Funded in part by the National Dance Project of the New England Foundation for the Arts, with lead funding from Doris Duke Charitable foundation. Additional funding provided by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, The Ford Foundation and JP Morgan Chase.

Friday, September 28, 2007
An Evening of Classical Chamber Music
Featuring ANTARES

“Few chamber groups could have generated such excitement throughout a modern music program as Antares ….”
–The Washington Post

“The performance, with its sharp edges and striking contours, made a compelling case for the work, which evolves from fairly austere textures, through a warm, full-toned slow movement…”
–New York Times

Stravinsky, Messiaen and a new work by Matheson. Join us for a memorable evening with chamber quartet Anta res . Their youth, exuberance, and versatility allow them to create programs which present the chamber masterworks of the Classical and Romantic eras alongside some of the most evocative and exciting music from the 20th and 21st centuries. MCLA student Jessica Gage ’08 debuts her own classical violin virtuosity especially for this event.

Friday, October 19, 2007
Margaret A. Hart 1935 Gospel Fest Featuring:
Marie Knight
Co-Presented with ALANA
(African, Latino, Asian and Native American)

“Marie’s music is the sort of music that infects one with joy, from an artist that is incredibly rare and sacred.”
–Madeleine Peyroux

“Marie Knight sounds irresistibly soulful and spirited…”
–San Diego Union-Tribune

Clap your hands and shout Hallelujah! Gospel great Marie Knight headlines this year’s Gospel Fest. Her amazing voice will make you want to lift your hands to the heavens. Audience favorites Williams College Gospel Choir and Price AME Gospel Choir return to the Church Street Center, and will be joined by North County Ecumenical Choir from North Adams’ own First Congregational Church. This inspiring event is hosted by MCLA students and celebrates the life of Margaret A. Hart ’35 while raising funds for a scholarship in her honor. Praise be!

Friday, December 7, 2007
Songs of the Spirit featuring:
Gary Lucas and Salman Ahmad 

“Gary Lucas is one of the best and most original guitarists in America.”
–Rolling Stone

"Salman Ahmad’s prowess as a singer and blues-based guitarist has earned him thousands of fans among moderate Muslims.”
–LA Times

Songs of the Spirit, a celebration of song and music showcasing the commonalities found in different faith traditions from around the globe, has become an eagerly anticipated and meaningful part of the holiday season. Featured this year will be music from Muslim, Jewish, and Christian traditions as performed by rock guitarists from the East, West, and in between. Salman Ahmad, a Pakistani guitarist nearly as famous for his humanitarian efforts as he is for his music, and Grammy nominated Gary Lucas share the stage with local favorite Jamie Choquette ’98. From Florida Mountain, MA, comes the Gabriel Abbott Children’s Choir to share their songs of peace and hope. Between each set will be readings curated by MCLA’s Jewish Student Union and Christian Fellowship, and read by local clerics.

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Friday & Saturday, Feb. 1 & 2, 2008
Women of the Blues and Funk featuring:
The Charmaine Neville Band & Sue Foley

Sultry women. Hot music. One sizzling weekend. New Orleans chanteuse Charmaine Neville (daughter of the legendary Charlie Neville) and her band set Friday night on fire. Take a cold shower and come back on Saturday for the steamy sounds of the Delta Blues. Sue Foley’s flawless guitar and sexy voice will take you back to a time when music was all about feeling. Joining these fine ladies are MCLA’s own Jazz Band, Berkshire Idol winner Jill Gallagher and local hottie Sharon Foehl’s Blues Band. Smokin’!

Just Added - MCLA's Brandee Simone on Friday Night and Haley Waugh and The Whiskey Barrell Brother's Blues Band on Saturday Night

“There were simply no limits to her skills. Charmaine Neville performs blues, jazz, funk, rhythm and blues, rock and World Beat with astonishing range. She sang with penhearted brilliance, scatting like a jazz diva and rocking like no tomorrow.”—Boston Globe

“Foley has a killer voice, an impossibly alluring blend of sex and innocence to go with those blazing guitar chops.”
–Philadelphia Enquire

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Friday, March 28, 2008
CeltFest featuring:
Enter the Haggis
Co-Presented with MCLA Student Activities Council

“(Enter the Haggis) is one of the most high energy bands playing today. They both mix and fuse many different styles, and yet still you are going to walk away remembering the overall Celtic sound and how well the highland bagpipe and fiddle mesh with the guitars, keyboards, bass and drums in a driving rock and roll setting.”
–Folk and Music Exchange

So what if St. Patrick’s Day is past! Celebrate the mystical, mythical magic of the Emerald Isle with the Berkshires' own JP Murphy traditional Irish folk songs. Then stomp your feet and clap along with the rocking Celtic sounds of Toronto-based Enter the Haggis. If you’re of a mind, sport your kilt with MCLA student Jimmy Sheridan ’10 as he serenades the crowd with his bagpipes. Or release your inner Michael Flatley along with Holly Silva & Friends, members of the acclaimed Williams College step dance company, Inish. Slainte!

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