Week Of
June 29, 2008

 HillTowns Online Business Directory, Activities, Events & News for the Berkshire HillTowns

 

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Rep. Guyer Secures $600,000 for Keystone Arches 

Boston- State Representative Denis Guyer (D-Dalton) announced today that $600,000 has been designated for the renovation of the Keystone Arch Bridges as part of the Massachusetts House of Representatives’ Transportation Bond Bill.  The bill will invest $1.5 billion into the infrastructure projects in the Commonwealth.  
The Keystone Arch Bridges are located on the West Branch of the Westfield River in the towns of Becket, Middlefield, and Chester.  These stone arch bridges were constructed in 1841 to allow trains to pass over the river.  Today, the Keystone Arch Bridge Trail provides recreational opportunities on the abandoned river crossings.  This earmark will be used for a project to restore the aging bridges. 
“The Keystone arches are not only an historic and amazing piece of engineering history, but also provide a great opportunity for people now and of future generations to enjoy the natural beauty of the Westfield River,” said Guyer.    
“We deeply appreciate the efforts of Representative Guyer to secure crucial funding for our project,” Christopher Curtis, Chief Planner for the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and project manager for the Keystone Arch Bridges project noted.  “This funding will enable the full restoration of the Keystone Arch Bridges to be completed in a timely manner, and preserve these national historic treasures for the public to enjoy.”  
“The Keystone Arch Bridges and surrounding landscape prominently beckon to the forefront as being one of the most remarkable areas along this National Wild & Scenic Westfield River,” stated Robert Thompson, Chair of the Westfield River Wild & Scenic Advisory Committee.  “As one of the contributing historic resources which led to the Westfield River's National Wild & Scenic designation, the restoration of these extraordinary bridges is critically important.  This funding will insure the protection of these national treasures.”

Berkshire Taconic Announces New Grants for Community Initiatives  in Central Berkshires 

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation today announced that its Central Berkshire Fund is offering two-year grants of up to $38,000 for nonprofit initiatives that support health, education, culture, environment, childcare or human services in Dalton, Hinsdale, Peru, Becket, Cummington, Windsor and Washington, MA.
"This community impact grant, which is being funded by an anonymous donor, gives the fund the opportunity to significantly help residents of the central Berkshire region, said John Kittredge, chair of the advisory committee of the Central Berkshire Fund.
The community impact grant may be one grant of $38,000 or two of lesser amounts. Organizations that apply for the community impact grant remain eligible to apply to the annual grant program of the Central Berkshire Fund. 
Funded projects must begin on or after January 1, 2009; project funding concludes on December 31, 2010 at the latest.
To apply, nonprofit groups must submit a letter of interest to Berkshire Taconic by May 31.  The advisory committee of the Central Berkshire Fund will review the letters and select two to four projects to be developed into full proposals.  The committee must receive full proposals by September 1 and will announce grant recipients in January 2009.
Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation builds stronger communities and improves the quality of life for all residents in the region it serves: Berkshire County, MA; Columbia County and northeast Dutchess County, NY; and northwest Litchfield County, CT.  Founded in 1987, Berkshire Taconic currently has over 500 funds and manages more than $84 million in assets.  Each year, it distributes more than $7 million through grants and scholarships, helping thousands of donors achieve their philanthropic goal and hundreds of nonprofits carry on their good work.

Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival Announces 76th Season

THE 76TH SEASON PERFORMERS 

2008 Season Opening Gala

The season kicks off with a gala on Saturday, June 14, featuring Garth Fagan Dance, which opens the season a few days after the gala, as well as an exclusive solo appearance by eminent choreographer and dancer Bill T. Jones.  Additionally, Ballet Austin Artistic Director Stephen Mills presents a world premiere performed by the dancers of the Ballet Program of The School at Jacob’s Pillow, and a special montage of film clips from the Pillow Archives will be screened. The evening includes cocktails, dinner, a live auction, and dancing to live music on the Pillow’s Great Lawn.  Additional performers and personalities to be announced. Call 413.243.9919 ext. 24 for more information and to purchase tickets.

Garth Fagan Dance
June 18 – 22
Ted Shawn Theatre
 

Garth Fagan Dance returns to Jacob’s Pillow with Griot New York, an eight-part evening-length work rarely seen in its entirety.  With music composed by jazz legend Wynton Marsalis and sets by noted sculptor Martin Puryear, Griot New York is often cited as choreographer Garth Fagan’s greatest creation. The term “griot” refers to honored West African storytellers, poets, or musicians, and this work explores contemporary urban life as well as human anguish, exaltation, and triumph.  Jamaican-born Fagan, widely known for his Tony Award-winning choreography for Broadway’s The Lion King, marries African, Caribbean, modern, and ballet movement in a dance language that is recognizably unique. (This program includes brief partial nudity.)
Tickets are $58; Jacob’s Pillow subscribers receive discounts.
Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob’s Pillow Scholars-in-Residence are offered at Blake’s Barn 30 minutes before every performance.
On Thursday, June 19, artistic personnel from Garth Fagan Dance participate in a moderated Post-Show Talk directly following the evening performance. For additional information visit www.jacobspillow.org or www.garthfagandance.org.

