Weekend - November 24, 2022

LIVEWIRE: Northampton’s Parlor Room to become nonprofit organization, E3

OFF THE MENU: Grinch, Santa to visit Pioneer Valley restaurants, E7

CALENDAR: Events at museums, galleries in WMass, E10

Merry ‘Grinchmas’ at the Museums

Holiday Happenings, treelighting ceremony planned tomorrow

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

HE’S MEAN, LEAN and furry green, and one of the most beloved holiday characters from the mind of Dr. Seuss.

He’s the Grinch, and the iconic Christmas creation of Dr. Seuss will play a big part in the Springfield Museums’ Grinchmas celebration this year, including tomorrow’s annual Holiday Happenings. Grinchmas is an annual celebration at the Spring field Museums, where The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculp ture Garden help celebrate Springfield native Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, the author who revolution ized learning how to read by making it fun.

On Friday, along with museum admission, visitors can participate in Holiday Happenings 2022 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with visits with the Grinch, art activities, a stroll through the Museums’ gingerbread exhibition and more. The event will be

followed in the evening by a free Lighting of the Quad rangle.

As part of the Springfield Museums’ Seuss-iversary, officials have brought in The Grinch’s Grotto, a cave-like structure where he lives, from the creators of The Dr. Seuss Experience and Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind expe

rience and the only place in the nation that you can see it this year. And, the Grinch will be here on Friday from Whoville from 1-4 p.m.,”

said Larissa Murray, director of education for the Spring field Museums.

The Grotto is located in SIS Hall on the first floor of

Wood Museum of Springfield History.

“Inside the Grotto you will see the Grinch’s red

Paul Jaikssoon, 5, of South Hadley, chats with Santa and Mrs. Claus at a past Quadrangle tree-lighting ceremony at the Springfield Museums. (FREDERICK GORE PHOTO)

Families gather for a group photo with the Grinch at a past Quadrangle holiday lighting ceremony at the Springfield Museums. The annual holiday event returns tomorrow, with all-day events planned. (FREDERICK GORE PHOTO)

The Grinch’s Grotto, a cave-like structure where the Grinch himself lives, is open to the public on the first floor of the Wood Museum of Springfield History. The Grotto will be on display through Dec. 31. (PHOTO COURTESY SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS)

Northampton’s Parlor Room to become nonprofit organization

THE PARLOR ROOM will become a non profit organization starting Jan. 1.

The popular listening room is celebrating its 10th anniversary this fall and has presented hundreds of shows since its inception, including the Parlor Room Home Ses sions which raised more than $100,000 for artists unable to tour during the height of the COVID pandemic.

The Parlor Room Founda tion and School of Music will be established in the new year with the mission to “promote a vibrant musical community in downtown Northampton for musicians of all abilities and at all stages of their career,” according to a news release.

The Parlor Room will still bring nationally touring and local acts to its stage and will also now guide musicians and anyone interested in a career in the music industry through its school of music.

Liner notes

• Lizzo has announced a second leg of her 2022 tour, which will include a stop at the XL Center in Hartford on May 6.

The Special Tour will kick off April 21 in Knoxville, Tennessee, hitting a total of 17 cities and ending in Palm Des ert, California on June 2. Her most recent album, “Special,” peaked at No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

Tickets are on sale at lizzomusic.com.

• Killer Queen, a tribute to Queen, will make a return to MGM Springfield on Sept. 24, 2023.

Killer Queen previously played a sold-out show at MGM Springfield this past March. The band, fronted by Patrick Myers as Freddie Mer cury, has been performing since 1993, beginning with a debut concert at London University, where Queen had

played their first shows two decades earlier. They gained international notice when they were asked to recreate Queen’s harmonies for “The Real Life” with Fatboy Slim in 2001.

Tickets are now on sale at MGMSpringfield.com

“Mary Can!,” in March.

The singer announced her debut book, which will be published by HarperCollins, on Instagram. Ashleigh Corrin will provide the illustrations.

The Instagram post pictured the book cover, accompanied by the caption, “Mary Can! is an inspirational and motivat ing story about a young girl who proves that anyone can make their dreams come true if they just believe in them selves. It’s such a personal story for me, based off my own experiences as a child and even as an adult.”

• Coming on the heels of announcing her Summer Carnival 2023 tour, Pink has announced she will release a brand-new album.

Nightclubs

THURSDAY

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

East Mountain Country Club: Thursday Night Trivia. 1458 East Mountain Rd, Westfield

Shadow Lounge: DJ with classics. 278 Worthington St., Springfield

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

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

Delaney House: Fred Marion. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke

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

East Mountain Country Club: Off the Record. 1458 East Mountain Rd, Westfield

Happier Valley Comedy The ater: HVC’s Fun Fridays: Music Open Mic Night. 1 Mill Valley Road Suite B, Hadley

The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: The Whiskey Trea ty Roadshow with Sandy Bailey. 289 Main St., Greenfield

Theodores’: Blood Brothers. 201 Worthington St., Springfield West Springfield Fish and

• Mary J. Blige will release a children’s picture book,

The Parlor Room in Northampton will become a nonprofit orga nization starting Jan. 1. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

Killer Queen, a Queen trib ute band featuring Patrick Myers as Freddie Mercury, will return to MGM Spring field on Sept. 24, 2023. Lizzo will play the XL Center in Hartford on May 6.

George Lenker LiveWire

Mary J. Blige announced on Instagram that she will release a children’s picture book in March. (JOSHUA GUNTER / CLEVELAND.COM)

Dog shows return to Big E grounds

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

NOT EVERYONE will be chowing down on leftovers after Thanksgiving or braving the shoppers on Black Friday.

Instead, many will be on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield with their dogs where the Thanksgiving Cluster Dog Shows will be taking place tomorrow through Monday.

