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Bits & Bytes: Rusted Root at the Mahaiwe; Generation Block Party; ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat;’ ‘In Bloom’

The inspiration for building a courage wall in Great Barrington was brought to Railroad Street Youth Project by author Barbara Bonner while working on her book “Inspiring Courage.”

Mahaiwe to welcome Rusted Root

Great Barrington — The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center will kick off its summer season with a Memorial Day concert by Rusted Root on Monday, May 29, at 7 p.m. The Pittsburgh-based band is known for its fusion of acoustic, rock, world and other styles of music, with a strong percussion section that draws from African, Latin American and Native American influences.

Having collaborated for over two decades, Rusted Root’s musicianship, intuition and musical freedom has allowed the band to organically shape their music into their own distinct vision. With eight albums under their belt, over three million records sold, and countless nights on the road, the powerhouse ensemble’s hypnotic live performances have allowed them to tour alongside Santana, Dave Matthews Band, the Allman Brothers Band and many others.

Tickets are $35 to $40. For tickets and more information, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or call the Mahaiwe box office at (413) 528-0100.

–E.E.

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RSYP to present Generation Block Party

The Arlington, Virginia, courage wall. Photo courtesy Arlington Patch
The Arlington, Virginia, courage wall. Photo courtesy Arlington Patch

Great Barrington — Railroad Street Youth Project invites the public to celebrate the achievements of local youth at its third annual Generation Block Party on Saturday, May 27, from 1 to 5 p.m. in the alleyway between Railroad Street and the Triplex Cinema. The block party will begin with the inauguration of a courage wall and an awards ceremony, followed by food, live music and games at RSYP’s skate park on Bridge Street.

The inspiration for building a courage wall in Great Barrington was brought to RSYP by author Barbara Bonner while working on her book “Inspiring Courage.” Bonner came across a community project in Alexandria, Virginia: a chalkboard with a prompt at the top reading “I wish I had the courage to…” The prompt encouraged passersby to consider their fears and what it would take to overcome them. Bonner will join Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli, current RSYP participants and alumni, and community members at the inauguration to offer up a few words about the most sought “action of the heart.” The courage wall will remain in the alley through the fall, and people including school groups and community organizations are invited to visit the space and share their thoughts and inspirations.

For more information, contact RSYP at (413) 528-2475 or info@rsyp.org.

–E.E.

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Mac-Haydn to stage ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’

Laura Helm and Alex Carr star in the Mac-Haydn Theatre's production of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.'
Laura Helm and Alex Carr star in the Mac-Haydn Theatre’s production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.’

Chatham, N.Y. — The Mac-Haydn Theatre will open its 49th season of musical theatre in the round with the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber classic “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Thursday, May 25, through Sunday, June 4.

The Tony Award-nominated show stars Laura Helm as the Narrator; Alex Carr as Joseph; Steffany Pratt as Mrs. Potiphar; Dakota Dutcher, Chris Hendricks, Ross Flores, Sebastiani Romagnolo, Dan Macke, Stephen Kallas, Bryce McAllister, Patrick Heffernan, Quinn Corcoran, Connor Hubbard and Sam Pickart as Joseph’s brothers; and Megan Hasse, Sophia Tzougros, Laura Erle, Zachary Emerson and Glenn Balli.

Bryan Knowlton is the director and choreographer. The show features musical direction by David Maglione. Set design by Kevin Gleason, costumes by Jimm Halliday, props by Megan McQueeney and sound by Ethan Carleton. Chris Hendricks is the assistant to the choreographer.

For tickets and more information, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or call the Mac-Haydn Theatre at (518) 392-9292.

–E.E.

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‘In Bloom’ at L’Atelier Berkshires

'Place Like Home' by Melanie Vote
‘Place Like Home’ by Melanie Vote

Great Barrington — L’Atelier Berkshires hosts the art exhibition “In Bloom” through Sunday, June 18. “In Bloom” features soft pastel paintings by Gemma Di Grazia, ceramic sculpture by Claudia Alvarez, and paintings by Melanie Vote. An opening reception will take place Friday, May 26, from 7 to 9 p.m.

The representational floral paintings of Di Grazia, who comes from a family of artists, are a celebration of color, light and form evocative of the beauty inherent in the natural world.

Alvarez is an internationally recognized ceramic sculptor, born in Mexico and raised in California. Her work addresses the way social, political and psychological structures impact behavior and personal interactions.

Originally from Iowa, Vote lives and works in New York City. Her paintings and drawings investigate the human and the landscape, incorporating elements of surprise and discovery.

For more information, contact the gallery at (510) 469-5468 or natalie.tyler@atelierberks.com.

–E.E.

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The Edge Is Free To Read.

But Not To Produce.

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The Edge Is Free To Read.

But Not To Produce.