Music in Common presents ‘Music in Common In the Round’ live at the Guthrie Center
Great Barrington— On Saturday, September 2nd at 8 p.m., Music in Common presents “Music in Common In the Round” live at the Guthrie Center.
Berkshire-born nonprofit Music in Common presents a special “In the Round” concert featuring four emerging local singer-songwriters with strong ties to the organization. The performance will feature Katherine Winston, Bree Nicola, Glori Wilder, and Christine Bilé – each of whom has been an active participant in Music in Common programs, including the organization’s latest initiative, the Black Legacy Project.
Katherine Winston, a singer-songwriter hailing from the Berkshires, has captivated audiences across the county and beyond with her heartfelt performances. Appearing on Season 14 of American Idol, Katherine showcased her talent and landed a spot as a semi-finalist, earning recognition for her unique musical style. Katherine’s music beautifully blends elements of honest story telling along with catchy melodies to keep you listening. She’s been involved with Music in Common since 2011.
Bree Nicola is a singer-songwriter from Pittsfield currently working on her first EP. Bree has been involved with Music in Common since 2018, first with their summer residency program, Amplify, and more recently recording and performing for the Black Legacy Project. She is excited and committed to continue the fight for equality through music.
Glori Wilder is an R&B, Soul, and Pop singer-songwriter living in the woods of Connecticut. She grew up surrounded by a family of musicians who guided her musical influences. Artists such as Norah Jones, Lauryn Hill, and Fiona Apple impact her melodic phrases, production, and lyrical storylines. She’s participated in the 2019 Amplify summer residency and the Black Legacy Project.
Christine Bilé, a captivating singer-songwriter hailing from Pittsfield, has mesmerized audiences with her soul-stirring acoustic pop and folk music. With an extraordinary talent for crafting poignant lyrics and arranging her own songs, she creates an immersive and deeply resonant musical experience that leaves a lasting impact. Christine first got involved with Music in Common earlier this year with the Black Legacy Project.
The concert is on Saturday, September 2nd at 8 p.m. at the Guthrie Center on Van Deusenville Road in Great Barrington. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Beer, wine, and lite fare will be available for purchase. Guthrie Center members receive 10% off on up to 2 tickets. Tickets and more information can be found online.
***
Buffalo Nichols of Fat Possum Records to play Freshgrass
North Adams— On Sunday, September 24th, Freshgrass at MASS MoCA presents Buffalo Nichols of Fat Possum Records.
Buffalo Nichols, Fat Possum Records first blues signing in nearly 20 years, is set to play at Freshgrass in support of his new album “The Fatalist” out on September 15th via Fat Possum Records. The follow up to his 2021 debut album, a critically acclaimed record that earned him his network television debut on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”, various major festival performances, and rave coverage via NPR Music’s “All Songs Considered”, Rolling Stone, and Guitar World.
“The Fatalist” sounds unlike any blues record you’re likely to hear in 2023. Nichols does things with the blues that might catch you off guard. There’s a consideration of the fullness of the sonic stage and the atmospherics of blues music that can only come with a long engagement with electronic music. “In a lot of ways I was improvising,” he says, and he leaned on his years of experience as a DIY musician—and the songs themselves—to guide him. “Drum machines are a 50-year-old technology. If the blues hadn’t been hijacked and trapped in amber, I think they naturally would’ve been incorporated.”
The concert is on Sunday, September 24th at Freshgrass at MASS MoCA on MASS MoCA Way in North Adams. Set against the foothills of the beautiful Berkshire mountains, FreshGrass is a family-friendly festival with the best in bluegrass and roots music filling the fields, courtyards, and galleries of MASS MoCA. Tickets to the festival are $184 for a 3-day adult pass, $129 for 3-day student pass, $64 for a 3-day youth (age 6-16) pass, and free for children (age 0-5). Single day tickets are $84 for Friday, $104 for Saturday, and $84 for Sunday. Tickets and more information can be found online.
***
Berkshire Museum, in partnership with Second Street Second Chances, presents work of presently and formerly incarcerated individuals
Pittsfield— This evening, Friday, September 1st from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the Berkshire Museum hosts an opening reception for “Insight Out”.
“Insight Out” is a partnership between Second Street Second Chances, Inc. (2nd Street) and Berkshire Museum that will produce an exhibition of visual art created by presently and formerly incarcerated individuals in Berkshire County. Artists whose work is included in the exhibition will receive a cash award of $200 from 2nd Street and a family membership to Berkshire Museum.
“Insight Out” is a companion initiative to “Release”, which engages presently and formerly incarcerated individuals in the creation of a live, full-length show integrating their real-life stories and experiences. “Release” will be presented in September at Berkshire Community College.
“At 2nd Street, we strive to not only provide essential services for our clients, but also to encourage them to express their creativity,” said Jason Cuyler, 2nd Street Executive Director. “We thank Berkshire Museum for generously supporting and hosting this important exhibition.”
“Berkshire Museum is honored to collaborate with 2nd Street on this important exhibition. We are proud to bring focus to the many talented individuals in our community who often do not have opportunities to exhibit their artwork in a museum,” said Jesse Kowalski, Berkshire Museum’s Chief Curator.
The free reception is this evening, Friday, September 1st from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Berkshire Museum on South Street in Pittsfield. Refreshments will be served, and remarks from representatives from Berkshire Museum and Second Street Second Chances will be made. More information can be found online.
