LIVE WIRE: For Valley Moonstompers Society, the ska is the limit, E3
OSCARS 2024: Here’s how — and where — to watch nominated films online, E4 MAPLE HARVEST DAY: ‘Liquid gold’ on tap at Storrowton Village, E6
Remember the “golden age” of radio before television, from the 1920s to about the 1950s?
Most people probably don’t remember today because they are too young, but it was a time when families would sit together around the “squawk box” to hear the latest news and get lost in entertainment, listening to popular comedies, dramas and variety shows.
Saturday’s “The Big Broadcast!” at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley will bring the flavor, feel and fun of an old-time radio show from the 1940s to Chapin Auditorium. The production — complete with news, commercials, popular songs and a radio play in the detective serial style — will be performed in two shows at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
This year’s show celebrates the
return of character Fred Kelley as emcee of the show, which runs on the factitious radio station WJAZ.
WWLP-TV meteorologist Brian Lapis returns to the popular role he helped to create after a two-year hiatus. In his absence, Brenda Garton-Sjoberg, former WWLP-TV anchor, filled in as news host Julie Graham.
“I’m back in the swing of things and
excited to take on the persona of Fred Kelley once again. It’s such a dynamic show and I’d like to think that if I was alive in 1942, this is the gig I would have,” said Lapis, who was a student of radio at Syracuse University.
The popular broadcaster also gets to stretch his boundaries and sing in the show.
“It’s not something I do on a regular
Mark Gionfriddo, left, as Matt Morgan, and Brian Lapis as Fred Kelley in the Big Broadcast, which is returning to Mount Holyoke College. (DORI GAVITT PHOTO)THURSDAY
Holyoke Media: Open Stage Showcase- new Music AllianceMarch 2024 Edition. 1 Court Plaza (23 Suffolk St.), Holyoke
The Drake: Orchestra Gold. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
FRIDAY
BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity: Melissa Ferrick. 130 Pine St., Florence
City Line Cafe: YankCelt Band Last Call Tour 2024. 9 Rimmon Ave., Springfield
Delaney House: New Leaf. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
East Mountain Country Club: The Liquid Courage. 1458 E. Mountain Road, Westfield
MGM Springfield: Michael Lenoci. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Cindy Foster: Comedy Show Live. 289 Main St., Greenfield
The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Rabbit’s Foot and John Ferrara. 289 Main St., Greenfield
The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow
Theodores’: Murali Coryell. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Brothers by Law. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SATURDAY
BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity: Pedrito Martinez Afro-Cuban Superstar. 130 Pine St., Florence
Delaney House: Zak Trajano. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
John Boyle O’Reilly Club: YankCelt Band Last Call Tour 2024. 33 Progress Ave., Springfield
MGM Springfield: Michael Lenoci. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: RJD2. 289 Main St., Greenfield
Theodores’: Balkun Brothers. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
West Springfield’s Irish House
Restaurant & Pub: Six Nations Rugby, Last Night’s Fun. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY
Fort Hill Brewery: Tom Savoy. 30 Fort Hill Road, Easthampton
The Drake: Champlain Trio-Chamber Series #4. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
IF YOU’VE SEEN enough live music in the Pioneer Valley, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the guitar magic of Dan Thomas.
Thomas has graced the stage with numerous acts, either as a regular member of a band, or as someone sitting in on a gig. He is a master of many styles, so his ubiquity only makes sense.
But his latest project, a ska group called the Valley Moonstompers Society, isn’t one where guitar is featured out front. We talked to Thomas about the project, which is more of a collective with rotating members than a band with a set-in-stone lineup.
The group will play Marigold Theater in Easthampton on March 21 as part of its monthly residency there.
Q. What inspired you to put this project together?
A. I’ve been living and working in the Valley for 20-
plus years, and Easthampton for the past five. I’ve always been really inspired by the local music community in Western Mass. I play lots of gigs locally and on the road, and like most full-timers, I also do a lot of side hustling, working with a lot of different artists and organizations. It’s a hustle a lot of fellow musicians know well, but I’ve been really craving the opportunity to dig my teeth into something locally, to create a platform to explore without feeling like we need to book weekends
People. Plant. Purpose.
or have weekly rehearsals or do a bunch of traveling and all that.
Solid residency nights can really set the standard for a local music scene and I wanted to be a part of creating that
here in Easthampton. The final piece of the puzzle was the opening of the Marigold Theater as our flagship music venue. I’ve played at the Marigold a lot in different
In Concert with the Festivities surrounding the 2024 Holyoke St Patrick’s Parade
The Ancient Order of Hibernians James A. Curran Division One of Hampden/Hampshire Counties invites the public to attend The Annual
Sunday March 10, 2024At 8:00 a.m. a Memorial Mass at St Jerome’s Church followed by Breakfast at 9:00 a.m. at the Wyckoff Country Club 233 Easthampton Rd., Holyoke
Honoring
James P. Kelly,CEO of the Polish National Credit Union with the 2024 Hibernian Christian Charity Award
Guest Speaker will be Erin Duffy Lacy, Irish National Dance Champion and Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School.
For reservations by March 8, 2024 contact Atty. John J. Driscoll at 413-537-1573. Tickets are $25.00 per person (Tables of 10).
The Valley Moonstompers Society performs at the Marigold Theater. (PHOTO COURTESY MARIGOLD THEATER)
The winner in the Oscar race this year is “Oppenheimer” with 13 nominations, followed by the otherworldly “Poor Things” with 11 and the period epic “Killers of the Flower Moon” with 10.
This year’s Oscars race comes after a bruising 2023 that was marred by strikes and work stoppages for the cinema world, throwing production and release schedules into chaos.
