Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Aug. 1-7

Print Story | Email Story
 
 

Friday: First Fridays Artswalk

Enjoy over sixteen different art shows featuring work by over 30 accomplished regional artists in Pittsfield's bustling Upstreet Cultural District during the First Fridays Artswalk and all month long! (In most venues, artists will be present from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, August 1st!).  Click here for the guide to the August First Fridays Artswalk. 

Friday, August 1 | 5pm-8pm | Upstreet Cultural District |413-499-9348 | FREE


 

Friday+: Hairspray Jr At Berkshire Museum

Based on the film and Tony Award-winning stage musical of the same name, Hairspray JR. features the popular songs "You Can't Stop the Beat” and "Good Morning Baltimore.” Filled with energetic dance numbers and unique characters, Hairspray JR. follows spunky plus-sized teen, Tracy Turnblad as she pursues her dream of dancing on national television and navigates the racial tensions and stereotypes of the 1960s.

Through August 10 | Performance Times Vary |Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-236-8888 | $12 youth, $16 adults


 

Friday: Free Fun Friday At Hancock Shaker Village

Friday is FREE admittance to Hancock Shaker Village all day long. Extra activities, a water arc to help you cool off, and even a special Cafe menu in the Food Tent.

Friday, August 1 | 10am-5pm | Hancock Shaker Village | 1843 West Housatonic Street | 413-443-0188 | FREE


 

Friday-Tuesday: Cork & Canvas at Bisque, Beads & Beyond

Create your own masterpiece at Bisque, Beads & Beyond! Friday is It's Five O'Clock Somewhere, Monday is Bridge Over Lilies and Thursday is Shasta Daisies. The classes are small for individualized instruction, the studio is bright and cheery and snacks will be provided.Pre-registration required!

Friday-Thursday, August 1-7 | 6pm-9pm | Bisque Beads & Beyond | 141 North Street | 413-442-9300 | $35  


 

Friday: Wine & Beer Tasting at the YMCA

Savor the Moment! Explore rich, compelling selections of wine and beer along with light appetizers! Stroll through our auction to find treasures! Sponsored in part by Georges Liquors, this fundraiser benefits the Pittsfield Family YMCA's Annual Campaign! Please drink responsibly.

Friday, August 1 | 6pm-8pm |Pittsfield Family YMCA | 292 North Street | 413-499-7650x12 | $25


 

Friday: Outdoor Movies at Clapp Park: Rudy

The Summer Outdoor Movie Series continues and concludes tonight with Rudy! The movie series is a free, family friendly event.  The movies are shown at Clapp Park, beginning shortly after dusk (about 8:30pm). This year's line-up features movies that the whole family can enjoy.

Friday, August 1 | 8:30pm | Clapp Park | 413-499-9368 | FREE


 

Saturday+: Yoga on the Lawn at Arrowhead

Waterfall Perry will be offering yoga on the lawn every Saturday morning during June, July and August. Enjoy this healthy and relaxing activity amidst the serenity of Melville's trees.

Saturdays through August 23 | 9am | Arrowhead | 780 Holmes Road | 413-442-1793 | $10


 

Saturday+: Pittsfield Farmers Market

Farmers, food producers and artisans bring locally grown and raised food and products into the heart of the community. Weekly market features fresh, locally grown food, local artisans, food trucks and much more.

Saturdays Through October 25 | 9am-1pm | First Street (across from the Common) | info@farmersmarketpittsfield.org | NO COVER


 

Saturday+: Yoga & Zumba On Onota Lake

Back by popular demand! Soak in the beauty of Onota Lake and join us every First and Last Saturday of the month for Yoga and Zumba on Onota Lake at Burbank Park. All levels and ages welcome. Bring a mat if you have one (extras available) and a blanket or towel for underneath if you like, maybe even your bathing suit for a swim after class!

Saturday, August 1 | 9am-11:15am | Onota Lake | Burbank Park | 413-822-2034 | $10 

 

 

Saturday+: Stick Your Hands In History At Arrowhead

Saturdays in July and August, middle school children will be offered the opportunity to explore the creative intersection of art and history by using objects from the Historical Society's collection to curate an exhibit on the theme of Art & Industry. Each exhibit created from a pool of 60 items, will be on display for one week and will change each Saturday. The program is free and open to all middle school children.

