SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL: ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at Shea Theater, D3
‘AN AMERICAN CELEBRATION’: SSO partners with veterans organizations for military appreciation concert, D4
LUPA ZOO: Ludlow Zoo ready for a season of fun and learning, D5
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
You don’t have to travel to Florida or other exotic locations to experience the fun of “Spring Break” that is enjoyed by students and others each year at this time.
Six Flags New England will open its gates for the 2024 season on Saturday at 11 a.m. and will be open weekends in April and May, as well as April 12-21 for both Connecticut and Massachusetts “spring breakers.”
Daily operations begin June 12.
“As we open for the 2024 season, we’re excited to share new and limited-engagement experiences and an ongoing commitment to creating a first-class experience for our
guests,” said Pete Carmichael, park president, in a Six Flag news release. “As New England’s premier family entertainment destination, we’re elevating our guests’ experience, giving them a reason to return again and again.”
Pass holders only can party like a VIP during a special after party on April 13, 14, 19 and 20. Beginning at 5 p.m. each night, pass holders can experience exclusive ride times on their favorite coast-
ers along with music, games, and a DJ who will keep the fun going until 9 p.m.
“Each of our Pass Holder
After Party nights will be themed and we are encouraging participants to dress
Theme nights include Superhero on April 13 and 20, Villain on April 14, and Retro Riverside on April 19 when riders can dress in their favorite retro-style once seen at the original Riverside Park before it became part of the Six Flags family.
THURSDAY
The Hawks & Reed Performing
Arts Center: Kassa Overall. 289
Main St., Greenfield
Theodores’: Rockstar Karaoke. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
FRIDAY
East Mountain Country Club: The Lost A-Sides. 1458 E. Mountain Road, Westfield
Fort Hill Brewery: Tom Savoy. 30
Fort Hill Road, Easthampton
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar
Comedy Club: Connor King. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
The Drake: Ali McGuirk with Arden Lloyd. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
The Hawks & Reed Performing
Arts Center: Crazy Train: Ozzy Experience. 289 Main St., Greenfield
The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow
Theodores’: Erin Harpe and the Delta Swingers. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
West Springfield’s Irish House
Restaurant & Pub: Geezer. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SATURDAY
Delaney House: Baird Souls. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar
Comedy Club: Connor King. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
The Drake: Popa Chubby. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Strangecreek: Battle of the Bands. 289 Main St., Greenfield
Theodores’: Professor Harp. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
West Springfield’s Irish House
Restaurant & Pub: The Belfast Cowboys. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY
BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity: Connections Concert. 130 Pine St., Florence
The Drake: Freedom First-Keith LaMar & Albert Marques. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
The Republican is not responsible for unannounced schedule changes. Listings must be received two weeks before the date of the event. Items should be mailed to Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329, emailed to pmastriano@repub.com or submitted to masslive.com/ myevent
The Montague Shakespeare Festival will present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Shea Theater Arts Center in Turners Falls this weekend.
This weekend at the Shea Theater, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” brought to life by director Fiona Ross and a cast made up of regional actors. The production showcases Ross’ creativity, renowned for her two-decade-long association with the Royal Shakespeare Company, but also highlights the exceptional talent and passion of the Mon-
tague Shakespeare Festival actors, whose performances breathe new life into Shakespeare’s timeless characters.
Set against the backdrop of Athens, this production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is presented with a dystopian twist. Ross reimagines Athens as a dark, authoritarian society as a backdrop to the classic tale of love, intrigue, and transformation.
The Montague Shakespeare Festival’s rendition of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” promises to engage, entertain, and inspire, making this weekend an unmissable event
TWO NEW SHOWS were just announced for the Academy of Music in Northampton.
The hallowed theater will host shows by Blackmore’s Night on June 30 and Shawn Colvin & KT Tunstall on July 13 as the local summer concert circuit starts to heat up.
Blackmore’s Night, of course, is the longtime project of Ritchie Blackmore, former guitarist and founding member of both Deep Purple and Rainbow. Universally considered one of rock music’s premier axemen, Blackmore now mostly plays acoustic instruments, blending in electric guitar subtly at times. This only makes sense, as Blackmore’s Night is a medieval, Renaissance-type affair, with Blackmore’s wife, Candice Night, handling the lead vocals. Night also handles duties on seven different medieval woodwinds, including chanters, shawms, pennywhistles and recorders. While Blackmore will always be best known for his guitar pyrotechnics with Deep Purple, Blackmore’s Night has shown
a staying power that few bands achieve: the group celebrates its 27th anniversary this year.
