Human Beatbox Taylor McFerrin Lands At Mass MoCA

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Taylor McFerrin, August 31, at 8 PM. submitted photo
NORTH ADAMS - Taylor McFerrin, whose solo career is flying like his father’s (the legendary Bobby McFerrin), will perform at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art as part of the Alt Cabaret series on Friday, Aug. 31, at 8 p.m. With a sound that is a combination of ‘60s soul, future hip-hop, and R&B, McFerrin builds songs from scratch using a Fender Rhodes, synthesizers, samples, vocals and beat boxing. McFerrin’s solo career is a relatively new venture – he toured internationally with Yohimbe Brothers in 2005 – but after the release of his EP in November of last year, his success as a solo artist has exploded. He gained international attention when the EP’s single "Broken Vibes" debuted on BBC World Wide Radio. McFerrin’s interest lies not in conventional instruments, but rather in making music without instruments – including using his body as and instrument. One of McFerrin’s beats was used in promotion for the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards and On the Verge.com describes it best: “[McFerrin’s] goal is just to be considered another instrument and make great music.” WordPress.com says, “Taylor’s wisely fused his great beatbox skills and smooth voice with broken drums, melodic keys and huge amount of SOUL. More than promising start of a solo career." Weather permitting, McFerrin’s Alt Cab performance will take place under the new pavilion in Courtyard C. Designed and installed by Dutch sculptor Dré Wapenaar, the pavilion consists of a series of colorful overlapping canopies overhead and wooden decking underfoot. Wapenaar’s inhabitable artworks use the tent form to suggest new social arrangements. If inclement weather, the show moves inside to Club B-10. Tickets for Taylor McFerrin are $14 in advance/$18 day of the show. Mass MoCA members receive a 10 percent discount. Tickets are available through the box office located off Marshall Street from 10 to 6 daily. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413-662-2111 during box office hours or at www.massmoca.org/
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Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'
DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 
 
The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.
 
"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.
 
"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 
 
Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 
 
Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 
 
Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.
 
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