Weekend - July 23, 2020

For the latest entertainment news, go online to masslive.com/entertainment

Weekend

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LIVEWIRE: Socially distanced, indoor concerts on tap for the UK, E5 OFF THE MENU: Dining with less human contact, E9 BEER NUT: White Lion collaborating on Black is Beautiful brew, E10

The show goes on(line)

PLUS

Art of automotive design on display at Museums, E3

Majestic Theater continues programming on website, Page E2

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WEEKEND

E2 | THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

ON THE COVER

The show goes on(line)

Majestic Theater continues online programming

M

By Keith O’Connor

Special to The Republican

ajestic Theater founder Danny Eaton has been keeping his West Springfield theater open for patrons during the coronavirus pandemic — “virtually” open.

Back in May, Eaton began to offer two free online programs including “Behind the Curtain at the Majestic” and “Majestic Children’s Theater Online,” so that children had something to keep them busy while out of school, while at the same time introducing them to the world of theater at the same time.

His newest offering, which Eaton is halfway through now after introducing it in June, is called “Playwriting Workshop with Danny Eaton.” The six-week program, which costs $120, has been so popular that Eaton listed a second workshop for August, with few seats left now, as well as another slated for September.

“I think a lot of people at some point find themselves fascinated by the idea of being involved in theater somehow.

Typically, what happens is they will stick their toe into the water and find out that it is a hell of a lot of work, then they remain happy just being an audience member,” Eaton said.

“Writing for the stage is so very different than other kinds of writing. That holds true especially if your writing results in having a play

“What we’ve been doing is taking one of our past Children’s Theater productions, which we had taped, and stream it online for a week. We then archive it so folks can go back and watch anytime with their children. Then, on the Sunday after a particular show begins its run online, we have a children’s version of ‘Behind the Curtain’ with our Chiltions such “An Inspector Calls,” dren’s Theater director Stephen Petit and the cast in a live talk“Stones in His Pockets” and back experience,” Eaton said.

“Stick Fly.” All “Behind the Curtain” Another episode features episodes are also archived and actor/singer Sue Dziura who available for viewing anytime has appeared in “Home for at majestictheater.com. the Holidays,” “The War and While there is no cost to view Walt Whipple,” and “Next to the shows, Eaton noted “donaNormal.” tions are always welcome.”

The upcoming Children’s “We’re been staying busy Theater program includes: behind the scenes and antici• July 26 - “The Velveteen pating the eventual reopening Rabbit” of our box office, and we are • Aug. 2 - “Through the optimistic that we will begin Looking Glass … and What our new season sometime in Alice Found There” January 2021,” Eaton said.

• Aug. 9 - “Aesop’s (Oh So “Offering our online proSlightly Updated) Fables” gramming has kept us connected with our base audience and able to keep them informed about our plans going forward during the pandemic,” he added.

For more information, visit majestictheater.com.

The Majestic Theater, at 131 Elm St. in West Springfield, features online programming during the coronavirus pandemic including “Majestic Children’s Theater Online,” “Behind the Curtain at the Majestic,” and “Playwriting Workshop with Danny Eaton.” At left, Danny Eaton is producing director and founder of the theater. (FREDERICK GORE PHOTOS)

produced and put in front of an audience, where the feedback is so immediate, and if it is for a long run then that feedback gets nuanced every single night for a while. I think that is what is unique about the theater and makes us different from film, television and other forms of fiction … connecting with an audience. Yes, writing for the theater is a different kind of writing, but all of us in a sense are storytellers, and I think one of the best ways to tell any story is to tell is dramatically,” he added.

A recent “Behind the Cur-

tain,” which is available on YouTube, featured a familiar director.

“It features my good friend Zoya Kachadurian from New York, who has directed a number of productions for us.

‘Behind the Curtain’ takes an informal approach to connecting those who have seen many of our productions and can now connect live behindthe-scene with the people they have seen on stage. It’s an interesting and terrific approach,” Eaton said.

Kachadurian has been involved with Majestic produc-

“Offering our online programming has kept us connected with our base audience and able to keep them informed about our plans going forward during the pandemic.”

DANNY EATON

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WEEKEND

SPRINGFIELD

Art of automotive design showcased at Museums ‘LUSTER’ runs through Aug. 23 at D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts

‘A

By Cori Urban

Special to The Republican

utomotive design is truly an art form,” said Maggie C. North, curator of art at the Springfield Museums, explaining that a new exhibition at the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts is both a celebration of the technical skill of talented painters as well as an exploration of car design.

“Like the shiny automobiles and motorcycles they portrayed, paintings of these new-age artists can be characterized by the luster that permeates their work,” he has written.

Some paintings are finished with a glossy varnish, others use high contrast colors, and others are painted on aluminum to achieve a certain luster.

“This exhibition is both a celebration of the technical skill of talented painters as well as an exploration of car design,” North said.

Although the works on view depict a range of vehicles from a 1937 Oldsmobile to a 2013 Harley-Davidson, many of the artists featured focus on vehicles produced around the mid-20th century or earlier.

“In the 1940s, car manufacturers in the United States began to integrate features such as running boards and headlights into artfully designed vehicle bodies,” North said. “Coinciding with the expansion of the interstate highway system, car sales grew and innovators added fun and stylish details such as chrome accents and tail fins.

As numerous works in ‘LUSTER’ demonstrate, the innovative designs of mid-century automobile makers continue to fascinate and inspire fine artists today.”

Many of the artists featured in “LUSTER” are car or motorcycle enthusiasts. Colorado artist Marc G. Jones grew up repairing and rebuilding cars in his family’s garage, and Oregon-based painter

Guenevere Schwien began riding motorcycles in college.

“However, all of the artists in the exhibition are drawn to the formal qualities of engines, pipes, polished car bodies, and reflective surfaces,” North said. “A passion for vehicles, coupled with a desire to explore light, form, and color, are factors that drive many contemporary automotive artists.”

Much like the clothes people choose or the way they decorate their homes, cars have the power to help individuals make a statement. “Although some people think of cars simply as means of transportation, the most stylish vehicles draw crowds at car shows or are placed on display in museum exhibits,” she elaborated.

“The artwork featured in ‘LUSTER’ draws on a range of associations with cars. In America, cars and motorcycles are often associated with freedom, mobility, adventure and patriotism.”

The visual history of car and motorcycle design finds special meaning in Springfield, a city that played a key role in the history of automobile and motorcycle production.

