Del McCoury Band to Perform at Mahaiwe

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington will host the bluegrass band, the Del McCoury Band, on Saturday, May 10 at 8 p.m.

Led by bluegrass legend Del McCoury, the band has been a mainstay in the bluegrass world for over six decades. McCoury, an NEA National Heritage Fellow and member of the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, continues to carry the torch for traditional bluegrass music. Known for their remarkable musicianship and high-energy performances, the Del McCoury Band has earned numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards and 10 IBMA Entertainer of the Year honors, stated a press release.

The Del McCoury Band features Del McCoury with his sons Ronnie and Rob, and the ensemble has maintained a stable lineup for over 27 years, helping to keep the bluegrass genre both relevant and respected. The band has headlined festivals and performed on national television, winning fans from across a variety of musical genres.

Tickets for the May 10 performance range from $44 to $79, with discounts available for Mahaiwe Members and individuals aged 30 and under. Tickets can be purchased online at mahaiwe.org, by calling 413-528-0100, or by visiting the Box Office, open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information on membership and ticketing, visit mahaiwe.org/membership.

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Reps. Leigh Davis, Bud Williams Filing Legislation Honoring Freeman

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — State Reps. Leigh Davis of the 3rd Berkshire District and Bud L. Williams, of the 11th Hampden District, are filing legislation establishing Aug. 22 as Elizabeth Freeman Day of Equality, Healing, and Remembrance in the commonwealth.
 
The legislation would direct the governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the courageous contributions of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved Black woman known as Mum Bett, whose landmark freedom suit helped spark the legal end of slavery in Massachusetts.
 
"Elizabeth Freeman's story began here in the Berkshires, but its impact reached every corner of the commonwealth," said Davis. "More than two centuries later, her legacy continues to inspire us. Establishing Elizabeth Freeman Day will ensure that future generations learn not only about her extraordinary bravery, but also about the power of one person to change the course of history."
 
In 1781, Freeman, of Sheffield at the time, challenged the institution of slavery by filing suit against her enslaver, Col. John Ashley. In the landmark case Brom and Bett v. Ashley, a Berkshire County jury ruled in favor of Freeman and her fellow plaintiff, Brom, granting them their freedom. The case demonstrated the power of the Massachusetts Constitution's declaration that all people are born free and equal and helped pave the way for the Quock Walker decisions that ultimately ended slavery in the commonwealth. 
 
"Freeman's courage changed the course of history in Massachusetts," said Williams. "At a time when the odds were stacked against her, she stood up and demanded that the promises of liberty and equality contained in our Constitution apply to her as well. She risked everything to challenge an unjust system, and her victory helped lay the foundation for the end of slavery in our commonwealth. Her legacy deserves to be recognized and remembered by every resident of Massachusetts."
 
Although unable to read or write, Freeman understood the meaning of freedom and equality and took extraordinary action to secure those rights for herself and others. Her story remains one of the most powerful examples of individual courage in the face of injustice. 
 
Elizabeth Freeman Day will provide an opportunity for reflection, education, healing, and remembrance, said Williams. 
 
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