Berkshire Sounds streaming concert to support New England Musicians Relief Fund
NORTHAMPTON — Chris Smither, Samirah Evans, Peter Mulvey, John Medeski, musicians from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and many other performers will take part in a streaming benefit concert on Sunday, April 18 at 7 p.m. Berkshire Sounds: A Bash to Bring Back Music to Western Massachusetts and the Hudson Valley will be hosted by Signature Sounds, and will feature an eclectic mix of musicians from across western Massachusetts and the Hudson Valley. All proceeds will go to the New England Musicians Relief Fund (NEMRF), an organization that provides grants to working musicians facing financial difficulties. Anyone can watch the show at the Signature Sounds website and on the YouTube and Facebook pages of the New England Musicians Relief Fund. There is no cost to view the stream, but donations are encouraged.
Artists slated to perform include: Aston Magna, Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians Rebecca Gitter and Julianne Lee, Chris Smither, Felipe Salles, Izy Coffey, Izzy Heltai, John Medeski, Pamela Means, Peter Mulvey, Robin O’Herin, Ruby Mack, Samirah Evans, Todd Reynolds, and Adam Rothberg. The show will also feature special messages from Arlo Guthrie and Tanglewood Festival Chorus Conductor James Burton.
The pandemic has created an acute crisis for the more than 2,000 freelance professional musicians who make their living playing live music across region. Many freelance musicians do not fit neatly into either the traditional economy or the gig economy. Founded one year ago, the New England Musicians Relief Fund has distributed nearly $400,000 to professional musicians whose incomes have been drastically reduced.
“It’s hard to imagine that, one year later, many venues remain closed, musicians are still out of work, and we have no clear idea when live music might return,” said Dennis Alves, NEMRF co-founder and board member. “It may be a long time before we return to the vibrant music scenes that existed before COVID. The NEMRF plans to be here throughout the recovery and for years to come, but we will need the continued support of music lovers across New England.”
Berkshire Sounds is made possible through the support of Toole Insurance, Guido’s Fresh Marketplace, Dave Jamrog Audio/Video, and Adam Rothberg Graphic Design/Art Direction.
—A.K.
* * *
Berkshire Community College to offer Massage Therapy virtual info sessions
PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will hold three information sessions on its Massage Therapy Certificate Program on Tuesday, April 13 at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, May 22 at 10 a.m., and Thursday, June 10 at 12:30 p.m. The sessions provide prospective students with an opportunity to learn about the program, admissions, and more. To register, visit the website or call (413) 236–4604.
Topics covered include:
- An overview of the Massage Therapy Certificate Program, including course pathway, class, labs, and practicum/clinical requirements
- How to apply to the program, including part-time evening and Saturday options
- Paying for college: financial aid, scholarships, and self-pay
- Enrolling in courses
- Health/medical requirements
- CPR and first aid certification
The Massage Therapy Certificate Program prepares students to become Massachusetts licensed massage therapists with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide effective relaxation and wellness massage therapy. Graduates are prepared to enter various settings such as spas, franchise clinics, fitness centers, medical/wellness offices, workplaces and clients’ homes.
—A.K.
* * *
National Volunteer Week set for April 18–24
GREAT BARRINGTON — Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires (NPC) reminds the community that National Volunteer Week, which occurs annually in the third week of April, is set for April 18–24, 2021. It is a national holiday that formalizes the recognition of volunteers in our communities. Volunteers help organizations fill critical gaps in service for nearly every community in the U.S. Without volunteers, we wouldn’t have some of the programs that many communities rely on today.
Organizations of all scopes and sizes should take the time to thank our neighbors, strangers, friends, and family who selflessly give their time to help others.
- Berkshire United Way will thank volunteers on Thursday, April 29 at their Live United Community Celebration
- Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires will recognize nonprofit folks, including volunteers, at its Berkshire Nonprofit Awards event on Tuesday, May 18
The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires works on the premise that volunteers can be leveraged to help nonprofits grow. The NPC connects nonprofits to community volunteers through the Giving Back Guide and its corresponding website, board trainings, and volunteer fairs.
Berkshire United Way leverages its corporate connections from workplace campaigns to connect employees to volunteer opportunities using a volunteer platform funded by Greylock Federal Credit Union.
RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) is a federally funded program enhanced by funding from the City of Pittsfield. Approximately 300 seniors participate.
Other organizations like Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, Rotary Clubs, and the Berkshire Leadership Program organize group volunteer activities including around national events like the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Giving.
—A.K.
