Mia Dyson appears at Mission May 8

• Wednesday, May 1, 8P- Billy Keane
  

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• Thursday, May 2, 8P – Picky Bastards
  

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• Friday, May 3, 5:30P  - Andy Kelly’s Jazz Ambassadors
  

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• Friday, May 3, 8P – Bell Engine
  

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• Monday, May 6, 8P – Andy Wrba & Friends
  

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• Tuesday, May 7, 8P – Open Mic hosted by Justin Allen
  

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• Wednesday, May 8, 8P – Mia Dyson
  

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• Thursday, May 9, 8P – Picky Bastards
  

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• Friday, May 10, 8P – 8 Foot River
  

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• Monday, May 13, 8P – Andy Wrba & Friends
  

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• Tuesday, May 14, 8P – Open Mic hosted by Justin Allen
  

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• Thursday, May 16, 8P – Picky Bastards
  

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• Friday, May 17, 8P – Last Chance Band
  

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• Monday, May 20, 8P – Andy Wrba & Friends
  

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• Tuesday, May 21, 8P – Open Mic hosted by Justin Allen
  

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• Thursday, May 23, 8P – Picky Bastards
  

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• Monday, May 27, 8P – Andy Wrba & Friends
  

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• Tuesday, May 28, 8P – Open Mic hosted by Justin Allen
  

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• Thursday, May 30, 8P – Picky Bastards
  

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• Monday, April 1, 8P – Andy Wrba & Friends w/ Darby Wolf (Rubblebucket), b3 organ; Jake Robinson, drums
  

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• Tuesday, April 2, 8P – Open Mic with Justin Allen
  

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• Wednesday, April 3, 8P – Billy Keane
  

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• Thursday, April 4, 8P – Picky Bastards
  

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• Friday, April 5, 5:30 – 8P – Mission Artswalk Jazz Band; 8:30 – 11P – Last Chance Band
  

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• Sunday, April 7, 8P – Sarah Blacker
  

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• Monday, April 8, 8P – Andy Wrba & Friends w/ Ryan Hommel, guitar; Ted Sullivan, drums
  

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• Tuesday, April 9, 8P – Open Mic with Justin Allen
  

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• Wednesday, April 10, 8P – Melissa Brinton
  

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• Thursday, April 11, 8P – Picky Bastards
  

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• Sunday, April 14, 8P – Ryan Foss
  

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• Monday, April 15, 8P – Andy Wrba & Friends w/ Jeff Howard, guitar; Wayno (BFT), piano & vocals; Dan Holmes, drums
  

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• Tuesday, April 16, 8P – Open Mic with Justin Allen
  

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• Wednesday, April 17, 8P – Smith & Weeden with Justin Hilman
  http://smithandweeden.bandcamp.com/

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• Thursday, April 18, 8P – Picky Bastards
  

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• Monday, April 22, 8P – Andy Wrba & Friends w/ Benny Fingers, piano; Bill Chapman, drums; Conor Meehan, drums
  

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• Tuesday, April 23, 8P – Open Mic with Justin Allen
  

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• Thursday, April 25, 8P – Picky Bastards
  

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• Monday, April 29, 8P – Andy Wrba & Friends w/ Andy Barnett, piano; Bill Chapman, drums
  

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• Tuesday, April 30, 8P – Open Mic with Justin Allen
  

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8 Foot River
8:30 – 11P

8 Foot River

No cover.

Wine vs Beer!

Mission will be hosting a wine vs beer dinner with Stone Brewery to compete for the best pairing.

February 13, 6P

Jeff Nelson from Stone is picking his favorite beers to pair with our menu, while Meghan Harrison will be choosing wines.

No matter which you prefer, we are sure you will learn a thing or two and maybe be surprised by which pairing you choose!

Purchase tickets in advance at Mission $50 (gratuity and tax not included).

Menu

1st
Smoked Lamb Shank Ravioli
Cauliflower Puree

2nd
Haricot Vert
Endive
Pickled Fennel
Walnut Vinaigrette

3rd
Seared Diver Scallops
Slab Pork Belly
Whipped Yams
Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

4th
Pear Tarte Tatin

Suitcase Rodeo

9P, No Cover

http://www.facebook.com/suitcaserodeo

December at Mission

Mon, Dec 17 – A Very Wrba Xmas
Tue, Dec 18 – Open Mic w Justin Allen
Thu, Dec 20 – Picky Bastards
Mon, Dec 24 – Food Fight
Tue, Dec 25 – Closed
Wed, Dec 26 – DJ BFG
Mon, Dec 31 – Suitcase Rodeo

Special Songwriters Night with

Ryan Foss

Wednesday, December 12
9P (no cover)

“. . . raised by wolves in the mountains of Transylvania, Ryan Foss is a modern day “Romulus and Remus,” the wolf boy raised on rhythm and blues.”

Special Songwriters Night with

Melissa Brinton

Sunday, December 16
9P (no cover)

A Very Wrba Xmas @ Mission

December 17, 7-11P
Bring a toy, cans or $5 donation.

Food Fight!

December 24
9A – 1P

Jason Myles Goss

Wednesday, December 5
9P (no cover)

Jason Myles Goss

“Goss is a thinking person’s songwriter. He puts out these thoughts in a voice that’s fragile one moment and like a wounded bird falling from the sky the next.”

- Valley Advocate (Western, MA)

jasonmylesgoss.com

Michelle Lewis

(michellelewismusic.com)

Wednesday, November 28
9P

“If you hear Michelle’s music before you meet her, you might be surprised at her exuberance. Her songs throw you against a wall. They kick you out of the house and walk around naked. They call up to heaven. They crumble at your feet.”

