Press

PITTSFIELD — Graduates of African heritage from across Berkshire County were recently recognized for their academic achievements, leadership, and contributions to their schools and communities. The annual celebration honored students as they prepare to take the next steps in their educational and professional journeys.

The event highlighted the hard work, perseverance, and accomplishments of local graduates while bringing together families, educators, and community members to celebrate their success and future potential.

PITTSFIELD — Taconic High School athlete Romeo Yankey earned a third-place finish in the 200-meter dash at the state championships, adding another impressive accomplishment to a strong track and field season. The standout performance highlights both Yankey’s speed and dedication as he competed against some of the top athletes in Massachusetts.

Yankey’s success continues to bring recognition to Taconic’s track and field program and reflects the talent and hard work of Berkshire County student-athletes competing on the state stage.

PITTSFIELD — Community members across the Berkshires are remembering Rev. Charles Pratt for his lasting impact, generosity, and dedication to helping others throughout his life and ministry. Known by many as a compassionate leader and community advocate, Pratt was widely recognized for the support and care he offered to those around him.

Friends, family, and local residents have reflected on his commitment to service, faith, and uplifting the community, honoring a legacy rooted in kindness, mentorship, and connection that touched countless lives throughout Pittsfield and beyond.

Berkshire artist Maleek Adams was recently featured while creating a large mural at Uniq Vape in Lanesborough.

Using an airbrush to add highlights and detail, Adams continues contributing to the region’s visual arts scene through large-scale mural work and public art.

The Berkshire International Film Festival will present a screening of Unfinished Song, a documentary highlighting the life and artistic journey of acclaimed Berkshire-based performer Wanda Houston.

The film explores Houston’s lifelong connection to music, performance, and community, offering audiences an intimate look at her career, personal experiences, and enduring impact on the Berkshires arts scene.

A celebration honoring the legacy and impact of African American composers will take place as part of the Pittsfield CityJazz Festival, highlighting the lasting contributions of Black composers across classical and contemporary music traditions.

The performance will showcase a range of musical styles and works, offering audiences an opportunity to experience the creativity, innovation, and cultural influence of African American artistry throughout history.

NORTH ADAMS — Air Force Master Sgt. Mark Gilliard is being recognized in a Veteran Spotlight feature highlighting his military service, leadership, and continued impact within the community.

The story reflects on Gilliard’s dedication during his time in the Air Force and the experiences that shaped his path, while also honoring the contributions veterans continue to make both during and after their service.

WILLIAMSTOWN — Cécile McLorin Salvant, a Grammy Award-winning artist, will deliver the keynote address at Williams College’s 237th commencement, bringing her unique perspective as a composer and storyteller to this year’s graduating class.

Organizers say her work, which blends jazz with diverse musical traditions, reflects the creativity and depth of expression celebrated at commencement, highlighting the role of the arts in shaping culture and community.

LENOX — Jazz trumpeter Jumaane Smith returns to Tanglewood’s Linde Center on May 8, bringing his high-energy blend of jazz, blues, and soul back to the Berkshires by popular demand.

The performance highlights Smith’s dynamic style as both a bandleader and collaborator, while also connecting with the community through student engagement and live performance, showcasing the continued growth of jazz programming at Tanglewood.

GREAT BARRINGTON — Multicultural BRIDGE will host a full day of Earth Day 2026 activities at the Solidarity House, bringing together community members for hands-on environmental action and learning.

Organizers say the event will highlight the connections between environmental justice, public health, and cultural equity, while celebrating the launch of the next phase of Solidarity Farm and fostering community engagement around sustainability.

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will feature arts leader Michael J. Bobbitt as part of its upcoming commencement, recognizing his impact on advancing arts and culture across Massachusetts.

Organizers say his role in expanding access to the arts and supporting creative communities reflects the values celebrated at commencement, highlighting the importance of cultural leadership and investment in the arts throughout the region.

BERKSHIRES — A new performance, Massachusetts: A Song of Itself, featuring Massachusetts Poet Laureate Regie Gibson, will take place in Stockbridge on April 18, bringing together poetry, music, and storytelling to reflect on the state’s history and identity.

Organizers say the performance offers a powerful exploration of place, culture, and shared experience, highlighting the role of the arts in connecting communities and deepening understanding of Massachusetts’ evolving story.

