The Northampton Arts Council works to support and nurture the arts in the city of Northampton. The Council awards grants twice each year to artists and arts groups from both state and locally-raised funds, and seeks to improve public awareness of the arts. Its' goals include maintaining and preserving the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Northampton, programming such annual events of interest to the community as First Night Northampton and Transperformance.

Monday, February 29, 2016

ANCHOR HOUSE OF ARTISTS BENEFIT with Group 18 Reading and Mary Dunn, the poet's hand at watercolor

Mary Dunn

Name of event: ANCHOR HOUSE OF ARTISTS BENEFIT with Group 18 Reading and Mary Dunn, the poet's hand at watercolor

Writers: Group 18 includes Doug Anderson, Roz, Driscoll, Paul Jacobs, Margaret Lloyd, Henry 
Lyman, Missy Montgomery, Bill O'Connell, and Annie Woodhull
Artist: Mary Dunn (1957-2008)
Reading and Exhibit Date: Sunday, March 6. 2:30 P.M.

Location name: Anchor House of Artists

Hours: March 6, Sunday 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. and Regularly Tuesday Thursday Saturday 1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Address: 518 Pleasant Street (south side of Shell gas station)
City/Town: Northampton

Northampton Jazz Workshop features saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi

Northampton Jazz Workshop features guest saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi on Tuesday, March 1st, 7:30 to 8:30 PM followed by an open jazz jam until 10:30 PM at the The City Sports Grille at Spare Time Northampton, 525 Pleasant St., Northampton.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

House Music Women's A Cappella Jam

On Saturday, March 5 at 7:00 pm six women's college a cappella groups will come together to help the Hampshire County Friends of Homeless Individuals (http://www.hamphomeless.org/) purchase a house in Northampton for unaccompanied homeless youth, age 18-25. Featuring The Noteables, The Smith College Vibes, The Smiffenpoofs, Smithereens, M&Cs A Cappella and Nice Shoes A Cappella. With special guests Celebrations Dance Company.

Tickets: $10 general (students by donation), available at the door, at State Street Fruit in Northampton, and Cooper’s Corner in Florence.


Thursday, February 18, 2016

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

KIDSBESTFEST-YOUTHFILM 2016


Brought to you in part by Event Sponsors: Northampton Community Television & Florence Bank

When: Monday, February 15 - Friday, February 19, 1:30 PM Showtime, Doors Open 1:00 PM
Where: Academy of Music Theatre - Google Maps Link
How Much: FREE - DONATIONS ENCOURAGED

KidsBestFest, Northampton’s FREE annual children’s film festival, takes place during the February public school vacation week. The films featured from Monday thru Thursday include classics and international short films as well as extraordinary films that have not been screened at chain theaters. The week culminates on Friday with YouthFilm, an afternoon of short films written, produced, and starring local youth, ages 5-18. At the beginning of their movie careers, these aspiring filmmakers get to see their work on the big screen at the beloved Academy of Music Theatre.



MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Co-presented by Eric Carle Museum
Lewis Carroll's beloved fantasy tale is brought to life in this Disney animated classic. When Alice (Kathryn Beaumont), a restless young British girl, falls down a rabbit hole, she enters a magical world. There she encounters an odd assortment of characters, including the grinning Cheshire Cat (Sterling Holloway) and the goofy Mad Hatter (Ed Wynn). When Alice ends up in the court of the tyrannical Queen of Hearts (Verna Felton), she must stay on the ruler's good side -- or risk losing her head.

