Elizabeth James-Perry to lead Indigenous dye workshop on May 30
RiverCulture, the creative economy program of Montague, invites the public to a unique hands-on workshop led by biologist and artist Elizabeth James-Perry (Wampanoag) on Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Unity Park Riverfront in Turners Falls. A 2023 NEA Heritage Fellow from Aquinnah, Martha’s Vineyard, James-Perry will share her deep knowledge of coastal ecology and tribal heritage to this drop-in style workshop.
Working with natural materials including seaweed, chlorophyll, oak gall, black walnut and logwood, participants will dye a piece of cotton fabric according to traditional Wampanoag practices. Participants will also have an opportunity to experiment with traditional fish printing and leave with their unique, handcrafted creation. All materials are provided, and participation is free. This event is tented and scheduled rain or shine.
The event is funded by the New England Foundation for the Arts, RiverCulture, the Montague Cultural Council, Arts Connect International and the Nolumbeka Project. For more information about Elizabeth James-Perry, visit elizabethjamesperry.com. For questions about this workshop, contact Suzanne LoManto, director of RiverCulture at riverculture@montague-ma.gov or call 413-863-3200, ext. 115.
Wendell Meetinghouse hosts memoir reading and discussion with Jonathan von Ranson
On Friday, May 29 at 7 p.m., the Wendell Meetinghouse will host local author Jonathan von Ranson for a reading from his memoir, “One with Wild Longings.” Part of the 2026 Community Arts & Conversation series, the event features a discussion on his journey toward natural unity, his decades of community service and his success in changing the state building code to allow alternative housing. The event is open to the public, refreshments are provided, and donations are requested to support the Meetinghouse. For more information, visit wendellmeetinghouse.org or contact Court Dorsey at courtcdorsey@gmail.com.
La Table Française offers a presentation on May 26
The Greenfield Public Library’s French Conversation Club, “La Table Française,” will host a presentation titled “Silent Presence: The French in New England” on Tuesday, May 26 at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room. Presenter Jeanne Douillard will blend historical data with her personal narrative to explore Franco-American culture, ancestry and reclaiming historical pride. Facilitated by Tamara Grogan, this free event includes light refreshments, is intended for ages 16 and older. For more information, email lagrogan1@gmail.com.
The Great Falls Discovery Center to host art, music programming
On Sunday, May 24, the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls will host free art and music programs. From 10:30 a.m. to noon, attendees can discover nature through story, poetry and art with tissue paper blooms. With instruction and technique, participants can create an art piece to take home from tissue paper, pipe cleaners and jute. All art materials are provided. This program is for adults, teens and children ages 6 and up that are accompanied by an adult. From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., an informal group of musicians gathers to play the enchanting traditional dance music from France and Brittany, commonly known as bal folk. The free event is open to the public of all ages. For more information, visit mass.gov/locations/great-falls-discovery-center.
The LAVA Center announces ‘What’s So Funny?’ Comedy Revue
The LAVA Center will host The Comedy Project Revue, “What’s So Funny?”, on Thursday, May 28 at 7 p.m. Hosted by Joanie Schwartz, the event features Rhymes With Orange cartoonist Hilary Price, Ang Buxton, Andrea CK and Paul Bennett. Christine Benvenuto returns as the Comedy Project’s “emotional support human.” Seating is limited. Tickets are available on a sliding scale fee of $5-20, though no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Attendees must email andrea@thelavacenter.org to reserve a seat, and reservations will not be honored after 6:50 p.m. This event is supported in part by the Greenfield Local Cultural Council.
The Coop Summer Concert Series starts May 28
The Coop Summer Concert Series at Energy Park kicks off on Thursday, May 28 at 6 p.m. with performers Katie Clarke and Larry LeBlanc, R&D (Rob Adams and Dennis Avery) and Small Change. The free concerts are held every Thursday evening during the summer until Aug. 20, with a rain date on Aug. 27. Each evening features three acts performing for approximately 40 minutes.
Pamela Means to present ‘Black, Brown and Beige’ at the Montague Center Library
Singer-songwriter Pamela Means will present, “Black, Brown and Beige,” on Wednesday, May 27 at 6 p.m. at the Montague Center Branch Library. Named after a famous Duke Ellington composition, the live music event celebrates the historical artistry and cultural contributions of Black and Brown creators who have utilized their voices to address injustice and foster community. Weather permitting, Means will perform outdoors from the front steps of the library branch.
The performance features a curated mix of original compositions alongside cover songs that explore the lineages of recognizable historical tunes popularized by figures such as Harriet Tubman, Leadbelly, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Tracy Chapman and Prince. In addition to the musical performance, Means will share insights from her own creative career dedicated to themes of peace, unity, and self-expression. The event is admission-free and supported by a grant from the Montague Cultural Council, a local agency funded by the state-level Mass Cultural Council.
Patrick McGreevy to open 2026 Speaker Series
On Wednesday, May 20 at 6 p.m., geographer and author Patrick McGreevy will open the Greenfield Historical Society’s 2026 Speaker Series at the Greenfield Public Library. His presentation, “Beneath the Interstate: Uncovering the Story of Nash’s Mills,” will trace the history and wider context of the dismantled Nash’s Mills community, which once thrived with a church and water-powered mills where Interstate 91 now passes under the Leyden Road bridge. McGreevy, who holds a doctorate in geography and previously served as a university dean and department chair, has deep ties to Greenfield and currently serves as the vice president of the Historical Society.