Downtown Pittsfield’s First Fridays Artswalk as part of the City of Pittsfield’s First Fridays at Five
Pittsfield— On Friday, June 6th from 5 p.m. to to 8 p.m., Downtown Pittsfield hosts its First Friday Artswalk as part of the City of Pittsfield’s First Fridays at Five.
The city will be alive with open studios and opening receptions across downtown Pittsfield. Participating venues include Berkshire Art Center, Berkshire Theatre Group, Clock Tower Artists, Dottie’s Coffee Lounge, Framework by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Hotel on North, Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, Living in Recovery, Marketplace Cafe, Methuselah Bar & Lounge, Ralph Froio Senior Center, Roots and Dreams and Mustard Seeds, Soda Chef, and TKG Real Estate.
Highlights include artworks by Stephanie “Sesame” Campbell at Living in Recovery, located at 75 North Street. Campbell went to Bard College on an art scholarship in the nineties based on the strength of her work as a homeless N.Y.C. street and graffiti artist. When shamed by a professor’s disdain for her lack of classical training, she put down her brush and earned multiple graduate degrees in philosophy, education, and public health policy, and she now works as a national drug policy advisor and consultant for government, health care providers, and nonprofit organizations, informed by her lived experience as a person in sustained recovery. Several years ago, she began her artistic recovery, committing to an art practice after 25 years away from the canvas. After a series of master studies that built confidence and skill, she embarked on a journey exploring light and color with her application of thousands of tiny dots. Through her evocative works, she has found her voice in creating captivating landscapes and symbolic representations, impressively demonstrating the power of self-taught art.
There will be an opening reception for a brand-new photography exhibition featuring portraits from “Faces of Pittsfield” by Marina Dominguez at Framework, located at 437 North Street. “Faces of Pittsfield” honors local people and businesses, promoting inclusivity and diversity by amplifying the stories of people who live and work in Pittsfield.
Berkshire Art Center, located at 141 North Street, presents “Deb Koffman Retrospective.” Celebrate the whimsical and uplifting work of Deb Koffman (1956–202,), a Housatonic-based artist known for her colorful, cartoon-like drawings and thoughtful word art. A visual thinker, Koffman’s work explored mindfulness, emotional resilience, and personal growth, inspiring viewers of all ages to embrace creativity and navigate life with curiosity and joy.
TKG Real Estate, located at 137 North Street, will feature “The Love of Art” by Patricia Carchedi-Coakley, who said “My love of art started back in the early 70’s when I discovered Folk Art,” says Patricia. “I’ve painted off and on over the years as a self-taught artist. Last year, I began to take online courses to learn different techniques and fell in love with all the various styles including pop art, abstract, flowers and animals.”
The event is on Friday, June 6th from 5 p.m. to to 8 p.m. throughout Downtown Pittsfield. Download the Downtown Pittsfield app in the App Store or on Google Play to follow a virtual walking tour of art on your cell phone. More information, including a listing of all First Friday at Five events, can be found online.
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10th annual Lenox Spring Art Walk
Lenox— Saturday, June 7th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday June 8th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Town of Lenox, with Lenox Chamber of Commerce, the Lenox Cultural District, and Gordon Fine Art, will host its 10th annual Spring Art Walk event.
The Art Walk is a curated show of artists and artisans who showcase their work throughout downtown Lenox. Offerings include paintings, drawings, photographs, ceramics, fiber arts, jewelry, and clothing. The event, which began in Fall of 2020 has grown to upwards of 50 artists with over 3000 attendees.
The festival is on Saturday, June 7th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday June 8th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout Downtown Lenox. There will be live musical performances and Gunther’s Sausage Wagon will be serving food. More information can be found online.
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Springfield Museums presents ‘The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards’ exhibit
Springfield— From June 7th through September 14th, the Springfield Museums, with Terra Esplendida, presents “The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards” exhibit.
A smiling fish, a laidback chimp, a kangaroo ready to rock out — sixty light-hearted photographs showcase the comedic sides of creatures great and small, including winners and finalists from the international “The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards” competition, created by Tom Sullam and Paul Joynson-Hicks in 2015. With their shared experience living and working on the African continent, the two wildlife photographers sought to bring attention to environmental conservation in a unique way: through humor. Since then, the project has grown to become a world-renowned competition, open to amateurs and professionals, seen by millions of people every year.
