Weekend - March 2, 2023

LIVEWIRE: Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr joining forces with Rolling Stones, E3

BEER NUT: Bock beers are perfect seasonal segue, E5

CALENDAR: Events at museums, galleries in WMass, E9

Spring fever at craft fair

Old Deerfield Spring Sampler arrives to Big E grounds this weekend

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

WHETHER YOU are looking for something special to decorate your spring garden or spruce up your home for the St. Patrick’s Day and Easter holidays, you will likely find what you are looking for at this weekend’s Old Deerfield Spring Sampler Craft Fair.

Doors open Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Young Building on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, where 120 crafters and artisans can be found along with live music and a free family craft table.

“We have over 20 new

at the show. A former chef turned cabinet maker, he said he wanted a new life from the kitchen which took him away from being with family so often.

“An uncle got me involved in making birdhouses. He asked me to make some big ones for him that were unusual in design. Someone driving past his home saw them and stopped my uncle, who was outdoors, to ask them where he got them,” Kalwarczyk said about a business that started to snowball.

“I began learning more about birdhouses by talking with some bird lovers who gave me tips. One of the big things was to make them so that they could get into them and clean them out once a bird family had left,” he added.

He started by simply using pine to construct the bird-

houses are straightforward in design just as you would find in a classic garden, he prefers to make them on the whimsical side like his crooked birdhouses, some of which are stacked three upon one another, or his sway back barn birdhouse which he considers “great for a country garden.”

By request, Kalwarczyk has also made a birdhouse that is a replica of an area Federated Church, as well as a cupola of Scandinavian design with seven bird chambers installed next to a river and a park in the Berkshires.

They sell for $300 all the way up to $1,400.

Strolling musicians, Piper Pichette on her harp and Helen Yetman-Bellows on her native American flute, will serenade visitors and add to the festive spirit of the show.

Also, while at the show, visitors can sign up near the information booth for a chance to win prizes donated by the exhibitors, shopping certificates and free passes to the holiday craft fair on Nov. 18 and 19.

Hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets, available at the door, are $6.Children 12 and under are free. Parking is $5 charged by the Eastern States Exposition, but you can turn in your parking receipt at the show’ s information booth for a two-for-one coupon to the Old Deerfield Fall Arts & Crafts Festival on Sept. 23 and 24.

While masks are not required, they will be available at the show for those who want them while shopping.

Proceeds from the craft fair support the many historical and educational programs of the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association.

exhibitors for the show and applications are still coming in right up to the last minute,” said John O’Neill, craft show coordinator.

Among the new exhibitors will be Eric Kalwarczyk, of Dudley, owner of Eric’s Aviaries, who will be bringing his unique birdhouses to sell

houses, then introduced different woods for contrast, especially on the roofs, such as red cedar, black walnut, black locust and others.

“I don’t paint them. I leave it to others if they want to. But I do add a preservative to the wood,” Kalwarczyk said.

While some of his bird-

Debby Lindlsey, of Whimsical Accents, adjusts her display during a past Old Deerfield Spring Sampler Craft Fair.

(STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO)

Artist Cheryl Normandie, center, helps a customer at her booth at last year’s Old Deerfield Spring Sampler Craft Fair at the Eastern States Exposition grounds in West Springfield.

(STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO)

Maria Sliwa, left, and Kathleen Niemiec, both of Chicopee, check out little stuffed animals at the Nodrog Farms booth during a past Old Deerfield Spring Sampler Craft Fair at the Eastern States Exposition. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO)

Dale Gardner-Fox, of Mountain To Seas Knits, looks in a mirror as she models a shawl during a past Old Deerfield Spring Sampler Craft Fair.

(STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO)

Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr joining forces with Rolling Stones

PAUL MCCARTNEY and Ringo Starr are reported to be working with the Rolling Stones on a new album.

Nightclubs

THURSDAY

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

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

The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Oakland Stroke and Funk Night. 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

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

FRIDAY

According to Variety, the former Beatles are recording tracks for an upcoming Rolling Stones album. Since the album is still unfinished, there was no word if the two former Beatles will be playing on the same song.

It’s not the first time the two groups have collaborated although it’s been decades since they first did so.

The Rolling Stones released “I Wanna Be Your Man,” which was written by John Lennon and McCartney, in 1963. The Stones then had The Beatles sing background vocals on their 1967 single “We Love You.”

The record is being produced by Grammy-winner Andrew Watt.

Liner notes

• Ed Sheeran will play Gillette Stadium in Foxborough June 30-July 1.

Ed Sheeran embarked on his first tour in 2011 after releasing his debut album “+.”

The record’s success caused Sheeran to tour for the next two years. He further propelled his career when he opened for Taylor Swift’s “Red” Tour in 2013, which allowed him to play in his biggest venues to date. Over the next few years, Sheeran would

play two more headlining tours, as well as open for the Rolling Stones. Sheeran has performed more than 800 shows across three tours.

• Chris Stapleton will play the Xfinity Center in Mansfield on June 9-10. Stapleton, who just received rave reviews for his performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Super Bowl LVII, has co-written six No. 1 country songs, won

eight Grammy Awards, and captured the New Artist of the Year prize at the 2015 Country Music Association Awards. His songs have appeared on albums by numerous artists, including Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Brad Paisley, and Taylor Swift. He has also co-written with several notable artists, including Vince Gill, Peter Frampton, Sheryl Crow, and Ed Sheeran.

