Berkshire Tree-O Debuts with “For the Birds”

Music enthusiasts are invited to attend an exceptional evening with the newly formed Berkshire Tree-O at the Southfield Church. This talented trio, composed of Art Alm on piano, Jon Suters on bass, and Bill Chapman on drums, will share their debut performance, blending jazz and pop melodies inspired by the beauty and spirit of our feathered friends. The program, titled “For the Birds,” promises an enthralling mix of artistry and celebration of nature’s avian wonders. Ave Aves!

The 9th Season of Music is proudly funded in part by the New Marlborough Cultural Council, the Mass Cultural Council, and the gracious contributions of The Sostenuto Circle, whose dedication to fostering cultural vibrancy ensures this cherished local tradition continues to enrich the community.

The event is free and open to all, ensuring accessibility for the community to experience the musical excellence of these three accomplished artists, who have all been inspired by the serene beauty of the Berkshire Hills. A retiring collection will be taken to support the artists.

Following the concert, join us for a delightful reception on the lawn, weather permitting. It will be an excellent opportunity to meet the performers, connect with fellow attendees, and enjoy the serene surroundings of the church.

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to savor jazz and pop tunes performed by musicians of remarkable skill and passion. All are welcome to share in this unforgettable evening of music and community.

Meet the Artists:

Art Alm served as pianist and music director at Peace United Church of Christ in Santa Cruz, California collaborating with vocalist Laurie Rivera for two decades before moving to the Berkshires, where he can often be found singing and playing piano at the Southfield Church. A long-time jazz musician, Alm formed the band “Water” with Dayan kai, produced an album, “A Day in the Now,” with Pete Solomon, and collaborated widely with other California musicians, including Keith Greeninger, Jim Norris and Steve Uccello.

Jon Suters is well-known in the region as a music teacher and performer. While he began on the violin, piano, and double bass, he gravitated to electric bass and classical guitar soon after. Post high school, he opted not to attend music school and jumped into gigging life instead, playing with bands throughout the region and eventually working with artists such as James Taylor, Charles Neville, and Dr. John, among others. Suters also performs as a solo classical guitarist for concerts and private events, as well as working with top-notch regional choirs and local jazz musicians. In addition, to performing, he has been teaching steadily for the past thirty years, both privately and in partnership with Berkshire Country Day School, Berkshire Music School, Salisbury School, Indian Mountain School, Flying Cloud Institute, and The Austin Riggs Center. He lives in Mill River with his wife and five children.

Bill Chapman, a Berkshire jazz drummer, plays through-out the Northeast. He performs regularly with The Bill Chapman Group (a quartet) in the Berkshires, and Straight Ahead Jazz in New York City. He has performed with The Empire Brass, The Bob Newhart Comedy Tour, The Nelson Riddle Orchestra, The Las Vegas Rat Pack Impersonators, and the Hartford Jazz Festival, and currently teaches instrumental music at North Adams Public School.