Sunday, March 15, 2026

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

BITS & BYTES: Kwanzaa at Hudson Hall; John Pizzarelli at The Mahaiwe; Wizards of Winter at The Colonial; Winter Solstice at Olana; Bonnie Eastwood at Ventfort Hall; Great Barrington Arts Market at Berkshire Food Co-Op

Come celebrate African-American culture and unity with an afternoon of dancing, drumming, a candle-lighting ceremony, and the sharing of Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa, followed by a community dinner.

Operation Unite N.Y. presents Umoja Community Celebration of Kwanzaa at Hudson Hall

Hudson, N.Y.— On Saturday, December 20th at 3 p.m., Operation Unite N.Y. presents an Umoja Community Celebration of Kwanzaa at Hudson Hall. 

Come celebrate African-American culture and unity with an afternoon of arts and crafts for children, dancing, drumming, a candle-lighting ceremony, and the sharing of Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa, followed by a community dinner. 

Kwanzaa is a holiday observed by many African Americans. The seven-day Kwanzaa cultural holiday encourages people to think about their African roots as well as their life in present-day America. Kwanzaa is based on early African festivals and the word means “the first fruit”. The first night of Kwanzaa, Umoja (unity), represents striving for and maintaining unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

The celebration is on Saturday, December 20th at 3 p.m. at Hudson Hall, located at 327 Warren Street in Hudson, N.Y. Admission is free. All are welcome. More information can be found online. 

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Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center presents ‘Tony Bennett, The Art of Excellence’ with Grammy Award-winning producer and guitarist extraordinaire John Pizzarelli

Great Barrington— On Saturday, December 20th at 8 p.m., the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center presents ‘Tony Bennett, The Art of Excellence’ with Grammy Award-winning producer and guitarist extraordinaire John Pizzarelli. 

John Pizzarelli. Courtesy The Mahaiwe.

Pizzarelli salutes the legendary Tony Bennett, celebrating over 60 years of unparalleled artistry. From Bennett’s ’50s pop hits like “Because of You” and “Rags to Riches” through his timeless classics of the ’60s such as “I Wanna Be Around” and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” Pizzarelli’s trio will bring these iconic songs to life once again. The evening will also highlight Bennett’s incredible revival in the ’90s while Pizzarelli weaves in personal anecdotes and stories that reveal the man behind the music. Prepare for a night filled with unforgettable music as the John Pizzarelli Trio honors this generational talent.

The concert is on Saturday, December 20th at 8 p.m. at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, located at 14 Castle Street in Great Barrington. Tickets and more information can be found online. 

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Berkshire Theatre Group presents ‘The Christmas Dream,’ a spectacular holiday rock opera with the Wizards of Winter at The Colonial Theatre

Pittsfield— On Saturday, December 20th at 7:30 p.m., Berkshire Theatre Group presents ‘The Christmas Dream,’ a spectacular holiday rock opera with the Wizards of Winter at The Colonial Theatre. 

Wizards of Winter. Courtesy Berkshire Theatre Group.

Featuring former members of legendary rock bands including The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Def Leppard, Rainbow, Alice Cooper, Blue Öyster Cult, and Trixter, alongside seasoned Broadway and theater veterans, this 11-piece ensemble delivers a powerhouse performance with soaring vocal harmonies, electrifying guitar solos, precision strings, thunderous percussion and dazzling keyboard work. From symphonic rock and powerful ballads to festive fun and a surprise visit from Mrs. Claus, this high-energy, family-friendly production is an unforgettable way to welcome the holiday season, blending the excitement of rock with the heart of the holidays.

The performance is on Saturday, December 20th 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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Olana’s Annual Winter Solstice Celebration

Hudson, N.Y.— On Saturday, December 20th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Olana Partnership, with New York State Parks, presents Olana’s Annual Winter Solstice Celebration. 

The celebration will include free access to the historic interiors, nature walks, a bonfire, seasonal storytelling, winter-themed art activities, a winter choir performance by Catskill High School musicians, refreshments for purchase from Citiot and Nine Pin Ciders, a special visit from everyone’s favorite miniature donkey Hank, and more.

Hank the donkey. Courtesy Olana Partnership.

The celebration is on Saturday, December 20th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Olana State Historic Site, located at 5720 NY-9G in Hudson, N.Y. More information can be found online.

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Ventfort Hall presents ‘Christmas Traditions of the Victorian & Gilded Age,’ a tea & talk with Bonnie Eastwood at Ventfort Hall

Lenox— On Saturday, December 20th at 3:30 p.m., Ventfort Hall presents “Christmas Traditions of the Victorian & Gilded Age,” a tea & talk with Bonnie Eastwood at Ventfort Hall.

The talk will include the history and description of such traditions as decorating the house, the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, Christmas Eve festivities, Christmas Day activities such as gift giving and Christmas dinner, New Year’s Eve, Twelfth Night, and more.

Courtesy Ventfort Hall.

Bonnie Eastwood is passionate about helping in any way that she can at Ventfort Hall. She is a docent at and assists with Tea & Talks and other special events. She is also involved in the restoration of the crown molding in the drawing room. Currently, she is researching Sarah Learned Mifflin Morgan, the “other Sarah,” who was George Hale Morgan’s second wife, with hopes to give a talk at Ventfort Hall on “The Other Sarah” in the near future.

The event is on Saturday, December 20th at 3:30 p.m. at Ventfort Hall, located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox. A tea is served after the presentation.Tickets and more information can be found online. 

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Great Barrington Arts Market’s ‘Delightful and Delectable,’ a curated holiday market featuring local and regional handmade gifts, will be held at Berkshire Food Co-Op

Great Barrington— On Saturday, December 20th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Great Barrington Arts Market’s “Delightful and Delectable,” a curated holiday market featuring local and regional handmade gifts, will be held at Berkshire Food Co-Op ,”a curated holiday market featuring local and regional handmade gifts, will be held at the Berkshire Food Co-Op.

Crafty Doll Works. Courtesy Great Barrington Arts Market Facebook page.

Great Barrington Arts Market’s founders believe that the conscious shopper recognizes how important it is to support the local economy and that a venue for artists to sell their work directly to the community is an obvious match to vibrant downtown Great Barrington. In a community where so many residents believe in the importance of keeping dollars local, “Delightful and Delectable” offers locals and tourists a festive and unique shopping experience. With over 31 makers, the market is a chance to shop a variety of gifts and support the local artist community at the same time.  

The market is on Saturday, December 20th at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,at the Berkshire Food Co-Op, located 34 Bridge Street in Great Barrington. Admission is free. More information can be found online. 

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