Oct. 2009 Happenings

Through Oct. 4, The Big E. They call it Big for a reason: a 17-day celebration of everything that makes New England great, featuring parades, music, rides, and more presenters than we can name here. Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds , 1305 Memorial Ave., (Route 147). Gates open at 8 a.m.; $10, $8 children ages six to 12, children five and under free. Info line, 413-205-5109, 413-205-5115 (tickets); the bige.com. Oct. 3, Berktoberfest, Pittsfield, MA. Enjoy samples from the best brewers in Western Mass. and support some good causes at the same time. Music, food, keg bowling, mug races, and, of courses, beer. Proceeds benefit the Downtown Pittsfield Association and the Elizabeth Freeman Center. Noon-6 p.m.; $20; 34 Depot St. Info: 413-997-3506; pittsfieldbrewworks.com. Oct. 3, Opening Night at Springfield Symphony Red Carpet Gala, at 8 p.m. Kevin Rhodes, piano solo, Springfield Symphony Men's Chorus. Wagner, Ride of the Valkyries; Liszt, Mephisto Waltz, Liszt, Faust Symphony. Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries leads a spirited charge into an otherwise all-Liszt, magical evening. Diabolical dialog, musical excerpt and a provocative piano solo by Maestro Rhodes entice us into Liszt's romantic world of sensual effects and Faustian musings. Prepare for a devilishly fascinating evening. Complimentary Champagne Reception following the performance. Info: 733-0636 or www.springfieldsymphony.org. Oct. 3, Church Tag Sale from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Florence Congregational Church, 130 Pine St. Florence. Rent a space for $20 inside or outside. Open to non-church members. Call Rhonda 413-977-4013 or church office 413-584-1325. Oct. 6, Men's Total Body Fitness. Starting Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6-7 p.m., the NCOA will be offering a Men's Total Body Fitness class, monthly. This whole body workout for men will include a combination of aerobics, strength training with hand weights, and yoga/stretching. Men ages 55 and up are invited to attend the class for a monthly fee. For more info or to register, call 587-1228 or stop by at 67 Conz St. Oct. 6, Fundraiser Golf Tourney at Northampton Country Club to benefit Rockridge Retirement Community. All proceeds from the event will be used to purchase a new safety communication system for residents. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Following the 18-hole event, Rockridge will host a cocktail hour, dinner, awards and an auction. Sponsorship opportunity are available. For more info call 586-2902 or visit the website at www.rockridgema.org. Oct. 8, Sandra Pipczynski photos at Rockridge Gallery. The exhibit will include nature photography, including closeups of flowers, wildlife and local scenery. Informal artist reception at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 8 with brief discussion by the artist. Rockridge Gallery, 25 and 37 Cole Meadow Road, Northampton open weekdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 9, Young Singer/Songwriter Edie Carey Performs at PACE, with opening act Lisa Piccarillo. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets: $10 members/$12 non-members. The Performing Arts Center of Easthampton (PACE) is located at 41 Union St. Info: 413-527-3700 or www.pioneerarts.org. Oct. 10-11, Antique and Modern Firearms Show, Better Living Center on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition, Memorial Drive, West Springfield. Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 15, BearFest Grand Finale and Auction. Join Easthampton City Arts for a gala dinner and live auction of these colorful artworks at The Log Cabin restaurant, 500 Easthampton Road (Route 141). Info: 413-527-8278; easthamptonbearfest.com. Oct. 16, Young @ Heart on the Cape, Barnstable Performing Arts Center, Hyannis, MA at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $30 (standard seats); $75 (premium location seats includes post-concert reception with Young @ Heart Chorus). Info: http://www.showclix.com/shows_listing3.php?event=3956. Order by phone: 1-888-718-4253. Oct. 17-18, New England Powersport Expo, Young Building on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition, Memorial Drive, West Springfield. Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sun., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 18, Pioneer Valley Book and Ephemera Fair. Seventy exhibitors present a collection of old and unusual books, maps, posters, autographs, and more at Smith Vocational School. Ten a.m.-5 p.m.; $6; $3 ages 12-21; children under 12 free, 80 Locust St. (Route 9). Info: 603-509-2639; flamingoeventz.com. Oct. 18, "Pancakes for Breakfast." An event to benefit the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Not only can Tomie dePaola write a book about pancakes, he can flip them, too. Enjoy pancakes in the cafe, a short dePaola film in the auditorium, art-making in the studio, and storytime led by the author, 9 & 10:15 a.m.; $10; $5 children; $25 family of four. Location: 125 Wets Bay Road, Amherst. Info: 413-658-1100; carlemuseum.org. Oct. 18, Northern CT Vegetarian Potluck, 5 p.m. Sheila "Shal" Gagne will speak. Shal operates MaidOrganic, her ecological friendly cleaning service. Lean how to make your home sparkle without harming your family and pets. Bring a healthy vegan dish to share along with a note card listing your ingredients and your name. Bring your place setting (plate, cup, and utensils. A donation of $7 per adult. Children are free. The Carniglia Senior Center, 41 Oak St., Windsor Locks, CT, is the location. Free parking. For info call Harry at 860-623-8092 or e-mail veggyharry@aol.com. Oct. 22, Mrs. California, Theatre 14 at Smith College, by Doris Baizley, directed by Sam Rush. Thurs.-Sat., Oct. 22-24, and Wed.-Sat., Oct. 28-31, at 8 p.m. Tickets: $8 general, $5 students/seniors. Box office: 413-585-2787; e-mail box office@smith.edu Oct. 23, Tales from Haunted New England, 7-8 p.m., Storrowton Village Museum on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition, Memorial Drive, West Springfield. OCT 24, Boston Book Festival featuring Nobel Prize Winner Orhan Pamuk and {Heros" Creator Tim Kring. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Boston Public Library, Old South Church, Trinity Church and outdoors at Coply Square. Presentations, panels, readings from myriad genres. Full guest list, info and times: www.bostonbookfest.org. Oct. 25, Dan Kane and Friends with Richie Mitnick Music. Benefit Concert to support the Agawam Cultural Council's "Grant for the Arts," 2-4 p.m., Agawam Senior Center, 954 Main St. All ages welcome $16 adults and children; $14 senior citizens. Oct. 26, Beryl Bender Birch, author of "Boomer Yoga" at Heartsong Yoga. Call 413-525-0729 for time, location..