Hilltown Families 
Berkshire Family Fun: June 2018
Berkshire County Highlights for Families:
June 2018
Find out about community events and learning opportunities happening throughout Berkshire County for the month of June. We’ll be adding to this list as the month progresses, so be sure to check back each week.
If you have a community event, educational program, or service-learning opportunity happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, self-post your event at any time on our Suggest An Event bulletin board. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness, and costs before attending.
To find out what’s happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, check our comprehensive list of Weekly Suggested Events, published every Thursday! There you will also find our list of ongoing weekday playgroups, story hours and events both in Berkshire County and throughout the region.
ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! Find out more about our advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by emailing Sales & Marketing Manger, Merricka Breuer at mbreuer@hilltownfamilies.org.
Berkshire Family Fun, a project of Hilltown Families, is sponsored in part by MASS MoCA:
Berkshire Family Fun is also supported in part by grants from the Hinsdale/Peru, Mount Washington, Sandisfield, Washington, and Windsor Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
North Berkshire
Adams | Cheshire | Florida | Hancock | Lanesborough | Monterey | North Adams | Williamstown | Windsor
Central Berkshire | South Berkshire
Support Hilltown Families!
Saturday, June 16, 10am-10pm
FOLKLORE/SUMMER SOLSTICE
The word “fairy” derives from the Latin “fata,” which translates to “fate,” and is likely related to the Germanic “fey,” referring to a sort of curse under which one is fated to die. Thus there is a mysterious link between fairies and the concept of fate, or the path that we are destined to walk. Throughout history, European cultures have told stories about the ‘wee folk’ or the ‘fair folk,’ magical spirits inhabiting a shadow world that exists on the fringes of our own. According to legend, the bridge between the Fairy world and our own is strongest on the Summer Solstice so what better time to come together and celebrate fairy folklore and arts at the Berkshire Mountains Faerie Festival! Bowe Field, Adams, MA ($)
Thursday, June 28, 6pm
STEM/BUBBLES
Everybody loves to play with bubbles! But have you ever wondered how bubbles are formed, how they stay together, and why they eventually pop? Bubbleology: The Secret World of Bubbles, Revealed, will teach guests the science behind bubbles and demonstrate some of the amazing kinds of art that can be created with bubbles. Adams Free Library. 92 Park Street, Adams, MA (FREE)
Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum. 413-743-7121. 67 East Road. Adams, MA.
Abbot School — 56 North Country Road.
Hancock Shaker Village. 1843 W Housatonic St. 413-443-0188
Bascom Lodge 413-743-1591. 30 Rockwell Road.
Lanesborough Library — 413-499-5981. 83 North Main Street.
Mt. Greylock — 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road.
Bidwell House Museum – 413-528-6888. 100 Art School Road.
Ashintully — 413-298-3239. Sodom Road
Saturday, June 23, 11am-1pm
MUSEUM ADVENTURES/ART STUDIES
Once upon a time, six blind men come upon an elephant standing in the middle of a dusty road. The first man touches the elephant’s tale and proclaims that it must be a rope. The second man touches one of the elephant’s legs and declares it to be a tree. The third man touches the elephant’s ear and says that it’s a fan. Each man is convinced that the part of the animal he can perceive is an accurate depiction of the whole. Eventually the men begin to fight with each other until finally the king arrives and insists that the men listen to each other and only then are they able to comprehend the totality of what they perceive. Musician Sally Taylor, daughter of folk music legends James Taylor and Carly Simon, tells this story to illustrate the motivation behind her Consenses project. Consenses has been described as an artistic version of the game “telephone.” For several years, Taylor has worked with artists from around the world for this project. It may begin, for example, with a musician interpreting a photograph. A dancer may then interpret the song. A painter might then interpret the dance. A perfumer might interpret the painting in the form of a fragrance. And a poet might interpret the perfume. The process continues until each of the five senses are represented and each artist is given seven days to create their interpretation. During the entire process, the artists identities are unknown to each other. Beginning this Saturday, Kidspace and MASS MoCA are joining up to present a selection of works from Taylor’s Consenses project. MASS MoCA. 1040 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, MA ($)
Friday, June 29, 10am
GEOLOGY/LOCAL HISTORY
The Natural Bridge State Park in North Adams is the only natural white marble arch in North America! The rock which forms the bridge is estimated 550 million year old bedrock marble. The arch itself was created by thousands of years of glacial melt water. Come experience the awe-inspiring majesty of this incredible local treasure with a short walking discussion of the geological forces that created this unique site. For more information visit Natural Bridge State Park. McAuley Road, North Adams, MA (FREE)
North Adams Farmers’ Market 413-664-6180. St. Anthony Drive & Route 8.
