Bennington College presents the Tarot of Leonora Carrington
Bennington— On Monday, November 27th from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Bennington College presents the Tarot of Leonora Carrington.

This talk will focus on the discovery of Leonora Carrington’s Major Arcana tarot paintings in 2017 and the subsequent research into its impact on her entire body of work, both visual and literary. Dr. Aberth will outline how the artist merged her interest in alchemy, the Kabbalah, and other esoteric systems with the tarot to create a deck that she considered a tool in aiding the achievement of higher consciousness. The deck is meant to promote a rethinking of the hierarchies surrounding gender and the natural world and was her hope for a future world freed from patriarchy.
Dr. Susan Aberth is the Edith C. Blum Professor of Art History at Bard College where she specializes in Latin American Art and Surrealism. Her publications include “The Tarot of Leonora Carrington”, co-authored with Mexican curator Tere Arcq, and “Leonora Carrington: Surrealism, Alchemy and Art”. She has contributed to numerous witchcraft and occultism publications.
The talk is on Monday, November 27th from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Tishman Lecture Hall at Bennington College on FoodOne College Drive in Bennington. It is open to the public. More information can be found online.
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Bennington Theater presents actor-comedian Jon Rudnitsky
Bennington— On Thursday, November 30th at 7:30 p.m. Bennington Theater presents actor-comedian Jon Rudnitsky.

You’ll recognize him from the cast of the 41st season of Saturday Night Live, his Anderson Cooper impression, or from Miley Cyrus licking his face when she was the SNL host/musical guest. Jon Rudnitsky brings unforgettable experiences to the stage. Get ready for an extraordinary night of laughter and surprises!
Jon Rudnitsky has appeared in leading roles opposite Reese Witherspoon in the film “Hone again,” alongside George Clooney in the Hulu mini series “Catch 22,” the Netflix movie “Set it Up” and the lead role in “The Big Leap” on Fox. He starred in “The Young Wife” with Judith Light which premiered at SXSW this year, and he can be seen in the upcoming Amazon feature “The Red One” with The Rock, animated Paramount feature “Under the Boardwalk” with Michael Cera and Russell Brand, and “Stealing Pulp Fiction” with Jason Alexander.
As a stand up he’s performed on “Conan”, Comedy Central’s “The Comedy Jam” where he performed “Footloose” with Kenny Loggins, and he is a regular at the world famous Comedy Cellar in New York City. He was also selected as one of the New Faces at the prestigious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal.
The event is on Thursday, November 30th at 7:30 p.m. at Bennington Theater on Main Street in Bennington. Tickets are $25 or $20 in advance. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Simon’s Rock presents “Slow Dancing: Paintings by John Musall” opening reception and gallery talk
Great Barrington— On Thursday, November 30th at 5 p.m., Simon’s Rock presents “Slow Dancing: Paintings by John Musall” opening reception and gallery talk.

“Slow Dancing” is an exhibition of paintings of dancers by John Musall, longtime faculty in Design for Theater, celebrating 35 years of work and collaboration with dancers and dance teachers from New York City, Bard College, and Simon’s Rock.
The event is on Thursday, November 30th at 5 p.m. The show opens with an Artists Talk in the McConnell Theater, followed by a reception in the Hillman-Jackson Gallery at Simon’s Rock on Alford Road in Great Barrington. It is free and open to the public. More information can be found online.
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Spencertown Academy presents ‘Blues Women of the Capital Region II’ concert featuring Gina Coleman, Leslie Barkman, and Robin O’Herin
Spencertown— On Saturday, November 25th at 7:30 p.m., Spencertown Academy Roots & Shoots Concerts Series presents “Blues Women of the Capital Region II” featuring Gina Coleman, Leslie Barkman, and Robin O’Herin.

