The schedule changes daily....

Steve Earle solo & acoustic Co-Promoted by Premier Concerts TUES 7/14 7:30PM Tickets: $35-$30 Members on sale: May 27th, 2009 Public on sale: June 2nd, 2009 Steve Earle just released Townes, his highly anticipated follow up to the Grammy Award winning album Washington Square Serenade. The 15-song set is comprised of songs written by Earle’s friend and mentor, the late singer/songwriter, Townes Van Zandt. The album features guest appearances by Tom Morello, Allison Moorer and —appearing on a Steve Earle Record for the first time, Steve’s son—Justin Townes Earle. When speaking about Townes, Earle stated, “This may be one of the best records I’ve ever made. That hurts a singer/songwriter’s feelings. Then again, it’s some consolation that I cherry picked through the career of one of the best songwriters that ever lived.” Earle’s new album, “Townes”, debuted at #19 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums (also #6 on the Billboard Country Chart)! He’ll be appearing on Late Night with David Letterman on June 3rd.

Steve's Website

Film: Woodstock "Director's Cut" THURS 8/20 7PM Tickets: $5 Woodstock is a 1970 documentary on the Woodstock Festival that took place in August 1969 at Bethel in New York. The film was directed by Michael Wadleigh and was edited by (amongst others) Martin Scorsese and Thelma Schoonmaker. Academy Award nominations include Film Editing & Best Sound; Award for Documentary Feature In 1996, Woodstock was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

An Evening with Melanie and Country Joe McDonald has changed to... An Evening with Melanie special guests Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion FRI 8/21 at 8PM Tickets: $65 (preferred seating with artist meet & greet) and $25 “Authentic.” “Timeless.” “Harmonious.” “Exhilarating.” Any or all of these adjectives could describe the folk-rock sound created by Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion. The musical richness and psychological depth of their initial collaboration, Exploration, is irrefutable proof that the disarming granddaughter of Woody/daughter of Arlo and the prodigious South Carolinian quite naturally bring out the best in each other. http://www.sarahleeandjohnny.com/

Sarah Lee and Johnny's Website

Richie Havens with special guest Meg Hutchinson SAT 10/3 at 8PM Meg Hutchinson is a lyric-based, contemporary, acoustic songwriter. Influences include poet Mary Oliver, songwriter Shawn Colvin, word slinger Greg Brown and mood maker David Gray. Originally from Great Barrington, MA, Hutchinson now lives in the Boston area. Although only 29, she has already won numerous songwriting awards in the US, Ireland and UK and recently signed with Red House Records to release Come Up Full. Come Up Full confirms that Hutchinson is one of the great voices of the next generation of acoustic musicians. It is a lyrically rich record about encountering good things when you least expect them. Amidst war, loss and heartbreak, Hutchinson’s songs hold the promise of love, hope and homecomings. In songs like “Ready,” “Home” and “Come Up Full” she sings about our universal ability to overcome life’s most trying times. With a poet’s sensibility, Hutchinson’s songs are laced with a weathered but unselfconscious optimism, a love of language and of the natural world. Visit her on myspace! www.myspace.com/meghutchinson http://www.meghutchinson.com

Buy tickets now!

Peter Yarrow with Bethany & Rufus FRI 11/20 8PM Tickets: $35-$25 Members on sale: May 27, 2009 Public on sale: June 2nd, 2009 Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary performs with soulful, folk jazz duo Bethany & Rufus, featuring Yarrow’s daughter Bethany and virtuoso cellist Rufus Cappadocia. Folk classics like "Puff, The Magic Dragon" and "Blowin’ in the Wind" meet Bethany & Rufus’ blend of contemporary jazz, soul, roots and world music. http://peterbethanyandrufus.com

Read more!

March 26 - Bela World Premier!

March 26, 2009 – How exciting is it to have a “world-premier” event at your theater? There have only been a few times in my career as a theater director when I have had the opportunity to answer that question. The answer is that it is incredible to think that on our stage tonight artists will create something for the very first time!

But even more important than the creation of new work – because at the end of the day we exist for our audience – is the fact that people in Pittsfield, Massachusetts are part of this incredible process. The people in the audience tonight are not merely observers. They will be part of the process of creation. Their response to the music will shape how this work develops.

Once more Pittsfield, Massachusetts is the center of innovation!

Béla Fleck and these amazing musicians from Africa are making history at the Colonial Theatre tonight. We hope you will join us!

Dave Fleming
Executive Director

This week at the Colonial!

WESTFIELD STATE COLLEGE PRESENTS: A Celebration of Music
SUN 3/8/09
3:30PM Free
Reception at 2:30PM with Jazz Trio & Refreshments
More Info!

NATIONAL ACROBATS OF CHINA
WED 3/11/09 7:30PM

Tickets: $40-$25

The National Acrobats of China, the most acclaimed large acrobatic troupe in the world, features thirty-five performers who captivate audiences around the globe with stunning displays of Chinese martial arts, illusion and acrobatics. Spellbinding feats of physical daring and grace are enhanced by elaborate costumes and traditional music. From plate-spinning and cycling stunts to juggling with their feet, The National Acrobats of China are master contortionists, tumblers and jugglers. Come early and enjoy food in the lobby for sale by Flavours Restaurant!

