Pulse Magazine by Pulse Magazine

DECEMBER 2017 IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY 6 THE ART ISSUE: MAKING IT – ARTISTS

27 OUT+ABOUT: Plenty for LGBTQ to celebrate in Worcester

ENTERTAINMENT

28 THE LUXE LIST: 7 apps to earn extra cash for the holidays

12 WORCESTER WILL RING IN 2018

FOOD+DRINK

13 GAMEONE: Holiday Shopping List 2017

30 DINING REVIEW: Chuck’s has upped its game with robust flavors

14 CARL KAMP DEFINED UNION MUSIC

31 HOT & NOW

IN WORCESTER

WITH NYE BASH

FOR A GENERATION

SPORTS+FITNESS

15 PULSEBOOKS: America’s complicated past, present and future

32 NEW AROUND THE WOO: ofo

16 THE CENTRAL SCENE 18 NOWSTREAMING: P!nk / Prophets of Rage / St. Vincent 20 CLUB, PUB + GRUB LISTINGS 24 PULSESHOTS

LIFESTYLE 26 ENTERTAINING FOR

THE HOLIDAYS

33 FINDINGBALANCE: Disconnecting

STYLE+BEAUTY

READ PULSE ONLINE

34 Holiday Looks

35 STEAL THE STYLE: Sole Souls

ThePulseMag.com

36 STYLESAVY: Winter picks to keep you warm

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, Regina Weeks, Kyle Sullivan Account Executives Kyle Sullivan, Event Manager

Kim Dunbar, Sports Editor Jennifer Russo, Lifestyle Editor Kimberly Dunbar, Jennifer Russo, Jason Savio, Bernie Whitmore, Michael Wood, Paul Giorgio, Audra Brackett, Merilee Kern, Kerry Cyganiewicz, John Trobaugh, Sloane Perron, Jamie Burke, Rachel Shuster Writers

thepulsemag.com

A N G E L I N A P A P A G E O R G E / PHOTOGRAPHER

Jason SAVIO

G I U L I A N O D ’ O R A Z I O / MUSICIAN

When you think of popular places for artists and creative people to live, cities like New York and Los Angeles will likely be the first to pop up in your mind. After all, some of the biggest names in the industry have made their way through those areas. But what about Worcester? Perhaps better put: Why not Worcester? Sure, New York City might get the attention as the East Coast capital of arts and entertainment, but less than 200 miles away, there is a pulse that is becoming stronger and stronger. The heartbeat pumping that city full of life is a growing group of young and talented individuals. Unlike those other bustling cities, artists say being in Worcester is a unique experience that they wouldn’t trade.

A CITY OF OPPORTUNITY Whether you’re a musician, painter, model, photographer or use another medium, Worcester has your back, especially if you’re still trying to find your voice. That’s what you’ll hear when you speak with those inside Worcester’s arts scene. “What I like about Worcester is that early on in an artist’s career, it’s a good place to grow your chops,” said Giuliano D’Orazio, guitarist and singer in the local band Hot Letter. Along with co-founder Matt Sivazlian, the 25-yearold D’Orazio has been on the Worcester circuit for almost a decade now, having gotten his start playing gigs at the former Lucky Dog. Currently, Hot Letter can be seen performing their brand of classic rock at Michael’s Cigar Bar.

A N G E L I N A P A P A G E O R G E / PHOTOGRAPHER

Having been here for some time, D’Orazio calls Worcester his “home” and credits the city as a place that supports young artists and their goals. D’Orazio says that whether you’re a solo act, duo or full ensemble, it’s not hard to get a gig in the city if you put in the work and time. Sharinna Travieso feels the same way. A painter and muralist in the city, the 25-year-old Worcester native embodies the approach of making the most of being here, having recently decided to focus full time on her art. “The best thing about being an artist in Worcester is the opportunities that are available, unlike New York, where everyone is doing art (and) it’s easy to get lost in the sea of artists,” said Travieso. “There’s a lot more room for growth here.” And Travieso is making progress, thanks to that wiggle room, having had her work showcased at The Muse and NineDot Gallery. Lately, she’s been working with local businesses like Accra Girls restaurant and The Cut Coach to bring color and art into their establishments. “I can honestly say that the city has been really supportive of my work,” she said. “I’m always booked with commission work, and the positive feedback that I receive from people I know and don’t know is so amazing.” thepulsemag.com

W I D N Y B A Z I L E / MODEL P H O T O G R A P H E R @ A RT C R O O K S

December 2017

DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD

S H A R I N N A T R A V I E S O / ARTIST

There is no denying that Worcester is smaller than cities like New York and L.A. But as some see it, that can work to one’s benefit. Where it’s easy to become lost in the crowd in a bigger scene, in Worcester, you have a better chance of getting known and making contacts that can help further your career. Many of those contacts are other artists in the city who are willing to lend a hand. Angelina Papageorge, 21, is a student at Worcester State and a budding photographer who is grateful for the support system she finds in Worcester. “Because Worcester is so small compared to other cities, it’s kind of like the art people are a close-knit group,” Papageorge said. “We basically know who everyone is and what they do and what their art style is like.” Papageorge said the encouragement of other artists in the community inspired her to pursue photography. “All my artist friends in Worcester ‑ all the photographers, all the videographers ‑ really inspired me to make my own style,” she said. Unfortunately, there is a bit of a double-edged sword involved here, too, which can rear its ugly head, according to D’Orazio. With the community being so small, artists can find themselves having a hard time creating enough room to breathe and separate themselves from the pack, which is an almost unfair irony. “Because it’s easy to get a gig in Worcester, the market is a bit flooded,” D’Orazio said. “I think it’s great that people who have regular nine-to-five jobs can go out and be weekend warriors with their band, and they don’t rely on that for their income so they’re taking gigs that are paying less than what a regular music performance should be paid.

H O T L E T T E R / BAND

“The downside to that is that those of us who have chosen to make this our career, it is difficult to get paid what we’re worth because there are a lot of people who have other careers and do this as a hobby and are willing to take gigs for little to no money,” he said. “So there is a financial downside to the fact that Worcester has so many opportunities and it’s so easy to get a gig.” D’Orazio’s idea to fix this problem? He suggests music-dedicated venues where there is little to no cover charge to help support musicians. Others, like 21-year-old model Widny Bazile, who got her start in Worcester and has since used that success and networking to gain traction on a promising career, has nothing but love for the Worcester arts scene and its unique quirks, especially the family feeling amongst its members. “Being an artist in Worcester is something that I can say has truly brought me a long way,” Bazile said. “Because Worcester is so small, if you’re doing something dope, then people are going to see you doing it. If you’re doing art (in Worcester), then you know everybody that’s doing art in Worcester. That’s how you become friends; that’s how (tight) Worcester is.” Comedian Shaun Connolly, 30, who has hosted various shows around town and currently has his Sort of Late Show at Ralph’s Rock Diner, calls the Worcester arts scene “vast” and “weird” but ultimately believes that it has supported him. “It takes patience, grit and a willingness to laugh at yourself to succeed in Worcester,” said Connolly. “The moment you as an artist start to hem and haw about how you’re not getting what you deserve, then you are failing as a comic. Keep doing what you’re doing and the rest will follow.” thepulsemag.com

A N G E L I N A P A P A G E O R G E / PHOTOGRAPHER 10

December 2017

A HELPING HAND

S H U A N C O N N O L L Y / COMEDIAN

A big factor in boosting the surging WooTown arts scene are groups that support it, such as Arts Worcester. A non-profit organization, Arts Worcester is the hub for hundreds of emerging and established artists in the area. It offers opportunity and education to its members, including workshops that focus on everything from the business side of being an artist, such as copyright and intellectual property rules and grants to fund artists’ work, to the chance to take part in exhibitions and get their work seen. Juliet Feibel is the executive director of Arts Worcester and says that the organization is “pivotal” for creative people in the region. “Part of what we do is not only encourage people to start but give them a real opportunity,” Feibel said. “We believe very strongly that our job is to give artists the professional credentials that they need to advance their career. We work hard to give artists those resume lines, those achievements.” Arts Worcester isn’t just focused on traditional paintings, either. New media, video, conceptual and all other approaches are supported and encouraged by the group. All forms of expression are eligible for prizes that include a solo exhibition or cash to fund the artist’s work. Arts Worcester proudly showcases the work of its members at various locations across the city, including its home and main gallery at the Aurora, 660 Main St., Worcester. If you stop by, don’t be surprised to meet the creator of the work you’re looking at, said Feibel. “This is a close-knit community, and chances are if you come here and the artist isn’t here then they’ll be here very soon or I can arrange to have them here in an hour,” she said. “To understand that the person who made that art is your neighbor or the person standing across the room and you can ask them questions is really electric.”

