What’s on tap for arts and culture over the next few months in the Pioneer Valley:
Party Animals
How do you describe The Surrealist Cabaret by the Royal Frog Ballet? You let the frogs do it. From the event’s website, The Surrealist Cabaret “is a walking performance and installation event that weaves storytelling, movement, surrealism, and sculpture through the landscape in a folky, comedic and ritualistic evening for all ages. The outdoor event walks the audience through farm landscapes at autumnal sunset. Along the way they encounter a surreal collection of short stories, dance, installation pieces, and roving characters that explore and celebrate themes of season, place, and what it means to be human in these times.” The Royal Frog Ballet is an arts collective founded by Hampshire College alumni. Performers collaborate to create landscape-based installation and performance work. If you plan to attend, know that reservations are required. Hiking footwear and warm layers are encouraged as the show — at an hour and 20 minutes long — includes a vigorous walk on uneven terrain for audience members.
The Surrealist Cabaret, Oct. 15-18, 4:30 p.m., $9-$18, private location in Amherst revealed upon purchase of ticket; Oct. 23-25, 4:30 p.m., $9-$18, Hampshire College Farm, Amherst, www.theroyalfrogballet.com.
Con Artists
Zork! this is going to be a good time. The Bing is holding the center’s third annual Comic-Con on Oct. 24.
The day will feature 47 tables of artists, writers, creatives, crafters, and comic book and toy dealers. Artists include: Jim Taylor (the Bing asks that you please not ask him to sing), Tom Ryan, M. Cody Shelton, Todd Mulrooney, Hector Rodriguez, Elle de Valois, Matt Greenia, Mr. Marky-Mark Marcellus Ragans, Keith Gleason, podcasters and writers Matt Herring and Brian LeTendre from Secret Identity Podcast, Uber creative Jack Purcell, T-shirt vendor Mike Russo, Mr. Transformer himself Casey Coller, Boston Wunderkinds Mike Doherty and Andy Driscoll, those Crafty Ladies from Threadsmith, and Faustino Capati and the crew from LEGO Enthusiasts of Connecticut.
The day will include a Cosplay stage, DJ, food, and panels.
Bing Comic-Con 2015, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $5, Trinity Methodist Church, 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield, bingartscenter.org.
Hadley
Gets Crafty
OnTrend Crafts is hosting its Fall Craft Fair on Oct. 17 outside on the Hadley Town Commons. The indie craft fair is in its second year and has doubled in size — to nearly 60 crafters — from its first run.
Founded by Jennifer Murphy of Sunderland, the event is meant to feature traditional craft techniques with a modern twist. OnTrend is a juried fair, meaning that crafters must apply to be accepted. Among other factors, vendors are hand-selected based on uniqueness, quality, presentation, and even online presence. At the October fair, shoppers will find modern handmade jewelry, leather goods, body care products, pottery, hand-sewn and -knitted apparel, letterpress stationery, and more. “We have crafters coming from as far north as Newcastle, Maine and as far south as New York City,” says Murphy.
OnTrend Fall Craft Fair, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, free; Hadley Commons along Route 9, adjacent to Esselon Cafe, ontrendcrafts.com.
Do It Live!
Watch and listen as local and regional artists, musicians, writers, dancers, risk-takers and other creatives reveal unseen new work and works-in-progress. On Oct. 23, organizers of Live Art Magazine will unveil the third “issue” at the
Academy of Music. The evening unfolds within the structure of a magazine. Each issue engages the audience with a selection of readings (poetry, fiction, essay), performances (music, dance, theater), photography, and film. A series of short pieces begin the evening and set a rolling pace. Longer features follow and dig deeper. The final works bring closure and prep us to hit local establishments with fellow art community members. There is no photography or video. The only way to see it is to be there.
Live Art Magazine, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m., $8-$14, Academy of Music, 274 Main St., Northampton, www.liveartmagazine.org.
Strings Attached
Rasputina, the chief project of musician Melora Creager, has been on a cello-centric mission since 1991. The group may be the only example so far of “alternative/historical” music — Creager’s work features characters based on lesser-known historical female figures, bringing them to the stage via pop music and unusual costumes. Nirvana fans may recall that Creager was part of that band’s touring lineup in 1994. Rasputina’s show celebrates the release of a new album, only available on CD.
Oct. 17, 10 p.m., $15/advance, $18/door, Iron Horse Music Hall, 20 Center St., Northampton, (413)586-8686, iheg.com.
The Show
Heard Round the World
The mesmerizing “Fan Dance” and “Drums of Ecstasy” are among the dazzling showpieces in Sounds of Korea. Under the direction of Sue Yeon Park, noted master artist and recent recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts National Fellowship Heritage Award, Sounds of Korea specializes in a repertoire which spans a vast range of styles and settings, from classical court music and dance traditions to theatrical masked dances and solo instrumental folk genres. Using a wide variety of percussion and wind instruments, including the prominent kayagum, Sounds of Korea’s beautifully crafted instruments and colorful costumes play an integral role in their stunning productions.
Sounds of Korea, Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m., $10-$35, Fine Arts Center, UMass Amherst, fac.umass.edu.
Bow Down
Get ready for some Real Love with the Queen of Hip-Hop and Soul Mary J. Blige when she comes to Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut on Nov. 15. A veteran of the music industry, Blige redefined R&B when she started mixing rap tracks with her melodies and letting her powerful voice lead the rhythm like a conductor. She’s sold 50 million albums worldwide and has won nine Grammys. And in case you were on the fence about whether to revel in her majesty’s voice live, remember: “Be Without You,” “Not Gon’ Cry,” and “Ooh!” Also as a special offer for fans attending the show, a digital download of her latest album, The London Sessions, is included with every ticket order.
Mary J. Blige in concert, Nov. 15, 7 p.m., $78-$128; Foxwoods Resort and Casino, Mashantucket, Connecticut, www.foxwoods.com/maryjblige.
Hot to Trot
If you’ve never seen a horse dance, you’re missing out. The giant, muscle-bound beauties can be graceful and light on their feet under the right tutelage. Rene Gasser is the horse whisperer of equine boogey, and he’s bringing his spectacular to the Valley this month. The Gala of the Royal Horses is a performance featuring Spanish horses that can leap, curtsey, and canter, accompanied by flamenco dancing and Spanish music.
For the last 10 years Gasser has toured in Australia and abroad with his various productions, which include Gala of the Royal Horses, Lipizzaner’s With the Stars, and Equestra. “The unique qualities of the Royal Horses single them out from all other breeds in the Equine world,” Gasser says. “Their physical beauty and grace, coupled with exceptional courage and nobility make them an object of admiration and a source of inspiration for horse lovers everywhere.”
Gala of the Royal Horses, Oct. 1, 7 p.m., $29.25-$80.30, Mullins Center, UMass Amherst; Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m., $29.35-$60.10, MassMutual Center, Springfield, www.galaoftheroyalhorses.com.
