Monday, May 12, 2025

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

Bits & Bytes: Tony McManus at Methuselah; Nate Martel at Methuselah; Jen Allen at American Mural Project; Inspire your writing at The Clark; PHS Proteus Theatre presents ‘Lost Girl’; Tie-die and mindfulness at Dottie’s

Hailed by John Renbourn as 'the best Celtic guitarist in the world," Tony McManus has also been listed as one of the 50 most transcendent guitarists of all time by Guitar Player Magazine.

Methuselah presents Tony McManus, ‘the best Celtic guitarist in the world.’

Pittsfield— On Monday, January 22nd from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Methuselah Bar and Lounge presents Tony McManus.

Tony McManus. Image courtesy of Love Pittsfield.

Hailed by John Renbourn as “the best Celtic guitarist in the world,” Tony McManus has also been listed as one of the 50 most transcendent guitarists of all time by Guitar Player Magazine.

Both extending and transcending the parameters of contemporary Celtic music and ranked alongside the guitar world’s all-time greats, his fiendishly dexterous, dazzlingly original playing draws on traditions from the entire Celtic world, along with further-ranging influences such as jazz and eastern European music.

The concert is on Monday, January 22nd from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Methuselah Bar and Lounge on North Street in Pittsfield. There is a $25 suggested donation at the door, which will be paid to the musician. More information can be found online. 

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Methuselah presents ‘Set Your Soul on Fire’ with Nate Martel

Pittsfield— On Tuesday, January 23rd from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Methuselah Bar and Lounge  presents “Set Your Soul on Fire” with Nate Martel. 

Musician Nate Martel. Image courtesy of Love Pittsfield.

Nate Martel promises to be the one artist you will be glad you’ve witnessed. Playing his heart out, his sets combine honest and passionate original music as well soulful, gritty, and fun classic rock, soul, and pop covers. 

The concert is on Tuesday, January 23rd from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Methuselah Bar and Lounge on North Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online.

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American Mural Project presents world-class pianist, Jen Allen

Winsted, Conn.— On Friday, January 26th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., American Mural Project (AMP) presents world-class pianist, Jen Allen, the first presentation in a new Happy Hour Piano Series, featuring world-class pianists performing in the mural gallery.

Pianist Jen Allen. Photo by Lindsey Victoria Photography.

Musical enchantment is ahead with the talents of internationally applauded jazz pianist and composer Jen Allen. Jen is a member of the prestigious BMI Jazz Composers Workshop and was one of only eight pianists from around the world to be selected to participate in the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Workshop event at Kennedy Center. She has performed with such jazz notables as Don Braden, Jimmy Greene, Kendrick Oliver, Sarah Caswell, Camille Thurman, Freddie Hendrix, Nat Reeves, Kris Allen, Ike Sturm, and Antoinette Montague. Her latest album is Sifting Grace.

Held on the fourth Friday of each month from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the piano series offers patrons a time to unwind with a drink from the cash/credit bar, mingle with colleagues, and take in the grand scale of the mural exhibit from three levels. Later dates include singer-pianist Jeff Boratko on February 23rd, classical tango pianist Maria Centola on March 22nd, and jazz-soul-blues pianist T.J. Thompson on April 26th.

The American Mural Project is the largest indoor collaborative artwork in the world, a five-story, 120-foot-long mural that pays tribute to the ingenuity and dedication of diverse American workers on a grand scale.

The baby grand piano at American Mural Project.

The sponsors of the series, Kim and Jeff Greenberg, hope the series gives people a lift during the dark winter months. The Greenberg’s earlier donation of AMP’s baby grand piano has proven a great addition to the venue. AMP Executive Director Amy Wynn added, “This piano series is unlike any other because it’s in an incredibly resonant space with a five-story work of art that can be viewed from three levels. People have had a great response this past year to the fusion of art and music at AMP.”

The first concert is on Friday, January 26th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at American Mural Project on Whiting Street in Winsted, Conn. Admission is $6. More information can be found online. 

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The Clark Art Institute presents ‘Writing Closer: Through the Lens of a Portrait’

Williamstown— On Friday, January 26th from 10:30 a.m. to noon, The Clark Art Institute presents ‘Writing Closer: Through the Lens of a Portrait’.

Emil Orlik, ‘Portrait Study of a Woman’ (detail), 1899, lithograph on wove paper. The Clark, 1976.31.

The Manton Study Center for Works on Paper invites writers of all experience and skill levels to be inspired by thematic selections from The Clark’s collection of works on paper. January’s theme, “Through the Lens of a Portrait” features prints, drawings, and photographs of sitters whose stories beg to be revealed. Whether it’s poetry or prose, fiction or nonfiction, a story-in-progress or something completely new, allow the works to inspire your writing.

The free event is on Friday, January 26th from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Manton Study Center for Works on Paper at The Clark Art Institute on South Street in Pittsfield. Advanced registration is required. Registration and more information can be found online. 

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Pittsfield High School’s Proteus Theatre presents ‘Lost Girl’ by Kimberly Belflower directed by Kyla Blocker

Pittsfield— On Friday, January 26th at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, January 27th at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, January 28th at 2:30 p.m., Pittsfield High School’s Proteus Theatre presents “Lost Girl” by Kimberly Belflower directed by Kyla Blocker. 

“Lost Girl” tells the story of Wendy Darling after she has returned home from Neverland. The play follows Wendy’s journey as she deals with heartbreak, depression, and ultimately, moving on. A beautiful, lyrical, and touching work, this production is not to be missed!

PHS Proteus Theatre presents ‘Lost Girl.’ Poster designed by student, Lanishya Garrett.

Performances are Friday, January 26th at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, January 27th at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, January 28th at 2:30 p.m. in the Pittsfield High School Theatre on East Street in Pittsfield. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students in grades K-12. Tickets and more information can be found online. Tickets are also available by cash or check. 

Please enter through the Appleton Avenue entrance of PHS. If you are in need of a handicap accessible entrance, please plan to enter through the back doors and contact kblocker@pittsfield.net.

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Dottie’s Coffee Lounge presents a reverse tie-dying workshop with a side of mindfulness

Pittsfield— On Wednesday, January 24th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Dottie’s Coffee Lounge presents a reverse tie-dying workshop with a side of mindfulness.

In this fun and casual hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the creative and diverse technique of reverse tie-dying. A variety of design techniques will be demonstrated for you to choose from.

Reverse tie-dying workshop at Dottie’s.

The workshop is on Wednesday, January 24th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge on North Street in Pittsfield. The cost is $24 and includes supplies. That said, bring your own dark-colored garment. Be mindful that this is a bleaching process. There will be free hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Reservations are suggested. Reservations and more information can be found online. 

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