Gina Coleman is the leader, singer, and founder of Misty Blues, a Berkshire County-based band that plays original and traditional blues with hints of jazz, soul, funk, and tent revival gospel. The band performs extensively throughout New England and has toured internationally. Two members of Misty Blues will accompany Coleman at the Academy, guitar players Seth Fleischman and Diego Mongue (who happens to be her son).
Leslie Barkman is a vocalist, songwriter, and piano player who loves the style and evocative lyrics of the blues. She brings her blues tastes and talents to her solo act, which she took to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis as a representative of CRBN, performs with her band Lou’s Blues, and is a vocalist with the Hammerhead Horns. At the Academy, she says she will sing both “lady blues covers” and originals.
Robin O’Herin is a touring blues and gospel musician, specializing in historically rich, often interactive concerts that include original and traditional American roots music. A finalist in both the International Blues Challenge and Memphis Blues Challenge, she has toured internationally to music festivals in Italy and the Czech Republic.
The concert is on Saturday, November 25th at 7:30 p.m. at the Spencertown Academy on Route NY-203 in Spencertown. Tickets are $25 and $20 for members. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Christ Trinity Church presents silent film with live music accompaniment by Donald Sosin and Joanna Seaton at Dewey Hall
Sheffield— On Friday, November 24th at 7 p.m., Christ Trinity Church presents the classic silent comedy film, “Speedy,” starring Harold Lloyd, with live music accompaniment from internationally acclaimed silent film musicians Donald Sosin and Joanna Seaton, with a proper sing-along of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

Harold “Speedy” Swift (Lloyd) is an avid NY Yankees fan who gets fired from his many jobs, for circumstances beyond his control. Through his mishaps, we wind up at a real Yankees game where the real Babe Ruth gives Speedy a free ticket to the game.
“Speedy,” made in 1928, was Lloyd’s final silent film to be released, and its director, Ted Wilde, was nominated for the first ever Academy Award for Best Director of a Comedy. The film was shot in Hollywood and on location in New York City, where Lloyd got the police to shut down traffic everywhere he filmed, resulting in wonderful film shots of 1028 New York City.
Live, original music will be performed during the film by Joanna Seaton and Donald Sosin. They are among the world’s foremost silent film musicians, bringing their unique blend of keyboards, vocals, and percussion to film festivals worldwide, from Lincoln Center to Bangkok. They have performed at the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and Music Mountain, and are favorite guest artists at the National Gallery and at Italy’s annual silent film retrospectives in Pordenone and Bologna. Donald’s score for the 1916 feature “Sherlock Holmes” was premiered in Odessa with 15,000 spectators. They have created scores for over 65 silent film DVDs on the Criterion, KinoLorber, Milestone, Flicker Alley and European labels. They have taught silent film music workshops at universities around the nation.
The event is on Friday, November 24th at 7 p.m. at Dewey Memorial Hall on Main Street in Sheffield. Tickets are $15 plus an optional donation to support the mission of Christ Trinity Church. Tickets are available online.
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Dottie’s Coffee Lounge presents Domingo Brunch featuring the Richard Stanmeyer Trio
Pittsfield— On Sunday November 26th from 10 a.m. to noon, Dottie’s Coffee Lounge presents Domingo Brunch featuring the Richard Stanmeyer Trio

Richard Stanmeyer is a trumpet player who grew up in the Berkshires and is based in Boston. Hailed as a “trumpet prodigy” by Berkshires Jazz, he has performed with internationally renowned musicians such as Steve Davis (trombonist with Art Blakey) and Belle & Sebastian. He has performed at venues including Symphony Hall and the Newport Jazz Festival, and in July and August of 2022 he taught and performed with his group in Morelia, México, including performing a sold-out show at the city’s cultural center, Centro Cultural Allende 637.
Stanmeyer is delighted to perform at Dottie’s, sharing the stage with local heavyweights and close friends Henry Carroll on drums and Jack Corcoran on acoustic bass. The set includes original compositions by Richard Stanmeyer, and arrangements of repertoire from the Great American Songbook.
The event is on Sunday November 26th from 10 a.m. to noon at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge on North Street in Pittsfield. There will be delicious food and extraordinary drinks available for purchase. More information can be found online.
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Ancram Opera House to host end-of-season community open house
Ancram— On Saturday, November 25th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Ancram Opera House will open its doors for a free community gathering.
“We’ve always loved kicking off the holidays with this end-of-season event, but COVID put the kibosh on our Open House the past few years,” said Jeff Mousseau, Co-Director of Ancram Opera House. “That’s why we’re so happy to bring it back. We’ve had a great season of new work from exceptional artists and there’s no one we’d rather celebrate with than our staff, neighbors, and community friends.”

