Songbird documentary to screen at Berkshire Museum
Pittsfield — Via a collaboration among Mass Audubon’s Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries, the Hoffmann Bird Club, Wild Birds Country Store and the Berkshire Museum, the documentary film “The Messenger,” an ode to the beauty and importance of the imperiled songbirds, will be shown Saturday, April 8, at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the museum.
Award-winning filmmaker Su Rynard’s “The Messenger” chronicles the struggle of songbirds worldwide to survive in turbulent environmental conditions and argues that their demise could signify the crash of ecosystems globally, akin to the disappearance of honeybees and melting glaciers. Under threat from climate change, pesticides and more, populations of hundreds of species have dipped dramatically. Following the 7 p.m. screening, Hugh Powell, senior science editor at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, will lead a discussion and answer questions on how individuals can make an impact on bird conservation in their own backyards. Mass Audubon will provide information about upcoming birding programs and local opportunities to participate in bird conservation.
Tickets are $7.50 for the general public and $5 for members of Mass Audubon, Hoffmann Bird Club and the museum. For tickets and more information, conact the museum at (413) 443-7171 or info@berkshiremuseum.org.
–E.E.
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Hinds organizes centennial touch football game
Pittsfield — On Friday, April 7, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Park Street side of Wahconah Park, Sen. Adam G. Hinds, D-Pittsfield, will partner with the JFK Library Foundation to coordinate a centennial touch football game as part of the JFK100 Centennial Celebration.
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is sponsoring a yearlong celebration to honor the 100th anniversary of the birth of President John F. Kennedy. Born in Brookline on May 29, 1917, Kennedy was the youngest president ever elected to office. A lesser-known aspect of Kennedy’s legacy was his commitment to physical fitness. This weekend the foundation is coordinating 35 touch football games across Massachusetts in recognition of Kennedy’s love of the sport and commitment to physical fitness as exemplified through legislation he signed enacting the Presidential Physical Fitness Initiative.
While Hinds has arranged for two teams of 10–comprised of his staff, members of the Pittsfield police and fire departments, and local students from the Boys and Girls Club of the Berkshires–to play, all are welcome to join in to play, watch or cheer them on.
–E.E.
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Sally-Jane Heit benefit for Berkshire Music School
Pittsfield — On Friday, April 7, at 7 p.m., actress Sally-Jane Heit will perform her latest show, “My Alternative Facts of Life,” at Berkshire Music School, bringing her often irreverent stories, skits, and songs to life with music, comedy and other “truths.” She will be accompanied by musical director Uel Wade. Heit has a long list of theatre, film, television and cabaret credits to her name and continues to entertain audiences in support of arts organizations around the country.
Tickets are $35. Proceeds will benefit BMS’ education programs. The performance will be followed by a dessert-and-wine reception. For tickets and more information, call BMS at (413) 442-1411.
–E.E.
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Mahaiwe to present Golden Dragon Acrobats
Great Barrington — The Golden Dragon Acrobats will give a family friendly performance on Sunday, April 9, at 3 p.m. at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. The Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of a time-honored tradition that began more than 25 centuries ago. They are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today. Impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music, and theatrical techniques to present a show of skill and beauty.
Tickets range from $26 to $48. For tickets and more information, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or call the Mahaiwe box office at (413) 528-0100.
–E.E.
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Swing dance night at Dewey Hall
Sheffield — Oldtone Productions will present a night of swing dancing at Dewey Hall on Saturday April 8, starting at 8 p.m. with a beginners’ lesson and followed by music and dancing at 8:30 p.m. Music will be provided by the rockabilly-inspired Sauerkraut and Croutons featuring Jim Krewson on drums and vocals, Seth Travins on guitar and vocals, Adam Post on bass and Pete Adams on steel guitar.
The cost is $15 to $20 and $10 with student ID. For more information, call (413) 717-1255.
–E.E.
