As a student at Minnechaug Regional High School, Carla Patullo knew that she one day wanted to go to the Grammys, but winning one? That was unimaginable.
Somehow, it still felt unimaginable Feb. 4 at the 66th annual Grammy Awards, even when Patullo’s name was called for the prestigious award.
“This is something I’ve been working towards for a very long time,” Patullo said, still in awe during a phone interview a week after the ceremony.
Patullo’s 2023 album, “So She Howls,” was awarded the Grammy for Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album. In her acceptance speech, Patullo thanked “her beautiful life,” “her beautiful family,” her co-musicians, creative team, and the women who underwent experimental trials for breast cancer treatment, which Patullo credits with saving her life.
“This is for them,” Patullo said, fighting back tears as she held the award.
The instrumental album details a journey with breast cancer, as well as a story of survival and hope, which makes the win all the more special for Patullo.
As described by Raynbow
Affair Magazine, a worldwide LGBT magazine, ““Get ready to let your spirit soar as ’So She Howls’ graces your auditory senses, a shimmering testament…this is an album that will leave you haunted, hopeful, and ultimately transformed.”
‘I was really lucky’
Patullo was born in Springfield, and lived there until she was about 11 years old. She then moved to Wilbraham, where she did most of her schooling: from Soule Road Elementary School to Wilbraham Middle School and finally, Minnechaug, where she graduated in 1997.
“I was really lucky to get to Wilbraham,” Patullo recalled. “I had the best music teachers there.”
Patullo remembers her band teacher at Minnechaug, who she called
Carla Patullo, pictured above, won the Grammy for Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 4. (COURTESY PHOTO)
“instrumental” in helping her during the early days of her music journey.
“There weren’t really composing classes back then, but she knew that I was a writer, and so she encouraged me to do that and to write arrangements,” Patullo said.
Some of Patullo’s very first arrangements were played by the Minnechaug band, but Patullo credits Falcetti Music in Springfield with her first real band experience.
“I was the lead singer of the accordion orchestra (there),” Patullo said, thanking her Falcetti instructors — especially Karen Drumheller, her first voice teacher.
“All of these people who fundamentally got me started,” Patullo added. “I really want to take the time to thank them.”
In high school, she told her teachers and her Falcetti instructors that she wanted to go to Berklee College of Music, and they helped her get there.
‘Obsessed with music’
While teachers helped her during the early days of her journey, Patullo always loved music, even as a child.
“I was obsessed with music at a very young age,” she said, whether it was watching music videos or creating her own music.
One of her earliest memories is receiving a toy piano as a gift from her parents. She remembers how excited they were when she learned how to play “Jingle Bells” on that piano.
“I started writing songs before I really knew how to sing or play anything,” Patullo said. “Once I really started writing these songs, I was like ‘I better learn how to play some instruments.’”
That love of music led her to Falcetti’s and Music Men in Springfield the latter is where she learned how to play the saxophone.
When Patullo got to Berklee, she remembers feeling like she was finally in the right place.
“I met so many fantastic musicians of all different genres, and that really helped
open my mind and open me up as an artist to what my music could sound like, where it could go, and how it would evolve through the years,” she said.
Patullo did both her undergraduate and master’s degrees at Berklee. She graduated in 2001 with a degree in song writing and went back 10 years later to study film scoring.
‘So many unknowns’
Patullo had started working on an album dedicated to her mother, but that album –— which would later become “So She Howls” — really took off after she was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer in December 2019.
“In the beginning, when you receive a diagnosis, there’s so many unknowns,” Patullo said, recalling the first month after her diagnosis, when she had to undergo many different tests and doctors’ appointments.
The COVID-19 pandemic hit shortly after her diagnosis, which added another level of uncertainty and intensity to her cancer journey.
“I realized pretty quickly that music is something that can really help me through this process,” Patullo said. Arrangements for her album came to her in pieces, like “journal entries,” she said.
“The mental part of going through (cancer) was the most challenging,” she said. Much of the album was born from searching for sounds that could help ease her mind, and she studied which frequencies
and tones were best for anxiety or falling asleep at night.
“These were goals of mine, but also something that I wanted to share,” Patullo said.
Patullo’s healing journey can be tracked through “So She Howls.” The first half of her album is about her finding herself, she said.
“I think about the song ‘We Remember,’ and I came to this idea that sometimes, in order to fully heal, you’ve got to remember what you just went through and remember part of the journey getting there,” Patullo said. “I remembered there was this point where I was all of a sudden open and I could have these beautiful memories from throughout my life come forward.”
That includes time spent with her mother, as well as other women that she met while undergoing cancer treatment, she said.
“We kind of had this community where we were all supporting each other, and I think that really came through in the song ‘And Love,’” which Patullo describes as feeling grateful for what you have and the love that you have in your life.
The turning point in her journey really starts to happen around “Machine Dreams,” where Patullo says she began entering a new space.
“Once we’re in ‘Without Noise,’ we’re coming out to the other side.”
Patullo considers herself “one of the lucky ones.”
“The gratitude really started to sink in,” Patullo said. She considers herself fortunate, knowing that her outcome is not the case for everyone.
