The Lao Tizer Quartet kicks off Williamstown’s Holiday Walk Weekend
Williamstown— Williamstown’s Holiday Walk Weekend kicks off with a lively performance by Oasis Jazz Awards “Jazz Group of the Year” nominee, The Lao Tizer Quartet featuring Eric Marienthal. The group presents a jazz concert on Friday, December 2, at 6 p.m. in the Clark Art Institute’s auditorium.
The Lao Tizer Quartet returns to the Clark bringing their swinging sound for a memorable evening of music in support of its latest album, Songs From The Swinghouse. The album features original instrumentals and classic rock covers with reimagined arrangements. Led by pianist, keyboardist, composer Lao Tizer (Special EFX, Down To The Bone), the group also includes Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Eric Marienthal (Chick Corea, Rippingtons), drum legend Joel Rosenblatt (Michel Camilo, Spyro Gyra, Blood Sweat & Tears), and Senegalese bassist Cheikh N’Doye (Baaba Maal, Mike Stern, Weedie Bramah).
Tickets are $28 ($25 members, $20 students with valid ID, and $10 children 10 and under). Reserve at clarkart.edu/events.
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Cherish the Ladies: Celtic Christmas
Amherst— On Friday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m. see Cherish the Ladies: Celtic Christmas at Frederick C. Tillis Performance Hall, 151 Presidents Drive, Amherst as UMass FAC says farewell to fall and kicks off the winter holiday season with a performance by one of America’s most beloved Irish music ensembles, Cherish the Ladies.
Acclaimed by The Washington Post for their “astonishing array of virtuosity,” Cherish the Ladies is led by Joanie Madden, 2021 National Heritage Fellowship Award winner and All-Ireland flute and whistle champion. The Grammy-nominated super group has delighted audiences worldwide with their rousing blend of traditional music, captivating vocals, and propulsive step dancing. In this program, Cherish the Ladies apply their Celtic traditional sensibilities and inspiring musical chops to a selection of favorite Christmas and wintertime songs.
Tickets range $10-$40. Youth under 17 and Five College students $15, $12, $10 available here.
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The Nutcracker Seedling & More!
Stockbridge— The Stockbridge Library presents an evening with the Olga Dunn Dance Company on Friday, December 2 at 5 p.m. The Company will perform The Nutcracker Seedling & More! followed by a meet and greet with the dancers.
The ODDCo. will return for another performance of The Nutcracker Seedling & More! on Saturday, December 3 at 2:30 p.m.
The show, no intermission and under an hour, is titled “Nutcracker Seedling and More!”. OIga Dunn Dance Co. dancers for the two scheduled shows include Catherine Chester, Ava Girard, Maya Jocelyn, Hope St. Jock, and Jane Singer.
In addition, the ODDCo. welcomes back guest artist and cellist Jay Shulman to perform and accompany the group’s now signature Bach number. An extra surprise promises to be a live saxophone version of ” God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” accompanying the dancers and performed by guest artist Brian Burke.
Admission to both events is free and immediately following the shows will be a Meet and Greet the Artists opportunity, served with complimentary refreshments.
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The Berkshire Botanical Garden Holiday Marketplace
Stockbridge— December 3, 2022 10 a.m. to Dec. 4, 2022 4 p.m. attend the Berkshire Botanical Garden Holiday Marketplace, featuring the legendary Gallery of Wreaths.
Select from a collection of 100 unique, one-of-a-kind designer wreaths as well as an assortment of holiday-blooming amaryllis and paperwhites in decorative and clay containers, succulent arrangements, garlands, hanging terrariums and gift items presented by regional artisan vendors. A children’s craft table led by the Garden’s Education Department staff on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, 11 to 2 p.m. will feature hands on projects including botanically themed gifts and holiday decorations using natural materials. Live music presented by Aldo Lavaggi and s’mores around a campfire complete this beloved BBG tradition.
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See The Nutcracker by the Albany Berkshire Ballet
Pittsfield— Albany Berkshire Ballet (ABB) present its 48th annual tour of The Nutcracker, coming to Berkshire Community College’s Boland Theater Saturday, December 3 at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, December 3 at 5 p.m., and Sunday, December 4 at 1 p.m.
A beloved holiday tradition, ABB’s The Nutcracker features magnificent principal dancers from around the country accompanied by 150-200 local area students per city in its youth casts.
For tickets visit: https://www.albanyberkshireballet.org/nutcracker
