Monday, September 9, 2024

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

BITS & BYTES Part Two: New opera at Glimmerglass Festival; 2nd Street presents ‘REPAIR’; Pamela Z at The Foundry; Krysta Rodriguez at Mr. Finn’s Cabaret; A.P.I.E., Family Underground, and Animal, Surrender! at The Clark

The Glimmerglass Festival presents a staged reading of “The House on Mango Street,” a groundbreaking new opera collaboration between celebrated author Sandra Cisneros and three-time Grammy-nominated composer Derek Bermel.

The Glimmerglass Festival presents a staged reading of “The House on Mango Street,” a groundbreaking new opera

Cooperstown, N.Y.— On Monday, August 12th at 6 p.m., The Glimmerglass Festival presents a staged reading of “The House on Mango Street,” a groundbreaking new opera collaboration between celebrated author Sandra Cisneros and three-time Grammy-nominated composer Derek Bermel.

You’re intend to an exclusive first showing of “The House on Mango Street,” an opera in its developmental stages. This “Pipeline Preview” offers a unique opportunity to witness the birth of a captivating musical narrative based on best-selling author Sandra Cisneros’s classic novel of the same name. Engage with the creators, see the unfolding story, and contribute to shaping an opera that promises to captivate hearts. The score seamlessly blends genres and styles such as aria, recitative, salsa, merengue, rap, ballads, a cappella, and art-song, creating a truly unique and immersive musical experience. Don’t miss this exclusive chance to witness creativity in its purest form.

The reading is on Monday, August 12th at 6 p.m. in the Pavilion at the Glimmerglass Festival at 7300 State Highway 80 in Cooperstown, N.Y. Tickets and more information can be found online. 

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2nd Street presents ‘REPAIR,’ a live performance telling the stories of formerly incarcerated men

Pittsfield— On Monday, August 12th at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, August 13th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., 2nd Street presents ‘REPAIR,’ a live performance telling the stories of formerly incarcerated men. 

A cast of professional actors will bring to life the stories and life experiences of formerly incarcerated men in Berkshire County. Each performance will be followed by a talk-back, during which time audience members can ask the cast questions directly.

Captain Lindsay Cornwell, the executive director of 2nd Street, explained that the project was designed to provide an outlet for formerly incarcerated men to share their stories through an original piece of theater. “In this way, participants can reflect on their lived experiences, take ownership over their narratives, derive meaning from obstacles they have overcome, and utilize past experiences to educate and inspire their community,” she said. 

‘REPAIR’ in rehearsal at The Foundry. Courtesy The Foundry.

“REPAIR” was created in response to the tremendous community support of “RELEASE,” which focused on the stories of formerly incarcerated women. Each of the three performances of “RELEASE” was attended by 80–100 people, most of whom stayed for the powerful talk-backs after each performance. “REPAIR” and “RELEASE” are created, produced and facilitated by co-directors Amy Brentano and Sara Katzoff. 

The free performances are on Monday, August 12th at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, August 13th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Berkshire Community College’s Robert Boland Theatre at 1350 West Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online. 

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The Foundry presents Pamela Z

West Stockbridge— On Sunday, August 11th at 7 p.m., The Foundry presents Pamela Z.

Pamela Z is a composer/performer and media artist working primarily with voice, live electronics, sampled sound, and video. A pioneer of live looping, she processes her voice to create complex sonic layers. Her solo works combine experimental extended vocal techniques, operatic bel canto, found objects, text, digital processing, and wireless MIDI controllers that allow her to manipulate sound with physical gestures.

Pamela Z. Photo by rubra. Courtesy The Foundry.

Pamela Z has toured extensively throughout the US, Europe, and Japan, and her installations have been presented at such exhibition spaces as MoMA (N.Y.,) the Whitney (N.Y.,) Savvy Contemporary (Berlin,) and more. She has won numerous major awards, and has been commissioned to compose scores for dance, theatre, film, and chamber ensembles including Kronos Quartet, Eighth Blackbird, the Bang on a Can All Stars, Julia Bullock with SF Symphony, and the LA Philharmonic New Music Group.

The performance is on Sunday, August 11th at 7 p.m. at The Foundry on Harris Street in West Stockbridge. Tickets and more information can be found online. 

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Barrington Stage Company’s Mr. Finn’s Cabaret continues with Krysta Rodriguez

Pittsfield— On Sunday, August 11th and Monday, August 12th at 8 p.m., Barrington Stage Company’s Mr. Finn’s Cabaret continues with Krysta Rodriguez.

Krysta Rodriguez. Courtesy Barrington Stage Company.

Krysta Rodriguez is excited to return to Barrington Stage after her award winning run as Sally Bowles in “Cabaret.” She will present a brand new concert in a unique and intimate space. Enjoy exploring career highlights from her time in Broadway shows including “Into The Woods,” “Spring Awakening,” “First Date,” “The Addams Family,” “In the Heights,” “A Chorus Line” and “Good Vibrations.” There will also be other favorite songs and surprises that are sure to delight and leave you feeling uplifted.

The concert is on Sunday, August 11th and Monday, August 12th at 8 p.m. at Barrington Stage Company’s Mr. Finn’s Cabaret at the Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center at 36 Linden Street in Pittsfield. Tickets and more information can be found online. 

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The Clark Art Institute concludes its Music on the Moltz Terrace concert series with performances by A.P.I.E., Family Underground, and Animal, Surrender!

Williamstown— On Sunday, August 11th at 5 p.m., The Clark Art Institute concludes its Music on the Moltz Terrace concert series with performances by A.P.I.E., Family Underground, and Animal, Surrender!

A.P.I.E. features members from Sunburned Hand of the Man, Pigeons, and SQRM, offering a casual yet sardonic take on country rock reminiscent of the Velvet Underground and The Mekons. Their debut LP provided a refreshingly humorous antidote to the more contrived elements of Americana.

Family Underground is the Copenhagen-based duo of composer Sara C. Czerny (buchla synth) and Nicolas F. Kauffmann (guitar), known for their innovative and unconventional approach to music. These improvisors and noisemakers delve into the crossroads of their surroundings.

Animal, Surrender! Image courtesy of the artists.

Animal, Surrender! is a collaboration between bassist Peter Kerlin and drummer Rob Smith, whose plea for listeners is to accept the animal within. The project’s trance soundscape symbolizes the paradoxical nature of our existence, condemning the devastation wrought by rejecting the wilderness while simultaneously exploring our resilience against inevitable endings.

The free concert is on Sunday, August 11th at 5 p.m. on the Lunder Center at Stone Hill’s Moltz Terrace at The Clark Art Institute on South Street in Williamstown. Bring a picnic and your own seating. More information can be found online. 

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THEN & NOW: The F-2 Mexican Novelty Barn

The barns and a guest house stood on a bluff overlooking the Sheffield covered bridge.

The Edge Is Free To Read.

But Not To Produce.