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.

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Johnny Starks Deli Messiah by Andrew Golay



Andy Golay was inspired after reading One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Solzhenitsyn, who detailed a day in his life as a political prisoner in the Russian Gulag.

Golay was working at a supermarket deli at the time. Not that working in a deli is the same as being in prison, but it got him thinking: What about one day in the life of a deli worker?

Why would that be interesting? Why would anyone want to read it?

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

FILM/MEDIA INDUSTRY NETWORKING EVENT



JOIN US TONIGHT
for a FILM/MEDIA INDUSTRY  
NETWORKING EVENT

at the:
281 Main St, Greenfield, MA
Tuesday, June 28th
 6:00-8:00pm

FREE ADMISSION (and food). Cash bar.
RSVP HERE so we can make you a name tag!
(or be last minute and stop by...)

Dan Isola, Rental Account Manger at TALAMAS
 will demo the latest in camera and sound equipment
 ADDED BONUS: All attendees are invited to enter the BFMC Raffle to win a $200 rental credit from TALAMAS!
Come meet, network and socialize with other MA Film and Media professionals - and play with some new, cool equipment!

BFMC is grateful for the generous support of the Massachusetts Cultural Council 
Our generous sponsor for this event is 
 

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative creates educational, workforce and production opportunities in the film and media industry as an economic initiative for the Berkshire region of western Massachusetts.

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative is a 501(c)(3)non-profit organization.

Forbes Library: Put Down the Phone. Pick Up Your Power

 Put Down the Phone. Pick Up Your Power
Wednesday, June 29 from 5:30-6:30
 
Remember the days when work was 9 to 5 and tweeting was left to the birds? Now your work day flows into your home life and sometimes vice versa thanks to 24/7 access to communication and information via email, instant message and social media like Twitter and Facebook. 
 
Kelsey Flynn will give a humorous talk on how we all try to find balance in this plugged-in, digital world. Then she’ll facilitate a conversation on how to find moments for ourselves to find some peace to a take a breath or have a drink. 
 
Kelsey Flynn is a comedian and improviser with 20 years of experience making people laugh from San Francisco to New York. She was an original member of popular Pioneer Valley improv comedy group the Villa Jidiots and has performed stand-up in clubs including Caroline’s in New York and the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge. Sometimes you can hear her on 93.9FM, WRSI where she was a two-time winner of the Valley Advocate’s Best Radio Personality title two years in a row.
 
She noticed how attached she'd grown to her phone when she realized she was spending more time with it than her kids. Don't judge. It's addicting. And now she's trying to break that habit.
 
This program is free and open to all. 
Forbes Library20 West St
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
(413) 587-1011
www.forbeslibrary.org
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Friday, June 24, 2016

6 x 6 Project #1 - We Are Not Machines

6 x 6 Project #1
We Are Not Machines/No Somos Máquinas/我们不是机器:
Voices of Northampton Restaurant Workers

Exhibition Dates: July 10-16, 2016
Where: A.P.E. Gallery, 126 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Cinema Northampton presents Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom



Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom | June 29th | 8:00 PM | Forbes Library Lawn

A skirmish in Shanghai puts archaeologist Indiana Jones, his partner Short Round and singer Willie Scott crossing paths with an Indian village desperate to reclaim a rock stolen by a secret cult beneath the catacombs of an ancient palace.

PG | 1h 58min | Parental Guide

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Call to Film and Media Professionals



BFMC's NETWORKING EVENT

Tuesday, June 28th
6:00-8:00pm
@ The Arts Block 
281 Main St, Greenfield, MA

Featuring a hands-on demonstration of the latest camera and audio equipment from TALAMAS. TALAMAS Rental Account Manager Dan Isola will be bringing the latest in RED's digital cinema DSMC2 line of cameras, the RED RAVEN. In addition, Dan will be showing attendees the latest in sound equipment with Sound Devices 633 audio bag and describing what should be in your audio kit to help you on your next production. Come meet other MA Film and Media professionals to network, socialize and have a bite & a drink. 

ADDED BONUS: All attendees are invited to enter BFMC's Exclusive Rental Credit Raffle to win a $200 rental credit from TALAMAS. Admission is FREE but please RSVP by clicking HERE so we can make you a name tag

And be sure to SAVE THE DATE:
BFMC's "3rd Annual Posh Picnic at Tanglewood" to benefit BFMC's educational initiatives. 
Sunday, July, 24th Noon - 2:30pm (includes tickets to the afternoon concert)

berkshirefilm.org
Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative
66 Allen Street  
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413.528.4223


BFMC is grateful for the generous support of the Massachusetts Cultural Council 


Monday, June 20, 2016

Northampton Jazz Workshop features trumpeter Ray Vega

Northampton Jazz Workshop features trumpeter Ray Vega Tuesday, June 28th, 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.


