LIVEWIRE: Kenny Chesney to play Mohegan Sun in April, E3
BEER NUT: A eulogy for brewing legend Ray McNeill, E5
CALENDAR: Events at museums, galleries in WMass, E9
THE MAJESTIC THEater in West Springfield is where patrons go “Home for the Holidays,” which just happens to be the name of its popular holiday-themed show for more than a decade.
This year’s show opens Thursday and runs through Dec. 22.
“We knew it wasn’t reasonable to begin a new play in the middle of the holiday season, so the theater was left dark from December to after the New Year. So, about 12 years ago we put our heads together and came up with the idea of putting a show together called ‘Home for the Holidays’ that is based on the idea of those popular Christmas television shows of the golden days of Perry Como and Andy Williams,” said Danny Eaton, founding producer of The Majestic.
Once again, Elvis impersonator Ray Guillemette Jr. (A Ray of Elvis) will welcome guests into his living room each time the doorbell rings. They will chat about important events in their lives over the past year and about what they may have performed recently onstage at The Majestic, as well as sing a song or two.
Now in his 11th year with the show, Guillemette said it never gets old.
“Each year the audience creates new moments for us.
There are also new creative elements that keep the show fresh, added alongside traditional elements that our audiences continue to want to see,” he said.
Joining Guillemette in his living room will be veteran Majestic performers including Ben Ashley who serves as the unofficial co-host of the holiday production, and Myka Plunkett, Tully Russell and Gene Donaldson as Santa.
Also Brad Shepard, Caelie Flanagan, who will sing her beautiful rendition of “Cradle in Bethlehem,” Vivienne Damon, Michael Morales and Kait Rankins.
Steve Petit, longtime production manager at The Majestic and director of their Children’s Theater, who took over directorial duties for “Home for the Holidays” last year, is back this year.
“I had a great time and it was a lot of fun working with the cast. And what’s not to love about Christmas ... the songs, the movies, giving gifts and getting presents from Santa,” he said.
Each year, Santa visits the show and last year Petit added the idea of Santa in the first act gifting everyone on stage with something special.
“In the second act, they open the gifts. There is no script and they don’t know what the present is, it’s a little different each night. It’s a fun part of the show and the audience gets a genuine, spontaneous reaction from them. I try to find out through conversations during rehearsals things that they like and get my gift ideas that way. Ray is easy — Elvis,” Petit said.
Mitch Chakour is the show’s music director, who will lead a band that includes Ray Dandurand on drums, Bob Casinghino on piano, Daniel Thomas on guitar, and Cliff Schofer on reeds.
The show opens with “‘(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays” which fits nicely into the show’s theme. Ashely and Guillemette duet on “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” as originally performed by David Bowie and Bing Crosby, and Guillemette then puts his Elvis voice on to
perform “Blue Christmas” and “How Great Thou Art.” Among the many other songs to be performed include “Somewhere in My Memory” from the movie “Home Alone,” “Christmas Vacation” from the movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “Bless Us All” from the movie “The Muppets Christmas Carol,” “Please Come Home for Christmas,” “The First Noel,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and “Silent Night.”
Tickets — priced at $28 and $26 — are available by visiting or calling the Majestic Theater Box Office at 413-747-7797.
Adding to the holiday fun this year, The Majesters improv comedy will offer some holiday stress relief with a special performance Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. General admission is $15.
The Majesters, six actors from the Northampton area, perform improv during the Majestic’s off-season summer schedule and have “always wanted to do something based on the holidays with us,” Eaton said.
“I’m sure you will hear someone from the audience when asked to shout out a suggestion for a skit answer, “What’s the worst present you ever received?”
For more information visit majestictheater.com or call 413-747-7797.
Ben Ashley in “Home for the Holidays” at the Majestic Theater. (RICK TELLER / SUBMITTED)KENNY CHESNEY will return to Mohegan Sun Arena on April 6.
Chesney, the only country artist who has made “Billboard’s Top 10 Touring Acts of the Past 25 Years” for the last 14 years, has also received 28 Recording Industry Association of America gold, platinum, and multiplatinum certifications. Three-time Grammy nominee Kelsea Ballerini will open the Mohegan Sun show.
Tickets are $179.50, $159.50, $149.50, and $129.50 and are now on sale via ticketmaster.com. Tick-
through VividSeats can get $20 off a $200+ ticket order by using the promo code MassLive20 at checkout.
Country music recording artist Kenny Chesney will return to Mohegan Sun Arena on April 6. (AL.COM)
Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee
LAVA Center: Steve Koziol, Kevin Smith, Leo Hwang, Joel Paxton. 324 Main St., Greenfield
Shadow Lounge: DJ with classics. 278 Worthington St., Springfield
Southwick Inn: Open mic hosted by Steve Piper of Roadhouse Band. 479 College Highway, Southwick
The Drake: Butcher Brown. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst
The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Drag Bingo. 289 Main St., Greenfield
The Still: Drink specials. 63 Springfield St., Agawam
West Springfield Fish and Game Club: CD jukebox, pool table. 329 Garden St., Feeding Hills
ets are also be available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability. Fans can also purchase tickets through resale tickets websites such as VividSeats, StubHub and TicketNetwork. New customers who purchase tickets
• Blues legend Buddy Guy will bring his upcoming 2023 “Damn Right Farewell Tour” to Northampton in June. Guy, 86, is bidding adieu to extensive touring and will play the Pines Theater at Look Park on June 13. The recipient of the 2015 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Guy’s career spans 50 years with just as many albums released. Career highlights include induc-
tion into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, eight Grammy Awards and 38 Blues Music Awards — the most any artist has earned. Samantha Fish will open the show. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com.
• Beyoncé showed her ongoing popularity at the 2022 Soul Train Awards, garnering three wins.
The awards show, which aired on BET from Las Vegas,
SEE LIVEWIRE, PAGE E12
Whip City Brew: DJ with dance. 287 Elm St., Westfield
Delaney House: CO2. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee
The Drake: Karrin Allyson. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst
The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Annie Sumi with Trevor Knapp, James Bird and Special Guests. 289 Main St., Greenfield
SEE NIGHTCLUBS, PAGE E12
Beyoncé appears in the audience before accepting the award for best rap song for “Savage” at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Sunday, March 14, 2021.
