Amherst College president stresses continued synergy between campus, downtown

A cinematic homecoming: Director Jay Craven to host Q&A for locally filmed ‘Lost Nation’ at Greenfield Garden Cinemas

The historical drama filmed partially in Colrain and Leyden in 2022 is getting something of a homecoming this month when it plays at the Greenfield Garden Cinemas. “Lost Nation” is slated for a screening at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 20, followed by a question-and-answer session with director Jay Craven. “We love the Q&As, because they are about the film and, of course, about the history,” he said. Kingdom County Productions, which Craven co-founded in Vermont with his wife, Bess O’Brien, wrapped up filming in May 2022, having visited Colrain and Leyden the previous month. “We’ve been touring it now for two […]

Book Review: ‘What Do I Feed the Birds?’: Bernardston author releases guide to attract feathered friends

For Kelley Manson, bird-loving is only natural. Listen to their songs. Revel in the colors of their feathers. Be quiet, and let them talk. Birds invite you into the moment. “With all the stress and chaos in the world, birds are calming, and visually beautiful, and they help us relax and maybe escape a bit […]

A ‘Moonage Daydream’ comes true: Transformance benefit concert brings David Bowie and other cosmic tributes to the Pines Theater

Local musicians are over the moon about an upcoming space-themed benefit concert in Northampton. Transformance, previously known as Transperformance, will return this year to the Pines Theater at Look Park in Florence on Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. The show features local musicians performing 10-minute sets as well-known artists. Transformance raises money […]

A ‘music utopia’ revisited: Pendrift brings its eclectic, unscripted sound back to the Valley

After debuting more than half a century ago, the band Pendrift will reunite this weekend. The group will take the stage at Outlook Farm in Westhampton on Sunday, Aug. 16, from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring guitarist and vocalist Al Fuller, drummer Chet Pasek, bassist Jim “Chetz” Keegan and keyboardist Steve Sienkiewicz. While it is […]

‘This is my way of giving back’: Easthampton breast cancer survivor knits comfort and dignity for fellow fighters

About two years ago, Marthe Young was shopping online. Instead of filling her cart with the typical clothes, toiletries and household staples, the Easthampton resident was searching for a prosthetic. Young was recovering from a mastectomy following a breast cancer diagnosis that had hit as a “total surprise.” “When I went back to work, I […]