Cultural Pittsfield This Week:Dec. 19-Jan. 4

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Happy Holidays  

Happy Holidays!

No matter what you are celebrating, we here at the City of Pittsfield's Office of Cultural Development wish you and yours a peaceful Holiday season.  We are so grateful to live in a community of so many creative, talented, generous, hard-working, kind and giving people. Thank you to everyone who makes our lives brighter and more vibrant through their creative efforts, from pre-school musicians to elder craftspeople, and everyone in between.


 

Friday: Annual Community Crib and Winter Shabbat Dinner at Temple Anshe Amunim

The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a Shabbat Service led by the Religious School and Youth Group. A Latke dinner will follow in the Social Hall. In conjunction with the event, the YACHAD Youth Group will be collecting new clothing, books, toys, baby formula, diapers and other new items for children aged 6 months through 18 years old for donation to local charities. The youth group will also be soliciting donations of wrapping paper and boxes from area retailers. All presents will be labeled and distributed by members of the Temple community and YACHAD to the Christian Center.

Friday, December 19 | 5:30pm | Temple Anshe Amunim| 26 Broad Street | 413-442-5910 | $15 for adults, $6 for children, $35 maximum for families


National Gallery  

Friday-Monday: National Gallery at The Little Cinema

London's National Gallery, one of the world's foremost art institutions, is itself portrayed as a brilliant work of art in this, Frederick Wiseman's 39th documentary and counting. Wiseman listens raptly as a panoply of docents decode the great canvases of Da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Turner; he visits with the museum's restorers as they use magnifying glasses, tiny eye-droppers, scalpels, and Q-tips to repair an infinitesimal chip; he attends administrative meetings in which senior executives do (polite) battle with younger ones who want the museum to become less stodgy and more welcoming to a larger cross-section of the public. But most of all, we experience the joy of spending time with the aforementioned masters as well as Vermeer and Caravaggio, Titian and Velázquez, Pissarro and Rubens, and listen to the connoisseurs who discourse upon the aesthetic, historical, religious and psychological underpinnings of these masterpieces.

Friday-Monday, December 19-22 | Fri-Mon 7pm Mon 3pm | Berkshire Museum | Little Cinema | 39 South Street |413-443-7171 | $5 Museum Members $7.50 Museum Non Members


 

Friday+: A Christmas Carol at the Colonial

Celebrate the timeless holiday tradition of A Christmas Carol with the whole family and revel in the joy and redemptive power of Christmas as told in the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, the infamous miser who is shown the error of his ways and reformed by four spirits. Journey back to Victorian England and experience the classic story filled with holiday carols and the wonderment of the season at the beautiful Colonial Theatre.

Through December 22 | 2pm & 7pm| The Colonial Theatre| 111 South Street | 413-997-4444 | $37 adults, $27 children


 

Friday: Greylock at the Polish Falcons Club

Rock the Holiday's with Greylock! Playing an evening of great classic rock: Doobies, Steely Dan, Chicago, Boz Scaggs and more. $5 cover.

Friday, December 19 | 8pm-11pm | Polish Falcons Club | 32 Bel Air Avenue | 413-447-9418 | $5


Roaming Railroad  

Saturday: Upstreet Holiday Festival!

The first ever Upstreet Holiday Festival was a huge success last weekend.  So, we're doing it again this weekend!  It features: a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus; free train rides from Roaming Railroad; live music; a cookie decorating station by Madeleine's Patisserie and Café; the Berkshire Eagle Holiday Photo Booth and the Jingle Bell Run finish line to benefit the Eagle Santa Fund.

There will also be a chance to win a Downtown Pittsfield Gift Basket worth more than $1000 by entering a completed Downtown Holiday Passport

Saturday, December 20 | 10am-2pm |Lichtenstein Center for the Arts | 28 Renne Avenue | 413-499-9348 | FREE


 

Saturday: Chow Time at Berkshire Museum

Help prepare enticing feasts for the turtles, fish, chameleon, and even the blue-tongue skink in the Aquarium!

Saturday, December 20 | 12:30pm-1:30pm |Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | FREE with Museum admission


 

Saturday: Holiday Painting Party at The Dirty Paintbrush

Learn to paint "Winter Whimsy Tree.” A painting party for everyone! Get away from the holiday hustle for a while and join us for a fun afternoon of holiday music, cookies, hot chocolate and a great canvas. Call the studio to reserve your canvas 413-442-9300.