Looking to catch up ahead of Sunday’s Academy Awards on ABC?
Here’s how to watch:
‘Oppenheimer’
13 nominations. Streams on Peacock.
Christopher Nolan’s atomic opus “Oppenheimer” received widespread critical acclaim and broke box office records. It’s half the Barbenheimer phenom with “Barbie” from last July. The three-hour film, which is semi-trippy and flashback heavy, chronicles the trials and tribulations of the secret Manhattan Project’s J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy). Available for pay at YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Vudu, iTunes, Google Play and elsewhere.
‘Poor Things’
11 nominations. Streams on Hulu starting today. Think Frankenstein story, and his bride. Director Yorgos Lanthimos owes a debt to Emma Stone, his childlike and highly randy Bella, in “Poor Things.” The comedy is dark and the vibe Victorian fantasy. And did we mention the sex? How Bella handles that activity has been the talk of film circles. No spoilers here but rest assured her consciousness is raised. Also stars Willem Dafoe and Mark Ruffalo.
‘Killers of the Flower Moon’
10 nominations. Digital purchase. Streams on Apple TV+. Martin Scorsese delves into the systematic killing of Osage Nation members for their oil-rich land in the 1920s in his drama “Killers of the Flower Moon.” With a star-bright cast, including Lily Gladstone, Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. Warning: Its running time is 3 hours and 26 minutes. There is craft in virtually every shot. Available for pay at iTunes, Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu and elsewhere.
‘Barbie’
8 nominations. Digital purchase or rental. Streams on Max.
Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” in the billion-dollar club at the box office, is a live-action musical comedy focused on the 64-year-old plastic doll in a range of iterations. It also took the globe by storm, culturally speaking. The film stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling (as Just Ken). Robbie plays Stereotypical Barbie, who experiences an existential crisis but lands on the road to self-discovery. Available for pay at iTunes, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu and elsewhere.
‘Maestro’
7 nominations. Digital purchase or rental. Streams on Netflix.
With the help of a pros-
thetic nose, Bradley Cooper brings Leonard Bernstein alive in “Maestro,” which he also directed. The famed conductor’s personal life and persona on stage benefit from
Cooper’s energy, and chain smoking. Cooper got an assist from Carey Mulligan, who plays the actor Felicia Montealegre, Bernstein’s
This image released by Apple TV+ shows Lily Gladstone, left, and Leonardo DiCaprio in a scene from “Killers of the Flower Moon.” (MELINDA SUE GORDON / APPLE TV+ VIA AP)
stylish wife. Available for pay at Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, YouTube and elsewhere.
‘American Fiction’
5 nominations. In theaters. Digital purchase.
Cord Jefferson’s directorial debut “American Fiction” is what satire should be: funny while succinctly pointing at truths. Jeffrey Wright plays a frustrated academic up against the wall of what Black books must be to sell. He takes action. The film is also about families and the weight of their struggles. Wright is joined by a great supporting cast in Leslie Uggams, Erika Alexander, Issa Rae, Sterling K. Brown and Tracee Ellis Ross. Available for pay at Prime Video, Apple TV+, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu and elsewhere.
‘Anatomy of a Fall’
5 nominations. In theaters. Digital purchase or rental.
Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall” took the Palme d’Or at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. It stars Sandra Hüller as a writer, Sandra, trying to prove her innocence in court in her husband’s death at their chalet in the French Alps. The verdict? We won’t tell. Did she or didn’t she? Triet wrote the film with her husband, Arthur Harari. “It’s OK, he’s alive,” she told The Associated Press’ Jake Coyle. Available for pay at iTunes, Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, YouTube and elsewhere.
‘The Holdovers’
5 nominations. Digital purchase or rental. Streams on Peacock.
The Alexander Payne offering “The Holdovers” is set at Christmastime, but its themes of loneliness and belonging resonate well beyond the holiday, wrapped in a comedic package. Set in 1970 over the holiday break at a boarding school, there’s plenty of nostalgia in the details. It stars Paul Giamatti in curmudgeonly glory as the teacher stuck minding Angus
(Dominic Sessa) and other students with no place to go. Available for pay at iTunes, Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu and elsewhere.
‘The Zone of Interest’ 5 nominations. In theaters. Digital purchase. There’s another meaty role for Hüller in the Holocaust story “The Zone of Interest,” directed by Jonathan Glazer. She plays Hedwig, the wife of Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel), the real-life, bloodthirsty commandant of Auschwitz. The action largely has Rudolf and Hedwig living their everyday family lives just a few steps from the ovens and trains that were instruments in the slaughter of millions of Jews. A story worth telling, considering their status as monsters? You decide.
‘Past Lives’
2 nominations. In theaters. Digital purchase or rental. Streams on Paramount+.
Celine Song’s feature debut “Past Lives” is a triumph for
her as director and writer, and for Greta Lee, one of her stars. Largely autobiographical, it tells the story of childhood companions in Seoul who reunite and rekindle in New York years later, landing in a love triangle. The other thirds of the equation are played by Teo Yoo and John Magaro. It’s understated glory, inducing the best kind of tears: those come by honestly without massive manipulation. Available for pay at iTunes, Google Play, Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, Vudu and elsewhere.
‘Nyad’
2 nominations. Streams on Netflix.
Annette Bening plays the never-say-die marathon open-water swimmer Diana Nyad and Jodie Foster portrays Nyad’s best friend and trainer, Bonnie Stoll. Enough said. “Nyad” isn’t your average sports biopic. At age 60, Nyad decides to attempt as she did in her youth to swim the shark-infested ocean
from Cuba to Miami. Nothing will stop her and lots of things try. A lesson in single-focus excellence.
