Berkshire Theatre Festival/ Colonial Theatre 2011

Blockbuster Season Announced

By: Colonial - Feb 24, 2011

Randy Harrison seen here as Lucky in Waiting for Godot will star in Tommy launching the first Berkshire Theatre Festival production on the Main Stage of the Colonial Theatre with previews starting on July 7.

 

Berkshire Theatre Festival (BTF) and Colonial Theatre Artistic Director/CEO Kate Maguire announce some of the offerings for both organizations for the remainder of 2011.  Combined, the two institutions will present over 25 different live arts events both independently as well as in collaboration with each other and with other arts organizations throughout the county between May and the end of December.

This year’s lineup includes three world premiere theatre performances produced by BTF, three separate BTF musical productions on the Colonial stage, a rare appearance by noted columnist Frank Rich and live performances of some of the leading artists in the worlds of theatre, jazz and comedy. Among the organizations that will be co-promoting events will be Lift Ev’ry Voice, the Pittsfield 250th anniversary committee, Pittsfield CityJazz Festival, Word x Word Festival, and ZipStohr Comedy.
 
Kate is thrilled to be announcing such a diverse lineup of events. “It has been a tremendous experience putting together our first season with the combination of BTF and the Colonial. I feel like this season really responds to the needs of our community by being artistically stimulating and connected to the people of Berkshire County.

Being able to utilize the Colonial has opened up wonderful opportunities for us at BTF, allowing us to present a wonderful musical like The Who’s Tommy in a truly beautiful venue.  We are able to maintain an 83 year tradition of presenting great theatre in Stockbridge with three world premieres and four great American classics. Working with our programmer, Simon Shaw, we are presenting some old favorites as well as some exciting new acts that Berkshire audiences will adore. This season really begins to show the potential of our partnership.”
 
Simon concurs. “What we really want to do is put on stage high caliber artists that speak to the people of the county. We want to also keep the prices reasonable and allow everyone to come be a part of what we are creating here. This is only the beginning as we will be adding new shows throughout the summer and fall to flesh out one of the most inclusive presenting seasons ever seen.”
 
BTF and The Colonial Theatre are two of the oldest cultural institutions in Berkshire County. The Colonial, founded in 1903, is a gilded age treasure of a theatre, once the home of some of the leading actors, speakers and musicians in the country. Recently restored to its full glory, it is now Pittsfield’s community theatre, once again presenting the finest live arts in Berkshire County.

BTF, founded in 1928, was one of the first regional theatres in the country and has produced theatre that matters for 82 years in Stockbridge, MA. In 2010, BTF and the Colonial agreed to an ongoing partnership, creating a unique organization that both produces and presents world-class performers on their three stages.
 


Berkshire Theatre Festival (BTF) and The Colonial Theatre
2011 Season

 
 
BTF/Colonial Season Kick-off
The Who’s Tommy music and lyrics by Pete Townshend, book by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff
Additional music and lyrics by John Entwistle and Keith Moon
Featuring James Barry (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson) and Randy Harrison (Boq in Wicked, TV’s Queer as Folk)
Produced by Berkshire Theatre Festival, Presented at The Colonial Theatre
Directed by Eric Hill
Previews July 7, 8, 9 @ 2pm
Opening Night/Press Night July 9 @ 8pm
Closes July 16
Tickets A: $49 • B: $40 • C: $20
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday at 8pm, Wednesday at 7pm, Thursday and Saturday at 2pm
 
The original rock opera, The Who’s Tommy is at once a show-stopping rock concert and a cautionary tale of the power and perils of celebrity. We witness Tommy Walker from his birth, through the shocking episodes of his childhood that render him deaf, mute and blind, as he conquers the world with his stardom, and finally after the crowds have turned on him. Featuring legendary songs by the Who, including “Pinball Wizard,” “See Me, Feel Me” and “Tommy, Can You Hear Me?” and with a cast including James Barry of Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson as Captain Walker and Randy Harrison from Wicked and Queer as Folk as Tommy, this promises to be the event of the summer in the Berkshires.
 
At the Fitzpatrick Main Stage (83 E. Main St, Stockbridge)
Ticket prices for all events $15-$49 unless otherwise noted.
 
