Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Oct. 2-8

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Office of Cultural Development | City of Pittsfield
 
 

 
Look for migrants of all kinds, especially the beautiful wood-warblers. Walk past wetlands and meadows and through woodlands observing changes in bird species each week. Preregistration is not required. Bring binoculars; beginners welcome.
 
Friday, October 2 | 8am-10am | Canoe Meadows | Holmes Road | 413-637-0320 | FREE Members; $3 Non-members 


Little ones can explore the Aquarium and three Museum galleries! Each week features songs, stories, scavenger hunts, play time, and more. Check our weekly e-news for each week's theme. This program is geared towards children 18 months to 3 years. Older and younger siblings are always welcome.

Friday, October 2 | 11am-11:30am | Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | FREE  

For the month of October, the windows of the Brothership Building will feature paintings by Claudia Shuster.
 
Enjoy seventeen different art shows featuring work by over 25 accomplished regional artists in Pittsfield's bustling Upstreet Cultural District during the First Fridays Artswalk and all month long!

The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts will be showing photos by Clemens Kalischer.  South is an exhibtion of photographs taken while Mr. Kalischer was traveling through the southern states in the 40s and 50s. 

In most venues, artists will be present during First Fridays Artswalk.  And, the fun doesn't stop at 8! Join the Afterwalk Dance Party from 8-10 pm at the Whit on Wendell Avenue.

Click here for a full guide to the Artswalk.
 
Friday, October, 3 | 5pm-8pm | Upstreet Cultural District | 413-499-9348 | FREE

 
In conjunction with First Fridays, join us this Friday in the Music Room at Dotties Coffee Lounge for Burlesque Life Drawing.. BYOB and bring your own art supplies. Painters. Photographers. Poets. You're all welcome. We will have food and your favorite Dottie's beverages. Donations for the model are graciously appreciated. A special addition this Friday, M Style Intimates pop up shop event.  M Style Intimates will dress our model and also provide comfortable, fun and sexy intimates for the ladies of the Berkshires and beyond.  We will also continue the show the Blue Ribbon Project featuring the work of Mike Carty and Patrick Swan.
 
Friday, October 2 | 5pm-8pm | Dottie's Coffee Lounge | 444 North Street | 413-443-1792 | NO COVER

Friday: Open Studio at NUarts
 
Please join the artists of NUarts for a memorable open studios event as they celebrate new and veteran artists of NU Arts Gallery & Studios. 
  
Friday, October 2 | 5pm-8pm | NUarts Studios | 311 North Street | 413-851-1659 | FREE

 
Berkshire Paint and Sip will be open during First Fridays Artswalk.  Artists will be learning to paint Rooster. All painting materials and a light snack are included for the two hour painting.  Pre-registration is suggested.   
 
Friday, October 2 | 6pm-8pm | Berkshire Paint and Sip | 305 North Street |413-205-8346 | $30


An acoustic quartet comprised of four of today's most astonishing and multi-talented contemporary musicians: James Moore (guitar/banjo), Nathan Koci (accordion), Eleonore Oppenheim (bass) and Caroline Shaw (violin). Their music draws from a twisted array of folk, jazz and classical traditions to create lush sonic textures, intricate compositions and wild improvisations.

Friday, October 2 | 7pm | Shire City Sanctuary | 40 Melville Street | 413-236-9600 

 
This Clam Bake and Lobster Dinner Fundraiser will benefit The Alzheimer's Association and The Berkshire Carousel. There will be live entertainment all night including: The Ageless Trio dinner entertainment; Mike Miller's - The Paul McCartney Experience After Dinner and back by popular demand George Lyons, The Premier Massachusetts' Frank Sinatra impersonator.
Friday, October 2 | 6pm | Home Instead Senior Care | 66 Wendell Ave | 413-499-0457 | $48 per person


A spellbinding mystery of identity, illusion, and deception unfolds against the turmoil of post-World War II Germany. A disfigured concentration-camp survivor, unrecognizable after facial reconstruction surgery, searches ravaged postwar Berlin for the husband who might have betrayed her to the Nazis.
 
Friday - Monday, October 2 - 5 | Fri - Mon 7pm, Fri 4pm, Mon 1:30pm | Berkshire Museum | Little Cinema | 39 South Street |413-443-7171 | $5 Museum Members, $7.50 Museum Non Members


Rainbow Restaurant has three nights of live music this week. On Friday is the Blue Light Trio, Saturday features Cameron Collins and on Wednesday, 
Gruppo Mondo performs. All shows start at 7:30pm, no cover!
 
