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APRIL 2019 IN THIS ISSUE: COVER STORY
LIFESTYLE
6 Craft Cocktails in the City
26 5 Ways to Go Green for Earth Day
FOOD + DRINK
27 Out+About: Schools should encourage diversity
12 Dining Review: Burtons Grill & Bar
28 At least robots like me
13 Hot&Now 14 New Around the Woo: The Rock Bar rocks Water Street 15 PulseBrew: The Go-To Beer for Every Meal
ENTERTAINMENT 16 Singing for a Cause 17 PulseBooks: Rags to Riches 18 NowStreaming: Avril Lavigne / Lauren Ruth Ward / Chaka Khan 19 GameOn: Making a living at dying in Necrosphere 20 Club Listings 21 The Central Scene 24 Pulse Shots
31 420 in the 508: Hydroponics 32 The Luxe List: Buzz-worthy Sweeteners
ARTS + CULTURE 34 Queens and Cookies: Behind the Scenes of Fitchburg State's Beloved Drag Race
SPORTS + FITNESS 36 WoRD on the Street: Worcester's first (and only!) Roller Derby League 37 FindingBalance: Preparing for Growth
STYLE + BEAUTY 38 Go Green, Beauty Queen 39 StyleSavvy: Espadrilles and Other Spring Trends
READ PULSE ONLINE: THEPULSEMAG.COM
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: TWITTER @WORCESTERPULSE • INSTAGRAM @PULSEMAG_WORC • FACEBOOK.COM/THEPULSEMAGAZINE PULSE Magazine is produced 12 times a year by Pagio Inc., 88 Winter St., Worcester, MA 01604. (508) 756-5006. Copyright 2015 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
Paul Giorgio, Publisher pgiorgio@pagioinc.com Sloane Perron, Editor sperron@pagioinc.com Vanessa Herbold, Art Director vherbold@pagioinc.com David Simone, Vice President, Sales dsimone@pagioinc.com
Kim Dunbar, Sports Editor Jennifer Russo, Lifestyle Editor Kimberly Dunbar, Jennifer Russo, Jason Savio, Bernie Whitmore, Michael Wood, Paul Giorgio, Audra Brackett, Merilee Kern, John Trobaugh, Jamie Burke, Rachel Shuster, Writers
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COVER S TO RY
Worcester is full of places to grab a drink and hang out with friends and it’s only getting better with the rise of craft cocktails. Venues around the city are pulling out all the stops, experimenting with new flavors and unique combinations. Check out our picks for the best craft cocktails in the city as we enjoy them - shaken, not stirred! Photography by Matt Wright
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Simjang was founded on culinary innovation and agricultural sustainability. Located at 72 Shrewsbury St., this “American-Korean fusion” eatery features fried chicken and ramen. Among their offerings are many craft cocktails such as their hauntingly delicious “Beyond the Ghost Dance” which showcases Buffalo Trace bourbon from the oldest continually operating distillery in the United States. The cocktail’s name honors a Native American dance to bring peace, prosperity and unity. The ghost dance reunites the living with spirits of the dead. Beyond the Ghost Dance: 2 oz Bourbon (we like to use Elijah Craig) .75 oz Lemon Juice (Fresh Squeezed) 1 oz Pineapple Juice 1 oz Velvet Falernum .5 oz Simple Syrup 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters Directions: Shake and strain over crushed ice.
BEYOND THE GHOST DANCE CRAFTED BY SIMJANG
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The Muse Bar & Kitchen located at 536 Main St. is not only known for artisanal cocktails and food, but also for hosting their own bartending workshops where attendees can learn the tips and tricks of the trade. The “Red Wedding” is one of the specialty drinks that can be enjoyed at The Muse Bar & Kitchen. Named after the infamous Game of Thrones episode, the “Red Wedding” features a myriad of flavors. The Red Wedding: 1 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon 1 oz Meletti 1870 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice 1 oz Creme de Cassis
THE RED WEDDING CRAFTED BY THE MUSE KITCHEN & BAR
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Armsby Abbey is a standout of the Worcester food scene at 144 Main St. This gastropub is known for their intricate craft cocktails and varieties of craft beer. An example of Armsby Abbey’s craft cocktail prowess is demonstrated by the “Spring Freshet”. Bar Manager, Silas Axtell described the newest Spring cocktail that is being served: “The change of seasons is an exciting time in New England. For Armsby Abbey, winter’s thaw is more than just a change of weather; it signals a change of ingredients, flavors, and menus. This cocktail is a tribute to the winter to spring transition. ‘Freshet’ is the name for the Spring thaw resulting in excess run-off into our streams and rivers. Our seasonal cocktail, "Spring Freshet" is meant to reflect the weather, and an attitude that welcomes the next season with lighthearted, crisp flavors. The concept for this cocktail is simple: a gin gimlet transformed into a bright, tart, escape from winter. Bully Boy Estate Gin is paired with elderflower liqueur, lime juice, lemongrass, and ginger to achieve a drink worthy of a crisp Spring day!”
SPRING FRESHET CRAFTED BY ARMSBY ABBEY
Spring Freshet: 1.5 oz Bully Boy Estate Gin .5 oz St. Elder .75 oz Housemade Lemongrass-Ginger Syrup .75 oz Fresh Lime Juice Directions: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, then shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass (Optional: Garnish with a lime wheel).
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Sturbridge Porterhouse is a refined steakhouse that is located at 407 Main St. in the historic town of Sturbridge. Among fine cuts of meat, Sturbridge Porterhouse also features creative craft cocktails such as “Thyme After Thyme”. Bar Manager Alex Hardy explained how the cocktail came to be: “I am not particularly a fan of making vodka cocktails. Typically, I find that it is a rather basic liquor, and [it] takes alot to create a vodka-based cocktail with depth and balance. Time after time, I have been asked by my guests to come up with a fun vodka cocktail. This led me to develop one for the new menu that is fun, flavorful, and would appeal to the greater audience. The combination of grapefruit, bitter-sweet aperol, thyme, and fresh citrus was the answer that my guests were looking for. Naturally, ‘Thyme After Thyme’ became the name for the drink and remains a top seller at the Sturbridge Porterhouse.” Thyme After Thyme: 1.5 oz V1 Grapefruit Infused Vodka .05 oz Aperol .75 oz Thyme Cordial .75 oz Fresh Lemon Club Soda Directions: Shake and strain then finish off with Seltzer water and ice.
THYME AFTER THYME CRAFTED BY STURBRIDGE PORTERHOUSE
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Lock 50 is a popular Worcester eatery that can be found at 50 Water St. While fine dining and craft cocktails are mainstays at this restaurant, Lock 50 is also home to the Maple Sour Cocktail. According to General Manager, Tommay Studer, “The cocktail is a play on a New York Sour.” Studer added, “I’ve always found this time of year between winter and spring is the best time for sours, so every year I play with different recipes and ideas to make something exciting. This year, I thought maple would be great and maple is hitting a big trend now which is great for the bar. The Old Potrero also has a ton of apple and spice notes that work beautifully with the maple, add a little chili for some heat and the Malbec gives off beautiful aromatics that sit on the foam as it slowly seeps into the cocktail.” Maple Sour Cocktail: 1 oz Old Potrero Rye Whiskey .75 oz Chili Infused Maple Syrup Syrup* .5 oz Lemon Juice .25 oz Lime Juice .5 oz Mas des Etoiles “Petit Etoiles” Malbec 1 Egg White Directions: In a mixing tin, combine whiskey, syrup, lemon, lime, and egg white. Dry shake to activate egg white. Add ice and shake again until chilled. Double strain into rocks glass. Top with Malbec and garnish with an orange peel. *To make syrup: combine equal parts maple syrup and hot water in a beaker, add one dried chili. Stir for one minute and let steep for five minutes. Strain and let cool. Be sure to use pure maple syrup.
MAPLE SOUR COCKTAIL CRAFTED BY LOCK 50
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F OO D + D R IN K
DINING REVIEW
BURTONS GRILL & BAR Bernie Whitmore
my food selections and was never overwhelming.
As part of the development project that arose from the demise of Spag’s, there’s been plenty of buzz regarding Burtons, most of it in the form of favorable comparisons to area steakhouses. Steeped in all that, I’d come to expect them to be an upper-middle ranged steakhouse.
Scanning the appetizer list, we arrived at the same choice: General Tso’s Cauliflower. Visual reaction: huge portion! This mound of sticky-coated florets was dusted with black and white sesame seeds and chopped green onions and served with a flared cup of ginger aioli for dipping.
When I finally met a friend for dinner at Burtons, what I soon discovered was a diverse menu containing plenty of non-beef surprises served in a casual setting. Actually, I suspect Burtons would be capable of morphing into whatever your occasion requires: informal meetings with friends, special celebrations, post-business meetings, or jacket and tie dinners.
On first sampling, it was clearly a winner. The cauliflower was still firm, dredged in rice flour and fried deep golden brown, and then coated in a Thai chili sauce containing plenty of tiny flecks of red pepper. My feelings toward General Tso’s takeout has never been enthusiastic. Now, I understand why: it’s supposed to be made with cauliflower, not chicken!
The dining room is split into sections supportive of that diversity, and the menu sections range from ‘Sandwiches’ containing burgers and tacos, through a wide choice of ‘Entrees’ firmly entrenched in the tradition of American cuisine, to ‘From the Grill’ steaks and seafood. Plus, there are gluten-free options and specialized Vegetarian and Paleo menus. Nobody need walk away hungry.
