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North Adams Happenings: March 2-8
09:42AM / Friday, March 04, 2016
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North Adams Happenings: 
March 2 - 8
Brought to you by the MCLA Berkshire Cultural Resource Center
and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
 

Save the date!

 
March 11 & 12
High Mud Comedy Fest with Tig Notaro
Hunter Center, 1040 MASS MoCA Way
413-662-2111
Festival pass: $32 - $75 
for more information

"High Mud is destined to be one of the most hysterical late-winter comedy festivals in the history of Western Massachusetts. Unless there's a blizzard.” — television comedy writer Jay Tarses

From the mind of television comedy writer and executive producer of The Bob Newhart Show (and MASS MoCA Trustee) Jay Tarses comes the High Mud Comedy Festival, a two-day laugh fest featuring a pile of performers thick with national comedic treasures and local stand-up heroes. Provocative deadpan comedian Tig Notaro headlines the inaugural festival, hosted by NPR’s Ophira Eisenberg and featuring Brooklyn- and Hollywood-based live wire Sean Patton. More national and regional talent fill stages, including the MASS MoCA return of absurdist Dave Hill and a Berkshire-based comedy slate organized by and including the hilarious Thomas Attila Lewis, North Adams-based humorist Seth Brown, and Adams-based Mark Jagiello.
March 31
MCLA Presents! Emel Mathlouthi
Church St. Center, 375 Church Street
413-662-5320
$2-$12
for more information

It’s the astonishing range and sensuousness of Mathlouthi’s voice that is most compelling. There are swoops and growls reminiscent of Bjork, whom she cites as a major influence, and even traces of her goth past as she picks out minimal, reverberant lines on electric guitar which make you wonder if she’s also been listening to the xx .” - The Guardian

Tunisian vocalist, songwriter and guitarist Emel Mathlouthi captivates hearts and minds with the story of HER Tunisia. The dark years as a young rebel and dissenter, the strife of being a female musician and the dual love and suffering that came from longing for home while living in a free country.

Whether she's singing Bjork's "All is Love," Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" or her own lush compositions, Tunisian singer, songwriter, and composer Emel Mathlouthi intricate sound demands your attention.

Whether you understand her words or not (Emel sings primarily in Arabic), her emotive and plaintive voice transcends language. Moving between rock, trip-hop and electronica - all interlaced with classical Arabic tradition - her delicate and rousing songs express love, suffering and longing for home in a deeply confessional style that verges on sacred Sufi music. 

 
 

Opportunities

 
Call for Art - before March 13
FIGMENT North Adams is an experiment in participatory art in all of its forms and we invite you to submit your proposal today. The Call for Art is open to everyone, the only guideline is that you create original works that get people to interact, to participate and to collaborate with each other at Windsor Lake in North Adams, MA on April 30, 2016.

FIGMENT North Adams welcomes works in every imaginable medium including sculpture, installation, performance, music, workshops, games, experiences, site-specific pieces, social experiments–anything you can dream of. We invite any project that inspires visitors to interact with the art. Dream big and come share with your FIGMENT friends!

About the site: FIGMENT North Adams will be held at Windsor Lake. Projects will occur in a variety of locations around the site. We will work with you to site your project and provide access to power if needed (please note needs for power, water, infrastructure in your proposal). 

Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until 5pm EST on March 13, 2016. Visit http://artistportal.figmentproject.org/ to submit!!!

Send any and all questions along to northadams@figmentproject.org!
 
Pittsfield Paintbox Program Call for Artists

Pittsfield Artscape has announced a partnership with Berkshire Money Management to bring more public art to the downtown with the Pittsfield Paintbox Program. 

The Pittsfield Paintbox Program will bring intriguing and vibrant paintings to the streets' utility boxes (load centers). Artists will transform the typically drab electrical boxes, increasing the vibrancy of the artful streetscape. It will celebrate local artists, enliven the streetscape, and discourage vandalism of utility boxes throughout the downtown. Applications accepted through April 15.

