LIVEWIRE: Gaelic Storm brings Celtic sound to Academy of Music, E3
WINE PRESS: Five classic ‘starter wines’ to serve before a meal, E6
CALENDAR: Events at museums, galleries in WMass, E10
SPRING AND summer weddings are not that far off and if you haven’t finished all of your planning, as they say, “time’s a wastin.’”
Whether planning a big or small event, brides and grooms will find everything they need under one roof to help make their dream wedding a reality at the 33rd annual Springfield
Wedding & Bridal Expo this weekend at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.
The event, held in the Better Living Center, begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $10 and available at jenksproductions.com or at the door.
Recognizing it was a “huge business, a gigantic industry,” Dennis Jenks, owner of Jenks Productions, started the Bridal Expo more than 30 years ago.
“Weddings can be quite expensive and daunting to plan. Our expo offers the convenience factor of being able to go to one
place to meet local vendors, companies, designers and planners to help you with your wedding,” Jenks said.
Among the nearly 100 vendors attending the show will be those focusing on a variety of products and services such as: wedding dresses and shoes, bridal veils and hair accessories, bridesmaid and mother of the bride dresses, maid of hone and junior bridesmaid dresses, wedding venues, wedding invitations and cards, wedding cakes, gifts and favors, decorations and centerpieces, flowers and bouquets, bands and DJs, photographers an videographers, jewelers,
Danielle Miller, of David’s Bridal, adjusts dresses at a past Springfield Wedding & Bridal Expo. The show returns this weekend to the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO)THE HOLIDAY SEAson just ended, but that doesn’t mean some people aren’t already looking forward to St. Patrick’s Day.
And a lot of those folks will be happy to hear that Celtic band Gaelic Storm will returning to the area for the celebrations as the group will play Northampton’s Academy of Music on March 19.
The band, which has been touring for two decades, have played more than 2.000 shows.
Gaelic Storm got its big break when the band appeared in the film “Titanic,” where they performed “Irish Party in Third Class.” This laid the groundwork for a career that would eventually see them topping the Billboard World Chart six times.
• There have been some iconic “girl groups” in music over the decades, but a new supergroup might just have them all beat.
Dolly Parton, Cyndi Lauper, Debbie Harry, Gloria Estefan and Belinda Carlisle recently teamed up to sing on a new song, “‘Gonna Be You,” which will be featured in the new Paramount Pictures film “80 for Brady.”
Diane Warren, who wrote the song, said she wanted to get some of the biggest stars of the 1980s to sing it.
“When I wrote ‘Gonna Be You’ for ‘80 For Brady’, I
wanted to write a song that celebrated these women’s deep friendship,” she said. “Since ‘80’ was in the title I got a crazy idea: Why not get some of the most iconic singers from the ’80s, who are still amazing and always will be, to all sing it?”
Dionne Warwick and Dolly Parton will release a duet gospel track in the coming year.
Speaking on “The Tamron Hall Show,” Warwick said she and Parton will release “Peace Like a River,” which Parton wrote. Warwick said Parton originally sent a different song, but then sent the one they wound up recording.
“I am very excited about this, I really am. I’ve done so many duets over the years, but this one’s gonna be very special,” Warwick, 82, said.
No release date for the track was announced yet.
• Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi is looking to make another solo album.
Iommi, 74, co-founded the
prototype metal band in 1968 with bassist Geezer Butler, singer Ozzy Osbourne, and drummer Bill Ward. The band had several hiatuses over the decades, but finally played its farewell tour in 2017.
Iommi released his eponymous debut solo LP, “Iommi,” in 2000, and seems to be gearing up to tackle a second solo album.
“It’s been a good year for me, 2022, in parts anyway. I’ve been writing and recording. I’m having a new studio built, which I’m really pleased about,” he said in a video on his YouTube channel. “In another couple of weeks, I think I’ll be ready to go in and start work in there, which I’m really looking forward to – writing another album.”
Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee
Southwick Inn: Open mic hosted 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
Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee
East Mountain Country Club: Royal Blue Band. 1458 East Mountain Rd, Westfield
The Drake: Cass McCombs & Kolumbo. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst
Theodores’: Jeff Tuohy. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
West Springfield Fish and Game Club: CD jukebox, pool table. 329 Garden St., Feeding Hills
Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee
East Mountain Country Club: 91 South Band. 1458 East Mountain Rd, Westfield
Fort Hill Brewery: Tom Savoy. 30 Fort Hill Road, Easthampton
Gaelic Storm will play Northampton’s Academy of Music on March 19. (AMY HARRIS / INVISION / ASSOCIATED PRESS) Rita Moreno, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Sally Field star in “80 for Brady,” a movie about New England Patriots fans who traveled to the 2017 Super Bowl to see Tom Brady. George Lenker LiveWirelimousine services and more.
“We had a company at our last show that released doves as part of the wedding event. How about a horse and carriage to get you to and from the wedding. Today, there is also a greater choice of venues such as old barns transformed into beautiful wedding sites and banquet halls at golf courses that are especially popular during their off-season. And, we even had a couple get married here at one of our shows,” Jenks said.
While the entire wedding industry pretty much shut down at the height of COVID-19, Jenks said weddings haven’t changed much over the years other than the economy’s influence on how much couples are willing to spend.
“You still pretty much need a wedding gown, tuxedo, a facility and to get to the church and back, that hasn’t changed for most couples,” Jenks said. But there is an increasing trend.
“Families, moms and dads, are becoming more and more a part of the experience. It’s a pretty expensive endeavor today, and they are wanting to help out,” Jenks said.
CONTINUING ON from last week’s wishes and resolutions for the new beer year, let’s run through some ideas for the second half of 2023.
July: Let’s hit the summer months starting with a wish. Although I’m a big fan of India pale ales, I’d certainly love to see more straight-up pale ales, red ales, bitters and even mild ales on taps. I realize these beers are subtler and don’t whack you over the head with massive flavors, but sometimes nuanced softer flavors hit the spot;
August: A good resolution that many of us can make is to throw a beer-tasting party. I realize not everyone has the type of abode for this, but maybe you could reserve a few tables or a room at a brewery or beer bar and invite friends.
Of course, if you do have space, having some beer lovers over with everyone bringing a special beer to taste would be ideal;
September: As we head into the fall months, many beer fans may have a surfeit of cans and bottles in their beer fridge.
You can do this any month, of course, but as the weather gets cooler and your beer tastes may shift to darker brews, September seems as good a time as any to give away some straggling beers that you either have had enough of or maybe just didn’t enjoy. It certainly will make you popular;
October:
My wish for this month is that we keep seeing an increasing number of
collaborations between brewers. I love when inspired beermakers work together, as it often brings out the best in everyone involved.
It also promotes the type of camaraderie that the beer community needs and often shows;
November: We should all be thankful to be living in such a bountiful time. As Thanksgiving approaches, I’d like to ask that we all skip a few beers and donate that money to a favorite charity.
Of course, you can also simply just match what you spend on beer for a week and donate that. (That’s my choice.); and
December: Here’s another thought in the holiday spirit.
December seems like a good month to buy your favorite bartender a beer or two, or, more practically, just leave a bigger tip during a visit.
Those are just some ideas. Do you have any new beer year resolutions or wishes? Send them along to me at geolenker@yahoo.com. If I get enough good ones, I’ll write them up.
May your new year be filled with good cheer and great beer.
SINCE THIS YEAR only recently started, I thought now might be a great time to talk about starter wines.
These are the wines people normally serve before a meal. Think of these wines like the snacks that hosts often put out for guests
when they first arrive — a bowl of nuts or a cheese plate of wines.
The snacks you’re serving can also an important consideration on what starter wine you open. But, in general, you can’t go wrong with these five, classic pre-meal wines no matter what snacks you set out before a meal.
The one exception might be fresh oysters. In this particular case, I strongly recommend serving Champagne or another sparkling wine. And please send me an invitation. I like your style.
