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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Clarksburg Applying for Home Rehabilitation Program

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
05:24AM / Monday, December 29, 2025

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The town is applying for Community Development Block Grant funds for a housing rehabilitation program.

Clarksburg could get $850,000 or more depending on if it partners with another community.

Brett Roberts, a senior planner with Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, presented the options to the Select Board at its last meeting.

"We were looking over our portfolio, and you're a town that we haven't reached out to in quite a while, and I wanted to change that," he said. "You have a pretty competitive score with the state so we wanted to see if you'd be interested in the grant."

The grants, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the state Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, help small cities and towns undertake projects that benefit low and moderate-income residents. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll recently announced more than $4 million coming to Berkshire towns for fiscal 2025.

This is slightly different than Home Modification Loan Program presented to the North Adams City Council earlier this month that focuses on accessibility.

Roberts said funds would be used to repair homes, bring them up to code, do lead mitigation or update roofs, windows, and septic. Eligible recipients would have income up to 80 percent of the area median income.

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