Downtown Pittsfield Western Massachusetts The Berkshires

Dance and Drum with the Berkshire Rhythm Keepers
2026-06-05 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
At the June 5th First Fridays at Five, on North Street at the South end of the road closure, will be “Dance and Drum with the Berkshire Rhythm Keepers.” There will be a free Berkshire Rhythm Keepers performance from 5:40 to 6:25 pm, followed by a free dance class with Noel Staples-Freeman featuring live drumming by Aimée Gelinas, Dan Cohen, and the Berkshire Rhythm Keepers advanced drummers from 6:45 to 7:30 pm.
The Berkshire Rhythm Keepers are an intergenerational, multi-level community drum and song group founded and led by Aimée Gelinas M.Ed, Director of the Tamarack Hollow Nature and Cultural Center and co-founder of Gaia Roots and Trio Candela. The group is assisted by Dan Cohen. 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, intermediate and advanced drummers. The group performs traditional music on folkloric instruments from West Africa and the Caribbean, as well as original creations. Members of BRK have been studying and performing together for 15+ years.
Aimée Gelinas M.Ed is a musician and naturalist educator who has been performing and facilitating educational programs for 30+ years. She is a skilled and seasoned nature educator and outdoor guide as well as a master percussionist and singer specializing in West African and Caribbean music specifically folkloric percussion such as Djembe, Doun Doun, Conga, Shekere, and more.
Daniel Cohen is a musician, music educator and outdoorsman. He co-founded and is the trails & intern coordinator for the Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center in Windsor, MA. Dan is a master guitarist in both electric and acoustic styles and skilled percussionist specializing in West African Doun Doun drums and percussion. He is a member of the world music ensemble Gaia Roots and co-founder of the groups Trio Candela and Sifer. He assists leading two intergenerational student drum performance ensembles: The Berkshire and The Valley Rhythm Keepers.
Noel Staples-Freeman is a cultural bearer, choreographer, and teaching artist whose work sustains African and African Diaspora dance as living traditions. She is the Artistic Director of Uprising Dance Theatre and the Berkshire African Dance & Drum Collective (BADD), offering intergenerational classes, workshops, and performances throughout the Berkshires. Sister Noel trained at the Billie Pope School of Dance, the Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts, and the Boston Conservatory, and earned a B.S. in Children’s Theatre with a minor in Dance from Emerson College. Her artistic lineage includes The Art of Black Dance and Music, Inc. (ABDM), directed by DeAma Battle and Bamidele Osumarea and Koumpo West African Dance Company under the direction of Master Drummer Ibrahima Camara. She is a teaching artist with Berkshire Pulse, CATA, Multicultural BRIDGE Solidarity House, OLLI, and Jacob’s Pillow, and holds community classes at the Berkshire Music School in Pittsfield. Noel is a graduate of the Blackshires Leadership Accelerator Program Cohort 3 (2025) and the EforAll Berkshire County Accelerator (2025). She serves as an Adjunct Professor of African Dance Theory.
In the case of inclement weather, “Dance and Drum with the Berkshire Rhythm Keepers” will be at WANDER, 34 Depot Street.

Rhythmscape: Free Zumba® Class with Sandra Zarate
2026-07-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Dunham Mall, 100 North Street
“Rhythmscape” on Dunham Mall highlights a different rhythm and instructor from our local community each session, reflecting the many identities that make Pittsfield home.
Rhythmscape is free and open to all and encourages everyone to experience the joy of movement and the beauty of cultural exchange. No experience is necessary to participate. Dunham Mall can be located by entering 100 North Street on your GPS.
At the Sunday, July 26 session, enjoy a free Zumba® class with Sandra Zarate open to all ages and fitness levels. Beginners are welcome! The class runs from 6 to 8 pm.
Sandra Zarate is a Colombian Zumba® instructor with over 10 years of experience sharing her passion for dance and fitness with people of all ages and skill levels. Since 2013, she has been teaching Zumba® and holds multiple certifications.
Sandra loves what she does and finds great joy in helping her students reach their goals while having fun along the way. She believes that in today’s fast-paced and hyper-connected world, it’s essential to create moments to disconnect and focus on ourselves. Her classes are designed to be that space — a place to move, laugh, sweat, and feel alive.
Her mission is to cultivate a fun, energetic, and welcoming environment where everyone feels inspired to dance, express themselves, and enjoy the journey to better health.

For more events in this series, visit https://downtownpittsfield.com/2026/07/rhythmscape-a-free-summer-dance-series-celebrating-community-through-movement
This series is supported by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Wandering Dance Festival, and Mill Town Foundation.

First Fridays at Five: Free Cardio Drumming Class
2026-08-07 17:00 - 18:30 | Berkshire Fitness and Wellness Center, 137 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Fitness professional, Aimee Marshall, will host a Free Cardio Drumming Class in front of Crawford Square at 137 North Street from 5 to 6:30 pm. Community members are invited to drop-in at any time throughout the class or stay for the entire duration. Participants are recommended to wear comfortable clothing and sneakers and to bring a water bottle.

Cardio drumming is a high-energy, music driven, full body workout that combines rhythmic drumming on balls and drumsticks with aerobic exercise. This low impact class is suitable for all fitness levels and is brought to you by Berkshire Fitness and Wellness Center.

First Fridays at Five: Sample The Cat
2026-08-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Persip Park, 175 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
For the August 7 First Fridays at Five, Persip Park at 175 North Street will feature a live performance by Sample The Cat from 5 to 8 pm. Enjoy a beer garden from Hot Plate Brewing Co. and local food vendors within the vicinity.

Sample The Cat is a genre-bending musical group that defies easy categorization. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences, including rock, jazz, funk, soul, and R&B, the band’s sound is characterized by its infectious grooves, intricate arrangements, and thought-provoking lyrics.

Formed in 2019 in the heart of Berkshire County, Sample The Cat has quickly gained a reputation for their energetic live performances and their ability to connect with audiences on a deep level.

In the case of inclement weather, Sample The Cat will be at Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 27 East Street.

August 7 First Fridays at Five
2026-08-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
The August 7 First Fridays at Five, presented by Guardian, will feature live music and dance, art, family fun, shopping, food, and entertainment throughout downtown Pittsfield. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs so they can sit and enjoy a variety of food, beverages, and entertainment.

Persip Park, 175 North Street, 5 to 8 pm

– Sample The Cat
– Beer garden with Hot Plate Brewing Co.
– Local food vendors

Rain location: Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 27 East Street

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North Street near the Center Island across from the Beacon Cinema, 6 AND 7 pm

– Youth Alive Step, Dance, and Drumline perform at 6 pm and 7 pm

Rain Location: Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renee Avenue

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Corner of North and Park Square at 24 North Street, 5 to 8 pm

– The “Resurrection Off-road Team” will host a “Touch an ATV” event.
– Ronnie’s Harley-Davidson will host a “Touch an ATV and UTV” event.

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Dunham Mall, 100 North Street, 5 to 8 pm

– Campers from BeatNest’s summer Spin Club series will be DJing in a variety of music styles

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AdLib building at 215 North Street, 5 pm

– Unveiling and Ribbon Cutting for the Let It Shine Community Mural on the AdLib building at 5 pm

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Palace Park, 122 North Street, 5 to 8 pm

– Art in the Park: Maru Domínguez presents “Faces of Pittsfield Community Art Experience”
– Live Pottery Demo with Jim Horsford

Rain Location: Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renee Avenue

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North Street in front of Crawford Square, 137 North Street

– Free Balloon Twisting with Bowey the Clown
– Fitness professional, Aimee Marshall, hosts a Free (DROP-IN) Cardio Drumming Class from 5 to 6:30 pm

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North Street

Makers Market:

The Makers Market at First Fridays at Five will feature over a dozen local vendors selling handmade products such as crafts, clothing and accessories, candles, art, custom gift items, self-care items, and packaged foods and sweets. Makers include ATK Customs, Auntie Kat’s Gift Shop, Bake My Day, Baked! Pastries & More, Berkshire Henna, BerkshireSci Biscuits LLC, Black Bear 3D, Braidy Bunch, Cookie’s Cupcakes, Glimmerhold Artistry & Tiffs Trinkets, Hilltown Hemlock Studio, Leann’s Lovies, Leo’s Bargain Boutique, little country gifts, Lovies Bakery, ManiSetGo, Mindset Personalized, Mountain Roots Artistry, Paparazzi Accessories, Pearls & Pillows, Plushy Pals, LLC, Poison Apple Gifts, Photography by Cam, Sisterhood of the Traveling Crafts, Sunshine Jewelry, Troll Art, and Truffles by Tarah.

Food Vendors:

Check out a variety of food vendors including Alchemy Events Mobile Bar, BB’s Hot Spot, Berkshire Kettle Creations and Lemonade, Best Damn Espresso, Cocineras Latinas LLC Coop, D’s Island Food Truck, Full Belly FEWD TRUCK, La Chalupa & La Enchilada, and Williams Street Market and Deli.

Family Fun Zone:

The Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five will feature free, interactive activities from local non-profit organizations including arts & crafts, games, and more.

Participating organizations include 18 Degrees Inc., 914 LOCK INC, ALZ.0rg, Barrington Stage Company, BART Charter Public School, Berkshire Art Center, Berkshire Athenaeum, Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Berkshire County Football Officials Association, Berkshire County Kids Place, Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, Berkshire Environmental Action Team, Berkshire Family YMCA, Berkshire Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Unit Council, Berkshire Museum, Berkshire Woodworkers Guild, BRPC/ SPARK – BE3C Coalitions, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, Child Care of the Berkshires, Department of Children and Families, Dream Center, Elizabeth Freeman Center, Foster MA/Adopt MA, Gandara Center, Mass Audubon, Mental Health Support for Families, NBT Bank, The Great Josh Billings RunAground, VFW Post 448, and Western Mass Labor Action.

First Fridays Artswalk:

First Fridays Artswalk will showcase artists at venues throughout downtown Pittsfield from 5 to 8 pm including Clock Tower Artists, Framework by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Hotel on North, Indie Readery and Records, Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, O.U.R Resurge, Sanctum Gallery, Solarium Plant Shop, and the Soda Chef. Follow a virtual walking tour on the free Downtown Pittsfield App and enjoy opening receptions with the artists.

First Fridays at Five is led by the City of Pittsfield and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and will take place in downtown Pittsfield on May 1, June 5, August 7, and September 4, 2026. A portion of North Street will be closed during the event.

Season partners and sponsors include AccessPlus, MountainOne, Guardian, and Mill Town Foundation.

For more information and a full event listing, visit https://lovepittsfield.com/first-fridays.

North Street will be closed from Park Square to Columbus Avenue on Friday, August 7 from 3 to 8:30 pm. Drivers are asked to seek alternate routes during this timeframe and follow appropriate detours. In addition, a parking restriction will be in place on North Street between Park Square and Columbus Avenue starting at 2 pm on Friday.

First Fridays at Five: Pottery Demos with Jim Horsford
2026-08-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Palace Park, 116 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Jim Horsford will be popped up in Palace Park hosting a free live pottery demonstration from 5 to 8 pm where he will be inviting individuals to help him make pots on the potter’s wheel. Jim spent 30 years as an art teacher at Herberg Middle School from 1978 to 2008. Currently, he teaches pottery on the wheel at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts where he has been since 2000. His creations will be available for purchase.

In the case of inclement weather, “Art in the Park”and pottery demos with Jim Horsford will be inside the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts at 28 Renee Avenue.

Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five
2026-08-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
The Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five will feature free, interactive activities from local non-profit organizations including arts & crafts, games, and more.

Participating organizations include 18 Degrees Inc., 914 LOCK INC, ALZ.0rg, Barrington Stage Company, BART Charter Public School, Berkshire Art Center, Berkshire Athenaeum, Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Berkshire County Football Officials Association, Berkshire County Kids Place, Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, Berkshire Environmental Action Team, Berkshire Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Unit Council, Berkshire Museum, Berkshire Woodworkers Guild, BRPC/ SPARK – BE3C Coalitions, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, Child Care of the Berkshires, Department of Children and Families, Dream Center, Elizabeth Freeman Center, Foster MA/Adopt MA, Gandara Center, Mass Audubon, Mental Health Support for Families, NBT Bank, The Great Josh Billings RunAground, VFW Post 448, and Western Mass Labor Action.

First Fridays at Five: Bowey the Clown
2026-08-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Bowey the Clown will be balloon twisting, crafting free balloon creations in front of Crawford Square at 137 North Street.

Rhythmscape: Soul Line Dancing with Berkshire Sole Society
2026-08-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Dunham Mall, 100 North Street
“Rhythmscape” on Dunham Mall highlights a different rhythm and instructor from our local community each session, reflecting the many identities that make Pittsfield home.
Rhythmscape is free and open to all and encourages everyone to experience the joy of movement and the beauty of cultural exchange. No experience is necessary to participate. Dunham Mall can be located by entering 100 North Street on your GPS. (The rain location will be the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts and will be announced by 4 pm Sunday, August 9.)
At the Sunday, August 9 session, enjoy a Soul Line Dance Experience with Berkshire Sole Society open to all ages and fitness levels. Beginners are welcome! The class runs from 6 to 8 pm.
Erica Shrader is the founder and host of Berkshire Sole Society, a community-driven soul line dancing group that uses music, movement, and cultural celebration to bring people together.
Supported by dance ambassadors Nik Calautti and Courtney Hamilton, Berkshire Sole Society creates welcoming spaces where people can connect, stay active, and experience the joy of dancing together.
For more events in this series, visit https://downtownpittsfield.com/2026/07/rhythmscape-a-free-summer-dance-series-celebrating-community-through-movement
This series is supported by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Wandering Dance Festival, and Mill Town Foundation.

DPI Community Coffee Chat: Stop Marketing Alone
2026-08-19 08:00 - 09:30 | Dunham Mall, 100 North Street
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI) and 1Berkshire will host a DPI Community Coffee Chat on Wednesday, August 19, from 8 to 9:30 am, outside on Dunham Mall at 100 North Street. This is the fourth in an ongoing series of DPI Community Coffee Chats downtown open to representatives from small businesses and nonprofits in Pittsfield and Berkshire County. This is a drop-in event, and coffee and a light breakfast will be provided.
August 19th’s Chat Topic is Stop Marketing Alone: How Local Businesses Can Grow Through Smarter Marketing and Collaboration. This informal drop-in session is focused on smarter marketing and local collaboration, and is led by Jocelyn Guelce, founder and CEO of Guelce Collaborative Marketing.
Marketing a small business can feel overwhelming—but doing more isn’t always the answer. Join Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and Jocelyn Guelce for an interactive Community Coffee Chat designed to help local business owners focus their marketing, make better use of the resources they already have, and build valuable community partnerships.
Attendees will assess their current marketing, identify three practical priorities, and participate in a collaboration exercise connecting local businesses around shared audiences, resources, and opportunities.
This event is free and open to local business owners, organizations, and community members. Coffee and a light breakfast will be provided.
Registration for DPI Community Coffee Chats is not required but is appreciated. The registration deadline is Tuesday, August 18 at 12 pm.
Register at https://forms.gle/yooQGXH9kH1yPWtv7

Rhythmscape: Luana Dias David teaches Salsa
2026-08-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
“Rhythmscape” highlights a different rhythm and instructor from our local community each session, reflecting the many identities that make Pittsfield home.
Rhythmscape is free and open to all and encourages everyone to experience the joy of movement and the beauty of cultural exchange. No experience is necessary to participate. THIS EVENT IS AT THE LICHTENSTEIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS at 28 Renne Avenue!
At the Sunday, August 23 session, enjoy an Intro to Salsa class with Luana Dias David open to all ages and experience levels. Beginners are welcome! The class runs from 6 to 8 pm.
Salsa is a partnered dance where the lead takes the follow through a series of spins and turn patterns to music. Salsa dancers can also break apart during a dance to dance solo, known as “shines,” and that is what we will work on for the first hour of this class. The second hour, we will practice partner work.
We are going to develop the way to make your solo dancing look and feel unique then practice partner work and then free dance.
The goal is to socialize and connect with the Rhythm through its musicality and cultural history.
For more events in this series, visit https://downtownpittsfield.com/2026/07/rhythmscape-a-free-summer-dance-series-celebrating-community-through-movement
This series is supported by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Wandering Dance Festival, and Mill Town Foundation.

Rhythmscape: Southern Italian Dance Session
2026-08-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Dunham Mall, 100 North Street
“Rhythmscape” on Dunham Mall highlights a different rhythm and instructor from our local community each session, reflecting the many identities that make Pittsfield home.
Rhythmscape is free and open to all and encourages everyone to experience the joy of movement and the beauty of cultural exchange. No experience is necessary to participate. Dunham Mall can be located by entering 100 North Street on your GPS.
At the Sunday, August 30 session, enjoy a Southern Italian dance session with Dina Gregory. The session runs from 6 to 8 pm.
Dina Gregory is a Pittsfield-based artist, educator, host of the podcast La Befana’s Table, and a cultural partner with the Italian Arts Festival. Her work explores how storytelling and the cultural arts can foster human connection and community. A longtime lover of social dance, Dina is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where everyone can experience the joy of movement and cultural exchange. No experience with Southern Italian dance is necessary —bodies of all ages and abilities are invited to join our festa!
Free and open to all!
For more events in this series, visit https://downtownpittsfield.com/2026/07/rhythmscape-a-free-summer-dance-series-celebrating-community-through-movement
This series is supported by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Wandering Dance Festival, and Mill Town Foundation.

First Fridays: “Art in the Park” with Jill McLean
2026-09-04 17:00 - 20:00 | Palace Park, 116 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Join Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and First Fridays Artswalk as they feature Jill McLean as the September “Art in the Park” artist. Jill will be drawing a large ink sketch of First Friday during the September 4 First Fridays at Five from 5 to 8 pm.
As an unofficial finale to the 2026 season of the Urban Sketching Meetup, Jill will be drawing a large ink sketch of First Friday and invites viewers to come add color to the scene and enjoy how the vibrancy, liveliness, and unpredictability of watercolor paint can capture life in interesting ways.
Urban Sketching Meetup is a free gathering that Jill hosts once a month from June to September. Running every year since 2020, the meetup is an opportunity for people who want to come out and try urban sketching (sketching in public places from life) but may not want to try it alone, or simply want a casual excuse to do art together.
Each event, a downtown Pittsfield location is designated as the meet up spot and participants explore the area with their chosen art supplies. You can practice urban sketching outdoors or indoors and draw anything you see in front of you. It’s a great way to get to know your local community.
Jill McLean is an artist and Pittsfield native inspired by a wide range of local subjects, from still lifes and florals to landscapes and animals. Working in watercolor and oil, Jill’s portfolio includes everything from urban sketches and plein air paintings to planned series and formal studio pieces. Often taking her art outside of the studio, you may find her painting on local hiking trails and at community events.
“Art in the Park” is supported in part by the Feigenbaum Foundation.
“Art in the Park” is supported in part by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council, and a grant from the Pittsfield Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

First Fridays at Five: Misty Blues
2026-09-04 17:00 - 20:00 | Persip Park, 175 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Persip Park, 175 North Street, will feature a live performance by Misty Blues from 5 to 8 pm. Enjoy a beer garden from Hot Plate Brewing Co. and local food vendors within the vicinity.

2019 International Blues Challenge finalist, Misty Blues, is fronted by lead singer/band founder Gina Coleman. The band is based out of Berkshire County playing original and traditional blues with hints of jazz, soul, funk and tent revival gospel since 1999. The band has recorded with Eric Gales, Charles Neville and Joe Louis Walker, and opened for contemporary blues artists like Mike Zito, Albert Castiglia, Tab Benoit, James Montgomery, John Primer, Roomful Of Blues, Albert Cummings and Shemekia Copeland. Misty Blues performs extensively throughout New England and has toured the continental U.S., Canada, and the UK. The band has been nominated for a few Independent Blues Music Awards, and their original recordings have broad international airplay. In 2024, the band had a song they released selected for use in a U.S. Presidential campaign ad.

In the case of inclement weather, Misty Blues will be at Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 27 East Street.

First Fridays at Five: Andrew the Balloonatic
2026-09-04 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Andrew the Balloonatic will be balloon twisting, crafting free balloon creations in front of Crawford Square at 137 North Street.

First Fridays: Family Fun Zone!
2026-09-04 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
The Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five will feature free, interactive activities from local non-profit organizations including arts & crafts, games, and more.

Rhythmscape: Brazilian Day Celebration with The Quilombo Experience
2026-09-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Dunham Mall, 100 North Street
“Rhythmscape” on Dunham Mall highlights a different rhythm and instructor from our local community each session, reflecting the many identities that make Pittsfield home.
Rhythmscape is free and open to all and encourages everyone to experience the joy of movement and the beauty of cultural exchange. No experience is necessary to participate. Dunham Mall can be located by entering 100 North Street on your GPS.
Join us Sunday, September 6 from 6 to 8 pm for a special Brazilian Day Celebration with The Quilombo Experience.
Get ready to experience the energy, rhythms, flavors, and joy of Brazil right in the heart of the Berkshires!
What to expect:
-Live Brazilian drummers
-Samba dancers and live performances
-Delicious Brazilian food provided by Brazzucas
-An interactive FUNK and Samba Class with Luana Dias David where everyone is invited to dance!
-Brazilian music, culture, movement, and community
Whether you already love Brazilian culture or are experiencing Samba for the first time, come ready to dance, eat, celebrate, and feel a little piece of Brazil right in Downtown Pittsfield!
No dance experience is needed — all ages and levels are welcome! Free and open to the community!
Bring your family, bring your friends, and bring your energy!

For more events in this series, visit https://downtownpittsfield.com/2026/07/rhythmscape-a-free-summer-dance-series-celebrating-community-through-movement
This series is supported by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Wandering Dance Festival, and Mill Town Foundation.