(CHRIS PIZZELLO / ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Blues legend Buddy Guy will bring his upcoming 2023 “Damn Right Farewell Tour” to Northampton in June. (MICHAEL GREENLAR PHOTO)
George Lenker
LiveWire
By C lifton Noble Special to The Republican
CONTINUING ITS mission of providing chamber concerts to a wide audience in Greater Springfield, MOSSO (Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra) and Friends are presenting a “Holiday Musicale” at the First Church of Christ in Longmeadow at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Violinist Marsha Harbison, cellist Boris Kogan, pianist Sofya Shainskaya, and baritone John Thomas will perform music by J.S. Bach, Amy Beach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and others in a family-friendly concert of light classics and holiday fare.
Harbison said the concert is comprised of brief and lively numbers to engage an audience of all ages.
From Beethoven’s “Piano Trio Op. 11,” the musicians will excerpt the third movement, a set of variations Beethoven constructed on a melody from Joseph Weigl’s comic opera “L’Amor Marinaro” (The Corsair). The jaunty number’s title was “Pria ch’io l’impegno” which is often translated “before I work (I will have a snack).”
Since Weigl’s opera had just been premiered, the tune was a popular one in the streets, and for that reason, Beethoven’s Op. 11 Trio is sometimes nicknamed the “Gassenhauer” (street-song) Trio.
In addition to leading the audience in a holiday singalong, baritone John Thomas will sing several solo numbers, including the aria “Sei Lob und Ehr dem hoechsten Gut” (All Praise and Honor to the Highest Good) from Bach’s Cantata 117, “I’m Dreaming of You,” from John Harbison’s opera “The Great Gatsby,” “He Plays the Violin” from Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards’ Broadway musical “1776,” and an arrangement of “This Little Light of Mine” for voice, cello, and piano.
Thomas has been the bass/ baritone soloist at First Church
of Christ in Longmeadow for more than two decades. He has appeared with the SSO in many operas and oratorios and has performed with the Holyoke Civic Symphony as the baritone soloist for Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. He has also served as a soloist for Pioneer Valley Symphony Chorus in their Summer Sing and their Fall 2022 concert, Illuminati, Cummington’s and Brattleboro’s Messiah Sings, New Britain Opera, New Jersey’s Baroque Chorale and as one of the three kings in the ever-popular Boar’s Head Festival held in Springfield.
Violinist Marsha Harbison is the assistant concertmistress of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. She has performed in NYC, Montreal, Aspen, Jackson Hole, Spoleto, Italy, Salzburg, Austria and in the Berkshire Choral Festival in Sheffield.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota, and a master’s from the Juilliard School of Music, where she studied with Ivan Galamian and Sally Thomas.
Cellist Boris Kogan was born in Leningrad, now St. Petersburg Russia. He began studying cello at age 5, attending the School for Musically Gifted Children. He received his bachelor’s degree from the Leningrad College of Music and his master’s from the Leningrad Conservatory of Music. He served as assistant principal cellist with the Leningrad Symphony and with the Television and Radio Symphony Orchestra. Kogan moved to the United States in 1991 and is now principal cellist with the New England Symphony as well as a member of the Springfield Symphony, the Thayer Symphony Orchestra, and the Central Massachusetts Symphony.
Pianist Sofya Shainskaya earned her master’s degree at Tashkent Conservatory, Russia. She has been teaching and performing for four decades and was an accompanist
for the Olympic gymnastics team and for theater, opera, and ballet in Russia. She also accompanied the famed Glinka Vocal Competition, and taught at the Leningrad College of Music before immigrating to the United States.
In addition to the Beethoven Trio, the instrumentalists will play Amy Beach’s “Invocation”
for violin and piano, Edward Elgar’s “Salut d’Amour,” in an arrangement for piano trio, Peter Tchaikovsky’s “Christmas Waltz,” Lili Boulanger’s “Nocturne” for violin and piano, and Astor Piazzolla’s popular “Oblivion” tango. Tickets for “MOSSO and Friends: A Holiday Musicale,” priced at $20, can
be purchased in advance through EventBrite at eventbrite.com/e/mosso-and-friends-a-holiday-musicale-tickets-456534696567.
Tickets may be available at the door one hour prior to the performance. The performance is sponsored by Mark and Debbie Teed.
MAKING SENSE OF some wines can sometimes seem as confusing as many of the convoluted plots in murder mysteries
Ken Ross Wine PressConan Doyle. But once you make sense of it all, knowing more about a particular wine can be just as satisfying as figuring out who’s the killer in a Hercule Poirot or Sherlock Holmes story.
Take Montepulciano and Montalcino. One is an outstanding, affordable, delicious wine from Italy. The other costs significantly more but is worth every penny.
So what’s the difference?
The two Italian words sound similar. Are they are a particular place? A specific type of grape? A unique style of wine? Yes and no.
But fear not. This week, I’m here to help us unravel the mystery of Montepulciano and Montalcino wines.
I tasted five of them this past week, three Montepulciano wines (including two that cost less than $10 a bottle) and two Montalcino wines. Hope you enjoy.
• 2019 Masciarelli
Montepulciano D’Abruzzo ($8.99 at Table & Vine in West Springfield)
• 2021 Ninety Plus Cellars
Montepulciano D’Abruzzo ($9.99 at Table & Vine)
• 2021 Le Salare Mon-
tepulciano D’Abruzzo ($12.99 at Table & Vine)
• 2019 Castello Banfi Magna Cum Laude Toscana IGT (suggested retail price $39.99)
• 2017 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (SRP $74.99)
Are Montepulciano and Montalcino places?
First, let’s get this first question out of the way. Yes. Montepulciano and Montalcino are both places. They’re villages located in the famous Italian wine region of Tuscany about halfway in between Florence and Rome. But not so fast. There’s more to this mystery.