Delaney House: Ask Wanda. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke

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

East Mountain Country Club: Lost 45’s Band. 1458 East Mountain Rd, Westfield

Luthier’s Co-Op: Carolee

Rainey - Acoustic Concert. 108 Cottage St., Easthampton

MGM Springfield: MGM Roar

Comedy Club: Luis Gomes. 1

MGM Way, Springfield

The Drake: WMUA Battle of the Bands. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst

The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Tony Vacca. 289 Main St., Greenfield

The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow

Theodores’: Tommy Whalen & The Ragged Edge. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

West Springfield Fish and Game Club: CD jukebox, pool table. 329 Garden St., Feeding Hills

SATURDAY

Delaney House: CO2. 3

Country Club Road, Holyoke

Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264

Granby Road, Chicopee

MGM Springfield: MGM Roar

Comedy Club: Luis Gomes. 1

MGM Way, Springfield

The Drake: Marcia Gomes-

The Hibernians of Hampden/Hampshire Counties Invite the Public to attend the Annual

Sunday March 12, 2023 Mass at 8:00am St Jerome’s Church Holyoke

Breakfast served after Mass at Wyckoff Country Club 233 Easthampton Rd., Holyoke

Honoring Brenda LamagdeleineManager for Providence Ministries for the Needy2023 Christian Charity Award Winner

Master of Ceremonies: Nora McMahon

Featured Speaker: William B. Evans, Executive Director of Public Safety, Chief of Police Boston College; former Boston Police Commissioner during Boston Marathon Bombings

25.00 per person-for Reservations call Atty. John J. Driscoll @413-534-0445 by March 7, 2023

Ronnie Wood, left, Mick Jagger, center, and Keith Richards, of the Rolling Stones play on stage at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England, during a concert as part of their “Sixty” European tour, June 9, 2022. The Rolling Stones are partnering with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr for a new album. (SCOTT HEPPELL / ASSOCIATED PRESS, FILE)

Ed Sheeran plays at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 22, 2018, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The singer will play Gillette Stadium in Foxborough June 30-July 1. (NJ ADVANCE MEDIA)

George Lenker

LiveWire

SEE LIVEWIRE, PAGE E12

NORTHAMPTON

Back Porch Festival returns for 3 days of live music

By G eorge L enker Special to The Republican

THE BACK PORCH Festival has become so popular that it needs nine “porches” and three days — Friday through Sunday.

“Over the years it grew to three days and up to nine separate ticketed shows. It made people pick and choose shows instead of getting to enjoy the whole thing,” festival organizer Jim Olsen said. “We decided to change the format so that one weekend ticket

Admission is free

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

FLOWERS MAY not be blooming outdoors yet, but it is warm enough in Lyman Conservatory for this year’s annual Spring Bulb Show on the grounds of Smith College in Northampton.

The event, which started out as a one-night show in 2014 at Northampton’s Academy of Music, now sprinkles the entire city with American roots music. But this year brings a new ticketing feature that fans should love.

gets you admission to shows in all the venues. It will feel a lot more like a real festival. This year we are presenting over 50 bands, some of whom will play multiple times.” Olsen explained that this

The show, running Saturday to March 19 and organized by the Botanic Garden of Smith College, will feature over 8,000 bulbs brought to flower by greenhouse horticulturists and Smith College work study students. Among

Watchhouse will be among the headlining acts at this year’s Back Porch Festival. (SHERVIN LAINEZ PHOTO)

“We decided to change the format so that one weekend ticket gets you admission to shows in all the venues. It will feel a lot more like a real festival.”

Jim Olsen, organizer, Back Porch Festival

Bock beers are perfect seasonal segue

ALTHOUGH THE winter has been mild, and March seems like it might try to make up for that with some inclement weather, I’m ready for spring.

Technically spring is still a few weeks away, but for me, once we hit March, it should be smooth sailing overall. The weather is (at least slightly) warmer, the sun is higher in the sky and the flora and fauna start to emerge.

It’s also a time to emerge from the hibernation of darker beers that many beer drinkers comfort themselves with during the colder months. But that doesn’t mean we have to abandon darker-hued brews altogether. I have found that a great style for these transitional months is the sturdy old bock beer.

Bocks are often overlooked and underappreciated. Even the name “bock” resulted from a mispronunciation of town from which it came, Einbeck. Bavarians pronounced it as “ein bock” (which means “billy goat”) and that’s why bocks sometimes have goats on their labels.

There are several types of bocks: doppelbock, which is darker and stronger; eisbock, also made stronger by partial freezing; weizenbock, a wheat version; and Maibock, a somewhat lighter and hoppier edition. Maibocks are my favorites, especially as a transitional beer between winter and spring. Unfortunately, one of my favorite Maibocks is no longer made: Smuttynose Maibock. This beer was a superb blend of bready biscuit flavors and caramel notes that had just enough hops to prevent it from becoming cloying.

George Lenker Beer Nut

Sprecher Maibock is also a great brew which is available starting in March. It’s a perfectly balanced beer that provides a smooth segue into the spring months.