Once a Blue Moon - Cada Luna Azul




Double Edge's 14th annual Indoor/Outdoor Traveling Spectacle

ASHFIELD, MA - In July and August, Double Edge Theatre will present its 14th annual Indoor/Outdoor Traveling Spectacle Once a Blue Moon - Cada Luna Azul with previews July 15-17 and performances running Wednesdays - Sundays July 20 - August 22 plus Monday August 22 at 8 pm.

Friday, June 17, 2016

Opportunities with Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival

What: Springfield Jazz and Roots is looking for a series of workshops or ‘creativity stations’ that will offer festival goers hands-on making/crafting/anything relating to creativity and/or sustainability activities. Participatory arts of all kinds welcomed, sustainability/green/recycling related very encouraged.

How: People will lead an activity in-person during the festival, OR design and set up activity that a volunteer can lead during the festival.

When: Festival is August 6, 2016, 11am -11pm. Depending on nature of your activity, you could commit to doing it for a period of hours that works for you, or set it up for it to be continuous during the festival and run by volunteers on shifts. To be clear you do NOT have to be there the entire length of festival.

Where: Festival takes place in Court Square, downtown Springfield MA.

Who this is for: this is a FREE festival that celebrates the arts and strives to bring together all different types of communities. Very family friendly. There is also a beer tent and we want activities that are appealing specifically to adults.

Why you would do this: You love art and believe in the importance of bringing art to the peoples, you want to try out a placemaking or community-engaging art project, etc. 


What about money: 
Springfield Jazz and Roots will try to seek donations for the materials you would need, and/or provide reimbursements for materials you would have to purchase…we have a very limited budget, FYI.

We are hoping to connect with folks who are able to volunteer their time. If you would be interested in working with us but cannot do so as a volunteer we understand, and ask that you let us know how much payment you would require. We will try to work with you to the best of our ability!

If you are interested please get back to Carlos Pena carlossueropena@gmail.com with the following information by June 30th:

1- Your name (and names of people working with you if it would be a team effort)
2- Description of activity you would want to do, keeping in mind:

-What age group this will be appealing/appropriate for
-We will be setting up tables under tents, or can designate floor space under a tent, as needed for your activity. Please plan an activity that can take place in a designated area, OR be reasonably feasible to carry out if it’s an activity that involves moving around.
3- Whether or not you would be able to volunteer your time, and how much $ you need if you can’t volunteer
4- How many hours you could be there if you are leading it yourself, and the hours of the day it would be possible for you to be there between 11am and 11pm
5- List of materials you would need, with estimate of how much these would cost

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Northampton Chalk Art Festival Call for Artists

NORTHAMPTON CHALK ART FESTIVAL INVITES ARTISTS TO APPLY!

The Northampton Center for the Arts is seeking artists to join in the 7th annual Northampton Chalk Art Festival on Friday, September 9, 2016. Participation requires the completion of a simple application form by Friday, August 5. Details are at www.nohoarts.org.

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

6 X 6 at A.P.E.

6 X 6 at A.P.E.

Exhibition Dates: July 10 – August 21, 2016

Opening Reception: July 8, 2016, 5-8pm (Arts Night Out)

Curators: Lisa Thompson, Kathy Couch, Jil Crary-Ross

www.apearts.org

"Floating Thoughts" Mural Painting by Ramiro Davaro-Comas



"Floating Thoughts" Mural Character Mock-up
This Saturday June 18th from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM the community is invited to watch artist Ramiro Davaro-Comas paint a large scale mural titled "Floating Thoughts" on the back of the 114 Main Street building.

What: Live Mural Painting of "Floating Thoughts"
Where: Back of 114 Main Street Northampton, MA
When: Saturday June 18th 10am-2pm
Who: Muralist Ramiro Davaro-Comas

Northampton Jazz Workshop features guitarist Sheryl Bailey

Northampton Jazz Workshop features guitarist Sheryl Bailey Tuesday, June 21st, 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.



Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Northampton Summer Concert Series 2016


The Northampton Arts Council is proud to present the 2016 Northampton Summer Concert Series. This year we will be showcasing the best music from the pioneer valley alongside top notch touring acts while bringing together the local community to enjoy the many benefits of our picturesque downtown.

