1 week Ago By Monica Bliss
Berkshire Theatre Group presents “Henry Cho: The Empty Nest Tour” at The Colonial TheatrePittsfield— On Friday May 2nd, at 7:30 p.m., Berkshire Theatre Group presents “Henry Cho: The Empty Nest Tour” at The Colonial Theatre .
Henry Cho’s The Empty Nest Tour 2025 showcases his talent for connecting with audiences of all ages through humor that is both insightful and refreshing. Whether he’s sharing anecdotes from his Korean-American upbringing in Tennessee or riffing on everyday absurdities, Cho’s comedy is sure to resonate with everyone. His relatable storytelling and quick wit promise an evening of non-stop laughter that you won’t want to miss.
Recently inducted as the 229th member of The Grand Ole Opry, Henry Cho is the first comedian to receive this prestigious honor since 1973. Known for his clean, clever humor and unique comedic style, Henry has been entertaining audiences across the country with his hilarious observations on life, family, and culture. With numerous appearances on late-night TV, Comedy Central, and his own Comedy Central special, Cho has established himself as one of the most beloved comedians in the industry.
The show is on Friday May 2nd, at 7:30 p.m. at The Colonial Theatre, located at 111 South Street in Pittsfield.
It is recommended for ages 14 and up. Tickets and more information can be found online.***West Stockbridge Jazz Series presents Benny Sharoni Quartet at Old Town HallWest Stockbridge— On Saturday, April 26th from 7 p.
m. to 8:30 p.m.
, West Stockbridge Jazz Series presents Benny Sharoni Quartet at Old Town Hall. Sharoni has an appealingly gruff, throaty sound, which he combines with a lyrical attack that gives a vocal quality to his lines especially on more relaxed grooves. He will be joined by Matt DeChamplain on piano, Todd Baker on acoustic bass, and Jerzy Glod on drums.
Benny Sharoni. Courtesy West Stockbridge Jazz Series.Of Yemeni/Chilean parentage, Sharoni is steeped in American jazz and Brazilian music.
Influenced by the usual stateside suspects – the rugged contours of Joe Henderson blended with significant doses of John Coltrane’s urgent passion, he has his own unique sound. He studied at the Berklee College of Music and with saxophonists Jerry Bergonzi and George Garzone, and has appeared with Joshua Redman, Danilo Perez, Kenny Garrett, and Larry Coryell. The concert is on Saturday, April 26th from 7 p.
m. to 8:30 p.m.
at Old Town Hall, located at 9 Main Street in West Stockbridge. Tickets and more information can be found online. ***Bidwell House Museum presents ‘1775: The Year the War Began’ with Robert J.
AllisonMonterey— On Wednesday, April 30th at 7 p.m., the Bidwell House Museum presents “1775: The Year the War Began” a virtual lecture with Robert J.
Allison.Learn about the causes of the War for American Independence with Professor Robert J. Allison.
As the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution approaches, the causes of the war are being discussed in museums throughout the Commonwealth. The War for American Independence began in 1775. Why? Why did armed conflict not begin sooner? Could war have been avoided? Neither side wanted a war, but each would accept one in order to establish its aims.
What were the aims of each side, what obstacles were in the way of achieving them, and how was the situation different at the end of the year? In this talk, Professor Allison will discuss the many factors contributing to the start of this bloody conflict.‘The Battle of Lexington’ by William Barnes Wollen, 1910, in the collection of the National Army Museum. Courtesy Bidwell House Museum.
Robert J. Allison is a professor of history at Suffolk University. His books include “The Crescent Obscured: The United States and the Muslim World,” a biography of American naval hero Stephen Decatur, and short books on the history of Boston, the American Revolution, and an edition of “The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano,” or “Gustavus Vassa, the African.
” He hosts its weekly podcast featuring conversations on the Revolution with historians and interpreters. He received his Ph.D.
in the History of American Civilization at Harvard, the first American studies doctoral program. He is President of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts, a scholarly organization focused on early American history, and a life-trustee of the USS CONSTITUTION Museum.The lecture is on Wednesday, April 30th at 7 p.
m. on Zoom. Registration and more information can be found online.
***Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents ‘The Hebrew Teacher: Three Novellas’ with Israeli novelist Maya AradPittsfield— On Monday, April 28th at 7 p.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, as part of ““Jewish Literary Voices: A Federation Series” in collaboration with The Jewish Book Council, presents “The Hebrew Teacher: Three Novellas” a virtual conversation with Israeli novelist Maya Arad.
Maya Arad. Photo by Mira Mamon. Courtesy Jewish Federation.
The novellas collected in “The Hebrew Teacher” depict three Israeli women, who lives were altered by immigration to the United States, seeking to overcome crises. In these three stirring novellas, comedies of manners with an ambitious blend of irony and sensitivity, celebrated Israeli author Maya Arad probes the demise of idealism and the generation gap that her heroines must confront.Maya Arad is the author of eleven books of Hebrew fiction, as well as studies in literary criticism and linguistics, and is currently a writer-in-residence at Stanford University’s Taube Center for Jewish Studies.
The free, virtual conversation is on Monday, April 28th at 7 p.m. on Zoom.
Registration and more information can be found online. ***Becket Athenaeum presents Andrew Krivak, author of “The Bear” at the Becket Arts CenterBecket— On Wednesday, April 30th at 7 p.m.
, the “Becket Athenaeum Big Read,” the first-ever community read for the communities of Becket and Washington, will conclude with an in-person visit from Andrew Krivak, author of “The Bear, a cautionary tale of human fragility, of love and loss.Andrew Krivak. Courtesy Becket Athenaeum.
Since the Becket Athenaeum kicked off the “Big Read” last September, residents of Becket, Washington, and beyond have enjoyed reading and discussing “The Bear,” along with attending related programs hosted by the library and community partners. The Becket Athenaeum is excited to welcome Andrew Krivak for this special appearance during which he will discuss “The Bear” and take questions from the audience.The visit is on Wednesday, April 30th at 7 p.
m. at the Becket Arts Center, located at 7 Brooker Hill Road in Becket. Arrive early for refreshments.
More information can be found online. ***Becket Arts Center presents ‘Follow the Laugh,’ a physical comedy workshop with Kenny RaskinBecket— On Saturday, April 26th from 2 p.m.
to 5 p.m., the Becket Arts Center presents ‘Follow the Laugh,’ a physical comedy workshop with Kenny Raskin.
Kenny Raskin Raskin, who has performed on Broadway and with Cirque du Soleil, is known as one the top performers and teachers of the craft of clowning.Kenny Raskin. Courtesy Becket Arts Center.
The class is on Saturday, April 26th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.
m. at the Becket Arts Center, located at 7 Brooker Hill Road in Becket. More information can be found online.
***Standout at North Adams City HallNorth Adams— On Saturday, April 26th at 1:15 p.m., area residents will hold a one-hour rally to support Social Security.
The Standout will begin at North Adams City Hall on Main Street, where protesters will be invited to walk to the social security office on Marshall Street to protest. People are invited to bring signs expressing the importance of social security to themselves, their friends, families, and neighbors. Some extra signs will be available.
Sign by Patti Lentine.“About 75 people from across the county showed up for the initial ‘STAND UP FOR DEMOCRACY’ rally at City Hall on March 23rd. The group’s decision to hold more frequent standouts reflects its desire to show its commitment to resisting,” said organizer and North Adams native Eileen Gloster.
In addition to this Saturday’s Social Security event, standouts are scheduled for Saturdays at 1:15 p.m. on May 10th and May 24th at North Adams City Hall.
.
