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Zarna Garg, photo by Max Vadakin
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Straight No Chaser, photo by Christina Lane
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As a year-round presenter, the show never really stops at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. That said, there's an undeniable energy about summer in the Berkshires. Performances at the Mahaiwe and Indigo Room become gathering spaces for locals and visitors alike, connected by cultural enthusiasm. At sold-out events like Zarna Garg and Tom Papa, patrons mingle and meet – it can feel like a family reunion. With that in mind, we invite our Mahaiwe Family to take an inside look at what has been going on behind the scenes and backstage, in this latest edition of The Note Exchange. As always, thanks for reading and supporting your year-round community performing arts center.
—Team Mahaiwe
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The Mahaiwe is honored to have won its second consecutive "Best Concert Venue" award from Shopper's Guide readers.
Thank you!
We look forward to bringing you more great concerts in the future.
Visit our schedule at mahaiwe.org to browse upcoming shows.
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Convening in the Berkshires
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CATA and Mahaiwe personnel at Barr's Cultural Evolution convening, Mass MoCA
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Mahaiwe and CATA team members could not miss a fun photo opportunity together at the Barr Foundation's Cultural Evolution convening at Mass MoCA this June.
In total, 10 organizations across the commonwealth belong to Barr's Cultural Evolution cohort. The Mahaiwe and CATA were joined by Boston Lyric Opera, Community Music Center of Boston, Company One Theatre, Double Edge Theatre, Global Arts Live, The Hanover Theatre, The Record Co., and Zeiterion.
Marketing & Communications Manager Gabe Napoleon, Executive Director Janis Martinson, Chair Sheila Parekh-Blum, Director of Finance & Administration Frank Segro, Co-vice Chair Allison Wintner, and Director of Advancement Diane Wortis represented the Mahaiwe and were delighted to share and stragegize with all participating members of the cohort. The team looks forward to the next convening!
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On August 7, 2000, The Berkshire Eagle published an article about a beloved local theater in between owners. Read along for some insights on what people were saying leading up to the eventual purchase and formation of the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center.
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"The Berkshire Leadership Program was a really fantastic way to connect with other changemakers in the community and to learn about the different industries that hold this region together. It helped me break the silo and gain a much more comprehensive picture across all the industries in the area."
—Hannah
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The Mahaiwe was recently awarded a $162,500 matching grant from the Mass Cultural Council's Cultural Facilities Fund program; funds will go towards upgrading the Mahaiwe's heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. Learn more about the grant at massculturalcouncil.org.
Total projected cost for the new HVAC system is between $500,000 and $600,000. Help ensure continued comfort for audiences and performers alike by participating in the Mahaiwe's 2026 Gala Paddle Raise Auction, which will raise funds towards this project.
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In other grants-related news, the Mahaiwe is presenting a free family performance, Wizard Academy!, on Sunday, August 9, thanks to the generosity of Highland Street Foundation's August Adventures program. Reserve today!
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Mahaiwe Bravo Circle Members recently enjoyed a recital from Broadway soprano Mikaela Bennett with pianist Adam Rothenberg. Following the short performance at the historic theater, guests joined the artist for an informal reception at the Indigo Room.
Semi-annual Bravo Circle gatherings allow the Mahaiwe to recognize and thank its most generous donors. Learn more.
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Programming Picks
Straight from the staff
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"It's not every day you get a chance to see such talented musicians playing instruments that you rarely get to experience live in concert. Lala plays the guimbri, which is a three-string bass-plucked lute, and Yacouba plays the mali kora, which is a 21-string harp lute. If you're looking for a unique musical adventure, this would be the show to check out!"
—Michael Beuth,
Senior Manager of Programming and Booking
Lala Tamar & Friends
ft. Yacouba Sissoko
August 8
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"If you are looking for British choral music sung to perfection by an octet of vocalists with crystalline tone and outstanding musicianship, this concert will deliver, but it won't stop there. Dedicated to celebrating diversity in music, the performance will range from sacred polyphony to romantic choral writing, contemporary song, jazz standards, folk melodies and pop classics, with injections of skat and vocal percussion. World-renowned Grammy-nominated Voces8 has recorded with Paul Simon for a reason. You will love this show."
—Janis Martinson,
Executive Director
VOCES8
October 9
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"I'm looking forward to having singer-songwriter, virtuosic guitarist Raul Midón at the Indigo Room. He's a self-described 'improvising genius, song-loving fool' whose folk-inspired songs and jazz-minded creativity make for a truly unique live experience. I can't wait!"
—Gabrielle Senza,
Theater Assistant
Raul Midón
October 10
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An earlier edition of The Note Exchange this year included the Mahaiwe's 2026 Digital Playbill.
With our ever-evolving year-round schedule, it was time for a makeover.
But remember... there's always more on the way!
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Mahaiwe team at Town Hall Park for a picnic this past spring
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The Mahaiwe team works hard to bring high quality performing arts to the Berkshires all year round, but it's important to pause and take a break every now and then.
In June, the team celebrated one another with a picnic in the park across the street from the theater.
Following some pizza and a chance to catch up, Team Mahaiwe returned to work recharged and ready for a busy summer ahead.
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Youth Discounts
$15 tickets for ages 30 and under
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With summer in full swing, we'd like to remind audiences of the Mahaiwe's Youth Discounts program.
Individuals ages 30 and under are eligible for $15 tickets to Mahaiwe Presents live shows.
Purchase tickets directly through the Box Office at 14 Castle Street or 413-528-0100 during open hours, Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 4pm.
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Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
14 & 20 Castle Street
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Mahaiwe Box Office Hours:
Wednesday through Saturday from 12pm to 4pm
413-528-0100 | mahaiwe.org
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