Let the Good Times Roll—and Coast, Bounce and Slide, Too
Mountain Adventure Park at Jiminy Peak will operate 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 7 and 8, and seven day a week operations begin June 14. The Mountain Adventure Park features the Alpine Super Slide, Mountain Coaster, Euro-Bungy Trampolines and much more. Jiminy Peak’s new Kids Zone features the brand new Spider Web and Rope Adventures. Operating dates and times are weather permitting.
Pass the Bread—Please
If you love great breads—and who doesn’t?—check out berkshires.org columnist Bess Hochstein’s latest Table or Booth article on Berkshire Mountain Bakery. Caution: Bess’ description of Berkshire Mountain’s delicious products, from sourdough loaves to pizza shells, might make you jump in the car and head for their bakery.
Films of a Japanese Master—Free Series at The Clark
In anticipation of the June 22 opening of Stone Hill Center, designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute will present Seasons of Ozu: Late Films of a Japanese Master on Fridays at 4 p.m. This free series of four films, masterfully designed by Yasujiro Ozu at the end of his career, revolves around the theme of the seasons in his depiction of domestic life in Japan during the postwar years of cultural change. Films are in Japanese with English subtitles and the series kicks off June 6 with Early Summer (Bakushu) (1951, 125 min., unrated), exploring the subtle struggle between traditional Japanese norms and the influx of modernity.
And Then It’s the Opening…
Mark you calendars, as shortly The Clark will hold a community open house where visitors can experience the excitement of the new Stone Hill Center. This stunning exhibition space and conservation center, designed by award-winning Japanese architect Tadao Ando—will open on June 22 with two enticing summer exhibitions. Guests can tour the Center, explore the new trails and visit the galleries to see Like Breath on Glass: Whistler, Inness, and the Art of Painting Softly
Kids Love Aquarium Adventures
The Berkshire Museum’s popular preschooler program Aquarium Adventures continues every Friday in June at 10 and 11 a.m. in the museum’s aquarium. Ideal for children ages 2 to 4, each Aquarium Adventure includes toddler playtime, a story and a close-up encounter with a different live animal each week. The program is free with Berkshire Museum admission. Scheduled animal visits are June 6, Leopard gecko; June 13, African spurred tortoise; June 20, hognose snake; and June 27, painted turtle.
Not Just Politics as Usual at the Rockwell
Raw Nerve! The Political Art of Steve Brodner, a timely new exhibition at Norman Rockwell Museum, anticipates the upcoming presidential election with the provocative and influential art of political illustrator and art journalist Steve Brodner. From June 7 through October 26, the exhibition showcases Brodner's drawings, reflecting his unique blend of wit and acerbic, laser-like vision of American society, politics and contemporary leaders. The exhibition includes a fascinating comparison of Brodner's contemporary depictions of national leaders and Rockwell's kinder, gentler portraits of the politicians of a very different era.
Are You Ready for Some Rowing?
BRASS, the Berkshire Rowing and Sculling Society, will sponsor its annual free Learn to Row program on Sunday, June 8, on Lake Onota, Pittsfield. There will be two sessions, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and 10:30 to noon, rain or shine. To ensure there will be enough shells and instructors on hand, those planning to participate should call 413 496-9160 and leave their names, telephone numbers, and how many they expect to attend.
Birdwatchers: Listen Up and See More
Birdwatching can be in large measure actually “bird listening,” and once you know the songs and calls of common resident songbirds, finding the birds and identifying them becomes much easier. The Chirps, Cheeps, and Warbles-Birding by Ear bird walk at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary June 7 and 21 from 9-11a.m. is designed for beginner and intermediate birders working to improve their auditory identification skills. Learn the sounds and you’ll be surprised at how many more birds you encounter. Cost is $4 member, $6 nonmember. Call 413-637-0320 for information.
Monday Mini-Courses Make Gardening Easy
Each Monday at 11a.m. from June 9 through October, Hancock Shaker Village visitors will have the opportunity to learn simple and easy fundamentals of gardening, including seed starting on a budget; companion planting; growing tropical plants with ease; rejuvenating perennials; and saving seeds. Classes are $10 each, with no advance registration required.
These Days, There’s Only One Way to the Top of Massachusetts
Access roads to Mount Greylock, the Commonwealth’s highest peak, are undergoing repairs, making foot travel the only means of access until 2009. On Sat., June 14, naturalist and avid hiker René Laubach of Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary will lead an eight-mile round trip hike to the 3,491 foot summit, where panoramic views abound. The elevation gain of this strenuous hike is approximately 2,400 feet. Cost is $6 member, $8 nonmember; call 413-637-0320 for info.
Tibetan Music & Dance to Heal the World
Mystical Arts of Tibet: Sacred Music Sacred Dance for World Healing graces the stage at The Colonial Theatre on June 14 at 8 p.m. The performance features multiphonic singing, in which Drepung Loseling monks simultaneously intone three notes of a chord. The monks utilize traditional instruments, while rich brocade costumes and masked dances add to the exotic splendor. Tickets are $25-$35, and Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health is the hospitality sponsor.
