The Foundry presents Medusa, four folk musicians who have reimagined the Western string quartet
West Stockbridge— On Saturday, March 15th at 7:30 p.m., The Foundry presents Medusa, four folk musicians who have reimagined the Western string quartet
Wielding a sound that would turn classical music scholars to stone, these four folk musicians invite back voices previously regarded as too ugly for “polite society,” tempting us to redefine what is beautiful.
With their Canadian Folk Music Award (CFMA) Nominated debut album, Medusa’s dynamic arrangement style cross-pollinates the sounds of Middle Eastern, Scandinavian, Celtic, Appalachian, and Eastern European music, as well as original tunes, to create something previously unheard. With this debut release, the band connects audiences across dividing lines of culture and identity to reveal the common threads beneath.
One of the most misunderstood figures in ancient mythology, Medusa was wrongfully punished and cast out for being the victim of a violent act, but is remembered solely for her frightful ugliness and lithifying gaze. Medusa is Georgia Hathaway, Lea Kirstein, Marta Sołek, and Saskia Tomkins. Through their personal narratives of alienation due to racism, sexism, immigration, queerness, and disability, Medusa aims to retell this story by bringing back what has been cast out. Instead of a snake-haired Gorgon, they see Medusa as a symbol of vision, power, and inclusivity, and a source of inspiration for anyone who has been denied their true self.
The concert is on Saturday, March 15th at 7:30 p.m. at The Foundry, located at 2 Harris Street in West Stockbridge. The doors will open at 7 p.m. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Center for Peace through Culture announces open call for art
Housatonic— The Center for Peace through Culture (CPC) is pleased to announce an open call for art submissions for “Water Rites,” an upcoming exhibition celebrating the Housatonic River, the rights of nature, and the essential relationship between water, humanity, and the ecosystem.
“We’re inviting artists to make waves—diving into water’s power as a force for activism and a catalyst for community action,” says Melanie McCarthy, Executive Director of CPC.
Artists are invited to submit works that explore the significance of clean water access, the beauty and vitality of the Housatonic River, and the broader environmental and cultural implications of water rights. The exhibition seeks to uplift voices that reflect on our shared responsibility to protect this vital resource.
Submission Details:
- Artists from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply! Emphasis on Housatonic residents, Indigenous artists, and activists.
- Emerging artists and those who have not previously exhibited in galleries are especially encouraged to apply.
- Visual art, photography, sculpture, and mixed-media works are welcome.
The submission deadline is April 1st. The exhibition dates are April 26th through May 24th. Find more information and apply online.
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Berkshire Innovation Center presents the 24th annual Berkshire Robotics Challenge
Dalton— On Saturday, March 15th at 8:55 a.m., the Berkshire Innovation Center presents the 24th annual Berkshire Robotics Challenge
This year’s Challenge, “SUBMERGED,” features a field of 27 teams with more than 250 students from all over Berkshire County, using programmable robots to complete a variety of missions. The theme shines a spotlight on the ocean, which is home to some of our planet’s most complex ecosystems and encourages students to explore the layers of the ocean and bring what they learn to the surface.
The event begins with a keynote address by Paul Dalton, Vice President of Autonomous Maritime Platforms at General Dynamics Mission Systems.
The challenge is on Saturday, March 15th at 8:55 a.m. at Wahconah Regional High School, located at 150 Old Windsor Road in Dalton. It is free and open to the public.
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North Berkshire Community contra dance in Williamstown
Williamstown— On Saturday, March 8th from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., North Berkshire Community Dance will hold its monthly contra dance.
Contra caller and choreographer Luke Donforth will bring a warmth to the mic and will focus on facilitating everyone in the hall joyously moving to the music. He will teach all the dances using “larks and robins” role terms.
Berkshire County band Spare Parts will provide live dance music, performing the traditional fiddle tunes in rich and elegant arrangements. Bill Matthiesen on piano and Liz Stell on flute combine with one or more “spare parts du jour.” For this dance, fiddler Eric Buddington will round out the sound with improvisational flair. Spare Parts has performed for period events, contradances, English dances, weddings, parties, concerts, and dance camps from Alaska to Maine. Their historic dance music has been used worldwide in motion pictures (Bright Star) and theater productions as well as television programs including Mercy Street (PBS), Antiques Roadshow, numerous programs on the History Channel and even SpongeBob SquarePants.
The dance is on Saturday, March 8th from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the Community Hall of the First Congregational Church, located at 906 Main Street in Williamstown. New dancers and families with children are encouraged to arrive by 7:30 p.m. for instruction in the basics. There is an optional pre-dance calling workshop in the Williamstown Public Library from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. You are asked to stay home from the workshop and dance if you feel ill or have cold symptoms.
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Lee Chamber of Commerce scholarship program
Lee— The Lee Chamber of Commerce will award four graduating seniors with academic grants of $1,000 each to be applied to the cost of continuing education after high school.
These grants are awarded yearly to student graduates who live in Lee and plan on attending a college or trade school. Students do not need to attend Lee High to be eligible for the grants; residents of Lee from other local schools may also apply. The awards are based on scholarship, and scholar/athlete achievements.
The deadline for submitting scholarship applications is April 30th. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. For an application, contact Kathy DeVarennes at 413-243-1705 or director@leechamber.org. Applications can be delivered to the High School Guidance Department or mailed to the Lee Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 345, Lee, MA 01238. Applications must be postmarked no later than April 30th. Applications must be accompanied by a recommendation letter and a completed application. Announcement of the grants will be made on June 5th.
Revenue generated by the Chamber’s annual Golf Tournament provides the funds for the grants. This year’s Golf Tournament will be held on Wednesday, June 25th at Greenock Country Club. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For information about the 2025 Lee Chamber of Commerce Golf Open, contact Kathy DeVarennes at 413-243-1705 or director@leechamber.org.
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Williamstown League of Women Voters announces Supporting Democracy Leadership Award
Williamstown— The Williamstown League of Women Voters announces the Supporting Democracy Leadership Award.
“Democracy in America is vibrant and alive, even in times like this when it is under attack from within. Our nation’s motto is E Pluribus Unum: Out of many, one, and it is very important to stand up to reinforce this foundation,” explained the organizers.
Youth ages 16 to 21 who are pre-registered to vote or registered to vote in Berkshire County are eligible. Three awards will be offered, one each to applicants from North, Central, and South Berkshire County. The honorarium for each winner is $500.00 and includes the opportunity to shadow an elected official for a day.
The application is due on March 28th. Winners will be informed by April 28th. Applications are due electronically or by mail. For applications, please email berkshireleadershipaward@gmail.com or check with your guidance office.
