Culture to Do: Feb 18, 2026

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9th Annual Black Experience Summit
Veritas Auditorium, Elms College
Friday, Feb. 20 from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Elms College’s Black Experience Summit is an academic forum that presents a historical and authentic depiction of Black communities in the United States and across the African Diaspora. This year’s theme is, “Sankofa: Rooted in Truth, Rising in Dignity: Celebrating 100 Years of Black History, Faith, Scholarship, and the Stories That Shape Our Future.” The Summit is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged.

Blue Heron Ensemble
In Praise of Laura Peverara: Madrigals for the Concerto delle donne
Edwards Church, Northampton
Friday, Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Usually, you have to drive to Cambridge to experience the exquisite musicianship of Blue Heron, but every once in while, they perform in our neck of the woods. In the 1580s, Ferrara boasted one of the most famous vocal ensembles in Europe: a trio of women known as the Concerto delle donne. One member, Laura Peverara, was so admired and beloved that she inspired two madrigal anthologies. Blue Heron will present a selection of this repertoire.

Pothole Pictures: Monsoon Wedding
Memorial Hall, Shelburne Falls
Friday, Feb. 20 and Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Since 1995 Pothole Pictures has been a community owned, all volunteer-run, non-profit theater with programs of films on the big screen in Shelburne Falls’s Memorial Hall. And, before the 7:30 screenings, there’s always a half hour of live music. Directed by Mira Nair, Monsoon Wedding is a Bollywood lively drama about a Punjabi family preparing for a wedding in New Delhi. How about the live music at 7 p.m.? On Friday Abdul Baki performs original songs on piano; on Saturday, Eveline & John play jazz, classical, folk and originals.

New Black Eagle Jazz Band
10 by Satch: The Music of Louis Armstrong
Friday, Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Proprietors Lodge, Pittsfield
For more than 50 years, the New Black Eagle Jazz Band has been delighting audiences worldwide with its infectious, soulful and uplifting style of traditional New Orleans jazz. They’ will be performing ten of Louis Armstrong’s most notable numbers in a cabaret setting (dancing optional). It’s part of Pittsfield’s 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival.

Technologies of Relation
MASS MoCA, North Adams
On view starting Saturday, Feb. 21 with opening reception at 5:30 p.m.
Responding to the rapidly advancing technologies that are shaping our daily lives and social fabric, the artists in this new exhibit examine how we relate to each other, to our devices, and to our future. These creators see the complexity of our relationships to the digital, avoiding the binary views that frame technology as good or bad, as tool or monster. They embrace how technology can connect us, but also acknowledge how algorithms and A.I. have the tendency to oppress and erase marginalized communities.

6th Annual Fire & Ice Festival
Amherst Town Common
Saturday, Feb. 21 from 3 – 6 p.m.
The Town of Amherst’s WinterFest has been (and is) happening all week. Saturday’s Fire & Ice Festival is the grand finale when the town common is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Enjoy mesmerizing ice sculptures, a breathtaking luminaria display, live entertainment, demos, activities, and hot cocoa and s’mores over fire pits.

Silverthorne Theater Company
Love Came and Hit Me in the Eye
CitySpace, Easthampton
Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2 and 7 p.m.
Silverthorne Theater Company’s third annual Valentine’s cabaret will feature songs about finding love in unexpected places. Singers this year include Frank Aronson, Kyle Boatwright (pictured above), Stephanie Carlson, Willow Cohen, Tahmie Der, Cordelia Winter Dwyer, Rachel F. Hirsch, John Iverson, Gina Kaufmann, Sam Samuels, Rose Schweitz Malla, and Aracelli Sierra, accompanied by Lauren Bell on piano.

Ashes to Ashes
HOPE Center for the Arts, Springfield
Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.
The HOPE Center presents an evening of film, music, poetry, and conversation that confronts America’s history of racial violence while honoring resilience, memory, and creative witness. Hosted by Shirley Jackson Whitaker, the program centers on a screening of the award-winning short documentary Ashes to Ashes, directed by Taylor Rees. The screening will be followed by a live performance with the Avery Sharpe Quintet, featuring a composition written by Sharpe in memory of an uncle who was lynched. Plus, Robert Meeropol will read a poem by his father and participate in a Q&A with the audience.