Performance schedule is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday at 8pm, Wednesday at 7pm, Thursday and Saturday at 2pm unless otherwise noted.
 
Sylvia by A. R. Gurney
Directed by Anders Cato
Featuring David Adkins and Jurian Hughes
Previews July 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 @ 2pm
Opening Night/Press Night July 16 @ 8pm
Closes July 30
 
Kate and Greg, empty-nesters living in Manhattan, have a comfortable life. Their static world is turned upside down when Sylvia jumps in Greg’s lap one day in the park. Part-lab, part-poodle and 100% woman, Sylvia forces the pair to come to terms with who they are as individuals and as a couple. A. R. Gurney’s most improbable love-triangle will have you laughing out loud. The New York Times called it “so full of theatrical intelligence and writerly skill that it consistently pleases.”
 


In the Mood by Kathleen Clark
Director TBD
Previews August 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 @ 2pm
Opening Night/Press Night August 6 @ 8pm
Closes August 13
World Premiere
 
The World Premiere of a romantic comedy in which a couple rides the roller coaster of love and marriage. As Perri Rubin makes final preparations for the perfect surprise party in their penthouse apartment, the situation starts to spin out of control. In the best traditions of Wilde and Coward, In The Mood sings with sharp repartee and biting humor.
 
Period of Adjustment by Tennessee Williams
Directed by David Auburn
Previews August 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 @ 2pm
Opening Night/Press Night August 20 @ 8pm
Closes September 3
 
Ralph Bates is a Korean War hero facing problems with his in-laws. His former comrade George has just married the beautiful but naïve Isabel, but he’s suffering with “the shakes.” They meet up on a snowy Christmas Eve in Tennessee where all of their problems come to a head. A self-described “serious comedy,” Williams has once again filled the stage with compelling characters dealing with the most difficult of problems in real ways.
 
At the Unicorn Theatre (6 East St, Stockbridge)
Ticket prices for all events $15-$39 unless otherwise noted.
 
Performance schedule is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday at 8pm, Wednesday at 7pm, Thursday and Saturday at 2pm unless otherwise noted.
 
Moonchildren by Michael Weller
Directed by Karen Allen
Previews June 28, 29, 30, July 1, 2 @ 2pm
Opening Night/Press Night July 2 @ 8pm
Closes July 16
 
Often cited as the definitive play about young adults of the 1960’s, Michael Weller’s show is a stunning picture of a turbulent time. Set over the course of the 1965-1966 school year in an unnamed college town, eight students embark on their final year of study against the backdrop of a world enmeshed in struggles over feminism, civil rights and the Vietnam war. As the pressures and pains of the “real world” touch upon the friends, their coming-of-age provides a mirror of the sea change occurring throughout the country. Gripping, funny, and fully realized, Moonchildren is an under-appreciated masterwork by one of our great writers.
 


Dutch Masters by Greg Keller
Directed by TBA
Previews July 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 @ 2pm
Opening Night/Press Night July 23 @ 8pm
Closes August 6
World Premiere!
 
In the summer of 1992, two young adult men find themselves on the same subway car headed uptown. One white, one black, the two will discover over the course of one afternoon exactly what it is that unites and divides them. A dramatic comedy that continually surprises and defies expectation, Dutch Masters is a shocking examination of race relations in our time. This production is part of Lift Ev’ry Voice, Celebrating African-American Culture & Heritage in the Berkshires.
 
Finian’s Rainbow Book by E.Y. Harburg and Fred Saidy, Lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, Music by Burton Lane
Directed by Kyle Fabel
Previews August 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 @ 2pm
Opening Night August 13 @ 8pm (this production is not open for review)
Closes August 27
A production of the Unicorn Company (BTF’s pre-professional acting troupe)
Tickets $15-$34
 
BTF’s pre-professional Unicorn Company will once again be filling the Berkshires with song in this classic comedic tale. Finian and his daughter Sharon have come to Missitucky from Ireland with a stolen pot of gold which Finian believes he can make grow by burying it near Fort Knox. When the wronged leprechaun catches up with them, hijinks ensue. This musical, in a lovely two-piano arrangement, is full of comedy, political satire and some of the best tunes in the American Musical songbook. Following in the footsteps of Babes in Arms and Candide, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
 
