Cultural Pittsfield This Week: May 15-21 / Pittsfield.com

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Cultural Pittsfield This Week: May 15-21

11:10AM / Friday, May 15, 2015

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Office of Cultural Development | City of Pittsfield

Friday-Saturday: Guido's Truckload Sale

Save loads at Guido's famous truckload sale! Their Natural Foods buyers have been negotiating the best possible deals, so they can pass on substantial savings to you! Stock up on your favorite pantry staples at 40% OFF or more.

Friday: Take Another Look, A Photographic Essay on Food Insecurity in Pittsfield Opening Reception at Guidos

Photographer Nicholas DeCandia presents "Take Another Look, A Photographic Essay on Food Insecurity in Pittsfield" at the Guido's Cafe Gallery. This is an encore presentation of the exhibition featured at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts in April. The exhibit highlights the issues of hunger and helping here at home. In conjunction with this exhibition, Guido's Pittsfield is collecting donations of non-perishable foods for the South Church Food Pantry for the month of May. The exhibit runs through May 31.

Friday: Dirty Brush Painting Party

Dragonfly Dreams in the downtown studio! Paint your favorite flowers! The evening includes three hours of individualized instruction, premium acrylic paints and supplies, snacks and BYOB. Call the studio to reserve your canvas.

Friday: The Kingston Trio at The Colonial Theatre

In 1957 The Kingston Trio emerged from San Francisco's North Beach club scene to take the country by storm, bringing the rich tradition of American folk music into the mainstream for the first time. During the late '50s and early '60s, The Kingston Trio was the number one vocal group in the world-musical and cultural phenomenon's whose record sales and concert draws were matched only by The Beatles. Through changing times, the Trio has played on, remaining popular for a simple reason-great songs that sound as good today as the first time you heard them. Almost fifty years after "Tom Dooley" shot to the top of the charts, the Trio is still on the road thirty weeks each year, bringing back all the great memories and making new ones.

Friday, May 15 | 7pm | The Colonial Theatre| 111 South Street | 413-997-4444 | $25-$55

Friday-Saturday: Pittsfield High School Presents "Urinetown: The Musical"

This ridiculously funny satirical musical comedy opens after a 20-year drought has made water so scarce that private toilets have become a thing of the past. One major corporation maintains a monopoly on public facilities and forces the impoverished citizens to pay extraordinary taxes and fines just to fulfill their most basic needs. From the depths of the poor, a hero rises to lead his comrades against the tyranny.

Friday-Monday: Adult Beginners at The Little Cinema

A young, hipster entrepreneur (Nick Kroll) crashes and burns on the eve of his company's big launch. With his entire life in disarray, he leaves Manhattan to move in with his estranged pregnant sister (Rose Byrne), brother-in-law (Bobby Cannavale) and three year-old nephew in the suburbs - only to become their manny. Faced with real responsibility, he may finally have to grow up - but not without some bad behavior first.

Friday+: Butler at Barrington Stage

This is the New England premiere of Butler. Based on actual events that changed the lives of over 10,000 slaves, Butler is set at the beginning of the Civil War and follows Major General Benjamin Butler, who has just been given command of Fort Monroe in Virginia. The inexperienced but shrewd Butler meets his match when an equally shrewd runaway slave enters the fort and asks for asylum. Uproariously funny, witty and very moving, Butler is the recipient of the Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award. "An excellent and engrossing play laced with humor" - CurtainUp

Friday-Sunday: BCC Player's Present The Addams Family

The Berkshire Community College Players are set to take the stage for a second weekend for their spring production of the musical comedy The Addams Family, based on the Addams Family characters featured in Charles Addams' single-panel gag cartoons. Ellen Shanahan serves as musical director and Andrea Borak as choreographer. All performances will take place in the Boland Theatre located in Koussevitzky Arts Center on the college's main campus.

Friday - Sunday: The Government Inspector at Miss Hall's

The Miss Hall's School Theater Ensemble will present Nicolai Gogol's satirical Russian comedy, The Government Inspector. In Gogol's tale, the governor and corrupt local officials of a small Russian community plan to cover up their misdeeds before the anticipated arrival of a government inspector, who will most likely arrive in disguise. When they learn that a mysterious stranger has already arrived in town, they do their best to woo the "inspector," who nonetheless appreciates-and pockets-their overtures. A comedy of errors, the play satirizes, among other things, the bureaucracy and corruption in Imperial Russia. Reservations strongly encouraged.

Saturday+: The Downtown Pittsfield Farmers

The first weekend at the Common was a huge success! This weekend, shoppers will find pasture-raised meats, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, breads, baked goods, coffee, wine, cut flowers, and plants, as well as beautiful artisan wares. The Berkshire Athenaeum will be there for a children' seed starting activity and story time. Seedlings for sale by many of our vendors! The Market will run rain or shine. SNAP (EBT/Food Stamps) accepted.

