Berkshire Music School Hosts Matt Cusson Performance

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Music School (BMS) will present a performance featuring Grammy-nominated alumnus Matt Cusson on April 26, 2025, at the St. Germain Stage. 
 
The event will also include performances by BMS scholarship recipients and community group classes.
 
The event aims to celebrate community and support BMS's outreach programs. BMS reports serving 1,900 students through community outreach in Berkshire County schools and providing financial aid to 51 students, totaling over $35,000 annually. Additionally, 60 percent of the 250 students enrolled in BMS's "pay-what-you-wish" group classes do not pay for the classes.
 
Matt Cusson, a BMS alumnus, has collaborated with artists including Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, Dua Lipa, Boys II Men, and Christina Aguilera. He has received a Grammy nomination, a Billboard Songwriting Award, and the Maxell Song of The Year award.
 
Other performers at the event will include Artois Sancho, Zoe-Ruth Brizan, James Ryan, the Berkshire Music School Adult Flute Ensemble, and the Youth Rock Band.
 
Sponsorship opportunities are available starting at $500. Proceeds from the event will support BMS's efforts to provide accessible music education.
 
The event will be held at the St. Germain Stage, located at 36 Linden St, Pittsfield. Food service begins at 5:30 p.m., doors open at 6:00 p.m., and performances start at 7:00 p. Each ticket purchase includes a meal. Tickets are available for purchase, starting at $25.
 
 
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Dalton Capital Planning Committee Takes First Steps

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Capital Planning Committee held its first meeting last week; the first step in a yearlong process of developing a five-year capital plan. 
 
The meeting kicked off with Thomas Irwin, a Finance Committee member, elected chairman, and Dennis Croughwell, a Planning Board member, elected vice chair. 
 
The committee was established during the annual town meeting in May 2025. Irwin was instrumental in developing the Capital Planning Committee, which was modeled on the town of Lee's committee.
 
The goal is to produce a practical, prioritized five-year capital improvement plan that helps the Select Board and Finance Committee make informed budget and capital decisions. 
 
According to Town Manager Eric Anderson, the committee is responsible for collecting and reviewing all capital plans that impact the town.
 
This includes plans from departments and agencies outside its direct authority, such as the water department, fire department, schools, and relevant Pittsfield agencies — especially those concerning sewer and wastewater treatment.
 
The committee's goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of capital needs and their budgetary impact across all sectors, and then prioritize these needs based on urgency.
 
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