In addition to providing carefree fun, the images transcend culture and language to communicate the importance of environmental sustainability and the protection of endangered species. The photographs also emphasize the extraordinary beauty and diversity of life on our planet and the danger these species face due to rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changing precipitation patterns.
The exhibit is on view from June 7th through September 14th at the Springfield Museums, located at 21 Edwards Street in Springfield. More information can be found online.
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Mac-Haydn Theatre kicks-off 56th season with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘A Grand Night For Singing’
Chatham, N.Y.— Through June 15th, The Mac-Haydn Theatre opens its 56th season with the charming and elegant musical revue, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “A Grand Night for Singing,” a celebration of the legendary Rodgers & Hammerstein songbook that offers a fresh take on some of the most beloved classics in American musical theatre.
Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein may never have imagined “Shall We Dance?” as a comic pas de deux for a towering beauty and her diminutive admirer, nor might they have suspected that one day a lovelorn young lad might pose the musical question, “How do you solve a problem like Maria?” But that’s precisely the kind of invention lavished upon this new revue, with innovative musical arrangements, including a sultry Andrews Sisters-esque “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” a swingin’ “Honeybun” worthy of the Modernaires, and a jazzy “Kansas City,” proving how terrifically up-to-date the remarkable songs of R&H remain. This dazzling revue earned Tony Award nominations for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical when it premiered on Broadway, and continues to resonate with audiences thanks to its emotional depth, playful wit, and irresistible melodies.
Performances run through June 15th at The Mac-Haydn Theatre, located at 1925 NY-203 in Chatham, N.Y. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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The Foundry presents comedian Julia Scotti
West Stockbridge— On Sunday, June 8th at 7:30 p.m., The Foundry presents Julia Scotti, named one of the “Top Five Transgender Comedians” in the Country by Advocate Magazine.
Scotti made history as the first transgender comedian to appear on national television as a quarter-finalist on “America’s Got Talent.” Simon Cowell said, “you genuinely made me laugh!” and she continues to remain a fan favorite of “America’s Got Talent” audiences around the world.
In addition to performing standup coast to coast, you have seen her on AGT and Showtime, where she was featured on “More Funny Women of a Certain Age” and “Elsbeth” on CBS. You can currently see Julia in “Babes” with Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau. She stars as Joy in the short film drama “Relatable Joy” and appears in Billy Eichner’s film “Bros.” Most recently, she was voted best supporting actress in the independent film “Fabulous Seven Forever.”
The performance is on Sunday, June 8th at 7:30 p.m. at The Foundry, located at 2 Harris Street in West Stockbridge. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Eighth annual Berkshire Pride Festival, third annual Pride Parade, and afterparties
Pittsfield— On Saturday, June 8th from 11:00 a.m. to midnight, Berkshire Pride presents the eighth annual Berkshire Pride Festival, the third annual Pride Parade, and afterparties.
At 11 a.m., the parade begins on Eagle Street heading towards the First Street Common for the eighth annual Pride Festival from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Expect lots of vendors, amazing drag performers, and talented musical artists. The party doesn’t stop after the festival! Starting at 4 p.m., there is a dynamic trio of afterparties in downtown Pittsfield, each offering a unique vibe and entertainment starting. Come as you are or change into your evening sparkle!
Afterparty locations:
- Wander Berkshires, 34 Depot Street, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. At 4 p.m., the alley comes alive with DJ Pup Daddy setting the tone for the evening with a joyful mix of queer anthems and protest beats. At 5 p.m., there will be a community “Vow In + Commitment Ceremony” officiated by Bella Santarella—an open invitation for couples to say “I do” or renew their love in a public ritual of resistance and belonging. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., DJ BFG takes over, spinning a mix of beats that will move your body and lift your spirit as the night rolls on. Inside, for those seeking a different kind of movement experience, there will be a Silent Disco Dance Party, with multi-channel music genre options for every mood and movement. Outside, there will be food and drinks served by Tito’s Mexican Bar & Grill. Inside, Wander’s will be serving handcrafted zero-proof cocktails and non-alcoholic wine and beer. This Pride, gather not just in celebration, but in defiance. Dance not in spite of what’s happening in the world—but because joy, visibility, and chosen family are forms of resistance.
- Dorothy’s, 438 North Street, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dorothy’s will be serving dinner with live music by Vaguley Pagan featuring the musicianship of Brian Kantor on drums and vocals, Miles Lally on bass, and Wes Buckley on guitar and vocals.
