Menu

News

Project portrays creativity behind bars

“I Too Can Create”

Jazz-inspired artwork by current and former prison inmates

Art and music go hand in hand with a broad, inclusive definition of community – one that recognizes and celebrates the humanity of everyone. Jazz music, in particular, has a powerful legacy of social justice and inclusivity which is celebrated in a project that coincided with the 2022 Pittsfield CityJazz Festival. The Berkshire House of Corrections and the Committee for Public Counsel Services, in collaboration with Berkshires Jazz, Inc., encouraged the creation and presentation of unique works of art crafted by inmates at the House of Corrections. With the theme of “I Too Can Create”, the work embodies the notions of community, music, art and humanity.

Sharing this artwork created by currently and formerly incarcerated individuals emphasizes an idea of community that encompasses people inside and outside the Berkshire House of Corrections walls. Three pieces were singled out for their content, emotion, and creativity; two by current inmates are identified only by their initials; the third piece, by former inmate Kevin Scace, was created while he was incarcerated, and is among his works that were displayed in April at the Elusie Gallery in Easthampton.

The project mentor was Phyllis Kornfeld, author, artist, and teacher of art to incarcerated men and women for 40 years. She observes, “It is always an illuminating, exciting event to see the prisoners discover something very positive, and mysterious, coming from inside themselves. The art is often miraculously fresh, and despite the context, there is a lot of joy.” The project was coordinated by Katherine Grubbs, of the Committee for Public Counsel Services, and Alan Bianchi at the Berkshire House of Correction.

In one of the myriad comments about the arts, John F. Kennedy remarked, “After the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for our victories or defeats in battle, but for our contribution to the human spirit.”

These three artworks explore that human spirit. They were displayed at the Berkshire Athenaeum and Berkshire Museum (pictured here) during the Pittsfield CityJazz Festival.

 

Project portrays creativity behind bars

Pittsfield CityJazz Festival April 23-May 1, 2022

Tickets Now On Sale

The Pittsfield CityJazz Festival returns after a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The event spans two weekends, taking place from April 23 to May 1, and becomes part of Jazz Appreciation Month.

The festival is made possible by a $10,000 grant from The Feigenbaum Foundation, and sponsorships from Berkshire Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, and WETF, the jazz station (www.jazzradioWETF.org).

The lineup includes something for everybody.

  • “Jazz About Town” takes on two forms:
    • the first Berkshires Jazz Jam (Saturday, April 23, at Mission Restaurant, 7-10pm), with rotating local artists; and
    • the annual Jazz Crawl  (Saturday, April 30, various venues through Pittsfield’s Upstreet Cultural District).[see updated schedule below]
  • Jazz prodigy Ruby Farmer, a 16-year-old bassist who will be appearing during the 100th birthday observation of Charles Mingus. She will be accompanied by Benny Kohn (piano) and Conor Meehan (drums). Wednesday, April 27, 7pm. Berkshire Athenaeum, sponsored by the Friends of the Athenaeum. Free.
  • The George Russell, Jr. Trio with vocalist Lydia Harrell. The Boston stalwarts make their Berkshires debut with a program of jazz and blues. Click here for more information and tickets. 
  • The first stop on a CD release tour by the DIVA Jazz Orchestra (“DIVA Swings Broadway”).
    Plus: the latest iteration of the Berkshires Jazz Youth Ensemble will open for DIVA’s concert, a matinee on Sunday, May 1. Click here for more information and tickets.

And once again, jazz brunch at Dottie’s opens our closing day. Open 8am-2pm, with music from 10am-noon, featuring Dave Bartley and Pete Toigo.

Annual Jazz Crawl
April 30, 2022
Sponsored by Pittsfield Cooperative Bank

4-6pm: Benny Kohn | Jeff Stevens Duo
• Hotel on North, 297 North Street

5-7pm: Dave Bartley Trio
• Flat Burger Society, McKay Street

5:30-7:30pm: Ennis/McEachern Quartet
* Methuselah, 391 North Street (updated item)

6-8pm: Luke Franco Quartet with special guest Mike Fahn
• Berkshire Palate, 297 North Street

7-10om: Andy Kelly’s Gypsy Jazz Ambassadors
• 101 Restaurant, 1 West Street

8-10pm: Kris Allen Trio
• Methuselah, 391 North Street

8-10pm: Michael Junkins Trio
• RJ’s Restaurant, 109 First Street

 

 

Dave Kidd interviews take on a new life

 

Preserving local jazz history beyond the Berkshires

By Barbara Kidd Seddon

[The legendary Berkshires radioman David Kidd interviewed countless jazz figures who performed here during the 1950s. In this blog post, his daughter Barbara reflects on those days. Barbara is Treasurer and a founding Board member of Berkshires Jazz, Inc. We encourage others to contribute their anecdotes about jazz in the Berkshires. Ed.]