A Good Time—Taylor Made for You
Livingston Taylor will grace the stage at the Colonial Theatre on Sat., June 21, at 8 p.m., with special guest Kate Taylor. Whether performing their individual material or joining in a duet, Livingston and Kate Taylor fill the stage with great melodies, thoughtful lyrics and a sense of pure joy. Sharing the dual musical heritage of New England and the South, they draw upon the traditions of folk, pop, Broadway, blues, gospel, bluegrass, rockabilly and Motown to create their unique style and sound.
Ventfort Hall Gears Up for Gilded Age Summer
This summer, the theme at Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum is “Civil War: Birth of the Gilded Age.” An authentic Civil War wedding on June 7 will be followed June 22 through Aug. 31 with a reprisal of Colors of War: A Story of Love and Courage, produced in cooperation with Shakespeare & Company. This moving one-woman show tells the story Civil War hero Col. Robert Gould Shaw through correspondence with wife, Annie Haggerty of the original Vent Fort. Gould led the first African-American regiment in the North, subject of the film Glory.
275 Years Old & Still Going Strong
The oldest town in Berkshire County is having a birthday party and you’re invited. Dress in colonial attire and help spread the spirit! The Sheffield Historical Society will celebrate the town’s 275th anniversary Saturday, June 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Society's seven buildings will be open and events include tours, exhibits, live music, craft and arts demonstrations, food of the times and kid’s activities. Rain date is Sunday, June 22, 1-4.
BerkShares Offers Another Way to Save
BerkShares are a local currency designed for use in the Southern Berkshire region, functioning the same way that national currencies have functioned—building the local economy by maximizing circulation of trade within a defined region. The BerkShares Auction—a fun filled evening of food, drink and awesome items will be held June 21 to support the nonprofit BerkShares, Inc. The action takes place at 7 p.m. at Chrissy Farms, behind the Barrington Brewery & Restaurant, Great Barrington. Tickets are 10 BerkShares. Check out available items and bid now at the online advance auction berkshares.org.
Marta Topferova Adds Latin Spice to MASS MoCA's Alt Cabaret Series
Based solely on her material and the maturity of her sound, you might guess that Marta Topferova is a 50-something Latin singer-songwriter. In reality, the 30-year-old, Czech-born Topferova has perfected her husky vocals, gliding over Spanish lyrics and accompanying herself on the cuatro, a tiny Venezuelan four-string guitar. She’ll be at MASS MoCA for an intimate Alt Cabaret performance on Saturday, June 21, at 8 p.m. either outdoors under the stars in Dre Wapenaar's Pavilion or in Club B-10 if rain threatens.
Photographer Edward Burtynsky to Speak at MASS MoCA
China's transformation into an industrial superpower and global market force has brought exponential growth, a dramatic shift from a rural to a manufacturing economy, and unprecedented urban development. While unexpectedly beautiful, celebrated Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky's China is a vast, modern example of the unfolding, potentially disastrous consequences of globalization. Burtynsky, whose work is currently on view at MASS MoCA as part of Eastern Standard: Western Artists in China, will speak about his work and travels on Thursday, June 26, at 7PM, in MASS MoCA's Club B-10. The talk is free with museum admission and free to MASS MoCA members. The galleries will be open until 6:30 PM for visitors who wish to tour Eastern Standard before Burtynsky's talk. Reservations are recommended.
Sevenars Music Festival Marks 40th Anniversary
Sevenars Concerts established in 1968 and chosen one of Time magazine’s six best small American music festivals, has presented more than 300 guest artists since 1976, including world-renowned performers and prizewinning newcomers. The Schrade-James Family, the nucleus of Sevenars Music Festival, is considered unique among musical families. Six family members are known to the public through their performances in recitals, and on radio and television (including NBC's Today Show and a PM Magazine film feature), and as soloists with orchestras and chamber ensembles. Concerts take place July through August, at the Academy, South Ireland Street and Rte. 112, South Worthington.
Great Eats, Music, Classic Cars and More
Main Street will be noshin’ and dancin’ as North Adams hosts the seventh annual Northern Berkshire Food Festival on Sunday, June 22 from noon to 4. Along with compelling cuisine from up to 20 top Northern Berkshire restaurants, visitors will also find micro brewed beer and wine tasting; an eclectic mix of live music from Tom Corrigan and his band; and drawings for gift certificates from participating eateries. Weather permitting, classic Mustangs and Cougars will be displayed on the street as well.
What’s in a ring? A Fresh Take on All’s Well That Ends Well
For the first time on its main stage, Shakespeare & Company will present William Shakespeare’s All’s Well that Ends Well June 20 to August 31. Directing for the first time since her critically lauded King John in 2005, Tina Packer offers a fresh, insightful take on this seldom-produced tale of journeys, transformation and female empowerment: a young woman’s quest to win her reluctant husband’s love, attention and a very special ring. This lively production is filled with music and dance as Packer ties the fairy tale story together with songs reflecting the troubadour tradition of the story’s setting and the action of the play.
More, More, More!
This newsletter is the tip of the proverbial iceberg—there’s so much going on in the Berkshires that you simply must check out our full calendar.