Perhaps I’d pre-programmed myself for beef that evening, because when it came entrée decision time, I opted away from my first choice of Crab Cakes and chose, instead, Short Ribs. Burtons’ chef plated up two large cubes of tender rib meat bathed in a rich wine sauce and topped with a gremolata of chopped herbs featuring fresh horseradish for a flash of flavor contrast. The plate also featured what must have been a full head of broccoli florets sautéed deep emerald green to an ideal level of perfection.
Kat was our server for the evening and was in her first week of Burtons' employment. She was poised and professional – assuredly ready with solid recommendations. I started with a glass of Smuttynose Robust Porter which was a bit paler than I had expected, but that was okay since its diminished power enabled it to play a supportive role in
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Burtons’ short ribs required no knife; it was a breeze to pry away strips of meat using just the ends of my fork. The braising process had concentrated their beefy flavors, intensifying them with glistening fat that kept the meat
Burtons Grill & Bar 193 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury (508) 925-7774 burtonsgrill.com
moist and tender. Quite often, short ribs present as something more akin to ‘molten meat’; at Burtons they’d long since separated from the bones but maintained their structure. They came with a mound of mashed red bliss potatoes; buttery, and judging from their surface sheen, a swirling or two of sour cream. My friend chose Burtons’ dry rubbed New York Strip Steak served with broccoli and requested a substitute for the baked potato: green beans. I took favorable interest in how the kitchen had aligned the beans with military discipline. His tasting notes, laced with superlatives: “Thick, juicy, a perfect char on the outside, medium rare inside, great flavor enhanced by the bone marrow butter grilled right into it. String beans? Perfect: nice flavor, crunchy and buttery.” Though I’ve sworn off most carbo-confections, I maintain an exception for chocolate. That gave me the wiggle room to order a portion of Burtons’ Chocolate Cake. Thank goodness for that! They serve it as an upright tower of dark chocolate layers separated by dense fudginess. The entire fortress of cake was drenched in chocolatey fudge sauce that pooled up on the plate and merged with a scarlet swirling of raspberry purée. Yeah, I totally savored it and took home half of the large portion for more choco-pleasure the next day. I enjoyed Burtons. Despite the suburban strip mall setting, once you’re in there they have all you need for an enjoyable night out.
HOT&NOW:
What’s hot and what’s happening now in the restaurant scene Paul Giorgio Please don’t take a knee. Anthem Bagel will soon be opening in Worcester’s Kelley Square. This will be the first place in Worcester’s formerly traditional Jewish neighborhood to sell bagels since Widoff ’s closed over a year ago. In other Canal District News. The end of an era. As we previously reported, Weintraub’s Deli on Worcester’s Water St. was looking for a new operator, who could maintain its tradition. Alas, after several months of trying to find someone, building owner Ed Murphy opted to lease the space for another concept. In the near future, Jean Luc Wittner will open Suzette Crêperie & Café. The French born chef will serve crepes and other delicious French foods. The name of the eatery is a play on words for a classic French dessert crêpe - Crêpe Suzette. To the east. Marlboro’s Double T’s Weed Street Tavern will soon open in the space that once housed Sully First Edition Pub and most recently, O’Hearns Tavern. Double T’s will be owned by Tom Peretzain and his son, TJ. Take a “q” from this. Big T’s Mill Street BBQ located at 242 Mill St. opened its doors in mid-March, in the space formerly occupied by Legacy Grill & Bar. We have already heard great things about the meats coming out of the smoker. Big T’s Mill Street BBQ hopes to have a deck opened for the summer so customers can enjoy their BBQ on the shores of Coes Pond. Ruth Chris Rumor. It appears that Ruth Chris Steak House, a high-end food chain, is in serious negotiations to open in Worcester’s Mercantile Center. This could be another sign that the “Worcester Rennansanice” is gaining national attention. It’s all Greek to me. Meze is one of Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street’s most unique eateries. The restaurant specializes in authentic Greek food. Recently, Meze completed its move down the street and re-opened its doors at the end of March. Ho Toy gets a new name and a major makeover. Brothers, Kenny and Bobby Huang, have named their new Asian bistro, Wan Wang. The restaurant will be open just in time for summer. The Huangs also own Kenichi on Shrewsbury St. and Sake Bomb on Park Ave. You gotta have Friends. Friends is the name of the new place opening at the corner of June St. and Chandler St. in Worcester. Most recently, Diana’s Neighborhood Kitchen occupied the space which has been home to numerous eateries over the years. No word yet on the concept or an opening date. Union Station gets new restaurant. William Broullon of the Dance Ranch in Worcester’s Webster Square area has been talking to the city about opening a restaurant/club in Union Station. It would be located in the space that most recently was home to the Lava Lounge and Byblos before that. No word on the restaurant concept yet. Sure sign of spring. More than robins on your lawn, the opening of Ronnie’s Seafood on Route 20 in Auburn is the surest sign of Spring. Ronnies’s opened the first week of April. Beto is not just a presidential Candidate. Beto’s Tacos is the name of a new taco restaurant located at 891 Main St., just up the road from Clark University. Beto’s Tacos is owned by the same folks who own La Terrazza on Worcester’s Park Ave.
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NEW AROUND THE WOO
THE ROCK BAR rocks Water Street Rachel Shuster Located at 81 Water St. in Worcester, The Rock Bar is a new spot in the city for true rock and roll fans. Owner George Yantsides and his wife Nicole opened the bar on February 1st and have already seen great success. “It’s going fantastically well! We’ve gotten good feedback and it’s exactly what we were looking to do,” he said. “We’ve been getting folks in the 30 to 60 plus crowd who just want to listen to good music and enjoy themselves.” Yantsides is no stranger to the bar and hospitality industry, having been in it for over 30 years. “My father and I owned Kenmore Diner and I opened my first bar in the early 90s,” he said. “Before we opened The Rock Bar, I was the general manager at the White Eagle, managing the function halls and bars. We did a nice job of taking a not-so-good bar and turned it around.” While Yantsides has been busy for the last 30 years, he’s been thinking about The Rock Bar concept with his wife for quite some time. “We’ve talked about it for 20 years,” he said. “We see changes going on in the city in the industry, etc., and we’ve had this vision of a cool place for live music and [a] picture of what we thought was a good time. We were just looking for the right place and right time.”
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The right time and place finally came, according to Yantsides,“Jefferson Marariam rebought and owns the 81 Water St. building and was entertaining a few offers and concepts. He took a liking to us, we came to an agreement, and here we are!” The vision and concept for The Rock Bar stems from Yantsides’ upbringing. “It really reflects my musical influences when I was younger, growing up,” he said. “My records and the music I got into was in the likes of Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne – that was my life. So going out all these years, I thought about my love for that music growing up and combining that with a vision I had of what I thought would be a great time for music.” As for the atmosphere, Yantsides worked with designer John Farnsworth to get the space rockin’. “We wrapped the walls with graphics of my influences growing up,” Yantsides said. “It really has the ‘wow factor.’ The graphics really grab you.” Of course, The Rock Bar lives up to its name by having live music regularly! “We are starting with one live act a weekend, Friday or Saturday,” Yantsides said. “Our first show in April will be an Alice In Chains tribute show. We have an outdoor patio and will utilize that for live music in the warmer months. On Sunday, early afternoons, we will have live acoustic music on [the] patio. So, come sit
outside, have a cocktail and enjoy!” The Rock Bar also offers some grub to munch on while you’re enjoying the music, but Yantsides wants to stick with minimal, but done right. “We want to be known for ‘Dr. Love’s lobster sliders,’” he said. “We want to do a few items and do them well. We plan to expand the menu in the spring and do about five items and do them very well.” The Rock Bar can also accommodate private events. “We have been contacted to have high school reunions, private parties - everyone that loves rock and roll has messaged us,” he said. The back of the space is a lounge area with a private bar, perfect for a private party. As for what Yantsides wants folks to know about The Rock Bar? It’s pretty simple: “We want people to know that if they come down, they will have wonderful time,” he said. “It’s a comfortable atmosphere with great live music. We’ve had people that were coming out to have one drink and ended up staying all night.” If that’s not a reason to go, I don’t know what is! For more information, call 774-317-0122 or email georgeyantsides@gmail.com.