Lisa Anderson, John Clarke and Dan Karp

(of Bell Engine)

Sunday, December 2
9P (no cover)

Greg Daniel Smith

(of Greg Smith and the Broken English)

Friday, November 23
9P (no cover)

“…raw, emotional vocals and a country/acoustic vibe…”

Download/print Halloween flyer [pdf]

Special Events

First Friday Doubleheaders

• April 5
• May 3
• June 7
• July 5
• August 2
• September 6

Click for Fall Menu PDF

French Toast / Local Maple Syrup – 8

Truffled Egg Toast – 8
(Eggs In A Basket)

Three Cheese Omelette – 7

Arugula Goat Cheese and Red Pepper Omelette – 8

Sausage Gravy and Biscuits – 8

Benedict of Burden – 10
(Housemade Squash Cake, Pulled Pork, Poached Egg, Hollandaise)

Two Eggs – 3
(However you like it)

English Muffin – 3

Housemade Hash Brown – 4

Side of Bacon – 5

Side of Homemade Sausage – 5

Andy Wrba. Local+Musician= Love. On Mondays. EVERY Monday.

Andy Wrba keeps busy with his full time job as bassist in the group Barefoot Truth but wanted to stay connected to his local musicians and, of course, his favorite watering hole, le Mish.

Wrba features a rotating cast of musicians on a weekly basis including members of Barefoot Truth as well as local and regional friends. Playing anything from jazz to rock, blues to funk, this group is sure to entertain.

Click on the following links to learn/hear more about Andy and his band, Barefoot Truth.

Justin Allen, front man of the Justin Allen Trio, returns as our open mic host.

Don’t be shy, come and try out your new material or your new-found talent.

Meanwhile, you can glean some inspiration by listening to Justin here.

Monday, 8/13
Double bill -
The Beat Union, spoken word poets performing with Wrba.Weiss

Tuesday, 8/14
Justin Allen with Open Mic All Stars

Wednesday, 8/15
Chris Merenda

Thursday, 8/16
Billy Keane and the Misdemeanor Outlaws

Friday, 8/17
8 Foot River

WordXWord Featival @ wxw12.org

Dave Dersham
July 25, 9P

Molly Durnin
July 29, 9P

- Matt Mac Haffie, Nippertown

8 Foot River returns to Mission for a special Friday night performance. The Housatonic-based alternative indie rock group 8 Foot River features richly textured instrumentation and complex compositions revealing the vulnerability and emotion of the human experience.

Mieka Pauley possesses a voice that flows like good whiskey and a frankness that makes Alanis Morissette look shy. She conjures up a sonic immediacy with the same masterful command as Ani DiFranco with driving, yearning melodies that stand alongside the work of Michelle Shocked, Neko Case and Emmylou Harris.

“My songs are like the actions that I can’t really take.”

Brendan Hogan
July 11, 9P

There is still a place for experimentation, taking chances, and leaving in mistakes; for lyrical imagery and themes that tie songs together.

“Elusive, transcendent, mercurial Americana.”

Mission favorite, Justin Allen (and regular Tuesday night Open Mic host)  takes the spotlight.

Mia Dyson
with Hotels & Highways

Mia Dyson

Hotels & Highways

Randy Niles
June 27, 9P

Billy Keane
July 1, 9P

Next Week -

Songwriter Jeb Barry plays self-described “Hard Dirt Americana” that has a sparser, harder, and darker rural feel than most Americana genres. Think Welch/Rawlings, with a dose of Steve Earle for an edge. These are no light, silly folk songs my friend!

“…like a cross between a darker Steve Earle and the Wood Brothers”…and some drunk biker at the bar….

www.reverbnation.com/pawnshopsaints

Justin Hillman
June 24, 9P

Justin Hillman is a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist raised around campfire song circles. His sound is rooted in folk music and combined with an inclination toward the avante garde. Justinʼs unique, textural acoustic guitar work is reminiscent of Nick Drake and his smokey voice and contemplative lyrics have been compared to Ray Lamontagne and Andrew Bird.

justinhillman.com

Next Week

June 27
Randy Niles

Complete Songwriters Room Schedule

Tor Krautter
June 13, 9P

Tor Krautter (aka: Rev Tor), best known as front man for the popular New England jam band The Rev Tor Band, takes a solo turn at Mission.

revtor.com

Rod Picott
June 17, 9P

“Rod Picott delivers some of the most hard-hitting, eloquent, authentic depictions of blue collar life to be heard in the USA today. I put him up there with the best of Springsteen, Steve Earle and Woody Guthrie.” – Slaid Cleaves

rodpicott.com

Next Week

June 20
Jeb Barry

June 24
Justin Hillman

Complete Songwriters Room Schedule

Well respected, local bluesman. The real deal.

Michelle Lewis
June 10, 9P

“If you hear Michelle’s music before you meet her, you might be surprised at her exuberance. Her songs throw you against a wall. They kick you out of the house and walk around naked. They call up to heaven. They crumble at your feet.”

michellelewismusic.com

Next Week

June 13, 9P
Tor Krautter

June 17, 9P
Rod Picott

Complete Songwriters Room Schedule

Jenee Halstead
May 30, 9P

“Warm and personal, her Emmylou Harris-like voice beckons the listener into the country folk songs with an invitingly crooked finger.” – Andy Fife, Q Magazine: Sounds of the Underground

jeneehalstead.com

HuDost
June 3, 9P

“HuDost is living proof that the whole really is greater than the sum of its parts, pulling together musical styles as diverse as the jellies in Marco Polo’s kitchen cupboard, they weave a seamless tapestry that renders tears and laughter in listeners and cultivates that nameless longing that abides somewhere in all our hearts.”

www.hudost.com

Next Week

June 6, 9P
Robert Bourdon (Bobcat)

June 10, 9P
Michelle Lewis

Complete Songwriters Room Schedule

Matthew Carefully
May 23, 9P

“Matthew Carefully has a little bit of the magician in him. The singer-songwriter from Ballston Lake, N.Y., usually takes the stage cradling only a plugged-in mandolin, but anyone expecting something bluegrass or traditional is in for a shock: Effects and looping pedals at his feet let Carefully and his unassuming instrument create an entire experimental rock storm, from a thumping beatbox to a dangerously fuzzed-out electric guitar.”
- Ken Maiuri, Daily Hampshire Gazette

Sarah Blacker
May 27, 9P

“Sarah Blacker is one of the brighter artists to grab our attention recently. With a revelatory vocal that veers from a child’s skittish enthusiasm to the essence of emotion, she’s equally adept when it comes to expressive melodies. Such remarkable and consistent quality is unusual, Chalk her up as one of the more delightful discoveries of the past year, and let’s hope that indeed there are Blacker days ahead.”
- Lee Zimmerman, No Depression

Next Week

open for brunch, Sundays 12n

Farm To Table

brunch menu

• House Made Biscuits and Sausage Gravy - $10
• Ham Steak with Apple Bacon Glaze and a Shredded Potato Pancake - $11
• Chicken Fried Steak with Sausage Gravy and Braised Greens - $10

All of the above served with two local farm raised eggs cooked to your liking.
We recommend poached or sunny.