Compagnie Heddy Maalem
June 25 - 29
France/Africa
Ted Shawn Theatre
 

Choreographer Heddy Maalem’s precise yet unrestrained movement style delivers a new and contemporary interpretation of Stravinsky’s timeless score, The Rite of Spring (Le Sacre du Printemps). Created for fourteen dancers from the African continent, including Mali, Benin, Nigeria, and Senegal, with striking imagery from award-winning French filmmaker Benoit Dervaux, Maalem’s contemporary take on this classic re-imagines the danger and celebration of nature’s rebirth. 
Tickets are $58; Jacob’s Pillow subscribers receive discounts.
Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob’s Pillow Scholars-in-Residence are offered at Blake’s Barn 30 minutes before every performance.
On Thursday, June 26, artistic personnel from Compagnie Heddy Maalem will participate in a moderated Post-Show Talk directly following the evening performance. For additional information visit www.jacobspillow.org or www.heddymaalem.com.  

Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company
June 26 – 29 and July 3 – 6
TWO WEEK ENGAGEMENT
Live Music
Doris Duke Studio Theatre 

Tony Award-winning Bill T. Jones presents Chapel/Chapter, an exploration of society’s negotiation with the news of the world and everyday life. This acclaimed production, which won a 2007 Bessie Award, is performed in-the-round, as it was originally conceived, transporting the audience into an intimate and affecting theatrical experience. This unusual two-week engagement features a live ensemble of two classically trained singers, a cellist, and a “voicestrumentalist,” with a score composed and arranged by Daniel Bernard Roumain, Christopher Antonio William Lancaster, Alicia Hall Moran, and Lawrence “Lipbone” Redding.  (This program includes adult content.)
Tickets are $45; Jacob’s Pillow subscribers receive discounts.  
Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob’s Pillow Scholars-in-Residence are offered on the Doris Duke Studio Theatre Porch 30 minutes before every performance.
On Friday, June 27 and Friday, July 4, artistic personnel from Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company participate in a moderated Post-Show Talk directly following the evening performance.
 For additional information visit www.jacobspillow.org or www.billtjones.org.

Lar Lubovitch Dance Company
July 2 – 6
Ted Shawn Theatre 

The great American contemporary dancemaker Lar Lubovitch celebrates his company’s 40th anniversary with a special program that includes Concerto 622, Little Rhapsodies, and Dvorak Serenade. The company has significant history at the Pillow, having been championed in 1971 by Pillow founder Ted Shawn himself and since then appearing here in 1980, 1981, 1991, and 2004.  Rasta Thomas, formerly of the Kirov Ballet, Twyla Tharp’s Movin’ Out on Broadway, and known for launching the Bad Boys of Dance last season at the Pillow, performs with the company.
Tickets are $58; Jacob’s Pillow subscribers receive discounts. $10 Youth matinee tickets.
Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob’s Pillow Scholars-in-Residence are offered at Blake’s Barn 30 minutes before every performance.
On Thursday, July 3, artistic personnel from Lar Lubovitch Dance Company will participate in a moderated Post-Show Talk directly following the evening performance. For additional information visit www.jacobspillow.org or www.lubovitch.org.  

Hofesh Shechter Company
July 9 – 13
United States Company Debut
Live Music
England
Pillow Exclusive Program
Ted Shawn Theatre 

Jacob’s Pillow presents Israeli-born Hofesh Shechter, one of London’s most dynamic young contemporary choreographers, in his company’s U.S. debut with Uprising, a work that addresses themes of power and rebellion, and In your rooms, a recent new work co-produced by prestigious London venues The Place, South Bank Centre, and Sadler’s Wells.  These two energy-charged dances connect with audiences with their dramatic and physical intensity. Called “the most important new dance work to be created in Britain since the millennium” by The Observer, In your rooms features an original music score composed by Shechter himself, performed live.
Tickets are $58; Jacob’s Pillow subscribers receive discounts.
Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob’s Pillow Scholars-in-Residence are offered at Blake’s Barn 30 minutes before every performance.
On Thursday, July 10, Hofesh Shechter Company artistic personnel participate in a Post-Show Talk directly following the evening performance. For additional information visit www.jacobspillow.org or www.hofesh.co.uk.  

