Happening this Week
COMPOSTING: AN ECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
VIRTUAL
June 29th, Wednesday, 7 - 8PM
Join Cary Institute ecologist Dr. Jane Lucas for a virtual science talk on the biology and ecology of composting. In the US, 30 - 40% of our food winds up in the trash where it contributes to landfills that emit greenhouse gases as their contents decompose. Composting is a great way to reduce household waste and shrink your carbon footprint. Food scraps, lawn clippings, wood, and paper products can all be transformed into a rich source of fertilizer for plants. And like following any good recipe, the right ingredients are key. Dr. Lucas will discuss the dos and don’ts of composting and how adding different materials will affect your “brew.” Free.
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HOUSATONIC EVENING PADDLE: EXPLORE & MORE
IN PERSON
June 30th, July 7th & 14th, Thursdays, 6:30 - 9PM
August 4th, Thursday, 6 - 8:30PM
Evening is the perfect time to look for wildlife. You’ll leisurely explore the rich wetlands of the Housatonic Valley Wildlife Management Area in the hours before dusk, discover a cove and enjoy light refreshments while listening and watching the wildlife. This time of year you might catch a glimpse of some kingfishers, herons, muskrats, beavers and other wildlife. $50 Mass Audubon Members, $60 Nonmembers.
Decker Boat Ramp. 298 New Lenox Road. Lenox MA. 413.637.0320.
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BACK PORCH MUSIC: ALI MCGUIRK
IN PERSON
July 1st, Friday, 7 - 9:30PM
Boston singer-songwriter Ali McGuirk has been described by The Boston Globe as “a soul singer who evokes comparisons to Amy Winehouse but rocks even harder.” Her sound combines the sounds of classic soul with folk songwriter lyricism. McGuirk’s debut album, Slow Burn, made rock critic Steve Morse’s “Top Ten Albums of 2017” in the Boston Globe and earned her recognition as one of New England’s most compelling artists. Enjoy her unique blend of sounds on the back porch at Hancock Shaker Village’s main barn. $20 Advance, $25 Day-of, Free for kids 12 & under.
Hancock Shaker Village. 1843 West Housatonic Street. Pittsfield MA. 413.443.0188.
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FETE DES FLEURS: DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE
IN PERSON
July 2nd, Saturday, 5 - 8PM
Celebrate one of the most enjoyable traditions in the Berkshire Botanical Garden calendar, the annual Fete de Fleurs. At this year’s gala you will “slip down the rabbit hole” at Searles Castle in Great Barrington thanks to the host, the artist Hunt Slonem. Famous for his artworks that feature bunnies, butterflies, birds and orchids, Slonem purchased Searles Castle in 2021. This elegantly whimsical evening will be highlighted by special guests, scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, tours of the castle (a once in blue moon opportunity), and much merriment. The dress code: castle casual with whimsical hats welcomed. Tickets starting at $200. All proceeds benefit the Garden’s education and horticulture departments.
Searles Castle. 389 Main Street. Great Barrington MA.
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HAPPENING NOW AT JACOB’S PILLOW DANCE FESTIVAL
RONALD K. BROWN / EVIDENCE
IN PERSON
June 29th - July 3rd, Wednesday - Sunday, times vary
Ronald K. Brown / EVIDENCE, the 2020 recipient of the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award, has deeply moved audiences for over 30 years. EVIDENCE is returning to Jacob’s Pillow this year to perform a series of works including the world premiere of The Equality of Night and Day featuring an original score played live by composer and jazz pianist, MacArthur Fellow Jason Moran. With text by civil rights activist Angela Davis and visuals by Deborah Willis, the sweeping and poetic work examines the concepts of balance and equity in our history as well as in the current political climate as it affects young people, women and people of color today. $55 - 85.
Jacob’s Pillow. 358 George Carter Road. Becket MA. 413.243.9919.
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SW!NG OUT
IN PERSON
July 6th - 10th, Wednesday - Sunday, times vary
Fans of acclaimed choreographer Caleb Teacher and last summer’s rollicking outdoor show LaTasha Barnes Presents The Jazz Continuum take note: Teacher brings back the best of the swing dance world to Jacob’s Pillow with SW!NG OUT, live music by Eyal Vilner Big Band. With a class of 22 performers, 12 dancers and 10 on the bandstand, SW!NG OUT features exciting Lindy Hop choreography and improvisation that ends with an on-stage jam session for performers and audience members. $65 - 82.
Jacob’s Pillow. 358 George Carter Road. Becket MA. 413.243.9919.
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HAPPENING SOON AT WILLIAMSTOWN THEATRE FESTIVAL
MAN OF GOD: A KILLER NEW COMEDY
IN PERSON
July 5th - 22nd, days and times vary
Chaos ensues when four teenage girls on a mission trip to Bangkok discover a camera hidden by their pastor in their hotel bathroom. Do they leave it to God or take matters into their own hands? The pressure builds quickly in this suspenseful comedy that explores justice, privacy, religion, the patriarchy and who you follow on Instagram. Juxtaposing girl power with teenage angst, the girls’ different ideals emerge as they discover what it takes to fight back. Maggie Burrows returns to Williamstown to direct this funny feminist thriller by newcomer Anna Ouyang Moench. $65.
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JUST FOR US
IN PERSON
August 3rd - 6th, Wednesday - Saturday, times vary
Williamstown Theatre Festival productions tend to sell out and fresh from a critically acclaimed, sold-out multi-time extended run Off-Broadway, tickets for Just For Us are sure to go even faster. The play takes the audience through hilarious anecdotes from Alex Edelman’s life—his Olympian brother AJ, an unconventional holiday season and a gorilla that can do sign language. Yet at the show’s center is an astonishing and frighteningly relevant story. After a string of anti-Semetic abuse is directed at Edelman online, he decides to covertly attend a gathering of White Nationalists in New York City and comes face-to-face with the people behind the keyboards. The result is a hair-raising encounter that gives Just For Us its title and final, jaw-dropping twist. $30 - 45.
Williamstown Theatre Festival.
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JIMMY NAUGHTON AND FRIENDS
IN PERSON
August 7th, Sunday, 3PM
Join the folks at the Festival for this exclusive benefit concert starring two-time Tony Award winner and legendary Festival actor and director James Naughton as he regales the audience with stories and songs, accompanied by surprise special guests. Known for his critically acclaimed award-winning performances in shows like Chicago and City of Angels, James has appeared in countless Cabarets and more than 20 productions at the Festival including The Rose Tattoo, The Crucible and as director of The Price. Featuring songs from James’ repertoire and anecdotes from his storied career, Jimmy Naughton & Friends is a one-time-only musical event you won’t want to miss! $80 - 125
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