Friday, Saturday and Wednesday, October 2, 3 & 7 | 7:30pm | Rainbow Restaurant | 1st Street | 413-443-0002 | NO COVER


When Intisar, an African-American Muslim student, arrives in Cairo for a year abroad, she hopes finally to be understood. She's quickly enlisted by her exuberant Egyptian roommate, Samar, to help create a blog debating the practice of wearing veils, but when the Arab Spring intervenes, revolution threatens to overtake their friendship. Three matinees for local high school students will be part of this production schedule.
"a brave new work which addresses the thorny crosscurrents of cultural identity" -Broadway World
Through October 18 | Wed/Thurs 7pm, Fri/Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm | Barrington Stage Company | Boyd-Quinson Mainstage | 30 Union Street | 413-236-8888 | $20+

Friday: Live on North with Satellite Shine at Hotel On North
 
Live on North continues with the musical stylings of Satellite Shine, a Berkshire based acoustic duo that re-arranges and performs classic covers.  Some highlights include covers from Van Morrison, Tom Waits, Fleetwood Mac, and James Taylor as well as popular songs of today by artists such as The Lumineers, Phillip Phillips, Foo Fighters and more. 
Friday, October 2 | 8pm | Hotel On North | 297 North Street | 413-358-4741 


Tavern at the A will have live music all weekend. On Friday, Rebel Alliance and Misty Blues on Saturday night. Saturday night musicians are Gina Coleman, Jason Webster, Bill Patriquin, Ben Kohn, Jeff Dudziak and special guest Dan Teichert.
 
Friday & Saturday, October 2 & 3 | 9pm | Tavern at the A | 303 Crane Ave | 413-448-9009 | $5

 
Come get fresh with us! We are pretty excited to have mushrooms at the market this year- so come on down and get yours! Leanne Yinger, from Kira's Kitchen will join us with a chef demo and tasting... come see what she is cooking up! From 11am to 1pm live music with Leap the Dips. Come get fresh with us! Get your weekly fill of pasture-raised meats, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, breads, baked goods, coffee, wine, cut flowers, plants and more. The Market will run rain or shine.  SNAP (EBT/Food Stamps) accepted.

Saturdays through October 31 | 9am-1pm | The Common | 1st Street and Eagle Street | info@farmersmarketpittsfield.org | NO COVER

In  conjunction with the Barrington Stage production of Veils, Temple Anshe Amunim will host A discussion on discrimination and acceptance with members of the cast. This event is free and open to people from all faiths and cultural backgrounds.  A reception will follow.
Saturday, October 3 | 9:30am| Temple Anshe Amunim | 26 Broad Street | 
413-442-5910 x16 
 | FREE

 
Hone your digital photography skills with Berkshire Eagle photographer and photo editor Ben Garver. Workshop includes both classroom and field time, with ample opportunity to practice the techniques you learn. Designed to inspire and guide your growth and expression as a photographer, this workshop also includes time to evaluate photos for subject, composition and other aspects. PLEASE NOTE: Bring you own digital camera.

Saturday, October 3 | 10am-3pm | Hancock Shaker Village | 1843 West Housatonic Street | 413-443-0188 | $85, $78 members

 
Join us for a fascinating exploration of how Chinese villages protect their local landscapes. Dr. Chris Coggins, a professor of geography and Asian Studies at Bard College at Simon's Rock will discuss his research on village sacred landscapes in the Tibetan and Han culture regions of western and southern China. For more information call 413-236-2190 or email olli@berkshirecc.edu.
 
Saturday, October 3 | 10:30am | Berkshire Community College |  1350 West Street | 413-442-1562 | $10 for OLLI members, BCC students and staff, $15 general public, free to youth 17 & under


Check out the only breakdancing studio in the Berkshires for FREE this weekend at an open house. Sample some of the classes such as hip hop, breakdance and power moves.

Saturday, October 3 | 11am-5pm | The Funk Box Studio | 137 North Street | 413-242-2179 | FREE

 
Come enjoy a community beerfest! Enjoy local brews from Big Elm Brewing , Wandering Star, Barrington Brewery, Glass Bottom Brewery along with many more. There will be food featured from the fabulous restaurants of downtown Pittsfield. Free games and prizes, plus live music all day.  All proceeds support Moments House and The Elizabeth Freeman Center.

Saturday, October 3 | 12pm-6pm | McKay Street Parking Lot | General Admission $26, VIP $36

 
Soprano Anna Netrebko's dramatic and vocal skills are on full display in her next new role at the Met-Leonora, the Verdi heroine who sacrifices her own life for the love of the gypsy troubadour. Tenor Yonghoon Lee sings the ill-fated Manrico, baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky is his rival, and mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick is the mysterious gypsy with the troubled past. Marco Armiliato conducts Sir David McVicar's Goya-inspired production. Approx. Runtime: 3:10
 
Saturday, October 3 | 12:55pm | Beacon Cinema | 57 North Street | 413-358-4780 | $25


Visit Italy and Sicily through slides and stories told by Laura Da Sola. Free and no registration required.
Saturday, October 3 | 2pm | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 | FREE

 
Come use a cider press to make your own apple cider! Bring your apples, bring your containers, and bring your excitement! Come by yourself or invite a friend, partner, or children! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Limited spots are available, sign up soon. Have questions? Contact our Super Ninja Deanna Boucher at 413-236-9600 or deanna@shirecitysanctuary.com.
 
