Sponsored by The Feigenbaum Foundation and Mill Town Capital

Fourth Annual Celebration of Black Voices

Thursday, August 8–Sunday, August 11

Tartell Family Outdoor Stage
55 Linden Street, Pittsfield

Sponsored in Part by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Come and join the festivities in our celebration of local Black artists, featuring a kickoff concert, an adult talent showcase, a community gospel concert and a host of other events. Reservations are strongly recommended but not required

Inclement weather is forcing us to reschedule certain events. To keep up with the changes and updates, check @celebrationofblackvoices on Instagram!

Tuesday, August 6 7:00PM

Laugh Out Loud: A Night of Comedy

Join us for an evening of laughs to honor Celebration of Black Voices Week. For one night only, meet us at Mr. Finn’s Cabaret with Think Floyd and Friends. Think Floyd will be joined by local Comedian Eryca Nolan who will serve as the host, Timothy Lovett, a comedian from North Hampton, and a special Musical Performance by a CBV All Star “BigzDaKing”

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Thursday, August 8 6:00PM

Kickoff Concert

Come get the party started with the annual kickoff concert! To get us going, Mayor of Pittsfield Peter M. Marchetti will read the official proclamation that named August 4-10 as “Celebration of Black Voices Week in the City of Pittsfield.” 

Sample the Cat is performing, led by CBV 2023 talent show winner Kendrah Bellevue. Join us for an evening of covers and original music.

Reserve Seats
Friday, August 9 2:00PM

Youth Voices Ensemble Performance

A culminating performance from the participants of a weeklong performing arts camp for BIPOC youth ages 10–18. This camp is free of charge. Participants will have worked with a professional theatre director, music director, choreographer, teacher, and teaching artist who will help assist the group in creating an original play/showcase.

Reserve Seats
Saturday, August 10 6:00PM

Moving Forward Poetry Event

Join us for an empowering and uplifting night of poetry where performers show us how they are moving forward in a time of great uncertainty.

*This event was postponed from August 9 due to weather. It will now be combined with the Talent Showcase.

Reserve Seats via the link below
6:00PM

WestSide Takes the Stage: Take 5 Adult Talent Showcase 
Moving Forward Poetry Event – rescheduled from 8/9

Come out and support our local performers/artists as they share their passion for music. Novice music lovers will sing covers, and local professionals will perform original music in our Fifth Annual Adult Talent Showcase.

Reserve Seats
Sunday, August 11 1:00PM

Joyful Noise 3 Gospel Concert ft. The New Prodigal Sons

Prepare to be uplifted by the soul-stirring harmonies of the CBV Community Choir, made up of members of local Black churches. They are joined by The New Prodigal Sons, a renowned gospel quartet from Springfield, MA. Their special guest appearance is sure to be a wonderful addition to the Joyful Noise 3 Gospel Concert, bringing the community together through music and celebration.

Reserve Seats
6:00PM

Before U Mattered

Join us for a celebratory original play written and performed by local creative Black community members, incorporating their personal stories with contemporary events.

Reserve Seats

We are thrilled to announce Celebration of Black Voices, now in its fourth year received a prestigious honor from the City of Pittsfield.

On July 20th, 2024, Mayor Peter M. Marchetti declared the week of August 4th to 10th as Celebration of Black Voices Week in recognition of the program’s impact on the community. This special proclamation underscores the program’s dedication to amplifying Black voices and fostering cultural understanding through the arts.

The ceremony was marked by an official proclamation and a gathering of esteemed guests, including Director of Community Engagement Sharron Fraizer-McClain, who began the event in 2020; Co-Producer Melle Powers (Principal -The Make Good Project and Powerful Communications); and performances by Celebration of Black Voices participants.

Congratulations to all involved, and thank you to Mayor Marchetti for this honor!