MUSEUM OPEN: WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY 10 AM TO 5 PM “An absolute must see for history lovers!” “Quite simply an amazing museum.” “I wish I could give it more s. This was so well done, You won’t believe it until you see it for yourself.”
Bring this ad with you and get $2 off one adult admission!
- Google Reviews
568 Main Street, Hudson, MA (978) 562-9182 www.AmericanHeritageMuseum.org
2022 sponsorship & advertising opportunities Now available! 4 J U LY 20 21
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PULSE MAGAZINE: MARCH 2022
STYLE • FASHION BEAUTY
COVER STORY WORCESTER'S CULTURAL REAWAKENING
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ENTERTAINMENT ARTS • CULTURE
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ART ON THE LINE
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Arts & Culture Listings
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Now Streaming
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Entertainmant Listings
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PulseShots
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420 in 508
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Style Savvy
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Out and About Community Update
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CITY LIVING • ARCHITECTURE • DESIGN THE TRIPLE DECKER LEGACY
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SPORT AND FITNESS
EAT • BREWS COCKTAILS
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BURNCOAT CENTER FOR ARTS AND WELLNESS
Dining Review: QUINN'S BLUE PLATE
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PulseBrew
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Eat Beat
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GUINNESS CELTIC 5K
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Shaun Knows
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Sports?
NEW IN THE WOO ARTIFAKT SUPPLY
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Paul Giorgio, Publisher pgiorgio@pagioinc.com David Simone, Vice President, Sales dsimone@pagioinc.com Jenny Pacillo, Editior jpacillo@pagioinc.com Kevin La, Art Director kla@pagioinc.com Michael Brevde, Executive Events Coordinator mbrevde@pagioinc.com
READ PULSE ONLINE: THEPULSEMAG.COM
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: TWITTER @WORCESTERPULSE • INSTAGRAM @WORCESTERPULSE • FACEBOOK.COM/THEPULSEMAGAZINE PULSE Magazine is produced 12 times a year by Pagio Inc., 134 Gold St., Worcester, MA 01608. (508) 756-5006. Copyright 2021 All rights reserved. Pagio, Inc. does not hold itself responsible for statements made by any contributor. Statements or opinions expressed in Pulse reflect the views of the author(s) and not the official policy of the Pagio, Inc., unless so stated. Although all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical standards, acceptance does not imply endorsement by Pagio, Inc. unless so stated. Material printed in Pulse is covered by copyright. No copyright is claimed to any work of the U.S. government. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission. For information on permissions, reprints and other services, contact Pagio, Inc. Also by Pagio Inc.: Worcester Medicine, Vitality Magazine, Thepulsemag.com, Thevitalitymag.com, & TasteWorcester.com
Bernie Whitemore, Jennifer Russo, Travis Duda, Jason Savio, Shaun Connolly, Giuliano D’Orazio, Shannon Jutras Rachel Chine, April Goddard, Irena Kaci, Rachel Shuster, Vincent Pacifico, and Jenny Pacillo.Writers
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JENNIFER RUSSO
Worcester is an extremely diverse city, and with that comes unique perspectives. We are fortunate to have a wide breadth of venues, artists, and musicians in our midst. The creativity and culture of the community is ready to shine even brighter as the weather warms up, with something for everyone. The city has always had a collaborative spirit behind its art and performance scenes. Creative minds consistently come together and have truly enabled the ability to showcase the talents of those who live here. Though the last couple of years have somewhat stifled our ability to collectively enjoy these things due to COVID, this year looks optimistic and full of promise. Executive Director at the Worcester Cultural Coalition Erin Williams is looking forward to seeing the community support local artists this spring. “We’re seeing as a city that the arts and cultural sector is prime to bring people together in a safe manner,” she said. “Our festivals are reemerging, more concerts, events, and workshops are taking place again in person.”
Visual Arts
"With our work around equity and inclusion, the primary focus of the JMAC is to give voice to all artists and creatives who have been marginalized" -Erin Williams, Worcester Cultural Coalition
The creators weren’t sleeping during the pandemic, they were doing what they do best – creating. Many artists were able to focus more on their expression and channel their emotions into beautiful works of art, and they even have support from City Hall. “We are fortunate that Mayor Petty and City Manager Augustus are behind the ARPA funding for the creative sector,” Williams states. The City has set aside $4.5 million in funding for creatives in the arts and culture industry. Recently, The Worcester Cultural Coalition received a grant from the Barr Foundation of over $500,000 to support the arts, especially those from communities who have been historically underrepresented. Much of the funds from this once in a lifetime experience will go towards one day events and residencies at the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) on Franklin Street, where the Worcester PopUp and BrickBox Theater reside. These funds will assist artists with rental fee coverage, professional development, and stipends for the spring and fall terms, as well as three month long summer residency opportunities. BrickBox Managing Director Olivia D’Ambrosio Scanlon is looking forward to the variety of events this spring. “I think we’re due for a hugely exciting spell of activity, joy, and performance, and I think the JMAC is going to be at the center of a great deal of it,” Scanlon says. 6 MA RCH 20 22
"We are poised to be a part of this wonderful reemergence" -Olivia D'Ambrosio Scanlon, JMAC
Hank VonHellion, Managing Director of the PopUp, describes it as a gallery creative space. “We really value diversity and we want organizations that don’t feel welcome anywhere else, whether it’s because they don’t think they have enough money or connections or they think they’re too young, those are the people we want to reach out and support,” VonHellion explains. The PopUp will be hosting the opening reception for Bayda Asbridge in May. Asbridge is a local artist who recently won the Mass Cultural Traditional Arts Awards in Arabic Calligraphy. Her exhibit explores the meaning of words and cultures between the Mid-East and West. Through ArtsWorcester, there are several local exhibits that can be enjoyed this spring. Now on exhibit at the Franklin Square Salon at Hanover Theatre is Tracy Spadafora’s exhibition, Left Behind. This series takes inspiration from decay and corrosion and turns it into art that explores a take on transformation and history. At the Worcester Art Museum, visitors can view an installation by featured Worcester CMAI artist Cesar Rodrigues. Cesar uses a custom-built device with Bluetooth technology to create his abstract visions on canvas, since due to Spinal Muscular Atrophy he is unable to hold a paintbrush. The result is a bright and beautiful display of textures and movement in his work. Also at the museum through June, is a collaborative art exhibit, Us Them We, featuring works by Byron Kim, Maria Magdelena Campos-Pons, and Lorna Simpson. The exhibit addresses different perspectives on identity and social status using art.
Music and Theater One of the most beautiful buildings in Worcester, Mechanics Hall is an art piece of its own. Beginning in April, the hall will host concerts by the New England Symphony Orchestra, French musicians Gautier Capucon and Jean-Yves Thibaudet, and Grammy Award winning singer songwriter Dee Dee Bridgewater. Mechanics Hall and WICN’s Brown Bag Concert series will start back up in the spring as well, these free concerts have been a favorite since starting in 1983. Hanover Theatre opens their spring season with performances by Straight No Chaser and Blue Man Group. Broadway aficionados can subscribe to the Hanover’s “Broadway Series Package” to enjoy shows like Anastasia and CATS. “It's exciting to see things open up again and have people feel more comfortable about buying tickets and seeing a show” -Troy Siebels, Hanover Theatre
Worcester Chamber Music Society Marketing Director Alison Doherty describes chamber music as an intimate experience. “You’re very close, you’re part of it,” she says. The WCMS has made the BrickBox Theater their home for the 2021 - 2022 concert season, which includes Looking East in late April and If I Forget beginning May 11th. The cozy venue is the perfect spot to enjoy their critically acclaimed, affordable performances. t h epu ls emag.com
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"We're going forward for full spring and summer concert season, and from what we can tell, others are planning the same thing" - Alison Doherty, Worcester Chamber Music Society
Doherty believes the cultural scene “is on the upswing, things are definitely happening. It seems like everyone is eager to get back to live performances, everyone’s been super careful about making sure that can happen within the parameters of safety.”
