PS21 Chatham presents the U.S. debut of Japanese dancer-choreographer Ruri Mito
Chatham., N.Y.— On January 4th and 5th at 3 p.m., PS21 Chatham presents the U.S. debut of Japanese dancer-choreographer Ruri Mito with a double bill, “Matou” and “Where We Were Born,” both U.S. premieres.
A solo performance exploring the body as a mysterious, haunted vessel, impressively contorted across multiple forms, “Matou” is impossible to comprehend or observe in its entirety. The Japanese word “matou” denotes wearing, putting on, tangling, and rolling up. Figuratively, it also refers to the process by which the outer layer of our skin is continually renewing and replacing itself, much as snakes shed their skin. In this solo performance, dancer-choreographer Ruri Mito explores the body as a mysterious, haunted vessel, impressively contorted across multiple forms, impossible to comprehend or observe in its entirety because it is in constant flux.
In “Where We Were Born,” Mito continues to scrutinize and explore the body as the defining element of human existence. Performed by the seven dancers of her company Ruri Mito, the piece weaves and unravels the delicately and intricately connected dancers, creating one kaleidoscopic body.
The performances are January 4th and 5th at 3 p.m. at PS21 Chatham, located at 2980 Route 22 in Chatham., N.Y. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Proprietor’s Lodge presents the return of the Hot Club of New England
Pittsfield— On Sunday, January 5th at 4 p.m., Proprietor’s Lodge presents the return of the Hot Club of New England.
Looking for a hot way to cap the year-end holiday break? Visit the Proprietor’s Lodge for a concert by The Hot Club of New England. There will be a cash bar and a 10% off dinner discount.
Headed by pianist Matt DeChamplain and his wife Atla, The Hot Club of New England is a musical collective featuring the top swing, gypsy, and hot jazz musicians in the New England area. Followers of Berkshires Jazz know Matt as a virtuoso pianist with a range that swings from delicate and intimate to energetic and powerful. Atla has a sensitive yet powerful voice which displays an amazing range and demonstrates the full emotional gamut from joy to melancholy. They will be joined by Max O’Rourke on acoustic guitar, Greg Loughman on bass, and Evan Arntzen on clarinet.
The event is on Sunday, January 5th at 4 p.m. at the Proprietor’s Lodge, located at 22 Waubeek Road in Pittsfield. Tickets are $20, and can now be purchased online. Dinner reservations are recommended and may be made by calling 413-344-9546.
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Lee Library presents screening and discussion of award-winning documentary ‘Common Ground’
Lee— On Saturday, December 28th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., sponsored by the Lee Greener Gateway Committee, the Lee Library presents screening and discussion of award-winning documentary “Common Ground.”
“Common Ground” is the follow-up to the successful film, “Kiss the Ground.” The film explores how Americans from different walks of life, different political backgrounds, and different parts of the country share one mission in common–saving the soil beneath our feet, providing hope for future generations with concrete ways to fix a broken planetary system, exploring how regenerative agriculture can help heal the soil, our health and the planet.
The event is on Saturday, December 28th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lee Library, located at 100 Main Street in Lee. It is free and open to anyone interested in learning about soil. More information can be found online.
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BAA College Fellowship Juried Show 2025 Call for Art
Pittsfield— Are you an art major, or do you have a family member, neighbor, or friend majoring in art? They may qualify for the Berkshire Art Association (BAA) College Fellowship Show.
Berkshire County, Massachusetts college art majors are invited to apply for the 2025 juried Berkshire Art Association College Fellowship Show. $5,000 in fellowship grants will be awarded to college art majors whose work is selected. The show will open at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts during the month of April. An award ceremony will be held Saturday, April 15th at 3 p.m.
The show is open to Berkshire County residents enrolled at the undergraduate level as art majors at any college in the country, as well as non-residents majoring in art at a Berkshire County college.
The call opens Friday, December 20th and will close Sunday, February 23rd at 11:59 p.m. There is no cost to register and submit. More information can be found online. Submissions can be made online.
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Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center offers wine and cheese snowshoe tours
Grafton, Vt.— On Saturdays from December 28th through March 1st from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center will offer wine and cheese snowshoe tours.
Take a snowshoe tour through the beautiful Vermont landscape and then reward yourself with a glass of wine and a selection of award-winning Grafton Village cheeses. The one-hour snowshoe tour takes in the peace and tranquility of the forests near Grafton. Afterwards, relax in the Outdoor Center cabin with two glasses of wine and an assorted cheese board.
The tours are on Saturdays from December 28th through March 1st from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center, located at 783 Townshend Road in Grafton, Vt. Snowshoes are provided. Reservations and more information can be found online.
