The National: Benefit concert for Hawthorne Valley + MASS MoCA

with Yassou

Co-presented with Higher Ground Presents

Perfect museum weather this afternoon, with passing rain clearing by early evening for a nice night of music.

Parking and shuttle map
Map of downtown North Adams

We’ve been following The National since 1999, the same year we flung open our doors. Since then, the Ohio-raised, Brooklyn-based band—which consists of vocalist Matt Berninger plus two pairs of brothers: Aaron Dessner (guitar, bass, piano) and Bryce Dessner (guitar), and Scott Devendorf (bass, guitar) and Bryan Devendorf (drums)—has landed on every “best of” list in print. Its half dozen albums receive critical praise surpassed only by the adoration of its devoted audience. Rolling Stone declares, “The National have always been fueled by a mix of big-time artistic ambitions and deep-rooted family values.”

A Lot of Sorrow, Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson’s 6-hour documentary opus, screens in MASS MoCA’s Hunter Center throughout the concert weekend.

All ticket-holders receive half-off museum admission June 10-12. Galleries are open from 11am to 6pm on Saturday, June 11. 

Bonus: If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a piece of The National’s history, now is the time. We’re holding a benefit silent auction that includes Aaron Dessner’s 2013 Electric Airline Eastwood guitar and an autographed vinyl box set of Trouble Will Find Me. All proceeds from the auction benefit Hawthorne Valley Association and MASS MoCA. Auction items can be viewed in the museum lobby on Saturday, June 11, from 11am until 4:30pm, and online here. Winners will be announced at the sold-out cocktail reception with The National. Place an absentee bid now by contacting Rebecca Wehry by 5pm on June 10 at rwehry@massmoca.org or 413.664.4481 x8157.

The National in concert is a benefit for Hawthorne Valley Association in New York’s Hudson River Valley, an organization committed to social and cultural renewal through the integration of education, agriculture and the arts, and MASS MoCA.

All tickets are general admission, standing room only, outside on Joe’s Field. Concert held rain or shine.

Lodging update as of June 8

9am – 1pm
Farmers Market (across the street from the museum)
10am
Running with the Law (charity run / walk in downtown North Adams)
11am
Museum Galleries + Box Office open (bring your ID)
Silent auction of The National schwag (bidding now open) on view
A Lot of Sorrow screens in the Hunter Center (Saturday + Sunday)
4pm
Shuttle buses begin
Richard Nonas: The Man in the Empty Space gallery closes
4:30pm
Bag check begins in Courtyard C
5pm
Gates open
Drinks with The National begins in Building 5 gallery
6pm
Museum galleries close
7pm
YASSOU
Silent auction winners posted at Box Office
8pm
The National

Join us for late-night action in bars and restaurants throughout downtown North Adams, most open until 2am.

The Parking + The Maps

A parking and shuttle map is available here. Find a map of North Adams with options for food, drinks, and shopping here. For directions to MASS MoCA, click here.

Buses run from remote parking lots to the concert beginning at 4pm on Saturday through the end of the show. Please note that the small, metered lot across from the museum is closed until 6pm. Biking, walking, and carpooling are encouraged.

The Rules

Yes: sealed or empty water bottles (lots of taps for filling), blankets, strollers, camp-style folding chairs, certified service animals, your valid ID — if you want to drink
No: glass of any sort, coolers, alcohol (full bar service available on site, fairly priced), taking off your wristband, pets, glow-sticks, flash photography, tripods, long camera lens, detachable lens over 120mm, or any video
Discouraged: large bags, backpacks, umbrellas
Accessible seating is available on the concert field by the central tent.

A reminder for the museum galleries: To protect delicate art, strollers, umbrellas, folding chairs, large bags + backpacks, and dinosaurs are not allowed in the galleries. Please leave valuables and venue contraband in your locked car.

The Sustenance

Come hungry. Gates open at 5pm and Joe’s Field is stocked with food. Full bars are available throughout campus.
Lickety Split: pulled pork, burgers, veggie burgers, coffee, ice cream
Gunther’s Sausage Wagon: authentic German bratwurst
Ahli Baba’s Kabob Shop: falafel, pitas, and Middle Eastern delights
Spice Root: Indian dinner combos
Mach’s Wood-Fired Pizza: handmade, Vermont pizza
Desperados: North Adams Tex-Mex
The Farm Concessions: vegetarian and vegan sandwiches and salads
BeesAndThankYou: grilled cheese sandwiches that help support the bees

Wash it all down with The National(e), a special single-batch brew created by North Adams’ own Bright Ideas Brewing, located right here on campus next to Gramercy Bistro and Tunnel City Coffee.

Free wifi provided by

photo: Deirdre O’Callaghan h