Festivals The 20th annual Southeast Asian Festival will take place at Worcester State University on June 26th, and showcase 15 countries with cultural performances, art, and food. “This is a way for the Asian community to give back to Worcester for opening their life, heart, and homes,” Ahn Vu Sawyer, Executive Director of the Southeast Asian Coalition says. The festival draws roughly 3,000, and Sawyer expects this year to be a wonderful celebration. Sign up for the Discover Central Mass newsletter to stay tuned on Tercentennial events for June and celebrate Worcester’s 300 anniversary. A common theme across institutions and organizations is the silver lining of remote access to art and culture throughout Covid. “One of the benefits that we came away with from Covid is to not let go of the virtual opportunity for people. We’ve seen audiences grow by leaps and bounds,” Williams tells me. Executive Director at the Worcester Public Library Jason Homer found that the community became more active in the Library’s cultural programs during the pandemic. “People are looking for information and experiential learning in different ways,” Homer says. The WPL offers a balance of virtual and in person opportunities that range from a remote poetry workshop with Susan RoneyO’Brien, to an introduction to the design software Inkscape that teaches artists how to create their own stickers. Homer adds, “The WPL is deeply entrenched into the cultural identity of the community and this community breathes art. It’s everywhere, even on the front of our building.” As easing restrictions and a drop in Covid cases continues, the cultural scene is heating up. The cultural scene in and around Worcester is welcoming and inclusive, with a wide range of events and spaces for us to enjoy. It’s been a long two years, so check out an old favorite, like the Worcester Art Museum and try something new like the BrickBox. We all deserve art, music, and culture in our lives. "When we're thinking about the future, we think about how artists, writers, and performers will preserve these moments for us" -Jason Homer, Worcester Public Library
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ENTERTAINMENT • ARTS • CULTURE
ART ON THE LINE Ready, set, grab some art! Art on the Line, one of ArtsWorcester’s most beloved annual events, returned this February for the first time since 2017. Executive Director Juliet Feibel attributes the popularity of Art on the Line because it’s “fast, easy, and open to everybody,” adding, “It’s a super affordable event, different from any other fundraiser, and it’s fast. The mad dash is over in a half hour or so.” All of the money raised is used to support ArtsWorcester’s youth and outreach programs. Art on the Line originated in 2012 with Cynthia Woehrle, an artist working at ArtsWorcester. The sizes and shapes of her vision have changed slightly over time, but all the donated works are now 5”x7” or smaller. Each piece is placed into biodegradable transparent envelopes before being clipped into the installation, waiting to be snagged on opening night. The real fun starts when the doors to ArtsWorcester open for the event, and everyone races in to grab the hanging postcard sized artwork. ArtsWorcester artist and Board President Ryan Hacker cheerfully describes it as, “totally unpretentious and similar to Black Friday.” Once guests have seized their prizes, they’ll often hang out and negotiate trades with their fellow art lovers, or enjoy the installation again with a less frenzied pace. Art on the Line is truly a welcoming event that engages the entire community, from artists to art lovers and everyone in between.
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JENNY PACILLO
Many of the artists who submit pieces are members of ArtsWorcester, but donations for Art on the Line are open to everyone. “Absolutely anyone who wants to donate work is welcomed and thanked. Every single piece donated goes up on the line,” Feibel explains. All the artwork is priced at $20, making this a great way to get to know the local art scene while supporting a good cause. Recent Holy Cross grad and ArtsWorcester member Nathan Manna feels Art on the Line is a “really a great way to get involved” and submitted four collage prints to this year’s event. Tickets to the February 12th event were limited to 100 first come first served lucky guests, with many more placed on a waiting list. 190 pieces were sold that night, which was roughly three quarters of what ArtsWorcester had to offer. There are some pieces still available for after event sales that will be hanging in the gallery, which is open 12 to 5pm Thursday through Sunday. Membership to ArtsWorcester is open to anyone regardless of experience or practice, so visit the gallery to introduce yourself and become a member! They also partner with museums, schools, and local businesses to celebrate and promote contemporary art in Worcester. ArtsWorcester produces around fifteen exhibitions a year, showcasing and advancing the work of over 300 artists in the community. So don’t feel bad if you missed Art on the Line, there are more events on the horizon, and you can stay up to date with ArtsWorcester’s calendar on their website.
ARTS & CULTURE LISTINGS American Heritage Museum (978) 562-9182 568 Main St., Hudson https://www.americanheritagemuseum.org/ Arts Worcester (508) 755-5142 44 Portland St., Worcseter https://artsworcester.org/
JMAC Popup (508) 561-0173 20B Franklin St., Worcester www.jmacworcester.org March 4 - Who is Worcester?
Worcester Center for Crafts (508) 753-8103 25 Sagamore Rd., Worcester https://www.worcestercraftcenter.org/ Mar. 12 - Give an Alien a Pinch!
Boulder Art Gallery (978) 354-7000 960 Main St., Fitchburg http://theboulderartgallery.com/ Gallery open Thursday, Friday, Saturday Brick Box Theater (508) 413-5622 20B Franklin St., Worcester https://www.jmacworcester.org/brickbox.html Mar. 4 - Worcester Chamber Music Society presents Joshua Gordon and Randall Hodgkinson Mar. 18 - An Evening with Tony Award Winner Laura Benanti Mar. 19 - Worcester Interactive presents Curtain Call Karaoke Fitchburg Art Museum (978) 345-4207 185 Elm St., Fitchburg https://fitchburgartmuseum.org/ Free First Thursdays Hanover Theatre (877) 571-7469 2 Southbridge St., Worcester https://thehanovertheatre.org/ Mar. 12 - The Red Hot Chili Pipers Mar. 17 - WGBH Presents a St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan Mar. 19 - Shen Yun Mar. 20 - Brit Floyd World Tour 2022 Mar. 23 - The Stories of Peter and the Wolf & Hansel and Gretel Mar. 25 - Bert Kreischer: The Berty Boy Relapse Tour Mar. 29 - One Night of Queen Performed by Gary Mullen and the Works Mar. 31 Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
Worcester Art Museum (508) 799-4406 55 Salisbury St., Worcester https://www.worcesterart.org/ Free First Sundays Mar. 3, 4, 5, & 6 - Flora in Winter Mar. 12 & 26 - Arms and Armor: The Legions of Rome
Worcester Chamber Music Society (508) 926-8624 323 Main St, Worcester https://worcesterchambermusic.org/ Mar. 4 - Joshua Gordon and Randall Hodgkinson Mar. 6 - Family Concert
