Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Feb. 12-18

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Office of Cultural Development | City of Pittsfield
 
 

 
Barrington Stage Company hosts the 5th annual 10×10 New Play Festival, featuring 10 ten-minute plays by 10 playwrights. All of the plays are performed by a diverse ensemble of six actors.
 
Through Sunday, February 28 | Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 7:30pm, Sat. & Sun. 3pm, Sun. Feb. 21 7:30pm | Barrington Stage Company | St. Germain Stage | 36 Linden St. | 413-236-8888 | $15-$30 

 
It's the perfect place for kids to play, create, improvise, learn, and flex their creative muscles! Kids can innovate with the Imagination Playground and explore a Lego station courtesy of Pley, an architectural building set from Bilderhoos, and a Tegu magnetic block station.
 
To kick off the 10x10 Festival, on Friday, February 12 from 5:30-7:30pm, families are invited to explore the ArtZoo exhibition and this year's engaging, child-directed Ten Days of Play activities, free of charge.
 
 
Friday-Sunday, February 12-21 | 11am-3pm, 12-3pm on Sunday | Berkshire Museum | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | Included with museum admission

 
IS183 Art School's "Learning Through Arts" (LTA) program is an approach to arts integration that makes connections across multiple, rigorous disciplines while providing students with the freedom to experiment with advanced art techniques and mediums, create unique work, and find their voice.   
 
 
Through Saturday, February 27 | Gallery Hours Feb. 11-20 Mon-Sat 11am-4pm, Feb. 20-27 Wed-Sat 11am-4pm | Lichtenstein Center for the Arts | 28 Renne Ave. | 413-499-9348 | NO COVER

 
WordXWord (in cooperation with the Norman Rockwell Museum) is presenting 10 poets/writers (ranging in age from 15 to 70+, local and regional) who will create spoken word pieces in response to Rockwell illustrations.
 
A special presentation of the award-winning short documentary Norman Rockwell's World... An American Dream will precede the performance, at 6:15pm.
 
 
Friday, February 12 | 6:15pm film, 7pm  spoken word | Whitney Center for the Arts | 42 Wendell Ave. | 413-443-0289 | FREE

 
A shopping event for men (ladies welcome, too). Berkshire Mountain Distillers will be doing a tasting of the finest bourbon, bacon hors d'oeuvres will be prepared by Chef Brian Alberg, and personal shopping assistance will be provided to find the best lingerie for your lovely valentine. Live models will decorate the windows in our latest product!
 
Friday, February 12 | 6-9pm | M Style Intimates | 419 North St. | 413-443-0020 | $10

Friday-Thursday: Paint Parties at Dirty Brush

There are paint parties almost every day for kids or adults during the next week, including: Lighthouse; Love Grows Here; Dragonfly and kids and young adult open canvas classes during February vacation week.  Reservations are required.  Click here for the full schedule.  

 Friday-Thursday, February 12-18 (except Sunday) | Times Vary | Dirty Brush Painting Studio | 141 North St. | 413-442-9300 | Prices Vary

 
Choose 5 tacos for $10! The evening's menu will include roasted pork tacos with fire cider slaw and queso fresco; BBQ tempeh tacos with crimson kraut; grilled shrimp tacos with citrus cabbage and chipotle aioli; rice and beans with avocado and queso fresco and chipotle aioli. 

DJ Thom Knight will be spinning tunes from 8-11pm!  
 
 
Friday, February 12 | 6:30pm | Dottie's Coffee Lounge | 444 North St. | 413-443-1792 | $10

 
At each showing, the Museum will screen all five live-action short films nominated for this year's Oscars: Ave Maria; Day One; Shok; Stutterer; and Everything Will Be Okay (Alles Wird Gut).
 
Friday-Monday, February 12-15 | Fri.-Mon. 7pm, also Fri. 4pm & Mon. 1:30pm | Berkshire Museum | Little Cinema | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | $5 Museum Members, $7.50 Non Members

 
Cards Against Humanity: Apples to Apples made better! Join us in the lounge for a night of fun.
 
