The Roundtable

A New Play by Mark St. Germain, 'Amchitka,' is being produced Chester Theatre Company, directed by Julianne Boyd and running through Aug 8th. The production is taking place in the Chester Town Hall Theatre.In a monitoring station at Amchitka, a volcanic island 170 miles off the coast of Alaska used for underground nuclear testing in the 1960s, three scientists find themselves cut off from the outside world as an event seems to be underway. But what? A new philosophical thriller by Mark St. Germain, author of 'Magdalene' and 'Freud’s Last Session.'

Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival 2026 continues through Sunday, August 30th. The Festival features indoor performances in the landmark Ted Shawn Theatre and the newly-opened Doris Duke Theatre, as well as outdoor performances on the Henry J. Leir Stage.In addition to showcasing acclaimed dance companies from the United States and around the world, the summer Festival is featuring a wide range of programs - including livestreams, talks, classes, exhibits, parties, community events, family-friendly activities, workshops with artists, and more.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Lecturer of Cognitive Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and former Fulbright US Scholar to Egypt Jackie Berry, Dean of the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity at the University at Albany Robert Griffin, Former Times Union Associate Editor Mike Spain, and Diplomat in Residence at Bard College. She retired from the U.S. Foreign Service in 2025 after over 30 years in public service. Her last post was ambassador to the SE Asian country, Timor-Leste Donna Welton.

This week's Book Picks comes from Suzanna Hermans from Oblong Books in Rhinebeck and Millerton, NY and Mike Hare from Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs, NY and Manchester Center, VT.

The Tanglewood Learning Institute presents 'February 1933' at the Linde Center on Saturday at 2PM in Lenox, MA. It is a World Premiere of a reading, with music, of Uwe Wittstock’s 'February 1933: The Winter of Literature.'

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Professor of History and International Relations at Vassar College. He is a specialist on the history of US foreign policy Robert Brigham, an author, lawyer, consultant, public speaker, and entrepreneur. Her most recent book is: 'Race Rules: What Your Black Friend Won't Tell You' Fatimah Gilliam, Former Vice President for Editorial Development at the New York Press Association Judy Patrick, and the founder and director of the Volunteer Literacy Project. She is also a columnist for The Free Press and a Greene County resident Larissa Phillips.

33-years ago, the family classic 'Free Willy' opened in theatres and became a hit leading to two sequels and a film still revered today. Star Jayne Atkinson will be doing an event at The Triplex in Great Barrington on July 29th at 7 pm for a talkback after a screening of the film.

Heather Headley is known for her prolific career on Broadway, in music, and in TV and film. Headley has a multifaceted career, which she considers a blessing.Headley in 1997 made her breakthrough by being cast as the titular role of Nala in the Tony Award Winning Musical ‘The Lion King.’ She then starred as the leading role of Aida in Elton John’s and Time Rice’s ‘Aida’ where she won a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress. She also has been in the West End’s “The Bodyguard,’ the Broadway Revival of ‘The Color Purple,’ and Encores ‘Into the Woods.’Heather Headley will be at The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center on Friday July 31st with 'An Evening with Heather Headley' at 8pm.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are public policy and communications expert Theresa Bourgeois, Joseph Palamountain Jr. Chair in Government atSkidmore College Beau Breslin, Preceptor in Public Speaking for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University Terry Gipson, and Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Robert Pondiscio.

Earlier this summer we had a lobster bake of sorts under a pavilion at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, part of SPAC's Culinary Arts events with chef Devin Finigan. Finigan is owner of Aragosta and recognized as one of food and wine's best restaurants in both 2024 and 2025. Finigan shares stories from her debut cookbook 'A Kitchen on Goose Cove: Recipes from the Heart of Maine.' Joe Donahue spoke with Devin Finigan in May 2026.