WIT Literary Festival presents Bishop Mariann Budde and Marilynne Robinson at The Mahaiwe
Great Barrington— On Sunday, September 28 at 3 p.m., the WIT Literary Festival presents Bishop Mariann Budde and Marilynne Robinson at The Mahaiwe, the closing event of the 2025 WIT Literary Festival, an annual celebration of writers, their work, and the vital role they play in society presented by the Authors Guild Foundation.
On the day after the 2025 Presidential Inauguration, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde rose to the pulpit of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and asked the President to “have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families who fear for their lives. Have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away. Help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here. Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were once strangers in this land.”
Bishop Budde is the first woman elected to serve as spiritual leader for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. She is an advocate and organizer in support of justice in all its forms, including racial equity, gun-violence prevention, immigration reform, the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons, and the care of creation. She was consecrated as the ninth bishop of Washington in November 2011, and she is the author of three books.
Marilynne Robinson, perhaps America’s greatest living novelist, has written that community “consists very largely of imaginative love for people we do not know, or whom we know very slightly.” In another context, she has defined democracy in the same way. Robinson was the recipient of a 2012 National Humanities Medal, awarded by President Barack Obama. Her acclaimed novels have been selected for Oprah’s Book Club and have won many awards including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Orange Prize, the Los Angeles Times Book Prize; the National Book Critics Circle Award; and the Hemingway Foundation/PEN Award.
Join these two luminaries cherished for their wisdom and imagination, for a conversation that promises to be gracious, grave, radiant, and revelatory. The conversation is on Sunday, September 28 at 3 p.m. at The Mahaiwe, located at 14 Castle Street in Great Barrington. Tickets go on sale today at noon. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Stationery Factory presents world-renowned saxophonist, vocalist, and composer Grace Kelly for a stop on her 20th Anniversary Tour
Dalton— On Thursday, August 7th from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., The Stationery Factory presents world-renowned saxophonist, vocalist, and composer Grace Kelly for a stop on her 20th Anniversary Tour.
In this special anniversary celebration, Grace takes you on a spirited journey through her 15-album catalog, revisiting fan favorites and unveiling fresh takes. From classic cuts that launched her career to the innovative sounds that continue pushing creative boundaries, get ready for a dynamic night of unforgettable performances, stories, and the undeniable magic that can only be described as “Gracified.” Come celebrate a milestone and witness the next exciting chapter in the evolving legacy of Grace Kelly.
Kelly, an unequivocal musical prodigy, singer-saxophonist-songwriter-composer, and band leader, has rocked the jazz world with sold-out concerts, 15 acclaimed albums, and a resume that includes performing at the Hollywood Bowl as well as a member of the house band for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, all before reaching her mid-twenties. Grace’s early career highlights featured performances at Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration at age 16 and at age 14 as a soloist with the Boston Pops playing an original, arranged composition with the legendary orchestra. Since then, she has played over 1,000 shows as a bandleader in 35 countries. Grace has won numerous awards including “Song of the Year” in the 2018 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and she has performed and recorded with renowned artists including Lin Manuel-Miranda, Dave Brubeck, Huey Lewis, Harry Connick Jr., Jon Batiste, Gloria Estefan, and Questlove. She has also appeared in films and television, including national campaigns for M&M and Subaru.
The all-ages concert is on Thursday, August 7th from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Stationery Factory, located at 63 Flansburg Avenue in Dalton. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Great Barrington Public Theater presents in-development performance of Michael Brady’s ‘Reunion’
Great Barrington— On Wednesday, August 6th at 7 p.m., Great Barrington Public Theater, as part of their latest Berkshire Voices program “Stepping Up: Plays in Development” series, presents Michael Brady’s “Reunion.”
Stepping Up: Plays in Development is a commitment to expand Great Barrington Public Theater’s play development program. As part of the program, the company selects a new piece emerging out of Berkshire Voices that has previously had a public reading with GB Public. The chosen work will be given 12 hours of collaborative development with a cast and director over two days, culminating in a public staged reading.
“Reunion” will be directed by GB Public Associate Artistic Director, Judy Braha and will feature local actors Chris Tucci, David Keohane, Raya Malcolm, and Hero Marguerite. Gabrielle Orcha will read stage directions. The performance is on Wednesday, August 6th at 7 p.m. at the Daniel Arts Center Bard College at Simon’s Rock, located at 84 Alford Road in Great Barrington. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Chesterwood presents ‘Tableaux Vivants’ or ‘Living Pictures’
Stockbridge— On Friday, August 8th at 5:30 p.m., Chesterwood presents “Tableaux Vivants” or “Living Pictures.”
Step into living paintings! Award-winning director Doria Bramante returns to sweep you away with her recreations of famous paintings, a Victorian form of entertainment and a favorite parlor game of the French family.
The event is on Friday, August 8th at 5:30 p.m. at Chesterwood, located at 4 Williamsville Road in Stockbridge. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Guild of Berkshire Artists presents ‘Berkshire Summer Pleasures,’ their summer show at the Colonial Theatre
Pittsfield— From August 1st through September 26th, the Guild of Berkshire Artists presents “Berkshire Summer Pleasures,” their summer show at the Colonial Theatre. The theme is “summer dreams…pipe or otherwise.”
Featuring nine talented artists in various mediums including plein air, abstract oils, and surrealistic photography —a diverse pallet of media, colors, textures, styles and stories. The artists include Alvin Ouellet, Kinney Frelinghuysen, Bonnie Haig, Kathy Glenn, Chelsea Bradway, Theresa Terry, Steve Mitchell, Karen Carmean, and Michele Caplan.
The exhibit is on view from August 1st through September 26th in the lobby of The Colonial Theatre, located at 111 South Street in Pittsfield. There is an opening reception on Friday, August 1st from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the First Fridays Artswalk. More information can be found online.
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Great Barrington EILEEN FISHER store grand opening celebration
Great Barrington— On Saturday, August 2nd from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the new Great Barrington EILEEN FISHER store will host a grand opening celebration.
Visit the new Great Barrington location to shop store exclusives and the latest pieces from the EILEEN FISHER collection. There will be snacks, activities, performances, and giveaways:
- 9:30 a.m. – Shop early and enjoy breakfast from Shire Donuts.
- 11 a.m. to noon – Learn how to sew on a button with a demo from Hart Textiles.
- 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Enjoy chair massages courtesy of Mend Sustainable Spa.
- 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. – See modern dance performances from Berkshire Pulse. Refreshments and snacks from Rubiner’s Cheesemongers will be served.
The celebration is on Saturday, August 2nd from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the EILEEN FISHER store, located at 316 Main Street in Great Barrington. More information can be found online.
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Berkshire Bounty’s second annual pickleball tournament
Great Barrington— Registration is open for the second annual Fun(d)raising Pickleball Tournament, a fun and friendly benefit for Berkshire Bounty, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to combating food insecurity in Berkshire County.
Players may register as a team in either of two Divisions:
- Advanced-Beginner/Intermediate
- Advanced Intermediate/Advanced Division.
Registration is open from August 1st through September 13th, with the tournament taking place on Sunday, September 21st at the Kilpatrick Athletic Center at Bard College at Simon’s Rock. Register early as space is limited. The entry fee is $100 per team, with all proceeds benefiting Berkshire Bounty. Registration and more information can be found online.
