Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Aug. 30-Sept. 5

08:09PM / Thursday, August 29, 2019Print Story | Email Story

SEPTEMBER is Library Card Sign-up Month

September is National Library Card Sign-up Month and to celebrate, local businesses will be offering special discounts and giveaways exclusive to library card holders. The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's public library, has joined forces with Downtown Pittsfield to coordinate these deals in downtown businesses for the entire month. Simply show your library card to receive the offer! See website for each location's special deal!

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

NEXT THU Jazz Vespers at Zion Lutheran Church

Jazz Vespers is held on the first Thursday of every month at Zion Lutheran Church. Join Marisa Massery, vocals; Katharine Wiencke, flute; Andy Wrba, bass; Sturgis Cunningham, drums; and Ben Kohn, piano for an evening service of prayer and song that incorporates contemporary jazz and blues. FREE, 6-7 p.m.

Plus...

FRI Blue Light Trio at Rainbow | FRI Karaoke Night at Friends | FRI Jim Witherell at Proprietor's Lodge | FRI Lindsay Maynard at Rusty Anchor | FRI-SAT Wine, Cheese & Trees at Bousquet | SAT HAPPY Closing Reception at The Lichtenstein | SAT Lady Di & The Dukes at Rainbow | SAT Latin Dance Party & Bachata Lesson at The A | SAT Luke DeRoy at Mission | SAT Randy Cormier at Proprietor's Lodge | SAT Brian Benlien at Rusty Anchor | SUN Dancing w/Spurs USA at Italian American Club | MON Jazz Night at Mission | WED Riverside Brothers at Methuselah | WED Gruppo Mondo at Rainbow | THU The Picky B's at Mission

FAMILY FRIENDLY

ONGOING Programs for Kids & Families at 18 Degrees

Do you know about all of the programs that are available from 18 Degrees (formerly known as Berkshire Children & Families)? Weekly and monthly groups focus on children with challenging behaviors, English language learners, men who parent, LGBTQ+ youth and families, a ladies' night out, and so much more.
Follow the link for more information!

Plus...

FRI WeeMuse: Adventures at Berkshire Museum | FRI Designing with da Vinci at Berkshire Museum | FRI-THU Parenting Classes & Play Groups at 18 Degrees (formerly Berkshire Children & Families) | SAT Chow Time at Berkshire Museum | SAT Pop-up Play Day at Berkshire Museum | SAT Designing with da Vinci at Berkshire Museum | SAT da Vinci After Hours at Berkshire Museum | THU Farm Friends at Hancock Shaker Village | THU Preschool Play & Learn at Berkshire Athenaeum | THU Lego Club at Berkshire Athenaeum

WELLNESS

SUN New Moon Sound Bath at Radiance Yoga

Join Aimee McLear for the next New Moon Sound Bath at Radiance Yoga. This month's new moon in Virgo brings a "Whole Body, Whole Earth" theme. Throughout the meditation you'll be guided through questions that connect you to your body and the Earth. $20-$30. 6-7:30 p.m.

Plus...

FRI-THU Various Classes at Berkshire Running Center | FRI-THU Various Classes at Berkshire Family YMCA | FRI-THU Various Classes at Berkshire Yoga Dance & Fitness | FRI-THU Various Classes at Radiance Yoga | FRI-THU Various Classes at Berkshire Salsa | FRI-THU Various Classes at Pilates Fit | SAT Sunrise Yoga on the Deck at Rusty Anchor | SUN Goat Yoga at Hancock Shaker Village

PERFORMANCE

SAT+ George Gershwin Alone at The Colonial

Berkshire Theatre Group presents George Gershwin Alone, beginning on Saturday and running through August 31 at The Colonial Theatre. The celebrated one-man play features acclaimed actor, playwright and pianist Hershey Felder rendering an intimate portrait of George Gershwin's personal life and artistic genius. Widely regarded as the man who brought jazz into the concert hall, Gershwin changed the musical landscape forever. The play features the Gershwin favorites "I Got Rhythm," "Someone to Watch Over Me," songs from Porgy and Bess and An American in Paris, and a complete performance of "Rhapsody in Blue."

