By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com
They’ve never stopped believing in the lasting musical legacy of Journey.
Voyage, which has been hailed as the No. 1 Journey tribute band in the world, according to the group’s website, features lead vocalist Hugo Valenti — who, powerhouse vocals and all, is a dead ringer for Steve Perry.
Valenti is joined by Robby Hoffman, guitar; Greg Smith, bass; Lance Millard, keys; and Dana Spellman, drums.
Journey found success when it came on the scene with hits including “Don’t Stop Believin’” in 1981, “Faithfully” in 1983, “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” in 1979, and “Any Way You Want It” in 1980, among others. The band has sold more than 52 million albums in the U.S., making them the 11th-best selling band in the country, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. Their worldwide sales have topped more than 100 million records globally. Journey was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017
Voyage will celebrate Journey’s best hits on stage at MGM Springfield on Friday at 8 p.m. And if you’re not sold yet on the group, just take a page from their website: “Seein’ is believin’.”
Hugo Valenti is the lead singer of Voyage, a Journey tribute band set to play MGM Springfield.
Frontman Valenti sat down with The Republican for a phone interview before Friday’s concert. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q. Can you tell me a little bit about how Voyage got started?
SPRINGFIELD“With Journey in particular, they’re one of the bands where when you hear it, you want to hear it again, and again, and again. And for whatever reason, 30, 40 years later, those songs on the radio sound so fresh today.”
Hugo Valenti, VoyageCONTINUES FROM PAGE D2
A. Well, way, way back, everybody was kind of doing their own thing musically, trying to get that elusive record deal. Some of us were successful, some not, but either way, everybody was trying here on Long Island. It was just one of those things where after you get signed, you get dropped, and signed and dropped, you realize you don’t stink, you’re just a victim of the industry.
I wound up searching out a couple of guys and say “Hey, you know what.” All along the way, I was always compared to Steve Perry, the music was compared to Journey, so I said “You know what, tribute bands are kind of happening now, maybe I’ll just start a tribute band and see what happens.” It went from just doing clubs, to then clubs and theaters, and then from theaters to casinos and private (shows). We kind of never looked back and, you know, it’s been 20 years now. (laughs)
Q. Wow, so things really exploded for you guys.
A. Yeah, definitely. You think about Journey and that catalogue of music — if you’re not familiar with Journey, you are after you get past “Don’t Stop Believin’” and realize “Any Way You Want It,” “Stone in Love.” I mean, there’s so many songs, you know, so it was kind of a no-brainer. And I guess it helped that it was easy for me to sing the Journey stuff — I could sing that way, and I always kind of resembled Steve Perry, so it put us a notch above a lot of other bands
Voyage, a Journey tribute band, will perform at MGM Springfield on Friday.
doing the same thing.
Q. Has Steve Perry always been a musical inspiration for you?
A. Early on, I was in junior high school, and I started taking voice lessons. Journey had just hit the scene, and I heard (Perry) sing and it was just one of those things — there were a lot of singers out (like) Steven Tyler, Luke Graham, and a lot of these guys singing powerful, powerful — and Perry was powerful but without that rasp. He just took it up and had this amazing range and it was so intriguing. I wanted to know how he did what he did, so I started taking lessons and realizing that to get to that area is not about pushing it. When you push it, you usually add rasp and hurt yourself and pop up into falsetto like a Mickey Mouse voice. There’s a way to do it, so that’s what I did, and I learned how to do it.
Q. What would you say your favorite Journey song is to perform?
A. Oh man, there’s so many of them. There’s so many hits, but so many deep tracks too. “Who’s Crying Now?” is great. “Only The Young,” we usually open up with that. There’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” but everybody’s heard that a thousand time. (laughs) There’s just so many. It’s hard to pick, you know.
Q. What do you think the appeal or, really, the legacy of Journey is after all of these years that keeps people coming back for more?
A. It’s great melodies and a great singer singing those melodies. If you think about Steve Perry, there’s not many people who have accom-
plished what he has vocally as far as male singers. And it’s great melodies, too. The songs were so well-written and just great melodies. They kind of stick in your head. With Journey, in particular, they’re one of the bands where when you hear it, you want to hear it again, and again, and again. And for whatever reason, 30, 40 years later, those songs on the radio sound so fresh today. It’s not like they’re old and “God, I can’t hear that song again,” … well, probably with the exception of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” because everyone’s heard it a thousand times. (laughs)
Q. Which makes me think — do you think “Don’t Stop Believin’” really got a big resurgence from media? I know when “Glee” was big, “Don’t Stop Believin’” was kind of that show’s anthem.