W I D N Y B A Z I L E / MODEL

A GROWING COMMUNITY Taking a look around Worcester today, you’ll see that the town is enjoying an upswing in growth and innovation. New businesses are popping up and, with that, the potential for an exciting future. The arts scene itself is woven deeply into the fabric of this hip new getup that WooTown is flashing, and the days ahead are looking more and more positive. Even though Bazile is currently trying out her luck in Los Angeles, she has faith in the future of the Worcester arts scene and believes in its continued innovation. “The arts scene in Worcester is building more and more, and it’s getting beautiful,” she said. D’Orazio, for his part, has no plans to move out of the city anytime soon, citing a comfort level and familiarity that best suits him and his band. “We grew up here, so we have connections and opportunities to play that keep us here,” he said. “There is a new art scene emerging here and a small business scene that actually really does support the music. So there is a lot of good.” A large portion of that positive energy comes from artists who are willing to reach out support each other. Travieso believes it is important to be open and welcome artists in Worcester to express themselves and get out there. “I think the art scene is a work in progress,” said Travieso. “Art is a very inclusive thing, so it’s important that we are providing opportunities for all of our artists in the city.” thepulsemag.com

ENT ERTA IN M E N T

WORCESTER WILL RING IN 2018

WITH NYE BASH

Jennifer MICHAUD Although 35 years of tradition have come to a close with the shuttering of First Night Worcester, there will still be New Year’s Eve in the Woo, with a celebration hosted by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and Discover Central Massachusetts. In May, the nonprofit First Night Worcester, Inc., announced that it would be discontinuing its operations. “After careful review, we have decided the 35th would be our last event,” said Howard McGinn, executive director of First Night Worcester, in a prepared statement. “We are grateful to the many supporters who have enabled us to meet our mission over these many years. Most of all, we thank the tens of thousands who have attended our annual event.” However, the Chamber of Commerce and Discover Central Massachusetts have stepped up to ensure Worcester rings in the New Year in style. 12

December 2017

“We’re looking to have live music, food vendors and performers. Something that keeps alive the feeling and essence of having a New Year’s celebration. And, of course, since it’s New Year’s, there will be some sort of pyrotechnics as well,” said Che Anderson, staff assistant to the city manager. Not to be confused with First Night, this New Year’s Eve celebration will be a new take on the Worcester festivities. Although there will be no direct relationship with the previous event, there will be lots of reasons to be excited and involved.

“Our New Year’s celebration is an opportunity to get out and about in the community,” said Anderson. “We want to see people bringing friends and family to enjoy this special night. It will be a night of activities and engagement and really just being excited for a new year in Worcester.”

Though it’s the first time the Chamber of Commerce and Discover Central Massachusetts have come together to host this event, there is no certainty as to who will run it in the future. However, whether it be the continued by these two organizations, the city of Worcester or another committee, there is definitely a positive outlook for continued New Year’s celebrations in Worcester. To help boost the excitement of a new annual event, the community is especially encouraged to get involved in any way. For those who are looking to get involved, there are various opportunities to share talents, ideas and products. “If there are different institutions, businesses, galleries….anyone who wants to do any New Year’s events has the chance to get involved and have their events listed,” said Anderson. Regarding the excitement and hope for another Worcester success, Anderson puts it simply: “Not only do we want to keep people in the city, but we want to attract people to the city so they can see that Worcester is a really cool place to be.” For more, visit worcestercommonoval.com.

GAMEON: Holiday Shopping List 2017 Jason SAVIO It’s that time of the year again: holiday songs, holiday cheer and … video games! The holiday shopping season is when all the heavy hitters in the gaming world come out to play. You’ll see the biggest titles and the most anticipated releases lining store shelves this month, and they are all calling out for your hard earned money. But what is treasure and what is trash? Whether you’re looking for someone on your list or maybe just wanting to treat yourself ‑ in no particular order ‑ here’s a rundown of some of the most promising choices you can make. Star Wars Battlefront II Star Wars has become synonymous with the holiday season over the past couple years, thanks to the release of the new movies and smart marketing by Disney. Part of this marketing plan is the revitalization of the Battlefront series. The relaunch first hit two years ago, just in time for The Force Awakens, and the next installment is here for The Last Jedi. Battlefront takes you to the front lines in epic fights familiar in the world of Luke Skywalker, spanning the prequel, original and sequel trilogies. This time around, a single-player story campaign is included to let you play as an elite Imperial Special Forces soldier. Pretty cool, but not as exciting as getting to ride on a tauntaun. Lego Marvel Superheroes 2 What would the holidays be without Legos? This is a game for everyone, no matter what age you are. Another second installment in a popular game franchise, Lego Marvel Superheroes 2 takes even more of your favorite heroes and villains from the House of Ideas and turns them into block figures. Adventures spanning the Marvel universe and different timelines are promised, including a trip to Planet Hulk and New York City 2099, where a futuristic web crawler is swinging around. South Park: The Fractured But Whole If the title isn’t a hint, this is a game aimed at more mature gamers, so if you’re looking for a gift for someone younger, this is not the one to get. But if you grew up watching South Park, you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into here. Meant to be a sequel to 2014’s Stick of Truth, The Fractured But Whole features Cartman, Butters and the other foulmouthed fourth-graders protecting South Park as their superhero alter egos. Tired of Marvel superheroes? Cartman and friends can help with that. Super Mario Odyssey It wouldn’t be a complete video game shopping list without something from Nintendo. Super Mario Odyssey is sure to give Nintendo Switch a boost and the Mario franchise itself some new life. The synopsis may be familiar, as Mario is once again trying to save Princess Peach from Bowser, but there are some neat new features, too. Mario’s hat has become a character of sorts with the name “Cappy.” With his newly named hat, Mario has gained new moves that are meant to spice things up. He is also now in a quasi real-world element, too, running around in a New York look-alike environment called New Donk City. Assassins Creed Origins The time-spanning series is taking a crack at ancient Egypt, setting up what it sure to be an interesting experience. Pyramids, mummies and pharaohs are all on the table in what many fans are hoping is a strong installment that carries on the tradition of the popular series. The entire country of Egypt is available for you to wander, opening up endless possibilities for historic action. thepulsemag.com

Chris REDDY I remember, back in the late â&#x20AC;&#x2122;70s, growing up in Leominster and hearing that Jeff Skunk Baxter was going to be giving a demo of the new ARP guitar synths at Union Music in Worcester. A few friends and I took the trip into Worcester and were treated to a great show! It was also my first time to Union Music. Union Music had a reputation among musicians as being the place to go if you wanted to check out the latest gear or just play some new guitars. Most music stores around that time were small and limited in what they offered, so driving into the city and visiting Union was a treat, if not a necessity. After leaving the area for a few years, I came back to Union in the early part of the new millennia to check in with the store and found it to be nostalgically the same as I had always remembered. I was now working as a full time musician and with Pulse Magazine and had been asked to put together the first Worcester Music Awards show at Irish Times. I asked for the owner and was led to the back office and given my first introduction to Carl Kamp. The first thing I noticed was the promo for the Jeff Skunk Baxter show, along with several other vintage signed promo photos from multiple musical artists of every genre. The second thing I noticed was Carl sitting behind his desk with a big smile and guitar cases everywhere. Carl politely got up from his desk, and I proceeded to ask for his support of the WMAs. We talked about the music scene for a while and he pledged his support for the event. Carl and Union Music ended up helping sponsor the event for the next 11 years! That is the essence of Carl Kamp â&#x20AC;&#x2018; he truly cares about the music scene and musicians, as well as being a fine musician himself. 14

December 2017

Over the years, I got to know Carl well, and I credit him with helping provide excellent repair support for my guitars via Dave Dick, his past guitar tech at Union. Carl was dedicated to his patrons and staff alike and always had a joke and a smile. Union also provides a performance spot for open mics, the Ukulele Club and guitar workshops. After long contemplation, Carl decided to retire this past summer and sell the business. He and his staff have provided a lifetime of service to musicians throughout the area for more than five decades. New owner Jeff Mararian has taken the reins at Union, and the staff are still providing the same great support. I wish Carl the best in his retirement and will always be thankful for his support of the Central Massachusetts music scene and his help with my own musical endeavors. I wish Jeff and all of the staff an equally successful tenure.

The Kamp family had been running Union for a century. Carl Kamp created Union Music in 1973, as a third-generation owner of the former Union Loan Company, which was established in 1900. Carl built Union into one of the best music stores for retail and instrument repair in Central Massachusetts. He is also a highly respected classical guitar player and a member of the Boston Classical Guitar Society. Check out Carlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music and projects at carlkamp.com. Check out the latest updates for Union Music at unionmusic.com.