Paul Ricciardi, Co-Director of Ancram Opera House, hinted that guests may get a sneak peek at plans for 2024. “We’re going to be talking about new initiatives to engage with our community, enrich our performing arts offerings, and create a dynamic arts venue for theater lovers living in or visiting the Hudson Valley. It’s going to be exciting, and we can’t wait to share the news with our friends and neighbors.”
The family-friendly open house is on Saturday, November 25th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Ancram Opera House on County Route 7 in Ancram. There will be live music by Jim Wright and Will Lawrence, hors d’oeuvres, wine, cider, and soft drinks. RSVPs are not required but are encouraged and can be made online.
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Give Joy This Holiday Season with the Shining Star Supplemental Holiday Program
Great Barrington— The Shining Star Supplemental Holiday Program provides an opportunity for community members to anonymously purchase gifts for other local people who could use some additional support during the holiday season.
Applicants for support (Stars) send in a holiday wishlist. The Star recipient is then anonymously matched with a generous community donor who fulfills their wishlist. For children, this is in the form of gifts. Stars who are teens and young adults receive gift cards to their store of choice. Monetary donations are also accepted and a member of our team will do the shopping for you.

If you would like to be paired with a Star and help bring joy to Berkshire families this holiday season, click this link or fill out a form in person at Berkshire South. The gift drop-off deadline is December 4th.
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The Watson Fund sets 2023 fundraising goal
South Berkshire— The 87th annual John S. Watson Fund has set its fundraising goal at $40,000 this year due to the increased need in Southern Berkshire County. The Watson Fund aims to make the holiday season a bit more joyous by providing food and clothing certificates to families in need across the Southern Berkshires and requires your help to make this happen.
With the hope of raising $40,000, the Watson Fund is now accepting donations online, by mail and at all Berkshire Bank South County branches.
Founded in 1936 by local newsman John S. Watson, the Watson Fund has grown considerably over the years. In 2022, the Watson Fund served a total of 796 people by providing 245 families with food certificates and 365 children with clothing certificates.
Donations to the Watson Fund can be made in person at any Berkshire Bank branch in South County, by mail to The Watson Fund at P.O. Box 284, Great Barrington, MA 01230, or by using our new secure PayPal link online. Checks should be payable to the Watson Fund. Those wishing to make their donations “in memory of” or “in lieu of holiday cards” can include their requests with their check and those wishes will be published in local papers and on WSBS radio. In addition, the Watson Fund’s annual WSBS Radio-Thon will be held the morning of Monday, December 4th from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. for those wishing to contribute through the Radio-Thon.
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MCLA hosts celebration of life for Dr. Steve Green
North Adams— On Saturday, December 2nd at 1 p.m., MCLA and the Green Family will host a celebration of life for Dr. Stephen A. (Steve) Green (1938-2023).
Steve accomplished a 36-year career at the former North Adams State College (now MCLA). Steve served as a sociology professor, department chair, and Vice President of Academic Affairs. His passion for non-traditional students stemmed from his own educational struggles, making him a cherished mentor, friend, and advocate.
Outside academia, Steve’s commitment to community flourished through the creation of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, where he served as a board member. Awards recognizing his community contributions adorned his life, but Steve, ever humble, preferred their omission from his biography. In retirement, Steve dedicated time to the Al Nelson Food Pantry, embodying his belief in the power of community support.
The celebration is on Saturday, December 2nd at 1 p.m. in MCLA’s Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium on Church Street in North Adams and via Zoom. It is free and open to the public. More information and Zoom details can be found by emailing advancement@mcla.edu.