Are Montepulciano and Montalcino types of grapes?
The short answer? Yes and no, but probably not in the way you think. First, the easy answer. Montalcino is not a grape. The word simply refers to the name of the town in Tuscany where Montalcino wines are made.
As for Montepulciano, yes, it is a type of grape. Montepulciano grapes are planted throughout central Italy and are considered “a workhorse grape” used to make a wide range of affordable red wines in Italy, according to the outstanding reference book, “Wine Grapes” by Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding and Jose Vouillamoz. You can also find
wines made with montepulciano grapes in California and Australia. So if you see montepulicano listed on a wine label, that could simply mean that the wine is made with montepulciano grapes, but the wine might not necessarily be from the Italian town of Montepulciano. In fact, some Montepulciano wines aren’t made with montepulciano grapes at all. See what I mean? There’s still more to unravel. What is Montepulciano wine?
Along with being a town in Italy and a type of grape, Montepulciano is also a type of wine. Specifically, Montepulciano often refers to two types of Italian red wines – Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.
Vino Nobile di MontepulCiano wines come from the Montepulciano region of Italy in Tuscany but they at not made with montepulciano grapes. Instead, they’re made with a minimum of 70% sangiovese grapes, along with a blend of other grapes, including with 10% to 20% of canaiolo nero and other local grapes, including mammolo. The wine must then be aged a minimum of 24 months, including 12 months in oakbarrels, in order to be called Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine.
2:07 AM ON DEC. 3 AS
I write this. I have just confirmed some of the worst news I’ve ever heard in the beer world.
Ray McNeill is dead. I certainly can’t claim to have been a close friend of Ray’s. But over the past decade or so I got to know him quite well and marveled at his incredible acumen about all things brewing. In fact, he was erudite about so much more than brewing. I don’t throw the word “polymath” around casually, but Ray certainly seemed to fit the definition.
McNeill died Dec. 2 in a fire at his Brattleboro brewpub, where he had an apartment upstairs.
McNeill’s Brewery was a legendary place on Eliot Street that opened in 1990. It was the closest thing to a real Irish pub I’ve ever seen in the U.S. Rustic, cozy, welcoming, the bar was a hangout for skiers, lovable Brattleboro oddballs, and of course, lovers of great beer. Because that’s what Ray brewed. And for
a while you might even catch Ray playing his beloved cello with a jazz group on certain nights. But along with his love for cello (and bicycles), Ray had an equal passion for brewing great beer — and he brewed lots of it. The beer board always listed a dozen or so brews, and while they all were always on tap, that was mainly because they would sell out. And Ray almost always had some real ale from a cask available. That alone set McNeil’s apart from most brewpubs and beer bars.
I never spent as much time
by Agatha Christie or Arthur The five Montepulciano and Montalcino wines reviewed this week. (KEN ROSS PHOTO)MAJOR RESTAUrant chains have channeled their marketing efforts into quirky new directions over the past year, creating new menu items, one-off dining experiences, and marketing gimmicks designed to capture consumer
attention — and dollars.
On Black Friday, Denny’s sold 150 special T-shirts in an online shop; the T-shirts were dubbed “the first wearable breakfast subscription.”
Each shirt had a QR code on its sleeve which, when scanned at a participating Denny’s location, entitled the wearer to a free “Everyday Value Meal” breakfast. The shirt’s code is good through 2023.
Chicago-based McDonald’s Corp, has launched a major shift in its marketing strategy, moving the chain’s “value messaging,” as the company’s CEO put it, “from national to local and, ultimately, personal.”
The strategy to achieve that stated goal is SMS marketing, and McDoanld’s has begun a social media effort to lure smartphone users into connecting through text message channels with the burger giant. Social media postings offering “a life-changing opportunity” provide a phone number that links users to “the person who runs the McDonald’s account.”
By texting that number,
smartphone users give McDonald’s their number, their time zone, and permission for continued communication; no download of the McDonalds app is required.
However, parallel marking efforts are designed to convert those SMS contacts into loyalty program users.
One part of that conversion effort is a chance to win a McDonald’s Gold Card.
The card was originally developed by a franchisee to honor local celebrities; cardholders have access to free McDonald’s food “for life.”
McDonald’s corporate has since adopted the Card and is this month offering a lucky user of the McDonald’s app a chance to win a Gold Card. All that’s necessary to enter the giveaway is to place one order through the app during a McDonald’s-designated “SZN of Sharing” that runs from Dec. 5 through Christmas
Day. The contest winner and three of his or her friends will subsequently receive a McDonald’s Gold Card that entitles the holder to “free McDonald’s food for life.”
The attraction of SMS and loyalty program marketing is simple — those customers enrolled in such programs tend to visit more often and spend more each time they do.
The McDonald’s app is available at both major app stores.
• In conjunction with Horizon Beverage of Ludlow, Villa Rose Restaurant in Ludlow is presenting its annual Holiday Wine Dinner on Dec. 22 starting at 6 p.m.
The five-course menu begins with fresh lobster meatballs with ginger, chives and shiitake mushrooms; curried chicken, corn, and wild rice
chowder will follow.
A third course of seared duck breast will be garnished with cherry sauce and grilled apricots; slow-roasted prime rib of beef will serve as the main course.
For dessert, Villa Rose’s kitchen will be preparing fresh blueberry shortcake with vanilla creme fraiche.
Horizon Beverage will be selecting wine options to be served with each course, and live entertainment will supplement the Holiday Wine Dinner experience. The dinner is priced at $100 per person.
Call Villa Rose at 413-5476667 for more information or to purchase tickets.
• There’s a selection of winter-season menu items currently on offer at participating Uno Pizzerias and Grills
An autumn-spiced Pump -
kin Bisque is available, as is an Apple Arugula Salad with Chicken. The later features mix-ins of goat cheese, Honeycrisp apples, walnuts and dried cranberries; it’s served topped with a grilled chicken breast.
Two pasta entrees are available, a Chicken & Shrimp Pappardelle and Chicken Piccata.