PULSEBOOKS: America’s complicated past, present and future Kimberly DUNBAR I am never one to get political; in fact, I loathe politics. I come from the school of “Why can’t we all just get along?” Our country’s history is steeped in racial issues, and it seems like these issues are only worsening. I have stepped out of my comfort zone this month, shelving the chick lit, historical fiction and cookbooks in order to highlight two recent releases that might bring a little understanding and “food for thought” to those who read them. Perhaps we would all “get along” if we spent some time with other points of view and in other people’s shoes. Nothing is ever black and white, other than our skin tones, which has gotten this country in many unfortunate, unpleasant and unbelievable situations. One of those was the murder of Eric Garner, a Staten Island man who died after a police officer put him in what has been described as an illegal “chokehold” in July 2014. In his latest book, I Can’t Breathe: A Killing on Bay Street (Spiegel & Grau), Rolling Stone journalist and best-

selling author Matt Taibbi paints an in-depth narrative of who Garner was and the political climate both before and after his death. As Taibbi writes, Garner was no saint; he spent years in and out of prison for various (and sometimes questionable) charges stemming from his time as a drug dealer and, at the time of his death, a seller of “loosies” (single cigarettes). However, on that particular July afternoon, Garner was a victim. Taibbi does an excellent job of providing context in the time leading up to, and the aftermath of, the Garner incident, as well as stepping away to analyze the complex relationship between law, order and humanity that has always existed in this country, proving that Garner’s death wasn’t an isolated incident. Even more political is Ta-Nehisi Coates’s latest book, We Were Eight Years in

Power: An American Tragedy (One World), a reflection of race, politics and history during Barack Obama’s presidency. Through his writing, Coates

shows that having the country’s first black president ‑ though seemingly progressive and a sign of change in American race relations ‑ ended up only reinforcing the fact that nothing has changed. We Were Eight Years in

Power is a collection of Coates’s essays, both new and previously published in The Atlantic. In each essay, Coates skillfully blends extensive research

and interviews with his own personal experiences to demonstrate how Obama’s presidency went from being a beacon of hope to “an American tragedy.” What started as proof that black children could truly grow up to do anything quickly faded, as the Obama administration shied away from a “fight with any kind of racial subtext.” Coates’s essays are eye-opening and educational, giving you a chance to read between the lines of the country’s forgotten history. thepulsemag.com

Things to do in December: NEWTON SQUARE MENORAH LIGHTING It’s an annual tradition ‑ the lighting of the menorah at Newton Square! This year, Chanukah begins at sundown Tuesday, Dec. 12. The Chabad Lubavitch of Central Massachusetts will host its annual menorah lighting at 4 p.m. Dec. 13, which will be followed by a community Chanukah dinner. Come celebrate Chanukah as a community! 4 p.m. Dec. 13; Newton Square in Worcester, followed by Chanukah dinner at 22 Newton Ave., Worcester; free; centralmasschabad.com.

ORNAMENT MAKING Tis the time of year to transform into an ace crafter! Ornaments are a great way to add a unique charm to the household. Take this opportunity to spend time with loved ones and make memories on the spot. Regardless of faith, this will be a welcoming and loving space for all who wish to participate. 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 7; Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton; free; museumofrussianicons.org.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Stop by during the first two weekends of December for a holiday event at the Heifer Farm. Meet Santa, capture a special moment in the photo booth, make some holiday crafts and decorate gingerbread cookies. You’ll have the chance to actually roast chestnuts over an open fire, enjoy fresh homemade soup, shop at Heifer Farm’s fair trade gift shop and more! Everything you could want to do during the holidays will be at the Heifer Farm this holiday season. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 2-10; Heifer International Learning Center at Overlook Farm, 216 Wachusett St., Rutland; cost is the donation of a canned good for the Worcester County Food Bank; heifer.org.

HOLIDAY CONCERT Start your day with a self-tour inside the Worcester Art Museum, then finish up with the WAM Holiday Concert with the Salisbury Singers. Holiday music is the best way to put everyone in the spirit, especially when it’s live! So come spend a day at WAM admiring art and the beauty of music. 2-4 p.m. Dec. 10; Worcester Art Museum , 55 Salisbury St., Worcester; free with museum admission; worcesterart.org.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Everyone loves a classic. A Christmas Carol comes back to Worcester for its 10th anniversary show this month. Grab some friends and family and relish in the spirit of the holidays. The show is revised and revamped every year to ensure a new experience for everyone watching, with new stunts and effects galore. Besides, who doesn’t love seeing Scrooge? Make sure to check it out! Dec. 15-23; The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester; $28-$55; hanovertheatre.org.

WINTER REIMAGINED As evening falls, all of the glittering outdoor lights transform the gardens at Tower Hill into a winter wonderland. Indoors, there are lush conservatories to explore, uniquely decorated trees and nature-inspired ornaments. This is a truly unique holiday experience. 4-9 p.m. through Jan. 7; Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston; Non-Members: $17 for adults, $12 for seniors, $7 for youths, Members: $8.50 for adults, $6 for seniors, $3.50 for youths, free for children younger than five, pre-purchased, timed ticket required; towerhillbg.org. 16

December 2017

thepulsemag.com

P!NK / Beautiful Trauma

PROPHETS OF RAGE / Prophets of Rage

ST. VINCENT / Masseduction

Mike WOOD

Jason SAVIO

Jennifer RUSSO

Yes, we still use the exclamation point rather than the “i” when we spell her name. That’s what 17 years of respect looks like, because P!nk is not just a color or a word: She is a force. And, as usual, P!nk pulls no punches and makes no apologies with her latest album Beautiful Trauma.

If you think the world has become even more messed up and just plain despicable as of late, you’re not alone. On the band’s first full-length effort, Prophets of Rage shares your anger.

I have to hand it to Annie Clark. In her fifth album under her stage name, St. Vincent, you can hear her musical prowess shine through in bigger ways than in previous albums. Not that those albums weren’t gorgeous, but this one seems to be a cut above the rest. This might be one of my favorite album releases this year. It is downright complicated and risky, blending pop with jazz and dance music. It’s impressive, to say the very least, and stands apart as unique.

By now, we’ve all heard her hit “What About Us” in its heavy radio rotation, and while we might not find many other radio-ready singles on the album, we do hear powerful songs that give voice to her struggles, beginning with the first track, “Beautiful Trauma,” where P!nk puts truth first and foremost. Next up is her duet with Eminem, “Revenge,” a catchy, vindictive rap-off between straying partners who lay verbal punches with aplomb. P!nk also reunites with Swedish pop mix master Max Martin for a few songs, including the pungent “Whatever You Want.” Throughout the album, P!nk balances brazen bad girl with sexy, confident chanteuse, and whether she tells us she likes “whiskey on ice” (“Secrets”) or that she’s “… got a feeling we got this wrong” (“Where We Go”), we believe her. It doesn’t hurt, of course, that she’s an amazing vocalist who belts for the rafters, especially on “You Get My Love,” where she promises to stand by her man no matter what troubles come their way. P!nk recognizes that beauty can exist in trauma (not just her album’s title) and it’s profound, because when we really listen, we really do believe her. For more information, visit pinkspage.com. 18

December 2017

These aren’t the guys from Rage Against the Machine trying to be something different. As the name suggests, it is a continuation of the anti-establishment ferocity that the oncegroundbreaking band owned so well. This time around, Chuck D, of Public Enemy, and B Real, of Cypress Hill, share vocal duties, replacing original Rage singer Zack de la Rocha, hence the change of band name. But the fire we all know so well from those ’90s days is still intact, albeit with a slightly different swagger. Nothing is off limits here, from racists and spying drones to legalizing weed and everything in between. Chuck D and B Real carry the torch that Zack lit and make sure it continues to burn brightly with bold lyrics that challenge the listener and act as a war cry. “The government can’t stand when the people take a stand/Mind over matter/In their minds we don’t matter,” sings B Real in “Who Owns Who.” Chuck D and B Real do a stellar job on vocals and rarely hide behind any metaphors or symbolism in their words. This is not time for hiding, they suggest.

The album begins with “Hang on Me,” which has an Alanis Morissette kind of edge, with a droning, distorted and minimalistic instrumental behind it. The song really highlights the vocal range Clark has. This is followed by “Pills,” a really fun little jam, and the title song “Masseduction,” which I found had a Prince-like flair that I really got into. I also really liked the song “Happy Birthday, Johnny” – which I assume by the lyrics is about a family member that she has somehow lost some relationship with, either physically or emotionally. The heart-wrenching “New York” is backed by a sped-up heartbeat rhythm and has some stunning harmonies as it tells the story of losing a soulmate. “Fear the Future” was so damn catchy, with some unexpected and interesting percussion, a great story and vocals driving like an arrow right into their target. “Smoking Seduction” was excellent in its super low-key simplicity, with desperation and denial clearly coming through in every note.

Add to this the unmistakable guitar hula-hoops of Tom Morello and the pounding Rage rhythm section, and you have exactly what we need back in music today: fighting spirit.

There is that certain something which defines a true artist. Something that resonates around them like an aura, shining into every one of their songs in such a way that it defines them completely. Annie Clark undeniably has that something.

For more information, visit prophetsofrage.com.

For more information, visit ilovestvincent.com.

