The Foundry presents ‘A Very Very Cassie and Maggie Christmas’
West Stockbridge— On Monday, December 16th at 7:30 p.m., The Foundry presents “A Very Very Cassie and Maggie Christmas.”
Part of a multi-generational musical dynasty, internationally acclaimed, award-winning musical sister duo, Cassie and Maggie, are no strangers to holiday magic. This season, the sisters invite you to bring your kin to “A Very Very Cassie and Maggie Christmas,” celebrating not only yuletide fun but their album of the same name.
With numerous awards and nominations, the JUNO-Nominated powerhouse duo Cassie and Maggie emerge as an unstoppable force on the global folk stage. Unleashing a magnetic energy, they seamlessly weave their deep Celtic heritage with contemporary influences. Committed to not just preserving but also propelling Nova Scotia’s folk traditions into new realms, Cassie and Maggie bring an exhilarating energy that is both timeless and irresistibly modern.
The concert is on Monday, December 16th at 7:30 p.m. at The Foundry, located at 2 Harris Street in West Stockbridge. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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The Mahaiwe Performing Arts center presents ‘Cows and Holly’ with author Sandra Boynton
Great Barrington— On Thursday, December 19th at 7 p.m., just in time for Christmas, cartoonist, writer, and songwriter Sandra Boynton presents her most recent album, “Cows and Holly,” created alongside her long-time music collaborator, Michael Ford.
The album’s songs, performed by Zooey Deschanel, Lyle Lovett, Yo-Yo Ma, Patti LuPone, Raúl Esparza, Linda Eder, and many others, are all new, yet have the feel of the Christmas classics, ranging from 60s surf rock to Celtic jig.
Grammy-nominated for her Platinum-certified “Philadelphia Chickens,” Boynton’s six previous albums have two Gold records and one Platinum, and have sold over three million copies. She’s worked with BB King, Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, Blues Traveler, Laura Linney, Samuel L. Jackson, Brad Paisley, Kristen Bell, and “Weird Al” Yankovic in a duet with Kate Winslet. Sales of Boynton’s beloved songbooks and children’s and humor books are nearing 90 million copies.
The event is on Thursday, December 19th at 7 p.m. at The Mahaiwe Performing Arts, located at 14 Castle Street in Great Barrington. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Berkshire Theatre Group presents ‘Mutts Gone Nuts: Santa Paws’ at The Colonial Theatre
Pittsfield— On Sunday, December 15th at 2 p.m. at 5 p.m., Berkshire Theatre Group presents ‘Mutts Gone Nuts: Santa Paws” at The Colonial Theatre.
Imagine a dozen of the world’s most talented four-legged performers in an uproariously funny, comedy dog spectacular that is leaving audiences everywhere howling for more. These amazing mutts will unleash havoc and hilarity on stage at The Colonial Theatre, creating a festive frenzy of fur, fun and fabulous entertainment. Complete with classic holiday music and an abundance of good cheer, this family-friendly show is sure to warm your heart and tickle your funny bone. The all-star lineup includes a Canada’s Got Talent Finalist, a two-time world champion disc dog, a hilarious six-pound Pomeranian Pikachu mix and a host of other dogs who will prance, dance, flip and skip their way right into your heart.
The performance is on Sunday, December 15th at 2 p.m. at 5 p.m. at The Colonial Theatre, located at 111 South Street in Pittsfield. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Stockbridge Festival Chorus presents Christmas Concert
Stockbridge— On Saturday, December 14th at 3 p.m., Stockbridge Festival Chorus will present its annual Christmas concert at the First Congregational Church of Stockbridge.
Works to be performed include Vaughan Williams’ “Fantasia” on Christmas Carols for baritone soloist and chorus, with popular bass-baritone John Demler as the soloist; Vaughan Williams’ “Magnificat” for contralto soloist and women’s chorus, with award-winning contralto Vira Slywotzky as the soloist; and other anthems by Bob Chilcott, Philip Stopford, Dale Jergenson, and local composer David Anderegg.
Ms. Slywotzky will also sing two Ukrainian carols in her native language. Annabelle Hoffman will accompany on cello and Cathy Mohn will accompany on flute. The 45-voice community chorus is directed by Tracy Wilson and Bob Logan is the piano accompanist.
The concert is on Saturday, December 14th at 3 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Stockbridge, located at 4 Main Street in Stockbridge. Admission is a recommended donation of $20 for adults; $10 for members of other local community choirs; and free for people 18 and under. The sanctuary is fully accessible. For more information, call 413-298-3137.
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Ventfort Hall offers free admission for first responders
Lenox— Now through December 31st, Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion & Museum is offering free tour admission to First Responders and their immediate families as a thank you for keeping us safe during the recent fires in drought conditions.
Free admission is open to any First Responders including, but not limited to, EMTs, fire, police, sheriffs, and line crews. Just show your credentials at reception and enjoy Ventfort Hall with your family.
Ventfort Hall is located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox and is open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information can be found online.
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Red Cross to hold volunteer recruitment and training event in Westfield
Springfield— On Thursday, December 12th from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Red Cross will hold an open house and volunteer training class to recruit and inform new volunteers in the Pioneer Valley.
From small house fires to natural disasters, the American Red Cross goes wherever needed, so neighbors have clean water, safe shelter, and hot meals. Sign up for an impactful disaster response workshop and gain the skills you need to help your neighbors when they need you most! No experience is necessary, but you must be 18+ to attend.
The Red Cross is actively recruiting bilingual volunteers to help assist Pioneer Valley residents affected by home fires and other disasters. The training session will be offered in both English and Spanish.
The event is on Thursday, December 12th from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Westfield State University, Horace Mann Center, Meeting Room A, located at 333 Western Avenue in Westfield.
