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 11: WILDLIFE OUT YOUR WINDOW TALK AND WALK. 9 to 11 a.m., Kestrel Headquarters, 37 Bay Road. Did you know that blue jay feathers aren’t actually blue, they’re brown? The blue is an optical illusion. Or that some frogs survive freezing temperatures by creating their own antifreeze? These are just a few of the fun facts you can learn about the “common” animals who live among us, making them quite remarkable after all. Join us for a presentation and walk with wildlife ecologist Brad Timm. You’ll look at the wildlife around you in a new light, pick up some tips for identification, and learn simple things you can do to help wildlife. Sliding scale admission. Register.

SATURDAY JANUARY 11: GUIDED STORY WALK AT MILL RIVER. 10 to 11 a.m., Mill River Recreation Area, 95 Montague Road. The North Amherst Library and the Hitchcock Center have teamed up for this Guided Story Walk! Join them at the Julius Lester Trail at Mill River Park to explore the book Bright Winter Night by Alli Brydon through movement, song, and a guided Story Walk. This event is best for children ages 0-6.  Children must attend with an adult. More information.

SUNDAY JANUARY 12: VOICE RECITAL AT THE AMHERST WOMEN’S CLUB. 3 p.m., Amherst Women’s Club, 35 Triangle Street. Come enjoy a recital of classical vocal music for the New Year featuring vocal students of Lois Sayers Smith; Sopranos, altos, and tenors all accompanied by Dr. Matthew Cron of the New England Conservatory of Music. Reception to follow hosted by Lois Sayers Smith. Free. Register here.

MONDAY JANUARY 13: AMHERST REGIONAL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL CHORALE. 1:30 p.m., Amherst Women’s Club, 35 Triangle Street. The Amherst Pelham Regional Senior High School Chorale under the direction of Todd Fruth, Performing Arts Educator and Chorale Conductor will present an afternoon of pure musical entertainment.   Let’s support our young people, enjoy the lovely music and hear all about their trip to Montreal to perform in Notre Dame Basilca in May.   Everyone agreed last year that it should be an annual event and we are fortunate that they agree. Register here.

MONDAY JANUARY 13: NIGHT HIKE ON THE RANGE. 2:30 to 6 p.m., 37 Bay Road. Join our friends at Adventure East to experience a safe, guided night hike. This moon-rise climb takes you to the top of Mount Norwottuck on the Mount Holyoke Range under January’s wolf moon. You’ll have a great adventure, make some new friends, and then be home in time for dinner. $40, $32 for Kestrel members with code KLTMOON. Register here.

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 JANUARY 16: “UNEASY DOMESTICITY”: THE PAINTED WORLD OF NIKKI MALOOF. 6 p.m., Amherst Women’s Club, 35 Triangle Street. Nikki Maloof’s paintings depict a world hidden within the mind. Imagined domestic interiors and animals become proxies for the human experience. Her subjects convey existential loneliness, but that loneliness is buoyed by humor, capricious paint handling, and the use of a saturated palette. Nikki has shown throughout the US and Europe, and is currently exhibiting her latest body of work at Perrotin gallery in Paris. Works from that show and more information can be found at: https://leaflet.perrotin.com/view/924/around-the-clock. Nikki completed her BFA at Indiana University before obtaining her MFA in painting and printmaking from the Yale School of Art. She works and resides in South Hadley. Wine and Cheese at 6 p.m., Artist talk at 6:30. Register here.

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.

FRIDAY JANUARY 17: BRAILLE STORY TIME WITH MARY WESTGATE. 11 to 11:30 a.m., Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Road. Join Berkshire Hills Music Academy’s Mary Westgate for a fun, music-filled storytime featuring singing, musical instruments, and braille books. Mary Westgate has been reading Braille books and singing with children for over 10 years. Mary is a day student at Berkshire Hills Music Academy (BHMA) in South Hadley, MA. She is a talented musician and participates in bands and ensembles at BHMA. Mary plays the autoharp and loves to share her music and singing with children. Free with museum admission.

