Race Brook Lodge presents the Aba Diop Trio
Sheffield— On Thursday, June 20th from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., Race Brook Lodge presents the Aba Diop Trio.
Aba Diop, a griot from both his mother and father’s side, has played on world stages, at major festivals, in traditional sabar ceremonies, and with diverse groups and individuals including Yo-Yo Ma, John Medeski, Billy Martin, and Youssou N’Dour. His music reflects the extent of his experiences. Elements of jazz, folk, funk and other global music influences are all incorporated into the West African sabar tradition he has known since birth.
Aba Diop, with Noumoucounda Cissoko and Jason Hosier, make up a power trio transmitting a wholly new genre of West African sabar fusion. Interweaving the propulsive rhythms of Diop’s sabar drum percussion with the dulcet tones of Cissoko’s kora, the fluidity of Hosier’s jazzy, meditative guitar riffs, and vocals that integrate the griot storytelling traditions from thousands of years, the trio’s unique instrumentation creates a conversation between tradition and modernity, between east and west, between acoustic and electric. The trio’s overall effect is a mesmerizing amalgam tethered to an ancient impulse while offering a current —and deeply listenable— reflection of our shared humanity.
The concert is on Thursday, June 20th from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Race Brook Lodge at 864 South Undermountain Road in Sheffield. The doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Art on Main Gallery opens ‘Of Earth and Sky,’ bronze sculptures and oil paintings by Kay Lerner, Pattie Lipman and John Huffaker
West Stockbridge— From June 20th through June 30th, Art on Main Gallery opens ‘Of Earth and Sky,’ bronze sculptures and oil paintings by Kay Lerner, Pattie Lipman and John Huffaker.
John Huffaker’s work is modeled directly in wax and cast in bronze. He often creates a series of sculptures on a common motif. One work leads to another although the path is not always linear — his hands have wisdom that his head does not and he enjoys the surprise.
Kay Lerner’s enthusiasm for the everyday world and the things around her inspired her to express that vision in different directions. She believes that her work, as shown by the slices of art that she has created, are indicative of that environment. This new exhibit shows the versatility in style and technique that have been earmarks through her career.
Pattie Lipman loves art history, looking at prints and paintings, and making both. Working in oils in still-life and landscape allows her to work from what she sees with color and to engage in a dialogue with other artists in the history of art.
The exhibit runs from June 20th through June 30th at Art on Main Gallery at 38 Main Street in West Stockbridge. There is an opening reception on Saturday, June 22nd from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and an artist talk with John Huffaker on Saturday, June 29th at 2 p.m. More information can be found online.
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The W. E. B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy commemorates Juneteenth with ‘An Evening with Congresswoman Nikema Williams’
Great Barrington— On Wednesday, June 19th at 6 p.m., The W. E. B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy (known as the “Du Bois Freedom Center”) will commemorate Juneteenth by hosting “An Evening with Congresswoman Nikema Williams,” who will be in conversation with the Du Bois Freedom Center’s Visiting Scholar on Democracy, Michael Blake.
“An Evening with Congresswoman Nikema Williams,” is first in the center’s “Reflections on Democracy” series, a series of educational events and public programs that ask featured scholars, elected officials, students, artists, musicians, philanthropists, and the community, to share their hopes for our democracy and reflections via this site in response to the following Du Bois passage:
“…I dream of a world of infinitive and valuable variety; not in the laws of gravity or atomic weights, but in human variety in height and weight, color and skin, hair and nose and lip. But more especially and far above and beyond this, is a realm of true freedom: in thought and dream, fantasy and imagination; in gift, aptitude, and genius—all possible manner of difference, topped with freedom of soul to do and be, and freedom of thought to give to a world and build into it, all wealth of inborn individuality. Each effort to stop this freedom of being is a blow at democracy—that real democracy which is reservoir and opportunity . . . There can be no perfect democracy curtailed by color, race, or poverty. But with all we accomplish all, even Peace.”
The free event is on Wednesday, June 19th at 6 p.m. at The W. E. B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy St. James Place at 352 Main Street in Great Barrington. Registration is required. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Clark Art Institute celebrates Juneteenth
Williamstown— Wednesday, June 19th, the Clark Art Institute celebrates Juneteenth with art-making and music.
