Arts & Entertainment Calendar: March 20-26

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  • Submitted photos<br/>A renowned clown, theater, music, syrup and free pickles<br/>How would you like to see one of the world’s greatest clowns, live? You can this weekend when “SYRUP: One Sweet Performing Arts Festival” returns to Shelburne Falls Saturday and Sunday. That’s him pictured above, Avner the Eccentric, who will be performing “Exceptions to Gravity.” Avner, a master of physical comedy, was recently inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame, has won numerous awards, and is perhaps best known as the Jewel, the scene-stealing holy man, in “Jewel of the Nile” co-starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. His show “Avner the Eccentric” was a hit of the 1984-85 Broadway season. Here’s what Joel Siegel of ABC-TV had to say about him, “Avner The Eccentric is a brilliant comic … hurt yourself hysterically funny. I laughed for two solid hours. The show only lasted an hour and a half.” Avner performs Saturday and leads a workshop Sunday. Also performing Saturday will be the Piti Theatre Co. and area storyteller John Porcinio. Piti Theater will present “Elmer and the Elder Tree,” the local company’s dance-clown-theatre-nature fable. Audience members will receive organic flower seeds. Intermissions will include a raffle, syrup tasting, mural making, food and complimentary pickles from Greenfield’s Real Pickles. Tickets for Saturday’s performances are $5 for children 12 and under and $12 for general admission. See “Potpourri.”

    Submitted photos
    A renowned clown, theater, music, syrup and free pickles
    How would you like to see one of the world’s greatest clowns, live? You can this weekend when “SYRUP: One Sweet Performing Arts Festival” returns to Shelburne Falls Saturday and Sunday. That’s him pictured above, Avner the Eccentric, who will be performing “Exceptions to Gravity.” Avner, a master of physical comedy, was recently inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame, has won numerous awards, and is perhaps best known as the Jewel, the scene-stealing holy man, in “Jewel of the Nile” co-starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. His show “Avner the Eccentric” was a hit of the 1984-85 Broadway season. Here’s what Joel Siegel of ABC-TV had to say about him, “Avner The Eccentric is a brilliant comic … hurt yourself hysterically funny. I laughed for two solid hours. The show only lasted an hour and a half.” Avner performs Saturday and leads a workshop Sunday. Also performing Saturday will be the Piti Theatre Co. and area storyteller John Porcinio. Piti Theater will present “Elmer and the Elder Tree,” the local company’s dance-clown-theatre-nature fable. Audience members will receive organic flower seeds. Intermissions will include a raffle, syrup tasting, mural making, food and complimentary pickles from Greenfield’s Real Pickles. Tickets for Saturday’s performances are $5 for children 12 and under and $12 for general admission. See “Potpourri.”

  • Submitted photos<br/>A renowned clown, theater, music, syrup and free pickles<br/>How would you like to see one of the world’s greatest clowns, live? You can this weekend when “SYRUP: One Sweet Performing Arts Festival” returns to Shelburne Falls Saturday and Sunday. Avner the Eccentric will be performing “Exceptions to Gravity.” Avner, a master of physical comedy, was recently inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame, has won numerous awards, and is perhaps best known as the Jewel, the scene-stealing holy man, in “Jewel of the Nile” co-starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. His show “Avner the Eccentric” was a hit of the 1984-85 Broadway season. Here’s what Joel Siegel of ABC-TV had to say about him, “Avner The Eccentric is a brilliant comic … hurt yourself hysterically funny. I laughed for two solid hours. The show only lasted an hour and a half.” Avner performs Saturday and leads a workshop Sunday. Also performing Saturday will be the Piti Theatre Co. and area storyteller John Porcinio (pictured). Piti Theater will present “Elmer and the Elder Tree,” the local company’s dance-clown-theatre-nature fable. Audience members will receive organic flower seeds. Intermissions will include a raffle, syrup tasting, mural making, food and complimentary pickles from Greenfield’s Real Pickles. Tickets for Saturday’s performances are $5 for children 12 and under and $12 for general admission. See “Potpourri.”

