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Happening this Week

by Charlotte Penrose

TEN DAYS OF PLAY: MUSEUM TAKEOVER
February 16th, Friday through February 25th, Sunday

Alongside Pittsfield’s 10x10 Upstreet Arts Festival, Berkshire Museum has planned 10 days of fun where kids can play, create, improvise, learn and flex their creative muscles. Make sure to bring along your budding builders to enjoy the Lego Station and the enormous blue blocks of the “Imagination Playground.” Plan your visit for Wednesday, February 21st, when Hancock Shaker Village will be taking over the entire Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation to demonstrate and teach some of the Shaker’s famous crafts and activities. Included in regular museum admission: $6 for kids 18 and under, $13 for adults.
Berkshire Museum. 39 South Street, Pittsfield MA. 413.443.7171

INAUGURAL HUDSON JAZZ FESTIVAL:
THE FIRST OF MANY TO COME

February 16th -18th, Friday - Sunday, times vary

This weekend at the historic 1855 Hudson Hall is the inaugural Hudson Jazz Festival. Notable Hudson-based Jazz pianist (with a “crystalline touch” according to the New York Times) Armen Donelian spearheads the event, opening the festival with “Sounds from the Silk Road,” and being the curator of the incredible line-up of performers. Saturday includes a Piano Summit headlined by JoAnne Brackeen, widely considered to be one of the most celebrated jazz pianists of all time, as affirmed by the Boston Globe. On Sunday morning don’t miss out on the indomitable Mr. Donelian’s workshop for free hands-on immersion in jazz improv and composition. Workshop is free, performances from $25 - $35.
Hudson Hall. 327 Warren Street. Hudson NY. 518.822.1438 x101

REIGNING FASHION: VICTORIA AND THE QUEEN
February 17th, Saturday 4-5PM

One of the highest-rated dramas on PBS in 20 years, Victoria, illustrates the intrigue of intricacies of being the most powerful woman in the world and the drama extends to the velvet, satin and silk adorning the show’s heroine. Join textile and costume historian Lynne Bassett as she offers insight into the cultural history of Victorian dress, illuminating the inspiration for women’s dress styles in the period, the techniques and individuals constructing these intricate garments, and the role Queen Victoria played as a fashion leader. Perhaps most importantly to fans of the show, she’ll divulge whether or not the dazzling costumes adorning the actors are, in fact, authentic representations of dress in the Victorian era. Free.
Scoville Memorial Library, 38 Main Street. Salisbury CT. 860.435.2838
While in Salisbury discover our favorite things!

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT:
HELPING DECLARE UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHTS

February 17th, Saturday 5:30-6:30PM

Join Allida Black, Ph.D. as she offers a fascinating look at Eleanor Roosevelt’s role in establishing both the Four Freedoms and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—adopted by the UN General Assembly in just its 3rd session in 1948. Surrounded by the eminent Rockwell series illustrating the Four Freedoms, Dr. Black will offer insight into how this visionary first lady, writer and activist helped advance civil rights in America and worldwide. Included with museum admission. Free for 18 & under, $20 Adults.
The Norman Rockwell Museum. 9 Glendale Road, Stockbridge MA. 413.298.4100
While in Stockbridge discover our favorite things!

LOVER’S SPAT: ROUND TWO
February 17th, Saturday 7PM 
February 18th, Sunday 2PM

Back by popular demand, come revel in the complexities of love as Shakespeare & Company presents funny and moving readings from history’s most notorious literary couples as they love, fight, make-up scheme, woo and fight some more. Hosted by acclaimed comedienne Alison Larkin and directed by Allyn Burrows, Shakespeare and Co.’s seasoned company actors (including the delightful Elizabeth Aspenlieder and Tamara Hickey) take the stage alongside several guest performers. $25 GA, $10 Students.
Shakespeare & Co. 70 Kemble Street. Lenox MA. 413.637.3353
While in Lenox discover our favorite things!

HAPPENING NEXT MONTH!
CARVE THIS: THE FUNDAMENTALS OF CARVING A WOODEN SPOON
March 18th, Sunday 10:30AM - 2:30PM

Drop Forge & Tool pretty much sums up the movement transforming Hudson, NY into a hub for fresh creative talent in addition to the antique shops of yore. “Carve This” is one of their most popular workshops that I have always wanted to feature, but it sells out too quickly! Renowned Hudson Valley woodworker Rowland Butler will lead you through the process of carving a wooden spoon from layout to carving to finishing. While his work can be found at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, if all goes according to plan, your spoon (along with the wood, skills and tools to create another) can be found in your kitchen! $100
Drop Forge & Tool. 442 Warren Street. Hudson NY. 518.545.4028

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