As far as back as I can remember, my life at home was surrounded by music, whether it was jazz, folk or classical. Jazz musicians such as Rex Stewart, Randy Weston and Odetta were frequent guests. I grew up with Rex Stewart’s kids.  As a result, our home was always desegregated, which made for a totally non-discriminatory upbringing. I went to Tanglewood for the classical music (my dad was an usher for several years) and to Music Barn to see such greats as Duke Ellington, Dave Brubeck and many more (and where I ushered) … (my personal favorite was Josh White.)Dave Kidd interviews take on a new life

In the fifties my father –David Kidd– was asked to do a talk show, which he called the Story of Jazz, on WBRK, the local radio station, and it was recorded in our living room. This meant no talking or other distractions while my father was talking. It was a labor of love on his part, as he received no remuneration for it. However, as a result, he has left a legacy the likes of which few people have left. That legacy consists of about 60 hours of interviews with people like Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and many more. Eventually WGY in Schenectady offered him a slot on Monday nights which he did from the late fifties until he passed in 1966 at the age of 49. [Dave is pictured here, right rear, with his wife Barbara (the author’s mother), Henry “Red” Allen (l) and Buster Bailey.]

With the help of Ed Bride, President of Berkshires Jazz, I was able to find a permanent home for these interviews at the International Jazz History Database, which is housed at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts. You can enjoy them any time, at https://www.jazzhistorydatabase.com/archives/david-kidd/index.php.

 

 

Andrea Brachfeld with Insight Concert Streaming on New Years Eve

Staying indoors on New Year’s Eve? Enjoy a special concert featuring the amazing flutist Andrea Brachfeld with Insight. The in-person performance, which took place at Saint James Place in Great Barrington, Mass., will be streamed as part of our way of celebrating the end of 2021.

Friday, Dec. 31, 2021. 8:00-9:45pm (Eastern).

Be there at our virtual concert by clicking here.

Virtually join Andrea and her virtuoso trio: Bill O’Connell, piano; Harvie S, bass; and Jason Tiemann, drums. As a way spreading good music and celebrating the season, the group will be performing “If Not Now, When,” an aptly-named original work that was commissioned by Chamber Music America.

Andrea Brachfeld with Insight Concert Streaming on New Years Eve

So, ring out the old and usher in the new year with some of the most creative music you’re likely to experience any time soon. Recorded in high resolution, it’s a free concert, although voluntary contributions are always welcome.

Happy New Year!

Ted Rosenthal appears with Karrin Allyson, Dec. 5 in Lenox

Ted and Karrin will perform their Wonderland holiday show –jazz versions of holiday favorites and more– on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021 at the Gateways Inn in historic downtown Lenox, Mass. There will be two shows, at 5 and 7pm.

Karrin Allyson is a 5-time Grammy nominee with a major touring career, and appears in theTed Rosenthal appears with Karrin Allyson, Dec. 5 in Lenox Berkshires for the first time since her thrilling performances at the Pittsfield CityJazz Festival and the inaugural Berkshire Gateway Jazz Weekend. Ted Rosenthal is one of today’s most noted jazz pianists, with periodic appearances at the Gateways and other venues. They will be joined by New York-based artists Noriko Ueda, bass, and Tim Horner, drums.

The Gateways Inn, in the picturesque village of Lenox, has fast become one of the best and most popular jazz rooms in the county. This is a rare opportunity to see these world-class artists working together in such an intimate setting.

“For those who like their holiday music sleek, chic, and elegant, Wonderland takes you there.” – Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune

Online box office:
First set, 5pm:
https://gatewaysinn.ticketleap.com/wonderland5pm/

Second set, 7pm:
https://gatewaysinn.ticketleap.com/wonderland7pm/

Gateways Inn will also be serving dinner that evening. Separate dinner reservations recommended.

The concert is part of the Gateways jazz series, curated by Andy Wrba and presented in cooperation with Berkshires Jazz, Inc.

 

Laszlo Gardony returns to the Berkshires for Feb. 15 solo concert

“New Branches on Ten Old Trees”
Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, 7:30pm
Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield
Beer and wine bar at 6:30pm

Piano virtuoso Laszlo Gardony performs fresh, modern but soulful arrangements of beloved familiar tunes, and covering ten styles and genres (jazz, spirituals, rock, funk, Broadway, Neapolitan, etc.). Based in part on his new, highly-acclaimed CD “La Marseillaise,” his adaptations include the title song and nine other familiar tunes, from Misty to Eleanor Rigby, Lady Madonna to Summertime, and myriad in between.