They are calling it “the greatest show on dirt,” where LEAP Agility Club of Central Massachusetts and Talcott Mountain Agility Clubs will showcase agility competitions in the Mallary Complex, while the Windham County, South Windsor, Springfield, and Holyoke Kennel Clubs will hold breed, rally and obedi ence competitions in the Better Living Center, Mallary Com plex and Young Building.

“When we show our dogs and step into the ring and see the spectators and hear the crowd cheer it energizes you. And for the dogs, I believe they hear the applause, too, and know that something special, more than usual, is happen ing,” Steve Basson, co-chair of

the agility cluster, said.

“Agility is when your dog un der your direction goes along a course of obstacles including jumping over various things, going through tires and tun nels, going over a seesaw and several other obstacles. Your dog also has to maneuver them in the proper order and cannot knock any of them over. It’s also a timed event,” he added.

During the all-breed com petitions, also known as confirmation, canines will be judged against various standards that have been set for their breed, such as weight, bite, size, tail and coat, among other characteristics. In the obedience trials, dogs will be judged by how well they listen to commands to sit, heel, walk and jump, and also in scent dis

crimination. And in rally, dogs and their handlers negotiate a course of skills according to sequentially numbered signs. Basson noted that during their agility show, there will be vendors selling a variety of dog themed items such as clothing, jewelry, photographs, leashes, collars, treats and much more, including a dog chiropractor, physical therapist, and animal communicator. There also will be vendors at the other shows.

With Christmas just around the corner, Basson offered his own personal advice to those considering gifting someone with a dog/puppy this holiday season.

“A dog isn’t a gift, but a bur den if someone isn’t physically and emotionally ready for a dog and the responsibility that comes with it, especially young children. You have to train them, feed them, walk them, clean up after them, and so much more,” he said. Check EasternStatesExposition. com/events for hours.

The Thanksgiving Classic Cluster Dog Show opens tomorrow and continues through Monday on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition. (STEVE SMITH PHOTO)

A dog is ready for a closeup at a past Thanksgiving Classic Cluster Dog Show.

(STEVE SMITH PHOTO)

April Stich, of West Hartford, dog sits American cocker spaniels for a friend at a past show. (STEVE SMITH PHOTO)

Groomer Mary Nickerson, of New Fairfield, Conn., enjoys a past show with her American Eskimo, Ronsoa. (STEVE SMITH PHOTO)

The Thanks giving Clas sic Cluster Dog Shows open to morrow and run through Monday.

(STEVE SMITH PHOTO)

Grinchmas

upholstered chair, where when he isn’t sitting there you can sit and take a selfie, a Seussian Christmas tree and presents, and a stove where he keeps warm that is hung with stock ings,” Murray said.

“You can also sit at the Whos’ table and carve the roast beef just like at the end of the pop ular Seuss story, and there are games to play like tic tac toe with Grinch characters and a reading nook,” she added.

In addition to the chair and many photo opportunities when the Grinch is around — he is also there on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — there is a statue of the Grinch with Max for selfie lovers as well as a large wreath you can stick your head through just like the illustra tion seen in Dr. Seuss’ popular book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” for yet another photo opp.

“While at the Wood Muse um of Springfield History you will also be able to view Ted Geisel’s classic Cadillac and imagine Dr. Seuss himself behind the driver’s wheel. And you can’t miss its distinguish ing license plate — GRINCH,” Murray said.

The Grotto will be on display through Dec. 31.

Also, as part of Holiday Hap penings, from 1-4 p.m. Mr. Vin ny, using giant bubble wands he designed and constructed, will gather kids for a fun game of watch, chase and pop the bubbles on the Quadrangle Green.

Other ongoing activities

include:

• Aesop’s Fables Ornaments from noon-4 p.m. — Create an ornament inspired by favorite fables presented in the special exhibit “Flour to Fables: Gingerbread 2022.” (Art Dis covery Center, Second Floor, George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum)

• How Do Animals Stay Warm? From 1-4 p.m. — Learn the science behind how animals keep warm in cold weather. (Science Workshop, Second Floor, Springfield Science Museum)

• Live Animal Demonstra tion from 1-4 p.m. — Join a museum educator at the Rep tile Wall in the Live Animal Center to get a closer look and learn more about animals like the painted turtle, box turtle, ball python, and bearded dragon. (Reptile Wall, Lower Level, Springfield Science Museum)

While participating in Holi

day Happenings, visitors can also stop by the 13th annual holiday gingerbread contest exhibition, “Gingerbread: Flour to Fables,” which will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will remain open through Dec. 31. Following Holiday Happenings, the Lighting of the Quadrangle, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 5-7 p.m. The festive holiday celebration features train rides, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus and

the Grinch, hot cocoa, cider, and cookies; and visits to the Grinch’s Grotto and “Flour to Fables.”

Grinchmas at the Springfield Museums is sponsored by Hope for Youth and Families Foundation, The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, and Eversource. Seuss-iversary recognizes the fifth anniver sary of The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, the 20th anniversary of the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture

Garden, and the opening of Ted’s House and Innovation Center (virtual visits only) and decades of Seuss in Springfield.

One ticket includes admis sion to all five museums and is $25 for adults, $16.50 for seniors age 60 and over and for college students, $13 for youth age 3-17, and free for children under 3.

Springfield residents with valid ID are free.

For more information, visit springfieldmuseums.org.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus walk around the Springfield Museums greeting visitors at a past Lighting of the Quadrangle. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

The Grinch’s Grotto, a cave-like structure where the Grinch himself lives, is open to the public on the first floor of the Wood Museum of Springfield History. The Grinch is available for photo opportunities in the Grotto on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (PHOTO COURTESY SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS)

Grinchmas is sponsored by Hope for Youth and Families Foundation, the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, and Eversource.

