They can play.
Music will echo through the Berkshire Hills this weekend, as local musicians join together to raise money to help victims of the September 11 terrorism attack.
Two all-day jams will take place on Sunday, bringing a total of 18 local bands to stages at Bucksteep Manor in Washington and at Gringo's in North Adams.
It is a colossal display of musical talent and community spirit. Not only are the musicians donating their time and talent, both clubs are donating bar proceeds to the event, printing and media companies helped with promotions, sound men & support crews are contributing as well.
Band together
The "Berkshire Musicians Unite" concert at Bucksteep Manor begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday (the gates open at noon). The lineup features a number of well-established acts, including The Dooley Austin Band, Rev Tor Band, Suitcase, Tamboura, Robby Baeir, Jeff Martell, Meg Hutchinson, The Ravin' Mavens, Adam Rothberg, Beartown Mountain Ramblers, Sammy Brown & Wildwood and Joel Sturz.
Tor Krautter of the Reverend Tor Band, who organized the jam, says he had no problem convincing musicians to participate; in fact, more bands volunteered for the show than could fit on the bill.
"I was contacted by Bucksteep Manor and they asked if I would put something together," Krautter recalls. "Under the circumstances, I was glad to help out."
In the wake of the horrific events of September 11, Americans everywhere are seeking ways to help the victims, to do something proactive. Musicians have a gift that can not only be uplifting during troubled times, but also can rally others for the cause.
Since the attack, several large-scale concerts have been organized, with acts such as Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney participating. A telethon style fundraiser concert featured not only top musical acts but also movie stars.
Performers may not be able to physically assist in the recovery effort or fight terrorism, but they can play.
"I think that's why everyone across the board wanted to help," Krautter says. "We have absolutely no overhead; pretty much everything was donated. In a situation like this, everybody wants to do what they can to help."
Lee Everett of Tamboura is looking forward to the show. "I think it's for a really good cause," he said. "It's just something we can do in a small way to help."
Everett says that Berkshire musicians have shown their spirit many times in the past. Contributing to the community, he added, is a Berkshire musical tradition, noting the Arlo Guthrie Foundation often sponsors benefit shows.
"There's a real consciousness among the musicians around here," he said. "There have been quite a few benefit shows, sometimes grassroots efforts where people's houses have burned down or something like that, and they tend to draw good crowds."
Tickets for the Bucksteep show are $10, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
Rockin' the House at Gringo's
In North County, Gringo's will host a benefit on Sunday, featuring five local bands: The Brave Brothers (featuring both past & present members), Smart A**, Crazy Annie, Spoodge and Wender.
Gringo's owner Dave Nicholas said that when band members approached him regarding a benefit show he was thrilled to help. "I was happy to do it," Nicholas said. "I was hoping to find some way that we could contribute."
Nicholas noted that all of the bands are donating their time, and that several local businesses helped with supplies and promotions. All of the bar profits will also be donated.
The concert will begin at 2 p.m. and continue throughout the day and into the evening. Tickets are $10, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
Brave Brothers lead singer "Red" said that the benefit concert idea emerged soon after the September 11 attack. "The first weekend after the World Trade Center collapse we were sitting and talking about it during break," she recalls. "Within two days, we had a location, all the bands and free advertising. Everybody just pitched in and helped."
Red noted that a sometimes intense rivalry exists among local bands, but the rivalry is put aside when the cause is more important.
"Whenever something happens we kind of all come together," she said. "It's kind of like a big family."
Red has been with the Brave Brothers band, for nearly 12 years. Sunday's gig, she noted, will be a special one. "Personally," she said, "I'm very much looking forward to it."
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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