Plus, some surprises.

Known as an innovator for both his composing and performance approaches, Laszlo will be performing unaccompanied, on the marvelous Steinway grand piano at the Berkshire Museum, home of so many wonderful cultural events.  Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 on the day of the event. They are available now at our online box office (click here).

Hungarian-born Laszlo Gardony is a professor of piano at the Berklee College of Music. He made his local debut at the Berkshire Museum nearly 25 years ago, and has developed a strong regional and national following. This program was devised specially for Berkshires Jazz, and is presented in conjunction with Pittsfield’s 10×10 Upstreet Winter Arts Festival.

 

Berkshire Jazz Showcase re-scheduled to Sept. 28

Berkshires Jazz brings five of the most popular regional bands to the stage for the second annual Berkshire Jazz Showcase.

Originally scheduled for Aug. 3, 2019, the event will take place on Sept. 28, noon-5pm, rain or shine.

Berkshires Jazz brings five of the most popular regional bands to Pittsfield Common for the second annual Berkshire Jazz Showcase, Sept. 28 from noon-5pm. The wide-ranging lineup for the jazz extravaganza will include (in this planned sequence):
• Gina Coleman and Misty Blues
• Paul Green and Two Worlds
• Andy Wrba’s Berkshire Jazz Collective
• First Take with Mary Ann Palermo
• Kyle Murray Quintet

A free event, the Showcase will also include food vendors, as well as a beer and wine garden. The event will be held on the field adjacent to the First Street Common’s playground and “splash park”. Prelude music will be provided from 10am until noon at The Pittsfield Farmer’s Market. Audiences are advised to bring blankets or chairs.

Berkshire County enjoys a long-standing reputation as a hotbed of jazz talent, going back nearly 75 years to Music Inn, and now enjoying renewed popularity throughout the region. On any particular weekend, and some weekdays, audiences can find dozens of locally-based world-class musicians in clubs and lounges, but rarely on a main stage. Berkshires Jazz addressed that oversight in 2018, when the showcase took off, from the City of Pittsfield’s outdoor stage as the launching pad. This year’s event includes all new bands.

The performing arts represent the heart and soul of the Berkshires. And yet, despite signature jazz festivals that feature headline talent during the shoulder seasons, there is no other main-stage jazz event during the high tourist season. Compounding that absence was the fact that there had been no event that celebrates and showcases the rich variety of local talent who call the Berkshires home. We’re delighted to be presenting such excellent groups in such a proud setting.

Many of these artists could easily establish careers in jazz havens like New York, Chicago, New Orleans or San Francisco, but they live in the Berkshires because this is where they want to be. Visitors and locals alike will be amazed at the talent that calls the Berkshires home.

Lead sponsor for The Berkshire Jazz Showcase is The Berkshire Eagle, with additional support from MountainOne Financial, The Pittsfield Cultural Council, Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the City of Pittsfield’s Office of Cultural Development. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held indoors in the Common Room of Zion Lutheran Church, which is adjacent to the Pittsfield Common.

 

Student Art Winners Announced

On April 30, 2019, observed globally as International Jazz Day,
Berkshires Jazz announced Student Art Contest winners

More than 100 students from Pittsfield High School participated in this 12th annual contest, which was conceived as a way to engage more of the student community in cross-genre creative activity.

This year’s judges included painters Marguerite Bride and Scott Taylor, and designer Tom Buckley. They were charged with the difficult task of determining three winners, and five honorable mentions. The wWinning paintings include (with judges’ comments):

1. Sophia Nguyen (painting to left). The judges commented that it was especially well-painted, down to the detail, very good composition. Captures the essence of many instruments in an appealing mix. Ms. Nguyen’s painting will become the graphic symbol of the 15th annual Pittsfield CityJazz Festival, in mid-October.
2. Megan Francoeur. The painting “feels musical,” and expresses itself in vibrant colors and creative composition.
3. Antonia Bedard Torres. A great abstract with fun color play, it conjures abstract jazz.

Honorable mentions are awarded to
• Nolan Degrof
• Jazlyn Rodriguez
• Lynniah Falwell
• Paige Webster
• Abby Cohan

The contest was organized by art teacher Colleen Quinn of PHS, in collaboration with Lisa Ostellino. Overall project coordinator is Art Niedeck, a jazz musician and music educator, and co-chairman of the Education Committee of Berkshires Jazz, Inc., which is responsible for planning the Pittsfield CityJazz Festival and other events throughout the year. In addition to our mission of presenting ‘live’ jazz, Berkshires Jazz, Inc. is chartered to promote jazz education throughout Berkshire County.