And one more thing. If you’re worried about serving too much wine before and during the meal, fear not. No one says you have to finish your pre-meal wine. You can put the rest away for the next day or the day after.
Another option is serving a half bottle of wine before dinner, especially when it comes to sparkling wine. These wines often lose their tiny bubbles after only a few hours.
Let me add that a half bottle of sparkling wine is perfect for two to four people. If you’re inviting more people, simply get a full, standard bottle (750 milliliters) of sparkling wine
or any of the other wines listed below. Trust me. Your guests will thank you. Hope you enjoy.
• Champagne or sparkling wine
When in doubt, you can never go wrong with sparkling wine, especially Champagne from France, Cava from Spain and Prosecco from Italy. It tastes great with everything, from oysters to cheese, smoked salmon to sliced meats and chocolate. Sparkling wine always puts people in a great mood. And, again, if you’re worried about serving too much wine, simply buy a half bottle chilled to about 40 degrees.
• Sauvignon blanc This dry white wine is
another versatile workhorse. I especially love sauvignon blancs from New Zealand as a starter wine. They have a beautiful, light grassy flavor and aroma. They taste particularly good slightly chilled (about 50 degrees) with oysters, soft cheeses and anything with sea salt. Best of all, you can find many great ones for around $10 a bottle, including Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc.
Another versatile dry wine, ros é wines from France’s Provence region are not just perfect for summer. There’s a reason why these wines have become popular throughout the year. They’re flavorful, fragrant and look like a pale pink summer sunset in a glass. There
are many great ones for about $15 a bottle, and they taste especially good with olives, dried meats and hard cheeses.
• Beaujolais red wine
If you want to serve a red wine soon after you friends arrive, make it a light one. Some of the best light red wines can be found in France’s Beaujolais region. Most red wines from Beaujolais are made with gamay grapes. While Beaujolais nouveau might be the best known red wine, it’s not the only one from here. There are many other great light red wines from Beaujolais, including Beaujolais Cru wines, which are aged longer and come from specific villages in Beaujolais; and
• Fino sherry
You might not have heard of Fino sherry. It’s the lightest, driest type of sherry, which is fortified wine, meaning that distilled alcohol (in this case brandy) is added to the wine. All Fino Sherry comes from Spain. They’re especially light, should be served slightly chilled and soon after opening the bottle. Fino sherries can lose their flavor fast because they’re a relatively young wine. So shake things up at your next dinner party and serve one of these classic delightful wines before dinner.
Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive every Monday and in The Republican’s Weekend section every Thursday.
You can’t go wrong with the great welcoming wines recommended this week. (KEN ROSS PHOTO)
America in the 1960s through her cookbooks and her PBS television series “The French Chef.”
ONE OF THE MORE intriguing of the many end-of-year predictions made about the restaurant universe is McCormick’s Flavor Forecast.
Now in its 23rd annual edition, the taste-bud trendspotting is the work of McCormick & Co., the Hunt Valley, Maryland, manufacturer of flavorings and spices.
Among the McCormick team’s tasty predictions for 2023 are a return to full-flavored fats like butter and lard. That trend, according to McCormick’s flavor scientists, will be reflected in all sorts of dishes sweet and savory as chefs work to return the flavor and richness that only fats can deliver.
Perhaps triggered in part by a new generation’s discovery of Julia Child, the resurgence of interest in her resulting from the HBO Max television series “Julia,” “everyday French” is on the ascendancy according to McCormick.
They foresee (and are promoting) renewed interest in the “cuisine bourgeoise” (think onion soup au gratin and boeuf bourguignon) that Child brought from France to
The third of McCormick’s forecasts involves what they are describing as “beyond heat,” the idea of, in their words, “multi-sensorial, layered taste experiences” built from cross-cultural mashups of flavors and techniques. As its own contribution to the trend, McCormick is promoting a new spice blend, a Vietnamese X Cajun Style Seasoning, which the company has designated its “Flavor of the Year.”