    Submitted photos
    A renowned clown, theater, music, syrup and free pickles
    How would you like to see one of the world’s greatest clowns, live? You can this weekend when “SYRUP: One Sweet Performing Arts Festival” returns to Shelburne Falls Saturday and Sunday. Avner the Eccentric will be performing “Exceptions to Gravity.” Avner, a master of physical comedy, was recently inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame, has won numerous awards, and is perhaps best known as the Jewel, the scene-stealing holy man, in “Jewel of the Nile” co-starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. His show “Avner the Eccentric” was a hit of the 1984-85 Broadway season. Here’s what Joel Siegel of ABC-TV had to say about him, “Avner The Eccentric is a brilliant comic … hurt yourself hysterically funny. I laughed for two solid hours. The show only lasted an hour and a half.” Avner performs Saturday and leads a workshop Sunday. Also performing Saturday will be the Piti Theatre Co. and area storyteller John Porcinio (pictured). Piti Theater will present “Elmer and the Elder Tree,” the local company’s dance-clown-theatre-nature fable. Audience members will receive organic flower seeds. Intermissions will include a raffle, syrup tasting, mural making, food and complimentary pickles from Greenfield’s Real Pickles. Tickets for Saturday’s performances are $5 for children 12 and under and $12 for general admission. See “Potpourri.”

  • Jonathan Mirin of Piti Theatre. Recorder/Paul Franz

    Jonathan Mirin of Piti Theatre. Recorder/Paul Franz

  • Submitted photo<br/>Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival opens Thursday<br/>The Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival will present two weeks of award-winning films from around the world, Thursday through April 6. The films are being shown at several venues in the Pioneer Valley, including at two in Franklin County. “My Australia,” which is pictured above, will be screened Monday at Greenfield Garden Cinemas in Greenfield. On Saturday, March 29, “A Serious Man” will be presented by Pothole Pictures at Memorial Hall in Shelburne Falls. Finally, on Wednesday, April 2, “Hunting Elephants” will be shown at Greenfield Garden Cinemas. You can find information about films being shown under “Films” in our calendar. The festival also has an extensive website, pvjff.org.

    Submitted photo
    Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival opens Thursday
    The Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival will present two weeks of award-winning films from around the world, Thursday through April 6. The films are being shown at several venues in the Pioneer Valley, including at two in Franklin County. “My Australia,” which is pictured above, will be screened Monday at Greenfield Garden Cinemas in Greenfield. On Saturday, March 29, “A Serious Man” will be presented by Pothole Pictures at Memorial Hall in Shelburne Falls. Finally, on Wednesday, April 2, “Hunting Elephants” will be shown at Greenfield Garden Cinemas. You can find information about films being shown under “Films” in our calendar. The festival also has an extensive website, pvjff.org.

  • PETER BLANCHETTE presents his annual concert celebrating Johann Sebastian Bach’s birthday. Friday, 7:30 p.m. Christian Science Society of Northampton, Center Street at the corner of Masonic Street, Northampton. Blanchette will be joined by Grammy-nominated mandolinist/guitarist Mark Davis and West Coast archguitar virtuoso Elliot Gibbons. Tickets $17.50, $22.50. For tickets, go to www.archguitar.com or www.nohoarts.org. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door.<br/>

    PETER BLANCHETTE presents his annual concert celebrating Johann Sebastian Bach’s birthday. Friday, 7:30 p.m. Christian Science Society of Northampton, Center Street at the corner of Masonic Street, Northampton. Blanchette will be joined by Grammy-nominated mandolinist/guitarist Mark Davis and West Coast archguitar virtuoso Elliot Gibbons. Tickets $17.50, $22.50. For tickets, go to www.archguitar.com or www.nohoarts.org. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door.

