House of Hamill To Play at Guthrie Center

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — House of Hamill will perform at the Guthrie Center on Saturday, Aug. 10, as a part of the Troubadour Series of Saturday night concerts. Showtime is 8:00 PM.
 
According to a press release, House of Hamill's music is described as "upcycled Celtic folk; vintage vibes with a modern message." 
 
The band line-up includes Rose Baldino (fiddle and vocals), Brian Buchanan (fiddle, vocals, and guitar), and Caroline Browning (bass, mandolin, vocals and piano). The trio tours nationally, performing at festivals and established folk venues.
 
Their fourth full-length album, "Wildfire," will be released to radio and streaming on Aug. 1. One of the tracks slated for the new album was a recent finalist in the International Acoustic Music Awards. The song is entitled, "Shine."
 
"We set out to write a song that might inspire women in the US and give them hope after a tough year. The song is meant for women in all phases of life. It's about having the courage to strike out into new territory and find a community in which you're valued," Baldino said.
 
All three members of House of Hamill also tour with the long-time Celtic rock band, Enter the Haggis, which means that House of Hamill is almost constantly on the road. Their recent schedule has led them to perform in at least 28 states and 3 countries, including hosting multiple bus tours through Ireland.
 
The Guthrie Center is a nonprofit organization, located in the Old Trinity Church in Great Barrington. In addition to producing the Troubadour Series of concerts, they provide free weekly meals, a musical instrument lending library, and work in conjunction with other non-profits. Concerts are for all ages. Beer, wine, and light refreshments available for purchase. Doors for House of Hamill are 7:00 pm. For more information, call the box office at (413) 528-1955 or check the website at www.guthriecenter.org.
 
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West Stockbridge Gearing Up for Zucchini Fest

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

West Stockbridge will be filled with zucchini on Saturday so don't leave your car unlocked.

WEST STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Zucchini, courgette, summer squash — whatever you call it.  West Stockbridge will be full of the vegetable (or fruit) on Saturday.

Volunteers are busy preparing homemade booths, decorations, games, and more for the annual Zucchini Festival from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The first was held in 2003, ran for a decade, and then went on hiatus until it was brought back last year.

Sponsored by the West Stockbridge Cultural Council, the festival has drawn thousands to the town's center over the years and is a testament to its tight-knit community. Chris Powell, one of the many hands who make it happen, explained that the actual event and the preparations unite people from near and far in a special way.

"It's just a bunch of people coming together when they can and kind of meeting everyone where they're at too, what they can put into it, and it's just super fun in that way," he said.

It will kick off with a pet parade where zucchini costumes are encouraged if temperatures aren't too high. Lucky Bucket will end the night playing classic rock, oldies, country, blues, and soul beneath fireworks.  

In between, attendees can enter a zucchini weigh-off or decorating contest, a "zuck" river race, a baking contest, and a poetry contest among many more. These are said to be "quintessential" to the event.

There will also be a food court with vendors offering one to two zucchini-themed options along with their usual fare. Downtown businesses are also participating.

It is free and for all ages, with tickets for games and activities available for purchase. Powell noted that Zucchini Festival merchandise is cash only.

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