The Shawn Colvin/KT Tunstall pairing seems like a natural fit to fans of each woman. Colvin has long been a favorite here in the Pioneer Valley, having played here plenty over her 40-year career, most recently at Bombyx in 2022. After banging around the folk scenes in both California and New York City for years, Colvin finally garnered a record contract, which produced her 1989 Grammy-award winning debut, “Steady On.”
It wasn’t until 1996, however, that Colvin grabbed national attention with
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra will host “An American Celebration,” its seventh concert of its 2023-24 season, on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Springfield Symphony Hall. The performance will feature the works of American composers, led by Peter Boyer as guest conductor and featuring pianist Jeffrey Biegel.
The orchestra is also partnering with local veterans’ organizations for the concert, which will serve as a military service appreciation event, and all attendees are encouraged to wear red, white and blue as part of the patriotic theme of the concert. Attendees are also asked to bring toiletries and other essentials to be donated to the Massachusetts veterans organization Veterans Inc.
“An American Celebration” will feature two of the most iconic pieces of American music: Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring Suite,” and George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” and “Fanfare Ritmico” by Jennifer Higdon will also be part of the program.
Pianist Jeffrey Biegel, a longtime champion of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody,” commis-
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her album “A Few Small Repairs” and the hit single “Sunny Came Home,” which spent four weeks at the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. The single also won two Grammys: Song of the Year and Record of the Year.
Tunstall might seem like a relative newcomer compared to Colvin, but this year actually marks the 20th anniversary of her breakout hit, “Black Horse
sioned Boyer, an acclaimed American composer, to compose a new work in celebration of Rhapsody in Blue’s centennial this year. That piece, “Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue,” is being performed by orchestras around the United States, and Boyer will conduct his own work for the Saturday’s concert.
According to Paul Lambert, president and CEO of the orchestra, “This stirring concert will celebrate our amazing American composers, and we are very proud to present Mr. Boyer’s new work, Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue, being per-
formed by orchestras around the country. We honor our veterans with selections that many in our audience will recognize, and want to encourage concertgoers to bring personal items that will be used by Veterans in need and celebrate our partnership with Veterans Inc. and the vital work they do in helping those who have served in uniform.”
There will be a pre-concert veteran-focused event in the Mahogany Room with veterans’ organizations showcasing the services they offer, including VA Services;
It is “a tale as old as time.”
“Beauty and the Beast” will come to life on the Academy of Music stage in Northampton for several performances by the Pioneer Valley Ballet (PVB), beginning Saturday at 1 p.m.
Additional performances continue on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 1 p.m.
PVB’s production is a moving ballet based on the French tale made famous by Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont. Full of whimsy and magic, the play weaves the powerful and unforgettable story of a young woman who discovers the true meaning of love in an unexpected place.
“We also drew strong inspiration for our version from the 1946 “Beauty and the Beast” film directed by Jean Cocteau. Still, kids will recognize a few elements from the popular Disney films such as the teacups and candles that come to life,” said Thomas Vacanti,
PVB’s co-artistic director who shares the title with Maryanne Kodzis.
He noted “Beauty and the Beast” is one of their “most difficult productions, surprisingly even more than when we stage our annual production of ‘Nutcracker.’”
“There are more dramatic intents in this ballet, so we really need dancers and performers who are good actors as well, and that includes our younger cast members. I find myself in rehearsals reminding them that they are a teacup and asking them what they are trying to do in the scene which is to cheer up Beauty. So, the production really demands a lot from our performers as far as dance technique and acting skills,” Vacanti said.
But don’t think because of the title “Beauty and the Beast” that the production is only for kids.
“We try to make our spring production very accessible to young audiences, but we also want to offer a good, solid production for adults. We are creating a ballet of the highest artistic standards a general audience,” Vacanti said.
First presented by PVB with choreography by Vacanti and Kodzis in 2009, the ballet is set to the music of Czech
and the Cherry Tree.” She is renowned as a live performer, where she employs her expertise in using a looper to augment her sound. More recently she has moved into composing for musical theater.
Tickets to both shows can be purchased on the Academy of Music’s website.
Liner notes
• The soon-to-be-reopened Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton keeps adding shows and the latest will grab the interest of country, folk and
bluegrass fans.
Kathy Mattea will appear in the hallowed music venue on June 10.
Mattea has gained plenty of critical and popular acclaim during her 35-year career, including winning two Grammy Awards, four CMA Awards, and five gold albums (plus a platinum “Greatest Hits” collection). Her latest album, “Pretty Bird,” is an eclectic collection of songs that chronicles her rededication to singing after she went back to renew her vocal talent with a vocal coach.
appropriately for each of those nights,” said park spokesperson Ray Sciarretta.
