Monday, May 19, 2025

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

BITS & BYTES: Kar-BEER-oke with Poppy DaBubbly; Berkshire Theatre Group presents ‘4000 Miles’; Zarabanda Variations and American Modern Opera Company at The Clark; Kingfisher at Lenox Contra; Rick Costello at Mason Library; Great Barrington Rotary Club time capsule

Get ready for games, laughter, and pure queer joy as you celebrate Pride by belting out iconic LGBT+ anthems while sipping on Big Elm signature brews.

Poppy DaBubbly teams up with Trivia Master Puz and Big Elm Brewery for a fabulous Pride Kar-BEER-oke bash 

Great Barrington— On Fridays, May 17th and June 28th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Majesty of the Berkshires Poppy DaBubbly teams up with Trivia Master Puz and Big Elm Brewery for an absolutely fabulous Pride Kar-BEER-oke bash.

Hold onto your sequins and take karaoke to the next level with a splash of Poppy’s signature sparkle. Get ready for games, laughter, and pure queer joy as you celebrate Pride by belting out iconic LGBT+ anthems while sipping on Big Elm signature brews. Unleash your inner diva, raise your glass, sing, dance, and sparkle!

Kar-BEER-oke with Poppy DaBubbly.

Poppy DaBubbly can be seen in web series, TV, cabaret, voice over work, and has performed all over California, Chicago and internationally at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She is the resident drag mother for Camp YATC with hundreds of drag students. A recent transplant to the Berkshires, Poppy is honored to have been crowned the inaugural Majesty of the Berkshires and has led “Bebop with Poppy” and drag master classes with WitchSlapped, and has performed at Pride and with Bella Santerella at The Elm’s Sunday Brunch.

The event is on Fridays, May 17th and June 28th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Big Elm Brewing at 389 Stockbridge Road in Great Barrington. More information can be found online. 

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Berkshire Theatre Group presents Amy Herzog’s ‘4000 Miles’ at The Unicorn Theatre

Stockbridge— From May 18th through June 1st, Berkshire Theatre Group presents “4000 Miles” at The Unicorn Theatre.

Amy Herzog’s acclaimed play, “4000 Miles,” offers a compelling exploration of human connections, grief and the unanticipated paths to solace. Set against the backdrop of New York City’s West Village, this production unveils the profound story of 21-year-old Leo and his spirited 91-year-old grandmother, Vera Joseph.

Amidst Leo’s turmoil following a devastating loss during his cross-country bike expedition, he seeks refuge in Vera’s bustling apartment, inadvertently transforming their lives. A tale of unexpected roommates embarking on a month-long emotional rollercoaster, “4000 Miles” delves deep into their complexities, from Leo’s struggles with love and loss to Vera’s rekindled sense of companionship after years of solitude. Herzog’s poignant narrative resonates with audiences through its compassionate portrayal of chosen and unchosen families, spotlighting the profound healing power found within trust and genuine connection. Witness the captivating journey of two outsiders navigating life’s uncertainties and forging an unlikely bond that transcends generations.

Amy Herzog’s acclaimed play, ‘4000 Miles.’

The performances run from May 18th through June 1st at The Unicorn Theatre at 6 East Street in Stockbridge.  It is recommended for ages 14 and up. Tickets are $61. Tickets and more information can be found online or by calling 413-997-4444.

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Clark Art Institute presents visionary classical group Zarabanda Variations and the the American Modern Opera Company

Williamstown— On Sunday, May 19th at 4 p.m., the Clark Art Institute presents a performance by visionary classical group Zarabanda Variations and the American Modern Opera Company. 

Led by violinist Keir GoGwilt, Zarabanda Variations is a group of composers, improvisers, and performers inspired by the musical histories of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century New Spain. The zarabanda is a dance with possibly Spanish, American, and Arab origins, which eventually transformed into a courtly European Baroque dance. This performance sounds the archival gaps of early American music, creating a vibrant synthesis of European and Latin Baroque, folk, and contemporary musical traditions.

Courtesy The Clark.

The American Modern Opera Company (AMOC*) is one of the most exciting and innovative new music collectives operating today. Founded in 2017 by Matthew Aucoin and Zack Winokur, it is a group of dancers, singers, musicians, writers, directors, composers, choreographers, and producers united by a core set of values. Artists pool their resources to create new pathways that connect creators and audiences in surprising and visceral ways.

The concert is on Sunday, May 19th at 4 p.m. at The Clark on South Street in Williamstown. Tickets are $5 to $10. Advance registration is encouraged. Registration and more information can be found online.

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Kingfisher at Lenox Contra with Harris Lapiroff calling

Lenox— On Saturday, May 18th from 7:15 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Lenox Contra Dance is hosting and event at the Lenox Community Center. 

The music will be provided by Kingfisher with Cecilia Vacanti on fiddle and Jeff Kaufman on piano, mandolin, drums, and synths. Harris Lapiroff will call. Roles will be Larks and Robins.

Cecilia Vacanti and Jeff Kaufman of Kingfisher. Photo by Mira Whiting.

The dances begin with a 15-minute beginner introduction at 7:15 p.m. followed by dancing from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Refreshments are offered during the social break. All the dances are taught. No partner is necessary; come alone or bring friends.

The dance is on Saturday, May 18th from 7:15 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Lenox Community Center at 65 Walker Street in Lenox. Admission is $8 to $15. More information can be found online.  Please do not come to a dance if you have any symptoms or recently tested positive for COVID-19 or were in close contact with someone who recently tested positive.

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Mason Library presents ‘Our Place in the Universe’ with space enthusiast Rick Costello

Great Barrington— On Saturday, May 18th from 11 a.m. to noon, Mason Library presents ‘Our Place in the Universe,’ a slideshow presentation on Earth’s position among the stars with local space enthusiast Rick Costello. 

Costello has presented telescope viewings for the public for over 28 years, giving many people their first glimpse of the rings of Saturn, Jupiter and its moons, globular and star clusters, nebulae, or the spiral arms of another galaxy millions of light years away. He recently provided four telescopes and guidance to the public as they viewed the near total eclipse at Mason Library.

Mason Library presents ‘Our Place in the Universe.’

The free presentation is on Saturday, May 18th from 11 a.m. to noon at The Mason Library at 231 Main Street in Great Barrington. All ages are welcome and no registration is required. More information can be found online. 

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Great Barrington Rotary Club to open 50-year old time capsule

Great Barrington— On Thursday, May 16th at 1:30 p.m., the Great Barrington Rotary Club invites the public to join them to open their 50-year-old time capsule.

The short program will consist of speakers sharing some events that happened five decades ago followed by the opening of the capsule. A history and an economics class from Monument are scheduled to attend as well. Part of the program includes asking students in attendance what they recommend to be included in the capsule before it goes back into the ground for another 50 years. 

Great Barrington Rotary Club.

The event is happening in the library at Monument Mountain Regional High School at 600 Stockbridge Road in Great Barrington. The public is invited. If attending, Monument Mountain asks that you sign in at the front office before gathering in the library. 

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