Saturday, December 20 | 1pm-4pm | The Dirty Paintbrush | 141 North Street | 413-442-9300


 

Saturday: Holiday Recital at Berkshire Music School

The Holiday Recital in the Taft are free and open to all. Saturday, December 20, 1:00 pm from the studios of Simon Brown, cello and guitar; and Susan Hadfield and Rahima Hohlstein.

Saturday, December 20 | 1pm-2pm | Berkshire Music School | 30 Wendell Ave | 413-442-1411 | FREE


 

Saturday: Paint Party at The Dirty Paintbrush

Learn to paint "Snow Pals.” Call now to reserve your canvas.

Saturday, December 20 | 6pm-9pm | The Dirty Paintbrush | 141 North Street | 413-442-9300


 

Saturday: Called by Angels, a Concert of Christmas Music at St. Stephen's

The 90 voice Berkshire Lyric Chorus will be joined by the 30 voice Blafield Children's Chorus in a choral program of some of the most beloved music of the season. The concert is led by Berkshire Lyric's Artistic Director Jack Brown and accompanied by Joe Rose. The soloists will be soprano Felicia Durso and baritone John Demler. The chorus will be singing new compositions and arrangements by contemporary composers Alan Smith, Will Todd and John Joubert. The children's chorus is presenting music by John Rutter, Alfred Burt and Alec Wyton among others. A highlight of the concert will be a medley of "Away in a Manger,” "O Little Town of Bethlehem,” and "Silent Night,” all arranged by English composer and former member of the King's Singers, Bob Chilcott. During a lighter portion of the program, the chorus will sing lush choral arrangements of Christmas hits such as "Sleigh Ride”, "The Christmas Song” and "I'll be Home for Christmas.”

Saturday, December 20 | 7:30pm | St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Parish | 67 East Street | 413-597-2425 | $20 adults, FREE children


 

Saturdays+: The Picky B's at Bousquet

The Picky B's are now performing every Saturday at Bousquet starting at 8pm.  The Picky B's are a collective of rotating local musicians playing your favorite Folk, Rock and Americana tunes hosted by Chris Merenda.

Saturdays, through January 10 | 8pm-12am | Bousquet | 101 Dan Fox Drive | 413-442-8316 | NO COVER


 

Sunday: Paint Party at The Dirty Paintbrush

Learn to paint "Jingle Tree.” This is a family friendly event. Call now to reserve your canvas.

Sunday, December 21 | 1pm-4pm | The Dirty Paintbrush | 141 North Street | 413-442-9300


 

Sunday: A Winter Concert at Unitarian Universalist Church

Jazz pianist Bob Shepherd and classical pianist Paul Celebi will perform selections to celebrate the Winter Season.  Free will donation, refreshments and a quilt raffle after the concert.

Sunday, December 21 | 4pm | Unitarian Universalist Church | 175 Wendell Ave | 413-347-1772 | Free will donation


 

Monday: 2nd Annual Manual: A Guide to Last Minute Shopping at Dottie's

Join for a Shopping Party at Dottie's! There will be beer and wine and a raffle, which will help you get in the spirit and lubricate your wallet! Vendors will be selling treasures for the last minute loved ones on your list! Everything from playful succulents from HA Designs to bohemian earrings created by Elemental Vintage. Our vendors have items for men and women this year-- so bring that list and we will help you check it twice! And dont worry, chair massages will be available from Lena Harrington Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (gift certificates too!).

Monday, December 22 | 6pm | Dottie's Coffee Lounge | 444 North Street | 413-443-1792 


 
 

Monday: A Very Wrba Christmas at Mission

Andy Wrba, Benny Kohn, and Dan Holmes are back at it again with featured guest musicians: Billy Keane, Tory Hanna, Darren O'Brien, Marisa Massery, Conor Meehan, Jeff Howard, and Chris Vecchia. There will be a $5 cover (cash only) at the door OR you can bring a toy, canned good, or non-perishable food item to be donated to charity this holiday season.  At this point, there is limited space for walk-ins so get there early.

Monday, December 22 | 8pm | Mission Bar + Tapas | 438 North Street | NO PHONE | NO COVER


 

Tuesday: Toddler Story Time at Berkshire Athenaeum

For ages 1 1/2 – 3. No registration required. Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult, age 18 or older, at all times. Attendance at library programs constitutes consent to be photographed; photos may be used in print or electronic publicity for the Berkshire Athenaeum.

Tuesday, December 23 | 10am | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 | FREE


 

Tuesday: Kitchen Ka-Boom Holiday Edition at Berkshire Museum

Perform wacky holiday-themed experiments, using common household ingredients! Adult must accompany child. Seating is limited, so reservations are requested: call 413.443.7171 ext. 10.