In addition to being the site of Charles and J. Frank Duryea’s 1893 test of America’s first successful gasoline powered vehicle, Springfield was home to the Knox Automobile Co., a Stevens-Duryea Co. plant, the Atlas Motor Car Co., an important Rolls-Royce manufacturing plant, and the Indian Motocycle Co. North invites visitors to en-

“Cars and motorcycles are powerful machines that can also be beautiful.

Although not a car collector myself, I can imagine that owning a beautiful automobile is a bit like owning a beautiful painting: both are man-made constructions that reflect the aspirations of their creators and tell us something about the society in which they were made.”

Maggie C. North, curator of art at the Springfield Museums

joy this art exhibition as well as the collection of classic cars and Indian motorcycles on view at the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History.

For more than 100 years, cars and motorcycles have not only traveled America’s streets and highways, but have played an important role in film, top forty musical hits and in fine art, she explained.

“Cars and motorcycles are powerful machines that can

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“LUSTER: Realism and Hyperrealism in Contemporary Automobile and Motorcycle Painting” — a traveling exhibition comprised of more than 50 paintings by 14 of today’s realist and hyperrealist artists who specialize in automobiles and motorcycles as their primary subject — is open through Aug. 23.

The title of the exhibition speaks to the style of painting and the subject matter tat visitors can expect to see. “Using photographs as references, realist and hyperrealist artists create incredibly naturalistic images,” North said.

The exhibition focuses on the work of artists who apply their realist techniques to automotive subjects. “Many are attracted to the technical challenge of depicting the polished or reflective surfaces of cars and motorcycles,” she said.

The exhibition was produced by David J. Wagner, L.L.C.

This painting by Allan Gorman, titled “A Nice Day for a Ride” (2013), focuses on the details of a Harley-Davidson Softail “Fat Boy” with 103 Twin Cam Engine and 6-speed, Cruise Drive Transmission. Gorman’s oil painting is one of many works on display in “LUSTER: Realism and Hyperrealism in Contemporary Automobile and Motorcycle Painting” on display through Aug. 23 at the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts. (SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS)

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WEEKEND

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

MUSIC

Above, the Chicks (from left): Martie Maguire, Emily Strayer and Natalie Maines. At right, the Chicks’ new album, “Gaslighter.” (ROBIN HARPER)

ALBUM REVIEW

country music biz only exposed its own hypocrisy. Weren’t country singers supposed to be underdogs who told the truth? No, they’re supposed to be men who toe the company line, Nashville seemed to say.

By Chris Richards Chicks into pariahs — and, Women’s voices began to evapShe didn’t edit Washington Post orate from the airwaves along later, into heroes.

Remember the song’s setting It’s unseemly to pity our pop with the Chicks’, ushering in back in March 2003, when to make her story stars when we already bathe a new era where the men who President George W. Bush them in so much fame and programmed all the radio playwas beating his war drums for more relatable. lists made sure that men scored money, but let’s remember the invasion of Iraq? Maines She’s a Texasthat these are atypical human made a declaration at a London the biggest hits. Only recently born Californian beings with a precarious task: concert that would change the has the tide started to turn with divorcée with a the sustained success of Maren squaring their uncommon lives shape of her career and the Morris and Kelsea Ballerini, with millions of common ones. shape of country music writ big yacht and a Getting it right is hard. When large: “We’re ashamed that the two outspoken young women big heart, and a big name leans into the examong many who point directpresident of the United States whenever she sings, travagance of their own celebis from Texas.” Those 12 words ly to the Chicks as lodestars. rity, it can sound alienating and Maines and her bandmates, have hung over the Chicks ever she sounds like tacky, like so many Weeknd Martie Maguire and Emily since, usually with the righa superstar who teous pacifism that preceded songs. But when an even bigger Strayer, say they have no knows how to tell them conveniently nipped off: illusions about returning to star pretends to be a normal “We do not want this war, this American, it can feel fraudcountry radio in 2020. So the truth. ulent and corny, like Taylor violence.” then who is “Gaslighter” for, a song about the discovery of a Swift or Bruce Springsteen in But by expelling the Chicks exactly? Musically, it seems their thinnest moments. (Also, real-life infidelity and its gnarly from the Nashville biodome aimed at the widest possible aftermath, and while the salawhat’s a normal American?) for speaking truth to power, the audience, with cordial, gusting, cious lyrical details might slack For even the most sincere and intrepid voices in popland, the your jaw, it’s Maines’ ability Goldilocks zone remains terra to align her multitudes that’ll knock you in the guts. She incognita.

OPEN Natalie Maines may have re- didn’t edit the song’s setting to WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY cently found hers at sea. “You make her story more relatable. can tell the girl who left her She’s a Texas-born Californian 5:00 – 9:30 PM tights on my boat that she can divorcée with a big yacht and WITH LIMITED MENU have you now,” Maines snaps a big heart, and whenever she 429 Morgan Road, W. Springfield on “Gaslighter,” a new album sings, she sounds like a superPLEASE READ GUIDELINES: at the star who knows how to tell the from the Chicks, the resurIrish Cultural Center IrishCenterwne.org gent country trio that recently truth. dropped the “Dixie” from its Seventeen years ago, her RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED: 413-342-4358 name. “Tights on My Boat” is honesty transformed the

New name, new sound, same truth Country-pop trio – formerly known as the Dixie Chicks – reunite

patio and pub now open Irish House Restaurant & Trinity Pub

high-polish production from Jack Antonoff, the guy Swift, Lorde and Lana Del Rey have all hired to sit at the controls.

But thematically, “Gaslighter” seems largely closed off from the outside world, with Maines revisiting her recent divorce for lyrical kindling. It’s a brightdark-country-pop album about how lies can burn.

You can feel the album’s polarities at the beginning and the end. The curtain-raising title track takes flight with

SEE ALBUM, PAGE E9

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THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020 | E5

MUSIC

Socially distanced, indoor concerts on tap for the UK

F

Look Park, featuring Chris Collingwood of Fountains of Wayne, will open the show.

Noone served as the face and the voice of the Hermits, a group that charted often in the ’60s with iconic hits such as “I’m Into Something Good,� “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter,� and “I’m Henry the Eighth, I Am.�

OR THOSE ABOUT to rock, we salute you: The U.K. has announced that indoor concerts will begin again in August.

A joint statement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson and culture secretary Oliver Downing outlined a plan that will have fans at concerts once again.

