Friday, February 7, 2025

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

BITS & BYTES: James Taylor Tanglewood concert tickets; Lucile Montagne at The Clark; Drag Bingo at Wander; Tom Bernard at Lenox Library; MASS MoCA ‘Free Day’ 2025; Hiking and snowshoeing at Arrowhead

As a recording and touring artist, James Taylor has touched people with his warm baritone voice and distinctive style of guitar-playing for more than 50 years, while setting a precedent to which countless young musicians have aspired.

James Taylor Tanglewood concert tickets go on sale Tuesday, January 29th at 10 a.m.

Lenox— James Taylor returns to Tanglewood with his All-Star Band for performances on Thursday, July 3rd and Friday, July 4th at 8 p.m. with special guest the Boston-bred acoustic harmony trio Tiny Habits. To celebrate Independence Day, the July 4th concert will be followed by a fireworks display over the Stockbridge Bowl

As a recording and touring artist, James Taylor has touched people with his warm baritone voice and distinctive style of guitar-playing for more than 50 years, while setting a precedent to which countless young musicians have aspired. The 2025 concerts mark 51 years since Taylor first performed at Tanglewood, beginning what has become a favorite Tanglewood tradition that consistently draws capacity crowds to celebrate the holiday weekend with a beloved musical icon.

The concerts are on Thursday, July 3rd and Friday, July 4th at 8 p.m. at Tanglewood, located at 297 West Street in Lenox. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, January 29th at 10 a.m. at www.tanglewood.org.

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Clark Art Institute presents ‘Between Tradition and Experimentation: The Contemporary Creation of Tapestry,’ a talk by Lucile Montagne, Chief Curator at the Mobilier national

Williamstown— On Sunday, January 26th at 2 p.m., the Clark Art Institute, in conjunction with the Clark’s exhibition “Wall Power! Modern French Tapestry from the Mobilier national, Paris,”  presents “Between Tradition and Experimentation: The Contemporary Creation of Tapestry,’ a talk by Lucile Montagne, Chief Curator at the Mobilier national. 

The Mobilier national of France has supported crafts and creation since the seventeenth century. Since the 1930s, the national tapestry manufactories of Gobelins and Beauvais have been part of the Mobilier national, participating in the mid-twentieth century’s “renaissance” of tapestry. Since the 1960s, they have sought to bring together tapestry makers and artists, with projects specifically designed to be woven. Lucile Montagne, Chief Curator at the Mobilier national, presents a close look at this long tradition of the Gobelins and Beauvais factories, which remain faithful to the traditional technique on the loom while working with contemporary artists of all movements to create exciting new tapestries.

Dom Robert, Mille fleurs sauvages (A thousand wild flowers) (detail), designed 1961, woven 1961–62, cotton and wool. Mobilier national, Paris, FADT-21010, courtesy of Abbaye d’En Calcat. Photo by Isabelle Bideau. Courtesy The Clark.

The free talk is on Sunday, January 26th at 2 p.m. at the Clark Art Institute, located at 225 South Street in Williamstown. More information can be found online. 

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Wander Berkshires presents ‘Bella’s Drag Bingo Ball’

Pittsfield— On Tuesday, January 28th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wander Berkshires presents “Bella’s Drag Bingo Ball.”

Courtesy Wander.

Get ready for an evening of glitz, glamour, and giggles at “Bella’s Bingo Night!” Join the fabulous Bella Santarella for a dazzling night of drag, laughter, and Bingo like you’ve never experienced before. With thrilling prizes, lively entertainment, and Bella’s signature charm, this event is the perfect way to spice up your January.

The event is on Tuesday, January 28th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Wander Berkshires, located at 34 Depot Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online. 

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Lenox Library’s ‘Distinguished Lecture Series’ to feature Berkshire United Way CEO Tom Bernard

Lenox— On Sunday, January 26th at 4 p.m., the Lenox Library will continue its Distinguished Lecture Series with Tom Bernard, President and CEO of the Berkshire United Way, who will discuss his organization’s 100th Anniversary.

Officially organized on April 7, 1924 as the Pittsfield Community Fund Association, Berkshire United Way has grown alongside the community. As times and needs have changed, Berkshire United Way has adapted and evolved to remain relevant and effective in responding to the most pressing challenges facing people in Berkshire County. During this lecture, Tom Bernard will guide the audience through the organization’s 100 year history of harnessing the spirit and generosity of people in the Berkshires and the current vision of a bright, equitable, and vibrant future where everyone in our community can thrive.

Tom Bernard. Courtesy Lenox Library.

Now in its 18th season, the Distinguished Lecture Series is organized and hosted by Dr. Jeremy Yudkin, a resident of the Berkshires and Professor of Music and Co-Director of the Center for Beethoven Research at Boston University.

The free lecture is on Sunday, January 26th at 4 p.m. at the Lenox Library, located at 18 Main Street in Lenox. More information can be found online. 

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MASS MoCA ‘Free Day’ 2025

North Adams— On Saturday, January 25th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission is free at MASS MoCA. 

MASS MoCA’s annual community celebration, known as “Free Day,” returns, offering a variety of author talks in the R&D Store, art-making in Kidspace, gallery activations, thematic tour, special events, performances, and more.

At 10 a.m. there will be a meet & greet with community organizations. Chat with local community organizations including Hoosic River Revival, Community Access To The Arts (CATA,) Common Folk, Drag Story Hour, Berkshire Pride, Soldier On, Discover North Adams, North Adams Public Schools, FIRST Fridays, Department of Children and Families, and more.

Courtesy MASS MoCA.

The event is on Saturday, January 25th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at MASS MoCA, located at 1040 MASS MoCA Way in North Adams. More information can be found online. 

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Berkshire County Historical Society and Berkshire Natural Resources Council team up to offer hiking and snowshoeing at Arrowhead

Pittsfield— On Sunday, January 26th from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Berkshire County Historical Society and Berkshire Natural Resources Council will team up to offer hiking and snowshoeing at Arrowhead. 

Explore one of Berkshire County’s most iconic landmarks, Herman Melville’s historic Arrowhead, this winter with a guided family-friendly snowshoe hike. This one-mile guided hike led by Taylor Staubach of Berkshire Natural Resources Council combines a family-friendly scavenger hunt with an introduction to the historic site and storied woodlands by the Berkshire County Historical Society.

Courtesy Berkshire County Historical Society.

The free activity is on Sunday, January 26th from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Arrowhead, located at 780 Holmes Road in Pittsfield. A limited number of snowshoes will be provided. Registration and more information can be found online. 

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The Edge Is Free To Read.

But Not To Produce.