by Marilyn Fish
Although Lara Tupper was born in Boothbay, Maine, less than 300 miles from Becket, Massachusetts, she traveled halfway around the world over a period of several decades before arriving on our doorstep. During the process she evolved from a talented small-town girl into a well-known Berkshire author, teacher, and vocalist.
The only child of the late Stanley R. Tupper Sr., attorney and U.S. Representative from 1961-67, and former theater student and dancer Jill Kaplan Tupper, Lara attended Boothbay Regional High School where she excelled academically and also participated in dramatic and musical productions.
After her college years, and first two careers as a cruise ship and hotel lounge singer, and writing teacher, Lara felt the need to reconsider her life goals. She signed up for a weekend at Kripalu, the retreat center in Stockbridge, and found peace in the healing powers of yoga and nature. Before long she was teaching writing workshops to Kripalu guests and helping with scheduling.
As Kripalu’s Evening Events Coordinator, Lara booked musical performers for guest entertainment. One of them was Becket favorite, Bobby Sweet. In 2017, the couple married and settled in Washington, Massachusetts. Everything was at last falling into place when the pandemic hit and Kripalu closed its doors. Needing to establish a reliable stream of income, Lara decided to offer writing workshops online. This led to her present business, Swift Ink Stories.
Meanwhile, Lara has been renting an office at Becket’s historic Mullen House, where she completed three books: Off Island, Amphibians and her most recent novel manuscript, At the Center. She says, “I’m so grateful to have the space. I can see the Athenaeum and the Becket Arts Center from my office window and feel very lucky to be part of that creative ‘triangle.’“
Lara also continues her singing career. She and Bobby enjoy performing together throughout the Berkshires but hold a particular soft spot for Becket, the long-time home of the Sweet family. This summer they will appear at the Dream Away Lodge on August 2nd and at the Becket Arts Center on August 24th.
Lara and Bobby are slowly restoring a nearby property. For now, there’s plenty of work for a woman who continues to wow her audiences with warm smiles, her lovely voice, and exciting tales of a life well-lived.
For more information on Lara Tupper’s books, singing gigs, and workshops, see www.laratupper.com, and follow her on Facebook.
