Close Encounters With Music presents Vivace Chamber Orchestra
Great Barrington— On Sunday, December 15th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Close Encounters With Music (CEWM) presents Vivace Chamber Orchestra, fourteen top-tier soloists who gather for periodic tours.
The program features Tchaikovsky, Grieg, Boccherini, and Barber. Composed by Tchaikovsky to counter a bout of insomnia and melancholy, “Serenade for Strings” immediately cheered him up, and he reported “feeling well, invigorated and content,” as gratified listeners have over the years. Few composers have possessed the ability to reflect emotions within their music as well as Tchaikovsky, and the Serenade channels solemnity and joy into one perfect package.
Barber’s iconic “Adagio,” called “full of pathos and cathartic passion, rarely leaves a dry eye,” was played at the funerals of Albert Einstein and Princess Grace of Monaco. “Holberg Suite,” one of Grieg’s most beloved works, offers chorale-like harmonies, joyous and lilting rhythms, and hints of a rural fiddle player. Boccherini’s Baroque-era “Cello Concerto” rewritten in a Romantic vein, is a virtuosic delight.
“I’m delighted to welcome 14 amazing string colleagues of the Vivace Chamber Orchestra to our December 15 concert. It’s an ebullient, joyous holiday feast of the highest artistic caliber, with a fantasy voyage/nostalgia trip to days bygone. Tchaikovsky, Grieg, Barber and Boccherini await you in the time machine!,” said Yehuda Hanani, CEWM Artistic Director.
The concert is on Sunday, December 15th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, located at 14 Castle Street in Great Barrington. There will be an afterglow reception with the artists and refreshments by Authentic Eats by Oleg. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Triplex Cinema presents ‘A Real Pain’ and discussion Hevreh Synagogue Senior Rabbi Jodie Gordon
Great Barrington— On Thursday, December 12th at 7:30 p.m., Triplex Cinema presents a special screening of the critically acclaimed film “A Real Pain” and discussion about the film with Hevreh Synagogue Senior Rabbi Jodie Gordon.
Written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, “ A Real Pain,” tells the story of mismatched Jewish cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) who reunite for a guided tour through Poland to honor their beloved and recently deceased grandmother. The adventure takes a turn when the odd-couple’s old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their shared family history. Released in November to great critical acclaim, “A Real Pain” has been a hit with audiences everywhere, and is predicted to be a leading contender as award season gets underway.
Senior Rabbi Jodie Gordon came to Hevreh, Great Barrington in 2014. A graduate of University of Wisconsin and Brandeis University, Rabbi Gordon has long ties to the Berkshires through her time at URJ Eisner Camp. Rabbi Gordon is an active part of the community as a board member of Construct Inc. and is also involved in other local organizations. Nicki Wilson, President of the Triplex Board of Directors said, “We cannot wait to hear what Rabbi Gordon says about this moving, beautiful, and timely film.”
The event is on Thursday, December 12th at 7:30 p.m. at The Triplex Cinema, located at 70 Railroad Street in Great Barrington. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Great Barrington Arts Market presents its annual ‘Delightful and Delectable Holiday Market’ at Saint James Place
Great Barrington— On Saturday, December 7th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, December 8th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Great Barrington Arts Market presents its annual “Delightful and Delectable Holiday Market,” a unique holiday sale at the beautifully restored Saint James Place.
Get ready for a stunning lineup of local artists and makers as well as light fare in a beautiful and festive environment. With over 25 makers, “Delightful and Delectable” offers you a chance to shop a variety of gifts and support the local artist community at the same time.
The vendors include JK Custom Furniture & Design, Petit Pilou/Moho Designs/Berkshire Four Poster, Karema Deodato Millinery, Aaron Meshon Illustration, The Peach Tree, Under Mountain Weavers, Tandem Ceramics, Hettle, Solulu Handmade, So Handmade, Ava Rogers Jewelry, Liamolly, Brookman Candle Co., Natural Wallflower, Tiny Anvil, Shaari Horowitz, Harry Levenstein Pottery, Ellen Grenadier Pottery, Free Ramblin’ Kids, Brosge Clothing, M. Starr Ceramics, Ben Evans Ceramics, Trillium Workshop, Great Cape Baking Co., and Berkshire Mountain Bakery.
The event is on Saturday, December 7th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, December 8th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Saint James Place, located at 352 Main Street in Great Barrington. Admission is free. More information can be found online.
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Bottomless Bricks and the Pittsfield Office of Cultural Development present a ‘Bricktacular Weekend’ in Pittsfield
Pittsfield— On December 14th and 15th, Bottomless Bricks and the Pittsfield Office of Cultural Development present a “Bricktacular Weekend” in Pittsfield.
Calling all lego fans, fanatics, and families! As part of a full weekend of LEGO® themed events, meet Lego Master Dominic Forte at multiple events in Pittsfield. Dom was a Season 3 contestant on LEGO® Masters with Pittsfield’s own Erin Laundry, owner of Bottomless Bricks.
On December 14th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., there is a meet and greet at Bottomless Bricks, located at 163 South Street, and at 7 p.m., Hot Plate Brewing, located at 1 School Street, presents “Bricks and Brews.” On December 15th from 10 a.m. to noon, Wander, located at 34 Depot Street, presents “Build & Watch.” More information can be found online.
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MassDOT ‘Name A Snowplow’ contest
Massachusetts— The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announces the third annual “Name a Snowplow” contest for students in Massachusetts.
The purpose of the contest is to celebrate the snow and ice season and to help recognize the hard work and dedication shown by public works employees and contractors during the winter season. The contest seeks to solicit names for 12 MassDOT snowplows that will be in service for the upcoming 2024/2025 winter season.
During the second annual snowplow naming contest last winter, the winning names were: Flower Plower, Edward Blizzardhands, Glacier Gobbler, Polar Pathmaker, Snow B Wan Kenobi, The Snolar Express, Sleetwood Mac, Snow Place Like Home, Snow-hemian Rhapsody, The Mayplower, Snow Monstah, Fast and Flurryous. These names, which were placed on the sides of plow trucks a year ago, remain on those vehicles.
The deadline to apply is Friday, December 13th at 5 p.m. The contest winners will be invited to participate in a scheduled snowplow unveiling event. Submission and more information can be found online.
