Weekend - January 25, 2024 by repubnews

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E |

| THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

‘World’s Most Dangerous Tribute to the Music of the Rolling Stones’ to play Springfield, Page E2

Blushing Brides

E2 | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

WEEKEND

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS TRIBUTE TO THE ROLLING STONES

Blushing Brides to play MGM Springfield Frontman Maurice Raymond answers questions about the band before Friday’s concert

By Ashley Potter

apotter@repub.com

he Blushing Brides — who bill themselves as the “World’s Most Dangerous Tribute to the Music of the Rolling Stones” — have been performing for more than four decades at venues across the world, and on Friday, they will make a stop at MGM Springfield’s Aria Ballroom to open the casino’s Free Music Friday winter concert series. “It will be exciting. It will be funny. It will be electric,” said Maurice Raymond, who has served as the band’s frontman since its inception. “You won’t leave going ‘oh, that was boring.’ I promise you.” The band has been celebrating the legacy of the Rolling Stones since 1979 — and if that’s enough to have you saying “wow,” “that’s the response that most people give,” Raymond said. “It’s a long time, I know.” Raymond sat down with The Republican before Friday’s concert to answer questions about the band, its music, and staying original in a world of tribute bands. The following interview has been edited for space and clarity.

Q. Could you share a bit about the band’s

history and how the Blushing Brides came to be?

There’s a long story — kind of a tale of how the Blushing Brides became “The Blushing Brides, A Tribute to the Rolling Stones.” I was from Montreal myself, and James Green — the guitar player at the time in my band — and Paul Martin, Martin Van Dijk, and Richard Berthiaume were from Kingston, Ontario. If you’re in Springfield, I’d say it would be maybe Worcester or Boston, about that far. They had been in Montreal playing with their band, and they heard about my band (in 1978). They came to see my band and after the show was over, the guitar player (Paul Martin) walked up to me and asked me if I wanted to make a band, which we did. James and I moved to Kingston in 1979. We got together and formed a band. Basically, the game plan was to do as the (Rolling) Stones had done to get a record deal. So what did the Stones do to get a record deal? The Stones loved the blues, they loved Chuck Berry, they loved Howlin’ Wolf, so what they did was they started to mimic those

SEE BRIDES, PAGE E3

The Blushing Brides will open MGM Springfield’s free winter concert series on Friday. (PHOTO COURTESY BLUSHING BRIDES)

WEEKEND

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Brides

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024 | E3

What we decided to do, because we had to eat and we were musicians, so short of CONTINUES FROM PAGE E2 joining polka bands or doing guys, they played their songs. Top 40 or playing all different Maurice Raymond, The Blushing Brides By playing their songs, they bands’ music — we thought, developed their own specific “everybody loves us doing sound, because no five white the Stones, we’ll just do the guys from London could sound Everybody went, “what? “Unveiled” — on RCA, 1982 re- Stones.” We started playing the exactly like Howlin’ Wolf or Rolling Stones clones, what’s lease. It did OK, but usually the Stones and instead of calling it Chuck Berry. When they tried that?” So this whole thing then second album is when bands The Rolling Stones clone band, to do it, it created an entirely continued and we ended up sort of make it or break it. We we called it — we actually new sound, which became the playing in Boston and there never got a chance to make coined the phrase “A Tribute sound of The Rolling Stones. was a big article in the Boston a second record because we to the Music of The Rolling We thought, “what a great Globe about the Stones Clones broke up. We fought, we broke Stones.” This was in 1984, and idea, let’s do the same thing! invading New England. This up, and we lost the record we had lots of success — we Only we’ll do it playing Chuck had been going on since 1980, deal. So, in 1982-1983, we’re were on the road playing 200, Berry, blues, and include Roll- but all the while, we were trybroken up, we’re playing with 225 shows a year across the ing Stones music in there.” ing to get our own record deal, different bands, and Paul and United States and Canada. We just wanted to get noticed which we did get in 1981 from I get together and we decide, Things were going great. But for a record deal and we had RCA. We signed a worldwide “this is nuts,” we’ve never had by the time 1985 came, there always been writing our own five-album deal and so we the success and the musical was apparently a tribute band songs, so we were writing a thought “wow, great! Our plan acuity that we had when we for everybody and your uncle. bunch of songs, and we were came to fruition.” Except our were together. We decided to Everybody decided, “hmm, playing those and playing the heads became so swollen with put the Brides back together, we’re going to do that too,” and Stones stuff. We were playing our own success that we start- but we couldn’t get a record it actually created this whole all through Canada, up and ed to fight amongst ourselves deal because apparently we industry. Now, before us, there down Ontario and Quebec, in musical direction. had, in the words of some A&R was Beatlemania, a couple and then we got a gig in Syrpeople, “s—- all over RCA.” other bands like Crystal Ship acuse, New York. We opened What happened after the show with “Brown Sugar” that, were you still able to and there was a reporter in the put out an album? crowd, and the reporter wrote art ar t 8 18 e e n1 i n Ho l y o k e i anre darticle that said “Rolling We put out the first re d in Holy o k e in Stones clones steal the show.” record — which was called

“The Blushing Brides legacy is that we play the music of The Rolling Stones, but we play it our own way.”

Q. How did The Blushing

Brides continue to stand out with so many tribute bands popping up?

Luckily for us, I bore a resemblance to Mick Jagger, and my guitar player at the time (Paul Martin) bore a resemblance to Keith Richards. The rest of the band didn’t look anything like The Rolling Stones, they just looked like rock musicians, but because Paul and I looked like Mick and Keith, the public made that magical leap to “oh, they’re just like The Stones.”

