may 2016 COVER story 6 local stars shine at the worcester
music awards
in this issue
27 OUT+ABOUT:
14
Pride season begins!
28 the luxe list: FERI offers glam Mother’s Day Gifts
entertainment
FOOD & DRINK
12 blue light bandits get ready to break big
30 Dining review:
30
La Cucina Italiana is the new Italian
14 q&a with the hotelier’s christian
holden
kitchen – and it’s as good as the old one
31 hot & now
16 THE central scene
33 Pulsebrew: To nitro or not to nitro?
17 GameOn: Walking Dead fan favorite gets her own game
20 Club, Pub & grub Listings 24 PulseShots
read pulse Online @
Art & culture
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34 meow! The cat gets its lucky day at
NetflixJunkie: Netflix – And the award goes to...
wam
NowStreaming: Rachel Potter / Gwen Stefani / Hunter Valentine
BEAUTY & sTYLE
PulseBooks: Cook your way through May with new releases
Lifestyle
36 make your accessories work for you
26 new england pride tv gives lgbtq
37 steal the style:
community a voice
Stay golden holders
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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 Donna Roberson, Editor Vanessa Herbold, Art Director Chris Reddy, Kerry Cyganiewicz, Alex Theisen, Kyle Sullivan Account Executives Mitchell Perry, Event Manager Kim Dunbar, Sports Editor
Jennifer Russo, Lifestyle Editor Kimberly Dunbar, Jennifer Russo, Jason Savio, Bernie Whitmore, Michael Wood, Paul Giorgio, Zac Martucelli, Merilee Kern Kerry Cyganiewicz, John Trobaugh, Liam Hart, Jamie Burke Writers
May 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 5
cov er s tory
6 THEPULSEMAG.COM | May 2016
Niki Luparelli’s surprise performance with Andy Cummings & The Swingabilly Lounge.
By Jennifer Russo Jillian’s was buzzing during the 2016 Worcester Music Awards, with musicians trading business cards and CDs, catching up with old friends and talking about the projects they have been working on. The anticipation was palpable, as everyone waited to find out who would take home those coveted silver microphones. The background rang with the sound of people playing arcade games and performing sound checks. This celebration of local talent across many genres and styles of music has always been more like a family reunion, and this year was no different. The night began with an amazingly honest performance by Sam James. You may remember James from his stint on The Voice, but after speaking with him last year, I learned that it was really more of an awakening to who he was and wanted to be as an artist. If this performance was any indication, he knows exactly who he is now. Beautiful acoustic guitar paired with his signature raspy voice and straightforward lyrics was like opening the first present on Christmas morning. James shared that he recently had a new addition to his family, and I found myself imagining a little kid playing guitar next to him in the future, maybe at the WMAs in 2026? Heather Dinitto, owner of Key Performance Entertainment, acted as first-time host for this year’s ceremony. Highlighting the importance of supporting live music, she encouraged people to notice that “there is talent everywhere. It doesn’t matter where you are, and there is talent in every corner.” Without further ado, she and co-host Mark Grasso (who reminded me a bit of Ryan Seacrest with his perfectly flipped up hair and tailored suit) presented the first three awards of the night, including the winner for Best CD, Ken Macy. I caught up with Macy, and he told me that the shows and performances are the fun part, but “the time that it takes to go through everything and put an album together is where the hard work is.” His CD, Blue Prints, took him about 2½ years to finish. “Being able to find the balance of where it starts and finishes and then what goes in between it, so that when people put the CD in they get an entire experience that flows the way you want it to, is the biggest challenge,” Macy said. “The great thing about songwriting is that it’s never done, and you’re always looking for those little moments and those things you may want to revisit later.” Following the first award presentations, Lish Ventura and Jessa Potts took the stage to give us a powerful, beautifully harmonized performance that included a great cover of my favorite Halestorm song, “Break In.” These two beautiful ladies took command of the stage without really having to do much more than sing. During the second round of events, veteran winners Ton of Blues grabbed
Sam James May 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 7
the award for Best Blues, and DJ Reckless won yet again for Best Club DJ. In his signature short and sweet style, he thanked his supporters and promptly told them to go to a club after the awards and get their dance on. Ashley Jordan took her first (of four) wins of the night, and the Best Americana award went to Zack Slik. I had the opportunity to speak with Slik, and he told me that he his dad used to bring him and his siblings to Bluegrass festivals a lot, and it really inspired him. He said as a kid, he “tried playing the banjo, but gave up on it, as young kids tend to do, and so I tried a few other things, but then, after high school, I picked it up again – along with the guitar – and now I teach others how to play.” Slik, an old soul who loves the older style country and bluegrass music, tries to stay true to those roots and plays a lot of breweries in Massachusetts and Vermont. He said a lot of current country doesn’t do anything to stimulate the soul of Hank Williams and George Jones, but he recommends Jason Isbell for a new artist who inspires him. With both Worcester and Jazz in its very name, it is no surprise that Worcester Jazz Collective took home the Best Jazz award. After speaking with them a little, it was easy to see why. The array of inspiration that these guys lend to their overall sound is really something, spanning from Frank Sinatra to Irish Celtic music to Santana. The Worcester Jazz Collective is a collaboration of several different artists with varying musical backgrounds. One of the members told me that when he first moved to Worcester, people “were kind of down on the city and everything, but every year, it just gets better and better. There is so much talent. It’s the big cities where you need the music and the arts the most.” I was absolutely floored by Ari Charbonneau’s performance. WHAT. A. VOICE. As I was buzzing around interviewing people and taking pictures and very much in my own world of things, I had to stop and pay attention because what I was hearing from the stage was no less than perfect. I was an instant Arigroupie. Talent like this is what makes our local scene so vibrant and outstanding. Sneaker & The Dryer took the award for Best Electronic Act and accepted with a simple and to-the-point speech: “Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I love this city. I love electronic music, and I love marijuana – blaze it up everybody,” to which he received a huge cheer. My kind of guy!
Ashley Jordan recieving one of four of awards at the 2016 Worcester Music Awards. 8 THEPULSEMAG.COM | May 2016
Andy Cummings, one of my personal favorites gave a stellar performance. I found it difficult to get through the mass of people and to the bar for another beer, as they were dancing and filling up the entire floor. Seeing people taking in all of the local talent the city has to offer is always an amazing sight. One of the big winners through the night was the band Hot Letter, which
took home several awards, including Best Rock Act, Best Male Vocalist and Best Jam & Groove Act. Lead singer, Giuliano D’Orazio, who reminded me a bit of a young Val Kilmer, sent a huge thank you to all the fans who voted. The band’s music, which is described rock and roll with classical influences, has been well received across many types of fans. Two of the members are moving to Florida, so this is group’s last year fully operating in Worcester (though the members say they will come back and play, as they are a Worcester band first and foremost). D’Orazio said the band is “taking a new form, and we aren’t really sure yet what that is going to look like, but we are working on the next project, and we think it’s going to be well received.” Possibly the band’s last WMA and winning three awards? Priceless! The Blue Light Bandits, which had won the Best Up & Comers Act earlier in the night, gave an energizing show that really blew me away. These are real musicians that I think could probably play any instrument you handed them. Hell, you could probably give them a spoon and a coaster, and they’d figure it out. The Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor given to someone to recognize their contributions and dedication to the local music scene throughout his or her life, went to Mark Marquis, a piano and guitar virtuoso who has been teaching music most of his life, in addition to performing. Marquis was met with an enormous cheer and humbly accepted the award. He said his greatest reward is seeing the people he has taught play have people in the front of the stage supporting them and supporting live music. Many of the artists represented at this year’s WMAs were taught by this caring and devoted teacher. The last wave of awards was met with applause and screams. Danny Fantom took home the Best Music Video, and his acceptance had everyone going ballistic. Ashley Jordan grabbed her fourth award of the night for Sexiest Musician and Cougar Bait topped off the night with Best Live Act. Having known the band as a bunch of kids and seeing them really come into their own, I could not have been happier for them. Doctor Robert closed things out while people congratulated each other, paid their tabs and said their goodbyes. It was a great night of celebration of the talent that we have here in the city and surrounding towns. Special thanks to Ross Kavanagh Photography, Key Performance, Jillian’s of Worcester and the Worcester Music Awards sponsors.
