Anthony Mordechai Tzvi Russell: Spirituals from the Shtetl, Davening from the Delta
Housatonic — On Saturday, August 8 at 8 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, Rimon Resource Center for Jewish Spirituality will present Anthony Russell in “Convergence,” a concert blending Yiddish art songs and African-American spirituals. As a convert to Judaism, Russell, a former professional opera singer, discovered the connections between 19th-century black music, Yiddish art songs, and cantorial music and he will explore those connections in “Convergence.”
The concert is a benefit for Rimon Resource Center for Jewish Spirituality. General admission is $30 with preferred seating at $50. Tickets are available online and by calling Rimon at (413) 274-1034.
–E.E.
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Behold! New Lebanon’s August 1 rural guide tours
New Lebanon, N.Y. — Behold! New Lebanon, the living museum of contemporary rural American life, has announced its Rural Guide schedule for Saturday, August 1. The programs include:
The Natural You: Bodyworker Adriana Szyda will lead visitors on a two-hour walk along a pathway through woods that the Sufi Order International bought from the Shakers.
Hitching the Horse to the Plow: Evan Thaler-Null and Sarah Steadman welcome visitors to tour Abode Farm CSA.
Building for the Divine: Join Peter Watson in the circa-1860 North Family Shaker Great stone barn for the story of the barn as it was and will be.
Horse Sense: Equestrienne Heather (Van Oort) Naventi exposes visitors to the ins and outs of caring for horses.
Making Jazz: Learn how a familiar tune can be transformed into jazz with Juilliard graduate Monte.
Advance ticket purchase is recommended for all programs. More information is available on the Berkshire Edge calendar and from Behold!’s box office at 518-720-7265 and info@beholdnewlebanon.org
–E.E.
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Berkshire Playwrights Lab presents ‘Match’ by Jennifer Maisel
Great Barrington — The Berkshire Playwrights Lab (BPL) will present the next play in its free Staged Reading Series on Wednesday, July 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. “Match” by Jennifer Maisel is the story of a much-needed kidney, the donor and her intentions, and the lives the decision to give impacts. Playwright Jennifer Maisel is author of “Out of Orbit,” which was presented during Berkshire Playwright Lab’s 2014 season
BPL’s Free Staged Reading series takes place through August and brings artists and audiences into conversation around new plays in development. There is no admission cost for BPL’s readings but reservations are recommended. To reserve tickets, call the Mahaiwe box office at (413) 528-0100.
–E.E.
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History of Science series: ‘The Illustrated World of Church’s Library: Natural History as Exploration’
Hudson, N.Y. — The Olana State Historic Site will host Dr. Lloyd Ackert, Professor in History of Science at Drexel University and resident of Valatie, NY, on Saturday, August 1 at 3 p.m.to present “Exploring Church’s Library and 19th-Century ‘Natural Science’ Writings.” The lecture will focus of the development of “natural sciences” in the 19th century and explore the bookshelf Frederic E. Church.
The cost of the lecture is $5 per person and is free for members. Pre-registration for the event is encouraged. For more information see the Berkshire Edge Calendar or contact Director of Education Amy Hufnagel at (518) 828-1872 x105.
–E.E.
