Theater

leading up to their eventual naturalization. Valles also shares the story of the sudden deportation of their older brother.

Valles is an educator and performer and has received numerous awards, including the 2023 Yale Drama Series; the 2022 Kernodle Playwriting Prize; and four B. Iden Payne Awards, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama and Outstanding Original Script for “(Un)Documents”.

The play will be staged at the Carriage House Theatre, 360 Farmington Ave., at 8 p.m. both days. General admission tickets are $25 and students and seniors are $20, but no one will be turned away due to a lack of funds.

For more information and to

Menu

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Hryniewicz Park in Three Rivers, will begin at 3 p.m.

For more information, contact the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce at threeriversMAchamber@gmail.com.

• Taco Bell locations are introducing, as a limited time only feature, a Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco. The new handheld features a filling of slowbraised shredded beef, Taco Bell’s interpretation of birria, a traditional Mexican beef specialty currently experiencing a wave of popularity.

In addition to the braised beef, the white corn taco is filled with a jalapeno cream and a three-cheese blend. Two sauces are served with the taco — a warm nacho cheese and a savory red sauce.

• On Aug. 12, the Springfield Preservation Trust will be sponsoring a Springfield Food History Tour.

Led by James Johnson, the Preservation Trust’s executive vice president, the walking tour will visit the sites of local restaurants and food-related attractions.

Co-sponsored by the Springfield Museums, the walking tour is part of the Second Satur- purchase tickets, go online to HartBeatEnsemble.org.

• August Wilson’s “Fences” is the current stage production by Shakespeare and Company.

“Fences” follows the story of Troy Maxson — a working-class Black man struggling to provide for his family. The play has received numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Award for Best Play in 1987.

The Shakespeare and Company rendition is being led by Boston-based director Christopher V. Edwards. Cast members include Brian D. Coats as Gabriel, L. James as Lyons, JāQuan Malik Jones as Corey, Ashley McCauley Moore as Raynell, and Ella Joyce as Rose.

The play runs through Aug. 28 at the Tina Packer Playhouse in Lenox, with tickets day Walking Tour program that the Preservation Trust and the Museums present periodically.

Cost to join the tour, which begins at 10:30 a.m., is $5.

The Springfield Preservation Trust answers at 413-747-0656; their email address is info@ springfieldpreservation.org.

• As part of its summer-long series of ice cream creations, this August Friendly’s locations are featuring a Clown Sundae. Made with vanilla ice cream, the sundae is decorated with whipped cream and sprinkles; a cherry nose, candy eyes, and a sugar cone hat complete the presentation. The Wilbraham-based chain has also recently introduced three new menu options — a Pastrami Supermelt, a Grilled Cheddar Jack Chicken entree, and a Center Court Turkey Club.

For more information on Friendly’s Family Restaurants, go to friendlysrestaurants. com.

• The Still Bar & Grill in Agawam has updated its Monday-only Four Course Dinner Menu. Priced at $24, the fixed price menu starts with an appetizer course and includes a selection of soup or salad.

There are nine different entrée options from which to choose. They include chicken cacciatore, fish & chips, a half- ranging from $26 to $81. Showtimes vary. pound “Still” burger, eggplant parmesan and more.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit shakespeare.org.

• Monty Python’s “Spamalot” will make a Broadway revival this fall.

The musical comedy, based on the 1975 film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” is slated for performances at the St. James Theatre in New York on Oct. 31, followed by an official opening on Nov. 16.

The show features a book and lyrics by Eric Idle, with music by Idle and John Du Prez.

“Spamalot” originally premiered on Broadway in 2005 and ran for 1,575 performances before closing on Jan. 11, 2009, according to Broadway.com.

Tickets are available for purchase online at spamalotthemusical.com.

Dessert choices include chocolate cake, apple crisp or lemon mascarpone cake.

For more details, contact the Still Bar & Grill at 413-3042795.

• On Aug. 3, the Berkshire County-based Mezze Hospitality Group opened its newest restaurant, Bluebird & Co., in Hancock.

Serving a menu that celebrates global flavor and regional ingredients, Bluebird & Co. is located at the base of the Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in the former home of the Powder Hounds Restaurant & Tavern. Bluebird & Co. is open Thursdays through Mondays starting at 4 p.m. each day. Their telephone number is 413738-9002; their web address is eatatbluebird.com.

• As part of their White Lion Wednesdays series, White Lion Brewing in Springfield will be holding their “Summer Ending Clam Bake” on Aug. 23. The evening, which is being held in the brewery’s 1550 Main Street beer garden, will start at 4:30 p.m. and will feature live entertainment, games, and more. Rick Larimore impersonating Rod Stewart will be the featured guest for the event. Clam Bake “boil bags” will be featured, and they will include shrimp, clams, mussels, Andouille sausage, and more. Sides, beverages and White Lion’s own beers will be available as well. Boil bags should be ordered in advance by going to Eventbrite.com, where they are $25 plus a $3.52 convenience fee. The beer garden experience itself is free.

