Phil Kline to perform at MASS MoCA
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — MASS MoCA’s Bang on a Can Summer Festival culminates July 28-30 with LOUD Weekend. On Thursday, July 28 at 9:30 p.m. composer Phil Kline and Jim Jarmusch will perform improvised guitar soundtracks to Thomas Edison films and the 50’s classic Destination Moon at the Hunter Center at MASS MoCA. On Friday July 29 at 2:15 p.m. Phil Kline’s 45-minute tape-based installation Last Words Before Vanishing From The Face Of The Earth, for 24 boomboxes embedded in a landscape, will be presented in “Joe’s field” near MASS MoCA’s campus. On Saturday, July 30 at 3:30 p.m. Kline will perform Rumsfeld Songs and Zippo Songs in MASS MoCA’s Club B10. These two works will be performed by the original group: vocalist Theo Bleckmann, violinist Todd Reynolds, percussionist David Cossin, and Kline on guitar.
$109 3-Day Advance | $129 3-Day Week of | $199 3-Day Preferred available at: Massmoca.org
Phil Kline philkline.com
— S.B.
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Otis Family Fun Day to feature the Robbins-Zust Marionettes
OTIS, Mass. — The Otis Historical Commission and Otis Preservation Trust are hosting the Otis Family Fun Day on Saturday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The Robbins-Zust Marionettes will perform Jack and the Beanstalk at 11 a.m. and Carnival of the Animals at 12:30 p.m.. Bring blankets, chairs, and a picnic! The Robbins-Zust Marionettes shows will include time to greet the puppeteers and handle the marionettes following each performance. The Robbins-Zust Marionettes is a family run, locally owned family theatre that has been entertaining Berkshire, New York, and Florida audiences for over 50 years.
This event will be accessible live, in-person on the grounds of Otis Town Hall, One North Main Road, Otis, MA 01253 Donations welcome. Please visit: https://optin.today or the town’s website – https://townofotisma.com for more information.
— S.B.
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Current Event Seminars Open to the Public
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Thursday, July 28 at 10:45 p.m. the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires welcomes Professor Steven Rubin for a series of current event seminars. The current events seminar gives participants an opportunity to examine and discuss topical and newsworthy national and international issues. For each session, the moderator will suggest readings, introduce topics, and offer discussion questions. The seminar will be conducted in a collaborative and collegial manner, with all participants encouraged to voice their opinions.
This free program will be presented in person as part of the Federation’s Connecting with Community Series presented at Knesset Israel (16 Colt Road in Pittsfield) and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $3 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program. For more on this program and other Federation events, visit our calendar of events at jewishberkshires.org.
— S.B.
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Attend a Field Study Sponsored by Berkshire Botanical Garden
SALISBURY, Conn. — On Friday, July 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. attend a Field Study at Twin Maples presented by Berkshire Botanical Garden. Digging Deeper at Twin Maples will be a field study focusing on the dynamics of ecological land care including woodland edges, shade gardens, and meadows. Twin Maples is a garden developed by horticulturist Deborah Munson based on 22 years of observations. Munson will share insights on using native plants as living mulch and mowing techniques, and encouraging self-sowing techniques of native species.
Tickets are $45 for members, and $65 for nonmembers, available here: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/field-study-digging-deeper-twin-maples
— S.B.
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Second Art Exhibit in Four-Part Series Opens with Reception
STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Beth Rudin DeWoody’s “Symbiosis” opens on July 29 at the Berkshire Botanical Garden in both the Outdoor Sculpture Garden and the Leonhardt Gallery. An opening reception for part two of the four part series will be held on Friday, July 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be food and drink. The public is invited.
The second exhibition of “Symbiosis” runs through Sept. 11, and features works by Christopher Adams, Charles Arnoldi, L.C. Armstrong, Madeleine Bialke, David Brooks, Leidy Churchman, Peter Dayton, Margot Glass, Mimi Gross, Paula Hayes, Robert Hawkins, Marc Horowitz, Kathy Klein, Seffa Klein, Nancy Monk, Charles Ray, Tomás Saraceno, Max Hooper Schneider, Katherine Sherwood, Simone Shubuck, Coleen Sterritt, and Tabboo!
In all, “Symbiosis” features more than 100 well-known and emerging contemporary artists that celebrate our natural world. The exhibition not only focuses on the interaction between organisms that mutually benefit each other but speaks in a greater sense about the overall interconnectivity of all living things. Featured in the Outdoor Sculpture Garden throughout the summer and fall are works by Kiki Smith, Ned Smyth, and Thaddeus Mosley, among others.
The Berkshire Botanical Gardens are open May 1 through Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. General admission is $18. Visit https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/ for more information.
— S.B.
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A Night of Neo-Benshi at Hudson Hall
HUDSON, N.Y. — The Flow Chart Foundation returns to Hudson Hall with A Night of Neo-Benshi Saturday, July 30 at 7 p.m. Taking inspiration from early Japanese silent film interpreters, neo-benshi artists replace the dialogue of scenes from popular films with their own unique re-inventions, performed live in front of the screen. From re-imagined classics to new takes on blockbuster movies, this is a singular evening of performance, poetry, and dance, ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous. Tickets are $20 available: https://hudsonoperahouse.secure.force.com/ticket/#/events/a0S1Q00000EuP0XUAV
Featured films include scenes from Anna Karenina; It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World; Matango: Attack of the Mushroom People; A Street Car Named Desire; The Women; and The Thousand Faces of Dunjia; plus the U.S. premiere of Tracie Morris’ Black Spring.
The evening precedes Flow Chart’s first “Gathering” on Sunday, July 31, a free daylong event of presentations, performances, and readings celebrating what would have been John Ashbery’s 95 birthday, as well as the 60th anniversary of his groundbreaking The Tennis Court Oath. The event takes place at the nearby Flow Chart Space at 348 Warren Street (registration required, see flowchartfoundation.org/gathering for more information).
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Buddy McEarns Band to Perform
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Buddy McEarns Band will perform their new album at Flat Burger Society on Saturday, July 30 at 8 p.m. Fans of genres such as Roots Rock, Funky Blues, Classic Soul, and good old Rock n’ Roll will be satisfied with the first full-length album from The Buddy McEarns Band titled, A Big Full Glass. The 12-song collection has a focus and style that is unique, yet familiar all at the same time. Their live shows have a reputation for their fun mix of original music with their creative takes on covers.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door, here: flatburgersociety.ticketspice.com/music-buddy-mcearns-band
— S.B.
