’24-HOUR DRONE: EXPERIMENTS IN SOUND AND MUSIC’
Hudson— On May 27th and May 28th from 12 p.m. to 12 p.m., Basilica Hudson and Le Guess Who? present, in collaboration with Sarah Van Buren, the return of “24-HOUR DRONE: EXPERIMENTS IN SOUND AND MUSIC” for the first time in-person since 2019.
An immersive event and all-encompassing experience, 24-HOUR DRONE is a roving, international series featuring musicians and sound artists experimenting within the spectrum of drone to create 24 hours of unbroken, uninterrupted sound, an event that embodies Basilica Hudson at its most experimental and experiential, pushing the boundaries of what a communal, conceptual experience can be. 24-HOUR DRONE’s immersive and meditative nature emphasizes communion. This is a shared experience devoted to unifying players and listeners alike.
24-HOUR DRONE takes place in Basilica Hudson’s 6,000 sq. ft. Main Hall with the performers situated in the center of the room and attendees on the floor around them. Each performance blends into the other to create twenty-four hours of unbroken, uninterrupted sound (no applause between acts). Attendees are free to come and go over the twenty-four hours, but those who make the commitment to this long-duration work will be rewarded with the intangible feeling of meditative contentment, pure bliss, and communal collaboration. “Attendees will leave with a new sense of consciousness, free to be different people and lead new lives” says Bob van Heur, 24-HOUR DRONE Co-Founder.
Basilica Hudson is a unique industrial factory setting with limited space. Attendees are encouraged to bring a camping pad/yoga mat and pillows/cushions/sleeping bags/blankets, but are asked to be respectful and limit the gear that you bring in order to maximize space and comfort for all DRONERs.
As a visual complement, artists Aine Vonnegut and Marka Kiley will present “future memory” in the Basilica Gallery Building. Their work, together, presents a series of voids, small and large portals; a visual portal to complement DRONE’s sonic one.
Throughout the festival, attendees can find sustenance with local food and drink vendors including award-winning cuisine from Local 111, Woodland Pantry, and Coptic Light Coffee.
The event is on May 27th and May 28th from 12 p.m. to 12 p.m. at Basilica Hudson on South Front Street in Hudson. More information can be found by visiting Basilica Hudson online.
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‘People I’ve Known’ by New York artist, James Gilroy
New Marlborough— On Saturday, May 20th from 4 to 6 p.m., Gedney Farm will host an opening reception to showcase “People I’ve Known”, a collection of paintings by New York artist, James Gilroy.
Gilroy’s work is an expression of an allegorical journey by the artist, a journey that emanates from simple, abstract sketches and pen strokes. These coalesce to form the crucible of an idea or feeling. From there, the artist simply follows his art: “The lines begin to self-organize with the allegorical pieces worked up from sketches….the gathering of forms will not expose themselves until I’ve started to cover the canvas.….a circle becomes a head…… a squiggle becomes a body. A line implies a limb.” ”I don’t know what the shapes represent until they reveal themselves to me like notes in a jazz improvisation…..one stroke foretelling the next.”
Gilroy’s work is infused with an alchemy of soft, coalescing color, “there is an alchemy in creating a color that doesn’t exist. The forms start to congregate and give form to the chaos we experience.”
Color, line, pattern come together in the artistic process of creation; a process that is at once ontological and self-revelatory. “I work the whole piece at once. I’m looking for a personal truth; the best thing happens when I get out of the way……I try to be unencumbered and once a piece is complete, I question if it is complete at all. I’m in the process of discovery and the works always have a life of their own.”
Referring to the people he has known, the artist says, “I paint because I want to see them.”
The reception on Saturday, May 20th from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Gedney Farm on Hartsville-New Marlborough Road in New Marlborough will have complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. It will be followed by an optional dinner with the artist starting from 6 p.m. Advance reservations are recommended. For reservations and more information, call 413-229-3131 x1, email peterm@gedneyfarm.com, or visit Gedney Farm online.
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Colonial Theatre presents Tom Rush
Pittsfield— On Sunday May 21st at 2 p.m., the Colonial Theatre presents Tom Rush accompanied by Matt Nakoa.
Tom Rush’s impact on the American music scene has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival in the ’60s, the folk-rock movement of the ’70s, and then the renaissance of the ’80s and ’90s. James Taylor, Emmylou Harris, Tom Petty and Garth Brooks have cited Tom as a major influence. Rush displayed then, as he does today, an uncanny knack for finding wonderful songs and writing his own. His distinctive guitar style, wry humor and warm, expressive voice have made him both a legend and a lure to audiences around the world. His shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific story-telling, the sweet melancholy of ballads and the passion of gritty blues.
As vital and engaging as ever, his voice has grown even richer and more melodic, and his music, like a fine wine, has matured and ripened in the blending of traditional and modern influences.
The concert is on Sunday May 21st at 2 p.m. at the Colonial Theatre on South Street in Pittsfield. Tickets are $50. Tickets and more information can be found by visiting the Colonial Theater online or by calling 413-997-4444.
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Call for Artists: Berkshire-Region Dance Makers
Becket— The Pillow is pleased to invite dancemakers from across our region to apply to perform in its summer 2023 season. They are seeking performers for “Jacob’s Pillow On the Road” across the Berkshires (July 14-16) and/or “Artists of the Berkshires” on the Henry J. Leir Stage (August 18) in conjunction with their Community Day celebration at Jacob’s Pillow in Becket.
They welcome submissions from all forms of dance and dancemakers at any stage in their career. They are seeking dancers or companies located in Berkshire County, Hamden County, or Columbia County. A paid honorarium and professional photo/video of your performance is offered to those selected. Submit your application by Sunday, May 21st. For more information and to apply, visit Jason’s Pillow online.
