Race Brook Lodge presents Grace McLean, composer-singer, experimentalist, and award winning actress
Sheffield— On Saturday, October 21st from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., Race Brook Lodge presents Grace McLean, composer-singer, experimentalist, and award winning actress.
In addition to performing in the New York theater scene on Broadway and off, Grace also makes time for her acclaimed original music. Called “electrifying” by The Huffington Post and “phenomenal” by The New York Times, Mclean’s performs sonic wizardry as she multiplies her voice in electronic loops that can turn a singer into a one person chorus and rhythm section.
Manhattan User’s Guide writes, “this pop and jazz singer writes seriously infectious melodies with seriously antic lyrics. Her voice can raise the roof, or she can slide off a note and break your heart,” and Stephen Holden of the New York Times says “Ms. McLean’s voice [is] a flexible instrument with unexpected reserves of power…Behind her playful adventurousness lies a well of passion.”
The concert is on Saturday, October 21st from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Race Brook Lodge on South Undermountain Road in Sheffield. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Felipe Salles’ “The New Immigrant Experience,”a benefit concert for the Berkshire Immigrant Center, the West Stockbridge Historical Society, and BTG at The Colonial Theatre
Pittsfield— On Saturday, October 21st at 7:30 p.m., Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG) presents Felipe Salles’ “The New Immigrant Experience,” an emotional musical journey through beautiful orchestral textures, carefully developed motifs and intense solo features.
Composer Felipe Salles’ impressive creation, “The New Immigrant Experience”, serves as a poignant tribute to the lives of “Dreamers,” nearly 700,000 individuals currently under the protection of the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program. Written by Salles, who emigrated from Brazil to the United States in 1995, the work uses speech cadences and melodic motifs based on key words as its main source of musical material. This evocative piece weaves together the compelling and personal narratives Salles collected through interviews with a group of nine “Dreamers” during the summer of 2018.
It takes audiences on an emotional musical odyssey, enveloped in lush orchestral textures, intricately developed motifs and riveting solo performances. The work combines the grandeur of a big band recording with the emotive depth of a cinematic soundtrack. The New Immigrant Experience not only resonates with listeners but also adds its voice to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the role and significance of immigrants in America, particularly during these politically turbulent times.
In a collaborative effort, the West Stockbridge Historical Society is partnering with the Berkshire Immigrant Center and the Berkshire Theatre Group to bring the full 18-piece ensemble performance of “The New Immigrant Experience” to Berkshire County. The event’s proceeds will provide support to each of the hosting organizations.
This event transcends the boundaries of a traditional music concert; it serves as an opportunity to celebrate and spotlight the positive contributions made by the Berkshire immigrant community to enriching the county’s quality of life. With over 10,000 immigrants residing in Berkshire County, their contributions, often subtle and underestimated, significantly enhance the overall well-being of the community. The funds generated through ticket sales, sponsor contributions and local business advertisements will ensure that the local immigrant population can actively participate in this enriching evening of festivities.
The concert is on Saturday, October 21st at 7:30 p.m. at The Colonial Theatre on South Street in Pittsfield. Tickets are $75. Tickets and more information can be found online or by calling 413-997-4444.
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14th Annual Zombie Pub Crawl in downtown Pittsfield to benefit the Berkshire Humane Society
Pittsfield— On Saturday, October 21st from 5 p.m. to midnight is the 14th Annual Zombie Pub Crawl in downtown Pittsfield to benefit the Berkshire Humane Society.
Hundreds of Zombies will roam the streets of Pittsfield crawling to and from these participating locations:
- Hot Plate Brewing Company 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Thistle & Mirth 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Tito’s Mexican Grille 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Methuselah Bar & Lounge 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Cims Tavern 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Zens Pub 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- The Madison 10 p.m. to midnight
The winners of the costume contest and raffle will be announced at The Madison at the end of the night. Prizes include tickets to “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” donated by the Berkshire Theatre Group and more.
