The Guthrie Center presents Sean Rowe
Great Barrington— On Saturday, August 17th from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., The Guthrie Center presents Sean Rowe.
Sean Rowe is an American singer-songwriter, musician, recording artist, and forager with a powerful sound with an emotional conviction that demands attention. He has graced the stage of Mountain Jam, Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival as well as opening for Robert Plant and the Alabama Shakes. Both an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and having his song, “To Leave Something Behind” featured in the film, “The Accountant”, have expanded his voice to an international audience. An avid naturalist and renowned forager, Rowe often speaks of his fascination with the woods and his connection to the land.
The concert is on Saturday, August 17th from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Guthrie Center at 2 Van Deusenville Road in Great Barrington. The doors open at 7 p.m. Beer, wine, and lite fare will be available for purchase. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Berkshires Jazz, Inc. presents the third annual Bousquet Jazz Festival with headliners Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Samirah Evans, and Luke Franco
Pittsfield— On Saturday, August 17th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Berkshires Jazz, Inc. presents the third annual Bousquet Jazz Festival with headliners Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Samirah Evans, and Luke Franco.
Guitarist Luke Franco will open the festivities. His vibrant quartet infuses fresh energy into the jazz scene with their unique compositions and skillful improvisations. He performs in the Berkshires, Hudson Valley and N.Y. Capital region presenting his own music both as a leader and as an in-demand sideman. He studied under John Abercrombie, and was featured soloist in Grammy winner John Daversa’s big band, in the world premiere of Michael Tilson Thomas’s “Four Preludes on Playthings of the Wind,” along with the New World Symphony, 2016. In addition to Luke Franco on guitar, the quartet includes Awan Rashad, tenor saxophone, Tarik Shah on bass, and Nick Anderson, drums.
With a voice that captivates and a stage presence that energizes, Samirah Evans delivers a powerful blend of traditional and contemporary jazz. She has become known for her dynamic and soulful approach to music, especially in the jazz and blues genres. Her musical style is heavily influenced by the New Orleans sound where she was one of the city’s most popular and in-demand singers for nearly 20 years, including 15 consecutive years at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Evans has toured North and South America, Europe and Asia, sharing stages with a multitude of New Orleans notables and legendary artists, including James Brown, B.B. King, Dr. John, Aaron and Charles Neville, and more. Her Handsome Devils band include Ben Kohn on keys, Matt Dwonzsk on bass, Michael Zoldos on sax, and Conor Meehan on drums.
Closing the night is the Brubeck Brothers Quartet. Over the past 50 years, drummer Dan and bassist, trombonist, and composer Chris have played a variety of styles in a number of different groups, as well as with their father, jazz giant Dave Brubeck. With Dan and Chris as the foundation, guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb, complete the dynamic quartet. The Brubeck Brothers Quartet’s last CD, “LifeTimes” was a hit on the Jazz Week radio chart where it made the Top Ten list as one of the most played jazz recordings of the year. The group is headed by Grammy-nominated composer Chris Brubeck.
The festival is on Saturday, August 17th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bousquet on Dan Fox Drive in Pittsfield. Food and beverage concessions will be available. No outside alcohol allowed. Guests are invited to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Clark Art Institute presents the Boston-based Haitian contemporary dance company Jean Appolon Expressions
Williamstown— On August 17th at 4 p.m., The Clark Art Institute presents a dance performance by the Boston-based Haitian contemporary dance company Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE.)
Combining modern technique and Haitian folkloric dance, JAE brings a new artistic vernacular to its audiences. JAE fulfills its mission to preserve Haitian folkloric culture while constantly enlivening the artform in a way that is vital, accessible, inspiring, and educational. The company has been showcased in major arts venues globally and continues to share its artistry in accessible, inclusive ways through free performances in locations like city parks and community spaces.
The free performance is on August 17th at 4 p.m. on the Fernández Terrace at The Clark Art Institute on South Street in Williamstown. Bring a picnic and your own seating. More information can be found online.
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Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center presents ‘Young Frankenstein,’ Mel Brooks’ 1974 comedy-horror film
Great Barrington— On Friday, August 16th at 7 p.m., Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, as part of their “100 Years of Movies” series, presents ‘Young Frankenstein,’ the 1974 comedy-horror film directed by Mel Brooks, starring Gene Wilder.
