FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Great Barrington, Mass.—The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center has added three new performances to its year-round programming: a salsa dancing class and fiesta, “Mahaiwe Rumba,” during Festival Latino on September 27; string duo ARKAI on December 6; and Mahaiwe-favorite jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli on December 20.
Mahaiwe Rumba
The Mahaiwe will celebrate Festival Latino, Saturday, September 27, with a salsa class from instructor Luana Dias David at 6 p.m. followed by a salsa party with DJ RVMBA at 7 p.m. These events are free and will take place in the Mahaiwe’s Indigo Room.
A native of São Paulo, Brazil, Luana Dias David is a multidisciplinary artist and choreographer with over two decades of global performance experience. Her dynamic work seamlessly blends dance, cultural tradition, and storytelling, bringing the vibrant spirit of Brazilian culture to every stage. Luana’s exceptional talent has been showcased on national television platforms such as Italy’s RAI Uno and Russia’s Rossiya 1, and she has had the distinguished opportunity to perform for Italian President Silvio Berlusconi at Rome’s Piazza Navona. Luana is the visionary behind the Quilombo Experience, a project that celebrates the power of multicultural connections throughout Brazilian history.
Sonia Sandoval, a multimedia artist from the vibrant culture of Colombia, brings a dynamic blend of music and artistry to every stage she graces. From the heart of New York City to Australia, across the Capital Region of upstate New York, western Massachusetts, and Vermont, Sonia’s performances are an experience, not just a show. Nominated for three consecutive Eddie Awards, Sonia is known for her versatility — effortlessly transitioning from wild club sets to large-scale luxury events and the most famous pride celebrations in the world. As DJ RVMBA, she creates unforgettable moments, blending global sounds and Latin rhythms to connect people.
Reservations are required.
ARKAI
String duo ARKAI will perform at the Mahaiwe’s Indigo Room on Saturday, December 6 at 8 p.m.
ARKAI is an award-winning electro-acoustic duo that has captivated audiences around the world with their creative imagination and cutting-edge string music. Transforming the beautiful tones of the violin and cello into epic soundscapes that resemble a rock band backed by a cinematic orchestra, ARKAI’s signature sound has led them to hundreds of performances around the world including Grammys On The Hill and Carnegie Hall, opening for Grammy- and Oscar-winning musician Jon Batiste, and NBA playoff shows for the L.A. Lakers. They’ve also collaborated with celebrity photographer David LaChapelle for Milan Design Week, toured with superstar violinist Lindsey Stirling, and released viral hits with piano sensation Tony Ann. ARKAI recently joined Ann on an extensive international tour that included legendary venues like the Troubadour (Los Angeles), Barbican Centre (London), and L’Olympia (Paris).
As songwriters & performers, their creative versatility has led to collaborations with Grammy Award-winning music producers, Hollywood trailer houses, Cirque du Soleil acrobats and Olympic gymnasts, contemporary dance companies, chart-topping musicians, and full-scale symphony orchestras.
As proud Asian Americans, ARKAI has helped raise awareness and support for AANHPI causes in partnership with the Museum of Chinese in America, Asian American Arts Alliance, World Trade Center and US Dept of State. During a time of increased division and hostility within the world, their artistry represents a beacon of possibility for the Asian American community and an example of the power of arts to bridge cultural and societal divides.
ARKAI’s artist-activism and commitment to advancing the future of music has led to top awards from Astral Artists, WQXR, Juilliard, The McGraw Family Foundation, and recognition from the Recording Academy (Grammys).
Arkai has performed before for the Mahaiwe’s Bravo Circle members at the organization’s mainstage in 2023.
Tickets are $25 for general admission café table and row seating, first-come, first-served.
John Pizzarelli Trio: Tony Bennett – The Art of Excellence
Continuing annual tradition, jazz guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli will perform on the Mahaiwe’s mainstage this holiday season on Saturday, December 20 at 8 p.m.
Grammy Award-winning producer and guitarist extraordinaire, John Pizzarelli salutes the legendary Tony Bennett celebrating over 60 years of unparalleled artistry. From Bennett’s ’50s pop hits like “Because of You” and “Rags to Riches” through his timeless classics of the ’60s such as “I Wanna Be Around” and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” to his remarkable collaborations with Bill Evans, Pizzarelli’s trio will bring these iconic songs to life once again. The evening will also highlight Bennett’s incredible revival in the ‘90s while Pizzarelli weaves in personal anecdotes and stories that reveal the man behind the music. Prepare for a night filled with unforgettable music as the John Pizzarelli Trio honors this generational talent.
Tickets are $44 to $89 with discounts for Mahaiwe Members and individuals ages 30 and under.
Tickets
Tickets to John Pizzarelli go on sale to Mahaiwe Members on Wednesday, September 3 at noon, and to the public on Friday, September 5 at noon.
Tickets to ARKAI go on sale on Wednesday, September 3 at noon.
Reservations for Mahaiwe Rumba are available now.
Tickets can be purchased online at mahaiwe.org, or by calling or visiting the Box Office, 413-528-0100, on Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
To learn more about Mahaiwe Membership, contact Brenna Hull at 413-644-9040 x107 or brenna@mahaiwe.org, or visit mahaiwe.org/membership.
Individuals ages 30 and under are eligible for $15 youth tickets. Visit the Box Office or call 413-528-0100 Wednesday through Saturday, from noon to 4 p.m.
About the Mahaiwe
Located in downtown Great Barrington, Mass., the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center is the year-round presenter of world-class music, dance, theater, classic films, Live in HD broadcasts, and arts education programs for the southern Berkshires and neighboring regions. The intimate jewel box of a theater opened in 1905. Since 2005, the performing arts center has hosted over 1,500 events and welcomed over half a million people through its doors. More than 27,000 students from 77 different schools have benefited from the Mahaiwe’s school-time performances and residencies. For more information, see mahaiwe.org.
About the Indigo Room
The Indigo Room is a flexible performance space in the former Great Barrington firehouse building at 20 Castle Street, next door to the historic Mahaiwe theater.
Seating in the Indigo Room is modular, allowing different audience capacities based on the nature of a program. About 80 patrons fit in an arrangement of café tables; 100 in plain rows; and 150 when standing-room-only. These seating plans can be customized in various combinations, such as with plain rows behind café tables in front.
Indigo Room concessions include beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks.
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