Latest Events in Great Barrington(April Updated)

4 Experienced Naturalists, Charlotte Hood, Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) Outreach Manager, Taylor Staubach, BNRC Community Engagemenbt Senior Manager, Bart Church, Q-MoB's Executive Director & Wilderness First Responder, and Mitch McCue, Q-MoB resident naturalist, will lead us on a relatively easy hike from CHP Great Barrington to a series of wetlands, meadows, and forests that play home to an amazing symphony of Spring Peepers (frogs), beavers, bats, birds, & if we're lucky the first fireflies. If we have time we'll make our way up to Fountain Pond State Park, and end with an optional after-hike dinner at Barrington Brewery. Please register separately for the After-Hike Dinner so we will have an accurate reservation count. This hike is part of a series of easy hikes and bike rides & a Pride Paddle planned by Q-MoB and the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission that will explore some beautiful but climate-change affected eco-systems in the Berkshires, and help us appreciate the many factors that are providing climate change resiliency to these eco-systems, and the factors that are threatening them. ABOUT THIS SERIES OF ECO-HIKES, ECO-BIKE RIDES, & PRIDE PADDLE: This hike is part of a series of easy hikes, bike rides, and a canoe paddle designed to provide an opportunity for participants to learn about and participate in community conversations about climate change while enjoying a variety of eco-systems. This series is a part of the larger Western Massachusetts Regional Unpaved Roads project funded by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Municipal Vulnerability Program (MVP). These competitive MVP grants support communities in identifying climate hazards, developing strategies to improve resilience, and implementing priority actions to adapt to climate change. The MVP program funds community-driven climate resilience planning and action. Nearly 100% of the Commonwealth’s municipalities participate in the program and over $180 million has been awarded for local climate resilience planning and projects since its inception. WHAT TO BRING : $10-$20 Tax-Deductible Donation Paid Online , in cash, or check made out to " Q-MoB Inc " (Q-MoB is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit), or JOIN Q-MOB so you never have to donate at any regular Q-MoB event, or just come for FREE if this is the very 1st Q-MoB event you have ever attended or you want a low-income work-exchange or scholarship. Rain-gear, Appropriate footwear for hiking in potentially wet, muddy portions of the trail Snacks & Water Headlamp (although we can provide these if you don't have one) Trekking poles if you use them (they make it safer in mud, or ascent or descent) WEATHER: On the morning of the hike, please check the weather for the hike location before you leave home so you know current conditions and how to dress for them. Please let us know your cell phone number when you register so we can text you 2 hours before the event should an unexpected weather threat arise that causes us to have to cancel or postpone the activity. CARPOOLING/RIDE-SHARE : If you need a ride or are open to carpooling, please indicate that when you are registering, & our ride coordinator will try to match you with people nearby who are interested in carpooling or offering rides. DONATE OR BECOME A MONTHLY SUSTAINING MEMBER : Please donate $10-$20 to help assure Q-MoB can continue to offer more than 20 activities & multiple resources & services to rural queer men all over the region. If you attend 2 or more Q-MoB events/month, please consider becoming a monthly sustaining donor member. By donating $25, $50, $75, or $100/month you can help to sustain the incredible variety of activities, services, and resources Q-MoB provides and assure all of these activities are accessible to men regardless of their age, income, or ability, and best of all you can avoid having to donate at each and every event you attend. Monthly Sustaining Members pay only once a month and then can attend all our activities with no further donation. HOW TO REACH US THE DAY OF THE HIKE : If you have trouble finding us, will be late, or can't make it, please call/text Bart at 503-734-6508. Information Source: Q-MoB (Queer Men of the Berkshires) | eventbrite

Drag Story Time at Bard College at Simon's Rock in Great Barrington, MA is a captivating family-friendly event that showcases fabulous kings and queens, enchanting stories, lively dancing, engaging arts and crafts, and more. BQLP (Bard Queer Leadership Project) and the Simon's Rock library are excited to announce two upcoming drag story time sessions this spring. Join us on March 30th and April 27th at 2 pm at the Alumni Library for a memorable experience. For directions to the venue, contact the library at 413-528-7370. This event is free and welcomes all LGBTQ+ affirming individuals. Spread the word and show your support! If you wish to contribute, please consider donating $10-$20 to help sustain Q-MoB's numerous activities and resources for rural queer men in the region. Monthly sustaining donor memberships are also available starting at $25 per month, allowing you to access all activities without the need for additional donations. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a diverse and inclusive community.