Andy Cummings & The Swingabilly Lounge May 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 9
2016 WMA Winners:
Mark Marquis accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award. 10 THEPULSEMAG.COM | May 2016
Best CD: Ken Macy – Blue Prints Best Radio DJ: Mike Hsu Best Up & Comers Act: The Blue Light Bandits Best Blues / R&B Act: Ton of Blues Best Club DJ: DJ Reckless Best Country Act: Ashley Jordan Best Americana Band: Zack Slik Best Jazz Act: Worcester Jazz Collective Best Female Vocalist: Ashley Jordan Best Rock Act: Hot Letter Best Solo Acoustic Act: Ricky Duran Best Cover Band: Flock of Assholes Best Rap / Hip- Hop Act: Joyner Lucas Best Electronic Act: Sneaker & The Dryer Best Male Vocalist: Giuliano D’Orazio Favorite Local Music Station: WAAF Best Jam & Groove Act: Hot Letter Best Live Venue: Ralph’s Best Punk / Pop Punk Act: Four Years Strong Best Pop Act: Ashley Jordan Best Cover Art: Grain Thief – Animal Best Tribute Band: Secondhand Smoke (Sublime) Best Hardcore / Metal Act: Without Warning Best Music Video: Danny Fantom – Crooked Smile Sexiest Musician: Ashley Jordan Best Live Act: Cougar Bait Lifetime Achievement Award: Mark Marquis
en te rta i nm e n t
Blue Light Bandits get ready to break big By Jason Savio Based out of Douglas, Blue Light Bandits is a young band on the verge of breaking big. They are arguably unmatched in momentum right now in the New England music scene Over the course of the past two years, this self-described “groove band” has won Rhode Island’s Last Band Standing Competition, scored complimentary studio recording time and hosted their own album release party. “We certainly feel good about where we are and where we could be headed if we keep it up,” said bass player Ethan Bates. “Good gigs have always led to good opportunities, and a year of playing three to four nights a week, both in public and private performance scenarios, has greatly sharpened our performance skills. We continue to strive for a balance of professionalism and recreation in everything we do as a band, and that balance is what we expect to fuel further success.” But the success BLB has experienced didn’t happen overnight. The group’s origin goes back to Whitinsville Christian School in 2008, when Bates met guitarist Dan DeCristofaro in a high school music theory class. In college, they recruited drummer Mike Braz, and in 2015, topped off their lineup with singer and lead guitarist Ricky Duran. Since then, BLB have had their collective foot on the accelerator, and the Rubber Tracks program provided a major boost for the burgeoning band. Sponsored by Converse Music, Rubber Tracks gives emerging artists the opportunity to win free studio time at one of the program’s community-based professional recording studios. In BLB’s case, they recorded at Q Division Studios in Somerville. The end product was “A Little Love” and “Mess You Make Me,” which they made public at their aforementioned record release party in March. The members of BLB have also become no strangers to performing in front of a large crowd. Last August, they played to a sold-out crowd of more than 400 at Westport Winery in Westport as part of the Sunset Music Series. They have also opened for Sublime cover band Badfish at Syracuse, N.Y.’s, Westcott Theater. Although they refer to themselves as a groove band, BLB are approachable for almost all listeners. “Though our sound flows through many musical genres, the groove is evergreen, no matter the type of emotion we express in music,” said Bates. “We believe there’s something special and unique about being able to genuinely create a big sound in a live setting.” But still, Duran stresses that BLB have a unique approach that’s all their own. “I think one of the things that sets us apart from other bands is our individual versatility as musicians,” said Duran. “Each of us can stand alone and entertain an audience; we all can play multiple instruments and write music, as well.” Keep an ear out for BLB as they perform at different festivals and events, including Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard in Little Compton, R.I., this June.
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For more information, visit bluelightbandits.com
May 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 13
Q&A with The Hotelier’s Christian Holden By Liam Hart When The Hotelier released their sophomore album, Home, Like Noplace Is There, in 2014, the young Worcester band suddenly became one of the most talked about acts in indie rock. Championed by music journalists from all corners of the Internet as one of the most important players in the recent emo revival, The Hotelier are set to release their third album, Goodness, on May 27. I recently sat down with the band’s 24-year-old frontman, Christian Holden, to talk about what it’s like being a band on the rise in Worcester. Has The Hotelier always been a Worcester band? We all went to high school together in Dudley. I’m really the only one that lives in Worcester right now. Sam [drums] lives in Dudley, and Chris [guitar] lives in Boston. But if any place feels like a hometown for our band, it’s Worcester. Were there many opportunities for bands to play in Dudley? Was it mostly house shows? Shows would always be at a VFW or a Knights of Columbus or an Elks Lodge… some sort of town space like that. It was never really house shows. Worcester had some more house shows when we started going to shows here, but even then, the house venues here felt way different. Like the Firehouse [a local housing co-op], which still kind of feels like a firehouse, even though it’s also a house venue? Yeah. Same with The Shop, which is actually, like, this really large space and doesn’t look like a house space at all, even though it kind of is. It seems like the scene here is built around those types of places. I think it’s always revolved around these collective living spaces that are more activistminded, or at least more community-minded. There’s an understanding that instead of paying rent to a landlord, we’re all paying for this spot that will continue on, and we’ll try to live collectively and cheaply, as well as efficiently and intentionally. Is that low cost of living one of the factors that keeps you in Worcester? Not entirely. I think in most cities you can probably find a spot with a low cost of living. Here you can live cheaply and also not have it really affect the communities that you’re moving into. It seems like in Brooklyn, you can find a cheap place to live, but it’s usually in areas that developers are building up and trying to make cool and hip and, basically, whiter. Then the rent goes up for everyone. Here, it seems like people are more concerned with how they are living than where they are living. Do you think that being removed from established scenes like Brooklyn and Philadelphia makes it easier to avoid making music that caters to the expectations of a certain crowd? Yeah, I think there’s less pressure to have the accepted sound. With the Berklee kids in Boston, or the hipper art kids in Brooklyn, or the punks in Philly, there may be a thread that goes through all their stuff that I don’t find in Worcester, which I think is good and refreshing. Do you plan on staying in Worcester? Yeah. I have so many friends here and there are so many projects that I feel connected to here that there’s no reason for me to move… If I had to hide for a while, I know where I’d go. Can you divulge that information? [Laughs] No… then it would be unhidden.
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(1) Left to right: Christian Holden (vocals, bass), Ben Gauthier (guitar), Chris Hoffman (guitar, vocals), Sam Frederick (drums) (2/3), Left to right: Sam Frederick (drums), Christian Holden (vocals, bass), Chris Hoffman (guitar, vocals), Ben Gauthier (guitar) Photo credits: Kylie Shaffer
May 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 15
Events happening around Central Mass – May 2016 WARL Benefit Concert Do you love animals? Do you love music? Well, look no further. Show your support for Worcester Animal Rescue League by attending a benefit concert featuring local and touring heavy metal bands. The show is completely free to attend, but a donation of $5 or more is recommended to ensure the continued success of the Worcester Animal Rescue League. Merchandise will also be raffled off to raise additional money for this great organization. 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7; Hotel Vernon, 16 Kelley Square, Worcester; ages 21+ to enter; warl.org.
Art in the City Join the Family Health Center of Worcester for an evening of art and entertainment featuring the work of dozens of local artists. Whether you are an avid collector or an art novice, the 18th annual Art in the City promises a night of fun you won’t want to miss. All proceeds go to support the delivery of high-quality, comprehensive health care at Family Health Center of Worcester. 6 p.m. Friday, May 13; Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester; ticket prices vary; fhcw.org/en/ArtInTheCity/About.