Rounding out the list of winter-season features, all of which will be available through February 2023, is a Chicken Bacon Ranch Thin Crust Pizza.
There are Uno locations in Holyoke at the Holyoke Mall, in Springfield on Hall of Fame Avenue, and in Haymarket Square off Boston Road.
• On Dec. 13, Villa Napoletana in East Longmeadow will hold its 2022 Annual Italian Game Dinner.
Chicago-based McDonald’s Corp has launched a major shift in its marketing strategy, moving the chain’s “value messaging,” as the company’s CEO put it, “from national to local and, ultimately, personal.” (ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO)Scheduled to run from 5 to 9 p.m., the dinner is buffet-style and features dishes made with farm-raised game from across the globe.
The evening will additionally include raffles, prizes, and live music by Joe Cariglia.
Tickets are $85; they can be obtained by calling 413732-9300.
• The Log Cabin & Delaney House group of restaurants in Holyoke has started promoting its Holiday To-Go Menu.
The selection of dinner packages available includes Roasted Turkey, Gorgonzola Sirloin, Seasoned Prime Rib Roast, and Filet Mignon with Madeira Wine Sauce.
Each meal package comes with shrimp cocktail, salad, two veggie sides, and mashed potatoes. Dinners can be ordered in two sizes; a small dinner designed for up to six people and a larger package that serves about 10 guests.
A selection of additional sides and entree extras can be added to any order, as can various holiday drink packages.
Orders are accepted online at thelogcabin.com or delaneyhouse.com; all orders for Christmas Day must be in by Dec. 19.
The Log Cabin Banquet answers at 413-535-5077.
• Domino’s Pizza, a company whose delivery-based business model helped it prosper during the early days of the pandemic, has found the last year or so, with its ongoing hiring issues, to be a difficult environment in which to operate. Driver shortages has limited hours of operation for some Domino’s locations and contributed to a 7%-plus drop in delivery sales during the last quarter.
To combat those difficulties, Domino’s has come up with a somewhat unique strategy — it’s rolling out a fleet of 800 electric pizza delivery vehicles. The Chevy Volt EVs will be allocated across the U.S. to selected franchisees and corporate-operated stores.
The EV fleet is seen as a potential competitive advantage in attracting delivery drivers as well as reducing maintenance and operating costs for delivery operations.
The EVs require less day-today maintenance, and each Chevy Volt, the company claims, has enough battery capacity to accommodate several days of use in pizza delivery service.
To promote the addition of the EV vehicles to Domino’s fleet (and build its online customer base), Domino’s is automatically entering those who order delivery online through Feb. 12 in a sweepstakes to win one of two 2023 Chevy Volts.
• On Dec. 18, the Hard-
wick Winery & Vineyard in Hardwick is offering a Breakfast with Santa event starting at 10 a.m.
The breakfast buffet will be served from 10 to 11 a.m., with photo opportunities with Santa available after ward. A vendor fair will be of the occasion, and hayrides are planned, weather permit ting.
For more information, call 413-967-7763.
• Bright Nights is offering its annual “Supper with Santa” experience tomorrow and Sunday, with four seatings each evening.
A buffet of family-friendly choices is being served, and
Reservations can be made online at brightnights.org or by calling the Spirit of Springfield at 413-733-3800.
there as I wanted to. I’m lazy, and there are good craft beer venues right in my own backyard. But the times I did visit — often with my dear friend Michael, who was a good friend of Ray’s — were always great adventures. Ray could spin a yarn as well as anyone, and he had so many wild stories about his travels, his colorful patrons and, of course, beer. He was also hilarious, with a wonderfully dry sense of humor.
I never met anyone who could break down the brewing process the way Ray did. Open
the tap of Ray’s mind and a delicious blend of science and artistry would flow out. And when he spoke about beer, the knowledge gushed out effortlessly. He wasn’t trying to impress anyone. He didn’t have to. The proof of his expertise was in the pudding — or in Ray’s case, the beer.
McNeill’s shut down during the pandemic, of course, and before it could open again, structural issues were found with the building, so Ray couldn’t reopen until those were repaired, which he was in the process of doing. I was honored that Ray allowed Michael and me to still visit (on the sly) a few times, during which he
would serve us maybe the best beer I ever had: a Bohemian Pilsner. Ray had found a per fect yeast and malt combina tion. I feel blessed that I was one of the few people who will ever have sampled it. (It was so good that I did two columns on it.)
So goodbye, Ray. There will never be another you. The 1970s band Clean Living once sang, “In heaven there is no beer,” but I never believed that to be true.
Why would God ban such a beautiful creation?
And here’s a sure bet: The beer in heaven is now going to get a whole lot better.
R.I.P.
Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Commu-
Boys & Girls Club of Springfield Festival of Trees: Thu.-Sun., MassMutual Center. Hours: Wed., 11 a.m.5 p.m.; Thu., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Admission $5 general, $4 seniors, children 12 and under free. 1277 Main St., Springfield. 413-787-6600 or massmutualcenter.com
Bright Nights at Forest Park: Thu.-Sun., Forest Park, through Jan. 1. Tuesday car admission, Dec. 13, $10; tickets must be purchased in advance at Big Y or online at brightnights.org. Cars $23; full size bus, 31+ passengers, $175; minibus, 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.
UMass Chapel Jazz Ensemble: Thu., 7:30 p.m., Bowker Auditorium. Tickets available at the Fine Arts Center box office by phone at 413545-2511 or online at fineartscenter.com/musicand dance, $10 general, $5 seniors and non-UMass students, free for UMass students. 80 Campus Center Way, Amherst, 413-545-2511 or umasstix. com
Wilbraham Women’s Club Christmas Luncheon Meeting: Thu., 11:30 a.m. St. Cecilia Church, in the parish center. Social hour beings at 11:30 a.m. with luncheon at noon. Special sandwiches and desserts will be served prior to the business meeting. Entertainment will be Dr. Todd Rovelli and Marcia Jackson, 42 Main St., Wilbraham.