“If it wasn’t for women 30 years ago, these women who did these experimental trials who moved this drug forward, I wouldn’t be alive today,” Patullo added. “It’s been a game-changer for women with this type of breast cancer, and I dedicate the award to them, because these women were really heroes.”
Undergoing a cancer journey has given Patullo a new outlook on life.
“I don’t let the small stuff hit me. You wake up every day, you’re feeling great, then you’ve got everything. You’ve got your health, you’ve got the people around you, that’s the important stuff.” she said.
‘Healing process’
When Patullo gave her speech at the Grammys, that was the first time most people learned about her journey with breast cancer.
“I was very scared to talk about it. Even two years ago,
I was scared to talk about it with most people, because there’s words that can trigger an anxiety attack for me, and today, I feel very comfortable talking about it,” Patullo said, explaining that it’s been a “healing process” for her.
And now, it’s not only sharing her own journey that’s important, but being able to help people that might be going through a similar journey.
Patullo is grateful for the Recording Academy, her colleagues, her peers, and all of the people who took the time to listen to her album.
“This album is very raw, and it’s capturing these raw emotions, and I think that’s something that really resonated with people,” Patullo reflected, adding that: “I think it was just the right time and the right album.”
Taking another look back towards her Western Massachusetts roots, Patullo had a word of advice to share with young people that — like herself — might have big dreams.
“Keep plugging away and finding your own voice,” she said.
After having surgery in March 2020, doctors told her she was cancer-free.
Special to The Republican Springtime is right around the corner, time for tidying up the yard after the winter and sprucing up the indoors by decorating for Easter.
This weekend’s Old Deerfield Spring Sampler Craft Fair will have just about everything needed for your spring cleaning from handcrafted birdhouses and garden signs to fluffy Easter bunnies to specialty foods such as fudge, jams and jellies, gourmet marshmallows, baked nuts and more.
The annual show will be held inside the Young Build-
ing on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. Hours are Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $6 for adults and children 12 and under are free.
“People are anxious to get out after being cooped up for the winter and we expect to see many shoppers coming through our doors this weekend. They will be able to browse the creations of more than 100 artisans, 25 of whom are new to this year’s show,” said John O’Neill, co-coordinator of the event.
Among the new exhibitors at this year’s show will be Ethen Braastad of Southampton, who calls his online business Forge and Furnace. He started the website with his
brother, Aiden, a metalworker, who attends college and is focusing more on graduating right now than creating new art.
For Braastad, glassblowing has been a part of his life since he attended a class for fun while visiting Seattle.
“I was originally planning to go to college, but during my senior year in high school I decided to give it a really good shot for one year, then see if I still wanted to do it.
People. Plant. Purpose.
Two-time Award
Winning Dispensary
LARGEST SELECTION OF:
THURSDAY
MGM Springfield: 4Now. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
FRIDAY
Delaney House: The New System. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Lucas Zelnick. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
The Drake: Neighbor with Kendall Street Company. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Bent, Bag Lady, Lakoma, Collisions. 289 Main St., Greenfield
The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow
Theodores’: The Savage Brothers. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
West Springfield’s Irish House
Restaurant & Pub: Baird Souls. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SATURDAY
BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity: Karen Casey. 130 Pine St., Florence
Delaney House: Floyd Patterson. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Lucas Zelnick. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
The Drake: The Nields. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
Theodores’: Night Train. 201 Worthington St., Springfield West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: The Blaney Brothers. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY
BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity: Bombyx Brass Collective. 130 Pine St., Florence
The Drake: Mary Timony with youbet. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
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
Graham Nash will play a summer concert in Charlton on Aug. 29. Nash is pictured above at the Academy of Music in Northampton on Oct. 4, 2019. (THE
MUCH IN THE same way that George Harrison was considered “the quiet Beatle,” Graham Nash was probably perceived as the most soft-spoken member of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.
Maybe it was his genteel British mannerisms or his soothing tenor voice — or possibly that his biggest hit was the heartfelt country-folk tune, “Teach Your Children.” But whatever it was, that perception belied a ferocious spirit that voiced opinions as strong as anyone.
Nash will bring his “More Evenings of Songs and Stories” tour to The Pavilion at Tree House Brewing in Charlton on Aug. 29 at 7 p.m.
Nash, of course, was known before CSN&Y. He was a founding member of British pop icons The Hollies, and sang lead on several of the band’s hits, such as “On a Carousel” and “Carrie Anne.” His other well-known songs with CSN&Y include “Our House,” “Marrakesh Express,” and the later hit, “Just a Song Before I Go.” He continued his collab -
Beyoncé attends the 66th Grammy Awards Feb. 4 in Los Angeles, California. (KEVIN
oration with David Crosby after CSN&Y, recording and touring as a duo — a partnership that ended due to strained relations in 2016. Crosby died last year, ending any hope for a reunion. Their biggest hit was “Immigration Man,” a song referring to Nash’s clash with a U.S. Customs agent. The song was the duo’s only Top 40 hit.
