Cultural Events Ignite Excitement Across the Berkshires This October

A series of vibrant cultural events is set to unfold in the Berkshires this October, showcasing a rich tapestry of artistic expression. From traditional Indigenous celebrations to contemporary performances, the weekend of October 4-5 promises to be a significant moment for community engagement and artistic appreciation.

Homelands PowWow Celebrates Indigenous Heritage

The Homelands PowWow will take place at Darrow School in New Lebanon on October 4th and 5th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Titled “Lighting the Fire,” this inaugural event brings together over 50 members of the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican Tribe, many traveling from Wisconsin and California to honor their ancestral land.

Organized by a Native American-led non-profit, the PowWow aims to celebrate Indigenous culture through various activities, including Intertribal dancing, traditional drumming, and storytelling. Ginger Stevens, one of the event’s organizers, emphasized the significance of this gathering, stating, “This isn’t just an event – it’s a unification centuries in the making.” The grand entry is scheduled for noon, and there is no admission fee for dancers in full regalia. More details are available online.

Art Performance by Tsedaye Makonnen at Clark Art Institute

On the same day, the Clark Art Institute will host a performance by multidisciplinary artist Tsedaye Makonnen at 4 p.m. This event features Makonnen’s latest work, “Refuge Used to Live Among the Hoosic River and the White Oak Trees,” which is part of her “Astral Sea” series. Through movement and abstract choreography, the performance addresses themes of displacement and resilience, drawing upon Black spiritual practices.

Makonnen, a former Futures Fellow at the Clark, is known for her work that reclaims visual and spiritual narratives historically overlooked by Western art canons. The performance will involve students from Williams College and is free to the public.

Dynamic Performances at Adams Theater and The Foundry

Later in the evening, Adams Theater will present “Murder on the FUNK Floor” at 7:30 p.m. This engaging show by the dance collective dysFUNKcrew combines elements of a murder mystery with high-energy dance, providing an interactive experience for the audience. With a storyline featuring five rooms, weapons, and four suspects, attendees will piece together the mystery while enjoying the choreography.

Meanwhile, The Foundry in West Stockbridge will host “Circus of the Setting Sun” from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly night circus features an eclectic mix of performers, including aerialists and mentalists, promising a whimsical atmosphere led by drag queen Bella Santarella. The event celebrates the richness of circus arts and is designed to captivate audiences of all ages.

Classical and Contemporary Music Highlights

Classical music enthusiasts can look forward to performances by esteemed violinist Siqing Lu and Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa. Lu will perform Tchaikovsky’s “Violin Concerto in D Major” at the Hotchkiss Philharmonic’s season opener at 7:30 p.m. in Lakeville. Renowned for his global performances, Lu is a celebrated figure in classical music, having won the gold medal at the International Paganini Violin Competition.

Later that evening, at 8 p.m., MASS MoCA will feature López-Nussa, showcasing his new album “Timba a la Americana.” The concert will highlight the vibrant sounds of Cuban music, blending various musical traditions and featuring harmonica virtuoso Grégoire Maret. This performance promises to reflect the depth and richness of López-Nussa’s musical heritage, following his recent relocation to France.

Jen Chapin Trio Takes the Stage

Closing out the evening, the Spencertown Academy will host the Jen Chapin Trio at 8 p.m. as part of its Roots & Shoots Concerts Series. Chapin, known for her poetic urban folk music, will debut a new cabaret-style performance titled “Anything Goes, and How Did We Get Here?” Accompanied by Grammy-nominated bassist Stephan Crump and guitarist Jamie Fox, the concert is expected to weave together musical storytelling with current political themes.

These events collectively represent a significant cultural moment in the Berkshires, providing opportunities for community connection, artistic exploration, and celebration of diverse heritages. For additional information regarding tickets and programming details, attendees are encouraged to visit the respective venues’ websites.