dance, theater, and spoken word events. With a capacity ranging from 75 to 275 within its various spaces, Saint James Place offers an intimate yet grand atmosphere for artists and audiences alike. Tickets are general admission. Upcoming performances include Crescendo: Body & Soul- Cavalieri ' s Rapressentatione di Anima e di Corpo( May 11), Vocalis Youth Choir( June 7), A Jewish Journey Through Broadway Part I: 1980-2025( June 27), and A Jewish Journey Through Broadway Part II: 1980-2025( June 28).
The Stationery Factory 63 Flansburg Ave., Dalton stationery-factory. com 413-659-6299
The Stationery Factory in Dalton is a premier live music venue located in the heart of the Berkshires, providing an exceptional sound and lighting experience in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Featuring two versatile performance spaces, it hosts both intimate gatherings and larger shows, accommodating anywhere from 20 to 600 guests. Since 2017, The Stationery Factory has been a staple of the local music scene, showcasing a diverse lineup of original folk, rock, blues, Americana, indie, jazz, and bluegrass artists, along with popular tribute acts. A full bar service is available, and most performances offer two tiers of general admission seating. A large dance floor is situated up front, which often fills up during more dance-oriented performances. Co-owners Steve Sears and Maria Cruz, along with Abe and Lisa Guthrie, who book the performances, as well as the volunteers create a great experience for the guests. There’ s a blend of original and tribute bands.“ It’ s a wonderful venue with excellent acoustics and a great atmosphere,” shares Rich Rowe, a fan of the venue who lives in Dalton. Upcoming performances include Dead Collective( May 8), The Refrigerators( May 17), Crazy Train( May 31), Will Evans( May 2), Reed Foehl( May 30), DIAMOND- The Songs of Neil Diamond( June 7), Grateful Dread
( June 12), and Whiskey City and Friends( June 21). Chris Merenda of Picky Bastards and The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow performs on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month.
Studio 9 18 Veazie St., North Adams studio9porches. com
Located on the The Porches Inn campus. Studio 9 is a recording studio and intimate performance venue. With seating for up to 85 and a standing capacity of 100, it provides an exceptional listening experience in a visually stunning space. Since 2019, it has hosted an expanding lineup of performances, artist showcases, and collaborative events, including the Railway Café series supported by the FreshGrass Foundation. Audiences can look forward to an eclectic mix of roots, Americana, bluegrass, experimental classical, and electronic music. Studio 9 also hosts a popular open mic series. Tickets are available online in advance, with prices increasing on the day of the show. Upcoming performances include the G Rockwell Band( April 25), Mary Ann Palermo and Dave Smith’ s In the Night Album Release Performance( May 3), and High Horse with Kat Wallace( May 10).
Tourists 915 State Rd., North Adams Touristswelcome. com 413-347-4995
Tourists, a modern motor hotel in North Adams, offers a unique live music experience through its Sing for Your Slumber program. The hotel provides a welcoming retreat for touring musicians, inviting them to stay and enjoy great food in exchange for performing a 75-minute set in the listening room or outdoors during the summer. Curated and produced by partner and co-founder Eric Kerns, who leverages the connections of co-partner John Stirratt, bassist for Wilco, this 50-seat venue attracts touring artists who typically perform in much larger venues, such as Rachael Price of Lake Street Dive and J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. Arrive early( shows begin at 8 p. m.), as there are no tickets— just a donation bucket and merch for sale. The audience comprises a diverse mix of dedicated regulars, hotel guests, and locals. Tourists embraces a wide array of genres, from rock and Americana to jazz and classical, offering an unforgettable listening experience.“ Enjoying music at Tourists is one of Northern Berkshire’ s coziest pleasures,” says Williamstown music lover Elizabeth Whitney.“ The excellent musical offerings are eclectic, offered in an intimate setting reminiscent of someone’ s living room. If a casual, hip vibe with simple food offerings is your thing, these shows are worth adding to your rotation.” Upcoming performances include Charlotte Cornfield & Sima Cunningham( May 4), Mike Frazier( May 10), Butter Bird( May 18), Sisi Berry( June 1), Blue Cactus( June 23), and Rich Hinman vs. Adam Levy( June 29).
These are just some of the many incredible live music venues that make Berkshire County a vibrant destination for music lovers. Other noteworthy spots include the new Indigo Room at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington; Antimony Brewing in Lenox; Balderdash Cellars in Richmond, where guests can enjoy live music every weekend afternoon against the stunning backdrop of Richmond Pond; Dottie’ s Coffee Lounge in Pittsfield, known for its lively Sunday brunch performances; and Methuselah Bar and Lounge, also in Pittsfield, which regularly hosts talented musicians in an intimate setting. No matter your taste, there’ s a venue and sound for everyone. Most importantly, remember to support these spaces and the artists who bring them to life— by attending shows, spreading the word, and celebrating the rich, diverse music scene that makes the Berkshires so special. n
Mark Greenlaw is creator and content director of Music in the Berkshires, an Old Mill Road Media online publication. musicintheberkshires. com
42 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Holiday May / June 2023 2025
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