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Jacob's Pillow 2025 Festival Canceled

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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Kat Sirico

BECKET, Mass. — Jacob's Pillow has canceled its 2025 festival following the death of one of its production managers. 

"We have come to this difficult decision following the tragic accident on our campus on August 1. Ticket buyers affected by the cancellations will receive refunds," the venue posted to its Facebook page Tuesday evening. 

"For 93 years, Jacob's Pillow has been a haven for dance and a community dedicated to its creation, presentation, education, and preservation. We look forward to welcoming audiences back to our campus."

The "tragic accident," resulting in the death of Kathryn "Kat" Sirico, occurred outdoors in the early afternoon Friday. 

Sirico and a summer intern were using a dolly to move platforms for staging a theater when they lost control of the dolly on a slope. Sirico tripped, fell and was run over by the dolly. Bystanders attempted life-saving measures. An investigation ruled it a work-place accident.

"Kat was a Pillow alum and an essential and hugely devoted leader on our team," Executive and Artistic Director Pamela Tatge said. "Their spirit, generosity, and dedication touched the lives of many. We are holding their family, friends, and colleagues in our hearts as we grieve together."

Sirico, 40, was a lecturer at the University of Rochester's Dance and Movement program and an events production manager at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival the last several years. 
 
Their career included collaborations with a number of companies in production design and management, including as production manager at the Fisher Center at Bard College. They earned a bachelor's degree in theater arts from Nazareth University and attended the Yale University School of Drama. 
 
Sirico had most recently been working in the newly built Doris Duke Theater, which opened a month ago. 
 
Their tragic death led to Friday's performances being canceled, then the weekend and now the season, bringing a 2025 season that had started as a joyful celebration to a sad ending. 

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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 Coco'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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