Canal District Art Walk Coming to the historic Canal District is the monthly Art Walk. Every third Tuesday of the month, local Worcester artists will display their fabulous art in various venues along Water Street. The Canal District Art Walk has plenty of fantastic art, great music and extraordinary people in store. You won’t want to miss out on the Canal District’s colorful makeover. 6-9 p.m. third Thursday of the month on Water Street in Worcester; free.
Cinco de Mayo ArtRaiser The Cinco de Mayo ArtRaiser is the second annual fundraising event in support of the Sprinkler Factory’s continuing mission to provide accessible exhibition space to the Worcester arts community. Stop by and participate in the fiesta, including the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new West Gallery and Sprinkler Factory Performance Center, a piñata party, silent auction and dancing with DJ Pandaphonic. 6-10 p.m., Thursday, May 5; Sprinkler Facroty, 38 Harlow St., Worcester; $30, $20 for students; sprinklerfactory.com.
Buddhas Over Worcester Delve into the meaning of Buddha in your life and enjoy the work of local artists as they create sculptures of Buddhas expressing what being awake means to them (Buddha means “awake”). Enjoy the gardens of the Boundless Way Temple while exploring Buddha. Exhibit runs from May 3-July 5. Opening celebration is 3-6 p.m. Saturday, May 3; Boundless Way Temple, 1030 Pleasant St., Worcester; free; worcesterzen.org.
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gameon: Walking Dead fan favorite gets her own game
By Jason Savio When you think of iconic characters from The Walking Dead, one of the first that comes to mind is the katana-wielding, badass Michonne. She’s among the most seasoned characters in the comics, having been introduced way back in issue No. 19 (as of right now, the comics are at 152 and counting). During that time, she has captured the imagination of the book’s readers and viewers of the television show alike. It should come as no surprise that she now has her very own episodic video game series, thanks to Telltale Games. But what may surprise – and delight – readers of the comics is the time period in which The Walking Dead: Michonne takes place. Telltale Games has made a habit of putting together games that have deep and rich storytelling, and Michonne is no different. Set up to be three episodes, the first episode of Michonne, titled “In Too Deep,” finds our heroine during the time when she left Rick’s group following the “All Out War” storyline in the comics, a major arc that saw the maniacal, baseball bat-swinging Negan push our heroes to their breaking point. Hardcore Walking Dead fans will find this particular timespan intriguing because it was never actually shown in the comics; Michonne had simply vanished from the narrative for a handful of issues with no detailed explanation as to where she was or what she was doing, until now. “In Too Deep” grabs your attention from the first frame and never lets go, packing a punch of nerves and real human emotion. Reeling from the fallout of recent events and her own dark past, Michonne is alone in the woods and fighting off walkers as she suffers from hallucinations, engulfing her in a nightmarish surrealism that feels akin to a scene from Stephen King’s Dark Tower books. Just when you thinks she’s lost her mind and is about to give up hope, Michonne is saved by Pete, who brings her aboard his ship The Companion. Life out on the water isn’t all sunshine, though, and soon, Michonne and her crew find themselves aboard an abandoned ferry where a new danger lurks. Taking the action out to sea is something brand new to The Walking Dead, and it opens up all sorts of interesting possibilities and awesome moments. The best of which, in Episode 1, is when Michonne and Pete are in a small rowboat, trying to make it to the ferry, but are caught off guard by underwater walkers who jump out and pull them under, revealing a sea (pun intended) of zombies roaming on the ocean floor. Horror film buffs will froth at the mouth to see the imagery, especially the wild shot of Michonne laying out walkers while under water. But as anyone who follows The Walking Dead already knows, the real threat isn’t the walkers – it’s the humans who are still left fighting to survive in the undead world. The interaction with the other characters is the most compelling element of the game, and Michonne introduces new and interesting faces that fit right into The Walking Dead. Add Telltale Games’ storytelling approach. in which you, the gamer, gets to decide what characters say and how they react, ultimately controlling the direction of the narrative, and you have a game that you quickly become invested in, with characters you begin to care about. If “In Too Deep” is any indication of how the rest of Michonne will play out, we may have another Walking Dead classic on our hands. For more, visit telltalegames.com/walkingdead/michonne
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Club, Pub + GRUB Listings
Entertainment at clubs, bars, pubs & other select venues 435 Bar & Grill 435 Lancaster St., Leominster American Graffiti 113 Summer St., Lunenburg 978-345-1010 B-Man’s 140 Tavern 348 Redemption Rock Trail, Sterling 140pub.com The Banner Bar & Grille 112 Green St., Worc. thebannerbar.com Barber’s Crossing Road House 861 Main St., Leicester barberscrossingrestaurant.com Barbers Crossing (North) 175 Leominster Road, Sterling barberscrossingrestaurant.com Thursdays: Open Mic Fridays: Bill McCarthy Beatnik’s 433 Park Ave., Worc. beatniksbeyou.com Tuesdays: Chillin Tuesday Wednesdays: Wild Wednesday May 5: Rife Styles May 6: Stalking Stella May 7: A Fine Connection May 12: I’d Hit That May 13: The Rusty Mikes May 14: Tea Dance May 19: Two Djimm Acoustic May 20: Good Question May 21: Samuel Bowen May 22: Chris Vee May 26: Mark Martin May 27: The Lester Rawlson Band May 28: Sharpshooter Billy’s Pub 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury 508-425-3353 May 5: Karaoke with DJ Bobby J May 6: Jacob’s Ladder May 7: R&B Cookbook May 13: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell May 14: Flashback May 20: Marshall Morris May 21: Homebrew May 27: Flashback May 28: Kendall Miller Duo Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling blacksheeptavernsterline.com Thursdays: Black Sheep Idol Live Band Karaoke Contest Fridays, Saturdays: Live bands Blackstone Tap 81 Water St., Worc. blackstonetap.com Tuesdays: STUMP! Team Trivia Blue Plate Lounge 661 Main St., Holden 508-829-4566 May 13: We & Mrs Jones May 14: Moonshine May 27: The Invaders Blueprint New American Bar & Grill 9 Village Square, Westminster 978-668-5580 May 5: Kendall Miller Duo May 6: Ken Macy
May 7: Kevin Shields May 12: Sean Fullerton May 13: Darren Bessette May 14: Brett Cassavant May 19: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell May 20: Scott Babineau May 21: Gale County May 26: Dan Cormier May 27: Brian Chaffee Bolton Street Tavern 587 Bolton St., Marlborough boltonstreettavern.com Boulder Cafe 880 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-0008 Breakaway Billiards 104 Sterling St., Clinton 978-365-6105 Brew City 104 Shrewsbury St., Worc. brew-city.com Bull Run Restaurant 215 Great Road, Shirley bullrunrestaurant.com May 5: John Hammond May 6: The Quebe Sisters May 11: Marc Ford of The Black Crowes May 13: The Garcia Project May 14: Professor Louie & the Crowmatix May 15: The Fabulous Thunderbirds w/ Kim Wilson May 19: Quinn Sullivan May 21: Taking Back Eden (Ballroom) May 21: Anthony Gomes (Sawtelle Room) May 22: Jeff Root CD Release May 28: Boston Blues AllStars (Sawtelle Room) May 28: Low Lily & Lula Wiles (Ballroom) Cafe Destare 320 Main St., Fitchburg destare.com Canal Restaurant & Bar 65 Water St., Worc. 508-926-8353 Thursdays, Fridays: DJ (21+) May 5: Cinco de Mayo Paint Night May 6: Brett Brumby May 7: Tequila Mockingbird May 13: Brian Kendall & Dave Miller May 14: Alias Draleaus May 20: Mychael David May 21: Jim Perry May 27: Amanda Cote Chopstick’s Restaurant & Lounge 21 Commercial Road, Leominster 978-534-0020 chopsticksleominster.com Christopher’s Pub 7 Pleasant St., Leominster 978-534-8250 Cicero’s Cafe 17 Suffolk St., Worc. 508-767-9728 Classic’s Pub 285 Central St., Leominster classicspub.net Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursday: Karaoke with Royal Crown Fridays, Saturdays: Live bands
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Club KasBar 234 Southwest Cutoff, Worc. 508-798-8385 The Columbia Tavern 28 Manning Ave., Leominster 978-751-8962 Compass Tavern 90 Harding St., Worc. thecompasstavern.com Fridays, Saturdays: DJs May 6: Jay Graham May 13: Chad Clements May 20: Brian Richard May 27: Hit the Bus Cosmopolitan Club 96 Hamilton St., Worc. 508-752-0482 The Cove Music Hall 89 Green St., Worc. 508-363-1888 May 4: Subterra: May The 4th Be With You (4orce Takeover) May 5: Lord Bishop Rocks, Audiowolf, DMK May 6: Deep 6 May 7: B Movie Blues May 11: Subterra: Phibonacci May 12: Dysfunctional Advocate and more May 13: Children of the Korn May 14: Petty Larceny May 17: Stacked Like Pancakes, Wicked Men, The Pomps May 18: Subterra: AMIGO – Julian Salvatore & Michael Manc (NextHYPE) May 19: Blabpipe and more May 20: Damnation, The Evil Streaks, and Vagora at the Cove! May 21: The December Strings May 25: Subterra: Blackley, Random Concept, Cre8Dnb May 27: 18 Wheels of Justice May 28: Testify Dance Ranch & Saloon 70 James St., Worc. danceranchandsaloon.com Days End Tavern 287 Main St., Oxford daysendtavern.com Devens Grill 4 Ryans Way, Devens devensgrill.com Electric Haze 26 Millbury St, Worc. 508-799-0629 May 19: The What! Collective Flow Performance, music by Terraphorm Fiddlers’ Green Pub & Restaurant 19 Temple St., Worc. aohworcester.com May 15: Fiddler’s Green Open Mic Firefly’s / Dante’s 350 E. Main St., Marlborough fireflysbbq.com Flip Flops 680 Main St., Holden flipflopsma.com May 12: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell May 27: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Flying Rhino Cafe 278 Shrewsbury St., Worc.