10 things I learned about wine in 10 years

TEN YEARS AGO THIS month, I wrote my first weekly wine column for this newspaper.

Even now, a decade and more than 500 weekly wine columns later — I’ve never missed a week, not even once — I can still vividly remember the first time I tasted wine for this column. Then again, it was a pretty memorable experience. My wife, our dog and I were at the Red Lion Inn in the Berkshires. A hurricane had been predicted. The inn gave us candles and a food basket. The wind picked up. We lit a fire in the fireplace. Then we hunkered down and started tasting wine.

The hurricane never came. But the first wine column was born. Since then, I’ve had a blast writing about wine every week.

I’ve written about all things wine related from A (Argen tinian malbec) to Z (zinfandel from California). There have been columns about low-calo rie wines, high-alcohol wines, which wines to drink depending on which sports you like and wine-related movies, including every wine in every James Bond movie ever made. I’ve also written more personal wine col umns about my dad, my mom, my grandparents, how I met my wife while working in a wine store and our dog Grismby, who was often there to help me write many of these wine columns.

The wine column has liter ally taken me to places I never imagined I would go, including

Champagne, Provence, the Loire Valley, the Rhone region and the Burgundy region in France. And more than any thing, I’ve met a lot of great people who make wine and love wine. Initially, I thought about writing about my 10 favorite wines from the last 10 years. But the more I thought about it, the more I thought about just how impossible it would be to actu ally do that. How on earth can I possibly pick my 10 favorite wines out of all the wines I have tasted since 2012?

Besides, even if I could narrow the list down to 10 wines, what would be the point? Most of us — including myself — probably wouldn’t even be able to find most of these wines now.

So instead, I thought I would share some of the lessons I have learned about wine in the past 10 years. I narrowed this list down to 10 things, but I could have easily written about a dozen more wine tips, including “don’t eat grapes when tasting wine,” “don’t serve white wine too cold” and “which wine glass you use is not that important.” (All true, all important.)

That’s one of the great things about wine. The more you learn, the more you realize how much there is still to discover about the wonderful world of wine.

So whether you’ve been there for all 520 wine columns or you’re just joining me for this journey, welcome aboard.

And thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you so

THANKSGIVING IS a time for express ing gratitude, but it’s also a time to share food and drink.

Since this is a beer col umn, I’m going to focus on the “drink” aspect, and also express plenty of grat itude. I’m thankful in gen eral to be living at a time that is truly the golden age of craft brewing. Maybe 50 years from now there will even be a more astounding craft beer renaissance, but I won’t be around for that, so I’m going to go ahead and claim that the past 15 years or so have been an amazing time to be a craft beer fan. So today I thought I’d list five beer-centric things (mostly beers themselves, but a couple of other items) that I’m thankful for.

These five are corner stones of my beer world. There are many, many other items in the craft beer galaxy for which I’m grateful, but since no one wants to read a 20,000-word column, I’m going with these as foundational elements of my craft beer appre ciation.

Without further ado and in no particular order:

• Fritz Maytag and Anchor Brewing: The equivalent of the Big Bang in craft brewing history. The appliance mogul threw a life pre server to an old brewery and turned it into the first craft brewery in the nation. It still brews great beer.

• Guinness Stout: OK, Guinness isn’t re ally a craft beer, but it’s what a lot of beer fans drank when the U.S. choices were not that

enticing. Sure, there were other great imports back in the day, but Guinness was among the best and very popular. It got me into beer before a lot of great beer was around.

• Catamount Brewing beers: This now sadly defunct brewery made the first craft beer I truly loved. I really liked Sam Adams and Sierra Nevada offer ings (along with a handful of other early craft brews), but Catamount really got its claws into my heart in the early days.

• Dogfish Head 90-minute IPA: Before the IPA mania that now grips the land, this gem shone like the Northern Lights. I enjoyed the drier 60-minute IPA, too, but when the 90-minute itera tion hit taps here in Massa chusetts, I was all-in.

• The Northampton Brewery: The first craft brewery in this part of the

state (opened in 1987), I’ve been going there since the day it opened. It’s also con veniently right down the road from me. Of course I’m also thankful for other nearby places (Progression Brewing, Building 8, Draw ing Board Brewing, Little Willow in my home city and New City, Abandoned Building and Fort Hill right nearby in Easthampton), but there will always be a special place on my palate for the Northampton Brew ery.

The author tastes wine near St. Tropez, France, in Oct.

George Lenker Beer Nut

Ken Ross Wine Press

Grinch, Santa to visit Pioneer Valley restaurants

STILL ONE MORE INDI cation of our collective yearning for normalcy this holiday season is the number of whimsically themed events area restaurants are sponsoring. Holiday music, appearances by Christmas season personalities, and, of course, plenty of festive food will be on offer up and down the Pioneer Valley during the weeks ahead. The Grinch, Santa’s holiday season neme sis, is making several holiday visits to area restaurants. He’ll be appearing along with Santa on Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at a brunch sponsored by the Boathouse Restaurant in South Hadley. The restaurant’s regular brunch offerings are being served, and both Santa and the Grinch will be available for photo opportunities. Call 413-536-2342 for reservations.

The Uno Pizzeria & Grill at Haymarket Square in Spring field will be sponsoring six Grinch & Santa Dinners during the month of December. Held to benefit the Shriners Chil dren’s New England (formerly the Shriners Hospital for Children), the dinners offer seatings from 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 11, 12, 13 and Dec. 18, 19, and 20. Reservations, which are essential, can be made by calling 413-543-6600.

In-restaurant caroling is a popular tradition, and the Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant, which first pro moted the experience locally, is hosting its Fort Carolers nightly starting Dec. 2 and run ning through Christmas Eve. Lunch hour performances are planned for Dec. 6 and Dec. 7.

