Mass MoCA Caberet Features Previn Film Tunes

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Arts fans will remember Julia Greenberg from her co-starring role in "People Are Wrong," a rock opera with They Might Be Giants founder John Flansburgh. This summer she will return to put her own twist on songs of singer/songwriter Dory Previn in an Alt Cabaret performance on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 8 p.m. in the Courtyard Pavilion or in Club B-10, in case of rain. The galleries will be open until 7:30 p.m. The Alt Cabaret series is supported in part by the Hans and Kate Morris Fund for New Music.
 
"There is nothing subtle about Greenberg's flair for making the most of a strong pop sensibility and writing brazen, heartfelt lyrics. Awash in hoods the size of Texas and a lyrical wit to match," says CMJ New Music Report of Greenberg's style.

Previn, an artist and author, is recognized for her success writing motion picture theme songs through the 1960s and 1970s, receiving several Oscar and Emmy nominations and awards. Her best-known work includes "The Faraway Part Of Town," sung in the film "Pepe" by Judy Garland; "So Long, Big Time," which was recorded by Tony Bennett for his album "The Many Moods Of Tony," and "You're Gonna Hear From Me" recorded by Frank Sinatra for the 1965 film "Inside Daisy Clover," as well as five songs for "Valley Of The Dolls."

Born Dory Langdon, she married musician and collaborator Andre Previn in 1957. When Previn left her for Mia Farrow in 1969, she expressed her outrage in the song "Beware Of Young Girls." Previn released seven critically acclaimed albums between 1970 and 1976. In addition to writing lyrics and songs, Previn's history of neglect, divorce and her own stay in psychiatric institutions, where she received electric shock therapy, fueled her writing. Her autobiography, "Midnight Baby" was followed by "Bog Trotter" in the 1980s. 

 
Greenberg began her musical studies at New York's High School of Music and Art and later earned a degree from Wesleyan University. She joined the country punk band Cowlick, performing in the New York and New England club scene. Pursuing a solo career, Greenberg began working with musicians, including members of Health and Happiness Show, Birdy, and the Other 99. Together, Greenberg and her musician friends formed Cropduster Records, producing and releasing their work. Greenberg produced her first CD "Past your Eyes," which Performing Song Writer said is "packed with hook-laden pop gems that exude a radio-friendly, slightly retro vibe. Blessed with a wonderful gift for melody." Greenberg's single "Pitiful You" from the album made Rolling Stone's most downloaded MP3 charts.
 
When not performing solo, Greenberg is accompanied by her bandmates Jeremy Chatzky on bass, Mark Bosch on guitar, James Mastro on guitar and keyboards and Frank Vilardi on drums.

Tickets are $14 in advance; $18 day of show. Members receive a 10 percent discount. Tickets are available at 413-662-2111 and at the box office off Marshall Street daily from 10 to 6 or at www.massmoca.org.
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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.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

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. 

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