Weekend - December 30, 2021

For the most up-to-date listing of events, go online to masslive.com/entertainment

Weekend E

BEER NUT: Predictions and wishes for the new year, E7 OFF THE MENU: Restaurants face unknowns in 2022, E7 WINE PRESS: Top 10 wines under $10 for 2021, E8

| THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

|

Ringing in the

new year

PLUS

Globetrotters usher in 2022, E3

MGM Springfield welcomes 2022 with music, entertainment, E2

E2 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

WEEKEND

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

The holiday tree is lit up at MGM Springfield. The casino is offering up a night of fun and entertainment for New Year’s Eve. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

ON THE COVER

Ringing in 2022

Fireworks could be seen from Main Street during Northampton’s 35th annual First Night celebration and festival on Dec. 31, 2019. While First Night Northampton has called off indoor events this year, fireworks are still planned at 6:15 p.m. from atop the downtown Northampton parking garage.

(DANNY NASON PHOTO)

MGM Springfield welcomes new year with entertainment

in the New Year,” said Crista Annese, MGM Springfield executive director of marketing.

The evening begins with the acoustic sounds of Little

By Keith O’Connor Black Dress near the casino Special to The Republican front entrance from 7-9 p.m.

The live vibe continues inside hile the The Commonwealth Bar & coroLounge featuring the dance band Fever, from 6-8 p.m. navirus Broadway’s Rock of Ages panBand headlines the ARIA Ballroom beginning at 9 demic p.m. Dubbed as the greatest has put a hold on most band ever assembled for a New Year’s Eve celemusical, members hail from Whitesnake, Trans-Siberian brations for the second TAP Sports Bar, located inside the MGM Springfield Casino Orchestra, Blondie, Joan Jett in downtown Springfield, will offer a special New Year’s Eve year in a row, MGM and The Blackhearts and Air menu including Crispy Seafood & Champagne Wonton Cups, Supply. Ticket prices begin at Springfield will offer Fried Shrimp & Oysters, Avocado Crema and Champagne Aioli. $39 and additional information (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO) up a night of fun and can be found at mgmspring entertainment. parking garage. There will be appearance by the Rock of field.mgmresorts.com/en/ Annual children’s events in a midnight ball raising in front Ages Band. entertainment.html.

Holyoke were canceled again of the Hotel Northampton.

“MGM Springfield is excited Then, beginning at 11 p.m., because of COVID-19.

But with a focus on adults, to rock the night away with guests are invited inside the And First Night Northampton there is plenty going on at our amazing entertainment ARIA Ballroom to dance in the has called off indoor events MGM Springfield to ring in and giveaways. We have New Year with DJ Mad Maxx — on New Year’s Eve. However, the new year, featuring live such a fun evening planned no tickets required. fireworks are still planned music, restaurant specials and throughout the property and On the restaurant side, TAP at 6:15 p.m. from atop the entertainment throughout we welcome the community Sports Bar will offer a special downtown Northampton the resort, including a special to come down and help ring New Year’s Eve menu includ-

W

“MGM Springfield is excited to rock the night away with our amazing entertainment and giveaways.”

Crista Annese, MGM Springfield executive director of marketing

ing Crispy Seafood & Champagne Wonton Cups, Fried Shrimp & Oysters, Avocado Crema and Champagne Aioli.

Noisemakers and party favors will be distributed throughout the casino floor and ARIA Ballroom, while the countdown to midnight will be heard overhead, and a live video feed of New Year’s Eve celebrations will be featured on the giant 45-foot viewing wall at the MGM Sports Lounge.

For more information on New Year’s Eve at MGM Springfield visit mgmspring field.com.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WEEKEND

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021 | E3

Harlem Globetrotters ushering in new year Basketball team to appear in 3 Mass. arenas

T

By Keith O’Connor

Special to The Republican

he Harlem Globetrotters are back on the road where they belong with their “Spread Game Tour” ending the 2021 leg of their cross-country trek.

The Harlem Globetrotters will play at the Mullins Center in Amherst tomorrow and the DCU Center in Worcester on Saturday. (KENDALL WARNER / MLIVE.COM)

More interactive than ever before, the new show continues to showcase the team’s ankle-breaking moves, jaw-dropping swag, rim-rattling dunks and, of course, their sidesplitting comedy antics and a little music to go along with their smooth moves. premium fan experience was introduced when the tour kicked off in July. The special package includes expanded access and interaction, including celebrity court passes, meet and greets with players, and the #SQUADZONE, where fans have the opportunity to feel like part of the show.

The Harlem Globetrot-

ters were founded in 1926

by Abe Saperstein and in 1927 played their first road game in Hinckley, Illinois.

Over the years they truly became “globetrotters,” entertaining more than 148 million fans in 123 countries and territories worldwide, introducing many to the sport of basketball. In 1948 and 1949, the Globetrotters

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stunned the world by twice defeating the world champion Minneapolis Lakers of the NBA. The Globetrotters were socially influential and quickly became recognized as the world’s best basketball team, showing that African Americans could excel on a professional level.

They are known for popularizing the slam dunk, the fast break, the forward and point guard positions, and the

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Basketball’s court jesters are playing the Mullins Center in Amherst on Friday at 3 p.m., the DCU Center in Worcester on Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and the Tsongas Center in Lowell on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

“All of the NBA is playing like the Harlem Globetrotters, showcasing moves we’ve been defining for decades.

The ‘Spread Game Tour’ is a chance to satisfy our fans’ undeniable thirst for exceptional basketball while continuing as trailblazers in an ever-changing culture,” said Jeff Munn, executive vice president and general manager of the Harlem Globetrotters. “We believe our fans will be excited to be there with us as we unveil a completely transformed sports spectacular.”

More interactive than ever before, the new show continues to showcase the team’s ankle-breaking moves, jaw-dropping swag, rim-rattling dunks and, of course, their side-splitting comedy antics and a little music to go along with their smooth moves. The tour’s talented roster includes Torch George, Thunder Law, Bulldog Mack, Hot Shot Swanson, Jet Rivers, Wham Middleton, and Big Easy Lofton.

As part of the tour, a new

figure-eight weave. In 2010, the Globetrotters introduced the first-ever 4-point shot, a shot located 30 feet from the basket — almost 7 feet beyond the NBA’s three-point arc.

Their immense contributions to the game of basketball were recognized in 2002 with the sport’s highest honor — induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, where the sport was invented.

Tickets range in price from $28 to $108, as well as $311 for the VIP Bench Experience plus merchandise. An additional Magic Pass, providing a 30-minute interactive event from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. is available for $25. There is also an additional Celebrity Court Pass for $100, offering ticket holders the opportunity to watch the players warm up at 2:30 p.m., and a Player Meet and Greet at 2:10 p.m. for an additional $25.

The Mullins Center website states those attending the show will be required to wear a face covering and that “it is expected guests 12 and older who attend indoor events are fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the event date,” with the Mullins Center “reserving the right to request proof of vaccination/negative test prior to event admission.”