Western Gateway Heritage State Park 413-663-6312. 115 State Street.
North Adams Public Library 413-662-3133. 74 Church Street.
MASS MoCA 413-662-2111. 1040 MASS MoCA Way.
Haskins Community Center 413-664-4821. 210 State Street.
Natural Bridge State Park — 413-663-6392. McCauley Road.
Milne Public Library 413-458-5369. 1095 Main Street.
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation 413-458-2494. 671 Cold Spring Road.
Clark Art Institute 413-458-2303. 225 South Street.
Images Cinema. 413-458-5612. 50 Spring Street.
Sweet Brook Farm — 413-884-4246. 580 Oblong Road.
Williams College Museum of Art — 413-597-2376. 15 Lawrence Hall Drive.
Williamstown Youth Center — 413-458-5925. 270 Cole Avenue.
Notchview Reservation 413-684-0148. Route 9. Windsor, MA.
Central Berkshire
Becket | Dalton | Hinsdale | Lee | Lenox | Peru | Pittsfield | Richmond | Stockbridge | Tyringham | Washington | West Stockbridge
North Berkshire | South Berkshire
Support Hilltown Families!
Wednesday, June 20, 6:30-8pm
LOCAL HISTORY/LECTURE
Given the heavy presence of agriculture in the Berkshire region today, it may be surprising to learn that it played an important role in the industrial economy of early America. Abundant rivers powered hundreds, if not thousands, of local mills, which produced textiles, paper, glass, and more. The legacy of this industrial center can still be seen in ruins and mill structures. If you are interested in learning more about the industrial history of the Berkshires, you won’t want to miss this presentation, featuring archival historic photographs. Dalton Public Library. 462 Main Street, Dalton, MA (FREE)
Dalton Free Public Library 0 413-684-6112. 462 Main Street.
Wednesday, June 13, 2pm
LITERARY STUDIES/HISTORY
Jane Austen’s novels offer a detailed look into the everyday lives of the British landed gentry during the 19th century. At the time, Austen’s work was revolutionary for its realism and social commentary. While Austen’s novels comment on the role of women in society, as well as the legacy of colonialism, class is conspicuously absent from Austen’s critique. Jo Baker’s 2013 novel Longbourn, based on Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet and her family from the perspective of their servants. This clever retelling gives a voice to the unseen men and women in the background. Come discuss Longbourn at the Lee Library Book Club and learn all about the lives of working class people during the time of Jane Austen. Lee Library. 100 Main Street, Lee, MA (FREE)
Spectrum Playhouse – 413-394-5023. 20 Franklin Street.
South Berkshire Kids – 413-464-5095. 100 Main Street.
Lee Library – 413-243-0385. 100 Main Street.