March 5 - The Journey of Solo Jubin Premiere March 6 - Worcester Chamber Music Society presents Family Concert
Worcester Historical Museum (508) 753-8278 30 Elm St., Worcester https://www.worcesterhistory.org/
Mechanics Hall (508) 752-5608 321 Main St., Worcester https://www.mechanicshall.org/ Mar. 12 - Varsity Vocals presents International Championship of High School A Cappella Mar. 19 - Music Worcester presents The Worcester Chorus & Bach B-Minor Mass Mar. 27 - Music Worcester presents Itzhak Perlman in Recital Old Sturbridge Village 800-733-1830 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge https://www.osv.org/ Saturdays - Night in the Museum: Evening Investigation Preservation Worcster (508) 754-8760 10 Cedar St., Worcester https://www.preservationworcester.org/ Tower Hill Botanical Garden (508) 869-6111 11 French St., Boylston https://www.towerhillbg.org/ Tuesdays - Chair Yoga Wednesdays - Qigong & Tai Chi Movement Mar. 12 & 13 - Chinese Brush Painting: Orchids Mar. 15, 22, & 29 - Art Intensive: Bookmaking Mar. 19 - Therapeutic Horticulture: Tropical Dish Gardens Mar. 24 - Art Basics: Wire Wrapped Natural Stone Jewelry Mar. 27 - Forest Bathing in the Conservatory Mar. 31 - Series II: Sogetsu Ikebana
Worcester Irish Festival March 5 St. Spyridon Church 102 Russell St Irish food, drink, & music Irish step dancers Bagpipes & drums
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NOW STREAMING. JASON SAVIO
KORN - REQUIEM Jonathan Davis and the boys in Korn are back with Requiem, their fourteenth studio album. Requiem is the follow up to 2019’s surprisingly good, The Nothing, which was Korn’s best album in a long, long time. Although Requiem doesn’t live up to The Nothing, it’s still worth a listen. Most of the songs here will appeal to fans of Korn’s newer music, with some nods to the band’s past for older fans. As always, Jonathan Davis’ continued struggles with his demons are on full display in The Nothing. However Davis’ lyrics as of late have skewed more toward trying to fight through the darkness to provide a spring of enlightenment and hope for not only himself but also his listeners who are coping with their own problems. The appropriately titled “Start the Healing” is a good example of this, with Davis offering lines of encouragement and guidance rather than simply wallowing in despair, when he confidently sings “break apart the pain to start the healing.” On the reverse of that is “Hopeless and Beaten,” possibly one of the heaviest and most demonic sounding songs the band has ever recorded, complete with Davis growling “Hopeless and fucking beaten!” This is Korn, after all. “Let The Dark Do The Rest” is the most memorable song, with a creepy opening that explodes into a heavy jam in a prime Korn sequence. It has a strong melodic turn coupled with a big chorus, and the band does itself a favor by getting out of their own way to really let the song breathe in the breakdown and allow a hook to develop. Davis does his patented voice scatting in the speaker-busting closer, “Worst Is On Its Way”, that will get your head bopping. Also of note in the final song’s outro is a tease of a classic bass line that older Korn fans will recognize. With bassist Fieldy recently saying he will be taking a hiatus from the band, is this him signing off? Clocking in at just over thirty minutes long, Requiem feels more like an in-between album featuring a batch of songs not likely to stick around on any live set list for very long. While it certainly isn’t Korn’s best work, it is by far nowhere near their worst. It’s a good listen overall and continues the band’s positive trajectory with their recent past releases.
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SAXON - CARPE DIEM Talk about coming in with a head full of steam. English heavy metal veterans Saxon aren’t playing any games on their newest release, Carpe Diem. Decades into their careers and on their 23rd studio album, these fellas somehow manage to still sound young and hungry on this collection of 10 riff-heavy, adrenaline-pumping tracks. The title track and opener starts off with a dramatic intro like something out of the movie “Gladiator”, then cuts right into swinging metal ecstasy with high-pitched vocals and galloping power chords as singer Biff Byford shouts, “Carpe diem/seize the day!” What is the catalyst for this surprise punch of renewed energy from these aging rockers? Some of it might have to do with singer Biff Byford suffering a heart attack in 2019. Either way, the lyrics are fitting and combined with fierce riffs that are sure to get you pumped up. They keep the energy level high throughout almost the entire album, save for a couple of breathers with “The Pilgrimage” and “Lady in Gray,” the latter being a somewhat somber song about a ghost. But the epic lyricism never wavers, nor does the underlying urge to face adversity head-on. The theme of fighting in wars and never relenting to your enemy covers both time and space on Carpe Diem. “Dambusters” is about the true story of Operation Chastise, a 1943 bomb squad attack on water dams in Nazi Germany with the newly invented bouncing bomb. The apocalyptic outer space drama of “Supernova” is the perfect soundtrack to the end of the world with Byford singing, “It’s the planet’s turn to die.” Do some of the songs on Carpe Diem sound aged, like they belong to the 80’s metal scene? Sure, of course they have some of that unmistakable DNA, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, and even the ones that may tip-toe a little too closely to that spectrum are still enjoyable. The main point the guys in Saxon are making here is to use Carpe Diem to your advantage and follow its advice. As Byford sings in the closing “Living on the Limit,” “Don't be afraid to ride the storms/Just take the bull by the horns.” For more, visit: https://www.saxon747.com/
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ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS BirchTree Bread Company 744-243-6944 138 Green St., Worcester Birchtreebreadcompany. com Wednesday, Friday & Sunday - Live music Mar. 2 - Bring Back Pluto Mar. 4 - Chris Houston & the Housetones Mar. 6 - The Russo Bros. Mar. 9 - Cameron Campbell Trio Mar. 11 - Grade A Fancy Mar. 13 - Big Jon Short Mar. 16 - Giuliano Black and White Grille 508-885-5018 206 North Spencer Rd., Spencer Blackandwhitegrille.com Blueprint New American Bar & Grille 978-668-5580 10 Village Sq., Westminster Cafe Neo 774-253-6139 97 Millbury St., Worcester Nightly Karaoke Chuck’s Steakhouse 508- 832-2553 10 Prospect Street, Auburn Classic’s Pub 978-227-5258 285 Central St., Leominster Chashu Ramen + Izakaya 508-304-7183 38 Franklin St., Worcester Electric Haze 26 Millbury St., Worcester Mar. 4 - WSG/ Bob Diesel, Mizeyesis, Jack McDevitt & the Phibonacci Sequence Mar. 5 - Don’t Let Go Returns 14 MA RCH 20 22
Mar. 11 - Shepherd Production Presents: Copywrite w/ Jackson Whalan, Trey Tuck & more Mar. 19 - A.M.P. Presents: Our House One Year Anniversary, Notorious Chow, Kerry Quirk Mar. 22 - Daniel Van Kirk Elm Draught House 508-865-2850 35 Elm St., Millbury Mar. 26 - Comedy Show