Natural Dance Theatre and Ko & Edge Company
July 10 – 13
United States Company Debut of Natural Dance Theatre
United States Premieres
Japan
Doris Duke Studio Theatre
 

The range, diversity and inventiveness of Japanese contemporary dance-theatre is celebrated in this double bill program. First, Natural Dance Theatre makes its U.S. debut with Alice, transporting audiences to a strange and humorous wonderland, and exploring the differences between imagination and reality.  Then, choreographer Ko Murobushi, one of the most prominent names in Japan’s iconoclastic Butoh art form, presents Ko & Edge Company in the U.S. premiere of Dead 1, a journey into the strange, intense, and beautiful world of Butoh.  (This program includes partial nudity.)
Tickets are $29; Jacob’s Pillow subscribers receive discounts.
Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob’s Pillow Scholars-in-Residence are offered on the Doris Duke Studio Theatre Porch 30 minutes before every performance.
On Friday, July 11, artistic personnel from Natural Dance Theatre and Ko & Edge Company will participate in a moderated Post-Show Talk directly following the evening performance. For additional information visit www.jacobspillow.org

Ballet Boyz
July 16 – 20
United States Premieres
England
Ted Shawn Theatre 

Former stars of The Royal Ballet, Ballet Boyz founders Michael Nunn and William Trevitt have swiftly established themselves as leaders in innovative contemporary dance. They come to the Pillow with a cast of both male and female dancers and a diverse repertory showcasing some of today’s most adventurous European choreographers including three U.S. premieres; award-winning Russell Maliphant’s Broken Fall, Raphael Bonachela’s Amox, and Craig Revel Horwood's Yumba vs Nonino, a brand new tango work with music by Astor Piazzolla.  Nunn and Trevitt are well-known for short films that pepper their performances, adding life and humor to the show and demystifying the art of ballet.
Tickets are $58; Jacob’s Pillow subscribers receive discounts.
Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob’s Pillow Scholars-in-Residence are offered at Blake’s Barn 30 minutes before every performance.
On Thursday, July 17, Ballet Boyz artistic personnel participate in a moderated Post-Show Talk directly following the evening performance. For additional information visit www.jacobspillow.org or www.balletboyz.com.

T.P.O. (Teatro d’Piazza d’Occasione)
July 17 – 20
Italy
Doris Duke Studio Theatre 

T.P.O. (Teatro d’Piazza d’Occasione), a visual theatre dance company from Tuscany, takes interactivity to a new level with two different programs, The Japanese Garden and The Painted Garden.  Dancers perform on an elaborate, technologically sensored ‘carpet,’ and each body contact activates a new and different light, sound or image. Through narration and movement, this interactive program invites audiences, seated close to the action, to explore the relationship among dance, animated images, perception of space and the dynamics of childhood play.
Tickets are $29; Jacob’s Pillow subscribers receive discounts. Youth tickets are $10 for ALL performances.
Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob’s Pillow Scholars-in-Residence are offered on the Doris Duke Studio Theatre Porch 30 minutes before every performance.
On Friday, July 18, artistic personnel from T.P.O. participate in a moderated Post-Show Talk directly following the evening performance. For additional information visit www.jacobspillow.org or www.tpo.it.  

Jacob’s Pillow Community Day
Sunday, July 20, 10am – 1pm 

Jacob’s Pillow hosts its twelfth annual Community Day, with free performances, dance workshops, crafts, family friendly games and activities, giveaways, and an Archives bazaar with unique items.  This event invites all ages to appreciate dance in many forms as the entire Pillow site becomes an “open campus,” in a community-wide celebration of dance. 

Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet
July 23 – 27
Ted Shawn Theatre 

Called “one of the few bona fide visionaries in the ballet world today” by the San Francisco Chronicle, Alonzo King brings his aptly named company to the Pillow. The program includes Migration: The hierarchical migration of birds and mammals, a work that investigates awakenings of numerous varieties, with music by jazz innovator, Pharoah Sanders; and RASA, with music by the renowned tabla master Zakir Hussain, which premiered in November of 2007.  After 25 years of dance-making, King continues to create work that takes the exacting rigor and beauty of classical ballet to an utterly contemporary place.
Tickets are $58; Jacob’s Pillow subscribers receive discounts.  $10 Youth matinee tickets.
Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob’s Pillow Scholars-in-Residence are offered at Blake’s Barn 30 minutes before every performance.
On Thursday, July 24, LINES Ballet artistic personnel participate in a Post-Show Talk directly following the evening performance. For additional information visit www.jacobspillow.org or www.linesballet.org.