Yuletide Open House Tours: Thu.Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Storrowton Village Museum. Create your own Yuletide experience and explore the museum’s decorated buildings with a costumed guide during Yuletide Open House Tours. Tour admission is $8 per person and free for children 6 and under, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. www.thebige.com.
Boys & Girls Club of Springfield Festival of Trees: See Thursday listing
Bright Nights at Forest Park: See Thursday listing
Eastern Dog Club Holiday Classic Dog Show: Fri.-Sun., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-737-2443 or
thebige.com
HVC’s Fun Fridays Trivia Night: Fri., 5:30 p.m. Trivia Night at Happier Valley Comedy’s Next Door Lounge. Come with a team of up to six people or by yourself to prove what you know about music, science, sports, literature, current events, movies, TV, and more. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; trivia begins at 7 p.m. Free, 1 Mill Valley Road Suite B, Hadley. MGM Casino: See Thursday listing
Welcome Yule Mid-Winter Celebration — Music, Dance, Songs and Stories to Drive the Dark Away: Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m., Shea Theater Tickets available at the door, in advance at sheatheater. org, and at World Eye Bookshop, Greenfield; Broadside Books, Northampton; and Amherst Books, Amherst, or reserve at reservations@welcomeyule.org. Audience members are asked to wear masks. Learn more at https://linktr.ee/ welcomeyule, $12-$15. 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls, 413-863-2281 or theshea.org
Wind Studies Chamber Ensembles: Fri., 7:30 p.m. Bezanson Recital Hall, free. North Pleasant St., Amherst. 413-545-2511 or umass.edu
Yuletide Open House Tours: See Thursday listing
Boys & Girls Club of Springfield Festival of Trees: See Thursday listing
Breakfast with Santa: Sat., 10 a.m. Shaker Farms Country Club, Santa arrives at 10 a.m. Breakfast, pictures
with Santa, crafts and raffles. Reservations required by calling 413568-4087. Seating is limited, and reservations will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children, Springfield. Advance: $15 children 5-12, $7 children 1-4, free children under 1, $22 adults; at the door $18 children 5-12, $10 children 1-4, $25 adults. 866 Shaker Road, Westfield, 413-568-4087, ext. 20.
Bright Nights at Forest Park: See Thursday listing
Brunch with Santa: Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. East Mountain Country Club, brunch served 11:15-11:45 a.m. Santa arrives at noon. Kid-friendly buffet to include macaroni & cheese, chicken nuggets, tossed salad, scrambled eggs, hash brown potatoes, bacon, sugar waffles with toppings, fresh fruit and Danish, orange juice, plus a ice cream sundae station. Fun activities for children. Limited seating; reserved seating at tables of 8 or less only. No reservations accepted without payment. Call 413-568-1539 or visit eastmountaincc.com, $9 children ages 10 and under, free for children ages 4 and under, $22 for adults. 1458 East Mountain Rd, Westfield, 413-568-1539.
Community Grange 382 Holiday Bazaar: Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Featuring a bake sale, soup to go, ornaments, wreaths, décor, S & S Handmade Soap, Trudi’s Sewing Creations, Joelle and Mom knitted/crocheted hats, mittens, scarves and Paws-atively Delectable. There also will be a free raffle. Fair is open to the public
and benefits Grange activities, 47 North West Street, Feeding Hills. Eastern Dog Club Holiday Classic Dog Show: See Friday listing Greenfield DinoFest: Sat.-Sun., Downtown Greenfield, blending science, arts and community-buillding. Features Piti Theatre’s film exploring African-American history in Franklin County at the time of the dinosaur discoveries in the mid-1800s, a new exhibit about citizen scientist Dester Marsh, Jurassic Jeopardy, a dino-themed improv workshop and more. Free tickets and information at ptco.org/dino; takes place at various locations in Greenfield, Main Street, Greenfield. 413-773-5463 or franklincc.org
Holiday Card to Amherst Concert: Sat., 7:30 p.m. Tillis Concert Hall, formerly the Fine Arts Center Concert Hall, featuring the UMass Chamber Choir, University Chorale and Conductor’s Chorus. Tickets can be purchased at the Fine Arts Center Box Office, by phone at 413545-2511 or online at fineartscen ter.com/musicanddance. Concert also will be streamed to the department’s YouTube channel, youtube.com/umassmucicdance, $10 general, $5 students, seniors & UMass Amherst employees, and free for UMass students. 151 Presidents Drive, Amherst. 413-545-2511 or fineartscenter.com
Holidayfest at the King House — Treasures of an Extraordinary Collector: Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. King House Museum, featuring foreign and domestic paintings, carvings, inlaid art, furnishings and more. The museum will exhibit
selections from a private collector in the local region. Community is welcome to see this collection, enjoy holiday treats, and celebrate the season, 232 South Main St., Suffield.
MGM Casino: See Thursday listing
Saturday Holiday Salon: Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. LAVA Center, featuring rotating vendors, storytime with Mrs. Claus, live music, and more. This holiday salon runs for Saturdays, Dec. 10 and 17, 324 Main St., Greenfield.
UMass Dept. Of Music & Dance: Sat., 3 p.m. Bezanson Recital Hall, Bandwidth Chamber Ensemble, free and open to the public. North Pleasant St., Amherst, 413-5452511 or umass.edu
Welcome Yule Mid-Winter Celebration — Music, Dance, Songs and Stories to Drive the Dark Away: See Friday listing
Yuletide Open House Tours: See Thursday listing
Boys & Girls Club of Springfield Festival of Trees: See Thursday listing
Bright Nights at Forest Park: See Thursday listing
Christmas and Holiday Sing Along with the Fanfare Brass Choir: Sun., 7 p.m. The Orchard Covenant Church. For more information, contact David Neill, 413-686-5027, or tbn8@aol.com or visit PremierEntertains.com, free. 99 Berkshire Ave., Springfield-Indian Orchard
The Doo Wop Project Holiday Show with Charl Brown: Sun., 2 p.m. Colonial Theatre. For tickets, visit berkshiretheatregroup.org, $59 adults, $29 children 16 and under. 111 South St., Pittsfield. 413997-4444 or thecolonialtheatre. org
Eastern Dog Club Holiday Classic Dog Show: See Friday listing
Foster Memorial Church “Rally Sunday”: Sun., 10 a.m. Foster Memorial Church. Rally Sunday marks the beginning of a new Sunday school year. There will be special faith-based and fun activities for children from preschool through teens, followed by an ice cream social for the whole congregation. The church is located in the Sixteen Acres section, 1791 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, 413-782-2112.