flyingrhinocafe.com Funky Murphy’s Bar & Grill 305 Shrewsbury St., Worc. funkyandjosemurphys.com Gardner Ale House 74 Parker St., Gardner gardnerale.com The GazBar Sports Grill 1045 Central St., Leominster thegazbar.com GD Lounge Union Station, 2 Washington Square, Worc. facebook.com/GDloungeandtapas Greendale’s Pub 404 W. Boylston St., Worc. greendalespub.com Tuesdays: Open Mic night May 6: Ed & Da Ve May 7: Road Owls May 13: SOUP May 14: Silverbacks May 20: Roberto Morbioli May 21: Petty Larceny Halligan’s Sports Bar and More 889 Southbridge St., Auburn halliganssportsbarandmore.com Happy Jack’s 785 North Main St., Leominster 978-466-3433 May 5: Caves on Mars - Cinco De Mayo May 6: Ross McGinness May 7: Sean Fullerton May 13: Dave Malouin May 14: Heather Ralston May 20: Mike Livingston May 21: Carl Ayotte May 27: Kevin Shields May 28: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Hotel Vernon - The Ship Room/Kelley Square Yacht Club 1 Millbury St., Worc. Indian Ranch 200 Gore Road, Webster indianranch.com Industry Bar Room 109 Water St., Worc. industrybarroom.com Thursdays: College Night with DJ XTC and DJ Scotty P Ixtapa Cantina 308 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg ixtapacantina2.com JC Fenwick’s 37 Mechanic St., Leominster 978-840-4845 Jillian’s - Worcester 315 Grove St., Worc. jilliansworcester.com May 6: Rattlesnake Alley May 7: Canelo Alvarez vs. Amir Khan May 13: The Wingmen May 14: UFC 198 May 20: Secondhand Smoke May 21: XS May 27: Key Performance May 28: Key Performance Game Night JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill
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Continued from Page 20 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough jbag.biz May 6: The Brit Wits May 7: 9-Teen May 13: TD & The Change May 14: Usual Suspects May 20: Girls on Girls May 21: How Bizarre May 27: The Ed Sullivans May 28: Flat Five Band Legends Airport Road, Fitchburg 978-342-6500 Wednesdays: Open Mic Leitrim’s Pub 265 Park Ave., Worc. leitrimspub.com Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc. loft266.com Wednesdays: Jim Devlin Thursdays: Sam James May 4: Jim Devlin May 5: Sam James May 6: Ricky Duran May 13: Drunken Uncles May 21: Ken Macy May 28: Mike Melendez London Billiards / Club Oasis 70 James St., Worc. londonbilliards.com Mahoney’s Pub 413 Park Ave., Worc. 508-277-1073 Marty’s Pub 225 Cantebury St., Worc. martyspub.com MB Lounge 40 Grafton St., Worc. mblounge.com McNally’s Grille & Pub 88 Sargent Road, Westminster mcnallysgrille.com May 6: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell May 20: Tim Rollo Michael’s Cigar Bar 1 Exchange Place, Worc. michaelscigar.com Sundays, through May 22: Royal Furs May 4: Brett Brumby May 5: Mike Melendez May 6: The Road Dawgs May 7: Doctor Robert May 11: Dan & Dan May 12: Jim Devlin May 13: Blue Light Bandits May 18: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell May 19: Hit the Bus Duo May 20: Andy Cummings & Swingabilly Lounge May 21: Russo Bros Jazz Quintet May 25: The Promise is Hope May 26: Allston Police May 27: Neon Alley May 28: Hit the Bus Mickey Sheas 324 Electric Ave., Lunenburg 978-342-5825 The Mill 185 185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston themill185.com May 5: James Keyes May 6: Joe Macey
May 7: Kelly & Tribe May 14: Amanda Cote May 20: Brian Chaffee May 21: Katie O’Brien Duo May 26: Andy Cummings May 27: How Bizarre May 28: Bill McCarthy Mill Street Brews (@ The Artist Development Complex) 18 Mill St., Southbridge millstreetbrews.com Moynihan’s Pub 897 Main St., Worc. The Muse 536 Main St., Worc. 508-756-6873 May 26: Hip Swayers Duo Nick’s Bar and Restaurant 124 Millbury St., Worc. 508-753-4030 Fridays: Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat The Nines Neighborhood Bar 136 Millbury St., Worc. 508-340-0318 May 21: Live Band Karaoke with Fingercuff Olde Post Office Pub 1 Ray St., N. Grafton 508-839-6106 May 14: Windfall On The Rocks Sports Bar & Grill 96 Lakefront Ave., Lunenburg 978-342-6692 Oxford Tavern 314 Main St., Oxford 508-987-5397 Padavano’s Place 358 Shrewsbury St., Worc. padavanosplace.com Thursdays: DJ/Karaoke with DJ Bruce May 6: Blueswitch May 7: Joe Cariglia May 8: Brett Brumby May 13: The Lisa Marie Trio May 14: Band of Brothers May 15: Joe Cariglia May 20: Ricky Duran May 21: The Mystics May 22: Hot Dish May 27: Take Two Paisanos Pizza & Spirits 450 Lancaster St., Leominster 978-534-7117 The Palladium 261 Main St., Worc. thepalladium.net Park Grill and Spirits 257 Park Ave., Worc. Fridays, Saturdays: Dick Doherty’s Beantown Comedy Escape May 20: The Drunken Uncles
perfectgameworcester.com Wednesdays: Bike Night Thursdays: Acoustic 7pm Fridays: Acoustic 7pm - DJ One 3 10pm Saturdays: Acoustic 7pm - DJ Reckless 10pm Pho Dakao 593 Park Ave., Worc. 508-756-7555 Point Breeze On the Lake 114 Point Breeze Road, Webster pointbreezeonwebsterlake.com
Stagecoach Inn and Tavern 128 Main St., Groton grotonstagecoachinn.com
Press Box 536 Lincoln St., Worc. 508-856-9255 Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner 148 Grove St., Worc. ralphsrockdiner.com Mondays: Dirty Gerund Poetry Show May 15: Iron Kingdom, Goblet, Iron Will and Reckless Force May 17: Ernest Benoit May 22: Mitochondrion, Phobocosm, Auroch, Scaphism and Zealotry The Raven 258 Pleasant St., Worc. 508-304-8133 Wednesday: Open Mic May 7: No Way Out, Jukai, High Card, Vein, Separated May 21: Sheez Late “Friends with Benefits” show Red Onion - Otter River Hotel 29 Main St., Baldwinville 978-939-7373, 978-939-8321
Sunset Tiki Bar/The Outlook 79 Powers Road, Westford 978-692-5700 The Tavern on Central 3 Central St., Ashburnham thetavernoncentral.com May 6: Tim & Lou May 7: Tyrus May 13: Scott Babineau May 20: JCDC May 21: Brother Maynard May 28: Ripcord Three G’s Sports Bar 152 Millbury St., Worc. 3gs-sportsbar.com May 28: David Bazin & Blues Junction Union Tavern 65 Green St., Worc. May 7: Comedy night with Dan Smith Upper Deck Sports Bar & Grille 377 Stetson Road, Barre upperdecksportsbarandgrille.com
Rocky’s 139 Water St., Worc.