A. Yep, “Don’t Stop Believin’.” And what happened at the end of “Sopranos”? The last episode, last scene, “Don’t Stop Believin’” was the song that they ended with, and “Sopranos” was huge. When they did that, it was like, “Oh my god, our stock just went up 110%,” it was like — wow, everybody wants to hear Journey.
A. We did, we did. The long and short of it is that we were sitting in the middle of doing nothing with the pandemic and it was like “Oh my gosh, what are we going to do here?” You know, nobody was playing, nobody was doing anything. I wound up getting a new keyboard — I threw my old one out and I upgraded to a $500 keyboard with great sounds and great strings and great everything.
Q. And “Don’t Stop Believin’” must still be a crowd favorite after all this time, right?
A. That’s what it is, man, yeah. It’s in every wedding and every club. There’s remixes and — yeah. Yeah. It’s crazy.
Q. Getting back to Voyage, I saw you guys released an album just this last year, is that correct?
Honestly, I would have to say that within two and a half, three months, I had probably written 24 songs and one was better than the next. I talked to Robby, our guitar player, and I said “Robby, I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m completely inspired sitting here.” (laughs) I started writing and writing and writing and sending them to him and I was like “well, if you liked this one, you’ll really like this,” and I kept on sending them.
We had two albums worth of stuff, so we just put together an album, just to have fun and get it out. I’m so glad we did, because people hear it and it’s very in the Journey vein, but it’s hailed as the melodic rock of 2023-24, and it’s so exciting to hear people reviewing it that way.
T HURSDAY
The Drake: Duke Robillard Trio. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst
The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Dead Night featuring the Dead Collective. 289 Main St., Greenfield
The Thirsty Dog: Eric Bascom. 791 Williams St., Longmeadow
Theodores’: HCC Jazz Night. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
FRIDAY
BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity: Ms. Lisa Fischer with/Mr. Taylor Eigsti. 130 Pine St., Florence
Delaney House: CO2. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
East Mountain Country Club: Off the Record. 1458 E. Mountain Road, Westfield
MGM Springfield: Kerryn Feehan. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
The Drake: Tem Blessed. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow
Theodores’: Brother Sal’s Blues. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
West Springfield’s Irish House
Restaurant & Pub: County Line. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SATURDAY
Delaney House: Buddy McEarns. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
MGM Springfield: Kerryn Feehan. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
The Drake: Happy Valley Guitar
Orchestra. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Mike Love. 289 Main St., Greenfield
Theodores’: 7Roads Band. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
West Springfield’s Irish House
Restaurant & Pub: Dee Reilly. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY
BOMBYX Center for Arts &
Equity: Jon cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen plus the Soggy Po Boys. 130 Pine St., Florence
The Drake: Kitchen Dwellers with Chris Jacobs. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst
The Republican is not responsible for unannounced schedule changes. Items should be mailed to Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329m emailed to pmastriano@repub.com or submitted to masslive.com/myevent
IN LAST WEEK’S COLumn, it was noted that quite a few St. Patrick’s Day celebrations were taking place at brewpubs.
This shouldn’t have come as any sort of surprise. As an increasing number of brewpubs open, more and more are offering some sort of entertainment. And with many venues closing because of the pandemic in the early 2020s, it was only natural for venues that remained open to pick up some of the slack.
This week’s column will look at some of those brewpub venues in the Connecticut River Valley for those of you who are looking for a new and/or different place to catch some music or some other form of entertainment. The list is not exhaustive, but will highlight some of the more active venues.
NEW YORK — Romantic musicals are as personal as romance itself. What makes you sigh and weep may leave the person next to you bored and stony.
At “The Notebook,” I was the person next to you. You were sniffling even before anything much happened onstage. As the lights came up, an old man dozed while a teenage boy and girl frisked nearby in an unconvincing body of water. A wispy song called “Time” wafted over the footlights: “Time time time time/It was never mine mine mine.”
But having seen (I’m guessing more than once)
the 2004 movie on which “The Notebook” is based, and possibly having read the 1996 novel by Nicholas Sparks, you perfectly well knew what was coming. That was the point of mounting the show, which opened Thursday at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater, in the first place.
It therefore cannot be a spoiler — and anyway this block of cheese is impervious — to reveal that over the course of the 54 years covered by the musical, the frisky boy, Noah, turns into the dozing man. And that Allie, the frisky girl, having overcome various impediments to their love, winds
crowd.
White Lion Brewing in Springfield mixes things up more than many other brewpubs, featuring a mix of music and comedy — and has even offered salsa lessons at times. Variety is also the key at Vanished Valley Brewing in Ludlow, where you can find a mix of music, comedy, art and workshops, depending on the day.