Grand Piano Trio’s Beethovens “Ghost” and “Archduke”: Sun., 4 p.m. Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, $28/$52. 14 Castle St., Great Barrington; 413-528-0100 or mahaiwe.org
Greenfield DinoFest: See Saturday listing Holidayfest at the King
House: Treasures of an Extraordinary Collector: See Saturday listing MGM Casino: See Thursday listing Miro String Quartet: Sun., 3-5 p.m. Sweeney Concert Hall, $35. 7 College Lane, Northampton; smith. edu
fTavern Carolers at the Irish Cultural Center: Sun., 4 p.m. West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub, reservation and ticket paid in advance is required. Visit irishcenterwne.org/christmas-carols-atthe-icc-this-december/or more information, $10 – $45. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield, IrishCenterwne.org.
UMass Vocal Jazz Ensemble Concert: Sun., 1 p.m. Bezanson Recital Hall, tickets available at the Fine Arts Center box office by phone at 413-545-2511, or online at fineartscenter.com/musicand dance, $10 general, $5 seniors and non-UMass students, free for UMass students. North Pleasant St., Amherst, 413-545-2511 or umass. edu.
Voices of Valley Community Chorus: Sun., 4 p.m. Easthampton Congregational Church, $10 adults, $8 seniors and children. 112 Main St., Easthampton.
Welcome Yule Mid-Winter Celebration - Music, Dance, Songs and Stories to Drive the Dark Away: See Friday listing West Springfield Coin Club Meeting: Sun., 7 p.m. Mittineague Congregational Church, a presentation and discussion will include facts about U.S. currency denominations over $100. Refreshments will be available. Guests are always welcome. For more information, contact Peter Setian at 413-596-9871, 1840 Westfield St., West Springfield.
Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden:
Outdoor sculpture garden of largerthan-life bronze statues of Springfield native Dr. Seuss at his drawing board surrounded 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. Hands-on making activities in the Hasbro Games Art Discovery Center.
Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: “The Grinch’s Grotto: A Wonderful, Awful Idea,” through Dec. 31. The grotto is a cave-like structure with a highly decorated chair for the old curmud-
geon himself to greet visitors for selfies and portraits. Visitors are invited to bring their cell phones or cameras to take a portrait with the Grinch. Visit the online calendar to see when the Grinch himself will be there. “The Grinch: A Car with a History,” through Nov. 1, 2023. Grinchmas Saturdays: Sat., 10 a.m.5 p.m. In addition to exploring the Grinch’s Grotto and the gingerbread exhibition “Flour to Fables,” visitors can meet St. Nick and enjoy hands-on activities throughout the museums. Free with museum admission. Permanent exhibit: More than two dozen Indian motorcycles and related memorabilia.
Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “Grinchmas After Hours,” today, 5–8 p.m. Cost: $20, $10 members. An adults-only romp through our holiday exhibitions in the Wood Museum of Springfield History and the Science Museum. Enjoy the Grinch’s Grotto, “Flour to Fables” gingerbread exhibition, and lights on the Quadrangle Green, live music by Western Mass Brass Quintet, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Reservations suggested. Visit springfieldmuseums.org. “Josh Simpson: Visionary Explorations in Glass,” through Jan. 15. Museum a la Carte, today, 12:15 p.m: “Josh Simpson: 50 Years of Glass Exploration” $4, members free. Presented by Josh Simpson, glass artist.
Springfield Science Museum: “We’re Still Here,” through June 30. Native Voices Initiative begins with contemporary perspectives. Curated by Aprell May Munford.
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibit. First floor exhibition provides interactive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia. Timed tickets 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, Springfield 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.
Amelia Park Children’s Museum: Permanent exhibit: Hands-on activities and creative exhibits, the Hurricane Simulator. Sign up online for a play session at ameliaparkmuseum.org. Hours: Mon., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Thu.-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 regu-
lar admission. Members and infants free, 29 South Broad St., Westfield or ameliaparkmuseum.org
Children’s Museum at Holyoke: Permanent exhibit includes the Wiggle and Wash Vet Clinic, a toddler merry-g-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 Christmas Eve Day and Christmas Day. In the event of severe weather conditions, check Facebook or Instagram, or local TV Station 22 for closures. Children & adults $8; seniors (62+) $5; children under 1 year of age and members are free, 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or childrensmuseum holyoke.org
Connecticut Trolley Museum: Winterfest and the “Tunnel of Lights” through Dec. 23, 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.
Storytime Trolley with Santa & Elf: Sat.; museum will add Dec. 17 if Sat. fills up. Visitors will enjoy a ride in a decorated vintage trolley car where Santa will visit with each child. Also while on board, Santa’s elf will read a holiday story and each child will complete a holiday craft. Tickets must be purchased in advance. $25 for any age, 58 North Road, East Windsor or cttrolley.org
East Longmeadow Historical Commission Museum: Featured at the museum are East Longmeadow artifacts pertaining to the quarries, local Native Americans, period clothing, the railroad system, and much more. Hours: 1-3 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month through June, weather permitting. Free, 87 Maple St., East Longmeadow
Edith Wharton — The Mount: Nightwood, through Jan. 1, 5 p.m. An innovative outdoor sound and light experience that immerses visitors in a fantastical winter landscape. Closed Dec. 24–25. $22 adults, $10 kids 6-18, free for children 5 and under, 2 Plunkett St., Lenox or edithwharton.org
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: “Eric Carle’s Book Birthdays,” through March 5. “Celebrating Collage: A 20th Anniversary Celebration,” through Dec. 31. “The Carle Collection: Recent Acquisitions,” through April 9. 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, 125 West Bay Road, Amherst or carlemuseum.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 Tues.-Sun, noon to 4 p.m. Closed Mon. Free admission, mass.gov/locations/ holyoke-heritagestate-park. 221 Appleton St., Holyoke, 413-534-1723.
