Boyz II Men are returning

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

By popular demand, Boyz II Men, who appeared at Springfield Symphony Hall last March, will return to the concert venue on Saturday.

Showtime is 8 p.m. for the MGM Springfield sponsored event.

“We are thrilled to welcome Boyz II Men back to Springfield Symphony Hall. This is the fourth time the best-selling R&B group of all time has graced our stage. They bring an excitement and buzz to downtown Springfield that is unmatched,” said Amanda Croteau, director of entertainment for MGM Springfield.

Currently touring as a trio featuring Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman, Boyz II Men was founded at Philadelphia’s High School of the Creative Arts in 1987 as a quintet where they often rehearsed in the school auditorium. They later found fame as a quartet (with Michael McCary until 2003) recording with Motown Records during the early 1990s.

Considered one of the most commercially successful R&B groups of all time, the four-time Grammy award winners have penned and performed some of the most celebrated classics of the last three decades with some 64 million albums sold. Boyz II Men’s hit musical catalog included the hits “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love To You,” “One Sweet Day” with Mariah Carey, “Motownphilly” and many others.

Over the past three decades, the group has amassed an endless list of accolades. They have also won nine American Music Awards and nine Soul Train Awards, as well as three Billboard Awards, alongside a 2011 MOBO Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. In 2013, Boyz II Men began an ongoing residency at the Mirage Resort and Casino in Las Vegas for which they have been honored with the Casino Entertainment Award. In 2019 they were nominated for a CMT Award. And, they were also presented with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Today Boyz II Men has a little competition knocking at their door. The sons of Boyz II Men’s Wanya Morris — Big Boy, Chulo, Tyvas and Rocco — have formed their own group called WanMor. They recently gained notoriety as this year’s Grammys by performing alongside music legends Stevie wonder and Smokey Robinson in a special Motown tribute on the show.

Tickets, priced at $49 to $99, can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

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West Springfield Coin Club Meeting: Sun., 7 p.m. Mittineague Congregational Church, A video presentation will be shown on the United States Trade Dollars of 1873-1885. Refreshments will be available. Guests are always welcome. For further information, contact Peter Setian at 413-5969871, 1840 Westfield St., West Springfield.

Quadrangle

Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden: Dr. Seuss National Memorial. 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. Summer Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: “The Grinch: A Car with a History.”

Through Nov. 1. Permanent exhibit: more than two dozen Indian motorcycles and related memorabilia.

Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “New/Now: Contemporary Art Acquisitions.”

Through July 30. Museum a la Carte. Feb. 16, 12:15 p.m. “Making

Monuments: A Sculptor Speaks for Her Sculptures.” Cost: $4, free for members. Presented by Meredith Bergmann, sculptor.

Springfield Science Museum: “Leonardo’s Lab.” Through April 23. Visitors can recreate Leonardo’s tool-and-hardware-free interlocking bridge and assemble an air powered flying ‘copter, making changes to improve the aerodynamics and more. “We’re Still Here.” Through June 30. Native Voices Initiative begins with contemporary perspectives. Curated by Aprell May Mumford.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent Exhibit. 1st floor exhibition provides opportunities to explore new sounds and vocabulary, play rhyming games, invent stories, and engage in activities that encourage teamwork and creative thinking, with interactive three-dimensional exhibits. 2nd floor: contains Theodor Geisel’s personal memorabilia, including never before publicly displayed art, the original Geisel Grove sign which used to hang in Forest Park, and furniture from Geisel’s sitting room and studio, including his drawing board and armchair. 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.

Museums

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.; Thurs.-Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Open for groups Tues. and Wed. $8 adults, $8 children (12 months and older); $4 grandparents/seniors (60+); military personnel & teachers: Receive a 10% discount off the price of your regular admission. Members and infants free, 29 S. Broad St., Westfield or www. ameliaparkmuseum.org

Berkshire Museum: “The Art of Storytelling: Celebrating Illustration and Literature.” Featuring three exhibitions, “Storyland: A Trip through Childhood Favorites,”

“Childhood Classics — 100 Years of Illustration for the Art Kandy Collection,” and the work of author Ty Allan Jackson. 39 South St., Pittsfield or www.berkshiremuseum.org

Children’s Museum at Holyoke: Permanent Exhibit: Amazing world of learning and play. The newest additions are The Wiggle and Wash/Vet Clinic. A toddler MerryGo-Round and a state of the art, STEM based cash register for kids.