• House Made Breakfast Sausage on top of Braised Greens with a Poached Egg - $9
• Local Cheese and Seasonal Fruit Sampling - $8
• Pancakes served with Ioka Farms Maple Syrup - $8
• Berkshire Benny – Shredded Zucchini and Squash Pancake with your choice of Ham or House Cured Salmon - $10

All of our sausage, ham, bacon, steak is sourced locally.

Download/Print Farm-To-Table Brunch Menu

8 Foot River
May 16, 9P

The inventive sound of Housatonic-based alternative indie rock group 8 Foot River features richly textured instrumentation and complex compositions reveal the vulnerability and emotion of the human experience

Olinde
May 20, 9P

Olinde’s (pronounced Oh-lind) delicate folk songs recall the 60s folk revival with a relaxed intensity and purity of voice that is striking. The daughter of a painter and a ballet teacher, Olinde’s songs have an otherworldly way about them; elegant melodies floating above her lightly picked guitar.

olindemusic.com

Next Week

Matthew Carefully
May 23, 9P

Sarah Blacker
May 27, 9P

Mother’s Day Farm-To-Table Brunch at Mission

8 Foot River
May 9, 9P

The inventive sound of Housatonic-based alternative indie rock group 8 Foot River features richly textured instrumentation and complex compositions reveal the vulnerability and emotion of the human experience

Emily Mure
May 13, 9P

“a smoky-voiced successor to Emmylou Harris and John Wesley Harding-era Dylan” — James Rickman (Unveiled Arts), BeaconPass

Next Week

Eamonn Barry
May 6, 9P

Next Week

Emily Mure
May 9

Woodford Way
April 25, 8P

Woodford Way is an original Folk/Jazz duo from Western MA. Guitarist/Singer Songwriter Kyle Mangini, and Guitarist/ Vocalist Jeff Lynch are both exceptionally skilled live musicians and recording artists that perform with a wonderfully refined new sound.

woodfordway.com

Heather Maloney
April 29, 9P

“Heather Maloney plays a literate, weirdly legit blend of folk, blues, Irish, and rock styles and takes a lot of captivating chances while doing it.” – Portland Phoenix

heathermaloney.com

Next Week

Glenn Geiger
May 2

Eamonn Barry
May 6

Chris Merenda
April 18, 9P

“Merenda’s knowledge of how to write effective hooks, and his play on simple Words – turning them into genius phrases – are his refreshing contributions to The music world.” -The Portsmouth Herald

chrismerenda.net

Chris Carey
April 22, 9P

“‘Americana” is a genre often donned by singer-songwriters with an affinity for classic country music but whose respect for artistry resists any association with CMT and all that country has become. However you choose to classify it, Sunset Moon, the debut solo effort by Railbird drummer Chris Carey, makes no apologies for the honky-tonk bloodline in its Americana. At the heart of Carey’s songwriting, and in his rootsy arrangements of guitar, pedal steel, harmonica and mandolin, there’s the ethos of the everyman just doing the best he can, a well-worn sentiment common to much of American music, whether, for you, it connotes Willie Nelson or Jeff Buckley.” - Josh Potter, Metroland

chriscareymusic.com

Next week -

Woodford Way
April 25

Heather Maloney
April 29

Tom Gizzi
April 15, 9P

Mission favorite Justin Allen takes the spotlight to open the WXW Songwriters Room.

Justin Allen
April 4, 9P
no cover

The WordXWord Festival and Mission Bar + Tapas have teamed up to create an ongoing showcase for songwriters – a twice-weekly songwriters showcase at Mission. The Songwriters Room is similar to the weekly Writers Room at yBar, in that it is an opportunity for songwriters to tryout new material in front of a welcoming audience, in an informal setting.

Songwriters Room
Sundays and Wednesdays, 9P
Mission Bar + Tapas
438 North Street
Pittsfield, MA
no cover

WXW Songwriters Room Schedule

HuDost @ Mission
April 1, 9P rescheduled to June 3, 9P

The WXW Songwriters Room series kicks off April 1 with HuDost.

“HuDost is living proof that the whole really is greater than the sum of its parts, pulling together musical styles as diverse as the jellies in Marco Polo’s kitchen cupboard, they weave a seamless tapestry that renders tears and laughter in listeners and cultivates that nameless longing that abides somewhere in all our hearts.”

www.hudost.com

The Songwriters Room continues on Sundays and Wednesdays through the spring. A up-to-date schedule can be found at WXWswr.org.

The WordXWord Festival and Mission Bar + Tapas have teamed up to create an ongoing showcase for songwriters – a twice-weekly songwriters showcase at Mission. The Songwriters Room is similar to the weekly Writers Room at yBar, in that it is an opportunity for songwriters to tryout new material in front of a welcoming audience, in an informal setting.

Songwriters Room
Sundays and Wednesdays, 9P
Mission Bar + Tapas
438 North Street
Pittsfield, MA
no cover

Info and complete schedule at www.wxwswr.org

Valentines Day at Mission

Announcement [pdf]

Menu [pdf]

10X10 On North, the Berkshires’ first ever winter contemporary arts festival in Downtown Pittsfield from February 16-26, 2012, will feature new art, dance, music, theatre, and more.

The line-up of singer-songwriters at Mission includes outstanding performers from the WordXWord Festival and represents the best of the young talent from the Berkshires and beyond.

No cover. Performances start at 9pm.