Greendale’s Pub 508-853-1350 404 W Boylston St. North, Worcester Sundays - Night Jam Wednesdays Wacky Blues Jam Mar. 4 - Nasty Habits Mar. 5 - Deloreans Mar. 11 - No Alibi Mar. 18 - Riff Raff
MCL Club 508-797-0141 181 Lake Ave., Worcester Worcestermcl.org Thursday - Karaoke Mar. 5 - Take 3 Band Mar. 26 - Alter Ego Michael’s Cigar Bar 508-459-9035 1 Exchange St, Worcester
Halligan’s 508-832-6739 889 Southbridge St., AuFidder’s Green Pub burn Nick’s 508-792-3700 Mar. 24 - Ladies Night Out 508-753-4030 19 Temple St., Worcester 12 Millbury St., Mar. 11 - Young Wolftones Happy Jack’s Worcester Mar. 13 - Post Parade Party 978- 466-3433 Thursday - Karaoke Mar. 17 - St. Patrick’s Day 785 N Main St., with Dj Matt Party Leominster Wednesdays Off the Rails Firefly’s BBQ Team Trivia 508-304-6411 508-357-8883 Thursdays - Slingo 90 Commercial St., 350 E. Main St., MarlborWorcester ough Indian Ranch Wednesday through SunDANTE’S at FIREFLY’S BBQ 508-943-3871 day - Live Music March 4 Ghost Train 200 Gore Rd., Webster March 5 Jon Coco Band Indianranch.com One Eyed Jack’s Tiki Bar March 11 Below Deck Mar. 19 - Hunks: The Per& Grill March 12 American Who fect Girls Night Out 508-459-0089 March 18 Jas & Co Mar. 26 - Comedy Night 433 Park Ave., Worcester March 19 Tequila Bonfire with Paul Gilligan, Steve March 25 Rock n' Roll Den- Scarfo & Peter Martin Park Grille tist 508-756-7995 March 26 XS Band Legends Bar and Grille 257 Park Avenue, Worces978- 342-6500 ter Flying Rhino 68 Airport Rd, Fitchburg 508-757-1450 Partner’s Pub 278 Shrewsbury St., Worces- MB Lounge 978-345-5051 ter 508-799-4521 970 South St., Fitchburg 40 Grafton St., Worcester Gardner Ale House Wednesday - Karaoke Patsie Duggans 978- 669-0122 Thursday - Drinks with 508 755-4155 74 Parker St., Gardner Ashley 49 Millbury St, Worcester Friday & Saturday - Dance Greater Good Imperial Party Peppercorn’s Grille & Sunday - Game Night Tavern Brewing Mar. 12 - Glow Party 508-752-7711 508-926-8736 455 Park Ave., Worcester 55 Millbrook St., Worcester Mar. 24 - Trivia Night Mar. 26 - Ladies Night
Purgatory Beer Co. 508-596-2194 670 Linwood Ave. Building C, Whitinsville Ralph’s Diner 508-753-9543 148 Grove St., Worcester Monday - The Dirty Gerund Poetry Open Mic Wednesday Karaoke with Dj Matt R! Rascal’s 508-459-0862 70 James St., Worcester Rascalsworcester.com Mar. 3 - Wine Glass Paint & Sip Mar. 5 - Boombox 70’s & 80’s Night Mar. 10 - Bob Marley: Comedian Mar. 12 - Panorama: The Cars Tribute with Being Petty Mar. 13 - Midget with Attitude: Midget Wrestling Mar. 17 - Wine & Cheese Pairing Experience Mar. 19 - Dock 10: Your Favorite Cover Songs Mar. 26 - Tony Harnell the Voice of TNT with Deuces Wild Reunion Tap & Table 774-293-5501 198 Worcester St., North Grafton Mondays - Musical Bingo Tuesdays - Karaoke with Steven Jerome Landry Jr. Wednesdays - Trivia with Nate Briggs Mar. 3 - Navegantes Mar. 4 - James Keyes Mar. 5 - Mark Manzella & Friends Mar. 6 - Tom Gilmartin Mar. 10 - Cara Brindisi
Mar. 11 - Stones in the Road Mar. 12 - Ari Sky Walker/ Boogie Chillen Mar. 13 - Tony Gahan Mar. 17 - The Fight’n Donovans 4 the McCrites Mar. 18 - Ripple Effect Mar. 19 - The Brumbletones Mar. 20 - Tom Gilmartin Mar. 24 - Mike Melendez Mar. 25 - Belit Mar. 27 - Alex Cabrese Mar. 31 - Runaway Dogs River Styx 978-696-5176 166 Boulder Dr., Fitchburg Sunday - Eddy Troxler and Friends Thursday - Str82hades Trivia Southside Grille 978-632-1057 242 West Broadway, Gardner Tuesday - Slingo Thursday - Trivia with Kevin Stakes Pub 508-755-2955 1281 Pleasant St., Worcester The Bull Run 978-425-4311 215 Great Road, Shirley Mar. 4 - Mike Farris Mar. 5 - Don White’s 65th Birthday Show Mar. 10 - KT Tunstall Mar. 11 - Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet Mar. 12 - Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters Mar. 19 - Anthony Geraci and the Boston Blues AllStars Mar. 24 - Los Lobos Mar. 25 - Albert Cummings Mar. 30 - Walter Trout
Mar. 31 - Jimmy Webb
The Comedy Attic Upstairs at Park Grill 508-756-7995 257 Park Ave., Worcseter Thursday - Open Comedy Night Mar. 4 - Amy Tee Mar. 11 - Logan O’Brien Mar. 18 - Mateen Stewart Mar. 19 - Joselito Dapuppet
Tryst Lounge 978-400-7906 320 Main St, Fitchburg Vincent’s Worcester 508-752-9439 49 Suffolk St., Worcseter Wachusett Brew Yard 978-874-9965 175 State Rd. E, Westminster Tuesdays - Trivia Wednesdays - Line Dancing Mar. 12 - Brew Pub Yoga Mar. 19 - St. Patrick’s Day Party!
The GazBar 978- 534-6600 Whiskey on Water 1045 Central St, Leominster 774-578-8829 97 Water St., Worcester The Mill at 185 Mar. 3 - Dj Tommy Dee 774-261-8585 Mar. 4 - Dj E-Class 185 W Boylston St., West Mar. 5 - Nasty Habits Boylston Mar. 10 - Dj E-Class, Dj Massappeal The Palladium Mar. 12 - Hit the Bus Band, 508-797-9696 Dj TecThreat 261 Main St., Worcester Mar. 17 - Dj Tommy Dee Mar. 3 - Disco Biscuits Mar. 18 - Dj E-Class Mar. 4 - The Acacia Strain, Mar. 19 - He Said She Said Overkill Mar. 24 - Dj Massappeal Mar. 6 - Nile Mar. 25 - Dj E-Class Mar. 8 - Monster Energy Mar. 26 - Backyard Swagger, Outbreak Tour Presents: Dj TecThreat Zero 9:36 Mar. 10 - Dark Star White Eagle Orchestra 508-753-9612 Mar. 12 - All that Remains 116-120 Green St., WorcesMar. 17 - B-Lovee ter Mar. 18 - Immolation Whiteeagleworcester.com Mar. 19 - Glassjaw Thursday - Slingo Musical Mar. 20 - D.R.U.G.S. & Kids Bingo Scaring Kids Mar. 24 - Integrity Woo Bar & Grill Mar. 25 - Mayhem/Watain 774-243-6130 Mar. 26 - Chris Janson 358 Shrewsbury St., Mar. 27 - Fit for a King Worcester Mar. 29 - Obituary Mar. 31 - Poppy
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EAT • BREWS • COCKTAILS
DINING REVIEW QUINN'S BLUE PLATE 661 MAIN STREET, HOLDEN PHONE: (774) 345-4136 BERNIE WHITMORE The quest to replace Holden’s Blue Plate, a thirties-era landmark famous for its low-priced blue plate lunch special, with Quinn’s Blue Plate has been a long and bumpy journey. I don’t know the full story because I stopped asking Tim Quinn about the project’s status when it became clear the topic was stressful. But that’s history now, Quinn’s Blue Plate is open for service and, with it, Holden’s dining scene has taken a leap forward. On my first visit to QBP I took note that the layout, a large central bar surrounded by tables for dining, reminded me of the Worcester Quinn’s. A major difference, though, other than its sheer shiny-clean newness, is the feeling of open space. While the Worcester location almost guarantees inter-table cross talk, QBP seems more relaxed. The Quinn formula for hospitality seems to breed popularity and that’s already happening in Holden. On this mid-week evening parking the car was a challenge that rewarded patience, strategy and an agile turning radius. Once I’d dumped the car and found the table my friend had staked out, I was ready for a draft and presto! As I’d hoped, they have Holden’s Seven Saws Brewery products on tap. I enjoyed a glass of their VII IPA, cloudy-amber, refreshingly bitter with subtle juicy-citrus flavors. Seven Saws is just down the road from QBP with a brand-new tasting room, stop in to introduce yourself to their brews and befriend the crew.
