Cultural correspondent Bess Hochstein reports: Mission owner Jim Benson was blessed with a perfect summer evening to kick off his Word X Word Festival and, at the same time, unveil what may turn out to be the Berkshires’ hottest summer party space: the rooftop of developer George Whaling’s Greystone Building. The rooftop was hot enough to make everyone forget what a cold, rainy summer it has been, but not too hot for dancing fueled by Berkshires DJ du moment, Gabriel Squailia, aka DJ BFG. Word enthusiasts and performers mingled over Mission's tapas before descending four flights of stairs and continuing down the street to Barrington Stage Company’s Stage 2, where the bookish set of Freud’s Last Session formed a perfect backdrop for a literate-but-edgy evening’s entertainment. Former teacher and four-time National Poetry Slam champion Taylor Mali riveted the audience. Smart songwriter David Dondero sang stories from the dark side while maintaining a sly, sunny disposition. Providence-based indie darlings The Low Anthem wrapped up the night with layered harmonics, sonorous vocals, and multi-instrumental dexterity. Fans of words written, spoken, and sung have the rest of the week to indulge their passion as the Festival continues through Saturday, August 22.
Rebecca Weinman of The Fitzpatrick Companies, with music writer and Shakespeare & Company publicist Jeremy Goodwin; the band The Low Anthem.
Fifteen-year-olds Eamon Wick and Graeme Sloan in trendy oversizse sunglassses flank Graeme’s mother, gallery owner Leslie Ferrin; actress/director Stephanie Hedges, Sara Frenkel from Peter Alvarez Salon, and Pam Rich.
The Berkshires Visitors' Bureau's Carrie Saldo, who is starring in The Ten Hour Play, with David Dondero and Jim Benson.
Brix chef Daire Rooney with artist Michael Rousseau; Jasmine Stine and Jazu Stine with their dad, psychiatrist Rob Stine, showing off his highly-inked gams.
Gabriel Squailia (aka BFG), the Berkshire’s DJ of the moment, with Mission chef and artist Jazu Stine; writer Seth Brown with festival performer Lisa Weinstein of the Berkshire Improv Troupe.
Feeling the breeze!
Amanda Plaine of Brix with Jenn Smith of the Berkshire Eagle and Jessica Moulton of the Old Forge; Val Ryan, a project manager at Whaling Properties, with photographer Ogden Gigli and the ebullient Mary Garnish.
Playwright Juliane Hiam Scribner and folksinger/songwriter Bernice Lewis, both festival artists; Pittsfield Contemporary’s Jay Elling with Pittsfield's cultural czarina Megan Whilden.
Four-time national poetry grand slam champion Taylor Mali recited his famous work, What Teachers Make, and read from his upcoming book, The Last Time as We Are, to be released in September.
The Low Anthem playing on Barrington Stage Company's Stage 2 set of Freud's Last Session.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
