Swing dancing with the Lucky 5 at Shire City Sanctuary
Pittsfield — Shire City Sanctuary will host a night of swing dancing with the Lucky 5 jazz band on Saturday, February 27, from 8 p.m. – midnight with free swing dance lessons from 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Lucky 5 blends swing and gypsy jazz to create a unique, foot-stomping blend of music that appeals to a wide range of music lovers. The band is comprised of highly seasoned touring musicians who have been part of the Hunger Mountain Boys and Lauren Ambrose and the Leisure Class, and have traveled, performed, and recorded with artists such as Peter Gabriel, Tony Bennett, Neko Case, Iris Dement, and others.
Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door with 25 percent off for Shire City Sanctuary members. See the Berkshire Edge calendar for tickets and more information or call Shire City Sanctuary at (413) 236-9600.
–E.E.
*Â Â Â Â *Â Â Â Â *
Great Barrington Historical Society W.E.B. Du Bois talk at Race Brook Lodge
Sheffield — In celebration of Black History Month, Race Brook Lodge will present a free lecture on W.E.B. Du Bois with Bernard Drew of the Great Barrington Historical Society in the Stagecoach Tavern’s Shay’s Lounge on Sunday, February 28, at 6:30 p.m.
Born in Great Barrington on February 23, 1868, W.E.B. Du Bois was a preeminent civil rights activist and a founding member of the NAACP.
The lecture will be followed by a question-and-answer session. Contact the Stagecoach Tavern for more information at (413) 229-8585.
–E.E.
*Â Â Â Â *Â Â Â Â *
Bird walks and panel discussion with the Sheffield Land Trust
Sheffield — On Sunday, February 28, the Sheffield Land Trust will offer morning bird walks and its 18th annual Winter Lecture, which will be a slide show and panel discussion on birding.
The bird walks will meet at 8 a.m. at Bartholomew’s Cobble with on- and off-site walks. Leading the walks will be guides Ken Schopp, Greg Ward, and Rene Wendell. The slide show and panel discussion on birding will take place at 1 p.m. at Dewey Memorial Hall featuring panelists Hoffmann Bird Club Vice President Jonathan Pierce, Lifelong birder Ken Schopp, long-time gardener and plantsman Greg Ward, and Bartholomew’s Cobble Conservation Ranger Rene Wendell. Tea and refreshments will follow the presentation.
The events are free, open to the public, and suitable for novice and expert birdwatchers alike. Those planning to attend the longer, off-site bird walk are advised to wear waterproof boots. Seating at the slide show and panel discussion is limited. Pre-registration via (413) 229-0234 or shefland@bcn.net is suggested but not required.
–E.E.
*Â Â Â Â *Â Â Â Â *
Sunday Art Studios at Olana
Hudson, N.Y. — On Sunday, February 28, the Olana Partnership will introduce its new series Sunday Art Studios. The free Sunday morning drop-in programs will occur from 10 a.m. – noon at the Visitors’ Center and are designed for local families, heritage and art tourists, and regular visitors. Projects take about 30 minutes to complete and all participants will leave with a work of art. On February 28, visitors will be able to create 3D paper models of Olana’s main house.
The series will continue on the Sunday mornings of March 20, April 24, and May 29. Pre-registration is not required and walk-ins are welcome. For more information call Olana’s Education Department at (518) 828-1872 x105.
–E.E.