Chefs and foodies can further explore McCormick’s predictions (and see a few recipes) by going to mccormickforchefs.com/2023flavor- forecast.
• The Student Prince Café and Fort restaurant will be holding an “Honor Our Military” beer dinner Jan. 25. The evening will start at 6 p.m. and feature a five-course dinner paired with a selection of five beers.
Leading off as a “K Ration” course, the kitchen will be preparing alligator bites with baked pimento cheese. A Tribute double India pale ale by 14th Star Brewing Co. of St. Albans, Vermont, will be served alongside. A lamb T-bone with mint chimichurri and garlic mashed potatoes
will follow. Connecticut Valley Brewing’s Red Tails ale will be the featured along with the lamb.
Maple Breakfast Stout by 14th Star Brewing will be part of the dinner’s “MRE” course, where it will accompany maple glazed pork belly on jalapeno cheddar grits. A Teres Major (beef) steak and Spring-
Lager are teaming up to be the main attraction. Dessert is to be a wild blueberry trifle. Tickets for the dinner are $70, all inclusive, and can be ordered by calling 413-7347475.
• The statistical roller coaster that the restaurant industry has been riding on since the start of the pandemic took a dip this fall, with sales growth in November dropping into negative territory.
Full-flavored fats and French cuisine may be back in style for 2023field-based Easy Company Brewing’s Currahee American
• Black Box Intelligence, a consumer research firm that tracks activity across all dining-out sectors, reported that same-location sales growth was in negative territory in November when compared to November 2021. What makes that result particularly worrisome is the impact that menu price inflation has been having on industry numbers throughout the past year.
When prices go up, as they did in 2022, it’s easy for a restaurant to post sales gains, since current year revenues are boosted by those menu price hikes and the higher check averages they generate.
Not surprisingly, among the various segments of the restaurant industry, it is quick-service and similar lower-priced restaurant options that are currently performing best, suggesting that guests are trading down when eating away from home.
According to Black Box Intelligence, the restaurant industry labor shortage, however, seems to be abating. During the fall months the full-service restaurant segment saw staffing levels begin to return to near normal, with front-of-the-house staffing only about 2% below preCOVID levels.
• Labor challenges nonetheless continue in limited service settings like fast food and fast-casual restaurants.
The Steaming Tender Restaurant in Palmer will be hosting a beer tasting featuring the beverage product line of Ludlow’s Vanished Valley Brewing Co. today, starting at 5:30 p.m. The tasting is free; light snacks will be available. Call Steaming Tender at 413283-2744 for more information.
• Dunkin’, the nearly-ubiquitous coffee and snack chain, has rolled out its post-holiday, limited-time-only menu additions. A new coffee blend, Dunkin’ Midnight, is now available. It’s billed as the chain’s darkest roast ever and is available
“brewed hot” only.
A Brown Butter Toffee Latte is this winter’s espresso drink specialty, and the chain’s product development department has also put together a bacon avocado tomato sandwich. The handheld features avocado spread, roasted tomatoes, and bacon all on sourdough bread.
In the savory nibbles space Dunkin’ is offering small biscuits stuffed with bacon, scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese; the brand has also brought back sweet black pepper bacon.
In the doughnut case Dunkin’ patrons will find the Brownie Batter Doughnut, another past specialty being reprised this January. It’s a yeast doughnut filled with brownie batter creme, then iced with chocolate and topped with sprinkles.
• On Jan. 17, starting at 4 p.m., the Uno Pizzeria and Grill at Haymarket Square in Springfield will be host a kids’ cupcake decorating party. Each youngster attending will get two cupcakes to decorate with all the necessary embel-
lishments provided.
It’s a “kids eat free” evening (with adult entree purchase), and Uno’s complete kids’ menu will be available. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 413-5436600.
• Participating Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar locations have introduced two new chicken sandwich items for 2023.