Nominations Sought for Spring Neighborlies
The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (nbCC) is accepting nominations for the Spring Neighborlies celebration, a community recognition award night. The Neighborlies will be held on Wednesday, May 4th from 5-6:30 at Congregation Beth Israel on Lois Street in North Adams. The nbCC's Northern Berkshire Neighbors welcomes residents to consider people of all ages who have performed acts of kindness or made a positive difference in their lives, in their neighborhoods or in their community. Anyone may nominate individuals or groups in one or more of the following categories: neighborly acts, young people taking the lead, business/agency support, groups pulling together on a project and community health and wellness.
The Coalition urges community members to take the time to recognize those people who have given their time, energy and resources to help make Northern Berkshire a better place to live and work. 

There are several ways to nominate. You may nominate online through the nbCC website at www.nbccoalition.org. Applications may be picked up and mailed to the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition Office at 61 Main Street, Suite 218, North Adams, MA 01247. Nominations may also be called in to (413) 663-7588 or e-mailed to arodgers@nbccoalition.org. Send the name(s), address and phone and e-mail of those nominated and those making the nomination, indication of the category and a brief description of the reason.   
 

Wednesday March 2

 
Free Blood Pressure Screening
First Baptist Church
Use Eagle Street entrance
413-664-0123
9:30 – 11:30 AM
Free
call for more information

Get Cuffed Berkshires free blood pressure screening at the Friendship Food Pantry in North Adams every.
The MCLA FPA Theatre Program Presents: 
A Doll's House
Venable Theater
375 Church Street
413-662-5255
8 PM
$2-$12
for more information

Directed by Laura Standley, in this compelling new version of Henrik Ibsen's masterpiece, Nora Helmer has secretly borrowed a large amount of money to pay for her husband, Torvald, to recover from illness on sabbatical in Italy. Torvald’s perception of Nora is of a silly, naive spendthrift, so it is only when the truth begins to emerge and Torvald realizes who Nora really is, that unmendable cracks appear in their marriage.
 

Thursday March 3

 
Northern Berkshire Retirees Club
Greylock Community Club
548 State Rd
413-743-9476 
10 AM
call for information

Northern Berkshire Retirees Club will meet at the Greylock Community Club. The speaker for this meeting will be Stephen Roy, Veteran Services Director from North Adams. who will be explaining how to apply for benefits and how to fill out claims as well up to date info on what is available for veterans and their families. There will be a question and answer period following the talk. Coffee and doughnuts will be available. Any questions call 413-743-9476 or 413-663-9263.

 
Green Living Seminar: Mass Audubon:
Protecting the Nature of Massachusetts
Room 121, Feigenbaum Center for Science & Innovation
413-662-5303
5:30 PM
Free
For more information

“Mass Audubon: Protecting the Nature of Massachusetts,” presented by Becky Cushing, Berkshire Sanctuaries director for Mass Audubon. This event is free and open to the public. This spring, the series will consider the relationship between people and wildlife, both locally and more broadly.
“These presentations will inform both students and community members how conflict arises and is addressed when wildlife interferes with human activities,” said Dr. Elena Traister, MCLA professor of environmental science. “We also will explore strategies for wildlife conservation in a rapidly changing world.”
Opening Reception What's Next?
a solo exhibition of work by Karen Moss 
MCLA Gallery 51, 51 Main Street
413-662-5320
Free
5-7 pm
for more information

Throughout her 40-year career, Karen Moss has created two-dimensional artwork that weaves a delicate line between narrative and social commentary. Often inspired by news items relating to problems in society –  such as eating disorders, youth violence, homelessness, consumerism and environmental devastation – Moss engages her audiences through her use of pop imagery, delicate line, humor and fantasy.
Moss has been inspired by stories and illustrations from children’s books and animal life since her childhood. Drawing has always been a strong component of her work, and paper is her preferred medium. Combining these interests and inspirations helped to shape her involvement with narrative, art history and the natural world for 'What's Next?' opening March 3rd.  
Tap & Blues: Riding the Backbeat into Spring!
North Adams Public Library
74 Church St.
6 PM
Free
For more information

Tap & Blues, Riding the Backbeat into Spring, with Delta Blues artist, Robin O’Herin and Rhythm Tap dancer, Stefanie Weber.

