MCLA's MOSAIC Presents 'Dizzy Spellz'

08:48AM / Sunday, September 22, 2024Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announced "Dizzy Spellz," a captivating performance blending jazz, tap, and hip-hop, presented by MOSAIC, MCLA's public program dedicated to open arts and intersectional culture.

Featuring the celebrated trumpeter Sean Jones and the dynamic tap dancer Brinae Ali, "Dizzy Spellz" will take place at the MCLA's Venable Theatre on Sept. 27 and 28, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.

According to a press release:

"Dizzy Spellz" explores the themes of Afro-Futurism, a genre that envisions a future through the prism of Black culture and identity, while paying homage to the groundbreaking legacy of jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie. This performance fuses the innovative spirit of jazz with the rhythmic precision of tap and the energetic flair of hip-hop, creating a multi-faceted artistic experience.

Sean Jones, acclaimed trumpeter and Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall's NYO Jazz, will honor Dizzy Gillespie's influential contributions to jazz. Gillespie's pioneering work in bebop and his role in shaping the evolution of jazz serve as a key inspiration for the performance. Joining Jones is Brinae Ali, internationally renowned for tap work on Broadway's Shuffle Along and many other projects. Ali is acclaimed for her mesmerizing footwork and seamless integration of hip-hop elements. Her performance will highlight the future-facing vision of Afro-Futurism, celebrating both historical roots and innovative possibilities through her exceptional dance.

Presented by MOSAIC, this performance is part of MCLA's commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic cultural dialogue. Tickets for "Dizzy Spellz" are on sale now and can be purchased through a link on the MOSAIC website at www.mcla.edu/mosiac. Tickets are $20 for the general public, $10 for MCLA alumni, and free to MCLA student, staff and faculty.

"We are thrilled to bring this groundbreaking performance to our community," said Director of the MCLA's MOSAIC program Jeremy Winchester. "Sean Jones and Brinae Ali are remarkable artists whose work pushes creative boundaries and celebrates the rich legacy

of Dizzy Gillespie and Afro-Futurism."

For more information about "Dizzy Spellz" and to purchase tickets, please www.mcla.edu/mosiac.

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North Adams Airport Commissioners Discuss Next Steps for Restaurant

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
08:05AM / Thursday, February 19, 2026

The vacant restaurant space in the administration building has been waiting for an occupant for six years.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — With the donation of kitchen equipment for the proposed airport restaurant, the Airport Commission met Tuesday to discuss how to manage the incoming equipment and how to best advertise the space.

"I like putting the equipment in there but letting whoever is going to go in there figure out where they are going to put it," Chairman James Haskins said during the commission meeting. "Because it does cost a lot of money to do that."

The commission has envisioned a restaurant in the renovated administrative building for years; however, with multiple Requests for Proposals (RFPs) going unanswered, the space has remained a shell. It was previously believed that the primary obstacle was the lack of kitchen equipment.

Earlier this year, Williams College offered to donate used kitchen equipment that is no longer needed because of an upcoming renovation. That equipment is scheduled for delivery in May.

Haskins asked whether the city should pursue a new RFP within the next few months or begin building out the kitchen before advertising the space. He suggested that while installing the equipment could make the space more attractive, it might also dissuade potential restaurateurs who have a different vision for the layout.

"We have pretty much a full kitchen," he said. "But I just don't know where any of it goes. Where does the grill go? Where does the fryolator go?"

There were also concerns that installing the equipment prematurely could impact the property's insurance and increase liability.

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