Saturdays through August 23 | 9:30am-11:30am | Arrowhead | 780 Holmes Road | 413-442-1793 | FREE


 

Saturday & Sunday: Age of Iron Blacksmithing Weekend at Hancock Shaker Village

Blacksmiths, representing Berkshire, Connecticut, the Capital District, and New England Blacksmith Guilds will showcase their art and artisanship with both historical and contemporary demonstrations of blacksmithing. Ironwork craftsmanship dating from the 17th to the 21st century, Japanese hardware, tool making, engraving, and Viking and Shaker forging are just a few of the techniques and styles that will be showcased. Beautiful hand wrought items from the participating blacksmiths will also be available for purchase. Participants who make custom ironwork for the home will be available to discuss specific commissions.

Saturday & Sunday, August 2 & 3 | 10am-5pm | Hancock Shaker Village | 1843 West Housatonic Street | 413-443-0188 | Included with admission


 

Saturday & Sunday: The Year I Was Gifted At Whitney Center For The Arts

Drama with comedy for anyone who's ever wondered what to do with their life. Direct from New York, a gay-straight love story. The true tale of a working class girl's attempt to survive a prestigious boarding school for the arts. "When I was 15 years old I lied my way into the best boarding school for the arts. Then I had to decide if I was willing to betray my beliefs to stay there." Written and performed by Monica Bauer.

Saturday & Sunday, August 2 & 3 | Sat 1pm, Sun 2pm | Whitney Center For The Arts | 42 Wendell Ave| $15


Industrial Manifest  

Saturday: Artist Reception for BAA Redux at the Lichtenstein

This is the artist reception and presentation for the BAA Redux: Industrial Manifest, a juried regional show featuring thirteen artists representing original, contemporary art exploring practices and themes within an industrial context. The show features many local artists, with a trio of guest jurors selected to judge the show. The thirty pieces in the show represent diverse media, sizes, and points of view – six sculptures, two prints, ten photographs, three drawings, eight paintings and one installation. All of the works are for sale. The show will run through August 30th.

Saturday, August 2 | 4pm-6pm | Lichtenstein Center for the Arts | 28 Renne Avenue | 413-499-9348 | FREE


 

Saturday: RETROSPECTACLE! Berkshire Fringe 10th Anniversary Kick-off Party

The Berkshire Fringe's ten-year anniversary celebration gala will kick off the 2014 festival in their new digs at Shire City Sanctuary in the heart of the Upstreet Cultural District! Featuring live performances by May Oskan, The Wardrobe Ensemble and Under The Table Theater plus auction, dancing, delectable edibles, festive libations and much, much more! All proceeds benefit the 2014 Berkshire Fringe and numerous free and pick your own price events! 

Saturday, August 2 | 6pm | Shire City Sactuary | 40 Melville Street | 413-320-4175 | pay-your-age or $50


 

Saturday-Monday: Night Moves at Little Cinema

Night Moves, the fifth-feature film from acclaimed filmmaker Kelly Reichardt, is the story of three radical environmentalists: Harmon is a former Marine, radicalized by tours of duty overseas; Dena is a high-society dropout, sickened by the consumer economy into which she was born; and Josh, their leader, is a self-made militant, devoted to the protection of the Earth by any means necessary. 

Saturday-Monday, August 2-4 | Fri-Mon 7pm Mon 3pm | Berkshire Museum | Little Cinema | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | $5 Museum Members $7.50 Museum Non Members


 

Sunday: The Robbins-Zust Marionettes 44th Summer Season

The Robbins-Zust Marionettes perform classic fairytales for every child. In Pittsfield, there will be shows every Sunday at 11am for FREE!

Sundays through August 31 | 11am | Marketplace Cafe | 53 North Street | 413-358-4777 | FREE


 

Sunday: Berkshire Lyric Concert At First Baptist Church

Berkshire Lyric will be presenting the chamber choir Ubi Caritas in a series of choral concerts to raise money for Berkshire County food pantries. Ubi Caritas is a select a cappella chorus of 25 Berkshire County singers ages 16-26. The program of a cappella sacred masterpieces includes music by Durufle,  Philip Stopford, Bob Chilcott, spirituals by Moses Hogan, hymn arrangements and gospel music. This is the third summer that this chorus has collaborated with Berkshire County churches to raise funds and awareness for local missions.

Sunday, August 3 | 3pm | First Baptist Church | 88 South Street | 413-298-5365| FREE


United Africans of the Berkshires  

Sunday: United Africans of the Berkshires Disability Recognition Day at Onota Lake 

United Africans of the Berkshires will be hosting a concert featuring Apollo N'Zima & Friends. There will also be a fashion show between performances. Pot luck dinner and more.