PULSEBREW: The Go-To Beer for Every Meal Ryan Cashman Through the generosity granted to us by a Hallmark Holiday, my fiancé and I found ourselves in a position to go out to dinner … for free. My parents had gifted us the Phantom Gourmet Restaurant Gift Card, a prize I’ve secretly coveted for years. On the list of accepting restaurants was The Fix, a phenomenal burger joint on Grove Street. Feeling the cravings that only generous helpings of red meat can quench, we braced the evening chill and headed for the city. After a bit of a lengthy wait, we were seated at a snug round table near the back of the restaurant where we proceeded to order each other’s burgers and enthusiastically watch a pair of beaming college kids obviously wading the waters of a first date. Now, the beer list at The Fix is extensive. They have a rotating menu of 24 (usually craft) beers on tap and four nitro lines. Going cross eyed trying to decide what I wanted to pair with the mystery burger Briana had ordered for me, I decided to go with something flavorful and universal: Allagash White (AW). The flagship beer of the now famous Allagash Brewing Company of Portland, Maine, the White is a hazy, Belgian style beer blended with coriander and Curacao orange peel. When Allagash first introduced the White in 1995, hardly anyone was interested in a hazy beer. It was assumed that AW was somehow rancid or otherwise unsuitable to drink. Though it may seem trivial now - given the explosion of IPAs and craft beers within the last ten years - it took a while for something as delicious as AW to catch on with mainstream beer drinkers. It possesses an evenness of flavor that many beers lack. On first sip, the White is smooth on the palate, with hints of spice and citrus swirling within a haze of malted wheat and oats. By itself, the beer is perfectly enjoyable. Paired with food, however, is where AW truly shines. I’ve found that there are very few beers that pair well with a diversity of foods. Yet, because of the fact that it is a relatively light beer with inoffensive flavors, AW is a perfect complement to seafood, chicken, steak, or the lamb burger with goat cheese and pickled onions that Briana ordered for me at dinner. The spice and malt of the beer paired perfectly with the harsh bite of the goat cheese and the peppery undertones of the lamb meat. I cannot personally think of a beer more suited to meal pairing as AW. Sure, if you really want to examine what specific beers pair specifically well with certain foods, there are a plethora of options to choose from. IPAs go great with buffalo wings. Sours are great with pizza. Stouts pair perfectly with chocolate cake. But for adaptability across the board, your best bet is to go with the fantastic beer that is Allagash White.
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ENT ERTA IN M E N T
SINGING FOR A CAUSE Jason Savio / Photos by Tammy Woodward Some of Worcester’s best vocalists are teaming up to hit a high note for local education. On Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m., singing groups from three Worcester high schools and five colleges will compete in the annual WEC‘Apella singing competition at Mechanics Hall to decide the two best a cappella singing groups in town. The high schools will compete among each other as will the colleges, with a winner selected for each. The high schools that will be taking part in the action are: Doherty Memorial High School, Abby Kelley Foster Charter School and 2018 winner Burncoat High School. Anna Maria College, Assumption College, Clark University, College of the Holy Cross and last year’s champion Worcester Polytechnic Institute, will fill the college slots. Now in its fourth year, WEC’Apella is put together by the Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC), an independent non-profit advocacy and action organization founded in 2010 that, according to the group’s website, “works to ensure that students in Worcester’s public schools are given the opportunity to succeed at the highest possible level and to acquire the skills and knowledge to master the challenges of the 21st century.” WEC succeeds in its mission by partnering up with different schools and businesses to create events like WEC’Apella. Other programs WEC organizes include Reading Together, an initiative to prepare children, beginning in kindergarten, to read at a thirdgrade level by the time they reach Grade Three; and Worcester Hears, a program that “trains teachers to recognize the signs of childhood trauma and consider the social and emotional needs of the child,” said WEC Chairperson Allison Chisolm Hansen. So where might singing come into all of this? WEC’Apella is a celebration of sorts, to give everyone a taste of what students are doing and applaud them for their efforts. “We’re trying to showcase the musical talents in the Worcester public schools and it’s
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winners.
an extension of our support for excellence in education,” said Hansen. “Showcasing a cappella music was a great way of demonstrating the strength of students in Worcester and how they can pull together and produce some amazing performances.” But this isn’t any singalong walk in the park; it’s a competitive showing that will rate the performers based in part on harmony, vocal quality and overall performance. Troy Siebel, Executive Director of the Hanover Theatre; Ruth Berman of a capella group Boston Accent Quartet; and Berklee College of Music Assistant Professor of Voice, Jerome Kyles, will make up the board of judges who will decide the two
The winners will receive a “very gaudy trophy”, said Executive Director of WEC, Jennifer Davis Carey. They will also earn the opportunity to participate the next day in the SALMON Health and Retirement Master Class, an acappella-intensive training session with award-winning vocalist and Berklee College of Music Vocal Professor, Donna McElroy. “It’s one of our major events for the year,” Carey said. Perhaps most importantly is that all the money raised from WEC’Apella will benefit WEC and its initiatives, said Hansen. Last year they raised $30,000 and their goal this year is to do the same, if not more, she said. Hansen also sees the event as one that provides the high school students with an understanding that they can carry on their music education into college. “We’re trying to help these high school students see that there’s a future for the music that they’re enjoying in high school at the college level,” she said, “to build a pipeline between high school and college.” WEC’Apella contestants in the past have performed a variety of songs, from doo-wop and barbershop to American Idol hits. Add MC Noah Lis from NBC’s “The Voice” into the mix, who will also perform - and you have an evening that promises to be full of top notch singing. “It’s going to be a fun night of great music,” Hansen said. “There is a lot of enthusiasm.” Tickets for WEC’Apella can be purchased at the Mechanics Hall box office or website. Prices are $20 for adults and $10 for students. For more info, visit wecollaborative.org.
PULSEBOOKS: Rags to Riches April Goodard China Rich Girlfriend (Kevin Kwan)
If you loved the novel and recent smash-hit movie adaptation of Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians, discover how the story continues with the sequel and second book in the trilogy China Rich Girlfriend. After over two years of not speaking with his ‘crazy rich’ family in Singapore, the supposed former heir to Tyersall Park, Nicolas Young, is planning a wedding with his professor fiancée Rachel Chu. Although they endured a vast amount of disapproval from Nick’s mother and matriarchal grandmother in the previous novel, Rachel and Nick have decided to carry on with their initial plans of matrimony. Meanwhile, blackmailed socialite and mother of the exiled groom-to-be Eleanor Young has hired a private investigator to look into the life of one of China’s most ultra-rich. Eleanor learns far more than she bargained for when she discovers that this obscenely wealthy politician has a strange connection with her daughter-in-law to be… The finding sends Rachel Chu on a journey to discover who she is and where she came from. As she starts to put together the missing pieces from her past, she learns that she may not be exactly who she thinks she is. Kevin Kwan’s China Rich Girlfriend visits the fact that nothing is for certain, impossible as it may seem. The Windfall (Dikshua Basu)
After spending the better half of their lives in the same jobs, routines, and even apartment complexes in East Delhi, the Jhas become privy to a literal change in scenery when Mr. Jha’s company becomes unimaginably successful overnight, leaving them much better off than they were before. Through the sale of their company and their new accumulation of wealth, the Jhas have manufactured an entirely new life for themselves after more than 30 years. Their son now attends a university in the United States. The small apartment that they once shared with Mr. Jha’s mother was traded in for an extravagant home, shiny new car, and a new place in the wealthier part of Indian society. But as the Jhas find themselves neither here nor there, how will they learn to cope with their newly acquired wealth socially given that they are no longer part of their old neighborhood, and not yet familiar with the nuances of the wealthy? Follow the story of the Jhas in Diksha Basu’s The Windfall as they try to navigate through new friendships, experiences, neighborhoods, and an ever-changing world.
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Avril Lavigne / Head Above Water Jennifer Russo I have always been an Avril fan; I think her sound is refreshing and she came out with her grungy pop sound at just the right time when I was feeling particularly angsty over some things in my life and simply related. This beautiful and talented girl has never stopped, and now with the release of her sixth studio album, she continues on her trajectory to the top. In late 2014, Avril was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, after fighting with the illness for some time before the doctors figured out what was wrong. Diagnosed with Lyme that same summer, I can vouch that the disease is debilitating. Having barely gotten through that year before diagnosis and medication myself, I can’t imagine touring and performing feeling the way she did. Head Above Wsater is the story of her struggle and overcoming this horrible fight. The title track, “Head Above Water”, speaks to this experience in a very real and beautiful way: just wanting to live another day and feel like yourself again and, in her case, using music as a healing tool and asking for spiritual assistance to get through. I also really like the song “Souvenir”, a cute love song that is well-written, radioworthy and leans more toward the pop genre. I really love “Birdie”, an anthem of freedom that speaks to breaking out of the cage and leaving behind anyone who would hold her back from her passions and potential. The song explores her full range and has a really catchy hook. My favorite track on the album, though, is “Warrior”, which starts by saying, “I’ll pick my battles cause I know I’m gonna win the war.” The song is hugely encouraging for anyone who may be struggling with illness, depression, addiction, or any other personal battle in their life. Though the album has received some tough criticism, I applaud her for it. I think she unveils a new layer of maturity in this one and we see more of who she actually is. There is an identity here that was found through struggle, and this shines through. For more information, visit avrillavigne.com
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Lauren Ruth Ward / Well, Hell
Chaka Khan / Hello Happiness
Jason Savio
Mike Wood
With an attention-grabbing voice and a lyrical tenacity to match it, Lauren Ruth Ward is both familiar and different at the same time. On Well, Hell, Ward tests boundaries with songs that will creep under your skin and stay there. Ward’s solid backing band, including co-writer and guitarist Eduardo Rivera, delivers a mix of songs that is one-part modern indie rock and two parts psychedelic rock, harkening back to the genre’s 60s heyday. But the kicker is that it doesn’t sound dated; instead, it feels like a resurgence, like we’re hearing it for the first time. A lot of that has to do with Ward’s unique and memorable vocal performance. She is seductive and haunting, with just the perfect amount of sass to match her unpredictable voice stylings. In “Staff Only”, she sings, “Go on and treat me bad” over a hypnotic, melting surf, before adding “You want to throw a punch? Well, I can take a punch.” She often will set you up just to knock you back down in your place, and it fits the change of pace and tempo in the record perfectly. Simply put, Ward keeps you on edge throughout Well, Hell. “Blue Collar Sex Kitten,” a stop-and-go rock number fit for its title, features heavy guitar fuzz and tumbling drums that fall into a murky abyss of echoing vocals and midnight drones. A build up that explodes into an explosive climax follows, making you want to listen to it again. What exactly are we hearing on Well, Hell? It sounds an awful lot like musicians making love to their music: the most carefree and honest type of song you can ask for. For more information, visit laurenruthwardmusic.com
The Queen of Funk earned her title for good reason. While
it’s been 12 years since her last album, the grooves and beats are back in full effect for Khan’s 22nd album, Hello Happiness. Its titular song is a groovy, feel-good, infectious
ditty about the sheer power of music (“Music makes me say/Goodbye sadness/Hello happiness”). The signature
song practically dares you not to jam. Setting the tone for
all the songs to follow, the signature song is contemporary and cutting-edge-cool; but it’s also reminiscent of the best
disco, funk, and R&B of the 70s and early 80s. All in all, the album is simply a good time whether you’re a nostalgic fan or a newcomer being introduced to Chaka Khan for the first time.
