Thursday Morning Club to welcome author Kevin O’Hara
Great Barrington — On Thursday, Dec. 8, the Thursday Morning Club will present “A Pocket Full of Gifts and other Stories,” a Christmas program with author Kevin O’Hara, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 251 Main St. The public is welcome at this free event. A holiday tea will be served.
O’Hara grew up in Pittsfield in the 1950s and ‘60s, an experience recounted in his book “A Lucky Irish Lad.” His book “Last of the Donkey Pilgrims” chronicles his eight-month, 1,720-mile journey around the coast of Ireland. He was the recipient of the 2012 John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Award, and has read his homespun stories on numerous TV and radio stations in addition to appearing at countless libraries, colleges, and Irish pubs throughout New England.
For more information, call the church at (413) 528-2740.
–E.E.
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Berkshire Concert Choir to perform holiday concert
Lenox — On Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m., the Berkshire Concert Choir will present a family Christmas program at Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. Refreshments will be served after the concert.
Known county-wide for a joy of singing and led by conductor Paula Nuss and accompanist Aurora Cooper, the 18-woman ensemble has rehearsed for six months for the Ventfort Hall Christmas concert at Ventfort Hall. The group will sing a variety of songs that will include “Cantate Domino” by Hans Leo Hassler, “Ave Maria” by Jacob Arcadelt, six selections from “Les Choristes” by Christophe Barratier and Bruno Coulais, “The Sleigh” by Richard Kountz,” “Riu Riu Chiu” by Mateo Flecha, “Santa Baby” by Joan Javits and Philip Springer, “Allons, Gay Bergeres” by Guillaume Costeley and “Night of Silence, Silent Night” by David Haas and Lori True.
Tickets for the concert are $20. Reservations are recommended as seating is limited. For more information or reservations, contact Ventfort Hall at (413) 637-3206 or visit info@gildedage.org.
–E.E.
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Town Players of Pittsfield to present ‘Christmastime in the City: Hollywood’
Pittsfield — The Town Players of Pittsfield will present “Christmastime in the City: Hollywood” on Friday, Dec. 9, and Saturday, Dec. 10, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. at the Whitney Center for the Arts.
Directed by Monica Bliss and joined accompanist Jeff Hunt, “Christmastime in the City: Hollywood” is a holiday variety show featuring songs and spoken word pieces celebrating the magic of favorite holiday movies. The cast includes Erin Laundry, Steve Hassmer, Marcella Bradway, Diedre Bollinger, Tony Pastore, Douglas MacDonald, Katie Oliveira, Brianna Nicola, Kimberly Gritman, Meredith Hamilton, Joe Sondrini, Beverly Krol, Nancy Schaffer, Steve Mole, Ann Krawat, Joe Gerard, Diana Norton and Michael Graubard.
Tickets are $15 general admission; $12 for seniors, students and groups of 10 or more; and $10 for Town Players members. For more information or to reserve tickets, call the Town Players box office at (413) 443-9279.
–E.E.
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‘All Band Together’ for cultural solidarity
Pittsfield — In light of President-elect Donald Trump’s threat to reinstate a Muslim registry, the new grassroots initiative All Band Together has formed with the goal of bringing people together by proudly putting its heart on sleeves in solidarity with basic human rights. Utilizing armbands made from recycled materials and simply printed and sewn with a crescent and star in reference to the yellow badges that the Nazi Party forced Jews to wear during World War II, All Band Together is enabling wearers to unite and embrace diversity.
All Band Together invites those interested to bring materials for constructing armbands to wear and share throughout their communities to the upcoming Holiday Shindy at Shire City Sanctuary on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All Band Together will provide instruction on how to transfigure old recycled t-shirts, wool sweaters and other fabrics into armbands that will then be printed or sewn with a crescent and star.
–E.E.
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‘Beneath the Surface’ photography exhibition
Lenox — Sohn Fine Art Gallery is presenting the group show “Beneath the Surface” through Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017. A reception will take place on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 3 to 6 p.m. Work in “Beneath the Surface” explores the element of water and its depths of metaphor, both physical and psychological, through contemplative works by established and emerging artists. The exhibition features photography by John Atchley, Peggy Braun, Denise B. Chandler, Pauline Chernichaw, George Diebold, Holger Eckstein, Aldara Ortega and Cassandra Sohn, with moving images by Matthew David Wachsman. For more information, contact the gallery at (413) 551-7353 or info@sohnfineart.com.
–E.E.
