Shakespeare & Company gala to feature Sweet Honey in the Rock
Lenox — On Saturday, July 1, at 6 p.m., Shakespeare & Company will celebrate its 40-year history with cocktails, conversation, and special performances by Sweet Honey in the Rock and Company members.
The evening will begin with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction, and will continue with a special performance honoring the impact Shakespeare & Company has had on the cultural landscape of Berkshire County through its public performances, internationally renowned training programs and inspirational education programs in local schools. A performance by Grammy Award-winning, all-woman, African-American a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock will be interwoven with Shakespeare scenes and monologues from veteran Company artists, after which guests will be welcomed into the tented courtyard for a dinner catered by Peter Platt of the Old Inn on the Green in New Marlborough. After dinner, guests will be invited to join the entire Company for dessert and dancing with DJ BFG.
Tickets begin at $40. For tickets and more information, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or call (413) 637-1199 x105.
–E.E.
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Club Helsinki Hudson to offer On the Fly story slam
Hudson, N.Y. — On the Fly, Club Helsinki Hudson’s new monthly story slam event, will debut Thursday, June 29, at 7 p.m. with the theme “Coincidence.” Author Eric Wybenga will host and sign-ups will begin at 6 p.m.
Produced by Christina Thyssen and Debra Gitterman, On the Fly welcomes local storytellers and those who love stories to participate by telling a story, volunteering to judge, or simply by enjoying the event. On the Fly stories are told, not read, and no notes are allowed onstage. Stories should be real-life, personal narratives based on the storyteller’s experience and should be no longer than five minutes long. Storytellers should craft a story about coincidence such as lost connections rekindled, meeting again in strange or familiar places, and moments of random and awe-inspiring symmetry of events.
For more information including the rules of the competition, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or contact Club Helsinki Hudson at (518) 828-4800.
–E.E.
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Dewey Hall to welcome fiddle champion Jamie Laval
Sheffield — Berkshire Strings and Dewey Hall will present master fiddler Jamie Laval in an acoustic concert of Celtic music and ancient stories on Thursday, June 29, at 7:30 p.m.
Currently making his home near Asheville, North Carolina, Laval grew up in the Pacific Northwest where he received his musical training at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. In 2002 he won the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championship. He has appeared on the NBC’s “Today” show, performed on Dave Matthews‘ “Some Devil” album, and given a private performance for Queen Elizabeth. Laval’s most recent album, “Murmurs and Drones,” won the popular vote for Best World Traditional Album at the 2012 Independent Music Awards. He has also presented a TEDx talk on the value of the arts in community.
Tickets are $20 general admission and $10 for youth under age 18 and students with ID. For tickets and more information, see the Berkshire Edge calendar.
–E.E.
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Cemetery walk to focus on history of Red Lion Inn
Stockbridge — On Saturday, July 1, at 4 p.m., volunteers from the Stockbridge Library, Museum & Archives will lead a cemetery walk titled “The Red Lion Inn: From Stagecoach Stop to Town Center.”
The walk will explore all the ins and outs of the landmark inn, from its founding as a store to its place in Stockbridge today as the center of town. Over the years the inn has been rescued from closing twice, owned and operated by women three different times, and almost lost to a major fire.
There is a $5 suggested donation. The walk will gather at the cemetery gate on Main Street/Route 102, and will last approximately one hour. For more information, contact the Stockbridge Library at (413) 298-5501 or ksmarshall03@gmail.com.
–E.E.
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Berkshire Botanical Garden ‘Grow Show’ photography competition
Stockbridge — Advance registration is open for Berkshire Botanical Garden’s 47th annual Grow Show photography competition, one of three divisions that will be featured at the even set to take place Saturday, Aug. 12, and Sunday, Aug. 13.
This year’s Grow Show features “House of Flowers,” a theme inspired by five area historic homes: Chesterwood, Frelinghuysen Morris House and Studio and Naumkeag; the Mount in Lenox; and Olana in Hudson, New York. Photographers are encouraged to visit the homes and create imagery reflecting the mood associated with each site’s unique style. Photographs entered in the Grow Show may be taken at participating House of Flowers historic sites or elsewhere but should be inspired by the ambiance of the historic homes. Participating photographers will receive free admission or free limited admission to House of Flowers venues, and should call ahead to reserve a comp pass. There is no charge to enter the photography competition. Advanced registration for entries is due by Friday, June 30.
Competition rules and regulations are available online. For more information, contact Kathy Tremblay at (413) 743-2452 or kathybeetremblay@gmail.com.
–E.E.
