Berkshire Busk! will welcome four all-new acts over the course of the weekend on Friday, August 15 and Saturday, August 16. The weekend’s lineup features a strong focus on talented local musicians—including the ever-popular Wanda Houston!
Friday Highlights: Jazz, indie, and folk acts
Jazz musician Greg Glassman will gather an ensemble for the SoCo side of Railroad Street on Friday evening. The trumpeter, composer, and educator has completed world tours and residencies in his home base of New York City. Friday will be his Berkshire Busk! debut.
On the top end of Railroad Street, Michael Lesko & Suns will deliver a set of indie folk/alternative country. Lesko was previously seen at Berkshire Busk! earlier this month as the drummer of the reggae band The Haughties, though his latest band are newcomers to the festival.
Folk artist Ryan Leddick, aerialists Chalk Gremlin Circus, and American Songbook devotees The Carol & Nick Duo are just a few acts that can be found while strolling through the rest of downtown on Friday Night.
Saturday Highlights: Americana and a new band with Wanda Houston and Jaane Doe
On Saturday, The Juckets will start the night on Upper Railroad Street. Originally performing under the name Rockridge Berkshire Bluegrass, the group is made up of outstanding local musicians like Kevin James Healey, Michael Pfeiffer, Jim Caron, Andy Gordon, and Jana Pfeiffer.
Railroad Street will also hold an exciting new Berkshire supergroup in The Sirens. The trio consists of the notable singers and musicians Liv Cummins, Berkshire Busk’s own Jaane Doe, and acclaimed vocalist Wanda Houston. Though Houston is no stranger to local fans of live music, Saturday will be the first time she appears at Berkshire Busk!
Attendees can also see Robin O’Herin, Natalie Lewis, newcomer Larry King, and more great musicians as they make their way through the rest of the downtown area. Children can visit Robin’s Candy for balloon animals and face painting courtesy of Bowey The Clown and Magic Brushes.
Extended Schedule on Saturdays
Scott Damgaard will make his way to the Berkshires from Boston for a set in the afternoon as well as the evening. Fans can take in his singer-songwriter stylings from Berkshire Mountain Distillers from 2 to 4 p.m. while enjoying a tasting flight if they are over 21.
Earlier in the day, Balloons by Bowey and Magic Brushes Face Painting will get an early start at noon at Robin’s Candy. Youthful folk duo Madison and Friends will also be performing a double set, appearing both on Saturday evening and at the Great Barrington Farmers’ Market.
Berkshire Busk! is free to attend and takes place in downtown Great Barrington every Friday and Saturday evening, from June 28 through August 31. Primary festival programming begins at 6:30 p.m. Visit the Berkshire Busk! website for the full schedule of events.
