iBerkshires.com - The Berkshires online guide to events, news and Berkshire County community information.

BABY & TODDLER PLAYGROUP

Becket, 10-11 a.m.

Circle time, stories, movement, music and play for kids birth through age 3 at the Becket Athenaeum; siblings are always welcome. Coffee and tea for caregivers, snacks for kids.

In collaboration with the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement program which is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

Email info@bwlibrary.org to RSVP and click here to view all library events.

LANESBOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARY STORYTIME

Lanesborough, 10:30 a.m.

This weekly program will include a story, crafts and music/movement that will have kids and their caregivers clapping, dancing and singing together.

Free and open to all; no registration required. Suitable for children 0-5 and their families, older siblings are welcome. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. The library is located at the back of the Town Hall, 83 North Main St. Information: 413-442-0222 or go to lanesboroughlibrary.weebly.com.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Northern Berkshire Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

IMAGES EARTH MONTH FILM FESTIVAL: EVERY LITTLE THING
Williamstown, 7 pm

Screening of "Every Little Thing," a documentary about a wildlife rehabber who saves injured hummingbirds in Los Angeles. Special guest Ben Nickley from Berkshire Bird Observatory.

PAPER FOLDING ART CLASS
Richmond, 9:30am

We will be making Easter Baskets at the Richmond Town Hall Community Room. The class is free to Richmond/West Stockbridge residents. Pre-register to reserve your space and materials by calling Heather at Richmond Town Hall (413-553-7793). It's a fun time - hope to see you there!

WEDNESDAY - APRIL 02, 2025

READINGS AT ROCKWELL: SHIRLEY JACKSON’S “THE TOOTH”, READ BY TOD RANDOLPH

Stockbridge, 5 - 8 p.m.

Shirley Jackson’s “The Tooth” Read by Tod Randolph Introduced by Jamie Franklin, Director of Collections and Exhibitions, Bennington Museum

5 pm Anita Kunz Exhibition open for viewing

6 pm Reading at Rockwell in the Galleries

In partnership with The Mount, the Norman Rockwell Museum presents Readings at Rockwell, featuring local actors reading stories by writers highlighted in Anita Kunz’s exhibition Original Sisters, which honors trailblazing women.

$25 Not Yet Members; $20 Museum and Mount Members

Cash bar is available. Space is limited, please reserve your tickets.

Readings at Rockwell will take place on the first Wednesday of each month, March to May, in the galleries of the Museum. Each program will begin with a short talk about the author and the featured story. The program will begin at 6:00 pm, doors will open at 5:00 pm for viewing of the Anita Kunz exhibition.

https://www.nrm.org/events/readings-at-rockwell-shirley-jacksons-the-tooth-read-by-tod-

FREE COMMUNITY COLLEGE INFORMATION SESSION

North Adams, 6 p.m.

Thinking about starting college, or returning to college? Visit the North Adams Public Library to learn how any Massachusetts resident without a bachelor’s degree can attend Berkshire Community College FOR FREE thanks to the Commonwealth’s MassReconnect Program! 3rd floor community room. For more information, visit here: https://www.berkshirecc.edu/admission-and-aid/freecommunity- college.php Any questions, please email Adult Services Librarian Ryan Miller at rmiller@northadams-ma.gov, or give us a call at (413) 662-3133. The North Adams Public Library is located at 74 Church Street, North Adams, MA, 01247.

DEWEY HALL GAME NIGHT

Sheffield, 7:00pm

Game night provides an opportunity for people to gather with friends and/or join with others that share an interest to play, compete, and challenge wits, skill and luck at board games, card games, and charade style games. The evenings will be somewhat self created, depending on who shows up and what they are interested in. Hosted by Dewey Hall staff, who have shown a true skill at creating fun and inclusive atmospheres. Bring a game! Join a game!

Suggested Donation $5-$25 at the door.

This is a Card to Culture event. WIC, EBT, and ConnectorCare Cardholders receive free admission

Contact: deweymemorialhall@gmail.com or 413-429-1322 or www.deweyhall.org for info

THURSDAY - APRIL 03, 2025

SENIORS ACTING UP!!! DINNER AND SHOW!

Cheshire, 5:30pm

Dinner 5:30 and Show at 6:30 at the Cheshire Senior Center, 19 School St. Only $15 per person. Call Brenda at 743-9719, ext 107. Come enjoy the fantastic show and dinner. Seniors Acting Up are a group of local, amateur actors who perform short staged readings. Show is about an hour.

SUNSET BEAVER WATCH

Lenox, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Hike Pleasant Valley's trails in search of beaver families carrying out their early-spring activities.

