New York composer Phil Kline returns to North Adams with his walking symphony ‘Unsilent Night’ as part of First Fridays North Adams. This free, family-friendly, community event begins promptly at 6 p.m. at Martin Puryear’s Big Bling Installation at 4 Marshall St., weaves through downtown and ends at Hotel Downstreet.
Community members of all ages are invited to gather at the Big Bling starting at 5:30 p.m. and encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes, bring a flashlight or lantern, and think creatively about sound amplification: using boomboxes, phones, Bluetooth speakers, or other creative amplified sound devices (the louder the better!) Download the music tracks in advance online or through the Unsilent Night app.
A limited number of Kline’s vintage boomboxes and cassette tapes will be available for use on a first-come, first-served basis.
Now in its 31st year, ‘Unsilent Night’ was first performed in New York’s Greenwich Village as a one-time 45-minute composition. Since then, it has grown into a beloved annual event performed in communities around the world during the winter holiday season. A studio recording, with Bang on a Can, was made in 2001 and is available through Cantaloupe Music.
First produced in North Adams in 2014, Unsilent Night has quickly become a much-anticipated addition to the Northern Berkshire winter event calendar.
“Each year we stroll a different route in the Northern Berkshires with familiar and new faces joining in the fun,” says producer Isabelle Holmes. “We’ve paraded through neighborhoods, down main streets and side streets, and through businesses.” The event has grown to over 80 participants and the musical parade gets the attention of those along the route with honks from passing cars, people coming out of their homes to listen, and others joining in along the way.
Described by the New York Times as “immers[ing] the listener in suspended wonderment, as if time itself had paused inside a string of jingle bells, ‘Unsilent Night’ relies on participants to come together and bring the four tracks of Phil Kline’s composition to life, filling the night with music. Or, as Kline describes it, “It’s like a Christmas caroling party except that we don’t sing but carry boomboxes, each playing a separate tape or CD which is part of the piece. In effect, we become a city-block-long stereo system.”
The 9th installment in the Berkshires is organized and produced by Isabelle Holmes, Todd Reynolds, Molly Hess, Sandra Thomas, Brad Wells, Nico Dery of the North Adams Chamber of Commerce, John Tibbetts and Sue Killam of Mass MoCA, and will be hosted this year by First Friday North Adams.
Unsilent Night is supported in part by a grant from the Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, First Fridays North Adams, LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Walk, Hotel Downstreet, Silver Therapeutics and Vanessa Hooper’s Antipode Tunnel.
By the Way Berkshires is a digital magazine exploring creative life and community — art and performance, food and the outdoors — and I’m writing it for you, with local voices, because I’ve gotten to know this rich part of the world as a writer and journalist, and I want to share it with you.
If you’d like to see the website grow, you can join me for a few dollars a month, enough for a cup of coffee and a cider doughnut. Members get access to extra stories and multimedia, itineraries a bookmark tool. Let me know what you're looking for, and we’ll explore together.
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will offer a Holiday Downtown Pittsfield Passport this holiday season, giving shoppers a chance to win one of three prize packages made up of donations from 40 local businesses.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will offer a Holiday Downtown Pittsfield Passport this holiday season, giving shoppers a chance to win one of three prize packages made up of donations from 40 local businesses.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will offer a Holiday Downtown Pittsfield Passport this holiday season, giving shoppers a chance to win one of three prize packages made up of donations from 40 local businesses.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Hayley Heynderickx will perform her own original music with echoes of 1960s and 1970s folk and a love of jazz radio, with Max García Conover, a songwriter based in Maine.
The Bidwell House Museum holds a candlelight tour on a fall evening when twilight is visible through the south-facing windows.
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will offer a Holiday Downtown Pittsfield Passport this holiday season, giving shoppers a chance to win one of three prize packages made up of donations from 40 local businesses.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will offer a Holiday Downtown Pittsfield Passport this holiday season, giving shoppers a chance to win one of three prize packages made up of donations from 40 local businesses.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
West Stockbridge celebrates the holidays on Saturday with a winter artist market, events and more.
Chocolate peanut butter cookies, fresh flowers, jams and pickles and cheeses ... the North Adams Farmers Market returns with more than a dozen farmers and makers.
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will offer a Holiday Downtown Pittsfield Passport this holiday season, giving shoppers a chance to win one of three prize packages made up of donations from 40 local businesses.
The 40th Annual Holiday Walk in Williamstown opens with holiday sounds and spirit.
Great Barrington Arts Market once again brings Berkshire handmade gifts and delicious giftable treats, local artists and makers and light fare in a beautiful and festive environment.
West Stockbridge celebrates the holidays on Saturday with a winter artist market, events and more.
The 40th Annual Holiday Walk in Williamstown opens with holiday sounds and spirit and festivities with winter flair.
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will offer a Holiday Downtown Pittsfield Passport this holiday season, giving shoppers a chance to win one of three prize packages made up of donations from 40 local businesses.