As noted above, Nash has always been vocal in his political opinions. In 1979, he founded Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE) a coalition opposed the proliferation of nuclear power and produced fundraising “No Nukes” events. Nash has also written several songs promoting environmentalism, and, of course, penned anti-war songs like
By Nardine Saad Los Angeles TimesBeyoncé’s country music looks like it’s gonna stick around, ’round, ’round, ’round, ’round. The “Break My Soul” singer empirically put to rest the debate about her inclusion in the genre when she made chart history. Her twangy new singles “Texas Hold ’Em” and “16 Carriages” debuted
on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, with the line dance challenge-inspiring “Texas Hold ’Em” holding up the No. 1 position and “16 Carriages” riding into the No. 9 spot of the Feb. 24 chart, which is based on streaming, airplay and sales.
Beyoncé joins Taylor Swift as the only solo women to clinch that achievement with
REPUBLICAN, FILE)CONTINUES FROM PAGE E4
Just one month into graduation I knew that is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” he said.
He will be bringing to the show mostly vases, a few candy bowls and a lot of pumpkins which are always popular “even though it is not fall right now,” noted the glassblower.
While shopping the many aisles of the craft fair, visitors will be serenaded by the soothing sounds of Piper Pichette who will perform on her strolling harp, and Helen Yetman-Bellows will play tunes on her native American flutes.
O’Neill noted for some extra fun at the show they will have free photos opportunities, where fun-living visitors can put their heads through large displays including a flower and Easter Bunny.
The Eastern States Exposition charges $5 for parking, however, visitor can turn in the parking receipt at the information booth for a 2-for-1 coupon to the September craft fair held outdoors at Old Deerfield.
Proceeds from the weekend event support the many historical and educational programs of the nonprofit Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, organizers of the Old Deerfield Craft Fairs.
The annual show will be held inside the Young Building on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.
CONTINUES FROM PAGE E5
“Chicago” and “Military Madness.”
He also has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice, both with The Hollies and with Crosby, Stills and Nash. General admission tickets for the seated show are $76 and can be found online.
Liner notes
• Speaking of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, the Shea Theater Arts Center in Turners Falls will present Harvest and Rust, a renowned Neil Young tribute, on Saturday.
Western Massachusetts native Lexi Weege will host a singer-songwriter night at the Marigold Theater in Easthampton on March 13.
The band spans the entirety of Young’s career, from his early solo work, such as “After the Gold Rush” and “Harvest” all the way through his CSN&Y days as well as his harder rock with Crazy Horse.
Tickets are available at showclix.com.
• The Marigold Theater in Easthampton will feature a singer-songwriter night hosted by Lexi Weege on March 13 at 7:30 p.m.
The night will include performances by Weege, Ursula Elm, True Believers, and Hilltown Hamhocks. There is no cover charge but the suggested donation is $5.
The Marigold Theater is at 84 Cottage St.
1st Floor
TUESDAY
Chicopee Elks #1849
431 Granby Road, Chicopee
413-592-1849
Bingo Tuesday
Doors Open at 4PM
2 Progressive Jackpots 6:15PM Early Bird 6:20PM Start
Min. Entry Package $15 Open Seating
2 Halls for Players Handicap Restroom
WEDNESDAY
Polish American Citizens Club
355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385
Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm
Doors Open at 4pm.
Minimum Admission $50
2 - $500 Cover Alls
All Games will be $100 with 90 People or More
All Cards are included with Admission
1 - 1199 Progressive w/ Climbing Consolation Prize
3 - $200 Special Games
THURSDAY
Fairview Knights of Columbus
1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee (413) 532-2011
DOORS OPEN 4:30PM
MASKS OPTIONAL
Progressive Jackpot 6:15pm Early Bird 6:20pm Start
Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms
Min. Entry Package $15
Scenes from a past Spring Sampler at the Eastern States Exposition. The spring craft show returns this weekend. (THE REPUBLICAN, FILE PHOTOS)
glutamate (MSG), a controversial seasoning and flavor enhancer, is getting an image makeover, thanks to the efforts of Ajinomoto, a Japanese multinational that is a major MSG producer.
Ajinomoto’s North American subsidiary recently launched a charm offensive to promote MSG as “the ingredient of the year,” with food magazine articles and restaurant industry publications alike giving the ingredient renewed attention — and favorable coverage.
A white, crystalline substance similar in appearance to salt, MSG has no flavor of its own. When used as a seasoning, however, the compound enhances the taste of foods both sweet and savory, contributing a sensory experience that’s labeled “umami.”
Since the mid-20th century, MSG has been widely used in processed foods as well as in restaurants, notably Chinese-American eateries.
However, controversy has dogged its use. MSG has been blamed for causing allergic reactions, often dubbed the “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” in sensitive individuals, and some researchers suggest that the widespread use of MSG in processed foods may be linked to the obesity epidemic that plagues the developed world.
Authoritative sources differ widely on their verdicts with respect to MSG use, some declaring it safe, while others suggesting it be banned altogether.
As part of their effort to rehabilitate MSG, Ajinomoto North America and others are working with chefs across the industry to encourage the use of MSG in restaurant kitchens.
