Tanglewood presents Xian Zhang conducting Copland and Dvořák featuring Nimbus Dance
Lenox— On Friday, July 21st at 8 p.m., Tanglewood presents Xian Zhang conducting Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” and Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 9”, From the New World” featuring Nimbus Dance.
Xian Zhang previously served as Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC National Orchestra & Chorus of Wales and was the first female conductor to hold a titled role with a BBC orchestra. In 2002, she won first prize in the Maazel-Vilar Conductor’s Competition. She was appointed New York Philharmonic’s Assistant Conductor in 2002, subsequently becoming their Associate Conductor and the first holder of the Arturo Toscanini Chair. Xian Zhang is currently in her seventh season as Music Director of the New Jersey Symphony, in its 100th anniversary season, complementing her illustrious career spanning the United States and abroad.
Nimbus is at the forefront of excellence in the arts, civic engagement, and equitable impact, performing on tour nationally to notable venues like the Berkshires’ own Jacob’s Pillow. Nimbus’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected throughout the organization through educational/outreach programming, artistic content, and the makeup of Nimbus’ staff, company dancers, teachers, and board of directors.
In testimony to Nimbus’ remarkable success in drawing together and serving diverse constituents in an atmosphere of respect and inclusiveness, Critic Juan Michael Porter II wrote in Broadway World that Nimbus’ 2016 New York season “contained the most diverse audience I have ever encountered.” Nimbus responded, “We are our community – both innately connected through our immersive programming, and also embodied through the diversity of the people of our organization which mirrors that of our community.”
The performance is on Friday, July 21st at 8 p.m. in the Koussevitsky Music Shed at Tanglewood on West Street in Lenox. Shed tickets are $30 to $87 and lawn tickets are $21. Admission includes exclusive access to the 6 p.m. Prelude Concert. Tickets and more information can be found by visiting Tanglewood online.
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Sharon Playhouse presents Carly Sakolove’s ‘I’m Every Woman’, as part of its Patio Cabarets series
Sharon— On Saturday, July 22nd at 7 p.m., the Sharon Playhouse presents Carly Sakolove’s “I’m Every Woman”, as part of its Patio Cabarets series.
Direct from New York City, actress, singer, and impressionist, Carly Sakolove brings you an evening of vocal impersonations sure to make you wonder, “Is she lip syncing to the original?!” Hailed by the media, Carly brings to life your favorite singers and celebrities. From Liza to Shakira, Adele to Menzel – you’re sure to be impressed!
Carly is also well known for her viral Youtube video, “Broadway Divas Send in the Clowns”, which earned her the number six slot in Time Magazine’s “Top Ten Talented Videos of 2010”. Recently, Carly made her film debut as a Broadway Diva Impressionist in Joanna Gleason’s new film, “The Grotto” and her TV debut playing opposite Jennifer Coolidge in the season finale of Netflix’s “The Watcher.” Opening in November, you will find Carly as Rosie on the 25th Anniversary National Tour of Mamma Mia!
The performance is on Saturday, July 22nd at 7 p.m. on the patio of the Sharon Playhouse on Amenia Road in Sharon. A single chair seat is $40, a table for two guests is $100, and a table for four guests is $200. The performance is rain or shine. For tickets and more information, visit the Sharon Playhouse online.
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Dan Lauria’s heart-moving, love-affirming new play ‘Just Another Day’ premieres at Great Barrington Public Theater
Great Barrington— From July 28th through August 13th, the Great Barrington Public Theater (GBPT), in partnership with Shadowland Stages, presents the world premiere of Dan Lauria’s “Just Another Day”.
In a reaffirmation of enduring love, vitality, curiosity, and affection, Dan Lauria and Jodi Long appear as an anonymous couple caught in a limbo of memories. He is rooted in comedy and she’s a poet. They meet daily on a park bench to banter, debate, share quick-witted humor, mutual love, and nostalgia for old movies, and search their memories for how and why they feel eternally connected, at least for that day. The daily encounters turn the mystery of memory and times past into a sometimes jarring but always moving play about self-possession, the thirst for life, art, and the instinct for endless love.
Already an iconic screen (“The Wonder Years”) and stage actor, this work shows off Dan Lauria’s playwriting talents in full-measure. “Just Another Day” pairs him with accomplished stage and screen actor Jodi Long, recent Emmy winner (Best Supporting Actress on the Netflix hit “Dash & Lily”). Berkshire resident, multi-award-winning playwright, and screenwriter Mark St. Germain directs.
Performances run July 28th through August 13th in the McConnell Mainstage Theater of the Daniel Arts Center at Bard College at Simon’s Rock on Alford Road in Great Barrington. Tickets are $25 to $50. Tickets and more information can be found by visiting GBPT online, emailing GBPTboxoffice@gmail.com, or by calling 413-372-1980.