Great Barrington Arts Market once again brings Berkshire handmade gifts and delicious giftable treats, local artists and makers and light fare in a beautiful and festive environment.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
Santa will be visiting the Berkshires again this year and will join the Hoosac Valley Line's Tinseliner train for Christmas carols and good cheer.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
The Egremont Barn welcomes all comers to perform on the tavern stage for a night of acoustic music in a friendly space.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Dewey Hall's final square dance of 2023 brings two of the Northeast's most skilled old-time musicians, Aldo Lavaggi and Sophie Mae Wellington.
A Christmas Carol returns to its original stage at The Unicorn Theatre, as Berkshire Theatre Group revels in the joy and redemptive power of the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
An annual tradition continues at Berkshire Botanical Garden with the Gallery of Wreaths, as many as 100 unique wreaths and an assortment of holiday-blooming amaryllis and paperwhites and more.
Upcycled and merry community holiday tradition continues with local artisans, authentic farms and magically festive gifts.
The Sheffield Farmers Market hold a Winter Market at Dewey Hall on second Saturdays with local food, hot drinks, art and more.
Dewey Hall will hold their annual Holiday Cookie Sale at the Sheffield Winter Holiday Market — Snowballs, Shortbread, Pfeffernausse, Chocolate Chip and more.
An annual tradition continues at Berkshire Botanical Garden with the Gallery of Wreaths, as many as 100 unique wreaths and an assortment of holiday-blooming amaryllis and paperwhites and more.
Venfort Hall will hold a juried show of handmade works of art — jewelry, fine woven garments, wood vessels, sculpture, raku pottery, quilts, paintings, photography and more.
An annual tradition continues at Berkshire Botanical Garden with the Gallery of Wreaths, as many as 100 unique wreaths and an assortment of holiday-blooming amaryllis and paperwhites and more.
Venfort Hall will hold a juried show of handmade works of art — jewelry, fine woven garments, wood vessels, sculpture, raku pottery, quilts, paintings, photography and more.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
Santa will be visiting the Berkshires again this year and will join the Hoosac Valley Line's Tinseliner train for Christmas carols and good cheer.
A Christmas Carol returns to its original stage at The Unicorn Theatre, as Berkshire Theatre Group revels in the joy and redemptive power of the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
The Foundry and SALA will offer a hot toddy and a night of good competitive board games to cure all the seasonal blues and bring out your collaborative spirit.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Stressful holiday shopping? Need a glass of vino? Can't spend another night wrapping gifts and watching reruns of Friends? The Foundry Bar and SALA Boutique will be open — tonight, make a holiday ornament.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Stressful holiday shopping? Need a glass of vino? Can't spend another night wrapping gifts and watching reruns of Friends? The Foundry Bar and SALA Boutique will be open — tonight with holiday trivia.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Stressful holiday shopping? Need a glass of vino? Can't spend another night wrapping gifts and watching reruns of Friends? The Foundry Bar and SALA Boutique will be open — tonight with a dance and costume party.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
This four-part class will revisit trees through the seasons and witness their unique characteristics with and without leaves.
Berkshire Grown brings indoor Winter Farmers Markets with locally-grown fresh greens, winter squash, root crops, apples, meats, cheeses, honey and maple syrup, baked goods and more.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
A Clark educator will lead a tour of the permanent collection galleries to talk about the Institute's history and work.
Charlie’s Trains will pull into the Saint James Place East Room station for the Southern Berkshire Chamber’s Holiday Shop, Sip and Stroll and stay for the following weekend.
Berkshire Grown brings indoor Winter Farmers Markets with locally-grown fresh greens, winter squash, root crops, apples, meats, cheeses, honey and maple syrup, baked goods and more.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
Santa will be visiting the Berkshires again this year and will join the Hoosac Valley Line's Tinseliner train for Christmas carols and good cheer.
A Christmas Carol returns to its original stage at The Unicorn Theatre, as Berkshire Theatre Group revels in the joy and redemptive power of the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Charlie’s Trains will pull into the Saint James Place East Room station for the Southern Berkshire Chamber’s Holiday Shop, Sip and Stroll and stay for the following weekend.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
The Foundry offers an evening of good cheer and great music. Brilliant jazz pianist and Berkshire’s beloved Joe Rose has gathered exceptional artists to fill the venue with their talent and celebrate community.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
In December School Break Week, Norman Rockwell Museum offers family art-making activities inspired by the holidays and the colorful stories of Leo Lionni.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
Puppeteer Carl Sprague will return to Ventfort Hall with The Reluctant Dragon for two holiday vacation week marionette performances.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
In December School Break Week, Norman Rockwell Museum offers family art-making activities inspired by the holidays and the colorful stories of Leo Lionni.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
In December School Break Week, Norman Rockwell Museum offers family art-making activities inspired by the holidays and the colorful stories of Leo Lionni.
Puppeteer Carl Sprague will return to Ventfort Hall with The Reluctant Dragon for two holiday vacation week marionette performances.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
A Clark educator will lead a tour of the permanent collection galleries to talk about the Institute's history and work.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
Two rocking bands, The Picky Bastards and Jordan Weller and The Feathers, combine forces for three sets of greatness at the Egremont Barn, with champagne for a toast.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
Radiant Nights at Hancock Shaker Village returns with lights, farm animals, music and festive spirits and artist Joe Wheaton's illuminations in a son et lumiere show after dark.
