What’s Happening in Amherst?

by Art and Maura Keene

You can help us make our events calendar more comprehensive by sending us your listings and including contact information and/or a link for more information. Send events listings to amherstindy@gmail.com.

SINGLE DAY EVENTS (more or less)

SATURDAY JANUARY 4: DEMENTIA AND DYING WELL. 1 to 2:30 p.m., Jones Library, 43 Amity Street. Join us for a discussion with Dr. Lew Cohen, author of Winter’s End: Dementia and Dying Well. Saturday, January 4, 1:00-2:30 PM, the Woodbury Room. Dr. Lewis Cohen, MD, is a palliative medicine researcher and a professor emeritus of psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine and the University of Massachusetts-Chan Medical School. Learn more.

SATURDAY JANUARY 4: SONG AND STORY SWAP WITH CLAIRE DACEY AND JAMOOF. Claire Decey and Jamoof will headline Pioneer Valley Folklore Society’s monthly song and story swap on Saturday, January 4, from 7-9 p.m. at First Church, 165 Main Street in Amherst. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $7.50 to the artists. Parking is available in the lot behind the church. More information

TUESDAY JANUARY 7: OPEN HOUSE TO GATHER INPUT ON THE TOWN’S HOUSING PRODUCTION PLAN. 4-6:30 p.m in the Woodbury Room of the Jones Library, 43 Amity Street. Residents are invited to offer input for the town’s Housing Production Plan (HPP). The event will offer Amherst residents the opportunity to learn about the HPP, to share ideas at various activity stations, and to help shape Amherst’s future housing goals!Pizza, snacks, and drinks will be provided. There will also be coloring activities and interactive materials for children.

THURSDAY JANUARY 9: IS DEMOCRACY DOOMED? 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Zoom. A talk by Austin Sarat, William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Jurisprudence and Political Science at Amherst College. The results of the 2024 election require us to ask whether democracy is doomed in the United States. This program will offer a perspective on the election, as well as discuss factors that are eroding democracy. We will also discuss strategies for preserving and improving democratic politics. Sponsored by Amherst Neighbors. No registration required. Zoom link here.

THURSDAY JANUARY 9: YEISON LANDERO: THE HEIR TO CUMBIA. 7:30 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. If you’re talking about cumbia royalty, there is no higher court than that of Andrés Landero — long considered the king of cumbia across the world for his contributions to the tropical genre. Yeison Landero, his grandson, caught Andrés’ attention at the age of 7, when he displayed not just a raw talent for interpreting melodies, but also a pure love for the music; un corazón cumbiambero. $22 in advance, $25 at the door.

FRIDAY JANUARY 10: CUPPA JOE WITH ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER DAVID ZIOMEK. 8 to 9:30 a.m., Cushman Market and Café, 491 Pine Street. Join us for coffee and conversation with Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman and David Ziomek, Assistant Town Manager and Director of Conservation & Development. Ziomek grew up in Amherst and recently celebrated 20 years working for the town. He oversees all conservation and planning initiatives including Hickory Ridge, Puffer’s Pond, and special projects across Town.   

THURSDAY JANUARY 16 AND FRIDAY JANUARY 17: EDGAR ALLAN POE SPEAKEASY. 10 p.m., Red Barn at Hampshire College, 893 West Street. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the dark and mysterious world of Edgar Allan Poe. This exclusive speakeasy will transport you to a bygone era as you sip on expertly crafted cocktails inspired by four of Poe’s most beloved stories. Led by the speakeasy’s lead mixologist and Poe historians, this immersive evening promises to be a chillingly unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to bring Poe’s tales to life, one sip at a time, and get your tickets for Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy in Amherst! A 21 and over event. Tickets $45.

THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY JANUARY 16-19 AND 23-26: AMHERST COMMUNITY THEATER PRESENTS THE BROADWAY MUSICAL NEWSIES. Bowker Auditorium, UMass. Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right! Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story,  Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Tickets.

