Seed and Spoon celebrates Earth Day
Norfolk, Conn. — Seed and Spoon culinary farm celebrates Earth Day on April 21 – 23 with a getaway experience for guests to learn about organic farming methods and farm ecosystem stewardship while they enjoy communal meals prepared under the instruction of Husky Meadows staff.
From April 21-23, guests have the chance to fully experience the interconnectedness of the property’s gardens, meadows, pollinators, orchards and woodlands with the help of culinary director Tracy Hayhurst, Husky Meadows’ chef-turned-farmer Brett Ellis, and a whole host of ecosystem experts.
Guest teachers will engage guests in talk and activities to help understand the importance of backyard ecosystems. Experts include: Michelle Alfandari, cofounder of Homegrown National Park whose mission is to regenerate biodiversity at the grass roots level; Michael Nadeau is one of the leading authorities in the field of sustainable organic and ethical land care strategies in the US and co-founder of the NOFA Organic Land Care Program; Dan Watkins is an expert in modern beekeeping techniques that replicate the natural environment for pollinators; Page Dickey is the author of horticulture books “Uprooted” and “Embroidered Ground,” and will share how nature integrates with home landscape.
Also included in this fabulous weekend are a behind the scenes visit to Seed and Spoons’ organic garden with Farmer Brett Ellis and a Saturday evening Wild and Cultivated Cooking Class with Culinary Director Tracy Hayhurst.
* * *
Local dance troupe to perform at The Foundry
West Stockbridge— The Foundry in West Stockbridge will host a performance by Dancers of the Berkshires on April 21 at 7 p.m.
Dancers of the Berkshires present a special curated evening of diverse dance programming by local choreographers. Each choreographer will create a unique experience through their pieces and take you on an experience you won’t want to miss.
Dancers of the Berkshires are a database of local dancers who are available to create dance pieces for events and shows in the Berkshires. The dance troupe will create one of a kind works welcoming an interactive and connective experience.
Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door.
* * *
Enjoy a spirited evening at Ventfort Hall with David Raby
Lenox— David Raby returns for another paranormal investigation of the historic and haunted Ventfort Hall. Join him on Saturday evening, April 21 from 7 p.m. to midnight.
Before the investigation, Raby will give a brief history of the lives that once graced the hallways – and possibly still reside within. He will also share some of his favorite evidence from previous investigations and will be happy to answer any questions about paranormal investigations. This event is perfect for everyone; from someone who has never been on a paranormal investigation to the seasoned investigator.
Raby is the author of four published books and countless online articles. With his passion for the paranormal field, he has accumulated over a decade of experience, and founded a paranormal group.
Masks that cover both the mouth and nose are required during this event. Non-refundable tickets for this exciting event are $40 per person with a reduced rate of $25 for ages 12 – 18 and 19-23 with student ID and are limited. Reservations are required. Visit https://gildedage.org/events/ for reservation or call at (413) 637-3206.
* * *
Learn the basics of shade gardening and celebrate spring at BBG
Stockbridge— Berkshire Botanical Garden hosts a Shade Gardening Basics class on Saturday, April 22 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with Duncan Himmelman.
Wondering what plants to grow in the shady parts of your yard? Fear not. An enterprising gardener can create an attractive, ecologically robust and relaxing garden, even in the shade. This class starts by identifying the various degrees of shade you may have and moves on to presenting the best native plants for those conditions. Don’t let a lack of sunlight hold you back! Led by Duncan Himmelman.
Duncan Himmelman earned his doctorate at Cornell University and taught horticultural science at the college level for 24 years. He recently retired as the Education Manager at Mt. Cuba Center, a public garden in Delaware devoted to native plant advocacy. He continues to enjoy teaching, designing landscapes and promoting ecologically focused gardening practice
Registration is $15 members/$20 nonmembers.
* * *
“Sidewalks of New York: An Evening of Original and VIntage Songs about NYC”
Spencertown, N.Y. — Spencertown Academy Roots & Shoots Concerts Series will present Rachelle Garniez and Erik Della Penna in “Sidewalks of New York: An Evening of Original and Vintage Songs About NYC” on Saturday, April 22 at 8 p.m. Singers, songwriters, and instrumentalists, both artists bring a wealth of inspirations and influences to their crafts—from Tin Pan Alley to folk and Americana.
Multi-instrumentalist and performer Rachelle Garniez is a native New Yorker who has earned the titles “Diva with a Difference” (Billboard Magazine) and “Master of Surprise” (Entertainment Weekly). She employs a variety of instruments, including accordion, piano, claviola, guitar, and plastic bells to bring her darkly optimistic story-songs to life. She has played with Thomas Dolby, Jack White, and composed music and songs for Taylor Mac, Catherine Russell, The Citizens Band, Ingrid Lucia, and The Flying Neutrinos. Garniez is one third of VickiKristinaBarcelona band, a trio of women dedicated to reimagining the songs of Tom Waits.
Erik Della Penna is a songwriter, composer, and guitarist living in New York City. He has written for and performed extensively with Hazmat Modine, Joan Baez, and Joan Osborne, and serves as music director for Natalie Merchant. He is currently working on a musical with Tony Award winning composer David Yazbek that is based on the bizarre life and death of failed train robber Elmer McCurdy and he has a musical for young people now in production at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami entitled “Kitty Hawk.” He has also written music for the New York Historical Society, A&E television, and dozens of documentary films. Penna’s guitar and drum duo, Kill Henry Sugar, is currently recording their seventh collection of original songs.
General admission tickets ($25 public, $20 Academy members ) are available via www.spencertownacademy.org. Seating will be limited and advance reservations are strongly suggested.
* * *
See the 1995 classic “Get Shorty”
Great Barrington— The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center presents a showing of “Get Shorty” on Saturday, April 22 at 7 p.m.
“Get Shorty” follows gangster Chili Palmer (John Travolta) on a trip to California to collect a debt. Hollywood has different plans for Chili, and comedy ensues. (Rated R, 1h, 45min.)
