Join us for the opening reception of NEST at MCLA Gallery 51.  Tonight, October 29, 2009 from 5-7 p.m.

Curated by MCLA art professor Melanie Mowinski, Nest features the work of Adrienne Gale, C. Ryder Cooley and others.  With the help of MCLA students, C. Ryder Cooley has been working on a large installation piece that you do not want to miss! 

Plus it’s Melanie’s 40th birthday, so GET DOWN and help us help her celebrate!!

What is the creative instinct, nesting, that so many animals, including humans share? Who does it, and how? NEST brings together contemporary artworks that explore the nesting instinct. Experience artist created shelters, invented and realistic creatures who construct them, and other pieces that nestle together.

Join us   T O N I G H T   as MCLA Presents!  Emeline Michel.  7:30 p.m. at the Church Street Center

The reigning Queen of Haitian Song brings the sounds of the Caribbean to the Berkshires.  Emeline Michel is a captivating performer; versatile vocalist and one of the premier Haitian songwriters of her generation.  Singing both in French and Hatian Creole, her nine albums have catapulted her to international acclaim. 

A hit three years ago when Emeline performed for the incoming freshman class, it is an honor to have her back on the Church Street stage.

"the dancing ambassador with a voice serene and warm like a breeze." - The New York Times

MCLA’s own Beverly Teixeira will kick off the evening with a luscious soulful sound that will surely have you on your feet.

On Friday Nov 6th at 7:30pm, the Railway Cafe will host Oklahoman KC Clifford and Mainer Jud Caswell at MCLA’s Gallery 51. Between the two of these up-and-coming artists, they have won practically every major songwriting competition (and if you think I’m exaggerating, see the entire list at the bottom of the page).

Possessing a notable knack for writing songs that are all-at-once universal and yet deeply personal, K.C. is a meticulous lyricist. In a world looking for substance, her songs answer back with a resounding hope and assurance. With authentic, straightforward artistry, K.C. is endearing herself to audiences one song at a time. Simply said, K.C. Clifford is Oklahoma’s best-kept secret.

Jud Caswell first hit the folk scene in 2006, earning a buzz of attention with a long string of wins at some of the most prestigious songwriting contests in the country. A native Mainer, his songs have a distinctively regional voice that celebrates the often hard beauty of rural life. This voice grew out of more than ten years of writing and performing in Maine - starting a family - putting down roots in his own home town. It’s a grounding that lends an easy, unassuming air to Jud’s performances. Jud has recently been recognized for his teaching of songwriting at Wintersongs in Ashoken, NY and the Americana Song Academy in Sisters, OR.

Admission for this event is $12 in advance, $15 at the door, $10 for students and seniors. MCLA ID holders get an additional discount. Railway Cafe shows take place at MCLA’s Gallery 51, 51 Main St., North Adams, at 7:30pm. To reserve in advance, call 413 664-6393, or email .

KC Clifford’s Recent Career Highlights:
Personal story & music featured on NBC’s ‘The Biggest Loser’ Mar. 2009
Kerrville Folk Festival Mainstage Performer 2009
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artist 2009
Woody Guthrie Folk Festival 2009
SWRFA Official Showcase Artist 2009
Kerrville New Folk Finalist 2006, 2007
Official Showcase Artist, Int’l Folk Alliance Conference 2007, 2009
Winner, Portland Songwriting Association Song Contest 2006
14th Annual Billboard Song Contest 3-song top finalist
Mountain Stage New Song Contest Honorable Mention, 2006
International Songwriting Competition Semi-Finalist, 2 songs 2006
Great American Song Contest, Top Finalist & Honor Award Winner 2006
Woody Guthrie Award Winner, 2002, 2005

Jud’s list of Songwriting Competition Wins:
Winner, 2008 South Florida Folk Festival Songwriter Contest
Winner, 2007 Dave Carter Memorial Song Contest
Winner, 2007 Plowshares Songwriting Contest
Winner, 2006 Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Contest
First Place, 2006 Boston Folk Festival Songwriting Contest
Winner, 2006 Wildflower Performing Songwriter Contest
First Place, 2006 Suwannee Springfest Songwriting Contest
First Place, 2004 Great American Song Contest