Donnie Moorhouse LiveWire

The live event industry has been decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Concert halls, convention centers, and theaters have been dark since March and while the U.S. attempts to slowly ease back into professional sports — without fans to start — little has been said about the concert industry, which has seen every major North American tour scuttled for 2020.

As part of Phase 4 of England’s COVID-19 reopening plans, “theaters, music halls and other venues� can allow indoor audiences.

Following a successful pilot program at the London Symphony, the country is now ready to implement protocols that will allow the show to go on.

Among the requirements to reopen, the government is asking for reduced capacity and limited ticket sales, deep cleaning of venues, online ticketing, and strict social distancing guidelines.

Perhaps the U.K announcement is a harbinger of hope that these events, on a smaller scale, can survive. There

Blake Shelton will headline a drive-in concert featuring performances from Gwen Stefani and Trace Adkins Saturday at drive-in movie screens around the country, including Mendon Twin Drive-In in Mendon and the Southington Drive-In in Southington, Connecticut. (CARMEN MANDATO / GETTY IMAGES)

will be a large contingent of club owners, promoters, and performers on this side of the pond awaiting the outcome.

Liner notes • Blake Shelton is coming to a (giant) movie screen near you.

The country star will headline a drive-in concert featuring performances from Gwen Stefani and Trace Adkins.

The event takes place Saturday at drive-in movie screens around the country.

Tickets are $114 per car load (up to six people) and are available through Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com and by phone at 800-745-3000.

The closest screens showing the concert are the Mendon Twin Drive-In in Mendon and the Southington Drive-In in Southington, Connecticut.

Concerts at drive-in theaters are a new phenomenon in the age of COVID-19. Garth Brooks hosted a performance on 300 screens across the

country and Brad Paisley held a similar event called “Live From the Drive-In.â€? • Metal band Black Label Society has postponed its upcoming Hartford appearance.

The band was scheduled to play the Webster Theatre on Aug. 28.

Ticket refund information is available through the promoter’s website at massconcerts. com.

Black Label Society is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, formed in 1998 by Zakk Wylde.

Along with his own band, Wylde made a name for himself as the lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne. • Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone has a new date at the Calvin Theatre.

Originally scheduled for Sept. 11, the show will now take place on Oct. 15, 2021.

Tickets purchased for the original date will be honored.

• Train has announced a new date for its postponed Foxwoods show.

The pop band will now headline the Grand Theater on Aug. 20, 2021.

Tickets purchased for the original date will be honored.

The move leaves only an Aug. 28 date with Weezer on the summer live music calendar at the Connecticut casino.

That band, however, was planning the Foxwoods show as a one-off performance while in the region to play Fenway Park as part of the Hella Mega tour with Green Day. That tour has already been moved to 2021.

original date will be honored.

Cole Swindell and HARDY were scheduled as openers but their participation for next year has yet to be confirmed.

Rhett has landed 14 No. 1 country singles of his own while also writing for other country acts like Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line. His latest release is called “Center Point Road.�

• The Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals, already canceled for the year due to COVID-19, will be up and running virtually at the end of the month.

Organizers have planned a virtual celebration of the renowned event with broadcasts of festival artists that will run from July 31 through Aug. 2. “Folk on Revivalâ€? weekend will air archival performances from Newport along with special events such as a rebroadcast of “Mavis 80,â€? the celebration of the 80th birthday of Mavis Staples which was filmed in May of last year which features Bran• Thomas Rhett will come di Carlile, Jason Isbell, and Ben Harper. to Hartford in 2021.

On Aug. 2, “Our Voices The country star announced his “Center Point Road� tour, Together� will screen on YouTube. The film exhibits scuttled for this year due to previously unseen footage at the coronavirus, will now hit Newport including perforthe road next year and arrive at the Xfinity Theatre on Aug. mances by Roger Waters with Lucius, Tom Morello, 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Jim James.

Tickets purchased for the

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E6 | THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

MOVIES DVD RELEASES

‘Marriage Story’ shows darkness, hope in divorce

By Katie Foran-McHale

rapports with their son and Charlie’s place in Nicole’s An amicable divorce turns family, through both light and ugly in the top new DVD reseething dialogue. The film was lease for this week. nominated for six Academy “Marriage Story”: We open Awards, with Dern winning for with renowned actress Nicole best supporting actress.

Barber (Scarlett Johansson) It’s a touching portrait of and renowned director Charlie a family whose foundation Barber (Adam Driver) sharing cracks, violently breaks and touching monologues about eventually begins to healthily why they love each other scar. Come for the emotional through the intimate moments journey, stay for the infectiously delightful performances of their decadelong relationship. The catch? They’re in

by Julie Hagerty as Nicole’s mediation, preparing to end impossibly charming mom, their marriage, which quickly and the incomparable Dern (if goes awry. you haven’t already, please do The pair have dedicated their yourself a favor and watch the lives to Charlie’s New York the- Gay Men’s Choir fantastic tribater company, which Nicole has ute performance to the icon at begun to resent, and she heads this year’s Independent Spirit to Los Angeles to shoot a TV Awards on YouTube). pilot. There, Nicole’s co-workAlso new on DVD ers recommend a divorce “Capone”: The infamous lawyer, which quickly throws the couple and their 8-year-old mob figure (Tom Hardy) faces the end of his life, suffering son, Henry (Azhy Robertson), from dementia and reliving into an ugly custody battle. painful memories.

Divorce is an act of hope, says “Castle Rock: The Comfierce-but-warm attorney plete Second Season”: The Nora Fanshaw (Laura Dern).

Steven King multiverse-set Charlie’s initial attorney, Bert series combines the author’s Spitz (Alan Alda), might agree to some extent, but his ruthless popular works in a fictional eventual pick, Jay Marotta (Ray Maine town.

“Curb Your Enthusiasm: Liotta), is out for blood.

Writer-director Noah Season 10”: The HBO cringe Baumbach builds rich, comcomedy series starring Larry plicated relationships between David returns after a three-year the couple, their respective break.

“You Don’t Nomi”: Documentary follows the history and production of the cult classic movie “Showgirls.”

Tribune News Service

Out on Digital HD “Attraction 2: Invasion”: After a woman (Irina Starshenbaum) encounters extraterrestrial technology, she inherits deadly skills. In Russian and English.