Conny Janssen Danst
July 24 – 27
The Netherlands
Doris Duke Studio Theatre 

Conny Janssen Danst’s Rebound makes its East Coast premiere at the Pillow.  This unusual and witty contemporary work explores what happens when six men are trapped by three, ten-foot tall padded white walls.  As they interact, Janssen’s dancers are athletic, technically impressive, funny, and real, tackling intricate contemporary movement with the grace and precision of ballet dancers.  Janssen creates a dance language that is supple, virtuosic and surprising, and has been recognized as an important artist in The Netherlands and throughout Europe.    
Tickets are $29; Jacob’s Pillow subscribers receive discounts.  $10 Youth matinee tickets. Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob’s Pillow Scholars-in-Residence are offered on the Doris Duke Studio Theatre Porch 30 minutes before every performance.
On Friday, July 25, artistic personnel from Conny Janssen Danst participate in a moderated Post-Show Talk directly following the evening performance. For additional information visit www.jacobspillow.org or www.connyjanssendanst.nl.

Mimulus
July 30 – August 3
United States Premiere
Brazil
Ted Shawn Theatre 

After making its American debut at the Pillow in 2007, Mimulus, the Brazilian dance troupe whose vernacular is Latin social dance, returns by popular demand to the Ted Shawn Theatre.  Described by The New York Times as offering “infectious wit and energy as well as intriguing dance invention,” Mimulus presents the U.S. premiere of Dolores.  Inspired by the films of director Pedro Almodóvar, Dolores is a life-affirming work about absurdity, desire, elegance and kitsch, and life’s big and little pleasures and pains.
Tickets are $58; Jacob’s Pillow subscribers receive discounts. 
Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob’s Pillow Scholars-in-Residence are offered at Blake’s Barn 30 minutes before every performance.
On Thursday, July 31, Mimulus artistic personnel participate in a moderated Post-Show Talk directly following the evening performance. For additional information visit www.jacobspillow.org.  

David Michalek’s Slow Dancing
July 31 – August 3
Pillow Exclusive Program
Doris Duke Studio Theatre 

The New York Times calls filmmaker and photographer David Michalek’s Slow Dancing "…an unforgettable dance-meets-film-technology evening."  Seen in the U.S. as a giant outdoor installation at the Lincoln Center Festival, Jacob’s Pillow presents an exclusive theatrical version of Slow Dancing, demonstrating the beauty of dance, dancers, and the body in motion.  The dancers’ short movement phrases are captured at 1,000 frames per second in hyper-slow-motion video portraits and contrasted with live performances of the portraits, in real time.   Jill Johnson of The Forsythe Company (William Forsythe, artistic director), and classical Indian dancer Shantala Shivalingappa are among the artists who appear live and on screen.  The program includes commentary with Michalek and the artists on stage.
Tickets are $29; Jacob’s Pillow subscribers receive discounts. 
Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob’s Pillow Scholars-in-Residence are offered on the Doris Duke Studio Theatre Porch 30 minutes before every performance.
On Friday, July 25, Slow Dancing artistic personnel participate in a moderated Post-Show Talk directly following the evening performance. For additional information visit www.jacobspillow.org or www.slowdancingfilms.com.

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Town Hall Information
557 Main St.
Becket, MA 01223
Ph: 413-623-8934
Fax: 413-623-6036
Hours:
Monday  - 12  p.m. to 4:30  p.m.
Tuesday & Friday -  8:30 a.m. to 1  p.m.
Wednesday - 12  p.m. to 8  p.m.
Website: www.townofbecket.org

Assessors
- Office Hours - 7:30 a.m. - 3:30  p.m. or by appointment.
Conservation Commission - 3rd Thursday, 6:30  p.m.
Council on Aging - 2nd Thursday, 1:00  p.m.
Finance Committee - As Needed
Board of Health - Every Wednesday, 7:00  p.m. to 9:00  p.m.
Historical Commission - 1st Wednesday, 7:00  p.m.
Parks Commission - 3rd Wednesday, 7:30  p.m.
Planning Board - 2nd Wednesday, 7:00  p.m.
Recreation Committee - As Needed
Selectmen - Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 7:00  p.m.
Zoning Board of Appeals - 1st Tuesday, 7:00  p.m.

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Becket Country Store & Café
609 Main Street (Rte. 8)
Between the Town Hall & Post Office
Becket, MA 01223
See Our Ad Here
Ph: 413-623-5500
Fax: 413-623-5510
Call ahead for quick & convenient service. We have Daily Specials - Call us Today!!

