The Clark Art Institute and The Mahaiwe Performing Center for the Arts present Met Opera Live in HD: Puccini’s ‘La Rondine’
Williamstown/Great Barrington— On Saturday, April 20th and Sunday, April 21st at 1 p.m., The Clark Art Institute and The Mahaiwe Performing Center for the Arts present Met Opera Live in HD: Puccini’s “La Rondine.”
Puccini’s bittersweet love story makes a rare Met appearance, with soprano Angel Blue starring as the sophisticated French courtesan Magda, opposite tenor Jonathan Tetelman in his company debut as Ruggero, an idealistic young man who offers her an alternative to her life of excess. Maestro Speranza Scappucci conducts Nicolas Joël’s art deco–inspired staging, which transports audiences from the heart of Parisian nightlife to a dreamy vision of the French Riviera.
The performances are on Saturday, April 20th at 1 p.m. at The Clark on South Street in Williamstown and on Sunday, April 21st at 1 p.m. at The Mahaiwe on Castle Street in Great Barrington. Tickets for The Clark are $25, $22 for members, $18 for students, and $5 for children ages 15 and under. Register online. Tickets for The Mahaiwe are $25 and $10 for youth ages 21 and under; Card To Culture accepted.
In conjunction with the broadcast, The Clark will hosts a special pre-show pop-up exhibition of prints, drawings, and photographs is inspired by Parisian cafés to the French coastlines. It is free and on view from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Berkshire Pride volunteer recruitment party
Pittsfield— On Wednesday, April 24th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Berkshire Pride hosts a volunteer recruitment party.
Are you ready to be part of something amazing? Join Berkshire Pride at our Volunteer Recruitment Party and become a vital part of Berkshire Pride 2024! At this fun-filled event, you’ll have the chance to meet the Berkshire Pride team, learn about volunteer opportunities, and find the perfect role that fits your skills and interests, while enjoying .great company, delicious brews, and exciting surprises throughout the evening. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or new to the pride scene, everyone is welcome. Come create magical moments, celebrate diversity, and make a positive impact in our community.
The party is on Wednesday, April 24th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Hot Plate Brewing Co. on School Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online.
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Bennington Museum presents ‘Vermont Female Farmers,’ photographs by JuanCarlos González
Bennington, V.T.— Through August, Bennington Museum presents ‘Vermont Female Farmers,’ photographs by JuanCarlos González.
Inspired by the strong women in his life growing up, JuanCarlos González visited and photographed 38 female farmers across Vermont over the course of several years. This project celebrates a passionate, hard-working group of farmers, making meaningful and impactful contributions to the state’s culture, identity, and economy. Each has a unique story, but they all share a strong calling and dedication to the land, animals, and communities in their care. This minro-installation features five of the images González created as part of the larger project, which has also been published as a book, with a forward by Vermont Congresswoman Becca Balint, adding more images and information about the farmers and why they farm.
“I am excited to share a selection of JuanCarlos Gonzalez’s dynamic photographic portraits of Vermont’s female farmers here in Bennington,” says Museum curator, Jamie Franklin. “They examine the state’s history and traditions through a present- day lens, and shine a light on the ongoing contributions of a diverse group of women to our state’s most iconic and still vital industry.”
The exhibit runs through August at the Bennington Museum on Main Street in Bennington. More information can be found online.
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Berkshire International Film Festival presents Taiiki Waititi’s ‘Jojo Rabbit,’ the final installment of their auteur film series
Lenox— On Saturday, April 20th at 3 p.m., Berkshire International Film Festival presents Taiiki Waititi’s ‘Jojo Rabbit, tthe final installment of their “Cinematic Adolescence: Coming of Age Films by Auteurs” film series.
A World War II satire that follows a lonely German boy named Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) whose world view is turned upside down when he discovers his single mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a young Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their attic. Aided only by his idiotic imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler (Taika Waititi), Jojo must confront his blind nationalism.
Cinema-buff Howard Arkans will introduce the film and lead a post-show discussion. He will propose some questions to help prompt the discussion as well as answer your questions and criticisms.
The screening is on Saturday, April 20th at 3 p.m. at the Duffin Theater at Lenox High School on East Street in Lenox. Tickets are $15 and $10 for BIFF and OLLI members. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Dottie’s Coffee Lounge presents ‘Domingo Brunch’ featuring Brian Hailes
Pittsfield— On Sunday April 21st from 10 a.m. to noon, Dottie’s Coffee Lounge presents ‘Domingo Brunch’ featuring Brian Hailes.
Hailes is a singer/guitarist whose music covers a wide range of styles, including folk, rock, blues and jazz. As a trained opera singer he may even throw in a little Mozart! Brian’s musical journey has taken him from the folk and jazz clubs of London to the coffee shops, bars, and festivals of the Berkshires.
The concert is on Sunday April 21st from 10 a.m. to noon at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge on North Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online.
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Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Spring volunteer opportunities
Pittsfield— On Wednesday, April 24th from 9:30 a.m. to noon, join Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Spring to prepare the Canoe Meadows Community Gardens for Spring.
It’s almost garden season. Help lay out community garden plots in preparation for the garden opening in early May. Clean out the accessible raised beds. Weed and prepare the shared herb garden. Enjoy the company of friends and meet new community gardeners!
The event is on Wednesday, April 24th from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Canoe Meadows on Holmes Road in Pittsfield. Volunteers under age 16 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Unaccompanied volunteers ages 16 to 18 must provide written permission from a parent or guardian. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Stockbridge Grange community dinner
Stockbridge— On Sunday, April 21st from noon to 1:30 p.m., Stockbridge Grange is having a community dinner featuring stuffed breast of chicken, potato, and vegetable with dessert choices of chocolate cream or lemon meringue pie.
Dinner is $15 per person, take-out only with a noon to 1:30 p.m. pick up at the Stockbridge Grange Hall at 51 Church Street in Stockbridge. Orders may be made by calling 413-243-1298 or 413-443-4352.