Tree House Brewing in South Deerfield has to lead off this list, obviously. The company, which has grown exponentially over the years, has invested in itself and the community by building not only an 200-seat indoor theater for shows, but also an outdoor summer stage with seating for 1,500. With upcoming acts like Michael Franti, Otis Lee and Graham Nash, there’s no question that good beer and good music can definitely draw a massive
Also in Ludlow, Iron Duke Brewing adds painting workshops along with music and comedy at times.
In Easthampton, New City Brewery has a dedicated stage for a regular rotation of bands and solo artists. Next door, Abandoned Building Brewery also features live music on weekends. Across town, Fort Hill Brewery usually features music weekly from Friday through Sunday.
In Northampton, Progression Brewing showcases a
Joy Woods, left, and Ryan Vasquez as the young adult incarnations of Allie and Noah in the musical adaptation of “The Notebook,” at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater in New York. (SARA KRULWICH / THE NEW YORK TIMES)
There are many reasons to attend this weekend’s fourday Original Western Mass Home & Garden Show, which opens its doors today in the Better Living Center on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.
“Our show is a one-stop shopping and information gathering place for anyone looking to have building or remodeling work done.
Over 225 companies and 300 booths will showcase everything for the home and garden all under one roof. And some companies offer
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D3
Q. And the album name, “Inception,” how did that come to be?
A. I just kind of threw it out there. You know, the word “inception” kind of means “the beginning of” and people had been asking us for so long “do you guys do any originals?” I always shied away (from originals). I was on Columbia, on RCA, on Warner Brothers for two decades, and the industry was just so sour to me. I didn’t want to do anything original; I was so happy doing the Journey thing that to finally do it was rewarding in that sense. I’m just happy to have done it and we’ll see, we certainly have another one left in us. It’s just a matter of if we have the time or desire to do it again. Who knows?
exclusive home show deals,” said Andrew Crane, Home Show director and executive director of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Western Mass, producers of the annual event.
“Visitors can talk with vendors and establish a rapport with a contractor while gathering information for future projects. It’s also an opportunity to talk with contractors that are specifically looking for work, so there is often less wait time to get your job started. As a result, some contractors will book an appointment right away,” he added, noting some contractors are still booked out in advance for
months and months to come.
Showtimes are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m., and Sunday
from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. Admission is $10 and free to children under 12, or $7 with a coupon printable from the
“Over 225 companies and 300 booths will showcase everything for the home and garden all under one roof.”
ANDREW CRANE, HOME SHOW DIRECTOR
Karl and Debbie Benware, of Palmer, look over a kitchen display at Kloter Farms during a past Home & Garden Show at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO)
show’s website at westernmasshomeshow.com. On Thursday, only veterans and
Q . Do you hope to put out more original music in the future?
A. Perhaps. If it feels right, and everybody’s into it, I’ll do it. Like I said, we have the songs, it’s just a matter of time right now. The hardest part is getting with a good label who will support it, and that’s tough today because there’s not a lot of interest in putting albums out when no one’s buying albums anymore. Everything’s about downloads, and half of them have no charge. It’s not about money, but you’d like to know it’s there if you put it out. It’s tricky with downloads now.
Q. What’s the main difference between playing Journey songs and playing your own original stuff?
A. The truth of the matter is that a lot more people show up doing the Journey thing than they do originals. We go out
and we do a night of Journey and get 2,000 people in a room. If you had to do originals and take it on tour, you’d be in a SUV with five guys and instruments, you know. It would be a lot more difficult to do originals and make that happen across the country, but the Journey thing makes it real, real easy to do that. We have fun, and we’re making music, so it’s hard to ask for more.
Q. With the upcoming show out here in Western Mass., can you tell me a little about what people can expect?
A. It’s going to be great, great lighting. From what I understand, our guitar player Robby Hoffman has been there, and he said the roomyou’re just going to absolutely love it. Lights, production, we have a great crew running that stuff. It’s going to be awesome. It’s our first time in the
(ARIA Ballroom) as Voyage, and we’re looking forward to getting some folks down there, playing a great night of Journey music. Again, when you have a room like that (ARIA Ballroom), it’s just really a
good production. I think it’s going to be a great show. If you love Journey, you’re absolutely going to love it, and you’re going to walk away wanting to see more, and that’s what it’s all about.
to dining out on Easter Sunday this year, it seems that brunch now “rules.”
A leisurely midday breakfast-lunch mashup has become the preferred way to celebrate Easter when dining out, with the brunch itself, in many instances, increasingly scheduled as an nearly all-day affair.
Traditional Easter dinner options are still available, of course, but a representative sampling of the brunch options being promoted across the region reveal just how popular — and deliciously inventive — those options has become.
