Fisher Center presents Sunny Jain’s Wild Wild East
Annandale-On-Hudson, N,Y.— On Friday, August 16th at 8 p.m., Fisher Center presents Sunny Jain’s Wild Wild East.
Called the “Hendrix of dhol,” Sunny Jain sources musical inspiration from the scores of Bollywood classics and Spaghetti Westerns, Punjabi folk traditions, jazz improvisation, and rollicking psychedelic styles.
Sunny Jain’s Wild Wild East (released on Smithsonian Folkways in 2020) encompasses myriad facets of Jain’s identity both as a first-generation South Asian-American and as a global musician, from his own family’s immigration story to his eclectic musical upbringing. Jain recasts the immigrant, steeped in the courage to leave a familiar homeland for a new beginning, as the modern-day cowboy and cowgirl.
The concert is on Friday, August 16th at 8 p.m. at the Fisher Center at 60 Manor Avenue in Red Hook, N.Y. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Chesterwood presents ‘Spirits of Chesterwood’ by Berkshire Pulse
Stockbridge— On August 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th at 5:30 p.m., Chesterwood presents “Spirits of Chesterwood” by Berkshire Pulse, a special intergenerational dance performance in the historic gardens of Chesterwood.
For a third season, Berkshire Pulse has created all new choreography based on archival photographs of people, places, and captured moments on the Chesterwood grounds. The audience moves with the dancers throughout the historic gardens and landscape, showcasing the artistic collaboration between the dance community and a place of historic and natural significance in the Berkshires.
The performances are on August 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th at 5:30 p.m. at Chesterwood at 4 Williamsville Road in Stockbridge. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Berkshire Theatre Group presents ‘Festival of New Jewish Plays,’ an immersive three-day festival celebrating the depth and diversity of Jewish theatre
Pittsfield— From August 15th through August 17th, Berkshire Theatre Group, with Jewish Plays Project (JPP) and plays2gather, presents “Festival of New Jewish Plays,” a celebration of the depth and diversity of Jewish theatre. This festival promises an immersive three-day journey into the development of new Jewish plays destined for stages around the country.
Festival co-founders David Winitsky and Wayne L. Firestone invite you to explore the transformative power of Jewish drama and art. “We are thrilled to partner with Berkshire Theatre Group to create a space for audiences to reflect, ask questions, and find healing through these powerful stories,” they share.
Highlights of the festival include a reading of Tony-winner Ari’el Stachel’s riveting solo piece “Out of Character,” the premiere of “The Last Yiddish Speaker,” winner of the JPP’s prestigious 13th Annual National Jewish Playwriting Contest, featuring TV and Broadway star Joshua Malina and Ella Stiller, “OOF! Plays for Healing,” a Friday evening of ritual and cutting-edge short plays by emerging playwrights, featuring Shira Kline, co-Founder of Lab/Shul; a family-friendly musical workshop production of “Library Lion” created by Israeli artists, featuring an amazing puppet by the Jim Henson Creature Workshop, and an accompanying visual art exhibition, “Memory Fragments” by Elizabeth Samet. Plus, enjoy enlightening artist talks in collaboration with the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ “Knosh and Knowledge” series.
The events run from August 15th through August 17th at The Colonial Theatre on South Street in Pittsfield. More information including a full schedule can be found online.
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Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents ‘Broadway Hollywood Hitmakers: Schwartz, Menken, and Shaiman’ with Laura Wetzler
Pittsfield— On Thursday, August 15th at 10:30 a.m., Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, as part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community Series at Knesset Israel, presents ‘Broadway Hollywood Hitmakers: Schwartz, Menken, and Shaiman’.
Join singer, songwriter, guitarist, recording artist, lecturer Laura Wetzler for a multimedia presentation that explores the work of third generation hit Jewish composers Stephen Schwartz (Wicked,) Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid,) and Marc Shaiman (Hairspray.) Laura Wetzler has devoted years of study and performance to diverse, multicultural world music, as well as to the history of American popular entertainment and European art music.
The program is on Thursday, August 15th at 10:30 a.m. at Knesset Israel at 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield. Following the program, the conversation will continue with a home-cooked lunch around our community table. All are welcome. Advance lunch reservations are required and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program. There is a suggested donation of $3 for adults over age 60, and $7 for all others. More information can be found online.
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OLLI at BCC Performing Arts Initiative presents A Conversation with Great Barrington Public Theater’s Jim Frangione and Judy Braha
Pittsfield— On Wednesday, August 14th at 1 p.m., OLLI at BCC Performing Arts Initiative presents A Conversation with Great Barrington Public Theater’s Jim Frangione and Judy Braha.
What does it take to develop a new play and bring it to life? We’ll ask Jim Frangione about his new play “Flight of the Monarch,” receiving its regional premiere at Shakespeare & Company, directed by Judy Braha. They will discuss “Berkshire Voices,” an incubator for new plays, and the challenges of running a new theater, “Great Barrington Public Theater,” now in its fifth year.
Jim Frangione is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Great Barrington Public Theater. He has a decades-long career as a director, actor, and playwright. Recent directorial credits include the premieres of plays by Mark St. Germain (“Dad” and “Public Speaking 101”,) the solo play, “The Bard The Beat The Blues,” by Will Lebow, and the east coast premiere of David Mamet’s play, “The Christopher Boy’s Communion.” Frangione has written and produced several full-length plays, as well as a number of short plays. He is the author of two screenplays, “Summer Cop” (with Jonathan Shoemaker) and “Good Haven.”
