Celebrate Arts and Music at Upcoming Berkshire Festivals

Excitement is building in the Berkshires as a series of vibrant events are set to take place across the region on August 16, 2023. From intimate music performances to lively art festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Musical Performances Highlight Local Talent

On Wednesday, August 16th at 19:00, Wander in Pittsfield will host the Queer Singer Songwriter Night, featuring local artists Lily Lothrop and Shannon Lambert. Both songwriters hail from Western Massachusetts and draw inspiration from their experiences in their 20s, exploring themes of joy, grief, and uncertainty through heartfelt music. Lothrop, known for her unique vocals and confessional lyrics, pairs her sound with Lambert’s engaging performances, promising an evening that resonates deeply with audiences.

Meanwhile, on the same day, MASS MoCA in North Adams will welcome the acclaimed vocal group Roomful of Teeth at 20:00. Celebrating their 16th anniversary, the Grammy Award-winning ensemble will present a new multimedia song cycle titled “Millennium Rift,” crafted in collaboration with William Brittelle. This performance will showcase innovative sounds that merge the group’s ethereal vocals with 1980s-inspired elements.

Festivals Celebrate Craft and Community

The Bousquet Jazz Festival will take place on August 16th from 16:00 to 21:00 at Bousquet Mountain in Pittsfield. This year marks the festival’s fourth iteration, featuring performances from local groups, including Rob Putnam’s Good Vibes Organ Trio and Svetlana and the New York Collective. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets while enjoying a variety of food and drinks available for purchase.

In Stockbridge, the Norman Rockwell Museum will host the 7th Annual Art of Brewing Festival from 13:00 to 16:00. This event celebrates regional craft beverages and the artistry behind them. Participants aged 21 and older will receive ten tasting tickets to sample an array of drinks, including a debut American lager called Lunch Break by Antimony Brewing, inspired by Rockwell’s commercial illustrations for a brewery in 1941. The festival will also feature opportunities to meet the artists behind the beverage labels.

The Stockbridge Summer Arts and Crafts Show, organized by the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce, will run from August 16th to 17th. Visitors can browse the works of over 85 jury-selected artists, displaying a variety of mediums including painting, ceramics, and photography. The event will take place on the grounds of the Stockbridge Town Offices and Bidwell Park and is free for all.

In celebration of its 65th anniversary, Berkshire Community College will present Community Fest on August 16th from 10:00 to 16:00 in Pittsfield. This family-friendly event will offer a wide range of activities, from workshops and competitions to food trucks and a beer and wine garden. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about free community college programs and financial aid.

Lastly, the Friends of Great Barrington Libraries will host “OtherWords,” a poetry reading featuring Brandon Downing, Rachel Blau DuPlessis, and isaiah a. hines. Scheduled for August 16th from 16:00 to 18:00 at Mason Library, this event will showcase diverse voices in contemporary poetry. Admission is free, and refreshments will be served.

These events promise to enrich the cultural landscape of the Berkshires, bringing together community members and visitors alike to celebrate the arts in various forms. For more details, attendees can visit the respective venues’ websites.