Friday, February 12 | 7-10pm | Hotel on North | 297 North St. | 413-358-4741 | NO COVER

Enjoy live jazz from the Blue Light Trio.
 
Friday, February 12 | 7:30pm | Rainbow Restaurant | 109 First St. | 413-443-0004 | NO COVER

 
Metal Friday will feature the bands Goblet, Wandering Oak, Elfspell, and Calamity.
 
Friday, February 12 | 9pm | Tavern at the A | 303 Crane Ave. | 413-448-9009 | $6

 
Shop like a boss during the Outlet's in-store-only Presidents' Week sale.  Take 30%-and even more on some items-off quilts, sheet sets, duvet covers, decorative pillows, rugs, loungewear, and more.  Click here for more information.  

Dory and Ginger is also getting into the 10x10. Head there and shop for something wonderful to brighten a gray winter day and they'll give you ten percent off any purchase you make.  Click here for more information.

 
Through Sunday, February 21 | Mon-Sat 10am-5pm Sun 12pm-4pm | The Outlet at Pine Cone Hill | 125 Pecks Road | 413-629-2314 | NO COVER 

Through Sunday February 21 | Tues-Thurs & Sat 10am-6pm Fri 10am-8pm Sun 11am-4pm | Dory and Ginger | 299 North Street | 413-553-4200 NO COVER  

 
As part of the 10x10 Festival, 10+ kid vendors join the market this month, selling handmade crafts and food. Support local kid-preneurs while shopping for handmade gifts just in time for Valentine's Day! As always, indoor market also will feature pasture-raised meats, eggs, cheese, fruits, vegetables, breads, baked goods, coffee, wine, art, and more.
 
 
Saturday, February 13 | 9am-1pm | Boys' and Girls' Club | 16 Melville St. | 413-448-8258 | NO COVER

The 4th annual Law Enforcement Polar Plunge & Chili/Chowder Fest for Special Olympics of Massachusetts will be held at Onota Lake in Burbank Park. Plunging starts at 11am, with registration opening at 9am. The Chili/Chowder Festival starts around noon. Tickets for Chili/Chowder are $10 for all you can eat. Plungers raising at least $100 get free entry.
 
Saturday, February 13 | 10am-4pm | Burbank Park | St. | 413- | NO COVER

Join the world-renowned, original recycled materials percussionist, The Junkman™, for two days of music, science, and fun! He's performed worldwide at venues such as the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center, been part of the Van's Warped Tour, concerts with Phish, the Sundance Film Festival, World Environment Day at the United Nations, and much more. The Junkman™ will present three diverse interactive programs for families. All programs are for kids of all ages with and without prior music experience.

 
Saturday & Sunday, February 13 & 14 | 10:30am-5pm | Berkshire Museum | 
39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | Included with museum admission

This is a pre-naptime dance party for toddlers and preschoolers with real music spun and mixed by DJ BFG. This community event brings kids and parents together. This is recommended for ages 0-5.  

 
Saturday, February 13 | 11am | The Colonial Theatre | 
111 South St. | 413-997-4444 | $10 Adults, Children FREE

 
Paint "Cardinal Birdbath" on a large 16x20 canvas. All painting materials and a light snack included. BYOB. Reserve your seats now.
 
Saturday, February 13 | 1pm | Berkshire Paint and Sip | 305 North St. | 413-205-8346 
| $30

Hosted by Hancock Shaker Village curator Lesley Herzberg, the program will highlight 10 songs that illustrate the themes, styles, and function of music in the Shakers' worship and work. Ten singers from Cantilena Chamber Choir will perform the songs in unison, as the Shakers sang them, as well as several arrangements of Shaker music by modern composers. Mezzo-soprano Deborah Rentz-Moore is guest soloist. 

Admission is free, but a $10 suggested donation helps fund the South Church Food Pantry. 

 
Saturday, February 13 | 2pm | South Congregational Church | 110 South St. | 413-443-0188 x100 
|
 FREE

 
Join us for a special dinner with your loved one! In addition to the regular menu, we will offer a 3-course prix fixe menu full of goodies. Advanced reservations requested.
 
