South Egremont is a historic village in the town of Egremont, in the southwest corner of the Berkshires near the New York and Connecticut lines. Its old inns and church sit at the foot of the Taconic Range, and Great Barrington's open mics and concert halls are just five minutes away. This guide covers South Egremont's history, the regional music scene and venues, and where to find open mics and open jams nearby.
A Brief History of South Egremont
The valley at the foot of Mount Everett and the Taconic Range was part of the Mohican homeland. Dutch and English settlers arrived in the 1720s, and Egremont was incorporated in 1775. South Egremont grew as a stagecoach stop on the road between Hartford and Albany, and several of its old taverns and inns still stand.
In the 1800s, the area supported farms, iron works and small mills. Its rugged beauty, including nearby Bash Bish Falls, the highest waterfall in Massachusetts, later drew summer visitors.
Today South Egremont is a tiny, picturesque village with historic inns, restaurants and the Catamount ski area nearby.
The South Egremont-Area Music Scene
South Egremont's neighbor Great Barrington is the cultural hub of the southern Berkshires, with the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, the Guthrie Center in Arlo Guthrie's famous church, a monthly library open mic and an evening open mic series at Barrington Hall.
Tanglewood in Lenox and the Hudson Valley's music towns across the New York line are within 30 to 45 minutes.
Popular Live Music Venues In and Near South Egremont
- Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center (Great Barrington) – A restored 1905 theater.
- The Guthrie Center (Great Barrington) – Folk concerts.
- Mason Library (231 Main St., Great Barrington) – A monthly open mic.
- Barrington Hall (426 Stockbridge Rd., Great Barrington) – An open mic series.
Open Mics and Open Jams In and Near South Egremont
South Egremont players head five minutes east to Great Barrington, or north to Pittsfield. 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 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.
- 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.
South Egremont-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 |
Tips for Playing South Egremont-Area Open Mics and Jams
- Make Great Barrington your hub. It's five 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.