Saturday, June 9, 10am
PLACEMAKING/CULINARY STUDIES
This time of year farm stands all over the area are selling rhubarb. A local delicacy, rhubarb has been enjoyed all over the world for thousands of years in both sweet and savory dishes. In China, rhubarb has also been prized for its medicinal properties. For most people, the most common application of rhubarb is paired with strawberries in crumbles or pies. Many 19th century cookbooks even refer to rhubarb as the ‘pie plant.’ Come learn all about things you can do with rhubarb and taste some delicious sweet and savory rhubarb dishes at the 5th Annual Lenox Rhubarb Festival! Plants and cookbooks will also be available for sale. 18 Main Street, Lenox, MA (<$)
Wednesday, June 27, 7:30-9:30pm
LOCAL HISTORY/LITERARY STUDIES
Edith Wharton once described the human psyche as “a great house full of rooms: there is the hall, through which everyone passes in going in and out; the drawing-room, where one receives formal visits; the sitting-room, where the members of the family come and go as they list; but beyond that, far beyond, are other rooms, the handles of whose doors perhaps are never turned; no one knows the way to them, no one knows whither they lead; and in the innermost room, the holy of holies, the soul sits alone and waits for a footstep that never comes.” It’s easy to imagine that this description was inspired by Wharton’s country estate in Lenox. The Mount was home to Wharton and her husband for nine years, as her husband Edward sought to recover from an acute depressive episode. Over the years the Mount has developed a reputation for paranormal activity, a subject which occupied Wharton since her childhood. She wrote that as a little girl she was “haunted by formless horrors” and went on to write her own highly acclaimed ghost stories. According to some locals, Wharton’s restless spirit continues to wander the halls and corridors of the Mount. If you dare, come participate in a Haunted Tour of the Mount, and perhaps you’ll have a chance to see the lady of the house herself! This event is appropriate for ages 12 and above. The Mount. 2 Plunkett Street, Lenox, MA ($$)
Thursday, June 28, 10am-12pm
NATURE STUDIES/HEALTH AND WELLNESS
19th century Danish existentialist Soren Kierkegaard once wrote “Above all, do not lose your desire to walk: every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness; I have walked myself into my best thoughts and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it.” Indeed, there are few things as salubrious as a good walk, particularly in a natural setting. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the woods around Pleasant Valley in Lenox and treat yourself to a morning of gentle peace and balance. Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley. 472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, MA ($)
Lenox Library — 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street.
Lenox Historical Society — Main Street.
The Mount – 413-551-5111. 2 Plunkett Street.
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary – 472 West Mountain Road.
Shakespeare and Company – 413-637-3353. 70 Kemble Street.
Ventfort Hall – 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street.
Saturday, May 26, 10am-3pm
ASTROPHYSICS/STEM
Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, became an astronaut after answering an advertisement in the student newspaper at Stanford University. In 1978, after finishing her PhD in astrophysics, she was selected to work for NASA. At the press conference before her first space flight, Ride was subjected to such sexist questions as: “do you weep when things go wrong on the job?” and “will the flight affect your reproductive organs?” Ultimately, Ride would go on to spend more than fourteen days in space. On her birthday, Berkshire Athenaeum is celebrating the life and legacy of Sally Ride with a full day of activities inspired by Ride’s lifelong commitment to encouraging children to get involved with science. This event is appropriate for children of all ages. Berkshire Athenaeum. 1 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA (FREE)
Saturday, May 26, 11am-7pm
CULINARY ARTS/PLACEMAKING
While the modern food truck finds its historical antecedent in the rustic ‘chuckwagon,’ which provided simple food to Texas ranchers while herding cattle for months at a time, food trucks have now become a cultural phenomenon. Effective utilizing social media by informing customers precisely where the trucks are going to be at any given moment, the food truck movement is enormously popular. The prestigious “Zagat Survey” has even started rating food trucks. Part of the popularity of food trucks is due to the innovative menus they tend to feature, the Los Angeles Korean-Taco fusion trend being perhaps the most famous example. Now for the second year, Pittsfield is hosting its own Food Truck Festival! Try some new and delicious foods and enjoy the festive atmosphere, with fun activities for the whole family. Wahconah Park. 105 Wahconah Street, Pittsfield, MA (FREE)
Thursday, May 31, 10:30am
MUSEUM ADVENTURES/ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
