Upcoming events:

Saturday, August 17, 2 to 5 pm: Katherine Winston in Persip Park

From the rolling hills of New England, Katherine Winston is a Singer/Songwriter whose music is a blend of country, folk/rock, and pop. Inspired by musical icons like Stevie Nicks, Brandi Carlile, and Dolly Parton, Katherine’s powerhouse vocals and raw emotional power have captivated audiences all over the country and beyond.

Katherine’s deeply relatable songwriting explores the intricate layers of human emotion and experience. Her live shows are a testament to her ability to connect with audiences on a profound level, leaving fans spellbound with each heartfelt lyric and impassioned melody. https://katherinewinston.com

Sunday, August 18, 5 to 7 pm: Capoeira Lesson with Tarcísio “Taz” Ramos in Dunham Mall

Suitable for all levels, ages 12+

Discover the essence of Afro-Brazilian martial art with a captivating Capoeira class. Experience acrobatic movements, dance, powerful kicks, and the enchanting rhythms of traditional Capoeira music. This dynamic practice cultivates strength, flexibility, rhythm, and coordination. Come and embrace the spirit of Capoeira with us!

Tarcísio (Taz) is a Brazilian artist living in the Berkshires. His interdisciplinary approach to the arts gives him the ability to navigate through different art forms. He is a member of the Brazilian percussion group Berkshire Bateria and the founder of Quarteto de Samba. He performs often with both groups. He has published two books: a poetry book called “Point of Departure” and a children’s book titled “Quinho, a Kid Out The World”. Tarcisio has worked in Upstate New York at Art Omi, teaching theater and percussion. Presently he works for a not-for-profit organization, also in Upstate NY, providing individuals with autism with artistic and practical avenues to live an expansive life and to self-express. Out of all art forms that he practices, he has practiced Capoeira the longest. Capoeira was part of his upbringing in Brazil and he started it at the age of 10. He is excited to share it with the Berkshires.

Friday, August 23, 5 to 8 pm: DJ Young Champ in Persip Park

New Jersey born and raised in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, DJ Champ has been lighting up the dance floor since 2008 – doing everything from celebrity events to the smallest of venues. He is the founder of Young Champ Foundation which helps the community with back-to-school supplies and Christmas gifts as well as providing mentoring for our youth. There’s nothing DJ Champ hasn’t touched in Berkshire County. One thing you can be sure of is that when he is around the vibe with be great!

Saturday, August 24, 2 to 5 pm: Jazz in Persip Park with The Lucky 3

The Lucky 3 is a slimmed down version of the quintet ’The Lucky 5’.  While a smaller outfit than their mainstay band, the trio has more room to explore the music all the while maintaining their signature swing. Consisting of Jonathan Talbott on violin, Matt Downing on bass, and Kip Beacco on guitar, The Lucky 3 plays everything from old hot jazz and swing to Parisian gypsy jazz and eastern European styles. The trio runs the gamut of the sounds their quintet is known for in the region and beyond.

Sunday, August 25, 5 to 7 pm: Andres Ramirez from the Funk Box Dance Studio teaches hip-hop in Dunham Mall

Andres Ramirez is a professional Breakdancer, instructor, and owner of The Funk Box Dance Studio in Pittsfield. He travels and competes frequently as well as hosts his own Hip Hop festival in his hometown. Andres trains and coaches young athletes and dancers who compete at both national and world-level events. His biggest passion, besides being a dad to 2 boys, is passing down knowledge to his students and promoting the positive influence that Hip Hop culture can bring to communities. Andres also performs and choreographs many pieces for his studio which have been displayed in theaters and stages across the region including Jacob’s Pillow.

*Thursday, August 29, 5 to 8 pm: Jazz Duo in Persip Park: JoAnne Redding with Benny Kohn on keys

JoAnne Redding is an emotive singer who has performed on stages from New Orleans to New England, sharing the bill with major acts including The Mavericks, Asleep at the Wheel, and many others along the way. She’s written songs that have aired on TV, in film, and on the radio, and stream worldwide.

Benny “Fingers” Kohn is undeniably the most sought-after piano player in the Berkshires and beyond. His impressive skills on the black and whites, his keen musical sensibilities, and his occasional comic shenanigans make for non-stop entertainment.

Joining forces, JoAnne Redding and Benny Kohn will present a diverse and plentiful mix of swingin’ jazz with a touch of smokey blues and soul-infused retro-pop!

Friday, August 30, 5 to 8 pm: Christine Bilé with full band in Persip Park

Christine Bilé is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Pittsfield, MA, known for her acoustic pop-folk original music and covers. Influenced by artists like John Mayer, Tracy Chapman, and Beyoncé, Christine’s performances are captivating and emotionally engaging, featuring her wide vocal range and skills on guitar and ukulele. Her music is designed to empower, make you smile, laugh, groove, and maybe even cry. Christine will be playing at the Downtown Pittsfield Summer Music Series on August 30th with a full band including Tony Berkley (Guitar), Zen Reinhardt (Bass), and John Harris (Drums).