BERKSHIRES — The story of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved woman who successfully sued for her freedom in 1781, continues to shape how the region understands its history and legacy of justice. Her landmark case helped establish the legal precedent that slavery was incompatible with the Massachusetts Constitution, contributing to the end of slavery in the state.

Historians and community members say revisiting Freeman’s story offers an opportunity to reflect on the Berkshires’ role in early movements for freedom and equality. The renewed attention highlights the importance of preserving and sharing local histories that connect to broader national narratives of civil rights and justice.

WEST STOCKBRIDGE — Artist Rhyuhn Green is bringing a new creative perspective to The Foundry, using visual storytelling and design to explore identity, place, and community in the Berkshires. His work, featured as part of the Berkshire Landscapes series, highlights both personal expression and the broader cultural narratives shaping the region.

Organizers say projects like this help strengthen the connection between artists and the community, creating space for dialogue, reflection, and creative collaboration. The feature underscores the importance of supporting local artists and expanding access to arts and culture across Berkshire County.

GREAT BARRINGTON — The Du Bois Freedom Center has been awarded a $250,000 grant to help preserve a historic Black church in the community, supporting efforts to protect an important part of local and national history. The funding will go toward restoring the former Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church, a site with deep ties to the legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois and the Black community in the Berkshires.

Leaders say the project will help ensure the building remains a place for education, reflection, and community gatherings for years to come. The grant marks a major step forward in preserving the cultural heritage of Great Barrington and honoring the history connected to one of the region’s most significant historic sites.

GREAT BARRINGTON — Monument Mountain graduate Dion Brown is headed to the NCAA Tournament with the Saint Louis Billikens, marking a major milestone in his college basketball career. Brown, who transferred to Saint Louis for the 2025–26 season, has played a key role for the team as they earned a spot in March Madness competition.

Brown’s journey from Berkshire County to the national stage has drawn local attention and pride, as the former Spartans standout continues to compete at the highest level of college basketball. His success highlights the strong athletic talent coming from the Berkshires and gives local fans a reason to follow the tournament closely this season.

NORTH ADAMS — Singer and songwriter Yaya Bey will perform at MASS MoCA, bringing her genre-blending sound and powerful storytelling to the Berkshires for a special live performance. Known for combining R&B, soul, jazz, and hip-hop influences, Bey has gained national recognition for music that explores identity, relationships, and personal growth.

The event is part of MASS MoCA’s ongoing lineup of live performances that bring acclaimed artists to the region, giving the community an opportunity to experience contemporary music in a unique setting. Programs like this continue to highlight the Berkshires as a destination for arts, culture, and live entertainment.

ADAMS — A student at Hoosac Valley Elementary School is being recognized for quick thinking after helping save a classmate who was choking during the school day. Staff and school officials praised the student’s calm response and willingness to step in during a frightening situation, calling the act a reminder of the importance of awareness and helping others.

The incident has drawn praise from the school community, with many celebrating the student’s bravery and the positive example set for others. Stories like this highlight the strong sense of care and responsibility within Berkshire County schools, where students and staff work together to keep one another safe.

LENOX — Grammy-winning jazz pianist Sullivan Fortner will perform at Tanglewood’s Linde Center for Music and Learning on Friday, March 20, as part of the Tanglewood Learning Institute jazz series. Known for his work as a pianist, composer, and bandleader, Fortner will appear with his trio in a performance that highlights his dynamic style and internationally recognized talent.

Music fans across the Berkshires are invited to experience an evening of world-class jazz in an intimate setting, as the series continues to bring acclaimed artists to the region through year-round programming at Tanglewood.

GREAT BARRINGTON — Acclaimed jazz pianist Christian Sands will bring his dynamic trio to the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center’s Indigo Room for an evening of innovative and genre-blending jazz. Known for his virtuosic technique and contemporary approach to the jazz tradition, Sands has earned international recognition and multiple Grammy nominations while performing with some of the genre’s most celebrated artists.

Audiences can expect a performance that draws on the rich history of jazz while pushing the music forward with fresh energy and creative interpretation. Jazz fans and community members are invited to experience the Christian Sands Trio live in an intimate setting that highlights the artistry and improvisational spirit of one of today’s leading jazz musicians.