MSG is, for instance, being promoted as a replacement for the salt used to season the water in which vegetables are boiled, as part of seasoning
rubs for meat or chicken, and as an addition to salad dressings and cold sauces. A few chefs are even “tabletopping” MSG, offering it in shakers next to the salt and pepper on their dining room tables. MSG is touted as a bar ingredient, where it can be used to create specialty cocktails and enhance the flavor of classics. A few dashes of a MSG-water solution is promoted as a way to boost the taste bud appeal of cocktails such as a Bloody Mary, a Dirty Martini, or even an Old Fashioned. MSG is also specified as the flavor foundation for unconventional creations like the Banana Hammock, a Margarita-style drink that’s made with banana-infused tequila.
• The Starting Gate at the GreatHorse Country Club in Hampden is presenting a Royal Brunch on Saturday, March 2, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Brunch guests of all ages get to mingle with Disney royalty while enjoying an extensive assortment of morning food favorites.
In addition to eggs, mini-waffles, and pancakes, those attending can partake of a yogurt station, a selection of breakfast pastries, and
fresh fruit.
A dessert table will be available as the “crowning” touch to the meal.
Crafts and photo opportunities with the royal guests are also part of the fun; those attending are encouraged to “dress fancy.”
Tickets for the event, which are $60 plus a convenience fee, can be ordered on Eventbrite.com
The Starting Gate answers at 413-566-5158.
• Arby’s locations are, for a limited time only, bringing back brown sugar bacon as part of a trio of sandwich offerings.
A Brown Sugar Bacon BLT feature bacon “two ways” in
both its regular form and the brown sugar variation. Assembled on a King’s Hawaiian bun, the sandwich also includes the requisite lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise.
A Brown Sugar Bacon version of the brand’s roast beef sandwich is available. It’s finished with Swiss cheese, mustard spread, lettuce and tomato.
Similarly put together, the Turkey & Brown Sugar Bacon Sandwich features roast turkey in lieu of beef.
There’s an Arby’s restaurant on Granby Road in Chicopee and on Southbridge Street in Auburn.
Miss the Hu Ke Lau? For one night only, Johnny’s Bar and Grille in South Hadley will host a Hu Ke Lau Takeover on Saturday. Johnny’s regular menu will be replaced with favorites from the Hu Ke Lau. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)
Dunkin’s spring lineup includes two Spark’d energy drinks: Peach Sunshine, left, and Berry Burst. (DUNKIN’ VIA AP)
For a special Easter celebration leave the cooking to Table 3 Restaurant Group. Our talented chefs have prepared sensational menus so you can enjoy a stress-free and relaxing holiday meal.
Celebrate Easter at one of Table 3’s highly acclaimed locations. We have so many terrific dine-in options it may be difficult to choose!
Cedar Street Grille will be offering their unique brunch menu all day plus some great Easter specials. For reservations, visit exploretock.com/cedar-street-grille-sturbridge or call 508-347-5800. Seating is 10am–4pm.
The Barn at Wight Farm’s spectacular annual Easter brunch buffet is brimming with all your favorites. Cost is $44.95 for adults and $20.95 for children 5-12. Seating is 10am–4pm. Reservations require a $25 per guest non-refundable deposit which will be applied to your check. To make a reservation please visit thebarnatwightfarm.com or our Facebook page. For questions, call 774-241-8450.
The Duck and Avellino will be serving a pre-fixe menu with all your holiday favorites, fantastic holiday cocktails, and decadent desserts. Pricing is $43.95 for adults and a children’s menu is available for children under 12. For reservations, visit exploretock.com the-duck-avellino or call 508-347-2321. Seating is 11am–4pm.
Cedar Street Café and Table 3 Restaurant Group have you covered for the best Easter holiday catering around. We can provide your complete meal or you can add a few key items to enhance your celebration. Please check out our Easter holiday catering menu on our website and give us a call at 774-241-8450 to place your order.
TRÖEGS BREWING’S Troegenator has long been a favorite of many craft beer fans.
I’m guessing this means a lot of folks will be excited to hear that Tröegs has just released a “rascally cousin” of the beer, named Little ’ Nator. The beer will join the brewery’s spring seasonal lineup. I thought I’d go to the source and talk about the new brew with John Trogner, Tröegs brewmaster and co-founder (along with his brother Chris).
Q. First, what inspired you to make this beer?
A. Little ’ Nator was mod-
Beer Nut
eled as a lighter take on our Troegenator Double Bock. Troegenator really is the beer that built Tröegs, and it’s also my desert island beer. But we wanted to try and break it down and see if we could come up with a smaller ver-
sion that still retained those big flavors and complexities of Troegenator. It’s one of our most popular beers and has been around for more than 20 years, so our fans know it well. We wanted Little ’Nator to be in that same family, so we like to think of it as the rascally cousin of Troegenator.
Q. For people who like Troegenator, what is the main difference in the flavor profile from your perspective? In what ways is it similar?
A. There are prominent stone fruit notes in both
The language of wine can be beautiful, poetic and confusing
THE WORDS USED TO describe wine cover a wide range.
Some wines are smooth, dry, elegant or soft.
Others are big, bold, powerful or intense.
But that’s just the start.
There’s no end to what words can be employed to vividly bring to life what a wine tastes or smells like.
That’s probably why some people love wine so much and others can’t stand it.
There are no set rules or guidelines when it comes to how to describe wine.
One person might describe a wine as being flower-like or delicate.