Reservations, which are es sential, can be made by calling 413-734-7475.

The Munich Haus German Restaurant in Chicopee will hold its annual German Weihn actsfest, featuring the Dane Kane Carolers, nightly from Dec. 10 through 23. The carol ing performance will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the restaurant will be featuring a special holi day menu. Reservations, which are required, can be made by calling 413-594-8788.

This December the Irish

House Restaurant and Trinity Pub in West Springfield will be hosting evenings of “Christmas Music with the Tavern Carol ers.” Seven dates are available on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays; each performance offers a buffet dinner option. For additional information or to purchase tickets, contact the Irish House Restaurant at 413342-4358.

What might qualify as among the most unusual of this year’s holiday events is a Wine & Christmas Cookie Pairing that’s being held at the Hardwick Vineyard & Winery in Hardwick.

Scheduled for Dec. 16, the evening will match five types of cookies such as gingerbread, pecan snowballs, and Italian lemon cookies with select Hardwick Vineyard Wines. Contact the Hardwick Vine yard & Winery at 413-967-7763 for additional details.

Side dishes

• The peak selling season for restaurant gift certificates and gift cards is about to get under way, and, as part of efforts to capture more of that business, a number of independent restaurants have taken to run ning “Black Friday” gift card promotions. If gift cards are on your shopping list, be sure to check around to see there’s an early season deal in force at a restaurant your “giftee” might enjoy. Also remember that, due to menu price inflation, you may need to be a bit more generous in selecting the dollar value of those gift cards you buy.

• Hanna Devine’s Restau rant in Ware has recently added lunch hours to its weekly

schedule, with the restaurant now open for the midday meal starting at 11:30 a.m. from Wednesday through Saturday. Lunch entrees on the menu include Baked Haddock and Vegetable Ravioli. A Reuben Panini, a Chicken Cutlet sand wich, Steak & Cheese with on ions and peppers, and several eight-ounce burger creations are among the between-bread offerings. Daily luncheon specials also will be available. Hanna Devine’s answers at 413-277-0707.

• Dunkin’ has introduced its lineup of holiday-inspired beverage and pastry selec tions, which are now avail able at participating Dunkin’ shops.

“Cookie butter” is Dunkin’s holiday flavor theme this year; it’s featured in a Cookie Butter Cold Brew that’s laced with brown sugar cookie syrup. The drink is served topped with a cookie butter-flavored cold foam and cookie butter crumbles. Cookie butter also appears in the pastry case, in the form of a Cookie Butter Donut filled with cookie and finished with maple icing and cookie crumbles. Other holi day season drinks at Dunkin’ include Toasted White Chocolate and Peppermint

Mocha Lattes, both of which are available either hot or iced. Eggs, melted American cheese and choice of sausage or bacon in a maple-flavored pancake are all a part of the build found in a Pancake Wake-up Wrap, a limited-time-only Dunkin’ snack creation that comes with a side of syrup.

• The Shortstop Bar & Grill in Westfield has reintro duced lunchtime operations with a midday meal lineup that’s available Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entree selections available include Chicken

Francaise, Baked Cod, Fish & Chips, and Baked Meatballs with ziti; daily specials are also featured. Those in the mood for something a bit lighter can take advantage of a Soup & Salad combination or several sandwich plate options.

The Shortstop Bar & Grill answers at 413-642-6370.

• Though the start of the event is still almost six months away, the National Restau rant Association has opened registration for its 2023 show, which is billed as the largest restaurant and food service

Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant will host its Fort Carolers nightly starting Dec. 2 and running through Christmas Eve. Above, alcohol is poured at a past holiday event at the restau rant. (THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)

Hugh Robert Off The Menu

much for reading this column. Your comments, your words of encouragement and your enjoyment of this column help fuel my curiosity and keep me writing about wine this week and every week.

Hope you enjoy.

1. Price does not equal quality. I didn’t exactly learn this lesson in the past decade. This was one of the reasons why I first wanted to write this wine column long before 2012 and why I write a column each year about the 10 best wines under $10 a bottle.

Since then, tasting wine for this column has confirmed my theory that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to find great wines. There are many, great affordable wines. And I am committed as ever to find ing these wines and sharing them with you.

2. Don’t judge a wine by its label. Some wine labels look ridiculous and seem to invite ridicule, especially ones some people derisively call “critter wines” that feature cute ani mals on the label. I remember one California wine in particu lar from Hamel Family Wines with a badger on the label. I thought, this wine seems silly – until I tasted this outstand ing wine. Then the joke was on

me. Just goes to show what’s true about book covers is just as true about wine labels. You never know until you try it.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether you’re in a restaurant, a wine store or drinking wine with friends, there’s nothing wrong with asking someone a question about wine. I will admit that I used to be embarrassed to ask someone a wine-related question. Not anymore.

The more you learn about wine, the more you realize there’s so much more to learn about it. So why not ask some one who sells wine or serves wine for a living? They often know more about the wine in their store, on the wine list or in their winery.

4. Wine doesn’t always get better with age. I used to think that many wines get bet ter with age, especially when it comes to higher-priced red wines.

While it’s definitely true that some reds — especially ones from France’s Bordeaux region or California cabernet sauvignons — from certain outstanding vintages definite ly do get better after a decade or two or more, I have also had many older wines that were over the hill or younger red wines that tasted great after only being bottled a few years before. So don’t judge a wine by its age. Judge it by its taste.

5. Give wine time to open

up. This tip has a bit to do with the previous one. If an older or often a younger wine doesn’t taste great straight out of the bottle, don’t give up. Often, these wines simply need time to develop and get better.