The earliest fossil records that indicate the domestication of chickens dates to 5040 BCE in northern China, while the oldest ancestors of the chicken actually originated in the tropical equatorial jungles of southeast Asia. This suggests that the chicken was actually domesticated quite late, compared to pigs, sheep, and cattle, which were all domesticated around or even 10,000 BCE. Currently, more than 50 billion chickens are raised per year for meat and eggs. Come learn all about chicken and chicks at the Hancock Shaker Village Farm Friends program, where children ages 2-5 can meet farm animals, learn about the process of raising them, and do a fun animal themed crafting activity. Hancock Shaker Village. 1843 West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield, MA (FREE W/MUSEUM ADMISSION)
Saturday, June 2, 5-7pm
LITERARY STUDIES/IMMIGRATION
Amy Chua’s 2007 book Day of Empire: How Hyperpowers Rise to Global Dominance—and Why They Fall argues persuasively that history’s most prosperous, powerful, creative, and influential societies became so precisely because of their multiculturalism and tolerance for diversity. Conversely, Chua demonstrates how the collapse of great nations and empires can be tied directly to increasing xenophobia and restrictions on immigration. In celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month, the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts in Pittsfield will be hosting a series of events highlighting various aspects of the immigrant experience. This saturday, come enjoy an evening of stories, poetry, and delicious Syrian food at the Berkshire Immigrant Stories Exhibit. Each piece in the exhibit features the story of one family and their journey, alongside a photograph of an object that best represents their experience. Lichtenstein Center for the Arts. 28 Renne Ave, Pittsfield, MA (FREE)
Saturday, June 2, 2-5:30pm
PLACEMAKING/PRIDE FESTIVAL
Come celebrate Pittsfield’s vibrant LGBTQI community at the 2nd Annual Berkshire Pride Festival! On May 22nd, Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer proclaimed June to be LGBTQI Pride Month in the city of Pittsfield. Berkshire Pride will be kicking off the month with an afternoon of community speakers, local vendors, community resources, and a full stage show featuring a drag performance, music, and spoken word acts. For more information, please visit 2nd Annual Berkshire Pride Festival. First Street Common, Pittsfield, MA (FREE)
Thursday, June 7, 10:30am
ANIMAL STUDIES/AGRICULTURE
It’s difficult to overstate the significance of the pig in human history. In China for example, the pictograph representing “home” is comprised of the graph representing pig, under a roof. Hence, in China, you literally can’t have a home without a pig. Numerous mythologies and folklore from around the world feature pig gods and the ancient central Asian Kyrgyz people believed themselves to be descended from a wild boar. Part of the reason for the enormous cultural significance of the pig is due to its amazing adaptability. The wild boar, the ancestor for today’s domesticated pig, is thought to have originated during the pleistocene in Southeast Asia. It quickly spread throughout Asia, Europe, and Africa. Since then the domestic pig has become one of the most numerous livestock animals. What’s more, escaped domestic pigs often return to a feral state and thrive, regardless of the habitat. Come get to know this amazing animal, up close and personal, at the Hancock Shaker Village “Farm Friends” program. Children ages 2-5 and their caregivers will have the opportunity to meet a pig, listen to stories, and do craft projects. Hancock Shaker Village. 1843 West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield, MA (FREE W/MUSEUM ADMISSION)
Saturday, June 9, 10am-11:59pm
MUSIC STUDIES/TRADITIONAL MUSIC
According to legend, the fiddle has been a part of the American musical tradition since 1620, when English fiddle player John Utie settled in Virginia. Since then, the fiddle has played an important role in many of the most distinctively American musical genres. But what is the difference between a violin and a fiddle, anyway? As it turns out, the distinction may be somewhat arbitrary. Many musicians use the terms interchangeably but there are some common differences in the construction of the two instruments. The fiddle, for instance, is more often played with steel strings. The height of the strings may be lower on a fiddle and the bridge may be flatter. Learn all about fiddling and the rich tradition of American Old Time music at the first ever Northeast Fiddlers’ Convention, hosted by the Hancock Shaker Village! This all day event will feature workshops, fiddling competitions, and square dancing. Hancock Shaker Village. 1843 West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield, MA ($)
Sunday, June 10, 4-6pm
CULINARY ARTS/BAKING
The Great British Bake Off has become a major cultural phenomenon in Great Britain and around the world. Since the show aired in 2010, there has been a revitalized interest in home baking and the show has also played a role in revising traditional misconceptions about British food. Historically viewed as bland and unappetizing, British cuisine is now increasingly being recognized as one of the preeminent culinary traditions in the western world, particularly in regards to its scrumptious cakes, pies, and other baked goods. If you are a baking enthusiast, you won’t want to miss the Great Berkshire Bake Off’s cake party, to determine the winner of the competition! Guests will have a chance to taste the innovative offerings from contestants and even play a role in choosing the winner. The Wolfson Center. 122 North Street, Pittsfield, MA ($)
