‘Reggae Pool Party’ with DJ BFG at the Race Brook Lodge
Sheffield— On Wednesday, August 16th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Race Brook Lodge hosts a ‘Reggae Pool Party’ with DJ BFG.
Berkshire-based Gabby Squailia, better known as DJ BFG, trained at NYC’s Scratch Academy and has been a professional spinner for twenty years. Her sets are eclectic and upbeat. She is known for blending genres through seamless transitions while keeping the groove in the pocket.
The party is Wednesday, August 16rd from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Race Brook Lodge on South Undermountain Road in Sheffield. The is a $5 suggested cover charge. Food (tacos and snacks) and drinks (cocktails and soft drinks) will be available. Bring your own towel. This event will be held every Wednesday for the remainder of the summer with different local DJs and bands each week. Next up is The Haughties on August 23rd. It’s the perfect time to kick back, relax, and enjoy the pool and some amazing food! For more information, visit the Race Brook Lodge online.
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Barrington Stage Company’s ‘Celebration of Black Voices’, Pittsfield’s West Side Celebration returns for a third year
Pittsfield— From August 10th through August 13th, Barrington Stage Company’s free community festival, “Celebration of Black Voices”, returns for a third year.
Barrington Stage Company continues to support and amplify the voices of Black community members in the Berkshires with six free events:
On Thursday, August 10th at 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the festival kicks off with the Brownskin Band, performing high-energy versions of their favorite soul, funk, and R&B songs. On Friday, August 11th at 2 p.m., there is a youth performance for the entire family. This event will be a sharing of an original devised play by the youth that participate in the “Celebration of Black Voices” performing arts camp. Later on Friday, August 11th at 6 p.m. is “Emerald Horizons: Veils Lifted by Verse”, a poetry/story slam. Come out and hear local residents use poetry and storytelling as a vehicle to give a glimpse into who they are and what is important to them. On Saturday, August 12th at 6 p.m., the West Side takes the stage in “Take 4”, an adult talent show featuring local performers ages 18 and older. Come out and support local performers and artists as they compete for cash prizes in the 3rd annual adult talent show. On Sunday, August 13th at 1 p.m., is “Joyful Noise”, a gospel concert featuring local choirs and gospel singers. Enjoy an afternoon of gospel music with the “Celebration of Black Voices” community choir. Members from a number of local Black churches will join voices during a gospel music workshop, and this culminating performance event is one that you definitely will not want to miss! Closing out the festival on Sunday, August 14th at 6 p.m. is “Black Voices Matter”, a celebratory performance piece created by local Black community members. A powerful expression of artistry that shares the joy, fears, and triumphs of the lived experiences of Black people in the Berkshires.
The festival runs from August 10th through August 13th at the Tartell Family Outdoor Stage at the Polish Community Club on Linden Street in Pittsfield. All events are free and open to all. Reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations and more information can be found by visiting Barrington Stage Company online.
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Berkshire Botanical Garden’s ‘Dog Days of Summer’
Stockbridge— On August 20th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in partnership with the Berkshire Humane Society, Berkshire Botanical Garden presents its beloved annual event, “Dog Days of Summer”.
“Dog Days of Summer” brings families and their furry friends together for a full day of canine fun in the garden, offering dog-related workshops, vendors, demonstrations, and a dog pool party!
The event is sponsored by Tito’s Vodka and the first 50 dogs to be admitted into the garden will receive a Tito’s bandana provided by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. For humans, Tito’s will be serving a complimentary cocktail, the “Tito’s Garden Elixir”. Waste bags and natural biscuits will be generously provided by Chez Pet.
The event is on August 20th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Berkshire Botanical Garden on West Stockbridge Road in Stockbridge. Admission is $18 and free for members plus an additional donation of $5 per dog which will be donated directly to the Humane Society. All dogs must be registered, up to date on vaccinations, and kept on a non-retractable leash. There will complimentary refreshments and fresh hot dogs from Stylin’ Franks will be available for purchase. For tickets and more information, visit Berkshire Botanical Garden online.