I’ve noticed this in particular with many young California cabernet sauvignons, includ ing the 2018 Gamble Family Vineyards Napa Valley Caber net Sauvignon ($60 Suggested Retail Price) that I tasted just this past week. Initially, the wine tasted a bit too jammy and plum-like for my taste.

I put the cork back in the bottle and set it aside for a day. Sure enough, a day later, the wine tasted absolutely amaz ing — soft, smooth, velvety and understated. Just goes to show it often pays to be patient.

6. Get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Whether it’s wine or food, television shows or clothes, it’s easy to fall into patterns and go for the same sweatshirt, the same steak rec ipe or watch the same reruns of “Columbo” or “Inspector Morse.” The same can easily happen with wine.

Many of us gravitate to wards familiar red wines from France, Argentina or Cali fornia. But if you try some thing new, you just might be surprised by how much you enjoy something completely different. I know I have many times in the past decade and

that’s one of the great joys of writing this wine column — discovering new wines.

7. Enjoy what you love. While there’s definitely some thing to be said for exploring and trying new wines, no one says you have to do that all the time. Sometimes, there’s something very comforting about having familiar wines we love, especially if those wines bring back great mem ories.

I especially enjoy having familiar wines I tasted with the winemaker in their wine cellar, one of the things I’ve had the good fortune to do several times in the past 10 years. Drinking these wines, I’m often transported back to a wonderful time and special place.

8. Tasting wine should be fun. This might seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised by how some people can treat wine tast ing like a chore or a contact sport, especially if they do it all the time. I will confess there have been a few times when I didn’t feel like wine tasting (or tasting hundreds of wines in one day) but I took one for the team and did it for the wine column. But I can probably count those times on one hand, which isn’t bad for more than 500 wine columns. The vast majority of the time, tasting wine has been an absolute joy, whether

it’s at home, at a winery or somewhere else.

9. Great wine tastes better with great friends. I used to think a wine tastes great no matter when or where you taste it. But in the past decade, I have noticed that many great wines taste even better when you taste them with good friends. It’s especially fun to watch how people react to drinking wines you love or discovering them together. Seeing them happy often makes me even happier and the wine taste even better.

10. Trust your taste. There are a lot of wine experts, websites and books eager to tell you which wines are the best wines and which wines you should love. Feel free to listen to them or simply ignore them.

Because in the end, it all comes down to what you personally like. So if you love sweet fruity wine, high-alco hol red wines or a wine that got a below-average score in some wine magazine, who cares? You know what you like. If something tastes great, don’t second guess yourself. Trust your taste and enjoy wines you love.

Cheers!

Wine Press by Ken Ross ap pears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Repub lican’s weekend section every Thursday.

exposition in the Western Hemisphere. Scheduled to run from May 20 to 23 at McCormick Place in Chicago, the show features exhibitors, educational workshops, panel discussions, and culinary demonstrations by big-name chefs. Discounted advance registration is now available at the show’s website, national restaurantshow.com.

• Chick-Fil-A has brought back two seasonal favorites to its menu this month. The Peppermint Chip Milkshake, a Chick-Fil-A fan favorite, is blended from the chain’s “Ice dream” frozen dessert and

peppermint bark chips, then topped with whipped cream and a cherry. Also making a return engagement is ChickFil-A’s Chicken Tortilla Soup, a specialty that features both the chain’s spicy and origi nal chicken variations along with beans and vegetables in a creamy base. Both items should be available until the end of the year. There are Chick-Fil-A locations on Me morial Drive in Chicopee and on Hazard Avenue in Enfield.

• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen last week introduced a Blackened Chicken Sand wich that took four years for the chain’s test kitchen to perfect. The first non-breaded chicken item that Popeyes has developed, the sandwich

will be available on a limit ed-time-only basis. Featuring a whole chicken breast that has been marinated for 12 hours and seasoned with a Cajun spice blend, the sand wich is an homage to tradi tional Louisiana “blackened” cookery. Members of Popeyes loyalty program can earn 200 bonus points when they order the sandwich on the Popey es App or at Popeyes.com There are Popeyes locations on Route 9 in Hadley, on Me morial Drive in Chicopee, on both State Street and Boston Road in Springfield, and now on Holyoke Street outside Holyoke Mall at Ingleside.

• As the latest wrinkle in its “Eat Fresh, Refresh” menu overhaul, Milford, Con

necticut-based Subway has announced another ingredient upgrade — this time in the pick les it uses to garnish sandwich es. Billed as “thicker, crisper, juicier,” the crinkle-cut dill pickle slices are being promoted through a tie-in to the sport of pickleball. In conjunction with snack food giant Frito-Lay, Subway is running a #Pickle ballisLife Sweepstakes, with one winner getting free Subway sandwiches and Lay’s Dill Pickle Chips for a year. Contest details are available at Subway’s various social media sites.

• The Wendy’s Co. has made its contribution to this Christmas season’s limit ed-time-only lineup in the form of a Peppermint Frosty dairy dessert. The peppermint

flavor will be available through the end of 2022, temporarily replacing the vanilla frosty flavor on the burger chain’s menu. Wendy’s locations have also brought back Frosty Key Tags, which will be available thought Jan. 29. The tags, which sell for $2 and are good for a year, entitle the holder to a free Jr. Frosty with each visit to participating locations. Proceeds from the key tag sale benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

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

CALENDAR

Events

THURSDAY

Bright Nights at Forest Park: Thu.-Sun., Forest Park, through Jan. 1. Closed Nov. 28-29. Tuesday Car admission $10, Dec. 6, 13. Tickets must be purchased in ad vance at Big Y or online at bright nights.org. Cars, $23; full-size bus with 31+ passengers, $175; minibus with 17-30 passengers, $80. Sumner Avenue, Springfield.