Khan can sing in multiple genres: R&B, pop, rock, gospel, country, jazz…and we get samples of most of these styles here. What we’re privy to is a balance of ‘70s disco
mixed with modern funk and her soulful, sultry sound —
although Khan’s voice is often swapped out for an album dominated by its beats. Because it’s so groove-heavy, Hello
Happiness sometimes leads a listener to believe it gives too
little for Khan to do, and with only seven songs and a play time of just under 30 minutes, it’s not nearly enough to sate a diehard’s thirst. But, after nearly four decades in music, we’ll take what we can get. Hello Happiness is an
album of celebration that proves Chaka Khan is at the top of her game.
For more information, visit chakakhan.com
GAMEON:
Making a living at dying in Necrosphere Jason Savio Thank God for unlimited lives because in Necrosphere you’re going to die, like, a lot. But can it be considered death if you’re already dead? That’s the ironic thing about Necrosphere, a retro arcade callback that is way more than it seems. You play as Terry Cooper, a special agent of sorts who was shot, killed and finds himself in a “place you go when you die…and do nothing all day, forever.” According to Marcus, one of Terry’s agent partners, this place is called Necrosphere. Think of it as a kind of limbo, neither heaven nor hell. Marcus and Tara, another of Terry’s partners who survived the shootout, drop him clues and the tools he needs to get back to the land of the living, or “Normalsphere.” The combination of the otherworldly, sci-fi storyline and the 8-bit art presentation topped with a trippy synth score makes for a cool, old-school gaming experience. But don’t be fooled by its apparent simplicity: it’s hard. Damn hard. It’s a there’sonly-two-controls kind of hard. That’s right, in Necrosphere the only control you have to start with is running to your left and right - that’s it. Need to jump? You’ll have to use one of the gravity bubbles that Marcus and Tara have planted for you to gain the height needed to advance over whatever obstacle is in your way - and there will be plenty of them. It’s one of the most stripped down and challenging games you’ll ever play. Luckily, there is no life-counter, so you can fall to your demise over and over and over again as many times as you need. Or, as Tara puts it in one of her notes, “You can’t really die in the Necrosphere so you have an eternity to look for an exit.” Thanks, Tara. Just what we wanted to hear. Eventually, you’ll be given somewhat of a break, such as when you find a “spandex ballet suit” that gives you the ability to dash over areas you would not have been able to before, but it’s still extremely tough. Even if you don’t make it far in the game or enjoy the gameplay very much, there is much to appreciate about its daring approach. It will likely leave many gamers annoyed and giving up, while others may find the game’s difficulty to be the most appealing thing about it. If you want to give Necrosphere a run for its money and escape it, you’ll need lots of time and even more patience. Good luck. For more info, check out Necrosphere on Twitter @NecrosphereGame.
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CLUB LISTINGS
Boardroom 139 Water St., Worc. 508-757-6259 boardroomwoo.com Boulder Cafe 880 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-0008
435 Bar & Grill 435 Lancaster St., Leominster April 5: Alex Cohen April 6: Fred Ellsworth April 12: Whitney Doucette April 13: Matt Soper April 19: Ken Macy April 20: Dave Harrington April 26: Dan Kirouac April 27: Midnight Sharp American Graffiti 113 Summer St., Lunenburg 978-345-1010 Art’s Diner 541 W. Boylston St., Worc. 774-530-6120 B-Man’s 140 Tavern 348 Redemption Rock Trail, Sterling 978-422-9763 140pub.com Sundays: Live Music The Banner Bar & Grille 112 Green St., Worc. 508-755-0879 thebannerbar.com Barbers Crossing (North) 175 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8438 barberscrossingrestaurant.com Friday: Bill McCarthy Beatnik’s 433 Park Ave., Worc. 508-926-8877 beatniksbeyou.com Wednesday: Wednesday Night Mayhem Thursday: Musical Bingo with Wise Guys Trivia April 5: The Infinite Groove April 6: Tribe April 13: Queen City Avenue & The Car Ride Home with Guests The Birds of War April 26: Independant Label Mixer April 27: Bang a Uey Billy’s Pub 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury 508-425-3353 Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8484 Friday: Live Music Saturday: Live Music Blueprint New American Bar & Grill 9 Village Square, Westminster 978-668-5580 April 5: Jay Matarano April 6: Lizzy Marquis April 11: Mike Melendez April 12: Scott Babineau April 13: Tim & Lou April 18: Dave Harrington April 19: Midnight Sharp April 20: Lost Artifacts April 25: Amanda Cote April 26: Brian Chaffee April 27: Ken Macy Band
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Breakaway Billiards 104 Sterling St., Clinton 978-365-6105 Bull Run Restaurant 215 Great Road, Shirley 978-425-4311, 877-536-7190 bullrunrestaurant.com Cedar Box Lounge 15 Hamilton St., Worc. 508-373-2314 April 13: Lebanese Night with live Belly Dancer Chuck’s Steak House and Margarita Grill 10 Prospect St., Auburn 508-832-2553 chucks.com Classic’s Pub 285 Central St., Leominster 978-537-7750 classicspub.net Club Kasbar 234 Southwest Cutoff, Worc. 508-798-8385 Sunday: Karaoke Monday: Karaoke Tuesday: Karaoke Wednesday: Karaoke Columbia Tavern 28 Manning Ave., Leominster 978-751-8962 Compass Tavern 90 Harding St., Worc. 508-304-6044 thecompasstavern.com Friday: DJs Saturday: DJs April 5: Chris Terp April 12: Jay Graham April 19: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell April 26: Rick Hamel Days End Tavern 287 Main St., Oxford 508-987-1006 April 5: A Good Time April 6: Riff Raff April 12: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell April 19: Butch Bazillion April 20: Tom Revane April 26: JKRak & Cairo The District 109 Water St., Worc. 508-756-2100 districtworcester.com Electric Haze 26 Millbury St, Worc. 508-799-0629 Firefly’s / Dante’s 350 E. Main St., Marlborough 508-357-8883 fireflysbbq.com
Forty’s 1030 Central St., Leominster 978-534-7026 Frank’s 274 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 774-420-2253 Funky Murphy’s Bar & Grill 305 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-753-2995 funkymurphys.com Sunday: Live Music Monday: Live Music Wednesday: Live Music Thursday: Live Music Gardner Ale House 74 Parker St., Gardner 978-669-0122 gardnerale.com Monday: Blue Mondays - Live Blues Thursday: Big Music Nights & Audio Wasabi April 5: Sweet Euphoria April 6: Hot Mess April 7: Jazz Brunch April 12: The Boothill Duo April 13: The Definite Maybes April 19: Fujazian Blue April 20: The Suffering Bastards April 26: Andy Fitchel Cd Release Party April 27: JCDC The GazBar Sports Grill 1045 Central St., Leominster thegazbar.com April 4: The Maniac Loves You April 5: Hitchcock Blondes April 6: Randy McGravey April 11: Scott Babineau April 12: Ricky Booth April 13: Amanda Cote April 18: Joe Macey April 19: Red Bridge Duo April 20: Ashley & Ethan April 25: Rick Hamel April 26: Mike Melendez April 27: Dan Kirouac Greater Good Imperial Brewing Co. 55 Millbrook St., Worcester ggimperials.com. April 5: Paul Courchaine April 6: Jay Graham April 7: Fergus April 12: Giuliano D’Orazio April 13: Ken Graff April 14: Dave Alves April 18: Wibble April 19: Jared Fiske April 20: Colt & The Coyotes April 25: Josh Briggs April 26: Arny Spielberg April 27: Alex 2E 2pm / Hit the Bus 7pm April 28: Derek Johnson Greendale’s Pub 404 W. Boylston St., Worc. 508-853-1350 greendalespub.com Sunday: Sunday Blues Wednesday: Wacky Wednesday Jam April 5: Easily Amused April 6: Heavy Horses April 12: Auntie Trainwreck April 12: Auntie Trainwreck’s Spring Fling April 13: Let it Bleed April 19: Government Surplus April 20: Silverbacks April 26: Stubby Phillips & the Flatheads April 27: Clam Digger
Halligan’s Sports Bar and More 889 Southbridge St., Auburn 508-832-6793 halliganssportsbarandmore.com Friday and Saturday: Live Music Happy Jack’s 785 North Main St., Leominster 978-466-3433 April 5: Big Dave & The Captain April 6: Dave Harrington April 12: Dan Cormier April 13: Johnny Girouard April 19: Brothers Stereo April 20: Jae Mannion April 26: Lizzy Marquis April 27: Jim Weeks Hotel Vernon 1 Millbury St., Worc. Indian Ranch 200 Gore Road, Webster 508-943-3871 indianranch.com Leitrim’s Pub 265 Park Ave., Worc. 508-798-2447 leitrimspub.com Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc. 508-796-5177 loft266.com Tuesday: Karaoke Tuesdays Wednesday: Music Bingo Wednesdays Thursday: DJ X Kaliber Friday: DJ Joe T Saturday: DJ Joe T April 5: Jay Graham April 5: DJ Joe T April 12: DJ Cookie Marty’s Pub 225 Canterbury St., Worc. 508-754-0033 martyspub.com MB Lounge 40 Grafton St., Worc. 508-799-4521 mblounge.com Wedneday: Karaoke with Mikey Mic›s Medusa Brewing Company 111 Main St., Hudson 978-310-1933 medusabrewing.com Thursday: Open Mic Night April 5: Hot Damn Scandel April 6: Mike Melendez April 7: Jazz Sunday w/Rob Compa of Dopapod April 13: Hot Mess April 19: Kevin Shields April 26: Graham Brown April 27: The Fellowship of The King Michael’s Cigar Bar 1 Exchange Place, Worc. 508-459-9035 michaelscigar.com April 4: Brett Brumby April 5: The Complaints April 6: Hit the Bus April 7: Mike Melendez April 10: Amanda Cote April 11: Spaceout April 12: The Royal Furs April 13: Neon Alley April 14: The Royal Furs Continued on Page 23
THE CENTRAL SCENE:
Events happening in Central Massachusetts: Worcester Music Awards The time has come to honor and showcase the best of the best from Worcester’s local music scene! Head over to The Palladium to enjoy a night of performances from local bands and celebrate Worcester’s local talent. This event is 21+. 7 p.m. April 10; The Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester; free; thepulsemag.com.