SEE BRIDES, PAGE E4

Irish Night in A. Holyoke 2024

and a Led Zeppelin band in Canada called The White, but nobody ever specifically called it something. Beatlemania was Beatlemania, it was a Broadway show, but there was no band playing on the circuits doing specifically that (tribute shows).

IN MEMORY OF DANIEL P. CURRAN TO BENEFIT THE MAURICE A. DONAHUE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

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e re d i n Ho l y o k e in Additional Entertainment by IN MEMORY OF DANIEL P. CURRAN TOSchool BENEFIT * The Cassin of Irish Dance and Matt Connor of The Springfield THE MAURICE A. DONAHUE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP IN MEMORY OF DANIEL P. CURRAN TO BENEFIT THE MAURICE A. DONAHUE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Kiltie Band

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E4 | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

Brides CONTINUES FROM PAGE E3

No we’re not. The Blushing Brides legacy is that we play the music of the Rolling Stones, but we play it our own way. We never play the same song twice in a row the same way, we’ll always do it a little bit differently. It’s about interpretation as opposed to what the tribute band scene has turned into: this dress-up, everybody looks exactly like somebody from the band. It’s hilarious. If I’m going to see a band that’s apparently playing the music of the Rolling Stones, I don’t want to see a bunch of guys pretending to be Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. It’s almost insulting to my intelligence to think — “so wait a minute, you’re going to stand up there and talk with an English accent and prance around?” Look, I prance around on stage, but I prance around based on what I grew up learning, and it wasn’t just Mick Jagger. It was Peter Wolf from the J. Geils Band. It was James Brown. It was Otis Redding. I created my own style. If you ask around about the Blushing Brides, people will say “yeah, the Blushing Brides — yeah, they’re like the Stones, but not the Stones.” That’s really what our difference is, is we take the music to a different level and the performance to a different level.

Q. Do you think tribute

bands today have gotten away from the music, and leaned in more towards the act?

Q. A.

usually about 10 to 12 minutes long, that song.

Q. So what can audiences

FRIDAY Delaney House: Tobey Sol LaRoche. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke

expect from the Blushing Brides concert in Springfield?

Nightclubs

You’re going to see a bunch of talented musicians playing great songs in our own way, but still true to the music, still true to the original compositions. There will be emotion. There will be musicianship. And there will be passion. And without that, without passion, music is nothing. That’s what we’re offering. If you want to see real musicians playing real music, go see us. If you want to see some charade, some farce, some “caca,” go and see the other guys. They’ll look pretty — they’ll look all nice dressed up and they’ll have their costumes on — but in the end, you’ll go … you know, I can only equate it to when you have a romantic interlude with someone and you anticipate that it’s going to be really great, but then when you’re actually with the person, it kind of leaves something wanting. For more information on the Blushing Brides free concert at MGM Springfield, and other upcoming concerts in the winter edition of Free Music Fridays, visit mgmspringfield.mgm resorts.com/en/entertain ment/free-music-fridays. html

East Mountain Country Club: PB & Company. 1458 E. Mountain Road, Westfield MGM Springfield: The Blushing Brides. 1 MGM Way, Springfield MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Orlando Baxter & Jimmy Cash. 1 MGM Way, Springfield Shaker Farms Country Club: Tom Savoy. 866 Shaker Road, Westfield The Drake: Nathan Hobbs Blehar Quartet. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Amanda Shaw. 289 Main St., Greenfield The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow Theodores’: Petey Hop. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

SATURDAY Delaney House: Ask Wanda. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Orlando Baxter & Jimmy Cash. 1 MGM Way, Springfield The Drake: The Bones of J.R. Jones with Billy Keane. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst Theodores’: The Christopher Dean Band. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

SUNDAY The Drake: Midnight North. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst

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There’s two ways to look at it. If you want to go see a musical that plays the music note per note, or as close as possible to note per note, and people that prance around on stage and pretend to be those people, the majority of tribute bands are like that. And it’s not hard to sit in your bedroom or to get into a rehearsal studio and go over those records and just repeat that every night, every night, every night. To me, that’s soul sucking. Basically, you’re not a musician, you’re a mimic. The Blushing Brides

for the most part, everything’s very fake and very… We have a term for it in the band, it’s very “caca,” which means “s—-.” If we see something absurd, we go “caca! caca!” And I think that says it all. Everything is so overblown, so full of s—- that we feel for us to be able to keep our sanity, we have to be real musicians and play the music in our own way. But because we have been doing this for 40-plus years and done over 5,000 shows, we do have a fanbase that understands what we do and appreciates what we do. We were the only name in town before, we were the only band doing something Maurice Raymond like this, so obviously we had lots of success. But now there’s are the complete and utter op- so many bands, and so many posite. What we do is we take a promoters, and so many Col. song like “Stray Cat Blues” or Toms out there trying to get “Brown Sugar” or “Sympathy some angle, and in the end it’s for The Devil” and there will all “caca.” be a completely different take put on it by each musician, but How would you define that creates an entirely new, the Rolling Stones’ legacy powerful musical moment. and how do you continue to Because the musicians in the uphold that legacy after all Blushing Brides are such talthis time? ented musicians, we have the luxury of being able to do that, It’s a very difficult quesbecause we’ve been touring tion to answer in such a short musicians for so long. For us, span of time, but I think that that’s what we want to do. the Rolling Stones legacy is, I could never dress up like in a word, integrity. Because a twat and prance around they always stay true to the and talk in an English accent music, they always stay true and sleep at night, but that to the blues, and they were is not to say that there aren’t always trendsetters. They people that long for that and always wanted to grow. They savor that and are completely weren’t afraid to take chances, convinced that they are doing and that’s what I love about something remarkable. But the Stones. They were always they’re not. willing to grow, and they had I’m going to quote someintegrity. And I think the thing thing Mick Jagger said about about the Blushing Brides is the Blushing Brides in 1981 that, yeah, we’re playing the (in the Boston Globe). They music of the Rolling Stones, asked Mick Jagger about The but we do it with integrity, we Blushing Brides and he said do it with love of the music, “well, I think it’s quite mad, and we understand why they but America has a large appe- played that music. We love it tite for recycled garbage.” And for the same reason that they I thought, “coming from Mick, did, because it was honest and that’s kind of a compliment it has passion. almost,” because he had not seen us. He didn’t know what What is your favorite we were doing, but what he song to perform? was saying – he was talking about the tribute bands today. I think that there’s so If you go see the tribute many and it comes and goes, bands today, they’ve all got but really the standard I have is this whole shtick. Everybody’s “Midnight Rambler,” because got a wig on, everybody’s not “Midnight Rambler” has three real. It’s kind of not unlike different movements within it. what’s going on in the world, It’s a nice piece of music — it’s