Saturday & Sunday, February 13 & 14 | 
5-10pm | Hotel on North | 297 North St. | 
413-358-4741

 
Berkshires Jazz presents Stephanie Nakasian, who will perform a special one-time concert, created specifically for Pittsfield's 10x10 Upstreet Arts Festival, of 10 of the great historic jazz singers. She will appear with the Hod O'Brien Trio (David Clark, bass; George Schuller, drums). 

Click here to purchase your tickets ahead of time, which is recommended.

This is a part of the 10x10 Upstreet Arts Festival. 
 
Saturday, February 13 | 8pm | Panchos Mexican Restaurant | 154 North St. | 413-499-2266 | $20 in advance, $25 at the door

 
Big & Bigger Duo, featuring Wanda Houston and Jeff Gonzales, perform "A Night of Love & Blues."
 
Saturday, February 13 | 7:30pm | Rainbow Restaurant | 109 First St. | 413-443-0004 | NO COVER

Beatlemania Again - The World's Premier Beatles Stage Show is an incredible concert featuring the Beatlemania Again cast performing as the world's greatest band during three stages of their amazing career. The first act, Meet The Beatles, showcases the group when they took the world by storm. The show then moves into the Sergeant Pepper era, covering the next phase in Beatles history with great hits and incredible costuming, and then to the final years of Abbey Road and Let It Be
 
Saturday, February 13 | 7:30pm | The Colonial Theatre | 
111 South St. | 413-997-4444 | $29.50/$39.50

Mary Verdi, Eileen Markland, and John Marshall perform a concert to celebrate the release of the new album, Flight. A beer and champagne toast is provided in the ticket price.
 
Saturday, February 13 | 8pm | Berkshire Yoga Dance & Fitness | 55 North St., Suite 201 | 413-281-6734 | $20

 
A full night of comedy, including a brand-new performer selected from the Dottie's Coffee Lounge Comedy Open Mic, will be rounded out by co-headliners Maria Heinegg and Sam Evans of NYC.
 
 
Saturday, February 13 | 8pm | Dottie's Coffee Lounge | 444 North St. | 413-443-1792 | $15 in advance, $20 at the door

 
Shire City Sanctuary comes alive with the electronic music duo Home Body and DJ BFG for an alternative dance party. Home Body brings a fresh tangibility to electronic-based music, creating songs that are wildly original. Magnetic live, their animated performances include exuberant dancing and dramatic manual light manipulation, resulting in an eccentric spectacle which amplifies their music.
 
 
Saturday, February 13 | 8-12pm | Shire City Sanctuary | 40 Melville St. | 413-236-9600 | $10 at the door

License to Groove, with Penny Lowell from WYKYD and members of AHBB and WHO ARE YOU, will perform their debut live show. Expect dancing all night long.
 
Saturday, February 13 | 9pm | Tavern at the A | 303 Crane Ave. | 413-448-9009 | $5


The Rich Vinette Trio will perform live jazz and blues to soothe your soul in the restaurant on Valentine's Day. Reservations are highly recommended, and seatings are at 10am and 12pm.
 
Sunday, February 14 | 10am-2pm | Brenda & Co. | 137 North St. | 413-997-4500

 
Don't hide all winter, come out and stay in touch with your running friends at the Berkshire Running Center Frosted Mug 5K Series! Instead of shirts, there will be a buffet after each race, from 12-1pm, for the runners, included in your race registration fee. Run your race and stay to catch up with the running community, plus one free Goose Island IPA after the race for runners 21 and over! 

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, there are a limited number of relay bibs available. Contact the Berkshire Running Center for details.

Click here to pre-register.  
 
Sunday, February 14 | 11am | Crowne Plaza Hotel | 1 West St. | 413-344-4472 | $30

 
Berkshire Community College's 15th annual Not Your Average Dog Show fundraiser will include many pooch competitions such as "fastest tail wagger" and "best kisser," doggie caricatures ($10 each), a magician, concessions and vendor tables for both dogs and humans.
 