Berkshire Timber Frames
612 Main Street
Becket, MA 01223
See Our Ad Here
Ph: 413-623-5588   
Fax: 413-623-6125

Email: info@berkshiretimberframes.com
Website: www.berkshiretimberframes.com

Gile Real Estate
Beth VanNess
612 Main Street
Becket, MA 01223
Ph: 413-623-5839
Fax: 413-623-6125
See Our Ad Here
Email: beth@gilerealestate.com
Website: www.GileRealEstate.com

Hilltown Webs
594 Main Street
Becket, MA 01223
Ph: 413-623-5488
See Our Ad Here
Email: mavericklady1@gulfaccess.net
Website: www.hilltownwebs.com

Mass Call / Volunteer Firefighters Assoc.
See Our Ad Here
Website: www.mcvfaTravel.com

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Social Group

A singles group located in Berkshire County dedicated to promoting the personal enrichment of it's members by offering cultural, recreational and educational events to area singles in a relaxed and friendly environment. With no membership fees, our group is open to all area singles interested in building a support network of single friends. Events are member-hosted and cover a wide range of interests. Join us at an event soon. Call 413-441-9490 or email:  Destiny5839@yahoo.com .

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Crystal Pond Beavers

Information on Fisher Cats

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Local Students Participate in Model Solar Car Northeast Championship

"Where are tomorrow's inventors, tomorrow's engineers? Where are tomorrow's technological trouble-shooters and scientists? Where are tomorrow's out of the box thinkers? I say they are RIGHT HERE TODAY!", states an exuberant Arianna Alexsandra Collins, Education Director of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, "Remember you are already winners! Be proud of yourselves!" And they were.
Nessacus Regional Middle School students Nathan Sears, Christian Pickwell, Ryan Parker and Kyle Miller, of Dalton, MA, won first place in Speed in their regional race earning them an invitation to attend the regional championship. They competed with their model car at the Northeast Regional Junior Solar Sprint Championship, Sunday, June 8 in Springfield, MA.
109 top-performing middle school student teams from across the Northeast, over 275 students, entered this year's Junior Solar Sprint Championship, run by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA). This year, students and race officials alike braved near 100 degrees temperatures to participate in this "cool" event or "hot" event as the case may be. Water and dual fan-spray bottles were on hand to cool off the guests.
Student teams competed for Speed and three design awards-Craftsmanship, Innovation, and Technical Merit. Additionally, awards were also given to Best Re-Use of Materials, for best re-use of recycled and recyclable materials in car construction, Kid's Choice, for most impressive car among competing students, and new this year is the Artistic Merit Award, for the most clever and visually appealing solar car. Throughout the day, students and parents alike investigated renewable energy exhibits including perennial favorites, a well-stocked solar-powered ice cream cooler and a sampling of solar ovens and other solar gadgetry. New this year was a peddle-powered grain grinder which was popular to try out despite the heat. And bless them for coming out in full formal uniform, the ROTC Color Guard from Commerce High School of Springfield, MA with Cadet Captain Christopher Rios singing the National Anthem.
"The Junior Solar Sprint program allows students to explore scientific concepts and technologies that can help our country address issues of global climate change, reduce air and water pollution, and reduce our dependence on foreign sources of fuel," notes Arianna Alexsandra Collins, NESEA's Education Director.  "It our sincerest hope that programs such as JSS provides opportunities for these students to become informed and pro-active citizens, infused with a team-spirit approach to face the challenges that lie ahead with dignity and resourcefulness."
Susan Reyes, Science Educator and Junior Solar Sprint Coordinator notes, "This is a teacher's dream!  Having students design and build a model solar car for competition is highly engaging and challenges kids to put their learning to practical use."
"Kids develop teamwork and problem solving abilities, investigate environmental issues, gain hands-on engineering skills, and use principals of science and math to get the fastest, most interesting, and best crafted vehicle possible," Reyes said.
The Northeast Junior Solar Sprint program is sponsored by the U.S. Army and is run by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA).  NESEA provides workshops for educators, subsidies for area events, and runs the Northeast Championship.  (See www.nesea.org/education/jss.)
NESEA is the nation's leading regional association involved in promoting awareness, understanding, and development of non-polluting, renewable energy technologies.  Its educational programs support innovative activities that involve K through 12th grade students and school systems in experiential learning about sustainable energy.}
Headquartered in Greenfield, MA, NESEA works in the fields of transportation, building construction and renewable energy.

Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival Announces 76th Season

Stockholm 59° North
August 6 – 10
World Premiere
Pillow Exclusive Program
Sweden
Ted Shawn Theatre 

The dancers of Stockholm 59° North are soloists of the Royal Swedish Ballet, one of the oldest dance companies in the world, who created their own troupe in order to perform new and contemporary works, predominantly choreographed by Swedish dancemakers.  Stockholm 59° North  made its  American debut at the Pillow in 1997, the company returns in a rare U.S. appearance with this exclusive program that includes  the world premiere of Cicada by choreographer Christina Caprioli;  The Apartment and Pointless Pastures, both by the iconic Mats Ek; and the powerful Castrati by Nacho Duato, of Spain.
Tickets are $58; Jacob’s Pillow subscribers receive discounts. 
Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob’s Pillow Scholars-in-Residence are offered at Blake’s Barn 30 minutes before every performance.
On Thursday, August 7, artistic personnel from Stockholm 59° North participate in a moderated Post-Show Talk directly following the evening performance. For additional information visit www.jacobspillow.org or www.stockholm59north.com.