Sunday, August 3 | 4pm-7pm | Burbank Park | Onota Lake | 413-447-9452| FREE


 

Sunday, Wednesday & Thursday: Pittsfield Suns at Wahconah Park

The Pittsfield Suns have three home games this week. Sunday and Thursday they're against The Worcester BraveHearts and on Wednesday versus Wachusett Dirt Dawgs. Cross your fingers that the sunshine continues to shine for Pittsfields hometown team!

Sunday, Wednesday & Thursday, August 3, 6 & 7 | 7pm | Wahconah Park | 143 Wahconah Street | 413-445-7867 | $8


 

Sunday: The Dancing Fox At Springside Park

The Mettawee River Theatre Company has been dramatizing myths, folk tales and legends from diverse cultures for over 35 years. The original theatre productions incorporate masks, puppets and giant figures with music, movement and text. Featuring a array of creatures and characters, from sublime gossamer deities to heroic peasant women to scurrilous dragons, from wisecracking cockroaches to philosophical turtles. 

Sunday, August 3 | 8pm | Springside Park


 

Sunday-Monday: Doin' What Comes Naturally At Mr. Finn's Cabaret

After years of glowing reviews for her Broadway and cabaret performances nationwide, Alix Korey and Music Director Christopher Marlowe created a tribute to the great Ethel Merman: songs she made famous, songs you never knew she sang and stories you've never heard before.

Sunday-Monday, August 3-4 | 8pm | St. Germain Stage | Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center | 36 Linden Street | 413-236-8888 |$30


 

Monday-Friday: On Stage & Backstage Camp with Berkshire Theatre Group At Berkshire Museum

Based on the film and Tony Award-winning stage musical of the same name, Hairspray JR. features the popular songs "You Can't Stop the Beat” and "Good Morning Baltimore.” Filled with energetic dance numbers and unique characters, Hairspray JR. follows spunky plus-sized teen, Tracy Turnblad as she pursues her dream of dancing on national television and navigates the racial tensions and stereotypes of the 1960s.

Monday-Friday, August 4-8 | 9am-4pm |Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-236-8888 | $250, $225 members


 

Monday+: Zumba & Yoga at Springside Park

Take in the natural beauty and gardens of Springside Park while bringing our yoga practice and dance moves outside! This is an on-going weekly class which is being offered for the second year this summer. All ages and levels welcome - Bring a mat if you have one and a blanket to put underneath. Kids are Welcome!

Mondays through August 25 | 5:30pm-7:45pm | Springside Park | $10


 

Monday: Kids For Harmony Concert at Crowne Plaza

Now entering its third year of El Sistema-based music instruction in Pittsfield, Berkshire Children and Families' Kids 4 Harmony program hosts a summer benefit. Performing in the evening of chamber music are Tatiana Dimitriades, violin; Sheila Fiekowsky, violin; Daniel Getz, viola; Ronald Feldman, cello; and Jonathan Bass, piano.

Monday, August 4 | 6pm | Crowne Plaza | One West Street | 413-448-8281


 

Monday-Tuesday: Town Players of Pittsfield Auditions

Town Players of Pittsfield will be holding auditions for its August staged reading, "Beyond Therapy", written by Christopher Durang. Needed for the roles are four males (ages 20-50) and two females(30-50). Sides from the play will be provided, the play will be directed by Kevin Paul Wixsom. The delightful, zany comedy which will be performed August 31.

Monday & Tuesday, August 4-5 | 7pm-9pm | Whitney Center For The Arts | 42 Wendell Ave| FREE


 

Tuesday+:Berkshire Fringe Festival

A multiple day festival of theater, dance, music and multi-media works by emerging voices from across the United States, The Berkshire Fringe has been recognized as a vital testing ground for new work that has hosted over 500 emerging performers and presented nearly 100 full-length original productions. 

Dedicated to providing high quality, adventurous and affordable cultural enrichment, a core mission of The Berkshire Fringe is to engage the next generation of audiences and inspire diverse cultural dialog throughout our community. Free concerts and workshops, post-show artists discussion and Pick Your Own Price nights are some of the many ways that everyone is made welcome. 

August 2-17 | Times Vary | Shire Sanctuary | 40 Melville Street | 413-320-4175 | Prices vary, pay-your-age


 

Tuesday+: The Garden Skate BMX Jam

For the third summer, The Garden hosts Skate & BMX Camp. Over three sessions, beginning July 8th, coaches will teach adults and children BMX and skateboarding. There will be four – six people per coach.

Tuesday - Friday, August 5-8 | 10am-1pm | Pittsfield Skate Plaza | corners of Appleton & East Streets | 

 

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

MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories