Berkshire Stonewall Party at Berkshire Museum

Berkshire Stonewall will be hosting a Cocktail Party at the Berkshire Museum on December 9th (the second Wednesday in December) from 7 - 9 p.m. This after hours party will consist of appetizers, a beer and wine cash bar, and will take place during the Festival of Trees.


The party will take place in the elegantly decorated Ellen Crane Memorial Room; an art deco gallery located on the second floor of the museum with a working fountain and gas lit fireplace. The second floor galleries will remain open during the event and guests will be able to enjoy this festive exhibit.

What began fifteen years ago with just a week long exhibition featuring 25 trees has become a nationally recognized holiday event and awarded one of the "Top 100 Events in North America."


The indoor forest of holiday brilliance features hundreds of stunning and uniquely decorated trees. Tree designs range from the nostalgic and traditional to whimsical and even interactive. This year's Festival of Trees will include a special look at the Berkshire winters of decades past with photo murals and vintage movie footage.

You are encouraged to attend this fun event, but because of the need to plan for adequate food and drink, admission to this event is by reservation only.

There's still time to join the party
Call the BSCC infoline to reserve your place:

413-822-7268

Admission is $10 per person which can be paid at the door. In addition to the appetizers, there will be a COD beer and wine bar.

October is Packed with GLBTQ Events!

Picture yourself having a good time this month in the Berkshires. Photo: Ryan Winkles in Hound of the Baskervilles at Shakespeare & Company. Photo: Kevin Sprague.

Once the choice of things to do for LGBTQ's were few and far between. But these days there's plenty on the calendar. Now the question is how to be in two places at once when you and I used to have no place to go at all! (Yeah, I was a fan of the Firesign Theatre.) That's the dilemma many of us face on the weekend of October 10-12 with the Equality March in DC and the Out in the Berkshires Celebration in Pittsfield.

Here's a look at the LGBTQ datebook for the coming month. It's going to be fun!

October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - MEZZE


The first thing to note is the continuing Thursday nights at Mezze in Williamstown where GLBTQ folks gather beginning at 9:00 pm for drinks and conversation. Look for Justin Adkins, the fellow in the hat, and say hi. Of course, there may be more than one person and gender wearing hats, so take a chance!

October - All Month - HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES

(L-R) Ryan Winkles, Jonathan Croy, Josh Aaron McCabe in Hound of the Baskervilles. Photo by Kevin Sprague.
What's not to like about a hilarious spoof, especially when it comes replete with cross dressing, wigs, and Monty Phython type humor. That's what's in store for those who trek to Shakespeare & Company in Lenox for a twisted version of the Sherlock Holmes mystery . Three guys play all 16 characters, searching for the right costumes and hoping they don't malfunction. Read my revealing interview with them here in Berkshire Fine Arts. For tickets - and don't forget to ask for your Berkshire resident discount of 40% - go to Shakespeare and Company

October 3 - LIVE OUT LOUD

The New England Trans United Pride March and Rally takes place on October 3 in Northampton starting at 11:30 AM, assembling at Lampron Park. New England Trans United Come out and celebrate the strength, talent, intellect, and diversity of our community. March and rally to advance the civil rights of transgender people. Bring a friend, make new friends.

October 7 - BSCC POTLUCK

The monthly Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition gathering takes place October 7 at 7:00 PM at the Unitarian-Universalist Church, 175 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. Open to GLBTQI community and friends. Bring a main dish, salad, veggie or dessert to share. Beverages provided. Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition

October 10, 11 - NATIONAL EQUALITY MARCH


The National Equality March on Washington is scheduled for this weekend as thousands of people from around the country gather in D.C. for activism, marches and grassroots activism. For information on the event visit National Equality March.

There are Massachusetts bus and hotel packages available from from Join the Impact. Buses leave Friday night and return Monday morning.

October 10-12 OUT IN THE BERKSHIRES


The City of Pittsfield celebrates being Out in the Berkshires with a series of events over the Columbus Day Weekend. Out in the Berkshires website

October 10 - THE BOSTON GAY MENS CHORUS AT 3:30


The Out in the Berkshires weekend kicks off on with a performance by the Boston Gay Men's Chorus at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Pittsfield at 3:30pm.The BGMC is one of New England's largest and most successful community-based choruses.

This will be the first appearance in the Berkshires for BGMC. Their concerts in Boston regularly fill Symphony Hall with music lovers. The 175-voice ensemble is celebrated for its outstanding musicianship, creative programming, and groundbreaking community outreach.

Boston Gay Men’s Chorus will perform highlights from its hit show, Boys Just Wanna Have Fun: Totally 80s, a tribute to the music of the 80s including hits by Madonna, Boy George, Bon Jovi, Prince, George Michael, Cyndi Lauper and many more. This show was featured during the 2009 Boston Pride festivities and proceeds from the concert will be donated to the Gay/Straight Alliances at Pittsfield High School and Taconic High School. For more information on the chorus please visit www.bgmc.org

Best of all, you don't have to be gay to have a great time at their performances! Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for adults, and $15 at the door. Tickets will be sold at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, Taconic High School, Pittsfield High School, and St. Stephen's.

October 10 - QUITE QUEER DANCE PARTY and APPLE BOB

This looks to be one of the hottest parties of the year, Quite Queer at the Elks Lodge in Pittsfield kicks off at 6:00pm with live music by queer-oriented acts MKNG FRNDZ, Jen Urban & the Box, Max Steele and the Party Ice and The G-Spots with a dance party to follow. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. They are on sale at Dotties Coffee Lounge, The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, and Rebel Sound Records.

October 11 - PILOBOLUS AT THE MAHAIWE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Pilobolus
There is only one dance troupe in the world that mixes together dance, theater, acrobatics, contortionism and illusion to create highly entertaining, unique works of moving art that have legions of fans around the world. Sometimes humorous, sometimes jaw dropping, but always artistically beautiful, the company will be including their famous piece for four men, Gnomen which is also a play on words. Curtain is at 7 PM, and there's no better place to see them than the wonderful Mahaiwe in Great Barrington. Great sight lines, excellent acoustics, nice people. Mahaiwe Performance Information

October 12 - THE LARAMIE PROJECT AT BARRINGTON STAGE


The Laramie Project was born out of the torture and death of Matthew Shepherd in Laramie, Wyoming a decade ago. As a theatrical event, it has been performed in high schools, colleges and communities thousands of times in the intervening years. Now, looking back, The Laramie Project, an Epilogue looks at what has been accomplished in the past ten years.

Matthew Shepherd
Barrington Stage has assembled a cast from Pittsfield and the Berkshires that will take part in a nationwide event that includes 120 theater companies from every state and 7 countries for a moving performance that brings this tragedy home to us all.

Read my feature story on this moving event in Berkshire Fine Arts. Wait until you see who's in the cast!

Tickets are $15 ($10 for students) and are available now through the Barrington Stage Company box office 413.236.8888 and online Barrington Stage Company

October 17 - DONALD STRACHEY BOOK SIGNING

Richard Stevenson, the pseudonym for Becket, MA author Richard Lipez, has written another book in his famous Donald Strachey detective series, The 38 Million Dollar Smile. He will appear at The Bookstore, 11 Housatonic Street in Lenox on October 17 from 2-4 pm to talk about and sign his new book. The Bookstore in Lenox.


Last year's Stachey novel, Death Vows, was set in the Berkshires, and one hopes that like several of his earlier books these tales will be made into movies with Chad Allen who has starred in the author's Ice Blues, Shock to the System and On the Other Hand, Death. I have interviewed, gossiped with and written about Chad and his films (and stage and television roles) many times on my other blog, Arts America.

October 23-24 - AMANDA MCBROOM RETURNS

One of the highlights of my summer, other than Bill Nelson's All Male Revue at Barrington Stage, was Amanda McBroom's SRO performance at Jae's Spice in July. Happily I will be going back to more, since she is returning to the Berkshires, this time to appear at BSC's Stage 2. Her latest CD features the music of Jacques Brel, and her concert included her unique take on his remarkable songs.

Amanda McBroom returns.
Amanda McBroom has been called "...the greatest cabaret performer of her generation, an urban poet who writes like an angel and has a voice to match." Composer of the power ballad "The Rose," which became a number one hit the world over, Amanda is a knock out performer and extraordinary songwriter. This is an artist who sings from her heart, the human heart, to your heart. Barrington Stage Company

October 24 - HIKE THE SPOOKY QUARRY


If you enjoy the outdoors, and a little mystery, here's a chance to hike the Quarry in Becket with other like-minded individuals. Meet at the Price Chopper in Lee at 1 PM and we'll car pool to the Quarry for a brisk Fall hike.

Tucked between Becket's forests and hills, the old granite quarry sits like a sunken vessel, a living museum with rusted artifacts left behind when the Hudson-Chester Granite Company suddenly folded. Some folks have reported paranormal activity there. Many lost their lives when it was in operation for more than a century from 1850 to 1960.

When it was abandoned it was as if the men just walked away for lunch and never came back, and that's what makes it a wonderful museum. There are trucks, drills, and derricks (booms to hoist granite) throughout the site.

October 31 - MAKING THE BOYS


Who doesn't love a good film, and the Williamstown Film Festival is offering several excellent films of special interest to the GLBTQ community. Making the Boys is one of them.

When it opened off-Broadway in 1968, Mart Crowley's The Boys in the Band jolted audiences and revolutionized the stage's treatment of homosexuality. Months later, the Stonewall riots signaled a landmark sea change in gay attitudes toward repression. How much have things changed since? A fascinating study of art and morality in modern America. The film is a Work in Progress and is paired with the short, Love You More. Williamstown Film Festival

November 1 - HUMPDAY


Also at the Williamstown Film Festival, the male ego comes in for a shellacking in Lynn Shelton's bubbling Sundance award-winner. When best friends (and straight guys) Ben and Andrew reunite, they find themselves dared into entering an amateur porn contest. The plan: to create a "work of art"by having sex together. But will they go through with the scheme – and who's going to tell Ben's wife? A buddy movie gone hilariously haywire. Williamstown Film Festival.

Other recommended films - actually, they are all excellent choices! - are Dare which explores the sexual undercurrents (and, eventually, overcurrents) between three teenagers and is pretty sexy. Then there is the tale of Handsome Harry a Navy veteran whose reunion gradually sheds light on a long-ago affair that the lead character has kept suppressed for decades. You can read my preview of the full schedule in Berkshire Fine Arts.

Upcoming LGBTQ Events - Picks and Previews

September already?
September already? But, but, my tomatoes are still green! I suppose I should be grateful for those few that survived the late blight. And I saved on my air conditioner bill, but one week of sunshine does not a summer make. And I sure wouldn't want to talk with the innkeepers either, this was the summer of the Monsoon. Still, Fall is just a few weeks off, and with it lots of our favorite activities replace summer lethargy.

SEPTEMBER 2 - BSCC COMMUNITY DINNER AND PLANNING MEETING

One thing to note on your calendar is the September gathering of our Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition on Wednesday, September 2nd. Its theme is "What's Next" and rather than the usual potluck, there will be a deli-cold cut style supper starting at 7 PM at the UU Church in Pittsfield. It's open and free to all, though you should give them a call at 413-822-7268 to let you know you're coming so they have plenty of food. If you want to bring a dessert, that would be nice, too. The catered cold cut dinner is donated by Peter Marchetti. Beverages and dessert by the BSCC board. Their message is simple: Bring your suggestions, ideas, and enthusiasm to help decide where to focus our energies and resources in the coming year. There are some exciting plans in the works already, and I will be writing about them shortly. If someone from the North Adams area is going and can give me a lift, call me at 664-6108. I am without transportation that evening.

THURSDAYS - LGBT NIGHT AT MEZZE

Justin Adkins, the energetic Queer Life Coordinator for Williams College has declared Thursdays at Mezze in Williamstown to be LGBT Night at the bar from 9 PM on. Many of the crowd wear hats, so don't worry about finding each other. You can always use your gaydar too. We may not have a gay bar in the Berkshires, but this great restaurant and watering hole makes a nice locus for meeting and greeting.


QUITE QUEER DANCE PARTY AND APPLE BOB OCTOBER 10

The ever popular and incredibly busy Ryan W. has kept me in the loop regarding what looks to be one of the hottest parties of the year on October 10 of Columbus Day weekend. In fact I am busting at the seams to tell you about lots of other things on the docket, but am awaiting formal confirmation before dropping the news. But here is what I can tell you, and you can find more details on Facebook. Here's what they have posted:

Mission statement: Queer up Pittsfield and make it permanent.
Host: QQ Committee

Time to get queer here now! Featuring MKNG FRNDZ in the Berkshires. More bands to follow.

A portion of the proceeds with benefit the AIDS Foundation of Western Massachusetts.

It's time Pittsfield became alive with youth, queerness, et cetera. PROMISES OF QUEER BOBBING FOR APPLES @ EVENT! But most importantly, let's BUILD THE SCENE DO-IT-YOURSELF STYLE HOM(O)IEZ! TICKETS will be $10-12. Many ticket outlets throughout the area are being set up. Admission covers both the live music portion as well as the dance party.

Contact TIM KUSHI @ 413 464 7740 OR tim@nutcracker.com for more details!

MARRIAGE EQUALITY in VERMONT

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2009 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM in RUTLAND and
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2009 9:00 AM to 9:PM in BENNINGTON

The Unitarian-Universalist congregations of Rutland and Bennington are celebrating marriage equality. This is for couples joined in a Civil Union who would like to get married or a married couple who would like to renew your vows in the context of a celebration of marriage equality

Rev. Erica Baron, the minister of the congregation, will be available all day to perform brief, simple wedding services for couples joined in a civil union, and to perform simple vow renewal services for married couples. Members of the congregation will be providing pot-luck “receptions” at 11:30, 3:00, and 6:00. Pre registration is required. Please call Erica at 802-855-8125 to register.

If you would like to get married and do not have a civil union, you may also contact her, or in the Berkshires, the Congregational Church in Williamstown and the UU Church in Pittsfield will also happily assist you in arranging a marriage at their churches.

Berkshire Stonewall Potluck Gathering Wednesday, May 6

"It's been a long winter and I am ready to eat!"

It's social, it's delicious and it's open to all our extended GLBTQ family and friends in the Berkshires and surrounding villages and town. Don't be alone, come out of hibernation and share delicious food, great conversation and good times! (PS - anyone from North County available to give me a ride? That would be wonderful! email me at the contact address in the left column. Be sure to replace the "at" with the @ symbol.)

Bring a hot or cold dish.
Every First Wednesday of the month

BSCC POTLUCK DINNER

7:00 pm

Unitarian-Universalist Church

175 Wendell Avenue

Pittsfield, MA

Open to GLBTQ community and friends.

Sponsored by the Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition

Bring a main dish, salad, veggie or dessert to share. Beverages provided. Volunteers are always needed to help host, serve, and/or clean up.

Infoline 413-822-7268

Berkshire Stonewall GLBTQ Festival April 24-25, 2009

It takes a community to make a great event!

The 14th Annual Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition Festival will take place on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25, This annual celebration of the Berkshire's gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning community is a two day celebration of pride, a major social event, and a great opportunity to network. Advance registration is required for some of the activities, and prepayment for the banquet, entertainment and dance is strongly encouraged. You can find the application form at the BSCC website.