Saturday: Horizons Plant Sale at Miss Hall's School

The Miss Hall's School freshwomen hold their annual Horizons Plant Sale to support the philanthropic efforts of the freshwoman class. The public is invited to attend the sale, which takes place in the Ara West Grinnell (Class of 1901) Greenhouse, at the back entrance to the School, near the tennis courts. This year's sale will include a variety of annuals and perennials, along with flowers, succulents, and vegetable starts. The sale will also include past favorites, such as geraniums, as well as artistic clay pots produced by Miss Hall's freshwomen and filled with plants grown by their classmates. New this year: birdhouses and birdbaths.

Saturday, May 16 | 9am-3pm | Miss Hall's School| 492 Holmes Road | FREE

Saturday: Learner's Lab: Basic Bike Repair at Berkshire Museum

From your toddler's trike to a top-of-the-line rig, a repair expert from Plaine's Bike, Ski & Snowboard will walk you through the tips, tools, and techniques you need to get your ride ready for the summer season and how to properly maintain your bicycle year-round.

Saturday: Community Bike Ride POSTPONED TO MAY 23

Due to the impending weather, the Community Bike Ride has been postponed until May 23. Everyone's invited! The route will begin at the Controy Pavilion, head up to Pittsfield State Forest and back to the Pavilion making the ride just under 6 miles round trip. Younger riders are encouraged to ride the trail along Onota Lake at Burbank Park.

Ride begins at 10am with pre-registration starting at 9am. FREE to participate! AND if you are participating in the Mayor's Fitness Challenge, participating in the bike ride is an opportunity for bonus points!!

Saturday, May 23 (note the postponed date) | 10am | The Controy Pavilion on Onota Lake at Burbank Park |413-499-9370 | FREE

Saturday: Chow Time at Berkshire Museum

Help prepare enticing feasts for the turtles, fish, chameleon, and even the blue-tongue skink in the Aquarium!

Saturday: Repair Cafe at St. Stephens

There'll be free repairs, free refreshments in the Cafe Corner, live music, and freebies in the Giveaway Corner. You can bring clothing, chairs, lamps, vacuums, other electrical items, bicycles, knives & blades for sharpening, wood items, base metal jewelry, crockery, toys, cushions, bags, and more (1 or 2 items per person). In addition, you can ask questions at the Legal Reference Desk. And, for the first time, organizational advice will be offered (bring purses or drawers or photos of closets or other cluttered areas in your home), and face painting will be available for the kids (or young-at-heart adults). Repair people and other volunteers are welcome. To volunteer or for info, email jmh227@hotmail.com.

Saturday: Sondheim Trilogy- Part 1 at Whitney Center For The Arts

Enjoy the best of the Berkshires Cabaret duo Ron Ramsay and Sam Talora as they pay tribute to "Master of the Contemporary Musical Theater" in a NYC style "Bistro" settings.

Saturday: A Return to the Big Band Era at Berkshire Ballroom

From the stage of the elegant and historic Masonic Ballroom the Georgie Wonders 18-Piece Orchestra will be playing popular and familiar music of the 30's, 40's, 50's as well as modern. Admission includes listening and dancing and a generous snack table.

Saturday: Arc Iris at Mission

Celebrate the weekend at Mission with Arc Iris! Limited space so come early.

Saturday: The Longview Gunslingers at Fairways

The Longview Gunslingers with Father, Misty and the Big Rock. Hosted by and in benefit for the mens Berkshire Rugby Football Club.

Saturday, May 16 | 9pm | Fairways at the A | 303 Crane Ave | 413-442-3585| $8

Saturday: Live Music at Flavours!

The Arthur Holmes Blues Band will be rocking the house at Flavours on Saturday night. This will be a fun night of live music for guests 21+ with valid ID.

Saturday, May 16 | 10pm | Flavours of Malaysia | 75 North Street | 413-443-3188 | $5

Sunday: Darrell Pucciarello Dance Presents "Dancers in Concert" at The Colonial Theatre

This will be the tenth annual performance hosted by Darrell Pucciarello Dance which was established in 2005 in downtown Pittsfield as Studio One. The program will feature ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance performances by students ranging from beginner through adult. Ballets Metropolis, the performing company of Darrell Pucciarello Dance will also be performing an original ballet, "The Unlikely Prince" as well as excerpts from Paquita.

Sunday & Monday: Session Americana at Mr. Finn's Cabaret at Barrington Stage

Described as "a rock band in a tea-cup, or possibly a folk band in a whiskey bottle," this collective of talented musicians craft a musical experience unlike any other. Blending a vintage suitcase recast as a kick drum, an old Estey field organ, and a pre-war parlor guitar among many other instruments, this is a freewheeling, anything-could-happen show that you don't want to miss!