Birthday Boy by Chris Newbound
Directed by Wes Grantom
Preview August 30
Opening Night/Press Night Wednesday,  August 31 @ 7pm
Runs Thursday-Saturday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm
1st Closing September 3
Reopens September 29 (runs Thursday-Saturday at 8pm, Saturday & Sunday at 2pm)
Final Closing October 16
World Premiere!
Part of the Made in the Berkshires festival
 
As Matt nears his fortieth birthday, he finds himself at a crossroads in his life. His wife Arianne wants to take a mud season vacation to Vermont. His job is safe, though far from stimulating. When he begins a flirtation with a comely colleague he finds himself discovering just how absurd everyday life can be. This world premiere work provides a comic look at marriage, life and growing older.
 


At the Colonial Theatre (111 South St, Pittsfield)
Tanglewood Music Center Fellows
Part of the Pittsfield 250th Celebration
Sunday, May 1 2pm
FREE
 
An afternoon of the finest classical music to kick-off the summer! For over 70 years, the Tanglewood Music Center has been training the finest young musicians in their Fellowship program. For the first time at the Colonial, recent Fellows from this esteemed training program will be performing some of the finest music in the world. Do not miss this chance to hear the future stars of the musical world in concert together.
 
Sherri Buxton and Friends:
Songs From The Great American Songbook
with special guest Matt Cusson
A Benefit for Community Resources for People with Autism
Sponsored by Cohen | Kinne | Valicenti | Cook & Berkshire Bank
Thursday, June 2 7pm
VIP: $55 • A: $35 • B: $25 • C: $15
 
From Gershwin to Berlin and Porter to Arlen, Sherri James Buxton, is an elegant interpreter of the Great American Songbook, delighting audiences with her warmth, versatility and flawless technique. She combines Broadway, Cabaret and recording experience with a highly skilled voice and amazing stage presence.  Matt Cusson, is an award-winning singer-songwriter who has performed with James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera and Brian McKnight among many others. His jazz ballad “One of Those Nights” won the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and Maxell Song of the Year and was also nominated for a 2011 Oasis Contemporary Jazz Award. These two local favorites unite for a fun-filled evening of music.
 
Bobby Sweet
Saturday, June 18 8pm
All Tickets: $15
 
Local favorite Bobby Sweet has shared the bill with some all-time great country and folk artists, including Vince Gill, Bill Staines, Bill Morrissey, Deana Carter, Bryan White, Arlo Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Jonathan Edwards and Sawyer Brown. A sought-after lead guitarist, he has opened for George Jones, Asleep at the Wheel, Willie Nelson, The Bellamy Brothers, Waylon Jennings, and many others. Stylistically, Sweet’s music resides somewhere between John Prine, Jackson Browne, Guy Clark and a country version of Bruce Springsteen.
 
God’s Trombone’s
Lift Ev’ry Voice:
Celebrating African-American Culture & Heritage in the Berkshires
Sunday, June 19
Time and Prices To Be Announced
 
In 1927, James Weldon Johnson published the classic God’s Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse. This seminal work, consisting of actual sermons written in free verse form, sought to document and preserve the unique African American cultural tradition.  Now musician and composer Craig S. Harris continues that work with his opus God’s Trombones. Harris looks to Johnson’s poems for inspiration while creating a musical interpretation of the unique rhythm and cadence of traditional African American sermons. This performance is sure to be a soaring, triumphant musical event not to be missed.
 


Tommy Tune in Steps In Time: A Broadway Biography In Song And Dance
Featuring The Manhattan Rhythm Kings
Thursday, August 11 7:30pm
VIP: $100 • A: $65 • B: $45 • C: $25
 
Nine-time Tony Award-winner Tommy Tune teams with longtime collaborators The Manhattan Rhythm Kings for a personal look back at his incredible career, featuring timeless standards, elegant choreography and Tommy’s own unique charm and warm-hearted humor. Don’t miss this rare chance to view the personal side of this quintessential song-and-dance man.
 
