MASS MoCA presents an in-progress presentation of ‘What to wear,’ a comedic, post-rock opera by composer Michael Gordon and Richard Foreman
North Adams— On Saturday, December 20th at 7 p.m., MASS MoCA presents an in-progress presentation of “What to wear,” a comedic, post-rock opera by composer Michael Gordon and the late downtown theater renegade icon Richard Foreman, who penned over 50 plays and nine operas across five decades.
The opera offers a commentary on the superficial pressures of society at a moment when our contemporary culture renders Foreman and Gordon’s critiques more cutting than ever. A collaboration between the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Beth Morrison Projects, PROTOTYPE, and Bang on a Can, this historic re-staging, with creative direction by Paul Lazar and Annie-B Parson, honors Foreman’s legacy and confirms Gordon as one of contemporary music’s singular voices.
The presentation is on Saturday, December 20th at 7 p.m. at MASS MoCA, located at 1040 MASS MoCA Way in North Adams. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Clark Art Institute presents the opening of ‘Shadow Visionaries: French Artists Against the Current, 1840-70,’ its latest exhibition
Williamstown— From December 20th through March 8th, the Clark Art Institute presents the opening of “Shadow Visionaries: French Artists Against the Current, 1840-70,” its latest exhibition.
Although Realism is often seen as the dominant aesthetic of mid-nineteenth-century France, many artists working outside painting embraced imagination, dreams, and allegory instead. Working against the grain, figures such as Victor Hugo, Charles Meryon, Rodolphe Bresdin, and a roster of early French photographers offered an alternate vision anchored in memory, fantasy, and longing. These “shadow visionaries” recognized the potential of prints and photographs to construct a spiritual consciousness in the art of mid-1800s France, encompassing the Gothic nostalgia of architectural photography, the social critique embedded in searing allegorical illustrations, and the literary connections with fantastical art.
The exhibition is on view from December 20th through March 8th at the Clark Art Institute, located at 225 South Street in Williamstown. The opening lecture is on January 10th at 11 a.m. There will be a related film series from January 22nd though February 12th. More information can be found online.
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Ventfort Hall presents ‘Mistletoe & Mischief,’ a holiday cabaret with Sherri James Buxton and Bob Shepherd
Lenox— On Sunday, December 21st at 3:30 p.m., Ventfort Hall presents “Mistletoe & Mischief,” a holiday cabaret to elevate your holiday spirit with Sherri James Buxton and Bob Shepherd.
Sherri James Buxton is an elegant interpreter of genres from standards and show tunes to jazz, delighting audiences with her warmth, depth, versatility and flawless technique. Combining a lifelong love of melody and lyric with a highly skilled voice and beautiful stage presence, she has appeared on and off Broadway and in numerous cabaret venues in New York City.
Bob Shepherd is one of New England’s favorite musicians. He plays beautiful jazz music in various venues from solo to big band and especially enjoys accompanying singers who consider him a “musician’s magician.”
The concert is on Sunday, December 21st at 3:30 p.m. at Ventfort Hall, located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox. The mansion will be beautifully decorated for the holiday season, and a lovely dessert tea will follow the concert. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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American Mural Project’s Happy Hour Piano Series continues with a holiday sing-along with Dan Ringuette
Winsted, Conn.— On Friday, December 26th from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., American Mural Project’s Happy Hour Piano Series continues with a holiday sing-along with Dan Ringuette.
Looking for something fun and fab to do the day after Christmas? Pianist Dan Ringuette brings his uniquely theatrical flair to American Mural Project, the largest indoor collaborative artwork in the world, for an evening of seasonal classics that will keep you in the spirit of the season.
Pianist Dan Ringuette is a frequent Music Director and pit musician for the Warner Theater, the Goshen Players, and the Landmark Community Theater. He has also arranged music for shows at the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods. When he is not working in the theater, Dan teaches piano, voice, and woodwinds, and he is the keyboardist and cantor for St. Louis de Montfort Parish.
The event is on Friday, December 26th from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at American Mural Project, located at 90 Whiting Street in Winsted, Conn. The doors open at 5 p.m. There will be a cash.credit bar. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Zion Lutheran Church warmly invites community to Christmas Eve services
Pittsfield— On Wednesday, December 24th at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church warmly invites the community to its Christmas Eve services.
The Family Christmas Eve Service at 4 p.m. features a joyful and inclusive pick-up Nativity Pageant. Children of all ages are welcome to participate with no rehearsal required. This service is designed with families in mind and offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for all.
The Candlelit Christmas Eve Service with Communion at 7 p.m. includes scripture, prayer, communion, and traditional Christmas music. A 6:30 p.m. prelude will feature seasonal music to invite worshippers into a spirit of reflection and celebration.
The services are on Wednesday, December 24th at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, located at 74 First Street, Pittsfield. All are welcome. More information can be found online.