- Methuselah Bar & Lounge, 391 North Street, 9 p.m. to midnight. Keep the celebration going after the parade at Methuselah’s “Out After Dark,” a Pride afterglow party where love, liberation, and beats light up the night. There will be for craft cocktails, curated vibes, and a soundtrack spun by the one and only DJ Champ, who will be serving up an electrifying mix of house, funk, disco, and queer anthems all night long. Whether you’re dancing in glitter or sipping something strong, come as you are and revel in the joy of community — because Pride doesn’t end with the parade, it just gets louder!!
The events are in downtown Pittsfield on Saturday, June 8th from 11:00 a.m. to midnight. More information can be found online.
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Wander presents the legendary LGBTQIA+ storytelling show ‘Closet Cases’ to celebrate its one-year anniversary
Pittsfield— On Wednesday, June 12th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wander presents the legendary LGBTQIA+ storytelling show “Closet Cases” to celebrate its one-year anniversary.
One year ago, Jay Santangelo signed the lease on an empty space with nothing but a key, a vision, and a wild, hope-filled dream: to create a home for connection, creativity, and belonging. Today, Wander stands as a vibrant café, event venue, and future community darkroom, celebrating its first full Pride Month open to the public. This also marks Jay’s first Pride as an out transgender person. “There was no roadmap—just a commitment to show up as I am and build something that could hold others doing the same,” says Santangelo. “This Pride, I’m finally Jay. And I’m honored to celebrate with this community.”
“Closet Cases” celebrates its 20th anniversary with a one-night-only Berkshire debut at Wander. Hosted by Shawn Hollenbach (The Mortified Guide, Sundance/Prime Video), the evening features raw, hilarious, and unforgettable stories of coming out and becoming. The line-up of story-tellers includes Jay Santangelo (Founder, WANDER Berkshires,) Vicki Ferentinos (Bravo, Comedy Central,) David Hodorowski (MTV, VH1, CBS,) and Brandy Rowell (Suddenly Stand-Up, NYC.)
The event is on Wednesday, June 12th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Wander, located at 34 Depot Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online.
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WordXWord presents ‘Poets Creating Conversation: Inclusion’
Pittsfield— On Tuesday, June 10th at 7 p.m., WordXWord presents “Poets Creating Conversation: Inclusion.”
Over the course of three months, WordXWord has asked poets of any ilk to apply their creative energy to three fraught words: diversity, equity, and (now) inclusion. For this final event in the series, anything even tangentially related to any or all things DEI is welcome. This is as close to an open mic as you’re likely to see from WordXWord.
The free event is on Tuesday, June 10th at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, located at 175 Wendell Avenue in Pittsfield. Sign-ups can be found online.
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Second Annual Berkshire Yoga Festival
Hancock— From June 12th through the 15th, the second annual Berkshire Yoga Festival will take place at Jiminy Peak.
This four-day yoga and wellness festival will feature over 85 presenters, a health and wellness vendor village, and offer over 200 different sessions, including yoga, meditation, hikes, sound healing, lectures, and more. The line-up also includes musical experiences by Krishna Das, MC Yogi, and DJ Taz.
The festival features world-renowned presenters including Seane Corn, Krishna Das, Nikki Myers, Raghunath, Hemalayaa, Jill Miller, Andrew Tanner, Leslie Kaminoff, and many more. Classes and workshops take place on Jiminy Peak’s campus in nine indoor lodges, two outdoor stages, a Slackline Village, Aerial Yoga park, and on the Summit of Jiminy Peak.
The festival is June 12th through the 15th at Jiminy Peak, located at 37 Corey Road in Hancock. More information can be found online.
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Ventfort Hall and Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires to host a community volunteer fair
Lenox— On Thursday, June 12th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Ventfort Hall and Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires will host a community volunteer fair.
The fair will bring together a variety of local nonprofit organizations, cultural institutions, and service groups, all offering opportunities for attendees to engage with causes ranging from education and the arts to environmental stewardship and social support. Nonprofit organizations in need of volunteers for the summer will be stationed throughout the elegant Ventfort Hall, a Gilded Age mansion located in the center of downtown Lenox. Individuals of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to explore how they can get involved in meaningful community service.
The fair is on Thursday, June 12th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Ventfort Hall, located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox. Admission is free. More information can be found online.