Robin O'Herin is a Berkshire-based, touring blues and gospel musician, specializing in historically rich, often interactive concerts that feature original and traditional Delta blues and gospel, for small listening rooms, festivals, libraries and schools. Her instruments are bottleneck and fingerstyle guitar, ukelele and mountain dulcimer. Her concerts are warm, affirming experiences which she shares with the audience. Let her take you on a journey of musical exploration through the Delta and Piedmont regions of the South. Song selections may include Robert Johnson, Blind Willie Johnson and Robin's own original blues and fingerstyle ballads.

Knitting Night at Makers’ Mill
Makers' Mill 73 Main Street
(413) 749-2073
7-9 PM
Donations welcome
for more information

Makers' Mill will be hosting a weekly evening of knitting! This program is open to all community members so bring a friend or make a new one. Need supplies or tools? We'll have discounted yarn for sale, needles and hooks for check out, and loads of great reference books. So bring an in-progress project or start up something new and make a new routine for yourself.
Feminism in Art Open Mic and Showcase!
Sullivan Lounge - 2nd Floor Amsler Campus Center at
MCLA, 375 Church St.
7 - 9 PM
Free! All Ages! All Welcome!
For more information

Join us as we celebrate the beginning of Women's History Month 2016 with this wonderful night of music and art celebrating all things feminism! The night will begin with an open mic where anyone can share their feminist art, stories, or passions with the room. After the open mic, there will be three feature sets by local artists that you won't want to miss!
The Open Mic sets will be limited to 5 minutes each and spots are limited, and you can signup now at the Susan B. Anthony Women's Center at MCLA (Campus Center 3rd floor, room 323) or you can email soundsandtones@gmail.com! Only 5 Slots still open!
Feature Performers -

Chasing Daylight - (Duo featuring Alyssa Richardson and Jake Keplinger)
Catherine DeGennaro - (of the band GRNDMS) Acoustic Folk
Eventyr - (Maija and Ryan)

Sponsored by:
Susan B Anthony Women’s Center at MCLA
Sounds and Tones Records 
Common Folk
G.A.B.E. – Gathering Around Bereavement Enlightenment Group Meeting
St. Elizabeth’s Parish Center
70 Marshall St.
413-346-4626
7 – 9 PM
Free
call for information

A bereavement group for people that have lost children at any stage - pregnancy, birth or beyond. We meet every first Thursday of the month. 7-9pm at St. Elizabeth's Parish Center, 70 Marshall Street.
The MCLA FPA Theatre Program Presents: 
A Doll's House
Venable Theater
375 Church Street
413-662-5255
8 PM
$2-$12
for more information

Directed by Laura Standley, in this compelling new version of Henrik Ibsen's masterpiece, Nora Helmer has secretly borrowed a large amount of money to pay for her husband, Torvald, to recover from illness on sabbatical in Italy. Torvald’s perception of Nora is of a silly, naive spendthrift, so it is only when the truth begins to emerge and Torvald realizes who Nora really is, that unmendable cracks appear in their marriage.
 

