Berkshire Theatre Group has announced the programming for their newest performance space, The Garage, in the lobby of The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. The Winter/Spring lineup includes a variety of musical genres ranging from Hip Hop to Country to Singer/Songwriter to Rock and beyond.
After a successful first two months, The Garage will continue to present the best emerging artists from the Berkshires and beyond. The coming months will feature Adam Ezra Group, Rev Tor, Billy Keane, DJ BFG, Whiskey City, Chris Merenda, Jamie Kent and the Options, Pat Gochez, Brooklyn35, Nostalgia, Domino Theory, T Bone Daddy, Tony Lee Thomas Band, The Citizens and The Raft.
Located in the lobby of The Colonial Theatre, The Garage pays homage in its name to the old Berkshire Auto Co. Garage. The building, originally built in 1921, still features the original façade, while the interior is fully restored, having been included in the Colonial Theatre restoration in 2006. With an audience capacity of upwards of 100, The Garage’s focus is to provide a dedicated music venue for local and regional acts as well as to host touring acts. Musicians from near and far will take the stage mostly on Wednesdays or Thursdays throughout the year, except during Colonial Theatre Main Stage productions. The venue provides a space for local musicians to thrive as well as draws up and coming musicians to downtown Pittsfield.
Dance Party with DJ BFG
Thursday 1/5 9pm
Free
DJ BFG (a.k.a. Pittsfield author Gabriel Squailia) is an old-school mixologist trained at NYC's Scratch Academy in 2003. Schooled on vinyl, he uses a digital rig to blend funky music from disco to dubstep into a seamless groove made for dancing.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/BFG/123574931851
Rev Tor's Dead of Winter Party
Wednesday 1/11 9pm
$5
Since its conception in the mid-90s, The Rev Tor Band, led by singer and lead guitarist Tor Krautter, has become one of the most compelling and exciting acts on the blues and jam-band circuit. This show will be a mid-winter celebration of the music of The Grateful Dead featuring a multitude of guest artists. Pulling inspiration from a variety of influences, Krautter and his band have shared the stage with members of The Grateful Dead, Phish, The Allman Brothers and The New Riders of the Purple Sage.
http://www.revtor.com
Singer/Songwriter Showcase featuring Billy Keane, Chris Merenda and Pat Gochez
Thursday 1/19 9pm
Free
Born in Australia, raised in Connecticut, jaded in Brooklyn, schooled in Seattle and weathered in Louisiana, Billy Keane released his debut album, The Pine Street Sessions in the spring of 2010. He writes with honesty and experience and he performs with raw, naked emotion. To see him is perhaps to see you. You may just find yourself hidden somewhere in his lyrics or melodies, in a story or in a word, smiling or teary-eyed. Somewhere you may not have expected to be. But as you watch, and listen, you’ll know that at least you won’t be there alone.
http://www.billykeanemusic.com
Hailing from Great Barrington, MA, Chris Merenda is one of the most prolific songwriters and performers in Western Massachusetts. His music is defined by a sense of raw, unbridled emotion and he is known for delivering performances you will not forget. Merenda’s songs weave passionate, compelling stories with virtuosic accompaniment on the banjo as well as the guitar.
http://www.chrismerenda.net
Patrik Gochez performs throughout Boston and beyond as a solo singer/songwriter as well as the front man of the band White Shoe Brown Shoe. He won the 2006 Granite State Songwriters Competition with the title track from his debut album 'Strawberry Bitter Chase.' Considered a "jukebox" writer, he covers an eclectic number of musical styles, from pre-war jazz to R&B to danceable pop/rock, all while retaining his own identity. Set to be released December 2011, Heavy Loader is his second album on which he showcases songs influenced by yesterday, inspired by today and sung for tomorrow.
http://www.patrikgochez.com
Hip Hop Showcase featuring Brooklyn35 and Nostalgia
Saturday 1/21 9pm
Free
Brooklyn35 is a collaborative music project featuring the talents of Dana Athens, Earl Greyhound, Eliki, The Faculty (Jared Pauley, Lee Turley, Raydar Ellis), George Reefah, Teenbeats, Lisa Marr, Manchilde, R.Me, Shahab Zargari and Gabriel Starrc. This is show is hosted by Brownbird Rudy Relic, mastered by Tough Dumplin & Gabriel Starrcand and brought to you by the fine folks of Brooklyn35.
http://www.brooklyn35.com
