Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Feb. 1-7
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Friday: First Fridays Artswalk! Bring friends and family and come upstreet Friday night for the latest First Fridays Artswalk, featuring 22 locations and over 50 artists throughout downtown Pittsfield's Upstreet Cultural District. Click here for a handy downloadable map and guide to First Fridays Artswalk. Friday, February 1 | 5-8pm | upstreet Pittsfield | 413-499-9348 | FREE |
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Help us welcome two new Artswalk partners! We're thrilled to welcome two new Artswalk partners this month. The first Maria's European Delights, just opened on North Street after moving from Great Barrington. They are hosting a show by Sophia Lee called Heritage: B&W Photographs of Poland (at left.) The second is MadJacks BBQ, hosting romantic photos by Heather Cachat.
Maria's European Delights | 146 North Street |
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Friday-Monday: Oscar Nominated Documentary Shorts at Little Cinema! Berkshire Museum's Little Cinema offers audiences the exciting opportunity to see Oscar-nominated short films. This weekend it's the documentary shorts: King's Point, directed by Sari Gilman; Mondays at Racine, directed by Cynthia Wade (a Berkshires resident!); Inocente, directed by Sean Fine and Andrea Nix; Open Heart, directed by Kief Davidson; and Redemption, directed by Jon Alpert and Matthew O'Neill. Friday-Monday, February 1-4 | Fri-Sun 7pm Mon 1:30pm & 7pm | Little Cinema at the Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | $5 |
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Fridays or Saturdays: Breakdancing Classes Breakdancing for kids! They'll learn the fundamental building blocks to breakdancing, including uprock, transitions, floorwork and freezes from instructor Andres Ramirez, who will help participants develop coordination and overall confidence. The 8-week sessions have expanded to include sessions for beginners, intermediate and advanced participants. For boys and girls, ages 6-12 years old. Fridays or Saturdays, February 1-April 6 | Fri 4pm-4:45pm (intermediate) or 5pm-6pm (advanced) Sat 3:45pm-4:30pm (beginner) | Pittsfield Family YMCA | 292 North Street | 413-499-7650 x33 | $45-$75 |
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Friday: Code Blue at PortSmitt's Scott and Kurt have been playing together for 12+ years. In their current incarnation as Code Blue they present a unique combination as an energetic musical duo which can transition, from acoustic music, to a full band sound using midi technology. Friday, February 1 | 8pm | PortSmitt's | 370 Pecks Road | 413-236-5727 | NO COVER |
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Friday: Punk Night at Chameleon's
It's punk rock night featuring The Prozacs, Fool Everyone, Hijinx, The Union Boys and Bourbon Scum. There might be a special guest, there might not. You never know what's in store for anyone attending. All ages, all live music! |
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Saturday+: Envisioning Emancipation: Black Americans and the End of Slavery The Berkshire Museum hosts 2 talks by author Barbara Krauthamer in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Based on her newly released book Envisioning Emancipation, Krauthamer explores the question "what did freedom look like” in this two-part series using a visual narrative of more than 150 historical photographs including the Massachusetts 54th Regiment, abolitionist conventions in upstate N.Y., and Sojourner Truth. Reservations requested. Saturdays, February 2 & 9 | 10am | Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171, ext. 10 | $13 adult; $6 child; Museum members & children 3 and under FREE |
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Saturday+: Chi Gong and Calm Breathing Classes at Berkshire Healing Arts Could you use more vitality, balance, and calmness? Would you like to learn simple and effective exercises to improve your health on all levels? This class will help you. If you would like to guarantee a spot in any class, please call as early as possible to register, as space is limited to 16 people. Saturdays, February 2, March 2, April 6 | 2pm | Sunrise Studio | 42 Summer Street, Suite 202 | 413-446-6231 | $10 a class |
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Saturday: Ocean Fuse at Marketplace Café Ocean Fuse features performers Kimberly Rose and Michael Quiñones (left). Rose is a Berkshire County native who has been writing songs for twelve years. Her lyrics are heartfelt and personal with inspiration being drawn from her life. Michael Quiñones is a singer-songwriter who greatly enjoys the process of searching for new melodies and is influenced by such artists as Paul Simon, The Beatles, Cat Stevens, Radiohead, Elliott Smith, and Neil Finn. Saturday, February 2 | 6:30pm-8:30pm | Marketplace Cafe | 53 North Street | 413-358-4777 | FREE |
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Saturday: Whiskey City at the ITAM Come out of hibernation and rock the night away with Whiskey City as they return to the ITAM Lodge on Pontoosuc Lake with a great dance floor. This country-rock band consists of six members of Berkshire County musicians with a total of 20 years of touring and performance experience. Click here to learn more about Whiskey City and sample their music. Saturday, February 2 | 9:30pm | ITAM Lodge | 22 Waubeek Road | 413-499-2582 | $5 |
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Saturday: Live Music x 2 at Flavours Two bands in one night at Flavours of Malaysia. The Last Chance Band starts the night off with their rollicking, eclectic, musical blend of jazz, country, R&B, blues, rock and roll -- along with some of their own songs. Then White Liger takes the stage with Abe Guthrie, Dan Teichert and Darren Todd. 21+. Saturday, February 2 | 8:30pm | Flavours of Malaysia | 75 North Street | 413-443-3188 | $5 |
