events

Celtic music concert returns to Amenia on March 16

Celtic music concert returns to Amenia on March 16

Toes tapped to lively Celtic/Irish tunes as an enthusiastic audience gathered at the Amenia Town Hall on Dec. 15, 2025, for a Celtic Christmas Concert. Music was provided by the Upstate Celtic Allstars, including Joseph Sobol of Amenia, joined by David Paton, son of Sandy and Caroline Paton of Sharon. The free event, complete with seasonal refreshments, was a musical gift from the Town of Amenia to the entire community.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — A Celtic Celebration at Amenia Town Hall is scheduled for St. Patrick’s Day Eve on Sunday, March 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. Music will be provided by the Upstate Celtic Allstars.

The Celtic music ensemble is led by Dave Paton, Lakeville, Connecticut, on concertina; Amenia favorite Joseph Sobol on the cittern — related to the modern-day guitar; Lou Quinn on fiddle; and vocal/instrumentalists Deidre and Sean Murtha, of Norwalk, Connecticut.

“Joseph Sobol and I are very excited and honored to bring this special St. Patrick’s Day concert to the Amenia Town Hall,” said Paton on Saturday, March 8, commenting on the upcoming event.

“This will be our third concert for the town and we are hoping for the usual great turnout,” Paton added.

“Deidre and I have an album of Irish music, “All Hands Around,” on the Smithsonian Folkways record label, Paton said, proof positive of the ensemble’s authenticity and grounding in Celtic music.

The concert is jointly sponsored by the Amenia Town Hall and the town’s Recreation Department.

events

Latest News

Village of Millerton sets stage for zoning overhaul, aims for transparency

Village of Millerton sets stage for zoning overhaul, aims for transparency

Millerton Village Hall, where the Zoning Board of Appeals has begun laying the groundwork for a zoning overhaul aimed at modernizing the village’s code.

Nathan Miller

MILLERTON – The village Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) met on Tuesday night to begin laying the groundwork for a long-anticipated update to its zoning code — a process officials say is necessary to replace regulations they repeatedly describe as “outdated.” The discussion comes as the Town of North East faces public scrutiny over its November release of a years-long zoning rewrite of its commercial district.

To better understand the rewrite process — and avoid replicating challenges the town has encountered — ZBA Chair Kelly Kilmer invited two members of the North East Zoning Review Committee (ZRC), Edie Greenwood and David Sherman, to share insight.

Keep ReadingShow less

Our visit to Hancock Shaker Village

Our visit to Hancock Shaker Village

The Stone Round Barn at Hancock Shaker Village.

Jennifer Almquist

My husband Tom, our friend Jim Jasper and I spent the day at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. A cold, blustery wind shook the limbs of an ancient apple tree still clinging to golden fruit. Spitting sleet drove us inside for warmth, and the lusty smells of manure from the goats, sheep, pigs and chickens in the Stone Round Barn filled our senses. We traveled back in time down sparse hallways lined with endless peg racks. The winter light was slightly crooked through the panes of old glass. The quiet life of the Shakers is preserved simply.

Shakers referred to their farm as the City of Peace.Jennifer Almquist

Keep ReadingShow less
writer's notebook

Lakeville Books & Stationery opens a new chapter in Great Barrington

Lakeville Books & Stationery opens a new chapter in Great Barrington

Exterior of Lakeville Books & Stationery in Great Barrington.

Provided

Fresh off the successful opening of Lakeville Books & Stationery in April 2025, Lakeville residents Darryl and Anne Peck have expanded their business by opening their second store in the former Bookloft space at 63 State St. (Route 7) in Great Barrington.

“We have been part of the community since 1990,” said Darryl Peck. “The addition of Great Barrington, a town I have been visiting since I was a kid, is special. And obviously we are thrilled to ensure that Great Barrington once again has a new bookstore.”

Keep ReadingShow less
business