ARTS & CULTURE

We speak to Peaceful Ensemble and Abby Kingsman of Mountain River Taiko, tour Jericho in Holyoke, have a summer white thunderdome with Mary and Ben Daire, and hear about a BIPOC maker's market in Florence.

We review alleged inequities regarding the Quabbin Reservoir, the ongoing controversy with the planned Hampden County courthouse and much more.

We talk to Karen Randall of Randall's Farm, check out Greenfield's 2nd Congregational Church's new concert series, and chat with Rep. Jim McGovern.

The Triplex Cinema's Trifest youth film festival returns to Great Barrington, audio-based work of theater, "Common," tells the story of Amherst, and the Word Nerd draws links from 'The Odyssey' to modern English.

Ahead of her MASS MoCA concert, pianist Lara Downes explains how western Massachusetts voices and local history shaped her music and traveling "Declaration Quilt."

We find out what Double Edge Theatre has in store for their annual summer spectacle, speak with Mount Holyoke professor Patricia Dawson about her great aunt's book, "A History of the Cherokee Nation," and visit The Triplex Cinema for their "FREE AIR CONDITIONING" series.

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma has invited other performing artists and public intellectuals to his August residency at Tanglewood, including civil rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson.

We visit Windrow Farm in Conway, interview Samuel Galen Ng about his research on lynching in America with book "Assemblies of Sorrow," and explore the cosmos with Mr. Universe.

We take a trip to Great Barrington to hear from the organizers of Berkshire Busk and some of the participating acts for this year's annual outdoor performance series.

We hear music with Levyosn before they perform at Yidstock, check in with the Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival, and McGovern with Rep. Jim McGovern.