MCLA's MOSAIC Presents 'Dizzy Spellz'

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)  announced "Dizzy Spellz," a captivating performance blending jazz, tap, and hip-hop, presented by MOSAIC, MCLA's public program dedicated to open arts and intersectional culture. 
 
Featuring the celebrated trumpeter Sean Jones and the dynamic tap dancer Brinae Ali, "Dizzy Spellz" will take place at the MCLA's Venable Theatre on Sept. 27 and 28, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. 
 
According to a press release:
 
"Dizzy Spellz" explores the themes of Afro-Futurism, a genre that envisions a future through the prism of Black culture and identity, while paying homage to the groundbreaking legacy of jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie. This performance fuses the innovative spirit of jazz with the rhythmic precision of tap and the energetic flair of hip-hop, creating a multi-faceted artistic experience. 
 
Sean Jones, acclaimed trumpeter and Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall's NYO Jazz, will honor Dizzy Gillespie's influential contributions to jazz. Gillespie's pioneering work in bebop and his role in shaping the evolution of jazz serve as a key inspiration for the performance.  Joining Jones is Brinae Ali, internationally renowned for tap work on Broadway's Shuffle Along and many other projects.  Ali is acclaimed for her mesmerizing footwork and seamless integration of hip-hop elements. Her performance will highlight the future-facing vision of Afro-Futurism, celebrating both historical roots and innovative possibilities through her exceptional dance. 
 
Presented by MOSAIC, this performance is part of MCLA's commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic cultural dialogue. Tickets for "Dizzy Spellz" are on sale now and can be purchased through a link on the MOSAIC website at www.mcla.edu/mosiac. Tickets are $20 for the general public, $10 for MCLA alumni, and free to MCLA student, staff and faculty.   
 
"We are thrilled to bring this groundbreaking performance to our community," said Director of the MCLA's MOSAIC program Jeremy Winchester. "Sean Jones and Brinae Ali are remarkable artists whose work pushes creative boundaries and celebrates the rich legacy
of Dizzy Gillespie and Afro-Futurism." 
 
For more information about "Dizzy Spellz" and to purchase tickets, please  www.mcla.edu/mosiac

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Weekend Outlook: Mother's Day & More

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening this weekend including fishing, plays, and more.

Editor's Pick

Wild Acres Fishing Derby
Wild Acres, Pittsfield
Time: Saturday, 8 to noon

This free fishing derby is for youth 14 and older. Catch the biggest fish to get a reward. The first 100 children will receive a free food voucher. 

More information here.

Daffodil & Tulip Festival
Naumkeag, Stockbridge
Time: Through Sunday
 
Final weekend to walk the grounds of Naumkeag and see the thousands of flowering bulbs. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold on-site. 
 
More information and ticket purchase here

Multiple Days

'Big Fish'
Taconic High School, Pittsfield
May 8, 9, 14, 15,16. Times vary at 2 and 7 p.m.

The Taconic Theater department stages "Big Fish," a musical about son who goes on an adventure to find the truth about his father's wild and unbelievable stories.

More information and tickets here.

'The Prom Musical'
Berkshire Community College
Showings Friday through Sunday

A small-town prom is getting too much attention when a student wants to bring her girlfriend as a date. A troupe of Broadway stars arrive in the conservative community out on a mission to help in this musical comedy.

More information and tickets here.

Baby Animals
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Time: 11 to 4, through May 10

A sure sign of spring is the arrival of baby animals at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield. See lambs, piglets, calves, chicks and kids and enjoy events and activities throughout the Village, from daily talks about the farm and the Shakers to craft demonstrations to walks along the Farm & Forest Trail.

Admission is $8 to $20, free for children 12 and younger. More information here.

Friday

Night of Dreams Fundraising Gala: Berkshire Dream Center
Berkshire Hills Country Club, Pittsfield
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

This annual gala is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit Berkshire Dream Center. Enjoy dinner, music, a silent auction, and more. 

More information and tickets here.

Dead Man's Waltz
Stationery Factory, Dalton
Time: 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy classic songs from bands like The Grateful Dead with a full bar. Bring your partner and dance and sing the night away.

More information and tickets here.

Friday Karaoke
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 p.m.

More information here.

Karaoke Night
Methuselah Bar & Lounge, Pittsfield
Time: 9 to midnight

Bring your friends and sing your favorite songs.

More information here.

Saturday 

Mass Kids Lit Fest 
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 10:30 a.m.

Children's author Carol Munro will do a "Springtime Storks" storytime, based on a true story of resilience and love between two migrating birds. Children will have the chance to create their own stork hand puppets and learn more about storks.

More information here.

'Williamstown in 1776'
Williamstown Historical Museum
Time: 11 a.m.
 
Local historian and Historical Commission Chair Dustin Griffin will speak on the politics and leaders of Williamstown at the start of the Revolution. The museum is at 32 New Ashford Road. 
 
More information here

Berkshire Carousel Opening Day
Berkshire Carousel, Pittsfield
Time: noon to 5 p.m.

The carousel on Center Street opens for the season with face painting and other activities.

More information here.

Mountain Mindfulness Yoga
Mount Greylock Visitor Center
Time: 1 to 2:15 p.m.

This free yoga class is open to all levels. Enjoy the mountain views and connect with nature.
More information here.

Rusted Chains
Zinky's Pub, Dalton
Time: 8 to 11 p.m.

Rusted Chains performs a tribute to the '90s.

More information here.

Sunday

50th Annual Mother's Day Women's 5K/Mile Walk
Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield
Time: 8 a.m.

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