Performances will be held in the heart of downtown Northampton on the Hampshire County Courthouse lawn over FIVE FRIDAY evenings starting July 22nd and running through August 19th. All concerts start at 6:00 PM, are FREE and open to the public, and run until 8:00 PM. This year’s lineup will include locals The Fawns, Outer Stylie, Drunk Stuntmen, Wocky, Carinae, Izy Coffey and Ray Mason Band alongside regional acts like Boston’s the Blue Ribbons, the Cocek! Brass Band, and House of Waters from New York City. Come join us as we celebrate our incredible local music scene!


Headline Sponsors: DNA, Tea Guys

What: Northampton Summer Concert Series
Where: Hampshire County Courthouse lawn

[Rain Location: WWII Club on Conz Street]

How Much: FREE---bring cash for local vendors

Activities for Kids: Visit A2Z Science & Learning Store’s KidsZone for fun activities outside during the concert. The A2Z Yo-Yo Team will also be on hand on July 29, Aug 12, and Aug 19.

When & Who: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Friday July 22nd - Blue Ribbons, Izy Coffey
Friday July 29th - Outer Stylie, Ray Mason Band 
(A2Z Yo-Yo Team)
Friday Aug 5th - Wocky, Carinae
Friday Aug 12th - Cocek! Brass Band, The Fawns 
(A2Z Yo-Yo Team)
Friday Aug 19th - Drunk Stuntmen, House of Waters 
(A2Z Yo-Yo Team)
July 22: Blue Ribbons - 2015 Boston Music Award Winners
July 22: Izy Coffey
July 29: Outer Stylie
July 29: Ray Mason
August 5: Wocky
August 5: Carinae

August 12: Cocek! Brass Band


August 12: The Fawn
August 19: Drunk Stuntmen



August 19: House of Waters
Support Sponsors: A2Z Science and Learning Store, Coca-Cola, Florence Bank, WRSI 93.9/101.5 the River, The Valley Advocate, Whole Foods
Stage Sponsors: Smith College, The Vault, Dadmun Design + Construction
Co-presented by: Hampshire Power
Organizational Sponsors: City of Northampton, Massachusetts Cultural Council


Thank you to our Northampton Summer Concert Series 2016 Sponsors
Our mission is to showcase the best music from the pioneer valley alongside top notch touring acts while bringing together the local community to enjoy the many benefits of our picturesque downtown. Outdoor concerts on summer nights in downtown Northampton is a tradition that dates back to the 1970’s. Since that time Northampton has been fertile ground for producing unique original music, often renowned on the national level. The lineup for the 2016 series reflects this trend and will expose these acts of varying age & style to each other and the community at large. This year, the Northampton Arts Council is producing the series in what promises to be its best year yet! Performances are held on Friday nights on the Hampshire County Courthouse lawn in the heart of downtown Northampton from 6:00-8:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you there.


Northampton Summer Concert Series 2016

Monday, June 13, 2016

Valley Jazz Voices seeks a Director

Valley Jazz Voices seeks a Director for a thriving community jazz vocal ensemble of 30+ members based in Northampton. Knowledge of jazz vocal repertoire, ability to teach vocal parts and direct singers with varied levels of experience. Strong communication and organizational skills. Ability to arrange, transcribe and accompany a plus. Lead weekly rehearsals fall and spring seasons (12-14 weeks) and direct 4-5 performances a year. To apply or to find out more please send a resume to valleyjazzvoices@gmail.com by July 1st. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

CASTING CALL

CASTING CALL

From our friends at Hotel on North:

A photo shoot for their marketing efforts using local talent


SHOOT DATE: Friday, June 24th

TIME: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

LOCATION: Hotel on North, Pittsfield, MA

COMPENSATION: $225/day per model
(this is for a buyout, no other fees will be paid)


TALENT NEEDED:

- (1) Male and (1) Female (could be a couple). Late-30's to early 40's. Somewhat upscale, sophisticated urbanites. Trim and fit.

- (1) Male and (1) Female (could be a couple) Late-40's to early- 50's. Similar to above. Could be parents of children (see below).

- A male couple. Late 30's to early 50's.

- Five children (ages 6-13). Male and female.

Wardrobe to be provided by Talent. Will be discussed upon casting.


IF INTERESTED, PLEASE SEND FULL BODY PHOTOS ASAP TO:

Bob Eason: bob@easonpartners.com

or Text Bob at 781.696.2172

Group Sing on July 13

The next Group Sing is Wednesday, July 13, 7pm, at the Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz Street. Free and open to the public. Air Conditioning and lots of free parking.