Friday March 4

 
Free on the 4s
MASS MoCA Free Day for North Adams Residents
1040 MASS MoCA Way
413-662-2111
11 AM – 5 PM
Free
For more information 

MASS MoCA is free for 01247 residents on the 4th of the month through May 2016
Calling North Adams residents — mark your calendars for the 4th... of the next seven months. MASS MoCA offers free admission to its neighbors in North Adams, beginning November 4, and continuing through May 4. Simply bring an official ID or a utility bill with your current address and come check out your hometown museum for free. Everyone with a 01247 zip code is eligible.
Free on the 4s take place 11am-5pm on:
Monday, April 4
Wednesday, May 4
 
Embroidery Techniques
Makers' Mill 73 Main Street
413-749-2073
7 - 9 PM
$40/person
For more information 

Students will learn a variety of hand embroidery stitches while creating a small sampler. The basics of hand sewing and choosing fabric, needles, and thread will all be discussed. Each student will leave with an embroidery hoop, needle, and thread to begin a new creation at home.
 
Open Mic Fridays
The Parlor Café
303 Ashland St.
(413) 346-4279
7- 9 PM
Free
for more information

Open mic night at the Parlor Café. Sign-up at the bar starts at 6:30PM.
 
The MCLA FPA Theatre Program Presents: 
A Doll's House
Venable Theater
375 Church Street
413-662-5255
8 PM
$2-$12
for more information

Directed by Laura Standley, in this compelling new version of Henrik Ibsen's masterpiece, Nora Helmer has secretly borrowed a large amount of money to pay for her husband, Torvald, to recover from illness on sabbatical in Italy. Torvald’s perception of Nora is of a silly, naive spendthrift, so it is only when the truth begins to emerge and Torvald realizes who Nora really is, that unmendable cracks appear in their marriage.
 

Saturday March 5

 
The MCLA FPA Theatre Program Presents: 
A Doll's House
Venable Theater
375 Church Street
413-662-5255
2 & 8 PM
$2-$12
for more information

Directed by Laura Standley, in this compelling new version of Henrik Ibsen's masterpiece, Nora Helmer has secretly borrowed a large amount of money to pay for her husband, Torvald, to recover from illness on sabbatical in Italy. Torvald’s perception of Nora is of a silly, naive spendthrift, so it is only when the truth begins to emerge and Torvald realizes who Nora really is, that unmendable cracks appear in their marriage.
Ken Winokur's Psychedelic Cinema
Club B-10, 1040 Mass MoCA Way
413-662-2111
8 PM
$5 - $28 
For tickets and information

Ken Winokur of Alloy Orchestra visits MASS MoCA with his new film and live music project, Psychedelic Cinema, which revitalizes cult filmmaker Ken Brown’s Super 8 films from the late 1960s, which were used as light shows for Jimi Hendrix, Grateful Dead, and Sly Stone. Winokur and his accomplices overlay his signature junk percussion, melodic clarinets and keyboards, and recorded speeches and audio artifacts to dazzling effect.
Bicycle Myself, Alto Jeffro & Tbooty
The Parlor Café
303 Ashland St.
(413) 346-4279
7 PM
Free
For more information

Ambient experimental with visual projections
 

Sunday March 6

 
Handmade Mermaid Doll Workshop
Makers' Mill 73 Main Street
(413) 749-2073
2 – 5 PM
$35/ person
For more information 

Come design and create your own unique mermaid doll using a variety of materials and techniques. All skill levels are strongly encouraged to participate; no experience is necessary. We will begin with the construction of the doll and then decorate it with embroidery and other assorted materials. Feel free to bring ideas, sketches, inspiration or materials with you if you wish, or choose to make it up as you go, but come and make something fun and special for yourself or a loved one.
Instructor Bio: Phyllis Criddle is a self-taught fashion designer living in North Adams, who has recently discovered a passion for creating cloth dolls. She is also Director of Retail Operations at MASS MoCA, and is known for creating unusual garments and accessories out of materials from the museum and it's music festivals.
 