Theme nights include Superhero on April 13 and 20, Villain on April 14, and Retro Riverside on April 19 when riders can dress in their favorite retro-style once seen at the original Riverside Park before it became part of the Six Flags family.
After Party guests will also be able to climb aboard the Stampede Bumper Cars Remix. The limited time attraction, available until May 18, will feature the park’s classic Stampede Bumper Cars with a major twist of lasers, lights, video effects and upbeat country music hits.
Other special events planned throughout the year include the annual July 4th Firework Celebration from July 4-6, Food and Brew Festival on Saturdays and Sundays from July 6 to Aug. 11, Oktoberfest on Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 7 to Oct. 27, Kids Boo Fest on Satur-
A variety of animals call the Lupa Zoo in Ludlow home. At left, Kelsey Marciano looks on as her daughter Sofia has a ball feeding goats at the zoo. (DON TREEGER / THE
FILE)
After a long winter the animals at Lupa Zoo are ready to welcome visitors back to their Ludlow home for a new season of fun and learning on Saturday at 10 a.m.
Hundreds of animals on 20 acres — from birds to
reptiles and from primates to exotic hoof stock and more — await animal lovers of all ages, including encounters with zebras, camels, alpacas, monkeys, lemurs, squirrels, antelope, parrots, finches, colorful peacocks, foxes, black and white swans, Himalayan bears and so many
What is new, especially for those who have no tolerance for waiting in line, is the introduction of Speedy Parking, which will allow guests to skip the parking lot wait.
days and Sundays from Sept. 21 to Nov. 3, and the popular Fright Fest on select nights from Sept. 21 to Oct. 27, with a special Last Scare Weekend on Nov. 2-3.
Although there are no new rides for the upcoming season, there are some enhancements to further your experience.
What is new, especially for those who have no tolerance for waiting in line, is the introduction of Speedy Parking, which will allow guests to skip the parking lot wait. Speedy Parking is free to pass holders and $43 for single day ticket holders purchased online in advance.
The parking lot will also feature new charging stations for electric vehicles.
For shoppers in the crowd, Six Flags New England is introducing two new stores into the mix of its many gift shops.
“We are going to have a Fright Fest store where you can prepare in advance and
won’t have to wait until fall to purchase those items you want for our annual Fright Fest. The new Kidz Korner will feature things just for kids and will be stocked with toys, apparel and other items just for kids,” Sciarretta said.
Visitors will have to wait until Memorial Day weekend, however, to cool off at Hurricane Harbor. Some 15 attractions await water lovers at New England’s largest water park, from the Hurricane Falls water slide to Hurricane Bay where you can swim, dive, and enjoy splashing around to the Kiddie Pirate Ship play structure and Splash Island just for kids with a small wave pool and lazy river to cruise down on their own.
Six Flags New England offers a variety of passes, including unlimited admission, parking, discounts, and more, such as exclusive benefits and events all season.
During the Spring Break sale, guests purchasing a Platinum Pass online get a free
other living creatures to see, but not pet.
“We don’t allow contact with the animals, but you can get close enough to throw food to them that you purchase at our zoo,” said Joan Lupa, zoo owner.
What started as a hobby for
upgrade to a Diamond Pass. Passes start as low as $8.99 a month after initial payment. For additional information, including updates on oneday daily admission prices, times and more, visit sixflags. com.
Monday, April 8 • 10 am-5 pm
Interactive exhibits and engaging activities in the Science Museum! Free eclipse glasses for the first 250 visitors to arrive.
AS REGULAR READers might suspect, I follow a lot of Irish accounts across several social media platforms.
So when Diageo recently announced a six-cent increase in the price of Guinness starting in April, there was an online eruption of outrage from plenty of folks.
Six cents might not seem like a big deal, but from what I’ve been reading, this will be the third price hike in the past 18 months for “the Black Stuff.” Anyone who has been to Ireland will know just how much Guinness is sold there. Despite craft beer making inroads in sales there, Guinness clearly still dominates the market, so both publicans and drinkers are going to be unhappy with even a small price increase.
Just after this news landed on my desk, I learned about a recent survey that ranked countries based on the average price of a beer (not just Guinness or craft beer, but an average of all beers). It turns out that the Irish have a right to complain, as they already rank 12th out of the 89 countries listed in this survey.
We in the U.S. also have cause for some general griping, as we rank just below Ireland, at 17th in the survey. The prices are stated in British pounds (a pound is about $1.26 as of this writing) and the average price of a beer in the States is £4.70 ($5.92) with Irish punters forking over £5.13 ($6.46) for a brew. (The information was provided by https://bountii. com, which used data from a survey by http://numbeo. com.)