A Sweet & Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich gets its flavor profile from being dipped into Applebee’s signature sweet Asian chile sauce. The chicken breast cutlet is then garnished with coleslaw and served on a toasted brioche bun.
The brand’s new Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich is available either grilled or deep-fried crispy. The sandwich build proceeds just as the item’s name implies: applewood-smoked bacon, ranch dressing, shredded lettuce, and pickle slices.
• Sunday morning jazz continues this month at Champney’s Restaurant and Tav-
ern at the Deerfield Inn in Deerfield. The Dan Belmont Duo performs weekly from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The tavern’s full lunch menu is available along with daily specials. Reservations are suggested and they can be made by calling 413-774-5587.
• Hanna Devine’s Restaurant & Bar in Ware is promoting a prime rib dinner on Saturdays from 4 p.m. until it’s gone. The meal includes a generous portion of slow-roasted prime rib, a baked potato, and a seasonal vegetable. The dinner is $28.49; for more details contact Hanna Devine’s at 413-277-0707.
• On Jan. 17 from 4 to 6 p.m., the Chick-fil-A restaurant in Enfield will be offering special fun to entertain dine-in guests in the form of professional balloon artistry.
The restaurant will be serving its regular menu and an ice cream bar will be available for dessert. The Enfield Chick-fil-A is located at 25 Hazard Ave. and answers at 860-253-0469.
• A new tipping prompt that’s been added to Starbuck’s smartphone app has triggered plenty of customer social media blowback. The updated software now prompts users to tip $1, $2 or $5; a “no tip” option is also provided.
Some customers have taken to platforms like TikTok to suggest that this new tipping functionality was a company effort to make up for inadequate employee compensation. Critics also complain that the enhanced tipping functionality seems to be confusing customers and slowing up service.
Starbucks employees report being of two minds about the tip prompts, with some finding them a problem and others describing them as leading to bigger tips overall.
Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College’s hospitality and culinary arts program and has nearly 50 years of restaurant and educational experience. Robert can be reached online at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com.
THE POPULAR GREASer Bowzer is back, and he is helping to celebrate the new year by bringing his legendary Rock ’N’ Doo-Wop Party Volume XXI to Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, on Sunday.
The special afternoon performance in the Mohegan Sun Arena begins at 3 p.m.
Bowzer, who will host the show and perform with Bowzer & the Stingrays, will be bringing along classic and legendary rock and rollers including: Chubby Checker; Jay Siegel’s Tokens; Chris Montez; Lala Brooks who is the original lead
singer of The Crystals; The Clovers; The Dubs; Johnny Farina, of Santo & Johnny; Rocky & The Rollers; and special guest 9/11 firefighter Frank Pizarro with the music of The Platters.
For those unfamiliar with the “oldies” genre, Jon “Bowzer” Bauman gained fame as a member of the rock and roll comedy group Sha Na Na, who hosted its own syndicated variety series running from 1977 to 1981. He also appeared with the group in the hit movie and soundtrack album for “Grease.”
Prior to helping create the successful television series, Bauman, who was born in Brooklyn, attended Juilliard School and later graduated
magna cum laude from Columbia College in New York. He later formed Sha Na Na with several of his Columbia classmates and created the unforgettable character known as Bowzer.
After leaving Sha Na Na in the mid-1980s, Bauman continued his success as a game show host, one of the original VJs on VH-1, and acting on television’s “MiamI Vice” as well as doing voice-overs for animated films such as “My Little Pony” and “The Jetsons.”
After forming Jon Bauman Productions, he created the “The Golden Age of Rock ’n’ Roll,” a 10-hour series for A&E. He also served as executive
producer, writer and host of “Bowzer’s Rock ’n’ Roll Party,” a two-hour special that aired on 120 stations.
He also produced, wrote and hosted “Blast to the Past,” a one-hour special based on the Disneyland 50s promotion of the same name. His live show, “Bowzer’s Original Doo-Wop Party,” was the most successful production show ever at Atlantic City’s TropWorld Hotel and Casino.