For more information and tickets, visit mullinscenter. com.

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E4 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

WEEKEND

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

MUSIC

Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival will return to MassMoCA wants to capitalise on that success.”

George Lenker LiveWire

W

ILCO’S SOLID Sound Festival will return to MassMoCA on

May 27-29.

The annual fest will again bring together a wide array of music, comedy, authors and activities to the North Adams site.

Among the musical acts to be featured will be Wilco, Courtney Barnett, The Feelies, Tortoise, Cate Le Bon, Jonathan Richman, and The Minus 5.

Comedy will come from standups such as John Hodgman, Aparna Nancherla, and Jean Grae, while writers such as Cheryl Strayed, Nate Chinen, Geoff Edgers, and Russell Ginns also will be featured.

Tickets are now on sale, with a three-day pass costing $224.00. Kids’ passes are $59.

Go to solidsoundfestival. com for more information.

Funnyman Patton Oswalt will play the Academy of Music Theater in Northampton on March 25 at 7 p.m. (ASSOCIATED FILE PHOTO)

Liner notes • Comedian Patton Oswalt is coming to Northampton for a March 25 performance at the Academy of Music Theater.

The comic, who also is renowned as an actor and writer, is both a Grammy winner and an Emmy winner, having been nominated for a total of six Grammys and four Emmys.

Oswald’s film credits include “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” “Zoolander” and Steven Soderbergh’s “The Informant.”

Oswalt’s first big television role was on “King of Queens” where he portrayed Spence Olchin, an angst-ridden nerd.

Tickets, priced between $45 and $69.50, are available through aomtheatre.com.

“Impractical Jokers” star Sal Vulcano will perform at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, on Jan. 29. (STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE/ VICTORIA PRIOLA)

Paul McCartney and Wings perform at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York on May 21, 1976. The bass guitar that McCartney used with Wings sold at an auction recently for a record-breaking $496,100. (RICHARD DREW / ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Music Rising, a charity created by U2′s The Edge and producer Bob Ezrin, with the goal of helping • The bass guitar that Paul musicians in the Gulf South, McCartney used with Wings following “the devastation sold at an auction recently for the COVID-19 pandemic has a record-breaking $496,100. wrought on musicians and The Yamaha BB-1200, musical communities.” which was employed by McOther instruments that Cartney both in the studio and were auctioned included ones on tour with his post-Beatles owned by Bruce Springband, smashed the previous steen, Lou Reed, Johnny bass guitar record, which was Marr, Elton John, Joan Jett, set just last year when a 1969 Rush and Radiohead.

Fender Mustang used by former Rolling Stones bassist • Madonna seems ready Bill Wyman was auctioned to drop some new music in for $384,000. the new year.

The auction was held for The 63-year-old pop star

took to Instagram to reveal that she was in the studio with Swae Lee and Lauren D’Elia and others.

The post read: “So great to be back in the studio making Music again. Surprises in the New Year @swaelee @laurendelia @jozzy @burberry.”

Simon Boyle of The Sun reported that Madonna and Lee are working on a new version of her 1988 song “Frozen.”

“I’m told they were working on the remake of the song, which originally featured on her ‘Ray Of Light’ album,” Boyle wrote. “A remix of the song has recently gone viral on TikTok and now Madonna

• The Magnetic Fields will make a stop at the Calvin Theatre in Northampton on April 7.

The renowned indie band is only doing 16 shows on the upcoming tour, which will feature a setlist spanning the band’s three-decade career.

The songs will include material from the group’s earliest albums in the 1990s and their iconic triple-album “69 Love Songs.” The tour also will celebrate the release of a special 30th-anniversary vinyl edition of The Magnetic Fields’ 1992 EP, “The House of Tomorrow.”

Lead singer-songwriter Stephin Merritt will be joined

by Magnetic Fields’ members Sam Davol, Shirley Simms, Chris Ewen, and Anthony Kaczinski.

The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $35.50 to $49.50.

• Sal Vulcano of “Impractical Jokers” will perform two shows at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, on Jan. 29.

He will do standup at the Great Cedar Showroom at 7 and 10 p.m.

Tickets, priced between $40 and $83, are available through foxwoods.com.

SEE LIVEWIRE, PAGE E5

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WEEKEND

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021 | E5

CLUBBING

Nightclubs THURSDAY

Whip City Brew: DJ with dance. 287 Elm St., Westfield

SUNDAY

Buccaneer Lounge: DJ with rock and Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Top 40. 86 Maple St., Agawam Road, Chicopee Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Mardi Gras: Nude female dancing.

Road, Chicopee 91 Taylor St., Springfield East Mountain Country Club: ThursThe Magic Lantern: Nude female day Night Trivia. 1458 East Mountain dancers. 399 Wilbraham St., Palmer Rd, Westfield Mardi Gras: Nude female dancing. 91 Taylor St., Springfield

MONDAY

Shadow Lounge: DJ with classics.

278 Worthington St., Springfield

Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee

Southwick Inn: Open mic hosted by Steve Piper of Roadhouse Band. 479 College Highway, Southwick

Mardi Gras: Nude female dancing.

91 Taylor St., Springfield

The Magic Lantern: Nude female dancers. 399 Wilbraham St., Palmer The Still: Drink specials. 63 Springfield St., Agawam West Springfield Fish and Game Club: CD jukebox, pool table. 329 Garden St., Feeding Hills Whip City Brew: DJ with dance. 287 Elm St., Westfield

FRIDAY Alina’s: Emery Smith. 96 Russell St., Hadley Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee

• The Faces’ upcoming reunion album may have a somewhat familiar ring to it.

In an interview with Uncut magazine, drummer Kenney Jones said that the album will feature a “mixture of old and new” material.

“What we’ve decided to do is work on some of the original stuff that we didn’t use,” he said.

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TUESDAY Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee Mardi Gras: Nude female dancing.

91 Taylor St., Springfield Tavern Restaurant: Trivia Night. 2 Broad St., Westfield

THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY

The Magic Lantern: Nude female dancers. 399 Wilbraham St., Palmer

WEDNESDAY

The Republican is not responsible SATURDAY for unannounced schedule changes.

Listings must be received two weeks Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby before the date of the event. Items Road, Chicopee should be mailed to: Entertainment Mardi Gras: Nude female dancing. 91 Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Taylor St., Springfield Springfield, MA 01102-1329; emailed to The Magic Lantern: Nude female pmastriano@repub.com; or submitted dancers. 399 Wilbraham St., Palmer masslive.com/myevent

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E4

THE BEACH BOYS

JANUARY 8TH

The Magic Lantern: Nude female dancers. 399 Wilbraham St., Palmer

American Legion Post 351: Open Mardi Gras: Nude female dancing. 91 mic with Kevin Crane. 50 Saint Kolbe Drive, Holyoke Taylor St., Springfield Delaney House: Tone Wolf Irish The Magic Lantern: Nude female dancers. 399 Wilbraham St., Palmer Night. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke West Springfield Fish and Game Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Club: CD jukebox, pool table. 329 Road, Chicopee Garden St., Feeding Hills

LiveWire

DECEMBER 31ST

“Ronnie and I, in particular, have been working on lots of the old stuff together and we’ve rerecorded a couple of those songs with more of a modern feel.