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

Admission: Children & adults $8; seniors (62+) $5; children under 1 year of age and members are free, 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or www. childrensmuseumholyoke.org

Connecticut Trolley Museum: Kids Arts & Crafts. Feb. 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Theme: Connecticut Dinosaurs. 58 North Road, East Windsor or www.cttrolley.org

East Longmeadow Historical Commission Museum: Perma- nent 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. Hours: 1-3 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month, Sept.-June, weather permitting. Free. 87 Maple St., East Longmeadow

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: “The Carle Collection: Recent Acquisitions.” Through April 9. “What Might You Do? Christian Robinson.” Through June 4. Bilingual Storytime (English and Spanish), Feb. 26, 2 p.m. “Eric Carle’s Book Birthdays.” Through March 5. 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, Everyday Art Project. Through March 12. Special Storytime: Hayley and John Rocco. Feb. 18, 2 - 2:30 p.m. Free with Museum Admission. Join the Roccos for a reading of their newest book, “How To Send A Hug,” celebrating the magic of sending and receiving hand-written letters. After storytime, participants will be invited to craft their own special HUGs for family and friends. Book signing to follow program. 125 West Bay Road, Amherst or www.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-heritage-state-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. 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 S. Pleasant St., Amherst or www.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. The museum is now open. In addition to a new technologically advanced visitor experience including the following: “High Above Center Court,” “Hall of Honor,” “1891 Gallery,” “Players Gallery,” “James Goldstein Superfan gallery,” and “Jerry Colangelo Court of Dreams.”; Hours: Mon.-Fri.

11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $28 adults (16-24); $23 seniors (63+); $19 youth (5-15); $23 students with valid high school or college ID. free for ages under 5, 1000 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield or www.hoophall.com

Norman Rockwell Museum: Permanent exhibit: Gallery. Hours: Thurs.-Mon. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Advance tickets purchase required; Closed Tues. and Wed.; $20 adults; $18 seniors, AAA, retired military; $10 college students, free children ages 18 and under, members and active military, “Eloise and More: The Life and Art of Hilary Knight.” Through March 12. Online Series: Drawing Life Episode with Victor Juhasz. Feb. 16. To register, visit www.nrm.org. $5, Feb. School Vacation Week. Feb. 18-21, 23-24. Art of Adventure, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. RSVP required, walk-up accommodated as space allows. Visit www.nrm.org; Storytimes, 10:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m. Free for kids and teens, and members, or included with admission. No reservation required, adult accompaniment required. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or www.nrm.org

Old Sturbridge Village: Permanent exhibit: visit Kidstory, a new indoor learning gallery in the Visitor’s Center where kids ages 3-10 can try on period costumes and imagine life in the 1830’s; “Neat and Tasty: Getting Dressed in Early New England”; apparel in portraiture. Hours: Jan. 13-Feb. 21, Fri.-Sun. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. $28, $26 seniors, $14 college students with ID & children 4-17, free for children 3 and under, Route 20, Sturbridge or www.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 www.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. hours are Wed.-Sun., 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 1 Armory Square, Springfield or www.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 www.susanb anthonybirthplace.com

The Emily Dickinson Museum: Homestead and Evergreens: Museum Reopened Restoration Project. Admission to the museum is by guided tour, for which advance-purchased timed tickets are required. Visit EmilyDickinsonMuseum.org/ Visit to purchase your tickets and for more information. 280 Main St., Amherst or www.emilydickinsons museum.org.

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 www. titanic1.org

University Museum of Contemporary Art - Fine Arts Center: Permanent exhibit. COVID-19 Health and Safety policy: The Fine Arts Center, requires patrons to be fully vaccinated to attend performances. UMass students, staff, and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated per university policy. Masks are not required, but are welcome and encouraged. Please review our policy before attending an event. The University Museum is open through May 1; Tue.–Fri., 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sat & Sun, noon–4p p.m.; and first Thursdays until 8 p.m. CLOSED: Mondays, holidays, and academic breaks. Check for snow days here: www.umass.edu/closing/. 151 Presidents Drive, Amherst

Volleyball Hall of Fame: Permanent exhibit. Due to COVID-19, the museum is only open Sat. & Sun. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Docent-led tours are not available; a maximum of 50 visitors will be permitted inside at a time. Online ticket purchasing strongly recommended. Visitors are required to wear masks. Our box office staff will provide a mask for any visitor who does not have one. $2.50-$3.50, 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or www. 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 www.wistariahurst.org