Sunday, June 17, 5:15-7pm
NATURE STUDIES/FORAGING
Invasive plant species often get a bad rap. It’s definitely true that they take over and crowd out native species and can radically disrupt the local environment but what you might not realize is that many invasive plants are edible and delicious! Come learn how to eat your way through garlic mustard, dandelion, plantain, and many other edible invasives at this workshop hosted by Pittsfield Green Drinks. Local forager Rosemary Wessel will be discussing identification, harvesting, and preparation of wild edibles. Berkshire Environmental Action Team. 29 Highland Ave, Pittsfield, MA (FREE)
Saturday, June 23, 10am
HEALTH AND WELLNESS/GOATS
Everybody loves yoga and what’s not to love? It’s meditative, relaxing, and great exercise. Well, some mad genius came up with a way to make a great thing even greater: by adding goats! That’s right, goat yoga is the latest health and wellness craze that has people lining up by the hundreds all around the country. Goat yoga is, well, just what it sounds like. You do yoga with goats. As Oregonian Lainey Morse, the creator of goat yoga, says, goat yoga is not just a gimmick. Snuggling up with adorable baby goats during a yoga practice can be profoundly therapeutic for people who struggle with depression, anxiety, or disabilities. Morse says that her goats helped her through many of her own health issues and personal struggles over the years: “I would come home every day and spend time with my goats, and it was so therapeutic for me. It’s hard to be sad and depressed when there’s baby goats jumping on you.” Goat yoga is coming to the Hancock Shaker Village so don’t miss your opportunity to experience this delightful and unique combination. Hancock Shaker Village. 1843 West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield, MA ($)
Saturday, June 23, 11am-12pm
STEM/KITCHEN EXPERIMENTS
You’d never believe how easy it is to create fascinating and exciting science experiments with common kitchen supplies and ingredients. The famous baking soda volcano experiment is just the tip of the iceberg! If you love science and are interested in learning about how regular household items can be used to demonstrate scientific principles, this is the event for you! To learn more, please visit Kitchen Ka-Boom. Berkshire Museum. 39 South Street, Pittsfield, MA (FREE W/MUSEUM ADMISSION)
Saturday, June 23, 1:30-3pm
GARDENING/SEED LIBRARY
The number of people in America who are gardening and growing vegetables is higher than it has been in more than a decade. This is an exciting and important trend, which could dramatically improve food security for millions of people. The importance of gardening is especially true for urban populations, where gardening is up 37 percent. Perhaps the most encouraging part of these statistics is that increasing numbers of millenials are starting to grow vegetables. If you want to learn how to grow vegetables but aren’t sure how to get started, this is the event for you. Members of the Berkshire Seed Library will be teaching some basic gardening techniques at the community garden at the Berkshire Athenaeum. Experience the joy that comes from growing plants! Berkshire Athenaeum. 1 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA (FREE)
Tuesday, June 26, 5-7pm
MUSIC STUDIES/SINGING
It’s fun to sing in the shower or in the car but there is a special kind of joy that comes from singing and making music with others. Music in Common Community Meet-Ups creates opportunities for teenagers to make connections, foster community engagement, and develop their creativity through art, music, and singing. Participants will learn through workshops featuring special guests and even have the opportunity to share their gifts with others in performances. Lichtenstein Center for the Arts. 28 Renne Ave, Pittsfield, MA (FREE)
Friday, June 29, 8-9:30pm
NATURE STUDIES/FIREFLIES
The anonymous 10th century Japanese text The Gossamer Diaries tells the story of one of the wives of a Kyoto prince. While her day to day life is dominated by courtly etiquette and ritual, she occasionally escapes to a small temple, where she is able to enjoy moments of solitude and freedom. During one of these moments, she writes: “The scene was a lovely one. The moon flooded through the trees, while over in the shadow of the mountain great swarms of fireflies wheeled about.” Indeed, fireflies have played an important role in Japanese literature and folklore. From representations of the souls of the dead to symbols of passionate love, fireflies appear in countless songs and poems. Anyone who has seen these magical creatures dancing through the night will not be surprised that cultures around the world have been so entranced by them. Learn all about fireflies and watch them put on their show at this Firefly Watch! Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary. Pittsfield, MA ($)
The Berkshire Athenaeum 413-499-4809. 1 Wendell Avenue.