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Sunday: Domingo Jazz Brunch at Dottie's Head to Dottie's for a casual brunch the first Sunday of the month with jazz musicians Benny "Fingers" Kohn and Andy Wrba entertaining you while you eat. Brunch choices include the new Naked Burrito Bowl (pictured left), Croissant French Toast, and Breakfast Salad! Sunday, February 3 | 11am-1pm | Dottie's Coffee Lounge | 444 North Street | 413-443-1792 | NO COVER |
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Sundays: Free Community Wellness Workshops at Radiance Yoga This Sunday learn meditation with Steven Leonard. In this free experiential workshop, learn simple and potent techniques including breath-based meditation, sound meditation, walking meditation and freestyle meditation. This is the first of four free wellness workshops. Click here for a complete list. Pre-registration required. February 3, 9, 10, 23 | 1:30pm | Radiance Yoga | 401 North Street | 845-532-5100 | FREE |
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Sunday & Tuesday: An Evening with Leon and Lightfoot at Little Cinema Welcome to the world of the Netherlands Dans Theater's in-house choreographers Sol León and Paul Lightfoot on the big screen. Enjoy the characteristic style of the successful Spanish-British choreographer duo in the humorous SH-Boom, and the powerfully theatrical Same Difference, set to music by Philip Glass. Sunday & Tuesday, February 3 & 5 | Sun 2pm Tues 7pm | Berkshire Museum | Little Cinema | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | $14 Members $12.50 |
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The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents Energize with Tai Chi — A Workshop, with certified traditional Tai Chi instructors Kathy and David Crowe. These workshops are open to the public. Mondays, February 4 & 25 | 1pm | Congregation Knesset Israel | 16 Colt Road | 413-442-4360 x15 | $3 |
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Teens face a lot of tough issues these days and need to be able to talk to the caring adults in their lives. Come to this youth-led forum to hear about communication issues from the youth perspective and get some tools and tips for making the waters smoother at home. Pizza and salad will be served. Monday, February 4 | 5:30pm–7pm | The Lighthouse at the Boys and Girls Club | 16 Melville Street | 413-442-6948 | FREE |
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Monday & Tuesday: Town Players Auditions The Town Players of Pittsfield are holding auditions for a group of comedic readings entitled Other Worldly Conversations directed by Karel Fisher and Peter Podol. A large cast of men and women with an age range from 20s to 80s is needed for four short plays: Bliss Eternal by local playwright Steven Somkin; Moon Man by Jami Brandli; Do-Overs by Larry Hamm; and Farewell and Adieu by Jack Neary. The performance will be Sunday, March 10. Monday & Tuesday, February 4 & 5 | 6pm-8pm | Lichtenstein Center for the Arts | 28 Renne Avenue | 413-499-9348 | FREE |
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Tuesdays: Polish Nights at the Polish Falcons Club The night kicks off with a Polish dinner, then polka lessons, and ends with open polka dancing. Open to all, from beginners to experienced polka dancers. Tuesdays in February | 5:30pm–7pm | Polish Falcons Club | 32 Bel Air Avenue | 413-822-9768 | $10 Kids under 12 FREE |
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Tuesday: Norman Rockwell and the Civil Rights Movement at Berkshire Athenaeum Learn about the powerful images that Norman Rockwell created during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Norman Rockwell Museum's Curator of Education Tom Daly will share the stories behind the creation of such paintings as The Problem We All Live With, Murder in Mississippi, and New Kids in the Neighborhood (pictured left), and Rockwell's dedication to civil rights throughout his career. Tuesday, February 5 | 7pm | Berkshire Athenaeum | 1 Wendell Avenue | 413-499-9480 | FREE |
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Wednesday: Berkshire Concert Choir First Rehearsal at First Church You're invited to sing with the Berkshire Concert Choir - no audition required! Carlton Maaia is Artistic Director and the choir will be preparing for a March 10 Lenten program and a May 19 concert with Taconic High School chorus. The choir rehearses Wednesday evenings and all singers welcome. Wednesday, February 6 | 7pm | First Church of Christ | 27 East Street | 413-442-6120 | $35 dues (includes music) |
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Wednesday: Rev Tor Dead of Winter Jam Since its conception in the mid-90s, The Rev Tor Band, led by singer and lead guitarist Tor Krautter, has become one of the most compelling and exciting acts on the blues and jam-band circuit. This show is a mid-winter celebration of the music of The Grateful Dead, featuring a multitude of guest artists. Pulling inspiration from a variety of influences, Tor and his band have shared the stage with members of The Grateful Dead, Phish, The Allman Brothers and The New Riders of the Purple Sage. Wednesday, February 6 | 8pm | The Garage | The Colonial Theatre | 111 South Street | 413-997-4444 | $10 advance, $12 at door
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The Berkshire chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness is having their annual Cabin Fever Cabaret. UNICO and The Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe (pictured left) are presenting a family evening of good food and entertainment, plus an open bar, raffles and a Chinese auction. Thursday, February 7 | 6pm | ITAM | 93 Waubeek Road | 413-443-1666 | $25 adults $10 12 years and under |
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Thursday: Live Jazz at Patrick's Pub The Sister City Jazz Ambassadors are livening up Patrick's Pub every first Thursdays. Jazz standards, blues and funk as well as a variety of guests and fun. First Thursdays | 6:30pm | Patrick's Pub | 26 Bank Row | 413-499-1994 | NO COVER |
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