously inventive designs and a wealth of theatrical effects, has something for everyone to treasure. Sunday & Tuesday, May 5 & 7 | Sun 2pm Tues 7pm | Little Cinema at the Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | $14 Members $12.50 |
|
|
|
||
 |
Sunday: Royal Hartigan at Zion Lutheran Church Percussionist, author, activist, and Pittsfield nativeRoyal Hartigan brings the Blood Drum Spiritensemble to his hometown, to honor his (and our) ancestors. Royal will be joined by saxophonist David Bindman, pianist Art Hirahara, and bassist Wes Brown. His performance will include selections from two of the group's CDs, Ancestors and Blood Drum Spirit Live in China. A free will offering is suggested and all proceeds from offerings will be donated to thePittsfield Area Council of Congregations Emergency Fuel Fund and to Berkshires Jazz, Inc. Sunday, May 5 | 3pm | Zion Lutheran Church | 74 First Street | 413-442-3525 | Free Will Donation |
|
|
|
||
 |
Sunday: Indie/Punk Night at Chameleon's
It's the highly anticipated return of the incredible duo known as La Fin Absolute du Monde (pictured left) to Berkshire County! Their intense performance is still being talked about almost a year later! Also performing for the first time in far western Mass will be Long Island punk rock n' rollers InCircles, upstate NY punk rockers Ten Ton Limit and locals Leap the Dips! |
|
|
|
||
 |
Tuesday: BMS Orchestra at Taft Recital Hall The Berkshire Music School Orchestra will be performing works by Vivaldi, Spatz and Thibodeau. Community musicians are invited to join Berkshire Music School students to perform expanded chamber repertoire. Members of the Stockbridge Sinfonia who participate for free serve as section mentors. Students are encouraged to consult their teachers to determine their readiness for this ensemble. The next session starts up in late September. Tuesday, May 7 | 6pm | Taft Recital Hall | 30 Wendell Avenue | 413-442-1411 | FREE |
|
|
|
||
 |
Tuesday: Head-To-Head Haiku at Y Bar Head-To-Head Haiku is back, hosted by Melissa Quirk. Similar to a poetry slam, in Head-To-Head Haiku poets compete in pairs, head-to-head with a 17 syllable limit. Alternately funny, raunchy, and poignant, it's always fast-paced, fun and good humored. Click here for more information. Sign up to compete or just come to enjoy! Tuesday, May 7 | 8pm | Y Bar | 391 North Street | No phone | No cover |
|
|
|
||
 |
Wednesday: Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead Screening at the Beacon Decades of Health presents a free screening of the film, Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead at Beacon Cinema. The goal in providing this free movie night is to raise awareness in the community about nutrition and health, showcase the benefits of incorporating fresh veggies and fruits into our diets, abandon our love affair with "junk” food, and get fit for spring! Wednesday, May 8 | 6pm | Beacon Cinema | 57 North Street | 914-424-5949 | FREE |
|
|
|
||
 |
Thursday: Christine Bile at Marketplace Pittsfield's own Christine Bile was surrounded by music as a child, and started to sing and play the piano at an early age. In 2010, she won the Pittsfield Talent show, and in 2012, was a Berkshire Idol winner in the 12-16 year old category. Christine writes lyrics, composes, and arranges her own songs. She makes music that can relate to teenagers and adults. Thursday, May 9 | 6:30pm-8:30pm | The Marketplace Cafe | 53 North St. | 413-358-4777 | NO COVER |
|
|
|
||
 |
Thursday: Peter Spiers Author Talk The Berkshire Athenaeum is hosting an author talk by Lexington author Peter Spiers. Mr. Spiers is Senior Vice President of Road Scholar, (formerly Elderhostel) the world's largest organization dedicated to lifelong learning and educational travel. He will share what he has learned from working with hundreds of Road Scholars, as well as the latest research in psychology and neuroscience, which he recounts in his book,Master Class: Living Longer, Stronger and Happier, named one of the Wall Street Journal's 2012 picks of the year's best guides to later life. Thursday, May 9 | 7pm | Berkshire Athenaeum | 1 Wendell Avenue | 413-499-9480 | FREE |
|
|
|
||
 |
Thursday: Indie/Alt Rock Night at Chameleons Forward Motion's music and performances capture the qualities of music that move people. Steeped in the traditions of funk and soul, their sound is instantly recognizable yet entirely new. Influenced by his jazz and rock backgrounds, singer, songwriter and pianist Alex Godiksen has developed a style that is at once both lyrical and soul-driven. As a band on the rise, they are excited to bring their sound to new audiences and venues throughout the country. Also appearing will be the incredible locals group called Easy Does It! Thursday, May 9 | 8pm | Chameleons | 1350 East Street | 413-499-2582 | $5 21+ $8 18-20 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
