Berkshire Bach Society Presents Peter Sykes in Organ Masters Series Finale

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Berkshire Bach Society will conclude its Organ Masters series with a recital by Peter Sykes on the Roosevelt Organ at the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington on Saturday, May 3, at 4 p.m. 
 
This performance is the second of two recitals on historic instruments.
 
Terrill McDade, Executive Director of the Berkshire Bach Society, stated that the Organ Masters series aims to highlight organ music, organists, and significant instruments in the region. The program will feature settings of the Lord’s Prayer by composers who influenced Bach and those who followed him, including Samuel Scheidt, Bach’s teacher Georg Böhm, and Felix Mendelssohn.
 
The 1883 Roosevelt Organ at the First Congregational Church is noted as a large historic organ in the U.S. Upon installation, it was considered the largest and most important organ in America. Built by Hilborne Lewis Roosevelt, the organ is described as the largest surviving example of his work in near-original and playable condition. Roosevelt, a cousin of U.S. Presidents Teddy and Franklin, founded Roosevelt Pipe Organ Builders in 1870 and incorporated electricity and other innovations into his instruments.
 
The performance by Peter Sykes is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, at 4 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington. Tickets are priced at $45 for nonmembers, $40 for Berkshire Bach Members, and $10 for Card to Culture participants. Admission is free for children and students with valid ID.
 
Further information and ticket purchasing options are available at www.berkshirebach.org/events.
 
The Berkshire Bach Society is a nonprofit organization.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Lt. Governor Driscoll Visits Great Barrington Businesses

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Housing Secretary Ed Augustus and state Rep. Leigh Davis are ready to chop wood out back of Pleasant and Main. 

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll did some holiday shopping on Main Street last week after announcing millions of federal Community Development Block Grant funds

She was glad to see an array of small-business owners thriving, and the eclectic items that Great Barrington has to offer. 

"We know that the vibrancy of communities can often be defined by what's happening on Main Street," she said. 

"It's great to be here in Great Barrington and see so many independent entrepreneurs who are running really, not only fun, but businesses that are doing well, and we want to try and find ways to uplift and support that work moving forward." 

State Rep. Leigh Davis coordinated a business tour with Pleasant and Main Cafe and General Store, Robbie's Community Market, and Butternut Ski Mountain. While downtown, Driscoll also stopped at Robin's Candy and Rob's Records and Audio. 

Earlier that day, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $33.5 million in federal CDBG funds at the Housatonic Community Center. Great Barrington, in conjunction with Egremont and Stockbridge, has been allocated $ 1.25 million to rehabilitate approximately 14 housing units.  A new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation for its Housing Choice Initiative was also launched. 

Davis emphasized the significance of the state announcing these dollars in the small village of Housatonic.  

Craig Bero, founder of Pleasant and Main, prepared desserts and hors d'oeuvres for the group at his cozy cafe across the street from the Housatonic Community Center. Bero opened more than a decade ago after migrating from New York City, and Pleasant and Main offers sustainable, organic meals for an affordable price while enjoying the museum of antiques that is the restaurant. 

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