Tanglewood

For the Sunday afternoon concert at Tanglewood, ending the five day James Taylor marathon the sea of umbrellas out on the lawn offered shade from blazing late summer sun not shelter from the rain as on the previous soggy evenings. It was a glorious concert with JT backed by John Williams conducting the Boston Pops.

It was yet another sloppy evening for the plucky souls hunkered down on the lawn at Tanglewood. But James Taylor, with special guests, Yo Yo Ma and Sheryl Crow, just sizzled. He warmed the hearts of the thousands who braved yet another miserable evening during the Monsoon of 2009.

James Taylor has donated his $500,000 fee for a weekend of concerts at Tanglewood. Some 60,000 tickets have been sold for the unique season ending series. The event was launched last night at Ozawa Hall in a program that featured the band and four backup singers.

Following the performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas on Sunday, August 23, the Boston Symphony Orchestra will end its Tanglewood Season. But next week, August 27-30, James Taylor will be featured in four, sold out performances. Followed by Labor Day weekend's Tanglewood Jazz Festival.

Summer may seem to be drawing to a close, but you can't tell by the busy schedule in the next few weeks. In fact, more new shows are opening, fresh dance companies are unpacking and the jazz musicians are waiting in the wings for a festive climax to Summer in the Berkshires. To make sure you don't miss anything, here is another handy roundup of the best events for late summer through the big Labor Day weekend.

This past weekend at Tanglewood presented an abundance of riches. Pops on Friday night feature guest artist Chris Botti. On Saturday the audience was thrilled by "Carmina Burana." Yo Yo Ma peformed on Sunday afternoon. The Festival continues with Andre Previn, Michael Tilson Thomas and Kurt Masur.

Just up Under Mountain Road from the main gate of Tanglewood is the posh, bed and breakfast Stonover Farm. The stone walled under level of the barn is operated as the Barn Gallery which is open to guests and by appointment. Through October 31 there is a lively and fun exhiition "Farm."

A capacity audience on a lovely summer night delighted in guest artist, trumpet player Chris Botti, appearing with Keith Lockhart. The program also featured a tribute to Benny Goodman, the King of Swing, who was born a hundred years ago. His solos were performed by Thomas Martin.

In what has become an annual visit to Tanglewood the Mark Morris Dance Group presented two world premiers "Visitation" and "Empire Garden." They were accompanies by Yo Yo Ma, cello, and Emanuel Ax on "Visitation." The violinist Colin Jacobsen joined them to play Ives for "Empire Garden."

Sir James Galway, was in a Blarney mood anticipating his 70th birthday, December 8, but actually celebrating his anniversary. He was joined for flute duets by the stunning Lady Bonnie Galway. They made beautiful music. In another mood Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos conducted an all Stravinsky program.

composers, cutting edge dance or perhaps an absorbing evening of great theatre? Take time to indulge your senses and treat yourself to some of the Berkshire's legendary performing arts attractions. They all have great deals for residents and visitors alike. Use our handy Picks and Previews guide to help decide.

Fireworks blazed in a rousing climax to an epic performance of the "1812 Overture" with a massive orchestra. There was a gorgeous and all too rare summer night for the sold out annual "Tanglewood on Parade."

Despite a truly terrible night with torrential downpours a capacity audience turned out for one of the season's highlights. The maestro, James Levine, conducted a fully staged production in the intimate theatre barn of Mozart's "Don Giovanni." It was directed by Ira Siff with Elliot Madore as Don Giovanni and the magnificent Layla Claire, a rising star, as Donna Anna.

Tony Bennett, now 83 years young, evoked a master's class on jazz and the American songbook at Tanglewood before a damp but delighted audience. It was a family affair with his daughter, Antonia, opening the program with several songs

On Friday, July 17th, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, with Leon Fleisher as piano soloist, performed Mozart's Piano Concerto in A Major and then took on the majestic Mahler Sixth Symphony under James Levine. It was yet another example of the Divine Levine.

Come for lunch, stay for tea. Measure for Measure is brilliantly played by the Apprentice Company as part of the Lunchtime Theatre, and more than a snack, it is the main course.

There was a sold out Shed and a crowded lawn for the annual Film Night conducted by the composer John Williams. He holds the record for Oscar nominations and has taken home five Academy Awards. He was joined by narrator Frank Langella in a tribute to Warner Brothers studio.

Summer's abundance is all around us, and so is the Berkshire's annual bounty of music, theatre and dance choices. Here's another of our detailed guides to help you choose.

With all the cold and wet weather we are still waiting for summer to arrive in the Berkshires. It is amazing to realize that we are sliding into the third weekend at Tanglewood. On Friday night James Levine will conduct Mahler. And on Saturday one of the annual highlights of the season will feature John Williama in a Film Night tribute to Warner Brothers.

Tina Packer, after 32 years as Founding Dirctor of the Lenox based, Shakespeare & Company has stepped down. It was planned that Tony Simotes, now in his first season as Artistic Director, would be handed the reins of debt free company with a $10 million new facility including a second stage, The Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre, and the start on an endowment. Then the economy fell off a cliff.

For Berkshire residents the Saratoga Performing Arts Center is not that far away, and offers a completely different menu of performances to choose from. Their season had just begun when we visited. The New York City Ballet is in residence through July 18.

When Igor Stavinsky's ballet "Le Sacre du Printemps," with choreography by Vaslav Nijinski, premiered in Paris with the Ballets Russes on May 29, 1913 it provoked a riot. A light attendance for James Levine conducting at Tanglewood indicates that after almost a century it is still a hard sell. Judging by a standing ovation and encore it was clear that much of the audience had come to hear violinist Christian Tarzlaff perform Brahms.

Miraculously Diana Krall transformed a packed Shed and several thousand on the Lawn at Tanglewood into the most intimate cabaret. With sizzling jazz piano, a scorching quartet and torchy lyrics. Krall took time to chat about her husband, Elvis Costello, twin boys, and getting hugs from the Obamas during a recent visit to the White House. Ending with fireworks.

July is a great time to be in the Berkshires with dozens of must-see events taking place as we approach the height of the season. Making the right choices is challenging. Winnow them down using our capsule descriptions and handy links. There's no easier way to compare, check and choose than this handy guide. Lots of pictures, too.

Coming into the second week of the Tanglewood season we greatly anticipate James Levine conducting Wagner's "Die Meistersinger" on July 11. Later he will conduct Mozart's "Don Giovanni." There is always so much going on that there is no time t take a breath during the dense season. On the occasion night off or when we have to be somewhere else friends invariably tell us what we have missed. So get our your calendar and start planning ahead. The wonderful Tanglewood season always seems to go by in a blur. Between now and the Labor Day Jazz Festival, pack a basket, spread the blanket, open the wine and enjoy a glorious night under the stars.