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The QBP menu is packed with a full range of comfort foods; classic sandwiches and burgers; a range of entrées that tick off all the American Cuisine boxes. I know several people who rave about Quinn’s Shepherd's Pie. They’ll feel right at home here. We started out with something hot. I sampled a crock of French Onion Soup. Its thick seal of stretchy molten cheese gave way to a dark-brown beefy broth loaded with hunks of soft onion that had contributed their sweet flavor. This steaming-hot soup was perfect for dispelling the chill of a bitter-cold January day. My friend, ever the chowder junkie, was equally happy with his bowl of Mary Murphy’s Clam Chowder. Creamy thick, and rich, he topped it with a bag of oyster crackers. It yielded up spoonful after spoonful of bits of clam and tender potato. Add to that a couple dashes of Tabasco sauce and he was one happy New Englander. Upon ordering my entrée, Blue Plate Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese, our server nodded, “Great choice!” Concern that she may have been teasing me dissolved with my first bite. The pasta was cavatappi perfectly prepared al dente; all those curls and ridges were enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce studded with veins of melty cheese that stretched with each forkful. The large baking dish full of mac & cheese was tossed with chunks of chicken and drizzled with plenty of buffalo sauce that offset the cheesy richness with a nice bit of fire.
“Move over, Ruth’s Chris!” was my friend’s reaction as he devoured his entrée, QBP’s Cajun Ribeye. In recent months I’ve seen plenty of thin overcooked cuts of meat passing as steak. QBP’s ribeye was what a steak ought to be. Thick, perfectly cooked pinkish red in the middle with a deep seared-in cross hatching of grill lines that gave it a tasty char flavor; juices ran from it with each slice. Served with creamy mashed potatoes and sweet corn niblets, this steak takes informal dining to a higher plane. Holden has not, historically, been a vibrant dining destination. True, there have long been some notable options for meeting friends in town. But now, Quinn’s Blue Plate really puts Holden on the map.
DAVIS BBQ
PULSEBREW
SHANNON JUTRAS
Dear Drinkers, The days are getting longer and the extended winter that was promised to us by a certain groundhog has almost melted away. March is a funny month for New Englanders, with random warm days interrupted by the occasional blizzard warning. It can be confusing to decide how to dress or what to drink. We might be enjoying a crisp Pilsner on the porch, only for the sun to set and realize we’d rather be cozied up with a barrel-aged stout and a warm blanket. Fear not, fermented beverage aficionados. As the season changes we have unique opportunities to choose a delicious beverage to help us mark time with intention, like a butterfly suspended in its chrysalis, except with beer. In spite of its reputation as the worst month ever, there are many such occasions to celebrate in March, such as International Women’s Day, Saint Patrick’s Day, Spring Solstice, and, not to be forgotten, National Cheese Doodle Day. I’ve chosen a few such occasions below and paired them with locally crafted beverages to help you commemorate any weather, holiday, or personal triumph in style. St. Patrick’s Day St. Patty’s is the most conspicuous day in March to celebrate, and celebrate we should, but before we go any further, I have a favor to ask. Please (please) do not drink dyed-green beer. Ever. You, a grown person with fully developed taste buds, do not need this. I digress. The obvious choice for this holiday is Irish Stout. Invented and made famous by Guinness, there are delicious, local options inspired by this classic style. A common misconception is that Irish Stout is a “heavy” beer. In fact, it is a low-alcohol, mildly roasty beer with a subtly tart finish and a creamy texture when served from a distinctive nitrogen tap. Redemption Rock’s “Blackstone Stout” is a lovely nod to the style, and available year-round. It also pairs beautifully with coffee from their taproom. Unexpected Blizzard A late winter blizzard is your chance to go big and stay home. It’s a classic New England tradition to be absolutely astonished by a snowstorm in March, and you can use winter’s surprise last hurrah as an excuse to linger by the fireplace with something deep and dark. Charlton Beer Company’s Coffee Bean Porter is a companionable choice. Rich and full-bodied with balanced bitterness and a hint of fresh roasted coffee, a beer like this is best enjoyed in your favorite sweater while Billie Holiday plays in the background. The Shower Beer We end with the most casual of rituals, one you can enjoy today: The Shower Beer. This experience requires neither pretense nor clothes. The beer you crack for this occasion must have two critical attributes, however. It must be crisp, and it MUST be in a can. Do not try to bring an open glass into your shower. Trust me on this. A particularly refreshing local choice is Oakholm’s Tractor Bier. A bright and balanced American lager with biscuity, crackery notes, this well-conditioned beer is unassuming and crushable, reminding us that lawnmower beer season isn’t so far off after all. Rumor has it this is an excellent pairing for cheese doodles as well, but you’ll just have to try it and see for yourself. Oh, March. Will it be the best of times, will it be the worst of times? I’m a brewer not a psychic, but I predict it is the perfect time to make your own good time. Choose your moment, choose your beer, PAUSE. Something worth celebrating is on the horizon for you.
Award-Winning
Kansas City BBQ
Massachusetts PREMIER
BBQ JOINT
©DAVIS BBQ PM3
Enjoy Indoor, Private Igloos and Carry Out
TheDavisBBQ.com 978-286-8888 DAVIS BBQ AD (5.4x4.4) 2-16-22.indd 1
2/16/22 1:24 PM
COCKTAIL CORNER MATT LEFEBVRE LEFEBVRE MATT
BOCADO TAPAS WINE BAR WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT BEING A BARTENDER? IT’S SUCH A FUN ATMOSPHERE AT BOCADO! WE HAVE GREAT GUESTS AND A GREAT STAFF, SO I ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO COMING TO WORK. BARTENDING FULFILLS THE NEED TO SOCIALIZE AND ALSO IS A CREATIVE OUTLET ON SO MANY LEVELS. THERE IS NOTHING MORE GRATIFYING THAN GETTING YOUR ASS KICKED ON A BUSY NIGHT AND BUSTING YOUR WAY OUT OF THE WEEDS, ALWAYS ONE SPILL AWAY FROM UTTER COLLAPSE.
WHY IS THIS YOUR FAVORITE DRINK AT THE MOMENT? RIGHT NOW IN SPAIN, GIN IS ON FIRE, SO YOU’LL FIND IT HEAVILY REPRESENTED ON OUR COCKTAIL MENU. WITH THE CLIMATE IN SPAIN, GIN COCKTAILS ARE REFRESHING AND VIBRANT. WE HAVE TWO GINS MADE IN SPAIN THAT WE PLAY WITH. NORDES GIN IS DISTILLED IN GALICIA, ON THE ATLANTIC COAST. IT’S A LIGHTER, SUBTLER GIN AS IT’S MADE FROM ALBARINO GRAPES AND INCORPORATES SAGE, BAY LEAF AND OTHER GENTLE HERBS. THE GIN MARE IS A MORE BOLD AND SAVORY GIN DISTILLED ON THE MEDITERRANEAN, MADE WITH OLIVES, ROSEMARY, BASIL, AND THYME. OUR GIN COCKTAILS EITHER HAVE CLASSIC ORIGINS OR ARE OUR OWN UNIQUE RECIPES. OUR LAVANDA COCKTAIL IS A SIMPLE GIN TONIC WITH OUR HOUSE MADE LAVENDER SYRUP. THE BARCELONA SLING IS A TWIST ON THE CLASSIC SINGAPORE SLING. ULTIMA PALABRA IS A VARIATION OF THE LAST WORD COCKTAIL. PINK PYRENEES IS AN ORIGINAL WITH A HINT OF ELDERFLOWER AND CITRUS. ROSA JUNOS UTILIZES YUZU AND OUR PRIVATE LABEL ROSE’ CAVA, SPARKLING WINE MADE EXCLUSIVELY FOR US FROM THE PENEDES REGION OUTSIDE OF BARCELONA. SALUD, AMIGOS!
