Lara Downes live in North Adams

Experience Lara Downes live on July 18th

Lara Downes is a pianist recognized for her deeply personal and politically charged musical explorations. Her performances and recordings frequently blend classical repertoire with jazz, blues, and American songbook traditions, often incorporating spoken word and multimedia elements. A central theme in her work involves examining American history and identity through musical interpretation, particularly focusing on underrepresented voices. She’s known for projects like “A Billie Holiday Centenary” and “Rise Up: A Portrait of Black America,” demonstrating a commitment to using music as a platform for social commentary.

Mass MoCA, located in North Adams, Massachusetts, is one of the largest contemporary art centers in the United States. Housed within a sprawling former factory complex—originally the Arnold Print Works—the museum repurposes industrial buildings into gallery spaces. Established in 1999, the museum’s architecture is integral to its identity; the sheer scale and raw character of the buildings inform the experience of the art it contains. Prior to its transformation, the site played a significant role in the Berkshire County's industrial past, processing cotton and other textiles from the late 19th and early-to-mid 20th centuries.