BerkshiresJazz.org

Our friends at the Triplex cinema complex in Great Barrington are staging a major event on Aug. 11 to celebrate Music Inn. By “major” we’re talking about two four-hour sessions, comprising live music, panel discussions, documentary films, and personal reflections about the legendary jazz, folk and rock destination of the 1950s-70s.

The first part of the day, from 1- 5 pm, will be specifically dedicated to the jazz scene from 1950-1969. A panel will discuss the early days at Music Inn from 1-2, then film screening of “The Modern Jazz Quartet” from 2-3:30. This film chronicles MJQ’s tenure as essentially the “house band” at the fabled Lenox inn and performance venue. At 3:30 Jeremy Yudkin will be speaking for about an hour about jazz at Music Inn. There will be live jazz in the lobby from 1-2 and then again from 4:15 -5pm. Check it out at https://www.thetriplex.org/movie/music-inn-celebration-part-one

The second half of the event, from 5-9pm, will be dedicated to the period when David Rothstein owned it. There will be films and discussions about that period with the Music Inn Songbook performed live by “Vaguely Pagans” starting at 8:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.thetriplex.org/home/ or go straight to https://www.thetriplex.org/movie/music-inn-celebration-part-two

Although the event is free, donations are welcome, and suggested at $35 for 1-5, $50 for 5-9 and $75 for the full day.

Music Inn Celebration: Part Two A day long festival of films, panels, exhibits, and live music celebrating the legacy and community of the Music Inn, sponsored by the Red Lion Inn and Race Brook Lodge. This is a free event, with a suggested donation of $50 for Part One of the Program. All donations will be split between The Music....

The Django Festival Allstars, rehearsing new material, Monday morning on the lawn in front of the Gateways Inn in Lenox. Yes, they have some energy after a most exciting, sold-out concert at Shakespeare &Co. on Father's Day.

Back by popular demand, and most likely another sold-out show.

Berkshires Jazz presents: The Django Festival Allstars - Shakespeare & Company “Sensational… Standout performance… Hardest swinging band at the Newport Jazz Festival” –Downbeat Magazine Django Reinhardt’s unmistakable cool and jumpin’ joie de vivre have made him an icon for an unlikely […]

Fewer than 20 tickets left...another turn-away crowd.

Berkshires Jazz presents: The Django Festival Allstars - Shakespeare & Company “Sensational… Standout performance… Hardest swinging band at the Newport Jazz Festival” –Downbeat Magazine Django Reinhardt’s unmistakable cool and jumpin’ joie de vivre have made him an icon for an unlikely […]

Our friends at BAAMS --The Berkshires' Academy for Advanced Musical Studies-- are holding a special evening of music on June 1, featuring original Jazz, Funk, and World Music. The performers -- OG BAAMS Quartet-- include Richard Boulger, trumpet and flugelhorn; Alex Blake, bass; Dario Boente, piano and keyboards; and Tony Lewis, drums and percussion. And special guests.

Festivities take place at The Waubeeka Golf Links in Williamstown, a new location for the benefit performance.

BAAMS' Founder and Executive Director Richard Boulger is a North Adams native who spent 20+ years teaching and working as a recording artist in New York City where he also worked with many of New York’s underserved communities' schools before returning home to the Berkshires in 2020. In 2022, BAAMS established its academy building at the Western Gateway Heritage Park, North Adams. Richard was a longtime private student and protégé of Trumpet legends Freddie Hubbard and Donald Byrd, and has recorded with such luminaries as The Allman Brothers Band, Randy Brecker, John Hicks, Trombonist Steve Davis, R&B legend “Joe”, and has produced three highly-acclaimed recording projects as a leader.

The rest of the band is equally distinguished, as outlined here.

BAAMS' Band & Special Guests LIVE at WAUBEEKA GOLF LINKS! The OG BAAMS quartet: RICHARD BOULGER, ALEX BLAKE, DARIO BOENTE & TONY LEWIS — original Jazz, Funk, World Music! Joined by Special Guests

After packing the house during the Pittsfield CityJazz Festival's "jazz crawl," Tito's popular Mexican restaurant is instituting regular jazz offerings on Tuesdays. Paul Ostermayer and Friends start their summer residency on June 4, 5:30-8:30pm at Tito's, 34 Depot Street.

