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Check out our what to do section for a complete list of Berkshire cultural attractions.
 Scenes of SummerBy Bess Hochstein
Over the past two weekends, I’ve heard this phrase again and again: “Can you believe this is a February night… in Pittsfield?” And from the vast and festive crowds on each occasion, it was indeed amazing that it was not a mid-summer night’s eve.
The first utterances came at the Ferrin Gallery’s opening reception for Firing Partners and Motion Pictures, two new shows featuring local artists.  I heard it a few more times as the crowd migrated down North Street for another opening at Storefront Artist Project, and again, a bit later that evening (without the Pittsfield part) as members of the Pittsfield arts mafia (Cultural Development director Megan Whilden, Storefront Artist Project founder Maggie Mailer, Berkshire Museum’s educational empress Maria Mingalone, gallery proprietress Leslie Ferrin) boogied to the bhangra beats at MASS MoCA’s Bollywood disco party, along with hundreds of other exuberant dancers.
 Then just last night, the same oft-repeated phrase—“Can you believe this is a February night… in Pittsfield?” – was on the tip of everyone’s tongues as the culturati converged on Spice, following the opening night of Trumbo: Red, White, & Blacklisted at Barrington Stage Company, as well as the fabulous Love Letters concert by the Albany Symphony at The Colonial. Not only did cast and audience members flock to Spice for late-night nibbles and libations; there was already a lively crowd there bopping to the Brazilian stylings of the evening’s musical act, Berkshire Batteria’s Bossa Triba. And friends tell me the pre-show scene was hopping, too, with overflow crowds at other local hot spots, such as Brix, whose lovely owners Patrick and Libby just welcomed their first child into the world.
 I’m sure we’ll hear a bit more of that phrase this Thursday at the Ferrin Gallery during its opening reception to preview artwork by local artists, donated for a silent auction to benefit IS183 Art School of the Berkshires. Ranging across all media, the work will be available by auction at IS183’s gala fundraiser dance party, Rock the Opera, on March 1 at Pittsfield’s Masonic Temple.
But early-bird-bidders can take advantage of the Ferrin Gallery preview to choose the “Buy it Now!” option, if there’s a particular piece that catches their eye or tickles their fancy. That way they can fully concentrate on dancing during the party, as well as gawking at the over-the-top costumes this event is sure to inspire. Of course there will be other noteworthy distractions, including great food and Rock the Opera-themed drinks, such as the Citrus Concertini, the Diva Daiquiri, and the Rum Rocktail. That’s inside information, but I’ve got a good source, since K is heading bartending committee!
Plenty of partygoers will have been well wined and dined before they hit the Rock the Opera’s red carpet – especially those who have attended prelude dinner parties in private homes, restaurants and other venues throughout the county. I’ve been to a few of the homes participating, and getting a peek inside is definitely worth the price of admission—plus all money raised benefits IS183’s high-quality, affordable art classes.
 Just to make it clear, my life does not revolve around dancing and parties. Nearly every morning I’m up at dawn to practice ashtanga yoga. On those few days when I can’t get to my regular studio, I take a “vigorous vinyasa” class at Rhythms Center at Aspinwell, though there are plenty of other options, given the variety of programs at Kripalu, where I also occasionally avail myself of the Healing Arts Center for some excellent bodywork. K gets physical in other ways, lifting and taking spin classes at the Lenox Fitness Center. Plus there’s always the corgis, who need their regular dog hikes in this region’s many parks and nature preserves.
In addition, we’re fully engaged in the rich variety of performing arts in the Berkshires. For example, on 2/23 Close Encounters with Music is presenting City Lights/Rural Utopia – Urban Pastoral Music at the Mahaiwe, and the next evening, 2/24, the  Robert Cray Band will take the stage. The Colonial is providing more music with the Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary Tour on 2/27. Dance is well represented, too, as tap master Dianne Walker takes up residency this week at MASS MoCA, presenting tap on film at 11 am, 2/20; a tap demonstration and group lesson with live music at 11 am, 2/21; and a Community Tap Jam Session on Friday evening, 2/22 at 7 pm, all before her Saturday afternoon performance.
And while we’re back to dancing, I’ve been thinking that the next “Clark After Dark” party, “The British Invasion” on 2/29 should be fun.  There’s a lot to work with, given the music of The Who, the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, and the Beatles, plus the whole Austin Powers paisley patterns/bell bottoms/granny glasses/love beads/go-go girl groove. And it’s a great opportunity to see the latest exhibition at The Clark, featuring the work of Frederick Remington—though it leads me to question why this “Final Friday” event features Brit pop rather than Western Swing…. In any case, I’m looking forward to catching a few of the classic Western films The Clark is screening in conjunction with the Remington show, as well as the “British Invasion” dance party.
I can’t talk about dancing without mentioning that Jacob’s Pillow has finally announced its  summer season, and the period of members-only subscription ordering has begun—which is reason enough to become a member! Non-members can order subscriptions starting on March 3, but given the popularity of last year’s record-breaking season, I’d urge anyone who wants to get a seat to join up and order now.
Also, Tanglewood’s entire season is now on sale, including the season-ending Jazz Festival. This Labor Day Weekend extravaganza includes Marian McPartland’s celebration of her 90th birthday in the form of her seventh annual live taping of “Piano Jazz,” during which some very special guests, to be named at a later date, will appear.
Speaking of very special guests, I can finally let the word out that Kevin Bacon will be this year’s honoree at the 2008 Berkshire International Film Festival. I ran into festival founder Kelley Vickery this weekend,  helping out on the decorations for Rock the Opera, and she was positively bleary-eyed, having recently returned from the Sundance Film Festival and still screening hundreds of submissions for her big event in May.
In its third year, Berkshire International Film Festival has established itself as the kick-off to the region’s summer season. As is true for all other presenters, tickets are now on sale, so that even while there’s still snow on the ground, we have begun to structure our cultural season schedule. Come to think of it, February is much closer to summer these days.
About Bess Hochstein
Bess J.M. Hochstein came to the Berkshires as a second-homeowner before deciding to move here full time. Previously a communications executive, she's now a freelance writer living in Tyringham with her corgis Duffy and Hobbs and K. She writes for several publications, including Berkshire Living, the Boston Globe, New England Wine Gazette, and Healing Lifestyles & Spas magazine.
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