Friday, April 24th
DOUBLE FEATURE
at the Berkshire Museum
30 South Street, Pittsfield
Two Recent Releases

7:00 pm "I Can't Think Straight"
Snacks available during intermission
9:00 pm "Holding Trevor"

One film $7.00/ Double Feature $12.00

Saturday, April 25
BSCC Festival at the Eastover Resort
430 East Street, Lenox
Eastover is a beautiful resort!

4:00 pm: Social time-open bar, tea, coffee and snacks
Restaurant and Entertainment Raffle

5:00 pm: Dave Brown Trio

6:00 pm: Buffet Dinner
Reservations required by April 18th
Call 822-7268

7:30 pm: Cabaret Performance
with Brian Patten and Mary Richard

9:00 pm: Dance:
DJ Storm presents Mr EJ the DJ

Dinner and performance $45
Dinner, performance and dance $50
Dance only $10


Over the next few weeks we will gather information on other nearby Pride Days and Events from Northampton, Vermont, and neighboring New York State.

Gay Events in the Berkshires - Dance Saturday, Potluck Wednesday

This song is for you.

Yes there is another GLBTQ Dance on Saturday from 8:00 pm-12:00 am sponsored by the Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition at The Elks Club, 27 Union Street, Pittsfield (across from Barrington Stage Mainstage). You must be 18 to attend, and have ID. But you do not have to be a BSCC member to attend and all are welcome. There is a $5 charge to defray expenses.

Yumm...
Then there is the monthly BSCC Potluck Dinner on Wednesday, April 1 at 7:00 pm. Unitarian-Universalist Church, 175 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. This event is open to the GLBTQ community and our friends. Bring a main dish, salad, veggie or dessert to share. Beverages are provided. There is always a need for volunteers (come early or stay late) to help host and welcome newcomers, to serve, and of course, the dreaded but important clean up afterwards.  

In honor of the impending arrival of April Fool's Day (always a good excuse to have a laugh at aourselves) we have posted an assortment of funny ads by straight marketers trying to reach the GLBT market. Some of them hit the nail on the head, but others miss the mark by a mile. They appear under this post. Enjoy.

OMG - It's Gay Ballroom Dancing in the Berkshires!

Tonight the subject of same sex dancing is going to be fully explored at the Rhythms Dance Center, 55 Pittsfield Road, Lenox, MA. Two fun dance styles will be the focus of films, readings, and some hands on "Out Dancing" at the Tango-Pulse Milonga March "Hair" Event. The fun starts at 8:00 and runs until just after midnight. Admission is only $10.00. Info, call 413-637-2727.
The Dream: Ballroom Dancing Competitors Richard Lamberty, left, and Stuart Nichols. Photo Eric Sutton.

When same sex couples dance, there are a couple of general rules which help. First, the taller person leads. Another approach is that you should consider the lead dancer the frame, and their partner the pretty picture you want to show off. Seems pretty simple to me. And sounds like fun. This is not the square box dance I learned in that horrid high school gym class.

The two short films to be shown are just marvelous and here are very brief samples from both of them. The films themselves are relatively short. Out Ballroom is 23 minutes, and shows couples preparing to dance their ways into the 2006 Gay Games.



Tango Con Fusion follows five indominatable women who have turned the male dominated tango form into a furious adagio for two women, too. This 22 minute film opens a world of new possibilities for women to express themselves.



Want to know more? Check out this wonderful article in the British Currents.

Also slated is a short reading by Violet and Durant. For more information on this event you can visit the Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition website which keeps up to date on activities for the Berkshires.
Strictly Ballroom is an Australian film. Here we see participants in the Gay Games ballroom dancing event at Sydney (Australia) Town Hall. Mainstream ballroom dancing does not allow same-sex partners. Photo: Steven Siewert