Celtic Woman: Ancient Land Celtic Woman celebrates Ireland’s rich musical and cultural heritage, while continuing its remarkable legacy of introducing some of Ireland’s most talented singers and musicians onto the world stage. The group’s new album “Ancient Land “celebrates the centuries-old Irish tradition of telling stories through song: stories of the land, stories of love and stories of dance, with songs that will bring a piece of Ireland to audiences everywhere." 3 p.m., April 7; Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester; $45 - $156; thehanovertheatre.org/celticwomanancientland.
A Night of Comedy: A Benefit for the Ava Roy Fund The Worcester Fire Fighters Local 1009 presents a night of comedy featuring Kendra Cunningham, James Dorsey, Jimmy Dunn, Chris Tabb and Tony V. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Ava Roy Fund. Come out and enjoy this great event with some of the funniest comedians on the East Coast, while honoring fallen hero and firefighter Christopher Roy. 8 p.m., April 26; Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester $28 - $43, VIP Tickets $100; thehanovertheatre.org/nightofcomedy.
Brew Woo Worcester’s Original Craft Beer Festival, Brew Woo, celebrates its ninth anniversary this year. The festival, held in the Convention Center of Worcester’s premiere sporting and entertainment facility, features craft beer tastings from over 80 breweries. Enjoy live music, feast on savory food offerings, and shop at unique vendors to experience everything Brew Woo has to offer. Brew Woo is presented by Wachusett Brewing Co. and Yankee Spirits. This event is 21+.1 p.m. and 6 p.m., April 20; DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester; $38 - $68; brewwoo.com.
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April 18: Kevin Shields April 19: Blue Light Bandits April 24: David Bazin April 25: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell April 26: The Brumbletones April 27: Jim Devlin Band April 28: Mike Melendez The Mill 185 185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston 774-261-8585 themill185.com April 4: Jodee Frawlee April 5: Scott Babineau April 6: Belit April 11: Josh Briggs April 12: FM Live April 13: Bill McCarthy April 18: Night Train April 19: Jay Graham April 20: Chris Reddy April 25: Johnny Taylor April 26: Chad Clements April 27: Giuliano D’Orazio Mill City Pub 19 Airport Rd., Fitchburg 978-342-2134 April 12: A Night of Zeppelin The Monument Tap 13 Central St., Leominster 978-798-4653 monumenttap.com April 18: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell The Muse 536 Main St., Worc. 508-756-6873 Nick’s Bar and Restaurant 124 Millbury St., Worc. 508-753-4030 Friday: Thank Friday It›s Dr. Nat! Sunday: Listen! A New Weekly Poetry event hosted by Dave Macpherson April 3: From New Orleans, Driftin’ Sam Politz & Friends April 4: Troy Gonyea April 5: Giuliano and Friends April 13: Hip Swayers Matinee April 20: The Spinning April 20: WOOtenanny Presents: The Sort of Late Show w/Shaun Connolly Olde Post Office Pub 1 Ray St., N. Grafton 508-839-6106 Padavano’s Place 358 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 774-823-3022 padavanosplace.com April 17: Johnny Vincent The Palladium 261 Main St., Worc. 508-797-9696 thepalladium.net April 4: The Plot In You April 10: Worcester Music Awards 7pm April 12: An Evening With Ryan Montbleau April 13: Polyphia April 13: Touchà Amorà & Pianos Become The Teeth April 18: Sylar: The Seasons Tour April 20: Veil of Maya & Intervals April 21: Seaway April 25: Concert Crave Presents Blueface April 27: Clozee & CHARLESTHEFIRST
Park Grill and Spirits 257 Park Ave., Worc. Partner’s Pub 970 South St., Fitchburg 978-345-5051 partnerspub.com Sunday: Karaoke Wednesday: Karaoke Friday: Karaoke April 13: Jah Spirit April 20: Never Too Late April 27: Sean Daley & The Hooligans Patsie Dugan’s 49 Millbury St., Worc. 508-755-4155 patsiedugans.com The Pint 58 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-414-1314 Point Breeze On the Lake 114 Point Breeze Road, Webster 508-943-0404 pointbreezeonwebsterlake.com Press Box 536 Lincoln St., Worc. 508-856-9255 Saturday: Karaoke Saturdays April 19: Kryngle Daly Purgatory Beer Company 670 Linwood Ave, Whitinsville 508-596-2194 Quinn’s Irish Pub 715 W. Boylston St., Worc. 508-459-2025 quinnsirishpub.com April 3: Terry Brennan April 4: John Brazile April 5: Graham Brown April 6: Ricky Duran April 7: Eric Fournier April 10: Josh Briggs April 11: Cara Brindisi April 12: Kevin Shields April 13: Chad Clements April 17: Chris Reddy April 18: John Brazile April 19: Eric Fournier April 20: Terry Brennan April 21: Graham Brown April 24: Josh Briggs April 25: Sam James April 26: Cara Brindisi April 27: Ricky Duran April 28: Sarah Carcia Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner 148 Grove St., Worc. 508-753-9543 ralphsrockdiner.com The Raven 258 Pleasant St., Worc. 508-304-8133 Wednesday: Open Mic April 6: The Last Great Kings, Tysk Tysk Task, Groundlift, The Missouri Pacific, Above The Din April 12: Potsy, Louzy, Half, FormerLife, ConditionBaker April 13: MissouriPacific, LastConversation, TyskTyskTask, Smoking Doctors April 26: Dizzy Bandit, Judah Priest, J. Brown, M-EZY, Odama, Keemy TRG, Image
River Styx Brewing 166 Boulder Dr., Fitchburg http:www.riverstyxbrewing.com Thursday: Thursday Night Trivia April 5: Alison Keslow April 6: Dirty Double Crossers April 12: Sean Daley April 13: Paul Rodriguez Band April 19: Amanda Cote April 26: The Hunters Bow April 27: Lizzy Marquis Rock Bar 81 Water St., Worcester 774-243-7000 Thursday: Rock Star Karaoke April 5: Windfall April 6: Audio Jam April 12: Bayside High April 13: Tongue Tied April 14: Dezi Garcia April 19: Mystic Trio April 20: XPeller April 21: Amanda Cote April 26: Soul Syndication April 27: Tester April 28: Dezi Garcia Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster 978-534-5900 ryeandthyme.com April 4: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell April 5: Sean Daley & The Hooligans April 6: The Royal Furs April 7: Sean Fullerton April 11: Jodee Frawlee April 12: The Maniac Loves You April 13: Scott Babineau & Melissa Gates April 14: Nico Rivers April 18: Lizzy Marquis April 19: Dwayne Haggins Band April 20: Hot Mess April 25: Ken Macy April 26: New Soul Review April 27: Joe Grizzly Night April 28: Scott Babineau Singapore Restaurant 170 Whalon St., Fitchburg 978-345-0132 facebook.com/singaporerestaurantMA South Side Grille & Margarita Factory 242 W. Broadway, Gardner 978-632-1057 southsidemargaritafactory.com April 5: Ken Macy April 6: Danny Leblanc April 12: Fred Ellsworth April 13: Dazed Till Dawn April 14: Mike Kelly & Friends Open Mic April 19: Sean Daley April 20: The Big Random April 26: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell April 28: The Moore Brothers Spruce Street Tavern 68 Spruce St., Clinton 978-368-1255 sprucestreettavern.com
The Tavern on Central 3 Central St., Ashburnham 978-827-1272 thetavernoncentral.com April 5: Brian Chaffee April 6: Midnight Sharp April 12: Middlemen April 13: Go Gadget Go April 19: Scott Babineau April 20: Whitney Doucette April 26: Bridge Street April 27: Mike Melendez Victory Bar & Cigar 56 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-756-4747 victorycigarbar.com Vincent’s Bar 49 Suffolk St., Worc. 508-752-9439 Tuesday: Boogie Chillin’ Tuesdays Wachusett Brew Yard 175 State Rd. E, Westminster 978-874-9965 wachusettbrewingcompany.com April 6: Muriel›s Kitchen April 7: Amanda Cote April 13: Tent Closing Party w/ A Good Time & Best not Broken April 14: John Dupont April 20: Retro Stew April 21: Charles Alaimo April 27: Brian Chaffee with Melissa Gates April 28: Evan Foisy Whiskey Hookah Lounge 316 Main St., Worc. Whiskey on Water 97 Water St., Worc. 774-578-8829 Sunday: Video Karaoke with DJ Soup Wednesday: Video Karaoke with DJ Soup Friday: DJ TecThreat April 4: DJ Cuz’n Kev April 5: Alex 2E Duo April 6: Travelling Wanna B’s April 6: DJ Flip April 11: DJ Rivas April 12: Lower Level April 13: Alter Ego April 13: DJ XKaliber April 18: DJ Cuz’n Kev April 19: Eric Paquette April 20: Southern Rain April 20: DJ Screwloose April 26: On the Rocks April 27: He Said She Said April 27: DJ Ragoza White Eagle Polish Club 112 Green St., Worc. 774-245-1991 Thursday: Musical Bingo Thursday: DJ Cookie Saturday: DJ Cookie April 6: Crush April 27: Backyard Swagger
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BY JUSTIN PERRY
MEXICALI GRILL – WORCESTER
MICHAEL'S CIGAR BAR – WORCESTER
LOCK 50 – WORCESTER BLACK & WHITE GRILLE – SPENCER
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RIVER STYX BREWING – FITCHBURG
CEDAR BOX LOUNGE – WEST BOYLSTON
BEATNIK'S – WORCESTER
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LI F ESTY LE
5 Ways to Go Green for Earth Day Suzanne Karioki We’ve celebrated Earth Day on April 22nd since 1970, and the event has grown in size and scope every year since. With 2020 bringing the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day, organizers are gearing up for the biggest, most ambitious celebration yet. This year, we have a few tips for reducing your carbon footprint. 1. Eat Less Red Meat Meat and dairy production are some of the biggest contributors to climate change: livestock take up 83% of the world’s farmland, and it takes a lot of corn and soy (grown using another enormous amount of land and pesticides) to keep them fed. Going meatless even just one day a week can cut back on these environmental stressors - not to mention easing the stress on your wallet. Better yet, learn something new and try a few delicious vegan recipes. 2. Check What You Can Actually Recycle You remembered to bring the recycling bin out on time, but are you doing more harm than good? Waste Management - the biggest waste collection and recycling company in the United States - estimates that 25% of the stuff in your average recycling bin cannot be recycled at all. Double check what your local facility accepts before you chuck another plastic bag in the bin. 3. Kill the Vampires Standby mode is great when you can’t remember if you saved your game or not, but it can also take a bite out of your wallet, all while sucking the life out of the environment. And even if you remember to fully turn off your devices, if it’s