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CLUB+PUB+GRUB LISTINGS

ENTERTAINMENT AT CLUBS, BARS, PUBS & OTHER SELECT VENUES 435 Bar & Grill 435 Lancaster St., Leominster Dec. 8: Andy Fichtel Dec. 15: Lizzy Marquis Dec. 22: James Keyes Dec. 29: Brian Chaffee American Graffiti 113 Summer St., Lunenburg Art’s Diner 541 W. Boylston St., Worc. 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 Dec. . 23: Left-Right Dec. . 30: Left-Right Beatnik’s 433 Park Ave., Worc. beatniksbeyou.com Thursdays: Center Stage Karaoke Dec. 6: Open Mic Dec. 8: Settledown Easy Dec. 9: Off Brand Dec. 13: Wednesday Night Mayhem Dec. 15: Torpedo Dec. 20: Open Mic Night Dec. 27: Wednesday Night Mayhem Beemer’s Pub & Grill 310 Main St., Fitchburg beemerspub.com Billy’s Pub 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling Friday, Saturday: Live music Dec. 9: Shaggers’ Holiday Bash Blackstone Tap 81 Water St., Worc. blackstonetap.com Blue Plate Lounge 661 Main St., Holden Thursday: Open Mic Blueprint New American Bar & Grill 9 Village Square, Westminster Dec. 8: Amanda Cote Dec. 9: Dan Kirouac Dec. 15: Brett Casavant Dec. 21: Amanda Cote Dec. 22: Scott Babineau Dec. 23: Brian Chaffee Dec. 28: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Dec. 30: Tim & Lou Bolton Street Tavern 587 Bolton St., Marlborough boltonstreettavern.com Boulder Cafe 880 Main St., Fitchburg

December 2017

Breakaway Billiards 104 Sterling St., Clinton Brew City 104 Shrewsbury St., Worc. brew-city.com Bull Run Restaurant 215 Great Road, Shirley bullrunrestaurant.com Cafe Destare 320 Main St., Fitchburg destare.com Canal Restaurant & Bar 65 Water St., Worc. Thursday, Friday, Saturday: DJ (21+) Friday: Plant Nite Dec. 8: Ron Jones Dec. 9: Silverton & Mrs. G. Dec. 15: The Hoovers ~ Rob Adams & Lisa Brumby Dec. 16: Alias Dec. 19: Fear No Art, Wine & Design Dec. 21: Jewelry Making & Wine Dec. 22: Jim Perry Dec. 23: Jared Fiske Dec. 29: Brett & Lisa Brumby Dec. 30: Ramlin’ Dan Stevens Chopstick’s Restaurant & Lounge 21 Commercial Road, Leominster chopsticksleominster.com Christopher’s Pub 7 Pleasant St., Leominster Cicero’s Cafe 17 Suffolk St., Worc. Classic’s Pub 285 Central St., Leominster classicspub.net Club KasBar 234 Southwest Cutoff, Worc. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: Karaoke Dec. 10: Fellowship of the King (Elvis tribute) Dec. 29: Riff Raff The Columbia Tavern 28 Manning Ave., Leominster Compass Tavern 90 Harding St., Worc. thecompasstavern.com Friday, Saturday: DJs Dec. 8: Mike Melendez Dec. 15: Brian Richard Dec. 22: Johnny Taylor Dec. 29: Rick Hamel Cosmopolitan Club 96 Hamilton St., Worc. The Cove Music Hall 89 Green St., Worc. thecovemusichall.com Thursday: Thirsty Thursdays Dec. 8: Secondhand Smoke (Sublime tribute) Dec. 9: Dimebag Darrell Memorial Show with Trendkill and more Dec. 10: The Independents, The McGunks, The Pathetics, After the Blackout Dec. 15: Aquanett Dec. 16: Born to Party in the ‹90s Dance Party Dec. 22: Blue Light Bandits CD Release Party

Dec. 23: Michale Graves, Damnation, The Negans, Wolfman Chuck Dec. 30: Fatal Portrait ( King Diamond tribute) with Galvanized Dec. 31: TOOL Year›s Eve with Opiate, Mr. Self Destruct and Reservoirs

Local Musicians Showcase Thursday: Karaoke Dec. 8: Auntie Trainwreck Dec. 22: Riff-Raff Dec. 30: Stacy’s Mom’s New Year’s Eve EVE Party

Dance Ranch & Saloon 70 James St., Worc. danceranchandsaloon.com

Halligan’s Sports Bar and More 889 Southbridge St., Auburn halliganssportsbarandmore.com

Days End Tavern 287 Main St., Oxford daysendtavern.com

Happy Jack’s 785 North Main St., Leominster Dec. 8: Zack Slik Dec. 9: Brother Stereo Dec. 15: Steve Tolley Dec. 16: John Girouard Dec. 22: Amanda Cote Dec. 23: Alan Goodrich Dec. 29: Dave Harrington Dec. 30: Sean Fullerton

Devens Grill 4 Ryans Way, Devens devensgrill.com Electric Haze 26 Millbury St, Worc. Dec. 8: Snow Day, Louder, Louder!, Spo, Brothers and Sisters and Low E Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve ‘80s Bash with Flock Of A-Holes Fiddlers’ Green Pub & Restaurant 19 Temple St., Worc. fiddlersgreenworcester.com Firefly’s / Dante’s 350 E. Main St., Marlborough fireflysbbq.com Flip Flops 680 Main St., Holden flipflopsma.com Flying Rhino Cafe 278 Shrewsbury St., Worc. flyingrhinocafe.com Forty’s 1030 Central St., Leominster Dec. 22: Full Monty Frank’s 274 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Dec. 9: TD and Change Dec. 16: Tequila Bonfire Dec. 23: Dezi Garcia Dec. 30: Talk is Cheap Funky Murphy’s Bar & Grill 305 Shrewsbury St., Worc. funkymurphys.com Gardner Ale House 74 Parker St., Gardner gardnerale.com Monday: Blue Mondays Thursday: Audio Wasabi Friday, Saturday: Live music The GazBar Sports Grill 1045 Central St., Leominster thegazbar.com Wednesday: Trivia Wednesdays Dec. 7: Joe Macey Dec. 8: Hitchcock Blondes Dec. 9: Dustin Brideau Dec. 14: T.C. Polk Dec. 15: Chris Reddy Dec. 16: Amanda Cote Dec. 22: Mike Melendez Dec. 23: Ralston & Macey Dec. 29: Scott Babineau Dec. 30: Jay Smith Greendale’s Pub 404 W. Boylston St., Worc. greendalespub.com Tuesday: Open Mic with Bill McCarthy;

Hotel Vernon - The Ship Room/Kelley Square Yacht Club 1 Millbury St., Worc. Dec. 9: Hip Swayers & Thee Sonomatics Indian Ranch 200 Gore Road, Webster indianranch.com Industry Bar Room 109 Water St., Worc. industrybarroom.com Ixtapa Cantina 308 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg ixtapacantina2.com JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough jbag.biz Thursdays: DJs Dec. 8: Tequila Bonfire Dec. 9: Ghost Train Dec. 15: The Flock Dec. 16: On the Rocks Dec. 22: Dirty Deeds Dec. 23: The Boston Naturals Dec. 29: Way Up South Dec. 30: 9-Teen Dec. 31: Tequila Bonfire Legends Airport Road, Fitchburg Leitrim’s Pub 265 Park Ave., Worc. leitrimspub.com Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc. loft266.com Tuesday: Karaoke Wednesday: Music Bingo Thursday: Sam James and DJ XKaliber Friday, Saturday: DJ Joe T Dec. 8: Drunken Uncles Dec. 9: Ricky Booth Dec. 15: Jay Graham Dec. 16: Dave Ashman Dec. 22: Two Timers Dec. 23: Dave Mack Dec. 25: Ugly Sweater Dec. 29: Ricky Booth Marty’s Pub 225 Canterbury St., Worc. martyspub.com MB Lounge 40 Grafton St., Worc. Continued on Page 23

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December 2017

Continued from Page 20 mblounge.com Monday: Industry Night with Keith Wednesday: Karaoke with Mikey Mics Friday, Saturday: Guest and House DJs

Dec. 23: Lydia Warren & Jeff Beck Dec. 28: Ron Williams Dec. 29: Dustin Brideau Dec. 30: Dave Malouin

McNally’s Grille & Pub 88 Sargent Road, Westminster Dec. 31: NYE with Brother Maynard

Moynihan’s Pub 897 Main St., Worc.