The weather isn’t the only thing heating up in downtown Pittsfield. The temperature on the jazz scene is also rising, with busy schedule at Dorothy’s, and word that Tito’s and Jae’s on Winter Street will also be hosting local jazz groups.

Dorothy’s (the restaurant abutting Dottie's Coffee Lounge) kicked-off Memorial Day weekend with Wanda Houston and Ben Kohn on Thursday, and The Lucky 5 on Friday. The Thursday-Friday offerings on May 30-31 are equally intriguing. Ben Kohn returns with tap dancer Stephanie Weber on Thursday, and a new group –to the Berkshires, that is— hits the scene on May 31: The InBetweens. Their jazz foundation is infused with rock and improvised music, and vice versa. Hence, their name.

And, Dave Bartley returns for his regular Saturday stint on June 1.

More about The InBetweens, who are actually a veteran electric guitar trio that thrives on improvised tangents, disparate sonic dimensions, rhythmic propulsion. They have been blurring the lines since 2002, tracing back to their roots at the New England Conservatory. Mike Gamble (electric guitar/effects), Noah Jarrett (yes, Keith’s son, double bass), and Conor Elmes (drums) developed their deep energetic chemistry with the help of some of the great masters of their instruments and their crafts (Bob Moses, George Garzone, John Lockwood, John Abercrombie).

As improvisors, they began to “collectively weave melodies and vamps into intricate spider webs of rhythm.” These experiments created a new sound and dimension to the palette of improvisation and experimental music; a sound that is uniquely theirs. Named for their propensity to play ‘in between’ styles…the band takes an approach that is equally edgy and lyrical. New York Times’ Nate Chinen wrote, “this exploratory trio belongs to a social network of musicians who filter jazz protocols through an indie-rock lens”.

Welcome to the Pittsfield scene, . 😉

The bands play from 6-9pm. Although there is no cover charge, you can support the scene by joining for dinner or drinks. 413 443 1792

Half sold-out already, and the heavy promotion hasn't even started.

BerkshiresJazz.org Promoting America’s indigenous art form, nurturing it with high quality jazz programs, jazz education

The Django Festival Allstars return to the Berkshires for a special Fathers Day concert on June 16, 4pm at Shakespeare & Co.'s Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre.

Django was "king", and 60 years after his passing, he is still a household name around the world. He teamed with jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli and made musical history. The Django Festival Allstars bring this music to today... combining known standards and original music...intoxicating!! They swing like crazy and will break your heart with a ballad. Here they are wildly swinging:
https://youtu.be/HBSuL4nM8PA?si=FNEgCKeHpHeVhyeM

Tickets are now on sale at Shakespeare & Co. The online box office is at
https://shakespeare.org/shows/2024/berkshires-jazz-presents-the-django-festival-allstars/

BerkshiresJazz.org Promoting America’s indigenous art form, nurturing it with high quality jazz programs, jazz education

The Clark Art Institute’s jazz series resumes with a performance by the Eddie Henderson Quartet this Saturday, May 4 at 6 pm in the Clark auditorium, located in the Manton Research Center.

The concert is presented in collaboration between the Clark and our friends Jazz In The Berkshires, who are presenting some impressive talent in North Berkshire.

A prodigious bandleader and composer, Eddie Henderson received his first lesson from legendary trumpeter Louis Armstrong at age nine. He performs with drummer Mike Clark, who made history with Herbie Hancock and The Headhunters in the 1970s. They are joined by bass player Gerald Cannon and pianist and Berklee College of Music professor Joe Mulholland in an unforgettable classic jazz experience.

