Upcoming events:

 

Friday, July 26, 5 to 8 pm: Moe Greene in Persip Park

Moe Greene is a singer songwriter from the Upper Hudson Valley who performs original material along with tasteful interpretation of blues, Americana, and rock covers.

 

Saturday, July 27, 2 to 5 pm: Jazz with the Charlie Apicella Trio in Persip Park

Charlie Apicella was voted onto the 84th and 86th DownBeat Readers Poll for Guitar.

He studied composition and improvisation with musical titans Yusef Lateef and Pat Martino and was trained as a historian by Archie Shepp and Dr. Billy Taylor. As a young guitarist he met his idol BB King, who offered him advice and shared some stories.

He has performed concerts and recorded with jazz legends Dave Holland, Sonny Fortune, John Blake, Jr., and Avery Sharpe as well as contemporary masters Joe Magnarelli, Vic Juris, Dave Stryker, Don Braden, and Jon Herington of Steely Dan.

In 2022, he formed The Griots Speak with bassist William Parker, saxophonist Daniel Carter, and percussionist Juma Sultan who is known for his work with Jimi Hendrix. www.ironcity.nyc

 

Sunday, July 28, 5 to 7 pm: Salsa and Brazilian Samba Classes with Luana Dias David in Dunham Mall

Luana Dias David is a performing artist and choreographer based in the Berkshires. With over two decades of experience, Luana embodies a profound passion for dance and a steadfast commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement. Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, Luana excels in various dance forms including Samba, Capoeira, Break dancing, Latin dance, Jazz, and Classic Ballet. Her rich cultural heritage is evident in her teaching and choreography, ensuring that every performance is an authentic blend of tradition and innovation.

5 pm: Salsa Class
60 minutes

Dancers will focus on basic footwork, body lagging, spinning techniques, and partner work. Additionally, this class will explore salsa choreography, timing & musicality, and performance skills. Be ready to learn fun routines that you can take on the dance floor!

6 pm: Samba for Beginners 
60 minutes

This class will teach you Brazilian Samba from the ground up. You will learn the technique for the basic Samba step including the foundation footwork and hip movement. You will also learn arm placement, basic body movement, and simple transitions. Luana will teach and break down the timing and movements in fine detail to ensure that everyone in class learns at a comfortable pace.

This class is ideal for absolute beginners (no dance experience required) or beginner level Samba students who want to refresh their basic skills.

 

*THURSDAY, August 1, 5 to 8 pm: Jazz in Persip Park with Rees Shad and The Conversations

Rees Shad made a name for himself as a wordsmith troubadour traveling the country and the world sharing his particular blend of Americana gothic storytelling. Over the years, Rees has recorded over 30 albums with compositions often influenced by classic American songbook writers such as Hoagy Carmichael, Willie Dixon, Robert Johnson, and Cole Porter. In 2019, Rees began to perform with a band he dubbed “The Conversations”. Together with longtime collaborator/drummer, Bobby Kay, and bassist Jeff Link, Rees seeks to make the audience smile, tap their feet, and enjoy the many stories he loves to share and sing. This music is nothing short of joyful and swinging. It “cruises like a convertible” (Americana Highway). www.ReesShadMusic.com

Rees Shad & The Conversations featuring:

Jeff Link (bass)

Marcus Benoit (Sax)

Rob “Bobby Kay” Kovacs (drums)

Rees Shad (guitar/voice)

 

Friday, August 2, 5 to 8 pm: First Fridays at Five in Persip Park with the Wandering Dance Society: Swing Dance with Rushelle Bowie and Step & Dance with Youth Alive

Persip Park, 175 North Street, will feature interactive performances presented by the Wandering Dance Society as part of the August 2 First Fridays at Five and the free Downtown Pittsfield Summer Music Series. Dancers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate throughout the evening.

East Coast Swing Lesson with Rushelle Bowie: 5 to 6:15 pm
Step, Dance, and Drumline with Youth Alive: 6:30 to 8 pm
Featuring guests: R.O.P.E. member Abby Percy and James Ryan

Rushelle Bowie will be teaching a basic lesson in East Coast Swing from 5 to 6:15 pm. East Coast Swing is a fun, upbeat dance guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. The lesson will be followed by a short demo and open dancing.