Medusa Brewing Company 111 Main St., Hudson medusabrewing.com Thursday: Open Mic Dec. 3: Zack Slik Dec. 4: Brian Chaffee Dec. 15: Colette Aimee Dec. 16: Mike Melendez Dec. 22: Adam Makes Noise Dec. 23: Holiday Party Dec. 29: Dan Cormier Dec. 30: August First Michael’s Cigar Bar 1 Exchange Place, Worc. michaelscigar.com Dec. 3: The Blue Light Bandits Dec. 7: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Dec. 8: Hit the Bus Dec. 9: The Diplomats of Funk Dec. 10: Dezi Garcia Dec. 14: Jim Devlin Dec. 15: Hoodoo Revelator Dec. 16: Testify Dec. 17: The Blue Light Bandits Dec. 21: Kevin Shields Dec. 23: Doctor Robert Dec. 28: Allston Police Dec. 29: Ghost Train Dec. 30: Hot Letter Dec. 31: Hit the Bus Mickey Sheas 324 Electric Ave., Lunenburg The Mill 185 185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston themill185.com Dec. 7: Josh Briggs Dec. 8: Chad Clements Dec. 9: Jay Graham Dec. 14: Ken Macy Dec. 15: Katie OBrien Duo Dec. 16: Joe Macey Dec. 21: Scott Babineau Dec. 22: Sam James Dec. 23: Brett Brumby Dec. 28: NightbTrain Dec. 29: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Dec. 30: Belit Dec. 31: Acoustic Shoes Mill Street Brews (@ The Artist Development Complex) 18 Mill St., Southbridge millstreetbrews.com The Monument Tap 13 Central St., Leominster monumenttap.com Dec. 8: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Dec. 9: DJ Ritchie Dec. 14: Dave Gordon Dec. 15: Mike Freestone Dec. 16: Lost Artifacts Dec. 19: Jerry Caruso - Vets Comedy Night Dec. 21: Chris Reddy Acoustic Christmas Dec. 22: Deja Vue

The Muse 536 Main St., Worc. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant 124 Millbury St., Worc. Monday: Comedy Open Mic Dec. 7: Troy Gonyea Dec. 9: This Christmas at Nick’s with Giuliano Dec. 21: Kristen Ford The Nines Neighborhood Bar 136 Millbury St., Worc. Oak Barrel Tavern 229 Grove Ave., Worc. oakbarreltavernworcester.com Olde Post Office Pub 1 Ray St., N. Grafton On The Rocks Sports Bar & Grill 96 Lakefront Ave., Lunenburg Oxford Tavern 314 Main St., Oxford Padavano’s Place 358 Shrewsbury St., Worc. padavanosplace.com Tuesday: $1,000 Singer/Songwriter Contest Thursday: Karaoke with Matty J Dec. 24: Take Two Paisanos Pizza & Spirits 450 Lancaster St., Leominster The Palladium 261 Main St., Worc. thepalladium.net Dec. 3: Action Bronson Dec. 9: Lil Pump Dec. 10: Dokken with Bad Marriage Dec. 15: Vanna Dec. 27: Winter White, featuring Snails Dec. 29: Thursday with special guest Pup Dec. 30: Four Year Strong Dec. 31: Pink Talking Phish Park Grill and Spirits 257 Park Ave., Worc. Friday, Saturday: Dick’s Beantown Comedy Escape Sunday: Open Mic Dec. 23: Rick Hamel Dec.31: New Year’s Eve Dick’s Beantown Comedy Escape Partner’s Pub 970 South St., Fitchburg partnerspub.com Patsie Dugan’s 49 Millbury St., Worc. patsiedugans.com Sunday, Wednesday, Friday: Karaoke Dec. 9: Jah Spirit Dec. 23: Lost Artifacts Pho Dakao 593 Park Ave., Worc. The Pint 58 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Wednesdays: What’s That Tune? Trivia Jan. 2: Service Industry New Year’s Party Point Breeze On the Lake

114 Point Breeze Road, Webster pointbreezeonwebsterlake.com Press Box 536 Lincoln St., Worc. Quinn’s Irish Pub 715 W. Boylston St., Worc. quinnsirishpub.com Dec. 3: Sam James Dec. 6: Little Black Dress Dec. 7: Hit the Bus Dec. 8: Josh Briggs Dec. 9: Sam James Dec. 10: John Brazile Dec. 13: Brett Brumby Dec. 14: John Brazile Dec. 15: Kevin Shields Dec. 16: Ricky Duran Dec. 17: Tim Pacific Dec. 20: Josh Briggs Dec. 21: Terry Brennan Dec. 22: Frank Pupillo Dec. 23: Terry Brennan Dec. 27: Brett Brumby Dec. 28: John Brazile Dec. 29: Kevin Shields Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner 148 Grove St., Worc. ralphsrockdiner.com The Raven 258 Pleasant St., Worc. Wednesday: Open Mic Red Onion - Otter River Hotel 29 Main St., Baldwinville Rumors 371 Park Ave., Worc. clubuniverseworcester.com Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster ryeandthyme.com Dec. 7: Dan Cormier Dec. 8: The Rogue Loons Dec. 9: Doctor Robert Dec. 14: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Dec. 15: Hayriders Dec. 16: Glass Onion (Beatles tribute) Dec. 21: Jay Graham Dec. 22: Fun With Hands Dec. 23: Joe Grizzly Dec. 28: Zack Slik Dec. 29: The Royal Furs Dec. 30: Brian Chaffee Dec. 31: Fun with Hands Sean Patrick’s Family Restaurant 494 Electric Ave., Lunenburg seanpatricksrestaurant.com South Side Grille & Margarita Factory 242 W. Broadway, Gardner southsidemargaritafactory.com Dec. 8: Dave Andrews Dec. 9: Goldrush Dec. 15: TC Polk Dec. 16: Sean Daley & The Hooligans Dec. 22: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Dec. 23: Neon Alley Dec. 29: Zack Slik Dec. 30: Matt Piaseczny Dec. 31: DJ Darin Boisvert Speakers Night Club 19 Weed St., Marlborough speakersnightclub.net Friday: Live bands

Spruce Street Tavern 68 Spruce St., Clinton sprucestreettavern.com Stagecoach Inn and Tavern 128 Main St., Groton grotonstagecoachinn.com Sunset Tiki Bar/The Outlook 79 Powers Road, Westford The Tavern on Central 3 Central St., Ashburnham thetavernoncentral.com Dec. 8: Kevin Shields Dec. 9: Tim & Lou Dec. 15: Hot Mess Dec. 16: Lizzy Marquis Dec. 22: April Ranzella Dec. 23: Michael Spaulding Dec. 29: Gale County Dec. 30: Scott Babineau Three G’s Sports Bar 152 Millbury St., Worc. 3gs-sportsbar.com Thursdays: Open Mic Fridays: Karaoke Union Tavern 65 Green St., Worc. Upper Deck Sports Bar & Grille 377 Stetson Road, Barre upperdecksportsbarandgrille.com Valentino’s Press & Pour 154 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Victory Bar & Cigar 56 Shrewsbury St., Worc. victorycigarbar.com Vincent’s Bar 49 Suffolk St., Worc. Tuesday: Boogie Chillin’ Dec.4: Hip Swayers Deluxe Dec.30: Hip Swayers ring in the New Year Whiskey Hookah Lounge 316 Main St., Worc. Whiskey on Water 97 Water St., Worc. whiskeyonwater.com Sunday, Wednesday: Karaoke with DJ Soup Thursday: DJ Cuzn Kev Friday: DJ Tec Threat Dec. 8: Element 78 Trio Dec. 9: Backyard Swagger Dec. 15: The Brumbletones Dec. 16: Jeff Rosen Duo Dec. 22: On the Rocks Dec. 23: Hit the Bus Dec. 29: Cover Story Dec. 30: Sam James Whistle Stop Bar & Grill 85 Main St., Oxford StopByTheWhistle.com White Eagle Polish Club 112 Green St., Worc. Dec.30: We & The Dawg New Year’s Eve EVE Party 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

thepulsemag.com

BY DALENA NGUYEN LE

MICHAEL’S CIGAR BAR – WORCESTER

WHISKEY ON WATER – WORCESTER

December 2017

THE PINT – WORCESTER

PARKWAY RESTAURANT & BAR – WORCESTER

VINTAGE GRILLE & GOURMET PIZZA – WORCESTER

COMPASS TAVERN – WORCESTER

thepulsemag.com

LI F ESTY LE

So you’re the one holding the blazing torch, responsible for entertaining friends, family or coworkers this holiday season. Year after year, people seem to watch the same movies, play the same games ‑ even tell the same stories! It’s time for a complete holiday entertainment makeover. Check out some of these ways to spice up the season and perhaps truly make it the most wonderful time of the year.

FOOD & DRINKS

game that can have people in hysterics in seconds!

and taste delightful.

Nothing brings people together like great food and delicious drinks. It’s plain fact. However, as fun as cheese and crackers can be, it’s time to completely “wow” your guests.

At little to no cost to you, Candy Canes is a variation of the game Spoons. All you need is a deck of cards and one less candy cane than people playing. Everyone gets four cards, and one person will continuously pick a new card from the deck and pass it around until someone gets four of a kind. Stealthily or obnoxiously, the first person will grab a candy cane, and the moment they do, so must everyone else. The person who doesn’t get a candy cane in time has to sit out. The game continues until there is only one lucky winner left!

There are so many routes to take when it comes to entertaining guests during the holidays. No matter what you do, have a blast with it and be yourself! Your guests will love you for it.

GET CREATIVE

If you’re hosting a soirée in your dorm, here are some quick and easy ways to create food worthy of the holidays!