Plus...

ONGOING If I Forget at Barrington Stage | ONGOING Fall Springs at Barrington Stage | WED Auditions for Dream/Awake at The Whit

COMMUNITY

FRI-MON Labor Day Rug Sale at Pine Cone Hill

Shop the Labor Day Rug Sale at The Outlet at Pine Cone Hill for an additional 25% off Dash & Albert area rugs and furniture samples. This is your chance for a further discount on first-quality discontinued home items that are already reduced by at least 40%. Area rugs are available in several sizes up to 10'x14'. Constructions include woven, hooked, tufted and jute, and materials include cotton, wool and indoor/outdoor fibers.

Plus...

SAT Pittsfield Farmers Market on The Common | SAT HAPPY Closing Reception at The Lichtenstein | SUN Calf Cuddling at Hancock Shaker Village | SUN Open Stalls at Hancock Shaker Village | SUN Brunch w/Lighten Up Trio at Dottie's | WED Come Sing w/Berkshire Concert Choir at Pittsfield High School | WED Cruise Night at Pittsfield Airport

LEARNING

NEXT THU Transforming Depression with Art

In the 9-week group Art Therapy: Transforming Depression with Art, take a look at depression from many points of view and use art-making for self care. Through drawing, painting, claywork and more, learn about depression and find a more self compassionate voice. No art experience is necessary. $20 per week. Held in a private art studio with Marney Schorr. Thursdays 5:30-7:30 p.m. from Sept. 5 - Nov. 7.

Plus...

ONGOING What's in the Attic? at Hancock Shaker Village | MON West African & Caribbean Drumming Classes at The Licht | THU Schindler's List Book & Film Talk Series at Knesset Israel

FILM

FRI-MON Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am at The Little Cinema

This documentary offers an artful and intimate meditation on the life and works of the acclaimed novelist. From her childhood in Lorain, Ohio to '70s-era book tours with Muhammad Ali, and from the front lines with Angela Davis to her own riverfront writing room, Toni Morrison leads an assembly of her peers, critics and colleagues on an exploration of race, America, history and the human condition as seen through the prism of her own literature. The film includes discussions about her critically acclaimed works, including novels "The Bluest Eye," "Sula," and "Song of Solomon," her role as an editor and her time teaching at Princeton University.

See website for dates and times.

Plus...

ONGOING See What's New at The Beacon

CALLING ALL ARTISTS!

Let's Go Pink is a cancer awareness exhibit that will be on view at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield throughout October, 2019. The opening reception will be Friday, Oct. 4 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. as part of that month's First Friday Artswalk. Twenty percent of sales will go to BTG PLAYS!, 15% to BMC Integrative Health Program's intuitive painting class for cancer patients, and the other 65% to the artist. Submissions accepted until Friday, Sept. 6.Artists will be notified of acceptance on or before Sept. 9. For more info, email the Let's Go Pink team: auntsessy1@gmail.com

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Pittsfield Ice Rink Now Open

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
12:00PM / Saturday, February 07, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The long-awaited ice skating rink is finally open for free public skating.

Although late in the season, the rink will be open with posted hours from dawn to dusk, but may be closed at times for maintenance of the ice.

Since the rink is equipped with lighting, the city has no objections to night skating; however, skaters are urged to remain mindful of safety, said James McGrath, park, open space and natural resource program manager.

It was previously reported that the city received a grant to offer skate rentals. However, because of the shortened season, this initiative has been postponed to future years.

The outdoor 50-by-100-foot refrigerated rink will be able to stay open until the ambient temperature rises above 45 degrees, McGrath said.

This is currently projected to be the third week in March but could be sooner based on the weather conditions, he said.

During the development of this initiative, many event ideas were tossed around however those will also have to wait until future seasons because of the shortened season.

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