Saturday, August 31, 2 to 5 pm: Jazz in Persip Park with Luke Franco

Guitarist Luke Franco purveys the rich tradition of jazz guitar by gleaning from the masters, both past and present. Formative years spent with John Abercrombie—his main influence and one of the great guitar innovators—led Franco to develop his own style and compositional voice. While pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Miami, he was Teachers Assistant in John Hart’s talented and ambitious guitar studio, and performed as a featured soloist with the award winning Concert Jazz Band led by Grammy winner Jon Daversa alongside guest artists including Gonzalo Rubalacaba and Alan Ferber. He was featured as lead guitarist at the world premiere of Michael Tilson Thomas’s “Four Preludes on Playthings of the Wind” along with the New World Symphony in 2016. Presently, Franco has been performing in the Berkshires, Hudson Valley, and NY Capital Region presenting his own music both as a leader and as an in-demand sideman, notably in trio with Tarik Shah and Jimmy Madison. As a counterpoint to his musical career, he and his wife founded Tiny Hearts Farm in Copake, NY in 2011 and manage the 35-acre farm with their two young boys, growing cut flowers and playing music at the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains.

Sunday, September 1, 5 to 7 pm: Zumba® with Sandra Zarate in Dunham Mall

Sandra has been a Zumba® instructor since 2016. She is from Colombia and has her own Zumba® studio in South County. Follow her on Instagram @sandrapatriciazumbazin

*Thursday, September 5, 5 to 8 pm: Jazz in Persip Park with the Matt Steckler Quartet

Matthew Steckler, aka Matty Stecks, performs and composes in several musical settings internationally. Primarily a saxophonist/woodwind specialist, he also performs on vocals, keyboards, percussion and electronic media, bringing a dynamic, holistic approach to the live musical experience. As an artist, Matthew has appeared at prominent festivals and concert series, including: The Blue Note and Lincoln Center (NYC), the Kennedy Center (DC), Winnipeg Art Gallery, Operetta Teatrul (Bucharest), House of Blues & Jazz (Shanghai), and the Tri-C, Key Maine, New Haven, Discover and Flint Jazz Festivals. He has received commissions from Chamber Music America, Meet the Composer, American Music Center and American Composers Forum; has recordings on Ropeadope, Cuneiform and Innova labels; and has made Best CD lists in Downbeat and Jazz Times. Over the course of his career, Matthew has also performed alongside Lonnie Plaxico, Gary Smulyan, Lee Konitz, Anthony Braxton, Roswell Rudd, George Russell, Joe Lovano, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Sanabria, Gunther Schuller, Tony Lewis, Alex Blake, Jon Hendricks, and many others. Matthew has written for concert music, theatre, film and game audio settings, and continues his own foundational work in electroacoustics and multimedia that began with his 2013 research-based, extended work Eco Beat Heresy. Matthew holds a Ph.D. in Composition (NYU) and M.M. in Jazz Performance (New England Conservatory), and a B.A. in Music (Wesleyan University).

Matt Steckler Quartet:

Matt Steckler – saxophone

Luke Franco – guitar

Tarik Shah – bass

George Schuller – drums

Friday, September 6, 5 to 8 pm: Housie Shakers in Persip Park (First Fridays at Five)

Peggy Stern has composed, played, recorded, and toured in a wide variety of situations: from solos to octets to jazz choruses. Her compositions range from highly original pieces to reharmonized jazz standards. “Everything she writes wants to dance,” says Ken Dais of Jazziz.

Peggy’s background would account for her varied musical tastes. She began playing classical piano at an early age, continuing her studies at the Eastman School of Music, and finishing a master’s degree, still in Classical music, at the New England Conservatory. And then she began to improvise. While living in San Francisco, she played in salsa bands, notably Azteca and Supercombo with Benny Vallarde. She did a stint in an R&B band (called Cat’s Cradle) with singer Linda Tillery and was “instructed” by Paul Jackson (bass) and Mike Clark (drums) of Herbie Hancock’s Headhunter band.

Subsequently, Peggy moved to New York, absorbing the piano stylings of the greats, such as Jimmy Rowles and Tommy Flanagan. Peggy has worked and toured with many wonderful musicians: Lee Konitz, Diane Schuur, David “Fathead” Newman, Jay Clayton, Gary Peacock, Gene Bertoncini, Bud Shank, Red Holloway, Thomas Chapin, Machito, Puck Fair, Bobby Shew, Stanley Turrentine, Gerry Mulligan, Eddie Henderson, and Emily Remler, to name a few.

Peggy has toured throughout Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan. In addition, Peggy has worked as an educator for the past 20 years, at colleges in the US. She has given workshops throughout Europe (Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Italy), and the US. peggystern.com

Sunday, September 8, 5 to 7 pm: Andres Ramirez from the Funk Box Dance Studio teaches hip-hop in Dunham Mall

Andres Ramirez is a professional Breakdancer, instructor, and owner of The Funk Box Dance Studio in Pittsfield. He travels and competes frequently as well as hosts his own Hip Hop festival in his hometown. Andres trains and coaches young athletes and dancers who compete at both national and world-level events. His biggest passion, besides being a dad to 2 boys, is passing down knowledge to his students and promoting the positive influence that Hip Hop culture can bring to communities. Andres also performs and choreographs many pieces for his studio which have been displayed in theaters and stages across the region including Jacob’s Pillow.

Follow along with @downtownpittsfield on Facebook for updates including cancellations due to weather.

Thank you to the Downtown Pittsfield Summer Music Series organizers, including:

Andy Wrba and Ed Bride for Jazz programing

Marina Dominguez and Daniel Gomez for Latin Dance programming

Tor Krautter and Rebecca Brien for programming for Friday Nights at Five