Stockbridge Library to present Linda Greenhouse
Stockbridge — The Stockbridge Library will welcome back Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Linda Greenhouse to its Sunday Speaker Series on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 4 p.m. to discuss her new book, “The Burger Court and the Rise of the Judicial Right,” co-authored with Michael J. Graetz.
“The Burger Court and the Rise of the Judicial Right” is a timely and provocative perspective on the inner workings of the Warren Burger Supreme Court (1969-1986). Though many historians consider the Burger Court merely transitional between the liberal Warren Court and the conservative Rehnquist Court, Graetz and Greenhouse argue that the Burger Court moved American law to the right, establishing the legal foundation for the conservative courts that followed.
During nearly 30 years as the Supreme Court correspondent for the New York Times, Linda Greenhouse won a Pulitzer Prize and earned a reputation as an authoritative and insightful chronicler of the Supreme Court and its justices. She appeared regularly on the PBS program Washington Week and lectures frequently about the Supreme Court to legal and judicial audiences. She currently teaches at Yale Law School and writes a biweekly online opinion column for the New York Times on the Court and the law. Among her previous books are “Becoming Justice Blackmun” and “The U.S. Supreme Court: A Very Short Introduction.” She lives part-time in Stockbridge.
The talk is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Library at (413) 298-5501.
–E.E.
* * *
Second annual Berkshire Fermentation Festival
Great Barrington — Berkshire Ferments will present the second annual Berkshire Fermentation Festival on Sunday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Great Barrington Fairgrounds. The Berkshire Fermentation Festival is a day-long celebration of the diversity of all things cultured and will include a variety of vendors, demonstrations, and activities.
The Berkshire Fermentation Festival will feature hourly presentations by on topics such as cultured dairy, Mexican fermented beverages, sausage, kimchi, sourdough bread, fermented nut cheese, and more. Tufts University microbiologist Benjamin Wolfe will share his latest research and will have a microscope set up for the viewing of sauerkraut microbes. Musical entertainment will be provided by Moonshine Holler and the Whiskey Jack String Band. Vendors and exhibitors will include Artisan Beverage Cooperative, Big Elm Brewing, Real Pickles, Hosta Hill, Wildwood Culture, Kushi Institute, Daniel Bellow Pottery, the Hudson Standard, Berkshire Mountain Bakery, No. Six Depot, Grace Hill Farm, Pooja Chai Cart, Good Fight Herbs, Colfax Farm, the Chef’s Shop, Lost Ruby Farm, Carr’s Ciderhouse, Graham Farmhouse, Bear Swamp Orchard, Poor Devil Pepper Co., Smudge Bubbles, Taproot Threads, Fungi Ally, Adamah Farm & Fellowship, South River Miso, and Beets & Barley.
The Festival is free and open to the public. For more information, contact berkshireferments@gmail.com.
–E.E.
* * *
‘Science Fair’ at Simon’s Rock
Great Barrington — The South Berkshire Concert Series will begin its 2016-17 season with “Science Fair: An Opera With Experiments” on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 8 p.m. in the McConnell Theatre of Bard College at Simon’s Rock’s Daniel Arts Center. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $10.
“Science Fair” is a critically-acclaimed production conceived by mezzo-soprano Hai-Ting Chinn and performed by Chinn and pianist Erika Switzer. The libretto, drawn from the words of scientists, teachers, and science writers, is set to original music and makes a playful cabaret of science. In a theatrical setting that celebrates the scientific from the incredibly familiar baking soda-vinegar volcano to the intensely complicated wave-particle duality of matter at the quantum level, “Science Fair” tackles various concepts by infusing them with humor and wit, employing operatic vocals to uplift the ordinary into the realm of wonder.
American mezzo-soprano Hai-Ting Chinn was featured in the revival and tour of Phillip Glass’ “Einstein on the Beach” (2011–2015) and is currently singing the role of Belle in Glass’ “La Belle et la Bête,” also on tour. Her career highlights include the title role in the Wooster Group‘s production of “La Didone,” the title role in Opera Omnia‘s “Coronation of Poppea” at (Le) Poisson Rouge, and Peter Maxwell Davies‘ “The Medium” and Tarik O’Regan‘s “The Wanton Sublime” at London’s Grimeborn festival. Chinn was also co-host of the podcast Scopes Monkey Choir, a lighthearted discussion of science and music.
–E.E.
* * *
Food preservation workshop at the Bidwell House
Monterey — On Saturday, Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., the Bidwell House Museum will offer a craft workshop titled “Methods of Food Preservation.” Participants will learn colonial methods of food preservation as well as different forms of year-round storage. Using foods harvested from the Bidwell House Museum garden, participants will practice drying, curing, pickling and fermenting. All materials will be provided. The cost of the workshop is $10 for Museum members and $15 for the general public. Participants are advised to bring a bag lunch. For more information or to register, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or contact the Museum at (413) 528-6888 or bidwelleducation@gmail.com.
–E.E.
* * *
9/11 survivor Mike Jaffe to speak
Great Barrington — Local author, leadership development expert, and 9/11 survivor Mike Jaffe will offer an inspirational talk for the community to commemorate the 15th anniversary of 9/11 in Berkshire South Regional Community Center’s Jaffe Auditorium on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 4 – 6 p.m.
Mike Jaffe is known as The Human WakeUp Call®, having used his own brush with the tragedy of 9/11 as a message of self-discovery and empowerment. His programs have helped individuals and organizations shift their thinking create new possibilities for growth and success. He has been a featured expert with CNN, Fox News, and the Wall Street Journal. He is the author of the book “Wake Up! Your Life Is Calling.”
The talk is appropriate for adults and teens, and free childcare will be available for younger children. A book signing will follow the talk. Proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit Berkshire South. For more information, contact (413) 854-2401 or wakeup@humanwakeupcall.com.
–E.E.