REVOLUTION: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES featuring Tim Piper as John Lennon
SAT 3/14/09 8PM

Tickets: $35-$25
The leading worldwide touring show that captures the Beatles with authentic instruments, costumes, visual impact, sound and excitement.
Sponsored by Excelsior Printing Company

A New Year's Dance Party

This past Saturday, January 3rd, The Colonial Theatre welcomed "The Winter Dance Party: The Official Tribute to Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper," which brought a crowd of over 600 people to its feet. This show was 120 minutes of fun for people of all generations, and we were excited to see so many of the Colonial's patrons having a great time at the start of our new year. :-)

Some more good news is that our sign is finally up! It took some time, as huge signs tend to, but it's beautiful and we're so happy that another one of our dreams has become a reality. The sign was made possible largely because of the kindness and generosity of the Francis family, a major supporter of the Colonial. The final step is to obtain the permit needed to have an operating LED screen that will continually show upcoming performances and other messages. We have already applied for the permit, so here's hoping we can install the LED screen as soon as possible.

The Colonial would also like to thank its wonderful patrons and donors who continue their support...without you, none of this would be possible!

End of Year Update and Coming Events

The snow is falling heavily, the woodstoves are being fired into overdrive, and the hot cocoa is in high demand in Berkshire County this afternoon...and here at the Colonial, staff and audience members alike are all excited for the upcoming Programming Season! This past season went out with a bang with "Leahy Family Christmas," and the coming year promises to be just as thrilling. There are still a lot of shows that are in the works, so if you have any suggestions of what you would like to see, feel free to contact us...and to donate! We are still working on our Annual Fund Drive 2008, so all donations are incredibly appreciated.


Now, onto the programming part:

~JANUARY EVENTS~

Thurs. Jan. 1 @ 3pm: The Berkshire Bach Society presents "Bach at New Year's".......tickets $17-$37 (students free)

Sat. Jan. 3 @ 8pm: "The Winter Dance Party: The Official Tribute to Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper"...........tickets $25-$40

Fri. Jan 9 @ 8pm: Yevgeny Kutik Solo Violin Recital (with Akira Eguchi on Piano)..........tickets $20

Sat. Jan 10 @ 8pm: Albert Cummings..........tickets $17-$27

Sun. Jan 18 @ 2pm: Opera, Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi (sung in Italian with English subtitles).........tickets $20

Fri. Jan. 30 @ 8pm: "Guitar Blues (starring Jorma Kaukonen, Robben Ford and Ruthie Foster)" ............tickets $25-$45

And finally, the Colonial would like to wish everyone

a safe, healthy and happy New Year!

We hope to see you soon!

Happy Holidays to All!

Few things will get you into the holiday spirit as quickly as a classic Christmas tune. This past Saturday, over 600 people were immersed in the holiday spirit at the Colonial when they attended "Leahy Family Christmas." This magnificent show featured eight Canadian-Irish siblings that played Christmas and Celtic music, all the while singing and dancing into our hearts. They returned this year after a sold-out show last year, and here's hoping we can welcome them back to the Colonial soon! We have received fantastic feedback from our audience, which was very impressed with the skill and enthusiasm that reverberated through the house. It was an exciting and wonderful performance, and the Colonial would like to thank everyone who attended and shared their holiday spirit.


A quick reminder for those that are still searching for a great holiday gift: The Colonial Theatre is open on Christmas Eve, and gift certificates in any amount are still available! They're great as a stocking stuffer, or for someone who is difficult to shop for.


Also, the Colonial will be closed on December 25th and 26th so that the staff can enjoy the holiday with their family and friends, but we will be back and ready for action on Monday, December 29th.

From all of us at the Colonial to all of you: MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Have a safe and wonderful holiday, and may you enjoy this time with your family and friends.

It's a Wonderful Life at the Colonial!

This past Wednesday, Dec. 17th, the Colonial presented the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life." We were thrilled to see over 500 people enjoying one of the greatest holiday films ever made. The audience was also able to enjoy popcorn and snacks, and Hilltop Orchards donated cider that was served hot and spiced. It was great to see such a huge turnout for a film, and we're glad that so many people were able to come and revel in the spirit of the holiday season with us!

On Saturday, Dec. 20th at 8:00pm, the Colonial is welcoming some more holiday spirit in the form of an eight-member musical family from Canada. "Leahy Family Christmas" promises to wow and inspire the audience this Saturday night with famous Celtic music and well-known holiday tunes that are sure to impress. We have invited them back this year after their sold-out show last year, and their upcoming show will be no different. (If you plan on attending but haven't bought your tickets yet, they're selling like hot cakes, so hurry!) This show at the Colonial is made possible by a sponsorship from Nelson E. Furlano, CPA, and generous support from Country Curtains. We are excited for this Saturday night's performance, and hope that you are too! Please join us for an incredible evening with "Leahy Family Christmas." Tickets are $45 and $25, so call the Ticket Office at (413)997-4444 and purchase your tickets today!

The Colonial Theatre..."See you there!"