‘Society of the Snow’ 2 nominations. Streams on Netflix. The story of an amateur Uruguay rugby team’s 1972 plane crash in the Andes as they traveled with relatives
and friends to Chile for a match has been told on film many times. There were 45 on board. Sixteen survived after 72 days in the mountains. They faced biting cold, massive snowstorms, avalanches and starvation, the latter motivating them to eat the dead. In “Society of the Snow,” J.A. Bayona wanted to honor the tragedy’s victims and survivors, including him. It’s bleak indeed, with a spirit of love and camaraderie.
‘The Color Purple’
1 nomination. In theaters. Digital purchase or rental.
Streams on Max.
It was a book (Alice Walker). It was a dramatic film (Whoopi Goldberg as Celie). It was a
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basis like in the shower,” he said, laughing. “For several years I did not sing in the show, but Mark encouraged me and we perform what he calls a ‘buddy tune’ together, which this year is an old Johnny Mercer and Bobby Darin song called ‘Two of a Kind.’ It’s not easy to sing with a big band.”
Special to The Republican Lovers in search of sweet “liquid gold” need look no further this weekend than Storrowton Village, where the historic village is celebrating sugaring season with its 18th annual Maple Harvest Day.
“Over the past few years, we have seen our Maple Harvest Day become one of those cherished family traditions. It’s a time when people come to Storrowton Village thinking of spring and to celebrate the centuries-old tradition of maple sugaring, as well as to just stroll throughout our historic village and before leaving enjoy a breakfast of pancakes together,” said Jessica Fontaine, director of the Storrowton Village Museum on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.
From the Native Americans establishing sugar camps to the breakfasts at sugar houses today, maple syrup has always been integral to New England heritage. Early settlers learned how to make maple sugar from the Native Americans and set up sugar camps where the maple trees were most plentiful. It was a very important source of sugar that could not only be homemade,
but traded or sold. Today, the product that has always required an incredible amount of time and labor remains a staple of New England.
Visitors during the free Maple Harvest Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be able to watch as the Gilbert Farmhouse is turned into a sugarhouse for the day. Observers will learn how the “liquid gold” is made from tree tapping to sap boiling, and watch 19th century open hearth cooking demonstrations of maple recipes.
“Upon arriving at Storrowton, visitors will see our maple tree which has been tapped outside the Gilbert Farmhouse. Close-by you will see a large black kettle hanging from a wooden tripod where historian Dennis Picard will be boiling the sap into maple syrup and offering insights into the sugaring process,” Fontaine said.
In addition, the special day provides a unique opportunity to tour the second floor of the farmhouse, which is open only once a year. It features three bedrooms and a workroom.
Under a heated tent, Ferrindino Maple of Hampden will be offering not only educational tastings of maple
“We make it as real as possible for those in the audience so they feel that they are actually watching a live radio broadcast.”
Mark Gionfriddo, music faculty, Mount Holyoke College
The “Mark” Lapis was referring to is Mount Holyoke College music faculty member Mark Gionfriddo, who created and continues to direct The Big Broadcast. Director of the college’s Jazz Ensembles — Big Band, Jazz, Vocal Jazz, and Chamber Jazz — Gionfriddo appears as bandleader Matt Morgan alongside his student performers who also help to write the show.
Gionfriddo noted a number of things contribute to the success of The Big Broadcast over the years.
“It’s pure nostalgia ... recognizing for some the songs and commercials that are performed live like they once were back when on the radio. The students have no connec-
tion to the era but they love doing it every year and their hard work shows,” Gionfriddo said, who comes out to warm up the audience before The Big Broadcast begins. “We make it as real as possible for those in the audience so they feel that they are actually watching a live radio broadcast,” he added.
Gionfriddo noted everyone “loves” the commercials, which he and the students research every year to add new ones to the show.
“Some are just spoken and some have music accompanying them. Among others this year you will hear about Fluffo shortening from
Protector & Gamble which newsman Mike Wallace once did, Chesterfield cigarettes, vintage Halo Shampoo, and a great Coke commercial,” he said.
In addition to the commercials, alongside “Two of a Kind,” the other golden oldies to be performed in this year’s how will be “The American Patrol” from the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Rodgers & Hart’s “This Can’t Be Love,” Romberg & Hammerstein’s “Lover, Come Back to Me,” the iconic Gene Krupa drum feature of “Sing Sing Sing,” and Cole Porter’s “Don’t Fence Me In,” as popularized by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters.
Tickets, ranging in price from $10 to $25, are available at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley and online at eventbrite. com/e/the-big-broadcast2024-2pm-show-tickets800425964607.
More information is available on the Facebook page of the Jazz Ensembles of Mount Holyoke College and on their web page at mtholyoke. edu/student-experience/ campus-experience/tradi tions- and-annual- events/ big-broadcast.
Tickets, ranging in price from $10 to $25, are available at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley and online.
1st Floor
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
Polish American Citizens Club
355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385
Bingo Wednesdays
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
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
an announcement from a restaurant chain’s CEO ends up becoming a major story in the mainstream media, but that’s what happened in mid-February when Kirk Tanner, the CEO of The Wendy’s Co., announced that the No. 2 hamburger chain would be testing dynamic pricing starting next year.
Dynamic pricing is, of course, the fancy name given to the practice of varying the price of a product based on the level of demand for it. It’s a form of pricing that airlines, hotels, and ride-sharing companies have used extensively, hiking their rates when demand is likely to be high and dropping them down when they anticipate needing to fill empty seats or beds.
Even the restaurant industry has a history of using dynamic pricing, albeit in a somewhat crude way. The best example is the “early bird” special, a strategy that discounts meals to build customer counts in the late afternoon, an otherwise slow part of the day.