***
Berkshire Theatre Group presents ‘Hershey Felder’s Beethoven: A Play with Music’
Pittsfield— On Friday, September 8th at 7 p.m., Saturday, September 9th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, September 10th at 2 p.m., Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG) presents “Hershey Felder’s Beethoven: A Play with Music”, a captivating, live, and immersive theatrical experience that takes audiences on a journey through the life and work of Ludwig van Beethoven.
Based on Dr. Gerhard von Breuning’s factual book Aus dem Schwarzspanierhaus, Hershey Felder brings Ludwig van Beethoven to life through the eyes of the Viennese doctor who spent his boyhood by the Maestro’s side. Described by American Theatre Magazine as “a seductive portraitist, compelling storyteller, and superb concert pianist,” Hershey Felder portrays both Beethoven and Dr. Gerhard von Breuning, who, as a young boy, cared for Beethoven in the last years of his life.
The show features stunning performances of some of Beethoven’s most beloved works, including Moonlight Sonata, Pathétique Sonata, and the iconic Fifth Symphony. Audiences will be enthralled by the virtuosic piano playing of Hershey Felder, who brings Beethoven’s music to life in a way that is both moving and unforgettable. Hershey Felder’s Beethoven is more than just a musical performance, it is a celebration of art, passion and the human spirit. With its powerful music and captivating storytelling, this show is a must-see for anyone who loves classical music, history or the arts.
The performances are on Friday, September 8th at 7 p.m., Saturday, September 9th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, September 10th at 2 p.m. at the Colonial Theatre on South Street in Pittsfield. Tickets are $50 for Friday and Saturday, and $185 and $500 for Sunday’s performance, which is a part the BTG’s “Moonlight Sonata Gala”. More information can be found online.
***
The West Stockbridge Jazz Series presents Kris Allen at Old Town Hall
West Stockbridge— On Saturday, September 9th at 7:30 p.m., the West Stockbridge Jazz Series presents Kris Allen.
Kris Allen is an American saxophonist, composer, educator, and recording artist. He tours widely with the Triangle Offense Trio with Jonathan Barber and Matt Dwonszyk. He has also enjoyed a long career as a sought-after sideman, working in the groups of Illinois Jacquet, Gerald Wilson, Andy Gonzales, Jimmy Greene, Helen Sung, Winard Harper, Andy Laverne, the Mingus Dynasty, and many more. As a composer, Kris has been honored with numerous awards, commissions and residencies including a State of Connecticut Artist Fellowship and a Macdowell Artist Residency. For this concert, Kris will be accompanied by Matt Dwonszyk, bass and Richie Barshay on drums.
A dedicated educator, Kris is the Lyell B. Clay Artist-In-Residence in Jazz at Williams College, having previously held positions at the Hartt School, Trinity College, Southern Connecticut State University, and the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. He has been a Teaching Artist for Litchfield Performing Arts since 2001 and conducted clinics and master classes at institutions throughout the U.S. and worldwide.
His latest release, “June”, is his third album for the Truth Revolution Recording Collective. Praised by Carlo Wolff in Downbeat Magazine (4.5 stars) for its “subtlety, suppleness and sense of urgency,” calling it a “diverse and impassioned album”.
The performance is on Saturday, September 9th at 7:30 p.m., at Old Town Hall on Main Street in West Stockbridge. Tickets are $35. Reservations and more information can be found online.
***
The Guild of Berkshire Artist presents all new mixed media work by Bruce Laird at Art on Main Gallery
West Stockbridge— From September 7th through the 18th, the Guild of Berkshire Artist presents all new mixed media work by Bruce Laird at Art on Main Gallery.
Bruce Laird is an abstract artist whose two and three dimensional works in mixed media reveal a fascination with geometry, color and juxtapositions. His work is all about what provides surprising results, both playful and thought provoking.
The show runs September 7th through the 18th at Art on Main Gallery on Main Street in West Stockbridge. There is an opening reception on Saturday, September 9th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. More information can be found online.
***
The Norfolk Library presents ‘Watercolors’ by Susan Crofut
Norfolk— From September 2nd through the 27th, the Norfolk Library presents “Watercolors” by Susan Crofut.
Susan Crofut has exhibited widely around New England and especially in the Berkshires where she has lived for 45 years. Susie writes, “I paint what I love, the world around me in the home, the garden, animals, and the landscape. For me, painting is an act of love. Although I have painted in other media, I always return to watercolors where I feel totally at home.”
The show runs September 2nd through the 27th at the Norfolk Library on Greenwoods Road East in Norfolk. There is an opening reception on Sunday, September 3rd from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. More information can be found online.
***
2023 Alford/Egremont Local Cultural Council grant cycle opens
Alford/Egremont— On September 1st, the Alford-Egremont Local Cultural Council (LCC), in partnership with the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), will begin accepting applications for grant funding that supports the development, maintenance and growth of cultural programming that benefits the local Alford-Egremont community.
They are particularly interested in encouraging applications from Alford-Egremont artists, crafters, writers, teachers, historians, and others who would like to share their areas of expertise in the form of performances, classes, and events with community members of all ages at local venues.
The application process is simple and easy to navigate for first time applicants. The Local Cultural Council committee is happy to answer any questions you may have. The online application deadline is October 17th.
More information about the Alford Egremont Cultural Council grant opportunities including how to apply can be found online. If you have a question, reach out to James Warwick at llcinfo@egremont-ma.gov.