Most people love all things creamy and warm when it comes to the holidays. Surprise your friends and family with some delicious cheese or chocolate fondue. The Good Cooking Deluxe Fondue Maker holds up to 12 ounces of your favorite dip, with four skewers for a variety of tasty snacks. The warming function keeps your sauce creamy and warm until it’s all scooped out. The best part? The tray and bowl slide out for an easy clean up! Nothing pairs better with fondue than some tasty drinks! Impress your guests with a fancy wooden beer and wine flight from D’Eco! Show off your favorite flavors and brands with four 6-ounce glasses, the perfect sampling for guests. The wooden trays even come with a chalkboard for you to label the brands and flavors of your choice.

GAMES It can be hard to get a game started at a holiday party, but once it’s in action, it becomes obvious that there is no better way to bring people together. Check out a few of these new games that are bound to keep everyone in the spirit. What Do You Meme? Everyone knows that memes are the quickest way to a person’s heart. With a group of friends, a judge plays a picture meme while the players search their hand for a caption that they think matches it. It’s the type of 26

December 2017

Try these surefire hits and offer something a little unexpected at your holiday party. The Boozy Creamery offers people an easy way to make boozy ice cream with no ice cream machinery required. Choose one packet of flavor, including Pina Colada, Irish Mudslide or White Russian, and pour it into a bowl of chilled water or milk. Whisk it up for three to seven minutes and put in a shot or two of your preferred liquor. Top it off by placing it in the freezer for two to six hours, and bam ‑ it’s ready to go! A Jell-O shot Christmas tree? Delicious, festive and intoxicating ‑ nothing could look better as a centerpiece for your table! Get some friends together and have a blast making a Christmas tree out of Jell-O shots! You don’t need to be an artist to make it look presentable. Get some lime and strawberry Jell-O powder and add some liquor into the mix. Pour it into plastic shot glasses, balance them on each other in circular formation and add a few decorations on top. It’ll look great

QUICK TOASTER OVEN MEALS FOR THE DORM:

Cheesy garlic bread: Evenly slice a loaf of bread and garnish it with garlic, butter and pepper. Wrap it up in foil, toss it in the toaster oven for 10 minutes, and finish it off with some shredded cheese. Kale Chips: Grab some kale leaves and sprinkle them with salt, pepper and olive oil and place it on a tray in the oven for seven to 10 minutes. Mediterranean Pita Pizzas: Grab some pita and smother it in humus or marinara, sprinkle your preferred cheese on top and finish it off with toppings like onions, olives and pepperoni. Slide it into the toaster oven until crispy! Blueberry Scones: Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt with a pastry blender and add in butter until crumbly. Mix in lemon peel, blueberries, eggs and whisk cream until thoroughly blended. Shape into ball and let it rest for about two minutes. Knead the dough and cut into six wedges, baking in the toaster oven for about 20-25 minutes.

OUT+ABOUT: Plenty for LGBTQ to celebrate in Worcester John TROBAUGH We know that LGBTQ folks are still more likely to have job, housing and health care discrimination and our youth are most vulnerable. That makes us even more grateful for Worcester in this holiday season. December is a month of celebration for many cultures. Worcester has had a very successful year. We again earned a 100 percent rating on the Municipal Equality Index that the Human Rights Campaign (@ humanrightscampaign) uses to rank cities based on LGBTQ-inclusive legislation and rules each city puts into place. Of the 506 cities evaluated, only 68 scored 100! Worcester Pride (@WorcesterMApride) is our Central Massachusetts Pride organization, and every year, it gets better and better. By all accounts, this year was the largest parade ever! Save the date for next year: Sept. 5-9, 2018, with the festival Sept. 8. For our youth, there are several organizations of interest, including Worcester Youth Pride (@ WorcesterYouthPride), SafeHomes (@safehomesma) and SWAGLY (Supporters of Worcester Area Gay and Lesbian Youth). If you are an avid reader, there is the Rainbow Readers Club, too (@ rainbowreadersmass)! For our seniors in the community, there is a Rainbow Lunch Club, as well as a dinner club for LGBTQ seniors who wish to socialize (@worcestercountyLGBTelders). If you are a veteran, every year the folks at Project New Hope (@ProjectNewHopeInc) put on an LGBTQ retreat with respected featured speakers at no cost to our veterans! For the professionals in the area, we have the Worcester Gay Professionals Networking Group (@WorcesterGayPro) ‑ inclusive of the LGBTQ community ‑ which has been meeting for two years on the second Wednesday of every month. If you are on one of the many college campuses in the area, there is an LGBTQ-affiliated group on your campus. Some are harder to find than others and, due to the nature of student groups, the contact information changes, but you can contact your campus diversity office to find the latest information. Most of the high schools and even a fair number of the middle schools have some form of an LGBTQ student group (@worcesterschools; your school’s administration or adjustment counselor will help you find out more). If you are interested in film, there is a New England LGBTQ film festival! Worcester held its first LGBTQ film festival, qFLIX Worcester (@ qFLIXWorcester), this year. It was such a success that Discover Central Massachusetts (FB: @DiscoverCentralMA) has signed on as a presenting sponsor for next year. Save the dates for qFLIX: Oct.11-14, 2018. We even still have one gay bar ‑ the MB Lounge (@MBLWoo)! Although there is only one gay bar, you can find LGBTQ socials, drag performances and dance gatherings at many local establishments, including Electric Haze, Asa Waters Mansion, Bull Mansion and even churches! Even asylum-seekers find refuge here in Worcester through Hadwen Park Church’s LGBT Asylum Task Force (@LGBTAsylumTF). Worcester is even the hub for an award-winning LGBTQ media channel, New England Pride TV, now in its second year and, by all accounts, wildly successful! Check your local cable outlet or follow it online (@ NEPrideTV). This humble column Out and About has been in place for more than two years as well! What did we miss about Worcester that we should be grateful for? Write in and let me know! John@johnArt.com. thepulsemag.com

THE LUXE LIST

7 APPS TO EARN EXTRA CASH FOR THE HOLIDAYS Merilee KERN Amid the holiday season, when budgets feel squeezed and pinched to the max, there’s help in the form of cash-inducing apps! To help make the gift-giving gauntlet easier on the bank account, here are seven apps that could help you earn a few extra bucks this season … and have some fun and even get healthy in the process!

FOAP If you have a penchant for photography and for getting paid, this is the perfect app for you. You can snap and upload photos from your smartphone and sell them through Foap Missions to global brands like Nivea, Bank of America, Volvo Group, Absolut Vodka, Air Asia and Pepsi. Foap also distributes your snaps through partners like Getty Images to help increase revenue potential. TASKRABBIT Get in on the gig economy and become a “Tasker,” so you can make money at things that you’re good at or just inclined to do like shuttling kids around, wrapping gifts, caring for pets, hanging pictures, pulling weeds, assembling furniture and products, shopping or anything else that suits your fancy. Set your own rate and availability and then use your skills and free time to boost finances.

HEALTHYWAGE

If you’ve been wanting to lose some weight, here’s an opportunity to lose weight and gain cash. With HealthyWage, you can actually win money for shedding those unwanted pounds. They have weight loss challenges starting all the time that run from 3 to 18 months. Check out their Team Challenge boasting huge cash prizes, with the top team taking home the $10,000! That’s no chump change. Plus, you’ll benefit from getting healthier in the process.

December 2017

SWAGBUCKS OK, it’s not cash, but gift cards can go a long way, too! Take surveys, watch videos, search the web and shop all of your favorite online stores ‑ all while earning gift cards. The cards range from $5 to $100 and are offered for shopping with Amazon, PayPal, Target, Walmart and more!

OFFER-UP It’s essentially a yard sale in your pocket! Snap a picture, name your price and wait for the offers to come in. Their website says, “With a single snap, you can take a photo of an item and instantly circulate it to people nearby.” No more setting up or sitting out in the hot sun for hours, hoping someone shows up and is interested in what you have to offer. Offer-Up brings people right to your door! AIRBNB Have some extra space to spare? Put that extra bedroom to good use and host tourists or the traveling business crowd and earn some cash! Just renting out one unused room in your home can earn you multiple hundreds of dollars! All right from your phone. YOUTUBE

Still a tried and true source of extra scratch. You know that wicked cute video of your cat falling asleep and rolling off the edge of the bed? That could earn you some cash! Payouts vary, and YouTube can be somewhat vague about how much you can earn, but they don’t call them “YouTube stars” for nothing! Find your niche, grab a selfie stick, and you’re in business. These are just some examples, so get creative! There’s cash to be had, all starting from the palm of your hand!

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. She identifies and reports on exemplary travel destinations and experiences, extraordinary events and newsworthy products and services across all categories. Reach her at TheLuxeList.com, on Twitter @LuxeListEditor, on Facebook at TheLuxeList and on Instagram at LuxeListReviews.