MGM Casino: Thu.-Sun., MGM Springfield, featuring retail stores, restaurants, Regal Cinemas and more. For more information, visit mgmspringfield.com, 1 MGM Way, Springfield.

Square Dancing Workshop: Thu., 6:30-8 p.m. VFW Post 8428, American Legion Hall behind the police station on Route 202, $5 per person. Instructor is Gloria Vivier. 41 Pelham Road, Belcher town, 413-323-9997.

FRIDAY

Bright Nights at Forest Park: See Thursday listing

MGM Casino: See Thursday listing

RENT Musical: Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Enfield Annex, $25. 124 North Maple St., Enfield.

Santa Arrives at Holyoke Mall: Fri., noon-2 p.m. Holyoke Mall, by the mall entrance near Uno Pizzeria & Grill. In Café Square, there will be free face painting by Dazzle Day Face Painters and bal loon animals by Ed Popielarczyk, 50 Holyoke St., Holyoke.

Snow Farm Craft Seconds Sale: Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. See work from 200+ artists in five galleries. So many treasures in glass, ceramics, clothing, jewelry, wood, cards, prints, and more. Seconds can be older inventory, experimental pieces, or discontinued lines. Reserv ing a shopping time in advance helps reduce long lines and large groups in the shopping areas. Masks are recommended, but not required. Snow Farm is a nonprofit organization; the $6 entry fee goes directly to bene fiting scholarships, $6. 5 Clary Road, Williamsburg; 413-2683101 or snowfarm.org

SATURDAY

43rd Annual Talking Turkey

6-Mile Run: Sat., 1 p.m. Holyoke Lodge of Elks #902, Talking Turkey returns. Bib and T-shirt pickup at the Elks prior to the race, from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Parking and afterparty at the lodge, 250 Whitney Ave. Postrace party will feature a pasta dinner, raffle prizes, and cash prizes to the winners.. Register online at eorcrunner1.wufoo. com/forms/43rd-runningof-the-6-mile-talking-turkeyrace, $35-40. 250 Whitney Ave., Holyoke.

Bright Nights at Forest Park: See Thursday listing

MGM Casino: See Thursday listing

RENT Musical: See Friday listing

Saturday Holiday Salon: Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. LAVA Center, rotating vendors, storytime with Mrs. Claus, live music, and more. This holiday salon runs Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, 324 Main St., Greenfield.

Snow Farm Craft Seconds Sale: See Friday listing

SUNDAY

Bella Voce Christmas Concert: Sun., 2 p.m. North Hadley Con gregational Church, Bella Voce Christmas Concert featuring Teri LaFleur, soprano; Lisa Woods Mezzo, soprano; Jerry Noble, piano accompaniment; Kara No ble, bass. Familiar holiday songs including new arrangements by Jerry Noble, $15 general public. 243 River Drive, Hadley; 413586-2021.

Bright Nights at Forest Park: See Thursday listing

MGM Casino: See Thursday listing

RENT Musical: See Friday listing

Snow Farm Craft Seconds Sale: See Friday listing

Square Dancing Workshop: Sun., 6:30-8 p.m. Union Church of Christ, first two dances are free and then $5 per person. Instructor is Gloria Vivier. For more information, call 413-4673352, 51 Center St., Route 21, Ludlow, 413-583-5717.

Quadrangle

Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden: Outdoor sculpture garden of larger-than-life bronze statues of Springfield native Dr. Seuss at his drawing board surround ed by some of his most beloved characters including Horton the Elephant, the Grinch, the Lorax and others. Free on the green.

George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: “Ancient Treasures,” a display of artifacts from ancient China, Greece, Rome and Egypt. Handson making activities in the Hasbro Games Art Discovery Center.

Lyman and Merrie Wood Muse um of Springfield History: “The Grinch’s Grotto: A Wonderful, Awful Idea,” through Dec. 31. Visitors are invited to bring their cell phones or cameras to take a portrait with the Grinch in his Grotto. Visit the online calendar

to see when the Grinch himself will be there. “The Grinch: A Car with a History,” through Nov. 1, 2023. Permanent exhibit: more than two dozen Indian motorcy cles and related memorabilia.

Michele and Donald D’Amour Mu seum of Fine Arts: “Josh Simpson: Visionary Explorations in Glass,” through Jan. 15.

Quadrangle Welcome Center: Lighting of the Quadrangle: Fri., 5-7 p.m. This celebration features train rides, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot cocoa, cider, and cookies, and visits to the Grinch’s Grotto and the gingerbread exhibition “Flour to Fables.” Free and open to the public; museum admission not required.

Springfield Science Museum: “We’re Still Here,” through June 30. Native Voices Initiative begins with contemporary perspectives. Curated by Aprell May Munford. “Holiday Happenings,” Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Takes place throughout the museums. Free with museum admission.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibit. First floor exhibition provides interac tive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia. Timed tick ets required. For reservations, visit springfieldmuseums.org

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, Spring field residents are free with proof

of residency. Welcome Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Museums

Amelia Park Children’s Museum: Permanent exhibit: Hands-on activities and creative exhibits, including the Hurricane Simu lator. Sign up online for a play session at ameliaparkmuseum. org. Hours: Mon., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Thurs.-Sun, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Open for groups Tues. and Wed. $8 adults, $8 children (12 months and older), $4 grandparents/seniors (60+), military personnel and teachers receive a 10% discount off the price of regular admission, members and infants free. 29 South Broad St., Westfield or ameliaparkmuseum.org

Berkshire Museum: “Winter Fes tival: Solstice Celebration-Festival of Trees re-imagined,” through Jan. 8. “Winter festival: Solstice Celebration Book Talk,” Sun., 12:30-1:30 p.m. “Twas the Nightthe Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem,” with Pamela McColl. Included with museum admission. 39 South St., Pittsfield or berkshiremuseum.org

Children’s Museum at Holyoke: Permanent exhibit: Amazing world of learning and play includes the Wiggle and Wash/Vet Clinic, a toddler merry-go-round and a STEM-based cash register for kids.