Tuesday, December 23 | 11am-12pm, 1pm-2pm |Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | FREE with Museum admission


 

Friday+: Chocolate and Candlelight Tours at Arrowhead

For five special nights this month, enjoy the Candlelight and Chocolate tours of Arrowhead. During the tour, you can see the house and hear Melville's story in a very different way. After the tour, enjoy a chocolate dessert buffet. Program begins at 7pm each evening, and space is limited, reservations are required. 

Friday-Tuesday, December 26-30| 7pm | Arrowhead | 780 Holmes Road | 413-442-1793 | $25


Diplomacy  

Friday-Monday: Diplomacy at The Little Cinema

As the Allies march toward Paris in the summer of 1944, Hitler gives orders that the French capital should not fall into enemy hands, or if it does, then 'only as a field of rubble'. The person assigned to carry out this barbaric act is Wehrmacht commander of Greater Paris, General Dietrich von Choltitz. However, at dawn on 25 August, Swedish Consul General Raoul Nordling steals into German headquarters through a secret underground tunnel and there starts a tension-filled game of cat and mouse as Nordling tries to persuade Choltitz to abandon his plan. In this riveting adaptation of the stage success by Cyril Gély, the great Volker Schlöndorff has created a psychologically elaborate game of political manners between two highly contrasting characters. 

Friday-Monday, December 26-29 | Fri-Mon 7pm Mon 3pm | Berkshire Museum | Little Cinema | 39 South Street |413-443-7171 | $5 Museum Members $7.50 Museum Non Members


 

Saturday: Kitchen Ka-Boom! at Berkshire Museum

Sign up for Kitchen Ka-Boom and perform thrilling and fun science experiments in the Sabic Innovation Lab! All experiments are kid-safe and can be recreated using items found in almost any kitchen. Each session features a different experiment. Adult must accompany child. Free with regular Museum admission. Seating is limited, so reservations are requested: call 413.443.7171 ext. 10.

Saturday, December 27 | 11am-12pm |Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | FREE with Museum admission


 

Saturday: Women of Color Giving Circle Kwanzaa Event at St. Stephens

Join for an amazing cultural experience. A celebration of Imani (Faith) with drummers, poets, and wonderful food. A free will offering of $5 per person and/or $10 per family is suggested.

Saturday, December 27 | 4pm-6pm | St. Stephen's Church | 67 East Street | 413-442-3078 | $5 per person, $10 per family


 

Saturday: Cabaret Series at the Whitney Center For The Arts

Berkshire-based folk duo Oakes & Smith will offer an evening of song to celebrate the warmth and spirit of the holiday season. Joining the duo that night will be Zack Cross on piano and Justin Hillman on guitar and banjo. The Whit offers an intimate concert setting with cabaret-style seating. Wine, champagne, beer, and tapas will be available to buy. Seating will begin at 6:45pm, concert begins at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door. To purchase tickets in advance, send email to tix@thewhit.org or call.

Saturday, December 27 | 6:45pm | Whitney Center For The Arts | 42 Wendell Ave| $15


 

Monday & Tuesday: Winnie The Pooh at Berkshire Museum

Talented young performers under the direction of Kara Demler present Disney's Winnie the Pooh Kids, a musical version of the classic children's tale. Presented by Berkshire Children's Theater.

Monday & Tuesday, December 29-30 | 11am-12:15pm & 2pm-3pm | Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street |413-443-7171 | $15 adult, 8 child; $5 Museum Members, $3 museum child, FREE ages 3 and under


 

Tuesday: The Puppet People Present "The Firebird” at Berkshire Athenaeum

The Puppet People's newest production, The Firebird, was Inspired by the Russian folktale and popular ballet. Watch as even the impossible is possible, as the mythical firebird comes to life and Ivan and Princess Yelena team up to break the enchantment placed over their kingdom. Free and No registration required.

Tuesday, December 30 | 1pm | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 | FREE


 

Wednesday: New Year's Eve Magic with David Hall at Berkshire Museum

Bring in the New Year at the Berkshire Museum! Join Boston-based magician David Hall as he performs some of the most amazing magic you've ever seen. At noon refreshments will be served in the Crane Room.