“I’m going to quote something Mick Jagger said about the Blushing Brides in 1981 (in The Boston Globe). They asked Mick Jagger about The Blushing Brides and he said ‘well, I think it’s quite mad, but America has a large appetite for recycled garbage.’”

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WEEKEND

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024 | E5

KIDS SKI FREE January 15 - February 16, 2024

Ladysmith Black Mambazo will play Bombyx in Northampton in February. The South African vocal group is celebrating its 64th anniversary.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo to celebrate 64 years in Northampton

George Lenker Live Wire

listened to while imprisoned. Mandela later asked the choir to join him at his Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in 1993. Although Joseph Shabalala retired in 2014 and died in 2020, Ladysmith Black Mambazo lives on, with three sons Thulani, Sibongiseni and Thamsanqa Shabalala carrying forward their father’s dream and message. The shows are at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and tickets, which are going fast, range from $45 to $60. Liner notes • The Silver Chord Bowl will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Feb. 11 at John M. Greene Hall in Northampton. As the oldest collegiate a cappella showcase in the region, this year’s Silver SEE LIVE WIRE, PAGE E12

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ADYSMITH BLACK Mambazo might not sing “When I’m 64” when they play Bombyx in Northampton on Feb. 18, but the renowned South African vocal group will reach that anniversary milestone this year. The all-male choir, which was famously formed in 1960 by Joseph Shabalala based on a dream he had, gained international acclaim after Paul Simon recruited the group to lend its rich harmonies to his 1986 album, “Graceland.” Since then, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has collaborated with stars such as Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton and Josh Groban, among others. The group sings isicathamiya, traditional music that came from miners of South Africa. This was the style that led the choir to a prolific recording history of its own, releasing more than 50 albums over the years. Ladysmith Black Mambazo has also been nominated for 16 Grammy awards, winning five times, most recently in 2018. The group’s work was also cited by Nelson Mandela, who upon his release from prison in 1990, said that Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s music provided a powerful message of peace that he

WEEKEND

E6 | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

Minimum wage hike impacts California’s restaurant industry

ALIFORNIA’S NEW fast food minimum wage law, which takes effect April 1, looks as if it will have wide-ranging impacts on the restaurant industry. Assembly Bill (AB) No. 1228 mandates a $20 per hour minimum wage for fast food workers across the state and provides for annual increases in future years. The new law was carefully crafted to apply only to the fast food industry. It restricts application of its provisions to limited-service restaurants that operate as part of a chain of more than 60 units nationwide. Even before taking effect, AB No. 1228 has led to significant repercussions within the industry. Two major pizza chain franchisees in California have already announced layoffs of more than 1,200 delivery drivers. Those drivers would have been subject to the new law, so the pizza chain operators are instead turning delivery over to third party services like Grubhub and Uber Eats, whose contract drivers aren’t subject to AB No. 1228. Subway franchisees across the state, working in conjunction with Subway’s corporate staff, are meeting to develop strategies to cope with the new minimum wage. Those owner-operators are concerned they will need to increase prices to the point where 12-inch Subway sandwiches could cost $17 or more, a level they believe is unsustainable. Many of the major chains operating in California have already increased prices in anticipation of AB No. 1228; others plan to do so. The National Restaurant Association has expressed fears that the California law may lead to similar legislation in other “labor-friendly” states.

Hugh Robert Off The Menu

Side Dishes • The Delaney House in Holyoke, which last summer instituted an a la carte brunch menu, has done a “180,” bringing back its brunch buffet. Responding to reported “popular demand,” the restaurant’s management is once again offering a Brunch Buffet menu that includes a broad array of breakfast and lunch items, including an omelet station, a carving station, and an ice cream sundae bar. Available Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Brunch Buffet is priced at $34.95 per person, with kids 3 to 10 charged $19.95. Reservations can be made online at delaneyhouse. com/brunch; the restaurant answers at 413-532-1800.

