The Downtown Pittsfield Cultural Association, with partners the City of Pittsfield, MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative (TDI), and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI), are presenting a free Downtown Pittsfield Summer Music Series on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays starting June 1st and running through September 6th, 2024.
Fridays will feature a variety of local musicians and performers live at Persip Park, 175 North Street, from 5 to 8 pm. Saturdays will feature live Jazz in collaboration with Berkshires Jazz from 2 to 5 pm at Persip Park; and Sundays will feature Latin Dance Instruction in Dunham Mall, 100 North Street, from 5 to 7 pm.
Upcoming events:
Friday, June 28, 5 to 8 pm: DJ Jimmy “Dubfly” Hall in Persip Park
DJ, Producer and House Music enthusiast, Jimmy “Dubfly” Hall hails out of Brooklyn, New York. Throughout the past two plus decades, Dubfly has quietly amassed a loyal following in the Berkshires via his eclectic sets and seamless mixing of music genres that include R&B, Hip Hop, Deep Soulful House, Classic Rock and Disco. A self-described turntablist, he enjoys letting his unique music blends speak for themselves. Dubfly is all about the secret language of the mix, feel-good grooves, and spinning those tracks that will have your foot tapping and your head bobbing long before you realize it’s happening.
Saturday, June 29, 2 to 5 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 – saxophones and flute
Mark Kleinhaut – guitar
Sylvain Castellano – bass
George Schuller – drums
Sunday, June 30, 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.
Friday, July 5, 5 to 8 pm: First Fridays at Five in Persip Park with the Wandering Dance Society
Performances will be 30-45 minutes each:
5 pm African Dance with Noel Staples
5:45 pm Salsa with Wale Oladehin
6:30-7:15 pm Berkshire Rhythm Keepers
7:15-8 pm Salsa Dancing
Persip Park, 175 North Street, will feature a variety of interactive performances presented by the Wandering Dance Society as part of the July 5 First Fridays at Five and the free Downtown Pittsfield Summer Music Series. Performances will be 30-45 minutes each. At 5 pm, enjoy an African Dance Lesson with Noel Staples-Freeman. At 5:45 pm, Olawale “Wale” Oladehin will lead a Salsa lesson. From 6:30 to 7:15 pm, the Berkshire Rhythm Keepers will perform led by Aimee Gelinas; and the night will conclude with more Salsa dancing from 7:15 to 8 pm. Dancers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate throughout the evening.
Noel Staples-Freeman is a resident of Pittsfield and a graduate of Emerson College, holding a B.S. in Children’s Theatre/Performing Arts and Dance. Noel has dedicated over five decades to teaching and the performing arts, both locally and internationally. Her formal training started at age 11 at The Billie Pope School of Dance in Roxbury followed by The Boston Conservatory of Music, The Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts, The Art of Black Dance and Music, and Koumpo West African Dance Company. Noel’s illustrious career includes notable performances such as Nelson Mandela’s visit to Boston in 1990, participation in Dance Africa at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and appearances at Jacob’s Pillow. As the Founder and Director of Uprising Dance Theatre since 1983, Noel leads an intergenerational group celebrating the African Diaspora’s traditional and contemporary dance, music, and theater.
Olawale “Wale” Oladehin trained in Salsa and Afro Cuban dance with several Boston companies, including Salsa Y Control, MetaMovements, and Masacote. After several years of training, Wale joined Masacote as an instructor and performer in their professional Salsa company. Masacote’s emphasis on musicality and culture helped Wale better appreciate the interconnectedness of music and dance. With Masacote, Wale has had the opportunity to perform in Canada, London, Istanbul, and across the US.
The Berkshire Rhythm Keepers are an intergenerational, multi-level community drum and song group founded and led by Aimee Gelinas M.Ed, Director of the Tamarack Hollow Nature and Cultural Center and co-founder of Gaia Roots and Trio Candela. BRK participants attend Aimee’s weekly Monday evening drum and song classes at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts in Pittsfield, which is open to beginners and advanced drummers. The group performs traditional music on folkloric instruments from West Africa and the Caribbean, as well as on original creations. Members of BRK have been studying and performing together for 15+ years.
The BRK performance on July 5th will feature stories and the cultural context of the rhythms, audience participation, and may include guest dancers!
Saturday, July 6, 2 to 5 pm: Jazz Duo in Persip Park: JoAnne Redding and Benny Kohn
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!
Sunday, July 7, 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.
Friday, July 12, 5 to 8 pm: Jack Waldheim in Persip Park
Saturday, July 13, 2 to 4 pm: Jazz in Persip Park with Andy Kelly’s Jazz Ambassadors
Traditional New Orleans style jazz music.
Andy Kelly’s Jazz Ambassadors:
Andy Kelly, banjo
Woody Strobeck, trombone
John Kelly, bass
Dave Lambert, clarinet
Steve Lambert, trumpet
Jack DiNicola, drums
Sunday, July 14, 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.
*THURSDAY, July 18, 5 to 8 pm: Mary Witt and Ben Kohn of The O-Tones in Persip Park
Mary Witt and Ben Kohn of The O-Tones have been singing and playing together as a duo, trio, and larger combos for several years. Mary brings her soulful voice and grooving bass playing to combine with Ben’s swinging piano stylings and sweet vocals. Playing Swing, Blues, Soul, Latin and Motown, these two deliver great melodies and grooves. Don’t miss this chance to dance or tap your fingers to the fun mix of tunes. Their music is infectious! www.theotones.com
Friday, July 19, 5 to 8 pm: JJ Slater Duo in Persip Park
Saturday, July 20, 2 to 5 pm: Jazz in Persip Park with The Dave Bartley Quartet
Sunday, July 21, 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
Friday, July 26, 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, 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
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 a variety of 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.
Saturday, August 3, 2 to 5 pm: Jazz in Persip Park with the Peggy Stern Trio
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.
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