Sing-A-Long to Prince's Purple Rain at MASS MoCA

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - Even though it has been 25 years since Purple Rain premiered, for most people the award-winning score is as memorable and singable now as it was the first time they heard it. For those who enjoy belting out Prince classics such as When Doves Cry, Let's Go Crazy or the film's title song Purple Rain, Thursday, August 13, will be a night not to miss under the stars at MASS MoCA.  At 8:30 P.M. in Courtyard C (or moving inside in case rain threatens) this screening of Purple Rain will feature karaoke-style lyrics to help anyone who needs a refresher. Costumes are encouraged.

The award-winning film and soundtrack have been critically acclaimed since the movie premiered in 1984. All Movie Guide says "[Purple Rain] is very entertaining and features an absolutely terrific musical score, one of the few to cop both an Oscar and a Grammy. Basically a fast-moving, carefully crafted music video, Purple Rain is fun...". Contact Movie Review elaborates on the "sexiness" of the film "Just try to take your eyes off the 25-year-old Prince as he flaunts his unmatchable musical talent and raw sex appeal, blasting his way through the best soundtrack of the '80s. Fast forward through the talking bits, and you've got one of the best concert DVDs ever filmed."

Purple Rain, the film, premiered in conjunction with Prince's Purple Rain album. The Minneapolis-based film develops as a fictional autobiographical look at the life of an '80s icon. The Kid (Prince) is working to make it big with his band The Revolution. Teenage angst, romantic relationships, musical rivals and self-reflection are predominant themes throughout the film. The Kid's relationship with Apollonia deepens as music rival Morris Day uses his wit to tempt her away. Reflections of his father's alcoholic behavior mesh with the teenage angst as he works to make it big in the Twin Cities.
 
Purple Rain Sing-A-Long is part of MASS MoCA's Thursday night film series which starts on August 6, with Iron Mule Short Comedy Film Festival and continues after Purple Rain with the Found Footage Festival on August 20, and the second Sing-A-Long film Labyrinth on August 27.

Tickets for Purple Rain Sing-A-Long are $10  (or get the fourth movie free if you buy tickets to three Thursday night movies.) MASS MoCA members receive a 10% discount. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams, open from 10 A.M. until 6 P.M., everyday. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or purchased on line at www.massmoca.org. 
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NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office.

The board held a special meeting Thursday to vote to accept Hohn's resignation and determined that there are currently no plans to replace her.

"We didn't make any final determinations in terms of the executive session so we will schedule another meeting at another time," Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah said after returning from more than an hour session. "Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed as normal by staff."

Per their bylaws, board member Marie Harpin will continue to handle finances, and Uqdah will manage contracts.

Hohn stepped down on Oct. 8 after 24 years leading the agency. Her resignation followed rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.

The boiling point was the locking of the association's office this summer. Tenants alleged the lockout was retaliation for posting a video on social media depicting improperly functioning door alarms. Hohn claimed the office was locked for tenant safety and to stop the spread of misinformation.

Tenants Association President Corey Fortin asked if Hohn's security access had been removed. Uqdah confirmed her credentials were revoked the day she resigned, meaning she can no longer monitor security cameras remotely.

Jennifer Barbeau, a former city councilor who was liaison to the Housing Authority, asked when the board met to discuss Hohn's severance package. Uqdah stated that Hohn did not have one.

The board also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Lavigne, though they will vote officially on the matter at their next meeting.

The open portion of the meeting was brief, with nearly an hour and a half spent in executive session. Before entering executive session, the board opened the floor to tenants.

"The tenants requested an opportunity to talk to the board," said Uqdah. "It has been quite a while, but we have decided to honor that."

Fortin, who posted the original video to social media, was the first to speak. He was clear in his request: unlock the office door.

"Let's cut straight to the chase tonight. The former resigned Director Jennifer Hohn ordered the office locked," he alleged. "She is gone. The lockout is a direct violation, and the board has a duty to end that tonight."

He cited federal and state laws that mandate the tenants association be provided with office space, including computer and network access.

"We are here with a direct administrative demand. We demand that the board vote tonight to unlock the doors," he said. "Do not let a resigned director's illegal action remain the board's ongoing liability. Open our door tonight, and let us get back to work."

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