Curious Festival of Unfinished Works
Adams Theater, Adams
Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.
During a week-long residency in Adams, puppeteers and object performers have been working with David Lane and a crack team of mentors to develop their ideas for the stage. The final ingredient needed to test this creative soup is us — the audience!

40th Annual High School Honor Band Concert
Tillis Performance Hall, UMass
Saturday, Feb 21 at 7 p.m.
High school musicians from around the northeast, recommended by their teachers and band directors, gather for a day-long festival of rehearsing, teaching, and mixing with UMass students and faculty, culminating in the evening concert. Free and open to the public.

Horszowski Trio
The Drake, Amherst
Sunday, Feb. 22 at 4 p.m.
The NYC-based Horszowski Trio is a passionate advocate for the music of our time. Recent premieres include Piano Trio #2 written by Charles Wuorinen. The trio members learned that this work was written for them when it was discovered on the composer’s desk after his death. The Trio takes its inspiration from the musicianship, integrity, and humanity of the pre-eminent pianist Mieczysław Horszowski (1892–1993). The ensemble’s pianist, Rieko Aizawa, was Horszowski’s last pupil at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia.

Merry Me
Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre, Smith College
Wednesday, Feb. 25 – Saturday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
When a mysterious blackout leaves a navy stranded near enemy territory, the libidinous Lieutenant Shane Horne puts her very specific talents to use, including with the general’s wife. Meanwhile, a famed angel sends the Navy’s psychiatrist on an epic quest to save humanity. Merry Me is a madcap and mischievous mashup of ancient mythology and restoration comedy.

Pioneer Valley Jazz Shares: A World of Piano
Northampton Center for the Arts at 33 Hawley
Thursday, Feb. 26 – Saturday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
This is the 15th iteration of A World of Piano , an annual series of three solo concerts that is co-produced by Pioneer Valley Jazz Shares and the Northampton Center for the Arts. The series provides easy access to some of the most innovative and accomplished improvising pianists of our time. This year’s lineup: Afro-Latin jazz specialist Arturo O’Farrill on Thursday; Spanish pianist Marta Sanchez on Friday; and Seattle’s Wayne Horvitz on Saturday.

Dear Jack, Dear Louise
Majestic Theater, West Springfield
Thursday, Feb. 26 – Saturday, April 4
Ken Ludwig’s Dear Jack, Dear Louise is a heartfelt and comical play that unfolds through the letters exchanged between a young Army doctor, Jack, and an aspiring Broadway actress named Louise during World War II. As their correspondence deepens, the two begin to fall in love despite the physical distance and the challenges of wartime life. The play explores themes of love, hope, and resilience, offering a poignant look at how relationships can flourish even in the most uncertain times.

COMING SOON

Mtali Banda
De La Luz, Holyoke
Saturday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.
A native of Amherst, Mtali Banda is the son of a Malawian refugee father and an African American mother. His work uses performance and autoethnography to explore Black history in the global African diaspora. His use of musical composition and personal narrative help to bridge Black experiences throughout the diaspora, with an emphasis on Malawian history. Check out his recent appearance on The Fabulous 413.

Spring Gardening Symposium: Gardening as a Community
Frontier Regional High School, South Deerfield
Saturday March 21 from 9 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Here’s a fun and energizing way for beginning and experienced gardeners alike to branch out or brush up, sponsored by the Western MA Master Gardener Association. Includes soil testing, workshops, a raffle, tasty treats, and a keynote speech about tick safety by UMass microbiology professor and TickReport director Dr. Stephen Rich.

Hayato Sumino
Bowker Auditorium, UMass
Thursday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Hayato Sumino is a preternaturally talented risk taker who brings both charm and humor to his work. He grew up in Tokyo, started playing piano at age three. At twenty-three, he won the Grand Prix at the PTNA Piano Competition. At twenty-four, he won third prize at the Lyon International Piano Competition. And at twenty-six, he was semi-finalist in the International Chopin Piano Competition, drawing a record 45,000 online viewers with his second-round performance.

Back Porch Festival
Northampton
Friday, March 27 – Sunday March 29
The Back Porch Festival is returning for its 12th year. The “Ramble Pass” gets you access to 50+ artists performing in venues all over downtown Northampton over three days. And, every night there’s a ticketed show at the Academy of Music: Bertha: Grateful Drag on Friday, the Bluegrass Spectacular on Saturday, and I’m with Her on Sunday.