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‘The World of Joanne Woodward & Paul Newman’ to be exhibited at Lime Rock Park
Lakeville— On Saturday, May 27th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lime Rock Park (LRP) will celebrate the 37th anniversary of Paul Newman’s historic Trans-Am win with a rare one-day-only exhibit of his racing estate during the Trans Am Memorial Day Classic (May 26-29).
Organized by Sotheby’s in advance of “The World of Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman” auction in June, with logistic support from Salisbury Bank, the exhibit is part of a larger celebration of the late actor and racing legend’s life and career.
The “World of Joanne Woodward & Paul Newman” exhibit will highlight the personal collection of the former “Hollywood It” couple, including two of Paul’s Rolex Daytona watches (the watches will be offered in Sotheby’s Important Watches auction on June 9th), a selection of helmets, racing suits and other memorabilia that Newman used during his storied career. Newman’s 1995 win at 24 Hours of Daytona at age 70 made him the oldest to win the race. The achievement still stands in the Guinness Book of World Records.
“We’re thrilled to be hosting this special exhibit in honor of Paul Newman,” said Lime Rock Park President Dicky Riegel. “Newman was not only a great actor and philanthropist, but also a passionate and talented race car driver. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world, and we’re honored to be able to share a small part of that legacy with our visitors.”
The museum-like exhibit will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 27th. Admission is included with a VIP Hospitality ticket. For tickets and more information, visit Lime Rock Park online.
The Trans Am Memorial Day Classic is a four-day event that celebrates American Horsepower and International Classic Cars. The weekend will also host two car shows and the CT Craft Beer Grand Prix on Sunday. For tickets and more information visit Lime Rock Park online.
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‘Pittsfield Clean Up Day’ encourages the whole city to clean their neighborhoods
Pittsfield— On Friday, May 19th from noon to 3 p.m., Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI) will host a Downtown Pittsfield Cleanup. DPI’s Downtown Pittsfield Cleanups are good-natured competitions between local companies and individuals supporting an important part of DPI’s mission to keep downtown clean, safe, and friendly. This year over 250 volunteers representing over two dozen local businesses and organizations will take to the streets for this annual event.
The Downtown Cleanup area includes North and South Street between East and West Housatonic Streets and Berkshire Medical Center and all side streets. Participating teams include Berkshire Bank, Berkshire County Arc, Berkshire Innovation Center, Berkshire Medical Center, Berkshire Museum, Berkshire Pride, Berkshire Theatre Group, BFAIR, Big Y, Carr Hardware, Committee of Public Counsel Services, Committee to Elect John Krol, Crane Currency, CT Management Group, Dulye Leadership Experience/CompuWorks, Guardian, Guidewire, Hillcrest Educational Centers Highpoint Campus, Mill Town, MOLARI, Pittsfield Beautiful, Pittsfield High School, Pittsfield Police Department, Raytheon, RE-FORMation Academy, Richmond Appraisal Company, Sirenssa, Soldier On, Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, and Witch Slapped.
To companion the Downtown Pittsfield Cleanup, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. has proclaimed Friday, May 19th as “Pittsfield Clean Up Day”. On May 19th, all Pittsfield residents are encouraged to get outside and clean up in their own neighborhoods. Suggested tasks include sweeping sidewalks, picking up trash and debris, and anything else that makes the neighborhood a more welcoming place. Residents are encouraged to celebrate spring and their community spirit by participating in Pittsfield Clean Up Day and posting pictures of their efforts with the hashtag #PittsfieldCleanUpDay.
For more information on the Downtown Pittsfield Cleanup and Pittsfield Clean Up Day, visit downtownpittsfield.com or call Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. at 413-443-6501.
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‘Arlo Guthrie’s Historic Garbage Trail Walk to Massacree HD’
Great Barrington— Once upon a time at the Guthrie Center, a young woman from a local care center living with Huntington’s Disease, asked, “Why isn’t there a pledge walk for Huntington’s?” After all, it challenged Woody Guthrie too. Thus was born “Arlo Guthrie’s Historic Garbage Trail” Walk to Massacree HD, twenty three years ago.
Every May since, supporters of charities committed to the care of those living with Huntington’s Disease have walked the 6-mile route of “The Garbage Trail,” connecting the key sites in Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree” saga.
Pledges to walkers send them on their way to help fund other charities that care for HD families living in poverty in South America, that run summer camps for adults walking their own HD roads and that support young people living with their HD families around the world; as well as a Massachusetts-based research foundation advancing science in the quest for a cure.
After signing in at the Center, groovy vintage VW Microbuses and their volunteer owners whisk walkers to the site of Alice’s original Restaurant, where the trail begins. It passes the “Police Officers’ Station” in Stockbridge Center, onto the erstwhile dump that was “closed on Thanksgivin’,” and ends back at the Center in Housatonic, the setting for that Thanksgiving dinner that “couldn’t be beat! Every mile along the way there are water stops serving up free snacks and fun! And if you can’t finish the route, those VW drivers are there to return you to the Center to greet the other walkers!
A brain disease genetically inherited from a parent, symptoms of HD include progressively disabling involuntary movements and physical features, complex challenges in thinking and mood changes. Although its onset is typically in one’s middle age, its two-decade course eventually compromises the ability to earn a living, drive, care for oneself and communicate. Every member of a family touched by HD is affected: walking one’s own road, caring for another and /or living at a 50:50 risk of inheriting the gene for HD.
The walk is Sunday, May 21st. Registration is from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. at the Guthrie Center, on Van Deusenville Road in Great Barrington. The walk begins 10 a.m. There is lunch and entertainment after the walk from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Donations can be made to HD Walk, c/o 216 Beach Rd.,Washington, MA 01223. For more information, visit garbagetrailwalk.org.
