Berkshire Theatre Group to welcome the Wanda Houston Band
Pittsfield — Berkshire Theatre Group will welcome the Berkshires’ own Wanda Houston Band at the Colonial Theatre, 111 South St., on Saturday, January 30, at 8 p.m.
The Wanda Houston Band performs 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s R&B and jazz. Lead vocalist Wanda L. Houston is originally from Chicago, Ill., and has performed throughout the United States, Germany, and Australia, on and off-Broadway, and in television and film. Now settled in the Berkshires, Wanda is working with her bands the Wanda Houston Band; jazz trio Heth, Bradley, & Houston; blues duo Big and Bigger; and gospel quartet Brother & Sisters. The members of the Wanda Houston Band are Jay Bradley (drums), Wanda L. Houston (vocals), Robert Kelly (keyboard and vocals), and Jeff Stevens (trumpet and vocals).
For more information and tickets, which are $25, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or contact the Colonial ticket office at (413) 997-4444.
–E.E.
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Simon’s Rock to host first annual gospel concert
Great Barrington — As part of Black History Month, Bard College at Simon’s Rock will host its first annual gospel concert on Friday, January 29, at 7 p.m. at the Daniel Arts Center’s McConnell Theatre. The choirs performing in the concert will be Macedonia Baptist Church Praise Ensemble and the Ivey Duo, both of Albany, N.Y.; Macedonia Church of God in Christ choir of Springfield, Mass.; Shiloh Baptist Church youth choir of Hudson, N.Y.; and Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church choir of Pittsfield, Mass. Event organizer and Simon’s Rock student Arielle King will sing with Macedonia Baptist Church Praise Ensemble. The concert is free and open to the public.
Attendees can expect to hear a range of traditional and contemporary music as well as the sounds of a sibling horn-playing duo.
“This concert was the vision of Arielle King and we are happy to support making her vision a reality,” said Simon’s Rock Diversity Coordinator Quintin Cross.
“Gospel music has always been important to me, and I’m excited to invite my church and various communities to enjoy such a celebration. This event will not only be entertaining and engaging, but will set quite the bar for the upcoming Black History month and related events,” said King.
–E.E.
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The School at Jacob’s Pillow to hold auditions in New York City
Becket — The School at Jacob’s Pillow will hold auditions in New York City for two 2016 Professional Advancement Programs: “Contemporary” and “Improv Traditions & Innovations: From Ring Shout to Blues to Jazz.” Led by internationally-acclaimed dance artists in a master class format, no cuts will made during the auditions, providing an excellent opportunity for dancers to take a full professional class, gain audition experience, and learn more about the School at Jacob’s Pillow.
Dancers will audition for the opportunity to work closely with renowned artists such as “Contemporary” guest choreographers Ballet BC Resident Choreographer Cayetano Soto, Colombo-Belgian choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, and Belgian designer and choreographer Stijn Celis. The “Improv Traditions & Innovations” guest artists will include Harvard University Ph.D. candidate Lizzy Cooper Davis and two-time Fulbright Fellow Award recipient Nia Love. Milton Myers, faculty member of the Ailey School and Juilliard will lead the “Contemporary” program in his 30th year; “Improv Traditions & Innovations: From Ring Shout to Blues to Jazz” will be led by Urban Bush Women founder Jawole Willa Jo Zollar.
“Contemporary” auditions are open to advanced dancers ages 15 and up. “Improv Traditions & Innovations” auditions are open to curious choreographic-minded dance artists ages 18 and up. No pre-registration is required. Dancers below the age of 18 will require a waiver to be signed by a guardian. A $15 cash fee is required for all audition participants.
If applicants are unable to attend in person auditions, video auditions are highly encouraged as they are given the same consideration as in person auditions.
Audition/class details are as follows.
Contemporary
Friday, January 29
Registration: 6 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Audition Class: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
New York City Center Studios Administrative Offices
Saturday, February 13
Registration: 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Audition Class: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
New York City Center Studios Administrative Offices
Sunday, March 13
Registration: 11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Audition Class: noon – 2 p.m.
Mark Morris Dance Center
Improv Traditions & Innovations: From Ring Shout to Blues to Jazz
Saturday, February 13
Registration: 3 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Audition Class: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
New York City Center Studios Administrative Offices
Sunday, March 13
Registration: 3 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Audition Class: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Mark Morris Dance Center
Applicants auditioning by video for the above programs are eligible for consideration of the Lorna Strassler Award for Student Excellence, which provides a full scholarship and $2,500 cash award. Jacob’s Pillow scholarships are also available for any dancer needing financial assistance with the program fee.
–E.E.
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FAFSA Day Massachusetts
Pittsfield — Every high school senior, college student, and adult student who will be attending college during the 2016-2017 academic year must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to apply for federal, state, and institutional financial aid. The 12th annual FAFSA Day Massachusetts will be held on Sunday, January 31, at 1:15 p.m. at Berkshire Community College.
The services are free and available to anyone attending college for the 2016-2017 academic year; low-income and first-generation college students are especially encouraged to attend. A Spanish-speaking financial aid professional will be available.
For more information call (413) 597-4181 or e-mail fafsaday.pittsfield@gmail.com.
–E.E.
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Free puppet plays for children
Great Barrington — The Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School (GBRSS) spring puppet series for children ages 2 to 6 will returns to usher in spring, starting Saturday, January 30, with “The Snow Maiden.” GBRSS early childhood teachers will perform two free morning shows using their own handmade, needle-felted puppets at Matrushka Toys and Gifts, 309 Main St., at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
As spring advances the puppet plays will continue with “Snow White and Rose Red” on Saturday, March 19, at 11:15 a.m. at Mason Library and “The Straw Broom” on Saturday, April 9, at 10:30 a.m. in the GBRSS Early Childhood Building. The series will be capped off by a celebratory event at the school on Sunday, May 1, beginning at 10:30 a.m. with “The Little Rosebud” at the GBRSS puppet wagon, followed by May Pole dancing and picnicking on the lawn. All events are free. To learn more call Robyn Coe at (413) 528-4015, ext. 106.
–E.E.
