Exciting Cultural Events Set for October 4-5 in New Lebanon

A series of vibrant cultural events will unfold in New Lebanon, New York, on **October 4** and **5**, showcasing a rich tapestry of artistic expressions and community engagement. From traditional indigenous celebrations to contemporary performances, these events promise to highlight local talent and foster community connections.

Homelands PowWow will host “Lighting the Fire” at the Darrow School on October 4 and 5, from **10 a.m. to 5 p.m.** This inaugural PowWow, organized by a Native American-led non-profit, aims to honor indigenous traditions and will feature over **50 members** of the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican Tribe, some traveling from as far as California. Attendees will experience Intertribal dancing, traditional drum groups, and authentic Indigenous food. Organizer Ginger Stevens remarked, “This isn’t just an event – it’s a unification centuries in the making.” The grand entry is scheduled for **noon** each day, and dancers in full regalia will be admitted free of charge.

On the same day, the Clark Art Institute and Williams College Museum of Art will present a performance by multidisciplinary artist Tsedaye Makonnen. Set for **4 p.m.** on **October 4**, “Refuge Used to Live Among the Hoosic River and the White Oak Trees” is part of her “Astral Sea” series. The performance intertwines art and dance to address themes of displacement and resilience, drawing on Black spiritual practices. Makonnen, an award-winning artist and former Futures Fellow at the Clark, uses her work to reclaim visual and spiritual lineages historically marginalized by Western narratives.

The evening will come alive with the presentation of “Murder on the FUNK Floor” by the dysFUNKcrew at the Adams Theater. This interactive dance performance, beginning at **7:30 p.m.**, blends storytelling with choreography, unfolding a murder mystery across multiple rooms. The unique format promises to engage audiences through suspense and movement.

For families seeking a whimsical experience, The Foundry in West Stockbridge will host the “Circus of the Setting Sun” from **3 p.m. to 4 p.m.** on **October 4**. Attendees can expect a night circus featuring aerialists, mentalists, and a fire spinner, all guided by the charismatic ringmaster, Bella Santarella. Performers, including the renowned Opal Raven, will showcase their talents in a charming display of circus arts.

In Lakeville, the Hotchkiss Philharmonic will kick off its season with violinist Siqing Lu, performing Tchaikovsky’s beloved “Violin Concerto in D Major” at **7:30 p.m.** on **October 4**. Lu, a prominent figure in classical music, will also lead an orchestra performance of Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 8.”

The evening will culminate with a concert by Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa at MASS MoCA at **8 p.m.** on **October 4**. His new album, “Timba a la Americana,” reflects his journey from Cuba to France and features a dynamic blend of traditional and contemporary sounds.

Finally, the Spencertown Academy will present the Jen Chapin Trio at **8 p.m.** on **October 4**. Chapin’s performance, titled “Anything Goes, and How Did We Get Here?” will showcase her urban folk music, combining socially relevant themes with jazz influences.

These events represent a rich celebration of culture and community, inviting audiences to engage with diverse artistic expressions. For additional details about tickets and timings, interested individuals can find more information online.