Berkshire Botanical Garden to host Grow Show
Stockbridge — Berkshire Botanical Garden will host its 47th annual Grow Show, showcasing the summer harvest Saturday, Aug. 12, from noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Backyard gardeners are the celebrity growers at the Grow Show when their summer harvests are spotlighted and judged. Nearly 80 horticulture classes are open for registration, representing divisions including annuals, perennials, biennials, vegetables, fruits and berries, container grown plants, dish gardens and more.
“We make it easy for everyone to enter,” said BBG horticulture director Dorthe Hviid. “Staff and volunteers greet gardeners, help with their registration, and have a real interest in all the entries. There’s a sense of community at the Grow Show – we call it the ‘You Grow it and We Show it’ event of the season, and look forward to welcoming both new and returning gardeners.” Those wishing to enter the horticulture division, for which there is no charge, may view online registration materials and categories for more information.
This year, BBG has partnered with area historic homes Chesterwood, Naumkeag, Frelinghuysen Morris House and Studio, Olana, and the Mount to provide inspiration to artists entering the Grow Show’s floral design and photography divisions. Participants in the floral design division create a floral bouquet for a specific location chosen at each historic home, using design elements in harmony with its history and location. Photographers entered in the competition create a specific mood with their imagery, representing the historical characteristics associated with each venue. “Welcome Gnome,” a floral design division for adults, includes entries of whimsical botanical gnome homes judged on their signature styles reflecting the creativity and imagination of the designer. A children’s division, “No Place Like Gnome,” spotlights a collection of 40 gnome-home doors attached to selected trees or boulders throughout the garden, inviting visitors to find them as they tour the garden throughout the weekend.
Entry to the Grow Show is free with BBG admission. For more information, contact BBG at (413) 298-3926 or info@berkshirebotanical.org.
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Trisha Brown Dance Company to perform at Jacob’s Pillow
Becket — The Trisha Brown Dance Company will perform at Jacob’s Pillow Wednesday, Aug. 16, through Sunday, Aug. 20.
Since Brown’s death in March, witnessing TBDC in an evening-length program is an increasingly rare experience. Echoing Brown’s choreographic innovation, timeless aesthetic, and 1960s postmodern approach to dance making, TBDC will perform a version of 1980’s Opal Loop prepared especially for Jacob’s Pillow and featuring former dancers of the company and an original cast member. Acknowledging Brown’s more recent choreography, TBDC will also perform 2000’s Groove and Countermove and 2009’s L’Amour au théâtre.
As a co-presentation by Jacob’s Pillow Dance and the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, TBDC will present Trisha Brown: In Plain Site on Sunday, Aug. 13 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Clark. The unique, site-specific engagement reconstructs Brown’s work made for the proscenium stage and takes it into unconventional spaces, occurring on and around the Clark’s outdoor landscape.
Tickets are $39–$69. For tickets and more information, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or contact Jacob’s Pillow at (413) 243-9919.
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Congregation Knesset to stage Peter, Paul and Mary tribute
Pittsfield — On Sunday, Aug. 13, at 7 p.m. at Congregation Knesset Israel, a team of musicians and vocalists will collaborate with an evening of highlights from the trio known familiarly as Peter, Paul and Mary. Performing local musicians will include Dr. Alan Gold, Gerald Link, Jackie Shayer, Jonathan Denmark, Lesley Herzberg, Paul Bernstein, Rabbi Josh Breindel, Stephanie Bennett, Steven Skoblow and Jesse Waldinger. In addition to compositions written by trio members, other featured songwriters will include Bob Dylan, John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot and Pete Seeger.
Tickets are $20. For tickets and more information, contact Congregation Knesset Israel at (413) 445-4872 x10 or x16.
–E.E.
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Columbia County Fair to hold holiday cookie championship
Chatham, N.Y. — Locally grown ingredients will be key in the Columbia County Fair’s holiday cookie championship, will take place Monday, Sept. 4, at 12:30 p.m. Winners will be announced at 3:30 p.m. with first place prizes of $500 in the youth division and $1,000 in the adult division. The event is coordinated by Claverack resident Nancy Fuller of the Food Network’s “Farmhouse Rules” television show. The source of local ingredients as well as the recipe used will be required with entries of holiday cookies. Entries will be judged on taste, presentation and decoration and should include a dozen cookies on a disposable tray. Entry forms and contest rules are available online or at the Columbia County Fair office. Entry forms will be accepted through Saturday, Sept. 2, in person at the fair office or by mail to Columbia County Fair, P.O. Box 257, Chatham, NY 12037.
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350Mass Berkshires to hold monthly meeting
Pittsfield — 350Mass Berkshires will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at 6 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church. Lisa Young, the 350 Massachusetts climate justice partnerships organizer will give a presentation on statewide solidarity work. There will also be a group discussion of opportunities to support the social and climate justice efforts currently underway by many Berkshire-area groups and the role that the node might play in their efforts. Group members will also discuss progress and challenges with the 100% Renewable Towns & Cities Campaign as well as updates on relevant local and statewide legislative efforts. A snack potluck will precede the meeting at 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact berkshires@350ma.org.
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