Sunday, February 14 | 11:30am-3pm | Berkshire Community College's Paterson Field House | 1350 West St. | 413-236-2185 | FREE

 
Berkshire International Film Festival (BIFF) is celebrating short film in collaboration with the Beacon Cinema by presenting a fantastic array of some of the best shorts from its 10th anniversary festival.   There will be another screening on Thursday, Feb 18 at 8pm.  
 
 
Sunday, February 14 | 2:30pm | Beacon Cinema | 57 North St. | 413-358-4780 | FREE

 
"Love Me TENder" is a musical experience exploring the many different aspects of love. Travel with duo Samantha Talora and Ron Ramsay as they recall the thrill of first love, the romance of enduring love, the comfort of brotherly love, the solace of unrequited love and the strength that lies in eternal love. Laugh, cry, reminisce and enjoy! The Whit will offer a special V-Day menu. The evening ends with a dance party.  Click here for more information on that. 
 
 
Sunday, February 14 | 6:30pm | Whitney Center for the Arts | 42 Wendell Ave. | 413-212-4459 | $20

 
Comedians Artie Rob and Eryca Nolan present a show featuring some of the funniest comedians in the greater New England area, including Vinnie Beedle, Thomas Attila Lewis, K'Rina Fort, Kareem Blue, and Christina Thomas.
 
Sunday, February 14 | 6:30pm | J. Allen's Clubhouse Grille | 41 North St. | 413-499-9998 | $10 advance, $15 at the door

 
Enjoy the most fun Valentines evening in a long time. Couples and singles welcome. Jess will be cooking up a fun chocolate themed dinner: linguini with chocolate cream sauce, Bibb lettuce salad with pink grapefruit, roasted beets and a cocoa nib dressing chocolate cupcake that's ornate and delicious. Spunk 'N' Sass will perform their favorite love songs. Reservations are required.
 
 
Sunday, February 14 | 7pm | Dottie's Coffee Lounge | 444 North St. | 413-443-1792 | $30 Adults, $15 Kids

Together with Bob Marley, The Wailers have sold over 250 million albums and have played to an estimated 24 million people. The anchor of the band is Aston "Family Man" Barrett, who in addition to being Marley's most trusted lieutenant and co-producer, played on countless other classic reggae hits throughout the seventies. The Wailers are undoubtedly the world's premier reggae and world music group who bring high-energy shows to fans across the globe. 

 
Sunday, February 14 | 8pm | The Colonial Theatre | 
111 South St. | 413-997-4444 | $40

Play Ball! Reflections on the Origins of Baseball blends history, poetry, and a sense of humor to create an exciting and hilarious play. Audiences will learn the rules and terms of baseball while celebrating the cultural significance of the game in Massachusetts. The play will enlighten audiences about the importance of the mascot, not just as comic relief but as a symbol of luck and hope that can bring cities together. Through fictional interactions with historical figures (from Queen Hatshepsut to Reverend Allen and Charles Bulfinch), the audience is shown the spirit behind baseball and how it has evolved to become America's pastime.

 
Monday-Saturday, February 15-20 | 11am | Berkshire Museum | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | $15 adult, $8 child; Museum members $5 adult, $3 child; children 3 and under free

 
No reservation needed, walk-ins welcome. A professional art instructor will guide adults ages 13 and older through any painting they'd like, even one of our Paint & Sip paintings they've been dying to do. $15 per session. Bring your own materials, or we will supply for you for an additional $10.
 
Tuesday, February 16 | 1-3pm or 6-8pm | Berkshire Paint and Sip | 305 North St. | 413-205-8346 | $15 per session, an extra $10 if you need supplies

 
Meet seven live animals from the Records and Burpee Zoo, including an African serval cat, and learn about their adaptations, how they survive in the wild, and the consequences of keeping wild animals as pets.
 
 
Tuesday, February 16 | 1:30pm | Berkshire Museum | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | $15 adult, $8 child; Museum members $5 adult, $3 child; children 3 and under free

Light Wire Theatre's "Moon Mouse" is the story of a mouse named Marvin who wants to be popular. Constantly bullied and picked on by the "cool" rats, he retreats into his science books and a world of fantasy. Join Marvin on the space adventure of a lifetime: a trip to the surface of the moon on his homemade rocket, where he meets a strange cast of misfit creatures, learns of infinite peril and views awesome beauty.  This is recommended for ages 5 and up.  