CLARK ART: SHOTGUN STORIES SCREENING
Williamstown, 6 pm

Screening of Jeff Nichols' "Shotgun Stories" (2007) in the Manton Research Center. The film depicts a family feud in a small town following a father's death. Part of the Clark Art Institute's Small Town film series. Run time: 1 hour, 32 minutes.

MIDAS MAN | PIONEER VALLEY JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL SCREENING

Amherst, 6:30 pm

Celebrate Opening Night of the 19th Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival with MIDAS MAN at the Yiddish Book Center!

Set against the kaleidoscopic backdrop of Swinging Sixties London, this stylish biopic explores the genius and demons of the trailblazing Jewish manager hailed as the “fifth Beatle.” Brian Epstein’s visionary efforts catapulted The Beatles from a scrappy Liverpool band into the biggest music phenomenon that defined a generation. This captivating film chronicles Epstein’s unyielding belief in The Beatles' potential, and the personal toll he paid as he sacrificed everything to elevate his artists to the pinnacle of fame. Jacob Fortune-Lloyd (THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT) stars in the lead role, alongside Eddie Marsan and Emily Watson.

Please join us at 6:30 PM before the film for a festive Opening Night reception.

Presented by the Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival and co-sponsored by the Yiddish Book Center.

Registration link: https://www.springfieldjcc.org/events/2025/04/03/pioneer-valley-jewish-film-festival/midas-man-pvjff-film-screening/

AVERY SHARPE IN CONCERT AT KIMBALL FARMS

Lenox, 7 pm

Maya Sharpe, Vocalist | Zaccai Curtis, Piano | Yoron Israel, Drums | Charles Langford, Saxophone.

You’re invited to an exclusive concert at Kimball Farms Life Care as part of our performing arts programming. Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with enchanting sounds and experience for yourself the enriching culture that defines our community. The Avery Sharpe Quintet will be performing a piece that is a tribute to Martin Luther King. About the Musician Avery Sharpe is one of his generation's greatest and most imaginative bassists. His unique and versatile style have captured the respect and attention of musicians and critics. His influence is mimicked and embodied by those who have followed him. The Great Jazz pianist, McCoy Tyner was once asked to describe Avery Sharpe in two words, his response was "Impeccable Rhythm." Avery continues to touch fans around the world with his distinct and enjoyable musical style. Avery Sharpe in Concert at Kimball Farms - Kimball Farms

FRIDAY - APRIL 04, 2025

TREE IDENTIFICATION HIKE
Lanesborough, 11am-12:30pm

At Mount Greylock Visitor Center, 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough. For ages 8 and up. Learn how to identify trees emerging from their winter slumber. Join DCR Forester, Kevin Podkowka, for a short, easy, walk for families. Dress for weather. Trails may be muddy. Bring water and snack. Inclement weather cancels. Space is limited, pre-register at (413) 499-4262.

MUSICAL BINGO TO BENEFIT AJ RIELLO
Pittsfield, 4pm-10pm

The Berkshire Running Foundation will be hosting a fundraiser to help support the family of AJ Riello, son of Tony and Heidi Riello of Pittsfield. AJ is currently at Boston Children’s Hospital undergoing treatment for end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy, a genetic condition that had only recently shown symptoms. AJ is now awaiting a heart transplant.

The fundraiser will be open to the public in the Tavern at the Berkshire Hills Country Club, Benedict Rd in Pittsfield, MA from 4pm -10pm. The event will have raffles with prizes from local businesses, a 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction; in addition to a sold-out Music Bingo game from 6pm-8pm in the ballroom.

Prizes can be donated for the raffle and donations can be made by contacting Shiobbean Lemme, the executive director of the Berkshire Running Foundation by emailing her at director@berkshirerun.org.

Raffle tickets can also be purchased in person at Berkshire Running Center any time before the event. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win, prizes will be held for 30 days and then donated to the family.

Bracelets to support the family are also available for $5 each at Berkshire Running Center, Rocco’s North End Barber Shop and Kileen, Quinn and Arace PC in Pittsfield.

OPENING RECEPTION FOR GUEST ARTIST SALLY TISKA RICE AT GALLERY NORTH APRIL 4TH

North Adams, 4pm-7pm

Sally Tiska Rice will be showing her wondrous watercolors at Gallery North, 9 Eagle Street. . The exhibit will accompany new work by permanent gallery artists Marilyn Cavallari, Ghetta Hirsch, Sean McCusker, Mallory Rich, and Barbara Patton from April 1st to April 30th; with an opening reception Friday, April 4th from 4-7pm.

Sally Tiska Rice draws inspiration from her rural surroundings and lifelong love of art. A survivor of a spine injury, she finds healing and spiritual fulfillment through painting, focusing on blending, layering, and experimenting with light and color to create depth and dimension. Sally's diverse techniques include acrylics, watercolors, oils, pastels, and mixed media.