“The Grand Unified Theory of Howard Bloom”: Documentary follows ex-publicist to the stars Bloom, now an eccentric writer about evolutionary Scarlett Johansson (far left) and Adam Driver (far right) deliver psychology. powerhouse performances in Noah Baumach’s “Marriage “Guest Artist”: A man Story.” (NETFLIX) (Thomas Macias) faces existential questions after meeting his Seyfried, Ken Jeong, Tracy Mor- hero, who has become a jaded “DeadTectives”: Reality gan and Mark Wahlberg. playwright (Jeff Daniels) TV ghost hunters encounter “Survive the Night”: A “The High Note”: A superthe real deal while shooting in star singer (Tracee Ellis Ross) Mexico. Stars Chris Geere, Tina doctor (Bruce Willis) and his Ivlev, David Newman and Jose family are attacked by a pair of and her overwhelmed assistant (Dakota Johnson) face a demented criminals holding Maria de Tavira. decision that could change their “Resistance”: During World them hostage. lives forever. Look for it on DVD “The Room”: After moving War II, aspiring actor Marcel into a new house, a couple (Olga and Blu-ray Aug. 11.

Mangel (Jesse Eisenberg), “Days of the Whale”: A pair Kurylenko and Kevin Janssens) later legendary mime Marcel encounter a magical room that of young graffiti artists paint Marceau, becomes a figure in over a gang threat and face the French Resistance to rescue grants unlimited wishes – with dangerous consequences. Stars a catch. orphaned children.

Valeria Castano Fajardo, Carlos “The Whistlers”: A literal “SCOOB!”: In this computer-animated Scooby-Doo tale, mafia whistleblower (Vlad Iva- Fonnegra and Julian Giraldo. In the mystery-solving gang must nov) uses a coded whistling lan- Spanish. Out tomorrow. guage to help break a mobster “Helmut Newton: The Bad thwart evil plans to sic a ghost and the Beautiful”: Docudog onto the world. Features the out of prison in this Romanian voice talents of Will Forte, Gina comedy. In Romanian, English mentary follows legendary late photographer. Out tomorrow.

Rodriguez, Zac Efron, Amanda and Spanish.

What to stream?

By Michael O’Sullivan

Washington Post

Jenny Slate in “The Sunlit Night.”

(EIRIK EVJEN / QUIVER DISTRIBUTION)

Darkly funny, gorgeous, a little bit silly and sweet, “The Sunlit Night” is based on a 2015 book by Rebecca Dinerstein (now Rebecca Dinerstein Knight). The story follows a New York painter, here played by Jenny Slate, who moves to a picturesque island off the far northern coast of Norway to help a famous artist complete a work

in progress: painting the entire interior and exterior of a dilapidated barn in various shades of orange and yellow. Though set in the middle of nowhere, in a trailer the film’s heroine shares with a baby goat, the story (adapted by Dinerstein Knight herself and directed by German filmmaker David Wnendt) has a smart, urbane sensibility; it’s halfway between Noah Baumbach and Woody Allen. Mostly, it revolves around Slate’s Frances as she gets her groove back following some emotional setbacks that open the film: a romantic breakup, the loss of a prestigious art residency and the separation of her artist parents

(David Paymer and Jessica Hecht).

As the protagonist paints – for herself and for her employer – she develops confidence, along with a closeness with a morose young man named Yasha (Alex Sharpe of “How to Talk to Girls at Parties”).

Yasha, it seems, has contracted the local living history museum (run by a Viking interpreter played

by Zach Galifianakis) to give his father a Viking funeral. That is the silly part. The gorgeous part is the scenery, and the sweetness comes – in a small but satisfying portion – when Frances finally learns how to shine, in a place that never gets dark. Unrated. Available on various SEE STREAM, PAGE E7

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Stream CONTINUED FROM PAGE E6

streaming platforms. Contains some coarse language, nudity and sensuality. 82 minutes.

Also streaming The documentary “Blessed Child” is a look at the Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Church by a former insider: filmmaker Cara Jones, who grew up in the church and was married in it - in a mass ritual set in an Olympic stadium, alongside thousands of other brides and grooms. According to IndieWire, “Blessed Child” doesn’t really dig into the story of how Jones left the Unification Church, as the film “opts against a straightforward personal history in favor of a more kaleidoscopic approach that allows Jones to present her life as a work in progress.”

Unrated. Available on iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. 77 minutes.

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020 | E7

of reporting in a fast-moving, confusing and dangerous atmosphere.” Unrated. Available on various streaming platforms.

96 minutes.

Based on a novel by Australian writer Tim Winton, “Dirt Music” tells the story of Georgie and Lu (Kelly Macdonald and Garrett Hedlund, respectively), two misfits who engage in a steamy affair in a backwater fishing port in Western Australia. Unrated.

Available on various streaming platforms. 104 minutes.

Jacki Weaver and James Cromwell star in “Never Too Late,” about a group of former Vietnam POWs who plot an escape from their retirement home. Variety calls the Australian comedy “genial” yet “cliche-encumbered.” Unrated.

Available at theavalon.org. 98 minutes.

Two small-town friends set off on a road trip looking for buried treasure in “Easy Does Narrated by Sam Waterston, It,” a “scrappy NOLA potboilthe documentary “Dateer with plenty of low-budget line-Saigon” is a portrait of five charm,” according to the journalists - David HalbersSpool. Linda Hamilton has a tam, Neil Sheehan, Malcolm cameo as a menacing crime Browne, Peter Arnett and boss. Unrated. Available on photographer Horst Faas - who various streaming platforms. 95 fought to report on the early minutes. days of the Vietnam War differently than the rosy version Inspired by a 1872 Gothic put forth by the White House. vampire novella by Joseph “Despite stodgy trappings,” Sheridan Le Fanu, the movie according to the New York “Carmilla” is the story of a Times, “‘Dateline-Saigon’ cap- 15-year-old girl (Hannah Rae) tures a swirl of personalities whose life on a secluded country estate is upended when a and conveys the excitement

Kelly Macdonald, left, and Garrett Hedlund in “Dirt Music.”

(SAMUEL GOLDWYN FILMS)

WEEKEND

Ken Burns Prize for Film “Flannery” is a documentary portrait of Southern Gothic writer Flannery O’Connor (“A Good Man Is Hard to Find”).

Unrated. Available at theavalon.org. 108 minutes.

“Gli Infdeli,” which translates as “The Unfaithful Ones,” is an Italian sex comedy about the philandering of five men. TV-MA. Available on Netflix. In Italian with subtitles.

88 minutes.

