Adams Theater Kicks off Annual Fund with Two Piano Journey Concert

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ADAMS, Mass—Two Piano Journey is returning to the Adams Theater in October for a benefit concert at 4:30 PM on Saturday, Oct. 12, to kick off the Adams Theater's 2025 Annual Fund. 

Mother-and-son duo Chris Kuo and Michelle Kuo have raised more than $3 million for charities and nonprofits since they started performing together as Two Piano Journey. Michelle is a piano prodigy and teacher who gave annual concerts at Carnegie Hall for 20+ years while raising her kids. Chris spent hours practicing while running trading desks at investment banks (where he met Theater Founder Yina Moore) to help his mother reach her dream of touring the world.

"We're thrilled with the turnout and support we've seen this season," said Yina Moore. "I'm moved by how many new people have come through our doors for comedy, residency work, our collaborations with local organizations like Images Cinema, and more. Our Annual Fund helps keep all that going so the Adams Theater can be a landmark on Park Street for years to come."

Back in November 2022, Two Piano Journey's concert was the first public performance in the Adams' work-in-progress theater space. Not only did the concert help raise over $80,000 for the Adams Theater among the local communities, it also motivated us to imagine and create our first season in 2023. 

Reserve tickets at www.adamstheater.org/present

The 2024 season included 23 weekends and 53 days of programming from May-October, including 12 film screenings, 10 concerts, 6 theater productions/readings, 4 comedies, 3 residencies, 2 dance presentations, 2 variety shows, and 5 community partnership events. This year, with help from patrons, fundraising, and grants, the theater created a vibrant scene on Park Street, provided paid positions to 7 local part-time staff, and welcomed over 3,000 patrons for shows and events.

"I am so very proud of and thankful for the amazing financial supporters who helped us to raise nearly $55,000 for Season 2024," Board Member and Fundraising Chair David Bissaillon said. "Based on the quality of the work that Yina and the crew are providing, and the response of the public in general, we are excited to double our goal in 2025 to raise $100,000."    

Membership and Season Passes

Adams Theater members get half-priced tickets to all shows from May to October, and season pass holders get complimentary tickets for themselves, plus half-price tickets for friends. 

New this year, the theater is offering a Youth Membership option. For $50, those under 18 can get free admission to all shows from May to October, and can bring a friend to one show for free Learn more about season passes here.

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

Elevated Sodium Levels in Adams Well Water Sample

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — A recent routine test of the town's well water revealed elevated sodium levels, prompting officials to urge at-risk residents to take precautions while further testing is conducted to determine the cause.
 
The point-of-entry sample measured 40.7 milligrams per liter of sodium in the combined flow from all three wells; double the state Department of Environmental Protection's guideline for high risk individuals. 
 
Point-of–entry samples of sodium are required to be taken every three years, Water Department Superintendent John Barrett said.
 
"Sodium is naturally occurring, but not at that kind of level," he said. 
 
While sodium is an essential mineral for normal body function, elevated levels may pose risks for individuals with certain medical conditions, including kidney and heart disease.
 
It is not regulated under the state's maximum contaminant level standards, but the DEP requires that all suppliers inform the state and local Board of Health when levels are elevated above 20 milligrams per liter to ensure anyone on a sodium-restricted diet are informed. 
 
During the Prudential Committee meeting on Monday, Board of Health Chair Kathy Hynes emphasized the need to inform residents even though there are no strict guidelines by the state Environmental Protection Agency. 
 
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