Saturday, October 3 | 2pm-5pm | Shire City Sanctuary | 40 Melville Street | 413-320-4175 | $25 individuals, $35 pair


Pull on your boots and dance the night away with Cliff Brodeur and the Square One Band. All are welcome from beginners to experienced dancers. When you're tired of dancing, grab a beer from Fort Hill Brewery, some grub from the Chuck Wagon, a seat in the saloon and just enjoy the music.

Saturday, October 3 | 7pm-10pm | Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | $15, $12 members


Immerse yourself in the richness of local lore, curiosity and enigma for a hauntingly enjoyable evening in the Gilded Age elegance of the storied Colt mansion of downtown Pittsfield, where unexplained occurrences are waiting to be further explored as part of this spectral spectacular. Hear excerpts from the new book These Mysterious Hills: An Unauthorized History of the Bizarre Berkshire, available for the first time ever at this event, and further explore the legendary locales of the region through photographs evoking the mystery of these hills. A limited number of VIP tickets are still available for $50 each. Email mysterioushills@gmail.com to reserve tickets.

Saturday, October 3 | 7pm | Whitney Center For The Arts | 42 Wendell Ave | FREE, $50 VIP tickets

 
Eavesdrop is an acoustic trio formed of three female vocalists. Covering a wide range of folk & soul music with a unique twist of harmonic interpretation, Eavesdrop offers a nostalgic experience garnished with a fresh and delicate approach. 
Saturday, October 3 | 8pm-11pm | Mission Bar + Tapas  | 438 North Street | NO PHONE | NO COVER

Saturday: Karaoke at The Elks
 
Karaoke at the Elks. Located in the lower level bar, parking available in lot. Cash only bar!
 
Saturday, October 3 | 8:30pm | Elks | 27 Union Street | 413-447-9234 | NO COVER

 
Journey through the history of the gilded age Colonial Theatre as historians, Bob Boland and Bill Munn, share the story of the 1903 world-class theatre, movie house, National Historic Treasure appointment by Hillary Clinton, restoration, and 2006 grand re-opening.  The tour is one hour. Wear sensible shoes for standing and stair climbing through three levels and backstage areas, elevator access available. This is part of the Housatonic Heritage Walks Weekend.
 
Sunday, October 4 | 10am-11am | Colonial Theatre | 111 South Street | 413-448-8084x31 | NO COVER

 
Part of Massachusetts Archaeology Month, this "Green Tour" focuses on the Hancock Shakers' 19th-century water-power technology and other examples of renewable energy at the Village, past, present and future.  Included will be a demonstration of the 1858 water turbine, and an easy-to-moderate hike to the Village's North Family Archaeological site to view the ruins of Shaker mill buildings and dams. Clothing and footwear appropriate for walking in the fields and woods is required.

Sunday, October 4 | 10:30am-12pm | Hancock Shaker Village | 1843 West Housatonic Street | 413-443-0188 | FREE with general admission

 
This is the first Sunday of the month, which means Domingo Brunch at Dottie's.  This month, the live music will be provided by Spunk N Sazz.   They are a dynamic duo from Easthampton MA, featuring Teresa Lorenco and  John Losito, offering  sassy Americana music with great harmony and charming wit.
 
Sunday, October 4 | 11am-2pm | Dottie's Coffee Lounge | 444 North Street | 413-443-1792 | NO COVER

 
Jazz Night features a night of top notch jazz from the Jazz Ambassadors. No cover, cash bar, tapas, beer and wine available to purchase at reasonable prices. Doors open at 5pm.

Sunday, October 4 | 6pm-9pm | Whitney Center For The Arts | 42 Wendell Ave | NO COVER

 
SOLENAH presents Trivia Night . $30 a team, Teams of 2-6 people. All proceeds go to the Berkshire Immigrant Center. Prizes for 1st and 2nd places, and raffles to win other prizes. Trivia starts at 7 pm, but come early and have dinner with us. (20% of all food sales will be donated to the Berkshire Immigrant Center.)
 
Monday, October 5 | 6pm | Tavern at the A | 303 Crane Ave | 413-448-9009 | $30 per team

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, October 6 | 10am | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 | FREE

Starting Tuesday, October 6th, and every Tuesday thereafter, the doors will open at the newly reopened and rebranded pub at the Crowne Plaza Pittsfield on the lobby level at 5pm. Music with The Dossers will begin at 6:30pm every Tuesday. A pub menu will be available.  
Tuesday, October 6 | 5pm | Crowne Plaza | One West Street | 413-553-2257 | NO COVER

Town Players of Pittsfield will be holding auditions for Christmastime in the City 2, a holiday variety show. Needed are singers (all voice types), instrumentalists, spoken word artists, actors, comedians, dancers, knife-throwers, and more. Any variety of talent may audition.
 
