The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires' Connecting with Community series will be joined by musician, singer, and songwriter, JoAnne Spies, as she performs "Elemental Songs and Ecstatic Dances."
What happens when we notice our everyday rhythms and their connection to the elements? JoAnne Spies will offer some possibilities when she shares songs, poems, and stories from her own work and other traditions that honor earth, air, water, fire and ether.
Spies has been leading songwriting workshops that focus on writing as a conversation or a ‘turning with’ the elements, inviting the audience to participate in rhythm and sound experiences that build community and empower voices for positive change. Songs from her new CD, Ecstatic Dances, a collaboration with hip hop artist Jackson Whalan and musician producer Robbie Baier, will be featured. For the past fifteen years, JoAnne has headed up the Art Cart program at Community Access to the Arts in Great Barrington, co-creating songs with elders and people with Alzheimer’s in six Berkshire Health Care settings.
This free program is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community Series and will be followed by a kosher
hot lunch. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations
are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program.