image description
Dario Boente will teach Track Production, and Jenny Douglas will teach vocals.
image description
Joshua Paul Thompson will teach Songwriting & Producing, and Tony Lewis will teach Drums & Percussion.

BAAMS Welcomes New Faculty

Print Story | Email Story
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.— The Berkshires' Academy for Advanced Musical Studies (BAAMS) Welcomed four new faculty members.
 
The growing nonprofit music school has offered both online and in-person music lessons for Berkshire youth. 
 
Dario Boente: Track Production 
Latin Grammy Nominee Argentinian born pianist and composer Dario Boente grew up in Argentina and Spain, immersed in the culture of tango and Jazz. He pursued his formal studies at Berklee School of Music (Boston), the Guildhall School of Music (London) and the New School Jazz and Contemporary Music Program (New York).
 
Dario has released 10 albums and compilations as a leader, featuring well-known Jazz musicians. He has also played, composed, and recorded with multi-Grammy winning musicians. 
 
Dario has performed in more than 20 countries worldwide, and his compositions have been included in over two dozen albums and compilations. 
 
Jenny Douglas: Vocals 
Internationally-acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, and recording artist Jenny Douglas has toured and recorded with some of the world's all-time musical artists and musical acts, worldwide.
 
Born in Chicago, Jenny was later raised in Lexington, Ky. and went on to study theatre in college at Morehead University and Wright State University. Jenny has toured and recorded with Pink, Toto, Cher, Mick Jagger, Janet Jackson, Chaka Khan, Rob Thomas, John Cougar Mellencamp, Patty Austin, and many more.
 
Jenny has taught classes and seminars at USC, the School of Rock, and has mentored many students in several New York City schools.
 
Jenny's singing is featured on multiple music labels and she has performed live on all the major networks. She has also hosted various nationally televised awards shows
 
Joshua Paul Thompson: Songwriting & Producing
Joshua Paul Thompson, to date, has over 33 million recordings sold, 79 albums, and over 100 songs released.   
 
A godson of renaissance man, Paul Robeson, by 16 years of age, he led his own group to perform at the World Youth Festival in Germany. As a Rutgers' University college student, he studied with and was mentored by the world-renowned "Jazz Professors."
 
Josh went on to win an award from the National Endowment for the Arts and soon started a small production company with friend and mentor, producer Gene Lennon.
 
Joshua has worked with a long list of popular and award winning artists including Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, and Alicia Keys.
 
He has multiple Awards for Platinum and Gold albums, Gold singles, as well as contributed his work to numerous Grammy awards-winning recording projects. Joshua is also the recipient of ASCAP's "Top 10" Award, multiple Grammy participation awards and has been honored by ASCAP as one of New York's 50 Best Writers. 
 
Tony Lewis: Drums & Percussion
Tony Lewis grew up in the Bronx. Tony's early influences being around family and friends would prove to be a launching pad that led him to attend New York's LaGuardia High School of the Arts. 
 
While a student at LaGuardia High School of the Arts Jazz program, under the directorship of Justin DiCioccio, Tony auditioned for and won a spot with The McDonald's Jazz Band where at the age of 16, Tony was featured and performed on "The Merv Griffin Show" with Dizzy Gillespie. 
 
Shortly after attending New Jersey City University, Tony began his professional career as a drummer, recording artist, producer, and educator. Tony has toured, performed, and recorded with Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Sting, Little Richard, Sam & Dave, Cindy Lauper, The Temptations, Craig Harris, and more.
 
For full bios and more information on BAAMS click here
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tags: music school,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Friday Front Porch Feature: A Cozy Place to Be

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Are you looking for a move-in ready home close to the downtown area? Then this just might be the house you're looking for.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 193 Cold Spring Road.

This 1950 single-family has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The house is 2,184 square feet on a little less than an acre of land. The price is $469,900.

The house not only comes with a 3.5-car basement garage but also a detached two-car garage with additional storage space above. The house includes the kitchen appliances like the dishwasher, range, and refrigerator, and has a fireplace, screened porch, and back deck. The home is also generator-ready.

We spoke to Suzette Lyons with Burnham and Gold Real Estate, which has the listing.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

Lyons: Location, location, location!! This property is a short distance from downtown Spring Street. It's nestled conveniently away from the road and provides substantial privacy. Plus, the home has a well-maintained exterior and interior.

What was your first impression when you walked into the home? 

What a gem! The workmanship is lovely and shows the home has been loved. There is an abundance of space with four bedrooms for family or work/home office space.

The opportunities are endless.

Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history? 

The home was built in the mid-1950s by the owner of Yeadon Farm Dairy on the edge of the farm, now the Thornliebank/Buxton Hill neighborhood, with lumber cut from the property.

Along with thick plaster walls and ceilings on the first floor, quality craftsmanship is abundant throughout.

The house has been owned by the same family who built it and the grandson has made every effort to match the original design and style with all of the renovations, including custom-milled natural woodwork for the private second-floor primary bedroom suite. Family pride in ownership is evident in every space of this well-constructed and maintained house now waiting for a new family to call it "home."

What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for? 

This home appeals to many buyers. There are four bedrooms sufficient for a full-time family, singles or second homeowners. Opportunity for in-law suite. Also, ample room for a home/office business. Lots of storage space with 3 1/2 garages and additional storage space above the oversized two-car garage.

Are there any standout design features? 

Lots of personal touches with natural woodwork throughout, freshly painted light colors to maximize natural light, new flooring in several rooms. Spacious four-season room for relaxing or home/office use. Also, offers a beautiful primary suite on the second floor.

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space? 

A peaceful retreat in the woods. Cozy up to the fireplace on winter nights, enjoy the morning coffee on the back porch or the four-season sunroom. Spend the afternoon gardening in your beautiful yard and connecting with nature. A pet-friendly home offering a fenced yard and durable flooring. A family friendly home directly on the school bus routes.

How would you describe the atmosphere or feel of this home? 

The home has a welcoming feel with natural elements offering a place of comfort and belonging.

You can find out more about this house on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

 
View Full Story

More Williamstown Stories