However, the proposal that Wendy’s management announced it was exploring
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takes dynamic pricing to a new level of sophistication, since it anticipates using artificial intelligence and digital menu boards to determine and display real-time price changes based on anticipated demand. Imagine standing in line to order a hamburger and fries during the lunch rush, only to notice that, in the last minute or so, a menu board refresh now lists a new and higher price for what you’d been planning to order.
While such dynamic pricing strategies have the potential to boost revenue and profits for a fast food giant like Wendy’s, there are also problems of customer perception with which to deal.
Researchers into consumer behavior suggest that customers may react negatively, perceiving dynamic pricing as an unfair, perhaps even predatory, practice. A 2023 survey by Capterra, a company that evaluates software solutions, found that a majority of consumers surveyed equated dynamic pricing in restaurants to “price gouging.”
Whether or not Wendy’s tests of dynamic pricing encounter serious obstacles to their acceptance is yet to be seen.
Imagine standing in line to order a hamburger and fries during the lunch rush, only to notice that, in the last minute or so, a menu board refresh now lists a new and higher price for what you’d been planning to order.
• For a limited time only participating Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar locations are offering two new “skillet” meals. A Garlic Sirloin Skillet features a 6-ounce top sirloin steak served in a garlic and parsley sauce. The
White Cheddar Bacon and Chicken Skillet includes a grilled chicken breast sauced with a Parmesan-white cheddar cream, then garnished with fried onions and bacon. Both skillets come with garlic mashed potato and steamed broccoli.
Applebee’s bartenders are also serving several St. Pat’sthemed drinks this month, a Tipsy Leprechaun that’s spiked with Irish whiskey and a Pot O’Gold Daq-ARita.
• Bright Ideas Brewing in Westfield is sponsoring a Charcuterie Workshop on Friday, March 15, starting at 6:15 p.m.
The hourlong session, which will be conducted by E Silver Charcuterie, will focus on the techniques and tips that can be used to create impressive edible displays of cheeses and cold meats. A pint of a Bright Ideas brew is included in the session’s $60 ticket price. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.com; Bright Ideas Brewing in Westfield answers at 413-579-5339.
• The Ranch Golf Club in Southwick is planning a March Beer Dinner for Friday, March 22. The five-course event, which will begin at 6 p.m., will feature beers from syrup, but several of their products for sale.
“Ferrendino Maple has become wonderful partners with us and during The Big E this year were a popular concession serving up their unique maple bacon hot dogs as well as maple cream sundaes and maple cream lattes,” Fontaine said.
This year, Ferrindino began tapping earlier than in previous years to accommodate unseasonably warm days and cold nights. In an email statement to The Republican, Ferrindino stated “We have been collecting sap
for almost four weeks now and made a good portion of our annual crop so far. The season is not over and we are hoping to exceed our goal this year!”
It wouldn’t be Maple Harvest Day without the opportunity to chow down on fluffy pancakes, flipped by the West Springfield Lions Club, and drenched in pure Ferrindino maple syrup. The munch fest, priced at $5 per person, will be held in the red Greenwich Barn from 10 a.m. to noon, and also features a side of sausages and coffee or juice. All proceeds from the pancake breakfast will be donated to Storrowton’s educational programs. Docent-led tours are free
wine slushies from the Wine Café inside the Eastern States Farmers Market. Trolley rides will be available to and from the Farmers Market.
and 19th century craft demos will also be available in the Gilbert Farmhouse.
Visitors can purchase a variety of maple products, apparel and hot wine and
The taste of maple continues at Storrowton Tavern which will feature special maple-themed items alongside their regular lunch menu. The infused dishes include a maple vinaigrette for garden salads, maple-glazed salmon with a maple infused butternut squash, and a maple walnut ice cream puff. Reservations are not required, but recommended. For more information on Storrowton Tavern, visit storrowton. com.
For more information, visit storrowtonvillage.com.
Maple syrup products produced by Ferrindino Maple LLC in Hampden. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE) Josephine’s in Cambridge is one of several new restaurants participating in Dine Out Boston this year. Hugh Robert Off The Menu
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.
REGULAR READERS will be familiar with my love for oldschool West Coast IPAs. The style remains my favorite overall.
Of course, readers are also acquainted with my frustration over the oversaturation of New England IPAs these days. The style itself is fine, although it can be taken to extremes that I’m not crazy about. But, again, my main issue is the sheer number of them. Yet as I’ve said: I can’t blame brewers for making beer that sells.
Last week I was poking around in Liquors 44 here in Northampton and wandered down to the last beer case in the corner on the left. That’s where you can find single cans and bottles of random beers. As luck (fate?) would have it, I was able to snag three oldschool classic IPAs (although one is a double IPA): Stone IPA, Dogfish Head 60-minute IPA and Dogfish Head 90-minute IPA (the double).
I grabbed them with the intention of revisiting the beers in light of how different modern IPAs are now, and since I really hadn’t sampled any of the three in quite a long time, the results were both somewhat surprising, yet also in line with what I believed anyway.
Starting with Stone, the first sips struck me as hoppier than I recalled it. This was surprising, as I remember it as one of the hoppiest beers around 20-plus years ago. It still had a solid malt framework, but
SEE BEER, PAGE E11
CLASSICS ARE CLASsics for a reason.
They have stood the test of time and remain eternally popular.
From movies like “Casablanca” to songs like Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas,” many people still love these gems with all their heart.
The same goes for certain white wine grapes.
Sales figures show that many people have their clear favorites.
But what if we tasted some of these popular white wines side by side? Which one would emerge as the most popular white wine grape?
Recently, that’s exactly what myself and a group of people did at a white wine tasting. We tasted six different wines made with some of the most popular, classic white wine grapes – chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, riesling, grunner veltliner and chenin blanc.