Shantala Shivalingappa
August 7 – 10
Live Music
India
Doris Duke Studio Theatre 

The beauty of classical Indian dance and music in the quicksilver Kuchipudi tradition is embodied in Shantala Shivalingappa and her ensemble of master musicians. The Pillow presents Gamaka, a landscape of imagination, story-telling, dance and music in harmony.  Shivalingappa’s talent is recognized by some of the greatest artists of her time, and she has performed with the likes of Peter Brook, Bartabas, Maurice Béjart, and Pina Bausch. The Village Voice comments, "she's a wonder, accomplished in every aspect of this demanding form."  
Tickets are $29; Jacob’s Pillow subscribers receive discounts.  $10 Youth matinee tickets.
Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob’s Pillow Scholars-in-Residence are offered on the Doris Duke Studio Theatre Porch 30 minutes before every performance.
On Friday, August 8, artistic personnel from Shantala Shivalingappa’s ensemble participate in a moderated Post-Show Talk directly following the evening performance. For additional information visit www.jacobspillow.org or www.shantalashivalingappa.com.

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
August 13 – 17
Pillow Exclusive Program
Ted Shawn Theatre 

The grace and elegance of classical ballet coupled with a repertoire full of sharp new works makes Aspen Santa Fe Ballet one of the most eclectic contemporary ballet companies in the world today. Lauded by the Boston Herald as the “classically trained company of the future,” Aspen Santa Fe Ballet performs an exclusive East Coast program including Itzik Galili’s Chameleon with music by John Cage, William Forsythe’s Slingerland, and 1st Flash, by Jorma Elo.
Tickets are $58; Jacob’s Pillow subscribers receive discounts.  $10 Youth matinee tickets.
Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob’s Pillow Scholars-in-Residence are offered at Blake’s Barn 30 minutes before every performance.
On Thursday, August 14, artistic personnel from Aspen Santa Fe Ballet participate in a moderated Post-Show Talk directly following the evening performance. For additional information visit www.jacobspillow.org or www.aspensantafeballet.com.

Kate Weare Company and Maureen Fleming
August 14 – 17
World Premiere
Live Music
Pillow Exclusive Program
Doris Duke Studio Theatre 

The Pillow presents two very different and unusual artists from New York City in this exclusive double bill. Dubbed “wonderfully ingenious” by The Village Voice, Kate Weare presents the world premiere of Bridge of Sighs, created at Jacob’s Pillow during a recent Creative Development Residency.  A quartet for two women and two men, Bridge of Sighs looks at the instincts that drive people toward love. Performance artist Maureen Fleming’s world of “surreal movement poetry” transforms how audiences think of the human body and its communicative power.  The Baltimore Sun calls her, “part dance, part sculpture, and part dream.” Fleming’s program includes The Stairs, with a score by Phillip Glass, performed live by Peter Phillips, Dialogue of Self and Soul and Sphere.  (This program includes partial nudity.)
Tickets are $29; Jacob’s Pillow subscribers receive discounts. 
Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob’s Pillow Scholars-in-Residence are offered on the Doris Duke Studio Theatre Porch 30 minutes before every performance.
On Friday, August 15, Maureen Fleming and Kate Weare Company artistic personnel participate in a moderated Post-Show Talk directly following the evening performance. For additional information visit www.jacobspillow.org, www.kateweare.com, or www.maureenfleming.com.

Special Benefit Event: A Jazz Happening
August 17, 8pm
Live Music
Ted Shawn Theatre 

Chet Walker, who co-conceived the Tony Award-winning Fosse and serves as director of The School at Jacob’s Pillow’s Jazz/Musical Theatre Dance Program, brings a celebration of the art of Broadway jazz dance to the Pillow.  This benefit for The School at Jacob’s Pillow showcases The School’s professional-level dancers performing side-by-side with renowned Broadway artists and faculty musicians. The event debuted in 2007 and was an instant sellout; this year’s performance features a brand new mix of stars and students, to be announced, and includes a reception with the artists.  Tickets are $100.  

