Friday, February 14, 2025

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

BITS & BYTES: American Mural Project presents Nikita; Olana’s free ‘Third Thursday’; Ursula Rucker at Bard College; London National Theatre at The Clark; Chinese New Year concert at The Fisher Center; Death Cafe at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge

Known for their "purple soul" vibe, Nikita dishes catchy, danceable grooves that are said to sway “even the most immovable wallflowers.

American Mural Project presents Nikita 

Winsted, Conn.— On Saturday, February 17th at 8 p.m., American Mural Project presents five-piece, psychedelic soul band Nikita.  

Clay Zotta of Nikita. Image courtesy of American Mural Project. 

Known for their “purple soul” vibe, Nikita dishes catchy, danceable grooves that are said to sway “even the most immovable wallflowers. The set list includes original tunes including their single “Honeytone,” and other inspired tracks. 

With American Mural Project’s 120-feet long and five stories high mural as the backdrop to the concert and three tiers for viewing and mingling, ticket holders will have an extraordinary experience that fuses live music with collaborative art.

The concert is on Saturday, February 17th at 8 p.m. at American Mural Project on Whiting Street in Winsted, Conn. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 to $35. A cash/credit bar and a limited food menu will be available. Tickets and more information can be found online. 

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The Olana Partnership presents its February ‘Third Thursday’

Hudson— On Thursday, February 15th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Olana Partnership will hold its February “Third Thursday,” a monthly day of free tours and programs for all ages at Olana State Historic Site.

Visitors are invited to attend free tours of the historic Olana landscape, the Main House, and the special exhibition “SPECTACLE: Frederic Church and the Business of Art.”  

At 11 a.m., there is a free ‘Lunch & Learn’ celebrating Black History Month led by Paul and Mary Liz Stewart from the Underground Railroad Education Center.  Participants will learn about  the center’s current research as well the history of the Underground Railroad in the Capital region. Refreshments will be provided.

At 1 p.m., the Kingston Cacao Lab will be on site for a special demonstration and workshop all about chocolate!  Participants will learn about the process of making chocolate, the history of cacao ceremonies, and the bean’s origins before widespread popularity in the 19th century. Experiment peeling cacao seeds by hand, sample chocolate, and have your cacao questions answered. 

Winter at Olana.

The free, all-ages event is on Thursday, February 15th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours require a ticket. Tours and programs will be offered in both Spanish and English. To secure your free ticket and for more information, visit Olana online, or call 518-751-0344.

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Bard College presents ‘A Celebration of Soul’ with Ursula Rucker

Great Barrington— On Monday, February 19th at 7 p.m., Bard College at Simon’s Rock presents the 27th annual W.E.B. DuBois event, “A Celebration of Soul” with Ursula Rucker. Everyone is invited to enjoy this evening of cultural celebration, music, and soul.

Poet, recording artist, activist, teacher, and revolutionary, Urusla Rucker is a certified veteran of the global music and poetry scene. A skilled writer and dynamic performer, Rucker’s rich and textured voice is one of the world’s greatest living instruments. For nearly three decades, Rucker has used her fiery prose and invigorating imagery to excite and inspire listeners worldwide. 

‘A Celebration of Soul’ with Ursula Rucker.’

The free event is on Monday, February 19th at 7 p.m. in the McConnell Theater at the Daniel Arts Center at Bard College at Simon’s Rock on Alford Road in Great Barrington. More information can be down online. 

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The Clark Art Institute presents The London National Theatre’s production of “Good”

Williamstown— On Sunday, February 11th at 3 p.m., the Clark Art Institute broadcasts a recording of C.P. Taylor’s play “Good,” filmed live at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London

David Tennant (Doctor Who) makes a much-anticipated return to the West End in a blistering reimagining of one of Britain’s most powerful political plays. As the world faces its Second World War, John Halder, a good, intelligent German professor, finds himself pulled into a movement with unthinkable consequences. Olivier Award-winner Dominic Cooke (Follies) directs this timely tale, with a cast that also features Elliot Levey (Coriolanus) and Sharon Small (The Bay).

David Tennant in “Good.’ Image courtesy of National Theatre Live.

The broadcast is on Sunday, February 11th at 3 p.m. in the Manton Research Center auditorium at The Clark Art Institute on South Street in Williamstown. Tickets are $5 to $18. Advanced registration is required. Registration and more information is available online. 

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The Fisher Center presents ‘The Sound of Spring,’ a Chinese New Year concert with The Orchestra Now

Annandale-On-Hudson— On Saturday, February 10th at 3 p.m., The Fisher Center presents ‘The Sound of Spring,’ an authentic Chinese New Year concert with The Orchestra Now featuring dramatic orchestral works and world-class Chinese instrument soloists.

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with The Orchestra Now, conducted by Jindong Cai. This year’s program presents festive Chinese music specially selected to welcome the lunar new year, including solo performances by virtuosos Zhang Haiyue (erhu) and Feng Tianshi (dizi) from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. Also on the program is famed winds master Guo Yazhi, performing a world-premiere suona concerto composed by Bard faculty member Xinyan Li.

Image courtesy of The Fisher Center.

At 2 p.m., there is a pre-concert Chinese instrument demonstration and Lunar New Year activities.

The concert is on Saturday, February 10th at 3 p.m. in the Fisher Center’s Sosnoff Theater on Manor Avenue in Annandale-On-Hudson. Tickets are $25. There is also a pay-what-you-wish livestream available. Tickets and more information can be found online. 

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Rebecca Churt to host a Death Cafe at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge

Pittsfield— On Tuesday, February 13th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Rebecca Churt, a death doula and founder of the online grief community, “The Griever,” will host a Death Cafe at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge. 

Death Doula Rebecca Churt.

A Death Cafe is a guided group discussion forum where people come together to talk openly and candidly about the meaning of life, mortality, death, dying, and related topics. The aim of a Death Café is not to provide grief counseling or to promote any particular religious or spiritual beliefs, but rather to encourage honest conversations with the goal of promoting greater awareness and acceptance of death as a natural part of life.

Death Cafes are inclusive, safe, confidential, non-judgmental spaces where people can share their thoughts, experiences, and questions about death in a respectful and supportive environment. They are a place for exchanges and deep listening, serving our community as a doorway into the shared exploration of our love of life and respect for death. Grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and enjoy each other’s company.

The free event is on Tuesday, February 13th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge on North Street in Pittsfield. All are welcome. Youths ages 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is appreciated, but not required. More information can be found online. 

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The Edge Is Free To Read.

But Not To Produce.