Saturday, July 25, 2009

Variety Show at Sandisfield Arts Center July 25

On Saturday, July 25th at 8 P.M., award-winning humorist, John Meeks will host an evening of different performing genres by talented Berkshire artists. The variety show takes place at the Sandisfield Arts Center on Hammertown Road off Route 57 in Sandisfield. Tickets are $12.

Song, poetry, story, prose, humor, movement, and the unexpected are to be expected. The evening is presented with the informality of an open-mike night and includes singer/songwriter, JoAnne Spies, slam poet, Dylan Lundgren, performance artist, Roz Peis, and storyteller, Darlene White. Vocalist, Francine Ciccarelli, and guitarist, Peter K, round out the performance along with the warmth and humor of John Meeks.

This program is funded in part by grants from the Sandisfield and Otis Cultural Councils, local agencies funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Historical Society Fair




The Sandisfield Historical Society Fair was held on July 11, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the meeting house. State Representative, Smitty Pignatelli, and State Senator, Ben Downing, attended the ceremony and presented the Historical Society with a plaque commemorating the event. Good weather was welcomed by all!

July Events at Sandisfield Arts Center

July finds the Sandisfield Arts Center in full swing. The historic building, saved and renovated by a dedicated group of residents, is once again the site of many community events.

On Sunday, July 5th, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monterey artist, Joe Baker, will exhibit landscape paintings and pastels. A student of the natural world, Baker is also a musician, violin-maker, and computer programmer. The exhibit runs through July 28.

On Saturdays, July 11 and 18, from 10:30 a.m. to Noon, an American History and Culture Forum Series will focus on free speech, expression and thought, and the challenges to those freedoms in the American historical experience. Bill Cohn and Val Coleman, both Sandisfield residents, will undertake an historical, legal and cultural assessment of our free speech provisions as outlined in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Audience participation is encouraged. Admission is $5.

Two popular Berkshire Groups join forces on Saturday, July 11 at 8 p.m. for a joyous evening of folk and fiddle (and djembe, mandolin, guitar, banjo, bouzouki, penny whistle, and viola). Admission for Bottom of the Bucket and Common Thread is $15.

Lauren Paul offers a 6-week stretch class designed to tone and relax the whole body, mind and spirit. Paul is a licensed acupuncturist and certified shiatsu therapist with a background in dance. All experience levels are welcome. Classes meet Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. from July 7 to August 16. For information about prices and to register, call (413) 258-4296.

The Sandisfield Arts Center is located on Hammertown Road off Route 57 in Sandisfield. Once a Baptist Meeting House and orthodox synagogue, the 1839 building in now used as a community arts center offering affordable cultural and educational programs, funded in part by grants from the Sandisfield and Otis Cultural Councils. Reservations may be made by calling 258-4100. More information and directions at www.sandisfieldartscenter.org.