Run Time: 75 minutes
Year: 1951, USA
Genre: Animation (Disney)
Rated: G (ages 5+)
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLIqErnQCuw


TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16
5@5 DOODLIN’
"I enjoy procrastinating 'cause I'm busy while I'm waitin', doodlin' away." An international reel of 15 shorts designed for a child’s delight, but guaranteed to entertain adults too. In fact, a meeting of the generations takes place in Bunny New Girl (Australia 2015, 6 min), The Broken Wand (US 2015, 3 min), In the Forest (US 2015, 4 min), Niéta (Argentina 2015, 5 min), and Papa (US 2015, 6 min). Artists figure dominantly in many of the films: cartoonists in Cartoon Away (Brazil 2013, 4 min) and The Fly (Italy 2015, 7 min); pastry makers in Decorations (Japan 2014, 7 min). The program is alive with animals doing crazy things: penguins in Can’t Fight This Feeling (Zimbabwe 2015, 5 min), a dolphin in The Winner Takes It All (Zimbabwe 2015, 5 min), and a herd of giraffes in the amazing 5m80 (France 2014, 5 min). Star Wars invades the program, too, with local short Artoo in Love (US 2015, 4 min). Finally, Croatia’s children’s animation workshop is represented with the films The Leaf (Croatia 2015, 1 min) and The Tree (Croatia 2015, 2 min), along with another Croatian child-produced film, Durica (Croatia 2015, 4 min)—a title that means “pouty.” All films are nonverbal or in English, with the exception of Durica.

Run Time: 68 minutes
Year: 2015, International
Genre: Short Films
Rated: Ages 5+
Information: http://bit.ly/1Ou3K6F


WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
SHANA,THE WOLF’S MUSIC
The coming-of-age story about a Canadian First Nations girl who triumphs over obstacles in her young life. Her new teacher discovers her extraordinary gifts as a violinist. When Shana goes on a spiritual journey, she befriends a wild wolf who guides her and she reconnects with her ancestors, including her mother. Finally, she is able to make peace with her mother's death and, absorbed by nature and the spiritual world, Shana finds a unique way of musical expression, which will allow her to have a career as a violinist. Filmed with the People of the Creeks, the Lower Nicola Indian Band near Merritt, BC. The entire cast is local and first time film performers. The Swiss director Nino Jacusso who spent seven months with them calls them 'real actors' as they are the real people. A moving, magical, and yet authentic inter-cultural motion picture.

Run Time: 96 minutes
Year: 2014, Germany
Genre: Drama/Family
Rated: Ages 10+
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj88Dk4pt-w 


THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18
LABYRINTH
Directed by Jim Henson, produced by George Lucas and starring David Bowie, the story revolves around 15-year-old Sarah’s (Jennifer Connelly) quest to reach the center of an enormous otherworldly maze to rescue her infant brother Toby, who has been kidnapped by Jareth, the Goblin King (Bowie). With the exception of Bowie and Connelly, most of the significant characters in the film are played by puppets produced by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.

Run Time: 141 minutes 
Year: 1986
Genre: Fantasy/Action 
Rated: PG
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRcOZZDvMv4


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19
YOUTHFILM 2016
Films directed by, crafted by, written by and starring Pioneer Valley youth (ages 5-18). YouthFilm participants who are at the beginning of their budding careers will be able to see their films on the Academy of Music’s large screen in a theater setting. Join us to celebrate youth work in the video arts.


 

JUNE MILLINGTON RETROSPECTIVE

June Millington Retrospective

Four Sundays in February Event #4

Brought to you in part by Event Sponsor: Smith College

When: Sunday, February 21st – 3:00 PM Showtime, Doors Open at 2:30 PM
Where: Academy of Music Theatre - Google Maps Link
How Much:
ADVANCE: $15 General Admission, $25 Premium Reserved Seating, $35 VIP Reserved Seating
DAY AT DOOR: $17 General, $27 Premium Reserved Seating, $37 VIP Reserved Seating
Ticket Outlets: Academy of Music Theatre Box OfficeState Street Fruit Store in Northampton, Cooper’s Corner in Florence, A.J. Hastings in Amherst


“One of the most important female bands in American rock has been buried without a trace, and that is Fanny. They were one of the finest f****** rock bands of their time, in about 1973. They were extraordinary: They wrote everything, they played like motherf******s, they were just colossal and wonderful, and nobody’s ever mentioned them. They’re as important as anybody else who’s ever been, ever - it just wasn’t their time. Revivify Fanny. And I will feel that my work is done.” ~ David Bowie (Rolling Stone interview, 1999)