There will be three performances: Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12 at 8:00pm and a matinee on Sunday, December 13 at 2:00pm.
 
Tuesday & Wednesday, October 6 & 7 | 7:30pm | Whitney Center for the Arts | 42 Wendell Ave | FREE


The Berkshire Health Systems Community Outreach Van visits at the library's Wendell Avenue entrance and professional staff on the van offer free Blood Pressure Screenings. No appointment necessary.

Wednesday, October 7 | 10am-12pm | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 | FREE


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

Thursday, October 8 | 10am | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 | FREE


Join volunteers, Jan, Angela and Vera, in learning how to use vital records in your family research, as well as learning how to begin your immigration research.  It is highly suggested to take this class along with Organizing Your Records/Introduction to the Census and Using Vital Records/Beginning Immigration Research class to achieve the full value of the courses. Space is limited and Preregistration is required.  This class is offered in the morning or afternoon please register for one session only. You may also email the Local History Department at  pittslhg@cwmars.org or call 413 499-9480 x6 during regular business hours.

Thursday, October 8 | 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 | FREE


The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires' Connecting with Community series presents Jewish Writers: The Achievements of British Historian Martin Gilbert.  As part of his ongoing series exploring the achievements of prominent Jewish authors, Hugh Black - a teacher, librarian, journalist, poet, and bibliophile - returns to discuss the historical writing of Sir Martin Gilbert.

Thursday, October 8 | 10:45am-12pm | Congregation Knesset Israel | 16 Colt Road | 413-445-4872 | FREE

Thursday: Knitting Circle at Dotties

 

Meet with like-minded knitters at this open circle. All levels are welcome. This group meets every Thursday, from 2pm-4pm.

 

Thursday, October 8 | 2pm-4pm | Dottie's Coffee Lounge | 444 North Street | 413-443-1792 | NO COVER

Thursday: Pittsfield Vision Workshop at City Hall

 

In 2009, the City of Pittsfield adopted its Master Plan. This document stresses the need for modern land use regulations that encourage development of an appropriate size, scale and design that fits Pittsfield's short term and long term community vision. The intent of this community workshop is to listen to the community, regarding their vision for Pittsfield's development. Please RSVP to Shire City consulting: shirecityconsulting@gmail.com

 

Thursday, October 8 | 6pm | Pittsfield City Hall | 70 Allen Street | FREE

Swinging II in Park Square is part of Artscape.
 
The City of Pittsfield and the Artscape Public Art Committee have put out a call for art and invite artists to submit proposals for the annual yearlong Artscape public art exhibition in Pittsfield. 

Under the theme of In Motion: Pittsfield, the installations will span a broad spectrum, from decorative to inspirational, functional to whimsical. Artists have a free hand in determining their approach.  

Click here for more information and how to submit.

The submission deadline is November 20, 2015 by 11:59 P.M. 
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If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

North Adams Regional Reopens With Ribbon-Cutting Celebration

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

BHS President and CEO Darlene Rodowicz welcomes the gathering to the celebration of the hospital's reopening 10 years to the day it closed. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The joyful celebration on Thursday at North Adams Regional Hospital was a far cry from the scene 10 years ago when protests and tears marked the facility's closing
 
Hospital officials, local leaders, medical staff, residents and elected officials gathered under a tent on the campus to mark the efforts over the past decade to restore NARH and cut the ribbon officially reopening the 136-year-old medical center. 
 
"This hospital under previous ownership closed its doors. It was a day that was full of tears, anger and fear in the Northern Berkshire community about where and how residents would be able to receive what should be a fundamental right for everyone — access to health care," said Darlene Rodowicz, president and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems. 
 
"Today the historic opportunity to enhance the health and wellness of Northern Berkshire community is here. And we've been waiting for this moment for 10 years. It is the key to keeping in line with our strategic plan which is to increase access and support coordinated county wide system of care." 
 
Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, under the BHS umbrella, purchased the campus and affiliated systems when Northern Berkshire Healthcare declared bankruptcy and closed on March 28, 2014. NBH had been beset by falling admissions, reductions in Medicare and Medicaid payments, and investments that had gone sour leaving it more than $30 million in debt. 
 
BMC was able to reopen the ER as an emergency satellite facility and slowly restored and enhanced medical services including outpatient surgery, imaging, dialysis, pharmacy and physician services. 
 
But it would take a slight tweak in the U.S. Health and Human Services' regulations — thank to U.S. Rep. Richie Neal — to bring back inpatient beds and resurrect North Adams Regional Hospital 
 
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