Berkshire Humane Society 413-447-7878. 214 Barker Road.
Berkshire Lyric Theatre – 413-499-0258
Berkshire Museum – 413-443-7171 x10. 39 South Street.
Berkshire Music School — 413-442-1411. 30 Wendell Ave.
Colonial Theatre — 413-298-5576. 111 South Street.
Downtown Pittsfield Farmers’ Market. First Street.
First Friday Artswalk — Downtown.
Hancock Shaker Village – 413-443-0188. 1843 West Housatonic Street.
Herman Melville’s Arrowhead. 413-442-1793. 780 Holmes Road.
Hilltop Orchard — Route 295.
Saturday, June 2, 4pm
LECTURE/OCEAN CONSERVATION
The world’s oceans are vital to the global ecosystem. In addition to producing half of the world’s oxygen supply, oceans also determine much of the weather patterns around the world, and are home to countless species of plant and animal life. Human activity currently threatens the health of the oceans in many ways. At this lecture, Adam Baske will be discussing some of the most serious threats to the oceans including overfishing, pollution, and climate change. An expert on the global fishing industry, Baske will describe the environmental impact of fisheries and suggest responsible ways for consumers to take action to protect the oceans. Stockbridge Library. 46 Main Street, Stockbridge, MA (FREE)
Saturday, June 16, 5-6pm
MUSIC STUDIES/CONCERT
Frankly, there is a pretty strong consensus that Johann Sebastian Bach is the greatest composer of all time. This was not always the case, however. Following Bach’s death, his music was regarded as old-fashioned, as the Baroque movement’s popularity waned. Audiences and composers were increasingly drawn to a more simple, unadorned style in contrast to the staggeringly complex and, at times, painfully ornate flourishes of the late Baroque. It wasn’t until the 19th century that interest in Bach was renewed, due in part to the publishing of a comprehensive edition of his works. In the 20th century, composers from many different genres of music began exploring Bach’s oeuvre, including many foundational jazz musicians. Come celebrate Bach’s 333rd anniversary with a special concert, featuring pieces by Bach and Couperin. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. 29 Main Street, Stockbridge, MA (FREE)
Berkshire Botanical Garden 413-298-3926. 5 West Stockbridge Road.
Chesterwood — 413-298-3579. 4 Williamsville Road
Norman Rockwell Museum – 413-298-4100. 9 Route 183.
The Stockbridge Library, Museum, and Archives – 413-298-5501. 18 Main Street.
Ashintully Gardens. 413-298-3239. Sodem Road.
West Stockbridge Public Library – 413-232-0300 x308. 21 State Line Road.
South Berkshire
Alford |Egremont | Great Barrington | Housatonic | Monterey | New Marlborough | Sheffield
North Berkshire | Central Berkshire
Support Hilltown Families!