Check out the complete schedule here

For the Early Birds Chef Shane Adams has put together a fabulous 6 course menu with the option of adding wine pairings chosen by Wine Maiden Meghan Harrison. Dinnner is $50 with optional wine pairing for $20. Seatings at 5:30 and 7:30. If you’re feeling sassy we have the option of dinner and music provided by Billy Keane and the Misdemeanor Outlaws from 9 -12. Dinner is $65 (includes half price ticket for music) and $80 for optional wine pairing. For the party animals we are offering $30 for Billy Keane and the Misdemeanor Outlaws 9 -12, cava toast and passed tapas all night! So whatever you need we have got you covered!!

Fine Print (boo) Reservations for dinner are held with a credit card. Cancellations after 12pm 12/31 will result in 50% charge to the card. Make your reservation today!!! missionbarandtapas@gmail.com

Gallery opening at y bar! A showing of studies on scape and form. Paintings by Haywood, Charles, Rossi, Bastow & Boroniec. Free paintings, paintings & prints priced to sell. Dec 22 – Jan 31. Reception Dec 22 6pm-12. Stop by and have a glass of wine and enjoy the work of local artists. y bar 391 North St Pittsfield, MA.

Join us for the 3rd Annual Very Wrba Christmas this Monday! We’ll playing a schmorgesborg of tunes and featuring some very special guests.

Andy Wrba – bass
Noah Weiss – sax
Wayno – piano/vocals
Holmbre – drums

*Special Guests*
Ed “Chief” Wrba (Andy’s dad) – squeezebox
Marissa Massery – vocals

Hotels & Highways
It was September 2010 and Erin “Syd” Sidney, Lisa Piccirillo and Patrick Thomas were getting to be well-versed in letting their temporary home in the woods be a part of the creative process. They’d come to a lakeside cabin in New York to fulfill a mutual, career-long dream of living together while recording an album. A week-long tour of the Northeast had been booked immediately following the 10-day writing and recording retreat. The material was largely unwritten. The sound had not been clearly defined. But with each day’s new songs and each night’s recording sessions, what began as a joyful experiment in creativity and trust evolved quickly into an emerging full-length album and a well-received tour. Hotels & Highways, originally a nom de plume for songs a group of friends wrote together, had quietly and gracefully transformed into a band.
Mia Dyson
Her brilliant musicianship, “gritty, yet gorgeously haunting voice,” and reputation for inspired and exposed live performances caught the attention of some of the most iconic musicians of the last 50 years. In addition to Raitt, both Eric Clapton and Joe Cocker invited her to be the opening act for their national tours.

Post party at y bar!
Find us on facebook and twitter

A lot can happen in five years, and for the husband-and-wife duo Sara Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion , the time between Exploration, their first album together in 2005, and Bright Examples, their new, full-length collaborative project featuring producers Andy Cabic (lead singer/songwriter in the band Vetiver) and Thom Monahan (Devendra Banhart, Vetiver), has been one nonstop whirlwind of activity. Not only has the couple toured extensively both as a duo and as part of the “Guthrie Family Rides Again” tour (with Sarah Lee’s dad, Arlo Guthrie ), they’ve also released the children’s album Go Waggaloo , a live DVD entitled Folk Song, a solo album by Johnny (Ex Tempore), parented their two young daughters and moved from South Carolina to the Berkshires in western Massachusetts, near where Sarah Lee was raised.

“We’ve been working really hard,” confirms Guthrie. “We even built a house. We felt very creative in South Carolina but we’re in a totally different space now. We had started another album together before we moved but it just wasn’t right. This one is.”

They are, the quintessential hometown sound. We love them, very much! Join us for this awesome preview for the WordxWord Festival Friday, August 12th at 8pm, ONLY AT MISSION!

Aaron Woody Wood may be a legend.

The skinny white boy from the mountains of Western North Carolina carries around more soul in his restless bones and battered guitar than most of us ever dream of.  With a background as diverse as his music, Woody converges elements from all walks of life to present music that contains a sense of familiarity like no other.

One look at the long list of artists he has shared the stage with exemplifies his diversity, not to mention respect from his musical peers. From Jimmy Martin to Leon Russel, R.L. Burnside to Warren Haynes, country music superstar Sara Evans to Carlos Santana, Woody has played and learned from some of those who have helped shape music into what it is today.

Growing up, Woody was steeped in the knowledge, legacy, and traditions of Bluegrass music. His father, A.L. Wood, and his band, The Smokey Ridge Boys, toured the traditional bluegrass circuit extensively alongside legends like Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers and The Seldom Scene. Tagging along with his father to various festivals, Woody experienced first hand the power of music and the etiquette that goes into it.

As a professional musician, Woody was a pivotal member of the Blue Rags, with whom he had success with National media coverage (MTV) and international tours. Woody was also recorded and performed with a slew of New Orleans and WNCs finest musicians in what was a blending of musical styles, combining New Orleans Jazz and Bluegrass. The Blue Brass Sessions featured members of Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Rebirth Brass Band, Larry Keel,Troy Trombone Shorty Andrews, and many others.

“Wood sets the stage and then proceeds to burn it down with  original material that breathes a new fire of of passion and honesty.”

Join us at Mission on Sunday, August 7th, at 8pm in welcoming such a talent!

Join us at Mission on Saturday, July 30th to welcome Sky Smeed with Jack Waldheim, starting at 8pm, NO COVER!

Sky Smeed was born and raised outside of Chanute, Kansas in an old, one-room schoolhouse his parents bought and turned into a home in the early seventies.

Hearing the roots style of music playing on an old record player has stayed with Sky and is evident when he takes the stage to share his country tinged tunes of working hard, dogs, love, money, beer drinking and good times.

He has self-released three full length albums, and his most recent, “Mill River” was recorded with his band at Signature Sounds in Pomfret, Connecticut.
“Mill River is a rollicking bunch of songs, with Smeed stretching emotionally, compositionally and hitting every mark full stride.” Metroland
His music has been compared to Gram Parsons, and early Neil Young.

You can learn more about Sky Smeed at his website.

You can learn more about Jack Walheim at his website.