Afterward, I asked everyone to vote on their favorite white wine of the group. The final vote might surprise you.
This week, you can read about those results, along with learn more about white wines in general.
Hope you enjoy.
How popular is white wine?
In recent years, the popularity of white wine has been slowly gaining on red wine. Specifically, 49% of all wines purchased in the United States and 43% of worldwide wine sales involve white wines.
Types of white wine grapes
There are roughly 600 different types of white wine grape varieties. To put such numbers in perspective, there are 1,368 total grape varieties, according to the outstanding reference book “Wine Grapes” by Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding and Jose Vouillamoz.
What is the most popular white wine grape?
When it comes to wine
sales, the numbers are clear. Chardonnay outsells every other white wine in the world. In the U.S. alone, consumers spend more than $2.8 billion each year on chardonnay wine.
What is the second most popular white wine grape?
Here is where tastes differ slightly between the U.S. and the rest of the world. In the United States, the second most popular white wine is pinot grigio. As for the rest of the world, sauvignon blanc is the second-most popular white wine.
Why is white wine white?
Partly, it’s because most white wine is made with certain types of grapes. But mostly, the color of a wine has to do with grape skin contact. During fermentation (the process that turns grape juice into alcohol), the grape skins are removed when making white wine. In contrast, the grape skins are left on during fermentation when making red wine.
Why are some white wines drier or sweeter?
Three things often play a role in whether a white wine tastes sweet or dry — grape variety, sugar and alcohol content.
One, certain grape varieties produce sweeter white wines.
Two, the more natural sugars in a wine after fermentation, the sweeter a wine tastes.
Three, during fermentation, most sugar is consumed by yeast, which is
natural in wine. The more natural sugars consumed by yeast, the higher the alcohol content. And the higher the alcohol content after fermentation, the drier a wine tastes in most cases.
However, there is an exception to this rule. The longer a grape grows on a vine, the higher the alcohol and sugar content. These wines are often sweeter. Examples include many dessert wines, such as Sauternes (from France’s Sauterne region) and late harvest riesling wines.
What temperature should you serve white wine?
I wanted to include this tidbit since many people often serve many white wines too cold. Ideally, you should serve most white wines at roughly 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you serve a white wine too cold, it won’t reveal many of its flavors. Instead, it will taste dull and boring. So if you keep your refrigerator cold like ours, give your wine time to warm up in the glass.
Chardonnay
• Acreage – More than 500,000 acres planted worldwide.
• History – First planted in the late 1500s in the southern part of France’s Burgundy region.
• Popular regions – France (Burgundy and Champagne), California & Australia.
• Common flavors – Neutral grape influenced by soil and how it’s aged, especially in oak barrels.
• Suggested food pairings –Chicken, spicy foods and many types of seafood, including salmon.
Chardonnay tasting:
2022 Cave De Lugny La Cote Blanche Unoaked Chardonnay Macon-Villages ($10.99 at Table & Vine in West Springfield)
• Region – Macon, Southern Burgundy, France
• Description – Citrus-like flavors with hints of almonds and butter.
Sauvignon Blanc
• Acreage – More than 300,000 acres planted worldwide.
• History – First planted in the 1500s most likely in France’s Bordeaux region.
• Popular regions – France (Loire Valley), New Zealand (Marlborough), California & Washington.
George Lenker Beer Nut
Ken Ross Wine Press
ArtSalon Goes to Smith College: Thu., 6 p.m., Smith College, featuring works by Magda Bermudez, Todd Colby, Christa Donner, Justin Kim, Julie Lapping Rivera. In the Carroll Room. Doors open 6 p.m., presentations begin at 6:30 p.m., $5-$15 suggested donation. Green St., Northampton.
Botanic Garden 2024 Spring Bulb Show: Thu.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Lyman Conservatory, through March 17. 16 College Lane, Northampton.
Easter Bunny is Back: Thu.-Sun., Holyoke Mall. 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 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.
”The Ladyslipper”: Thu.-Sun., Majestic Theater, through March 24. For times visit majestictheater. com; for tickets call the box office, 413-747-7797, $31-$35. 131 Elm St., West Springfield
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• Common flavors – Crisp, flinty, mineral flavors with hint of lime, especially from New Zealand.
• Suggested food pairings – Oysters, lobster, soft cheese, risotto and pasta.
Sauvignon Blanc tasting: 2023 Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc ($10.99 at Table & Vine)
• Region – Marlborough, New Zealand
• Description – Zesty, bright, fresh-cut grass-like flavors with a hint of lime and grapefruit.
Pinot Grigio
• Acreage – More than 284,000 acres planted worldwide.
• History – Also called Pinot Gris in France, where grape was first planted in 1200s in Burgundy.
• Popular regions – Italy (largest by acreage), Oregon, Germany, Australia & France (Alsace).
• Common flavors – Often dry, light and refreshing, espe-
“Marisol”: Thu.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m. Rooke Theatre, Mount Holyoke College Department of Film Media Theatre presents “Marisol” by Jose Rivera. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit https://mhc.ludus.com/ index.php or contact the box office at MHCRookeTheatre@gmail. com, $10 general, $8 students and seniors. Lower Lake Road, South Hadley.
Senior Thesis Dance Concerts: Thu.-Fri., 7:30 p.m. University of Massachusetts Amherst. For tickets, call 413-545-2511 or online at fineartscenter.com, $10. Eastman Lane, Amherst.
Storytelling Open Mic and Potluck: Thu., 6-8:30 p.m. LAVA Center, storytelling open mic and potluck, “Beautiful Disasters.” Doors open and food is served at 6 p.m. Show will start at 7 p.m. Pay what you want. 324 Main St., Greenfield.