Victory Bar & Cigar 56 Shrewsbury St., Worc. victorycigarbar.com
Rumors 371 Park Ave., Worc. clubuniverseworcester.com Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster ryeandthyme.com May 5: Jon Short May 6: Dan Cormier andEthan Caouette May 7: Brian & Captain May 12: Scott Babineau May 13: Brian Chaffee & The Players May 14: Doctor Robert May 15: Sunday Brunch with Zack Slik May 19: Jay Graham May 20: Zack Slik May 21: Soulstice May 22: Sunday Brunch with Jon Short May 26: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell May 27: City Boys May 28: The Grin Whistle Sakura Tokyo 640 Park Ave., Worc. sakura-tokyo.com Sean Patrick’s Family Restaurant 494 Electric Ave., Lunenburg seanpatricksrestaurant.com
May 7: Backstreet Zero May 14: Crossroads May 21: 1 Oughta 9 May 28: Well within Distance
South Side Grille & Margarita Factory 242 W. Broadway, Gardner southsidemargaritafactory.com May 5: Cinco De Mayo with Brett Casavant & The Nudie Suits May 6: Dave Malouin May 7: Laquerhead May 13: Lizzy Marquis May 14: Neon Alley May 20: Dave Malouin
Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge 64 Water St., Worc.
Speakers Night Club 19 Weed St., Marlborough speakersnightclub.net Saturdays: Live Bands Spruce Street Tavern 68 Spruce St., Clinton sprucestreettavern.com
Partner’s Pub 970 South St., Fitchburg partnerspub.com
Patsie Dugan’s 49 Millbury St., Worc. patsiedugans.com
May 21: Go Gadget Go May 27: Ross McGinness May 28: Lizzy Marquis Experience
Vincent’s Bar 49 Suffolk St., Worc. 508-752-9439 Sundays: Big Jon Short May 7: Hip Swayers Whiskey Hookah Lounge 316 Main St., Worc. Whiskey on Water 97 Water St., Worc. whiskeyonwater.com Wednesdays: Bike Night Thursdays: Live Music Fridays: Live Music Downstairs – DJs Tec Threat Upstairs Saturdays: Live Music Downstairs – DJs Upstairs White Eagle Polish Club 112 Green Street Worcester 774-245-1991 Thursdays: Sean Ryan May 6: Babe Pino May 13: Ric Porter Band May 14: 80’s Dance Party May 21: Trigger William’s Restaurant & Tavern 184 Pearson Blvd., Gardner williamsrestaurantandtavern.com Wonder Bar Restaurant 121 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Ye Olde Tavern 7 E. Main St., W. Brookfield westbrookfieldtavern.com
May 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 23
beatn ik ’s – w or ce s t e r
By Justin Perry
w h iskey on water – wor c ester
ga zba r spor t s g r ill – le om in s t e r
th e m ill 18 5 – west boylston
24 THEPULSEMAG.COM | May 2016
funky m urp hy ’s – w or c ester
brew city grill & brew house – worcester
gd lounge – worcester
lof t 266 – wor ce s t e r
May 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 25
li fe s tyl e
New England Pride TV gives LGBTQ community a voice talking about the importance of having a Gay Straight
Alliance in her high school. On a more light-hearted note,
the show will also review restaurants and LGBTQ nightlife.
“Talking to people about the LGBTQ nightlife made me
realize that there is more to their community than just bars,”
LePage stated. “This is what initially got me looking into making a
TV show about the LGBTQ community, and I couldn’t find a single
one. It was a major issue; I had found a void.”
Determined to make a change, LePage was met with tremendous support
for his endeavor. “There has been so much support and pride in Boston, New
Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Worcester,” said LePage. “I am especially
By Zac Martucelli Television and media outlets have long boasted a reputation for giving a voice to the
voiceless. Now, the LGBTQ community has a new forum for expression with New England Pride TV. Hosted by New England’s very own Entertainer of the Year, Dale LePage, New England Pride TV promises to give an important voice to the LGBTQ community and its supporters.
The goal of the show is to “inform, entertain and make people aware of the issues
members of the LGBTQ community face,” LePage said. As an active member of the entertainment community, LePage said his inspiration for creating a show of this nature is one of compassion.
“I have found that the LGBTQ community is a wonderful, supportive environment,” said LePage. “I wanted to give New England an outlet for what is going on with issues of this
proud that this show has started in Worcester.”
After doing subsequent research on the plight of members of the LGBTQ community, LePage was discouraged by how little attention issues received. Yet, once he got the
show into early stages of production, he began to uncover the endearing stories from the LGBTQ community, including “amazing musicians, supportive teachers and successful Gay Straight Alliance actions.”
However, the underlying message LePage hopes that New England Pride TV will effectively convey to the public is simply that “gay rights are human rights.” From an
unprecedentedly high suicide rate among LGBTQ teens to limited access to support networks, LePage said, “There is so much about growing up gay that is an issue.” He hopes
that members of the LGBTQ community and their supporters can reach out to and find
solace in New England Pride. It is a safe place, filled with uplifting fun, heartbreaking sorrow and heartwarming inspiration.
sort in all of New England, so we can all be supportive to each other.” This sentiment is
“The biggest honor is to be part of the community,” LePage said.
LGBTQ-identifying individuals.
Luckily, we will all have the opportunity to be proud of being a part of that community
certainly felt in the impact the show hopes to make, as it is a show for everyone, not just
The structure of the show is set to be a 30-minute program connecting Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island with the struggles and achievements of the LGBTQ community. Local television stations and web sources alike will have access to this very necessary and unique broadcast.
Guests and topics discussed on the show will vary. Notable segments will include a transgender guest who will discuss transition and its obstacles, as well as a young woman
26 THEPULSEMAG.COM | May 2016
with New England Pride TV.
New England Pride TV airs the second Monday of the month on local cable stations and by streaming on Facebook. it is available on demand st newenglandpridetv.com.
For more, visit New England Pride TV’s Facebook page.
OUT+ABOUT:
Pride season begins! This month is packed with LGBTQ+ events and happenings.