“I think the fans may have heard certain things before and might recognise them.”

Jones, along with guitarist Ronnie Wood and singer Rod Stewart, has been in the studio since summer, but progress has been slow as both Wood and Stewart have been busy with their main gigs.

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E6 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

WEEKEND

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

MOVIES REVIEW

‘Matrix Resurrections’ is loud, joyful, stylish fun

I

By Chris Hewitt

Star Tribune

From left, Bill Murray, Wally Wolodarsky and Jeffrey Wright in the film “The French Dispatch.” (SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES / TNS)

DVD RELEASES

Wes Anderson reports in with ‘French Dispatch’ Tribune News Service

Well, Lana Wachowski’s boldly entertaining “Resurrections” combines all those elements, while mixing in flashbacks from the three previous “Matrix” films. There’s a lot happening on-screen, but it’s so deftly balanced that it doesn’t even matter if, like me, your memory of the other “Matrices” is dim and you’re occasionally not sure exactly what’s going on.

At its core, “Resurrections” is a rescue movie. Neo (Kea-

Carrie-Anne Moss, left, and Keanu Reeves in “The Matrix Resurrections.” (WARNER BROS. / HBO / TNS)

nu Reeves) is a San Francisco game designer who still finds himself slipping into an alternate reality where he’s regarded as a once-in-alifetime hero. He struggles to appease his snake of a boss (Jonathan Groff) and to make sense of his trauma with his therapist (Neal Patrick Harris), but he’s in a bad place because, “They took my life

‘THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS’ rrrs

Rated: R Running time: 136 min.

Playing at: Cinemark Enfield, Hadley, West Springfield; Greenfield Garden Cinemas; Regal MGM Springfield

SEE MATRIX, PAGE E11

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and features different cast The latest offering from di- members. The publication rector Wes Anderson tops the itself is the pet project of DVD releases for this week. the publisher’s son, played “The French Dispatch”:

by Murray, an Anderson Anderson’s new film, an ode regular. to the glory days of The New “It’s hard to be critical of Yorker, follows a fictional a film and filmmaker that American magazine set in seem to have pure intenan equally fictitious French tions, seeking to craft a village. The movie is struccharming love letter to the tured as a series of vignettes, golden era of (generously each representing an article funded) print media,” Walsh in the upcoming French Dis- concedes. “But the tics and patch insert of the Kansas habits that make up AnderCity Evening Sun. son’s often imitated, never Featuring a cast stuffed duplicated aesthetic have with stars, “‘The French reached the point of actively Dispatch’ could easily be a working against him as a parody of a Wes Anderson filmmaker.” film because it is too AnderAlso new on DVD sonian for its own good,” writes Tribune News Service “Castle Falls”: Dolph critic Katie Walsh in her Lundgren directs and stars review. “It features many of in this action thriller about a his regular repertory players: building scheduled for demBill Murray, Owen Wilson, olition that happens to have Jason Schwartzman, Edward $3 million in cash hidden Norton, Tilda Swinton, Sao- inside, with various factions rise Ronan, Tony Revolori, vying to secure the illicit Adrien Brody, Edward Norbounty before detonation. ton, Frances McDormand, “Mayday”: In this modern Lea Seydoux, plus some new fantasy, Grace Van Patten pals: Timothee Chalamet, plays a young woman who Benicio del Toro, Elisabeth is transported to a coastline Moss and Jeffrey Wright.” where she joins an allEach vignette follows a female army and is trained different piece of writing to kill men, though she for the upcoming issue begins to have misgivings of The French Dispatch about the cause.

s “The Matrix Resurrections” a kung fu movie? A techno-thriller? A shoot-’em-up?

A comedy? A sequel that’s also a satire of sequels? Or a love story?

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WEEKEND

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021 | E7

DINE & WINE

I

Predictions and wishes for 2022

WISH YOU ALL A HAPpy New Year that is both healthy and filled with hope (and hops).

Many years at this time I offer either predictions for the upcoming year or developments I’d like to see occur.

This year, however, I am going to offer a mixed fourpack of both, two of each type. Let’s dive right in: For people who prefer the bad news given to them first, here you go: It’s been a trend for years now, but the practice of big corporations taking over the larger, more successful craft brands will continue. It’s hard to fault the brewers for taking the cash, and the best fans can hope for is that the big companies don’t mess with success too much. I’m sure there have been holdouts who have refused to sell, but you probably wouldn’t hear about them much.

My second topic is another prediction: The U.S. will not reach more than 10,000 breweries before the year is over. (We are just over 9,000 currently.) While not controversial, I’m rolling the dice a bit here with this prediction. The craft beer segment has grown substantially for well over a decade, but the past few years have seen a bit of shrinkage in terms of net gains in the number of breweries. With COVID and accompanying restrictions still affecting society to a substantial degree, I can’t see the number of breweries increasing by much more than the net gain of 382 we saw last year. I certainly do not expect the record of 987 (net gain) set between 2016 and 2017 to be broken anytime soon.

For the third item, here is a wish: more collaborations.

There certainly have been plenty of partnerships between brewers over the past decade, and I really hope

F George Lenker Beer Nut

this trend continues and expands. I’d especially love to see more collaborations between older breweries and younger upstarts. Sometimes an older brewery’s groove can turn into a rut, and young blood can revive it.

Likewise, a new brewery can certainly learn a lot from one who has already made some mistakes and knows what to avoid. But I’ll be happy with any collaboration between any two (or three or four, etc.) brewers.

My last item today is another wish. While super-hoppy IPAs have been all the rage for years now, I’m hoping for a resurgence of older, classic styles such as brown ales, milds, pilsners and any lagers in general. As a longtime hophead, I’m not complaining (much) about the glut of IPAs on the market, but as I’ve mentioned before, I’m pretty much over the cloudy New England IPA trend. Enough is enough, and we passed the “enough” marker more than a year ago. Of course, the market determines that and, as I’ve also said, I don’t begrudge anyone making money.

But maybe, just maybe, some enterprising brewers will see an opening in the holes in the market and find an alternative niche that has been around forever, but just not tapped as much anymore.

Happy New Year and new beers!

Restaurants face unknowns in 2022

OR THE RESTAUrant business, as it has been for life in general, 2021 proved to be a period of disruption and often-rapid change.

