Trio Sefardi brings traditional Jewish music to the stage
Trio Sefardi will perform traditional Jewish music at the 1794 Meetinghouse in New Salem on Saturday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m., celebrating the vibrant musical heritage of the exiled Jews of Spain. Formed in 2010 and mentored by the late Flory Jagoda, the trio features vocalist and guitarist Susan Gaeta, multi-instrumentalist Tina Chancey, and guitarist and lutenist Howard Bass. This acclaimed ensemble performs Ladino songs of love, courtship, holidays and hope, drawing on their deep backgrounds in folk, jazz and early music. Tickets are available at 1794meetinghouse.org/product/triosefardi for $25 for adults and $15 for teens aged 13 to 17. Admission is free for children 12 and under. Attendees can also join a special pre-show meet-and-greet at 6:30 p.m. at the Old Academy Building.
Also at the 1794 Meetinghouse is The Arborio Duo, who will perform a classical chamber music concert on Sunday, July 19 at 4 p.m. Violinist Colleen Jennings and pianist Sophie Lippert are praised for their synergy and expressive interpretations, dedicating their mission to sharing enriching programs by underexposed composers, with a special focus on women. Their upcoming performance features works by Pauline Viardot-Garcia, Elisenda Fábregas, Reena Esmail, Emahoy Tsegue-Maryam Guebrou and Germaine Tailleferre. Known for building deep audience connections, the duo will provide live commentary about each piece throughout the event. Tickets are available at 1794meetinghouse.org/product/arborioduo for $20 for adults and $15 for teens aged 13 to 17. Entry is free for children 12 and under. A pre-show meet-and-greet with the artists will take place at 3 p.m. at the Old Academy Building.
Library hosts several creative workshops
The Greenfield Public Library Makerspace will several free hands-on creative workshops for teens and adults aged 13 and older this July. The first event, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow: A Color Theory Class,” takes place on Wednesday, July 22, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Led by Gail Callahan, author and inventor of “The Color Grid,” this workshop provides all necessary materials for participants to explore color theory basics using various art mediums on paper. The second event, “Felt Self Portraits and Portraits of Home,” will take place on Thursday, July 23 at 3 p.m. No sewing experience is required and all materials will be supplied. Led by Danielle Lucier, participants are encouraged to use the skills they’ve learned to make a project to enter at this fall’s Franklin County Fair. Lucier will also lead a “Hot Glue Crew” workshop on Monday, July 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Attendees will craft recycled egg carton fairies and garlands
Pre-registration is recommended for all of the creative workshops. Interested participants can contact librarian Francesca Passiglia at [email protected] or 413-772-1544, ext. 5120 for more details.
Honoring Elders Series to spotlight Gail Mason
On Saturday, July 18 at 2 p.m., the Wendell Meetinghouse will host an “Honoring Elders” event, featuring the series creator, Gail Mason. The Honoring Elders Series was created in 2023 “to let the elders know how important they are and how much we appreciate them,” said Mason. Since the series began, hundreds of local community members and friends and family from near and far have come to gatherings for 14 “elders,” sharing anecdotes, appreciations and memories.
The July 18 event will give community members a chance to share stories related to Mason. Then, at about 4 p.m., the celebration will continue with a 70th birthday dance party, refreshments and cake. Mason is First Nations Cree and French, and was born and raised in Chicopee. She began coming with her family to Wendell in 1963, where she credits her parents with having taught her core beliefs and skills. From her mother came a belief in animism and the importance of respectful reciprocal relationships with other creatures and the environment; from her father, a Marine, came a belief in working hard, doing the best she could and demonstrating integrity.
The July 18th Honoring Elders event is free and open to the public, thanks in part to a grant from the Wendell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information on Honoring Elders events, or for support in organizing similar events in other communities, contact Mason at [email protected].
DVAA to celebrate grand opening with Summer Open Member Exhibit
The Deerfield Valley Art Association will celebrate its grand opening and Summer Open Member Exhibit at its brand-new location at 1 Brattleboro Road in Bernardston on Sunday, July 19, from 3 to 6 p.m. This relocation event showcases original artwork of more than 60 talented regional member artists. The coinciding Artist Reception runs from 3 to 5 p.m. For more information, visit deerfieldvalleyart.org.
History and open stage events headline upcoming schedule at The LAVA Center
The LAVA Center will present “Theater of Ideas: A Talk by Vitek Kruta” on Friday, July 17, from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring a personal account of life under the communist regime in former Czechoslovakia from 1962 to 1981. Artist, author, historic preservation specialist and former Czech underground movement activist Vitek Kruta will share stories, photographs and music exploring surveillance, censorship and his eventual escape to the West. The presentation will conclude with an open audience Q&A.
The center will also host Open Stage on Thursday, July 16 at 7 p.m., inviting diverse performances including theater, music, dance and magic in any stage of development. Managed by Programming Director Clara Witty of Orange, the event allows 5-minute slots with signups beginning at 6:30 p.m. and a $1 to $5 suggested donation.
On Thursday, July 23, from 6 to 8 p.m., The Comedy Project is hosting an open mic, featuring host Andrea CK. Signups starting at 5:30 p.m. Supported by the Greenfield Local Cultural Council, the event aims to foster regional comedy talent for both emerging and established performers. For more information for this event or any others, visit thelavacenter.org.
Tilton Library to host insect handling session
The Tilton Library will host an interactive insect handling session on Saturday, July 18, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Presented by the UMass Amherst Fernald Club, this family-friendly summer program invites community members to participate in a hands-on nature experience held behind the library at 75 North Main St. in South Deerfield. In the event of rain, the program will move next door to the former church located at 71 North Main St. The event is free to attend, and attendees requiring special accommodations are asked to contact Holly Johnson at [email protected] or 413-665-4683 at least three days in advance.
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