Sandy McKnight Songwriter Series to Feature Women Artists in May

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LEE, Mass. — The Sandy McKnight Songwriter Series at Appetito will continue its bi-monthly program in May with a focus on five women of song, stage, and screen.

The series, held on the first and third Fridays of each month, will feature two events in May: Friday, May 2, with special guest host Benita Zahn, along with JoAnne Redding and series producer Liv Cummins, and Friday, May 16, showcasing Aimee Van Dyne and Barbara Stein. Both events will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Appetito Restaurant, located at 54 Main Street in Lee.

The Songwriter Series honors the memory of local singer-songwriter Sandy McKnight, who passed away in May 2024.

Benita Zahn, a former NY Emmy Award-winning anchor/reporter now working as a certified Health and Wellness Coach and performer, will co-host the May 2nd event. Liv Cummins, a singer/songwriter, comedy performer, musical theater dramatist, and educator, is the series producer and a longtime collaborator of Sandy McKnight. JoAnne Redding is a singer/songwriter known for her soulful blend of blues, country, jazz, and roots rock.

The May 16 event will feature Aimee Van Dyne, a Folk-Americana singer-songwriter and a two-time John Lennon Songwriting Contest Finalist, and Barbara Stein, a music lover and player whose sound blends alt-rock and Americana blues.

The Sandy McKnight Songwriters Fund, which organizes the series, was created to honor McKnight’s legacy of supporting songwriters and building community. The series includes both featured artists and an open mic session for songwriters.

Appetito Restaurant, owned by Rebecca and Gilbert Clerget, provides the venue for the series.

 

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Battle of the Berkshires Tournament Continues in Pittsfield

iBerkshires.com Sports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- The Berkshire Force 16U travel softball team earned a 12-4 win over the Nor'Easters to wrap up pool play at the Battle of the Berkshires at the Doyle Complex.
 
Arianna Perkins went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and four RBIs to lead a 13-hit attack for the Force.
 
Lillian MacDonald was 2-for-3 at the plate with a pair of doubles, and Ava MacMahon, Mackenzie Biros and Markiara Jackson each had a pair of hits.
 
Amelia Polidoro and McMahon split time in the circle in the five-inning win, combining to strike out eight and allow three earned runs.
 
The Force 16U squad took a pair of losses earlier in the day on Saturday: 11-2 to the Worcester Union Rose and 12-10 to the Charlton Wildfire.
 
Elsewhere in 16U play, the the Greylock Thunder Saturday beat the Demo, 17-2.
 
Avery Lane earned the win in the circle with a three-inning, complete-game effort.
 
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