The Berkshire Bach Society presents Harpsichord Festival Part Two
Great Barrington— On Sunday, November 12th at 4 p.m., the Berkshire Bach Society continues its 34th season with The Ensemble Harpsichord with Elliot Figg and Caitlyn Koester, the second concert in its Harpsichord Festival. The duo plays works by scions of the dominant keyboard dynasties in the Baroque era, J.S. & W.F. Bach, and Louis & François Couperin.
Terrill McDade, Interim Executive Director of The Berkshire Bach Society commented, “In the first concert of our festival, we heard music from the early Baroque, including Sweelinck and the English Virginalists. This time we hear something even more uncommon—repertoire from the late Baroque for two harpsichords, four hands. It should be a fascinating event that expands our understanding of what the Baroque music scene was really like.”
The concert is on Sunday, November 12th at 4 p.m. at the Kellogg Music Center at Bard College at Simon’s Rock on Alford Road in Great Barrington. Tickers are $45 and $40 for members. Children under 18 and students with valid ID are admitted free. Tickets and more information can be found online. Tickets will also be available at the door.
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MASS MoCA presents Troker plus El automóvil gris
North Adams— On Saturday, November 11th at 8 p.m., MASS MoCA presents Troker plus El automóvil gris.
Silent film and eclectic rock come together for this not-to-be-missed event. Mexican jazz and psychedelic music group Troker composed the new score to essential Mexican silent film El automóvil gris, whose story revolves around one of the most famous historical criminal gangs in the country. With their live accompaniment, Troker helps the public understand the intertwined elements between detectives and thieves, who act as protagonists and antagonists at the same time. The on-stage experience consists of the projection of the film in black and white, with live musicalization by the band.
The event is on Saturday, November 11th at 8 p.m. at MASS MoCA on MASS MoCA Way in North Adams. Tickets are $18 to $59. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Lenox Library to host lecture by Jane Swift
Lenox— On Sunday, November 12th at 4 p.m., the Lenox Library presents Jane Swift, Former Lieutenant Governor and Former Acting Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, for a lecture called “Women’s Leadership in Public Life,” continuing the library’s Distinguished Lecture Series.
Jane Swift served for fifteen years in state government holding the offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of Consumer Affairs, and Business Regulation and State Senator. She served as the youngest woman ever elected to the Massachusetts Senate, and as the first woman in United States history to give birth (to twins) while serving as Governor.
Since leaving public office, she brings to each new challenge a transformational leadership style, a passion for educational excellence and innovation, and deep experience and success in leading mission-focused organizations. Most recently, Jane founded Cobble Hill Farm Education and Rescue Center in Williamstown, serving as the Board President and its strategic leader.
Hosted by Dr. Jeremy Yudkin, the lecture is on Sunday, November 12th at 4 p.m., the Lenox Library on Main Street in Lenox. It is free and open to the public. More information can be found online.
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Berkshire Botanical Garden’s ninth annual ‘Rooted In Place’ ecological gardening symposium
Stockbridge— On Sunday, November 12th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Berkshire Botanical Garden’s (BBG) ninth annual “Rooted In Place” ecological gardening symposium will take place at Berkshire Botanical Garden. The theme for this year’s symposium, “Building Resiliency through Ecological Design and Landscape Management,” will explore the breadth of what regenerative design and land stewardship means.
The symposium will feature a range of speakers with experiences as diverse as landscape design, community outreach, pollination systems, restoration, and farming. Keynote speakers are Evan Abramson, founder and principal of Landscape Interactions, and Jono Neiger, regenerative agriculture leader from Regenerative Design Group. Evan Abramson’s talk, “Beyond Pollinator-Friendly: Designing Landscapes and Corridors to Support Biodiversity and Climate Resilience,” will address how farms, wildlands, urban and suburban greenways, rural communities, and large-scale solar developments provide immense opportunities for expanding regional biodiversity through the implementation of native pollination systems. Jono Neiger’s talk, “Regenerative Agriculture and Agroforestry: Food, Soil Health and Diversity on the Farmscape,” will focus on the potential and rising interest in combating habitat loss, soil degradation and farm insecurity through regenerative agricultural and agroforestry practices.
Elizabeth Keen of Indian Hill Farm will moderate a panel discussion titled “Volunteer and Municipal Partnerships: Advocating for and Accessing Ecological Design to Ensure Food Sovereignty and Climate Resiliency in Public Spaces.” Panelists include certified native plant designer Marie Chieppo; regenerative landscaper and author Owen Wormser from Abound Design; and organic farmer Jim Schultz of Red Shirt Farm. The day will also include a lunch mixer, a “Tour of the Trees” at BBG and a “Design for Resiliency” workshop led by panel speakers.
The symposium is on Sunday, November 12th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Berkshire Botanical Garden on West Stockbridge Road in Stockbridge. Tickets are $100 and $85 for members. Registration and more information can be found online.
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American Mural Project exhibits ‘Recycled Runway 2023: The Fashions’ through November
November— Through November, American Mural Project presents a new temporary exhibit that showcases innovative designs created from recycled materials. Titled “Recycled Runway 2023: The Fashions,” the month-long exhibit celebrates the remarkable clothing creations of the fashion designers who participated in the American Mural Project’s Recycled Runway 2023, highlighting both their ingenuity and the importance of reducing waste through material reuse.
The work that goes into making clothing is also on display. “One of our aims at the American Mural Project is to increase awareness of the value of work that occurs around us every day. We do this through the permanent mural exhibit, and now also through this month-long exhibit of unique, handmade attire,” said Amy Wynn, Executive Director of American Mural Project.