TOArts Presents Lee Rocker, a highly anticipated concert, will be taking place at the prestigious Scherr Forum- B of A Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks on October 14, 2023. The venue's address, where the electrifying show will kick off, is 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91362. This remarkable event promises to captivate music lovers with a sensational lineup of Lee Rocker's greatest hits. Attendees will be treated to an unforgettable performance featuring iconic songs such as "Stray Cat Strut," "Runaway Boys," "Built for Speed," "Gather Round," and many more. The concert will transport the audience through an exhilarating journey of Rockabilly, Rock and Roll, and Americana. This not-to-be-missed experience will be an absolute delight for fans of Lee Rocker and lovers of quality music alike. Tickets for TOArts Presents Lee Rocker will go on sale starting from July 11, 2023, at 5:00 PM and will be available until October 15, 2023, at 2:30 AM. Secure your place at this extraordinary event and prepare for a night that will leave you craving more.

Join the Q-MoB Game Night in Great Barrington, MA, for an opportunity to connect with queer men from all over the region. This monthly event, held on the 3rd Tuesday, offers a fun and social gathering where you can bring your favorite games and snacks. Not only will you have the chance to play various games and learn new ones, but you'll also get to know others in the community and enjoy delicious snacks and beverages. If you're interested in hosting an upcoming game night, please email queermenoftheberkshires@gmail.com. The organizers are actively looking for hosts throughout the Greater Berkshires Region and are even open to holding game nights on other evenings. To make transportation easier for everyone, carpooling and ride-sharing options are available. When you register for the event, simply indicate if you need a ride or if you're willing to carpool. The ride coordinator will do their best to match you with nearby participants who share the same transportation needs. To support the Q-MoB community and ensure the continuation of their activities, resources, and services, consider donating or becoming a monthly sustaining member. With a donation of $5 to $20, you can help make a difference. If you attend two or more Q-MoB events per month, becoming a monthly sustaining donor member is a great option. By donating $25, $50, $75, or $100 per month, you can enjoy the benefits of attending all activities without having to donate at each event. For any questions or concerns regarding the event, including finding the venue or notifying about late arrivals or cancellations, please contact Tom at 415-342-9447 via call or text. Join the Q-MoB Game Night and be a part of this inclusive and engaging community gathering.

The Bard Queer Leadership Project is pleased to invite individuals of all ages to participate in the Queer Book Club in Great Barrington, MA. The club will convene at the Alumni Library on April 6, 2024, to delve into the insightful works "Obie is Man Enough" and "He/She/They" by renowned trans activist Schuyler Bailar. This intergenerational initiative aims to foster community engagement through the exploration and interpretation of these impactful books, with an emphasis on LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Attendees can enjoy a communal reading session at the start of each meeting without the need to pre-read the material. Additionally, those interested in furthering intergenerational collaboration are encouraged to reach out to support initiatives such as arts/culture activities, mentorship programs, and scholarships. Carpooling options are available for those looking to reduce costs and environmental impact. Participants are also welcome to contribute financially to sustain the numerous activities and resources offered by the Queer Men of the Berkshires (Q-MoB) group. For inquiries on the day of the event, please contact Brian at 413-854-3897.

The Northshore Concert Band will kick off its 2023/24 Season with an enthralling event titled "Northshore Concert Band: Treats & Tricks" at the Leemputte Family Theater in Wilmette. This enchanting music extravaganza will take place on October 29, 2023. The program promises an exploration of magic, mystique, and transfiguration through the power of music. Attendees will be captivated by the grandiose opening of Johann Sebastian Bach’s famous Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, where the winds will mimic a majestic pipe organ with their virtuosic passages and bone-rattling chords. The audience will then be treated to a delightful selection of enigmatic works from the cinema, including Howl’s Moving Castle and Music for a Darkened Theater. Familiar favorites such as selections from The Planets and Richard Strauss’ Allerseelen will also be performed. To make this event even more enticing, subscribers can save up to 38% on their ticket purchase by subscribing to Northshore Concert Band's complete 2023/24 Season. Don't miss out on this extraordinary musical experience! Tickets can be purchased on the Northshore Concert Band's website. The Northshore Concert Band, with its 100-member symphonic ensemble, is highly regarded for its musical excellence, community engagement, and dedication to music education. Led by Dr. Mallory Thompson and Daniel J. Farris, the Band presents 10-12 concerts per season at prestigious venues such as Northwestern University's Pick Staiger Concert Hall and Loyola Academy's Leemputte Family Theater. For more information about the band, visit northshoreband.org. Please note that the Northshore Concert Band's ticketing and attendance policies adhere to city and state public health guidelines, as well as the procedures set by venue partners. Program and artist updates will be promptly communicated to ticket holders via email. Stay informed by visiting northshoreband.org.