Airspray! Queer Dance Party
May 20 at Electric Haze, 26 Milbury St., Worcester. facebook.com/airspraywstr
Central Mass LGBT and Friends Breakfast Club
May 1, 15 and 29, mostly at Olde Post Office in Grafton but check the group page that week. facebook.com/groups/MassLgbtbreakfastclub
Central Mass LGBTQ MeetUp
A social networking medium with a goal of creating a vibrant queer community throughout Central Massachusetts. facebook.com/LGBTMeetupforCentralMA
LGBT Asylum Task Force
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Asylum Support Task Force is a community-based organization dedicated to LGBT individuals who are seeking asylum or refuge in the United States. May 7 is the Northampton Pride March’s 35th anniversary. May 9 is LGBT Asylum Support Task Force Community Meeting. Hadwen Park Church, 6 Clover St., Worcester. lgbtasylum.org
LGBTQ Cultural Community Center Talks Sign up for more information! bit.ly/LGBTQCENTER
MB Lounge (21+)
Although it is the oldest gay bar in Worcester, it is newly renovated and looking good at 40 Grafton St., Worcester. May 6 is a Night out with Dance Around Sound. May 13 is Electro Entertainments System Dance Party with DJ Jezz. mblounge.com
New England Pride TV launch May 9
For links to shows, booking and more information, email nepridetv@gmail.com or visit facebook. com/NEPrideTV.
Worcester Pride
Organizational meeting first Tuesday at 35 Harvard St., Worcester. Team meetings third Tuesday at Wyked Java, 108 Water St., Worcester. Community is invited; we need your help! worcesterpride.org or worcesterpride@gmail.com
Rainbow Readers Youth Book Group (Grades 4-12) Friday, May 6, at Annie’s Book Stop, 65 James St., Worcester. sarahslocum92@gmail.com
SafeHomes: Thursday Nights (Ages 14-22)
SafeHomes is a peer-led, weekly drop-in night for youth. At the drop-in center on Mann Street in Worcester, SafeHomes provides a free meal and a combination of structured and unstructured social time. safehomes@thebridgecm.org
SWAGLY: Wednesday Nights (Ages 12-22)
Another option for LGBTQ+ youth is SWAGLY. Supporters of Worcester Area Youth’s (SWAGLY) focus is the prevention of HIV and STDs, drug/alcohol abuse and domestic violence. The group meets every Wednesday night at AIDS Project Worcester. In addition to the meal and social time, there is a youth leadership program. swagly@aidsprojectworcester.org
The Rainbow Lunch Club (60+)
This club offers LGBTIQA seniors age 60-plus a nutritious meal and an opportunity to socialize with friends and enjoy various activities, including programs, entertainment and an educational series. The Rainbow Lunch Club meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, 90 Holden St. Advance reservations are required. (508) 756-1545 x404 or wlen@eswa.org.
Please let us know about your events; email john@johnart.com. May 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 27
The Luxe List:
FERI offers glam Mother’s Day gifts By Merilee Kern, The Luxe List Executive Editor Mother’s Day is on fast approach, and shopping for a seriously style-savvy, trend-sensitive fashion devotee can present its share of challenges. Beyond the basics like preferred sizes, colors and textures, there are more enigmatic concerns, like the recipient’s desired personal or professional image, favored aesthetic, affinity for fashion risk-taking and penchant for designer labels…just to name a few. One smart course of action is to go the accessory route, since gifting handbags and wallets, shoes, watches, jewelry, hats, sunglasses and other such clothing complements can be less tricky. Make those accessories luxe-caliber statement pieces, and you’re sure to hit a gifting home run. With this mandate in mind during my shopping expeditions, I came across FERI Designer Lines – a luxury design house out of Canada that is taking the globe by storm with stunning products for both women and men. From high-quality siledium jewelry to leather handbags, up-market footwear, fine timepieces and other high-end accessories, FERI is a proverbial one-stop hop for attention-getting adornments. They also have all bases covered, from the hottest current trends to timeless baubles that can be passed down as family heirlooms from generation to generation. While FERI has an incredible range of offerings, here are a few of my favorite things from their various lines that will surely inspire grand gifting this Mother’s Day – and perhaps the procurement of a thing or three for yourself.
Jewelry Who wouldn’t love an elegant statement piece that will stand the test of time? Jewelry is an everlasting gift that the fashionista in your life is certain to adore. While FERI has so many necklace and earring designs available, I’ve found a few representative to-die-for designs sure to make a spectacular impression. First is the Celebrity Necklace ($3,640), a gorgeous necklace made with 22-karat yellow gold plating in combination with siledium silver. A dual natural rhodium and palladium metal composition enhances luster and shine. While this glamorous necklace is adorned in serious stones, I love the wistful look of seemingly random leaves, vines and berries that extend down the décolleté. Fit for nearly any occasion, the Illusion Earrings ($680) – comprised of differentsized circles that overlap each other in an intricate pattern – are sure to be worn time and time again. Set with black cubic zirconia, these earrings are as special as they are beautiful.
Purses Watches
One of the hottest trends at the moment
A watch is always a timeless gift idea for
where she goes. FERI offers a fun selection
fashion fanatics, and FERI has multiple designs that exude classic elegance. For example, the beautiful Hollywood Timepiece ($1,625) for women has a lovely cubic zirconia-encrusted, premium crystal watch bezel and face, including the FERI swan symbol that’ll add a touch of class to any ensemble. For him, check out the Ashton Ceramic Timepiece ($3,080), which would certainly make a meaningful gift for that special man in your life. This timepiece is made with high-tech ceramic construction and provides 330 feet of water resistance. The white face is a sophisticated contrast to the handsome gunmetal-colored band.
in purses is fringe, offering a flirty and
playful style that’ll turn heads no matter
of fringe-laden purses that’ll amp up any outfit.
One of my favorites is the stylish metallic shine Shyla Studded Day2Day Purse
($370). This chic fabric bag, with its fauxleather fringe and gold-toned accents (including the chain strap), can hold everything needed for night out.
For something a touch more adventurous, the red-fringed Pixie Genuine Leather Prestige Purse ($1,270) is a stunning
selection. This is a very special handmade
purse constructed with custom, hand-dyed genuine leather and stamped with an
elegant snakeskin pattern. It boasts top-
quality and Italian-made hardware inside and out.
Accessories Even on the accessory front, animal prints are an enduring trend right now, and FERI has a number of tech items that follow suit. The Python iPhone 6 Case ($151) is one gorgeous example that’ll elevate the look of a smartphone while protecting it at the same time. This fold-over case, with its hidden tech-safe magnet strap closure, is made from high-quality faux leather that looks like authentic python. Also great as a wristlet, this case comes with a detachable wrist band and holds up to three cards in its inner flap. These are just a few of FERI’s spectacularly stylish gift-worthy items sure to elicit a response of shock and awe. While gifting is “supposed” to be an altruistic experience for the giver, with this brand’s luxe lineup, you won’t be able to resist reveling in a job well done.
The Luxe List Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter @ LuxeListEditor and Facebook at TheLuxeList.
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May 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 29
FOO D & DR I N K
La Cucina Italiana is the new Italian Kitchen – and it’s as good as the old one By Bernie Whitmore In a town that boasts so many cuisines, it seems as if we never wander very far from Italian. Why does this cuisine occupy such a special place in our hearts? When I’m asked this question, I cite its humble ingredients, the regional and family recipes and all those robust flavors. But to really appreciate Italian cooking, you need to find a place such as La Cucina Italiana and pay it a visit some evening with a nice bottle of wine. The owners have stripped away all the non-essentials and recreated the classic Italian restaurant. In the past year, we’ve become loyal customers. Located just beyond the divided section of Hamilton Street, La Cucina occupies a building that’s housed untold businesses in past decades. The owners have divided the place in half – one enters and is greeted on the kitchen side, which is fronted by a refrigerator case showing off the evening’s desserts. Then, after sizing up your party, the host leads you to your table in the dining room. The décor is striking: Old doors with crackly peeling paint have been suspended from the walls, one after the other, gallery style. Each door is mounted with ancient photographs of social groups and scenic panoramas. Just as interesting to me is the hardware on these doors. Clunky, wrought-iron doorknobs and ornate hardware hark from an era long past, when craftsmanship and imagination were still invested in mundane objects. But the main order of business is on the opposite wall – a large chalkboard
listing the day’s specials. Leah, our sprightly waitress, also passed us menus and retrieved a corkscrew so I could open our bottle of wine. One thing that has helped build a reputation for La Cucina is the tripe appetizer. I fancy myself as an adventurous diner, but cow intestine remains a dish I’ve never cozied up to. My friend eagerly ordered a cup. After sampling a couple spoonfuls, he intoned, “Wonderfully spicy Italian red sauce! It reminds me of the tripe at the Italian Kitchen 20 years ago!” That, by the way, is a huge compliment. While he was exalting his offal, I enjoyed a garden salad with house dressing. In this house, the dressing is about as robust as you’ll find anywhere. Think Caesar dressing with extra Dijon and spices; it’s a flavor explosion! In a good way, that is. That tasty house dressing clung to tender greens, tomato wedges and cucumber slices and had soaked right into chunky homemade croutons. After finishing my salad, I grabbed a slice of bread from the basket and sopped up the remaining dressing. Though La Cucina never feels rushed, time between courses passes rapidly, and soon, Leah returned with our entrees. My friend’s was one of the blackboard specials, Lobster Ravioli, listed for way less money than most places. These raviolis weren’t as floppy as those served in other restaurants – La Cucina’s were about two square inches each. And there were a dozen of them swimming in a tomato cream sauce. They were stuffed with finely minced lobster flecks, perfectly delicate in flavor.
