Dottie’s Coffee Lounge presents ‘Kegs & Eggs,’ a brunch with live music by Christine Bilé

Pittsfield— On Sunday, March 17th at 10 a.m. and noon, Dottie’s Coffee Lounge presents ‘Kegs & Eggs,’ a brunch with live music by Christine Bilé.

The four-course brunch menu features Irish soda bread scones with maple butter; Guinness pie, bangers and mash, and gold creme brûlée. Each course is paired with a drink like homemade Irish cream and the “Over the Rainbow’ jello shot.

Christine Bilé is a singer-songwriter who plays acoustic folk, pop music, and covers. She is a multi-instrumentalist who plays instruments such as the guitar and ukulele, writes her own lyrics, composes, and arranges her own songs to create songs that evoke strong, powerful emotions. Bilé’s musical influences include Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, John Mayer, Beyonce, Whitney Houston, and Chloe x Halle.

The brunch is on Sunday, March 17th with two seatings at 10 a.m. and noon at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge on North Street in Pittsfield. The cost is $35 or $60 with the beverage pairing. Reservations are required by calling 413-443-1792. More information can be found online.

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The Store at Five Corners presents Irish music and dancers

Williamstown— On Sunday, March 17th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., The Store at Five Corners presents Irish music and dancers for St. Patrick’s Day. 

As part of a monthly traditional music jam, musicians will be joined by dancers from Scoil Rince Breifne O Ruairc, an Irish dance school in Pittsfield. Experience the energy and grace of traditional Irish dance as these talented performers bring the spirit of Ireland to the jam session. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the intricate footwork and vibrant costumes that make Irish dance a mesmerizing spectacle. 

Bring your acoustic instruments and join in, or just bring your ears. Fiddles, Mandolins, Bodhrans, Guitars, Banjos, Ukuleles, Harmonicas, whistles, and any other instruments and musicians of all skill levels are welcome.

The jam is on Sunday, March 17th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at The Store at Five Corners on New Ashford Road in Williamstown. More information can be found online.

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Close Encounters with Music presents Baroque Celtic Band Makaris at The Mahaiwe

Great Barrington— On Sunday, March 17th at 4 p.m., Close Encounters with Music presents Baroque Celtic Band Makaris, “A Bach Family Concert” with an Irish Twist.

Violin, guitar, harp, and harpsichord meet bagpipes and Irish whistle in a cross-genre Saint Patrick’s Day celebration.

In his dance suites, J. S. Bach ventures into Spanish sarabandes, French bourrées, and British gigues. He and family members delighted in arranging Celtic and Scottish folk music. They will be joined by Beethoven and Haydn, who also forayed into Irish folk music with their own arrangements.

Makaris formed in 2018 to explore the broad musical heritage of Scotland and the following year released its first disc, “Wisps in the Dell,” to critical international acclaim. 

The concert is on Sunday, March 17th at 4 p.m. at The Mahaiwe on Castle Street in Great Barrington. Tickets are $28 to $52. An afterglow reception will follow the concert; meet the artists and enjoy bites and beverages by Authentic Eats by Oleg. Tickets and more information can be found online. 

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Berkshire County Historical Society presents a genealogy lecture with Rhonda R. McClure

Pittsfield— On Wednesday, March 20th at 5:30 p.m., Berkshire County Historical Society presents a virtual genealogy lecture with noted author and genealogist Rhonda R. McClure.

Senior Genealogist Rhonda R. McClure’s virtual presentation introduces the genealogical research process and the tools and techniques that support the research. Participants will learn how to create a solid research plan. The first part of the lecture introduces key genealogical tools such as the multi-generational chart, family group sheet, and the research log. The second part of the lecture introduces the range of records and documents that genealogists use in the course of research. Census, vital, and immigration records are highlighted. By the end of the program, participants will understand the most important types of records used in genealogical research and the strengths and weaknesses of each.

McClure is a nationally recognized professional genealogist and lecturer. Before joining American Ancestors/NEHGS in 2006, she ran her own genealogical business for 18 years. She was a contributing editor for Heritage Quest Magazine, Biography magazine and was a contributor to The History Channel Magazine and American History Magazine. In addition to numerous articles, she is the author of twelve books including the award-winning “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Online Genealogy,” “Finding your Famous and Infamous Ancestors,” and “Digitizing Your Family History.” She is also the editor of the recently released 6th edition of the “Genealogist’s Handbook for New England Research.”

The virtual lecture is on Wednesday, March 20th at 5:30 p.m. on Zoom. Admission is $20 and $15 for members. Registration and more information can be found online.

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2nd Street and Greylock to host financial wellness seminar

Pittsfield— On Wednesday March 20th from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., 2nd Street will host a free financial wellness seminar called CreditAbility at 2nd Street, located at 264 Second Street, Pittsfield.

Greylock Federal Credit Union staff members Cindy Shogry-Raimer, Vice President, Director of Community Development, and Stephanie Martin, Financial Wellness Coach II, will facilitate the seminar, which is open to 2nd Street clients and the general public.

Participants in the CreditAbility seminar will learn who needs to build good credit and why; the significance of a credit score; how to establish and/or repair credit; tips on how to use credit wisely; costly pitfalls and urban legends; and consumer rights and responsibilities. The interactive course includes ample time for open questions and answers, and literature will be provided as a handy reference guide after the seminar.

Shogry-Raimer and Martin are both Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors (CCUFCs) and work with a team of CCUFCs at Greylock. They provide one-on-one financial coaching sessions and classes throughout the county, as well as in their Community Empowerment Center at 75 Kellogg Street, Pittsfield, that are free and open to the public.