Trey McIntyre Project
August 20 - 24
Full-Time Company Debut
World Premiere
Ted Shawn Theatre 

Dubbed “one of ballet's most surprising talents” by The New York Times, Trey McIntyre launches his full-time company with this engagement.  With more than 70 ballets under his belt, and having brought his work to the Pillow’s Doris Duke Studio Theatre in 2005 and to the Ted Shawn Theatre in 2006, this au courant choreographer has decided to stake a permanent claim on the dance scene.  Formerly a temporary pick-up group, Trey McIntyre Project debuts as a fully employed company of performers with a program that includes a world premiere with music by renowned American folk artist, Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul and Mary.  McIntyre’s winning, accessible ballets appeal to all audiences, from the dance connoisseur to the novice.
Tickets are $58; Jacob’s Pillow subscribers receive discounts. 
Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob’s Pillow Scholars-in-Residence are offered at Blake’s Barn 30 minutes before every performance.
On Thursday, August 21, artistic personnel from Trey McIntyre Project participate in a moderated Post-Show Talk directly following the evening performance. For additional information visit www.jacobspillow.org or www.treymcintyre.com.

Keigwin + Company
August 21 – 24
Doris Duke Studio Theatre 

Dancer, choreographer, director, and Bessie Award-winner Larry Keigwin has performed his way from Broadway to cabaret to the Metropolitan Opera. His works, called “wonderful choreographic whirlwinds” by The New York Times, strike a note at the intersection of entertainment and insight.   Keigwin’s craftsmanship, versatility and wit are fully revealed with his own company, which performs Love Songs and other winning dances at Jacob’s Pillow this season.
 Tickets are $29; Jacob’s Pillow subscribers receive discounts. 
Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob’s Pillow Scholars-in-Residence are offered on the Doris Duke Studio Theatre Porch 30 minutes before every performance.
On Friday, August 22, artistic personnel from Keigwin + Company participate in a moderated Post-Show Talk directly following the evening performance. For additional information visit www.jacobspillow.org or www.larrykeigwin.com.
All casts and programs are subject to change.

2008 Ticketing Information
Subscriptions: Jacob’s Pillow subscribers receive early ordering and early renewal privileges, free ticket exchange (up to seven days prior to performance) and ticket discounts. New this season, the Pillow offers three subscription packages including a Full Season Subscription, in which subscribers are guaranteed the same seat for all ten shows in the Ted Shawn Theatre and/or all eight shows in the Doris Duke Studio Theatre, upon renewal; a Flex 5+ Subscription, in which subscribers create their own schedule choosing five or more performances, any day, any time; and a Youth Matinee Series, in which subscribers select five shows from designated matinee performances that may be more accessible for the whole family (recommended for children ages 8 – 16).   Jacob’s Pillow Members receive earliest ordering privileges as member subscriptions go on sale beginning February 11. Non-member subscription begins March 3.  Mail and fax pre-orders accepted now, Box Office live phone lines open March 3; Monday-Friday, 10am - 6pm, with additional hours during the Festival.  Box Office: 413.243.0745 (phone) or 413.243.0749 (fax).  For additional ticket policies, visit www.jacobspillow.org.
Single Ticketing: Jacob’s Pillow Member single ticketing begins March 31. Single ticket ordering opens to the public on April 7.  Specially priced $10 youth matinee tickets (recommended for children ages 8 – 16) are available for Saturday matinees of Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Conny Janssen Danst, Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Shantala Shivalingappa,  and all ten T.P.O. (Teatro d’Piazza d’Occasione) performances (matinee and evening).  Mail and fax pre-orders accepted now, online orders begin April 7, Box Office phone lines open March 3; Monday-Friday, 10am - 6pm, with additional hours during the Festival.  Box Office: 413.243.0745 (phone) or 413.243.0749 (fax).   For additional ticket policies, visit www.jacobspillow.org