  • MOCHA MAYA’S, 47 Bridge St., Shelburne Falls: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Kristin Hoffmann with special guest Joy Ike. Hoffmann is dedicating her performance as a musical tribute to David Morningstar, one of our regulars who passed away recently. “Hoffmann is a talented young singer with a great voice whose work marries Stevie Nicks with Fiona Apple.” Village Voice. Free; please tip the musicians. 625-6292, info@mochamayas.com.<br/>

    MOCHA MAYA’S, 47 Bridge St., Shelburne Falls: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Kristin Hoffmann with special guest Joy Ike. Hoffmann is dedicating her performance as a musical tribute to David Morningstar, one of our regulars who passed away recently. “Hoffmann is a talented young singer with a great voice whose work marries Stevie Nicks with Fiona Apple.” Village Voice. Free; please tip the musicians. 625-6292, info@mochamayas.com.

  • MUD SEASON DAY OF DANCE at the Museum of Our Industrial Heritage, 2 Mead St., Greenfield. Saturday, 2 p.m. Two teams of Molly Dancers will welcome spring and bring good luck to the museum for its 2014 season. Molly dancing is a form of English Morris Dance traditionally practiced by out-of-work ploughboys in midwinter and now by “factory lads” — including some dressed in women’s clothing (hence the name “Molly”). The local Green River Tap & Die team has invited Handsome Molly from Princeton, N.J., to help celebrate the end of winter with music, song and dance. Free. All welcome. The museum is free and open today from 1 to 4 p.m. and by appointment. For more information, call 336-8275.

    MUD SEASON DAY OF DANCE at the Museum of Our Industrial Heritage, 2 Mead St., Greenfield. Saturday, 2 p.m. Two teams of Molly Dancers will welcome spring and bring good luck to the museum for its 2014 season. Molly dancing is a form of English Morris Dance traditionally practiced by out-of-work ploughboys in midwinter and now by “factory lads” — including some dressed in women’s clothing (hence the name “Molly”). The local Green River Tap & Die team has invited Handsome Molly from Princeton, N.J., to help celebrate the end of winter with music, song and dance. Free. All welcome. The museum is free and open today from 1 to 4 p.m. and by appointment. For more information, call 336-8275.

  • BURLEIGH MUTEN, local author, will celebrate the launch of her new children’s book, “Miss Emily.” Saturday, 2 p.m. Jones Library, 43 Amity St., Amherst. The program will include a slide show, reading, book signing. Amherst Books will have copies to purchase at the event. There will be a guest appearance by “Miss Emily.” Refreshments, including Emily’s favorite gingerbread, will be served.

    BURLEIGH MUTEN, local author, will celebrate the launch of her new children’s book, “Miss Emily.” Saturday, 2 p.m. Jones Library, 43 Amity St., Amherst. The program will include a slide show, reading, book signing. Amherst Books will have copies to purchase at the event. There will be a guest appearance by “Miss Emily.” Refreshments, including Emily’s favorite gingerbread, will be served.

  • DON WHITE, singer-songwriter and humorist, performs at Temple Israel, 27 Pierce St., Greenfield. Saturday, 8 p.m. A unique performer — equal parts comedian, author and songwriter — White has been performing to an enthusiastic fan base in Greenfield annually for the past 14 years. Opening will be local performers Anand Nayak and Polly Fiveash. Nayak is a Grammy-nominated producer and member of Signature Sounds folk act Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments available for purchase. Tickets $15 and are available at the door or at the World Eye Bookshop on Main Street, Greenfield.<br/>

    DON WHITE, singer-songwriter and humorist, performs at Temple Israel, 27 Pierce St., Greenfield. Saturday, 8 p.m. A unique performer — equal parts comedian, author and songwriter — White has been performing to an enthusiastic fan base in Greenfield annually for the past 14 years. Opening will be local performers Anand Nayak and Polly Fiveash. Nayak is a Grammy-nominated producer and member of Signature Sounds folk act Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments available for purchase. Tickets $15 and are available at the door or at the World Eye Bookshop on Main Street, Greenfield.