Bauman has also been busy performing with his group, Bowzer and the Stingrays, at casinos, theaters, fairs, amusement parks, cruise ships and conventions all over the country and the world.
Bowzer will bring his legendary Rock ‘N’ Doo-Wop Party Volume XXI to Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn., on Sunday.
Tickets are $35 and $25 and available by visiting the mohegansun.com website or at ticketmaster.com.
ANO-NONSENSE
journalistic drama tops the DVD releases this week.
“She Said”: An adaptation of the bestselling book and Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation into the sexual harassment and assaults of super-producer
Harvey Weinstein, directed by Maria Schrader and starring Zoe Kazan and Carey Mulligan as New York Times reporters Jodi Cantor and Megan Twohey respectively.
“The emphasis in ‘She Said’ is on the process of information gathering and evidence, and it demonstrates how Kantor and Twohey
Tribune News Service
did just that with the help of their team at The New York
Times,” writes Tribune News Service critic Katie Walsh in her review. “With care,
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 Dance Classes: Thu., 6:30 p.m. American Legion 0239. First two classes free, $5 after that. For more information, contact Gloria at 413-467-3352 or email ladicaller@ gogtt.ent, 66 State St., Belchertown.
Baby Time: Fri., 11 a.m., Chicopee Main Library. For children 2 and under. Free play time, and circle time with songs and rhymes. 449 Front St., Chicopee, 413-594-1800.
MGM Casino: See Thursday listing
Drive-In Collection of Donations: Sat., 1-3 p.m., Foster Memorial Church, in the church’s back parking lot. Nonperishable food for the Emergency Food Cupboard of the Open Pantry and coats and jackets for all age will be collected. There also will be a gift basket raffle. 1791 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, 413782-2112.
MGM Casino: See Thursday listing
Springfield Symphony Orchestra: Sat., 7:30 p.m. Springfield Symphony Hall, “Audacity of Hope,” featuring guest conductor Kevin Scott and guest artist Magdalena Gomez along with guest pianist Artina McCain. Tickets $15-$70. 34 Court St., Springfield, 413-7332291 or symphonyhall.com.
Figaro Dinner & Show: Sun., 5:30 p.m. Figaro Restaurant, Tom Jones and Englebert “The Way It Used to Be,” featuring Joe Saimeri and Richie Mitnick. Dinner 5:30 p.m., followed by 7 p.m. show. Tickets are $25 per person (no refunds). Reservations required, call 860745-2414. Italian-American buffet available. Dinner purchase separate from ticket price. Dinner or beverage purchase required, 90 Elm St., Enfield, figaroct.com
MGM Casino: See Thursday listing
Norwottuck Chamber Concerts: Sun., 4 p.m. All Saints Episcopal Church, “Spirituals & Lieder: Natalie Lewis and Gracie Francis.” Program of vocal works highlighting prominent African-American composers Florence Price and John
Carter, as well as Brahms, Mahler & Gershwin. For tickets visit eventbrite.com/e/ spirituals-lieder-natalielewis-and-gracie-franicstickets-489126399227, $30. 7 Woodbridge St., South Hadley.
Square Dancing Classes: Sun., 6:30-8 p.m., Union Church of Christ. First two dances are free and then it is $5 per person. The instructor is Gloria Vivier. For more information, call 413-467-3352. 51 Center St. (Route 21), Ludlow, 413-583-5717.
Valley Jazz Voices Annual Fundraiser Concert: Sun., 3 p.m., Blue Room at CitySpace, 3 p.m. concert, 4 p.m., singers’ open mic. Food, wine and refreshments will be served, $20 at the door, additional donations appreciated. 43 Main St., Easthampton.
Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden: Outdoor sculpture garden of larger-than-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. Part of the free
family activities.
Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: “The Grinch’s Grotto: A Wonderful, Awful Idea,” extended through Jan. 29. 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. Permanent exhibit: More than two dozen Indian motorcycles and related memorabilia.
Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “Josh Simpson: Visionary Explorations in Glass,” through Sun. Museum a la Carte today, 12:15 p.m. “Art and Environment: A Local History,” $4, free for members. This talk will discuss the work of artists addressing histories of land use and ecology in eastern Massachusetts. Presented by Kirsten Swenson, associate professor of art history for UMass Lowell and co-author of “Local Ecologies.” 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, including the Hurricane Simulator. Sign up online for a play session at ameliaparkmuseum.org. 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 regular 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-go-round and a STEM-based cash register for kids. Tues.-Fri, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun, noon-4 p.m. Closed Mondays. 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 and members are free. 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or childrensmuseumholyoke.org
East Longmeadow Historical Commission Museum: Permanent exhibit: Historical artifacts.
Featured at the museum are East Longmeadow artifacts pertaining to the quarries, local Native Americans, period clothing, the railroad system, and much more. 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: “Eric Carle’s Book Birthdays,” through March 5. “The Carle Collection: Recent Acquisitions,” through April 9. “What Might You Do? Christian Robinson.” Sat.- June 4. Bilingual storytime (English and Spanish), Jan. 29, 2 p.m., Feb. 26, 2 p.m. 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. Free. 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. Tues.-Thu. 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 handson exhibits, a regulation sized basketball court and more than 900 artifacts on display. Exhibits include “High Above Center Court,” “Hall of Honor,” “1891 Gallery,” “Players Gallery,” “James Goldstein Superfan gallery,” and “Jerry Colangelo Court of Dreams.” 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
Norman Rockwell Museum: “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. Thu.-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 18 and under, members and active military. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or nrm.org.
Old Sturbridge Village: Permanent exhibit: Kidstory, an indoor learning gallery in the Visitor’s Center where kids 3-10 can try on period costumes and imagine life in the 1830s; “Neat and Tasty: Getting Dressed in Early New England”; apparel in portraiture. Fri.-Feb. 21: Fri.-Sun., 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. $28, $26 seniors, $14 college students with ID and 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. 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 polishcenter.net
Springfield Armory National Historic 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.-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 susanbanthonybirthplace.com
The Emily Dickinson Museum:
Homestead and Evergreens. Admission to the museum is by guided tour, for which advance-purchased timed tickets are required. Visit EmilyDickinsonMuseum.org/ to purchase tickets and for more information. 280 Main St., Amherst.
Titanic Museum: Permanent exhibit: Exhibits from the collection of the International Titanic Historical Society. 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 at umass.edu/closing/. 151 Presidents Drive, Amherst
Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum: Permanent exhibit: Guided tours of the first and second floors. Open weekdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and weekends, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Selfguided tours are on the hour with the last self-guided tour weekdays at 2 p.m. and weekends at 3 p.m. Masks are required and social distancing will be practiced. Call to reserve at 413-637-3206.
Admission is $18 adults, $17 seniors (65+), $10 students with ID and $7 children 5-17. Free for children 4 and younger. “Ghost Tours with Robert Oakes,” Sat., Jan. 28, 7 p.m. Robert Oakes will lead participants through the rooms and halls of the museum sharing stories of its hauntings. This is not an active investigation. The program is for ages 12+. Reservations required. Payment is required to make a reservation, call 413-637-3206. $30. 104 Walker St., Lenox or gildedage. org
Volleyball Hall of Fame: Permanent exhibit. Online ticket purchasing strongly recommended. Visitors are required to wear masks. 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or volleyhall. org
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 wistariahurst.org 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: “Deconstructions” works by Adrienne Albro-Fisher, Isabela Cusano, Henry Prentiss, through Jan. 30. Artists reception and Arts Night Out, Fri., 5-8 p.m. at the Mezzanine Gallery, 33 Hawley St. Mon.-Thu., 1-4 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. or by appointment. Contact kathycouch@apearts.org, 413-586-5553. Permanent exhibit hours: Tues.-Thu., noon-5 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., noon-8 p.m.; Sun., noon5 p.m. 126 Main St., Northampton or apearts.org.
Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery: Permanent exhibit. 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.