Another person might call the exact same wine mineral-like or flinty.
Both are right.
There are no wrong words when talking about wine.
That’s because I sincerely believe that different people experience the same wines in different ways.
It’s sort of like a painting or a piece of music.
One person’s masterpiece could be another person’s nightmare.
But you wouldn’t know it if you read some wine writers or
Ken Ross Wine Press
could already anticipate their next question.
“What is a big wine?”
If you taste a lot of wines, you probably get what I was trying to say if I call a wine “big” or “full-bodied.”
Big, full-bodied red wines have a lot of dense, intense flavors.
A textbook example of a big, full-bodied red wine would be
agree with the most experienced wine professional in the room. If someone was a Master Sommelier (this is an actual title), I would defer to their opinion and think that I needed to go back to the drawing board and retaste the wine until I got it right — which meant I should keep tasting the wine until my perception of the wine matched the wine ex-
Big, full-bodied red wines have a lot of dense, intense flavors.
books.
Many wine professionals and guidebooks urge us to use certain words to describe certain wines. And if you don’t use the right words, you have failed some sort of unwritten test used to determine whether you’re a “wine expert” or a mere mortal.
I will confess that the idea for this wine column came about because someone asked me a great question a few weeks ago.
“What is a full-bodied wine?”
This is a terrific question since many people often use the phrase “full-bodied” to describe certain red wines.
I told the person that a full-bodied wine is a big wine. But even as the words were coming out of my mouth, I
an Argentinian malbec, a California zinfandel or a red wine from Spain’s Rioja region. In general, all of these wines often have powerful, concentrated flavors.
And if you want a few examples of great full-bodied wines, I included a few suggestions below.
Then again, I have also tasted smooth, subtle examples of all three wines.
And I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I have tasted the same wine side by side with several other wine professionals and all of us have a completely different reaction to the exact same wine.
In those situations, especially years ago, I immediately would think I must be wrong if I didn’t
pert’s opinion.
But over the years, I have truly come to believe that different people experience the same wines in completely different ways.
So if you think a malbec from Argentina tastes like burnt toast or dark chocolate, trust your gut.
If you think a zinfandel from California reminds you of a Snickers bar or wet paint, you’re a freak.
Seriously.
There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to the words used to describe a wine.
Some of my favorite descriptions of a wine often veer into the poetic realm that has less to do with taste or smell and more about how a wine makes you
feel. Blame the English major in me.
Some wines produce an emotional response.
Others evoke vivid memories of memorable milestones.
I often experience these feelings when drinking certain wines, especially wines that I like to call special occasion wines.
These are wines that I save for birthdays, holidays and wedding anniversaries.
In many cases, I first tasted these wines at the winery with the winemaker. Or in another instance, it was the wine I gave my grandfather on his 87th birthday a few weeks after his wife of 64 years had passed away.
That particular wine was a 1986 Chateau Latour, one of the world’s great red wines from France’s Bordeaux region.
I tasted the exact same wine again this past December at a wine tasting. This time, the wine tasted light and floral, its flavors lasting nearly a minute after each taste.
But more than anything, the wine instantly transported me back 24 years to my grandparents’ house a short walk away from my childhood home in
Tröegs Brewing has a new beer out, Little ‘Nator. (PHOTO COURTESY TRÖEGS BREWING)THURSDAY
Guest Artists and Faculty Concert: Thu, 7:30 p.m. Bezanson Recital Hall, Joel Burcham, tenor and Jamie-Rose Guarrine, soprano, Free. North Pleasant Street, Amherst. 413-545-2511 or umass.edu.
“The Ladyslipper”: Thu.-Sun., Majestic Theater, through March 24. For times, visit majestictheater.com/index.html; for tickets, call the box office at 413-747-7797, Tickets range from $31-$35. 131 Elm St., West Springfield, 413-7477797.
Sound Healing & the Arts:
Thu., noon-1 and 5-6 p.m. Tower Square-Art for the Soul Gallery, Join in for an immersive experience of sound healing and artistic expression. Immerse yourself in the powerful vibrations of sound therapy by the seasoned sound healing resident, Maria del Carmen. Maria del Carmen will transform the power of sound as she plays her crystal bowls, Tibetan bowls, buffalo drum, ocean drum, chimes and other healing tools that will resonate through your body, mind, and soul. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite and online at artforthesoulgallery. com/post/sound-healing-thearts-with-maria-del-carmen, $15. 1500 Main St. Suite 208, Springfield. 413-733-2171 or visittowersquare.com
Terri Lyne Carrington Talk
Back: Thu., 4 p.m. Amherst College-Arms Music Center, Visiting Music at Amherst Series. Artist Terri Lyne Carrington talks with professor Jason Robinson about her New Standards, 101 Lead Sheets by Women Composers. Free and open to the public, Free. 53 College St., Amherst.
FRIDAY
Comedy Night at Crestview
Country Club: Fri., 5:30-9:30 p.m. Crestview Country Club, featuring Desi Walker, Max Dolcelli, Linda Belt. Tickets available for dinner and the show, or the show only. For tickets, visit crestviewcountryclub.ticketleap.com/ comedy-night-at-crestview/, $55 dinner and the show or $25 show only. 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. 413-786-2593 or crestviewcc.org.