I also love Ayinger Maibock. As I wrote a few years ago, the flavor mixes bread and honey aspects with some apple notes as the beer warms on the palate. Ayinger Celebrator is also a treat, even though it’s a doppelbock, it’s only 6.7% ABV. It has hints of coffee, toffee, and currants.

Another classic doppelbock is Weihenstephaner Korbinian. It’s brewed by the renowned Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, the oldest brewery in the world. This one is named after the saint who founded the monastery where it was first brewed.

I haven’t had many weizenbocks, as wheat beers are usually not among my favorites, but one good one is Der Weisse Bock by Mahr’s Braü. While the banana notes are a little too forward for my palate, (which is often the case for me with wheat beers), the toasty bread notes and relatively dry finish make this one a nice brew.

What are your favorite bock beers? Let me know at geolenker@yahoo.com.

WHY MAKE things complicated when something simple will do?

The KISS principle — keep it simple stupid — can apply whether it’s designing airplanes (where KISS comes from), what to do when you’re tired (go to sleep) or what to pack for a vacation (only what you need).

It also applies to wine, whether it’s which wines to serve with certain foods or on certain occasions.

New Year’s Eve? Break out the Champagne.

A thick steak? Open a hearty red.

Sure, you can get complicated or counter intuitive. In many cases, though, the best wine to serve is the most logical wine.

If it’s hot and muggy, you can’t go wrong with a crisp sparkling wine or a dry white.

If it’s cold and blustery outside and you’re having roasted chicken or another hearty meal, a full-bodied red wine is just the ticket.

The recent wonderful winter weather in New England (sorry, non-skiers) got me thinking about exactly those types of wines. Regardless of whether you love or hate snow, I think most of us can agree that there’s

nothing quite like a robust red wine for a cold winter night.

Rather than doing what I sometimes do here (make

my job far more complicated in a Doctor Evil sort of way) I thought I would simply recommend an

SATURDAY,

Character Children’s

This week’s recommended wine — an affordable California cabernet sauvignon. (KEN ROSS PHOTO)

Ken Ross Wine Press

How about a dash of olive oil with your coffee?

THROUGHOUT THE chain restaurant industry the development of menu innovations is usually a long and deliberate process. Product concepts are brainstormed; test kitchen chefs produce multiple versions of the product under development that tasting panels

rigorously evaluate.

The menu additions that make those preliminary cuts then go to test markets, where they are evaluated for customer acceptance (how well they sell), compatibility with in-store operations, and supply chain availability.

The whole cycle is typically time consuming; it’s not unusual for a new

restaurant product to take months, if not years, to move from the “idea” stage to chainwide rollout.

That customary deliberateness was one reason that the restaurant industry raised a collective eyebrow in response to a recent new product

announcement by Seattlebased Starbucks. The coffee chain, with 36,000 locations worldwide, is introducing a new line of beverages it has dubbed Oleato; the five coffee beverage in the Oleato lineup are infused in various ways with extravirgin olive oil.

Taking a spoonful of olive oil every morning is a common health-promoting custom in Italy and, during a visit to Sicily last year Howard Schultz, the founder and CEO of Starbucks, incorporated the practice into his daily routine. One morning Schultz had the

brainstorm of blending the oil into his morning cup of coffee and, in his words, was “absolutely stunned” by the result, which he describes as a “velvety, buttery flavor that enhances the coffee and lingers beautifully on the palate.”

Of course, any idea that a corporate CEO has enjoys a tremendous tailwind within the organization he or she leads. Last week, Starbucks rolled out the Oleato line in stores across Italy, with introduction in the U.S. slated to begin this spring. Five beverages are part of the line — a latte, an orangeinfused iced espresso, a “golden foam” cold brew, an oil-spiked espresso topped with cold foam, and an espresso-oil “martini.”

Restaurant industry commentators are already wondering what kind of acceptance the unconventional, extracost and extra-calorie combination of coffee and extra-virgin olive oil will enjoy with Starbucks customers. Moreover, there is speculation as to how these new beverages and

Polish American Citizens Club 355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385

Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm Doors Open at 4pm.

Admission

THURSDAY

Starbucks on Feb. 22 launched a line of coffee beverages called Oleato that are infused with extra virgin olive oil. The line debuted in Italy but will eventually come to other select markets, Starbucks said. (BUSINESS WIRE PHOTO)

Hugh Robert Off The Menu

MGM Springfield will host New England Public Media’s Wine & Food Lovers’ Weekend on March 10 and 11. This year’s celebration will honor the legacy of Julia Child with wine, beer, cider and food tastings. (HOANG

/ THE

Flowers

the flowers on view will be daffodils to hyacinth, tulips to freesia, and fritillaria to muscari.

The Bulb Show traditionally opens with an informative lecture, which this year will be delivered by Rachel Beth Sayet entitled “A Celebration of Land and Sea: Modern Indigenous Cuisine in New England.” The event will be held prior to the show’s opening at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Campus Center’s Carroll Room.

Wine

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E5

affordable, red wine perfect for this time of year in New England:

• 2020 Josh Cellars

Hearth Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.99 Suggested Retail Price).

Josh Cellars was created by Joseph Carr, someone who perfectly understands the KISS principle.

Carr has created one of the most popular wine brands in the country by doing something I wish more American winemakers would do — make great wines that don’t cost a lot of money.

(You can learn more about Carr and Josh Cellars in my 2021 interview on Masslive. com.)