Bakin’ with the Boss Tour starring Buddy Valastro: The Cake Boss
Saturday, August 13 2pm & 7pm
VIP: $75 • A: $65 • B: $45 • C: $25
 
In this live interactive event, the baker and star of TLC's Cake Boss will share the stories behind his hit TV series and his colorful Italian family, answer audience questions and give a live demonstration of the techniques that have made him one of the most successful and renowned cake artists in the nation. Buddy will even invite audience members to join the fun on stage. The whole family is invited for a night of “bakin’ with the boss” one will not soon forget.
 
Word x Word Festival
Saturday, August 20
Time and Prices To Be Announced
 
For the second year in a row, acclaimed performance festival Word x Word will conclude its weeklong offering of cutting edge music, theatre and spoken word at the Colonial. Festival founder Jim Benson promises to top last year’s finale which featured the poet Rives and singer/songwriter Langhorne Slim.
 
Berkshire Comedy Spotlight II
Saturday, September 24 8pm
A: $30 • B: $20 • C: $15
 
ZipStohr Comedy is proud to return to the Colonial to present the best locally grown stand-up comedians. Back by popular demand, these entertainers are Berkshire natives who grew up testing material in backyards and parties all over the county; now they earn a living by making people laugh all over the country.  Join us for performances by Kevin Bartini, Brian Collins, Rick D’Elia, Jake Gold, Jay Montepare, Karen Rontowski, Mike Whitman.
 
Frank Rich
Sunday, October 9 2pm
VIP: $100 • A: $65 • B: $45 • C: $15
 
An intimate conversation with one of the unique voices of our times. For nearly forty years, Frank Rich has been one of the preeminent commentators on arts, culture, politics and the world in which we live. Between his years as head drama critic and featured columnist for the New York Times , Frank has helped shape our view of arts, politics and the world we share. This is a rare opportunity to hear a bestselling author, award-winning commentator and singular voice, all at the same time.
 


The Grace Kelly Quartet with special guest Phil Woods
and the Berkshires Jazz Youth Ensemble
in association with the Pittsfield CityJazz Festival
Saturday, October 15 8pm
Pricing To Be Announced
 
Five years to the day after Grace Kelly first performed with Phil Woods, the duo returns to the Colonial to conclude their 2011 world tour as headliners for the 7th annual Pittsfield CityJazz Festival. Then Phil Woods was the guest artist with the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors and was a brand-new Jazz Master inviting the young 14 year old phenom to sit in for a number. During that number, Phil placed his iconic leather cap on Grace’s head, a symbolic passing of the torch. This moment has become a part of jazz-lore and even sparked the name of Grace’s latest CD, Man With The Hat, featuring Phil Woods as a guest artist. Now Grace is a leading light of the jazz world, blending standards, jazz, funk, blues and original compositions with world-class saxophone skills and a sweet and soulful voice. In addition to their own set, Phil and Grace will appear with the Berkshires Jazz Youth Ensemble, a county-wide all-star big band.
 
David Sedaris
Wednesday, October 19 7:30pm
VIP: $75 • A: $65 • B: $45 • C: $25
NPR Humorist and Bestselling Author of Naked,
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim and
Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk
 
With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent humorists. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today.
 
Christopher O’Riley
Saturday, November 12 8pm
VIP: $55 • A: $45 • B: $25 • C: $15
 
Pianist Christopher O’Riley has garnered critical accolades and international acclaim for his groundbreaking transcriptions of Radiohead, Elliott Smith and Nick Drake as well as his unforgettably sublime interpretations of the classical canon. His latest album, Out of My Hands, includes music by R.E.M, Portishead, Cocteau Twins, Pink Floyd, Nirvana, and the Smiths among others. As host of the popular radio show, NPR's From The Top, he performs with the next generation of brilliant young musicians.
 
Arlo Guthrie: Boys Night Out
Saturday, November 19 8pm
VIP: $65 • A: $55 • B: $35 • C: $15
 
For over four decades, Arlo Guthrie has toured the world winning a broad and dedicated following. In addition to being an accomplished musician, Guthrie is a natural-born storyteller whose hilarious tales and timeless anecdotes are woven seamlessly into his performances.
 