Sunday, June 10, 1-4pm
CIRCUS ARTS/CLOWNING
Do you love to be silly and playful? If so, this is the event for you! Clowning is an age old form of comedic theater that blends miming and physical comedy. While clowning is all about fun, it’s an artform with hundreds of years worth of tradition. If you have always been fascinated by clowns or wanted to become one yourself, this is your opportunity. Berkcirque will be offering a special clowning class, covering all of the basics. This class is appropriate for everyone age 8 and up. Berkcirque. 115 Gas House Lane, Great Barrington, MA ($$)
Tuesday, June 12, 7:30pm
THEATER/BALLET
If you’ve ever been to a graduation ceremony, you have heard English composer Edward Elgar’s most famous piece “Pomp and Circumstance.” Elgar was one of the leading composers in Britain at the turn of the 20th century and was also noteworthy for being one of the first composers who recorded his music on the gramophone. A self taught composer, Elgar came from a humble background and failed to achieve success until his 40s. Being a Roman Catholic in Protestant Britain also made Elgar an outcast socially. The Elgar Variations Tour is a special performance blending theater and ballet, which tells the story of Elgar’s life. This performance is part of Daniel’s Art Party, a three week long celebration of art at Bard College at Simon’s Rock. Daniel Art Center. 84 Alford Road, Great Barrington, MA ($)
Saturday, June 16, 10:30am-12pm
BOOKMAKING/SKILLSHARING
As everybody knows, making something small radically increases its cuteness quotient. Whether its cars, dogs, or houses, the smaller, the cuter. The Creativity Caravan, building community through creativity, is offering a special workshop for the whole family on how to make a tiny book, less than 3 inches tall. Learn a fun new skill, which you can share with someone special in your life. Mason Public Library. 231 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA (FREE)
Thursday, June 21, 5:30-8pm
CULINARY ARTS/WORKSHOP
The fashionable Spanish appetizers known as Tapas, from the verb meaning “to cover,” is said to have originated in Andalusia, where sherry drinkers would use a thin slice of bread or meat to cover their drinks in order to prevent fruit flies from hovering over the sweet drink. Another tradition holds that tapas originated in 16th century Castile, where bar owners would mask the poor quality of their wine with pungent, smelly meats and cheeses. However the custom originated, tapas are perfect for warm summer nights. Berkshire Co-op Market will be hosting a seasonal cooking workshop in honor of the summer solstice, focusing on gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian tapas! Berkshire Co-op Market. 42 Bridge Street, Great Barrington, MA ($)
Berkshire South Regional Community Center — 413-528-2810. 15 Crissey Road.
Great Barrington Historical Society — South Main Street.
The Guthrie Center — 413-644-9288. 2 Van Deusenville Road.
Great Barrington Riverwalk — Church and River Streets.
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center — 413-528-0100. 14 Castle Street.
Mason Library — 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street.
South Berkshire Kids – 413-464-5095. 444 Old Stockbridge Road.
EGREMONT
Project Native – 413-274-3433. 342 North Plain Road.
Ramsdell Library – 413-274-3738. 1087 Main Street.
Bidwell House Museum — 413-528-6888. 100 Art School Road.
Cookson State Forest — Hotchkiss Road.
New Marlborough Library — 413-664-0104. 1 Mill River-Great Barrington Road.
Otis Library and Museum – 413-269-0109. 48 North Main Road.
Thursday, June 7, 10am-12pm
NATURE STUDIES/LOCAL HISTORY
Ever wonder how the Clam River in Sandisfield got its name? Surprisingly, the river is home to an unusual number of bivalves. You might not think of the Berkshires as a likely place to find mussels and clams but this beautiful, scenic river is an exception. This unique spot is also a great place to learn about local history, with ruins of mills, tanneries and a history of European settlement that goes back to the 1700s. Come explore this fascinating and beautiful area with a moderate hike along the Clam River. Don’t forget to bring snacks and water! Sandisfield, MA (FREE)
Bushnell-Sage Library – 413-229-7004. 48 Main Street.
Bartholomew’s Cobble – 413-229-8600. 105 Weatogue Road.
Sheffield Historical Society. 413-229-2694. 91 Main St.