Wilder’s Frederick Frankenstein is a descendant of the infamous Victor Frankenstein who brought a monster to life in the classic tale. Frankenstein the younger is invited to Transylvania where he becomes acquainted with the family trade.
The showing is on Friday, August 16th at 7 p.m. at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center at 14 Castle Street in Great Barrington. The film will be introduced by film director and educator Deborah Reinisch. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Berkshire Botanical Garden and the Berkshire Humane Society host ‘Dog Days of Summer’
Stockbridge— On Sunday, August 18th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Berkshire Botanical Garden, in partnership with the Berkshire Humane Society, hosts the return of ‘Dog Days of Summer.”
Bring your furry friends for fun in the garden including dog-related workshops, vendors, demonstrations, and a food truck.
The dog-friendly event is on Sunday, August 18th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Berkshire Botanical Garden at 5 West Stockbridge Road in Stockbridge. More information can be found online.
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Westside Legends hosts third annual Westside ‘Sweet G Super Soap Box Derby’
Pittsfield— On Saturday, August 17th from noon to 4 p.m., Westside Legends is hosting the third annual ‘Westside Sweet G Super Soap Box Derby,’ an exciting day of activities for the whole family.
Inspired by soap box races in Pittsfield’s West Side during the 1960s, the Westside Super Soap Box Derby was developed by the leaders of Westside Legends, who have fond memories of racing down Columbus Avenue and West Street – and are excited to bring a fun event back to the community. The race is dedicated to community member Brian “Sweet G” Goines, who died in 2020.
The first race, which features Mayor Peter Marchetti vs City Council President Peter White, starts at 12:15 p.m. There will be three race classes: kids from six to 12, youth from 13 to 7, and adults. This year’s race will feature 15 cars built by kids who participated in Pittsfield’s Summer Playground Programs at Durant Park, Clapp Park, Westside Riverway Park, and The Common.
The derby is on Saturday, August 17th from noon to 4 p.m. at the corner of Columbus Avenue and Robbins Avenue in Pittsfield. Trophies will be presented in each division. There will be free Ice cream for the first 100 children. More information can be found online.
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Ventfort Hall presents a reading and ghost tour for children
Lenox— On Saturday, August 17th at 5 p.m., Ventfort Hall will host author and ghost tour guide Robert Oakes as he reads selections from his new book, “The Ghostly Tales of the Berkshires” for young readers. The reading will be followed by a youth ghost tour of this historic mansion.
“Ghost stories from the Berkshires” have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery. Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. Did you know that at the Mount, the former home of famous author Edith Wharton, a shadowy phantom haunts the halls? Or that a ghost train still steams through the Hoosac Tunnel? Can you believe there’s a top-hatted ghost who wakes guests in the night at the historic Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge? Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see the Berkshires forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on.
The event is on Saturday, August 17th at 5 p.m. at Ventfort Hall on Walker Street in Lenox. Admission is $15 and it is suitable for children ages eight to 12. Children are to be accompanied by an adult at no additional charge. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Berkshire Theatre Group auditions
Pittsfield— On Monday, August 19th at 5 p.m., Berkshire Theatre Group is holding auditions for young actors for their upcoming non-Equity touring show production of the “Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon KIDS.”
The musical is based on the “Magic Tree House Book # 4 Pirates Past Noon” written by Mary Pope Osborne. The play is co-directed by David Adkins and Kathy Jo Grover with musical direction by Erin M. White and choreography by Kathy Jo Grover.
Roles are open to young actors of all ethnicities and genders enrolled in middle school, high school, and local colleges ages 13 and up. Actors should come prepared to read excerpts from the play as provided by the director and learn a song from the show. Callbacks will take place the same evening. Rehearsals will begin in mid-September and occur after school, evenings, and weekends. All rehearsals will take place in Pittsfield. Performance dates start in October and run through early June with up to two performances a week during the school day every other Friday, some weekends, school vacations, and evenings. Brush up rehearsals will occur throughout the run.
All auditions will take place at The Colonial Theatre at 111 South Street in Pittsfield. To schedule an audition time slot or for further information, please email Allison Rachele Bayles, Director of Education at allison@berkshiretheatre.org.
