Phil Ochs tribute concert to benefit Reporters
Committee for Freedom of the Press
ASHFIELD — On the 50th anniversary of the death of Phil Ochs, April 9, singer and multi-instrumentalist John Yannis will perform a concert of Ochs’ music at the First Congregational Church in Ashfield, 429 Main St. All proceeds will benefit the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.
The concert will begin at 7 p.m. The event is free to attend, though donations will be collected to support the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. The organization provides legal representation, amicus curiae support and other legal resources at no cost to protect First Amendment freedoms and the newsgathering rights of journalists.
“My father was a reporter for the New York Times,” Yannis, a Colrain resident, said in a statement. “During this time of unrest, when the media is under siege, I hope people will join me in supporting an organization that fiercely advocates for the newsgathering rights of journalists and the First Amendment. And while we’re at it, let’s remember Phil Ochs, who called himself a ‘singing journalist.’ His songs are still relevant to the challenges reporters and all of us face today.”
In the 1960s, Ochs was allied with the burgeoning anti-war and civil rights movements, and appeared at many rallies and protests. His early songs included “I Ain’t Marching Anymore,” “Draft Dodger Rag” and “Here’s to the State of Mississippi.”
Yannis has been playing piano and singing since he was very young. In his teens, he picked up the guitar as well. He serves as the piano accompanist for the Greenfield Community Chorus and sings in the Ashfield Congregational Choir, both directed by Margery Heins. He also plays classical piano concerts in retirement homes, substitutes for church musicians and is an active member of the Eventide Singers hospice choir.
Free children’s clothing exchange set for April 11
ASHFIELD — Ashfield Needles and Threads invites the community to a free clothing exchange at the First Congregational Church, 429 Main St., on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
People can drop off clean clothes, shoes and bedding for children up to age 13 at the entryway of St. John’s Episcopal Church, 6 South St., between Monday, April 6, and Friday, April 10. On Saturday, people can go to the First Congregational Church to shop. Attendees are encouraged to bring reusable shopping bags.
April 11: Dance to raise money for food pantry
SHELBURNE — The West County Climate Circle and the Ashfield Affinity Group invite the community to a “Welcome Spring” dance to benefit the West County Food Pantry operated by Community Action Pioneer Valley on Saturday, April 11.
Festivities will be held from 7 to 9 p.m at Fellowship Hall, located at 17 Little Mohawk Road just off Route 2. The event is free to attend, however, a $10 donation to the West County Food Pantry location is suggested. The dance will feature DJ Cyndee Fan.
For more information, email westcoclimatecircle@gmail.com.
April 15: Armchair garden tours
ASHFIELD — Join gardener Jeffrey Farrell for a presentation of his personal photographs of writer Christopher Lloyd’s Great Dixter garden, and filmmaker and artist Derek Jarman’s Prospect Cottage, at Belding Memorial Library on Wednesday, April 15, at 6 p.m.
April 24: Sacred Stroll
ASHFIELD — Ashfield Churches Together will host a “Sacred Stroll” on Friday, April 24, at 4 p.m. All are invited to meet at 354 John Ford Road for a walk, and attendees are encouraged to bring a poem or passage to share.
Cookies will be provided by Ashfield Churches Together, which is comprised of the First Congregational Church of Ashfield and St. John’s Episcopal Church. The event will be held rain or shine.