Becket is a forested hill town in the southeastern Berkshires, world-famous as the home of Jacob's Pillow, the oldest continuously operating dance festival in the United States. Becket has no open mics of its own, but Pittsfield, Great Barrington and the Pioneer Valley are 30 to 40 minutes away. This guide covers Becket's history, the regional music scene and venues, and where to find open mics and open jams nearby.
A Brief History of Becket
The hills of Becket were part of the Mohican homeland. Settlers arrived in the 1740s, and Becket was incorporated in 1765. The town became known for its granite quarries and for farming and logging in its rugged uplands.
In 1931, modern dance pioneer Ted Shawn bought a farm called Jacob's Pillow in Becket, and his all-male dance company performed there. The Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, now a National Historic Landmark, has brought the world's greatest dancers to Becket every summer since 1933.
Today Becket is a quiet town of lakes and forests, including part of October Mountain State Forest, with summer cottages and the Becket Arts Center.
The Becket-Area Music Scene
Becket's cultural life is centered on Jacob's Pillow and the Becket Arts Center, which hosts community arts events. For music, players head to Pittsfield, Lee and Lenox, where Tanglewood presents the Boston Symphony and popular artists each summer, and to Great Barrington's Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center.
The Pioneer Valley, 40 minutes east via the Mass Pike, adds Northampton and Easthampton's busy open stages.
Popular Live Music Venues In and Near Becket
- Jacob's Pillow (Becket) – A world-famous dance festival with live musicians.
- Becket Arts Center – Community arts and events.
- Tanglewood (Lenox) – Summer home of the Boston Symphony.
- Colonial Theatre (Pittsfield) and Mahaiwe (Great Barrington) – Historic theaters for touring acts.
Open Mics and Open Jams In and Near Becket
Becket players head to Pittsfield, Great Barrington or the Pioneer Valley. Below are the closest options, followed by a schedule.
Before you go: Open mics and jams change hosts, nights and venues often. Always check the venue's or host's website or social media before heading out with your gear.
Berkshires
- Open Mic at Methuselah Bar and Lounge (391 North St., Pittsfield) – A recurring evening open mic, 7:00–10:00 p.m. (recent dates on Thursdays). Check Love Pittsfield's calendar.
- Open Mic at Mason Library (231 Main St., Great Barrington) – Third Fridays, 4:00–5:30 p.m.
- Open Mic at Barrington Hall (426 Stockbridge Rd., Great Barrington) – An evening open mic series (7:30–10:30 p.m.) hosted by Hannah Bracken. Check The Berkshire Edge for dates.
Pioneer Valley
- Luthier's Co-op Open Mics (108 Cottage St., Easthampton) – Tuesdays and Wednesdays, roughly 7:00–10:00 p.m. No cover; all ages.
- Americana Slow Jam & Open Jam at The Parlor Room (32 Masonic St., Northampton) – Monthly on a Monday: a beginner-friendly slow jam with Josh Ballard at 7:00 p.m., then an open Americana jam from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. About $12 drop-in.
Becket-Area Open Jam & Open Mic Schedule at a Glance
| Day | Event | Venue | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday (recurring) | Open Mic (7 p.m.) | Methuselah, Pittsfield | All Styles |
| Friday (3rd) | Open Mic (4 p.m.) | Mason Library, Great Barrington | All Styles |
| Periodic | Open Mic Series (7:30 p.m.) | Barrington Hall, Great Barrington | All Styles |
| Tuesday & Wednesday | Open Mic (7 p.m.) | Luthier's Co-op, Easthampton | All Styles |
Tips for Playing Becket-Area Open Mics and Jams
- Watch the hill roads. Becket's back roads can be treacherous in winter.
- Use the Pike. It puts the Pioneer Valley within 40 minutes.
Helpful Local Resources
- Berkshires.org – The region's event calendar, including open mics.
- The Berkshire Edge (theberkshireedge.com) – South County arts and music listings.
- Love Pittsfield (lovepittsfield.com) – Pittsfield event calendar.