Easter Bunny is Back: Fri.-Sun., Holyoke Mall. Hop by the lower level near JCPenney through March 30 to grab your pictures with the Easter Bunny! The Easter Bunny’s Hours: Mon.-Fri. 2-7 p.m., extends to 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on March 18; Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (10 a.m.-8 p.m. on March 23); Sun., noon-6
The Springfield Museums are celebrating city native Theodor Seuss Geisel - better known as “Dr. Seuss” - with a birthday party on March 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free with museum admission and will be held “rain, shine, or snow,” according to the Museums’ website. The day will include meet-and-greets with The Cat in the Hat and The Lorax, and live entertainment by Professor Knows-A-Lot, Pete & Chris Amusements, and Big Bubbles with Mr. Vinny. Activities throughout the day will include making cake head accessories, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Dr. Seuss trivia, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; cupcakes, from noon to 4 p.m.; and more. For more information, visit springfieldmuseums.org/program/dr-seuss-birthday-party-2024. Above, Faith Cruz and Joie Caicoya, both of Springfield, enjoy a past birthday celebration at the Museums. (FREDERICK
p.m., extends to 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on March 24. Reservations are encouraged. Walk-up visits available as space permits. For reservations, visit holyokemall.com/events. 50 Holyoke St., Holyoke.
Friday Fish Fry: Fri., 5-7 p.m. Swift River Sportsman’s Club, Fridays through April 5. Prices range from $14 for fish and chips to $18 for a fish, shrimp and chip combo. Clam chowder is also available. For more information, call the club at 413-323-9387, 79 Moore Road, Belchertown.
The festival will continue on Sat. in the Leslie Phillips Theater. Jazz combo performances, jazz clinics, workshops and jam sessions will be held throughout the day in the HCC Recital Hall (FPA building, Room 137). Perdomo will conduct two music clinics, one at 11 a.m. and another at 1 p.m. A concluding concert will be held in the theater Saturday afternoon featuring Perdomo with HCC students and festival faculty. The Friday night concert is free for HCC students, faculty and staff, and $10 for the general public. 303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke. hcc.edu.
“The Ladyslipper”: See Thursday listing
Music at Amherst presents Terri Lyne Carrington, drums with Social Science: Fri., 7:30 p.m., Buckley Recital Hall. For tickets, visit amherst.edu. General public $28; seniors 65+ $22 ; student with ID $12. Intersection of Routes 9 and 116, Amherst.
Agawam Community Artists and Artisans Beat the Winter Blues
Art Festival: Sat, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sacred Heart Church, Snow date March 9. Takes place in the parish hall. There will be food served from the Sacred Heart Parish kitchen, and breakfast and lunch may be purchased. Artists and artisans will be selling framed original art, prints, pottery, fused glass, jewelry, and much more, 1061 Springfield St., Feeding Hills.
Connecticut River Working Group Association Dog Show: Sat.-Sun., Eastern States Exposition, Mallary Complex, Free. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-737-2443 or thebige.com.
Easter Bunny is Back: See Friday listing
Faculty Concert — Bandwidth Ensemble: Sat, 1:30 p.m. Bezanson Recital Hall. Free. North Pleasant St., Amherst. 413-545-2511 or umass.edu.
sandwiches, raffle, raffle prizes. VE exams free. Candidates must pre-register at PVVET.org. FCC application fees may apply. Jeff Bail 413-238-1992, $10 entry. 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee.
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. Discount coupons for admission are available on the Old Deerfield Craft Fair website. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-7372443 or thebige.com.
“Your Sexts are S**t” Older Better Letters: Sat., 7:30 p.m. Academy of Music Theatre, featuring Rachel Mars. Adult content show: All attendees must be 18 and up. You may be asked to show ID upon entering the venue and there will be no refunds provided for those who are turned away. Tickets can be purchased in person or over the phone, Tues.-Fri., 3-6 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased online at any time for no additional cost/ fee, Tickets range from $15-$18 ($19.68 - $23.11 after fees). 274 Main St., Northampton. 413-5849032 or aomtheatre.com.
Connecticut River Working Group Association Dog Show: See Saturday listing
Easter Bunny is Back: See Friday listing
Faculty/Guest Concert presents Da Capo Chamber Players: Sun., 4:30 p.m. Bezanson Recital Hall, Free. North Pleasant Street, Amherst. 413-545-2511 or umass.edu.
First Company Governor’s Foot Guard Dog Show & Obedience Trials: See Saturday listing
“The Ladyslipper”: See Thursday listing
Old Deerfield Spring Sampler Craft Fair: See Saturday listing
Guest Artist Concert: Fri., 7:30 p.m. Bezanson Recital Hall, Elizabeth Morgan on piano. Free. North Pleasant Street, Amherst, 413-545-2511 or umass.edu.
Holyoke Community College Jazz Festival: Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., Holyoke Community College. Luis Perdomo will be the featured guest artist. he two-day festival opens Fri. with an 8 p.m. concert with Perdomo performing with the Amherst Jazz Orchestra under the direction of David Sporny on the stage of the Leslie Phillips Theater in the HCC Fine & Performing Arts building.