Both the Delaney House and the Log Cabin Meeting House in Holyoke will be offering Easter Brunch buffets from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the two locations offering identical menus of breakfast favorites, a waffle station, chef-attended carving station, a dessert table, a sundae bar and more. Reservations for both venues can be made by calling 413535-5077.
There will be an Easter Buffet at The Boathouse in South Hadley on March 31, and it will extend well into the afternoon, not wrapping up until 4 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling 413-536-2342.
“Easter Brunch at the Barn” will once again be featured by the Table 3 Restaurant Group in Sturbridge. Held at the Barn at Wight Farm, Table 3’s function space, the brunch will also be a long-duration event, running from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
As an increasing number of restaurant venues are doing for special events, Table 3 is requiring a nonrefundable $25 deposit with reservations. Contact the Barn staff at 774241-8450.
The Easter Bunny itself will be making a guest appearance at the annual Easter Brunch being hosted at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place in downtown Springfield.
The 20-item buffet menu will feature slow-roasted leg of lamb and peach-ginger glazed ham as well as braised
chicken, seared cod, a smoked salmon/bagel bar, and more.
Ethel Lee will be providing live entertainment during the brunch, which will begin at 10 a.m.
Reservations can be made by calling 413-263-2117.
Villa Napoletana in East Longmeadow will be featuring a daylong Easter Brunch, with service running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The menu will feature hot entrees and breakfast classics as well as hand-carved meats, made-to-order omelets and waffles, salads, appetizers, and desserts.
Reservations are required and can be made by going to the restaurant’s website or by calling 413-732-9300.
The Notch 8 Grille will be holding an Easter Brunch in the Roosevelt Room of the Union Station complex in Northampton.
The brunch, which will begin at 10 a.m. on March 31, will feature “bottomless” mimosa
THE OTHER DAY I was standing around my kitchen eating snacks and pondering some interesting “whatifs” in the world of sports.
For example: What if Ken Griffey Jr. or Bill Walton hadn’t been hobbled by injuries during their careers? Or what if Ted Williams hadn’t sacrificed five seasons — three of them in the prime of his career — to serve in the military?
George Lenker Beer Nut
long-lasting effects on beermaking in the U.S. So many homebrewers have gone on to become professionals, and without that piece of legislation we might all still be drinking major brands and/or drinking our friends’ illegal homebrews.
and Bellinis as well as a chef’s carving station, hot buffet items, and a Viennese dessert table.
More information on the menu and a link for reservations can be found at notch 8grille.com/easterbrunch.
The Notch 8 Grille answers at 413-326-4151.
On March 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mezze Bar + Bistro in Williamstown is putting on an Easter Brunch with a Southern Italian flavor.
Throughout the last several months, Mezze has been running a “Breaking the Boot” series of menus that feature dishes from regions across Italy, and the Bistro’s Easter Brunch is borrowing from that effort.
Reservations for the brunch can be made online.
Mezze Bar + Bistro answers at 413-458-0123.
• Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations are offering an Easter Heat N’ Serve Feast that includes spiral sliced ham, mashed potatoes, rolls, a choice of three country sides, and pie.
The feasts are available in two sizes — one designed for eight to 10 and a second for four to six diners.
A Prime Rib Heat N’ Serve Family Dinner is also available, and for those looking for a special dish for their
After opening the fridge and spying a few beers, this train of thought led to thinking about some “what-ifs” in the craft beer world. There are plenty of them of varying degrees of importance, and the ones below might not be the MOST important, but I thought we’d look at the concept today and throw it out to you, dear readers, for your thoughts on the subject.
For today, however, here are five that I feel are worthy of mentioning. Some may be obvious, but others might not usually come to mind. In no particular order:
The first “what-if’ has to be: What if former President Jimmy Carter had never signed the law legalizing homebrewing in 1979? This legislation had huge and
Our next “what-if” is also a few decades old: What if Fritz Maytag hadn’t purchased the struggling Anchor Brewing in 1965? While the craft brewing movement didn’t really start until after the 1979 legislation mentioned above, there is no doubt that Maytag’s life preserver to save Anchor from closing inspired others. He not only poured money into the small brewery, he also revamped the recipe and brewing process. He is a true craft beer hero and pioneer. Here’s maybe an odd one: What if the British Empire had never colonized India?
Think about it: Most readers know that IPA stands for India Pale Ale. The style is so named because the hoppy beers were less likely to spoil on the long voyages to India.
SEE BEER, PAGE D11
A basket of popovers is served at the Delaney House in Holyoke. The restaurant is among the area eateries offering specials for Easter brunch. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)
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.
2024 Home Show Expo: Thu.-Fri, noon-8 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center, Outdoor, Young Building. Admission is $10 adults and free children under 12. Parking is $5, collected by ESE Fairgrounds. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-7372443 or thebige.com.
Easter Bunny is Back: Thu.-Sun, Holyoke Mall, Hop by the lower level near JCPenney through March 30 to grab your pictures with the Easter Bunny. Mon.-Fri. 2-7 p.m.; 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 Gray House Spaghetti Supper: Thu, 5-7 p.m. Greek Cultural Center. All proceeds help The Gray House provide food, youth programming and adult educational services to those living in poverty throughout the greater Springfield community. Event tickets are $7, or $5 for children and seniors, and include supper, dessert and children’s activities. Raffle tickets are also available for purchase to win a variety of prizes, including gift cards to local restaurants, spa certificates, and more. All tickets are available at the door, 22 St. George Road, Springfield.
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D7
own Easter brunch, Cracker Barrel is offering its new French Toast Bake as a Heat N’ Serve option.
The Heat N’ Serve items can be preordered online at crackerbarrel.com.
The new French Toast Bake is available in the dining rooms as part of a Fresh Berry French Toast Bake entree, where it is served with fresh berries, strawberry syrup, and a choice of bacon or sausage.
There are Cracker Barrel Country Kitchen locations in Holyoke on Whiting Farms Road and in Sturbridge on Route 20.
• Lattitude Restaurant in West Springfield is holding a Game Dinner on April 4, starting at 6 p.m. The five-course
”The Ladyslipper”: Thu.-Sun, Majestic Theater, through March 24. For times visit majestictheater. com/index.html; for tickets call the box office, 413-747-7797, $31$35. 131 Elm St., West Springfield, 413-747-7797.
Live Music by Steve Koziol: Thu., 5:30 p.m. LAVA Center. Suggested donation of $2–$5 ($1 for Card to Culture members), which can be donated at the door or online at thelavacenter.org/donate, 324 Main St., Greenfield.
Montague Shakespeare Festival: Shea Theater, 3-week celebration of Shakespeare with workshops, performances, professional training. Main Stage performances of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on March 29-31 and April 5-7. For more information, visit montague shakespearefestival.com, 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls.
FRIDAY
2024 Home Show Expo: See Thursday listing
”The Cemetery Club”: Fri, 7 p.m.; Sat, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m. First Congregational Church of Ashfield, Masks required for Friday shows. Advance tickets available at Ashfield Hardware (cash or check) and online at theticketing.co/o/ paulinelive or at the door one hour before the show (cash or check), Adults $15, $25, $35; children $10 (ages 12+). 429 Main St., Ashfield.
Crafterpalooza Shopping Days: Fri, 1-3 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
presentation is priced at $75 per person, tax and gratuity not included; the menu will feature exotic specialties such as elk, ostrich, and yak.
Chef Jeffrey Diagneau is also preparing an Easter Sunday Brunch on March 31. The menu feature Diagneau’s usual inventive flair as reflected in offerings like “Burnt End” Brisket Hash, Corned Beef Benedict, and vegan, plantbased “Chicken” Carbonara.
More information on both events, including links to make reservations, is available at lattitude1338.com. Lattitude Restaurant answers at 413-241-8888.
• The Delaney House will once again be offering an at-home “Easy Easter” Feast takeout this year. The basic menu for the package, which is designed to accommodate four to six people, includes a
Agawam Public Library. Bags are provided- one per adult. Free. 750 Cooper St., Agawam. 413-789-1550 or agawamlibrary.org.
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.
HRHS Musical “Mary Poppins”: Fri.-Sat, 7 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m. Hampshire Regional High School. All performances will take place at the Hampshire Regional High School auditorium in Westhampton. $15 for adults/general admission, $10 for seniors and children under 18, and $5 for HRHS students and staff. 19 Stage Road, Westhampton.
”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; 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.
Montague Shakespeare Festival: See Thursday listing
Voyage-Ultimate Journey Tribute Band: Fri, MGM Springfield, 8
broccoli-cheese strata, ham, chicken piccata, pancakes, waffle wedges, and more.
Additional items, including blackened salmon, Gorgonzola sirloin, stuffed scrod, and side dishes can be selected, on an additional charge basis, to enhance “Feasts.”
Orders need to be placed by March 26 for March 30 pickup. Contact the Delaney House in Holyoke at 413-532-1800 for more details.