Details here:

Music at the Manton: Eddie Henderson The Clark’s mission and its geographical location define three essential aspects of its character and identity: the quality of its art, the beauty of its pastoral setting, and the depth of its commitment to the generation of ideas.

today is Duke Ellington's birthday...so this is appropriate and perfect. recorded 2/3/73

Duke Ellington, We Love You Madly! 1973 All star tribute to Duke Ellington

Something for everybody. Great preview by Sharon Smullen

18th annual Pittsfield CityJazz Festival returns with jazz crawl, swing dance and concerts by Brandon Goldberg, Marcus Roberts The 18th Annual Pittsfield CityJazz Festival, April 18-28 follows a widely-accessible format spread over 11 days from April 18-28 during nationally-recognized Jazz Appreciation Month.

One of our favorite local jazz paintings, “The Master’s Hands,” is on display through May, part of an exhibit of Marge Bride watercolors. This original watercolor depicts the hands of Dave Brubeck, who autographed the painting after his 2009 concert in Pittsfield, his last performance in the Berkshires.

Featuring 30 works from her “Jazz Visions” series, the show is in the gallery of Hotel On North, 297 North St., Pittsfield. The show comprises a combination of works based on Berkshires events like the Pittsfield CityJazz Festival, Monday Jazz at Mission, and other venues, as well as legacy events that took place at the Apollo, Preservation Hall, and the Montreal International Jazz Festival, among others. There are also a half-dozen facial portraits of long- or recently-deceased jazz legends.

"The Master's Hands" is actually being offered by a private collector, who is donating the proceeds to Berkshires Jazz, Inc. Viewing is free, of course.

Opening reception this Friday, Apr. 5, 5-8pm as part of the First Friday Artswalk in downtown Pittsfield. https://margebride-paintings.com/jazz-visions-ii/

Looking forward to this, opening night of headline weekend at this year's Pittsfield CityJazz Festival.

Happy April everyone! April happens to be National Jazz Appreciation Month and I'm excited to get back to New York and the Berkshires and play music from my new album "Live at Dizzy's" with my trio. If you're in the area, I hope you'll come by to see us!
Dizzy's Club TheLocalSaugerties BerkshiresJazz.org Click here for tickets https://campsite.bio/brandongoldbergpiano or check out my website https://brandongoldbergpiano.com/

Ben Wolfe, bass (4/24)
Caleb Tobocman, bass (4/25 & 4/26)
Aaron Kimmel, drums
Ina Dittke & Associates Lydia Liebman Promotions Cory Weeds

And now, the word is out.

Don't miss the 18th CityJazz Festival in Pittsfield - here's the lineup In the heart of the Berkshires, Pittsfield’s 18th CityJazz Festival is slated to take place from Thursday, April 18 to Sunday, April 28.

Berkshires Jazz was invited to be the first interviewee for a new Pittsfield Community TV series called Giving Voices. The half-hour show concentrates on non-profit organizations that are doing things in and for the Berkshires.

With the show’s name, our founder and President Ed Bride spent most of the time discussing our educational outreach, including Andy Kelly's “edutainment” visits to the schools and our joint concerts with Kids 4 Harmony (including a short clip from a concert with K4H).

There are a few air times, and it can be screened at any time.

Program - Pittsfield Community Television Our mission is to empower our community to create media and amplify diverse voices through the best technology and wide-reaching platforms.

A Double Dose of Sunday Jazz, with The Hall Monitors.

OK, you might wonder (1) how a group called The Hall Monitors got its name, and (2) what sort of activity keeps the Hall Monitors busy when they’re not in their day job.

The clever name isn’t too much of a stretch. This quintet of talented musicians spend much of their daytime in class: teaching music in a West Hartford (Conn.) high school that is known for its jazz program. Yep, you guessed it: Hall High School. Sometimes, of course, they’ll also be monitoring, you know, the halls. See what they did there?

Since you’re visiting the Berkshires Jazz page, you might think they also perform jazz, and you’d be right.

The group comprises a who’s-who of central Connecticut jazzers: Jen Allen, piano; Matt Parker, Saxes/flute; Nathan Edwards , sax; Steve Bulmer, bass; and Ben Bilello, drums.
You can hear them first-hand on Feb. 25, in a concert they’ve dubbed “A double dose of Sunday jazz.” Details and tickets at

Hall Monitors and Juke Joint Jazz – Marigold Theater Home / Tickets / Hall Monitors and Juke Joint Jazz Hall Monitors and Juke Joint JazzIn stock Name Your Price ( $ ) Hall Monitors and Juke Joint Jazz quantity Ticket #1 First Name: * Last Name: * Email: * SKU: 51b00b5d Category: Tickets Related products Scofflaws, Cenzo, CGT S**g, Girth Control, ...