Join us at 3PM on Sunday February 21, for ‘June Millington - A Rock ‘N Roll Retrospective in Story, Picture and Song’ at the Academy of Music in Northampton, MA. The event pays tribute to June’s remarkable life as a Filipina immigrant, rock ‘n roll pioneer, catalyst in the women’s music movement, impassioned educator and godmother to the next generation of women in the music business. The lineup (a work in progress) features an incredible array of performers including Holly Near, Jill Sobule, Toshi Reagon, Gail Ann Dorsey, Christine Ohlman and Sonya Kitchell as well as members of Fanny along with virtual appearances by the likes of Earl Slick and Cris Williamson. We will be announcing several more exciting additions to the lineup in the coming weeks. For more info visit: June Millington Rocks.
June Millington Retrospective


THE REALLY BIG SHOW


Four Sundays in February Event #5

Brought to you in part by: Cooley Dickinson Medical Group

When: Sunday February 28 – 2:00PM, Doors Open at 1:30PM
Where: Academy of Music Theatre, 274 Main Street Northampton, MA 01060
How Much: 
ADVANCE - $10 Adults, $8 Senior 65+/Veterans, $5 Children 12&Under
DAY AT DOOR - $12 Adults, $10 Senior 65+/Veterans, $7 Children 12&Under

Ticket Outlets:  Academy of Music Theatre Box OfficeState Street Fruit Store in NorthamptonCooper’s Corner in FlorenceA.J. Hastings in Amherst

A showcase of the BEST local talent at the Valley’s FAVORITE variety show in the Pioneer Valley’s MOST BELOVED theatre!

Part I: Dr. K’s Roadside Storytime sets the stage for the Really Big Gong Show this year, stitching the written word of late legend Kurt Vonnegut and others into a show-and-tell medley of local performers, featuring also original compositions by Phish drummer, Jon Fishman.

Part II: Steve Westfield of the Pajama Slave Dancers hosts the Gong Show with music from the Really Big Show orchestra led by Jim Armenti. Appearances from the School for Contemporary Dance and Thought, Peter Blanchette of the Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra, fiddler Zoë Darrow and a variety of surprise performers. Enjoy witty quips by our celebrity judge panel featuring comedian Pam Victor, Northampton Police Chief Jody Kasper, WRSI - 93.9 The River radio personality Monte Belmonte. Win prizes! See your friends and loved ones display their talents! What celebrities will be featured this year? Will they get gonged off stage?

SOLO, a loculus collective event


SOLO, a loculus collective event
Friday, February 19, 2016, 7-10pm

Performances at 7:30pm

Florence Civic Center
90 Park St., Florence MA 01062
Handicapped Accessible

Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/loculuscollective

Monday, February 15, 2016

The Space Between: Rediscovering the Folly Cove Designers

The Folly Cove Designers with Virginia Lee Burton Demetrios on far right, 1949

What: The Space Between: Rediscovering the Folly Cove Designers
Who: Jennifer Scanlon
Where: Historic Northampton
When: February 27, 2 pm

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Debris Flow: a meditation on the Mill River Reservoir Disaster in 1874


What: Debris Flow: a meditation on the Mill River Reservoir Disaster in 1874

Who: Rebecca Muller

Where: Historic Northampton

When: March 11 – April 3, 2016

Opening Reception: March 11, 5-8 pm (Arts Night Out)

Public Talk: Elizabeth Sharpe: Capitalism and Calamity: The Mill River Flood of 1874, Saturday, March 12, 2 pm

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Charles Millet Deep Space Series: The Solar Paintings


Keeping Busy: Five Artists Respond to Henrietta Lambie's Mourning Quilt c.1884

Keeping Busy: Five Artists Respond to Henrietta Lambie's Mourning Quilt c.1884

Historic Northampton Museum, 46 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA
Opening reception: Friday, February 12, 5-8pm (Arts Night Out)
February 12 - March 6, 2016

MCC Introduces Two New Grant Programs

The MCC is introducing two new grant programs for organizations. There is an information session this Friday, February 12 at 3:00pm at Shakespeare & Company, followed by other info sessions in Worcester and Lowell, and followed by a webinar on March 7. We’d like organizations to register, but it is not required. Click on the link below for more information and to register for an info session. If you have already signed up – great! I look forward to meeting you.