  • THE ARTS BLOCK, 289 Main St., Greenfield: ABCD Contact Dance Jam. Tuesday, 8 p.m. Every fourth Tuesday, Greenfield Contact Jam hosts this special dance improvisation jam. Each Jam features improvisational musicians to accompany. Contact improvisation as well as any other forms of dance improv are welcome in the space. All welcome. Musician Laura Siersema joins with piano and voice this month. $10 to $30 sliding scale. 774-0150, www.theartsblock.com.<br/>

    THE ARTS BLOCK, 289 Main St., Greenfield: ABCD Contact Dance Jam. Tuesday, 8 p.m. Every fourth Tuesday, Greenfield Contact Jam hosts this special dance improvisation jam. Each Jam features improvisational musicians to accompany. Contact improvisation as well as any other forms of dance improv are welcome in the space. All welcome. Musician Laura Siersema joins with piano and voice this month. $10 to $30 sliding scale. 774-0150, www.theartsblock.com.

  • Godelieve Richard of Piti Theatre. Recorder/Paul Franz

    Godelieve Richard of Piti Theatre. Recorder/Paul Franz

  • Submitted photos<br/>A renowned clown, theater, music, syrup and free pickles<br/>How would you like to see one of the world’s greatest clowns, live? You can this weekend when “SYRUP: One Sweet Performing Arts Festival” returns to Shelburne Falls Saturday and Sunday. That’s him pictured above, Avner the Eccentric, who will be performing “Exceptions to Gravity.” Avner, a master of physical comedy, was recently inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame, has won numerous awards, and is perhaps best known as the Jewel, the scene-stealing holy man, in “Jewel of the Nile” co-starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. His show “Avner the Eccentric” was a hit of the 1984-85 Broadway season. Here’s what Joel Siegel of ABC-TV had to say about him, “Avner The Eccentric is a brilliant comic … hurt yourself hysterically funny. I laughed for two solid hours. The show only lasted an hour and a half.” Avner performs Saturday and leads a workshop Sunday. Also performing Saturday will be the Piti Theatre Co. and area storyteller John Porcinio. Piti Theater will present “Elmer and the Elder Tree,” the local company’s dance-clown-theatre-nature fable. Audience members will receive organic flower seeds. Intermissions will include a raffle, syrup tasting, mural making, food and complimentary pickles from Greenfield’s Real Pickles. Tickets for Saturday’s performances are $5 for children 12 and under and $12 for general admission. See “Potpourri.”
  • Submitted photos<br/>A renowned clown, theater, music, syrup and free pickles<br/>How would you like to see one of the world’s greatest clowns, live? You can this weekend when “SYRUP: One Sweet Performing Arts Festival” returns to Shelburne Falls Saturday and Sunday. Avner the Eccentric will be performing “Exceptions to Gravity.” Avner, a master of physical comedy, was recently inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame, has won numerous awards, and is perhaps best known as the Jewel, the scene-stealing holy man, in “Jewel of the Nile” co-starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. His show “Avner the Eccentric” was a hit of the 1984-85 Broadway season. Here’s what Joel Siegel of ABC-TV had to say about him, “Avner The Eccentric is a brilliant comic … hurt yourself hysterically funny. I laughed for two solid hours. The show only lasted an hour and a half.” Avner performs Saturday and leads a workshop Sunday. Also performing Saturday will be the Piti Theatre Co. and area storyteller John Porcinio (pictured). Piti Theater will present “Elmer and the Elder Tree,” the local company’s dance-clown-theatre-nature fable. Audience members will receive organic flower seeds. Intermissions will include a raffle, syrup tasting, mural making, food and complimentary pickles from Greenfield’s Real Pickles. Tickets for Saturday’s performances are $5 for children 12 and under and $12 for general admission. See “Potpourri.”
  • Jonathan Mirin of Piti Theatre. Recorder/Paul Franz