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. 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
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame: Permanent exhibit: Three floors with dozens of hands-on 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 (5-15); $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: Including the restored F-104 Starfighter, vintage planes, gift shop, hands-on activities. $12.50, $7 children 4-11, free for children 3 and under free, and $11.50 seniors 65+, 36 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks or neam.org
Norman Rockwell Museum: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Thu.Mon., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Advance tickets purchase required. Closed Tue. and Wed. $20 adults; $18 seniors, AAA, retire military; $10 college students, free children ages 18 and under, members and active military. “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. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or nrm.org
Old Sturbridge Village: Through Jan. 1, the Village is only open during Christmas by Candlelight, Fri.-Sun., 2-8 p.m. $28, $26 seniors, $14 college students with ID & children 4-17, free for children 3 and under, Route 20, Sturbridge or osv.org
Pan African Historical Museum USA: Permanent exhibit: Exhibitions by local artists. Hours: Tues.-Fri., noon-4 p.m. Free, 1500 Main St., Springfield, 413-733-1823.
Polish Center of Discovery and Learning: Permanent exhibit: A
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”; “History.” 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 polishcen ter.net
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 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 susanbanthony birthplace.com
The Emily Dickinson Museum: Admission to the museum is by guided tour, for which advance purchase timed tickets are required. Visit EmilyDickinsonMuseum.org/ Visit to purchase your tickets and for more information. 280 Main St., Amherst.
Titanic Museum: Permanent exhibit: 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.
University Museum of Contemporary Art — Fine Arts Center: Permanent exhibit. The Fine Arts Center requires patrons to be fully vaccinated to attend performances. 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 p.m. Closed Mondays, holidays, and academic breaks. Check for snow days online at umass.edu/closing/. 151 Presidents Drive, Amherst
Wistariahurst Museum: Permanent 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. $7 Holyoke residents; $5 seniors; $5 youth (under 18); free museum members, active military and family members. 238 Cabot St., Holyoke or wistaria hurst.org
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a red wine from the Abruzzo region of Italy made with montepulciano grapes. In order to be called a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine, the wine must contain at least 85% montepulciano grapes and no more than 15% of sangiovese grapes. The wine must also be aged at least five monthsin Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is also the name used to refer to a specific “designation of origin,” which means the wine is from a particular geographic region and meets certain wine making standards. In Italian, designation of origin is referred to as “Denominazione di origine controllata” or often simply the abbreviation DOC.
What is Montalcino wine?
If a wine is called a Montalcino, odds are you’re having Brunello di Montalcino wine. Brunello di Montalcino is also a “designation of origin” like Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. However, in this case, Brunello di Montalcino is a “Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita” or DOCG, which means the wine meets even higher standards. That’s proba-
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Yiddish Book Center: Permanent exhibit, “A Velt mit veltelekh: The Worlds of Jewish Culture.” The center will be open to the public on Thu., 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
A.P.E. Gallery: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Tues.-Thu., noon-5 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., noon-8 p.m.; Sun., noon5 p.m. “Missing Department,” through Sat. Visual works by Ligia Bouton and poetry by Matt Donovan. Student poetry reading on Fri., 7-9 p.m. 126 Main St., Northampton or apearts.org
Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Tues.-Fri., 12:30-4:30 p.m.; Sat., 10
bly why Brunello di Montalcino cost significantly more than many other Italian wines.
In order to be called a Brunello di Montalcino with the DOCG designation, the wine must meet certain strict requirements, including:
• Wine must come from Montalcino region of Italy near Siena.
• Must be made entirely with sangiovese grapes.
• Wine must be aged in oak barrels for at least three years. So there you have it. Next time you see Montepulciano or Montalcino on a wine label, you’ll be just as confused as I have been for years. But the best part is even if you’re not entirely sure about some of the details, let me add that most Montepulciano and Montalcino wines taste great, including all five reviewed below this week.
Tasting notes
• 2019 Masciarelli Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Region — Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Grapes — 100% montepulciano
Tasting notes — Bright, ripe, fresh red wine with wonderful fruit flavors, including cherry and raspberry. There are also hints of red licorice. Let me add
the wine tastes great the next day as well – just as bright and light and lively and refreshing. A great wine at an amazing price.
• 2021 Ninety Plus Cellars Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Region — Montepulciano D’Abruzzo
Grapes — 100% montepulciano
Tasting notes — Ninety Plus Cellars does a great job of making consistently good, affordable wines, including this one. This dark, dense wine has a plump, robust finish. Flavors include roasted blackberry, blueberry and cherry. And like the first wine recommended above, this wine tastes great the second day as well. In fact, it’s even a little livelier and brighter. A delicious wine at a great price.
• 2021 Le Salare Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Region – Montepulciano D’Abruzzo
Grapes — 100% montepulciano
Tasting notes — Another Montepulciano D’Abruzzo wine and another slam dunk as well. Its intense, fleshy flavors have a wonderful, fruit-like finish (blackberry and raspberry in particular) without being over the top. Everything about this
wine is soft and clean and well-balanced. And here again, the wine continues to taste great and hold onto all of its soft, subtle flavors the day after first being opened. Magnificent!
Montalcino wines
• 2019 Castello Banfi Magna Cum Laude Toscana IGT Wine Region — Sant’Antimo, Tuscany, Italy
Grapes — 30% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 25% sangiovese, 15% syrah
Tasting notes — Latin for “high honors,” Castello Banfi’s Magna Cum Laude combines Montalcino’s historic Sangiovese Brunello clone grape with cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah. The Sant’Antimo DOC in Sienna (located in the southern part of Montalcino) has very stony, calcium rich, chalky soil. The result is a bright, lively wine with a long, luxurious finish. There are also hints of ripe cherry, sea salt and blackberry flavors in this fruity yet flinty wine. A true pleasure perfect with a wide range of foods, including steak, sliced meats or even on its own.