“Tor Krautter is a singer and musician who knows where he’s been, as well as where he’s going. On In Search of Ecstasy, he travels to a place where the listener learns what churns within the musician’s soul. Inclusions like Never Cry When the Wolf Comes and Stumble are powerful and haunting glimpses into the eye of the artist. Hear this new voice.”

- Gary Kiffel, CBS TV

Mission will be closed for a private event on Sunday, June 26 from 11-3pm and will re-open for service at 4pm. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you!

Cheers,
The Mish

Join the crew at Mission in welcoming Gunther Brown on Saturday, June 18th at 8pm. The Portland, Maine-based group boasts an undeniably Americana sound that is sure to appeal to all! A show not to be missed!

“Gunther Brown’s music is earthy, eloquent and entirely honest. The four-piece band from Portland reminds one of early Jayhawks, with maybe a touch of Wilco. It’s Americana music, with roots that spread to folk, rock and old-time country.” – Bob Keyes, Portland Press Herald

Join us at Mission on Friday, July 8th, at 8pm to welcome back Rod Picott. This Maine native has spent the last 15 years finding his sound in Colorado, Boston and Nashville and is sure to not disappoint. His powerful delivery and knack for humorous onstage storytelling will surely have you entranced, wanting more, or at least a copy of his new CD, Welding Burns.

“Rod Picott’s world weary songs glow with both self awareness and humility. The truth of who we are is slippery, hard to contain, and most people have very little interest in it. Nonetheless, it is the work of an artist to find that truth and show it to us in ways that will see it. Welding Burns, Rod’s new collection of songs, is a fine example of an artist doing just that.  The songs on this record reflect the realities of the time we live in, and they contain hard truths. The songs are both beautiful and disturbing, and are the work of an artist who deserves to be heard.” -Mary Gauthier

“Let’s not give away what all the songs are about,” requests Amanda Shires via email — shortly after an hour-long interview discussing exactly that. “I think I prefer for the listener to decide for themselves what stuff means, because I always hate it when I think a song is about a horse, and then it turns out to be about a damn trip to France …”

And so, by artist request, there will be no handy track-by-track cheat sheet for Shires’ new Carrying Lightning. But if you really can’t deduce what the songs are all about on your own, then consider yourself equally blessed and cursed, because odds are you’ve never been knocked on your ass by the wrecking ball of human desire…

Shires’  Texas twang and fetching vibrato (“less goat, more note!” she teases herself with a laugh) can dance playfully around a melody or haunt a line like a mournful ghost, and she deftly employs her fiddle/violin, ukulele and even whistling skills to similar effect. The resulting sound is a beautiful but woozily surrealistic swoon — as well befits an artist who cites Leonard Cohen and alt-country dark horse Richard Buckner as two of her biggest musical influences. Or, as a review in Americana UK once observed: “At times, her energetic, jittery vocals and eccentric lyrical subjects mark her out as a young female heir to the godfather of strange, Tom Waits. In her more conventional moments, Shires sounds like the weird young niece of Dolly Parton.”

“If you don’t like Amanda Shires…then you don’t like America.”

-DeVotchKa

Starts at 8pm, NO COVER! You don’t want to miss this!

You. Do. Not. Want. To. Miss. This. At all.

Join us in welcoming back Jocie Adams on Sunday May 22nd starting at 8pm in the Window at Mission, NO COVER! As you may know, us Mission kids are superfans of The Low Anthem and Jocie Adams herself. We are telling all our friends, and so should you. Reservation requests are recommended and can be sent to: missionbarandtapas@gmail.com

Jocie Adams of The Low Anthem, will perform at Mission in support of her new record, Bed of Notions. Accompanied by pianist/vocalist, Martha Guenther, trumpeter, Michael Irwin and bassist, Charlie Rose, she proffers her plaintive songs as fragmentary glimpses of people and places both lost and found. Gaining her start in the world of folk music on a bourbon-fueled whim, she’s spent the better part of the last three years as the clarinet-weilding, crotales-slinging, guitar-howling, bass-thumping, and harmonizing leg of The Low Anthem tripod, occasionally venturing homeward to release her hands once more into their compositional home-turf. The songs she’s touring on now come from the trenches that stretch between these two worlds.

Here is what WBUR Boston had to say about Jocie.

Other fans have this to say.

We know you love your mother, we are mother lovers too…

Happy Mother’s Day!

Deafened By Love is an indie rock band from Western Massachusetts, playing all original music. Their sound is defined by the sultry vocals of lead singer/guitarist Judy Eddy along with the lush, rich sounds of lead guitarist John Prusinski, held together by the creative bass playing of Scott Marks and the brilliant, inventive drumming of Brian Chebatoris.
The band performs with obvious passion, and it’s clear they’re having fun at the same time. The level of appreciation the audience has for this musical emotion is always infectious, and engenders intense loyalty amongst their fans.

The Housatonic-based alternative indie rock group 8 Foot River features the talents of Glenn Geiger on guitar, bass and lead vocals, Stephen Dietemann on guitar and bass, artist/activist Gabrielle Senza playing cello and keyboard, and drummer extraordinaire Steve Praus.

The inventive sound of 8 Foot River’s richly textured instrumentation and complex compositions reveal the vulnerability and emotion of the human experience and has quickly drawn a widely diverse following, The group started performing in the summer of 2010.

We will be closed Sunday, April 24th to spend time with our families on the holiday.

Also, a reminder: we will be closed Sunday, May 1st, the Dia Del Trabajador (Spain’s Labor Day) in accordance with our proper celebration of the Spanish.

Sorry for any inconvienence this may cause to your next two Sunday plans.

Lovin you longest of times,

The Mission Staff

xoxoxo

Mia Dyson is BACK. We missed her so.

Mia will be joined by Billy Beard and Lonesome Val for this special night in downtown Pittsfield.

ADVANCED RESERVATIONS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED FOR THIS SHOW. Email for your spot (remember capacity is a tiny 49 people!) at missionbarandtapas@gmail.com

We were among the first rooms she played in the United States after rocking for crowds like this in Australia.

Mia Dyson is an Australian singer, songwriter, and guitarist.

