An Almost Spring Weekender March 8 – 10
owns the inn ) would take the reins at Race Brook . With his own artistic background in filmmaking and global music , this “ confluence of influences ,” as Casey puts it , has shaped the lodge ’ s eclectic spirit . Reflecting on its origin , he explains , “ Race Brook Lodge is named after a brook that ’ s named after a Dutch guy who came over the mountain because he was running from the tax collectors in the Hudson Valley .” Along with a targeted upgrade to a handful of the property ’ s 31 rooms , Casey is intent on weaving the antiquity and the family ’ s 30-year history here into a new cohesive brand .
Ongoing improvements reflect Race Brook ’ s evolution to appeal to a broader audience ; when it comes to programming and events , following the Music Inn ’ s approach towards community engagement is top priority for Casey . In fact , it was Rothstein ’ s attitude towards collective connection at the Music Inn that was the nexus for Race Brook ’ s new arts programmer , Alex Harvey .
Harvey met Rothstein on visits to the lodge during the pandemic . “ I was compelled by Casey ’ s father ’ s story . His completely open-hearted and experimental way of sharing work with the community was resonant with how I want to share work now — concerts , dance shows , films , literary readings , lectures , theatre pieces — all in the same rural , rustic , space .” After moving to the Berkshires with his family , the former theater director and acting teacher ( who is also a filmmaker , record producer , composer and seasoned musician ) met Casey , and the two hit it off right away , setting the stage for his role as the creative force behind event planning .
Their partnership is an integral piece of Race Brook ’ s vision . “ Alex is the first person who has come along whose taste I actually trust in the context of what we want to present here ,” says Casey . “ We ’ re not an everyday music venue . We ’ re curating very specifically .”
A key part of their vision involves bringing world-class artists to the Berkshires , but in a “ family style format ,” what Alex describes as “ hybridic experiences that feel personal and don ’ t create old boundaries of theater spaces of the past — doing our best to reach back to the analogue connection between people that ’ s possible when we get out from behind our screens and slow things down for an evening in the barn or in the club or on the porch .” Alex and Casey believe that the essence of Race Brook — the natural surroundings and the overall vibe — is one-of-a-kind . “ A true mix of hypnotic and homespun ,” as Alex puts it . These experiences aim to offer artists a retreat-like landing pad while on tour . The upcoming An Almost Spring Weekender will feature two days of global musicians and DJs guest curated by Edo Mor of Secret Planet in Northampton . Hosting artists and guests alike during the weekend of March 8 to 10 , the “ discovery-based music series ” is aimed at Western Mass residents looking to shake off their cabin fever . Also on the horizon is an evening of Son Jarocho music from Vera Cruz , Mexico , featuring the band Pulso de Barro . ( Stay tuned for the date .)
Family- and pet-friendly , Race Brook ’ s popular Friday Night Double Feature Film Series continues through March , including an evening with the inimitable Argentine filmmaker Lucrecia Martel and a special evening spotlighting stop motion animation films . On Wednesday nights , roots bands will host jam sessions with some of the best traditional musicians in the Berkshires , Hudson Valley , and northern Connecticut . Jazz Brunch is a Sunday afternoon staple at the Stagecoach Tavern that features a locally inspired menu . Many of the ingredients come from Mumbet ’ s Freedom Farm — a space located on property for education programs in organic agriculture , permaculture design , and ecological sustainability .
Both with families of their own , Alex and Casey ’ s commitment to community connection extends to clientele of all ages . The Campfire and Creative Kids Club led by child development specialist Melanie Willins is offered weekly on Wednesdays from 3 to 8 p . m . through March 6 , with additional sessions to be announced . Parents can drop off their children anytime to participate in creative projects . Caregivers are welcome to join their children or use the time to enjoy a relaxing dinner , take a hike to Race Brook Falls , or sip a cocktail around the campfire .
Emphasizing the importance of family programming , Casey says , “ I think we have always welcomed and accommodated families . Since I ’ ve had kids , there ’ s been more of an intentional effort to make the place more accommodating for kids and families .”
At Race Brook Lodge , a new narrative has begun to unfold — the threads of bygone eras weaving into the fabric of the present . Greater than the sum of its parts , it ’ s an ode to the past , a celebration of the present , and a glimpse into the stories yet to be written . Casey ’ s coined phrase , the “ confluence of influences ,” aptly captures what the property reveals — a convergence , a meeting ground where the vibrancy of creativity and the legacy of generations harmonize . Rustic and sublime , immersed in centuries of New England history , Race Brook Lodge stands as a testament to the enduring spirit that defines its essence . n
Race Brook Lodge & The Stagecoach Tavern 864 S . Undermountain Rd ., Sheffield
An Almost Spring Weekender March 8 – 10
Weekend : $ 50 | Individual Shows : $ 20 Friday , March 8
8 – 11 p . m . Two sets of Orchestra Gold ( West Coast African psychedelic rock ) in the BarnSpace
11 p . m .– 1 a . m . DJ Busquelo in the Down County Social Club
Saturday , March 9
1 – 3 p . m . Minimalist composer and double-bass musician Garth Stevenson Hike + Concert ( Meet in the Barnspace .)
8 – 9:20 p . m . BigYuki trio ( NYC-based Japanese keyboardist and singer-songwriter ) in the Barnspace
9:30 – 11 p . m . Nickodemus in the Barnspace
11 p . m .– 1 a . m . Deejay Theory in the Down County Social Club
Spring 2024 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // 25