The crawl is on Saturday, October 21st from 5 p.m. to midnight in downtown Pittsfield. It is free and open to anyone age 21 and up. There will be a 50/50 raffle and Zombie Pub Crawl merchandise for sale; 100% of the proceeds will go to the Berkshire Humane Society. Bring cash for merchandise and raffle. Dress in your Zombie best, but if you are not identifiable by ID, you will not be served. More information can be found online.
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‘Downtown Pittsfield…It’s Alive!’ block party and kid zone
Pittsfield— On Saturday, October 21st from 1 p.m. to 5 p,m., Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. presents the return of “Downtown Pittsfield… It’s Alive!” to celebrate the Halloween season.
This year’s event will feature a block party and a kid zone. The block party will feature a marketplace with 15+ Vendors, a beer garden with Wandering Star Craft Brewery, and food from BB’s Hot Spot. Musician Evan Lanoue will play from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and the band Vaguely Pagan will play from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be performances by Opal Raven Cirque featuring swords, scarves, and fans at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. The kid zone (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) will feature arts & crafts, games, face painting, canvas painting, giveaways, and more. All Kids’ Zone activities are free, and costumes are encouraged. Slater and Marjo from Live 95.9 will broadcast live from the Kids’ Zone from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The event is on Saturday, October 21st from 1 p.m. to 5 p,m. in the McKay Street garage in downtown Pittsfield. To park for the day, enter the parking garage via the Depot Street entrance for access to the upper parking levels. The event will be on the McKay Street level. More information can be found online or by calling 413-443-6501.
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American Mural Project presents Recycled Runway 2023
Winsted— On Saturday, October 21st at 7 p.m., American Mural Project (AMP) presents Recycled Runway 2023, a funky fashion show of wearable art made from recycled and trash-rescued materials.
Live models tout fanciful and fantastic designs beside the five-story mural exhibit, making for a one-of-a-kind creative celebration of “the art of work.” The environment-forward runway show will be emceed by comedic playwright Jacques Lamarre and followed by a deejayed dance light show and party.
“These incredible designers made a dash to the trash for cash, resulting in what will be a sensational show,” noted Amy Wynn, Executive Director, American Mural Project. “But this is not just about style; it’s about collaboratively supporting worthy causes in the community and making a charitable statement against waste in the name of Mother Earth.”
Recycled Runway 2023 aims not only to raise funds for charities, but also to raise public awareness of the need to reduce waste by reusing materials we often discard. In keeping with the AMP mission of recognizing the art of work, Recycled Runway also spotlights the work that goes into creatively designing and constructing clothing. Following the event, selected designs and ensembles will be on display as part of a month-long exhibit at AMP.
The backdrop of the event is the American Mural Project. the largest indoor collaborative artwork in the world, a three-dimensional mural 120 feet long and five stories high. Nothing else like it exists in the world.
The family-friendly event is on Saturday, October 21st at 7 p.m. at American Mural Project on Whiting Street in Winsted. There will be a cash bar. More information can be found online.
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The Foundry presents “Pour Choices”, an evening of comedy hosted by Eryca Nolan
West Stockbridge— On Saturday, October 21st at 7:30 p.m., The Foundry presents “Pour Choices”, an evening of comedy hosted by Eryca Nolan.
Comedian Eryca Nolan is returning to The Foundry to present “Pour Choices”, a comedy show that’s all about mixing laughter and not so good decisions. A single-mom turned comedian, Eryca Nolan considers herself “funny as a mother.” Join Eryca as she shares tales of motherhood, love, and most importantly wine with wit and unfiltered honesty.
Eryca has invited some of her funniest friends to share their “Pour Choice” stories that have turned into punchlines, JT Moore and Craig “Comedian Fig” Figueiredo. Join the fun and raise a glass to the ridiculousness of life!
