Photo courtesy of earl53
I
assume many of you are busily preparing for the upcoming holiday as it is
quickly approaching. Much like everybody else, the locals of the Berkshires are
scurrying to shopping malls, Christmas tree farms and grocery stores checking
off their holiday “to-do” lists. The holiday has snuck up on a lot of us, the
gift wrap aisles look like they’ve endured a hurricane of their own and
Christmas trees on car roofs whip by at record speeds this week. This afternoon
however, has slowed down quite a bit as Mother Nature started sprinkling fluffy
snowflakes over our valley. A steady fall left a white blanket over Berkshire
County and everybody who got their snow tires early this season, got to put
them to good use today. For those of you thinking you’re not visiting until
later this week and you might have missed the snow, do not fret! We’re
expecting one of our famous Nor’easter storms this weekend! Forget the cute
Christmas sweaters I mentioned last week, you’re going to need shovels, snow
plows, and don’t forget those ice-scrapers and brushes for the cars because we
could be receiving anywhere from six to eighteen inches of snow this Saturday
into Sunday! It will be very cold and very white, so to all of our visitors,
brace yourselves!
Snow
or no snow there are always lots of things to do for all ages here. This week
we have everything from Holiday farmers’ markets to Shakespeare plays to pajama
and pillow parties! I’m sure there will be something offered to ensure you will
not have a boring trip! “But, Blair, what if there’s TOO much snow? What will
we be able to do?” there, there my little motel visitors, there’s no such thing
as too much snow! In such cases, ask me about local ski resorts and discounted
tickets! Ask about local sleigh rides when you arrive or fantastic hills to
take the kids sledding. I’m a fun-in-the-snow professional!
December 12
National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art
The
Clark Art in Williamstown, MA presents, Benjamin Britten, sailing uncomfortably
close to the wind with his new opera, Death in Venice, seeks advice from his
former collaborator and friend, W.H. Auden. During this imagined meeting, their
first in twenty-five years, they are observed and interrupted by, amongst
others, their future biographer and a young man from the local bus station.
Alan Bennett’s play reflects on growing old, on creativity and inspiration, and
on persisting when all passion’s spent: ultimately, on the habit of art.
The Outlet at Pine Cone
Hill Pajama & Pillow Party!
Pine
Cone Hill Outlet in Pittsfield, MA! Take an extra 20% off decorative pillows,
sleepwear, and loungewear, including their fabulous Sheepy Fleece robes. Enjoy
popcorn, movies, wine, maybe even a pillow fight. Wear your pajamas—they will
be too!
December 13
Julius Caesar
On the 13th
and 14th Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA presents, Julius
Caesar! The visceral meets the intellectual in the psychological drama. Follow
the conspiracy against the Roman dictator and the aftermath of his
assassination. Featuring, The Conservatory at Shakespeare & Company,
an audition-only three month intensive training program for professional
artists to master their craft.
December 14
A Christmas Carol
Starting
December 14th and continuing weekly on Sunday, Friday and Saturday
until December 29th , Berkshire Theatre Group in Pittsfield, MA
presents, A Christmas Carol. Revel in the joy and redemptive power of Christmas
as told in the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, the infamous miser who is
reformed and shown the error of his ways by four spirits. Journey back to
Victorian England and experience the classic story filled with terrific turns
and infused with holiday music.
Berkshire Grown Holiday
Farmers’ Market
Berkshire
Grown of Great Barrington, MA will be holding a Holiday Farmers’ Market on the
14th and the 15th. Featuring locally grown and produced
foods, including fruits and vegetables, cheese, eggs, meat, poultry, bread,
pies, pickles, jams, and more, Also, enjoy live music and children’s
activities. Saturday: Monument
Valley Middle School, 313 Monument Valley Road, Great Barrington. Sunday: Williams College Towne Field
House, 82 Latham Street, Williamstown.
December 15
Christmas at Trinity
Cantilena
Chamber Choir of Lenox, MA will be presenting Christmas at Trinity.The
performance by the Cantilena Chamber Choir at Trinity Church 88 Walker St.,
Lenox, will feature the Quartre motets pour le temps de Noel by Francis Poulenc
and music for Christmas by Russian masters Rachmaninov and Titov. In
continuation of Benjamin Britten’s 100th Birthday celebration, the choir will
perform Hymn to the Virgin and his rarely heard Chorale on an Old French Carol.
Also on the program are favorite John Rutter settings of French carols
including Noel Nouvolet and Il est Ne le Divine infant.