• Two new Sourdough melt sandwiches have been added to the menu at participating Panera locations. The Southwest Chicken Melt piles smoked chicken onto toasted slices of the chain’s Country Rustic Sourdough, then garnishes the sandwich with smoked gouda, sliced red onion, chipotle aioli, and cilantro. A similarly-constructed Bacon Avocado Melt is built from bacon and sliced avocado that’s topped with melted gouda, dressed with chipotle aioli, and sprinkled with “everything bagel” seasoning. The new menu items have

SEE MENU, PAGE E11

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Beer ‘crimes,’ rhymes and reasons

ODAY’S COLUMN features a pair of ruminations triggered by exchanges I’ve had over the past few months, one in person and another online. We start with the discussion I had a few weeks ago about “beer crimes.” By this I mean certain practices that sometimes offend some beer aficionados. Three came up over several conversations, and I thought I’d offer my perspective on them: The first crime was serving beer in a frozen/chilled glass. Some folks sometimes like a really cold beer, but if you’re serving a good craft beer, you should really never serve it in a chilled glass. Lowering the temperature just means you won’t get all the flavors. However, in terms of crimes, this is a beer misdemeanor. It certainly isn’t the worst thing you can do. (As a related aside, however, you should never put ice in beer.) The second “crime” is serving flat beer. This is much more inexcusable. However, some folks may be unaware that certain beers are meant

serious a bar wants to take the beer it serves, how much variety it has as far as beer styles and, frankly, how much storage room it has for glassware. The other (online) exchange had to do with beer writing. As a beer writer for more than 20 years now, I get asked plenty of questions George Lenker about writing this column, Beer Nut and many of them are similar. I’ve mentioned some of to be more carbonated than this before, but here is a brief others. (Bitters, for example, summary of what I do and are less carbonated than, how I do it: say, pilsners.) But if a beer is The first thing I always simply flat (and unfortunate- have said is that I am not a ly, I’ve gone into otherwise beer critic. I am a beer writer. respectable bars and have I never had any interest in seen flat beer served), these giving “0-to-5 star” types beers should be sent back. of reviews of beers. For Last, and probably least, is one thing, there are plenty using improper glassware. (maybe too many) people Of course it would be nice if out there already opining on every bar had the space and such matters. I will gladly ability to have the proper leave that sort of subjective glassware for every style of criticism to them. (And beer, but that’s probably im- by the way, I have nothing practical in many cases. But against them; that sort of for some beers (for example, thing just isn’t, well, my Trappistes Rochefort 10), thing.) proper glassware probably My goal from the start, as should not be ignored. I agreed on by my editors, was SEE BEER, PAGE E11 guess it comes down to how

The first thing I always have said is that I am not a beer critic. I am a beer writer.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024 | E7

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Railroad Hobby Show roars onto Big E grounds

Above, Levi Vigneault, of Ludlow, watches as a train approaches during a past Railroad Hobby Show on the Eastern States Exposition grounds in West Springfield. Above left, Al Juzukonis, of Oxford, works on a locomotive during a past show. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTOS)

Two-day show includes operating model railroads, informational clinics, vendors, Maggie the clown By Keith O’Connor

Special to The Republican

Amherst Railway Society’s Railroad Hobby Show, which opens its doors today, started as a small “Bring & Buy” railroad swap meet on the University of Massachusetts campus in the early 1960s. It moved from there to the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds in West Springfield in 1982 when university space was unavailable because of building renovations. Today, the two-day show is big enough to fill the Better Living Center and the adjacent Young, Stroh and Mallary buildings. “We’ve been faced with snowstorms before, but right now the advance forecast looks OK, maybe a little rain. We will have to wait and see, but are hoping for great weather,” said Railroad Hobby Show director John Sacerdote. The popular event for anyone who has an interest in trains — from the devoted hobbyist to those people simply fascinated by the lore of trains to wide-eyed kids —

“This year we have 373 dealers, 45 of which are brand new to the show. It’s everyone from major manufacturers, historical societies, museums and more down to people selling items from their private collections.” Railroad Hobby Show director John Sacerdote

noted several manufacturers use the show each year to introduce new products for the first time, this year including Atlas, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, Athern, Rapido, and Browser. • Operating Model Rail-

roads: “We have over 50 operating layouts this year which is a record number for us. They are all different scales from large G scale garden models that you run outdoors to HO scale, which is the most SEE SHOW, PAGE E9

Two model trains pass each other during a past Railroad Hobby Show. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO)

features operating model railroads, railroad historical and preservation societies, travel agencies, as well as railroad art, photography, videos and books. Major railroad publications and model railroad manufacturers, some from outside the United States, attend the show, and many use the Railroad Hobby Show to introduce new products.

Sacerdote noted five highlights of the annual show that “should not be missed.” • Dealers, Dealers and More Dealers: “This year we have 373 dealers, 45 of which are brand new to the show. It’s everyone from major manufacturers, historical societies, museums and more down to people selling items from their private collections,” Sacerdote said. He

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E8 | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

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Valentine’s Week

WITH TABLE 3

Table 3 has some great options for your Valentine’s celebration.

THE DUCK & AVELLINO’S talented chefs have crafted some fantastic Valentine’s specials sure to make your Valentine’s celebration a memorable one. Valentine’s specials will be available Tuesday through Saturday, February 13–17. To celebrate with that someone special, please visit theducksturbridge.com for on-line reservations or call 508-347-2321. We expect to fill up quickly so don’t delay. CEDAR STREET GRILLE will be open for some amazing Valentine’s specials Wednesday through Sunday, February 14–18. Along with Valentine’s specials, Cedar Street Grille will also be serving up our signature small plates, entrées, and dessert specials. We’ll also be offering a brunch on Sunday from 10am–2pm. Valentine’s is always busy, so visit cedarstreetgrille.com to make your reservation now or call 508-347-5800.