• On Tuesday, March 26, the two Springfield area Uno Pizzeria And Grill locations (Hall of Fame Avenue and Boston Road at Haymarket Square) will be holding Kids’ Easter Egg Decorating Events from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Boston Road location will repeat the event on Wednesday, March 27. Reservations are required for all three decorating sessions.
p.m. Aria Ballroom. For tickets, visit mgmspringfield.mgmresorts. com/en/entertainment/aria-ballroom.html, starting at $53. 1 MGM Way, Springfield.
2024 Home Show Expo: See Thursday listing
”The Cemetery Club”: See Friday listing
Crafterpalooza Shopping Days: See Friday listing
The Eagles Experience: Sat, Crestview Country Club, show starts at 8 p.m. Dinner and show and show-only tickets available. . For tickets, call 413-786-2593 or go online to crest viewcc.org, $60 dinner and show or $30 show only. 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam, 413-786-2593.
Easter Bunny is Back: See Thursday listing
HRHS Musical “Mary Poppins”: See Friday listing
Kids Fun Fair and Barnyard Petting
Zoo: Sat.-Sun, Eastern States Exposition, Mallary Complex. Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Featuring hay rides, games, and chances to interact with exotic animals. Adult tickets online are $17 each; adult tickets at the show are $22 each. Children 12 and under are free with coupon and paid adult. Coupons can be found at local businesses and also at the front box office, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-7372443 or thebige.com.
The Uno Boston Road location answers at 413-543-6600; the Fall of Fame Avenue location picks up at 413-301-6688.
• On Saturday, March 23, Shattuck’s Sugarhouse in Belchertown will be holding its second annual Sugarfest from noon to 5 p.m.
Live music will be provided by the band Baby Driver, and locally-brewed beer from Vanished Valley Brewery will be available, including a special “Shattuck’s Maple Brown Beer.”
Other food vendors will be offering popcorn, grilled burgers, pierogis, waffles and maple cotton candy.
The telephone number for Shattuck’s Sugarhouse is 413262-6594.
• Chipotle Mexican Grill locations have brought back one of their most popular limited-time-only ingre-
“The Ladyslipper”: See Thursday listing
Montague Shakespeare Festival: See Thursday listing
SUNDAY
2024 Home Show Expo: See Thursday listing
”The Cemetery Club”: See Friday listing
Easter Bunny is Back: See Thursday listing
”Food, Farms, and Factories”
Sunday matinee Documentary Series: Sun., 6-7:30 p.m. Montague Mill. For teens and adults. 440 Greenfield Road, Montague.
HRHS Musical “Mary Poppins”: See Friday listing
Kids Fun Fair and Barnyard Petting Zoo: See Saturday listing
”The Ladyslipper”: See Thursday listing
Montague Shakespeare Festival: See Thursday listing
Quabbin Valley Twirlers Square Dance Club: Sun, First Church in Ludlow. Beginner dancing starts at 6:30 p.m. Sun. and the plus classes for advanced dancers is from 6-8 p.m. on Mon. Donation is $6 for each class per person, 859 Center St., Ludlow.
South Hadley Chorale Concert: Sun, 3 p.m. Abbey Chapel, For tickets, visit southhadleychorale. org or contact the chorale at 413533-3833, $5-$25. 50 College St., South Hadley.
dient options, Chicken al Pastor. Marinated in a blend of morita peppers, ground achiote, and pineapple juice, after having been griddled the fresh chicken is finished with lime and cilantro.
Chicken al Pastor can be ordered as part of a number of Chipotle menu items. It is also being made available in a “digital-only” Chicken al Pastor bowl.
There are Chipotle locations in Chicopee on Route 33, in West Springfield on Memorial Avenue, on Whiting Farms Road in Holyoke and on Route 9 in Hadley.
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.
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Considering how popular the style is these days, it’s almost unimaginable to think that it might not have come about in quite the way it did if it weren’t for British colonization. Of course, colonization also did a lot of horrific things, but here’s at least one part of it that produced something good in our world today.
Staying in the past again for this one: What if Prohibition had never happened? Beer fans back in 1920 clearly didn’t like Prohibition. And, looking back on it historically, most of us beer aficionados today view it as quite a mistake. There were 1,300 brew-
There were 1,300 breweries in the country before Prohibition and only about 100 after. We have to wonder how many of the 1,300 would have survived over the decades.
eries in the country before Prohibition and only about 100 after. We have to wonder how many of the 1,300 would have survived over the decades. And if most of them did, what would the beer landscape look like today?
We go “back to the future” for our last “what-if”: What if the internet had never come into being? OK, this is a weird one because almost every aspect of modern life would be different without the web these days, and beer wouldn’t seem to be something that is overly affected by the cyber world. But think about how much of a role the internet plays in informing all of us about beer. From columns like this one to popular sites like Beeradvocate.com and Ratebeer.com to breweries own websites, a plethora of beer information is literally at our fingertips.