Monday March 7

 
Figure Drawing Collective
Makers' Mill 73 Main Street
(413) 749-2073
7-9PM
$5/members, $10/drop-in
for more information

Be part of a new figure drawing collective starting up at Makers’ Mill. Sessions will run every Monday and will focus on long poses, and include a warm up consisting of several short poses.
We’ll be bringing in local models and a local, figure drawing instructor who will drop-in as available. Get in as at the ground level to shape the direction this collective takes. Bring your own lap board, paper, pencils, and creative energy!
 

Tuesday March 8

 
Parenting with Positive Discipline
Free 8 week Parenting Series
Johnson School, 21 Williams Street
413-664-4821
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Free
for more information

Tuesdays, January 26 to Tuesday, March 22 from 5:30-7:30p.m. At Head Start Johnson School, 21 Williams St., North Adams. This series shows parents how to be both firm and kind, so that their child can learn creative cooperation and self-discipline. Parents will learn how to defuse power struggles, communicate with love, and build on their children’s strengths, hold children accountable with their self-respect intact, win cooperation at home. Positive Discipline shows parents how to focus on positive outcomes and features ways to use positive discipline in your family. Class includes a free weekly meal for parents and children.  Free on-site child care and transportation. Call to register 413-664-4821.This parenting series is being presented by The Family Center and is being hosted by Berkshire County Head Start. The program is funded by The Massachusetts Children’s Trust for families with children ages Birth to 6 years and are actively parenting. 
 

From Our Neighbors

 
Tuesdays through April
 
Knitting Group
The Milne Public Library, 1095 Main Street, Williamstown
413-458-5369
2 – 4 PM
Free
for more information

We will host a knitting group every Tuesday from 2:00-4:00 beginning January 12th and continuing into April. All levels of experience are welcome. The program is free and open to the public. Just bring your projects and knit. The group may explore different yarns and items to knit including socks, shawls, sweaters, hats, etc. You can start at any time. The group coordinator will be Carole Thompson who enjoys exploring yarns and designing her own patterns using body measurements. Carole is the Curator of the Robert Frost Museum in Shaftsbury. The David & Joyce Milne Public Library is located at 1095 Main St. Williamstown, (413) 458-5369.
Friday March 4
 
New Parents Gallery Talks at the Clark
225 South St., Williamstown
413 458 2303
10:15  AM
Free
For more information

The Clark Art Institute kicks off its popular New Parents Gallery Talk series, free, informal gallery talks held in the permanent collection galleries. This program is best suited for parents with pre-toddlers; strollers and front-style baby carriers are permitted. Reservations are not required.
March 4 and 5

Billstock
Williamstown’s Music Festival

The Log, Spring Street
Williamstown
7 PM
$10 donation recommended
for lineup and more information

 

 Williamstown’s Music Festival returns for two big nights.  All local, all original.  12 bands at Williamstown’s newest venue for live music.  Warm, welcoming, a great way to catch up with what your friends, neighbors, and classmates are up to.

Sunday March 6
 
First Sundays Free at the Clark
225 South Street, Williamstown
413-458-2303
10 AM – 5 PM
For more information 
 
The Clark Art Institute’s “First Sundays Free” program runs on the first Sunday of the month through May 4. Admission to the Clark is always free for members, children under age 18, and students with a valid ID. To learn more about becoming a member, visit clarkart.edu/support or call 413-458-0425.

Thursday March 3
 
Youth Art Month - Quick Draw – Make your own thumbnail sketchbook
The Clark, 225 South St., Williamstown
413 458 2303
3-5 PM
For more information
In celebration of Youth Art Month, the Clark Art Institute will hold after-school artmaking sessions on Thursdays in March. The themed workshops, designed for fourth- to eighth-graders, will be held in a special Young Artmakers Space on the lower level of the Clark Center. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Activities are free and no registration is required; admission to the galleries will be charged. The sessions are as follows: March 3: Quick Draw – Make your own thumbnail sketchbook; March 10: The Original #Selfie – Take a different kind of selfie in our self-portrait salon; March 17: Live Wire  – Find out if a drawing can be three-dimensional by making a wire drawing sculpture; March 24: Fine Print  – Leave your mark on the world with a new personalized stamp; March 31: String Theory – Explore the world of fiber art with your own woven wall-hanging. The Clark is located at 225 South St. For more information.
 