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

F OO D +D R IN K

DINING REVIEW

Chuck’s has upped its game with robust flavors

Bernie WHITMORE The drive to Auburn for dinner at Chuck’s Steak House had me less than tremulous with excitement. Memories of dining there, albeit years ago, had become a bit distant but remained colored by the low expectations with which I learned to approach dining in the decades marked by “exciting salad bar” ‑ an experience marked by lots of filler that dulled one’s sense of taste before drinks and, ultimately, the entrée course. Upon arrival, it was of little comfort to enter Chuck’s through heavy, gray, metal fire doors. Is this the service entrance? Did we somehow miss the front door? Maybe not; there’s a group of huddled smokers gathered round out in the pouring rain. But lo, after passing through that fortress, here’s the cheerful host ready to greet us and lead us to a table. The layout at Chuck’s is bisected into several dining areas, a lounge and the salad bar room. We were led into a small nook off the main entrance. It’s the kind of “cozy” space that makes you hope you’ll get along with the people at adjacent tables because this degree of intimacy assures involvement in cross-conversation. Happily, our neighbors this evening were low-talking coworkers engaged in the day’s office intrigue and email exchanges. Our dining chamber was sheathed with roughhewn planking hung with old photographs and broken up by a wall that was cloaked with a wide black curtain; a shaft of light from a mysterious service area behind it spilled onto the low ceiling that otherwise featured a huge circular vent. Lynn, our server, started out with the standard intro, “Have you been to Chuck’s?” Then she stopped short after recognizing us from another restaurant years ago. We’d always appreciated her friendly efficiency, and I was happy to see her again. 30

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Guaranteed good service: Chalk one up for Chuck’s. And, with a glass of Wormtown Brewery’s Be Hoppier, flavor began to assert itself. What was I thinking - that Chuck’s was still pouring wimpy weak-kneed brews? This was another pleasant surprise. Scanning through the appetizer list, my friend settled upon the Onion Strings. Though I’d been leaning toward Bang Bang Shrimp or “Incredible” Seafood Cakes, I acquiesced. Great choice! Onion slices, separated into rings, were fresh and coated with what tasted like a zesty buttermilk batter fried light golden brown.

CHUCK’S STEAK HOUSE 10 PROSPECT ST., ROUTE 20, AUBURN (508) 832-2553 CHUCKS.COM Excitement asserted itself in the unlikeliest place; our bowl of rings came with a cup of Rémoulade sauce, something I’ve learned to tolerate and mostly ignore at just about any dining venue. Chuck’s chef was spot-on with this sauce, though. It was tasty and creamy and a touch fiery; its flavor was straight from Louisiana. I loved it in combination with the salt of the rings.

‑ flavorful and juicy. The piece I sampled proved that the attractive grill marks it sported were more than decorative – the deep char flavor was very satisfying. The steak came with a large baked potato and was garnished with two string beans, a rather odd flourish. There was a time when Chuck’s Steak House’s range of cuisine might have been regarded as “uninspired.” But this menu contained some surprises, prime among them my entrée selection: Chicken and Waffles. Yes, this is a somewhat cultish item, but I was glad to find it offered, and it was an unanticipated alternative to steak. Chuck’s Chicken and Waffles was an engineering triumph whose base layer was, unsurprisingly, a large Belgian waffle sitting in a pool of sweet maple cream sauce. Piled over it was a tall mound of sweet-potato fries, steaming hot and, I hope, a nutritious supplement to the waffle. Crowning all this, though, were two huge chicken cutlets, pounded thin, thickly coated with panko crumbs and sautéed a deep, puffy brown. The entire mound was drizzled with more of that maple cream sauce. I was immediately enveloped in a haze of maple fragrance that clung to me in a strangely cloying manner. It was a dish I found easiest to attack from the side and whose sweetness was perfectly mitigated by the bitterness of my glass of Be Hoppier. In short, it was everything I hoped for in Chicken and Waffles and so huge that Lynn boxed up more than half of it for me to take home.

Flavor surprise No. 2: my friend’s Caesar Salad. No stodgy, thick dressing from some dreary bottle; this was an authentic-tasting, first-rate Caesar dressing with the complex combination of flavors derived by following the classic recipe.

It’s funny how a good meal can put everything in order. In the years since I last dined there, Chuck’s Steak House has not stood still; it has a chef who’s no stranger to robust flavors and interesting recipes.

His New York Strip Steak was another pleasure

And, yes, it still has its acclaimed salad bar.

HOTANDNOW: What’s hot and what’s happening now in the restaurant scene Paul GIORGIO Remember when it was only Italian? Shrewsbury Street in Worcester used to be filled with Italian eateries; now, you have to search one out. The newest place set to open is Simjang, a Korean restaurant owned by the folks who brought you deadhorse hill. Nearly 18 months after opening their first restaurant, Sean Woods, Jared Forman and Bert LaValley plan on opening Korean restaurant on Shrewsbury Street by the end of the month. According to Woods, “Simjang is the Korean word for heart, and Worcester is the heart of the Commonwealth.” The restaurant will be located in the space that housed Sweet, right next to 7 Nana. Westside rumors. It appears that the Tatnuck Grille, located in Worcester’s Tatnuk Square, may have new owners. Rumors swirling around the city have the owners of Funky Murphy’s on Shrewsbury Street as the soon-tobe new operators. Finders Keepers. It appears that Keepers Pub on Route 12 in West Boylston has been given a new name. McCormack & Mortell’s has debuted in the space that once housed Keeper’s Pub. Puck, yeah. The new Railers Pub, located on Commercial Street, opened at the end of October. The pub is owned and run by Niche Hospitality Group, which will also run the food service at the new hockey rink on Harding Street. More local beer. Get ready for more local brews, as craft beer continues to grow exponentially in Central Massachusetts. Purgatory Beer Co. opened in a small building at the Linwood Mill site on Linwood Avenue in Northbridge in November. For the opening, the brewery had four beers on tap, including a double IPA, two other IPAs and a chocolate milk stout, said co-founder Brian DiStefano. The brewery’s name comes from Sutton’s Purgatory Chasm, a Blackstone Valley staple for hiking and rock climbing. Its beers will include mostly ales, IPAs, stouts and porters. Another area brewery, Altruist Brewing Company, in Sturbridge, will open sometime this month. The brewery, run by husband-and-wife team Bob and Nancy Bixby, is located in a Main Street building. Further afield, Amory’s Tomb Brewing in Maynard is also expected to open soon. Vegans have a nest of their own. Nicole and Victor Broushet recently opened the Vegan Nest Café at 6 Waldo St. in Worcester. Some like it hot. Hot Table, known in the Springfield area for pressed panini sandwiches, recently opened at the Apex Center in Marlborough. It’s the Springfield-based chain’s first move east, but it won’t be the last. “Our intent is to start opening more stores in the western suburbs of Boston,” said John DeVoie, company president. Gondola ride ends. Lucca is set to open in the space which housed the longtime Leominster restaurant The Gondola on Lancaster Street. The wait is over. The Hanover Theatre has finally landed a restaurant. Boston-based restaurateur Chris Rassias has signed a five-year lease. The 1920s-themed eatery will be named Josephine, in homage to Josephine Baker, a ’20s chantruese. Rassias also owns Boston’s Fairmont Grille. Closing act. It appears that Shrewsbury Street’s Chameleon has closed. Owners Kevin Perry and his wife ran into legal difficulties. The former manager of The Usual renamed it Chameleon, which was shut down in November. thepulsemag.com

SP O RTS + FITN E S S

NEW AROUND THE WOO

Rachel SHUSTER Bike sharing has come to Worcester. Ofo is a station-free bicycle-sharing platform that is taking over the world, one pedal stroke at a time. The China-based company dropped off 200 bikes on the Common in September. The company and concept was created with the idea of “sharing” in mind. The goal of the company is to make bikes accessible to everyone and connect people to one another. CEO and founder Dai Wei attended Guanghua School of Management at Peking University in Beijing, China. It was there, in 2014, that ofo was born. This new and innovative concept is a great addition to the city, especially as the winter sets in and snow is upon us. Don’t want to drive in the snow or shovel out your car? Ofo is a great alternative for transportation and makes it super easy for those of us dealing with the cold and snowy winter months!