Forbes Library: Jan. exhibits through Jan. 30. Mosaics by Cynthia Fisher; paintings by Lennie Kaumzha; photographs by Paul Yandoli. 20 West St., Northampton or forbeslibrary. org.
Gallery A3 Amherst Art Alliance: “Birds” by Keith Hollingworth, through Jan. 28. Art Forum online, Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m. Register at gallerya3.com. Gallery open Thu.-Sun., 2-7 p.m. 28 Amity St., Amherst, 413-256-4250.
Hope and Feathers Framing and Gallery: 11th Annual Small Works Show, through today.
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 hopeandfeathersframing.com
Indian Orchard Mills Dane Gallery: All new exhibits every month featuring the artists at Indian Orchard Mills. Sat., noon-4 p.m., or by appointment. 34 Front St., Indian Orchard, 413-5433321.
J. H. Miller Custom Framing and Gallery: Featuring the works of local artists. 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 or 413-7329128.
Jasper Rand Art Museum: Permanent exhibit. 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. Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m., or by calling 413-569-0384. 52
Sunnyside Road, Southwick
Trinity United Methodist Church: “Boars Head Festival Memories: Photos and Memorabilia,” in the Trinity Community Gallery, through Jan. 31. Open Sun., 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and during the week by appointment. Call 413-218-7391 for more information. 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield.
Great Falls Discovery Center: Nice and Easy Walk, Fridays in Jan. at 1 p.m. Meet at the main entrance. An easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls. Geared for seniors, but open to all ages. Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy boots. Bring water. Free. In case of inclement weather, come inside for the interpretive topic of the day. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls or greatfallsma.org
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
The historic Ventfort Hall Mansion in Lenox will host “Ghost Tours with Robert Oakes” on Saturday and again on Jan. 28 at 7 p.m.The Drake: Tem Blessed & Blest Energy. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst
Theodores’: Eran Troy Danner. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Whip City Brew: DJ with dance. 287 Elm St., Westfield
BOMBYX Center for Arts &
Equity: Orion Weiss, William Hagen, & Nicholas Canellakis. 130 Pine St., Florence
Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby 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 submitted to masslive. com/myevent
thoughtfulness and rigor, Schrader and the filmmakers of ‘She Said’ craft a film that shows the process of building this paradigm-shifting piece of journalism in a manner that is simultaneously thrilling and grindingly methodical, as it subtly builds to a surprisingly emotional climax.”
• “The Estate”: A group of cousins convene at their aunt’s New Orleans mansion to fight over her will — while she’s still alive. Featuring Toni Collette, Anna Faris and David Duchovny.
• “Vesper”: A teen girl relies on her skill with biotech to survive in this sci-fi film set on post-apocalyptic Earth.
• “Angry Neighbors”: This comedy finds an ill-tempered man declaring war on the rich guy next door after he builds a giant mansion.
• “Fear the Walking Dead: Season 7”: The AMC zombie franchise spinoff returns for its first season without cast members Maggie Grace, Zoe Colletti and Garret Dillahunt.
• “Piggy”: Spanish film about an overweight girl faced with an impossible dilemma after she witnesses the girls who routinely torment her get kidnapped into a stranger’s van.
• “Poker Face”: Russell Crowe, who directed and co-wrote this action thriller, stars as a tech billionaire who hosts a card game where the stakes keep getting raised ever higher as the night goes on. Also starring Liam Hemsworrth and RZA.
• “The Friendship Game”: Peyton List stars in this sci-fi movie about a group of teens who find an unusual object that possesses mysterious powers.
• “The Man Who Fell to Earth: Season One”: Showtime’s adaptation of the 1976 film starring David Bowie, with Chiwetel Ejiofor as the titular extraterrestrial.
• “The 3rd Guest”: Following the sudden death of her daughter, a woman decides to accompany an ex on a ghost-hunting trip, with terrifying results.
• “Those Who Call”: Horror film about two sisters on a road trip who break down in a small Texas town that is in the grips of an evil cult.