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WEEKEND

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024 | E9

Boston Wine Expo returns to New England

INES FROM around the world and across New England will be featured at the Boston Wine Expo, which includes in-depth wine tastings and educational seminars held throughout the first weekend of March. “I’m excited about the upcoming 2024 Boston Wine Expo. This year, we’re enhancing the trade experience, delivering an event that celebrates wine while offering valuable insights into the business side. Don’t miss this opportunity for an enriching and enjoyable event,” said Raffaele Scalzi, Boston Wine Expo show director and

founder of Scalzi Hospitality Corporation. The first Boston Wine Expo was held in the early 1990s and has barely missed a year since then, except during the pandemic, according to event organizers. Over the years, the event has continued to grow into one of the largest annual wine events in New England. This year’s Boston Wine Expo will be held March 2 and 3 in the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza Hotel, 50 Park Plaza, Boston. Grand tastings will be held each day at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m., along with specialized wine tasting seminars at

Ken Ross Wine Press

different times throughout the weekend. The final list of which wineries will be featured at the weekend-long event has not The Boston Wine Expo returns to the Grand Ballroom at the been finalized. But already, Hilton Boston Park Plaza Hotel in Boston on March 2 and 3. the list of wines that SEE WINE, PAGE E12

(PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BOSTON WINE EXPO)

“This year, we’re enhancing the trade experience, delivering an event that celebrates wine while offering valuable insights into the business side.” RAFFAELE SCALZI, BOSTON WINE EXPO SHOW DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF SCALZI HOSPITALITY CORPORATION

Show

Bailey Clown College,” Sacerdote said. In addition to her daily shows, Maggie can be CONTINUES FROM PAGE E7 seen roaming throughout the popular by far, all the way event, sometimes on stilts. down to tiny Z scale which is • HO-Scale Models of You: the smallest made by major Model railroaders can place manufacturers,” Sacerdote themselves into their layouts said. Among the layouts with two exhibitors this year include the Amherst Railway who will do a full body scan Society’s Amherst Belt Lines, then use a 3D printer to create featuring nine scale miles of your own personal reproducmainline track, and the long tion. “The result is a perfectly freight trains on the Dry Hill great image of yourself from Model Railroad featuring head to toe to stand proud in more than 250 cars. “Many your layout,” Sacerdote said. modelers allow children to The figures come in several be the engineer and run their scales including N, HO, S and operating layout,” Sacerdote O. said. • Railbus on Display: “We • Maggie the Railroad have featured a live operating Clown: “Maggie is the quintsteam locomotive outside the essential clown and her shows Better Living Center for severare always packed,” Sacerdote al years, but this year we have said about the several stage replaced the attraction with shows she will perform each a railbus that is coming to us day featuring comedy, magic, from the Connecticut Trolley juggling, spinning plates, Museum,” Sacerdote said. and her own special stories The definition of a railbus to share with audiences. She is a passenger car that looks is called the railroad clown similar to a bus that you would for good reason, he noted. see operating on the streets, “Maggie rode the rails with except it has an automotive the Greatest Show on Earth engine and wheels for operatfor four years after attending ing on rails. “Visitors will be Ringling Bros. and Barnum & able to climb aboard and sit in

the railbus,” Sacerdote said. The show also offers an opportunity for modelers of all talents to learn more at clinics held throughout Saturday and Sunday. Visit railroadhobby show.com for a complete list. There will also be mini demos offered by experts at their exhibit areas. Recognizing the importance of the show, the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) will be holding its international meeting at the event. Also, Women in Model Railroading, a special interest group of the NMRA, will host on Saturday a model railroad operating session on the Dry Hill Model Railroad in Mallary Complex between 5:30-8:30 p.m. The operating session is an opportunity to meet others with an interest in model railroads and learn more about the construction and operation of model railroads. Hours for the Railroad Hobby Show are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for adults are $15

and children 15 and under are free accompanied by an adult. Eastern States Exposition parking is $5. To avoid long lines in the cold weather, tickets will be sold on the grounds beginning one hour before the

show opens. For more information and advance tickets go to rail roadhobbyshow.com. Learn more about the Amherst Railway Society online at amherstrail.org.

A Dazzling Valentine’s Evening WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14

RSVP Now! Limited Seating ART • HISTORY • SCIENCE • SEUSS IN SPRINGFIELD

SpringfieldMuseums.org •

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CALENDAR field 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.

THURSDAY Monthly Puppetry Percolator Workshop Series: Thu., 5-8 p.m. LAVA Center to host an informal exploration of the worldwide art of puppetry. Drop in to examine puppetry’s history and evolution as an art, play with different forms, and workshop simple puppets and performance. This series is appropriate for teens and adults. 324 Main St., Greenfield.

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. Hours: Mon., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Thu.-Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Open for groups Tues. and Wed. $8 adults; $8 children (12 months and older); $4 grandparents/seniors (60+); military personnel and teachers receive a 10% discount off the price of regular admission; members and infants free. 29 South Broad St., Westfield.

FRIDAY CLICK Music presents Take on Chris and Sasha K.A: Fri., 7 p.m. Click Workspace presents Take on Chris, with Sasha K.A opening. Plus Pop-Up Street Tacos by O’Brien, formerly of Sierra Grille. Doors open at 6 p.m., $5-10 (sliding scale). 9 1/2 Market St., Northampton; clickworkspace.com. SCDT presents “Hatchery in Labyrinth”: Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Northampton Center for the Arts, featuring three performance events at the A.P.E. Workroom Theater. 33 Hawley St., Northampton, 413-584-7327 or nohoarts.org.