The year began with shuttered dining rooms, curbside pickup, and delivery-only ghost kitchens. Spring brought vaccines and an eventual hope of business as usual. Now, as 2021 draws to a close, mask mandates and lockdowns are again on the table. As we move into 2022, the outlook for the industry thus remains clouded by a number of “unknown unknowns.”

Based on an analysis of 2021 restaurant business “vital statistics,” the prognosis for 2022 is mixed. Some industry segments, such as the big quick service chains, seem stronger than ever; independent restaurants, on the other hand, continue to struggle.

One metric — overall foodaway-from-home sales — suggests there has been a healthy rebound in business. Though not yet at pre-pandemic levels, the revenue growth across the industry was strong in November, with sales up more than 8% over November 2020 levels.

But digging deeper into those aggregate numbers uncover some underlying red flags. Customer counts remain weak; the sales growth experienced isn’t a function of restaurants bringing people back in pre-pandemic numbers. Instead that growth reflects menu price inflation and larger individual transactions, the latter due to family meal bundles and takeout orders.

The labor crunch in restaurants has also seemed to ease somewhat during the last quarter of 2021, though overall restaurant employment is estimated to be 750,000 workers short of pre-pandem-

Max Burger restaurant, 684 Bliss Road in the Longmeadow Shops, is hosting its first local beer and food pairing dinner of 2022 on Jan. 10 starting at 6:30 p.m. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

Hugh Robert Off The Menu

ic levels.

Despite the uncertainties that cloud the year ahead, a few predictions seem realistic.

The major restaurant chains, especially those that are fast food or casual dining, are likely to prosper just as they have over the last 18 months. With access to the people, technology, and resources, they’ve demonstrated the ability to pivot their business strategy quickly as the operational landscape changes. They also benefit from easy access to the financial markets, with lenders and investors ready to provide funds when necessary.

Other restaurant enterprises, whether small regional chains or independents, are likely to continue to struggle,

Based on an analysis of 2021 restaurant business “vital statistics,” the prognosis for 2022 is mixed.

Some industry segments, such as the big quick service chains, seem stronger than ever; independent restaurants, on the other hand, continue to struggle. with additional bankruptcies and closures possible.

Probably the biggest unknown is the nature of consumer demand. Currently the public seems eager to enjoy the dining out experience despite menu price inflation.

Restaurant dining, however, is discretionary spending, and should inflation continue to outpace wage growth over the months ahead, restaurants may find themselves dealing with a worrisome falloff in customer spending.

SEE MENU, PAGE E9

WEEKEND

E8 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

DINE & WINE

Top 10 wines under $10 for 2021

W

HEN I STARTED WRITing this weekly wine column nine years ago this month, I had one goal in mind — to let people know about great, affordable wines.

Nearly a decade later, that goal remains the same.

That’s why I always look forward to writing this annual wine column about the top 10 wines under $10 a bottle.

Finding great, affordable wines has become harder over the years. Part of it has to do with inflation. The price of almost everything has gone up since 2012, especially in the past year. Before that, tariffs pushed up prices on many wines from Europe as well.

But there are still great bargains to be found. You just have to know where to look. And in most cases, that means looking outside this country.

Don’t get me wrong. I love American wines. California and Oregon in particular create some of the best wines in the world. But it’s nearly impossible to find a great wine for under $10 a bottle made in this country.

That’s why all of the wines on this year’s top 10 wines under $10 a bottle — 11 to be exact this year — come from other countries.

In particular, these wines come from four countries — 7 from France, 2 from Argentina, 1 from Spain and 1 from Chile.

I know some of you might find it hard to believe that you can find great, affordable wines from France, but it’s true. Sure, you can spend a fortune on many outstanding wines from Burgundy, Bordeaux and other parts of France. But what you might not realize is there are many exceptional wines made in France that cost less than $10 a bottle.

And while I have had many white wines and sparkling wines on this list in the past, I decided to focus solely on red wines this year. That’s partly because it’s often much harder in my experience to find really good, dry red wines for under $10 a bottle.

However, if you are looking for affordable, dry white wines for under $10 a bottle, my advice would be to seek out sauvignon blancs from New Zealand or blended white wines from France’s Gascony region.

Let me add that I have purchased and tasted all of these wines at least once in the past year. So you should be

gnan, 10% mourvedre, 5% syrah The 2018 Penya red wine made it onto last year’s top 10 wines under $10 list. The 2019 vintage easily earned a spot on this year’s list as well.

Year after year, this winery in France’s Languedoc region consistently creates great, dry, affordable red wines. This particular wine has hints of dried blackberry and cherry flavors that linger for nearly a minute after each taste. It is a truly great wine at an outstanding price.

7. 2019 Cave Saint Desirat Syrah

Several of the top 10 wines of the year for under $10 a bottle. (KEN ROSS PHOTO)

wine like this one. This showstopper from France hits all the right notes.

Straight out the bottle, this wine has subtle fruit flavors (cherry, raspberry) and a vibrant, light finish. Very quickly, those flavors become more understated, more graceful, and more elegant. It is a truly great wine at an absolutely unbelievable price.

($9.99 at Table & Vine) Region: Northern Rhone, France Grapes: 100% syrah This outstanding, affordable red wine from Saint Joseph in France’s Northern Rhone region has long been one of my favorite red wines for under $10 a bottle. I first wrote about the 2013 vintage for this syrah-based wine. The 2019 vintage is another showstopper. Let me add that 2019 was a great year for Rhone wines in general. Like the 2013, the 2019 tastes smooth and elegant. There’s not a sharp edge anywhere on this well-rounded, refined wine. Flavors range from roasted cherries and blackberries to dash of black pepper.

6. 2021 Georges Duboeuf Beaujo-

lais Nouveau ($9.98 at Table & Vine) Region: Beaujolais, Burgundy, Ken Ross 2019 Laya ($8.99 at Table & Vine) France Wine Press Region: Alamansa, Spain Grapes: 100% gamay Grapes: 70% tintorera, 30% monasBeaujolais Nouveau wines often able to find most of them in a wine trell get a bad rap. Sure, they’re young. store near you.

Another one of my favorite go-to The gamay grapes used to make these Hope you enjoy, hope you’re having red wines for under $10 a bottle, I am wines are only a few months old. But a great holiday season and best wishes always blown away by its complex, that’s part of the fun of these friendly for the new year. subtle fruit flavors, which range from red wines. And this year’s Beaujolais dried raspberries and blackberries to Nouveau wines are especially enjoyTop 10 wines under $10 for 2021 toasted almonds and dark chocolate. able. The 2021 Georges Duboeuf has The next day, those flavors are even a wonderful, bright, light finish with more subtle, more understated. In hints of cherry and red licorice. This is 2019 House Red Cabernet fact, I find the wine to be a bit too not a wine I would set aside for a few Sauvignon ($7.99 at Table & Vine in subdued the second day. Personally, I years. Enjoy this wine now while it’s West Springfield) prefer the wine the day before, when it fresh and lively and fun.