The latest film from Atom Egoyan (“The Sweet Hereafter”), “Guest of Honour” tells the story of Jim and Veronica (David Thewlis and Laysla De dangerously unstable in the Oliveira), a restaurant inspecthriller “Fatal Affair.” TV-14.

Available on Netflix. 89 minutes. tor and his daughter who has been unjustly imprisoned. The story marks a return to EgoyMade over the course of an’s obsessions: “repressed 10 years, the documentary trauma, the consuming effects “Father Soldier Son” tells the of guilt, ambiguities of evistory of Sgt. 1st Class Brian Eisch, a single father wounded dence,” according to the New York Times, although “several in Afghanistan, and his two story shortcuts - not least an sons. The Guardian calls the implausibly profuse monofilm “sensitively made, yet at logue by Jim - ensure that the times meandering.” R. Available on Netflix. Contains strong characters’ anguish feels more constructed than organic.” Unlanguage. 100 minutes. rated. At cinemaartstheatre. com. 105 minutes.

“Kaye Ballard: The Show Goes On” is a documentary In the French romantic comportrait of the late singer, actress and comedian, boasting edy “MILF,” Virginie Ledoyen, Marie-Josée Croze and Axelle a “treasure trove of primarily vintage-TV appearance Laffont (who also directed) footage” that makes the film play three best friends in their what Variety calls a “worthy 40s who engage in steamy affairs with younger men while tribute.” Unrated. Available at on vacation in the south of jxjdc.org. 90 minutes.

France. TV-MA. Available on Netflix. In French with subtitles.

Winner of the first-ever 116 minutes.

Library of Congress Lavine/

Brian Eisch, center, with his sons in “Father Soldier Son.” (MARCUS YAM/THE NEW YORK TIMES/NETFLIX)

late-night carriage crash brings a young girl (Devrim Lingnau) into her home to recuperate.

According to ScreenDaily, the film’s “blend of superstitious brooding, Sapphic romance and sexual awakening should attract modest interest - otherworldly love stories, subversive accounts of forbidden longing and timely tales of female subjugation are rarely out of fashion - but this restrained affair could ultimately use a bit more blood in its veins.”

Unrated. Available at afisilver. afi.com. 94 minutes.

An Israeli artist returns to his homeland in search of an old flame, a dancer who is now paralyzed, in “Amor.” Unrated.

Available at jxjdc.org. In Hebrew with subtitles. 92 minutes.

In “The Carer,” Brian Cox plays a Shakespearean actor whose Parkinson’s disease entails the hiring of a caregiver (Coco König), an aspiring young Hungarian actress who hopes that the job may propel her career. Heads butt at first, then gradually give way to tenderness. “Of course the film mainly rests on Cox’s shoulders,” writes the Hollywood Reporter, “and he has one of his best roles as the maddeningly self-absorbed but shrewdly observant actor.”

Unrated. Available on various streaming platforms. 89 minutes.

After a fling with an old friend (Omar Epps), a married woman (Nia Long) tries to put her indiscretion behind her, only to find that man is

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VIDEO GAME REVIEW

‘Ghost of Tsushima’: A striking samurai fantasy

By Christopher Byrd

Special to The Washington Post

Though “Ghost of Tsushima’s” charismatic characters and intricate combat are a significant draw, what first kindled my admiration for the new open-world RPG set in 13th century Japan is its respect for poetry. Early in the game, Jin Sakai, the samurai hero of the story, encounters an old man sitting on a rock who advises him to take up the art of haiku.

The anonymous poet makes a practical case for its utility, telling Jin that haiku can help a warrior clear his mind of internal strife and find equanimity.

Curious to take him up on this advice, I led Jin to a nearby overlook – with a view of the A scene from “Ghost of Tsushima.” (SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMEN) forest in the distance – where or hot springs where Jin can he sat down. Using the right on rather than taking “the pray or bathe to increase his thumbstick of the controller coward’s way” and sneaking stats. Details like these help to pan the camera back and up on them from behind. She connect the player to the world also seeds an idea among the forth, I was able to focus Jin’s in a way that feels more or less peasants that Jin is a “ghost” attention on specific parts organic, and I expect other de- or an “avenging spirit” whose of the landscape by pressing velopers will crib some of these destiny will lead the haggard the X button, and compose innovative features. a haiku: “Whispers through population to victory.

Though it is often said of the trees/Protected from the I enjoyed watching Jin grapthe best open-world games harsh sun/A sturdy defense.” ple with the need to loosen his that the environment is like a In all my years of gaming, this own moral framework. The character itself, the cliche is was the first time I helped story skillfully cuts back to born out in “Ghost of Tsushithe protagonist in an action scenes from his youth where ma.” Set during the time of the his uncle instilled in him the game reflect on the theme of Mongul invasion of Japan, this value of the samurai code. All serenity. of the main characters I’ve enThough it is often said of the best opencountered so far have interesting backstories that show how world games that the environment is like the circumstances of their lives a character itself, the cliche is born out in shaped their perceptions of the “Ghost of Tsushima.” world. This is an easy heroic fantasy to fall into if one has a “Ghost of Tsushima” is a visually-stunning samurai epic weakness for samurai tales. game that abounds with such tells the story of Jin’s quest to As Jin makes his way across nifty elements. Rather than de- repel the invaders who, at the the island, he meets all manner pend on an unsightly compass, start of his journey, wipe out of foes, from dual-wielding or a mini-map, on the screen most of his fellow samurai and swordsman to wrathful spirits. for navigation (as is typical capture his uncle, Lord ShiThere is a fairly deep combat for most large-scale open mira, the leader of the region. system to learn, but this is balworld games), you can swipe For much of the first act of the anced by generous quality of your finger across the touch campaign Jin focuses on raislife features. For example, you pad to rustle up a breeze – the ing an army to help him free can adjust the difficulty at any Guiding Wind – to point you in his uncle. Along the way he en- time, even midway through a the right direction. In fact, you counters Yuna, a no-nonsense boss fight. can discover points of interest thief. Over time, she comes By defeating a set number in the world without consulting to exert great influence on his of Mongol leaders, Jin can a map at all. From time to time life. She counsels him that to increase his repertoire of a golden-colored bird or a fox defeat the Mongols he will sword poses. Each of the four will cross your path. Following have to put aside some of his stances – Sun, Wind, Water them will lead you to convesamurai ideals, such as always and Moon – are useful in nient locations such as shrines confronting enemies headparticular situations. Water

‘GHOST OF TSUSHIMA’ Developed by: Sucker Punch Published by: Sony Interactive Entertainment Available on: PlayStation 4

builds up “resolve,” which is represented by small yellow circles in the lower corner of the screen. He can tap into his resolve to heal himself or perform special moves which can be acquired by tackling the game’s supernatural or Mythic tales. He can add to his stock of resolve by visiting stations where he can practice his swordsmanship by trying to strike through a row of bamboo stance, for instance, is effective branches with a single slash.