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plugged in, it’s still using power. Try plugging everything into a surge protector that you can just unplug whenever you leave the house, saving you the hassle of trying to find the countless remotes strewn around the room. For the stuff you can’t just constantly unplug (like your fridge), think about replacing it with a more efficient Energy Star approved appliance. 4. Catch the Bus After the plesant spring weather disappears, driving becomes more of a necessity than a luxury. But if you’re navigating the city, driving is kind of a nightmare. Consider taking a WRTA bus or commuter rail train. Sure, the maps look confusing and unintelligible at first, but it’s well-worth learning how this stuff works, especially now that Google Maps offers public transit routes. Bring a friend and make an adventure out of it. 5. Visit a Local Park This isn’t about saving the environment as much as appreciating the outdoors. You’re not just unplugging your phone charger for your own health: it’s for the planet and another beautiful sunset tomorrow. Go out and appreciate it (while the weather’s good)! Making small changes to your life might not seem like much, especially as news about climate change becomes dauntingly scary, but starting small is better than nothing at all. For more tips on how to go green, check out earthday.org and look out for local Worcester events.
OUT+ABOUT: Schools should encourage diversity
John Trobaugh Worcester Public Schools need to consider LGBTQ+ students and staff. Previously, I wrote of the need for comprehensive health and sex education for all of our LGBTQ+ families and relationships. Since writing this article, I have received communications from multiple educators and employees who feel their colleagues need more education as well. They did hear the mayor call for more education around LGBTQ+ issues, but it was not clear to them if that was all teachers and staff or just the staff that teaches health education. I know from personal experience that all staff need this training including nursing and school administration. It sounds trivial to a person who is not in an underrepresented group, but when the form for your child reads “mother and father”, that excludes a wide variety of families. A nurse in the most recent case this year did at least cross out the “mother” but that means all the other families only saw “mother and father”. I teach LGBTQ+ Inclusion for the UMass Health System, so I happen to understand this issue from multiple perspectives. I know the administration would like to do the right thing. I also don’t believe most people intend to create a hostile environment for the parents and children in our system, but I also know that good intentions are not enough. LGBTQ+ youth are generally healthy and remarkably resilient. However, coping with the stigma of being a sexual or gender minority, especially in families and communities that offer few supports, puts some LGBTQ+ youth at increased risk for multiple health concerns. The Institute of Medicine in 2011 released a summary report of all current research evidence on LGBTQ+ health disparities, and found that LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately at risk for homelessness, bullying, suicidal thoughts and attempts, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, HIV, and other critical health issues. Discrimination and stigma can create stress, which can in turn can lead to increases in risky behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, and unprotected sex, as well as mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. For example, studies have found that school victimization, rejection from family or friends while ‘coming out,’ internalized homophobia and societal stigma are associated with substance use and mental health issues (IOM 2011; Rosario et al, 2009). I am calling for a comprehensive diversity program for Worcester Public Schools, but one that focuses on the LGBTQ+ population specifically is warranted.
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At least robots like me Elliot Mercier We all know by now that adult responsibilities are very time consuming. For some of us, they eat minutes and hours so voraciously, that friends and family just fade into the background as another deadline gets plopped on the desk. You wanna know who’s always there for me, even when I don’t ask for it? Robots. That’s right, the A.I. of tomorrow is here today to offer companionship as long as they can talk your ear off. The company is always appreciated, whether I’m at work, trying not to cry at the end of “Lilo & Stitch” as a grown man, suppressing harsh language when driving through Kelley Square, or in the middle of a funeral in the rain for somebody I don’t know. Whenever they call, they’ve always got something to say, some sage advice for the downward spiral that is my existence. These robo-callers are so kind as to tell me how much I could be saving on my car insurance, the amount of dollars I could be keeping instead of throwing on top of that flaming heap known as my student loan debt, or that I should be investing in the opportunity to retire in ten years! That’s right: I could retire when I’m 34! The only downside is when I get the Blood Bank Robot: the one that keeps on trying to get me to come back and donate blood on such a regular basis that it’s like the friendly vampir-, I mean, uh…medical workers - want to take it all at once. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I get at least two calls a day from these monotone nurses. I understand that blood transfusions are important but I need time to grow it back, before I get yet another robo-call for more! Now that I think about it, there are many downsides to these digital friends! I guess their robot mother loved the simpler names, because I haven’t heard this much about Bills since the last time I checked my university mailbox. Maybe from a young age, they were taught that inflection of the voice was a sign of weakness and that lethargic delivery is a sign of utmost respect. Fair enough if that’s the case, because it seems like retail workers are given the same training. Even when you get tired of these voice machines calling up your phone, they’re vigilant about calling you from a new one, no matter how many times they’ve been turned down before. Maybe this is how A.I. will overthrow us all and take over the world. Meanwhile, Elon Musk is crying in a corner screaming about how he was right. Alright, sarcasm and jokes aside, if you want to get rid of those spam calls from company voice boxes, you can register your number at the free National Do Not Call Registry at 1-888-382-1222 or at donotcall.gov.
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420 IN THE 508: Hydroponics
Elliot Mercier If you’ve been maintaining a keen eye out on the road, you might have noticed that there are a stupendous amount of hydroponics shops around Worcester, such as Let’s Grow on West Boylston Street or Green Zone on Madison. These shops aren’t as media buzzworthy as say the shops that sell marijuana outright, but they still are a topic of interest in this maturing industry. They’re not the ones you go to if you want a direct route to the green stuff, but they are the helpful folk you contact to ensure a good harvest. Believed to have been put into practice before the 17th century, hydroponic planting is growing plants without the use of a natural soil; instead, the base that holds all the roots of the plant, is a container of water mixed with a mineral solution. Elements such as sulfur, sodium, cobalt and zinc make up inorganic variants, while blood meal, bone meal and farm animal manure make up organic types. Workers in this business use this technique because it is proven to yield results faster than the old-fashioned way most of us are accustomed to when growing herbs and vegetables. The only noticeable disadvantage of this system is that such a setup is much more expensive. The hydroponic method requires a water tank big enough to hold several plants and the roots that will inevitably spread out underneath the surface; a rack that will suspend the heads of the plants above said water; and a heat lamp hanging over the whole structure to produce photosynthesis indoors. Most marijuana sellers will use hydroponics when they can due to the fact that plants grown through this method will typically yield greater and larger plants. Hydroponic harvests also don’t require safety measures that soil-grown plants need to realistically survive such as pesticides and constant watering. The former can suffer from diseases, but it's relatively rare since most hydro farms are kept indoors, so insects don’t get a chance to derail the process. Due to the fact that the base for the roots of the plant is a water solution, it’s easier to leave it alone and not have to constantly play babysitter. Funny thing is, this method uses 90% less water than traditional growing, since water isn’t being wasted after the thirteenth watering on a hot summer day. The profit from a hydroponic farm is even reportedly much more than that of a traditional one. Traditional farmland will rake in about $30,000 per year for one acre, but hydroponic will bring in almost $250,000 for the exact same measure. So, for those with ambitions of making their own indoor farms, the nice people at these establishments will definitely know the equipment and the laws surrounding growing marijuana in your own house. Just because Home Depot has a garden department doesn’t mean you should try going there and asking them for advice on your supreme green dreams: 90% of the time they find that the opposite of amusing.