• 2017 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Wine Region - Montalcino,
Grapes — 100% sangiovese Tasting notes — As explained above, all Brunello di Montalcino wines must come from particular vineyards in Montalcino and must be made with 100% sangiovese grapes. This particular Brunello di Montalcino, a DOCG wine, tastes absolutely amazing. Released in the fifth year after harvest, the wine was aged for a minimum of four years, including two years in oak barrels of various sizes, mainly French oak barrels and partly in Slavonian oak casks. The result — a big, robust, dark, inky, intense, luscious wine with subtle, ripe, soft flavors. Like a great Italian tenor, this full-throated wine makes its presence known and hits all the high notes with a wide range of powerful yet ethereal flavors and aromas, including hints of blackberry, plum, cherry, toasted almonds and black licorice. Bravo!
Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s weekend section every Thursday. Older “Wine Press” articles can be found here. Follow Ken Ross on Twitter and Instagram and Facebook.
a.m.-2 p.m. First floor of building 28. 1 Armory Square, Springfield, 413-755-5258.
Anchor House of Artists: Art of Vision Series/25th anniversary, through Dec. 30; Gallery hours: Tues.-Sat., 1-6 p.m. Closed Sun.Mon. and Dec. 16, 17, 23, 24. 518 Pleasant St., Northampton Forbes Library: Dec. gallery exhibits through Dec. 29, reception Sat., 2-4 p.m. Metal sculpture by Brian McQuillan, photographs by Dave Medeloni and “Above and Below: Prints and Watercolors” by Olwen Dowling. 20 West St., Northampton or forbeslibrary.org
Gallery A3 Amherst Art Alliance: “Small Wonders” Holiday Show and Sale, through Dec. 30. Hours: Thu.Sun., 2-7 p.m.; Dec. 24, 2-4:30 p.m.; closed New Year’s Eve and Christmas Day. 28 Amity St., Amherst, 413-256-4250.
Hope and Feathers Framing and Gallery: 11th annual Small Works Show, through Jan. 12. Hours: Mon.Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thu., 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 319 Main St., Amherst or hopeandfeathers framing.com
Indian Orchard Mills Dane Gallery:
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.; Thu., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 86 Elm St., West Springfield, 413-732-9128.
Jasper Rand Art Museum: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Mon.-Thu., 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 6 Elm St., Westfield or westath.org
Sunnyside Road Gallery: Featuring the work of Carolyn Avery. Hours: Sat. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by calling 413-569-0384. 52 Sunnyside Road, Southwick
Great Falls Discovery Center: Story Walk Series, through Jan. 1. “Thanks to the Animals,” by Allen Sockabasin. For young readers ages 6-8 and anyone grateful for wildlife.
2 Avenue A, Turners Falls or great fallsma.org
Mt. Greylock State Reservation: “Family Friendly Trail Hike,” Sat., 1-3 p.m. Suitable for families with children able to walk one to three miles on an easy to moderate trail. Dress appropriately for variable winter weather. Trails ma be snow-covered, icy, or muddy. Hiking poles, traction devices for boots (or snowshoes) are recommended. bring water and a snack. Program duration is 2 hours. “Nature Scavenger Hunt,” Sundays through Jan. 1. Closed on Dec. 25., 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., for children and families. There are several seek-and-find scavenger hunts for different age and skill levels. This program is self-guided. Scavenger hunts are available at the Visitor Center. Free. “Animals in Winter,” Sundays through Jan. 1. Closed on Dec. 25. 10 a.m., to 3 p.m., for all ages. Explore how animals and birds adapt to the changing season. Chose a story book, craft activity or a take home project. Designed as a self-guided activity or may be led by a park interpreter. 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.
Winter Farmers Market at the Hampshire Mall: Inside the Target Hallway of the Hampshire Mall. Find vegetables, meats, baked goods, crafts and more. Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m., through March 25. Family-friendly and handicap accessible. EBT/HIP accepted. Located on the PVPA 43 & FC buslines. Free and ample parking. wfmhm.com. 367 Russell St., Hadley
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
The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Annie Sumi with Trevor Knapp, James Bird and Special Guests. 289 Main St., Greenfield
The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Pamela Means: Power of the Protest Song. 289 Main St., Greenfield
Theodores’: Ed Peabody and the Big Blue Thang. 201 Worthington St., Springfield West Springfield Fish and Game Club: CD jukebox, pool table. 329 Garden St., Feeding Hills
Delaney House: Frank Serafino. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee Fort Hill Brewery: Tom Savoy. 30 Fort Hill Road, Easthampton
The Drake: Thus Love & Gift with Robber Robber. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst
The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Joanie Schwartz & Company. 289 Main St., Greenfield
The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Dead Man’s Waltz. 289 Main St., Greenfield Theodores’: Professor Harp.
201 Worthington St., Springfield
Whip City Brew: DJ with dance. 287 Elm St., Westfield
Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee
Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee
Tavern Restaurant: Trivia Night. 2 Broad St., Westfield
The Drake: Open Mic Night. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst
American Legion Post 351: Open mic with Kevin Crane. 50 Saint Kolbe Drive, Holyoke
Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee
Irish Cultural Center: Tavern Carolers at ICC. Morgan Road, West Springfield
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.
• The Killers will return to Mohegan Sun Arena for the first time since 2016.
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saw Beyoncé grabbing trophies for Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Best Collaboration.
The Song of the Year award was for “Break My Soul,” a song from her 2022 album, “Renaissance,” which itself was awarded Album of the Year. The Best Collaboration honor came from her work with Ronald Isley and The Isley Brothers on the song “Make Me Say it Again, Girl.”
The Las Vegas-based four-piece features singer-keyboardist Brandon Flowers, drummer Ronnie Vannucci, guitarist Dave Keuning and bassist Mark Stoermer. The band will take the stage March 17 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $129.50, $99.50, and $79.50 and are on sale at ticketmaster. com.
Tickets are also available now on VividSeats and StubHub.