Following her first release, Cold Water , in 2003, Mia went into a continuous touring schedule both in Australia and overseas. Taking in major festivals such as the East Coast Blues & Roots Music Festival, West Coast Blues & Roots Festival,Falls Festival, Womadelaide, NXNE in Canada and The Edinburgh Festival in Scotland.

2005 saw the release of her second album Parking Lots which resulted in Mia being nominated for “Best Female Artist” and “Best Blues & Roots album” at that year’s ARIA Awards, for which she won the “Best Blues & Roots album” award.

The following year, 2006 Mia toured the USA and Canada, joined Frank Zappa’s band The Mothers of Invention on stage at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, and supported Ani Di Franco in New York’s Central Park.

In 2007, Mia supported Eric Clapton during his Australian tour in February to sellout crowds. She also had a guest appearance on Australian hip hop artist Urthboy’s second album The Signal.

This past year, Mia had the great opportunity to open for Stevie Nicks. You can watch a her journey to the stage with Stevie (no pun intended) on her  website . Trust us, you’ll regret not being here for this event.

Come to Mission the weekend of May 20-22 to enjoy a prix fixe menu designed by Chef James Burden that showcases hyper-locally purveyed produce and meat. Click on the link to find out more about  Berkshire Grown.

Click here to find out more about Farmed and Foraged in the Berkshires!

Justin Allen takes to the Window on Saturday, April 23rd with a superband! He has Benny Kohn on the keys, Kali Baba on the pots and pans, Dan Esko will be shlapin the bass, and Dave Brown will be holdin it down as the ax man. Justin will be frontin this ridiculous ensemble of talent starting at 8pm, NO COVER! See you there!

That’s right kids! It’s Troeg’s Night here at Mission! Come by with ALL of your friends, for we have a full firkin of Java Head Stout on cask to kick! What the #!?& is a firkin you say? Click here to find out. Also, we will feature another one of their brewskis on draft and try to get some offerings in the bottle as well. Chef James Burden will whip up munchies, Caitlin, Billy and Laura will be here, pumped to pump the cask, our Troeg’s rep, Jason, will be here, shaking hands and kissing babies (well, maybe not the babies part, but he’ll be here to host a good time with us!). Tell your friends. And your friend’s friends. Troeg’s Night 7-? at Mission, Thursday, April, 28th.

Born in Australia, raised in Connecticut, jaded in Brooklyn, schooled in Seattle and weathered in Louisiana, Billy Keane came to Pittsfield, Massachusetts in the summer of 2009 to record his debut solo album, The Pine Street Sessions.
Throughout the course of that year, writing, recording, and performing almost weekly, Billy credits his inspiration to the overflow of friendship, artistry and support that greeted him so suddenly and tenaciously the moment he stumbled upon his new Berkshires home.

The Misdemeanor Outlaws:
Noah Weiss (Sax/flute/keys)
Dave Brown (lead guitar/bass)
Jason Schultheis (drums)

Catch our house band each Third Thursday of the month. 8 PM. No cover.

Abbie Barrett & The Last Date play regularly in the New England area. In 2008, Barrett released her debut album, Dying Day, which “Performing Songwriter” magazine declared “a stellar first release.” The Noise calls Barrett “a bright light among others of her genre…evident through compelling vocals, ever-changing chord progressions, and spontaneous melodies.” With no formal musical education, Barrett has been able to craft unique, unconventional arrangements that highlight her smoky voice. The band does a wonderful job bringing her vision to the live stage, offering everything from honky-tonk country rock to ambient, brooding anthems. She credits Neil Young, Radiohead, and Aimee Mann as her main influences.

Check her out!

Catch it all at Mission on Saturday, April 9th, starting at 8pm, NO COVER.

“A living, breathing catalog of rock ‘n’ roll history, Rob Sanzone combines the effortless timing and wit of a comedian, the chops of a virtuoso, and seemingly the ego of a Buddhist – there’s nothing self-indulgent about him at all. Pure and simple, he is a terrific performer and entertainer.”
- Seth Rogovoy Critic-at-Large, Editor -in- Chief, Berkshire Living Magazine

Rob Sanzone’s live show is a one-man-band eclectic mix of multi-instrumental, guitar-driven, live looping, musical transmissions covering sounds as varied as rock, funk, reggae, 80’s pop, electronic, disco, metal, punk, surf, folk, even T.V. and movie themes.

He is also known to perform the infamous “Rob Sanzone’s Juke-Box-Hero-Guitar-Medley-Extrava-ganja” in which the audience picks a list of songs that are then performed spontaneously on the spot.

In the Window with Diode opening. No cover.  8 PM start. (And judging by Seth Rogovoy’s assessment, you better get here early.)

Andrea is a new breed of songwriter. He successfully combines the traditional Italian songwriter with the classic American troubadour. Now, with new songs and a new CD on the way, as well as collaborations with Bocephus King continuing, the artistic journey of Andrea Parodi has only just begun. Click here to give him a listen. In the Window at Mission on Saturday, February 26th, 8pm, NO COVER!

Bell Engine’s songs have an undeniable momentum. Fueled by strong acoustic rhythms, funky basslines, and gorgeous harmonies, the tunes are well crafted, driving and energized. Musical comparisons range from Tom Petty to The Plastic Ono Band, Elliot Smith to Nirvana. Catagorizing Bell Engine’s music is challenging… labeling them as acoustic rock severly limits the variety and depth of their songs and arrangements. Songwriters John Clarke and Lisa Anderson each bring their distinct signatures to their songs… the combined result rolls like a train, bringing the audience along for the ride while they sit back and dig the view. March 5th, 8pm, NO COVER! Click here to sample their music.

Johnny Irion, just days after the release of Bright Examples, will take to the Window as well on Saturday, March 5th. Bright Examples finds Sara Lee Guthrie (Irion’s wife and creative counterpart) and Irion taking their patented country-rock sound and tilting it in a direction Guthrie describes as “more atmospheric or psychedelic, sort of dreamy but colorful.”

