Local author to host book reading

GREENFIELD — Local author and teacher Mk Smith Despres will host a reading and book signing at Imaginary Bookshop, located at 365 Main St., on Saturday.

Despres will be at the bookshop from 11 a.m. to noon, reading from their new picture book, “Night Song,” illustrated by Hyewon Yum. They will be available to sign copies of the book afterward.

The event is free and cookies will be served.

Yiddish music duo coming to Temple Israel

GREENFIELD — Temple Israel at 27 Pierce St. welcomes the Yiddish music duo Michael Alpert and Craig Judelman for a workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 5:30 p.m. and a concert on Thursday, Jan. 11, at 6:30 p.m.

Alpert is a performer and teacher of Yiddish song, dance and instrumental music. Judelman has built a reputation as both an old-time fiddler and klezmer musician. They currently live in Scotland and Berlin, respectively.

The Wednesday workshop is open to musicians who are at a beginner or intermediate level of knowledge of klezmer style, as well as more advanced learners. The format will encompass the needs of those who attend.

The Thursday concert will include Jewish fiddle tunes collected in Ukraine in the early 20th century, songs learned from native-born Yiddish culture bearers, and their own original tunes and songs.

The cost for each event is $12 to $36, sliding scale. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Virtual program to highlight ‘Fierce Females’

GREENFIELD — In collaboration with the Sargent Memorial Library in Boxborough, the Greenfield Public Library invites residents to a virtual program called “Fierce Females: Women in Art” on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m.

This program, led by Jane Oneail, examines the history of women in art in brief and then explores the lives, careers and works of several major women artists from the Renaissance to the 20th century, including Artemisia Gentileschi and Mary Cassatt.

Oneail is the founder of Culturally Curious, an arts education consulting firm specializing in art appreciation programs. She curates and delivers programs throughout New England and beyond.

This program is free, but registration is required. Get the Zoom link at bit.ly/3vAnaFw. This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive a recording of the program via email within a week of it occurring.