Doing so requires one to input against shield-bearing foes a chain of button presses in a while Wind stance is good for handling pikesmen. Switching short amount of time, the catch being that once one begins the between stances requires one sequence the visual prompts to hold down the right trigger vanish from the screen. I found and press one of the face butthat the easiest way to do this tons on the controller. Doing was to close my eyes and use so slows down time so there my memory rather than look is rarely cause to panic even when juggling between differ- at the screen; I like it when a game flirts with meditation. ent types of foes. (It’s worth “Ghost of Tsushima” is a vast mentioning that on a number of occasions I found it relative- game. I have poured at least a ly easy to exploit the enemy AI, couple dozen hours into it but outside of boss fights. Crawling have much left to see. I suspect beneath an elevated house, for it will keep me enjoyably busy until the leaves fall from their example, is a good way to lose trees and the next console cycle pursuers.) begins.

By defeating enemies, Jin

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Album CONTINUED FROM PAGE E4

Queen-ish blasts of a cappella harmony, then follows acoustic guitars and banjos as they run from a tidal wave of artificial bass. “Acting all above it when our friends divorced,” Maines seethes directly to her ex. “What a lie.” But by the time the trio reaches its finale ballad, “Set Me Free,” Maines is seeking resolution.

“The weight of this hate was exhausting,” she confesses. A minimal string arrangement quietly generates max-melodrama.

Strange, then, how the most casual moment on “Gaslighter” feels like the most important. It happens during “Texas Man,” a rebound ditty about how Maines wants a

Art CONTINUED FROM PAGE E3

new guy — a Texan “who can feel at home, yeah, here in the California sand.” Again, she’s a heartbroken multimillionaire, mentioning her beachfront property without drawing too much attention to it. And while her vocal melodies follow friendly pop contours, the guitars sound detuned and percussive, rickety and bedraggled. “I’m a little bit unraveled,” Maines sings, underscoring that terrific sound-as-metaphor, “but I’m ready.”

This isn’t grand, sweeping, comeback-album stuff. It’s fresh, and inventive, and optimistic, and it might speak to the Chicks’ current creative position better than any other cut on the record. It’s a song about what’s been overcome, but it’s also a song about what might be coming next.

IF YOU GO Exhibit: “LUSTER: Realism and Hyperrealism in Contemporary Automobile and Motorcycle Painting” Where: D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts at the Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards Street, Springfield When: Through Aug. 23 Hours: Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Admission: Advance ticket purchase encouraged. $25 adults; $16.50 seniors (60+); $16.50 college students; $13 youth 3–17; free for children under 3 and Springfield residents (with valid ID) More information: spring fieldmuseums.org

DINE & WINE

Dining with less human contact

L

ONG STYLING ITself as a “high touch” business, the restaurant industry, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, is rapidly evolving in a direction where human contact is sometimes seen as a liability.

Restaurants are finding themselves adopting new procedures, closing down buffets and self-service stations, and rethinking the way they do business. QR codes on tabletops are replacing traditional menus, and smartphone-based, contact-free transactions are being used to pay the bill.

On the food production side, suppliers of restaurant equipment are hustling to modify existing equipment and introduce new technologies.

One example is the “Freestyle” self-service beverage dispensing equipment that the Coca-Cola Company developed for use in quick-service eateries. Now problematic because it requires customers to touch multiple buttons in order to get their drinks, Freestyle is being reprogramed to display a QR code that a guest can scan with a smartphone.

Through the magic of cloud technology, that code “pushes” the Freestyle machine’s user interface onto a customer’s phone, allowing him or her to specify a beverage combination without having to touch the Freestyle console itself.

Users can even download a Freestyle app and use it to control the dispenser remotely, saving their favorite beverage combination for future visits.

Kitchen robotics is another area where technology is working to make food preparation contact-free.

White Castle System Inc. is testing Flippy, a fast food robot, in one of White Castle’s burger emporiums.

Developed by Pasadena, California-based Miso Robotics, Flippy has been around for several years, working “gigs” at a major sports venue

Off The Menu

quality, yield, and overall productivity.

Miso Robotics has suggested that, if the test is successful, the firm may eventually give Flippy to interested restaurants, charging a monthly service fee as a way of generating revenue.

A short video of Flippy “workin’ the fry station” at White Castle can be viewed at youtu.be/5vjf13h2f6o.

and in a small California fast food chain. White Castle’s test of a newly upgraded version of the robot is, however, a first for a major restaurant brand.

White Castle hopes that Flippy can help the company meet social distancing requirements in its kitchens as well as improve product

Side dishes • Only a couple of weeks after reopening from this spring’s pandemic shutdown, Nadim Kashouh of Nadim’s Mediterranean Restaurant on Main Street in Springfield celebrated his restaurant’s 20th anniversary during the SEE MENU, PAGE E11

Hugh Robert

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“The depictions are outstanding examples of photorealism and hyperrealism and stunning in their detail.”

She also suggested visitors explore the Contemporary Gallery where they will find additional examples of photorealism, including a large painting by American artist Don Eddy of a Volkswagen, one of his favorite subjects to paint in the 1970s.

For more information, go to springfieldmuseums.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020 | E9

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also be beautiful. Although not a car collector myself, I can imagine that owning a beautiful automobile is a bit like owning a beautiful painting: both are man-made constructions that reflect the aspirations of their creators and tell us something about the society in which they were made,” she said.

Visitors who see this exhibition will also notice a selection of automobile-related songs playing in the gallery.

These songs, and the works on view, speak to the extent to which cars have become integrated into everyday life and American art.

Paintings in the exhibition range from 15 inches high by 24 inches wide to 48 inches high by 96 inches wide.

It features oil, acrylic and watercolors used on surfaces like canvas, aluminum and wood panels.

“We are delighted to celebrate the reopening of the museums through this special exhibition of exceptional paintings of cars and motorcycles,” said Heather Haskell, director of the art museums and vice president of the Springfield Museums.

