Downtown Pittsfield partners will host the first of three planned Block Parties on Saturday, June 24, featuring a mix of live music from dynamic Berkshire-based bands, performances from Pittsfield’s two premiere theatre companies, beer gardens, food vendors, and more!
The first Block Party will be on School Street, right outside of Hot Plate Brewing Co. School Street will be closed from noon through 8 pm, and visitors will be able to attend free performances by Barrington Stage Company, Berkshire Theatre Group, and musicians Glori Wilder and Chantell McFarland. Local food vendors will include Cravin’s Ice Cream and Espetinho Carioca, and Hot Plate will be overseeing the beer garden. Balloon Ben will be offering free balloon twisters for children from 2 to 4 pm.
Performance Schedule:
- 3:00-3:45pm – Celebration of Black Voices presented by Barrington Stage Company (Spoken word, poetry, and musical performances from local artists)
- 4:00-4:30pm – The cast from Berkshire Theatre Group’s upcoming production of Million Dollar Quartet at the Colonial Theatre perform select songs from the show
- 4:45-6:15pm – Chantell & Friends (Chantell McFarland is well known around the Berkshires for her soulful voice, wide range, and sultry tones. From scatting to arias, Chantell’s voice is a sensational treat.)
- 6:30-8:00pm – Glori Wilder (R&B, Soul, and Pop singer-songwriter)
We have decided to adjust a few things for the Block Party as the forecast is for thunderstorms. We will still have the beer garden and games (under tents) outside, but music and ice cream will be inside Hot Plate.
The School Street Block Party is produced by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.; Hot Plate Brewing Co.; and the Mill Town Foundation, with additional support from Mass Development’s TDI, Allegrone Companies, and Zion Lutheran Church.
Please note for traffic purposes that School Street will be closed from 9 am to 9 pm.
Photo credit for Chantell McFarland is Lee Everett.