O-Tones Lawn Concert at Forbes Library

Wednesday, June 15,
7 - 8:30 pm
Forbes Library Lawn Concert

Come bring a picnic and join the full 6-piece O-Tones for a lawn concert at historic Forbes Library in Northampton, MA. This is a great summer music series and a beautiful site to enjoy being outside. Enjoy the community of people in one of the most popular small town arts towns in the country!

Forbes Library - 20 West St,
Northampton, MA, 01060
Forbes Library
http://forbeslibrary.org/

En Plein Air Painting Festival Colors July Arts Night Out

En Plein Air Painting Festival Colors July Arts Night Out

Northampton, MA—“En plein air” is a French term referring to the act of painting outdoors with natural subjects and light. On Friday, July 8, ten notable local artists will showcase their skills al fresco throughout the late afternoon and evening as part of what is becoming an annual festival for downtown Northampton--Arts Night Out En Plein Air. This is a free and interactive event during which participating artists welcome onlookers to watch them work and engage in conversation about the technique.

The artists will be clustered in a variety of locations along the regular Arts Night Out gallery walk route. Jeffrey Gatrall, Kathleen Hession and Elizabeth Lehman are stationed at Forbes Library. Susan Barocas, David Brewster, and Robert Markey can be found in front of Memorial Hall. Paula Gottlieb, Frank Gregory, and Scott Prior are setting up on the lawn in front of the Old Courthouse. Elizabeth Stone will be painting portraits of near the steps of City Hall.

The public is also invited to take part in the festival by borrowing one of 20 plein air watercolor kits. Materials, courtesy of Chartpak, will be distributed, and demonstrations will take place in front of First Churches at 129 Main Street.

This community event is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Councils’ Festivals Program and the Northampton Arts Council. The MCC grant for Arts Night Out En Plein Air is among the first received as part of a pilot initiative to support significant festival programming that represents “a vital part of the cultural landscape in Massachusetts.”


Kathleen Hession at Historic Northampton during Arts Night Out En Plein Air in 2015. Photo credit Ellen Augarten.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

ArtsEZ 2016 Grant Award Winners


The Northampton Arts Council is pleased to announce the awarding of 24 grants totaling $15,000 in support of a variety of projects from funds raised through event-programming such as the end of summer music festival Transperformance and the winter event series Four Sundays in February. The caliber of applications this round was outstanding, and we were unable to fund many worthy projects. The Arts Council received 54 requests for almost $65,180 of funding. Grants were awarded in the following categories: Film/Video, Literature, Mixed Media, Music, Theater and Visual Arts.

Circus Smirkus in Northampton!


North Star is bringing Circus Smirkus back to Northampton!

The Big Top Tour shows are happening at the Three County Fairgrounds on July 14 at 6:00 pm and July 15 and 16, 1:00 and 7:00 pm.

Tickets will go on sale May 1st at River Valley Co-op and A2Z Science and Learning

Monday, June 6, 2016

Northampton Jazz Workshop features the Green Street Quintet with Jason Robinson

Northampton Jazz Workshop features the Green Street Quintet with Jason Robinson on sax and flute and Don Anderson on trumpet; Tuesday, June 14th, 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.

Lyra Music Festival and Workshop


Lyra Music Festival and Workshop


Thursday, July 7

1:30 PM

Cello Masterclass with Matthew Zalkind

Sweeney Concert Hall in Sage Hall, Smith College

Go behind the scenes with American Cellist, Matthew Zalkind and the talented young musicians attending Lyra Music's Summer Workshop as Mr. Zalkind works individually with several aspiring cellists. You’ll love what you hear!

Suggested Donation $15/$10

lyramusic.org/events

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Northampton Jazz Workshop features saxophonist Ralph Lalama

Northampton Jazz Workshop features guest saxophonist Ralph Lalama on Tuesday, June 7th, 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.

The Crowdsourced Cinema II Public Art Project Launches to Remake “The Princess Bride”

The Crowdsourced Cinema II Public Art Project Launches to Remake “The Princess Bride.”

Community-created remake set to premiere at the Northampton Film Festival and to be screened at the Innovation Hangar in San Francisco.

Imagine designing a no-budget film set with a 100-foot cliff, called the “cliffs of insanity,” casting a rhyming Giant who carries a paralyzed pirate, and a fire swamp that endangers visitors with rodents of “unusual sizes.” Inconceivable! But Crowdsourced Cinema will do just that this summer in Western Mass. Last summer, the public art project engaged the greater Northampton community to remake the classic film “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Now in its second year, Northampton Community Television (NCTV) announces the 2016 installment - a remake of “The Princess Bride.”

Teams can sign up at www.CrowdsourcedCinema.com

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