Not surprisingly, the United Arab Emirates ranked as the most expensive place to have a beer, with a cold one costing you a cool £8.51 ($10.72) on average. But Abu Dhabi isn’t known as a budget vacation spot
George Lenker Beer Nut
Not surprisingly, the United Arab Emirates ranked as the most expensive place to have a beer, with a cold one costing you a cool £8.51 ($10.72) on average.
anyway. Other countries in the top 10 include Oman, Norway, Israel, Switzerland, Finland, Singapore, Denmark, Sweden and Australia.
On the other end of the scale, Nigeria ranks as the cheapest place to get a beer, with the average price coming in at 32 cents in American money. Other inexpensive places include Belarus, China, and Vietnam, all slipping in just under $1 U.S. Of course, we craft beer enthusiasts have to chuckle at that American average of $5.92. I can’t recall the last time I had a craft beer pint under $6. (Before I get angry letters, let me say that I’m sure there are places that charge less than $6; I just haven’t seen any when it comes to craft brews.)
As far as popular holiday spots, France, the U.K., Italy and Greece all rank in the top 25 most expensive places in terms of beer prices.
Beer hot spots German and Belgium are surprisingly somewhat cheaper, but still in the top 30. Good information to have if you plan your vacations around beer.
THERE ARE CERtainly no shortage of jobs that might be labeled as “thankless,” but in today’s business environment, the position of restaurant manager could certainly qualify for such an unflattering designation.
The hours are long, the stress level is high and the pay usually isn’t that great. The restaurant work environment is notoriously chaotic, with an endless series of operational problems arising to fill a manager’s every working hour. It’s no surprise, then, that recruiting and retaining good managers is becoming somewhat of an existential threat to the industry.
Moreover, the post-COVID business environment has created new challenges for those in charge of restaurants. Digital ordering channels and third party delivery services have expanded the scope of business activity beyond the four walls of a restaurant, and chronic help shortages can make staffing an operation a day-in, day-out nightmare.
Add to those pressures corporate initiatives to update menus or expand into new dayparts, and the result can be a perfect storm of operational headaches at the unit level.
Contributing to the management talent problem is a supply-side issue — fewer young people are choosing to train for hospitality careers. Faced with enrollment declines, one local community college has suspended offering hospitality management courses, and nationally ranked four-year programs in restaurant and hotel administration, which not long ago were turning away students, now no longer finds themselves needing to do so.
In order to survive and prosper in the years ahead, the restaurant industry needs to address the problems its managers face — by offering more support, better training, and, as a few of the more enlightened chains already do, giving managers a meaning-
Hugh Robert Off The Menu
ful equity stake in the restaurants they run.
• On Friday, April 26, BrickRoad Productions of Monson, with the assistance of the 1761 Old Mill Restaurant in Westminster, will be presenting a dinner-theater whodunit.
Written by Brent Northup, “The Mountain Moonshine Mystery” involves death by “white lightning.” The production’s cast will be enlisting the help of those in attendance to help solve the mystery.
A buffet dinner at 7 p.m. will precede the show, with a cash bar available. Tickets, which are $50 per person, can be purchased by calling 978-8745941.
• The Table 3 Restaurant Group in Sturbridge will be presenting its monthly “Cooking with Rico” session
on Wednesday, April 17, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Held at Avellino Restaurant in Sturbridge, the evening will feature Table 3’s Executive Chef, Enrico Giovanello, sharing tips and techniques for making brickoven-style pizza.
In addition to discussing the lore surrounding Italy’s iconic pie, Giovanello will also demonstrate how to make fresh pasta, providing samples of his handiwork as he does so.
The event is $48 per person, tax and gratuity additional. Wine, beer and cocktails will be available from the restaurant’s bar for separate purchase.
Reservations for “Cooking with Rico,” which require a prepaid deposit, can be ordered online.
Avellino answers at 508347-2321.
• Figaro Ristorante in Enfield will be holding “A Taste of Italy” Italian Night on Wednesday, April 10. Seating and cocktails get underway at 6 p.m., with dinner service scheduled to begin at 6:45 p.m.
The menu for this family-style Italian feast includes an array of starters — Eggplant Rollatini, Escarole & Beans, and Zuppa di Mussels.
Penthouse 650 Weddings & Events of Springfield is partnering with Carlo Bonavita, the owner of the Springfield Wine Exchange, to present a five-course wine dinner April 18.composer Antonín Dvořák.
“We are still using our original set that was wonderfully designed by Amy Davis. There are many moving parts to the set which continually change, whether it is to create the feeling of being in the Beast’s magical garden or inside his castle. Equally wonderful is the inspired costuming by Emily Dunn, who we continually challenge with our requests such as, ‘We need 12 candlesticks,’” Vacanti said.
