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Jane Kaufman: Valley offers lots to do on the cheap

There is much to be said for enjoying the finer things in life in low-cost ways.

It’s all right: Call me a cheap date.

I like doing things that don’t cost much.

Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy spending money on the finer things in life.

It just happens that I also find that there is much to be said for enjoying the finer things in life in low-cost ways.

Like what?

Ushering at shows. I’ve ushered at the Calvin and at the Northampton Center for the Arts. The Springfield Symphony Orchestra also counts on volunteer ushers, as do many theater companies.

Attending free concerts, movies, art shows and lectures at colleges. Check out the Five College calendar online when colleges are in session, and even when they’re on break. There are literally dozens of offerings available on a weekly basis.

Going to student recitals at Sage Hall at Smith College. These, unfortunately, are rarely advertised, and it’s unfortunate because they can be delightful. Just sitting in that hall is a thrill; it is like being on the interior of a gloriously built musical instrument with the exposed wood and domed ceiling.

Sitting in on master classes. These don’t happen every day, but they are often free and almost always enlightening. A master class is an open lesson given by a master in the art to a student, usually a very well prepared one. Master classes take place at many college music departments, and they offer inspiring lessons in teaching technique, in listening to – and playing – music, in approaching life.

Viewing art and sampling goodies at First Thursdays in Amherst, Second Saturday Art Walks in Easthampton, and Second Friday art openings in Northampton galleries when Smith College Museum of Art also opens for free – and serves a Chinese food buffet.

Obtaining and using passes from a local library to various museums. Often, all it takes is a valid library card. Check with the circulation desk for options.

Inhaling the bulb shows at Smith College and Mount Holyoke. There may be a small admission at the door (at least for Smith’s), but it’s always worth it, for the color and aromas.

Relaxing at book readings in local bookstores where authors often give behind-the-scenes views into their work and lives. Is there anything better than being read to?

Stepping into open mikes anywhere. Sometimes there is star-quality material in the form of great voices and great song-writing. Cover charges are usually low. Sometimes a hat is passed.

Listening for free at the Luthier’s Co-op in Easthampton. Full disclosure: I haven’t yet been, but I know some of the talent that plays there. Bluesy singer-song writer Eva Cappelli, particularly, comes to mind.

Checking in and checking out all kinds of things at the library. In addition to videos (Northampton’s Forbes Library has the entire collection from Pleasant Street Video), books, compact discs and sheet music, some libraries loan works of art and musical instruments.

Browsing at library book sales. They offer rock-bottom prices on used books for a great cause.

Jane Kaufman is editor of The Republican's just-released "Our Stories: A History of Jewish Immigration in Western Massachusetts." She can be reached at
jkaufman@repub.com





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