Region: Pays D’Oc, France is bright and lively and thrilling to be Grapes: 100% cabernet sauvignon around.

I don’t think this French red wine is (Tie) 2018 Chateau Les Vergnes currently available for sale but I still Bordeaux ($8.99 at Table & Vine) wanted to include it since it’s such a 2019 Penya Rouge ($9.99 at Region: Bordeaux, France wonderful wine. This gem is a perfect Table & Vine) Grapes: Blended red wine example of why I started writing this Region: Roussillon, Languedoc This wine and the next one prove wine column and why I still get excit- Roussillon, France you don’t have a spend a fortune to ed every time I find a great, affordable Grapes: 65% grenache, 20% cariSEE WINE, PAGE E9

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find great red wines from France’s famed Bordeaux region. The past few years, I have been continually impressed by the quality of affordable red wines from Bordeaux. Winemakers there have also been shaking things up and experimenting in ways that would have seemed The 2019 Colores Del Sol Malunheard of a decade ago – dif- bec is one of the top 10 wines ferent grapes, different styles. of the year for under $10. (KEN This wine takes a much more ROSS PHOTO) traditional, classic Bordeaux approach. It’s silky, subtle straight out of the bottle. There and smooth. Its flavors range are also hints of licorice as from soft raspberries to black well. Give this powerful wine licorice. Straightforward, eltime to breathe, meaning time egant and refined – and that’s to expose the wine to oxygen just fine with me. to release its flavors. In fact, if possible, save most of this wine for the second day. That’s (Tie) 2018 Chateau Cast- when the wine really smooths agnac ($9.99 at Table & Vine) out and becomes softer and Region: Right Bank, silkier with hints of raspberry Bordeaux, France and rose petal flavors. A truly Grapes: Blend of merlot and wonderful, aromatic wine. cabernet sauvignon I’m not sure what percentage of each grape is in the wine. But 2019 Colores Del Sol in general, Bordeaux blends Malbec ($7.99 at Table & Vine) from the Right Bank (meaning Region: Mendoza, Argenthe north side of the Gironde tina River) are often predominantGrapes: 100% malbec ly made with merlot grapes.

Two of the top 10 wines for This particular red wine has under $10 a bottle this year are an intense, luxurious flavor both malbecs from Argentina.

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Side dishes On New Year’s Day 2022 the Delaney House in Holyoke will be hosting a New Year’s Day Brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event will feature a breakfast station at which brunch patrons can indulge in scrambled eggs, their favorite breakfast meats, and Belgian waffles.

A carving station will be stocked with honey-glazed ham and an assortment of condiments. A selection of entrees will include chicken teriyaki, macaroni and cheese, and baked scrod with lobster sauce will also be offered.

Ice cream sundaes will be featured as dessert.

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Let me add that I could have easily included several more on this list as well. On a strictly price, quality ratio, this subtle red wine deserves a gold medal for its elegant, refined flavors, which range from a hint of blackberry and cherry to a dash of pepper and almonds. A truly wonderful, well-balanced wine at any price.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021 | E9

yet complex and charming.

2. 2016 Le Charmel ($9.99

at Table & Vine) Region: Southern Rhone, France Grapes: 70% syrah, 30% grenache I went back and forth between this wine and the No. 1 wine, trying to decide which one is my favorite one of the 2018 Los Vascos year. So if you’re debating Cabernet Sauvignon ($8.99 which wines to buy, I would at Table & Vine) definitely try this one and the Region: Colchagua, Chile top one and have your own Grapes: 100% cabernet taste testing to determine sauvignon which one’s the top. What I love Never in my wildest dreams about this wine from France’s could I have imagined that one Southern Rhone region (where of my favorite wines for under you find many amazing red $10 a bottle would be made by wines for under $15 a bottle) Domaines Barons De Rothis its intensity along with its schild, the same world-class elegance. The flavors are dense winery in France’s Bordeaux and dry and range from dark region that makes Chateau Lafite Rothschild, one of the most revered and expensive wines in the world. But that’s exactly what this magnificent wine is from Chile’s Colchagua Valley. I recently tried this wine again and was impressed by its light, bright, cherry flavors, mixed with a hint of raspberry and strawberry. It reminds me in a way of a cross between a Beaujolais Nouveau 2016 Le Charmel is among and a southern Rhone red the top 10 wines of the year wine – light and approachable, for under $10. (KEN ROSS PHOTO)

3.

of Chicopee. Patrick Randall, Leadfoot’s owner, will be the guest speaker, and a five course menu will be partnered with style-compatible Leadfoot beers and ales.

A German meatball is to serve as first course, with a “flight” of three guacamole variations to follow. Mexicali shrimp skewers served with adobo rice will come next, and the planned main course is beef Wellington.

Sticky toffee pudding will Champney’s Restaurant & Tavern, located at the Deerfield Inn, conclude the beer and food 81 Old Main St. in Deerfield, hosts a Robert Burns Night on Jan. pairing experience.

21. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO) Cost to attend is $65 per person, and reservations can Reservations can be made meadow is hosting its first be made by calling Max Burgonline at DelaneyHouse. local beer and food pairing er at 413-798-0101. com; the brunch is priced at dinner of 2022 on Jan. 10 $32.95 for adults and $20 for starting at 6:30 p.m.

• Vanished Valley Brewchildren.

The dinner will feature the ing Company in Ludlow will malt beverage creations of celebrate the arrival of 2022 • Max Burger in LongLeadfoot Brewing Company with a special New Year’s Day

chocolate and roasted almonds to blackberry and cherry. Like the top wine, this wine has its own distinct character and is a pleasure to drink.

1. 2019 Zuccardi Serie A

Malbec ($9.99 at Table & Vine) Region: Mendoza, Argentina Grapes: 100% malbec I fell in love with this wine right from the first sip. In an impressive tasting with several other Argentinean malbecs under $10 a bottle, this one stood out right away.

I have since had this wine several times and each time I have been impressed with its silkiness, subtlety and depth. Its flavors are lively, intense and overflow with bright fruit flavors, including fresh blackberries, cherries and raspberries. There’s also a slightly spicy finish to the wine – especially soon after you open it – which eventually softens and becomes longer and leaner. An absolute gem and my favorite wine of the year for under $10 a bottle.

Cheers!

Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s weekend section every Thursday.

Brunch menu on Saturday.

Served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the brunch will include a Dutch pancake trio with strawberries and blueberries, s’mores-stuffed French toast, and Maine lobster eggs Benedict.

The regular brunch menu that the Brewing Company offers every Sunday will also be available.

Call Vanished Valley at 413610-1572 for more information.

• The Boathouse in South Hadley is turning its New Year’s edition of brunch into a two-day event, offering a brunch menu on New Year’s Eve (Friday) from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on New Year’s Day itself (Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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Events

permanent collections, visitors can choose from a array of STEM and STEAM-based activities to explore the ocean. Takes place throughout the museums.