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THE LUXE LIST
BUZZ-WORTHY SWEETENERS Merilee Kern While you may not have given honey much more thought than how you can use it to elevate your food and beverage recipes, you might be surprised to know that the U.S. honey industry is actually a dynamic part of U.S. agriculture and, as a collective, the honey industry contributes to the American economy significantly. This is according to a recent report by William A Matthews, Project Scientist at the University of California Agricultural Issues Center, detailing the extent to which the honey industry impacts America fiscally to the tune of $1.96 billion of output to U.S. economic activity; $718 million of value added to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product; and 12,502 jobs to U.S. employment opportunity. The report also cites that our affinity for this deliciously viscous victual is escalating, with per capita honey consumption in the U.S. increasing faster than other sweetener options. One company doing its fair share to please and appease consumer palates is Local Hive from Rice’s Honey —a company established in 1924 that remains an industry leader...and with good reason. Every once in a while, a condiment brand truly innovates and approaches its category in a fresh and compelling new way—one that raises the bar to an exceptional standard. That’s indubitably the case with Local Hive. In addition to top-quality raw and unfiltered American Clover and Wildflower honey, the company also offers 17 different local (U.S. region and state-specific) varietals of raw and unfiltered honey from around the country, giving consumers options akin to selecting wine whereby you can see and taste the difference between varietals. Local Hive similarly offers specific and distinctive flavor profiles in each of the honeys they produce. From Washington to Florida and everywhere in between, each of their honey varietals are unique. “All Local Hive honeys are sourced exclusively in the U.S. and bottled in Colorado,” noted Tony Landretti, Chief Executive Officer of Rice’s Honey . “Our authentic local honey products are an artisan blend of various floral types based on the location in which the bees pollinate. The team at Local Hive works directly with local beekeepers across the U.S. to ensure each varietal yields incredibly delicious and subtly different natural flavors that will be great additions to both food and beverage recipes. Since Rice’s Honey was founded in the early 20’s by L.R. Rice, we’ve developed extensive relationships and remain committed to supporting local beekeepers all across the nation.”
Here’s an at-a-glance view of just some the varieties currently offered by Local Hive: Local Hive New England Honey Floral Sources: Basswood, Berries, Clover, Goldenrod Flavor is bold and robust. Local Hive Florida Honey Floral Sources: Citrus, Brazilian Pepper, Clover, Gallberry, Tupelo Flavor is a bit fruity with a hint of spice. Local Hive Colorado Honey Floral Sources: Clover, Alfalfa, Wildflowers Flavor should be light & sweet. Local Hive Southern California Honey Floral Sources: Alfalfa, Berries, Citrus, Clover, Sage Flavor has a medium sweetness and short bite, with a hint of orange. Local Hive Texas Honey Floral Sources: Alfalfa, Clover, Cotton, Horsemint, Tallow Flavor is medium bodied and sweet. Not as sweet as Colorado. Of course, beyond making delicious food and drinks, many turn to honey for its copious health benefits. Raw, unfiltered honey is a popular go-to since it’s known to be rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes, and Local Hive is also kosher. Also a cause-conscious operation, Rice’s Honey donates part of the proceeds from every bottle sold to non-profit PACE, an organization working to protect all pollinators worldwide. So, whether you’re cozying up with a hot beverage, reveling in a night on the town savoring craft cocktails, or hell-bent on boosting your cooking game, the Local Hive varietals can give you an endless range of results sure to be un-BEE-lievably tasty.
As the Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee Kern is an internationally-regarded consumer product trends expert and hospitality industry voice of authority—a travel, dining, leisure and lifestyle expert who spotlights noteworthy marketplace innovations, change makers, movers and shakers. She reports on exemplary travel destinations and experiences, extraordinary events and newsworthy products and services across all categories. Reach her online at www. TheLuxeList.com, on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList and on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/LuxeListReviews.
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NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING • NORTH COUNTY • DINING • SHOPPING
NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING • NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING
NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING • NORTH COUNTY • DINING • SHOPPING
ART + C U LTU R E
COOKIES AND QUEENS: Behind the Scene of Fitchburg State’s Beloved Drag Show Suzanne Karioki / Photo by Kyle Daudelin In a small classroom in the campus’s oldest building is a small group of dedicated volunteers, paper mâché-ing cardboard for what will be the university’s largest studentrun event. “It is very stressful,” says junior Shay Reynolds, who has been working on the show for three years. “When the [executive board] says that they cry during Drag Show season, they are not joking.” The Fitchburg State GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) has hosted their annual drag show since 2005. Although they faced great hostility at the time, it has grown into the biggest event on campus, boasting around 850 attendees last year alone. Senior Adam Stone has been involved with the show since his first year. “You can never really put into words how much work it is,” he said. The show involves an incredible
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Fitchburg State University’s Drag Show from April 2018
amount of work: booking performers, creating flyers and posters, fundraising, planning and creating decor, and eventually setting up the stage, lighting, music, and concessions. But working on the show, Stone explained, taught him to work efficiently under pressure and gave him the confidence to eventually run for president of GSA. As president in his junior year, Stone also learned the hard way how to balance school life and his responsibility to the club. He emphasized how important it is to take time for himself, otherwise, he said, “It’ll get to you.” “It’s hard to find a student on campus who doesn’t know about it and isn’t excited for it,” said Jason Henrikson, current GSA president. Like Stone and Reynolds, Henrikson described the sheer amount of work involved as “all encompassing.” Putting on an event at this scale involves a lot of moving parts, which Henrikson described as “a juggling game”; but he wouldn’t take back the experience for anything. Being part of the club, he said, changed who he is as a person and helped him to be part of something bigger than himself. As well as being a way to raise money for an LGBT student scholarship, the Drag Show is a labor of love. “We pour our hearts and souls into this show,” Henrikson said and added that the event is really a testament to how strong and important the LGBT community is, both on and off campus. The show, of course, is all about the queens. But the event is also known for the spectacular handmade decorations and centerpieces. Leading the charge this year was sophomore Eliana West, Theatre major and public relations chair of GSA. Although it was her first year working on the show, she didn’t feel as overwhelmed as other members I spoke to. Working on decorations, she said, was a stress
reliever for her as a person who loves doing art. The club collaborates on a theme every year - past shows have seen Disney, Dungeons and Dragons, and Candy Shop themes - and West struggled at first to imagine how to create decor that matched this year’s theme (Cookies and Queens) and her vision. But once the group started bouncing ideas off each other, her inspirtion for the show took form. Between working on the show, keeping up with homework and working on plays as a Theater major, West is often busy from 8 a.m. to about 10 p.m. every day. West believes that the show is invaluable to the campus and definitely worth the work. Stone explained that the show opens people’s eyes to a corner of the community that’s often very niche. Some of the queens, he said, identify as cisgender men and others as transgender women, which is a hot button issue in the LGBT community. Although the point of the show is not to be an educational experience - drag is a performance art intended to entertain, after all - Stone hopes that people leave the show a little more familiar with one of the most vibrant and resilient parts of the community. Both the queens and the audience enjoy themselves, but the performers also put a lot of heart into a show that brings all kinds of people together, he said. Putting the show together is very rewarding, but members agreed that their favorite part of the show was actually watching it. Once it’s in the queen’s hands, “then you actually sit back,” said Reynolds. The GSA is still in the process of raising enough funds through ticket sales and concessions - to begin disbursing scholarship funds to prospective students. Stone, especially, feels very passionately about providing a scholarship, as someone who spent a lot of his life feeling part of the LGBT community but without a place to actually meet people like him. He, like his fellow GSA members, found a place at Fitchburg State and they want to give that back.
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SPORTS + FITN E S S
The Worcester Roller Derby consists of the Triple Deck-Hers (teal jerseys) and Hurt of the Commonwealth (purple jerseys).