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., drop in for a free art-making event inspired by contemporary artist David-Jeremiah’s exhibition “I Drive Thee.” In these works, the artist reflects on his experience of Black masculinity in America. Make an artwork inspired by David-Jeremiah’s circular reliefs, or tondos, using collage-making techniques, and consider the symbols, colors, shapes, and materials to make an artwork that expresses personal beliefs and feelings. People of all ages and abilities are welcome.
At 6 p.m., Yale professor Kaiama L. Glover presents a lecture titled Minette and Eighteenth-Century French Caribbean Music, in which she discusses the theatrical life of the eighteenth-century French Caribbean, focusing on artists of African descent, including the noted violinist Joseph Bologne, the Chevalier de Saint-George, and the celebrated soprano Minette. Glover’s talk is illustrated by short musical performances by the American-Brazilian soprano Ariana Wehr, singing excerpts from works Minette would have performed accompanied by the harpsichord.
The free events are on Wednesday, June 19th at The Clark Art Institute on South Street in Williamstown. More information can be found online.
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Sheffield Pride
Sheffield— On Saturday, June 22nd from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sheffield Pride will take place at the Sheffield Park Pavilion.
The day will be full of fun with Drag Story Time with Bella Santarella, a Pride pet parade,a free dinner by Padre Pollo, a variety show, raffles, and a dance party. All day long, there will be vendors and community booths, face painting, lawn games, and a photo booth.
The event is on Saturday, June 22nd from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Sheffield Park Pavilion at 53-59 Frederic Lane in Sheffield. More information including a full schedule of activities can be found online.
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OutHudson Pride official kickoff with BETTY at Hudson Hall
Hudson— On Friday, June 21st at 7 p.m., kickoff OutHudson Pride with legendary indie rock trio BETTY.
Celebrating 38 years of incredible live shows and the release of their 11th studio album, powerhouse performers Alyson Palmer with Elizabeth and Amy Ziff bring their energetic mix of music, performance art, politics, and comedy to Hudson for one night only.
The performance is on Friday, June 21st at 7 p.m. at Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House at 327 Warren Street in Hudson. Tickets start at $28. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Summer Solstice festivities at The Clark
Williamstown— On Thursday, June 20th from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., The Clark Art Institute celebrates the 2024 Summer Solstice with earth-based rituals led by Wild Soul River.
Enjoy small plates served by Cricket Creek Farm and a selection of performances and activities, including a foraging walk, a smoke cleanse, flower crown making, an indigo dyeing workshop, a drum circle, and fire spinning. There will be s’mores and tea.
The free festivities will take place on Thursday, June 20th from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Clark’s Lunder Center at Stone Hill on South Street in Williamstown. More information, including a detailed schedule of activities, can be found online.
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Berkshire Regional Planning Commission kicks off road safety action plan with three informational sessions
Pittsfield— The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) federal funding program is bringing resources to Berkshire County to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on our roads, with the goal of reaching zero. Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) is kicking off this effort under the banner of their STEPS Initiative: the Safe Travel and Equity Plan for our Streets, and will soon begin the data gathering process.
BRPC is inviting residents of Berkshire County to share their experiences that might not be found in a statewide database. Your input will help shape the priorities of the STEPS Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. This Action Plan will open the door for future funding for recommended construction or programs.
The planning team is pleased to offer three opportunities to attend in-person or virtually this month (the meetings will be identical in content):
- Thursday, June 20th, noon to 1 p.m., Terra Nova at 85 Main Street in North Adams
- Thursday, June 20th, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m at Dalton Public Library at 462 Main Street in Dalton
- Friday, June 21st, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at State Road Firehouse at 37 State Road in great Barrington
Spanish language interpretation will be available on Zoom for the June 20th meeting. To join any meeting via Zoom, you must pre-register for the one you wish to attend at: berkshireplanning.org/initiatives/ss4a/
Residents are also encouraged to participate in a five minute online survey that will help to build the Action Plan. Take the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/SS4A. The survey will remain open through the summer. Learn more about the STEPS Initiative project at berkshireplanning.org/initiatives/ss4a/.