Fifty years after his passing, Duke Ellington is universally acknowledged as America's most prolific composer. Berkshires Jazz joins the rest of the international music community this year in celebrating Ellington’s 125th birthday. Our initial event --our first program this year-- is a Feb. 24 concert featuring some (10, to be precise) of his most renowned and familiar works. It’s all part of Pittsfield's annual 10x10 Upstreet Arts Festival.

The artists for this Ellington anthology are The Hot Club of New England, a quintet headed by Matt and Atla DeChamplain. Matt is a virtuoso pianist and Ellington interpreter, with a range that spans from delicate and intimate to energetic and powerful…just like Ellington’s music. Together and individually, Matt and Atla have charmed and excited our audiences over several programs.

“10 By Duke” stands out as an example of how great a composer Ellington was, and how versatile his music is. In this case the Ducal oeuvre is reimagined through the lens of French Jazz Manouche, the style popularized by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli.

Ellington’s music transcends jazz, popular and classical genres, Instrumental and vocal. The 10x10 program, which we’re calling “10 by Duke”, will appeal to fans across the full music spectrum.

Matt will be playing on the Steinway at the Berkshire Museum (39 South St., Pittsfield). With accessible pricing, only $25 in advance thanks to a grant from the Pittsfield Cultural Council, tickets will go fast. The online box office is open now at https://bit.ly/3SamSgk, or you can purchase tickets in person during Berkshire Museum operating hours.

BerkshiresJazz.org Promoting America’s indigenous art form, nurturing it with high quality jazz programs, jazz education

Berkshires Jazz is helping spread the word about the Big Band class that Dave Bartley will be directing this winter, starting January 20 at the Berkshire Music School. Target participants are students and adult amateurs looking for a chance to play in an ensemble, learn a little, and have a chance to give at least one performance. Audition is required to establish a baseline of ability.

The cost to participants is $200. Rehearsals are Saturday mornings from 10am until noon, at the Berkshire Music School (Wendell Ave., Pittsfield). The charts will be “easy”, Dave says. As a startup activity, there’s no idea what the response will be, but several local musicians have already expressed interest. It sounds like great fun.

Musician, educator, mentor, and dear friend Claire Daly in distress. We know what needs to be done.

Help Claire Cover Expenses, organized by anne draddy Greetings, my beloved friends. I don't mean to shock you, but I'm still shocked myself tha… anne draddy needs your support for Help Claire Cover Expenses

I can't find the original post where the question was asked, but here are the personnel for the Django Festival Allstars, who played in Pittsfield on Nov. 12:
Dorado Schmitt, leader and violin
Samson Schmitt, guitar
Amati Schmitt, guitar
Gino Roman, bass
Francko Mehrstein, rhythm guitar
Peter Beets, keyboard

Note: Gino and Francko are cousins of the Schmitt's, so the band was very much a gypsy jazz family.

Peter Putnam

Only 12 tickets left. Fair warning, folks.

The Django Festival Allstars in concert https://bit.ly/3s67FEf

The Berkshire Edge previews the Aug. 19 (4-10pm) Jazz Festival.

PREVIEW: Second Annual Bousquet Jazz Festival features Benny Kohn Trio, the Lucky Five, Claire Daly Quartet, and Dominique Eade "Dominique Eade is one of the most dynamic and influential jazz vocalists and jazz educators of the past quarter-century." — The New England Conservatory of Music

Word.

https://conta.cc/3KA37fl

I've heard of inherited talent, but this is ridiculous! Bravo. Doing the Berkshires proud.

The Diego Mongue Band Wins A Trip to The International Blues Challenge in Memphis | Nippertown The Diego Mongue Band will represent The Capital Region Blues Network in The Blues Foundation’s 2014 International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 202 ...