The student art contest is one way to spread the interest in jazz to a broader part of our community and draw attention to April as Jazz Appreciation Month. Jazz Appreciation Month is a national program started by the Smithsonian Institution in 2002 and recognized by Congress in 2003. Its purpose is to celebrate jazz, the country’s indigenous art form, often referred to as “America’s classical music.”

 Megan Francoeur’s painting is to the left, below; Antonia Bedard Torres’ painting is to the right.

                                                              

Jazz Meets Classical: the Ted Rosenthal Trio with strings

A creative and insightful program that illustrates how many classical themes
have been incorporated into popular music and jazz

Saturday, April 27, at the Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield, Mass.

6:30pm: beverage service and winetasting
7:30pm concert
Post-concert meet and greet the artists

The Ted Rosenthal Trio returns to Pittsfield with a unique program that demonstrates the influence that classical music has had on the modern music scene. He performs a creative and insightful program that includes joint numbers with the Elayne P. Bernstein Octet, the advanced strings ensemble from Kids 4 Harmony. The program is presented in partnership with the Berkshire Museum, and is part of ArtWeek, a celebration of the rich cultural offerings found throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Ted Rosenthal is an iconic jazz pianist, and has performed worldwide, both as a leader and as a sideman with many jazz greats, including Gerry Mulligan, Art Farmer, Phil Woods, Bob Brookmeyer, and Jon Faddis. His classical/jazz crossover performances include solo and featured appearances with the Boston Pops, the Baltimore Symphony, the Kansas City Symphony, and many other orchestras. His work includes adapting themes by Brahms, Schumann, Tchaikovsky and others into a mainstream jazz idiom. Local audiences are still talking about his interpretation of “Rhapsody In Blue” at the Berkshire Museum last year.

The Elayne P. Bernstein Octet is a group of student musicians in elementary and middle schools. The octet is the most advanced ensemble in Kids 4 Harmony, which is operated by Berkshire Children and Families. Members have appeared in large and small events from Boston to Los Angeles, including the national Take A Stand Orchestra under the baton of maestro Gustavo Dudamel.

In addition to participating in ArtWeek, the program is our contribution to Jazz Appreciation Month, a nationwide initiative of the Smithsonian Institution, and recognized by Congress in 2003.

Come early, enjoy a beverage. Stay late, meet-and-greet the artists. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 on the day of the event. Click here for our online box office. Tickets are also on sale at the Berkshire Museum, 413-443-7171

World Music Concert and Workshops with Royal Hartigan and Nana Simopolous

Two of the Berkshires’ most noted musicians join forces back home this Saturday, Jan. 26, for a world music concert and a pair of master classes. In addition to their concert, Royal Hartigan and Nana Simopoulos will be conducting percussion and vocal workshops for musicians of all ages and capabilities.

Details below, or go straight to the ticket page for further descriptions:

Teaming up with master percussionist Royal Hartigan on drums, Nana plays sitar and guitar and sings in an exotic style that blends sounds and textures from around the world with jazz. Virtuoso saxophonist Charlie Tokarz and bassist Otto Garner accompany her along with Caryn Heilman on keyboard and vocals. The concert starts at 7:30pm (doors open at 6:30) in the wonderful performance space of The Stationery Factory, 63 Flansburg Ave., Dalton, Mass.

Workshops:
Royal Hartigan Hands on World Music: West African Drumming and Dance, (4:00-6:00pm) will focus on the traditions of Ghana, West Africa, including bell, rattle, and lead and support drumming. Participants experience the interactions of the drums and how these rhythms are expressed in dance movements. each attendee should bring a drum and dress comfortably to move. use of earplugs is strongly suggested.

Nana Simopoulos Vocal Circle Workshop (4:00-6:00pm)
Singing in a vocal circle can be one of the most gratifying group experiences. Open to singers of all levels, this vocal circle workshop will introduce you to and help you develop the various techniques used to create music on the spot in a circle of other vocalists. Nana studied with Bobby McFerrin who developed “Circlesongs”, a style of improvised singing that works for groups large and small. In the circle, singers will explore their own voices as they listen to the voices around them. We will begin with games and exercises that will open up the flow of creativity. You will learn how to create unique motifs, rhythms and melodies that will ultimately guide you toward making your own improvised vocal circles. More than anything we will have a wonderful time singing together.

 

1 2 3 4 ›»