White Lion Brewing Company can be reached at 413-3261829.

• Log Rolling Catering, the event planning division of the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House in Holyoke, is once again scheduling parties at the Big E. Held at the private banquet pavilion just off the Avenue of States, events can feature a custom-designed menu and a host of Big E-related activities to make a business gathering or family celebration memorable.

To learn more about hosting an event at the Big E, contact Mo Freniere at 413-205-5026 or email mfreniere@TheBigE. com.

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.

Wine

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San Francisco. This matters since this part of Sonoma County’s cooler and wetter than other parts of the same county. That might sound like terrible weather, but it’s ideal for certain grapes, especially chardonnay. Like France’s Burgundy region, chardonnay thrives in this cool, wet part of California. This particular chardonnay tastes like the refreshing ones you often find in the southern part of Burgundy near Macon. It’s crisp, fresh, lively and has hints of lemon, sea salt, pear and lime - perfect for a warm summer day.

• 2021 Baldacci Family Vineyards Chardonnay ($50 SRP) Region: Carneros, Napa Valley, California

The Carneros wine region is located in between California’s Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Like the Sonoma Coast region described above, Carneros is cooler than many other parts of Napa and Sonoma. It’s also windier and wetter than other parts of both

SEE WINE, PAGE E9

Calendar

Events

Thursday

Artists in Action Summer Camp: Thu.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Girls Inc. of the Valley, for girls in 6-7th grade. This 3-week program runs from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Breakfast, lunch, and snack will be provided. To register, visit girlsincvalley.org, 480 Hampden St., Holyoke.

Chicopee Library Thursday Night

Concerts: Thu., 6:30 p.m. Chicopee Main Library presents Jumpin’ Juba. All concerts are outside, weather permitting. Bring your own chairs or blanket. Free. 449 Front St., Chicopee, 413-594-1800. Concert on the Green with Nekita Waller: Thu., 6:30-8:30 p.m., Windsor Town Hall, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 275 Broad St., Windsor.

Duryea Way Wine and Beer Garden: Thu., 4-7 p.m. Duryea Way featuring music by DJ Your Boy Munch, and food by Ballz. Kick-off to Enshrinement Weekend celebration. Chris Marion Photography will be exhibiting images from the NBA’s 75th anniversary reunion.

Beer of the Night: Sampling HoopTea + White Lion/Marcus Camby. Worthington and Taylor Streets, Springfield.

Flip Circus: Thu.-Sun., Holyoke Mall. Buy tickets online at FlipCircus.com or at the box office during each engagement. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. weekdays and 1, 4 and 7 p.m. on Sat. and Sun., $30-$80. 50 Holyoke St., Holyoke.

Jacob’s Pillow presents Decidedly Jazz Danceworks: Thu.-Sat. , 6 p.m.; Sun, noon Jacob’s Pillow Dance presents Decidedly Jazz Danceworks on the Henry J. Leir Stage, $45. 358 George Carter Road, Becket, 413-243-0745 or jacobspillow.org.

Jacob’s Pillow presents Complexions Contemporary Ballet: Thu., 8 p.m.; Fri. and Sun., 2 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m. Jacob’s Pillow Dance presents Complexions Contemporary Ballet in the Ted Shawn Theatre. Tickets start at $60. 358 George Carter Road, Becket, 413-

Gems

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Tucson, Arizona.

Also, Delano is bringing along her husband’s favorite piece, and “He isn’t even a collector,” she said.

It’s a rare ammonite from Alberta, Canada, that is a

243-0745 or jacobspillow.org.

Library Mini Golf: Thu., 2-5 p.m. Chicopee Main Library, 449 Front St., Chicopee or 413-594-1800.

Local Filmmaker Series: Samarah Hasan-Kepes and Family: Thu., 6 p.m., LAVA Center. For more information, visitthelavacenter. org/local-filmmaker-series/, $5 suggested donation to support the filmmakers and LAVA. 324 Main St., Greenfield.

Majestic Theater Summer 2023: Thu., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 7:30 p.m. Majestic Theater presents Center Stage Motown Review. For tickets, call the box office at 413-747-7797, $28, $26. 131 Elm St., West Springfield, or 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.

What’s New From Lupa Zoo: Thu., 2-3 p.m. Indian Orchard Branch Library, for ages 5+. Friends from the Lupa Zoo will be at the library to share their knowledge of our animal neighbors. This educational show features a variety of animals. 44 Oak St., Springfield, 413-2636846.

FRIDAY

Albany Berkshire Ballet Beer & Wine Tasting Fundraiser: Fri., 6 p.m. Storrowton Tavern & Carriage House. For tickets, visit albanyberkshireballet.org Tickets are $40 per person, $75 per couple. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-732-4188 or storrowton.com.