The songwriting on Bright Examples reflects many of the experiences and emotions that Sarah Lee and Johnny have encountered over the past half-decade, and the production is crisp, consistently imaginative and captures the spontaneity of the tracks being recorded live with a full ensemble. Vibrant instrumental accents arrive via pedal steel guitar, accordion, piano, Hammond organ and a wall of guitars, and rich vocal harmonies abound, influenced by great duo acts like the Louvin Brothers and the Everly Brothers. One track, “Seven Sisters,” features a reunion of sorts between original Jayhawks Louris and Mark Olson. The grooves range from funky New Orleans soul to ’60s-esque power pop to honky-tonk country, a feel-good vibe coursing throughout the tracks. “That’s our job,” says Guthrie. “There are definitely some dark moments but we still have to be positive. It’s hard for us not to be. We’ve tried.”

No excuses, play like a champion.

Barrington Stage teams up with Mission to offer a 3 course Prix Fixe Dinner before the show, Fri. 2/11 and Sat. 2/12

Special Saturday Brunch for lovers who want to treat themselves all weekend long, Sat. 2/12

Cabaret Brunch featuring Pam Rich and Laurie Schiff, Sun. 2/13 SOLD OUT!

Love/Haters Ball, something for everyone of us, Mon. 2/14

Wine Dinner Wednesday featuring Classical Wines of Spain portfolio, Wed. 2/16 SOLD OUT!

Billy Keane and the Misdemeanor Outlaws are BACK in their comfy 3rd Thursday spot starting on 2/17, 8pm.

Hudost takes to the Window with their unique sound on Saturday, 2/19, 8pm.

RSVP: missionbarandtapas@gmail.com

Due to the busy schedule the summer naturally brings to restaurants in the Berkshires, Wine Enthusiast Caitlin Harrison will gladly accept individual reservations for Wine School for your group of 8-12 people. Six courses of tapas paired impeccably with six wines for $35. Caitlin will be sporting packets of information as well as ancedotes about the wine, wineries or her experiences living and working in the wine scene of San Francisco and Boston. She is excited to spread the love that is wine!

HuDost’s sound is a rich, eclectic blending of Pop and Rock with traditional Sufi music, Bulgarian, Croatian, Macedonian and Balkan folk music, Farsi, Turkish, Arabic and Folk. Their sound crosses all borders and barriers, taking the listener on a journey they will not soon forget.

As a commanding Neo Folk World Rock group, HuDost is best known for letting the music speak for itself. Their forthcoming release, entitled Waking the Skeleton Key, contains the first songs written by lead singer Moksha Sommer since she underwent brain surgery to have a tumor removed which impacted her language abilities. Music was her primary tool in fully regaining all that was lost and continuing to grow as a musician and a lyricist. Both her resilience and the fragility of life come through in these songs.

Make a night of it with a Dinner + Theatre package to Mission Bar + Tapas. Packages are $50-$60. Call the Box Office at 413-236-8888 for more information or to book your Valentine’s night out in Downtown Pittsfield today!

Here is an idea of what Chef James Burden has in store for you:

St. Valentines Day Weekend 2/11-2/12

Barrington Stage Company

“Prix-Show Fixe”

Appetizer

Lobster Spring Roll

Carrot Daikon Snow Pea Salad

Housemade Teriyaki

Salad

Local Field Greens

Beet Root Carpaccio

Blue Cheese Mousse

Apple Vinaigrette

Main

Bordelaise Glazed Beef Short Rib

Horseradish Popover

Glazed Root Vegetable Medley

Dessert

Molten Chocolate Cake

Chef James Burden and Corkdork Caitlin Harrison couldn’t agree on what to do for Valentine’s Day.

James enjoys taking a break from the regular and mixing it up stylistically. Prix Fixe menus are a way he can really show his range and creativity. And believe me, he nailed this menu.

Caitlin enjoyed working in the past for a place that celebrated “Anti-Valentine’s Day”, a night of pure silliness where themes range from Chinese food and movies in a typically upscale space (pajamas were encouraged), to “Anti-Anti-Valentine’s Day Bash” where love was sickeningly all around. (She may have sold tickets for a kissing booth…)

So, the two thought, why choose? Lovers can have their early, deliciously put together evening, accompanied by the smooth sounds of the Wrba/Weiss 4tet. The rest of us? Well, crazy large format beers to share with a friend or future Valentine (just saying..) will be available, comfort food will be served, Wrba/Weiss will come back playing anti-love tunes and a possible showing of a “&%@! off love” movie. No cover, ’cause we love you.

Valentines Day “Lovers Companion Dinner”
2/14/11

Amuse

Sliced Beef Tenderloin
Red Onion Marmalade
Crostini
Or
Hoisen Glazed Vegetable Spring Roll

Salad

Frisse aux Lardon
W/ Poached Egg
Haricot Vert
Or
Spinach
W Strawberries
Candied Pistachios
Crispy Bleu Cheese

Entrée
Seared Spice Glazed Lamb Porterhouse
W Artichoke Barigoule
Fennel & Potato Puree
Or
Crispy Mushroom Raviolis
W White Beans
Tamarind Jus
Onion Tumble Weed

Dessert
Chai PannaCotta
Candied Raspberries
Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Come to Mission Sunday, January 30th at 8pm to enjoy this unique sound! No cover! This show should not be missed!

Take a listen to “For Gibby”

In August 2008, Baby(former firetruck converted into a lifestyle rig powered by nature and waste oil) and the crew set out to follow the complete life cycle of water through the seasons. Stretching from Baja, Mexico to the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, the tour stopped in 30 cities along the way to give presentations to more than 200,000 people demonstrating the connection between the elements, renewable energy, nature-born sports, and practical ways that individuals can use these elements to power their lifestyles.

Narrated by Sir Patrick Stewart.

Music by our hometown sound, Barefoot Truth!

Come enjoy an organic beer or glass of wine, a light tapa and a great movie!

http://www.elementstour.com/

http://vimeo.com/10583552

Session Americana has gone from a rag tag jam at a Cambridge pub to a regional institution, playing gigs from coffee houses to urban nightclubs, regional festival tents to theaters and in front of audiences in New York City and beyond.

Check out their sound in advance of their no cover gig in The Window.

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!

An afternoon of love songs sung by Pam Rich and Laurie Schiff and featuring the smooth sounds of Benny “fingers” Kohn and Dave Cristopolis.

