Downtown Pittsfield presents ‘The Pitt,’ a new 10-week concert series on Dunham Mall
Pittsfield— On Friday, June 13th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Downtown Pittsfield presents “The Pitt,” a new 10-week concert series on Dunham Mall.
“The Pitt” will showcase a dynamic lineup of musical acts hailing from Montreal, Boston, the Pioneer Valley, and the Berkshires. From indie rock to emerging electronic artists, this series will celebrate both regional talent and international artistry, right in the heart of Downtown Pittsfield. Concertgoers can enjoy local food and drink offerings. Hot Plate Brewing Co. will host a beer garden, and Handcrafted, a new Pittsfield-based restaurant, will serve up a variety of delicious eats—making “The Pitt” not just a concert, but a full experience.
The series opens with Christa Joy and The Honeybees. Americana with a classic country flair, the group includes Lisa Marie Ellingsen (lead guitar,) Tim Bowles (pedal steel,) Jason Smith (drums,) and Tom LeBeau (bass.) Christa Joy is known for her strong sense of melody, resonant storytelling, and charming sincerity. She has played at many notable New England venues, including the Parlor Room, the Iron Horse, and Club Passim. She has opened for some of her heroines, including Lucy Wainwright Roche, Meg Hutchinson, The Sweetback Sisters, Loudon Wainwright III, and Antje Duvekot.
“This series is all about showcasing independent artists and artisans, and bringing some new energy to our downtown community,” said Hot Plate co-founder Mike Dell’Aquila. “We’re thrilled to bring this caliber of talent and culture to Dunham Mall.”
The 10-week series opens on Friday, June 13th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Dunham Mall, located at 100 North Street in Pittsfield. Admission is free. More information can be found online.
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Adams Theater and Life Jacket Theatre Co. present Broadway stars in ‘The Big Gay Speakeasy’
Adams— On June 13th and 14th at 7:30 p.m., Adams Theater and Life Jacket Theatre Co. present Broadway stars in “The Big Gay Speakeasy,” a time-traveling, theatrical experience featuring show-stopping tunes from the 1920s and 30s that are for, by, about the LGBTQ+ community.
Expect to step back in time, with an entry password, a live jazz band, and a cast of Broadway stars leading singalongs. Wear your best glittery attire, enjoy special Prohibition-themed cocktails and treats, and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community at a show that, according to Life Jacket Artistic Director Travis Russ, is all about “leading with love.”
The cast includes Shereen Pimentel (Broadway’s West Side Story, The Lion King, ART’s Evita,) Kevin Smith Kirkwood (Broadway’s Kinky Boots, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,) Eric Ulloa (Broadway’s On Your Feet, Viva Broadway!,) Nathan Salstone (Broadway’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,) Todd Buonopane (Broadway’s Chicago, The Play That Goes Wrong, TV’s The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), and Chloé Lexia Worthington (NYC’s McKittrick Hotel Speakeasy.)
The event is on June 13th and 14th at 7:30 p.m. at the Adams Theater, located at 20 Park Street in Adams. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Town of Hillsdale presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ by the Rooted Voyageurs, its first ‘Shakespeare in the Hamlet Park’ production
Hillsdale, N.Y.— On Friday, June 13th at 7 p.m., the Town of Hillsdale presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by the Rooted Voyageurs, its first “Shakespeare in the Hamlet Park” production.
Directed by the Rooted Voyageurs Artistic Director and co-founder Devante Owens, the roving band of actors, from Columbia County, N.Y. and the Berkshires, will premier its version of the Bard’s beloved comedy in a reduced, 90-minute format with minimal props.
The performance is on Friday, June 13th at 7 p.m. at Hillsdale Hamlet park, located at 9248 NY-22 in Hillsdale, N.Y. Audience members should bring folding chairs or blankets, and picnic dinners are encouraged. More information can be found online. Admission is free.
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Great Barrington Libraries presents Craig Harris and ‘Last Waltz: The Full Story of The Band,’ an author talk at the Mason Library
Great Barrington— On Friday, June 13th from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Great Barrington Libraries presents Craig Harris and “Last Waltz: The Full Story of The Band,” an author talk at the Mason Library.
Join Craig Harris, music historian, percussionist, Washington DC radio host, and author of, most recently, “Last Waltz: The Full Story of The Band” as he discusses the stories behind his last publication. Using rare recordings, personal interviews, and intriguing stories, he traces the still-influential quintet behind Bob Dylan from their early days with Ronnie Hawkins, their career with Dylan, and through their 1990’s resurrection, including Helm’s three Grammys and Robertson’s soundtracks for Martin Scorsese films like “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
The talk is on Friday, June 13th from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Mason Library, located at 231 Main Street in Great Barrington. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Literacy Volunteers of Berkshire County to host volunteer information sessions
Pittsfield— On Thursday, June 12th at 10:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m., Literacy Volunteers of Berkshire County will host volunteer information sessions at the Berkshire Athenaeum, located at 1 Wendell Avenue in Pittsfield.
Attend one of the 45-minute sessions. Information will be given on the next training session offered in the fall of 2025. More information can be found online.