Based on a paper she wrote in 2013, Sayet will share her knowledge on the multiple traditional thanksgivings of New England, along with her years of work revitalizing these traditional foods alongside her tribal elders.

Sayet, or Akitusut (She Who Reads) is a member of the Mohegan nation. Raised with the spirits of her ancestors, she grew up leaning traditional stories and teaching and participating in tribal events.

Passionate about food, she grew up cooking with her

grandmother and mother and later went on to receive a bachelor of science in Restaurant Management from Cornell University. She also received a master’s degree in anthropology and museum studies from Harvard University. Also during the show, visitors can stroll through the Church Gallery to view

Sure, there are many other factors and considerations that go into making distinct, interesting wines. But there’s a reason why wine sales are down, especially among younger people. Too many wines cost too much. There are only so many special occasions most of us can spend a fortune on for a single bottle of wine.

Another great thing about Carr’s wines is you can find them in many stores, something that’s not always the case with many outstanding but hard-to-find wines. Often, part of the problem has to do with the small size of the vineyards used to make such great wines. Harsh spring weather can also wreak havoc on young grapes, resulting in small crops. Plus there’s import

taxes, supply shortages, importers’ personal tastes, perceived biases about what wine consumers in certain places want — the list goes on and on.

But that’s another story for another day. Let’s keep this simple and get back to this week’s wine.

Carr’s latest creation — Josh Cellars Hearth Cabernet Sauvignon — perfectly lives up to its name. This is exactly the wine you want while sitting by a warm, glowing fire. It’s earthy yet elegant, robust yet refined. Its flavors are fairly straightforward for a California cabernet sauvignon: a hint of plum along with a few dashes of cherry and blackberry.

Nothing too complicated, nothing over the top. I think

the Into the Glasshouse exhibit featuring student artwork that was inspired by the plant collection at Lyman. Visitors can also walk through the other Lyman houses to view the artwork created from students in the J-Term botanic garden paper making class.

Bulb Show hours are

it’s perfect for a cold, winter night. This wine simply satisfies and provides pure pleasure.

Cheers!

Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free. There is no parking on College Lane during the flower show, however, there is free on-street parking near campus, as well as parking options throughout the campus.

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

TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

A scene from a past Spring Bulb Show at the Lyman Conservatory. The show returns this year from Saturday through March 19. (DAVE ROBACK / THE REPUBLICAN)

CONTINUES FROM PAGE

their related components will integrate into the drink production process at Starbucks stores, a system that some describe as already stressed by too many highly-customizable beverage options.

To read the full Starbucks version of the Oleato story, go to stories.starbucks.com.

Side dishes

• New England Public Media will host its 36th annual Wine & Food Lovers’ Weekend on March 10 and 11 at MGM Springfield.

This year’s weekend is celebrating this legacy of Julia Child, with more than 200 wines, beers, and ciders as well as menu specialties from local restaurants featured as part of various events.

On March 10 from 5 to 8 p.m., “Bottoms Up!, A Wine, Beer & Food Tasting” will be held. Hosted by Provisions of Northampton, it will feature beverage selections as well as tapas-sized “tastes” prepared by local culinary professionals.

“Uncorked!”, a wine and food lovers’ dinner, is planned for March 11 from 6 to 10 p.m. The multicourse event will feature courses inspired by Child’s culinary legacy paired with specially selected wines.

Tickets to both events can be purchased at nepm.org/ wine; an Eventbrite.com “convenience” fee is added to online ticket purchases.

• On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina has rolled out a new menu of limited-time offerings for late winter and early spring.

Crabmeat plays a big role in the effort, with a limited-run starter option of Mexican Crab Dip.

Main course selections include Crab Tostadas layered with crab meat and guacamole as well as other garnishes, while stuffed Crab Enchiladas feature a crab meat and melted jack cheese sauced with sour cream sauce and a

Pico de Gallo garnish. A Crab Combo incorporates both of the above selections, and a side order of crab meat is being offered to go with other items on the menu.

Other limited-time selections include an “Ultimate Fajita” made with grilled steak, pork carnitas, chicken, and shrimp as well as Chicken Flautas filled with chicken tinga.

There’s an On the Border location in West Springfield off Riverdale Street at the I-91 interchange.

• White Lion Brewing Company in Springfield and Fed by Foley LLC of Leeds are cosponsoring a “Build a Charcuterie Board” event on March 9 starting at 6 p.m.

To be held at White Loin’s 1500 Main St. taproom, the event will include all the ingredients and tools needs to put together a handsome (and tasty) charcuterie display. A White Lion beverage of the participant’s choice is also included in the $65 cost to attend.

Tickets can be ordered by going to fedbyfoley.com; more details are available by emailing fedbyfoley@gmail. com.

• On March 7, Uno Piz -

zeria & Grill at Haymarket Square in Springfield will host a March Kids Cookie Decorating Party. The event, which runs from 4 to 7 p.m., will give youngsters the opportunity to decorate cookies for the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Kids will eat free that evening from the restaurant’s kids menu with qualifying adult entree purchase. Reservations for this event, which are required, can be made by calling 413543-6600.

• On March 12, starting at 5:30 p.m., Figaro Ristorante in Enfield will be hosting “A Night to Remember ...”, a tribute show featuring Tymeless, a group that specializes in the Motown sounds of the 1960s and ’70s.