This is a purposefully inclusive class designed to meet you where you are. No matter what your age, movement can help keep you healthy and protect you from injury. The aim of this class is to build muscular strength, coordination, and balance at a slow and safe pace. INSTRUCTOR: Rebecca Carberry is an ACE-certified trainer with an associate degree in Physical Fitness. If you’re ready to push yourself in a positive and supportive environment, I’m here to help. I prioritize functional fitness to improve your everyday living with increased strength, flexibility, and balance. What to Bring: Shorts, Tee Shirt, Sweatshirt, Water Bottle, shoes you can move comfortably in. Information Source: Q-MoB (Queer Men of the Berkshires) | eventbrite

This movement class for trans and nonbinary folx takes a gentle somatic approach to breath, movement, and self-expression. The class will incorporate improvisation and basic dance technique to explore an all-levels approach to moving and grooving. Beginning with a guided improvisational warm-up, the class will build energy and heat through passes across the floor and opportunities to workshop movement in the center. Each class will end with a short phrase exploration or dance-making prompt. Alternatives will be provided to accommodate all levels of movers. Participants are encouraged to wear pants and long sleeves for ease of movement, and class will be taught in socks or barefoot. Our instructor for this class will be Berkshire Pulse Youth Performing Arts Program Coordinator Gillian Ebersole. Trans Dance Class is inclusive of anyone who identifies as not-the-gender-they-were-assigned-at-birth, so trans, nonbinary, and all gender-nonconforming folx are welcomed. The class is for ages 12-adult, and children under the age of 12 are welcome to accompany their trans/nonbinary parents. Questions may be directed to info@seeingrainbows.org or berkshire.pulse@gmail.com. FREE - General Admission $25 - Suggested donation (for those who can afford it) $50 - Sponsoring donation (if you can afford to cover the cost of another attendee) About Gillian Ebersole Born in Portland, Oregon, and raised in Denver, Colorado, Gillian Ebersole (they/them) is a dancer and choreographer, as well as a poet, dance writer, and researcher. Gillian graduated Summa Cum Laude from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles with a dual degree in Dance and English. Performed on stages in Los Angeles, Denver, and Paris, as well as across Berkshire County, their choreographic work merges a love for language and for movement. Gillian trained with Denver contemporary dance company Wonderbound, Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company, Whyteberg, Gibney, and Bill T. Jones. Most recently, Gillian has performed and presented work at multiple venues in Berkshire County, including Jacob’s Pillow, The Foundry, and Chesterwood. Drawn to the communal embodied experience. Gillian is a certified yoga instructor and has taught both dance and yoga in studios and community spaces. After moving to Western Massachusetts to work for Jacob’s Pillow, Gillian became a Teaching Artist Fellow as part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council Creative Youth Development program. Currently, Gillian works for Berkshire Pulse as the Youth Performing Arts Program Coordinator and is proud to be a member of their Modern Dance Faculty. Information Source: seeing rainbows | eventbrite