Judy Braha is the Associate Artistic Director of Great Barrington Public Theater. She has been a director, actor, teacher, and artist for social justice for over four decades. Long-time head of the M.F.A. Directing Program at Boston University’s School of Theater, her credits include theaters and universities throughout New England and beyond. Her work for GBPT includes directing “Mr. Fullerton,” “Things I Know to Be True,” “and “Dog People.” She has also been working with Anne Undeland on her newest show, “Mozart’s Wife, The Lacrymosa.” Braha is a long-time member of the Society of Directors and Choreographers and a founding board member of Stage Source, a New England theater resource committed to connecting theaters, artists and their communities.
Barbara Waldinger will introduce and interview Mr. Frangione and Ms. Braha. She is a theater teacher, director, reviewer, and co-founder of the OLLI at BCC Performing Arts Initiative.
The in-person discussion is on Wednesday, August 14th at 1 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church at 74 First Street in Pittsfield. It is free and open to all. More information can be found online.
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Lenox Library presents New Yorker cartoonist Amy Kurzweil
Lenox— On Thursday, August 15th at 5:30 p.m., the Lenox Library presents New Yorker cartoonist Amy Kurzweil for a discussion of her most recent graphic memoir, “Artificial: A Love Story.” Kurzweil will be in conversation with screenwriter and historian Nannina Gilder.
Named a Booklist Editors’ Choice Graphic Novels, a NPR Books We Love, a New Yorker Best Books, and a Kirkus Best Nonfiction and Best Feel-Good Reads of 2023, among other accolades, “Artificial” is a visionary story of three generations of artists whose search for meaning and connection transcends the limits of life. With Kurzweil’s signature humanity and humor in boundary-pushing, gorgeous handmade drawings, “Artificial” guides readers through nuanced questions about art, memory, and technology, demonstrating that love, a process of focused attention, is what grounds a meaningful life.
The discussion is on Thursday, August 15th at 5:30 p.m. at the Lenox Library at 18 Main Street in Lenox. Books will be available for purchase and signing. More information can be found online.
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Guild of Berkshire Artists presents Julie Wosk and Richard Lerman at Art on Main Gallery
West Stockbridge— From August 15th through the 25th, the Guild of Berkshire Artists presents Julie Wosk and Richard Lerman for an exciting show that includes peacocks, artificial women, and donuts at Art on Main Gallery.
Painter, photographer, and museum curator Julie Wosk has long been fascinated by images of peacocks and also artificial women that seem alive. Her photographs frequently depict life-like mannequins, masks, and dolls. Julie incorporates these photographs into her mixed-media acrylic and cold wax paintings. Also a writer, she is the author of “Artificial Women: Sex Dolls, Robot Caregivers, and More Facsimile Females.”
Richard Lerman returned to painting after 40 years as senior management in business. His work has appeared in numerous art shows including the Long Island Guild of Artists, Guild of Berkshire Artists, and many others.
The exhibit runs from August 15th through the 25th at Art on Main Gallery at 38 Main Street in West Stockbridge. There will be receptions with artists talks on August 17th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and August 24th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. More information can be found online.
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Dottie’s Coffee Lounge hosts ‘Paint Your Partner’
Pittsfield— On Thursday, August 15th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Dottie’s Coffee Lounge hosts “Paint Your Partner.”
Come have fun with trying out the hilarious and heartwarming new trend, “Paint Your Partner.” It’s like a traditional “paint-n-sip,” but the subject is your partner. The event will be hosted by artist Mike Carty.
The event is on Thursday, August 15th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge on North Street in Pittsfield. The cost is $69 per couple; supplies included. Coffee and a full bar will be available for purchase. Reservations are required. More information can be found online.
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Third Thursday at Olana State Historic Site
Hudson, N.Y.— On Thursday, August 15th from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Olana Partnership will hold its monthly Third Thursday at Olana State Historic Site. Olana Third Thursdays are monthly community days of free tours and programs for all ages featuring an outdoor musical performance in addition to free tours, programs, and extended evening hours.
From 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy free house access and landscape tours. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., join artist and yoga practitioner Nkoula Badil for Exploring Medicine Movement and Yoga. Get centered in Olana’s landscape as you explore movement and mindfulness outdoors. From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., celebrate summer with live music. Andes Manta perform the vibrant music of South America and the Andes on traditional instruments such as panpipes and the Andean flute. Listen to lively tunes as you watch the sunset and take in Olana’s famous views.
The event is on Thursday, August 15th from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Olana State Historic Site at 5720 NY-9G in Hudson, N.Y. More information can be found online.
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Connect with Berkshire Environmental Action Team through Berkshire Green Drinks
Pittsfield— On Wednesday, August 14th at 6 p.m., join Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) for the August gathering of Berkshire Green Drinks as they embrace the essence of Green Drinks International with a laid-back networking event at Hot Plate Brewing Co.
Unlike the usual monthly speaker series, this month’s Berkshire Green Drinks won’t have a formal speaker or presentation. Instead, it’s simply an opportunity for people to mingle, connect with like-minded individuals, and chat with BEAT staff and others who share a passion for the environment.
Berkshire Green Drinks is an informal gathering on the second Wednesday of the month that is free and open to everyone with any environmental interest. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join. Whether someone is a seasoned advocate or new to the green community, they will find a diverse group of people eager to meet them and share ideas. Grab a freshly brewed beer, reconnect with familiar faces, and make new connections in a relaxed setting where everyone is welcome. The drinks aren’t green, but the conversations are!
The event is on Wednesday, August 14th at 6 p.m. at Hot Plate Brewing Co. at 1 School Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online.