  • Submitted photo<br/>Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival opens Thursday<br/>The Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival will present two weeks of award-winning films from around the world, Thursday through April 6. The films are being shown at several venues in the Pioneer Valley, including at two in Franklin County. “My Australia,” which is pictured above, will be screened Monday at Greenfield Garden Cinemas in Greenfield. On Saturday, March 29, “A Serious Man” will be presented by Pothole Pictures at Memorial Hall in Shelburne Falls. Finally, on Wednesday, April 2, “Hunting Elephants” will be shown at Greenfield Garden Cinemas. You can find information about films being shown under “Films” in our calendar. The festival also has an extensive website, pvjff.org.
  • PETER BLANCHETTE presents his annual concert celebrating Johann Sebastian Bach’s birthday. Friday, 7:30 p.m. Christian Science Society of Northampton, Center Street at the corner of Masonic Street, Northampton. Blanchette will be joined by Grammy-nominated mandolinist/guitarist Mark Davis and West Coast archguitar virtuoso Elliot Gibbons. Tickets $17.50, $22.50. For tickets, go to www.archguitar.com or www.nohoarts.org. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door.<br/>
  • MOCHA MAYA’S, 47 Bridge St., Shelburne Falls: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Kristin Hoffmann with special guest Joy Ike. Hoffmann is dedicating her performance as a musical tribute to David Morningstar, one of our regulars who passed away recently. “Hoffmann is a talented young singer with a great voice whose work marries Stevie Nicks with Fiona Apple.” Village Voice. Free; please tip the musicians. 625-6292, info@mochamayas.com.<br/>
  • MUD SEASON DAY OF DANCE at the Museum of Our Industrial Heritage, 2 Mead St., Greenfield. Saturday, 2 p.m. Two teams of Molly Dancers will welcome spring and bring good luck to the museum for its 2014 season. Molly dancing is a form of English Morris Dance traditionally practiced by out-of-work ploughboys in midwinter and now by “factory lads” — including some dressed in women’s clothing (hence the name “Molly”). The local Green River Tap & Die team has invited Handsome Molly from Princeton, N.J., to help celebrate the end of winter with music, song and dance. Free. All welcome. The museum is free and open today from 1 to 4 p.m. and by appointment. For more information, call 336-8275.
  • BURLEIGH MUTEN, local author, will celebrate the launch of her new children’s book, “Miss Emily.” Saturday, 2 p.m. Jones Library, 43 Amity St., Amherst. The program will include a slide show, reading, book signing. Amherst Books will have copies to purchase at the event. There will be a guest appearance by “Miss Emily.” Refreshments, including Emily’s favorite gingerbread, will be served.
  • DON WHITE, singer-songwriter and humorist, performs at Temple Israel, 27 Pierce St., Greenfield. Saturday, 8 p.m. A unique performer — equal parts comedian, author and songwriter — White has been performing to an enthusiastic fan base in Greenfield annually for the past 14 years. Opening will be local performers Anand Nayak and Polly Fiveash. Nayak is a Grammy-nominated producer and member of Signature Sounds folk act Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments available for purchase. Tickets $15 and are available at the door or at the World Eye Bookshop on Main Street, Greenfield.<br/>
  • THE ARTS BLOCK, 289 Main St., Greenfield: ABCD Contact Dance Jam. Tuesday, 8 p.m. Every fourth Tuesday, Greenfield Contact Jam hosts this special dance improvisation jam. Each Jam features improvisational musicians to accompany. Contact improvisation as well as any other forms of dance improv are welcome in the space. All welcome. Musician Laura Siersema joins with piano and voice this month. $10 to $30 sliding scale. 774-0150, www.theartsblock.com.<br/>
  • Godelieve Richard of Piti Theatre. Recorder/Paul Franz