Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Jan. 30-Feb. 5

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Office of Cultural Development | City of Pittsfield
 
 

Friday: Preschool Videos at Berkshire Athenaeum

 

This week’s films are: Mouse Around and The Gingerbread House.  Video programs are approximately 20-30 minutes long. Groups are welcome and no registration is required.

Friday, January 30 | 10am | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 | FREE

Friday: WeeMuse Adventures at Berkshire Museum

 

Little ones can explore the Aquarium and three Museum galleries! Each week features songs, stories, scavenger hunts, play time, and more. This program is geared towards children 18 months to 3 years. Older and younger siblings are always welcome.

 

Friday, January 30 | 11am-11:30am |Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | FREE with Museum admission

Friday: If/Then Opening Reception at Berkshire Museum

 

Visitors will enter a topsy-turvy world of experience, where senses rule. They will traverse the horizontal climbing wall; dodge an obstacle course of pretend laser beams; and use dots and dashes to mark their height on a drawing wall. If/Then was conceived and created by Peter Garlington, a Berkshire-based designer, and Craig Langlois, Berkshire Museum’s education and public program manager, who will be on hand at this opening celebration. If/Then is proudly sponsored by Greylock Federal Credit Union. To reserve tickets click here.

Friday, January 30 | 5:30m-7:30pm |Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | $5, Members FREE

Friday: Paint Party at The Dirty Paintbrush

 

Learn to paint “Sea For Two.” Call now to reserve your canvas.

 

Friday, January 30 | 6pm-9pm | The Dirty Paintbrush | 141 North Street | 413-442-9300

 

Friday-Monday: Oscar Nominated Shorts at The Little Cinema

 

This year’s nominees for Best Documentary Short Subject will screen at the Little Cinema. Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1: each month, the Veterans Crisis Line receives over 22,000 calls from military veterans, who account for 20% of all suicides in the U.S. each year. Joanna: as she faces a terminal illness, the mother of a young son writes a blog in which she tries to leave a record of what she hopes to teach him. Our Curse: a mother and father face the difficulties of caring for a baby who has been born with a life-threatening congenital breathing disorder known as Ondine’s curse. The Reaper (La Parka): for the past 25 years, Efrain has worked in a slaughterhouse, where he has developed an intimate relationship with both death and what one must sometimes do to live. White Earth: three children and an immigrant mother face a long and difficult winter in North Dakota, which has attracted many people seeking work during an oil boom.

 

Friday-Monday, January 30-February 2 | Fri-Mon 7pm Sun & Mon 1:30pm | Berkshire Museum | Little Cinema | 39 South Street |413-443-717| $5 Museum Members $7.50 Museum Non Members

Friday: Batten Down The Hatches with Blackwater at Fairways

 

Take a break from the shovel and dance to your favorite hits performed by BlackWater. Performing classic rock, pop, country rock and southern rock. 21 and up.

 

Friday, January 30 | 9pm| Fairways at the A | 303 Crane Ave | 413-442-3585| $5

Saturday: Berkshire Community College’s Third Annual Wellness Day

 

Berkshire Community College’s (BCC) Physical Therapist Assistant Club will hold its 3rd Annual Wellness Day, an event dedicated to the health and well-being of the local community. The event, which is open to individuals of all ages and abilities, will be held at BCC’s Paterson Field House land will feature free educational booths as well as exercise classes and chair massages ($5 per half-hour exercise class or 10 minute chair massage). This event is a great opportunity to try out an exercise class or learn better eating habits. Plus, the funds raised at Wellness Day go to helping individuals with spinal cord injuries to have critical rehabilitation services and the opportunity to do fun activities at a summer camp while receiving specialized care.

 

Saturday, January 31 | 10am-2pm | Berkshire Community College |  1350 West Street | 413-236-1661

Saturday: Metropolitan Live in HD presents Offenbach’s “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” at the Beacon

 

The magnetic tenor Vittorio Grigolo takes on the tortured poet and unwitting adventurer of the title of Offenbach’s operatic masterpiece, in the Met’s wild, kaleidoscopic production. Hibla Gerzmava, Erin Morley, and Christine Rice sing the three heroines-each an idealized embodiment of some aspect of Hoffmann’s desire. Thomas Hampson portrays the shadowy Four Villains, and Yves Abel conducts the sparkling score.

 

Saturday, January 31 | 12:55pm | Beacon Cinema | 57 North Street | 413-358-4780 | $25

Saturday: Public Skate at Pittsfield Boys and Girls Club

 

The City of Pittsfield Recreation Program has teamed up with the Boys & Girls Club of Pittsfield for a free public skating opportunity.  The Recreation Program and the Boys & Girls Club invite the first 100 people through the door during the Public Skate at the Pittsfield Boys & Girls Club to freeadmission for skating as well as free skate rental if needed (limited size availability) on the following dates: Saturdays Jan 31 and February 21.

Saturday, January 31 | 2pm-3:45pm | Boys and Girls Club | 16 Melville Street | 413-448-8258 | FREE

Saturday: Paint Party at The Dirty Paintbrush

 

Learn to paint “Antique Roses.” Call now to reserve your canvas.