This movement class for trans and nonbinary folx takes a gentle somatic approach to breath, movement, and self-expression. The class will incorporate improvisation and basic dance technique to explore an all-levels approach to moving and grooving. Beginning with a guided improvisational warm-up, the class will build energy and heat through passes across the floor and opportunities to workshop movement in the center. Each class will end with a short phrase exploration or dance-making prompt. Alternatives will be provided to accommodate all levels of movers. Participants are encouraged to wear pants and long sleeves for ease of movement, and class will be taught in socks or barefoot. Our instructor for this class will be Berkshire Pulse Youth Performing Arts Program Coordinator Gillian Ebersole. Trans Dance Class is inclusive of anyone who identifies as not-the-gender-they-were-assigned-at-birth, so trans, nonbinary, and all gender-nonconforming folx are welcomed. The class is for ages 12-adult, and children under the age of 12 are welcome to accompany their trans/nonbinary parents. Questions may be directed to info@seeingrainbows.org or berkshire.pulse@gmail.com. FREE - General Admission $25 - Suggested donation (for those who can afford it) $50 - Sponsoring donation (if you can afford to cover the cost of another attendee) About Gillian Ebersole Born in Portland, Oregon, and raised in Denver, Colorado, Gillian Ebersole (they/them) is a dancer and choreographer, as well as a poet, dance writer, and researcher. Gillian graduated Summa Cum Laude from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles with a dual degree in Dance and English. Performed on stages in Los Angeles, Denver, and Paris, as well as across Berkshire County, their choreographic work merges a love for language and for movement. Gillian trained with Denver contemporary dance company Wonderbound, Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company, Whyteberg, Gibney, and Bill T. Jones. Most recently, Gillian has performed and presented work at multiple venues in Berkshire County, including Jacob’s Pillow, The Foundry, and Chesterwood. Drawn to the communal embodied experience. Gillian is a certified yoga instructor and has taught both dance and yoga in studios and community spaces. After moving to Western Massachusetts to work for Jacob’s Pillow, Gillian became a Teaching Artist Fellow as part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council Creative Youth Development program. Currently, Gillian works for Berkshire Pulse as the Youth Performing Arts Program Coordinator and is proud to be a member of their Modern Dance Faculty. Information Source: seeing rainbows | eventbrite

This is a purposefully inclusive class designed to meet you where you are. A mix of weighted, and body weight movements along with agility and balance, with pacing to improve cardio and heart health. Core targeted throughout with occasional hyper focused core work. What to Bring: Shorts, Tee Shirt, Sweatshirt, Water Bottle, shoes you can move comfortably in (& are your indoor shoes that do not have road/sidewalk salt, sand, or mud on them). Instructor Todd DiMario has been a certified trainer in Berkshire county for over a decade. In addition to strength and conditioning, many of my clients also train for “life strength”, which gives them greater confidence, flexibility and balance. I am certified in Functional Movement Screen (FMS). I use this detailed screening process to create a base point of a client’s agility and overall condition. FMS allows me to assess clients accurately. I focus the training to eliminate/improve asymmetries that people have developed through the years, bringing people into balance. Clean, full range movements make it possible to train hard, and avoid injury. I know which exercises have an impact, and how to sequence them safely. That is where the finesse of personal training comes into play. Information Source: Q-MoB (Queer Men of the Berkshires) | eventbrite

High Intensity Interval Training is the gold-standard of ultra-efficient functional movement training that helps you build cardio capacity, strength, agility, burn fat, and increase your mood and your metabolic efficiency. It is one of the most well-studied fitness techniques that has been shown to help prevent or reduce symptoms of heart disease, diabetes, depression, obesity, and even chronic pain. This class is challenging in a really fun way. What to Bring: Shorts, Tee Shirt, Sweatshirt, Water Bottle, shoes you can move comfortably in (& that are your indoor shoes that do not have road/sidewalk salt, sand, or mud on them). Instructor: Will Stanley Personal Trainer, Group Instructor, and TONE Coordinator My greatest passion is helping people develop self-confidence and a lifelong love for fitness. Fitness has been a cornerstone of my life since childhood. In my early 20s, I became a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter. During my 11 years in the MMA world, I learned new ways of moving my body and navigating through tough challenges. This journey instilled in me a deep respect and appreciation for my body and its capabilities. It naturally led me to bodybuilding and becoming a personal trainer. I love sharing my passion for fitness with people of all ages and witnessing the profound benefits it brings to their lives. Information Source: Q-MoB (Queer Men of the Berkshires) | eventbrite

