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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Clarksburg Students Write in Support of Rural School Aid

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Mason Langenback calculated that Clarksburg would get almost $1 million if the $60 million was allocated equally.
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Eighth-graders at Clarksburg School took a lesson in civic advocacy this week, researching school funding and writing letters to Beacon Hill that call for fully funding rural school aid. 
 
The students focused on the hardships for small rural schools and their importance to the community — that they struggle with limited funding and teacher shortages, but offer safe and supportive spaces for learning and are a hub for community connections.
 
"They all address the main issue, the funding for rural schools, and how there's a gap, and there's the $4 million gap this year, and then it's about the $40 million next year, and that rural schools need that equitable funding," said social studies teacher Mark Karhan.
 
A rural schools report in 2022 found smaller school districts cost from nearly 17 percent to 23 percent more to operate, and recommended "at least" $60 million be appropriated annually for rural school aid. 
 
Gov. Maura Healey has filed for more Chapter 70 school aid, but that often is little help to small rural schools with declining or static enrollment. For fiscal 2027, she's budgeted $20 million for rural schools, up from around $13 million this year but still far below the hoped for $60 million. 
 
Karhan said the class was broken into four groups and the students were provided a submission letter from Rural Schools Advocacy. The students used the first paragraph, which laid out the funding facts, and then did research and wrote their own letters. 
 
They will submit those with a school picture to the governor. 
 
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