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.

MONDAY JANUARY 20: Community Card Making Event. 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Room 101, Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, MA 01002. Brighten someone’s day by making a card with a positive message. All ages are welcome. Materials will be provided. This event is free and open to the public. Donations for the Amherst Survival Center food drive will also be collected here. Sponsored by the Recreation Department. 

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.

THURSDAY JANUARY 23: HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHOICES FOR THE BRAIN AND BODY. 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Zoom. An Amherst Neighbors free program. Karen Romanowski will provide information on healthy lifestyle choices for the brain and body. Topics to be addressed include learning signs of normal vs. abnormal brain changes as we get older, reviewing healthy lifestyle changes that support brain health and reduce the risk of developing dementia, and providing resources on where to find help if you are concerned about memory loss and resources to support health. No registration required. Zoom link.

THURSDAY JANUARY 23: CONSTRUCTING AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN AMHERST: TEARING DOWN BARRIERS. 7 to 9 p.m., Town Hall or on Zoom. Panelists: Gaston de los Reyes (Chair Amherst Affordable Housing Trust), Allegra Clark (Affordable Housing Trust and co-Chair Community Safety and Social Justice Committee), Laura Baker (Valley CDC), Tom Kegelman (Director home City Housing), Keith Fairey (Executive Director Wayfinders), John Hornik (former Chair Housing Trust. Q and A facilitated by Representative Mindy Domb. Zoom link: https://amherstma.zoom.us/j/83686070098 .

THURSDAY JANUARY 23: A CONVERSATION WITH PROFESSOR SAMUEL KASSOW, TRANSLATOR OF ROKHL AUERBACH’S WARSAW TESTAMENT. 7 p.m. on Zoom. Join the Yiddish Book Center for an evening in conversation with renowned Trinity College scholar Samuel Kassow about his new translation of Rokhl Auerbach’s Warsaw Testament. Register here.

FRIDAY JANUARY 24: OPENING – NICKEL BOYS. Amherst Cinema, 28 Amity Street. Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Colson Whitehead, NICKEL BOYS chronicles the powerful friendship between two young African American men navigating the harrowing trials of reform school together in Florida. For times, see here.

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. 2 p.m., Yiddish Book Center, 1021 West Street. In 1970, in a small village somewhere in Croatia, a stand-up comedian confronts the director of Fiddler on the Roof over errors in the film’s script. In a former life, the comedian was a badkhen, a jester who served as the emcee at Jewish weddings, and he’s familiar with shtetl life in ways that Fiddler’s non-Jewish director couldn’t possibly know. Along the way, The Wedding Jester—an original one-man show written and performed by John Feffer and directed by Josh Perlstein—traces the history of Jewish comedy from the weddings of the Old Country to the Borscht Belt of the United States. It challenges our notions of authenticity and of what is “too Jewish” or “not Jewish enough.” And it does what any good badkhen must do—it makes audiences laugh and cry. Runtime: The performance is 60 minutes followed by a 30-minute Q&A.  Tickets $15. Member/Student – $12. 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.

SECOND AND FOURTH SATURDAYS JANUARY THROUGH MARCH: 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. 

SATURDAYS MARCH 1 THROUGH SATURDAY APRIL 5: YOUTH ENTREPRENEURIAL WORKSHOP. 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for five Saturdays, Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. For grades 6-12. The DEI Department, in association with the Black Business Association of Amherst Area, is excited to announce their first program: A Youth Entrepreneurial Workshop! Young people in grades 6-12 are encouraged to join us for this free five-week program where they will learn the skills needed to develop a business and actively create and sell their own products, getting hands on experience in the process. Materials and snacks will be provided. Sign up here and we will be in touch by mid-February with an additional details. If you have questions, you can email Philip Avila at avilap@amherstma.gov.

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