Mac-Haydn Theatre introduces “Pay What You Can” initiative, offers Mental Health Professionals discount at “Next to Normal”
CHATHAM, N.Y. — The Mac-Haydn Theatre will introduce a “Pay What You Can” performance initiative and Mental Health Professionals discount for the upcoming regional premiere production of “Next to Normal.” The two initiatives are implemented in the spirit of community outreach and education.
The Mac-Haydn has made accessibility to the arts a core focus of its mission, and with the highest ticket price at $45, it sets the cost barrier lower than any other professional musical theater producer in the region.
The “Pay What You Can” initiative will be introduced with a designated performance of “Next to Normal” – Sunday, August 7 at 7 p.m. – where audience members choose what amount they’d like to pay for their ticket. For the remainder of the season, the Mac-Haydn will offer a “Pay What You Can” performance for each Mainstage show, details of which will be released closer to the performance date.
Patrons who wish to purchase “Pay What You Can” tickets for “Next to Normal” may call the box office at 518-392-9292, beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 7, or visit the theatre box office the day of the performance beginning at 6 p.m. to purchase tickets in person. The performance will have a limited number of tickets available for the “pay what you can” promotion.
Additionally, at any evening performance during the run, Mental Health Professionals can enjoy a $25 discounted ticket to “Next to Normal,” to honor the region’s dedicated workers in the field of mental health. Any Mental Health Professional may call the theatre box office, open Tuesday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., or email boxoffice@machaydntheatre.org for more information and to reserve discounted tickets.
Please be advised that Next to Normal contains language and subject matter that may not be suitable for all audiences. The production addresses topics and conversations surrounding mental illness, drug abuse, and suicide.
– A.J.
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FreshGrass festival anticipated
NORTH ADAMS — FreshGrass, the music festival hosted on MASS MoCA’s campus, will bring roots and bluegrass heavy-hitters to the region in September.
FreshGrass features bluegrass traditionalists and innovators on four stages and platforms throughout the museum’s 16-acre campus. Festival programming also includes FreshScores, a silent film with original live music; FreshGrass commissions and world premieres; instrument and industry workshops; pop-up performances and retail; and local Berkshire food and spirits vendors.
The festival will be held on September 23- 25, and both three-day general admission and single-day tickets are available to purchase online.
The festival will feature artists including Gary Clark Jr., Old Crow Medicine Show, Tanya Tucker, Taj Mahal, Trampled by Turtles, The Del McCoury Band, Skip Marley and Yola.
To learn more, visit freshgrass.com
– A.J.
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Bard Music Festival returns
ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. — The annual Bard Music Festival will return on August 5. The festival, dedicated to classical music, has established its unique identity in the classical concert field by presenting programs that, through performance and discussion, place selected works in the cultural and social context of the composer’s world.
Intimate recital and chamber performances, and exciting full orchestral and choral works are complemented by informative pre concert talks, panel discussions by renowned musicians and scholars, and special events. In addition, each season Princeton University Press publishes a book of essays, translations, and correspondence relating to the festival’s central figure.
This year, the festival will explore Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff through twelve themed concert programs. It will span two weekends, with the first weekend (August 5 – 7) dedicated to Rachmaninoff’s navigation of “Russia and Modernity”, and the second weekend (August 12 – 14) themed around the composer’s relationship with “New Worlds.”
All events will take place in the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts and other venues on Bard College’s Hudson River campus. Bus transportation from New York City and live streams will be available for select performances throughout the festival.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Fisher Center website.
– A.J.
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FIRST Friday Block Party to activate Eagle Street
NORTH ADAMS – The community is invited to the August 5 FIRST Fridays Block Party on Eagle Street – a monthly downtown event that includes live music, street games, activities for all ages, a gathering with North Adams Mayor Jennifer Macksey, and gallery exhibition openings from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
The August 5 event will be the first of many Eagle Street business collaborations, with the intention of providing positive, uplifting experiences free for all city residents, and providing opportunities for local businesses to thrive. Eagle Street will be closed to car traffic on FIRST Friday evenings August 5, September 2, and October 7.
Activities and entertainment will include live music in the Eagle Street pocket park sponsored by Eagle Street Music, a photo booth, street games and activities, and a beer and wine bar offered by Desperado’s Mexican Restaurant.
Andrew Fitch, a FIRST Friday organizer, said, “I see so much opportunity in downtown North Adams for collaboration and development. I have a vision for a bright and bustling city downtown we can all be proud of and participate in. First Friday street closures are a great step towards realizing that vision.”
– A.J.
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“The Tao of Judaism,” with Dr. Joel Friedman
PITTSFIELD – On Thursday, August 4, and Thursday, August 11 at 10:45 a.m., Dr. Joel Friedman will offer a meeting of Eastern and Western religious thought in his two-part presentation, “The Tao of Judaism.” The sessions, hosted by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will draw from text, liturgy, mystical traditions, symbols, and ritual movements from Judaism, as well as imagery from quantum physics and concepts derived from tai chi practice and philosophy.
Joel M. Friedman is an MD, PhD research scientist at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, a professor, and the former chairman of the Department of Physiology and Biophysics. His lens is uniquely influenced by the synergy of his science/medical background, his 40 years of training and teaching Taoist based Chinese internal martial/healing arts, and a passion for Jewish learning.
This free program will be presented in person as part of the Federation’s Connecting with Community Series presented at Knesset Israel (16 Colt Road in Pittsfield) and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $3 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program.
For more on this program and other Federation events, visit our calendar of events at jewishberkshires.org.
– A.J.