Hours: Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m. Closed Mondays, closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day. In the event of severe weather conditions, check Facebook or Instagram, or local TV Station 22 for closures.

Admission: children & adults $8; seniors (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,” Fri.-Sun., 5-9 p.m. Additionally the museum will be open from Dec. 26-30 during school vacation break. Tickets must be purchased in advance at ct-trolley.org. $15-$20 per person. “Pictures with Santa,” Fri., 5-9 p.m., with pictures taken by photographer Marc Glucksman of River Rail Photo. Pictures will be available to purchase online with holiday card options, digital downloads, tote bags and more. Reservations must be made in advance at ct-trolley.org. $25 for Winterfest patrons, $50 non-Winterfest patrons, 58 North Road, East Windsor.

Bright Nights at Forest Park is open for the holiday season through Jan. 1. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit brightnights.org. Above, the Springfield City Hall display at Bright Nights. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

East Longmeadow Historical Commission Museum: Perma nent exhibit: Historical artifacts. Featured at the museum are East Longmeadow artifacts pertain ing to the quarries, local Native Americans, period clothing, the railroad system, and more. Hours: 1-3 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month, Sept.-June, weather permitting. Free, 87 Maple St., East Longmeadow

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: “Celebrating Collage: A 20th Anniversary Celebration,” through Dec. 31. Permanent exhibit: 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. Museum hours: Weds.Fri, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, noon-5 p.m. $6, $9, $22.50 for a family of four, “The Carle Collection: Recent Acquisi tions,” through April 9. “Eric Carle’s Book Birthdays,” through March 5. 125 West Bay Road, Amherst or carlemuseum.org.

Holyoke Merry-Go-Round: Open for rides. Sat.-Sun., noon-4 p.m. $3.50 ride or four for $10, 221 Ap pleton St., Holyoke or holyoke merrygoround.org

Josiah Day House: Permanent exhibit: Featuring guided tours, artifacts, furniture, clothing and documents from 1754-1902. Call for open house schedule and individual tours. $3, $1 children 6-12, free for members, 70 Park St., West Springfield, 413-734-8322.

Mead Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: Various American and European paintings, Mexican ceramics, Tibetan scroll paintings and more. 220 South Pleasant St., Amherst or amherst.edu

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. Exhib its include “High Above Center Court,” “Hall of Honor,” “1891 Gallery,” “Players Gallery,” “James Goldstein Superfan gallery,” and “Jerry Colangelo Court of Dreams.”; 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 (5-15); $23 students

Hours: Thurs.-Mon., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Advance ticket purchase required; Closed Tues. and Wed. $20 adults; $18 seniors, AAA, retire military; $10 college students; free children ages 18 and under, members and active military, 9 Route 183, Stock bridge or nrm.org

Old Sturbridge Village: Nov. 25-Jan. 1, OSV will only be open during Christmas by Candlelight, Fri.-Sun., 2-8 p.m. “Christmas by Candlelight.” Nov. 25-27; Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23, 27-30 2-8 p.m. $32 adults, $16 children (4-17), Route 20, Sturbridge or osv.org

Polish Center of Discovery and Learning: Permanent exhibit: Living monument safeguarding historical objects representative of the material culture of the Polish people in America. Galleries include “Coming to America”; “At Home in America”; “Folk Art”; “His tory.” The Polish Center is open to the public daily, Mon.-Fri., 1-5 p.m., except for inclement weather and holidays. Other times may be scheduled by appointment. $5 donation, 33 South St., Chicopee or polishcenter.net

Springfield Armory National His toric Site: Ranger-led interpretive programs offered in the museum in the afternoon. Junior Ranger programs conducted frequently each day. Wed.-Sun, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 1 Armory Square, Springfield or nps.gov/spar

Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum: Permanent exhibit: Daniel Anthony’s Store, The Legacy Room, The Birthing Room, The Portrait Gallery. Open Fri.-Sun, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 students and children 6-17, free for children under 6 and NARM/NEMA/ROAM members, 67 East Road, Adams or susan banthonybirthplace.com

The Emily Dickinson Museum: Admission to the museum is by guided tour, for which advance purchase timed tickets are re quired. Visit EmilyDickinson Museum.org to purchase your tickets and for more information. 280 Main St., Amherst.

p.m. Closed Mondays, holidays, and academic breaks. Check for snow days online at umass.edu/ closing/. 151 Presidents Drive, Amherst.

Wistariahurst Museum: Perma nent exhibit: Gardens and grounds open daily from dawn to dusk. Carriage House and gift shop open Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For information about house tours, group tours and upcoming events visit wistariahurst.org. Standard admission: $7 Holyoke residents; $5 seniors; $5 youth (under 18); free for museum members, active military and family members. 238 Cabot St., Holyoke or wistaria hurst.org

Yiddish Book Center: Permanent exhibit, “A Velt mit veltelekh: The Worlds of Jewish Culture.” The center will be open to the public on Thurs., Fri., Sun., and Mon. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Shabbos (Saturday) and Jewish and legal holidays. $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., noon5 p.m. “Missing Department,” through Dec. 10. Visual works by Ligia Bouton and poetry by Matt Donovan. Student poetry reading on Dec. 9, 7-9 p.m. Gallery hours: Wed.-Sun., noon-5 p.m.; Fri., noon8 p.m. Closed Mon. and Tues. 126 Main St., Northampton or apearts. org

Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gal lery: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Tues.-Fri. 12:30-4:30 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. First floor of building 28. 1 Armory Square, Springfield, 413-755-5258.