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Berkshire Family YMCA is hosting the ‘UltiMUTT PAWty’, a pool party for friendly dogs and their favorite humans
Pittsfield— On Sunday, August 6th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., before its scheduled pool cleaning, the Berkshire Family YMCA is hosting the “UltiMUTT PAWty”, a pool party for friendly dogs and their favorite humans.
Dogs furry friends and their humans, are welcome to jump, dive, and swim on Sunday, August 6th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in pool at the Berkshire Family YMCA on North Street in Pittsfield. Cost of admission is $20. Registration is required. Proof of current vaccination is required and dogs should be leashed throughout the common areas. Registration and more information can be found by visiting Berkshire Family YMCA online or by calling 413-499-7650.
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The Rites of Passage and Empowerment Program (R.O.P.E.) will host a Silent Art Auction at Palace Park
Pittsfield— On Friday, August 4th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Rites of Passage and Empowerment Program (R.O.P.E.) will host a Silent Art Auction at Palace Park.
Art will include Authentic African clothing, jewelry, and other items. The auction is a fundraiser for the scholars and ambassadors of R.O.P.E. Proceeds to go towards college tours, international trips, and other educational and enriching activities.
Rites of Passage and Empowerment Program (R.O.P.E.) is a mentoring program for young women of color identifying as female or non-binary. The mission of R.O.P.E. is to celebrate and honor their entry into adulthood and provide them with skills and knowledge that they need to be successful, independent, and responsible young adults. R.O.P.E. is designed to help participants discover their inner voice and support all components of personal development.
The auction is on Friday, August 4th, as part of the First Fridays Artswalk at Palace Park on North Street in Pittsfield. There will be a preview of auction items from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., the silent auction will begin at 6 p.m., and the winners of the auction will be announced at 7:45 p.m. For more information, visit R.O.P.E. online.
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Join Berkshire County Historical Society for a Monument Mountain hike to recreate Melville and Hawthorne’s Monument Mountain hike
Great Barrington— On Saturday, August 5th from 9 a.m. to noon, join Berkshire County Historical Society for a Monument Mountain hike to recreate August 5th, 1850, the day when Melville met Hawthorne on a hike up Monument Mountain. Read the poem they read together at the summit and share sparkling wine. (They had champagne).
The free event is on Saturday, August 5th from 9 a.m. to noon at Monument Mountain. Meet in the parking lot at Monument Mountain, off Route 7, in Great Barrington. For more information, visit the Berkshire County Historical Society online.
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The Olana Partnership seeks Historic House volunteers this fall at Olana State Historic Site
Hudson— The Olana Partnership is seeking Historic House volunteers to join the team at Olana State Historic Site this fall.
If you love nature, art, history, and Frederic Church’s Olana, volunteering is the perfect way to give back to our community, spend time on-site, and get involved. Volunteering with the Olana Partnership provides a great way to immerse yourself in one of the Hudson Valley’s most unique cultural treasures and interact with visitors who are looking to learn more about Olana and artist Frederic Church.
“Our volunteers are an essential part of the collaborative work we do here at The Olana Partnership,” says Lauren Miller, Membership and Volunteer Coordinator at The Olana Partnership. “From the volunteers who help out in Olana’s Historic House, to the friendly faces at our special events, volunteers are an integral part of the Olana community.”
There are many opportunities to volunteer depending on interest and availability, however, there is currently an added need for volunteers who are interested in working in the Historic House. Shifts are available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons from 1:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. through October.
In return for your time, Olana volunteers enjoy free landscape tours, discounts in the Olana Museum Store, invitations to lectures, volunteer appreciation events, field trips and more. Join like-minded people and meet other volunteers who enjoy learning and sharing their love of Olana and the region. All volunteers will be trained to familiarize themselves with Olana State Historic Site, New York State Parks, the Olana Partnership, and the history of Frederic Church and his family.
For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact Lauren Miller, membership and volunteer coordinator for the Olana Partnership at 518-751-6857 or lmiller@olana.org.