Marilyn Cavallari, founder/owner of Gallery North, lives in Williamstown. She is a contemporary landscape and seascape artist. She works on several paintings simultaneously, distributing to each canvas her choice of bright and joyful colors.

Ghetta Hirsch offers a visual conversation on Nature. She composes vivid landscapes, observing the patterns of forms and colors on fields, mountains and water. Her “Abstract Realism” style relates calm and serenity to the meditative viewers.

Sean McCusker has been creating surreal landscapes inspired by the hilly Berkshires for over 20 years. His oil paintings, full of light and color, are built up slowly with an average of 30 thin transparent layers giving the effect of light emitting from the canvas.

Mallory Rich, a resident of Sandgate, VT has paintings in pastels and oils with her focus on rural VT, eastern New York and coastal Maine. She studied for many years with pastel master Albert Handell. She paints small moments in the landscape often unnoticed in our busy days.

Barbara Patton’s alternatively fired ceramic work is fired quickly with a rush of flame, smoke and excitement. The fiery chaos of smoke-firing, using natural and chemical materials combined with elements of form and surface, create both fragile yet hardened objects from the earth.

www.gallerynorthadams.com

SUNSET BEAVER WATCH

Lenox, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Hike Pleasant Valley's trails in search of beaver families carrying out their early-spring activities. Who: Adults Where: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mt. Road, Lenox, MA 01240 Cost: Members $15, Nonmembers $20 Link to register for APRIL 4: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/pleasant-valley/96304-sunset-beaver-watch For more info: 413-637-0320 / berkshires@massaudubon.org

SONGWRITER SERIES AT APPETITO RESTAURANT
Lee, 6:30-8pm

Christine Bilé is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, blending acoustic pop and folk influences. Playing instruments like guitar and ukulele, she writes, composes, and arranges songs that explore themes of relationships, self-love, and empowerment. Influenced by artists such as Michael Jackson, John Mayer, and Beyoncé, Christine plays music across Massachusetts and beyond, with notable performances including a set at the Ladybug Music Festival in Wilmington, Delaware.

REV TOR BAND

Dalton, 7 p.m.

THE STATIONERY FACTORY - NORTH ROOM

The Rev Tor Band’s large original repertoire feature funky, bass oriented rhythms and foot stomping percussion. Bouncy guitar lines pull the whole groove together and creates an entrancing state that just makes you want to shake it! Soulful melodies are immediately memorable. Even the occasional cover tune thrown in has a distinctly “Torricized” feel.

https://www.simpletix.com/e/rev-tor-band-tickets-205749

PAQUITO D’RIVERA QUINTET

Great Barrington, 8 p.m.

$43 – $63 Mahaiwe Member & Youth Discount Event

NEA Jazz Master, composer, and reedist Paquito D’Rivera brings to life the eclectic fusion of his extensive travels with unparalleled improvisations, multinational rhythms, and original orchestrations. D’Rivera has won a combined 16 Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards (5 Grammy and 11 Latin Grammys). He is celebrated both for his artistry in Latin jazz and his achievements as a classical composer.

https://mahaiwe.org/event/paquito-drivera-quintet/

RACE BROOK LODGE SPRING FESTIVAL

Sheffield, 8:00pm

Race Brook Lodge presents the Race Brook Spring Festival, a vibrant weekend filled with live music, dance, and community from April 4-6, 2025. Nestled at the foot of the Taconic Range in the southern Berkshires, this immersive festival will feature an eclectic lineup of international and local artists in a unique, intimate setting. Alsarah & The Nubatones, will bring their mesmerizing East African retro-pop sound. Huda Asfour who will appear with Alsarah on Friday.

Guests are invited to stay at Race Brook Lodge for the weekend, where they can immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a peaceful retreat, take time to hike to Race Brook Falls, or simply unwind in a hammock surrounded by the freshness of the early spring. For tickets, full schedule details, and lodging information, visit rblodge.com/springfest.

Don’t miss this unforgettable weekend of music, dance, and connection in the Berkshires!

SATURDAY - APRIL 05, 2025

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ON RT 2 OVERPASS
North Adams, 10:00am-12:00pm

The North Adams Route 2 Overpass Study (R2OS) will host its second community engagement. This event, referred to as the Community Visioning Session, will take place in person at the Berkshire Innovation Center on the Mass MoCA campus. The community is invited to join the project team for a presentation of project updates and to share their thoughts and questions. Participants are encouraged to visit the new online project platform for further information at https://www.rt2overpass.info/.

For those unable to attend the Community Visioning Session, interactive activities and opportunities for input can be found on the project website.