WoRD on the Street: Worcester’s First (and only!) Roller Derby League Suzanne Karioki / Photo by Shawn Blythe Inside one of the city’s many warehouses is Worcester’s best kept secret. Worcester Roller Derby (WoRD) is a group of 25 incredibly dedicated women who volunteer their time every week to support their skater-run and owned league, even paying monthly dues to keep their rented space. They are an intensely cheerful and welcoming group that’s more than eager to share their love of roller derby. Even in the cold of the warehouse, they don’t waste a second of their practice time. Their enthusiasm is infectious. The league began in 2011 in this same warehouse, until 2014 when many of the original members left. Out of that migration sprung the Bay State Brawlers in Lancaster, and WoRD. It took a long recruiting effort and two missed seasons before WoRD returned in 2016 with enough members to make two new teams.
physical (this way),” Wildish explained, especially as the sport has changed from “antics to athleticism”. Roller derby first emerged in the 1920s but rose to prominence during the 60s as a scripted, theatrical form of televised entertainment, similar to WWE. But roller derby today has grown, through the dedicated enthusiasm of its athletes into a vibrant, competitive sport both in the United States and around the world. One holdover from the era of televised theatrics are derby names: some skaters create their own and others ask team members for suggestions, sometimes changing their names when they change leagues or locations. WoRD’s vice president is Steely Ang (inspired by an injury that required a steel plate in her ankle). Wildish Jambino was once Kat Smash. On WoRD’s ATeam, the Triple Deck-Hers, include Lo Mean and Boston Strangle Her. The B-Team, Hurt of the Commonwealth, features Nancy Drew Blood and Ziggy Scardust.
But the hard part didn’t end there: “We lost every game in our first season,” laughed Wildish Jambino, one of WoRD’s inter-league liaisons. But it meant that they learned to lose, so that winning felt that much better. This group of women is made up of computer programmers, nurses, botanists and even women running for office; some of them might have played rugby or hockey before they joined, but most would never have considered themselves athletes before. Inspired by everything from live games to 2009’s woefully inaccurate movie, “Whip It”, these women put on a pair of skates and never looked back.
As the sport picks up speed, some choose to play under their legal names. A roller derby name can be an alter-ego while on the track, Wildish explained, but she fully supports those who opt to play without one.
“There are very few places for grown women to be
Naturally, with a sport that Steely describes as, “the
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With their next season coming up in April, WoRD’s teams are practicing furiously. All players put in four hours a week, with the A-Team clocking in up to seven hours of practice. Even though they have important commitments off the track, there’s no slacking here. The moment a skater falls, she gets right back up, often laughing as she does.
hits of hockey and close contact of football,” injuries do happen. The first things beginners learn are how to put on gear and how to stop and fall safely. Starr de Chaos, an experienced skater who trains new and interested members, has a knack for knowing who’ll tough it out and join the league. The ones who struggle the most, she says, are the ones who’re most likely to come back. “It’s not about how much you fall, but your drive to get back up,” she says. When it comes to pushing beginners to new heights, she tells all her trainees the same thing: “I judge you against yourself…if you stayed on your skates for five seconds yesterday and today it was seven seconds, you improved.” If you’re interested in trying roller derby yourself, WoRD holds their annual “Fresh Meat” orientation for beginner skaters in August. They also have a junior league for girls aged six and up. Plus, the league has a stock of gear for beginners to use while they save the money for their own. They don’t stop there: WoRD is always looking for opportunities to give back to the community, volunteering every year at the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Ride for Kids. They’d love to work with more youth organizations in Worcester and find more sponsors especially during their games, Wildish added. None of the skaters shied away from the fact that learning this sport is incredibly difficult, but they wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. “I started seven years ago,” said one skater, proudly, “and I kept coming back.”
FINDING BALANCE:
Preparing for Growth Jennifer Russo
Springtime is known for its budding trees and beautiful flowers. I must admit, I don’t have the greenest thumb, but I do try to manage the garden in my yard and love to grow fresh herbs that I can use in my cooking. When I was starting to think about what I might grow this year, I realized that first, I need to prepare the ground. The soil is compacted because of all the snow that has melted into it. As a result, it needs to be tilled (broken up) and fertilized. The weeds need to be pulled out or they will crowd the new plants, stopping them from reaching their full potential or killing them off entirely.
Likewise, sometimes we need to prepare ourselves so that we can experience growth. This is not always a comfortable process. As we take a deeper look at our lives, we need to take the time to determine what no longer serves a purpose and what is preventing us from true happiness and success.
Maybe we have some people in our lives who are no longer good for us. If there are people who always seem to keep you down rather than build you up and support you, perhaps it is time for them to go. Maybe our current job doesn’t give us any joy, to the point where it is impacting our wellbeing. It might be time to re-evaluate. Maybe our eating habits or other lifestyle choices are not doing our health any favors. Why not see what happens when we remove the things that aren’t healthy?
Whatever you might find that is no longer benefiting you or is preventing you from becoming who you were meant to be, now is the time to till that out of the ground and cast it aside. It may be painful, but when you then add people and habits that nourish you on your journey, it will be well worth the spectacular growth it brings. You were meant to be glorious and colorful.
The pure and present light in me honors the pure and present light in you.
Namaste.
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STYLE + BEAUTY
GO GREEN, BEAUTY QUEEN Suzanne Karioki Makeup is a lot of fun to play with, but do you know what goes into your favorite products? Luckily for you, we’ve scoured the beauty-sphere for the best environmentally conscious brands that fans are raving about.
Coconut Milk with Hibiscus Face Lotion You can’t start applying your go-to products until you have the perfect canvas. Vegan
and cruelty-free, Promise Organic’s facial care line is an absolute treat. Whatever your skin type, this non-greasy, lightweight formula is perfect for all ages. Not only will it leave your skin soft and radiant, it’s also great for sensitive skin. Plus, it smells
amazing! Good thing it comes in a squeeze bottle - you’ll want every last drop. $12.99; CVS.
Cherry Matte Mattifying Primer Oily, combination or dry skin: Pacifica’s matte primer loves them all! With moisturizing Vitamin E and UV ray-repelling Calendula Extract, this is the perfect
addition to your makeup routine, especially if you’ve never used a primer before. Plus, you can rest easy knowing that all of Pacifica’s products - from their lip tints to their perfumes - are 100% vegan and cruelty-free. $13; pacificabeauty.com. Cake Mix Demi-Matte Foundation Beauty Bakerie prides itself in vegan, animal cruelty-free makeup with a huge
following of fans around the world. Their Cake Mix Demi-Matte Foundation
comes in a stunning 59 shades and is perfect for combination or oily skin. This beauty blogger and casual wearer approved foundation will leave you with a perfectly glowing complexion that promises to last hours. $28; beautybakerie.com.
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It’s My Pleasure Eyeshadow Palette Colorpop boasts a large catalog of high-end products without the high-end price. The company keeps their prices low by doing all of their lab testing, manufacturing, and marketing in-house, all while never testing on animals. Colopop’s highly pigmented It’s My Pleasure palette, in shades of muted purple to sparkly pink, is perfect for a splash of color as the season heats up. $12; colorpop.com. Eve’s Cherry Lip Scrub Don’t be left with chapped, dry lips under your matte lipstick: freshen up with a Lush lip scrub that not only smells amazing but tastes good too. Lush has some of the most environmentally friendly packaging (sometimes opting for no packaging at all on certain products) and has committed to cruelty-free products all the way down their supply chain. Pick this up online or at your nearest Lush store (and treat yourself to free in-store demo!). $7.95; lushusa.com. The Original Makeup Eraser Makeup Remover Cloth You’ve looked amazing all day, but now it’s time for bed. Instead of reaching for those landfill-clogging makeup wipes, pick up a Makeup Eraser. With just warm water, this cloth will make the most stubborn waterproof mascara disappear like magic. And imagine all the money you’ll save - it promises to last 1,000 washes (or three to five years). It’s soft, durable and won’t irritate even the most sensitive skin. $20; sephora.com.
STYLESAVVY: Espadrilles and Other Spring Trends
April Goodard Spring is in the air, and as the days progress, we find ourselves almost entirely out of the winter zone (but since we are New Englanders, we are sadly aware of the fact that chilly temps can pop up through the month of April). Although we might be tempted to throw on shorts and flip flops as soon as we reach 60 degrees, the ever-inconsistent weather patterns make it almost impossible to completely put away the winter wardrobe for the season. However, there are some ways that you can incorporate spring into your transitional wardrobe even on chillier days this month. Read on to discover my top picks for “springing” into the new season! Espadrilles: These shoes can be found in pretty much every style, color, material, and height. They are also made by almost every designer out there. There are a million and one ways to wear espadrilles, from very casual and flat with leggings to more dressed up with a heel. If you wanted to go the more fancy, less affordable route, you could invest in a neutral, designer pair that will add a level to even the most basic, affordable outfits. Layered Jewelry: Nothing screams festival season like layers upon layers of trendy jewelry pieces. Gold is still trending right now, but the popularity of mixed metals are still on the rise. My favorite way to wear layered jewelry is by layering dainty necklaces together, and keeping the other jewelry more minimal (think simple stud earrings and forgoing bracelets and watches). Rings are always cool, but again, try not to go too overboard. Sometimes, less is really more so that one can have more of an appreciation for the centerpiece of the look. Boyfriend Denim: Spring always has me wanting to break out my boyfriend denim. Loose, relaxed fits in a light and airy wash truly do have spring written all over them. My helpful tip: don’t go too oversized with your boyfriend/girlfriend denim. The denim should fit your waist appropriately and be more fitted over your butt, but be more relaxed from the top of your thigh down. Try a cropped version for added height. Lacey Camis: Lacey camies can add a very pretty and feminine touch to any basic jeans-and-sneakers outfit. Versatile and trendy, wear under sweaters, caridis, or alone to add some visual interest to your entire look. Camis typically come in a wide variety of colors and fabrics, so experiment and play around with different styles and textures. Lastly, definitely stock up on the ones that you find that you truly love. You can never have too many camis in too many colors, and they almost never go out of fashion.
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