Celebrate Stephentown
Stephentown, N.Y. — Friday, Aug. 18, through Sunday, Aug. 20, the only Stephentown on Earth will spend an entire weekend showing the rest of the world its one-of-a-kind ways with a new festival called Celebrate Stephentown.
Created by the Stephentown Memorial Library and organized in coordination with the Town of Stephentown and a diverse range of local participants, the three-day showcase will feature more than 25 events at 15 different locations around the town including sales, tastings, demonstrations, storytelling, art shows, scenic hikes, a community corn boil, a 5K rail trail race, a charity Texas Hold ‘Em tournament and more. For more information and a full schedule of events, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or contact scott@celebratestephentown.com.
–E.E.
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Stockbridge to host arts and crafts show
Stockbridge — The 26th annual Stockbridge Summer Arts and Crafts Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 20, on the grounds of the town offices and Bidwell Park, 50 Main St. Over 80 jury-selected artists and crafters will display work ranging from paintings and ceramics to fiberwear and blown glass. Returning artisans will include weaver Karen Gerstel of Salisbury, Connecticut; metalworkers James Takaki and Marie Walker of Brattleboro, Vermont; batik artist Ahmi Goldfarb of Livingston, New Jersey; textural folk artist Thom Cassotta of Northampton; jeweler Virginia Stevens of Cranston, Rhode Island; and wire sculptor Ron Stattner of Red Hook, New York; The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce at (413) 298-5200 or info@stockbridgechamber.org.
–E.E.
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The Egremont Barn to stage ‘What We Were’
South Egremont — On Friday, Aug. 18, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 20, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., the Barn at the Egremont Village Inn will host the world premiere workshop production of the musical “What We Were,” a stage adaptation of the 2015 short film of the same name created by Jackson Teeley, Corey Potter and Wilder Bunke. The production features the original three songs from the short film plus an expanded score with music and lyrics by Jackson Teeley and an original book by Jackson and Caitlin Teeley.
“What We Were” tells the story of a pair of siblings who must learn to let go of their former selves in order to navigate their current situations. With the assistance of old friends and blurred memories, the siblings set out to define the meaning of home once it’s been left. The production of “What We Were” marks the first original workshop of a musical produced by the Egremont Barn. Directed by Jackson and Caitlin Teeley with music direction by Mike Pacifico, “What We Were” features Ali Louis-Bourzgui, Brianna Nicola, Caitlin Teeley, Caroline Fairweather, Jackson Teeley and Joey LaBrasca, all residents of Berkshire County.
Tickets are $10. For tickets and more information, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or contact the Egremont Barn at (413) 528-1570.
–E.E.
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Bernard Drew to give history talk on Cuffee Van Schaack
Tyringham — On Saturday, Aug. 19., at 10 a.m. at the Tyringham Union Church, the Bidwell House Museum will present historian and Edge columnist Bernard A. Drew in a talk titled “Cuffee Negro, Berkshires’ First Black Real Estate Agent.” Cuffee Negro, also known as Cuffee Van Schaack, who bought and sold land in Stockbridge and the vicinity in the 18th century, learned the trade from his father, the Dutch fur trader Elias Van Schaack. Cuffee Negro spoke Dutch and was conversant enough in English and Mohican to negotiate numerous property transactions. He was illiterate and signed documents with a Native American clan mark. He died in 1763.
Bernard Drew is a newspaper editor and columnist and has written reference books and Berkshire histories including books about Great Barrington, Monument Mountain, Lake Buel, Beartown and other local places. His latest book, expected this fall, is titled East Rock is Falling and describes East Mountain and environs in Great Barrington. He and his wife, Donna, live in Great Barrington.
There is a suggested donation of $15 for the general public and $10 for members of the museum. For more information, contact the Bidwell House Museum at (413) 528-6888 or bidwellhouse@gmail.com.
–E.E.