When I dine in La Cucina, I hew to the basics for the simple reason that this is a kitchen that gets things right and has earned my total confidence. Case in point: eggplant. I love eggplant in all its preparations. But all too often, I’ve ordered Eggplant Parmesan only to receive pitiful little discs that look like overcooked silver-dollar pancakes. Very traumatic. La Cucina’s Eggplant Parmesan is a stack of breaded eggplant, each layer drenched with marinara and stretchy-hot Parmesan cheese. It looks like lasagna and is wonderfully tasty; the eggplant’s texture is perfect. To better highlight La Cucina’s fresh marinara, it’s served on a side order of pasta. I chose ziti that evening. This is a meal you need to relax with while sipping a nice red wine. This evening, we brought a Rhode Island vintage – Sakonnet Vineyard’s Blessed Blend Red. While possessing some rich spicy flavors that allow it to match up with big food flavors, it’s also fresh and light. For dessert, we shared a wedge of the Blueberry-Lemon Mascarpone Cake. Softer and creamier than most cheesecakes, blueberries were baked right into it, and the top was schmeared with tart lemon curd. On your way out, why not stop in the kitchen and chat with the people who just cooked your meal for you? They know they’ve got something great, and recognition seems to make them happy. La Cucina Italiana’s family recipes, hearty flavors and fair prices guarantee everyone leaves happy. … I took home enough eggplant for a delicious sandwich that weekend.
La Cucina Italiana • 294 Hamilton St., Worcester • (508) 797-3354 • lacucinaworcester.com 30 THEPULSEMAG.COM | May 2016
hotandnow: What’s hot and what’s happening now in the restaurant scene
By Paul Giorgio
Northborough news. It looks like Northborough Crossing, just of off Route 9, will have three new restaurants going into the area. A new Applebee’s, a Margaritas and Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza will open soon at the shopping plaza, which is also home to Wegmans. This is no bull. The Bull Mansion at 55 Pearl St. in Worcester has a new owner. Vikki
Mariano, who also owns both Spiritual and Electric Haze, recently purchased the property. She plans to open a farm-to-table restaurant with a steampunk theme. The space was home to TiNoVo and then 55 Pearl, both excellent eateries. No opening date has been set yet, but it will be a welcome addition to downtown Worcester.
A Civics lesson. The Civic Kitchen & Drink recently opened in downtown Westborough. The gastro pub is owned by Tom Oliveri, of Worcester’s Peppercorn’s and Wormtown Brewery fame. The family also operates other eateries; Oli’s in West Boylston and Prezzo in Milford are among them. I’ll have The Usual. It appears the Niche Hospitality finally has a name for its new
restaurant on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street. The Usual will take the place of the Fix Burger Bar once it moves over to Grove Street in June. Niche has consistently used this space as sort of a culinary incubator; Mezcal got its start here, too. Watch for a July opening of The Fix at its new location. We presume the Shrewsbury Street space will be closed for a short time for renovations.
Niche marketing. Speaking of Niche Hospitality, we can report that the company has redone and expanded the bar area of Mezcal’s Leominster location. The newly expanded bar opened the last week of April. Stop in and check it out. Updates. We hear that the much anticipated opening of Lock 50 in Worcester’s Canal
District will happen any day now. Ditto for Dead Horse Hill in downtown Worcester. The new awning at Dianna’s Neighborhood Bistro, at the corner of Chandler and June streets in Worcester, is up, so it, too, should open very soon. Quinn’s on West Boylston Street will open in early June.
Rising like a phoenix. Beemer’s Tavern will reopen in May on Main Street in Fitchburg. It’s been closed for two years after a fire at the former location. It will be located across the street from Destare. Don’t forget mom. Please remember to make those Mother’s Day reservations ASAP, as
restaurants are getting pretty booked up. If you don’t want to take her out on her special day, you can always take her out a week later or get her a gift card at her favorite restaurant.
It’s no Mexican Independence Day. Lastly, remember Cinco de Mayo on May 5, when you get to drink tequila and margaritas and eat tacos – all in the name of some long ago battle. Try out your favorite Mexican place.
May 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 31
32 THEPULSEMAG.COM | May 2016
pulsebrew: To nitro or not to nitro?
By Kerry Cyganiewicz It seems there have been a few new beers introduced with the moniker of “nitro.” What is it? How it is different? And the most important question: Should I order it?
Most beer that we drink is carbonated by carbon dioxide. The fermented beer is introduced to the carbon dioxide within a sealed container. The beer then absorbs the carbon dioxide, and you have the tickling fizzy thing we know as carbonated beer. When a beer is said to be “nitro,” it is really a mix of approximately 70 percent nitrogen and 30 percent oxygen. I say approximately because some brewers tweak this
percentage. Customization is something you will find in one form or another in every craft brewery you visit. I had someone ask me if it was nitroglycerin in the beer – the
explosive nitroglycerine – I kid you not. I should have responded that’s the real reason you can’t smoke in bars anymore.
After the nitro beer is carbonated, it is also dispensed differently. Bars need a specific
draught setup to create higher pressure and a tank of specialty beer gas, approximately
75 percent nitrogen and 25 percent carbon dioxide, to push the beer through the unique faucet. All of these elements work together to pour you a cascading pint of
nitro ale. It takes a little longer and costs the bar owner a bit more, but it is worth it. If you ever get the chance to try a regular and a nitro beer side by side, please do. You can
even do this at home, as some nitro beers come packaged in bottles or cans, with small discs that release nitrogen upon opening.
Now that you know how what it is and how it’s done, the question is: Should you drink
it? Perhaps. If the bar will offer a half-pour or does sample flights, I would not hesitate to try any beer on nitro. My experience is that a nitro beer tends to have a fuller mouthfeel, almost like a milkshake, and a reduced bitterness. For me personally, malt-
forward beers tend to taste better this way. Stouts, porters, wee heavies and even darker
Belgians are a real treat served on nitro. I’ve noticed a tendency to serve specialty beers, like those with chocolate, vanilla beans and even peppermint, on nitro, and I have enjoyed them all. I did not enjoy the lighter beers served this way, like the pale ales or the wheat beers, as I found their flavors to get lost in the heavier mouthfeel. Cheers! May 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 33
art & culture
The cat gets its day at WAM By Zac Martucelli The age of the Internet has bestowed many advancements and tools of convenience. But the most popular byproduct
of this boom in mass media consumption is, ostensibly, cats. Having inspired a plethora of creative online projects and videos, mixing cuteness with humor, pervading memes
and mainstream popular culture, it is safe to say that cats posses a certain irresistible quality to them – a quality so
inescapable that even the Worcester Art Museum has
decided to dedicate an exhibition to this Internet favorite.