Click here to preview what Chef James has in store for you lucky people that got a reservation:

Valentine’s Cabaret Brunch

2/13

Fresh Fruit & Cheese Plate

Breakfast Parfait

Granola w/Yogurt and Fresh Fruit

Housemade Cinnamon Buns w/ Orange Marmalade

Paisley Coffee Cake

Ricotta Pancakes w/Lemon Whipped Cream

French Toast w/ Banana Walnut Compote

Shirred Eggs in Vol-u-Vent

Eggs Benedict

Crab Cake Benedict

Brunch Cocktails:

Lychee Bellini

White Peach Bellini

Pomegranate Bellini

Mimosa

Cava con Fresas (Sparkling Wine with Floating Candied Strawberries)

“Jason Myles Goss is the type of songwriter that finds the shadows and vapors that underlie the fine details of our existence, and puts them into lyrics that sound as natural as a dinner conversation between friends. ”
- Bob McKillop, MaineFolkMusic.com.

We’re pumped Jason Myles Goss is headed back to The Window. Our rocking house band, Billy Keane and the Misdemeanor Outlaws, get things started at 8 PM. There’s no cover for this amazing double-bill. Don’t miss it!

Settling back in to New England after their tour of the East Coast, the Americana sounds of David Wax Museum is back in The Window!

Give a listen here to David, on guitar and jarana, and Suz Slezak on fiddle and Quijada. What the heck are jaranas and quijadas? (Click to find out.)

Things get going in The Window at 8 PM. No cover.

BUT, you should absolutely come early for Caitlin Harrison’s first Wine School of the New Year. 6 PM start.

New Year’s Eve 2010 Prix Fix

Choose one from each course

Reserve your space by e-mailing missionbarandtapas (at) gmail.com

Select the party that fits your pants:

“Home to watch the ball drop” Five-course tasting dinner, glass o’ bubbly – $50. Seatings at 5 and 6 PM

“Home in time for breakfast” Five-course tasting menu, BKMO dance party, bubbly at midnight. $60. 8 PM seating

Let our Maven-of-the-vine Caitlin Harrison accompany your meal with perfectly paired wines for an additional $25.

“Ringin’ it in w/ the BKMOutlaws” – Live music from Billy Keane and the Misdemeanor Outlaws, light tapas spread, bubbly at midnight. – $15

Reserve your space by e-mailing missionbarandtapas (at) gmail.com

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(Photo: Joe Wilk)

Wine Dinner Wednesday will resume regularly after Labor Day. Caitlin will, however, be hosting a special mid-summer wine dinner and some beer events as well. Keep yourself up-to-date here at missionbarandtapas.com/sevents.

Join wine enthusiast and manager Caitlin Harrison as she hosts a 4 course meal paired with 4 extremely special wines for the affordable price of $50. Come enjoy a traditional coursed meal (no tapas here, folks) created by Chef James Burden and watch in amazement as Caitlin can not stop gushing about the particulars of the unique wines being poured.

What’s even better is that Caitlin will share the spotlight with a very special guest each month, whether it is an expert wine distributor or winemaker(!!), and will happy take a back seat to listen and absorb the talent that she humbly hosts. She hopes you’ll enjoy this as much as she!

Space is limited! Reserve at missionbarandtapas@gmail.com, where you will receive information on the featured wine and food for the requested dinner and be informed of the cancellation policy.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Spread good cheer all the year through — Give Mission gift certificates!

Our gift certificates are available for purchase at Mission OR via e-mail.

Get in touch with us -  missionbarandtapas@gmail.com – and we will give you the details.

(Photo Credit – Bill Wright. Wright & Wilk Studio.)

For seventy years, Berkshire Music School has been educating students of all ages. The school’s mission is to provide quality education in music, and musical opportunities to people in the greater Berkshire community, regardless of race, sex, religion, ethnic origin, age, or disability.

Inability to pay does not render a student ineligible to enroll in classes at BMS. To that end, lead by Berkshire Music School Executive Director Tracy Wilson, the school’s adult cabaret class will perform a fundraiser.

A $5 donation is suggested.

ADVANCED RESERVATIONS ARE STRONGLY SUGGESTED FOR THIS SHOW – email missionbarandtapas (at) gmail.com to reserve your space.

If you meet Michelle Lewis before you hear her music, you might be surprised to find out she plays folk. She doesn’t fit the profile. She quotes Homer Simpson before Paul Simon. She prefers Mardi Gras to Earth Day. She drives fast. She throws snowballs. She talks loud, she eats meat, and if you leave the mayonnaise off her sandwich she might try to fight you.
If you hear Michelle’s music before you meet her, you might be surprised at her exuberance. Her songs throw you against a wall. They kick you out of the house and walk around naked. They call up to heaven. They crumble at your feet.

Beginning Sunday, May 13 – Mother’s Day
Mission introduces a new Farm-To-Table Brunch Menu.

open for brunch, Sundays 12n

Farm To Table

brunch menu

• House Made Biscuits and Sausage Gravy - $10
• Ham Steak with Apple Bacon Glaze and a Shredded Potato Pancake - $11
• Chicken Fried Steak with Sausage Gravy and Braised Greens - $10

All of the above served with two local farm raised eggs cooked to your liking.
We recommend poached or sunny.

• House Made Breakfast Sausage on top of Braised Greens with a Poached Egg - $9
• Local Cheese and Seasonal Fruit Sampling - $8
• Pancakes served with Ioka Farms Maple Syrup - $8
• Berkshire Benny – Shredded Zucchini and Squash Pancake with your choice of Ham or House Cured Salmon - $10

All of our sausage, ham, bacon, steak is sourced locally.

(Photo by Amanda Rae Busch)

Whether you are hungry for lunch or looking for a late-night bite, indoors or outdoors, Mission Bar is the place to be seven days a week.

In addition to our tasty tapas,  Chef James Burden consistently prepares fantastic specials for both lunch and dinner. And for those of you still hungry for a bit more, Mission now also serves entrees.

Find us on FB to learn more details about the specials Chef James is cooking up.

(Oh, by the way, you can click on either menu to make it larger)