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what’s happening in the restaurant scene
PAUL GIORGIO WORCESTER RESTAURANT WEEK RUNS UNTIL MARCH 13. One of Worcester’s favorite events is ongoing until March 13th. WRW has over 40 participating restaurants in the Worcester area serving a 3-course meal for $28.22. You can see a full list of the eateries and their menus on www.worcesterrestaurantweek.com. WRW is produced by Pulse Magazine and sponsors include Atlas Distributing, Pepsi Worcester, and Discover Central Mass. The media sponsors include Radio Worcester, WXLO, The Pike, and Nash. TRUE NORTH. The Compass Tavern in Worcester’s Canal District has shut off the range. The restaurant was bought by Cliff Rucker, who already owned the building. Dave Dominick, a fixture on the Worcester club scene for decades, plans to take it easy for a while. Dave owned Sh’booms, Bahama Bob’s as well as the Compass and a few other places over the years. He will be missed. NEW NAME, NEW CONCEPT. District Wood Fired Kitchen will be the eatery replacing Compass. They will have a wood fired oven and be more of a restaurant catering to dinner patrons in the Canal District. Cliff Rucker owns the adjacent hockey rink, so it may have more of a family vibe. UP ON THE ROOF. Downtown Worcester’s Midtown Mall will soon be home to rooftop dining, possibly a Brazilian steak house. The owners of Alma Gaucha in Boston’s seaport district have plans to open in Worcester. YO ROCCO. ROCCO’S DONUTS, owned by the Astrella family, opened its third location on the Worcester/West Boylston line across from Stop & Shop. They opened the first week of February and lines are out the door. PIC IS GETTING OLDER. Piccolo’s Restaurant on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street is celebrating 19 years in business. John Piccolo, the owner, is a mainstay of both the Shrewsbury Street dining scene and Worcester in general. ON THE ROCKS. It looks like the Rock Bar on Worcester’s Water Street in the heart of the Canal District has been sold. We hear the popular live music venue will soon become an Irish bar. FROM COFFEE TO CRYSTALS. Z Café on Worcester’s Main Street closed its door at the end of February. The owners have opted to open a Crystal Shop on Route 9 in Westboro. Who figured? HAPPY TRAILS. We hear that Worcester’s Sail to Trail in the old Higgins Armory has shut its doors, but may still have wine available to purchase. NEW GENERATION, NEW NAME. Northboro’s Yoong Tong Thai Restaurant has a new name, La Miette La Mai Thai Bistro. The next generation of the family has taken over the management of the restaurant and has updated the menu with Thai Fusion Cuisine. TOWER HILL REOPENS. The Farmer and the Fork at Boylston’s Tower Hill Botanic Garden has recently reopened for lunch from 11 am to 2:30 PM. They offer a selection of soups, salads and sandwiches. t h epu ls emag.com
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STYLE • FASHION • BEAUTY
BURNCOAT CENTER FOR ARTS AND WELLNESS RACHEL CLINE
Located at 78 Burncoat Street in Worcester, the Burncoat Center for Arts and Wellness (BCAW), is the spot for all things good for you and the environment. Co-owners Kimberly Mowers and Barbara Alteri bring an array of services and products that are rooted in sustainability, as well as their own passion for arts and wellness. “We provide an eco-friendly and cost effective alternative to just buying what you can get at big box stores,” says Mowers. The refillery at BCAW is filled with natural light, house plants, and lots of products that you can feel good about. “You bring in an empty container to refill and pay by the ounce,” Alteri explains. BCAW also has containers donated by customers for anyone to use if they’ve forgotten their own. Their naturally absorbent rhassoul clay works wonders on skin inflammations from acne to bug bites. It also can be used as a hair mask to remove product buildup while moisturizing. Say goodbye to problem skin with BCAW’s Dead Sea Clay, a product that is high in salt and magnesium. BCAW offers Beekman 1802, a restorative goat milk shampoo from a farm in upstate New York. EO’s grapefruit and mint shampoo is vegan friendly and sulfate free. Both products are available in bulk, so save your containers to refill when you need more. Customer favorite Zerra & Co Daily Face Moisturizer is available in bulk. “It’s amazing, we all love it,” Mowers says. This vegan product is made with algae extract and aloe vera to nourish and soothe skin. Don’t forget to grab Zerra’s eyeshadow and tinted lip balm too! Little Seed Farm’s goat milk deodorant is another top seller. This aluminum and baking soda free product is available to grab and go or refill. Natural deodorant can be a tough sell, but this brand works wonders. Other local products include, Simply SoHope, a small business in Westborough that supplies BCAW with bath bombs and shower steamers, and Upton based Christian Hill Farm. Christian Hill Farm makes small batch handmade soaps available in a variety of fragrances and colors. 22 MA RCH 20 22
Mowers adds, “It doesn’t have to be expensive to be natural and organic. You think it could be, but it doesn’t have to be.” Mowers and Alteri stand by all their products and are more than happy to answer any questions, so don’t be shy to ask for a sample! It can be hard to decide what to buy when everything in the store is environmentally friendly, sustainable and organic. “We wanted a place you could go where you know it’s good for your body and soul,” Mowers said. Stop into BCAW and support a small business by treating yourself with carefully curated, affordable products that are all natural. BCAW is open Thursdays and Fridays 12 – 7 pm, Saturdays 10-5 pm and first and third Sundays 11-3pm. For more information on BCAW, visit https://www.bcawworcester.com/.
420 50 8 IN THE
TRAVIS DUDA Adding to a Superb Bowl Willie Nelson has been fighting the good fight for years as a vocal supporter of national legalization. Thanks to a new ad that ran during the recent sportsball showdown, it turns out he was actually just pushing Sketchers the entire time. Obviously kidding. It was a fantastic use of euphemism, about how it’s not “a little illegal”. This was a cute, feel good ad that helps normalize cannabis as part of the conversation, even though the plant wasn’t referenced directly. An international brand like Sketchers deciding to make it part of their marketing campaign delights me to no end, but this is just a start. The major networks that air the Superbowl have been against companies like WeedMaps buying time during the game. However, the national conversation is trending more and more towards fully legal. I have to believe that we are only a few years out from some huge cannabis brand putting together a multi-million dollar, 30-second video about how their bud pairs best with Doritos and Mountain Dew. Maybe they'll bring back the puppy-monkey-baby to be the spokesperson? Not All Ads Are Funny Gary Chambers is a social justice advocate, community organizer and has spoken about the harmful effects of criminalization for years. If you haven’t heard him talk, I suggest you take some time out of your day, roll a fatty, and find him on YouTube. He is running for one of the Louisiana U.S. Senate seats and released an extremely powerful advertisement called “37 Seconds” a reference to the frequency of cannabis-related arrests. In the video, he can be seen wearing a vibrant blue suit while sitting in a field, in an armchair and smoking a blunt. This is paired with a voiceover that gets straight to the point, and outlines a series of sickening facts about our current system. The ad quickly culminates to the final message of, “States waste $3.7 billion enforcing marijuana laws every year. Most of the people police are arresting aren’t dealers, but rather people with small amounts of pot, just like me.” I’m thankful to live in a state that has access to legal cannabis, but just because it’s legal here doesn’t mean all the other problems go away. What will certainly help is getting more people like Chambers into the Senate. I don’t know many people in Louisiana, but if you do, hit them up and find out what they’re thinking.