NEPM’s Smart & Funny People: An Evening with Fran Lebowitz
Academy of Music, Northampton
Saturday, April 18, at 8 p.m.
NEPM is rolling out a new event series called “NEPM’s Smart & Funny People.” In a cultural landscape filled with endless pundits and talking heads, Fran Lebowitz stands out as one of our most insightful social commentators. Lebowitz’s essays and interviews offer her acerbic views on current events and the media — as well as pet peeves including tourists, baggage-claim areas, after-shave lotion, adults who roller skate, children who speak French, or anyone who is unduly tan. Now, she’s one of NEPM’s Smart & Funny People.

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World Bank:  Malawi is facing its worst economic crisis in many years

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Yesterday, the World Bank released a report on the state of our economy full 128 pages. For those who may have missed it, here is a clear summary of what the report is saying, just to make sure you stay informed.

1. Malawi is facing its worst economic crisis in many years.

The economy has been shrinking, prices have been rising by about 30 percent, and more than 75 percent of Malawians now live in extreme poverty.

2. The government has been spending more money than it collects for many years.

Malawi’s budget deficit is one of the highest in Africa, and it keeps breaking the SADC rule that says a country should not go beyond a 3 percent deficit.

3. Malawi’s public debt is too high and cannot be sustained.

By 2024, the country owed money equal to 90.9 percent of everything it produces. The Reserve Bank also lost huge amounts of money because of foreign exchange problems, including MWK 708.7 billion in 2023 and MWK 200.4 billion in 2022.

4. Government spending has almost doubled, but services have not improved.

Spending increased from 16 percent of GDP in 2011/12 to 31 percent in 2024/25. However, many projects are delayed or poorly managed, and only about 75 percent of development projects are completed.

5. The wage bill for government workers has grown very fast.

It was less than 3 percent of GDP in the early 2000s, but it is now above 6 percent. Malawi’s government workers earn about 49 percent more than people in similar jobs in the private sector.

6. State-owned companies are struggling and cost the government a lot of money.

In 2023 they made a profit of MWK 543 billion, but in 2024 they made a loss of MWK 47.63 billion. ESCOM and Blantyre Water Board are among the worst performers, and their debts and unpaid bills keep growing.

7. Fuel and electricity subsidies mostly help the rich, not the poor.

The richest 20 percent of people benefit the most from fuel subsidies. Delays in adjusting fuel prices between 2023 and 2025 also created large debts for fuel suppliers.

8. Malawi collects more tax today than ten years ago, but still not enough.

Tax makes up about 15 percent of GDP, which is below the government target of 17 percent. The country loses around 1.4 percent of GDP every year because of too many tax incentives and exemptions.

9. Mining will bring some money, but it will not change everything.

If all mining projects succeed, Malawi may get between US$200 million and US$500 million a year by the early 2030s. Projects include Kayelekera uranium, Kasiya rutile and Kangankunde rare earth minerals.

10. Malawi must choose to reform now or face a deeper crisis.

If reforms happen, the country could move from a deficit to a surplus within two years and reduce its debt. But if nothing changes, debt could grow to 143 percent of GDP by 2035, and the economy will suffer even more.

Are we really okay as a country?

The Maravi Post

NFCA dismisses false death rumour on coach Rodgers Yasin

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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The National Football Coaches Association (NFCA) has moved swiftly to quash a shocking report that falsely claimed veteran coach Rodgers Yasin had passed away, describing the publication as misleading and deeply distressing.

In a strongly worded statement signed by General Secretary Sullivan Kenneth Kandulu, the association clarified that Coach Yasin is alive and in good health.

The statement followed what it described as an urgent verification exercise by its Executive Committee.

According to the NFCA, members of the Executive Committee personally visited Coach Yasin at his residence immediately after learning about the circulating report.

The visit confirmed that the coach was safe, stable and unaware of how such alarming misinformation had surfaced.

The association expressed profound regret over the emotional turmoil the false news caused, not only to Coach Yasin himself but also to his family, close friends and the broader football fraternity.

Describing the incident as unfortunate and irresponsible, the NFCA said such reports have the potential to damage reputations, cause psychological harm and shake public trust in the media.

The body emphasized that it takes matters of misinformation seriously and has since activated internal governance and disciplinary procedures to address the issue in line with its established framework.

