The Institute for American Indian Studies presents the 19th annual Green Corn Festival
Washington, Conn.— On Sunday, August 11th from noon to 4 p.m., The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS) presents the 19th annual Green Corn Festival, which aims to give visitors a glimpse into Native American life and traditions.
Corn is an integral part of the annual life cycle of Native American people who have welcomed the season when corn ripens with a celebration for centuries. In recognition of this time-honored tradition, join IAIS in welcoming the first corn of the summer 2024 season with flute music by Allan Madahbee (Ojibwe,) drumming, curated children’s activities like making corn husk dolls to take home, and traditional stories told by a professional Native American storyteller.
The annual highlight of the Green Corn Festival is the Native Nations Dance Troupe led by Erin Meeches, from the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation. These traditional dances evoke the beauty, honor, and tradition of Native People. The Quahog Bay Drum Group led by Devin Wixon from the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Nation will accompany the dances.
The festival is on Sunday, August 11th from noon to 4 p.m. at Hollow Park at 43 Hollow Road in Woodbury, Conn. There will be cash vendors selling Native American-inspired arts and crafts, authentic Native American cuisine, and more. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Chesterwood Croquet Classic
Stockbridge— On Sunday, August 11 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Chesterwood will host its first annual Croquet Classic.
This informal competition remembers the French family’s fun at their summer residence in Stockbridge from 1898 to 1931. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place, as well as Best Outfit and Most Congenial. Complimentary Prosecco will be served.
The event is on Sunday, August 11 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Chesterwood at 4 Williamsville Road in Stockbridge. Tickets are $25 for participants and $15 for spectators, both of which include admission to the grounds and historic Studio where Daniel Chester French’s iconic Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial was created, as well as admission to view the contemporary sculpture exhibition throughout the grounds. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Shakespeare & Company’s first dog-friendly performance
Lenox— On Sunday, August 11th at 7 p.m., Shakespeare & Company will host its first-ever dog-friendly performance with a performance of Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors,” staged in the outdoor Arthur S. Waldstein Amphitheatre.
This production of “The Comedy of Errors,” directed by Kate Kohler Amory, runs for two hours with one intermission and is set in Vaudeville-era Coney Island, featuring song, dance, and acrobatics throughout. “It’s a colorful and zany take on a tale of mistaken identities, set in a place where magic, mischief, and mischief abound,” she said.
The initiative was launched by General Manager Steve Ball, who co-leads Shakespeare & Company’s Merry Wanderers’ Tours in the summer with his chocolate lab, Willie. Ball notes that the dogs must be leashed and well-behaved, and complimentary canine companion seats will be offered to those dogs who may need their own.
Before the show, Charlie’s Bistro Bus will serve dinners and snacks outside of the Tina Packer Playhouse from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Concessions and a full bar are also available at Josie’s Place in the playhouse lobby. Anyone is welcome to visit the grounds during this time to enjoy a picnic or stroll around the 33-acre campus, regardless of if they are ticket-holders.
The dog-friendly performance is on Sunday, August 11th at 7 p.m. at Shakespeare & Company’s Arthur S. Waldstein Amphitheatre at 70 Kemble Street in Lenox. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Walkin’ with WordXWord, a sculpture walk at The Mount
Lenox— On Sunday, August 11th at 5 p.m., WordXWord presents Walkin’ with WordXWord, a sculpture walk at The Mount.
Follow along as poets offer an exploration of The Mount’s grounds and selected works in the “Sculpture At The Mount” exhibition.
The walk is on Sunday, August 11th at 5 p.m. at The Mount at 2 Plunkett Street in Lenox, rain or shine. WordXWord events are free and all are welcome. Some poems may contain content or language best suited for teens and adults. More information can be found online.
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Cantilena Chamber Choir Auditions
Lenox— Beginning Wednesday, August 14, the Cantilena Chamber Choir will hold choir auditions for its 21st season. Under the direction of Dr. Andrea Goodman, Cantilena achieves the highest level of choral artistry, whether performing a cappella or with orchestra; singing sacred or secular music, folk songs, or oratorios.
Candidates should have excellent vocal quality, the ability to sight-read music, and previous choral experience. In addition to the audition, candidates are required to attend open rehearsals on Wednesday, September 4th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Rehearsals throughout the year are generally held on Wednesdays from September to May.
The audition and rehearsals are held at Trinity Church at 88 Walker Street in Lenox. Auditions are by appointment only and must be scheduled in advance by emailing satbchoir@yahoo.com. More information can be found online.
