Bard Graduate Vocal Arts Program presents two recitals at PS21 exploring the American experience through art song and American music
Chatham, N.Y.— On Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th at 3 p.m., the Bard Graduate Vocal Arts Program presents “The Heart of a Woman” and “American Tapestry,” two recitals at PS21 exploring the American experience through art song and American music.
“The Heart of a Woman” (December 6th) centers around the idea of womanhood, specifically through a cultural lens, and follows the thread of feminine wisdom and its conveyance. The artists explore what constitutes being an “American woman,” not just through repertoire, but through each of our incredibly varied experiences.
“American Tapestry” (December 7th) explores the evolution of American vocal music. From early hymns and folk songs, to 19th-century parlor music and contemporary art song, this recital celebrates the voices, styles, and cultures that have shaped America’s unique musical identity—honoring its past, while imagining its future.
Guided by Artistic Director Stephanie Blythe, the Bard Graduate Vocal Arts Program provides emerging singers with the technical grounding, historical wisdom, and artistic freedom to build careers — and voices — on their own terms. Graduates of the program, now in its 19th year, go on to appear in recital, opera, and concert as performers and creators on the world’s preeminent stages, receiving awards and accolades for their groundbreaking artistry and creativity onstage and behind the scenes.
The concerts are on Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th at 3 p.m. at PS21, located at 2980 Route 66 in Chatham, N.Y. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Spencertown Academy presents a staged reading of “For the Love of Me” a new play by Kate McLeod
Spencertown, N.Y.— On Saturday, December 6th at 7 p.m., the Spencertown Academy presents a staged reading of “For the Love of Me” a new play by Kate McLeod.
“For the Love of Me” is set in 1886. A young woman packs her few belongings and her determination into a shabby bag, boards a coffin ship in Dublin landing in the rat-infested streets of New York City. After a year with the rats, she finds work on her knees scrubbing floors in the household of the famous artist, Frederic Church, Olana, in the Hudson Valley. At Olana, life changes for Emilia. She begins to understand her desires and her gifts through the connection with the Churches and others. Her dreams expand. But with the changes, come unexpected challenges.
Most of McLeod’s 20 plays have received productions and readings throughout the northeast, in London, and in Alaska at Edward Albee’s Last Frontier Theatre Conference. Recent recognition for her work includes being a finalist at The Secret Theatre’s One Act Festival and receiving Best Storyteller at United Solo in 2022 for her solo play, “By the Light.”
The reading is on Saturday, December 6th at 7 p.m. at the Spencertown Academy, located at 790 State Route 203 in Spencertown. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Becket Arts Center presents a reading of ‘Fragments,’ a work in progress written and performed by Jim Petosa
Becket— On Saturday, December 6th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., as a participant in World Aids Day, the Becket Arts Center presents a reading of “Fragments,” a work in progress written and performed by Jim Petosa.
Petosa will recount the story of one couple navigating their mystical, transformative, and brutal journey through the AIDS pandemic.
The reading is on Saturday, December 6th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Becket Arts Center, located at 7 Brooker Hill Road in Becket. There will be a post-show discussion. Admission is free and donations are welcome. More information can be found online.
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Bennington Theater presents ‘The turkey is Fine,’ a stage reading of a new play by X SXR GRIPP
Bennington, Vt.— On Saturday, December 6th at 6 p.m., Bennington Theater presents “The turkey is Fine,” a stage reading of a new play by X SXR GRIPP.
What does a young couple do when one of them invites hypercritical Mum and passive jolly Dad to a special dinner in their shabby little apartment? Argue, roast a turkey, smoke drugs, ruin the turkey, forget the turkey, sing, clean, confront the past, and envision a future, of course! The one-hour farce is directed by Mark Macey.
The reading is on Saturday, December 6th at 6 p.m. at Bennington Theater, located at 331 Main Street in Bennington, Vt. Admission is free and donations are welcome. More information can be found online.
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Jacob’s Pillow presents ‘Celebrating the Spirit of Connection,’ a free community movement workshop at Zion Lutheran Church
Pittsfield— On Saturday, December 6th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Jacob’s Pillow presents “Celebrating the Spirit of Connection,” a free community movement workshop at Zion Lutheran Church.
Come in from the cold and feel the warmth of community. This joyful, family-friendly experience of expressive movement and intergenerational collaborative dance-making is led by Jacob’s Pillow Curriculum in Motion™ artists Kimberli Boyd and Espoir DelMain. You’ll create dances that celebrate each person’s individuality and a shared strength as a community. Everybody is welcome, with a special invitation to seniors. No dance experience needed – just bring your curiosity and an open heart.
The workshop is on Saturday, December 6th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, located at 74 First Street in Pittsfield. Admission is free. Snacks and warm beverages will be provided. More information can be found online.