What are your beer-related “what-ifs”? Send me a note at geolenker@yahoo.com.
numbers in perspective, there are 1,368 total grape varieties, according to the reference book “Wine Grapes” by Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding and Jose Vouillamoz.
What are the top 5 red wine grapes in the world?
• Cabernet Sauvignon (840,000 acres)
• Merlot (657,000 acres)
• Tempranillo (570,000 acres)
• Syrah (470,000 acres)
• Grenache (402,000 acres)
What are the top 5 red wine grapes in the US?
• Cabernet Sauvignon (101,000 acres)
• Pinot Noir (61,000 acres)
• Merlot (51,000 acres)
• Zinfandel (47,000 acres)
• Syrah (22,000 acres)
What temperature should you serve red wine?
A few weeks ago, I wrote about how many people serve white wines too cold. Red wines often have the opposite problem. Many people often serve red wines too warm. The ideal temperature for most red wines is roughly 55 to 65 degrees. This is often described as room temperature. That might seem like a cold room, but you need to realize that the phrase room temperature comes from a time when wines were often served in cold stone castles or chateaus.
So why does the temperature of a red wine matter? If you serve a red wine too warm or too cold, it won’t reveal many of the flavors we love. Instead, those flavors will remain hidden and the wine will frankly taste a bit dull and boring.
History: First planted in the 1770s in the Bordeaux region of France.
Popular regions: France (Bordeaux), California (Napa Valley), Chile, Italy (Tuscany) & Australia.
Common flavors: Dense, dark fruit flavors (blackberry) but can be jam-like when young.
History: First planted in the first century AD in France’s Burgundy region.
Popular regions: France (Burgundy and Champagne), California, Oregon & New Zealand.
Common flavors: Subtle, understated, elegant flavors but can be jam-like when young.
History: First planted in the 1780s (or even earlier) in the Bordeaux region of France.
Popular regions: France (Bordeaux’s Right Bank), California & Chile.
Common flavors: Subtle, understated, soft fruit-like flavors.
History: First planted in the 1780s in France’s Northern Rhone region.
Popular regions: France (Rhone), Australia (called Shiraz) & California.
Common flavors: Spicier fruit flavors with hints of pepper, blackberry and plum.
History: First planted in the 1770s in the Cahors region in Southwest France.
Popular regions: Argentina, France (Cahors) & California.
Common flavors: Meaty flavors influenced by soil and how it’s aged, especially in oak barrels.
History: First planted in the Abruzzo region of Italy.
Popular regions: Italy (Montepulciano d’Abruzzo region).
Common flavors: Hearty, earthy red wine with dark fruit flavors.
2021 Duckhorn Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.99 At Table & Vine in West Springfield)
Region: Napa Valley, California
Grapes: 90% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot.
Tasting notes: Bright, lively cherry flavors with hints of other dense, dark fruits.
PINOT NOIR
2016 Hubert Bouzereau-Gruere Santenay ($49.99 At Table & Vine)
Region: Santenay, Burgundy, France
Grapes: 100% pinot noir
Tasting notes: Santenay Pinot Noirs tend to be earthy yet elegant, subtle and graceful.
2021 Duckhorn Decoy Merlot ($17.99 At Table & Vine)
Region: Sonoma County, California
Grapes: 100% merlot
Tasting notes: Soft, vibrant fruit flavors, ranging from fresh-picked plums to blackberries.
2021 Cave Saint Desirat Syrah ($9.99 At Table & Vine)
Region: Northern Rhone, France
Grapes: 100% syrah
Tasting notes: Soft, well-rounded wine with hints of roasted cherry, blackberry & pepper.
MALBEC
2020 Gouleyant Malbec
Cahors ($12.99 At Table & Vine)
Region: Cahors, France
Grapes: 100% Malbec
Tasting notes: Hearty, full-bodied wine with ripe cherry, blackberry and dark chocolate notes.
RHONE BLEND
2020 E. Guigal Cotes Du Rhone ($14.99 At Table & Vine)
Region: Southern Rhone, France
Grapes: 50% syrah, 40% grenache, 10% mourvedre
Tasting notes: Smooth yet robust, earthy wine with hints of roasted cherry and pepper.
MONTEPULCIANO
2021 Ninety Plus Cellars Montepulciano D’Abruzzo ($9.99 At Table & Vine)
Region: Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, Italy
Grapes: 100% montepulciano
Tasting notes: Dense, plump with robust fruit flavors, including roasted blackberry and cherry.
What is the most popular classic red wine?