THURSDAY Bright Nights at Forest Park: Thu.-Sun, Forest Park. Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 5-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 5-11 p.m.; Sun. 5-9 p.m. Holidays 5-11 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets available online at brightnights.org, $23 per car, $35 limousine; $80 mini buses (seating capacity of 17-31); $175 buses (seating capacity 31+). Sumner Avenue, Springfield.

Holiday Stream of STREB Extreme Action Company’s 2021 Dance Festival: Thu.-Sun, online, featuring performance and behind the scenes content. The stream will be available through Jan. 6.

Tickets are $15 and are available at jacobspillow.org/events/ holiday-stream-streb.

Six Flags Holiday in the Park: Thu.-Sun, Six Flags New England.

Open on various days, $14.99 per person. 1623 Main St., Agawam.

413-786-9300 or sixflags.com/ newengland. For information about the drive-thru event, visit sixflags.com/newengland.

Sweet Honey in the Rock: Celebrating the Holy Days (On-Demand): Thu.-Sun, BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity, This concert will be available on-demand through Jan. 6. bombyx. live/events/sweet-honey-in-therock, $15. 130 Pine St., Florence.

Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “Ai Weiwei: Tradition and Dissent,” through Jan. 2 in the Wheeler and Barn Galleries. “Capturing Our Worlds,” works by the Springfield Photographic Society, through June 26.

“The Body Adorned: Artistry and Legacy of the Ancient Americas,” through Feb. 27.

“Splash and Bubbles: Dive In, Lend a Fin” is an immersive, hands-on exhibit currently on display in the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History that features information about the plants and animals that live in the ocean.

(SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS)

listing New Year’s Eve Dinner Special: Fri, Crestview Country Club. Four course dinner for two, with a champagne toast, and live music.

For reservations, call 413-7862593; $86.95 plus tax. 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. 413-7862593 or crestviewcc.org/.

New Year’s Eve Party: Fri, 6 p.m.-1 a.m., Castle of Knights.

Benefits the Knights of Columbus Council 4044’s local programs.

Event features food stations, Tangle Chocolate Pop-Up!: Thu, dancing to music by DJ Stephan until 1 a.m., 50/50 raffle, cash bar, 4-7 p.m.; Fri, noon-3 p.m.; Sun, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., The Hotel Northamp- Champagne toast, party hats and noisemakers. Tickets are sold in ton. Pop-Up features handmade 9-calorie fine chocolate slivers and the Members’ Lounge Mondays and Thursdays 6-8 p.m. through other fine chocolate and gifts. 36 Dec. 27. Jackets are required.

King St., Northampton; 413-584Free parking. CDC Guidelines are 3100 or hotelnorthampton.com. implemented, $80 per person.

1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee; FRIDAY castleofknights.com.

Springfield Science Museum: “Cut ‘N’ Rough Collection,” through June in Mineral Hall. “Gingerbread Under the Sea,” annual Gingerbread exhibition, through Jan. 2.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: The first floor exhibition provides opportunities to explore new sounds and vocabulary, play rhyming games, invent stories, and engage in activities that encourage teamwork and creative thinking, SUNDAY with interactive three-dimensional Bright Nights at Forest Park: See exhibits. The second floor contains Theodor Geisel’s personal memThursday listing orabilia, including never before Holiday Stream of STREB Expublicly displayed art, the original treme Action Company’s 2021 Geisel Grove sign which used to Dance Festival: See Thursday hang in Forest Park, and furniture listing from Ted’s sitting room and studio, Six Flags Holiday in the Park: See including his drawing board and Thursday listing armchair. Timed tickets required, for reservations visit springfieldmuSweet Honey in the Rock: Celseums.org. ebrating the Holy Days (On-Demand): See Thursday listing Quadrangle admission: $25 for adults, $16.50 for seniors (60+) and college students with ID, $13 for children ages 3-17; free to children under age 3 and members, Springfield residents are free with proof of residency. Welcome Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden: Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. Dr. Seuss National Memorial, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. an outdoor sculpture garden of

Quadrangle

larger-than-life bronze statues of Springfield native Dr. Seuss at his drawing board surrounded by some of his most beloved characters Six Flags Holiday in the Park: See Berkshire Bach at New Year’s including Horton the Elephant, the Amelia Park Children’s Museum: Thursday listing Live: The “Brandenburg ConGrinch, the Lorax and others, free Sign up online for a play session certi”!: Fri, 6 p.m., Mahaiwe Sweet Honey in the Rock: Celon the green. at ameliaparkmuseum.org. Hours: Performing Arts Center, featuring ebrating the Holy Days (On-DeMon, Thurs, Fri, Sun. 10 a.m.-noon George Walter Vincent Smith Berkshire Bach Ensemble director mand): See Thursday listing and 1-3 p.m. Open for groups Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: and soloist Eugene Drucker, Tangle Chocolate Pop-Up!: See on Tues. and Wed. Admission: “Ancient Treasures,” a display harpsichordist Kenneth Weiss, Thursday listing Children and adults $8; Seniors of artifacts from ancient China, and a program of all six of Johann (62+) $5; Children under 1 year of Greece, Rome and Egypt.

HandsSebastian Bach’s Brandenburg age and members are free. Military on making activities in the Hasbro Concerti. Catch the same program SATURDAY Personnel & Teachers: Receive a Games Art Discovery Center. on Saturday, 3 p.m., at the Troy 10% discount off the price of your Bright Nights at Forest Park: See Lyman and Merrie Wood MuSavings Bank Music Hall, Troy, regular admission. Members and Thursday listing seum of Springfield History: New York or on Sunday, 3 p.m., infants are free. 29 South Broad St., “Splash and Bubbles: Dive in, Holiday Stream of STREB Exat the Academy of Music in Westfield or ameliaparkmuseum.

Lend a Fin!” Interactive exhibit treme Action Company’s 2021 Northampton.. Tickets: $45-$90. org. runs through Jan. 16. Permanent Dance Festival: See Thursday 14 Castle St., Great Barrington; Children’s Museum at Holyoke: exhibit: more than two dozen listing 413528-0100 or mahaiwe.org.

Hours: Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Fri. Indian motorcycles and related Bright Nights at Forest Park: See Six Flags Holiday in the Park: See 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m.. Closed memorabilia. Christmas School Thursday listing Thursday listing 12-1 p.m. for cleaning each day; Sat. Vacation: “Under the Sea Week.”

Sweet Honey in the Rock: CelHoliday Stream of STREB Ex10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m.; Sun.Through today, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; ebrating the Holy Days (On-Detreme Action Company’s 2021 12-4 p.m. (two slots). Closed: New Inspired by “Splash and Bubbles: mand): See Thursday listing Dance Festival: See Thursday Year’s Day. Admission: $8, seniors Dive-In, Lend a Fin!” and the

Museums

(62+) $5; children under 1 year of age and members are free. 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or childrensmuseumholyoke.org.

