Valley Classical Concerts presents eminent pianist Jiayan Sun and the Lydian Quartet
Northampton— On Sunday, February 9th at 3 p.m., Valley Classical Concerts (VCC,) in cooperation with the Smith College Department of Music, presents eminent pianist Jiayan Sun and the Lydian Quartet
Eminent pianist Jiayan Sun will join the famed Lydian String Quartet to play one of the supreme expressions of French Romanticism, César Franck’s “Quintet in F minor.” The Lydians will also perform Claude Debussy’s “Quartet in G” and Joseph Haydn’s “Quartet in C, op. 33/3,” known as “The Bird.”
A native of Yantai, China, Jiayan Sun has performed around the world and has been cited by the New York Times for his “revelatory” performances and by the Toronto Star for “technically flawless, poetically inspired and immensely assured playing.” He teaches at Smith College.
The concert is on Sunday, February 9th at 3 p.m. Smith College’s Sage Hall, located at 144 Green Street in Northampton. At 2p.m., there will be a pre-show Q&A with the artists and VCC Artistic Director, longtime NEPM host John Montanari. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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LAPINcontemporary presents ‘Elements,’ an exhibition of sculptures by John Gerding
North Adams— From February 7th through April 6th, LAPINcontemporary presents “Elements,” an exhibition of sculptures by John Gerding.
“Elements” is an exploration of the interplay between diverse materials through sculptural form, focusing on themes of texture, contrast, and the dialogue between industrial and organic elements. The choice of materials—wood, stone, and metal—forms a cohesive aesthetic language. A crucial aspect of Gerding’s work is the craftsmanship involved in transforming these materials into abstract forms that convey hidden narratives. Each piece aims to evoke visual tension through the interaction of smooth, polished surfaces and rough textures, inviting viewers to delve into a more intimate engagement with the artworks.
The concept encompasses a variety of materials and components, including organic materials, man-made materials fabricated by the artist, and found objects. Viewers are encouraged to connect with the materials, understanding them as components that reveal the artist’s inner stories. The interaction among different textures is enhanced by the artist’s skill in fabricating parts, fostering a deeper engagement with the artworks’ physicality.
The exhibit runs from February 7th through April 6th at LAPINcontemporary, located at 60 Roberts Drive in North Adams. There will be a reception with the artist on February 15th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. More information can be found online.
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Yiddish Book Center presents ‘The Wedding Jester’ a one-man show by John Feffer
Amherst— On Sunday, February 9th at 2 p.m., the Yiddish Book Center presents “The Wedding Jester” with John Feffer.
We all know the story of “Fiddler on the Roof,” but what about the behind-the-scenes story of the making of the film? Join us for John Feffer’s one-man show “The Wedding Jester,” a fictional account inspired by the real-life making of the “Fiddler on the Roof” film, telling how a Jewish comedian confronts a non-Jewish director over errors in the film’s script.
John Feffer is the acclaimed author of more than a dozen plays. His shows have appeared in the One Man Standing and United Solo festivals, at the New York and Capitol Fringe festivals, and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
The performance is on Sunday, February 9th at 2 p.m. at the Yiddish Book Center, located at 1021 West Street in Amherst. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Jewish Federation of the Berkshires to hosts town hall to launch new community security program
Pittsfield— On Monday, February 10th at 7 p.m., Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, in partnership with the Secure Community Network (SCN,) will host a Town Hall event at Knesset Israel.
In response to the rising hate and violence targeting Jewish institutions, Jewish Federation of the Berkshires has committed to a multi-year investment, with the support of local donors and a LiveSecure grant from Jewish Federations of North America, to partner with SCN to strengthen security measures in the Berkshires and build resilience in the community. This event will provide an overview of Federation’s new partnership with SCN, discuss the current state of Jewish community security, highlight available training and programs, and address community safety concerns.
This partnership will be led by Andrew Hoffman, SCN’s Deputy Regional Security Advisor, and is designed to significantly enhance the safety and security of all who participate in Jewish life across the region. Andrew Hoffman, SCN’s Deputy Regional Security Advisor. “I look forward to working with residents, local leaders, and law enforcement to strengthen the preparedness and response capabilities of the Jewish community. My goal is to ensure that everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered.”
The event is on Monday, February 10th at 7 p.m. at Knesset Israel, located at 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield. Registration and more information can be found online. The event will also be livestream online. To report hate and violent incidents or threats towards the Jewish community, call 844.SCN.DESK (844.726.3375) or email DutyDesk@SecureCommunityNetwork.org.
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Stockbridge Grange community dinner
Stockbridge— On Sunday, February 9th, Stockbridge Grange is serving a community dinner featuring roast pork, mashed potatoes, and vegetable with dessert choices of chocolate cream or lemon meringue to raise money for non-profit projects and building maintenance.
The dinner is $15 per person, take out only, with a noon to 1:30 p.m. pick up at the Stockbridge Grange Hall, located at 51 Church Street in Stockbridge. Orders may be made by calling 413-243-1298 or 413-443-4352.
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Blood Drive at Great Barrington Town Hall
Great Barrington— On Thursday, February 13th from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Berkshire Health System’s “Bloodmobile” will be at the Great Barrington Town Hall, located at 334 Main Street.
All donated blood is used locally at Berkshire Medical Center, the Phelps Cancer Center, the North Adams Regional Hospital, and Fairview Hospital.
To sign up, call 413-447-2597, option 2 or email camuso@bhs1.org.