The seven red wines listed above were recently tasted side by side by myself and a group of 16 other people. Afterward, I asked everyone which wine was their favorite red wine. Or, more specifically, which red wine would you buy to serve with dinner tomorrow night?
The winner? By a clear two-vote margin, the Italian montepulciano beat the cabernet sauvignon and the syrah, which tied for second place.
Five people voted for the montepulciano, which I included in the tasting since it’s such a consistently great, affordable red wine. This is also why I included a blended red wine from France’s Rhone region. I think they taste great and often cost less than $15 a bottle.
The winning wine from montepulciano was described by different people who tasted the wine at the tasting as smooth, a bit sweet, fruity but not sweet as well as having hints of plum, cherry and raspberry. Foods that pair well with this wine include fish, meat and chicken, according to people at the wine tasting.
Three people voted for the cabernet sauvignon wine, which was described as having structure and rich flavors, including cherry, blackberry and pepper. As far as food, steak and barbecue were mentioned as possible food pairings.
Three people voted for the syrah, which was described as having a strong aroma and pepper-like flavors at first, then becoming more full-bodied later, then lighter and piney and easy to enjoy. For foods, fish and kielbasa were both mentioned as possible food pairings.
Two people voted for the pinot noir, two people voted for the merlot, and one person voted for the blended red wine from France’s Rhone region. The malbec didn’t receive any votes.
So which wine was my favorite? All of them. That’s why I picked these wines for this classic red wine tasting. But don’t take my word for it. As always, my advice is to taste them side by side and decide for yourself.
Cheers!
active military are admitted free.
Among the many new exhibitors at this year’s show include Eastern Biomass with their wood pellet house boilers, Unique Touches selling customized olive wood kitchen ware, Asia Teak offering customized teak furniture and wall décor, and Wash Works Laundromat, a home laundry pickup service.
Crane noted there will also be many new and existing solar companies on hand, as well as several energy audit companies.
“They will come out to your home and determine what you are using for energy and where your losses are, so you can look for the right product when you are ready,” he said.
Crane offered four tips to consider while shopping at this weekend’s show.
• Don’t let price dictate your decision when selecting a contractor. Price is a factor, however, you want to feel your money will be well spent and you will want to judge the character of the person you are having a discussion with and the quality of their materials.
• Consider how long someone has been in business. Longevity counts and it can tell you that their work has been acceptable to customers and good enough to keep them in business all those years.
• Every single worker the contractor will be sending to
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smorgasbord of entertainment, with live music on most weekend nights, trivia every Wednesday, and monthly salsa lessons. Progression also hosts a jam night the first Thursday of each month.
Drunken Rabbit Brewing in South Hadley offers occasional live music, but makes up for it with a panoply of workshops and
your job needs to be covered by an insurance policy. To be certain, ask the contractor to have their insurance company send you an ACORD certificate, which is proof that the contractor has the amount of liability insurance required for the project. But, make sure it comes directly from the insurance agency and not the contractor.
• Check on the contractors you might be considering for a job to be sure that they are registered with the state (required in Massachusetts) as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC). While the garden aspect of the show is limited, there will be several landscapers with small garden displays, alongside hardscape contractors and a variety of garden accessories for sale.
The Western Mass Home & Garden Show website has a list of vendors attending this year’s show. Looking through the list will allow attendees the opportunity to preplan their time at the show by deciding in advance who they want to meet and talk with.
The Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Western Massachusetts is a trade association representing over 350 companies offering services for everything for your home and garden. Association members will be handing out their Membership Directory at the door filled with helpful consumer information, as well as a list of their reputable members by category.
The Eastern States Exposition charges $5 to park, cash only.
other activities on the calendar. Hitchcock Brewing in Bernardston features an open stage on Thursdays, followed by live music on most Friday and Saturday nights.
Also up north, the Pioneer Valley Brewing Co. has music most weekends and trivia on the last Thursday of each month.
Plenty of other brewpubs also offer entertainment in some form. Check out your favorite pub’s website to see what’s on tap besides beer.
- Chicken Francaise Served in a Lemon Wine Sauce
- 12 Jumbo Coconut Shrimp
- Baked Glazed Ham
- Roasted Carrots with Brown Sugar
- Garlic & Herb Potatoes
- Shadone: A Frigo’s Traditional Easter Pie
Made with Basket Cheese, Fresh Egg, and Asiago
- Raspberry Lemon Drop cake
Add On: Bourbon Atlantic Salmon | $12.95 per serving
$275 | Serves 8+ People
All Orders Must Be Made by March 28th and Picked Up by Saturday, March 30th by 4:00pm
Place your order today by calling us at 413-732-5428 (Springfield) or 413-525-9400 (East Longmeadow)
