Drury Grad Trumpeter & 'SNL' Saxophonist Return to Berkshires

PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Berkshires trumpeter Richard Boulger and "Saturday Night Live" saxophonist Alex Foster will return to the Berkshires to provide free instrumental band clinics in Pittsfield schools.

This week Foster, musical director of the Mingus Big Band, and saxophonist in the "SNL" house band will join Boulger, a North Adams native, recording artist, and protegé of the late Freddie Hubbard and Donald Byrd, will make their way from New York City to run another series of free clinics.

Stearns Elementary, Reid and Herberg middle schools, and Pittsfield and Taconic high schools band students, as well as those from Wahconah Regional in Dalton, will be working with the clinicians.

"Our students are very excited for Richard Boulger's and Alex Foster's return," said Ronald Lively, longtime band director at PHS. "They know how much these clinics will help them develop as instrumentalists, and work on the skills of improvising, or, as Boulger describes, 'painting with sound.' "

The duo teamed up last year and provided similar clinics in music programs throughout Berkshire County. This round the clinicians will again offer tips to help improve students' instrumental technique, practice tips, along with tips on how to become better jazz improvisers.

Musical instrument manufacturer RS Berkeley Music sponsors these clinics. RS Berkeley's goal is to provide young students with instruments and improve music programs.

Also, RS Berkeley instruments will now be available for rental or purchase from Wood Bros. Music in the Allendale Shopping Center in Pittsfield.

PHS jazz band students have been test driving the RS Berkeley line of instruments by playing and reviewing them. Boulger said Lively was instrumental in spearheading the possibility of a local option for parents and students to rent instruments.

The clinics take place March 9 and March 10.

There will also be a jam session Wednesday, March 9, at the Rainbow Restaurant at 7:30 p.m. Foster and Boulger will sit in with Fran Tokarz's Gruppo Mondo.

Weekend Outlook: Juneteenth and Pride Celebration

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
12:58PM / Thursday, June 18, 2026

Check out the events happening this weekend including parades, parties and celebrations.

Editor's Choices

10th Annual Berkshire Pride Festival and Parade
The Common Park, Pittsfield
Time: Saturday, 11 a.m.

The 10th annual pride parade and festival with fun games, performances, food, and more.

More information here.

Berkshire Mountain Faerie Festival
Bowe Field, Adams
Time: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Visit the faerie realm in the Berkshires with food, music, activities, dancing and more. Tickets are sold at the gate for $12 and $5 for kids 12 and under.

More information here.

Juneteenth Celebration
Durant Park, Pittsfield
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

March to the park starts at City Hall, followed by music, dance, food, history and more hosted by NAACP Berkshires. The event is free and open to everyone.

Find a full schedule of the day's events here.

Friday 

Switch and Snacks: Teen Programming
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 2:30 p.m.

Teens are invited to bring their Nintendo Switches; there also will be multiple games and snacks for kids to enjoy and have fun.

More information here.

Common Craft Night
165 East Main St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Bring your craft and work with other people that might be doing the same thing as you.

More information here.

Friday Karaoke 
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 to 11 p.m.

Belt out some of your favorite tunes and show off your voice.

More information here.

Wine Parlor & Bites

Revival House, Adams

Time: 5:30 to 9 p.m.

 

The Revival House on Commercial Street is hosting chef Xavier Jones for a popup restaurant on Fridays and Saturdays in June. Limited menu; $5 reservation includes beverage. 

 

More information here. 

Saturday 

UNO Block Party
UNO Community Center, North Adams
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.

The annual neighborhood block party features music, games, food, and more activities to enjoy.

More information here.

Stacy Schiff on Samuel Adams

Adams Theater, Park Street

Time: 4 p.m.

 

In conversation with Sara Houghteling, Pulitzer Prize-winner Stacy Schiff will explore the origins of the American Revolution as detailed in her latest work, "The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams," for whom the town is named. Schiff is an Adams native and Williams College graduate. 

 

Tickets and more information here. 

Scenic Summer Tours
Mount Greylock, Adams
Time: 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Enjoy a free tour with a park interpreter to learn about Mount Greylock's history and more that make the Summit popular.

More information here.