Connecticut Trolley Museum: “Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights,” runs through today, 5-9 p.m. Halls are decked both inside and outside. Closed trolley cars transport guests down a tunnel of lights as they sing traditional Christmas Carols. Admission: $15$20 per person and all ticket sales must be made in advance online, 58 North Road, East Windsor or cttrolley.org.

Edith Wharton: The Mount: “Nighwood: An Outdoor Sound and Light Experience.” Through Dec. 31, Thurs.-Sun. evenings starting at 5 p.m. NightWood combines music, lighting and theatrical elements to create seven unique scenes that evoke feelings of wonder, mystery and magic. Book now at EdithWharton.org. $20 adults, $10 children (5-18), free for children 5 and under. Holiday House Tours, Sat.-Sun, through Jan. 2. Tours are self-guided. Book online at EdithWharton.org. 2 Plunkett St., Lenox or edithwharton.org.

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: Everyday art Project: “Shaping Creatures.” Through Jan. 20, in the art studio. Free with museum admission. “Color \ Joy \ Eric Carle.” Through March 6.

Included with general admission.

Gabrielle Healy Carroll Storytime Programs are held Tues. and Fri. 10:30 a.m.; Sat. 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m., free with admission. “The Undefeated: An Exhibition of Original Paintings”

by Kadir Nelson. Through April 3.

Purchasing museum admission in advance on Eventbrite is highly recommended, as visitor capacity is reduced. “I Could Do That!” The Picture Book Art of Ed Emberley, Through June 12. Virtual gallery talk with Caleb Neelon, Jan. 27, 7-8 p.m.

Neelon will give virtual tour of the “I Could do that!” Hours: Thurs.-Fri. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun. noon-4 p.m. $6, $9, $22.50 for a family of four. 125 West Bay Road, Amherst or carlemuseum.org.

Holyoke Merry-Go-Round: Hours: Sat.-Sun. noon-4 p.m. Cost: $3.50 ride or 4/$10. 221 Appleton St., Holyoke or holyokemerrygoround. org.

Mead Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: various American and European paintings, Mexican ceramics, Tibetan scroll paintings and more. Museum hours: Tues.-Thurs. and Sun. 9 a.m.-midnight; Fri. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. free, 220 South Pleasant St., Amherst or amherst.edu.

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Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame: Permanent exhibit: three floors with dozens of handson exhibits, a regulation sized basketball court and more than 900 artifacts on display. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $28 adults (16-24); $23 seniors (63+); $19 youth (515); $23 students with valid high school or college ID. free for ages under 5, 1000 West Columbus Ave., Springfield or hoophall.com.

New England Air Museum: Permanent exhibit: The restored F-104 Starfighter, vintage planes, gift shop, hands-on activities. Admission: $12.50, $7 children 4-11, free for children 3 and under free, and $11.50 seniors 65+. Christmas Vacation Week runs this week.

All activities are included with museum admission and schedules are subject to change. For more information, visit neam.org. 36 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks.

Norman Rockwell Museum: Hours: Thurs.-Mon. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Advance tickets purchase required.

Admission: $20 adults; $18 seniors, AAA, retire military; $10 college students, free children ages 18 and under, members and active military. “Jan Brett: Stories Near and Far.” Through Jan. 2. Included with general admission. December School Vacation Week, Dec. 26-31, advance admission tickets at nrm. org. Included with admission, free for children, teens, and members, 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or nrm.org.

Old Sturbridge Village: OSV Holiday Market and Cafe: Through today. Admission to the museum is not required. Visit osv.org for more information. Hours: Wed.Sun. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. $24, $22 seniors, $8 children 3-17, free for children under 3. “New England on Parade” exhibit through July 2023, included with general admission.

Christmas by Candlelight on select dates in December the village will open with special hours, 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. until 8 p.m., to take in sights, sounds and special traditions of holidays long ago. Tickets are on sale now. Tickets: $28 for adults, $14 children, children 3 and under free. Route 20, Sturbridge or osv. org.

The New England Air Museum, located on the grounds of Bradley International Airport, has been showcasing aviation history at its present location since 1981. Christmas Vacation Week runs this week at the museum with all activities included in admission. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN FILE) or nps.gov/spar.

Titanic Museum: Exhibits from the collection of the International Titanic Historical Society. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $4, $2 children and students, 208 Main St., Indian Orchard or titanic1.org.

Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum: Ghost Tours at Ventfort Hall, today at 6 p.m. with Robert Oakes. Reservations are required, to register, call 413-6373206. Note that all tickets are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. Payment is required to make a reservation for an event. Proof of vaccination, ID and masks are required. $25, 104 Walker St., Lenox or gildedage.org.

Wistariahurst Museum: “Wisteria Vines in Full Bloom,” Carriage House and Gift shop open Sat.Sun, Mon. noon-4 p.m. Historic house tours are $7, and $5 for students and seniors. 238 Cabot St., Holyoke or wistariahurst.org.

Yiddish Book Center: Permanent exhibit, “A Velt mit veltelekh: The Worlds of Jewish Culture.” Hours: Thurs, Fri, Sun, and Mon. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors, free for members, students and children, 1021 West St., Amherst or yiddishbookcenter.org.

Galleries A.P.E. Gallery: Permanent exhibit hours: Tues.-Thurs. noon-5 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. noon-8 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m.; 126 Main St., Northampton or apearts.org.

Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts GalPan African Historical Museum lery: Hours: Tues.-Fri. 12:30-4:30 USA: Exhibitions by local artists. p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. First floor Hours: Tues.-Fri. noon-4 p.m. free, 1500 Main St., Springfield 413-733- of building 28. 1 Armory Square, Springfield 413-755-5258.

1823.

Springfield Armory National Historic Site: Ranger-led interpretive programs offered in the museum in the afternoon. Junior Ranger programs conducted frequently each day. Hours: Wed.-Sun, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 1 Armory Square, Springfield

Anchor House of Artists: “Labyrinth for Modern Eyes” Single-line compositions by Jonathan Stark, through Friday, anchor houseartists.org. “Any Resemblance?” exploring Michael TIllyer, through Friday. “Birth Wheel

(Happenstance.)” An interactive installation and show of cards by Amy Johnquest, through Friday.

“Big Music: Charles Miller Jazz Paintings,” Today and Friday; Jan. 4-22, 1-6 p.m. Jan. 14 will include a performance from the original performers depicted in the artwork.

The musicians will perform live at the gallery but the performance will be broadcast live on Instagram. $10 suggested contribution, insta gram.com/anchorhouse_artists.

518 Pleasant St., Northampton.

Forbes Library: “Canary in the Coal Mine” an exhibition by Zea Mays Printmaking. Through today.

20 West St., Northampton or forbes library.org.

Gallery A3 Amherst Art Alliance: Small Wonders Holiday Show and Sale, through Friday. Holiday hours: Thurs.-Sun, 3-8 p.m.; Friday, 3-5:30 p.m. 28 Amity St., Amherst 413256-4250.

