Dalton is a small Berkshire town just east of Pittsfield, famous worldwide as the home of Crane & Co., which has made the paper for U.S. currency for more than a century. Its music options are mostly next door in Pittsfield, with North Adams's weekly open mic and Great Barrington's open mics farther afield. This guide covers Dalton's history, the regional music scene and venues, and where to find open mics and open jams nearby.
A Brief History of Dalton
The upper Housatonic River valley was part of the Mohican homeland. Colonists settled the area in the 1750s, and Dalton was incorporated in 1784, named for Massachusetts politician Tristram Dalton.
In 1801, Zenas Crane opened a paper mill on the Housatonic. Crane & Co. grew into one of America's great paper makers, and since 1879 it has produced the paper for U.S. paper money. The company's history is told at the Crane Museum of Papermaking.
Today Dalton is a small town of about 6,000, with mill buildings, a historic town center and woodland trails.
The Dalton-Area Music Scene
Dalton players look to Pittsfield, five minutes west, for the Colonial Theatre, local clubs and open mics such as the Methuselah Bar and Lounge's recurring open mic. North Adams's MASS MoCA hosts the Solid Sound and FreshGrass festivals, and Tanglewood in Lenox, the summer home of the Boston Symphony, is 20 minutes south.
Popular Live Music Venues In and Near Dalton
- Colonial Theatre (Pittsfield) – A restored 1903 theater for concerts.
- Methuselah Bar and Lounge (391 North St., Pittsfield) – A bar with a recurring open mic.
- MASS MoCA (North Adams) – Festivals and concerts.
- Tanglewood (Lenox) – Summer home of the Boston Symphony.
Open Mics and Open Jams In and Near Dalton
Dalton players head to Pittsfield and the northern and southern Berkshires for open stages. Below are the best 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.
Nearby
- 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 Studio 9, The Porches Inn (18 Veazie St., North Adams) – Tuesdays, 7:00–9:00 p.m.; sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. Musicians, spoken word and comedy.
- 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.
Dalton-Area Open Jam & Open Mic Schedule at a Glance
| Day | Event | Venue | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | Open Mic (7 p.m.) | Studio 9, North Adams | All Styles |
| 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 |
| September | FreshGrass festival picking | MASS MoCA, North Adams | Bluegrass |
Tips for Playing Dalton-Area Open Mics and Jams
- Think Berkshire-wide. Pittsfield is your hub, with North Adams and Great Barrington 30–40 minutes away.
- Plan for winter. Snow and ice can cancel nights; check social media before heading out.
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.
