Cuba in the Valley Film Series
August 3, 2026 - July 5, 2027 - 6:45 pm - 9:30 pm at Luthier’s Coop
108 Cottage St
Cuba in the Valley Film Series Moves to Luthier’s Co-op in Easthampton
[Easthampton, Mass] – As the July 26th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution approaches, a small group of movie buffs announce that as they go into their second year of free monthly films from and about Cuba, they are moving the screenings to Luthier’s Co-op, 108 Cottage Street, Easthampton the first Monday of each month beginning with August 3, 2026 at 7 pm. The series is sponsored by Massachusetts Peace Action and the Hispanic-American Library of Springfield, Mass.
Following each film, drawing on their extensive experience in Cuba, organizers Merri Ansara and Michael McCarthy lead a discussion of the film and share relevant news and actions to take. Cuba has been laboring under a total fuel embargo for the last seven months, creating incredible hardships with long blackouts, surgery and medical delays and transportation problems. President Trump has threatened to bomb or attack the island.
So why Cuban movies? What’s so special? Why this approach to getting to know the island, its history, culture and near 70 year old socialist revolution?
Merri Ansara: Cuba has an iconic place in our ideas and memories. As someone who has traveled back and forth to Cuba for 50 years and for 20 years ran an organization that arranged travel for others to Cuba, I enjoy sharing what I know and love about Cuba with people. Films are a great way to do it.
Michael McCarthy: Cuba shows us how another world is possible. How does an island nation of 10 million people provide free health care and education to all? Accomplish one of the most successful literacy projects in human history? It is a place worth exploring beyond the headlines and film is a great way to do that.
Doris Madsen: I started attending the films because I’ve wanted to learn more about Cuba. The films have helped bring different people in the community together. Then as a former librarian, I came to think I could help with the organizing and the selection of films.
The August 3rd film, “Death of a Bureaucrat,” is a 1961 farce about the dangers and pitfalls of socialist bureaucracies. Doors open at Luthier’s at 6:45. All films are in Spanish with English subtitles. Luthier’s bar will serve cocktails, beer and snacks. The public is welcome to bring in outside food.
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Nulhegan Abenaki Heritage Gathering
August 29, 2026 - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm at Mount Norris Scout Reservation
1 Boy Scout Camp Rd.
This year our Gathering will be held at Mount Norris Scout Reservation. This free event will be held August 29th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided to the public. Donations will be accepted.
There will be singing, storytelling, drumming, and dancing along with other activities to be enjoyed by adults and children. For example, you may have the opportunity to learn how to pound ash and throw a tomahawk. You can watch a basketmaker or a flintmaker and ask questions. There will also be Abenaki vendors so you can go shopping! Please note that this is always an alcohol and drug-free event. The event will be held rain or shine due to the availability of an indoor facility.
Fairy & Arts Festival
September 12, 2026 - 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Nonotuck Park
1 Daly Field
The Fairy & Arts Festival is a celebration of the Magical World of Fairy Folk and the Creative Arts. The festival will have food, music, dance, theatrical performances, literature & art. The theme of this year’s inaugural festival is “BELIEVE”. An inspirational theme whispered to organizers from the fairy folk themselves. With the fairies come all things magical and the fairies have cast their fairy dust on the day of September 12th, 2026, to hold this enchanting event. With whispers of excitement, giggles and laughter the fairies ran off, hopping toadstool to toadstool to tell the Easthampton Fairies of Nonotuck Park that their fairyland, their very special realm was chosen to serve up a day of Magic, Fun and Enchantment. There is much to be done; much more is needed to prepare, but not a worry nor despair for fairies have magical dust and spells in their care.
Gonzalo Rubalcaba at the Vermont Jazz Center
September 19, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm at Vermont Jazz Center
72 Cotton Mill Hill #222
Gonzalo Rubalcaba Trio
Saturday, September 19, 2026
7:30-10 pm
Pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba was already a young phenom with a budding career in his native Cuba when he was discovered by Dizzy Gillespie in 1985.
Since then, Piano & Keyboard Magazine selected him in 1999 as one of the great pianists of the 20th century, alongside figures such as Glenn Gould & Bill Evans.
To date, Rubalcaba has won five Grammy Awards (for a total of 21 Grammy & Latin Grammy nominations) & four Latin Grammys.
Rubalcaba was born in 1963 in a musical family in Havana. Gonzalo, a child prodigy who by the age of 6 was playing drums in his father’s orchestra, started his formal training two years later, with piano as his main instrument.
He graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts in Havana, & by his mid–teens he was working steadily in Havana.
Following graduation he stepped right into the life of the popular musician, touring Cuba, Europe, Africa & Asia with the fabled Orquesta Aragón & also as a sideman in jazz groups & , beginning in 1984, leading his own Afro-Cuban jazz rock fusion band, Grupo Proyecto.
Encounters with Dizzy Gillespie & , in 1986, with Charlie Haden & then Blue Note Records president, Bruce Lundvall, set the stage for him to perform & record in the United States & Europe.
Rubalcaba moved to the Dominican Republic in 1991 & settled in Miami in 1996
Gonzalo Rubalcaba, piano
Matt Brewer, bass
Eric Harland, drums
$25+ general admission (sliding scale)
Donations for livestream welcome.
For accessibility support please call in advance.
802 254 9088 ext. 1
eugene@vtjazz.org
www.vtjazz.org
Vermont Jazz Center
72 Cotton Mill Hill #222
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Barks & Brews
October 11, 2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Fort Hill Brewery
30 Fort Hill Rd
Fetch some fun at Dakin’s 11th annual Barks & Brews, at Fort Hill Brewery in Easthampton on Sunday, October 11th from 1pm-4pm.! Gather your favorite humans or furry canine friends for an unforgettable afternoon of craft beer, food trucks, vendors, activities, treats, and more! Barks & Brews is a 21+ outdoor event where dogs and dog lovers come together for a perfect fall afternoon, all while making a difference for pets and the people who love them.
Humans must be 21+ and all dogs must be on a leash (retractable leashes are not allowed).
Activities:
Included in Admission
- Costume Contest: Enter the contest and join the parade! Categories include cutest dog, spookiest dog, most creative, and best duo.
- Hot Dog Eating Contest: A tail-wagging taste test showdown, who can gobble their way to glory the fastest?
- Musical Sit: Like musical chairs, but made for dogs!
- Dog Splash Zone: Cool off and play in a water play area for dogs who love to make a splash (weather permitting).
- Photobooth: Capture the memories with your pup in our photo booth.
Add-on Activities
- Dog Painting Canvas Art: Let your dog become the artist! Paws, licks, or playful steps create a one-of-a-kind abstract masterpiece.
- 50/50 Raffle: Try your luck! Half the pot goes to the lucky winner, and the other half supports Dakin’s lifesaving work.
- Nail Trims with Fur’s-a-Flyin’: Quick, gentle nail trims to keep your pup happy and comfy!
- Mobile Baths with HydroDog: Freshen up on the go! Professional mobile bath to get your dog cleaned up and looking their best.
- Food Trucks: Caravan Kitchen, Crazy Arapes, Thai Chili Food Truck, and Batch Ice Cream
Schedule of Events:
12pm-1pm: VIP Guests Preview Hour
1pm: Event opens for General Guests
2:15pm: Contest Game Sign Ups Close
2:30pm: Hot Dog Eating Contest
2:45pm: Musical Sit
3:00pm: Costume Parade & Contest Winners Announced
3:30pm: Raffle sales close/Passport Game Drawing
3:45pm: 50/50 Raffle drawing announced
4pm: Event Ends
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