Race Brook Lodge presents multi-instrumentalist Hubby Jenkins
Sheffield— On Thursday, September 5th from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., Race Brook Lodge presents multi-instrumentalist Hubby Jenkins.
Hubby Jenkins endeavors to share his love and mastery of old-time American music. Born and raised in Brooklyn he delved into his southern roots, following the thread of African American history that wove itself through America’s traditional music forms. As an integral member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and later Rhiannon Giddens band, Hubby has performed at festivals and venues around the world, earning himself both Grammy and Americana award nominations.
His discography reflects a deep exploration of themes related to race, history, and identity through the lens of music. An avid historian and musicologist, Jenkins’ contributions have been instrumental in bringing forgotten sounds of the past to contemporary audiences, blending historical accuracy with modern sensibilities. Today he spreads his knowledge and love of old-time American music through his dynamic solo performances and engaging workshops. Beyond the bandstand, Jenkins is recognized for his activism, particularly in advocating for the recognition and appreciation of African American contributions to the country’s musical identity.
The concert is on Thursday, September 5th from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. in The Barnspace at Race Brook Lodge at 864 South Undermountain Road in Sheffield. The doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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TurnPark Art Space presents ‘Human/Nature,’ mixed media by Doug Fitch
West Stockbridge— From September 7th through October 31st, TurnPark Art Space presents “Doug Fitch: Human/Nature.”
A tribute to violinist, scientist, and literature professor Hillary Walton, Fitch’s mixed-media show reflects on human interference in nature, incorporating once living trees and samples from Walton’s unique shoe collection, reflecting on nature and human interference with it.
Fitch said, “I doubt very much that cavemen were ever asked what they did for a living – staying alive was their living. These days, what we do to make a living sometimes seems more important than what we do to make our lives worth living. Living life in the grey zone between distinct, socially accepted delineations – the quicksand of uncertainty – is not easy. A brilliant friend of mine whose uncategorizable career trajectory had her navigating a world between the known pigeonholes, struggled to align her indefatigable curiosity with how others perceived its manifestations, and when she could no longer sustain the strength for that battle, tragically took her own life one day.”
He continues, “This project is dedicated to my friend. She was an excellent violinist who also studied frogs. She recorded frog songs around the world, taught literature, mastered the art of baking, wore poodle skirts and succumbed to a fetish for shoes. In fact, she amassed an impressive collection of shoes, and in the end, for whatever reason – willed them all to me, hoping I could turn them into art. I am finding trees which have branched off in ways that make them resemble human legs. I am cutting them leg-length, then turning them upside-down, arboreal mannequin-style and setting them into Hillary’s shoes. The result is a surprising juxtaposition. Trees don’t wear shoes, so seeing them do so hopefully invites us to question how we think about ourselves as part of nature. This project is about remembering her work to celebrate things like shoes and frog songs, and for unturning every interesting stone along her way in life, just in case it revealed a new truth.”
The exhibit runs from September 7th through October 31st at TurnPark Art Space 2 Moscow Road in West Stockbridge. There is an opening reception on Saturday, September 7th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. featuring a unique performance by David Rothenberg who will improvise soundscapes inspired by the songs of frogs. A renowned musician, philosopher, and educator, as well as a prolific author, recording artist, and filmmaker, Rothenberg has dedicated his career to exploring the musicality of the natural world, extensively documenting his journey in music-making with the sounds of nature and with other species. More information can be found online.
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Future Lab(s) Gallery presents ‘MonumentalRobotPaintings+’ by Ricky Darell Barton and ‘Light Takes the Tree’ by Doug Holst
North Adams— From September 6th through the 29th, Future Lab(s) Gallery presents “MonumentalRobotPaintings+” by Ricky Darell Barton and “Light Takes the Tree” by Doug Holst.
Of the exhibit, Ricky Darell Barton said, “‘MonumentalRobotPaintings+’ is a show of 24 new works that are big, small, and there are some surprises in mark making and color theories. Luck and chance create an ongoing art conversation that I have been blessed to call the Robot Paintings. EAT.”
Doug Holst said, “Almost all of my work involves simple tree and plant forms. I use the tree motif as a point of departure for exploring formal invention and visual poetry, with a strong interest in unique color combinations. I usually begin with no plan whatsoever about where I am going. I make marks and respond to those marks until, through some strange alchemy I will never understand, a painting comes to life.”
The exhibit runs from September 6th through the 29th at Future Lab(s) Gallery at 43 Eagle Street in North Adams. There is an opening reception on Friday, September 6th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is a closing reception on Saturday, September 28th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. More information can be found online.
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Guild of Berkshire Artists presents ‘Plein Air in the Berkshires’
Lenox— From September 5th through September 28th, Guild of Berkshire Artists presents ‘Plein Air in the Berkshires.’
Twenty-one selected artists of the Guild of Berkshire Artists will exhibit their work started or completed on site in plein air throughout the Berkshires. The group meets six days a week in various locations to enjoy the natural beauty of the Berkshires and lunch.
The exhibit runs from September 5th through September 28th at the Welles Gallery at the Lenox Library at 18 Main Street in Lenox. There will be receptions on September 7th and 28th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. There will be talks and demonstrations. Patrons will vote for their favorite pieces and prizes will be awarded. More information can be found online.
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Olana Partnership presents ‘Memories in the Landscape,’ an audio project
Hudson, N.Y.— On Friday, September 6th from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., join The Olana Partnership’s education staff for a special evening highlighting “Memories in the Landscape,” an audio project developed in concert with Olana’s current exhibition “Afterglow.”
This special tour will give members a chance to learn more about this project while listening to community members share poignant recollections of memories at Olana.
The special event is on Friday, September 6th from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Olana State Historic Site at 5720 NY-9G in Hudson, N.Y. There will be a wine and cheese reception to follow. More information can be found online.
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Mac-Haydn Theatre presents ‘The Fantasticks,’ the world’s longest running musical
Chatham, N.Y.— From September 5th to September 15th, the Mac-Haydn Theatre presents “The Fantasticks,” the world’s longest running musical.
This timeless classic promises to enchant audiences with its charming tale of young love and whimsical storytelling under the direction of John Saunders. “The Fantasticks” brings to life the endearing tale of two young lovers Luisa (played by Belle Babcock) and Matt (played by Conor Fallon) find their budding relationship tested time and time again by their meddling fathers, the challenges of distance, and the unexpected highs and lows of companionship.
The show runs from September 5th to September 15th at the Mac-Haydn Theatre at 1925 NY-203 in Chatham, N.Y. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Bennington Museum community day
Bennington, V.T.— On Saturday, September 7th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bennington Museum will host a free Community Day in the galleries.
Special exhibits and items on view include “Vermont Rocks!,” “The Circus is Coming to Town,” the Jane Stickle Quilt, and the Gee’s Bend-inspired Community Quilt which contains paper squares created by community members this summer and has now been assembled and hung in the Grandma Moses Schoolhouse. There will be kids activity stations, and live music will be provided local folk rock duo, Brian & Suzy. Refreshments, light hors d’ouevres, and a Grandma Moses Birthday Cake will be served.
At the event, there will be an Annual Meeting, at which successes of the past year and exciting plans for the future will be reviewed and the Arnold Ricks Award will be awarded to Frances Holbrook for her exceptional contributions.
The event is on Saturday, September 7th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bennington Museum at 75 Main Street in Bennington, V.T. More information can be found online.