First Company Governor’s Foot Guard Dog Show & Obedience Trials: Sat.-Sun., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Mallary Complex, Free. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-7372443 or thebige.com.
Holyoke Community College
Jazz Festival: See Friday listing
“The Ladyslipper”: See Thursday listing
MTARA Amateur Radio and Electronics Hamfest: Sat., Castle of Knights, 7:30 a.m. vendors; open to the public at 8:30 a.m. No tailgating. Handicap parking. Snack bar, coffee, soda, donuts, breakfast
Quabbin Valley Twirlers Square Dance Club: Sun., First Church in Ludlow. The Quabbin Valley Twirlers square dance club has a newhome for Sun. and Mon. evenings workshops. The beginner dancing starts at 6:30 p.m. Sun. and the classes for advanced dancers is from held 6-8 p.m. on Monday. The donation is $6 for each class per person, 859 Center St., Ludlow.
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 or email pmastriano@repub.com or submit it to masslive.com/myevent
SPRINGFIELD• On Saturday, March 9, Tucker’s Restaurant in Southwick will be presenting “A Tribute to Sinatra” starring Patrick Tobin.
The dinner portion of the evening begins at 5:45 p.m., with Tobin coming on stage at 7:15 p.m.
Tickets for the dinner and show are $65 and can be purchased by calling the restaurant at 413-569-0120.
• Johnny’s Bar and Grille in South Hadley is holding a Hu Ke Lau Takeover on Saturday, March 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
During this one-day event, Johnny’s will be replacing their regular menu with favorites from the fondly-remembered Hu Ke Lau Restaurant in Chicopee.
Quantities may be limited, and reservations are being taken for parties of six or more.
Johnny’s Bar and Grille can be reached at 413-534-8222.
• The Boston Wine Expo is being held March 2 and 3 at the Boston Park Plaza in Boston.
Over 100 wineries are expected to be in attendance; the Expo also includes Grand Tastings and wine tasting classes.
Tickets and additional information is available online.
• The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge will be the site of “An Evening with Hartford Family Winery” on March 7, starting a 5:30 p.m.
Hartford Family Winery is a California-based operation located in the Russian River district of Sonoma County. The winery specializes in single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and old-vine Zinfandel bottlings.
Held in the Inn’s historic Firehouse function venue, the event will feature a four-course tasting menu, with each course paired with representative Hartford Family Wines. Don Hartford, the winery’s CEO and co-owner, will provide commentary during the tasting.
Tickets are $120 and can be ordered on Eventbrite.com
The Red Lion Inn’s telephone number is 413-298-1645.
• The Wendy’s Company
has introduced a new item to its breakfast menu.
Co-branded with Atlanta-based bakery operator Cinnabon, the Cinnabon Pull-Apart adds a sweet goods option to the chain’s morning line-up. Made with Danish dough dunked in a sweet glaze, the Pull-Apart is baked with cinnamon, brown butter and sugar before being served with Cinnabon’s signature cream cheese frosting.
Suggested pricing, which may vary with location, is $3.69.
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurants are promoting two Lenten seafood selections, both of which will be available throughout the month of March.
A crispy-coated Flounder Fish Sandwich is slathered with tartar sauce and garnished with pickles before being served on a brioche roll.
Eight butterflied shrimp along with a biscuit and a choice of side make up the Shrimp Tackle Box.
There are Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen locations at 489 State Street, 665 Boston Road, on Memorial Drive in Chicopee, and on Route 9 in Hadley.
• Sugaring season is already off to its start, and Pause and Pivot Farm in Williamsburg is offering a special “Maple Experience” this March.
Four small-scale sessions are designed to give participants a close-up look at how maple sugaring is done. Each two-hour experience includes a maple-themed breakfast or brunch, a walk-through of the maple gathering and boiling process, and a souvenir of the visit.
Tickets for the event, which are available at Eventbrite. com, are $25 for adults and $10
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no accompanying artists, Billboard said, and Bey makes history as the first woman to top both Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts.
history with racism.
for children 12 and younger. A convenience fee is also added to ticket prices.
Pause and Pivot Farm answers at 413-268-4770.
• Dunkin’, the beverage and snack chain, has announced its limited-time-only lineup for early spring.
The brand is launching a new “Sparkd’ Energy” line of caffeine-enhanced, fruit-flavored cold drinks. The sparkling beverages are available in two flavors — Berry Burst and Peach Sunshine — and are vitamin enriched.
Two new coffees are another element of this spring LTO agenda. A Churro Signature Latte, which can be enjoyed either hot or iced, is churro-flavored and topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle. Bringing together coffee and cream, a Cinnamon Vanilla Coffee is also being offered.
In the pastry case Dunkin’ fans will find a cinnamon-sugared Churro Donut and slices of Banana Chocolate Chip Bread.
Designed for on-the-go enjoyment, Dunkin’ has developed a Breakfast Empanada. Served hot, the empanada features scrambled eggs, cheddar, and sausage inside a flaky crust.
Dunkin’ Rewards members can additionally access an array of deals, discounts, and bonus point offers as part of the brand’s early spring promotions.