Indian Orchard Mills Dane Gal lery: All new exhibits every month featuring the artists at Indian Orchard Mills. Hours: Sat., noon-4 p.m. or by appointment. 34 Front St., Indian Orchard, 413-543-3321.

J. H. Miller Custom Framing and Gallery: Featuring the works of local artists. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 86 Elm St., West Springfield, 413-7329128.

Sunnyside Road Gallery: Fea turing the work of Carolyn Avery. Hours: Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or by calling 413-569-0384. 52 Sunny side Road, Southwick.

West Springfield Public Library: Watercolor, pastel and oil paintings by Noreen Acconcio, through Nov. 30. Artists contact information is available at the library. 200 Park St., West Springfield or wspl.org

Outdoors

Great Falls Discovery Center: Great Hall Art Exhibit: “The Good Old Days,” paintings by Lee Gray, through Nov. 30. Story Walk Series, through Jan. 1. “Thanks to the Animals,” by Allen Sockabasin, for young readers ages 6-8 and anyone grateful for wildlife. “Go Green on Black Friday Walk,” Fri., 1-2:30 p.m. Join in for a leisurely walk along the Canalside Rail Trail. The walk is about 3 miles long, on a level paved surface. Easy stroll for adults and children ages 8 and up. Be prepared for cold weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Walk begins at the front entrance to the discover center. Inclement weather or icy trial conditions will cancel the event. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls or greatfallsma.org

Holyoke Heritage State Park: Permanent exhibit: Preserving the history and culture of Holyoke through permanent exhibits on the paper and textile industry. Also featuring a new scale model of Mountain Park. Visitor Center open Wed.-Sun., noon to 4 p.m. Closed Mon.-Tues. Free admission. mass. gov/locations/holyoke-heritagestate-park. 221 Appleton St., Holyoke, 413-534-1723.

with valid high school or college ID. free for ages under 5, 1000 West Columbus Ave., Springfield or hoophall.com

Norman Rockwell Museum: “Norman Rockwell Drawings, 1914-1976,” through Jan. 7. “Eloise and More: The Life and Art of Hilary Knight,” through March 12. “Norman Rockwell’s Spirit of the Holidays,” through Feb. 5. Permanent exhibit: Gallery.

Titanic Museum: Permanent exhibit: Exhibits from the collec tion 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

University Museum of Contem porary Art - Fine Arts Center: Permanent exhibit. The Fine Arts Center requires patrons to be fully vaccinated to attend performanc es. Masks are not required, but are welcome and encouraged. The University Museum is open through May 1; Tue.–Fri., 11 a.m.4:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., noon-4 p.m.; and first Thursdays until 8

Anchor House of Artists: Art of Vision Series/25th anniversary, through Nov. 30; Dec. 1-30; Gallery hours: Tues.-Sat., 1-6 p.m. Closed Sun.-Mon. and Nov. 24, Dec. 16, 17, 23, 24. The public is invited to join gala celebration on Dec. 6, from 4-6 p.m., anchorhouseartists.org 518 Pleasant St., Northampton.

Forbes Library: Paintings by Nayana LaFond and photographs by Christopher Curtis, through Nov. 30. Nayana LaFond, “Portraits in RED: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls”; Christopher Curtis, “Luminous Places.” 20 West St., Northampton or forbeslibrary.org

Gallery A3 Amherst Art Alliance: “Martha’s Vineyard Spring” by Eric Broudy; “dockside” by Larry Rankin, through Sat. Gallery hours: Thurs.-Sun., 2-7 p.m. 28 Amity St., Amherst, 413-256-4250.

Mt. Greylock State Reservation: Visitor’s Center. Interpretive exhib its explore the park’s story through artifacts and displays. Trail maps, hike guidance, 13-minute orienta tion film, bathrooms, and drinking water are available. Wheelchair accessible. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough.

Natural Bridge State Park: Visitors Center exhibits 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

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/ myevent

Santa Claus will arrive at the Holyoke Mall Friday at noon. From noon to 2 p.m. there will be free face painting and balloon animals. Above, Santa arrives at the mall in this file photo.

(DAVE ROBACK / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)

LiveWire

The singer will drop her ninth studio album “Trust fall” on Feb. 17.

The record will be her first record since 2018′s “Hurts 2B Human.”

The album’s first single, “Never Gonna Not Dance Again,” was released earli er this month.

Above, Pink performs during her Beautiful Trauma Tour at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on March 17, 2019. The singer will release her ninth studio album, “Trustfall,” on Feb. 17. (DAVID

GRUNFELD / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE)

Nightclubs

Game Club: CD jukebox, pool ta ble. 329 Garden St., Feeding Hills

SATURDAY

Crestview Country Club: Mike Smith. 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam

Delaney House: Frank Serafino. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Gran by Road, Chicopee

The Drake: Eavesdrop & Grayson TY. 44 North Pleasant St., Am herst

The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Cornerstone Comedy featuring Darren Rivera. 289 Main St., Greenfield

The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Echoes of Floyd: Pink Floyd Tribute. 289 Main St., Greenfield

The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Thanks!House Music Party & Toy Drive. 289 Main St., Greenfield

Theodores’: Cold Shot. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

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

SUNDAY

Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Gran by Road, Chicopee

The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Swing Sundays at Hawks and Reed. 289 Main St., Greenfield

MONDAY

Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Gran by Road, Chicopee

TUESDAY

Tavern Restaurant: Trivia Night. 2 Broad St., Westfield

The Drake: Houston Person. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst

WEDNESDAY

American Legion Post 351: Open mic with Kevin Crane. 50 Saint Kolbe Drive, Holyoke

Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Gran by Road, Chicopee

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 sub mitted to masslive.com/myevent