Music Inn and Berkshire Theatre Group to Host Reunion, Jay and the Americans, 10/12

A Music Inn Revival and Reunion will top off the Made in the Berkshire's Festival at the Colonial Theatre on Columbus Day weekend as a benefit for Music Inn Archives. The October 12 event includes a free Music Inn Reunion in the Garage at the Colonial from 4:30pm-6:30pm, followed by a ticketed concert with Jay and the Americans at 7:30pm.

David Rothstein, Music Inn partner in the 1970s, launched an online archive of Music Inn in 2010. The website is a collection of music, memorabilia, publications, and stories relating to the 30 years the iconic venue was in Stockbridge. "The legend of Music Inn is alive and well in the hearts and minds of alumni around the world. Just the mention of Music Inn elicits joyful sharing of stories, memories, and memorabilia. The website is designed to be a lasting archive that allows the story to be told by those who were there," Rothstein said.

Music Inn Archives is a nonprofit organization sponsored by Projectile Arts. Two reunions held in 2010 and 2012 raised funds for the creation and development of the website. Rothstein explains, "We have stories, memorabilia, and media from people all over the world. All this content needs to be authenticated, sorted, and uploaded to the website. This takes time, expertise and, of course, money. The reunions are a way for people to reconnect and to relive and revive the spirit of Music Inn, while at the same time providing a lasting archive that honors Music Inn's place in music history." The organization is also raising funds for the continued production of the documentary film covering the entire 30-year Music Inn history.

Plans are in the works for an ongoing series of high-profile artist concerts, perhaps Music Inn veterans who recall the magic of the venue in the 1970s. Just a few of those notable Music Inn performers include Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen, the Kinks, Bonny Raitt, Emmylou Harris, and many more. Live Music Inn concert recordings can be heard on the website.

This year's benefit concert features Jay and the Americans, one of the greatest rock 'n' roll groups of '60s and '70s performing tunes such as its twelve Top 10 hits, including 'This Magic Moment,' 'Only In America,' 'Cara Mia' and 'Come A Little Bit Closer.' The group features three original members Sandy Deanne, Howie Kane, Marty Sanders, the magnificent voice of Jay Reincke, and the great USA Band.

Very few bands have reached the musical heights of Jay and the Americans. From 1962-1971, this group charted an unprecedented twelve Top 10 records. Jay and the Americans features the three original band members, founding member Sandy Yaguda (aka Deanne), original members Howie Kirschenbaum (aka Kane) and Marty Kupersmith (aka Sanders), plus the addition of Jay Reincke. They have recreated the authentic sound of all of their great hits that everyone remembers. Jay and the Americans' first record was Tonight (from the broadway musical West Side Story), and their breakout hit song was She Cried. Jay and the Americans' next chart hit was Only In America, followed by Top 10 hits Come A Little Bit Closer and Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific, and This Magic Moment.

Tickets are on sale now at the Colonial Theatre box office in Pittsfield or online at Berkshire Theatre Group. More on Music Inn Archives at: www.musicinn.org and on Facebook.

Music Inn Reunion * The Garage at the Colonial * 4:30 - 6:30pm * FREE.

Jay and the Americans * the Colonial Theatre * 7:30pm * Tickets On Sale Now.

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