“Beauty and the Beast” features a cast of nearly 90 performers, including PVB dancers alongside guest artists, including Tommy Siebold from New York City, who plays Beast along with Yelena Caldanaro, from PVB’s training program, who plays Beauty.
Tickets range from $30 - $45 in addition to service fees. They can be purchased directly from the Academy of Music Theatre Box Office, online at www.aom theatre.com, in person at 274 Main Street in downtown Northampton, or by phone at 413-584-9032, ext.105. The box office is open Tuesday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. and also opens one hour before each performance.
For more information, visit pioneervalley ballet.org.
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for Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be staged at the Shea Theater Arts Center, 71 Avenue A, April 5 through 7. The show runs for 1 hour and 30 minutes. For tickets, visit
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Springfield Vet Center; Springfield Partners for Community Action; Springfield VSO; and Veterans Inc.
Concert attendees are asked to bring donations of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, soap dishes/travel containers, disposable razors, white men’s undershirts, and socks, which will go to Veterans Inc. to be distributed at its annual Stand Down event. All those who donate an item to the supply drive will be entered to win two free tickets to any 2024-2025 orchestra performance.
In a statement, Veterans Inc. shared: “Veterans Inc. extends heartfelt gratitude to the SSO for their dedication in hosting
‘An American Celebration’ in honor of our Veterans: Past, Present, and Future. Your ongoing support is invaluable, and we are deeply thankful. We look forward to collecting wishlist items from attendees, knowing that each contribution directly impacts the lives of hundreds of Veterans and their families. It is partnerships like these that allow us to continue providing wraparound programming and services to over 6,000 Veterans annually. As we reflect on their service, let us remember: ‘They were there for us when we needed them. We must be there now that they need us.”
Easy Company Brewing will also offer beer sampling, and its beer will be available for purchase at concessions. Inspired by those who serve and have served, Easy Com-
pany Brewing donates 100% of after-tax profits to charities that support veterans, first-responders, and their families.
Boomer from the Springfield Thunderbirds will also be present in the lobby for photos, in support of the military appreciation evening.
Peter Boyer is one of the most frequently performed American orchestral composers of his generation. His works have received over 600 public performances by more than 200 orchestras, and tens of thousands of broadcasts by classical radio stations around the United States and abroad.
Boyer has received commissions from prestigious American institutions and ensembles, including the Kennedy Center for the National Symphony Orchestra,
the Boston Symphony Orchestra for the Boston Pops, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for the Cincinnati Pops, the Pacific Symphony, and “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, which premiered his Fanfare for Tomorrow at the inauguration of President Biden. In addition to his work for the concert hall, Boyer’s career has included work in the film and television music industry. He has contributed orchestrations to more than 35 film scores, has arranged music for the Academy Awards, and composed music for The History Channel.
In 2019, Boyer received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which is officially recognized by both Houses of Congress as one of the most prestigious American awards.
Jeffrey Biegel is considered the most prolific artist of his generation as a pianist having created the most diverse commissioning projects, premieres and recordings, building bridges to break divides through music. 2021 saw the world premieres of Biegel’s “Reflection of Justice: An Ode to Ruth Bader Ginsburg” with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s “Remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg” for mezzo-soprano, piano and orchestra in tribute to the late Supreme Court Justice. For 2023, world premieres of Boyer’s “Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue” and Grammy-winning singer/ songwriter Melissa Manchester’s AWAKE” for piano and orchestra.
Tickets are on sale, starting online at $25, at Springfield Symphony.org, or by calling the Box Office at 413-733-2291.
“A
Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be staged at the Shea Theater Arts Center, 71 Avenue A, April 5 through 7. The show runs for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
sheatheater.org. The collaboration and support from the Montague community and Turners Falls have successfully realized the Montague Shakespeare Festival, underscoring the region’s strong commitment
to fostering cultural events and artistic expression. It is supported by various organizations and dedicated to bringing The Bard’s power of theater to all. It’s a chance to be part of a unique celebration of Shakespeare’s genius right in the
heart of Turners Falls. The festival is presented by the Shea Theater Arts Center and RiverCulture with the generous support of Greenfield Savings Bank, The Greenfield Cooperative Bank, Eggtooth Productions, The Mass Cultur-
al Council Festival Grant, and the MCC Local Cultural Councils of Amherst and Montague. For more information, go online to montague shake spearefestival.com or email info@montague shakespearefestival.com
Show Mom that you recognize and appreciate all she does throughout the year by celebrating Mother’s Day at her favorite Table 3 restaurant.
Celebrate Mother’s Day at one of Table 3’s highly acclaimed locations.