A comedian to remember, JT Moore is a crowd pleaser with his guy-next door persona. His playful unmatched wit matched with his raspy voice and animated facial expressions will have you in tears of laughter. He has performed at the Hartford Funnybone, The Comedy Connection, Broadway Comedy Club, and the world’s famous Carolines on Broadway, and he has appeared on Comedian Earthquake’s radio show Quake’s House, which airs on Kevin’s Hart LOL Network.
Comedian Fig, whose real name is Craig Figueiredo has shared the stage with Comedians Doug E Doug, Flex and Tracy Morgan along with many others. Fig’s talent has afforded him the opportunity to travel and bring joy and laughter to many people across the country and abroad. He has appeared in commercials for Burger King, Ford, Nike, Mastercard, and Walmart; and has appeared on Wendy Williams, shows such as The Uptown Comedy Club, The Apollo Comedy Hour, Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam, and Saturday Night Live.
The performance is on Saturday, October 21st at 7:30 p.m. at The Foundry on Harris Street in West Stockbridge. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door. This is an indoor event. Visit The Foundry online for tickets and more information. Parking is limited at the venue so please utilize the three public parking lots in Town. To avoid a parking ticket, visit the Foundry online for further details.
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Art on Main Gallery presents ‘Three on Main’ work by Heidi Katz, Larry Frankel, and Ronald Maitland
West Stockbridge— On Saturday, October 21st from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Art on Main Gallery celebrates the opening of “Three on Main” work by Heidi Katz, Larry Frankel, and Ronald Maitland. It is the gallery’s final member artist exhibit of the season.
Heidi Katz begins her pieces with found objects imbued with their own history, placing them in new contexts, often to express changed meaning in unanticipated settings. Her work shared in “Three on Main” includes three-dimensional assemblages and mixed media paintings.
Ronald Maitland, a recently retired dentist, found painting with oils on canvas as a pastime and his expression of new creativity. This artwork, without having any formal training, mainly depicts landscapes and images brought forth from memorable visitations around the world.
The work of Larry Frankel delves into the reality of an image. Is a photograph a true representation of a subject or is it really the reality of the photographer who creates an image? What exists and what is created from the imagination of the artist who makes an image?
The exhibit is on view through October 31st at Art on Main Gallery on Main Street in West Stockbridge. There is an opening reception on Saturday, October 21st from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. More information can be found online.
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One-woman performance by Veronica ‘Ronnie’ Cunningham to benefit First Congregational Church of Stockbridge church organ restoration fund
Stockbridge— On Saturday, October 21st at 4 p.m., Veronica ‘Ronnie’ Cunningham will present a program entitled “A Childhood in Words and Song, Part Two”, at the First Congregational Church of Stockbridge.
Ronnie’s personal story is being told in two parts. The first part took place last year and spoke of her early years growing up in London and experiencing, along with her family, the onslaught of World War II. This second part will continue the telling of her personal experiences and will weave in songs such as “Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner” and “Oh, can ye sew cushions?”
The event is on Saturday, October 21st at 4 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Stockbridge on Main Street in Stockbridge. Admission is $15 at the door; donations in any amount are welcome. All funds raised go the church’s organ restoration project, and this program is offered by Ronnie as her personal participation in the restoration fund. There will be a post-show reception. More information can be found by calling 413-298-3137.
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Hip-hop and house dance class with Berkshire Pulse at the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires
Pittsfield— The Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires is excited to announce Hip-Hop and House Dance with Berkshire Pulse. The program runs through December and is accepting registrations for students in grades five through 12.
A unique opportunity for kids to explore the vibrant styles of hip-hop and house dance, under the expert guidance of Berkshire Pulse instructor Madison Palffy, participants will develop their dance skills, enhance their creativity, and build self-confidence.
Classes will be held every Thursday, with a session for grades 5-8 from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. and a session for grades 9-12 from 6 p.m to 7:15 p.m., with no class on November 23rd. This program is free for members. Registration and more information can be found online.