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I’m a Truliever In an ongoing effort to sample all the dispensaries in the Worcester area, I recently tried Trulieve at 142 Southbridge St. They are next door to George's Coney Island and Union Music, which makes the strip a nice series of places for a stoner to spend their lunch - three up with a pickle anyone? The store is clean and well lit, and the glass cases had a nice display of various products. The budtenders I talked to were equally friendly and courteous. They were very knowledgeable and more than happy to make recommendations while talking a little shop with me. Trulieve is preparing to include medical orders to their list of offerings in the near future, but haven’t set a defined date yet. I’ll make sure to keep everyone posted on this, as adding medical orders will only enhance the already enjoyable experience Trulieve has to offer. Thanks for reading and happy trails! -Travis (@hunchbacktravis)
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S Savvy TYLE APRIL GODDARD
Hello Pulse readers and welcome to March! It seems incredible that we are already at the very start of spring 2022! Along with the obvious perks of longer days and much warmer weather, spring is a great change of pace because everyone can start to put away their heavy winter wardrobes. We have a ton of new and now fashion and style trends that you will love to celebrate the new season ahead. Read on to discover Style Savvy’s top trends for spring 2002! Woven dresses: Woven dresses are a staple that will be perfect for the transitional period from winter to spring. Slightly heavier than your average sun dress and sturdy, they are great because the slightly thicker fabric can actually read to many as higher quality. Not only this, but a thicker fabric will keep you warmer on those cooler spring days when you still want to wear a dress but don’t want to be freezing. The most popular way to wear this style right now features a thicker ribbed dress fabric and layering it with a super cute oversized denim jacket. Gold Jewelry: The switch from white to yellow gold is something that has been trending for a few years now. Gold is amazing because it brings warmth and a pop of color to the skin, and is especially great for those who prefer playing up a wardrobe with a warmer color palette. Gold can be incorporated in many ways; from tiny statement hoops to delicate stacked rings. Bracelets are a particular favorite, with so many styles that you can mix, match, and stack. Stacked gold jewelry has been a big favorite with celebrities and influencers alike, and is not likely to be going anywhere anytime soon. Big Prints: Bold, colorful, graceful, elegant prints. Particularly on maxi dresses, skirts, and interestingly enough pantsuits. Florals and other botanicals are at the forefront of these prints, and are going to be for some time. Not ready to take the plunge into wearing a head to toe botanical attire? Pick one bold piece and pair it down with a beige or white blouse or tank, and you have a more low-key and easy way to wear a bold print this season. There are so many amazing trends that everyone will be able to rock for 2022 going forward. From bold prints to stacked jewelry, and woven clothes-texture, color, and variety are going to be key pairings! Have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to try something new!
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OUT & ABOUT COMMUNITY UPDATE
GIULIANO D’OR AZIO As winter winds down, we’re all looking forward to brighter and warmer days ahead. Although this can be a sleepy time of year, there’s plenty going on in our local LGBTQ+ community. Let’s take a look at some of the special events coming up, as well as recurring events at local spaces. Last month I highlighted The Woo Bar & Grill, a local gay-owned restaurant, launched their Sunday brunch on Valentine’s weekend, and it was a smash success. Definitely make a point to check that out, and try an “O’l G” from their cocktail menu, it’s a spicy/smoky mezcal concoction named after yours truly. Not for the faint of heart (or palate!). Anyone for karaoke? The MB Lounge hosts their karaoke night every Wednesday with DJ Larry at the helm. It’s a fun night and Matt behind the bar always takes great care of everyone! Over at Electric Haze, local drag maven Mal E. Fisn’t hosts Melodies with Mal, a karaoke night on the third Thursday every month. Mal is an awesome host, and Electric Haze is a great spot to grab a group of friends, chill out with a hookah, and belt out your favorite songs. Thursdays are shaping up to be a busy night for queer nightlife. A few months ago I wrote about Studio 154 Night at Valentino’s, a fun way to get your groove out on the dancefloor and enjoy the really chic aesthetic vibe they have going on in there. The MB Lounge is hosting a weekly trivia night on Thursdays starting March 24. The third Thursday of month at Ralph’s Rock Diner is Harley’s Funhouse. This event, hosted by Harley Queen, is an open stage drag competition that welcomes drag performers of all experience levels to strut their stuff and throw their hat (or wig) in the ring. For the younger crowd, Love Your Labels’ Drag Story Time hosted by Redemption Rock Brewing Company is a beautiful time for queer folx and families of all ages. Drag performers read inclusive and affirming stories to kids, while adults enjoy awesome craft beer and full-service coffee/espresso treats from the taproom. This usually takes place on the third Sunday of the month, but check out Love Your Labels and Redemption Rock Brewing Co. on social media for the most up-to-date event information! Gala season is fast approaching, and due to the pandemic, many organizations are returning to in-person events for the first time. Safe Home’s Gala and People of Courage Awards ceremony is taking place on April 8. The Creative Hub Worcester is hosting its inaugural gala later in the year, but ticket sales will be happening soon, so check that out. These are both two great organizations to support!
I do my best to keep an eye on everything going on in the local queer community, but please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s something I missed – I’d be happy to cover it in a future column. My email is below in the bio. I hope we’re all looking forward to coming out of hibernation, and I hope to see you out at some of the events mentioned above! Bio Giuliano D’Orazio (he/him) is a Worcester native, musician, music educator, member of the queer community, and a board member of Love Your Labels. Email: giulianodoraz@gmail.com Instagram: @musicbygiuliano t h epu ls emag.com
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CITY LIVING • ARCHITECTURE • DESIGN
THE TRIPLE DECKER LEGACY VINCENT PACIFICO
One of Worcester’s claims to fame is that our city was one of the first places in the United States to have a triple decker. They were originally built in the mid 19th century as a place for factory workers to live, usually within walking distance from their place of work. These buildings were often made very cheaply, typically out of wood frame construction, with little to no ornamentation and were often looked at as utilitarian housing. These buildings were extremely practical to construct. Typically all three units have the same layout as the one below them. They would most often have the bedrooms grouped near the rear of the building, while having the kitchen living and dining space up close to the front of the building near the street, sometimes having a large bay window off the front to provide natural light into the unit. While working at multiple architectural firms, I have had the opportunity to work on renovations, historic restorations and complete rehabilitations of triple deckers throughout New England. Some of these buildings' front facades are highly ornamented with surviving features referring to the Greek Revival, Colonial Revival and Victorian styles in the city. Many of these homes have beautiful porch and soffit detailing and corbels, hardwood interior casework, interior door rosette and trim details, beautifully crafted stairwell handrails along with quality hardwood flooring. Unfortunately many of the buildings from the 19th and 20th century contained some toxic and difficult to work with building materials. The siding, flooring and window glazing often contained asbestos and much of the paint used was lead based. Removal of horsehair plaster walls and ceiling covering is typically a messy job. A complete rehabilitation of these buildings can make for a safer and healthier living environment but can be quite costly. In recent years, these buildings have been sought after by developers and investors as a way to produce passive income from rental property. Many of these buildings have been converted to market rate or luxurious rental properties forcing out lower income families which once served as affordable housing options. These buildings are much denser than what current day zoning laws typically allow if built new, therefore renovating the existing building is the most effective way for a developer who wants to maximize their unit count. I think the triple decker will always serve as a model for a practical utilitarian building for city residence with a New England charm. No matter what city you go to, the triple decker dominates the housing stock and serves as a dense community that is walkable, practical and decently affordable. 26 MA RCH 20 22
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SPORTS & FITNESS
GUINNESS CELTIC 5K JENNY PACILLO
Lace up your sneakers and put on your greenest running outfit, it’s time for the annual Guinness Celtic 5K! This family friendly race has been the kick off event for Worcester’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade for over a decade. The Celtic 5K begins at 11am on Sunday March 13th, so expect a sea of emerald as runners swarming the St. Patrick’s Day Parade route before the parade begins at noon.