The association further called on media institutions to exercise professionalism and responsibility when handling sensitive information, particularly matters involving life and death.

It urged journalists and the general public to always verify information through official NFCA communication channels before publishing or sharing reports that could cause panic and confusion.

Coach Yasin, who currently serves as Technical Director of Chilobwe United, has been instrumental in shaping young talent and strengthening grassroots football structures.

Most recently, he guided Chilobwe United to promotion into the NBS Bank National Division League, a milestone achievement that has elevated the club’s competitive standing.

Yasin’s coaching résumé also includes stints with top sides such as Nyasa Big Bullets FC, Tigers FC, Masters Security and Bangwe All Stars, where he built a reputation as a disciplined and visionary tactician.

The Maravi Post

US State Department: The Gambia National Day

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On behalf of the United States, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the citizens of The Gambia as you celebrate 61 years of independence.

As you mark this important milestone, we reaffirm the strong and lasting relationship between our nations.  I look forward to deepening our collaboration by strengthening our bonds and advancing shared economic interests.

The United States values The Gambia’s unwavering partnership and engagement on international issues, reflecting our mutual dedication to fostering global peace and prosperity.

I look forward to continuing our joint efforts and further enhancing the ties between our countries in the years to come.

The Maravi Post

Why APM must resist PAC’s calls to fire Cabinet Ministers, public officers with active court cases

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By Watipaso Mzungu

Amid calls from the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) to President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika to fire Cabinet ministers and government officers with outstanding corruption cases, governance and human rights advocates have urged the President to exercise caution.

Recently, the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) – a quasi-religious grouping, which together with the Catholic Bishops, spearheaded the birth of multiparty democracy in 1992, called upon President Mutharika to sack officials facing corruption and other charges.

However, a seasoned governance and human rights advocate Undule Mwakasungula cautioned the President against acting on the calls wholesome, fearing this could be a recipe for disaster.

He reminded Malawians that hasty decisions have ruined lives and careers for innocent citizens before, citing the case of former Minister of Agriculture, Dr. George Chaponda, who was victimized for a crime he never committed.

“PAC’s call to fire ministers and senior officials over corruption allegations deserves attention. However, it does not automatically mean the President made a mistake in appointing them. First, the President acted on the information available at the time of the appointments. Many of those appointed had strong qualifications, experience, and a proven track record. For this reason, it will be unfair to say the President failed in make the right choices,” reacted Mwakasungula.

He wondered why PAC is raising this issue now when they were silent when the appointments were being made.

Mwakasungula urges PAC and other groups to avoid handling this matter emotionally or politically, emphasizing that government needs stability to function well.

“If every allegation leads to immediate removal, government operations may be seriously affected. Then also a risk that such calls could be used politically to weaken the administration rather than to promote justice. Much as oversight is necessary, but it should strengthen, not be used to paralyze government functions. We must also keep the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” at the center. Allegations are not proof. Removing ministers or officials based only on accusations is creating fear and instability, and may encourage the use of rumors as political weapons. This would harm our governance more than it would help,” emphasized the most revered governance and human rights advocate.

In a separate interview, a human rights lawyer, Alfred Munika, echoed Mwakasungula’s views, stressing that it would be unfair to punish someone who is still presumed innocent.

“We have seen cases where officials are acquitted after being dismissed, only to be left without a job or reputation. The case of George Chaponda, former Minister of Agriculture, is a stark reminder of the dangers of knee-jerk reactions. Dr. Chaponda was dismissed from the cabinet over maize-gate allegations, only to be acquitted and cleared by the court. This shows how hasty decisions can ruin lives and careers,” said Munika.

He further argued that it is not practical for a president to work with entirely new faces, who did not accompany him on his campaign trail.

“These are people he knows, trusts, and has worked with. Replacing them overnight could lead to a vacuum in leadership and disrupt government operations,” said Munika.

As Mwakasungula concluded, while accountability is crucial, due process must be respected. The Constitution guarantees the right to a fair hearing, and it’s essential that this principle is upheld.

“The President should focus on ensuring that the law takes its course rather than pre-empting it,” said Mwakasungula.

Mutharika’s predecessors have faced similar pressures, often with disastrous consequences.

In 2013, Joyce Banda sacked several officials over corruption allegations, only to see some reinstated or cleared later. This created uncertainty and undermined government effectiveness.

The PAC’s call for sackings may be well-intentioned, but it’s essential to consider the broader implications.