Wednesday, December 31 | 11am-1pm | Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street |413-443-7171 | $15 adult, 8 child; $7 Museum Members, $5 museum child


 

Wednesday: NYE with Satellite Shine at Mission

Ring in the New Year at Mission Bar + Tapas! Early bird seating begin at 6pm, music dinner seating at 8pm. Satellite Shine will be playing live from 10pm-12:30am! There will also be oysters on a half shell, Prix Fixe menu and Cava toast at midnight! Prix Fix menu is $35. Reservations by email at Missionbarandtapas@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 31 | 6pm | Mission Bar + Tapas | 438 North Street | NO PHONE | NO COVER


 

Wednesday: Ring In The New Year at the Polish Falcons Club

Ring in the New Year at the Polish Falcons for an evening of dinner and dancing. Cocktail hour begins at 6pm followed by 7pm dinner with your choice of prime rib, baked stuffed chicken and baked stuffed shrimp. At 8:30 music will be provided by DJ Big Sid and special guest DJ Shaggy. Please call for reservations by December 26.

Wednesday, December 31 | 6pm | Polish Falcons Club | 32 Bel Air Avenue | 413-447-9418 | $45


 

Wednesday: New Year's Eve Bash with Blackwater at Fairways

BlackWater counts down the evening to heat up the dance floor at the Fairways with two different options for the evening. The first option is a buffet catered by Flavours of Malaysia with champagne toast. Appetizers start at 6pm and the buffet starts at 7:30pm. Tickets for full buffet and band is $50 (limited to 100 tickets). Option 2 is champagne toast and snacks at midnight for $15. Band starts at 9:30 pm. Buy your tickets now at Fairways!

Wednesday, December 31 | 6pm| Fairways at the A | 303 Crane Ave | 413-442-3585| $15 or $50


 

Wednesday: New Year's Eve Party at Crowne Plaza

Spend New Year's Eve at the Crowne Plaza! Dinner and dancing $50 per person (includes tax and service for dinner). Passed hors d'oeuvres for cocktail hour 6:30 to 7:30 pm include scallops wrapped in bacon, chicken jalapeno bites and vegetable spring rolls. Dinner buffet 7:45pm-8:45pm: house salad with assorted dressings. rolls and butter, prime rib carving station with horseradish sauce and house Demi glaze on the side, herb-marinated oven roasted chicken, baked potato bar, vegetable medley, and petite desserts with coffee, tea and decaf. Dancing only is $20 per person and includes admission for Whiskey City, Hat, Noise Makers, and Balloon Drop. Call 413-553-2188 to reserve.

Wednesday, December 31 | 6:30pm-1am | The Crowne Plaza | One West Street | 413-442-9300|$50 for evening or $20 for dancing 


 

Wednesday: New Year's Eve Bash with Shyne at Casey's

Bring in the new year with one of Berkshire county's hottest bands Shyne. That's right, only $5 bucks you get a great night of entertainment, midnight champagne toast and midnight snacks. It's the cheapest party in the Berkshires and sure to be one of the best! No advanced sales needed, $5 cover and pool is free!

Wednesday, December 31 | 9pm | Casey's | 501 Dalton Ave | 413-997-2255 | $5 21+


 

BIFF Student Film Festival

This is a great project for students during their holiday break! 

The Berkshire International Film Festival (BIFF) and the Pittsfield Office of Cultural Development are teaming up to bring you the BIFF Student Film Festival. Prizes include an exclusive invitation to attend the 4th annual BIFF Filmmaker Summit with panel discussions, presentations by industry professionals, a special behind the scenes tour of Doug Trumbull's studio AND All-Inclusive BIFF Passes to the 10th Anniversary festival taking place May 28-31, 2015. Filmmakers will also be given an opportunity to have their short film showcased at the Beacon Cinema during the Creative Youth themed Third Thursday on May 21, 2015. For details on how to enter please see the Rules and Guidelines here.

 

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

Central Berkshire School Officials OK $35M Budget

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Central Berkshire Regional School Committee approved a $35 million budget for fiscal 2025 during its meeting on Thursday.
 
Much of the proposed spending plan is similar to what was predicted in the initial and tentative budget presentations, however, the district did work with the Finance subcommittee to further offset the assessments to the towns, Superintendent Leslie Blake-Davis said. 
 
"What you're going see in this budget is a lower average assessment to the towns than what you saw in the other in the tentative budget that was approved," she said. 
 
The fiscal 2025 budget is $35,428,892, a 5.56 percent or $1,867,649, over this year's $33,561,243.
 
"This is using our operating funds, revolving revenue or grant revenue. So what made up the budget for the tentative budget is pretty much the same," Director of Finance and Operations Gregory Boino said.
 
"We're just moving around funds … so, we're using more of the FY25 rural aid funds instead of operating funds next year."
 
Increases the district has in the FY25 operating budget are from active employee health insurance, retiree health insurance, special education out-of-district tuition, temporary bond principal and interest payment, pupil transportation, Berkshire County Retirement contributions, and the federal payroll tax. 
 
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