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E10 | THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

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DINE & WINE

White Lion collaborating on Black is Beautiful brew

‘B

LACK IS BEAUTIful” is a wellknown phrase identified with a cultural shift in the 1960s that encouraged people of color to embrace their own traditions, lifestyle, and heritage rather than adopting those of the mainstream.

But now the phrase is expanding a bit further as the name of a widespread collaborative beer being brewed by more than 1,000 brewers White Lion Brewing Co. President Ray Berry serves a beer to globally. Two of these brewDave Monko, of Holyoke, at the White Lion Summer Beer Gareries are White Lion Brewing den at Tower Square Park in downtown Springfield, June 14, Co. of Springfield and Trillium 2019. White Lion Brewing Co. of Springfield and Trillium Brewing Brewing Co. of Boston, which Co. of Boston are combining their talents to make the newest are combining their talents to iteration of the Black is Beautiful beer. make the newest iteration of (DANNY NASON PHOTO) the beer.

George Lenker Beer Nut

The project was started earlier this year by Marcus Baskerville, founder and head brewer of Weathered Souls Brewing Co. in San Antonio, Texas, in the wake of unarmed citizen George Floyd’s death.

The initiative “seeks to raise

awareness of the social injustices facing people of color and to demonstrate that the craft brewing community and its patrons support the need for greater diversity and inclusivity,” a press release about the project said.

The brewers of Black is Beautiful each employ the same recipe (an imperial stout) under the common brand to establish a global, unified voice. Each participating brewery pledges to donate proceeds from the sales of the beer to a local nonprofit organization that supports equality and inclusion, police reform, and/ or legal defense funds for those who have been wronged.

SEE BEER, PAGE E12

“For White Lion, and as one of the few Black-owned breweries in the Commonwealth and in the country, this represents a way for us to engage our combined communities in taking a stand against the systemic and institutional practices that lead to discrimination in criminal justice, employment, housing, health care, political power, and education.”

White Lion Brewing’s founder, Raymond L. Berry, Jr.,

Red wine doesn’t taste quite right? Try refrigerating it

M

ANY OF US HAVE had this happen when we open a bottle of wine.

The wine doesn’t taste quite right.

In this particular case, this young California pinot noir tasted like overripe plums.

I often find this is the case with some young California red wines.

So what should you do once you open the bottle, since you can’t unopen a bottle of wine?

Often, if wine doesn’t taste quite right, I wait a day to finish the bottle and that does the trick.

Other times, I might decant the wine (pour the wine into another bottle) and that works as well.

(And if you’re looking for more tips, I wrote about a similar topic four years ago in a

hours in most cases. That’s because the longer wine is exposed to oxygen, the more the wine’s flavors start to break down and disappear.

(Let me also add that I know there’s a technical term for all of this — oxidation — but I prefer to use terms all of us can understand like “doohickey” or “gizmo” like my wife Ken Ross and one of our favorite chefs, Wine Press Julia Child. Don’t believe me?

Watch the “Apple Charlotte” wine column titled, “5 things episode of “The French Chef to do if you don’t like a wine.” With Julia Child,” in which Find it on MassLive.com.)

Julia uses the technical term Let me add that when I say “the sink thing” (otherwise the wine is open, I mean the known as “the sink knob” by cork has been taken out and Child) to describe the sink put back in the wine. If I were drain cap after what is hands to actually leave the bottle of down the funniest apple wine completely open with no coring scene ever shown on cork inside and set it aside for television. Trust me. Watch it. a day or two, the wine would She’s hilarious.) lose most of its flavor in a few But in this particular case,

so hot outside. I was afraid if I left the opened bottle of wine on the counter for too long the wine would go bad.

So by putting the opened bottle of wine in the fridge, the wine would last longer since the cold temperature in the fridge would slow down the oxidation process.

I learned this trick from my dad. By putting an open bottle of red wine in the fridge, the wine often lasts a week or so instead of a day or two. Again, This red wine tasted better this is especially true when it’s after being refrigerated for a warm and muggy outside like few days. (KEN ROSS PHOTO) it’s been the past few weeks.

In this specific case, this particular wine not only I decided to try something tasted great 11 days after I first different. opened the bottle. It tasted I put the opened bottle of red wine into the refrigerator better.

The wine was the 2018 Boen and left it there for a few days.

Pinot Noir ($20 Suggested Why did I do this?

SEE WINE, PAGE E12 Partly, it was because it was

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THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020 | E11

DINE & WINE

Menu

shredded duck confit.

A selection of pasta entrees, salads, and appetizers is availCONTINUED FROM PAGE E9 able as well. week of July 13 through 19.

In collaboration with MiNadim’s is currently open chelangelo Wescott of Gypsy for lunch and dinner, serving Apple Bistro in Shelburne on its outdoor patio and in Falls, HighBrow owner and its socially-distanced dining chef Michael Brow will be presenting a Collaboration Wine room.

Nadim’s Mediterranean Dinner on Aug. 18.

Restaurant answers at 413The event, which is planned 737-7373; the establishment’s to start at 6 p.m., will incormenu can be seen at nadims. porate five courses with wines com. selected by Provisions of Northampton. Cod quenelles • Two Yum! Brands restau- will lead off the epicurean rant chains have released new agenda, with ham-wrapped products this month. rabbit loin, beef tenderloin Having built a reputation on tartare, and a “surf & turf ” a fried chicken that features combination to follow.

11 herbs and spices, KFC has For more details on the wine now introduced its “Secret dinner, contact HighBrow at Recipe” Fries, a new side 413-586-1468. enhanced with a proprietary Restaurant reservations seasoning blend. can be made at the establishA permanent addition to ment’s website, highbrowNadim Kashouh, above, of Nadim’s Mediterranean Restaurant on Main Street in Springfield the chain’s menu, the “Secret restaurant.com. celebrated his restaurant’s 20th anniversary during the week of July 13 through 19. Nadim’s is Recipe” Fries are available in currently open for lunch and dinner, serving on its outdoor patio and in its socially distanced two sizes at participating KFC • In conjunction with its dining room. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN) locations. resumption of limited indoor This summer Taco Bell has dining and new extended released a limited-time-only • Thanks to the collaboraannounced that, as of July 15, hours, Posto by the Federal in and Meetinghouse in Holytion of the Amherst Chamber Grilled Cheese Burrito. Made Longmeadow has introduced oke is holding a six-course Sun- customers will be require to set Jazz Dinner on Saturday. with a warm flour tortilla wear face masks in all compa- of Commerce, the Amherst a restructured menu. ny-owned coffee shops.

