SYRUP: One Sweet Performing Arts Festival

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Hours:	Hours Vary see below
Ages:	Toddlers, Kids
In/Outdoor:	Indoor
Cost:	$ see below
Category:	Arts & Culture

New Englanders know that March and April is the time of year when the sap starts to flow in our maple trees and people from around the region travel to our area to enjoy their favorite syrup at their favorite sugar house. On Saturday, March 13th, they can also savor the sweetness of art with the premiere year of SYRUP: One Sweet Performing Arts Festival at one of the Pioneer Valley’s great performance spaces - Memorial Hall in Shelburne Falls.

Afternoon programming for families starts at 1 pm with a rehearsal for ages 7 -10 who want to perform with Piti Theatre onstage at 2 pm in their acclaimed story of the Deerfield River “Salmon Falls.” After the show, Piti Theatre will offer theatre workshops for ages 4 – 7 and 8 – 12.

The 'Spring Seeds Gala' evening program (which is not geared specifically for children but is not inappropriate for older children) starts at 7 pm with Northampton singer/songwriter Carrie Ferguson. Ms. Ferguson has been enthralling area audiences since 1998 with her trademark “joyful melancholy” music. In January she released her first full length solo record “Riding on the Back of the Wind.” For her last song, she’ll be accompanied onstage by Swiss dancer and Piti Artistic Director Godeliève Richard who has choreographed a solo piece to Ferguson’s “Small White Rock.”

Ferguson and Richard will be followed by cellist Wayne Smith playing part of Bach’s Suite No. 3 for solo cello. Mr. Smith has appeared as a soloist at the Kennedy Center, played Carnegie Hall and accompanied the Moody Blues. Formerly from the New York area, he now lives in Shelburne Falls.

The final performance of the evening will be Piti Artistic Director Jonathan Mirin’s solo theatre event 28 FEET. Inspired by his 20 year battle with Crohn’s disease, 28 FEET is a wistful, comedic look at getting sick, getting better and growing up. The show integrates 18+ characters, original songs, puppetry, clowning, stand up comedy and a highly physical performance style. “Exuberant energy” – Stephanie Santana, Allston Brighton Tab. Mirin’s plays have been produced in New York, regionally and internationally.

Throughout the evening community leaders will be invited onstage to literally 'plant a seed' while telling the audience what’s in store for them in 2010. And of course, there will be syrupy door prizes.

Afternoon ticket: $5. Evening: $12. Festival bucket pass: $15. Tix available at the door. Cash/Checks only.

For more info: www.ptco.org/syrup

HOURS

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1 pm: early arrival for ages 7 - 11 who want to perform with us at 2 pm. Ages 5 and up are invited to join at 2 pm. Theatre workshops for ages 4-7 and 8 - 12 from 3 to 4 pm.

COST

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$5 for afternoon ticket.

WEBSITE

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www.ptco.org/salmonfalls.html

LOCATION

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51 Bridge Street, Shelburne Falls, MA, 01370 map
Phone: 413 625 6569

From Boston, two hours west on Route 2 to Shelburne Falls.

TIPS

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This festival could be a part of a great weekend trip or even a big day trip for kids who like rivers, acting, or watching other children perform. Of course, stopping at a local syrup house (Goud's is on the way) could be part of it.