Cedar Street Grille will be offering their unique brunch menu all day plus some amazing Mother’s Day specials. Seating is 10am–4pm. We always sell out early for Mother’s Day, so visit exploretock.com/cedar-street-grille-sturbridge to make your reservations now.
The Barn at Wight Farm’s spectacular annual Mother’s Day brunch buffet is brimming with all mom’s favorites. The 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 mom’s favorites, fantastic holiday cocktails, and decadent desserts. Pricing is $43.95 for adults and a children’s menu is available for children under 12. Seating is 11am–4pm. For reservations, visit exploretock.com the-duck-avellino or call 508-347-2321.
Scan QR Code for more information on Mother’s Day with Table 3 and for reservations
18th Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival: Thu., 7 p.m. Basketball Hall of Fame, “Seven Blessings.” Mature themes. For a complete list of films and more information, visit springfieldjcc.org/pvjff/, $12 general, $11 students/seniors (65+). 1000 Hall of Fame Avenue, Springfield.
Montague Shakespeare Festival: Shea Theater, three-week celebration of Shakespeare’s Timeless Works with workshops, performances, professional training.
Main Stage performances of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” April 5-7. For more information, visit montagueshakespearefestival. com, 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls. 413-863-2281 or theshea.org.
Disney’s High School Musical
One-Act Edition (An EHS Production): Fri.-Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Cultural Center at Eagle Hill, $10. 242 Old Petersham Road, Hardwick; 413-477-6746 or thecenterateaglehill.org.
Friday Fish Fry: Fri., 5-7 p.m. The Swift River Sportsman’s Club
Friday Fish Fry is running 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.
History Bites Lunchtime Lecture Series: Fri., 12:30 p.m. Bangs Community Center, Peter Grima will talk about his time exploring Mount Toby: “Twenty Years at Mount Toby,” 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst. 413-259-3065 or amherstma.gov.
Lady Moon & The Eclipse - w/ Avery Joi, Eclipse Season Concert: Fri., 8 p.m. Marigold Theater, $15 advance or $20 day of show. 84 Cottage St., Easthampton; marigoldtheater.com
Montague Shakespeare Festival: See Thursday listing
The Theater Guild of Hampden presents “Oklahoma”: Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Fountain Park, At the Red Barn. For tickets visit theatreguildofhampden.org, 883 Tinkham Road, Wilbraham.
The Third Annual Power of Truths
Arts & Education Festival: Fri, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Sat, 7:30 a.m.-9:30 and 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity, featuring inspiring speakers, workshops, keynotes, and performances. Keynotes from Tricia Rose, Malia Lazu, and Akrobatik. Saturday night “Know the Ledge: Hiphop History Live!” will feature the Perceptionists and others. $25-$55. 130 Pine St., Florence.
16th Annual Empty Bowls: Sat., noon- 4 p.m. Amherst Survival Center, stop by the center for a meal and table service by local celebrities. You’ll find handmade bowls from local potters and soup made by local restaurants and the Survival Center’s kitchen. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free soup options are available. Meals will be served with warm bread, salad, and a light dessert, $50 (see website for more ticket options). 138 Sunderland Road, Amherst, 413-5493968 or amherstsurvival.org
18th Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival.: Sat., 8 p.m. Springfield Jewish Community Center, “Rabbi on the Block.” For more information and a list of films, visit https:// www.springfieldjcc.org/pvjff. $12 general admission, $11 for students and seniors (65+). 1160 Dickinson St., Springfield, 413-739-4715.
2024 Trailblazers of Color Leadership Conference: Sat, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Chapin Auditorium, Ilyasha Shabazz is the keynote speaker. There will be workshops as well as a people of color networking business expo, where attendees will have the opportunity to connect with each other as well as with business owned by people of color or organizations that serve people of color. To register, visit https://events.mtholyoke.edu/ toclc-2024, $15 general admission (which includes breakfast and lunch); free for all Mt. Holyoke and Five College Consortium students, faculty, and staff. 50 College St., South Hadley, mtholyoke.edu
26th Annual High School Jazz Festival: Sat., Bezanson Recital Hall, all day. Free. North Pleasant Street, Amherst. 413-545-2511 or umass.edu.
Antique Appraisal: Sat, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feeding Hills Congregational Church UCC, expert antique dealers will give verbal appraisal of your item. Only items that can be hand-carried, and no weapons of any kind. Three item limit, $5 per item; $12 for 3 items. 21 North Westfield St., Feeding Hills.
Disney’s High School Musical One-Act Edition (An EHS Production): See Friday listing
Fanfare Brass Ensemble Music Concert: Sat., 7 p.m. Easthampton Congregational Church, free. 112 Main St., Easthampton.