With the Guinness Celtic 5K, it really isn’t all about winning or having the fastest time, it’s about enjoying the fresh air, running with your friends, and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. We’ve been cooped up all winter, and this a great way to have fun with a little workout before the parties start. Speaking of parties, pop into some of the post race celebrations along Park Ave, from Leitrims to One Eyed Jacks and in between.
The Celtic 5K is a local favorite race for many, including Worcester runner Krysta Kowal. “Having a crowd several people deep all the way up and down Park Ave really gives you an extra boost to pick up the pace and keep going,” Kowal says. “And of course, the day before the race has me sifting through everything green that I own to find the perfect way to show my Irish pride,” she adds.
So grab your finest orange and green wigs, throw a temporary shamrock tattoo on your cheeks, and join in on the Guinness Celtic 5K. If running isn’t your thing, still dress up of course, but head to Park Ave early to claim the best parade watching spot so you can enjoy the race beforehand.
Race organizer and Ireland native Charlie Breagy is a lifelong runner who ran track at Providence College. Breagy’s advice for first time racers is to “start jogging a mile or two now and don’t be afraid to walk during the race, walkers are always welcome.” Online registration for the Celtic 5K ends on March 12th. Breagy organizes ten to twelve races a year and supports many more, including the Worcester Firefighters 6K, which will take place on June 5th this year. Celtic 5K t-shirts are included in the race’s registration, which is partially sponsored by Worcester’s favorite sneaker shop, Sneakerama. Breagy is expecting between 1,500 to 2,000 entrants this year, which would bring the number of runners back to the usual pre-pandemic amount. Runners and spectators are all invited to join the post race celebration in the beer garden tent at the finish line. The Guinness Celtic 5K also supports the Worcester St. Patrick’s Day Parade. “The race and the parade go hand in hand,” Breagy explains. This fun spirited event is a Worcester parade day staple, as half the fun is picking out your most St. Patrick’s Day inspired costume. Looking through pictures of races from year’s past show runners wearing shamrock knee high socks, green argyle leggings, and even orange wigs.
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More info at celtic5k.com
Shaun2 KNOWS SPORTS?
SHAUN CONNOLLY
Fitting, in last month’s column I discussed the excitement of Worcester-area basketball, specifically the electric feeling it has when local students are succeeding at the highest level. For Diego McClain and his South High Colonels, they are that team to see. Currently the Colonels have just one slip up in their amazing run, an early loss to typical powerhouse Wachusett Regional. They are 14-1, with a point differential of 42 per game. But the Colonels aren’t just winning, they are dominating. McClain, a Worcester native who found success as a player at Holy Name himself credits their off-season preparation and training. “The team is tight and have bonded together. They are a good group too. We have a team GPA of 3.87 and just two absences on the season.” Junior Arianna Gonzalez agrees, “I love playing with my team, we all work together and it makes that success that much easier.” The team set an early and lofty goal of making it to the state tournament. “Our assistant coach Sam O’Gara made it to the state semifinals with Main South,” McClain tells me, “and we as a team decided we wanted to make it there and move past it.” With two scoring titans in Grace O’Gara and Tamia Nunes making the top 20 in scoring in Central Mass, as well as Gonzalez and a tough core of freshman and sophomores, it's looking like they just may do it. “Since the beginning of the season I knew this was going to be special,” O’Gara said. And special it has been with her nearly 19 points a game including 33 three pointers on the year. Nunes added, “our coaches push us and that’s why we are here today.” Nunes, who is averaging 17 points a game, is “the Scottie Pippen of the three,” according to McClain. Which makes Gonzalez “the Dennis Rodman” by my calculations. “She does all the things you don’t get to see in the box score, she’s a dog on defense, she boxes out. She’ll knock you down on your butt and then smile at you,” McClain laughs. McClain says their team is like a family, “I’m a parent first, that’s what I always tell them. I make sure they know I have their back and they know I want them to succeed. Then I coach them.” This success for South High’s girls basketball team is far overdue. It has been a decade since they’ve made the District tournament. Not to brag, but I was the coach for the JV team as well as an assistant on the Varsity for South during those years. In this columnist’s opinion, McClain and the rest of the Colonels have the ability to go way beyond any minor success my teams had. McClain is sure of it too, adding, “When I was hired I had a plan and here we are. It is an absolute blessing, and this is exactly where we want to be at this point.”
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NEW IN THE WOO: ARTIFAKT SUPPLY IRENA KACI Artifakt Supply sits on the last stretch of Worcester’s Pleasant Street, surrounded by a budding vibrant community of artists, thanks to Ryan Gardell and Colin Chabot. Inside, Gardell and Chabot are eager to share their vision. Artifakt Supply’s storefront is loaded with quality spray paint and paint can nozzles or ‘paintbrushes’ as Gardell calls them. Gardell tells me, “We carry Montana or MTN brand, because that’s the best you’re going to get. Someone just getting started might not know that. If you want high quality matte finish, this is the stuff. There’s a wide variety when you are working a mural. For certain effects, you’re going to want the transversal fat cap. These are the things we can teach people, as well as offer in our store.” There is a gallery component to the storefront, featuring a new local artist every 4-6 weeks. Gardell is proud to say that he and Chabot seek out local artists. In their gallery, the artist definitely comes first. “We are always willing to work with our artists; if something’s taking longer than planned, we will flex on dates. We just want everyone collaborating together,” says Chabot, as Gardell nods. The storefront also features streetwear including Artifakt apparel. Visitors can explore further into the studio space where Gardell and Chabot spend time creating. The studio was previously a garage, and has an overhead gate that opens into the back lot and reveals the final portion of Artifakt: an al fresco multi-panel space for locals to practice can 30 MA RCH 20 22
work and techniques. The outdoor studio has the quintessential Worcester charm, complete with traffic noises juxtaposed with a babbling stream originating from Tatnuck’s own Cook’s Pond. It is peak urban living #inspo and creates what Gardell hopes will be the haven he never had. “We are hoping to give every muralist a chance to do things right. We know there are a lot of problems with public and private property getting tagged, and we want to offset that aspect of rule breaking when it comes to practicing street art. Now no one has any excuses. You want to practice graffiti art, great. Come here, claim a panel and get to work.” Gardell says. Together they are already maximizing the space by offering workshops on art and wellness. Their calendar is available on their website www.artifaktsupply.com and on social media (@artifaktsupply), and even offers weekly yoga classes for the standard $15 drop-in rate. “This is truly a collaborative process. We want to connect, inspire and be inspired.” Chabot says. “We are also offering graphic design services from our back office. We take on lots of different projects at a time.” This month Artifakt Supply & Studios will be halfway through its first year of operation and already the neighborhood feels transformed for it. While Worcester is no stranger to artists and gallery space, Artifakt is uniquely situated to serve the present and future muralists of the city.
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