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Fluff Alpaca, the Berkshires’ own alpaca store, presents ‘Flufferknitter Night’
Great Barrington— On Wednesdays, July 5th through August 23rd, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Fluff Alpaca, the Berkshires’ own alpaca store, presents “Flufferknitter Night”, a free knitting class for all levels.
Fluff Alpaca is a family-owned alpaca ethical clothing and home goods boutique inspired by the Werner family’s own local alpaca farm, Green River Hollow Farm. Alpaca fiber is the sustainable, socially responsible, cruelty-free, and functional alternative to the current textile market’s materials. It plays a large role in the “Slow Fashion” movement, which prioritizes environmental and social impact over cheap and fast fashion, something the people at Fluff Alpaca strongly believe in.
The classes are Wednesdays, July 5th through August 23rd, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fluff Alpaca, located at 319 Main Street in Great Barrington. Beginners are welcome. There is no purchase necessary to participate in the classes. RSVP by emailing info@fluffalpaca.com or by calling 413-429-4770. Learn more by visiting Fluff Alpaca online.
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The 17th Annual Hilltown 6 Pottery Tour And Sale
Berkshire— On July 29th and July 30th from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. on both days, the Hilltown 6 artists collective presents the 17th Annual Hilltown 6 Pottery Tour And Sale.
It starts in the earth, with the right seam of clay.
It dances in an artist’s hands in a workshop
And passes through a fierce fire in a kiln burning night and day.
–Stephen Philbrick, local poet
On the last weekend in July, visitors are welcomed to the Hilltown 6 Pottery Tour and Sale to meet the artists and their guest artists. There will be scheduled educational demonstrations. Watch a potter turn a lump of clay into a pot, climb inside a giant wood-burning kiln, and see how a ceramic artist creates a pot that looks like a stone freshly pulled from the earth.
The tour has earned national recognition. It has become an annual reunion of the family of artists, customers, and pottery lovers. The tour draws visitors from New York, Boston, Hartford, Albany, the Berkshires, and beyond. Visitors are delighted by the range of ceramic expression, from favorite mugs to sculpture.
A portion of the proceeds are donated to local elementary schools for art supplies. This year, to inspire young artists to embrace life-long creativity, the donation will be made in honor of Hilltown 6 founding member, Constance Talbot, who celebrates her 60th year working with clay.
The tour is on July 29th and July 30th from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. on both days in the homes and studios of the members of the collective. Each member is hosting one or more guest artists for the tour. The tour is free and open to all. Visit www.hilltown6.com to download a map to guide you on the treasure hunt!
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Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.’s ‘Heart of the Berkshires’ photo challenge returns
Pittsfield— Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. is once again holding the Pittsfield Photo Challenge to find the photo that best captures why downtown Pittsfield is the “Heart of the Berkshires”. Entrants are encouraged to capture photos that showcase the beauty and personality of downtown Pittsfield keeping in mind the theme “Heart of the Berkshires”.
The first-place winner, as determined by a panel of local judges, will have their photo featured in Pittsfield’s 2024 Downtown Guide and a Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. social marketing campaign. The first and second place winners will take home a prize package donated by the following businesses: Artist Diane Firtell, Berkshire Mountain Distillers, Dory & Ginger, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Phoenix Theatres, and Soma’s Aromas.
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will accept photo submissions through August 31st. Winners will be notified by September 20th. Full contest rules and entry information can be found by visiting Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. online.
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Berkshire Lyric invites children ages six to thirteen to sing with the Lyric Children’s Chorus at their 2023 Summer Choral Music Camp
Pittsfield— Berkshire Lyric invites children ages six to thirteen to sing with the Lyric Children’s Chorus at their 2023 Summer Choral Music Camp led by Jack Brown, Artistic Director of Berkshire Lyric and assisted by high school members of Lyric’s Melodious Accord.
Participants will sing, learn about music, and have fun with the Lyric Children’s Chorus as they look forward to their 2023-2024 Season. The week is tuition free for current chorus members as well as children who plan to join the chorus in the fall. There is a suggested tuition of $100 for guest children who will only be with us for the camp.
The Lyric Children’s Chorus is part of Berkshire Lyric’s family of choruses and presents seven concerts throughout Berkshire County during the year. They have performed with the Berkshire Lyric Chorus at Tanglewood’s Seiji Ozawa Hall with orchestra. They also sing at several holiday concerts and present their own concert every spring. Their regular rehearsals take place on Saturday mornings at the Pittsfield Unitarian Church and will begin on September 19th for the new season. As a part of Berkshire Lyric’s 60 year commitment to music education, the chorus is tuition free for all children.
The annual weeklong camp will take place July 31st to August 4th, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Pittsfield Unitarian Church on Wendell Avenue in Pittsfield. Registration takes place on July 31st at 9 a.m. For further information, visit BerkshireLyric.org or call 413-298-5365.