This outdoor evening starts Business Improvement filled with seasoned beef, The restaurant is offering In a statement announcing at 6 p.m. and will be help on District, and town officials, chipotle pepper sauce, sour both indoor and outdoor the policy, Starbucks said, “Our the center of that Hampshire the Log Cabin’s Upper Vista cream, a three-cheese blend, dining by reservation only, dining terrace. In addition to a partners have the right and re- County college community has and spicy tortilla chips, the with service available Sunday sponsibility to refuse service to turned on-street parking into burrito carries a suggested through Tuesday from 3 p.m. to special menu, the experience will feature four cocktail selec- customers who are not wearing on-street dining. retail price of around $3 at 9 p.m., from noon until 9 p.m. tions and a dessert wine. facial coverings.”

Using “Jersey barriers” to participating Taco Bell locaon Wednesday and Thursday, tions.

Starting with a lobster taco Starbucks has also ancordon off parking spaces and from noon until 10 p.m. on course, the dinner will include a nounced plans to close more on North and South PleasFriday and Saturday. than 400 U.S. locations as part ant Streets, outdoor dining Restaurants are finding themselves adopting new procedures, closing down patios have been created in of a realignment to “express stores” that focus on drive-th- front of a number of Amherst buffets and self-service stations, and rethinking the way they do business. ru and curbside or doorside eateries. Microgrants from QR codes on table tops are replacing traditional menus, and smartphonepickup. various agencies are paying based, contact-free transactions are being used to pay the bill. for outdoor decor items and • Spoleto Restaurant in signage; the latter carries the • HighBrow Wood Fired zucchini cake with seared scalNorthampton has created an “I Amherst” tagline that Entrees such as pork chops Kitchen + Bar in Northamp- saltimbocca and grilled hang- lop duck confit, a “deconstruct- alfresco dining patio out of has been developed to ton has announced that it will er steak are available, as is a ed” shrimp curry chowder, and a its sidelot parking area. Open promote the outdoor dining open for lunch on Saturday selection of pasta creations beef filet steak Oscar. initiative. nightly for dinner and serving lunch on Saturdays and and Sunday at 11:30 a.m., like burratta ravioli and roastA dessert trio will bring the The newly created space ed veal agnolotti.

Sundays, the space is tented to is in Amherst is expected to offering seating in both its dinner to a close.

Wood fired pizzas are a offer a bit of shade and ward alleyway patio and its socially New York City jazz artist remain in place throughout house specialty. off any stray summer shower. distanced dining room.

Ptah Brown will perform. the fall season.

HighBrow has posted a Posto offers take-out and The menu features ItalTickets are $79 per person menu revision in conjunction curbside pickup; free delivery plus tax and gratuity. Reserva- ian-themed entrees, brick oven Hugh Robert is a faculty memwith that change in operpies, sandwiches, burgers, and ber in Holyoke Community Colfor orders of $49.99 or more is tions can be made by calling ating hours. “Hearth Pies” available in Longmeadow and the Log Cabin at 413-535-5077. some taco creations from Spo- lege’s hospitality and culinary leto’s sister operation, Mama remain the operation’s focus, East Longmeadow. arts program and has nearly 45 Iguana. with options that range from years of restaurant and educa• As part of a nationwide Posto’s telephone number is tional experience. Robert can be Pre-ordered pickup service Margherita and chicken pesto 413-935-8500. effort to realign its business variations to pies garnished model with the realities of the is available; Spoleto answers at reached online at OffTheMenu Guy@aol.com.

• The Log Cabin Banquet 413-586-6313. with braised short rib meat or COVID-19 era, Starbucks

E12 | THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

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Beer

The two breweries enhanced their collaboration, putting their own stamp on the uniCONTINUED FROM PAGE E10 versal recipe by modifying the “We are proud to team up malt aspect and adding whole with Trillium and fly the Black vanilla beans from Papua New is Beautiful craft beer flag in Guinea. Black is Beautiful Massachusetts,” White Lion is expected to release to the Brewing’s founder, Raymond public for sale at Trillium’s taprooms and White Lion retail L. Berry Jr., said “For White outlets Aug. 7. Both breweries Lion, and as one of the few have pledged their proceeds Black-owned breweries in the from the collaboration to Commonwealth and in the benefit nonprofit organizations country, this represents a way for us to engage our combined working on the front lines of communities in taking a stand social injustice: the Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer against the systemic and institutional practices that lead Valley and Lawyers for Civil Rights in Boston. to discrimination in criminal “As a founding board justice, employment, housing, member, the Healing Racism health care, political power, Institute has been working on and education.”

JC Tetreault founder/brewer the front lines in dismantling of Trillium Brewing Company, racism one heart at a time agreed. and by engaging institutions “Working together we and organizations to reverse could help echo and amplify systemic racism,” Berry said. the message to communi“We hope proceeds will exties across Massachusetts,” pose more to the program as it Tetreault said. “This project evolves to address more urgent is an opportunity for positive needs in reversing racism.” change; it focuses attention Kudos to both breweries (and on systemic issues in our all of the ones participating) society and enables craft beer for their engagement in this consumers to participate in the very worthy (and I’m guessing solution.” delicious) project.

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Beat the Heat!

I learned this trick from my dad. By putting an open bottle of red wine in the fridge, the wine often lasts a week or so instead of a day or two.

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years.

Let me add that this wonderful wine is a blend of pinot CONTINUED FROM PAGE E10 noir grapes from three differRetail Price). ent vineyards — 54% from a When I first opened the bot- vineyard in Monterey County, tle — which I should add was 24% from Sonoma County stored in a temperature-con- and 22% from Santa Barbara trolled environment — the County. wine tasted too plummy, too So next time you open a bottle of red wine and something jammy, too over the top.

Eleven days later, after doesn’t taste quite right, don’t being in the fridge, the wine worry. tasted completely different.

Try decanting the wine.

After pouring some of the And if that doesn’t work, wine into a glass and waiting open another bottle and put for the wine to warm up to the open one in the fridge and room temperature, the wine let the ice box gizmo do its had a much more subtle, magic. rounded, silky texture.

Cheers!

Part of this I attribute to the Wine Press by Ken Ross wine’s youth. A very good Cal- appears on Masslive.com every ifornia pinot noir like this one Monday and in The Repubneeds time to age and mature lican’s weekend section every — probably two or three more Thursday.