Minqus Dynasty: Sat., 8 p.m.
Tillis Concert Hall: formerly the Fine Arts Center Concert Hall, For tickets visit https://fac. umass.edu/Online/default.asp, Reserved $35, $30, youth 17 and
“Remembering Gene Wilder” will be screened Sunday at Greenfield Garden Cinema as part of the 18th Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival.
under & 5 College Students $10. 151 Presidents Drive, Amherst, 413545-2511.
Montague Shakespeare Festival: See Thursday listing
Springfield Symphony Orchestra: Sat, 7:30 p.m. Springfield Symphony Hall, “An American Celebration” with conductor Peter Boyer and pianist Jeffrey Biegel. For tickets, visit springfieldsymphony.org/event/an-american-celebration. Wear your red, white, and blue to show support for our military heroes. Head to the Mahogany Room before the concert for a special veteran-focused event featuring Veteran’s Inc,
Springfield Vet Center, and more. Support Veteran’s Inc.’s annual Stand Down event by donating essential items to their supply drive. Bring your donation of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and soap, soap dishes/travel containers, disposable razors, white men’s undershirts in all sizes, or socks and enter for a chance to win 2 free tickets to any 2024-2025 SSO show. Plus, enjoy beer sampling by Easy Company Brewing, a brewery dedicated to giving back to veterans, first responders, and their families. $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.
The Theater Guild of Hampden Presents “Oklahoma”: See Friday listing
The Third Annual Power of Truths Arts & Education Festival: See Friday listing
18th Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival.: Sun, 1 p.m. Greenfield Garden Cinema, “Remembering Gene Wilder.” Tickets available at the Greenfield Garden Cinema website, gardencinemas.net; for more information and complete list of films, visit springfieldjcc.org/ pvjff, $12 general admission, $11 for students and seniors (65+). 361 Main St., Greenfield. 18th Pioneer Valley Jewish Film
Festival.: Sun, 7 p.m. South Hadley’s Tower Theaters, “The Catskills.” Tickets available at South Hadley Tower Theaters. For complete listing of films and more information, visit springfieldjcc. org/pvjff, $12 general admission, $11 for students and seniors (65+). 19 College St. #1, South Hadley. 413-533-3456 or towertheaters. com.
Crossroads of Sound - A Musical Journey from Armenia to Anatolia: Sun, 4 p.m. All Saints Episcopal Church, $10. 7 Woodbridge St., South Hadley.
Disney’s High School Musical One-Act Edition (An EHS Production): See Friday listing
Montague Shakespeare Festival: See Thursday listing
New England Friends of the March of the Living Virtual Program: Sun., 2:30 p.m. Online, President of Holocaust Survivors Association Janet Stein Calm to receive the Stephan Ross Excellence in Holocaust Education Award. For reservations for the event visit https://www.wizevents.com/ nemotl2024.
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 Monday. The donation is $6 for each class per person, 859 Center St., Ludlow.
The Theater Guild of Hampden Presents “Oklahoma”: See Friday listing
CERTAIN WINE REgions and grapes often grab all the attention when it comes to Italian wine.
Think places like Tuscany and Barolo.
Or grapes like sangiovese and nebbiolo.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg — or rather the icing on the tiramisu.
There are so many more amazing places in Italy making great wines with many less well-known grapes.
And right near the top of that list is Sicily and its iconic Nero d’Avola grape.
This week, you can learn more about both.
In addition, I’ve also included some information about another often overlooked Italian white wine grape — arneis.
Let me add that all four Italian wines recommended this week each cost less than $25 a bottle.
Hope you enjoy.
History of Sicilian wine
Sicily has a long, rich history of creating great wines. Long before Sicily became part of Italy in 1861, people have been making wine on this island just off the coast of Southern Italy for more than 4,000 years. And because Sicily has long been a crossroads for many countries over the centuries, winemaking traditions
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Homemade Pasta Fagiole will follow, with Veal Rollatini, Scrod Francese, and Fresh Pasta Bolognese as main dish selections.
Dessert is included and a cash bar will be available.
The cost for the dinner is $39.95 plus tax and gratuity.
On Friday, April 12, Figaro will be hosting a comedy-dinner event. Staring Andy Casale, the evening will begin with a 6 p.m. seating, with the show to follow at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the
from Greece, Ancient Rome, Phoenicia and Spain have all left their mark on this unique Italian island.
Nero d’Avola grape: Nero d’Avola is the most popular and most widely grown wine grape in Sicily. Named after the Sicilian town of Avola and cultivated on this island since the 1600s, this versatile, red wine grape often thrives in hot, dry places like Sicily. In the past, many Sicilian winemakers blended Nero d’Avola with other grapes when making wine. However, in recent decades, some winemakers have started making wine entirely with this grape, which often produces earthy yet elegant wines with bold, ripe fruit flavors.