Friday March 4

First Fridays Artwalk

Downtown Pittsfield
artswalkpittsfield@gmail.com
5 – 8 PM
Free
For more information
 
March First Fridays Artswalk Friday, March 4th, 5 to 8 pm Enjoy a dozen different art shows featuring work by over 20 accomplished regional artists in Pittsfield’s bustling Upstreet Cultural District during the First Fridays Artswalk and all month long! In most venues, artists will be present from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, March 4th! Join us for a free guided tour beginning at 5pm on March 4th at the Intermodal Center @ BRTA, 1 Columbus Ave! The fun doesn't stop at 8! Join us for the Afterwalk Party with live music from Alan Monasch from 8-10 pm at the Whitney Center for the Arts, 42 Wendell Avenue. Free and open to the public! Learn more at http://www.firstfridaysartswalk.com/
Saturday March 5
 
Thunderfest 2016
Adams Visitors Center
3 Hoosac St., Adams
12 – 5 PM
Free
For event information
 
It's the 5th annual celebration of the Thunderbolt Ski Run and outdoors winter recreation in the Berkshires! It's where the hardy come to party! (Even if the Thunderbolt Sk Run is cancelled due to lack of snow), we party on at ThunderFest.
Food and Drink:Mouthwatering Food Vendors from Local Eateries including Desperados, Cliff’s Backyard BBQ, Olde Forge Tavern & Adams Lions Club. Local craft beer & local wine including Wandering Star's Thunderbolt IPA and Balderdash Cellars
• Cast your vote in the Annual Chowder Cook Off
Live Music by Misty Blues Duo and the Rev Tor Band
Awards Ceremony: Winners of the 80th Anniversary Thunderbolt Ski Run will be receive their medals around 3:30.
More:
• Warm up around the campfire
• Kids’ Activities by Youth Center Inc.
• Visit the new Thunderbolt Ski Museum
• Outdoor recreation vendors
• Old school social networking
Thanks to our generous sponsors: Adams Community Bank, Aladco & Berkshire Gas.
 

Fundraisers

 
Sunday March 6
Oh Crepe Fundraiser to Benefit the Community Outreach 
& Civic Engagement Training
Oh Crepe, 57 Main Street
413-664-6702
9 AM – 2 PM
Free to attend
for more information

On Sunday, March 6th, 10% of all crepe sale profits at Oh Crepe will go to support the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition's Community Outreach & Civic Engagement Training. This training is a free 6-month training offered once a year in mid-February to anyone that lives in northern Berkshire that is interested in helping their neighbors, making a difference and becoming more engaged in their community. As part of the training, participants learn about many of the health and human service providers and community organizations in the northern Berkshire region; engage in workshops and training on topics such as styles of leadership, accessing local government, public speaking, conflict management, and other related topics; complete a project that either builds on a community asset or meets an identified need. Following graduation, participants use the information and skills gained to make positive impacts on the Northern Berkshire communityHelp support this important training and the amazing people who participate!
 
Monday March 7 – Sandie’s Survivors Paint N Sip Fundraiser
American Legion, 91 American Legion Dr.
413-205-8346
6 PM
$35/person
for tickets and more information

Join us on 3/7 for a Paint & Sip fundraiser to support Sandie's Survivors Relay for Life Team at the American Legion, 91 American Legion Dr, North Adams. LAST CHANCE TO PAINT THIS IMAGE, as it will be retiring after this event.  Learn to paint "Sunny Sunflower" on a large 16x20 canvas while you sip and socialize. All materials and instruction included for $35. Reserve your seats at www.berkshirepaintandsip.com or call (413) 205-8346

 

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