SATURDAY JANUARY 18: DON’T TELL COMEDY. 8:30 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. No spoilers! All comedians remain unknown until the moment they take the stage. But don’t fret, we carefully curate lineups of 4-7 different comics to create a hilarious and diverse show. The best part is—you never know who might show up! $25 at the door.

TUESDAY JANUARY 21: NATIONAL DAY OF RACIAL HEALING. 6 to 8 p.m., Amherst Regional Middle School cafeteria, 170 Chestnut Street. The Department of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion will be observing the National Day of Racial Healing as the next installment in our ongoing Becoming Beloved Community series. This national event, held on the Tuesday after Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, focuses on racial healing and collective action for a more equitable world. We invite you to join us on January 21 from 6 to 8 pm at Amherst Reginal Middle School for a community conversation on racial healing.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 29: AMHERST JAZZ FACULTY CONCERT. The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Free. Full Calendar of Events.

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 9: THE WEDDING JESTER WITH JOHN FEFFER. Yiddish Book Center, 1021 West Street. 2:00-4:00 p.m. John Feffer’s one man show The Wedding Jester is a fictional account inspired by the real-life making of the Fiddler on the Roof film, telling how a Jewish stand-up comedian confronts a non-Jewish director of over errors in the film’s script. The Wedding Jester traces the history of Jewish comedy from the weddings of the Old Country to the Borscht Belt of the United States, challenging our notions of authenticity and of what is “too Jewish” or “not Jewish enough”. The performance is 60 minutes followed by a 30-minute Q&A. Tix: Member/Student – $12. General Admission – $15. More information

ONGOING AND MULTI-DAY EVENTS

EVERY MONDAY EXCEPT HOLIDAYS: AUTOHARP WORKSHOPS. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Senior Center, Bangs Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. Join Marie Hartwell-Walker and autoharp players throughout the country who participate on Zoom. Participants on Zoom also welcome.

TUESDAYS IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY: AMHERST NEIGHBORS LUNCH IN TOWN. 12 to 1 p.m., Community Room, Amherst Police Station, 111 Main Street. The Lunch in Town series continues in January and February. A mixture of regulars and newcomers show up every week. Come join with a bagged lunch. There will be no gathering on January 28. Canceled if the town closes for weather.

FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH: COUNCIL ON AGING SENIOR LUNCH. Noon. Bangs Center, 70 Boltwood Walk.

FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH. RAINBOW COFFEE HOUR. 10-11 a.m. Amherst Senior Center, Bangs Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. The Rainbow Coffee Hour is a new LGBTIA+ social coffee group for ages 50 and above. Join us for this welcoming space to socialize. No format, no agenda, just community. The July coffee hour will be held on July 11, due to July 4 being the first Tuesday of the month.

EVERY WEDNESDAY: WEEKLY WEDNESDAY MARKET. 10 to 11:30 a.m., Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. Since its launch in May 2024, the Wednesday Market has served over 700 community members. The Market is open to all, and there’s no registration and no questions asked. Just come and enjoy. We distribute fresh produce, dairy, prepared food, and delicious treats. 

EVERY WEDNESDAY: BEGINNER BIRDING. 9:00-9:30 a.m. Notch Visitor Center, 1500 West Street. For ages 12 and up. An easy, level, 1/4-mile guided hike to discover more about birds: their behaviors, needs, habitats and significance. Listen, observe, sketch, photo or journal. Free

LAST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH (EXCLUDING JULY AND JANUARY): NORTHAMPTON JAZZ WORKSHOP. The Drake. 44 North Pleasant Street. 7:30 p.m. Free (donations accepted). Featuring the Green Street trio with a special guest. Featured set at 7:30 followed by an open jam session. Bring your axe. Full calendar of events here.