Malawi needs stability and continuity, not a revolving door of officials. Mutharika should resist this pressure and prioritize prudent governance over populist posturing.

Instead, the President could consider suspending officials with cases in court, allowing them to defend themselves while ensuring they don’t interfere with investigations.

This balanced approach would demonstrate commitment to accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and justice.

As Mwakasungula puts it, “A president can’t just wake up one morning and decide to start afresh with new faces. That’s not how governance works.”

Mutharika would do well to heed this advice and prioritize wise counsel over hasty decisions.

The Maravi Post

Thales to recruit more than 9,000 new employees in 2026

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DOHA, Qatar, 18 February 2026-/African Media Agency(AMA)/- Thales, world leader in high technologies for Defence, Aerospace and Cybersecurity & Digital, plans to recruit more than 9,000 employees worldwide in 2026.

These hiring prospects follow the recruitment of 8,800 employees in 2025, exceeding the initially announced target of 8,000 new talent. Over the past 5 years, Thales has recruited at least 8,000 people per year to support the growth dynamics of its three business sectors.

In 2025, Thales received 1.4 million applications worldwide, exceeding its record of one million CVs received in 2024. The Universum ranking positioned Thales in first place amongst the most attractive employers for engineering school students in France (and second place in 2024).

Strengthening the diversity of teams and management committees remains a priority for the Group. In 2025, women accounted for 32% of all recruitments. 69% of the Group’s management committees are composed of at least 4 women and Thales aims to reach 75% in 2026.

In 2026, Thales plans to recruit 150 people in the Middle East and Africa with 60 in the United Arab Emirates and 30 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In France, Thales will recruit 3,300 people, including 1,630 in the Ile-de-France, 290 in Brittany, 280 in Nouvelle Aquitaine, 270 in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, 250 in Occitanie, 220 in Centre-Val de Loire, 180 in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and 130 in Pays de la Loire.

In addition to the 9,000 external recruitments, and thanks to the variety of Thales’ three business sectors, roles and geographies, 3,500 employees will benefit from internal mobility. Additionally, the Group’s “Learning Company” approach, with more than 35 internal academies, will enable employees to develop their skills, thereby maintaining Thales’ expertise at the highest level worldwide.

Thales is committed to advancing the integration of people with disabilities, with an employment rate of over 7% in France in 2025.

Around 40% of new arrivals will be assigned to engineering (software and systems engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data) and 25% to industry (technician, operator and engineer positions).

Thales reinforces commitment to inspire and support young talent in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

Thales is dedicated to fostering the careers of young people and places strong emphasis on welcoming apprentices and interns, particularly in France, where it will support 1,700 trainees and 1,600 apprentices from Bac+2 to Bac+5, as well as 1,000 third-year and 500 second-year students in 2026. For these young people, these opportunities serve as a stepping stone to future employment. In 2025, apprentices and interns accounted for 15% of Thales’ recruitment in France.

Through its “Vocation Makers” programme, Thales is actively engaging with young people ages 6 to 18 to spark their interest in science and technology. This is achieved through site visits and educational presentations in schools. In 2025, the Group met with 250,000 students worldwide, ranging from primary to high school levels.

In parallel, Thales has launched the STEM for All’s programme, a scholarship and mentorship initiative in partnership with the French Academy of Technologies. The programme is designed to support and inspire young students from disadvantaged backgrounds who aspire to pursue careers in STEM. In its inaugural year, 40 awards were given in France and Belgium, each including a €5,000 grant and one-year of mentorship from a Thales employee. In 2026, STEM for All will be expanded in 2026 to countries including the Czech Republic, Poland, Greece, Romania, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil and South Korea.

“We take great pride in seeing Thales’ appeal grow stronger year after year. The talented individuals who join us are driven by a desire to contribute to the development of sovereign, innovative, and sustainable solutions that the world needs more than ever. Together, we shaping the future by inspiring an increasing number of young people, especially young women, to pursue careers in science and technology.”
Patrice Caine, CEO of Thales

Candidates interested in the positions available at Thales can find out more and apply online at https://www.thalesgroup.com/fr/candidat and here for STEM for All.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Thales

About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies in advanced for the Defence, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.
The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.
Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

The post Thales to recruit more than 9,000 new employees in 2026 appeared first on African Media Agency.

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