Sunday & Monday, May 17 & 18 | 8pm | Mr. Finn's Cabaret | Blatt Performing Arts Center | 36 Linden Street | 413-236-8888 | $25

Monday: Federation Program "Lillian Roth: My Cousin the MovieStar" at Congregation Knesset Israel

The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents "Lillian Roth: My Cousin the Movie Star" with historian/teacher David Rutstein. In 1930, at the age of 19, Lillian was a leading player in support roles in six movies. Using family memories, her autobiography I'll Cry Tomorrow, interviews, and Paramount Studio publicity photos, David Rutstein will discuss her acting and singing career along with her troubled personal life. Program is free. $2 suggested donation for Kosher Lunch following the program. Advanced lunch reservations are required and can be made up to 9am on the day of the program.

Monday: Cabaret at Berkshire Music School

An evening of Cabaret, wine and. decadent desserts. Reservations are recommended. Performers are Sherri James Buxton (director), Lisa Avery, Renee DeCandia, Christine Enderle, Paul Houston, Pam Knisley, Jane Rosen, Kim Yarter and Bob Shepherd on piano.

Monday, May 18 | 7pm | Berkshire Music School | 30 Wendell Ave | 413-442-1411 | $15

Monday: Dirty Brush Painting Party

Learn to paint Shasta Flowers at this painting party at Portsmitt's Restaurant. All classes are $35 at the door, credit card holds your reservation. The evening includes three hours of individualized instruction, premium acrylic paints and supplies, snacks and BYOB. Call the studio to reserve your canvas.

Monday & Tuesday: Town Players of Pittsfield Auditions at the Whitney

Town Players of Pittsfield announces auditions for a staged reading of "What Happens in Iowa", the newest play by award-winning New York playwright, Joe Starzyk. Don and Kathy Chapin are empty-nesters looking to spice up their boring lives. But just as they undertake a new hobby they receive an unexpected surprise. Their children return home. Surprises are in store once everyone's secrets come to light. Needed for the cast are 2 women, 40-60 years old, 1 man, 40-60 years old, 2 women in their 20's and 1 man in his 20's. The reading will be directed by the playwright. The production date is Sunday June 28th.

Monday & Tuesday, May 18 & 19 | 6:30pm | Whitney Center For The Arts | 42 Wendell Ave| FREE

Tuesday: Evergreen, Getting to Know You Better at Berkshire Athenaeum

Learn more about the library's upgraded catalog, and the key to locating and requesting network items available throughout central and western Massachusetts. Registrants must be able to use a computer mouse/laptop. (Taught by Alex & Katherine).

Tuesday: Toddler Story Time at Berkshire Athenaeum

For ages 1 1/2 - 3. No registration required. Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult, age 18 or older, at all times.

Tuesday: Nonprofit Showcase at the Crowne Plaza

Local nonprofits are looking for new ideas, new talent, and new resources. Join us at this FREE reception and learn how to get involved! This event is open to people of all ages. Connect with local health, service, community, and cultural nonprofits, learn how to give back to your community through volunteer or board service, expand your community and professional network and mingle with other Berkshire professionals and businesses. Light refreshments and a wine/beer cash bar will be available to enjoy as you network.

Wednesday: Lego Club at Berkshire Athenaeum

Lego Club meets the third Wednesday of each month. This month's theme is: Legos on the Move. Lego Club for children ages 5 and up. No registration required.

Wednesday: Dirty Brush Painting Party

Learn to paint Floral Study I at this painting party at Rainbow Restaurant. All classes are $35 at the door, credit card holds your reservation. The evening includes three hours of individualized instruction, premium acrylic paints and supplies, snacks and BYOB. Call the studio to reserve your canvas.

Thursday: Play and Learn with Jenn at Berkshire Athenaeum

Come hear stories, sing songs and play some games! For ages 1 1/2 - 5. No registration required. Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult, age 18 or older, at all times.

First 3rd Thursday of the Season is here!

The first 3rd Thursday has a Creative Youth theme and will celebrate youth performers, dancers, musicians, artists and more. Come check out the new Community Art Project featuring a sidewalk chalk art gallery, the free bounce house from Carr Hardware, Downswing's Indoor Golf Center's big putting green and miniature golf obstacles, the Do It Yourself tie dye demo station at the YMCA, the fancy food court, the Relax zone with live music and much more. Click here for more information.

Thursday, May 21 | 5pm-8pm | Upstreet Cultural District | 413-499-9348 | FREE

Thursday: 3rd Thursday Afterparty Concert at The Whit

Join the Whitney Center for the Arts for the first 3rd Thursday's Afterparty Concert featuring Ryan Hobler. No cover, cash bar. Ryan was named "2013 Best of NYC Emerging Artists Americana/Folk Rock" Ryan is an eclectic folk-pop singer and genre-jumping songwriter who has been playing music for nearly two decades.

Thursday, May 21 | 8pm | Whitney Center For The Arts | 42 Wendell Ave | NO COVER

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