FRIDAY
Botanic Garden 2024 Spring Bulb Show: See Thursday listing
Community Meal: Fri, 5 p.m. United Congregational Church of Holyoke. This month is a St. Patrick’s feast, complete with corned beef
cially from Italy.
• Suggested food pairings –Chicken, pork, pasta or sushi.
Pinot Grigio tasting: 2022 Cantina Zaccagnini Pinot Grigio ($15.99 at Table & Vine)
• Region – Abruzzo, Italy
• Description – Light, aromatic, floral-like wine with hints of peach and almonds.
Riesling
• Acreage – More than 132,000 acres planted worldwide.
• History – First planted in the 1400s in Germany’s Rheingau region.
• Popular regions – Germany (Mosel and Rheingau), France (Alsace), Austria, New York & Canada.
• Common flavors – Wide range, from sweet, pear-like flavors to tart, apple-like flavors.
• Suggested food pairings –Duck, pork and many spicier foods.
Riesling tasting: 2017 Weingut Kees-Kieren Graacher-Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett ($19.99 at Table & Vine)
and cabbage. Meal will be served at 5 p.m., followed by a family move at 6 p.m. Free. 300 Appleton St., Holyoke. 413-532-1483.
Easter Bunny is Back: See Thursday listing
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. For more information, call the club at 413-323-9387. 79 Moore Road, Belchertown.
GCC Community Chorus
Concert: Fri., 12:15-12:45 p.m. Greenfield Community College, in Sloan Theater. Open to the public, Free with donations welcomed. 1 College Drive, Greenfield.
History Bites Lunchtime Lecture
Series: Fri, noon, Bangs Community Center, “History of High Schools in Amherst” by Joseph Scanlon, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst.
Human Agenda Theatre: “Gorgons”: Fri.-Sat, 7-9 p.m.; Sun, 2-4 p.m. The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center, $15-$30. 289 Main St., Greenfield, hawksandreed.com.
”The Ladyslipper”: See Thursday listing
Lenten Lunches: Fri, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. All Saints Episcopal Church, Choice of two lunches: Lobster roll and chips, a choice of clam chowder or vegetable soup and crackers, and a dessert brownie. To make a reservation, email in advance to l.marsh1250@yahoo.com, 7 Woodbridge St., South Hadley.
Mount Holyoke College Department of Film Media Theatre
Presents: See Thursday listing
Secret Planet Spring Weekender: Fri.-Sat., Race Brook Lodge, featuring live performances and DJ sets in the Barnspace. 864 South Undermountain Road (Route 41), Sheffield.
Senior Thesis Dance Concerts: See Thursday listing
SATURDAY
“All Things Equal - The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg”: Sat., 7 p.m. Cultural Center at Eagle Hill, written by Tony Award-winning Rupert Holmes, $35 adults; $30 students & seniors. 242 Old Petersham Road, Hardwick; 413-477-6746 or thecenterateaglehill.org.
Amherst College Choral Society and Amherst Symphony Orches-
• Region – Mosel, Germany
• Description – Smooth, subtle, delicate flavors with hints of peach, pear and dill.
Gruner Veltliner
• Acreage – More than 57,000 acres planted worldwide.
• History – First planted in the 700s in Northern Italy.
• Popular regions – Austria (largest by acreage), Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy & Germany.
• Common flavors – Bright, tart, citrus-like flavors with hints of lemon, lime and apricot.
• Suggested food pairings – Muscles, pork chops, clams, sardines, haddock and trout.
Gruner Veltliner tasting: 2022 Berger Gruner Veltliner ($13.99 at Table & Vine, 1 Liter Bottle)
• Region – Kremstal, Austria
• Description – Crisp, clean, refreshing flavors with a hint of lime, lemon and pear.
Chenin blanc
• Acreage – More than
tra Concert: Sat, 7 p.m. Buckley Recital Hall, Performs Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Requiem,” Free and open to the public. Intersection of Routes 9 and 116, Amherst, amherst.edu.
Bing Productions presents Hiroya Tsukamoto: Sat., 7:30 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, Cinematic Guitar Poetry. Advance ticket sales through Eventbrite or $10 at the door (cash only), 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield. (413) 737-5311.
Botanic Garden 2024 Spring Bulb
Show: See Thursday listing
Drive-In Collection of Donations: Sat, 1-3 p.m. Foster Memorial Church, collecting nonperishable food for the Emergency Food Cupboard of the Open Pantry. 1791 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, 413782-2112.
Easter Bunny is Back: See Thursday listing
Fraud Prevention Seminar: Sat, 3-4 p.m. Jones Library. Free and open to the public, 43 Amity Street, Amherst. 413-256-3090 or joneslibrary.org.
Home & Away: Sat., 4 p.m. Wesley United Methodist Church, Classic
32,000 acres planted worldwide.
• History – First planted in the 1400s in France’s Loire Valley.
• Popular regions – South Africa (largest by acreage), France (Loire Valley), Argentina & California.
• Common flavors – Slightly tart, bright, refreshing, mineral-like flavors with hints of apple.
• Suggested food pairings – Salad, roasted chicken, fish and pork.
Chenin Blanc tasting:
2021 Terre Brulee ‘Le Blanc’ ($13.99 at Table & Vine)
• Region – Swartland, South Africa
• Description – Bright, lively wine with hints of peach, lemon, apricot and pear.
What is the most popular classic white wine?
The six white wines listed above were recently tasted side by side by myself and a group of 19 other people. Afterward, I asked everyone which wine was their favorite white wine. People seemed
a bit shy about saying which was their favorite. So I phrased the question a different way –which wine would you buy to have with dinner tomorrow night?
The winner? By a one-vote margin, the Italian pinot grigio beat the French chardonnay.