The fashion designs on display range from posh to whimsical. The Recycled Runway exhibit offers visitors an opportunity to see the detail of each Recycled Runway design, up-close. The 25 designs in the exhibit are made from a wide variety of recycled and trash-rescued materials, such as electrical cords and components, bubble wrap and packaging materials, aluminum cans, can tabs, plastic containers, business cards, fabric scraps, and even old photo slides.
The exhibit runs through November at American Mural Project on Whiting Street in Winsted. It is included with museum admission. More information can be found online.
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Community Contra Dance in Williamstown
Williamstown— On Saturday, November 11th from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., the North Berkshire Contra Dance will hold its monthly community contra dance with calling (teaching) by Andy Davis, and live music provided by an open band.
Contra dancing is a living tradition in New England; for hundreds of years, neighbors and friends have made their own social entertainment in this highly collaborative dance form. All are welcome. Come alone, or with friends – most people change partners for each dance throughout the evening.
The caller, Andy Davis, will teach all the dances in an inclusive and welcoming style, using gender-free phrasing. His goal is to put everyone at ease so they can have fun and dance. Music will be provided by an open band, led by Rebecca Weiss on fiddle and Becky Hollingsworth on piano. “Open band” means that anyone with an acoustic instrument is welcome to join. A list of likely tunes will be shared on online.
The dance is on Saturday, November 11th from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the Community Hall of the First Congregational Church on Main Street in Williamstown. Admission is pay-as-you-can with $12 to $20 suggested. Barter is also welcome. New dancers and families with children are encouraged to arrive by 7:30 p.m. or instruction in the basics. Masks encouraged. More information can be found online.
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Community Day at Hancock Shaker Village offers free admission for all
Pittsfield— On Sunday, November 11th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hancock Shaker Village hosts its annual Community Day. Admission is free all day.
Fun activities for all ages include craft demonstrations, woodworking and blacksmithing demonstrations, interpreter-led tours, Shaker talks, activities for kids, and farm animals. All buildings in the historic village will be open for exploration as well as several special exhibitions including “Handled With Care: The Function of Form in Shaker Craft” and “Stillness and Light” by John Mancia. The accessible, one-mile Farm and Forest Trail, including the South Family Trail will be open for everyone to explore. Food and beverages will be available in the café and the Mercantile will be open for those looking for the perfect gift.
The free community day is on Sunday, November 11th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hancock Shaker Village on West Housatonic Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online.
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Eagles Community Band to perform a free concert at the Colonial Theatre
Pittsfield— On Friday, November 10th at 7 p.m., the Eagles Community Band, celebrating its 87th year of playing music in the Berkshires, will perform a free concert at The Colonial Theatre.
Selections include William Schuman’s “Chester,” “John Williams: Fantasy of Flight,” Percy Grainger’s “Children’s March,” Clare Grundman’s “An Irish Rhapsody,” and many more. The concert will feature retired principal trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Ron Barron, on Arthur Pryor’s “Annie Laurie.”
The concert is on Friday, November 10th at 7 p.m. at The Colonial Theatre on South Street in Pittsfield. Free tickets and more information can be found online or by calling 413-997-4444.
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Miss Hall’s School presents ‘Sense and Sensibility’
Pittsfield— On Friday, November 10th at 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 11th at 2 p.m., Miss Hall’s School (MHS) presents ‘Sense and Sensibility’ directed by Jennifer Jordan, MHS Director of Theater and Dance.
Step into the gossipy world of late 18th-century England and follow the romantic fates of the Dashwood sisters in this modern variation of a Jane Austen classic. This adaptation, told with a fresh female voice, follows the fortunes (and misfortunes) of the Dashwood sisters after their father’s death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable. The sisters and their mother are forced to leave their family estate and move to a modest home, where Elinor and Marianne experience romance and heartbreak, and their lives take unexpected turns.
The cast includes Iva Knezevic ’24, Avah DeBenedetto ’27, Eleanor Jacobsen ’27, Sonia Rundle ’27, Naomi Hopkins ’24, Kat Lunden ’25, Carolin Arndt ’25, EA Peña ’25, Myles Patton ’27, Sutra Chakma ’24, Lilith Ladouceur-Murray ’26, and guest actor Elliot Trainor.
Performances are Friday, November 10th at 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 11th at 2 p.m. in the Woods Theater of the Elizabeth Gatchell Klein Arts Center at Miss Hall’s school on Holmes Road in Pittsfield. Tickets are $10. Reservations can be made online or by calling 413-395-7023.
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Open Auditions for “All My Sons” at the Ghent Playhouse
Ghent— On November 14th and 15th at 7 p.m., the Ghent Playhouse is holding auditions for “All My Sons,” the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama based on a true story by the iconic American playwright Arthur Miller, directed by Ed Dignum.
“All My Sons,” Arthur Miller’s first commercial success, focuses on a post-war American family caught in a tragic downfall of material greed, lies, love, and loss. The play examines ethical responsibilities to ourselves, our neighbors, and all at-risk sons and daughters of American conflict.
This play offers opportunities for actors of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and physical abilities. We encourage actors to try out for the part that feels right, even if you’re older or younger than the characters listed. Non-traditional casting will be observed. Actors will be asked to read scenes from the script.
Characters include:
- Joe Keller, 50s-60s
- Kate Keller, 50s-60s
- Chris Keller, mid-30s
- Ann Deever, mid- to late-20s
- George Deever, mid-30s
- Frank Lubey, mid- to late-30s
- Lydia Lubey, late-20s to early-30s
- Jim Bayliss, 40s
- Sue Bayliss, 40s
- Bert, 8-12 years old
The auditions are on November 14th and 15th at 7 p.m. at the Ghent Playhouse on Town Hall Place in Ghent. Performances are February 9th through February 18th. More information can be found online or by contacting the director Ed Dignum at 518- 791-4034 or edwarddignum7@gmail.com.
