Nora Brown was introduced to traditional music by chance as a six year old. What her parents assumed would be standard ukulele lessons were an inconspicuous window to the world of old-time music. From his tiny studio apartment in Brooklyn, the late Shlomo Pestcoe, a historian and old-time musician taught Nora old time tunes on the ukulele and through his continued instruction other traditional instruments– the fiddle, mandolin, guitar and banjo.
Nora now plays traditional Appalachian music with a focus on banjo playing from Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee. Along with mentors in the northeast like the late John Cohen she also has traveled and learned directly from master musicians including Alice Gerrard, George Gibson and the late Lee Sexton.
Launched in 2018 in Berkshire County, Zeitcaster is an online platform that centralizes local event listings to foster community connections, helping residents and tourists discover public outings while boosting visibility for venues, organizations, and historic sites. Our calendar features a range of cultural, recreational, and family-friendly events to cater to diverse lifestyles. Designed for both venue operators and attendees, Zeitcaster supports tourism, economic growth, and civic pride—helping great events find the audiences they deserve. At a time when human connection matters more than ever, we make it simple for locals to uncover hidden gems and for visitors to authentically experience vibrant communities, promoting civic engagement and shared experiences for kids, parents, and friends alike.
Find delight with your community calendar, simplified.