So how does it work? Ofo is unique in that since it is a dockless platform, users can drop the bikes off anywhere! The bikes have GPS systems built in so that they can be located and relocated if needed. To get started, users download the ofo app. Once downloaded, users can find and unlock one of the iconic yellow bikes. The app gives users the ability to scan a code on the bike, which then creates a code to unlock it. Once it’s unlocked, happy riding! You’re all set to go. Each ride cost $1 an hour, but if you’re a college student, it’s only 50 cents an hour! Ofo’s focus on efficiency, convenience and being green is reflective in its partnership with the UN Development Programme to reach Global Sustainability Goals. Ofo also has partnered up with Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation to provide bikes for schoolgirls in Malawi. To date, ofo has connected more than 8 million bikes in 170 cities across seven countries. And now, one of those cities is our very own Worcester. Ofo has talked of plans to have more than 400 bikes in the city by the end of this year. Want more information on ofo? Visit ofo.com. 32

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FINDINGBALANCE: Disconnecting Jennifer RUSSO Ah – December. People seem a little more cheerful at this time of year, despite the changing weather. Stores are alight, and everything seems to twinkle and sparkle. More people volunteer and make donations to charities, and people start shopping for gifts to make those they cherish smile. For many, it also means some well-deserved time off from work or school. Have you thought about how you will spend your week? Think about what you haven’t had time for and do those things, see those people, run that mile, take that spa day, visit that brewery or take a day trip (or longer) to somewhere you’ve been wanting to go for a while. Whatever you do, do your best to quiet the noise. Not just the actual noise you hear, but the noise of technology, too. Challenge yourself not to look at social media for a day and truly take the time to enjoy yourself. I promise you - the photo you want to share of your lunch or your dog can wait. Why is disconnecting so important? As much as it seems like we miss nothing when we are so connected to everything, we actually do miss more than we realize. Last year, I went to Florida and decided to leave my phone in my car when I went to the beach. I can’t tell you how many times I saw something I wanted to take a picture of and post. However, at one point, I realized I could just enjoy what I was experiencing (and not worry about dropping my phone in the sand or water, either), and it was enlightening. We have forgotten how to use our senses to take in the world because we are distracted. Are we really seeing the sites, tasting that delicious dinner, feeling the air on our skin or hearing the music of the birds chirping? Not when we are replying to texts. Are we really listening to our loved ones talking to us about their day? Not with our faces in our phones. Studies show that the average smartphone owner checks their phone every seven minutes. So every seven minutes, you are distracted from everything else in your life. If there are 1,440 minutes in a day, that means you spend almost four hours checking your phone, never mind how long you are actually on it each time. Disconnect ‑ embrace the real life experiences that will never repeat themselves again in the same way. Actually speak to people. Realize that you don’t always need to know what everyone else is doing all the time. Worry about what you are doing right now and LIVE it. Om shanti, shanti, shanti. Peace. Peace. Peace thepulsemag.com

STYLE+B E A U TY

HOLIDAY LOOKS December is just one huge fashion show, let’s be honest. When it comes to beauty and an adorable wardrobe, this is the time of year to really show what you’ve got. If you’re looking for a little inspiration on how to go above and beyond, we’ve got just the stuff for you!

YOU WOKE UP LIKE THIS December is a time of holiday parties, and a lot of late nights can show up on your skin. Here are some quick fixes to get you ready for the day ahead. Get rid of those pesky dark circles and morning skin imperfections with FACE Atelier’s silicone-based Ultra Camouflage Duet. This camouflage duet erases any blemishes in an instant, keeping your face clear and fresh for the rest of the day. The silicone in the formula guarantees that it will not flake, dry or crack. Smother a tad of this on your skin every morning, and you’ll be absolutely flawless. Here’s a trick that takes away some of the morning rush pressure! Try iYLLO’s face mask for ultra-smooth, clear skin. Each pack gives you 20 treatments and is 100 percent natural, vegan and gluten-free. After your first use, you’ll notice softer skin, a glowing complexion and less red in your facial tone. The more you use it, the healthier your skin will be. Putting this luscious face mask on before bed will help you wake up with beautiful, fresh skin ready to take on any day.

LOOKING FOR A NEW COAT OR DRESS? In need of cute outfits that’ll keep you warm and show off your great sense of style? Impress your friends this holiday season with quality fashion from Marimekko. Nothing says fancy like a beautiful faux-fur coat. Marimekko offers a lavish, 34

December 2017

teddy bear brown faux coats made with quality materials that will keep you warm and stylish. It’s loose-fitting, with a large collar and broad welt front pockets. Snatch one before your next holiday party! How about a blouse that’s simple yet outstandingly cute? Check out the Minea Pikkuinen Unikko blouse from Marimekko. Made of pure silk, this piece is a button-up silk twill blouse in a wine, brick and petrol-colored Pikkuinen Unikko pattern. The shirt has a normal fit, a button closure in the front, long sleeves with wide cuffs and a hem that is slightly longer in the back. It’s comfortable, adorable and will have everyone asking where it’s from.

A LITTLE MAKEUP TO MATCH Stand out with gorgeous colors on your lips. A must-have for the holidays, check out Stila Star-Studded Eight Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick Set. A $72 value of eight delightful, creamy colors of liquid matte lipsticks could be yours for $45! It even includes two previews of shades from the new Shimmer Liquid Lipstick, which will make its debut in the spring. These lipsticks will provide up to six hours of wear while keeping your lips smooth and hydrated. Add some eye shadow to your holiday look. Consider the Stila Eye For Elegance Liquid Eye Shadow Set, offering six enchanting shades to bring out your inner glam. Invest in this set for light, comfortable eyeshadow that’ll dazzle you up. Whether you’re looking for snazzy gifts for loved ones or looking to treat yourself, consider these products to seal the deal on a lavish and stylish holiday season!

STEALTHESTYLE: Soul Soles

Jamie BURKE I think we all have a pair of flats that have been our go-to for years. You know these shoes are comfy and broken in in all the right places. They have seen many a bar, muddy puddles, sick dance moves, wet grass and maybe a wedding or two when your heels gave you hell. They have seen their better days, and you really know you should retire these bad boys to the trash, but you just need them and know you will never find the same ones again. These shoes have a place deep in your soul! They smell like dirty dogs and you could care less, but you fear the consequences if you ever have to take them off someplace. Before you throw them in the bin or donate to your local thrift store, give them one last breath of fresh air. You have nothing to loose with these stinkers. You need only about an hour, a little bit of elbow grease, some inspiration and things you most likely can find around the house.

Supplies Old stank shoes Cleaner Toothbrush Acrylic paint Ribbon or string Scissors Some inspiration Shoe sealant spray Alene’s fabric glue Needle and thread New sole inserts

Steps 1. The most important step in the whole process is getting these shoes clean and back into decent shape. Take those dirty dog shoes and really give them a deep scrub. Your shoes may fall apart a little, but that is OK. You can put them back together. Scrub them with cleaner and a brush or magic eraser and set them to dry. Once they have dried, reattach anything falling apart with fabric glue. Use a blow dryer to set glue. Then, slip in some new soles or glue down the old soles. 2. Next, take a peek in some magazines or look at Pinterest, Instagram or wherever you find fashion inspiration. Find some similar styles of shoes that maybe you wouldn’t picture yourself buying because of the price tag, or maybe they’re a little too ornate for every day. When you find your inspiration, compile what you may think you need to glam the shoes up. 3. Use acrylic paint and small brush to freehand your design. If you are not great with paint, go for bigger shapes and use only one color. Don’t worry if it is not perfect. You were supposed to throw these shoes out a year ago, so anything goes. Let the paint dry or use a blow dryer to help it dry. Once the shoes are dry, attach ribbons or string with small sharp scissors. Stitch in the ribbon if need be. If you get really crazy, glue on some bling. Just go for it. Now spray them with shoe sealant. Give them a good two coats and give them the glory they deserve ‑ take them out dancing. These soles have soul again! thepulsemag.com

STYLESAVY: Winter picks to keep you warm April GODDARD It’s that time of year again: The weather is cooling, Halloween and Thanksgiving have come and gone, and we are all officially in the midst of the holidays. While this can cause some of us to start frantically making home improvements, gift lists and sending out holiday invites to family and friends, the one upside to this chaotic, if not always wonderful, time of year is the parties. While most of us worry about RSVP-ing, what appetizer and/or dessert to bring and whether or not to participate in the annual Black Friday rush, there is an important question at hand: What am I going to wear to all of these Yuletide gatherings? And quite possibly: What is he going to wear? Personally, I cannot think of a better way to see party season through than a wardrobe refresh and revamp. So get ready to edit your closet and add some key season trend pieces into the mix to make your outfits a holiday party hit!

HERS Embrace: The ’70s. That’s right, what’s old is new. Suede, denim, neutral stripes and corduroy are all making a comeback and are easily dressed up or down. Try this: For more casual parties, try a striped turtleneck with denim and accessorize with a statement bag and block heels. For more formal affairs, grab a rich-toned velvet dress. Mix textures by adding a fur coat or vest.

HIS Embrace: The overcoat. This season’s staple can dress up a casual outfit or add the finishing touch to more formal attire. Go for a classic beige button-up or opt for a more trendy overcoat with fur details. Try this: Mix up everyday wear by rocking a neutral, fur-trimmed coat with a sweater vest and denim. If you’re getting all dressed up, a black button-up jacket with neutral corduroy trousers will make you the life of the party.

OURS Embrace: Cold weather accessories. One of my favorite parts of the holidays is having an excuse to 1.) go shopping, and 2.) dress in super snuggly attire. Accessorizing with hats, gloves and scarves can add interest and visual appeal to your attire. Brand spotlight: My go-to shop of the moment is The Gap. Gap has come on strong this season with seasonally appropriate patterns, textures and fabrics in the accessories department. Try this: Pair a traditional cableknit sweater with a cashmere scarf. Finish the look with a playful pom-pom hat that will keep you jingling all the way through cold nights of caroling and party-hopping! Don’t be afraid to mix colors, patterns and textures to make your attire as memorable as the holiday season!

December 2017

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