Rushelle has been sharing her passion for dancing for over 15 years, offering group and private lessons in East Coast Swing, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Foxtrot, and Waltz. She also provides personalized dance instruction for weddings, parties, and other special events. Her dance studio is located in Dalton, MA, where it is always ‘Time to Dance’.

There will be a performance of Step, Dance, and Drumline with Youth Alive from 6:30 to 8 pm. Youth Alive, Inc. (YA) is a multi-cultural, community-based organization founded in 1995 by two teenagers, Akilah Edgerton and Erica Young, in Pittsfield, MA. The purpose of YA is to teach life skills to youth aged six to eighteen using performance arts as the teaching vehicle. YA performs at major cultural institutions such as Jacob’s Pillow, MASS MoCA, and Williams College, and YA has performed and been recognized at the Massachusetts State House for their impact. YA has impacted hundreds of young people’s lives in the Berkshires, who are now contributing adult citizens – some in key leadership positions locally and beyond. The New Era of YA steppers, dancers, and drummers are being coached by YA phenomenal alumnus: Step Coach Chyenne VanBramer, Dance Coach Serina Saunders, and Musical Director, Percussionist and Spoken Word Artist Jerome Edgerton Jr.

In the case of inclement weather, the Wandering Dance Society performances will be at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue.

 

Saturday, August 3, 2 to 5 pm: Jazz in Persip Park with the Peggy Stern Trio

Peggy Stern Trio: Peggy Stern, Maryann McSweeney, and Conor Meehan

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, August 4, 5 to 7 pm: Latin Dance Lessons by BSKE Dance Community Group in Dunham Mall

Neil Von Flatern will lead a quick lesson in salsa and bachata which will be followed by open dancing! Enjoy a live DJ and have fun! No experience is necessary!

 

Friday, August 9, 5 to 8 pm: Dave Brown in Persip Park

Pittsfield native Dave Brown has been performing for decades, both backing up and leading bands of all different types in the Berkshires and beyond. He’ll be performing his solo set at Persip Park consisting of primarily classic rock covers.

 

Saturday, August 10, 2 to 5 pm: Jazz in Persip Park with Charlie Tokarz and Paul Arslanian

Charlie Tokarz plays saxophone, flute, and clarinet. He has worked as an accompanist for modern dance at the Institute For Contemporary in Boston, Contact Improvisation in New England, and for The American Tap Dance Foundation in New York directly as a result of being introduced to the group by Paul Arslanian. He has played in the pit band for musicals for local theatre groups, high schools, the Colonial Theatre, and Arena Stage in Washington, DC. He continues to freelance with various jazz groups and teaches primarily at Hotchkiss School.

Paul Arslanian has been playing professionally since 1970, first in the San Francisco Bay Area as a freelance jazz pianist, bandleader, composer and dance accompanist and then, since 1984, in New England where he now resides.

Paul was a Senior Lecturer in Dance at UMass, Amherst from 1999-2018 until retiring, teaching “Music for Dancers” and accompanying classes in ballet, modern and tap dance. From 2010 to the present, Paul has been pianist with the Green Street Trio and coordinator of the Northampton Jazz Workshop, a weekly concert and jam session series. He has been a producer for the Northampton Jazz Festival, in Northampton, MA, since 2015.

Throughout his long career, Paul has had the opportunity to play with, and learn from, many great jazz artists such as Pharoah Sanders, Houston Person, Freddie Hubbard and Gary Smulyan and with many vocalists including Karrin Allyson, Rebecca Parris, and Giacomo Gates.

 

Sunday, August 11, 5 to 7 pm: Latin Dance Lessons by BSKE Dance Community Group in Dunham Mall

Neil Von Flatern will lead a quick lesson in salsa and bachata which will be followed by open dancing! Enjoy a live DJ and have fun! No experience is necessary!

 

Friday, August 16, 5 to 8 pm: The Whinin’ Boys in Persip Park

The Whinin’ Boys, featuring Jeff Gonzales and Mike Mercier, are a finger picking blues based acoustic duo who perform The Music of Hot Tuna along with blues, folk and rock covers from the 60’s and 70’s.

 

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

 

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!

 

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

 

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