Grubbs Gallery: Jeff Stauder “The Reckoning.” Through Jan. 5; Gallery hours are weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Sat. 1-5 p.m. Williston Northampton asks that all visitors are fully vaccinated and mask while indoors. williston. com/visual-and-performing-arts/ grubbs-gallery. 19 Payson Ave., Easthampton.

Holyoke Community College: The 2021 HCC Visual Art Faculty Exhibition can be viewed online now through the end of the 2021. Visit the exhibit at hcc.edu/taber-fac ulty21. 303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke or hcc.edu.

Indian Orchard Mills Dane Gallery: Hours: Sat. noon-4 p.m. or by appointment. 34 Front St., Indian Orchard 413-543-3321.

Robert Floyd Photo Gallery and Learning Center: “20th Annual Women in History” photo contest and exhibit, runs through Sunday.

Gallery hours: Sun. Tues. and Wed. 1-5 p.m. and by appointment. 2 East St., Southampton 413-5292635.

William Baczek Fine Arts: Winter

Show 2021-2022 runs through Jan. 29, highlights the work of gallery artists. See more information at wbfinearts.com/index.php.

36 Main St., Northampton or wbfinearts.com.

Outdoors Great Falls Discovery Center: Story Walk: “Thanks to the Animals,” through Jan. 4. “Quack!

Quack! A Self-Guided Duck Investigation Station.” Through Sunday.

Enjoy scavenger hunts, quizzes, and crafts in the Great Hall at a self-guided investigation station all about ducks. A variety of activities for different ages will be available.

Great Hall Exhibit: “Junior Duck Stamps: Connecting Youth with Nature through Science and Art.” Through Sunday. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls or greatfallsma.org.

Natural Bridge State Park: Visitors Center exhibits open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., year round; explore the park story through displays, artifacts and scavenger hunts. $2 parking fee; programs are free, 107 McAuley Road, North Adams.

Markets Winter Farmers Market at Hampshire Mall: In the Target hallway, Saturdays, through April 2, 10 a.m.2 p.m. 367 Russell St., Hadley Holyoke Winter Farmers Market: First and third Saturdays through March 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at War Memorial Hall, 310 Appleton St., Holyoke The Republican is not responsible for unannounced schedule changes.

Listings must be received two weeks before the date of the event. Items should be mailed to: Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329; emailed to pmastriano@repub.com; or submitted to masslive.com/myevents

and turned it into a video game.”

“Resurrections” returns a few other characters from earlier outings, including Carrie-Anne Moss’s Trinity (although there’s not enough of her and her impeccable cheekbones until the climax) and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Gen. Niobe.

The movie also benefits from a batch of newcomers, including Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as an incarnation of Laurence Fishburne’s mysterious Morpheus (Fishburne is only glimpsed in flashbacks).

Mateen (“The Watchmen”) is a charismatic addition, especially when he materializes in the form of a life-sized piece of pin art or demonstrates Morpheus’s fondness for vintage discowear circa 1975. Another great newcomer is Jessica Henwick as Bugs, a fierce Neo fangirl who joins his attempt to rescue lost love Trinity from oblivion.

Previous “Matrix” movies have veered into self-seriousness but Wachowski has a light touch here, even making fun of herself for agreeing to do this sequel. (Neo’s boss warns him that a new “Matrix” game is inevitable, threatening, “Warner Bros. is going to make a sequel to the trilogy, with or without us.”) She and sister Lilly, who didn’t participate in the new movie, always have created fantastical, stylish worlds, and this film is ready to tell us what sunglasses we’ll be wearing for the next several seasons.

But there’s a new confidence and hopefulness in “Resurrections,” which takes us to the brink of apocalypse but also imagines a not-far-off day when differences in racial or gender identity are so universally accepted that they’re not even remarked upon.

It’s true that not a lot of new ground gets covered, storywise, but “Resurrections” is a big, loud, joyful movie and when one character says, “You’ve lost your capacity to distinguish reality from fiction,” it may make you think, “Duh. Isn’t that what going to the movies is about?”

E12 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

WEEKEND

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Villa Napoletana, 664 North Main St., East Longmeadow, will kick off 2022 on Sunday with brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)

Menu CONTINUES FROM PAGE E9

The restaurant’s brunch menu can be viewed online at boathousedining.com/ brunch; more information can be had by calling 413-536-2342.

• A longtime tradition returns to the Deerfield Inn in Deerfield as Champney’s Restaurant and Tavern, the gastropub that’s located within the inn, hosts a Robert Burns Night on Jan. 21.

A tribute to the Scottish poet, Burns Night celebrations are held around the world in late January as a way of commemorating Burns’ birthday on Jan. 25.

The menu for a traditional Burns Night includes haggis, mashed potatoes and rutabaga.

Poems, songs, music and a wee dram or two of Scotch whisky are also celebratory essentials.

The Robert Burns Night at Champney’s Restaurant, which is sure to observe all the traditional niceties, will begin at 6 p.m. and costs $85 to attend, not including tax or gratuity.

Reservations, which are essential, should be made by calling Champney’s at 413-7745587.

• According to Wall Street analysts with access to internal company sources, Chicagobased McDonald’s Corp. is about to take the next step in the development of its plantbased burger, the McPlant.

After introducing the McPlant in several overseas markets, McDonald’s began limited U.S. testing last month, offering the sandwich in eight restaurants clustered in three geographically disparate markets.

The McPlant features a meat-free burger created by El Secundo, California-based Beyond Meat. Garnished in traditional “cheeseburger deluxe” fashion, the McPlant sandwich is currently being offered at a price point similar to that of McDonald’s other full-sized burger offerings.

Future plans for the McPlant include an expanded market test early in 2022, when the sandwich will be sold on a limited-time-only basis in 700 restaurants nationwide.

Any full rollout of the McPlant, if it comes at all, is unlikely to happen before 2023.

Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College’s hospitality and culinary arts program and has more than 45 years of restaurant and educational experience. Robert can be reached online at OffTheMenuGuy@ aol.com.

r o f k n i r D Specality

s ’ r a e Y New

Peach Bellini with Prosecco Wine

www.frigosfoods.com 90 William Street, Springfield • 732-5428 159 Shaker Rd, East Longmeadow • 525-9400

3145131-01

• Offering a top-notch brunch experience every Sunday morning, Villa Napoletana in East Longmeadow will kick off 2022 on Sunday with a tasty-sounding assortment of breakfast and lunch favorites.

The brunch layout includes a breakfast station where participants can indulge in eggs benedict, Belgian waffles, omelettes made to order, and more. The selection of hot entrees typically includes chicken

Florentine, vegetable lasagna, and various sides.

The brunch, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is priced at $17.95 for adults and $8.95 for young folks 12 and under.

Villa Napoletana answers at 413-732-9300.