An Italian-America buffet will be available as a separate purchase; a cash bar also will be offered. Tickets for the show itself are $28. Reservations can be made by calling 860-745-2414.

• The third of the Wild Game Feasts presented this winter and spring by the Munich Haus German Restaurant in Chicopee is scheduled for March 11, with

peanuts, and a topping of chocolate ganache. For more information, call Nini’s Italian Ristorante at 413-527-0149.

• The Boathouse in South Hadley, along with CherishedCookieCreations, will be hosting a Cookie Decorating Class on March 9.

The event, which will start at 5:45 p.m., will focus on the art of using royal icing to decorate cookies. Designed for participants 12 and older, the class will be a two-hour guided session during which participant will decorate six themed sugar cookies. Royal icing, cookies, and all necessary tools will be provided; participants will take home both recipe cards and their own cookie creations.

a start time of 6 p.m.

The menu will include a carving station featuring venison, bison, elk, and more. That selection will be supplemented by additional game dishes like marinated squid, fried alligator, and game stew.

Cost to attend in $65, and tickets can be ordered online at MunichHaus.com.

The Munich Haus answers at 413-594-8788.

• It’s Girl Scout Cookie season, and in support of the effort, Nini’s Italian Ristorante in Easthampton has been creating a series of dessert experiences inspired by popular Girl Scout Cookie varieties.

Recent offerings included a Samoa Cheesecake topped with shredded coconut, salted caramel, and dark chocolate ganache as well as a four-layer Thin Mint Cake finished with mint-infused dark chocolate buttercream and a garnish of Thin Mint cookies.

Among the other sweet finale inventions the restaurant has been featuring are a Lemon Up Cake frosted with lemon-white chocolate mousse and a Tagalong Cake of dark chocolate layers, peanut butter frosting, roasted

The Boathouse will be offering its full menu for participants to order on their own at additional cost during the event.

To reserve a place in the class, text “Cookie Class” to 413-885-4895 or email Cherishedcookiecreations@ yahoo.com.

• Through April 25, Outback Steakhouse locations are featuring “Chook Ribs,” a specialty created from bone-in chicken thighs cut to look like ribs. The Chook Ribs are available in two menu formats — a plate of grilled Aussie Chook Ribs that’s finished with a smoky aioli and garnished with Fresno chilies, and a Sirloin and & Aussie Chook Ribs combo.

Crab-topped Barramundi is an additional entree special that will be available at Outback through late April. There are Outback locations on Riverdale Street in West Springfield and on Southbridge Street in Auburn.

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 Munich Haus German Restaurant in Chicopee will host its third Wild Game Feast on March 11. The event will feature a carving station with options including venison, bison, and elk.

(DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

CALENDAR

Events

THURSDAY

“The Glass Menagerie”: Thu., 7:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m. Majestic Theater, through April 2. For tickets, call 413-747-7797; tickets start at $29. 131 Elm St., West Springfield, 413-747-7797, majestictheater.com

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, $5. For more information, contact Gloria at 413-467-3352 or email ladicaller@gogtt.ent, 66 State St., Belchertown.

Wilbraham Garden Club Meeting: Thu., 10:30 a.m., St. Cecilia Church. Coffee, tea and breakfast refreshments will be served. Speaker is Bobbie Albano, who will discuss “Art Influence in Wreath Making.” Albano will be making floral wreaths incorporating her artistic background; she will discuss and demonstrate how art influences the making of floral wreaths and arrangements. The wreaths will be available as raffle items. 42 Main St., Wilbraham.

FRIDAY

Applause Series: “The Way It Used To Be,” Fri., 7 p.m., Agawam Senior Center. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. This performance also will be broadcast and livestreamed on Agawam Channel 15 SD and Channel 1074 HD. Consider calling 413-821-0604 to say that you will be attending; free and open to the public. 954 Main Street, Agawam.

Back Porch Festival: Fri.-Sun., Academy of Music, featuring over 50 bands in eight venues across downtown Northampton. Performers include Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Watchhouse, Lonesome Brothers and more. For tickets and more information, visit backporch fest.com; $99 premium weekend pass; $25 Weekend Ramble pass (includes all except evening Academy of Music shows). 274 Main St., Northampton, 413-584-9032 or aomtheatre.com

Friday Fish Fry: Fri., 5-7 p.m. Swift River Sportsman’s Club, Swift River Sportsman’s Club, Fridays through April 7. $14 fish and chips; $16 shrimp and chips; $18 fish, shrimp and chips combo. For more information, call 413-323-9387, $14-$18. 79 Moore Road, Belchertown.

“The Glass Menagerie”: See

Thursday listing MGM Casino: See Thursday listing Movie Life Stories Program: Fri., 6-8 p.m., South Berkshire Friends Meetinghouse. This program is created for and geared toward the Berkshire immigrant population and their allies. These workshops provide opportunities to share personal journeys, stories, and connections to places past and present through movement games, exercises, dancing and community building. For more information, visit berkshirepulse.org/classesprograms/special-programs/, 280 State Road, Great Barrington. Music at Amherst Series: Fri., 8 p.m., Buckley Recital Hall, Gryphon Trio. To purchase tickets, visit am herst.universitytickets.com. For the latest COVID concert protocols, visit amherst.edu, $28 general public; $22 seniors (65+); $12 students with valid ID. Intersection of Routes 9 and 116, Amherst, amherst.edu.