CLARK ART: NEW PARENTS/CAREGIVERS AND INFANTS TOUR
Williamstown, 10:15 am

Free guided tour of the Clark's permanent collection, designed for new parents/caregivers with infants. Strollers and front-carrying baby carriers are welcome. Best suited for adults with pre-toddlers. Meet at the admissions desk.

STORYTIME WITH STAY & PLAY

Becket, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Becket Athenaeum hosts a storytime from 10:30 to 11:30 followed by an hour of stay and play with toys, games, puzzles, and snacks for the kids, along with coffee, tea, snacks, and time for connection for the caregivers. Stop by for either or both.

RSVP appreciated.

JACOB'S PILLOW CURRICULUM IN MOTION INSTITUTE INFO SESSION

Northampton, 12-1:30 p.m.

In-person workshop with artist Lynn Peterson, where you'll explore the Curriculum in Motion method through dance-making. The info session will include dance-making, a Q&A, and refreshments. Special discounts are available for local residents; contact community@jacobspillow.org for more details. Applications are accepted through May 12, early bird registration rates through April 14.

Held at School for Contemporary Dance and Thought in Northampton from noon to 1:30 or Berkshire Pulse in Housatonic from 4:30 to 6.

MINDFUL SPRING WALK
Lanesborough, 1:00pm-3:00pm

At Mount Greylock Visitor Center, 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough. For all ages.

BERKSHIRE TALKING CHRONICLE BINGO BASH

Pittsfield, 2 to 5 p.m.

BERKSHIRE TALKING CHRONICLE IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE OUR FIRST ANNUAL BINGO BASH COMMUNITY FUN DAY AND FUNDRAISER!

JOIN US AS WE HOST OUR INAUGURAL BINGO FUNDRAISER AT THE COMMUNITY ROOM OF ZION CHURCH IN PITTSFIELD.

WE WILL FEATURE FANTASTIC PRIZES DONATED BY BUSINESSES FROM BERKSHIRE COUNTY.

THIS EVENT IS PERFECT FOR FAMILIES, WITH PLENTY OF GREAT PRIZES, REFRESHMENTS, AND LOTS OF LAUGHS TO ENJOY!

YOU'LL ALSO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET SOME OF THE WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS WHO HELP BRING OUR GREAT STORIES TO LIFE, AS WELL AS STAFF FROM UCP OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

DOORS OPEN AT 1:30 PM, AND THE GAMES WILL BEGIN AT 2:00 PM.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 442-1562. X 122.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!

RACE BROOK LODGE SPRING FESTIVAL

Sheffield, 2:00pm

Race Brook Lodge presents the Race Brook Spring Festival, a vibrant weekend filled with live music, dance, and community from April 4-6, 2025. Nestled at the foot of the Taconic Range in the southern Berkshires, this immersive festival will feature an eclectic lineup of international and local artists in a unique, intimate setting. Headlining on Saturday night, Alsarah & The Nubatones, will bring their mesmerizing East African retro-pop sound.

An additional experience includes an Ecstatic Dance workshop with DJ Omar Aena on Saturday afternoon. Guests are invited to stay at Race Brook Lodge for the weekend, where they can immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a peaceful retreat, take time to hike to Race Brook Falls, or simply unwind in a hammock surrounded by the freshness of the early spring. For tickets, full schedule details, and lodging information, visit rblodge.com/springfest.

Don’t miss this unforgettable weekend of music, dance, and connection in the Berkshires!

TRIPLEX SPECIAL SCREENING OF "THE RED SHOES"
Great Barrington, 3 pm

The Triplex Cinema and Jacob’s Pillow present a special screening of the cinematic masterpiece “The Red Shoes.” Speakers include Norton Owen and Lynn Garafola. A cocktail reception will follow the screening. Proceeds benefit the Triplex Cinema. Tickets can be purchased at www.thetriplex.org.

BERKSHIRE BACH: ORGAN RECITAL WITH PETER SYKES
Great Barrington, 4 pm

At the First Congregational Church, experience the grandeur of the 1883 Roosevelt Organ with Peter Sykes performing a mixed program of Bach and other works. The Roosevelt Organ is a monumental piece of American organ history, known for its majestic sound and power. Tickets: $45 Nonmembers | $40 Members | $10 Card to Culture | Children and students free with ID More info: www.berkshirebach.org/events

DIDO AND AENEAS CONCERT
Great Barrington, 4 pm

The Berkshire Bach Society presents Henry Purcell’s "DIDO AND AENEAS," a performance with professional soloists, chorus, and orchestra, conducted by James Bagwell. The performance will be held at the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington. Tickets can be purchased at www.berkshirebach.org/events.

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