SATURDAY Bing Productions presents the Back-Porch Gang: Sat., 7:30 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church presents a new two-act comedy by Ben Scranton. Free of charge, donations gratefully accepted. 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield, 413-7375311. “In Our Opera Era”: Sat., 6 p.m. Northampton Center for the Arts, free with suggested donation of $20. 33 Hawley St., Northampton,, 413-584-7327 or nohoarts.org. Railroad Hobby Show: Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center, Young & Stroh Building, Mallary Complex. For more information, visit railroadhobbyshow.com or amherstrail. org, $15 adults; free for ages 15 and under. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, 413-737-2443 or thebige.com. SCDT presents “Hatchery in Labyrinth”: See Friday listing Youth Social Justice Art Workshops: Sat, UMass Amherst Center at Tower Square, Visit artforthesoulgallery.com for more details on specific workshop times. Free. 1500 Main St., Springfield.

GREENFIELD

Off to see the wizard The Greenfield Garden Cinemas, in partnership with Fathom Events, will host a three-day celebration of the 85th anniversary of 1939’s “Wizard of Oz.” The film will be screened on Jan. 28 at 1 p.m., and Jan. 29 and 31 at 7 p.m. To kick off the screenings, the cinemas will host a “Wicked Cool Oz Cosplay” contest on Jan. 28 from noon to 1 p.m., immediately before the film. Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jessye Deane will judge the contest, and winners will be eligible for a variety of prizes. For more information on the film’s anniversary celebration, visit gardencinemas.net.

More than $1300 in cash prizes will be awarded. All skills welcome but be warned, Prodigy’s minigolf is very challenging. Prodigy is for ages 13+ and those 13-16 must be accompanied by an adult, $40. 116 Pleasant St. Suite 018, Easthampton; prodigyminigolf.com.

Dive into the world of storytelling and channel your creativity to develop your own animated production using storyboarding, sketching, stop-motion movie Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum making, and more. “Ways of My Ancestors: We are Nipmuc. We are of Springfield History: “Latinos the Freshwater People,” through en Springfield, Presente y Pasado Feb. 25. Permanent exhibit: Railroad Hobby Show: See Satur- / Latinos in Springfield Past and day listing Present,” through March 3. Perma- State-of-the-art Zeiss Projector and updated International Space SCDT presents “Hatchery in Lab- nent exhibit: More than two dozen Station exhibit. Indian motorcycles and related yrinth”: See Friday listing memorabilia. The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Sunday Worship Service: Sun, 10 Museum: Permanent exhibit. Michele and Donald D’Amour a.m. United Congregational Church First-floor exhibition provides Museum of Fine Arts: “A Gathof Holyoke. Arrive 15 minutes opportunities to explore new ering: Works from Contemporary before the 10 a.m. to worship to join sounds and vocabulary, play Black American Ceramic Artists,” for a “hymn sing”. Join in after worrhyming games, invent stories, and through March 31. Museum a la ship for fellowship, conversation, engage in activities that encourage Carte: Jan. 25, 12:15 p.m. Harney & coffee and snacks. 300 Appleton teamwork and creative thinking, Sons Guide to Tea. $4, members St., Holyoke; 413-532-1483 or with interactive three-dimensional free. Michael Harney will review uccholyoke.org. exhibits. Second floor contains four major tea and herbal brews. Geisel’s personal memorabilia. He will also talk about the history Timed tickets required. For reserand science of tea. Following the vations, visit springfieldmuseums. talk, visitors have the opportunity to taste a variety of Harney & Sons org.

Quadrangle

George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: The Prodigium Mid-Winter Cup “Ancient Treasures,” a display Minigolf Tournament: Sun., 8:30 of artifacts from ancient China, a.m. Prodigy MiniGolf at Eastworks, Greece, Rome and Egypt. On the

SUNDAY

first Wed. of every month through the end of 2026, admission to the Springfield Museums is free. For more information, visit springfieldmuseums.org.

blends and chat about their flavor profiles. Springfield Science Museum: “Animationland,” through May 5.

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, Spring-

Anchor House of Artists: Rotating art exhibits, self-staged by fine regional talents. The best leastknown gallery in the Pioneer Valley. Free public receptions on the second Fri. of the month from 5-8 p.m. Email artists@anchorhouseartists. org, visit anchorhouseartists. org, or call 413-588-4337 for more information. The New England Visionary Artists Museum. The off-center art center in Northampton, featuring rotational exhibits in five showrooms by regional accomplished visionary professionals and self-taught artists. Public receptions offered on Northampton’s Arts Night Out, each month’s second Fri., 5-8 p.m. For more information, visit neva-museum.org, email vision@neva-museum.org or call 413-588-4337. 518 Pleasant St., Northampton Children’s Museum at Holyoke: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Tues.Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m.; closed Mon. 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 and members free. 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or childrensmuseumholyoke.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 more. Hours: 1-3 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month, Sept.- June, weather permitting. Special tours are available upon request by contacting Bruce Moore at 413-525 3072. 87 Maple St., East Longmeadow

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE E11

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Calendar CONTINUES FROM PAGE E10 Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: 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.

register, visit historic-deerfield. org. 80 Old Main St., Deerfield. Historic Northampton Museum and Education: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Wed.-Sun. noon-5 p.m. $5 suggested donation. 46 Bridge St., Northampton or historic-northampton.org.