Natalie MacMaster
Wednesday, November 30 7:30pm
VIP: $65 • A: $55 • B: $35 • C: $15
 
Cape Breton’s incandescent fiddler tears up the stage with grand shows filled with ferocious fiddling, high-powered step-dancing, fast-paced Celtic raves and heart-warming ballads. MacMaster and her sizzling band captivate live audiences with colorful reels and jigs and dynamically fuse the traditional with bluegrass, world music and pop.  MacMaster has shared the stage with luminaries such as Carlos Santana, the Chieftains, Alison Krauss, Faith Hill, Luciano Pavarotti and dozens of symphony orchestras including the Boston Pops.
 
BTF Family Series
 
Hansel and Gretel’s Grimm Tale by E. Gray Simons III, based on stories by the Brothers Grimm
Directed by Travis G. Daly
Staged at the Berkshire Museum
(Wednesday-Saturday at 11am)
July 6-16
A production of the Unicorn Company (BTF’s pre-professional acting troupe)
In collaboration with the Berkshire Museum
Ticket prices To Be Announced
 
BTF is proud to return to the Berkshire Museum again this season. This summer bring the whole family to see this lighthearted tale based on two Grimm’s Fairy Tales (“Hansel and Gretel” and “The Devil with the Three Golden Hairs”). Young Hansel  and Gretel are obsessed with stories. When they wander off into the woods one day, they have only their wits and the power of tales to ensure they make it home and get a “happily ever after” ending.
 
The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg, Background Music by Herbert Stothart, Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard, Orchestration by Larry Wilcox, Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Based upon the Classical Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.
Directed by E. Gray Simons III and Travis G. Daly
Staged at The Colonial Theatre
Opening Night September 9
Closing Night September 11
Friday-Saturday at 7:30pm, Saturday-Sunday at 2pm
Featuring the Berkshire Theatre Festival Children’s Theatre Company, consisting of children and adults from throughout Berkshire County.
Tickets $20 for adults, $15 for children 16 and under
 
BTF’s Children’s Theatre Company comes to The Colonial Theatre for the first time with the beloved tale of Dorothy Gale going “over the rainbow.” Berkshire County children and adults come together with BTF staff to produce a tremendous weekend of musical theatre in the picturesque setting of The Colonial Theatre.
 


A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by Eric Hill
Directed by Eric Hill and E. Gray Simons III
Staged at The Colonial Theatre
Previews December 17, 18 @ 2pm
Opening Night/Press Night December 18 @ 7pm
Closes December 30
Tickets $20 for adults, $15 for children 7-16. Not appropriate for children 6 and under.
 
BTF’s sixth annual production comes to The Colonial Theatre. The traditional tale of the healing power of Christmas will unite the entire county for two weeks in December.
 
Community Events
Made in the Berkshires
Festival of New Works
October 8-10, 15-17
At The Colonial and BTF
Times and Prices To Be Announced
 
Led by Hilary Deely and Barbara Sims, Made in the Berkshire is a locally-grown festival of new works. These works will be written by local artists, featuring local directors and actors and celebrating the best of the Berkshires. Submission period and performance schedule to be announced soon.
 
Friday Series and Musical Mondays
BTF’s play reading series, expanded
Schedule to be announced
At BTF and The Colonial
 
BTF’s wildly popular free play reading series returns again this summer in a new expanded format. The Friday Series will feature some of the best new work directed and read by members of the BTF company, including the same actors that appear in our season performances, at either the Unicorn or Fitzpatrick Main Stage. This year the Friday Series is supported by Musical Mondays, readings of new and classic musicals complete with accompaniment and the actors performing the original songs. This new series will be held at The Colonial on Mondays throughout the summer. Performance dates and titles to be announced soon.
 
3rd Thursdays
Live performances throughout the summer
Part of the Cultural Pittsfield 3rd Thursdays celebration
At the Colonial
Times and Prices To Be Announced
 
This year, the Colonial will be programming events as part of 3rd Thursdays in Pittsfield. Each month come be a part of live music, theatre and the visual arts in conjunction with the county’s biggest after hours street festival. Look for our exciting programming each month.
 


