In an age where almost any sound can be manufactured - or altered - in the production studio, it was a breath of fresh air to witness a true guitar virtuoso on Thursday night, when blues master Gary Clark, Jr. lit up BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! to kick off the final weekend of free shows at the Bandshell. (The Decemberists are playing the final benefit show tonight, weather permitting.) The packed house ate up his nearly two-hour set, along with sultry opener Fiona Silver. 

More pics on the photo page. 

by Steven Pisano

(All photos by Steven Pisano.)

In recent years, to prove that classical music is not dead, we have seen the canon, as well as contemporary works, presented in ways other than the conventional concert hall. The impressario Andrew Ousley has carved out a particularly unique niche with The Crypt Sessions held in the crypt at the Church of the Intercession in Harlem, and his new series, The Angel's Share presented in the catacombs at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn.

Earlier this week, Bridget Kibbey hauled her harp into the graveyard at Green-Wood Cemetery to put on one of the more spectacular shows of the summer. Rarely have I heard an audience of 20- and 30-somethings so feverishly discussing a classical music concert after a performance. All around me I heard couples and friends passionately arguing for which piece they had just heard was the best. This was so cool to hear because at most classical music concerts, audiences afterward agree, sure, that was nice, but they are so passive. Kibbey and friends shook some life into these folks!

Great Barrington, MA - When it comes to music in the Berkshires, there's more to life than just Tanglewood. Case in point: the 113 year old Mahaiwe theater, where last night I heard a stunning show by local singer-songwriter Sarah Kohrs and former Broadway star Wanda Houston, backed by a full band of brass, guitars, and drums. Part jazz, part alt-country, Kohrs' songs lay bare the trials and tribulations - and ecstasies and joys - of falling in and out of love. Switching between piano and guitar, Kohrs sounded like the best of Joni Mitchell, Regina Spektor, and Carol King, with a bit of Loretta Lynn for good measure. Not a bad way to spend a rainy night in the Berkshires. 

Next time you're up this way, check out Kohrs with her musical partner, Mark Tuomenoksa, who regularly perform as Tumo-Kohrs. Schedule here.

More pics on the photo page.