Seven people voted for the pinot grigio and used the following words to describe the wine – lemon, herbs, dusky, peach, smooth and honey.
Six people voted for the chardonnay, which they described as having the following flavors – apple, buttery, smooth and lemon.
The riesling received two votes and was described as dessert-like, sweet, pear-like and having a flower-like taste.
The other three wines each received one vote.
My advice? Taste a few of them side by side and decide for yourself.
Cheers!
Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s Weekend section every Thursday.
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one that had zero sweetness. I later discovered that Stone had tweaked the dry-hopping of the beer over time, so the more pronounced hoppiness made sense.
I feel that Stone IPA stands up incredibly well to today’s hop bombs, albeit in a more balanced manner. And that’s a plus in my book. The blend of hops still yields that tasty citrus flavor that made it a go-to beer back in the day.
Dogfish 60-minute IPA is another story altogether, but still one with a happy (hoppy?) ending. I was always a bigger fan of the 90-minute IPA, but I have to admit that the 60-minute version is just as good. Crisp and grassy, this beer was actually the follow-up to the 90. These
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two craft-style breweries, Springfield-based Loophole Brewing and Back East Brewing Company of Bloomfield, Connecticut.
The dinner will begin with grilled knockwurst and a potato pancake, then move on to seared duck breast. A seafood course will feature an upscale fish and chips combo; the main course is to be braised short rib with a root vegetable puree.
The planned dessert is brown butter cake with whipped ricotta and berries.
Tickets for the dinner are $60 and can be purchased online.
The Ranch Golf Club answers at 413-5699333.
• Starbucks has introduced chainwide some of the olive oil-enhanced Oleato items that it first unveiled in select markets last March.
Oleato Golden Foam, a blend of sweet cream frothed with extra virgin olive oil, is now available as an extra-cost addition to any coffee drink.
An Oleato Golden Foam Iced Shaken Espresso with Toffeenut is now a part of the chain’s permanent menu as is a Oleato Caffe Latte with Oatmilk.
• The spring edition of Dine Out Boston, formerly known as Restaurant Week Boston, begins on Sunday, with participating restaurants offering prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner. This year participating restaurants have the option of offering four price levels, with lunches priced from $22 to $36 and dinners from $36 to $55. Nearly 150 eateries from Boston and environs are currently signed up to participate.
Dine Out Boston runs until March 23, with many dining spots observing a Saturday “blackout” on their restaurant week involvement. An online roster of participating restaurants can be found online.
days, where I try to gravitate toward more sessionable beers, the 60 is a perfect brew if you’re hankering for a great IPA. I had it back-to-back with Building 8’s The IPA (a personal favorite), and it stood up well.
I shouldn’t really even include the 90-minute IPA here because it’s a double, but since I bought and drank it, I’m going to. I actually recall the very first time I had it (in Northampton’s Bishop’s Lounge circa 2003(?). One sip and I was in love. The blend of piney notes with a citrus blast, finished with slightly sweet aftertaste, rocketed the beer to the top of my list. I’m here to tell you that it still tastes just as good.
So, although I’m always saying to drink local beer when you can, I would never fault anyone for cheating with these out-oftowners here and there.
Dine Out Boston is organized by Meet Boston, the Hub’s visitors and convention bureau; they can be contacted at 888-SEE-BOSTON.
• The Table 2 Restaurant Group in Sturbridge is presenting another Cooking with Rico evening on March 20.
The event, which is being held at Avellino in Sturbridge, will focus on the traditional “parmigiana” preparations that are so much a part of Italian-American cookery
As part of his presentation, Table 3 Executive Chef Enrico Giovanello will be preparing and sharing complimentary courses from the southern regions of Italy.
The event is $52 per person, tax and gratuity not included. Wine, beer, and cocktails are available for additional purchase. Tickets for Cooking with Rico may be ordered and paid for by going to exploretock.com/ the-duck-avellino/ Avellino’s telephone number is 508-3472321.
• Pulled pork barbecue is the featured item this month at Sonic locations, with a Pulled Pork BBQ Cheeseburger, a Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich, and Pulled Pork BBQ Totchos all temporarily added to the menu.
There are Sonic Drive-Ins on Boston Road across from Five Mile Pond in Springfield and on Buckland Street in Manchester, Conn.
• Canton-based Dunkin’ continues its foray onto grocery store shelves this month with the introduction of Mrs. Butterworths X Dunkin’ Glazed Donut Flavored Pancake Syrup.
The new syrup is being marketed through participating grocery stores, mass retailers, and e-commerce channels.
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.
projects and I saw this as a great chance to build something that was truly of and for our local community.
Q. You play a lot of different guitar styles across different genres, so from the guitar perspective, what is different about playing ska, and how do you approach it?
A. In a lot of music, the guitar is sort of the diva. Lots of heavy riffs and wild, sometimes long-winded guitar solos, or just moody in-your-face noise. It’s all very good and fun, but there are other approaches to playing. In ska, the role of the guitar is very different; it’s just another drum. Ska rhythms are very simple and very specific. Simple does not mean easy, though, and it takes a good ear and good feel to play them correctly. There are a few ways to embellish what you’re playing, as long as you don’t forget your primary responsibility to the groove. After spending a couple of decades trying to play the flashiest guitar solos possible, I really enjoy just stepping back to be a part of the band. In Jamaican music — in most music derived from the African diaspora — the drums, bass, guitars and keyboards all work together to create a sort of tapestry of groove. No instrument is more important — that’s a lie, the bass is the most important — and the success of the music depends on everyone working together toward the same goal. It’s that collective approach that I really enjoy about this music.
Q. You certainly have put together an all-star cast of players. Did you recruit them specifically or did it kind of come together organically?