Tickets
 
Season passes to the full slate of BTF plays as well as to the Colonial are still available.  Contact the BTF Box Office at (413) 298-5576 or visit www.berkshiretheatre.org
 
for more information on a BTF Season Pass. Contact the Colonial Box Office at (413) 997-4444 or visit www.thecolonialtheatre.org for more information on a Colonial Season Pass
 
Member tickets for Colonial events are exclusively available from February 25-March 13. Contact the Colonial Box Office at (413) 997-4444 or visit www.thecolonialtheatre.org for more information.
 
Single tickets for all events go on sale March 14 to the general public. For BTF productions (including Tommy) contact the BTF Box Office at (413) 298-5576 or visit www.berkshiretheatre.org to purchase. For Colonial events contact the Colonial Box Office at (413) 997-4444 or visit www.thecolonialtheatre.org for more information
.
All plays, schedules, casting, events and prices are subject to change.
 

Season at a Glance (Stage in parenthesis)
 
May
1 – Tanglewood Music Center Fellows Concert  2pm (Colonial) (addition to 2010-2011 season)
 
June
2 – Sherri Buxton and Friends: Songs from the Great American Songbook with Special Guest Matt Cusson 7pm (Colonial)
18 – Bobby Sweet 8pm (Colonial)
19 – God’s Trombone’s part of Lift Ev’ry Voice TBD (Colonial)
28-30 – Moonchildren (Unicorn)
 
July
1-16 – Moonchildren continues (Unicorn)
6-16 – Hansel and Gretel’s Grimm Tale (Berkshire Museum)
7-16 – The Who’s Tommy (Colonial)
12-30 – Sylvia (Fitzpatrick Main Stage)
19-30 – Dutch Masters (Unicorn)
 
August
1-6 – Dutch Masters continues (Unicorn)
2-13 – In The Mood (Fitzpatrick Main Stage)
9-27 – Finian’s Rainbow (Unicorn)
11 – Tommy Tune in Steps in Time: A Broadway Biography. . . 7:30pm (Colonial)
13 – Bakin’ with the Boss Tour starring Buddy Valastro: The Cake Boss (Colonial)
16-31 – Period of Adjustment (Fitzpatrick Main Stage)
20 – Word x Word Festival (Colonial)
30-31 – Birthday Boy (Unicorn)
 
September
1-3 - Period of Adjustment continues (Fitzpatrick Main Stage)
1-3 – Birthday Boy continues (Unicorn)
9-11 – The Wizard of Oz (Colonial)
24 – Berkshire Comedy Spotlight II (Colonial)
29-30 – Birthday Boy re-opens (Unicorn)
 
October
1-16 – Birthday Boy continues (Unicorn)
8-10; 15-17 – Made in the Berkshires New Works Festival (Unicorn & Colonial)
9 – Frank Rich 2pm (Colonial)
15 – The Grace Kelly Quartet with special guest Phil Woods in association with the Pittsfield CityJazz Festival (Colonial)
19 – David Sedaris 7:30pm (Colonial)
 
November
12 – Christopher O’Riley 8pm (Colonial)
19 – Arlo Guthrie 8pm (Colonial)
30 – Natalie MacMaster 7:30pm (Colonial)
 
December
17-30 – A Christmas Carol (Colonial)
Berkshire Theatre Festival (BTF) and Colonial Theatre Artistic Director/CEO Kate Maguire is proud to announce some of the offerings for both organizations for the remainder of 2011.  Combined, the two institutions will present over 25 different live arts events both independently as well as in collaboration with each other and with other arts organizations throughout the county between May and the end of December. This year’s lineup includes three world premiere theatre performances produced by BTF, three separate BTF musical productions on the Colonial stage, a rare appearance by noted columnist Frank Rich and live performances of some of the leading artists in the worlds of theatre, jazz and comedy. Among the organizations that will be co-promoting events will be Lift Ev’ry Voice, the Pittsfield 250th anniversary committee, Pittsfield CityJazz Festival, Word x Word Festival, and ZipStohr Comedy.