SATURDAY

Adult and Teens Paint and Sip: Sat., 10 a.m., South Hadley Public Library, painting and hot cocoa with lifelong artist Carlotta. Sign up online at shadleylib.org or at the library’s main desk, free. 2 Canal St., South Hadley.

Amherst College Department of Music: Sat., 8 p.m., Buckley Recital Hall, Amherst College Symphony Orchestra. No tickets required. For the latest on COVID concert protocols, visit amherst.edu, Free and open to the public. Intersection

of Routes 9 and 116, Amherst. Back Porch Festival: See Friday listing

CT River Working Group Assoc. Dog Show: Sat., Eastern States Exposition, Mallary Complex, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield; 413-737-2443 or thebige.com

First Company Governor’s Foot Guard Dog Show & Obedience Trials: Sat.-Sun., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Eastern States Exposition, Mallary Complex, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield; 413-737-2443 or thebige.com

Five College Choral Festival: Sat., 7:30 p.m. John M. Greene Hall, featuring 275 students in 11 ensembles. Free and open to the public. College Lane, Northampton, smith.edu

“The Glass Menagerie”: See Thursday listing MGM Casino: See Thursday listing MTARA 34th Annual Amateur Radio & Electronics Hamfest: Sat., 8:30 a.m., Castle of Knights. Handicapped parking, snack bar, coffee, soda, donuts, breakfast, sandwiches. Raffle prizes; six tickets for $5. 10:30 a.m., free VE exams for amateur radio license, must pre-register prior to Hamfest. Visit, PVVET.ORG; fees may apply.

Contact Jeff Bail 413-238-1992 or visit mtara.org for more information. $5 adults, children 12 and under free. 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee; castleofknights.com.

“Native Memories”: Sat., 4-5:30 p.m., Shea Theater, “Native Memories: Recovering Pocumtuck

hours of flight time in more than 40 different aircraft and spacecraft. Kelly has traveled more than 200 million miles, which is more than twice the distance to the Sun, and he has orbited the Earth more than 8,300 times. Kelly is married to Amiko, a former NASA public affairs officer. Free, 34 Court St., Springfield; 413-733-2291, symphonyhall.com

MGM Casino: See Thursday listing Old Deerfield Spring Sampler

Craft Fair: See Saturday listing Square Dancing Classes: Sun., 6:30-8 p.m., Union Church of Christ. First two dances are free; additional classes are $5 per person. The instructor is Gloria Vivier. For more information, call 413-467-3352, 51 Center St., Route 21, Ludlow; 413-583-5717.

Quadrangle

Histories in Franklin County.” New England Public Media presents with the Nolumbeka Project, a talk with Dr. Margaret M. Bruchac (Nulhegan Abenaki), associate professor of anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania. Free. 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls, 413-8632281, theshea.org.

Old Deerfield Spring Sampler Craft Fair: Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Eastern States Exposition, Young Building. The fair features 150 juried artisans in all craft media, including garden and Easter-themed items. Free demonstrations by crafters, music, activities for families, and a chance to win $50 shopping certificates, with multiple winners each day.

$6 adults; children 12 and under free; $5 parking (collected by ESE Fairgrounds). 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, 413-737-2443, thebige.com

SUNDAY

Back Porch Festival: See Friday listing

First Company Governor’s Foot Guard Dog Show & Obedience Trials: See Saturday listing “The Glass Menagerie”: See Thursday listing

“Making History: Lessons from a Year in Space”: Sun., 2 p.m. Springfield Symphony Hall, Scott Kelly is a former NASA astronaut and retired United States Navy captain, U.S. spaceflight record holder and an experienced test pilot having logged more than 15,000

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.

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: “Nelson Stevens: Color Rapping,” Sat. through Sept. 3. “New/Now: Contemporary Art Acquisitions,” through July 30. “Museum a la Carte,” today, 12:15 p.m., “Colorful Colombia.” $4, members free. Presented by Amy S. Dane, world traveler and photographer.

Springfield Science Museum: “Here for the Party: Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration,” Sat., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Rain, shine or snow; an all-day salute to beloved children’s author and Springfield native Theodor Seuss Geisel to celebrate his 119th birthday. Free with museum admission. Birthday activities will be open to all visitors; timed entry to the Dr. Seuss Museum is limited and will be available on a firstcome, first-serve basis in the

Julie Flynn-Powell, of Williamsburg, and her daughter, Beatrix, meet the Cat in the Hat during a past birthday celebration for Springfield native Theodor Seuss Geisel, Dr. Seuss, at the Springfield Museums. The Museums will host a daylong 119th birthday celebration for the author on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain, shine, or snow. (FREDERICK GORE PHOTO)

CONTINUED FROM PAGE E9

Welcome Center. Arrive early to secure desired entry time. “Leonardo’s Lab,” through April 23. Visitors can recreate Leonardo’s tool-andhardware-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 Munford. “Stars Over Springfield,” Fri., 7:30 p.m. Join members of the Springfield Stars Club for a discussion of current topic in astronomy and, weather permitting, skygazing in the Science Museum’s observatory. Tonight’s topic is Paul Cardone, “Back to the Moon.” $3 adults, $2 children.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibit. First floor provides interactive three-dimensional exhibits; second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia. Timed tickets required. For reservations, visit springfield museums.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, 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

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.

