Mountain Lions in Montague Center: An evening of Balkan Music and Dance
On Sunday, May 2 at 7 p.m., New York-based musical ensemble Mountain Lions will provide an evening of Balkan music and dance in Montague Center. The quartet plays immersive, ecstatic dance music inspired by the traditional music of the Southern Balkans and Turkey, with a contemporary, experimental twist.
According to a press release, their “unique instrumentation of tapan (double-headed drum) and three alto saxophones brings to mind Macedonian Zurna music, but sounds and feels like something completely unique and new.” Bandleader and percussionist Matt Moran is perhaps best known for his work as the leader of acclaimed Balkan brass band Slavic Soul Party. He is joined by alto saxophonists Peter Hess, Catherine Foster and Daro Behroozi.
The concert will open with a short set by local band O Ksenos, playing traditional Greek folk music and Rebetika. The band consists of Rafe Wolman on violin, Heather Kuhn on vocals, Clarissa Lyons on clarinet and Jesse Bay on guitar, oud and percussion. Before the concert at 4 p.m., Moran will offer a workshop in Balkan percussion and rhythms, with a focus on the double-headed tapan drum. Simultaneously, acclaimed dance leader and musician Helen Marx will offer a workshop in traditional Balkan folk dances.
Tickets are available by sliding scale donation: $20 for the concert, $25 for a workshop or $30 for both. For more information, visit weathervane-arts.org.
JaDuke Theater to present ‘Dare to Dream Jr.’
This weekend, JaDuke Center for the Performing Arts in Turners Falls will present “Dare to Dream Jr.,” a musical production that invites young performers to step into the spotlight, celebrate their individuality and embrace the joy of chasing their biggest dreams.
“These students represent some of the very best talent in Franklin County. You’ll quickly forget you’re watching young performers — they transport you into an entirely new world of imagination,” said Director of JaDuke Center Eula Sagan.
The production includes a selection of popular Disney songs woven throughout the show, including “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” “Be Our Guest,” “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “Part of Your World” and “How Far I’ll Go.”
Performances will take place at JaDuke Theater on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at jaduketheater.com or at the door.
“’Dare to Dream Jr.’ is such a unique musical — it invites boundless imagination, celebrates creativity and brings together so many of our favorite Disney moments,” said Kimberly Williams, producer of ‘Dare to Dream Jr.’ “What makes it truly special, though, is the incredible talent and heart these young performers bring to the stage.”
Emily Wells and ensemble to perform at The Shea
Antenna Cloud Farm will present an immersive live performance with renowned vocalist, composer and video artist Emily Wells at The Shea Theater Arts Center in Turners Falls on Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. In addition to Wells, guests from Antenna Cloud Farm’s musical community include composer-performer-improvisers Michi Wiancko, Che Ali and Philip McGinty and more.
Instrumentation will include vocals, drums, synths, violins, viola, cello and clarinet, accompanied by a video art component. According to a press release, Wells has released six critically-acclaimed albums including her latest release, the 10-song album, “Regards to the End,” which explores the AIDS crisis and climate change.
This show will be the culmination of a weeklong residency at Antenna Cloud Farm centered around creative exploration, project incubation and musical engagements with students and youth in local schools and music programs. ACF’s 2nd Annual Spring Residency is supported in part by grants from the Montague, Gill, Leyden, Orange and Northfield Cultural Councils — local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Tickets are free to Card to Culture cardholders as well as youth 18 and under. General admission in advance of the performance is $20, plus a non-refundable Eventbrite fee. For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, visit antennacloudfarm.com.
Wendell Meetinghouse hosts next installment of Honoring Elders series on May 2
The Wendell Meetinghouse will host the latest installment of the “Honoring Elders” series on Saturday, May 2 at 2 p.m., featuring the distinguished Rev. Dr. Adele Smith-Penniman.
“Honoring Elders” celebrations provide opportunities for all community members to learn about the honored individuals and their role in shaping our local environments, and to share stories and appreciations of those being honored.
Smith-Penniman was the first African American woman to complete Unitarian Universalist ordination, being drawn to the UU principles of “the inherent worth and dignity of every person” and “the interdependent web of creation of which we are a part.” She is also an active member of a Quaker Meeting while continuing to find solace in the African American church and developing a Buddhist-informed meditation practice. Smith-Penniman worked primarily in community ministry with people most marginalized. She also briefly served congregations in Concord and Petersham.
The May 2 event is free and open to the public, thanks in part to a grant from the Wendell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
For more information on Honoring Elders events, or for support in organizing similar events in other communities, contact Gail Mason at rushingwaters01@gmail.com. For information on the Wendell Meetinghouse and its programming, contact Court Dorsey at courtcdorsey@gmail.com.
‘American Chainsaw’ star comes to the Greenfield Public Library
Join Jesse Green, star of “American Chainsaw” on the National Geographic Channel. at the Greenfield Public Library for “The Dangerous Art of Chainsaw Sculpture” on Saturday, May 2 at 11 a.m.
Over the course of the last 20-plus years, Green has been commissioned to create large-scale sculptures for celebrities, foreign royalty, rock stars, corporations, networks, the military, cities, towns, universities and art collectors. Online his work has gone viral several times over, repeatedly being a top trend on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. He is the official chainsaw sculptor of Husqvarna USA and author of the book series, “Chainsaws, Cheeseburgers and Rock n’ Roll.”
For more information, contact Lisa Prolman at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 413-772-1544.
Greenfield seeking proposals for downtown events and art projects
The Greenfield Crossroads Cultural District Committee (CCDC) is seeking proposals to support cultural activities in the community. The CCDC has an allocation of $10,500 of state funds for events and projects that feature visual, music or performing arts and take place in the state-designated Cultural District. Submissions are due by May 22 at noon.
Events and projects must take place within the Cultural District and occur before Dec. 31 to be eligible for funding. The CCDC is looking to fund projects that activate and draw people to the Crossroads Cultural District, enhance vibrancy, and inspire community. Projects may include events, temporary or permanent art, and interactive art installations. Business owners may apply, but their events should include a visible element that activates the streetscape. The CCDC expects to fund proposals in the $500 to $1,000 range but all applications will be reviewed and considered.
For more information, contact Economic & Community Development Assistant Susan Maiorana at 413-772-1548, ext. 4 or Susan.Maiorana@greenfield-ma.gov. To apply, visit bit.ly/GreenfieldCCDC. The cultural district committee plans to select proposals during its May 28 meeting.