Holyoke Heritage State Park: “Forest, Field, and Flower,” through Feb. 27. “Intimate landscapes from the Connecticut River Valley to Cape Cod,” an exhibit of paintings by Holyoke resident Russell Steven Powell. Free. Permanent exhibit: Historic Deerfield: Exhibit: “GarPreserving the history and culture den of Hearts: Madeline Yale Wyn- of Holyoke through permanent ne & Deerfield’s Arts and Crafts exhibits on the paper and textile Movement,” through March 3. 2024 industry. Featuring a scale model of Winter Lecture Series Online: “Led Mountain Park. Visitor Center open by an Evil Spirit: Lesser-Known Tues.-Sun., noon-4 p.m. Closed Witches of New England,” Jan. 28 Mon. Check website for programs - March 27, 2 p.m. All lectures are and tours at mass.gov/locations/ free of charge and will be presentholyoke-heritage-state-park. ed virtually via Zoom. Outside of Free. 221 Appleton St., Holyoke, the well-known witchcraft outbreak 413-534-1723. at Salem and Essex County in Josiah Day House: Permanent 1692, there were other cases that resulted in trials of people suspect- exhibit: Featuring guided tours, artifacts, furniture, clothing, and ed of covenanting with the Devil documents from 1754-1902. Call in order to harm their neighbors. Jan. 28, Malcolm Gaskill, Professor for open house schedule and individual tours. $3, $1 children 6-12, Emeritus of History, University of East Anglia. Topic: “The Springfield free for members. 70 Park St., West Witchcraft outbreak of 1651”.To Springfield, 413-734-8322.

Tastefully Ted brings together Sturbridge-area eateries, each of which offers appetizer and CONTINUES FROM PAGE E6 dessert “tastes” for those been designated “permanent” attending to sample and enjoy. menu additions. Live entertainment and a silent auction are additional high• Vanished Valley Brew- lights of the evening. ing Company in Ludlow is This year Tastefully Ted will sponsoring a Chili Cook-Off be held on Friday, Feb. 9, from on Saturday, Feb. 17. 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. Vanished Valley is looking Tickets and additional for participants who can preinformation are available at pare a pot of chili and provide TedFound.org; tickets (priced “tastes” to those attending the at $25) also will be available at cook-off. Prizes will be award- the door. ed to the top three chili chefs. Those who come just to sam• The Irish House Restauple will be given three tickets to rant and Trinity Pub at vote for their top choices. Sam- the Irish Cultural Center of pling and voting, which will be Western New England in West held in Vanished Valley’s brew Springfield has announced exhouse, will begin at 1 p.m. panded hours for their Trinity For more details, email Pub. The bar now opens earlier kara@vanishedvalley.com. on Friday, with pouring hours Vanished Valley Brewing beginning at 2:30 p.m. Company answers at 413-610The Irish House Restaurant 1572. is also promoting a new menu, which lists a Reuben Quesa• Tastefully Ted is once dilla and Irish House Sliders again returning to the Pubamong its appetizer selections. lick House Historic Inn in The menu additionally feaSturbridge. tures a Corned Beef Dinner on An event benefiting the Tan- Friday and Saturday evenings. tasqua Education Foundation, Guinness Battered Fish and

Mead Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: Various American and European paintings, Mexican ceramics, Tibetan scroll paintings, and more. Museum hours: 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. Norman Rockwell Museum: “Norman Rockwell: Winter Wonderland,” through Feb. 25. “Between Worlds: The Art and Design of Leo Lionni,” through May 27. Permanent exhibit: Gallery. Hours: Thu.-Mon., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Tues. and Wed. $20 adults; $18 seniors, AAA, retired military; $10 college students; free children 18 and under, members and active military. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or nrm.org. Old Sturbridge Village: “For the Purpose of Illumination.” Learn how New Englanders needed, used, and created artificial lighting methods in the 1830s and see first-hand artifacts from the era. Winter hours at OSV, through Feb. 18, Fri.-Sun. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Feb. 21-March 31, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. “Evening of Illumination,” Jan. 27, Feb. 10, Feb. 24. Tours begin at 6 p.m. and last approximately 90 minutes. Guided tours around the Village Common

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024 | E11

allow guests to visit select homes and shops to see how early New Englanders spent their evenings in the days before electricity. Visitors will be treated to music and storytelling throughout the tour and will see village artisans at work by candlelight. Each tour will begin with hot cocoa or coffee and will conclude in the Bullard Tavern, where guests can enjoy warm beverages and light fare. This program is designed for adults. $35 for OSV members, $50 nonmembers. Registration is required. Route 20, Sturbridge or osv.org. Pan African Historical Museum USA: Permanent exhibit: Exhibitions by local artists. Hours: Tues.Fri., noon-4 p.m. Free. 1500 Main St., Springfield, 413-733-1823. Polish Center of Discovery and Learning: Permanent exhibit: Galleries include “Coming to America”; “At Home in America”; “Folk Art”; “History.” Hours: 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: Wed.-Sun, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 1 Armory Square, Springfield or nps.gov/spar. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum: Ghost Tours with Robert Oakes. Jan. 27 and Feb. 10, 24, 8 p.m. This is not an active investigation. Admission is $30 and minimum age to attend is age 12. Reservations are strongly recommended as tickets are limited. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows. For reservations visit www.gildedage.org or call 413-637-3206. Please note that all tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Payment is required to make a reservation for an event. Permanent exhibit: guided tours of the first and second floors. Weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends from 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. 104 Walker St., Lenox or gildedage.org.