“A Night Out at the Museum,” Sat., 5:30-7:30 p.m., featuring a live band, food, beer, wine and a scavenger hunt that takes attendees on an exploration through the “Art of Storytelling” exhibits. For ages 21+. To purchase tickets, visit berkshiremuseum.org. $35; $60;

admission includes beer, wine, soft drinks, food, and music. 39 South St., Pittsfield, berkshiremuseum.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, childrensmuseumholyoke.org

Connecticut Trolley Museum: “Kids Arts & Crafts Saturdays” Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., theme is “Caterpillars and Butterflies.” 58 North Road, East Windsor, cttrolley.org

East Longmeadow Historical Commission Museum: Permanent exhibit. 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: “The Carle Collection: Recent Acquisitions,” through April 9. “What Might You Do? Christian Robinson,” through June 4. “Eric Carle’s Book Birthdays,” through Sun. “Word Play with The Center Dance Studio,” Fri., 11 a.m.-noon. “Everyday Art Project,” through March 12. 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: Wed.-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, 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-4 p.m. Closed Mon. Free admission. mass.gov/locations/holyokeheritage-state-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. 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; 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, hoophall.com.

New England Air Museum: Permanent exhibit including the restored F-104 Starfighter, vintage planes, gift shop, hands-on activities. $12.50, $11.50 seniors 65+, $7 children 4-11, free for children 3 and under. 36 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks or neam.org

Norman Rockwell Museum: “Eloise and More: The Life and Art of Hilary Knight,” through March 12. Permanent exhibit. Thu.-Mon., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Tues. and Wed. Advance ticket purchase required; $20 adults; $18 seniors, AAA, retired military; $10 college students; free children 18 and under, members and active military. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge, nrm.org.

Old Sturbridge Village: “Maple Days,” through March 19, Wed.-Sun. 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. Guests can see the entire sugar-making process, from tapping the trees to “sugaring off” and learn why maple sugar was more commonly used than maple syrup in early New England. Permanent exhibit: Visit 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. $28, $26 seniors, $14 college students with ID & children 4-17, free for children 3 and under. Route 20, Sturbridge or osv.org.

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, 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, susanbanthony birthplace.com

The Emily Dickinson Museum: Homestead and Evergreens: Per-

manent exhibit. Open Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Admission to the museum is by guided tour, for which advance-purchased timed tickets are required. Visit EmilyDickinson Museum.org/to purchase your tickets and for more information. 280 Main St., Amherst, emilydickinsonmuseum.org

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, 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. UMass students, staff, and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated per university policy. 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

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.; weekends, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Self-guided 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. $18 adults; $17 seniors (65+); $10 students with ID; $7 children 5-17. 104 Walker St., Lenox, gildedage.org.

Volleyball Hall of Fame: Permanent exhibit. $2.50-$3.50, 444 Dwight St., Holyoke; volleyhall.org

West Springfield Town Museum: Permanent exhibit: The museum is open to the public first Sat. of the month from 1-3 p.m. Items on display include hand-built models of early town buildings and other structures, local artifacts and historic items from the Civil War, Mittineague Park and Bear Hole area, as well as other local historic items and displays. 55 Altamont Ave., West Springfield

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 public; Holyoke residents $5; seniors $5; youth under 18, museum members, active military and family members free. 238 Cabot St., Holyoke, 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, yiddishbookcenter.org

Galleries

A.P.E. Gallery: “After Archives,” Fri.-March 30, reception with artists Fri., 5-7 p.m., with opening remarks 6 p.m. “Arts Night Out,” March 10, 5-8 p.m. Permanent exhibit. Tues.Thu., noon-5 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., noon-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 126 Main St., Northampton, 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: Paintings by Margaret Lloyd, Lydia Kinney, and Kate Marion Lapierre. Fri.-March 30; artists’ reception March 9, 5-7 p.m. Open during library hours. 20 West St., Northampton, forbes library.org.

Gallery A3 Amherst Art Alliance: “Sculptures in Wood” by GK Khalsa, Today-April 1. Opening reception today, 5-7 p.m. Gallery hours: Thu.-Sun., 2-7 p.m. 28 Amity St., Amherst; 413-256-4250.

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; 413-543-3321.

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; 413-732-9128.

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, westath.org. Old Town Hall: “The Writing is on the Walls,” through Sat. 43 Main St., Easthampton

Rendezvous: “Montague at Work and Play” exhibit, through March 18. 78 Third St., Turners Falls, thevoo. net

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: Paintings of Holly Tuttle, through March 31. Sun., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and during the week by appointment. Call 413-218-7391 for more information. 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield; 413-737-5311.

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE E11

Music

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E4

format will work very much like First Night.

“Your ticket gets exchanged for a button. There are two kinds of buttons, a premium button, which includes admission to everything including the three evening Academy shows, and a ramble button, which is good for admission to everything except the evening shows. There are no reserved seats, everything is first come, first served,” he said.

Along with the Academy of Music, other venues include the Parlor Room, the Unitarian Society, Progression Brewery, Bishop’s Lounge, the Hotel Northampton Ballroom, Memorial Hall, Click Workspace, and Iconia.

