Music @ the Taft to Present Presents Sprague/Jaffe/Ennis Trio

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Music School is pleased to announce Music @ The Taft Presents the Sprague/Jaffe/Ennis Trio, at 7 p.m. on July 22

The new ensemble features long-time collaborators Miro Sprague (piano), Marty Jaffe (bass) and Jason Ennis (guitar). The trio performs original jazz compositions by each band member along with a few interpretations of familiar tunes. 

"We are very excited to return to Berkshire Music School because it is the site of our first ever performance in 2018! It's where it all began for our trio," says Marty Jaffe. "We appreciate all that the school does to serve the Berkshire community and are thrilled to continue our association with it."

The performance will take place in the Taft Recital Hall: 30 Wendell Ave. Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201. Tickets for the performances are on sale for $15 through at www.berkshiremusicschool.org/box-office, or you may call to reserve your seats at 413-442-1411.

The program is supported in part by grants from the Pittsfield and Dalton Cultural Councils, which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council. 

New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 

 

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

 

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

 

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

 

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

 

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

 

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.