Rogue Angel Gala
Pittsfield – That Rogue Angel, the inimitable impresaria Pooja Karina, is conducting, directing, organizing, and otherwise putting together a gala for her production company. Rogue Angel Theatre. The poster says it all, except where it is: 703 West Housatonic St. in Pittsfield. May 1. 8 p.m.
It promises to be as entertaining and wild and unexpected and imaginative as it promises to be.
“A naughty kind of heaven,” explains Pooja of her gala. “Featuring live music by Half Waif, Maya Mortman, Mark Kelso. Dance party DJ’d by BFG. $20 to $40 donation. Attire: Naughty & Haute.”
Sounds tempting, no?
For information: laughcrylouder@gmail.com.
— D.S.
* * *
An Evening of the Arts at Renaissance Center
Great Barrington – In the recognition of the importance of the performing and visual arts in public and private schools, and in the belief that the arts are a crucial component in teaching critical and creative thinking, Renaissance Arts and Wellness Center is hosting an Annual Evening of the Arts at Crissey Farms Thursday, April 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event is intended to honor area students and teachers.
A portion of the proceeds will fund scholarships for local graduating students in the arts. Among those to speak at the Evening of the Arts are Berkshire Hills Superintendent Peter Dillon, Monument Mountain Regional High School Principal Marianne Young, Berkshire Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Betsy Andrus, and Patricia Navarino, owner of the Renaissance Arts and Wellness Center.
— D.S.
* * *
Stockbridge Bowl Update: State of the Lake
Stockbridge — The Stockbridge Bowl Association (SBA) invites all Stockbridge residents – and everyone interested in the health of Stockbridge Bowl – to “State of the Lake: An Update on the Stockbridge Bowl Preservation Project” on Thursday, April 30, 2015.
The free public presentation will take place from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room on the second floor of the Stockbridge Town Offices, 50 Main St.
The event will include a project overview of Phase 2 of the Town of Stockbridge Lake Management Plan from SBA Board President Richard Seltzer and a representative of GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc., the engineering firm contracted by the town. We encourage people to bring questions about the project.
Stockbridge Bowl is designated a “Great Pond” by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is owned by the state, but its management and health are the responsibility of the Town of Stockbridge. The mission of the SBA, a nonprofit organization founded in 1946, is to preserve Stockbridge Bowl’s ecological, economic, recreational and aesthetic value. The SBA has supported the Town’s efforts to preserve the lake through grants and extensive private fundraising to help pay for the Lake Management Plan.
Phase 1 of the Plan, installing a diversion drain in the Outlet, has been completed. The SBA’s Save Stockbridge Bowl Committee is now raising funds for Phase 2 of the project, with help from the Town, the Community Preservation Act, individual donors, local businesses, private foundations, and the Mass. DEP. The goal of Phase 2 is to allow sufficient water to flow out of the lake, which will enable an adequate winter drawdown to kill the non-native invasive Eurasian Milfoil. This Phase includes dredging silt that has built up over decades so that we can utilize the diversion drain for a more effective drawdown.
For more information, please visit our website: thesba.org.
— S.L.
* * *
Grumbling Gryphons present Trickster Coyote
Great Barrington — On Saturday, May 2, from 1:15-2:30 p.m. Grumbling Gryphons Traveling Children’s Theater will present a participatory performance and drama workshop involving children and their parents in “Trickster Coyote: How Coyote Brought Fire to the People of the Plains” as part of a children’s series at the Mason Library.
The Grumbling Gryphons is an award winning traveling theater based in West Cornwall, Conn., celebrating their 35th year of touring the U.S. and abroad. The show is open to the public and geared toward children in grades K-7. There will be time to meet and greet the actors after the interactive performance. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Great Barrington Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
This tale of Trickster Coyote tells how Coyote cunningly outwits the greedy Fire Beings, risks his life and brings the treasure of fire to humans. Children will engage in singing Native American songs, dances and play dramatic roles in the performance, wearing masks and costumes of Grumbling Gryphons. Ellen Moon, longstanding mask maker of Grumbling Gryphons, made the enchanting masks and costumes. Children and parents are invited to play such parts as: Fire Dancers, Tree, Plains Indians and the Spirit of the Mountain. Leslie Elias, director, playwright and actress, will play Native American flute and lead the interactive storytelling experience. Johnny Segalla of Great Barrington will play the lead part of Trickster Coyote and Native American drum. Lindsay DeWinkeleer from Pittsfield will play lead Fire Spirit and Corn Maiden. Julius Reese of Pittsfield will play the part of Chipmunk and Fire Spirit.
This tale is one of three in the Grumbling Gryphons’ production Trickster Tales: Native American Animal Legends, which was researched and developed with the cooperation and support of the Institute for American Indian Studies. Trickster Tales premiered in 1982 as part of a celebration of the Institute’s Founder’s Day. Since then it has been performed throughout the U.S. and abroad at schools, festivals, and museums, including a performance at Lincoln Center Outdoors in New York City.
For further information about Grumbling Gryphons, please contact the theater at www.grumblinggryphons.org, e-mail grumblinggryphons@gmail.com or call Leslie Elias-artistic director at 860-672-0286.
— D.S.
* * *
Cultural Council showcase at Congregational Church
Great Barrington — Cryptic message from the Cultural Council: “The town cultural council is having an event aimed at getting input from the community, showcasing local talent and raising a little money. It’s Saturday, May 2, at the First Congregational Church. We’ve set it from 11 to 1, so you can do many wonderful things in one. The poster is attached. Free to pass on the word.”
— D.S.