Artists in Action Summer Camp: See Thursday listing

Beginner Ukulele with Julie: Fri., 2 p.m., Chicopee Main Library. Sign up at the Reference Desk. 449 Front St., Chicopee, 413-594-1800.

Fall East Coast Gem & Mineral Show: Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, inside of the Better Living Center. $10 adults; children 12 and under free with adult, $5 parking. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-737-2443 or naturally-occurring specimen attached to a piece of shale. Ammonites were marine animals that evolved about 416 million years ago and were once the most abundant animals of the ancient seas before they died out about 66 million years ago. The fossil is distinguished by its iridescent thebige.com.

Flip Circus: See Thursday listing Friday Mornings for Children at Stanley Park: Fri., 10-11 a.m. Birds of Prey with Tom Ricardi at the Pavilion Annex. This program will focus on conservation and species identification of Birds of Prey such as falcons, hawks, eagles, vultures and owls. Ricardi will educate the audience about certain species with a live, hands-on demonstration as well as answer questions. Chairs will be provided and blankets are welcome, free. 400 Western Ave., Westfield, 413-568-9312 or stanleypark.org.

Jacob’s Pillow presents Decidedly Jazz Danceworks: See Thursday listing

Jacob’s Pillow presents Complexions Contemporary Ballet: See Thursday listing

Longmeadow Stand Outs: Fri., 4-6 p.m., corner of Longmeadow Street and Forest Glen Road. A new sign about Stand Up Against Violence was added to the Stand Out display of signs, next to the sign End Violence Now. The Stand Outs started in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. The initial signs were Black Lives Matter and Unity Against Racism. Signs for Stop Asian Hate and United Against Antisemitism were later added. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, signs for Ukraine In Our Hearts and Support Ukraine, along with the Ukrainian flag, were displayed, Longmeadow Street and Forest Glen Road, Longmeadow.

Majestic Theater Summer 2023: See Thursday listing

MGM Casino: See Thursday listing Middlefield Fair: Fri, 4-10 p.m.; Sat, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Middlefield Fairgrounds, featuring exhibitor hall full of entries in categories such as baking, canning, vegetables, quilting, needle work, photography and more. There will also be truck pulls, children’s zone activities and so much more, 7 Bell Road, Middlefield.

Musical Theater Intensive: Fri.Sat., Berkshire Pulse, All levels, full-day camp for ages 10-14, SEE EVENTS, PAGE E10 colors and it is unique only to Southern Alberta, she noted. Hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. an Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults and children under 12 are free with a paid adult. The Eastern States Exposition charges $5 for parking.

Wine

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E8 regions, which is ideal for chardonnay. The result - another fresh, lively wine with hints of citrus, lemons, pear and caramel, without being too sweet. A truly charming California chardonnay.

• 2021 Mount Veeder

Winery Napa Valley Chardonnay ($50 SRP)

Region: Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, California

The Mount Veeder section of Napa Valley has a lot in common with Carneros, which is only a few miles east. Both have windy, cooler weather and regular fog. But Mount Veeder also has steep slopes, which puts

Yo-Yo Ma

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7.

Personable

Someone as famous and as accomplished as Ma could easily be, shall we say, “difficult” or “demanding.” But talk to anyone who knows him or works with him and they all talk about what a personable, down-to-earth person Ma is to be around. And that shows in his performances. You often feel like you’re spending time with a friend when you’re at a Ma concert.

8.

Loyalty

It’s telling that many of the people who work with Ma have been doing so for decades. In particular, Ma and Ax have known each other for more than 50 years. They met at Julliard when Ma was 15. They still regularly play together. If Ma was a tyrant, I doubt Ax would still be playing with him half a century later. He’s also been married to Jill Hornor since 1978. That speaks volumes about Ma’s character.

9.

Presence

While Ma makes you feel like you’re just hanging out with a friend or your nextdoor neighbor, it’s partly an illusion. That’s because Ma has a magnetic stage presence. You can see it and extra strain on the vineyards, which is always a good thing when it comes to making great wine. (I know, it makes no sense. The more challenging the growing conditions, the greater the wine, in many cases.) This particular chardonnay has a slight hint of oakiness many people associate with California chardonnays without being overpowering. It’s also flinty, fresh and vibrant with hints of lemon, pear and vanilla. An absolutely outstanding wine perfect for any time of year. feel it when he’s performing. The spotlight seems to naturally gravitate towards him every time he walks on stage in front of an audience.

Cheers!

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

10. Mystique

All the words in the world can’t quite explain what it is about Ma that makes him so magnetic, so special. We’ve watched him grow up right before our eyes on stage and on television. And yet, there’s something about him that remains unknowable, that remains mysterious. You can see it when he performs — his eyes closed, his head leaning back. He often seems to be in his own world while he’s playing the cello. Something hidden inside him seems to be inspiring him, driving him to greater heights in every magnificent performance. And that’s what keeps fans coming back to see him again and again and again.