The MCC is introducing two new grant programs for organizations not currently funded as Partners or Colleagues. These programs are replacing the CIP Peers grant program, which is being discontinued. Applications will be due this spring. Please see the CIP guidelines (PDF) for more information.

CIP Gateway is a two-year operating support grant program. Gateway is designed to be the entry, or gateway, for organizations into the Cultural Investment Portfolio (CIP). The program has been designed to be aligned with the funding goals of the Portfolio: supporting public value, organizational capacity, and organizational sustainability.

CIP Projects grants are one-year grants for specific cultural public programming, and are not for general operating support. These grants will support cultural projects, and are an option for organizations and programs that are not eligible for CIP Gateway, or those simply looking for one-year project support. Eligibility has been extended to organizations working with a fiscal agent.

The CIP team is presenting six information sessions and a webinar to introduce Gateway and Projects from Feb 2 – March 7.

Reservations are only required for the webinar, but are encouraged for all sessions. Please sign up for an information session. 


Northampton Jazz Workshop features saxophonist Scott Mullett


Northampton Jazz Workshop features guest saxophonist Scott Mullett on Tuesday, February 16th, 7:30 to 8:30 PM followed by an open jazz jam until 10:30 PM at the The City Sports Grille at Spare Time Northampton, 525 Pleasant St., Northampton.

Monday, February 8, 2016

Greenway Volunteer Program Art Ambassador

Greenway Volunteer Program

Art Ambassador

About the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

The Conservancy is the designated steward of the Rose Kennedy Greenway, a mile-and-a-half of contemporary parks in the heart of Boston that connect people and the city with beauty and fun. The non- profit Conservancy maintains, programs, and improves the Greenway on behalf of the public and in partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

THE VALLEY VOICE COMES TO NORTHAMPTON

THE VALLEY VOICE COMES TO NORTHAMPTON: HIGH SCHOOL SERVICE CLUB HOSTS SINGING COMPETITION, SEEKING ENTRANTS

Northampton High School’s Key Club will host ̈The Valley Voice, ̈ a regional voice competition on March 18 at 380 Elm St, Northampton, from 7­-9pm for all ages. The event will raise funds for The Eliminate Project.

Drawing and Painting Class

Drawing and Painting
Sponsored by Connecticut River Valley Sanctuaries

Location:

Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Rd., Easthampton

Instructor:

Jan Ruby-Crystal - Professor of Art and Design

Monday, February 1, 2016

Northampton Jazz Workshop features vocalist Samirah Evans and trumpeter Don Anderson

Northampton Jazz Workshop features guest vocalist Samirah Evans and trumpeter Don Anderson for a celebration of Fat Tuesday on Tuesday, February 9th, 7:30 to 8:30 PM followed by an open jazz jam until 10:30 PM at the The City Sports Grille at Spare Time Northampton, 525 Pleasant St., Northampton.

SILVER CHORD BOWL 2016 - SOLD OUT


Four Sundays in February Event #1
Brought to you in part by 


When: Sunday, February 7th – 2:00 PM Showtime, Doors Open at 1:30 PM
Where: John M. Greene Hall - Smith College - Google Map Link

The Silver Chord Bowl 2016 will kick-off the Four Sundays in February Winter Festival Series. The legendary a cappella event that is a Pioneer Valley tradition will take place on February 7, 2016. Two-thousand concert-goers pack John M Greene Hall at Smith College to witness a showcase of the best a cappella collegiate groups in the Northeast. Opening performance by Northampton High School’s own Northamptones. Featuring the The MIT/Wellesley Toons, The Dear Abbeys of Boston University, S#arp Attitude of UMass, MIT Ohms, Zumbyes of Amherst College, and representing the home team: The Smith College Vibes (Groups subject to change). Mayor David Narkewicz and Smith College Dean of the College Donna Lisker will both be on hand to emcee this classic event.


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