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 superstar, who released the new songs after her Verizon commercial aired during Super Bowl LVIII earlier this month, joins Morgan Wallen, Justin Bieber, Billy Ray Cyrus and Ray Charles as the only acts to have led both the Hot Country Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts, Billboard said. Her pair of songs also charted on the publication’s all-genre Billboard Hot 100, with “Texas Hold ’Em” climbing to the No. 2 spot and “16 Carriages” parking at No. 38. While “Renaissance’s” first act stood on the shoulders of disco and club music giants — vogue-ing its way into the EDM genre in 2022 — the Destiny’s Child alum is similarly bringing her Houston country-music roots to “Act II,” the second album in her expected genre-jumping trilogy that debuts March 29.
Although she might be among the most recognized names, Bey is by no means the only Black artist making waves in country music. Hootie & the Blowfish alum Darius Rucker, Mickey Guyton, Kane Brown, Breland, Willie Jones, Jimmie Allen, Reyna Roberts, Blanco Brown, Tanner Adell and Brittney Spencer are just a few of the contemporary artists who have left their mark on the predominantly white genre that has long had a fraught
Bey appeared to experience that firsthand back in 2016 when her “Lemonade” track “Daddy Lessons” — which highlighted her Southern roots with lyrics about her father, references to the Bible and the Second Amendment — was rejected by the Recording Academy’s country music committee for a Grammy Award nomination. Shortly thereafter, Bey proved that “Daddy Lessons” was unabashedly a country song by performing it at the 2016 Country Music Association Awards alongside the Chicks, and later released a version of the song featuring the country trio.
Even the late greats Olivia Newton-John and Tina Turner got pushback when they crossed over in the 1970s, as did rapper Lil Nas X when he released “Old Town Road” in 2019.
The Cécred founder similarly faced some resistance when she hard-launched onto the country music scene this month, with the likes of actor and country musician John Schneider explicitly criticizing her country move (as well as the crossing over of other pop artists) and the Tennessean newspaper asking if the Nashville establishment would embrace her. Meanwhile, a country music radio station in Oklahoma said it wasn’t even aware of Beyoncé’s latest pivot, initially denying requests to play her music on the station because it “just didn’t know about her foray in this genre.”
But “Texas Hold ’Em” is now officially being promoted to country radio and other formats, Columbia Nashville said in an email to stations on Feb. 14, Billboard said.
beers, especially figs and dates, but Little ’Nator is more delicate and obviously not as intimidating as Troegenator. Little ’Nator has subtle hints of floral hops and more notes of crusty, fresh-baked bread rather than caramel, so it comes across as a little less sweet on the palate.
Q. It would seem that the hop profile is pretty different. What made you decide to go in the direction you did as far as the hops?
A. We swapped out the German Northern Brewer hops in Troegenator in favor of Tradition because we wanted those grassy and floral aromas of classic noble hops. And the mellow spiciness of Hersbrucker plays nicely with Tradition. Adding some El Dorado punches up the fruity notes in the flavor.
Q. How close is the grain bill to Troegenator? I assume there is no chocolate malt in the new beer.
A. Little ’Nator’s grain bill includes just pilsner and caramel malts. We stripped away the chocolate and Munich because we wanted a lighter
Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania.
That’s the beauty of wine.
Often, certain wines evoke timeless memories that leave us speechless.
Suggested Full-Bodied Red Wines
2020 Marques De Caceres
Crianza Rioja ($15.99 at Table & Vine in West Springfield)
This delightful, dense, intense red wine from Spain’s Rioja region has a wonderful flinty finish with hints of dried blackberries, fresh-roasted coffee and pencil shavings. And yes, I’m deliberately being a little over the top. But seriously, this is a great, full-bodied red wine.
2018 Trapiche Malbec
color and body. Troegenator is such a huge, malty beer, so we wanted to see if we could get close to the flavor profile while dialing back the ABV to the 5.5% range. It’s those subtle tweaks that really shine through on lagers more than anything else. We need to be at the top of our game to get those nuanced, complex flavors. It doesn’t just happen on its own.
Q. Why did you decide to replace the Horizon IPA after just a year in the spring lineup?
A. When we rolled out our seasonal lineup in 2014, we planned to phase in new beers every couple of years to keep things fresh. Recently, we felt we were relying a little too heavily on IPAs. Since Nugget Nectar — one of our popular hoppy beers — is out around the same time, we hit upon the idea of introducing a lighter take of Troegenator. Bock beers are generally associated with spring, so the timing lined up perfectly. We enjoy experimenting with new flavors and ingredients and pushing ourselves to try new things. We don’t like resting on our laurels. I always like to think we’re in a constant state of perpetual motion.
Tesoro ($15 SRP)
Consistently reliable red wine from Argentina, this mouth-watering malbec has hints of black pepper, dried plums and roasted cherries. Let me add that you can’t go wrong with most malbecs from Trapiche. They’re built to hold their own with big, bold flavors.
2022 Cline Family Cellars
Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi California ($11.99 at Table & Vine)
California zinfandels often get a bad rap for being overthe-top fruit bombs. Baloney. This particular gem — which is made with grapes grown on vines at least 50 years old — has a wide array of flavors, including hints of plums, dark chocolate and black licorice. An absolutely luxurious wine at an amazing price. Cheers!
