Dark Dark Dark returns to MASS MoCA for an Alt Cabaret performance

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Photo courtesy of Mass MoCA., Dark Dark Dark 8/9, 8pm
North Adams - Careful listeners will hear the story of the band Dark Dark Dark woven into their haunting songs. Theirs is a story of love and heartache, death and loneliness, and the persistent hope that keeps man moving, certain that something better lies just around the corner. Dark Dark Dark returns to MASS MoCA for an Alt Cabaret performance on Saturday, August 9, 2008, at 8 PM outside in the Dre Wappenar Pavilion, or in Club B-10 in the event of rain.

Their North Adams debut took place in April of this year when they took a break from their duties as part of the installation crew for Miss Rockaway Armada's work Being Here is Better than Wishing We'd Stayed to perform a daytime concert under the upside down trees. The French magazine A Decouvrir Absolument calls Dark Dark Dark "a new experience which goes well beyond the musical."

Dark Dark Dark's sound draws heavily on Americana and Eastern European influences, referencing a long tradition of wandering musicians. With intricate song-craft and a playful sensibility, the band uses an array of old-timey instruments to conjure a lush musical vision of the future. Chris Polley of Reveille Magazine suggests "Dark Dark Dark is more than just bells, whistles, and expertly blended vocal patterns; it all comes back to their nagging emphasis on mood."

Since 2006, Dark Dark Dark has crisscrossed the country, playing in basements and bars, warehouses and street corners. When Nona Marie Invie (accordion/voice) and Marshall LaCount (banjo/voice) first began to play and write music together, they had no intention of starting a serious band. With no desire to settle down, and nothing to lose, the two set out on a musical journey together, picking up band members Jonathan Kaiser (cello/voice) and Todd Chandler (upright bass) along the way. Support for the band blossomed as soon as they began to perform, and it became clear that this was a project worth serious pursuit.

After nearly two years of songwriting and traveling, they returned to their sometime homebase, Minneapolis, to record The Snow Magic with producer Robert Skoro (Martin Dosh, Anticon artist and touring drummer for Andrew Bird, contributes percussion to the album). The band has also collaborated with visionary street artist Swoon and Obie Award-winning playwright Lisa D'Amour on Swimming Cities of Switchback Sea, in which a flotilla of rafts will sail down the Hudson River culminating in a performance at Deitch Projects in New York City. Later this year the band will embark on its first European tour and begin filming and scoring Flood, a project conceived and directed by bassist Todd Chandler.

Tickets for Dark Dark Dark are $14 in advance or $18 the day of the show. MASS MoCA members receive a 10% discount. Doors open at 6 PM with snacks from Lickety Split and full bar available. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams, open from 10 A.M. until 6 P.M. every day through September 1. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or purchased online at www.massmoca.org.
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Weekend Outlook: Summer Pride

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening in the Berkshires this weekend including festivals, pride night, free days, and more.

Editor's Pick

The Great Ladybug Release 
The Apple Barn, Bennington Vt.
Friday and Saturday
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join The Apple Barn to learn about ladybugs and why they are good for the environment. Enjoy a storywalk with the kids and you will also be able to release some ladybugs as you enjoy the farm.

More information here.

Multiple Days

2026 Berkshire Yoga Festival
Jiminy Peak, Hancock
June 11 to 14

Another year of yoga in the Berkshires is back featuring yoga teachers from around the world sharing their knowledge as well as local vendors, hiking, art, and more.

More information and tickets here.

Friday 

North Adams Pride Night
Main Street
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.

Come downstreet for the annual Pride Night featuring a drag story hour, local food vendors, dance parties, and more.

More information here.

Common Craft Night
165 East Main St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Bring your crafts and work on them with others in the community.

More information here.

Lebanon Valley Drift
Lebanon Valley Dragway, 
West Lebanon, N.Y.
Time: 2 to 8 p.m.

All driving levels are able to participate in the drift or just come to watch others. The food stand will be open to sit and enjoy the show.

More information here.

Saturday

Fair Gardens: Family Programming
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 11 a.m.

Design a little home a fairy would love to reside in. Open to ages 8 to 18 with family, bring your own garden type supplies or use from the library.

More information here.

Mass MoCA Free Day

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