Coming in late May, local denizens of Worcester and Central Massachusetts alike will be able to indulge in the glory that is Meow: A Cat Inspired Exhibition at the Worcester Art Museum. This multi-program initiative will explore not only the cat’s versatile nature as a meme with a questionable grasp on the English language, but also as a figure of iconic prominence throughout history. This juxtaposition between digital and traditional art offers an eclectic range of pieces to be experienced and analyzed fully, providing immense enjoyment in the process. Inspiration for a project of this magnitude and content originated from the Worcester Art Museum’s mascot, Helmutt the Dog. “Helmutt got us thinking about art with animals,” said Adam Rozan, director of audience and engagement at the Worcester Art Museum. “Helmutt being a dog led us to start thinking more about cats; cat-rich collections, Egyptian art with cats, things like that. Those ideas eventually evolved into the multi-room exhibition that will be Meow.” Rozan explained how a project of this extent is new to the Worcester Art Museum. “Meow is an opportunity to take this subject, which completely is of the moment, and explore how it relates to the experience of art, from ancient times to today.”
Helen Hyde, A Mexican Coquette, 1912. Woodcut on cream Japan paper.
Perhaps one of the most unique features of this exhibit is the encouragement for audience and public participation. With so many projects, viewers will have the pleasure of experiencing local, original content, as well the museum’s existing collection of art with cats as the central theme. One of the more major elements to Meow is the exhibition The Captivating Cat: Felines and the Artistic Gaze. Showcasing the museum’s already established collection as a foundation, this exhibit will examine the depiction of cats from ancient Egypt and China to contemporary times through a variety of mediums. Themes conveyed in these pieces include the cat as a metaphor for the modern artist, as well as connections between artists’ representations of large cats and house cats.
Yoshida, Toshi, Black Panther, 1987. Woodblock print, ink and color on paper chuban. Gift from the Judith and Paul A. Falcigno Collection
34 THEPULSEMAG.COM | May 2016
Additionally, Meow offers visitors the opportunity to embark on their own, self-guided Cat Walk Tour, which
Egyptian, Eleventh Dynasty, Head of Cat. Bronze. Mrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection.
Cornelis de Visscher, The Cat, 1657. Engraving on cream wove paper. Mrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection.
will shine light on works from the museum’s encyclopedic collections. Rozan also mentioned the inclusion of a contemporary piece which will feature dozens of live cats come July. Alternatively, if you’re more of a dog-lover, Helmutt the Dog will be setting up his own anti-cat show in response to his feline foes’ encroachment on his territory. Other highlights include, but are not limited to, a preopening night party, a community cat show and a series of studio art classes and workshops that invite audiences to create pet toys, shelters and portraits. So far, community response has been “fantastic,” according to Rozan. “People resonate with their animals. People also like seeing their own art and art of their peers.” This sentiment rings especially true for Worcester, whose animal-friendly community is perfectly conducive to an exhibition of this sort. Whether you are a cat enthusiast, a seasoned art veteran or both, be sure not to miss this incredibly original and fun exhibition at the Worcester Art Museum. Meow: A Cat Inspired Exhibition runs at the Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., from May 21-Sept. 4.
For more information, visit worcesterart.org/exhibitions/meow
N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • N I G H T L I F E • S H O P P I N G • N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • s h o p p i n g
N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • N I G H T L I F E • S H O P P I N G • N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • N I G H T L I F E • S H O P P I N G
N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • N I G H T L I F E • S H O P P I N G • N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • s h o p p i n g
style & b eauty
Make your accessories
work for you
So, school is over, and you’ve scored your first job. Or maybe you’re already in the workplace. Either way, these accessories can keep you connected while maintaining that sleek, professional look that says you’re a force to be reckoned with.
Fuel your phone
1 Voice messenger bags are sleek, stylish, sporty and resourceful. The shoulder bag comes with a padded laptop compartment and two easy-access pockets for your phone. But the best part? It comes with a built-in charger to keep your phone fueled, no matter where you are. Giving you easy access to your laptop, 1 Voice messenger bags are convenient, whether you’re rushing to work or zipping through an airport security line. $159, 1voicenyc.com.
Toast your laptop
Toast creates phone, tablet, laptop and game console covers using real wood veneers that are laser-cut and hand-finished. The covers are simple, with a peel-and-stick application, which adds grip, protection and serious style. Choose from four wood veneers – walnut, ash, bamboo or ebony. Go a step further and customize your cover with a laser-engraved logo, design, original artwork, avatar or character. Prices vary; toastmade.com.
Stay stylishly fit
You want to look professional and track your fitness. No more sacrificing the monitoring of your activity because of a special event or because the rubber tracker doesn’t match an outfit. Keep your fitness in check at all times with the new, innovative and chic Universal Collection by Funktional Wearables. Offered in smooth or hammered silver, gold, hematite and rose gold finishes, pieces from the new Universal Collection will add the perfect touch to any look and are versatile enough to transition easily from day to night. $36-$38, funktionalwearables.com.
Just the case
Mujjo is adding a new range of leather cases for iPhone (without wallet) to its lineup. Available for iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. Designed in response to numerous requests from end-users who want a leather Mujjo case without the wallet, this leather case is made from high-quality, vegetable-tanned leather that acquires a beautiful patina with use. Even better, it’s equipped with Moulded Edge Technology to withstand the wear and tear caused by friction against jeans pockets. Prices vary, mujjo.com.
Stay charged
You might think that watches or rings would be the most commonly worn accessory, but in reality these pieces have been eclipsed by smartphones. The myCharge Hub Plus portable charger eliminates the need to bring many of the cords you are now lugging around. Folded neatly into the side of the Hub Plus are built-in wall prongs, an Apple lightning cable and micro USB cable. It can also recognize the type of device you plug into it, so the right level of power is delivered to charge your device faster without frying it. Prices vary, mycharge.com.
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stealthestyle: Stay golden holders BEFORE
after By Jamie Burke I love sparkly trinkets and jewels, but I very rarely buy or wear expensive stuff. I like the cheap $5 metals that change color. Then, when my skin turns green, I toss it out or throw it in a purse
or a car cup-holder. Most females have a decent amount of jewelry that is never accessible or on display. We all have the chunky jewelry boxes that we only venture into about once a year. The
jewelry boxes are more like a graveyard than an organization essential. I realized the best way to stay trendy with jewelry is to have smaller holders that can stay out in view.
The best holders are the funny, conversational ones. Take a stroll around your house or the thrift
store for some little chachkies to transform into a fun and playful piece. In 30 minutes, you can have a bunch of these eccentric little jewelry holders. Keep them, or give as a gift!!
Supplies: •
Chachkie (think small, like a salt shaker, a toy animal and random weird things!)
•
Spray paint
• •
Tea saucer, mini plate, glass or plastic container Glue gun or Krazy Glue
Steps: •
Pick your chachkie! This is the most pivotal of directions. A tiny dinosaur, a glass pig, a castle favor from a wedding. Anything goes, but the funnier the better! I picked a top from a trophy. Once I snapped it off, it reminded me of myself either falling in a
•
•
puddle or kicking life’s ass. Either way, pick a chachkie that speaks to you.
Take your chachkie, wash it off and dry. Pick a spray paint color. Decide if you want the base to match. Any color will do, but a metallic or bold and bright color gives it even more character.
Take your base and wash and dry it. Decide whether you want to have it plain or painted. If you want it painted the same color as chachkie, then you can glue the
chachkie directly onto base. Use either a glue gun or Krazy Glue. Glue guns generally work better with plastic, and Krazy Glue works with ceramics or glass. Now, take the
base outside and spray the whole thing with your paint. If you want a different color base, paint the items separately, wait until they’re dry and glue them together. I chose •
a moisturizer container, so I had a little bit of storage.
After you have finished, kick back and admire all your gorgeous gems and jewels on your new holder. You can put on your crown, draw yourself a bubble bath and tell
your butler to call me and tell me how my style steals could put Tiffany & Co. out of business.
Stay golden my friends! May 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 37
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