A. A little bit of both. I definitely had certain players in mind when I started the project, specifically my friend and co-leader in this endeavor, Jeff Fennel. Jeff is a great saxophonist and we play lots of gigs together, and as part of that we do lots of driving together. We’ve
spent a lot of car time talking about Ernest Ranglin or Tommy McCook and seemingly lost recordings from Treasure Isle and other older Jamaican record labels, and about finding more opportunities to play it. Beyond that I have a list of musicians I love playing with, or want to play with, long enough to make the band five times over. In some cases musicians who love the style have reached out to us, and we’ve invited them to do a show. Part of our goal is to keep the lineup fresh every month and feature different local musicians, and players from out of town, and to remain accessible to anyone who is either truly passionate about the style, or eager to learn.
Q. So it seems to be a rotating lineup. How many people are actively involved with the band, and how many people show up on any given night to play?
A. That’s true. We tend to have a seven-piece band on stage most nights. Some of the regulars besides Jeff and myself are Chris Ball and Garrett Sawyer on bass, Nico D’Amico on guitar, Jay Metcalf on piano, Jimmy Robittaile and Colin Jalbert on drums, and Justin Essiason on trumpet and whatever other brass instruments he can fit in his car. Jake Weiner (baritone sax) and Carollyn Dufraine (trombone) hopped up in January to beef up the horn section and local trumpeter Gershon Rosen stops by to sit in often and will be on a bill soon. We’ve also had special guest drummers Bill Carbone (of Max Creek) and Sturgis Cunningham play a show with us. And I mentioned this before but we’re very pumped to have Dave Noonan taking over the drum throne at our next show at the Marigold on Thursday March 21st. I’m sure Dave will be a regular with the group before long. The rotating lineup serves both to keep the night fresh and ease the burden on musicians who want to be a part of the project but can’t commit to one more regular thing in their already tight schedules. Mainly it’s just fun to play with lots of different people.
and modern pieces contrast in this program from the PVS Chorus and Chamber Choir. Tickets for all concerts can now be purchased at a $15-$35 scale. Youth up to age 18 and college students $5. WIC and EBT cardholders may attend PVS concerts for free through Mass Cultural Council’s Card for Culture program. Contact the Box Office for more information via email to boxoffice@pvso.org or call 413-773-3664. 98 North Maple St., Hadley.
Maple Harvest Day: Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Storrowton Village Museum. Visitors will get to watch as the historic Gilbert Farmhouse is turned into a sugarhouse for the day. The West Springfield Lions Club will flip pancakes, served with pure Ferrindino maple syrup in the Village’s red Greenwich Barn from 10 a.m. to noon. Pick up a plate for $5 per person, with a side of sausages and coffee or juice. The Farmers Market and Wine Cafe will be open during the event. Reservations are not required, but recommended. For a full look at the Tavern’s weekend luncheon menu, visit storrowton. com, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield.
Springfield Symphony Orchestra: Sat, 2:30 p.m. Springfield Symphony Hall, “Fantasias,” with guest conductor Adam Kerry Boyles, pianist Quynh Nguyen and the Springfield Symphony Chorus. For tickets visit springfieldsymphony.org/event/fantasias/,
$25-$75. 34 Court St., Springfield. 413-733-2291 or symphonyhall. com.
Stone Church Concerts: Sat., 7 p.m. The Stone Church, Classic Silent Film Comedy with Peter Krasinski, organ, $25. 283 Main St., Gilbertville.
SUNDAY
Botanic Garden 2024 Spring
Bulb Show: See Thursday listing Church Concert: Sun, 3 p.m. South Congregational Church-Springfield, Meadow Flute quartet with Kimberly Figueroa, solo flute, and Larry Picard, piano and organ. Free will offering will be accepted, but there is no admission charge, 45 Maple St., Springfield.
Field Notes: Sun, 2 p.m. Academy of Music Theatre. Doors at 1:30 p.m. Tickets $10-$30; free public parking on Sundays. Buy tickets online at http://tinyurl. com/CISAFN2024, 274 Main St., Northampton.
Music’s Charms in Shakespeare’s England: Sun, 7:30 p.m. Bezanson Recital Hall, Five College Early Music Ensembles, Allison Monroe, director, Free. North Pleasant St., Amherst. 413-545-2511 or umass. edu.
Quabbin Valley Twirlers Square Dance Club: Sun., First Church in Ludlow, The Quabbin Valley Twirlers square dance club has a new home for Sun. and Mon. evenings workshops. The beginner dancing starts at 6:30 p.m. Sun. and the plus classes for advanced dancers is from 6-8 p.m. on Monday.The donation is $6 for each class per person, 859 Center St., Ludlow.
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Broadway musical (Fantasia Barrino as Celie). This “The Color Purple” has Barrino back. It’s a musical, too, adapted from the stage version, and it’s directed by Blitz Bazawule. He squeezes the strength of Black women out of his harrowing, maximalist film. Colman Domingo is Mister, Halle Bailey is Nettie, with Taraji P. Henson and Danielle Brooks helping the story along amid all the singing and dazzle. Available for pay at iTunes, Prime Video, Apple TV+ and elsewhere.
‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ 1 nomination. Digital
purchase or rental. Streams on Netflix. In theaters.
Welcome to an animated high-octane comic-book sequel that manages to work.
In “Spider Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore) is a 15-year-old better able to deal with his crime-fighting powers. Spider-Gwen is voiced by Hailee Steinfeld. By sequel, we mean the first half of the first sequel to “Spider Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” There’s your cliffhanger alert. Available for pay at Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu and elsewhere.
For more coverage of the 2024 Oscars, visit https:// apnews.com/hub/ academy-awards