 

Saturday, January 31 | 6pm-9pm | The Dirty Paintbrush | 141 North Street | 413-442-9300

Saturday: The Concert That Never Was at Fairways

 

The concert features The Who and Led Zeppelin tribute bands American Zeppelin and Who Are You. Purchase tickets here or email glechowski@verizon.net or call 413-652-1554. Doors open at 8pm, show time at 9 pm.

 

Saturday, January 31 | 8pm| Fairways at the A | 303 Crane Ave | 413-442-3585| $9.50

 

Sunday: BCC Falcons vs. American International College

 

The BCC Falcons will take on American International College. The BCC Falcons, which feature players from throughout Berkshire County, are currently 1-2 with their win over UMASS Lowell. The Falcons are being led by high scorers and rebounders Keiland Cross (averaging 14 points, 6.7 rebounds), Joe Wiggins (11 points, 5.3 rebounds) and Mike McMahon (9 points & 5 rebounds).

 

Sunday, February 1 | 1pm | Berkshire Community College |  1350 West Street | 413-236-1661 | FREE

Sunday: Paint Party at The Dirty Paintbrush

 

Learn to paint “Mermaid Dreams.” Call now to reserve your canvas.

 

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

Sunday: Super Bowl at J. Allen’s 

 

 
Do you know where you’re watching the Super Bowl yet?  Here’s what J.Allen’s has in store for the game: free appetizer platters, giveaways and raffles (half time and end of 3rd quarter) for gift cards to the NFL shop so you can buy your Super Bowl Champions gear. The game will be blasting throughout every inch of the restaurant. Reservations accepted, restaurant opens at 4pm. Call ASAP to reserve a table.

 

 

Sunday, February 1 | 4pm | J.Allen’s Clubhouse Grille | 41 North Street | 413-499-9998

Sunday: Seahawks Vs. Patriots Live at The Beacon

 

Watch the Patriots take on the Seahawks on the big screen! Tickets are free and will be issued on a first come first serve basis. Ticketing will begin no earlier than one hour before kickoff. 

Sunday, February 1 | 6:30pm | Beacon Cinema | 57 North Street | 413-358-4780 | FREE

Tuesday: Using my iOS Device: Basics at Berkshire Athenaeum

 

This class is for users of iPhones, iPads, and iPods who are having trouble with “the basics.” This class will cover common troubleshooting questions like “how do I install an app”, “how do I delete an app”, “how do I get myself connected to WiFi” and other issues that are raised within class. Users must have gone through the basic set up of their individual devices prior to the start of class. Space is limited and Preregistration is required. 

 

Tuesday, February 3 | 9:30am-11am | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 | FREE

Tuesday: 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.

 

Tuesday, February 3 | 10am | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 | FREE

Wednesday: Berkshire Paint and Sip at Baba Louie’s

 

Learn to paint Sail Boat Sunset (16×20) at Baba Louie’s! All painting materials included for this fun two hour painting class. Reserve your seat here.

Wednesday, February 4 | 6pm | Baba Louie’s | 34 Depot Street | $30

Wednesday: Ida at The Little Cinema

 

Anna, a young novitiate nun in 1960s Poland, is on the verge of taking her vows when she discovers a dark family secret dating back to the years of the Nazi occupation.

 

Wednesday, February 4 | 7pm | Berkshire Museum | Little Cinema | 39 South Street |413-443-7171 | $5 Museum Members $7.50 Museum Non Members

Thursday: The Matrix at The Little Cinema

 

A theatrical blockbuster at the time of its release in 1999, The Matrix proved to be a mind-blowing advancement in cinematic visual effects. Set in the 22nd century, The Matrix tells the story of a computer hacker (Keanu Reeves) who joins a group of underground insurgents fighting the vast and powerful computers who now rule the earth. In addition to amazing effects, the stellar cast, including Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving and Joe Pantoliano, helped make The Matrix a modern sci-fi classic. The film screening will be followed by a conversation with Diane Pearlman.

 

Thursday, February 5 | 7pm | Berkshire Museum | Little Cinema | 39 South Street |413-443-7171 | $5 Museum Members $10 Museum Non Members

Thursday: Play & Learn with Jenn at Berkshire Athenaeum

  

Come hear stories, sing songs and play some games! Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult, age 18 or older, at all times. For ages 1 1/2 – 5, No registration required.

 

Thursday, February 5 | 10am | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 | FREE

First Fridays Artswalk is February 6!  

  

Enjoy nine different art shows featuring work by more than 20 accomplished regional artists in Cultural Pittsfield‘s bustling Upstreet Cultural District during the First Fridays Artswalk and all month long!

 

The February Show at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts is the annual invitational Ten Spot Art Show.  It features the best contemporary artists in the Berkshires and surrounding area, from north to south and in between, (including Eli Merritt’s Dinosaur Sculpture left).

The Ten Spot Art Show is part of the 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival which is February 12-22, 2015.  Go to DiscoverPittsfield.com for more information on the 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival or call 413-499-9348.

First Fridays Artswalk | Friday, February 6 | 5pm-8pm | Upstreet Cultural District | 413-499-9348 | FREE

 

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.

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