High Intensity Interval Training is the gold-standard of ultra-efficient functional movement training that helps you build cardio capacity, strength, agility, burn fat, and increase your mood and your metabolic efficiency. It is one of the most well-studied fitness techniques that has been shown to help prevent or reduce symptoms of heart disease, diabetes, depression, obesity, and even chronic pain. This class is challenging in a really fun way. What to Bring: Shorts, Tee Shirt, Sweatshirt, Water Bottle, shoes you can move comfortably in (& that are your indoor shoes that do not have road/sidewalk salt, sand, or mud on them). Instructor: Will Stanley Personal Trainer, Group Instructor, and TONE Coordinator My greatest passion is helping people develop self-confidence and a lifelong love for fitness. Fitness has been a cornerstone of my life since childhood. In my early 20s, I became a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter. During my 11 years in the MMA world, I learned new ways of moving my body and navigating through tough challenges. This journey instilled in me a deep respect and appreciation for my body and its capabilities. It naturally led me to bodybuilding and becoming a personal trainer. I love sharing my passion for fitness with people of all ages and witnessing the profound benefits it brings to their lives. DONATEORBECOME A MONTHLY SUSTAINING MEMBER: Please donate $10-$20 to help assure Q-MoB can continue to offer more than 25 activities & multiple resources & services to rural queer men all over the region. If you attend 2 or more Q-MoB events/month, please consider becoming a monthly sustaining donor member. By donating $25, $50, $75, or $100/month you can help to sustain the incredible variety of activities, services, and resources Q-MoB provides and assure all of these activities are accessible to men regardless of their age, income, or ability,and best of all you can avoid having to donate at each and every event you attend. Monthly Sustaining Members pay only once a month and then can attend all our activities with no further donation. Information Source: Q-MoB (Queer Men of the Berkshires) | eventbrite

This is a purposefully inclusive class designed to meet you where you are. No matter what your age, movement can help keep you healthy and protect you from injury. The aim of this class is to build muscular strength, coordination, and balance at a slow and safe pace. INSTRUCTOR: Rebecca Carberry is an ACE-certified trainer with an associate degree in Physical Fitness. If you’re ready to push yourself in a positive and supportive environment, I’m here to help. I prioritize functional fitness to improve your everyday living with increased strength, flexibility, and balance. What to Bring: Shorts, Tee Shirt, Sweatshirt, Water Bottle, shoes you can move comfortably in. Information Source: Q-MoB (Queer Men of the Berkshires) | eventbrite

This movement class for trans and nonbinary folx takes a gentle somatic approach to breath, movement, and self-expression. The class will incorporate improvisation and basic dance technique to explore an all-levels approach to moving and grooving. Beginning with a guided improvisational warm-up, the class will build energy and heat through passes across the floor and opportunities to workshop movement in the center. Each class will end with a short phrase exploration or dance-making prompt. Alternatives will be provided to accommodate all levels of movers. Participants are encouraged to wear pants and long sleeves for ease of movement, and class will be taught in socks or barefoot. Our instructor for this class will be Berkshire Pulse Youth Performing Arts Program Coordinator Gillian Ebersole. Trans Dance Class is inclusive of anyone who identifies as not-the-gender-they-were-assigned-at-birth, so trans, nonbinary, and all gender-nonconforming folx are welcomed. The class is for ages 12-adult, and children under the age of 12 are welcome to accompany their trans/nonbinary parents. Questions may be directed to info@seeingrainbows.org or berkshire.pulse@gmail.com. FREE - General Admission $25 - Suggested donation (for those who can afford it) $50 - Sponsoring donation (if you can afford to cover the cost of another attendee) About Gillian Ebersole Born in Portland, Oregon, and raised in Denver, Colorado, Gillian Ebersole (they/them) is a dancer and choreographer, as well as a poet, dance writer, and researcher. Gillian graduated Summa Cum Laude from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles with a dual degree in Dance and English. Performed on stages in Los Angeles, Denver, and Paris, as well as across Berkshire County, their choreographic work merges a love for language and for movement. Gillian trained with Denver contemporary dance company Wonderbound, Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company, Whyteberg, Gibney, and Bill T. Jones. Most recently, Gillian has performed and presented work at multiple venues in Berkshire County, including Jacob’s Pillow, The Foundry, and Chesterwood. Drawn to the communal embodied experience. Gillian is a certified yoga instructor and has taught both dance and yoga in studios and community spaces. After moving to Western Massachusetts to work for Jacob’s Pillow, Gillian became a Teaching Artist Fellow as part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council Creative Youth Development program. Currently, Gillian works for Berkshire Pulse as the Youth Performing Arts Program Coordinator and is proud to be a member of their Modern Dance Faculty. Information Source: seeing rainbows | eventbrite