The festival will be headlined by Watchhouse (formerly Mandarin Orange) and Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway. Other notable artists

Calendar

CONTINUED FROM PAGE E10

Outdoors

Great Falls Discovery Center: Great Hall exhibit: “Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” through March 18. Tues., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. “Crossroads: Whose Viewpoint? Historic Franklin County Images,” through March 18. “Nice and Easy Walk: Crossroads Edition,” Fri., March 10, 17, 24, 1 p.m. An easy-paced, one to two-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls. Geared for seniors, but open to all ages. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather and sturdy boots. Meet at the main entrance to the center. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, greatfallsma.org

Natural Bridge State Park: Visitors Center exhibits daily, 9 a.m.-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.

Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary: “Norcross Wildlife Winter Lectures” Sat., 1 p.m., “Birds of Prey” with Tom Ricardi. The program

include Cedric Burnside, Sunny War, Kelly Willis, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Nora Brown, Whiskey Treaty Roadshow, and Brennan Leigh & Melissa Carper, among many others. For a full lineup and schedule, go to backporchfest.com.

Olsen said while coordinating so many venues can be tricky, this year he is partnering with the Northampton

will be held in the upstairs public program room, accessible from the main parking lot. Registration is required and space is limited. Call 413-245-1353, email info@norcrosswildlife.org. 30 Peck Road, Wales.

Northfield Mountain: “Magical Dish Gardens with Deborah Bazer,” Sat., 10 a.m.-noon. Create a dish garden with stone walkways, magic pools, and enchanted forests inhabited by tiny people and animals, all made of natural materials. Part of the First Saturday Nature Art for Kids; for kids ages 4-10. Registration required, visit firstlightpowr.com/northfield

“Children’s Art Activity Series,” first Sat. of the month through June, creating art together, using natural materials and traditional art supplies. In each class, hear stories of the season while you work. Join all seven classes or come for just one or two. Sat., 10 a.m. to noon, limit of 10 children per class. Programs will take place both inside and outside, so dress appropriately for the weather. 99 Millers Falls Road, Northfield, firstlightpower.com/ northfield

Markets

Winter Farmers Market at Forest Park: Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat. & March 18, April 1 & 15.

Academy of Music,” he said.

This year, the festival will honor John Prine. Olsen spoke of what made Prine special.

“Every year at the festival we pay tribute to a great American artist who has had a big influence on all the musicians who’ve followed them.

So far we’ve paid tribute to Doc Watson, Townes Van Zandt, Dolly Parton and now John Prine,” Olsen said. “The thing about Prine is that he wrote dozens of classic songs, but never had a hit album or much in the way of Grammys Yet his music is loved by so many artists and fans.”

Arts Council, which has extensive experience producing First Night.

Deciding which acts fit with the proper venue, however, is a “giant puzzle,” Olsen said. “The look and feel of the room play a large part in determining who will play where. Of course our headliners need to be in the largest room available, which is the

Sumner Avenue, Springfield, farmersmarketatforestpark. com.

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

Actors Abigail Milnor-Sweetser, of New York City, and Robbie Simpson, of New York City, are shown in a scene from “The Glass Menagerie,” now playing at West Springfield’s Majestic Theater through April 2.  Tickets for the classic drama by Tennessee Williams are $29-$35 and can be purchased in person at the box office or on the phone at 413-747-7797. (KAIT RANKINS

PHOTO)

Nora Brown will play this year’s Back Porch Festival. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway will be among the headlining acts at this year’s Back Porch Festival. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E3

• Nas would like to work with Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen, among others. Speaking on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Nas was asked if there was an artist whom he would like to work with.

“There’s a lot. From Sade to Al Green to Billy Joel to The Boss, Bruce,” the rapper said.

Nas added that he even tried to approach Joel at one of his Madison Square Garden shows.

“I went to his show and it was incredible. He’s the king of the Garden,” Nas said.

• There’s been a lot of talk about “nepo (nepotism) babies” — children of ce-

Nightclubs

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E3

Chorus Fundraiser. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst

The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Battle of the Bands. 289 Main St., Greenfield

Theodores’: The Doug James Band. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

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

SUNDAY

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

The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Madhouse Local Concert Series. 289 Main St., Greenfield

lebrities using their famous parents to get a leg up, but Rob Grant might be the first “nepo parent.”

Grant, 68, is Lana Del Rey’s dad, and he will release his debut piano album, “Lost at Sea,” on June 9.

Del Rey lent her vocals to two of the album’s tracks. She gently teased about her dad’s journey into recording with a comment on Instagram: “This is either gonna be the beginning of something beautiful or take us all down … May the force be w all of us. I mean let’s get real — he’s always been the star.”

A press release for the record, which will be on Decca Records, says that Grant “can’t read sheet music. But when he sits down at a piano, notes flow from him. Melodies come unbidden.”

MONDAY

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

TUESDAY

The Drake: Mark Whitefield/ Northampton Jazz Workshop. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst

WEDNESDAY

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

Chris Stapleton performs at Hersheypark Stadium during his “All-American Road Show” on Aug. 27, 2022. He will play the Xfinity Center in Mansfield on June 9-10. (VICKI VELLIOS BRINER