Saturday, December 6, 2025

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

BITS & BYTES: Harvest & Rust at The Colonial; Indian Classical Music at Racebrook Lodge; Maddie Wiener at MASS MoCA; Berkshire Art Association seeks donations; Berkshire South seeks Shining Star shoppers; Jewish Federation Pajama Drive

Known for their authentic renditions, Harvest & Rust captures the essence of Neil Young’s music, delivering both beloved hits and deep cuts with precision and passion.

Berkshire Theatre Group presents Harvest & Rust: A Neil Young Experience to celebrate Neil Young’s 80th Birthday at the Colonial Theatre

Pittsfield— On Saturday, November 22nd at 7:30 p.m., Berkshire Theatre Group presents Harvest & Rust: A Neil Young Experience to celebrate Neil Young’s 80th Birthday at the Colonial Theatre. 

This homecoming performance, titled “80 Years of Neil,” promises a dynamic setlist spanning Young’s expansive catalog—from the acoustic intimacy of “Harvest” to the raw energy of “Rust Never Sleeps.” Led by frontman Garrett Lechowski, the band features Matt Cahill (guitars, piano,) Andy Gordon (pedal steel,) John Kiernan (drums,) and Jim Reynolds (bass.) Known for their authentic renditions, Harvest & Rust captures the essence of Neil Young’s music, delivering both beloved hits and deep cuts with precision and passion. ​

Courtesy Berkshire Theatre Group.

Harvest & Rust has earned acclaim as one of the premier Neil Young tribute bands in the Northeast, praised for their stirring and authentic performances. Their concerts are a journey through Young’s prolific career, featuring songs from his solo work as well as his time with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. With a commitment to variety, the band ensures that no two shows are alike, mirroring Young’s own approach to live performances. This special event at The Colonial Theatre offers fans a chance to experience the full spectrum of Neil Young’s music, celebrating his legacy in a venue that resonates with the band’s roots. This show features “The Barn Burners,” local artists Susan Davis and Beth Rose, on backing vocals to help recreate the legendary harmony vocals of Linda Ronstadt and Nicolette Larson.

The concert is on Saturday, November 22nd at 7:30 p.m. at the Colonial Theatre, located at 111 South Street in Pittsfield. Tickets and more information can be found online.

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Race Brook Lodge presents an evening of Indian Classical Music

Sheffield— On Friday, November 21st from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., Race Brook Lodge presents an evening of Indian Classical Music. 

This special evening of music includes performances by Eric Fraser on bansuri flute, Abhik Mukherjee on sitar, Mir Naqibul Islam on tabla, and Vinay Desai on santoor.

Eric Fraser, Abhik Mukherjee, Mir Naqibul Islam, and and Vinay Desai. Courtesy Race Brook Lodge.

The concert is on Friday, November 21st from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Race Brook Lodge, located at 864 South Undermountain Road in Sheffield. Tickets and more information can be found online.

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MASS MoCA presents stand-up comedian Maddie Wiener

North Adams— On Saturday, November 22nd at 8 p.m., MASS MoCA presents stand-up comedian Maddie Wiener. 

Maddie Wiener. Courtesy MASS MoCA.

With a “streak of brazenness” and her “abrasive and likeable at the same time” signature style, stand-up comedian Maddie Wiener made her Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon debut in fall 2024. Since then, she’s been recognized as a “New Face” at the Just for Laughs Festival and has filmed stand-up sets for Comedy Central and Don’t Tell Comedy. Now, she brings her sharp wit and irreverent humor to MASS MoCA’s Club B10.

The show is on Saturday, November 22nd at 8 p.m. at MASS MoCA, located at 1040 MASS MoCA Way in North Adams. Tickets and more information can be found online.

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Berkshire Art Association seeks donations of original artwork for annual 10×10 RAP Real Art Party

Pittsfield— The Berkshire Art Association seeks donations of original artwork for the annual 10×10 RAP Real Art Party show and fundraiser drawing.

In collaboration with Storefront Artist Project, Clock Tower Artists, and the City of Pittsfield’s 10×10 Festival in February, the BAA welcomes submissions from artists from the Berkshires and beyond. All artwork must measure 10 inches by 10 inches prepared with a wire or hooks for hanging. Artwork may be in any medium and should reflect the quality of your usual work. Artists may submit up to three pieces. Online registration is required. Submissions will be accepted from now through February 9th. Registration and more information can be found online.

Courtesy Berkshire Art Association.

The drawing for art and Real Art Party will be a live in-person event hosted by the Clock Tower Business Center on Thursday, February 19th. Proceeds will benefit Berkshire County through BAA Fellowship awards for college art majors, art field trips, and project grants for high school art classes.

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Berkshire South Regional Community Center seeks shoppers for Shining Star Supplemental Holiday Gift Program 

Great Barrington— Berkshire South Regional Community Center is seeking shoppers and donations for its annual Shining Star Supplemental Holiday Gift Program. Shoppers can sign up to shop from a child’s wish list, donate gift cards, or make monetary contributions so that a member of the staff can do the shopping.

The Shining Star Program is designed to help southern Berkshire families and youth who need support during the holiday season. Applicants for support are anonymously matched with generous community shoppers who fulfill their holiday wish lists. This year, Berkshire South received more applications than ever.

Courtesy Berkshire South.

Individuals interested in becoming a Shining Star shopper or donor can sign up in person, online at berkshiresouth.org/shiningstar, or by calling 413-528-2810, ext 15. Unwrapped gifts and gift cards can be dropped off or delivered to Berkshire South at 15 Crissey Road in Great Barrington. The deadline is December 1st. 

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Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ annual PJ Library Pajama Drive

Pittsfield—  As chilly weather returns to the Berkshires, the PJ Library Pajama Drive conducted by Jewish Federation of the Berkshires returns to help the many children in our community who lack the comfort of warm sleepwear. Last year’s effort collected hundreds of pairs of pajamas from individuals, groups, and local businesses.

Through December 3rd, drop-off brand-new pajamas (sizes newborn to teen) at these convenient locations across Berkshire County:

  • Carr Hardware, 256 Main Street in Great Barrington
  • Carr Hardware, 489 Pittsfield Road in Lenox
  • Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, 196 South Street in Pittsfield
  •  Where’d You Get That!? – 100 Spring Street in Williamstown
Courtesy Jewish Federation of the Berkshires.

Monetary donations towards the purchase of pajamas are also welcome. Donations will be received by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families in Pittsfield and will be distributed to local families during the holiday season.

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