(EGREMONT, Mass.) – Marshall Crenshaw, John Davidson, Roy Zimmerman, and Trout Fishing in America are just some of the acts that will be performing in “Gems of Many Genres,” a new music series in the newly restored Egremont Barn, a part of the historic Egremont Village Inn, kicking off this weekend with Richie Havens sideman Walter Parks on Saturday, June 18, at 7 and 9pm, and running through October 16.
The music series will have a grand opening celebration featuring Marshall Crenshaw and Friends on Friday, July 8, at 8pm and Saturday, July 9, at 8pm.
Walter Parks forged a distinctive international career as the lead guitarist for Woodstock legend Richie Havens, half of the cello-guitar duo The Nudes, and more. Known for his raspy vocal lows and soaring operatic falsetto, his original music is inspired by gospel blues.
Marshall Crenshaw is an American musician, singer and songwriter best known for his song “Someday, Someway.” “Although he was seen as a latter-day Buddy Holly at the outset, he soon proved too talented and original to be anyone but himself,” Trouser Press summed up Marshall Crenshaw’s early career. “He writes songs that are melodic, hooky and emotionally true, and he sings and plays them with an honesty and force that still finds room for humor without venom” — All Music Guide.
Stephanie Campbell: “It Ain’t Over ‘til the Phat Lady Sings!” Friday, July 15, 8pm; Saturday, July 16, 8pm; Sunday, July 17, 8pm, $25
Cabaret – “It Ain’t Over ’til the Phat Lady Sings!” is a one-woman musical written and performed by Stephanie Campbell. “As a professional singer, Steph has a command of the material, the audience, the feeling in the room… Moody, addictive, and sexy…Steph Campbell is…a joy to listen to live, a treat to hear.”
Trout Fishing in America – Saturday, July 23, 2pm Family Show, Kids 12 and under $10; Saturday, July 23, 7pm and 9pm, $25
Family and Folk – “A sublimely musical band,” Boston Herald and “The Lennon and McCartney of Kid’s Music,” Kathy O’Connell, National Public Radio Trout Fishing in America is an eclectic folk/rock band best known for family music and kids’ songs. The 4 Time Grammy Nominee duo sing songs like “My Hair Had a Party Last Night,” “18 Wheels on a Big Rig,” and “When I Was a Dinosaur.” Bass player Keith Grimwood and guitarist Ezra Idlet, capture the imagination and hearts of audiences of all ages.
Tor Hyams and Lisa Rothhauser in “Life, Who Knew,” on Saturday, July 30, 7 and 9pm, $25
Comic Cabaret – “Her powerful, belting voice combined with her controlled and elating “mixed” voice set the bar.” Theater Pizzaz. “There is no question that Lisa’s voice is sensational,” Times Square Chronicle, and “I embark on an adventure of music and lyrics, with songs by Grammy nominated songwriter Tor Hyams and veteran Broadway performer Lisa Rothauser. This was the debut of their favorite selections from their four-year collaboration in musical theater, and I found their songs to be creative, upbeat and endearing.” Erika Finn, Huffington Post.
John Davidson, Saturday, August 6, 7pm and 9pm, $25
Acoustic Folk and Standards – “For years I have been singing with my guitar backstage. Even at the beginning, when I played Curly in Oklahoma! on Broadway, I first learned “Oh What A Beautiful Morning” with my guitar. While I hosted The Tonight Show, and all the variety shows, I was noodling with my guitar as I waited to go on in my dressing room.” – John Davidson.
Karen Oberlin, Saturday, August 13, 7pm and 9pm, $25
American Songbook/Cabaret – In one of her numerous raves in the New York Times, Stephen Holden said, “Beyond having a pretty voice, poise and interpretive insight… Ms. Oberlin has impeccable classic pop style (and) musical intelligence.” New York Observer’s Rex Reed called her performance, “Thrilling…Oberlin is as lovely to look at as she is to hear – subtle, elegant and musically spot on. She’s a keeper!”
Roy Zimmerman performs “This Machine” on Saturday, October 1, 7pm and 9pm, $25
Acoustic Political Satire – Los Angeles Times, “Zimmerman displays a lacerating wit and keen awareness of society’s foibles that bring to mind a latter-day Tom Lehrer.” And Tom Lehrer says, “I congratulate Roy Zimmerman on reintroducing literacy to comedy songs. Joni Mitchell, “Roy’s lyrics move beyond poetry and achieve perfection.” Roy Zimmerman brings “This Machine” to the Berkshires just before national elections. His songs, and “This Machine” tells it like he sees it – with a smile.
Linda Purl in “The Year of Magical Thinking,” Saturday, October 15, 8pm and Sunday, October 16, 3pm matinee, $25
Theater – “[Joan] Didion adapted the book [The Year of Magical Thinking] into a solo piece…in a gravely elegant, quietly absorbing production starring the great Linda Purl,” Los Angeles Times, “A virtuoso performer of significant inner resources… transcendent… unbearably poignant,” Whether explaining her reasons for adopting the titular process, putting myriad twists on Didion’s various repeated phrases and key words, or simply refusing to play for our tears, Purl reminds us anew of just how nuanced and singular an actress she is on stage.
The Barn is open Wednesday through Sunday from June 1 and offers a full bar and nosh.
Tickets for the Gems of Many Genres series are $25-$35 and are available at Egremont Barn. Call 413-528-9580 for each artist’s information.
The Barn at Egremont Village Inn offers year-round libations, nosh and live music in the Berkshires Wednesdays through Sundays. As a community resource the barn will be available to Berkshire County residents who want to use the space to teach classes, hold meetings, or throw an event during the day.
The Barn features a massive stone fireplace, a full bar and comfortable seating. The property also includes the Egremont Village Inn, all situated on many acres of groomed grounds with tall pines and an old fashioned gazebo.
Built in 1786 The Egremont Village Inn is on the National Historic Registry and one of the oldest buildings in the area. The meticulously restored country inn offers a complimentary country breakfast and one-of-a-kind rooms and suites. All of the buildings are restored and updated with modern conveniences. The original house was built in 1786 by Colonel Joseph Curtis. A veteran of the Revolutionary War, Curtis arrived in what is now South Egremont on horseback with wife Rebekah in 1780. Information 413-528-9580.