Happening this Week

A CELEBRATION OF BLACK VOICES: LOCAL TALENT
IN PERSON
August 4th - 8th, Wednesday - Sunday
Enjoy this week-long celebration of local Black artists. The week begins with a Kick Off party featuring the Brownskin Band performing their own high energy version of their favorite soul, funk and R&B songs. Events will include a Poetry Slam, the family-friendly Interactive SupaDupa Storytelling Power Hour with Ty Allan Jackson, local talent shows for both adults and students, Joyful Noise—a Gospel Concert featuring local choirs and gospel singers—and the week closes out with two performances of Ain’t I A Woman, the stories of unsung African American heroines to feature Wanda Houston who will tell the story and sing the songs of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.
Outdoors at the Polish Community Club at Linden and Center Streets. Pittsfield MA
Click here to register for this event

CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP: FAIRYTALE LETTERS
VIRTUAL
August 5th, Thursday, 4:30 - 5:30PM
Make your own Fairytale Letter with calligrapher Debby Reelitz. She will briefly introduce the tradition of a decorated letter and then guide you in the process of creating your very own fanciful letter wrapped around a critter. No drawing or letter experience is necessary—simply select the letter and animal of your choice from a selection of digital files and then trace and color your illuminated letter! Free.
Click here to register for this event

BRANCHE: CIRQUE BARCODE
IN PERSON
August 7th, Saturday, 3 - 4PM
In celebration of Crellin Community Park Day and as part of PS21’s Pathways festival, Acting for Climate Montréal performs Branché—a theatrical circus arts and acrobatic performances created with Cirque Barcode to celebrate nature, community and optimism in the face of the climate crisis. Performers inspire artists and activists to go outside and work together toward a sustainable future. Free, donations encouraged.
PS21. 2980 New York 66. Chatham NY. 518.392.6121.
Click here to register for this event

CECILY STRONG: THIS WILL ALL BE OVER SOON
IN PERSON
August 7th, Saturday, 4PM
Join Saturday Night Live cast members Cecily Strong and Heidi Gardner for an exclusive first look at Cecily’s memoir This Will All Be Over Soon—a raw, unflinching story of loss, love, laughter and hope. At the heart of the book is Owen, Cecily’s thirty year-old cousin who died from brain cancer weeks before the coronavirus pandemic changed our lives forever. Cecily spent the months in lockdown chronicling his memory as a moving reminder that whatever challenges life might throw one’s way, they will all be over soon. Coming out of of 2020 with an eye towards the future, Cecily will discuss the challenges of beginning a relationship during the pandemic; the pain of losing family and friends; the pivotal events of her life that shape her and the importance of gratitude for each passing day. $33 - $50.
Click here to purchase tickets for this event

GLOBAL REMIX: AMERICA & THE WORLD
VIRTUAL
August 8th, Sunday, 3PM
Titans of international relations—veteran statesman Richard Haas, The Washington Post’s David Ignatius and Robin Wright of The New Yorker—will be discussing America’s role in the international order and the course Washington should chart for itself and the world. They will debate the challenges President Biden inherited, the looming clashes with Russia and China, the uncertainty created by a pandemic and the future of besieged democratic values—here and around the globe. $25.
Click here to register for this event