By Kathy Dickinson
Summer fairly bursts with activity here in the Berkshires, and Becket is no exception. Art exhibits, dance, and performances abound, and our local music venues are picking up the tempo with no shortage of talent. Let’s travel up Route 8 to visit a few!
Most everyone knows Papa Bob’s is “where friends meet,” and, luckily for us, this summer Bob and Tami Scott are back to once again host musical guests on their backyard stage. Weather permitting, swing by for live music out back on Saturdays starting at 4pm and Sundays starting at 3pm, where patrons can relax at the back deck bar or at tables spread out on the expansive lawn while enjoying a variety of local bands and entertainers. Since Papa Bob’s is now open seven days a week with expanded hours, they’ve also added Karaoke indoors most nights at 9pm, and look for the Abbott Brothers on the indoor stage Friday evenings. To keep up with the schedule of visiting musicians, check out their Facebook page: Papa Bob’s Entertainment Hall.
No summer in Becket would be complete without visits to The Dream Away Lodge on County Road, open Wednesdays through Sundays. If you are one of the very few not already familiar with this unique spot, visit thedreamawaylodge.com where you’ll find the lore is truly fascinating and its reputation well-deserved. That is also where you can see who will be playing in The Music Room. Their calendar includes helpful links to learn more about the varied artists so you know more before you go. According to partner Daniel Giddings, the Dream Away “stays true to the tradition of singer/songwriter and occasionally includes more widely-known artists ‘on their way through’.” This legendary establishment has resumed a full schedule for a summer of live talent from all around the Northeast, not just New York and Boston. The indoor performance setting is intimate in this historical home, but situated in a secluded wooded setting including an outdoor fire pit. The Wednesday night tradition, begun in the 1950’s by the Berkshire Folk Society, is a song circle for musicians. Occasionally, a larger ensemble may perform off the back porch. Arrive early to nab a parking spot, and sample the unique menu before 8pm when the show begins.
Already in-play, the Route 8 Pub has been hosting musical guests year-round. Owner Mo Vandesteene and his daughter, Trisha Magner, General Manager, just celebrated two years of running the show, where they have hosted live music since they took over in May of 2023. This summer season, watch the website for their schedule of musical guests playing inside on Thursday and Sunday evenings. What does Mo find to be the most rewarding aspect of the programming at Route 8 Pub? “The friendships that get back together, and the friendships being created. We have great food, great music, and great people – if you haven’t been here in a while, come on down – it’s fun!” (Be sure to visit route8pub.com.)
(Please note, there is no cover charge at any of the previously mentioned venues, but tips are always appreciated!)
The Becket Arts Center (BAC) kicks off its sixth year of Music Brings Communities Together. This program was the brainchild of Amy Attias who first performed on the lawn of the BAC in September of 2020 during the early days of COVID. It was so well received that the following summer season saw the start of scheduled performances beginning with local favorite Bobby Sweet, and the program has continued to be quite popular ever since. Performances are scheduled from 5 to 7 pm on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month from June through early fall, and this year extends into October thanks to a special donation. Folks can swing by before heading out to dine or on their way home from other venues. Entertainment is free, but donations to the BAC are always appreciated. Patrons bring their own chairs and a beverage and snacks, if desired, and spread out on the lawn and parking lot outside the BAC, or in the event of rain, inside the Federated Church across the street. According to Jenn Beatty, the BAC’s Executive Director, “We serve only music, but the friendly interactions among the wonderful people who attend are what make these events magical. Music truly does bring the community together!” There are different performers throughout the season, so if you aren’t familiar with an artist on the schedule, stop by. You just might appreciate some new sounds and you’re sure to enjoy your visit.
So, get out and take in the diverse talent this region delivers. As we heard from a larger stage during the recent Tony Awards, “All You Need Is a Song!”
