Pittsfield Community Residency: Afro Latin Jazz and Soul Experience
At Pittsfield: Jun 12 - Jun 15
Event Dates
About
Afro Latin Jazz and Soul Experience – Community Residency with Sekou McMiller & Friends
June 12–15 | Free with registration encouraged
Jacob’s Pillow welcomes Sekou McMiller’s Afro Latin Jazz and Soul Experience to Pittsfield for a multi-day community residency. This dynamic series of movement workshops, listening sessions, and dance parties, led by Sekou and his collaborators Charlie Garcia, Khary Kamau, and Miriam Gallardo, will immerse participants in themes from his upcoming premiere Urban Love Suite, which will be performed during Week 6 of the Festival. The residency will explore the joy of celebration, parades, and rituals across cultures, from Mardi Gras in New Orleans to Carnival in Trinidad and other global festivities. Participants of all ages are invited to join in the fun, learn, and celebrate through movement and sound.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, June 12
Parading through Culture: A Community Gathering about Celebration, Ritual, and Movement
Common Room, Zion Lutheran Church | 7-8:30pm
This dynamic session invites participants to explore the many ways family, community, and culture express themselves through celebration, ritual, and parade. Rooted in conversation and celebration, this experience opens up space for sharing personal and collective traditions—those that shape our identities and connect us across generations and borders. Using the vibrant traditions of the African Diaspora as a focal point—including Uruguay’s candombe parades, Mardi Gras, Carnival, and Salsa dance parties—we’ll explore the power of parading as both a cultural expression and a form of joy, resistance, and unity. The session will culminate in a collaborative social dance space, where the stories and rhythms we’ve explored come to life through music and movement – a living parade of culture, creativity, and connection.
Friday, June 13
From Clave to Celebration: A Listening & Movement Experience
WANDER Berkshires | 7-8:30pm
Centering the sounds and rhythms that inspire the dance traditions, this listening and movement session takes a rhythmical journey through African American, Afro Latino and other African Diasporic cultures. Based in community, movement and sound fusing dance and music that stem from the African Diaspora that were cultivated throughout the Americas, celebrating and exploring new exciting fusion. We will explore rhythms like the “Clave” that have inspired dance and music like Salsa, Samba, Rumba, Rock and Roll, and so much more!
Saturday, June 14
Workshop: A Joyful Celebration of Rhythm, Culture, and Movement
Paterson Field House, Berkshire Community College | 1-2:30pm
Join us for an energizing, full-body experience that blends movement, music, and culture! Sekou’s Afro Latin Jazz and Soul Experience invites you on a rhythmic journey through African American, Afro Latino, and other African Diasporic cultures, highlighting the deep connections, shared histories, and vibrant fusions that continue to evolve today. Rooted in the rich traditions of Caribbean dance and music—like Salsa, Mambo, Cha-cha-cha, and Rumba—this class weaves in African American Jazz, West African social dances, and African modern dance to create a joyful, community-centered movement experience. Together, we’ll explore the fundamentals of social dance and Embodied Africanist Aesthetics in a welcoming space that celebrates connection, culture, and expression. Open to all levels and all ages—come ready to move, groove, and feel the soul!
Berkshires Salsa for Everyone! Dance Class & Party
WANDER Berkshires | 7-8pm (Dance Class) and 8-11pm (Dance Party)
Get ready to move, groove, and connect! Join us for a fun, high-energy Salsa dance class that introduces the basics of this vibrant social dance style. We’ll cover simple steps, footwork, and partner work – with a big focus on rhythm, music, and community. No experience needed and all ages are welcome! Born of community It’s a fun and energetic way to share culture, build social dance etiquette, and enjoy a lively atmosphere.
After the class, stick around for a DJ’d Salsa Dance Party where you can show off your new moves, dance with friends, and soak up the joyful vibes. Whether you come to dance, listen, or just enjoy the energy, it’s a celebration of culture, connection, and fun!
Sunday, June 15
NAACP Juneteenth Celebration with Sekou McMiller
Durant Park | 12-6pm
Celebrate Juneteenth with us! We’ll be joining the NAACP Berkshire Branch as a part of their Annual Juneteenth Celebration – a joyful day of community, culture, and connection for all ages! Join Sekou McMiller & Friends for a pop-up performance, movement workshop, and energizing dance party that celebrates freedom, resilience, and community. No registration required. Learn more about the NAACP Berkshires Juneteenth Celebration here.
Pittsfield Community Programs are made possible with generous support from the Mill Town Foundation, and the Pittsfield Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
This event is in partnership with NAACP Berkshires, WANDER Berkshires, Common Room at Zion Lutheran Church, and Berkshire Community College, with special thanks to Noel Staples-Freeman and Luana Dias David.