Smith College Museum of Art: Permanent exhibits: “Ancient World Volleyball Hall of Fame: PerGallery, Beyond the Museum: manent exhibit. 444 Dwight St., Art on Smith’s Campus.” Hours: Holyoke or volleyhall.org

• Brignole Vineyards in East Granby, Conn., is hosting, in conjunction with the Little Oak Cafe in Canton, Conn., a Valentine’s Day-themed murder mystery dinner. Planned for Friday, Feb. 9 starting at 7 p.m., the dra• The New England Restau- matic portion of the evening rant & Bar Show, the region’s is to be “My Dead Lady,” a largest food service trade show whodunit loosely based on and exposition, is returning George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygto the Boston Convention & malion.” Exposition Center on Sunday, The three-course dinner Feb. 4. menu features a choice beReformatted into a two-day tween lasagna Bolognese or event, the show will continue eggplant parmesan. Red velvet through Monday, February 5, cake with raspberries and with the Convention Center chocolate sauce will be served floor open from 10 a.m. to 5 as dessert. p.m. both days. Tickets are $95 and can In addition to exhibitors from be ordered by going to across the food service supply the “events” link on briindustry, the show will include gnolevineyards.com. seminars and educational proBrignole Vineyards answers grams dealing with culinary, at 860-653-9463. management, and technology issues. Hugh Robert is a faculty The New England Restaurant member in Holyoke Commu& Bar Show is sponsored by nity College’s hospitality and the Massachusetts Restaurant culinary arts program and has Association, whose members nearly 50 years of restaurant can contact the Association to and educational experience. receive complimentary show Robert can be reached online at admission. OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com. Chips are now available on Fridays for as long as they last. The Irish House Restaurant, which is open Wednesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m., can be reached at 413342-4358.

Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., closed Mondays and major holidays. Free. Elm Street at Bedford Terrace, Northampton or scma.smith.edu.

Beer CONTINUES FROM PAGE E6

to share craft beer knowledge, highlight interesting trends, report on important beer-related news, and generally provide an entertaining weekly report on the world of craft beer. I will sometimes describe a beer’s flavor, but I try to keep my own preferences out of the mix. We all like different things, and my advice has always been, “Drink what you like.” That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try and expand your palate, however. And that’s one thing I always try to encourage. You’ll never learn unless you stretch outside your comfort zone. Yes, you’ll dislike some beers, but that’s not the end of the world. I hope that clears a few things up for those who have asked those questions or simply wondered about them. Cheers.

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Wine CONTINUES FROM PAGE E9

will be available to taste at the event includes wines from more than 100 wineries from around the world — from California and Oregon to Portugal, France, Italy and Spain. Closer to home, several New England wineries will be participating in the expo, including Black Birch Vineyard from Hatfield, Westport Rivers Winery from Westport, and Greenvale Vineyards from Portsmouth, Rhode Island. And for anyone interested in taking a deep dive and learning more about certain wines, the expo will feature several in-depth wine tastings about specific wine regions and educational seminars led by sommeliers and other wine professionals. Such specialized wine tastings include: • Albarino wines from Spain’s Rias Baixas region (March 2 at 12:30 p.m.) • Wines from throughout Portugal (March 2 at 2 p.m.) • Italy’s Piedmont region (March 2 at 2:30 p.m.) • Single vineyard pinot noirs from Belle Glos on California’s Central Coast. (March 2 at 4:30 p.m.)

WEEKEND

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• France’s Bordeaux region (March 3 at noon) • Oregon’s Willamette Valley (March 3 at 12:30 p.m.) • Sake tasting (March 3 at 4 p.m.) Tickets for the 2024 Boston Wine Expo are available for purchase online. General admission tickets are priced at $95. Tickets for individual tastings and seminars vary in price. Other upcoming events Port Wine: Table & Vine will host a wine tasting class focusing on port wine from Portugal’s Graham port house. The port tasting will be held on Feb. 8 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Table & Vine, 1119 Riverdale St., in West Springfield. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at Table & Vine’s website. Vertical Tasting: Black Birch Vineyard at 108 Straits Road in Hatfield will host a Library Wine Tasting Series on Sunday, Jan. 28, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Participants will be able to taste wines from various older vintages dating back to 2010. Reservations are required and can be made at Black Birch Vineyard’s website. Cheers! Wine Press by Ken Ross appears in The Republican’s Weekend section every Thursday.

Prime Rib Store made fresh

15 per serving

Store Made Fresh this Friday. Call ahead to order while supplies last.

al Best De ! in Town

Live Wire

www.frigofoods.com 90 William Street, Springfield • 732-5428 159 Shaker Rd, East Longmeadow • 525-9400

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The show starts at 2 p.m. and tickets are $15-$35 in advance and $20-$40 at the CONTINUES FROM PAGE E5 door. John M. Greene Hall is Chord Bowl will begin with a located on the Smith College performance by Northampton campus at 60 Elm St. High School’s Northamptones, followed by six groups • Comedian Ben Bailey will from colleges and universities play the Roar Comedy Club at around the Northeast. This MGM Springfield on April 26 year the lineup will feature and 27 at 8 p.m. Tufts sQ!, Eight Beat MeaBailey came to national sure – RIT’s Original TTBB A attention as the cabbie who Cappella Group, The Choral- drove the taxi and queried ridlaries of MIT, UCONN Exers on the comedy/quiz show treme Measures, the Amherst “Cash Cab” for more than 550 College Zumbyes, as well as episodes. But before that gig, Smith College’s Blackappella Bailey was already an estab& POCappella. lished comic on the circuit, Steve Sanderson of the playing such rooms as The Northampton Arts Council Comedy Store in Los Angeles, and WRSI 93.9 the River will numerous clubs across New host the afternoon, along York City and major comedy with Smith College President festivals around the world. Sarah Willie-LeBreton and Tickets are $25 and can be Northampton Mayor Gipurchased at Ticketmaster. na-Louise Sciarra. com.