LAST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH: CRAFT AND CONVERSE. Mill District General Store and Local Art Gallery, 91 Cowls Road. 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Are you tired of creating in solitude? Looking to connect with other artistic individuals? Grab your sketchbook, knitting bag, or water color gear and join our monthly coworking group! Craft and converse, hosted by Easthampton artist Kaia Zimmerman, is held the last Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. This welcoming, intentional space is designed for community members to come together for a casual, social evening while pursuing their own creative projects. Drop-ins welcome, but registration encouraged for any weather-related changes in schedule. Bring your own arts or crafts project (BYOA) to work on. Ages 16+.

EVERY WEDNESDAY : CAFE. Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Are you or a loved one experiencing memory loss? At the Amherst Senior Center, we understand memory changes and have developed a new program based on the popular Memory Café format. Our Café offers fun, relaxation, and of course, snacks. This program is perfect for caregivers, people with mild memory loss, or anyone in the community who enjoys good conversation and strong coffee. Each Café opens with a coffee and conversation hour, followed by a group activity. Join us on Wednesday, November 30th for a performance by our special musical guests, “Healing Hearts with Harmony” at 11:00am. Come for the coffee, stay for the connections! Email seniorcenter@amherstma.gov or call 413-259-3060 with questions. 

EVERY THURSDAY IN JANUARY: IRISH MUSIC SESSION. The Amherst Public House, 40 University Drive. 4-7 p.m. Fiddle, Flute, Tin Whistle, Guitar, Mandolin, Bouzouki and more.  Jigs, Reels,Hornpipes,  Polkas, Slides, and  Waltz’ from around the Celtic world.

EVERY THURSDAY: STITCH CIRCLE. 4 to 6 p.m. Mill District Local Art Gallery and General Store, 91 Cowls Road. Grab your needles, venture to the General Store, and join us for our first Stitch Circle. Knitters, quilters, embroidery artists, and crocheters are all invited. Free.

FIRST AND THIRD FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH: VETERAN’S COMMUNITY BREAKFAST FOR ALL -8 a.m – 9 a.m. Large Activity Room, Bangs Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. At each breakfast (bagel/donut/coffee), a veteran or veteran ally, will tell his or her personal story regarding military service. Generation after generation reveals that those going to war to defend our country come back spiritually and morally wounded, regardless of the bodily consequences of combat. We want to bring veterans together for food and friendship to help coalesce a spirit of camaraderie to enable authentic, veteran-oriented communities to flourish. WELCOME: Veterans, Spouses, Caregivers, Amherst Community Members.  Let’s Build a Thriving Veterans Community.  There are 387 Veterans in town! Sponsored by CRESS. FOR MORE INFORMATION:  CALL THE CRESS OFFICE, (413) 259-3370  OR GENE HERMAN, VIETNAM VETERAN, (240) 472-7288  –  CRESS VETERAN’S OUTREACH VOLUNTEER.

SATURDAYS IN DECEMBER: WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bangs Community Center., 70 Boltwood Walk. The Amherst Farmers’ Market is excited to announce the launch of its Winter Market at the Bangs Community Center, right in downtown Amherst. The Winter Market will run from 10 am to 2 pm every Saturday in December and on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of January, February, and March. This new venue offers a spacious and familiar environment for local farmers, artisans, and crafters to showcase their goods to the community. 

NOW THROUGH JANUARY 2025: ART IN THE STACKS. Burnett Gallery, Jones Library, 43 Amity Street. Jones Library staff art show. Your library staff are also artists. Jones Library staff invite you to a group show featuring our art in a variety of forms and mediums.

NOW THROUGH SATURDAY FEBRUARY 1: GORDON M. GREEN AND GK KHALSA EXHIBIT WORK AT GALLERY A3. Gallery A3, 28 Amity St. 1D. Thursday-Sunday, 2 p.m.- 7 p.m. Gordon M. Green displays abstract paintings that improvise with gestural brushwork to evoke a naturalistic landscape, while GK Khalsa presents a retrospective of drawings, spanning more than four decades.  More information