Word X Word Festival's Party on the Roof

It's just four stories up from North Street to the rooftop of the Greystone Building, but you feel like you've been transported far from gritty downtown Pittsfield. With panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the inspiring steeple of neighboring St. Joseph's lending a dramatic grace note, the roof is an unexpectedly magical setting for a party. That the Word X Word festival organizers sold out their opening night dance party with a diverse group of creative types (such as Jazu Stine and Thomas Winstanley, left) was proof that Pittsfield's cultural renaissance is now in high gear. Once it was too dark to see and dance on the roof, the party continued downstairs at Mission Bar + Tapas, which is owned by Jim Benson, the hipsterpreneur and founder of Word X Word, which runs sthrough August 29 at nine venues in downtown Pittsfield.

Cultural journalist Jeremy Goodwin and Berkshire Contemporary's Jay Elling; Lauren Cimini and DJ Ryan Brown.

Christine Ohlman and the Rebel Montez played dance music on the roof; Ohlman is the lead singer for the Saturday Night Live band.

Taylor Mali, who is curating the poets at this year's festival, with Pam Rich; Carrie Chandler with Blue Q's Paul Boulais.

Carrie Wright of North Street's Emporium with actress/journalist Carrie Saldo, who helped organize Word X Word.

Tom Rich of North Street's anchor retailer, Paul Rich & Sons, with Lynne & Mike Mazzeo who runs the butcher shops at Guido's; Mission's Laura Brower and Rachel Parziek with freelance chef Daire Rooney.

Graphic designer Joe Wilk, Val Ryan and Greystone Building owner George Whaling.

Actress Stephanie Hedges with singer Pam Rich; Alicia & Josh Gattuso.

Kristen van Ginhoven of WAM Theatre, who was the assistant director for Absurd Person Singular at Barrington Stage with Laura Roudbush, BSC's marketing director; April Burch & Dan Alden of Barrington Bra & Girl, which will be opening a second store in Pittsfield in the fall.