Arneis grape: Cultivated in Italy’s Piedmont region since the 1400s, arneis grapes produce distinct, dry white wines that have light, bright, refreshing flavors. Few winemakers in Italy were growing this relatively unknown grape
show alone are $27.
An Italian American buffet will be served before Casale’s set, with a cash bar available. As is customary for entertainment events at Figaro, there will be a food and beverage minimum purchase. Call 860-745-2444 to make reservations for either of the above evenings.
• The bartending staff at the Shortstop Bar & Grill in Westfield has introduced a spring cocktail menu.
Featured on this spring potables lineup are the likes of a “Pineapple Upside-Down Martini” made with pineapple rum, Amaretto, and pineapple
in the 1970s. However, winemakers in Piedmont saved the grape from extinction in the 1980s and have slowly expanded production of arneis grapes since then, according to “Wine Grapes” by Jancis Robinson, Julia Hardin and Jose Vouillamoz.
Wine tasting notes
2018 Cantine Ermes, Epicentro Nero d’Avola Sicilia
DOC Riserva ($20 Suggested Retail Price)
• Region: Sicily, Italy
• Grapes: 100% Nero d’Avola
• Tasting notes: This reserve red wine is made with grapes grown on land that was transformed by an earthquake in 1968. The result is a plump,
voluptuous red with big fruit flavors straight out of the bottle, especially hints of plum and blackberry. But give this wine some time and those ripe flavors become flintier and softer. The second day in particular, the wine has softer, more elegant, refined flavors.
2019 Tenuta Regaleali, Lamùri Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC ($20 SRP)
• Region: Sicily, Italy
• Grapes: 100% Nero d’Avola
• Tasting notes: Made with grapes grown at more than 1,800 feet above sea level, this bright, lively red wine has an intense, almost sparkling wine-type quality. Such light yet concentrated flavors include hints of cherry and
juice; “The Cuke,” made with cucumber & mint-infused vodka and fresh lime; and the “Mint Strawberry Smash,” a tequila-based drink flavored with muddled mint, strawberries, and lime juice. Zero-proof versions of these special spring cocktails are also available.
The Shortstop Bar & Grill can be reached at 413-6426370.
• Penthouse 650 Weddings & Events of Springfield is partnering with Carlo Bonavita, the owner of the Springfield Wine Exchange, to present a five-course wine dinner on
black pepper. Let me add that these intense flavors gradually become smoother and silkier in the glass. Give this wine time to open up and reveal all its secrets.
2021 Di Giovanna, Vurria Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC 2021 ($25 SRP)
• Region: Sicily, Italy
• Grapes: 100% Nero d’Avola
• Tasting notes: Another high-altitude wine (the vineyard used to grow these grapes is located 1,600 feet above sea level), this flinty, elegant red wine has intense, powerful flavors straight out of the barrel. Give this wine time (roughly 30 minutes) as well to open up. That’s when you’ll discover this wine’s bright, intense fruit flavors, which include hints of blackberry, plum, pepper and cherry.
2022 Ceretto — Blangé Langhe Arneis DOC ($25 SRP)
• Region: Piedmont, Italy
• Grapes: 100% arneis
• Tasting notes: The flavors in this aromatic, easy drinking wine from Italy’s Piedmont region illustrate why the arneis grape deserves more attention. Slightly effervescent at first, its subtle flavors include hints of peach and melon. There are also light, mineral-like notes of almonds and pears. A truly delightful Italian white wine. Cheers!
Thursday, April 18, starting at 5:30 p.m.
The dinner is designed to showcase the newly opened Penthouse 650 event venue at Tower Square. Penthouse 650 has taken over and extensively renovated the former Colony Club space on Tower Square’s rooftop garden.
Menu for the evening begins with a Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail “Shooter,” which is followed by an Arugula Salad garnished with Fiji apple, chevre, and a fig balsamic dressing. The third course is slated to be a French Onion Pasta, with Porcini-Rubbed Beef Tenderloin featured as
the dinner’s main course. The meal will conclude with a Dessert Trio — apple tartlet, bread pudding shooter, and a chocolate ganache bite.
Tickets for the dinner, which are $75 plus a convenience fee, can be ordered online.
Penthouse 650 Weddings & Events answers at 413-2644220.
Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College’s hospitality and culinary arts program and has nearly 50 years of restaurant and educational experience. Robert can be reached online at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com.
The three red wines and one white wine from Italy recommended this week. (KEN ROSS PHOTO) Ken Ross Wine Press