 
Tuesday, February 16 | 2pm | The Colonial Theatre | 
111 South St. | 413-997-4444 | $15 

 
Calling all beer lovers and Rainbow Beer Club members: enjoy a pint of Stella Artois and learn the history of the pour. The nine-step pouring ritual is a beautiful dance between the chalice and the draught master. Plus, with the purchase of a pint, you'll receive a Stella Artois chalice to take home. Become a member of the Beer Club at www.rainbowbeerclub.com.
 
Tuesday, February 16 | 6:30pm | Rainbow Restaurant | 109 First St. | 413-443-0004


Set sail for a whale of a tale with young sailor Ishmael, first mate Starbuck, and Captain Ahab as they voyage across the seven seas in search of the legendary white whale! Herman Melville's epic saga makes a splash to North America once again in this inventive production from Germany's award-winning Theater Triebwerk. Ages 10 and up.

SPECIAL OFFER: ARROWHEAD, where Moby Dick was created, invites ticket holders for Theatre Triebwerk's Production to tour Herman Melville's Pittsfield Home on February 11 - 21 two tours daily at 10am and 11am at a special discount.

 
Wednesday, February 17 | 2pm | The Colonial Theatre | 
111 South St. | 413-997-4444 | $15 

 
Fan-favorite jazz band Gruppo Mondo will perform live in the restaurant.
 
Wednesday, February 17 | 7:30pm | Rainbow Restaurant | 109 First St. | 413-443-0004

The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires' Connecting with Community series presents "Sar-el: A Way to Volunteer in Israel" with Martin Silver. Having volunteered with Sar-El 12 times in the past 11 years, Martin will share its history and purpose, and the volunteers' role. Come and find out if Sar-El is for you and/or for someone you know.
 
Thursday, February 18 | 10:45am | Congregation Knesset Israel | 16 Colt Road | 413-442-4360, Ext. 15 | FREE

 
Paint "Cow" on a large 16x20 canvas. All painting materials and a light snack included. Reserve your seats now.
 
Thursday, February 18 | 1pm | Berkshire Paint and Sip | 305 North St. | 413-205-8346 
| $25

Dottie's will provide drawing boards, paper, and crayons, but please bring your own supplies if you have them. 

This is a part of the 10x10 Upstreet Arts Festival. 
 
Thursday, February 18 | 6-7pm | Dottie's Coffee Lounge | 444 North St. | 413-443-1792 | NO COVER

Purchase an Art Tix and win the chance to bid on your own 10" x 10" piece of the festival to take home! Local artists, working in a variety of mediums, have donated their work to be auctioned off in this fun and exciting art lottery. Proceeds benefit Berkshire art students through BAA field trip awards and fellowships.

 
Thursday, February 18 | 5:30-8pm | Berkshire Museum | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | Art Tix are $25; the party is free

 
When the Real Art Party's over, stay to listen as your neighbors and friends share their obsessions and inspirations in PechaKucha style: 20 slides, 20 seconds each. Light refreshments will be provided.
 
 
Thursday, February 18 | 8:20pm | Berkshire Museum | 39 South St. | 413-443-7171 | FREE
 

 
Barrington Stage Company hosts the 5th annual 10×10 New Play Festival, featuring 10 ten-minute plays by 10 playwrights. All of the plays are performed by a diverse ensemble of six actors.
 
Through Sunday, February 28 | Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 7:30pm, Sat. & Sun. 3pm, Sun. Feb. 21 7:30pm | Barrington Stage Company | St. Germain Stage | 36 Linden St. | 413-236-8888 | $15-$30 

 
Berkshire International Film Festival (BIFF) is celebrating short film in collaboration with the Beacon Cinema by presenting a fantastic array of some of the best shorts from its 10th anniversary festival. 
 
 
Thursday, February 18 | 8pm | Beacon Cinema | 57 North St. | 413-358-4780 | FREE

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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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