Additional Offerings:
Inside/Out Series:  In addition to the more than 100 ticketed performances it presents each year, Jacob’s Pillow offers numerous other free activities and opportunities to enjoy dance. Of the more than 40 dance companies to be presented at Jacob’s Pillow in 2008, more than half can be seen performing on the Inside/Out Stage, a unique outdoor performance space nestled in the bucolic hills of the Berkshires, for free.  The curated Inside/Out series includes previews of Doris Duke Studio Theatre artists, presentations of emerging dance companies from all over the world, and showings by the professional-track students of The School at Jacob’s Pillow, Wednesdays through Saturdays during the season.  Performers to be announced, visit www.jacobspillow.org for additional information.
Exhibits and Archives:  Annual curated exhibits in four venues across the Pillow’s National Historic Landmark grounds display photographs, video, artifacts and other engaging visual material that enrich the visitor’s experience of dance.  The Archives, documenting dance and Pillow history from 1894 to the present, welcome both the general public and artistic and scholarly researchers to view videos of recent performances or historic films from years past, browse dance or related art and history books, and use the interactive kiosk with linked video clips spanning the Festival’s history. 
Talks:  More than 140 enlightening and informative talks range from in-depth hour-long PillowTalks, to brief Pre-Show Talks to orient audiences to the performance they are about to attend, and Post-Show Talks with the artists just after they step offstage, providing varied opportunities to gain insight from dancers, choreographers, musicians, filmmakers, visual designers, historians and other experts.
Tours, Classes, and More:  During the season, guided tours of the 163-acre campus leave from the Welcome Center every Friday and Saturday at 5:30pm, and patrons can pick up a self-guided tour map anytime to explore the grounds on their own.  Ted Shawn hosted the first Jacob’s Pillow patrons in the historic Tea Garden, adjoining the studio where his Men Dancers performed. The Tea Garden still welcomes visitors today; they can enjoy seasonal plantings and watch artist rehearsals through the doors of the adjacent Bakalar Studio.  Community dance, Pilates and yoga classes are offered Mondays – Fridays at 8am and are open to all experience levels (minimal class fee required). Master Classes with artists of the Doris Duke Studio Theatre are offered every Sunday for intermediate to advanced dancers.  For Festival Dance Class information call 413.243.9919, x10. Patrons are also welcome to visit The School at Jacob’s Pillow and observe renowned artist faculty working with emerging professional dancers, either on a drop-in basis or pre-arranged for groups larger than four.
Dining:  Jacob’s Pillow offers many dining options including the Pillow Café, a full-service open air restaurant on The Great Lawn; the Pillow Pub, offering casual fare, ready-to-go picnics, and a full bar; and the Coffee & Ice Cream Bar.  Many local visitors will bring a picnic lunch or dinner from home and dine on The Great Lawn or while taking in a performance on the Inside/Out stage. 
About Jacob’s Pillow:  Founded by modern dance legend Ted Shawn in 1933, Jacob’s Pillow celebrated its 75th Anniversary Season in 2007.   The Pillow is home to a world-renowned international dance Festival, presenting and commissioning works from dance artists and companies and supporting artists through Creative Development Residencies.  In 75 years, the Pillow has presented more than 1,050 different dance companies from throughout the world.  The School at Jacob’s Pillow encompasses a professional training program in the disciplines of Ballet, Cultural Traditions, Contemporary Traditions, Jazz/Musical Theatre Dance, and a Choreographers Lab, as well as an Intern Program.  Alumni of The School have gone on to perform with prestigious dance companies such as Merce Cunningham Dance Company, New York City Ballet, and on Broadway, and former interns have been employed at arts organizations including Mark Morris Dance Group, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and The British Council.  The Pillow’s extensive Archives, open year-round to the public free of charge, chronicle the often ephemeral and elusive art form of dance in correspondence, photographs, programs, board minutes, books, costumes, posters, films, audiotapes, and scrapbooks.   Jacob’s Pillow’s year-round Community Programs enrich the lives of children and adults, and are yet another part of the Pillow’s cultural legacy.  In 2003, Jacob's Pillow became the first and only dance entity in the U.S. to be declared a National Historic Landmark and in 2007, it was formally dedicated as a site on the Upper Housatonic Valley African American Heritage Trail.  For additional in-depth information regarding the history of Jacob’s Pillow, contact Mariclare Hulbert at 413.243.9919 ext. 29 or via email at mhulbert@jacobspillow.org.
As of January 2008, major support for Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival has been provided by: The Barrington Foundation; The Dana Foundation; Danish Arts Agency; Frances Alexander Foundation; The Marshall Frankel Foundation; The Howard Gilman Foundation; The Harkness Foundation for Dance; The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation; The Leir Charitable Foundations, in Memory of Henry J. Leir; The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; Mertz Gilmore Foundation; National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts; Evelyn Stefansson Nef Foundation; Netherland-America Foundation; Netherlands Culture Fund; New England Foundation for the Arts;  Bessie Pappas Charitable Foundation; The Prospect Hill Foundation;  Arch W. Shaw Foundation; The Shubert Foundation, Inc.; The Starr Foundation; The Surdna Foundation; Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency; Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism; National Endowment for the Arts; ALEX®; Ameriprise Financial; Big Y World Class Market; Capezio/Ballet Makers Dance Foundation; The Legacy Banks Foundation; Tourism Cares; The Pillow Business Alliance; and Jacob’s Pillow Members.
Major endowment support is provided by The Barrington Foundation; The William Randolph Hearst Foundation; The Leir Charitable Foundations, in Memory of Henry J. Leir; Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency; The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; Onota Foundation; The Prospect Hill Foundation; The Puffin Foundation; Arch W. Shaw Foundation; and the Talented Students in the Arts Initiative, a collaboration of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Surdna Foundation.