Weekend - April 11, 2024

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South Korean guitarist to play Amherst tonight, Page D2

‘JIJI’

THURSDAY, APRIL 18 NORTHAMPTON YOUTH CINEMA FESTIVAL

FRIDAY, APRIL 19

From South Korea to Fine Arts Center

Guitarist Jiyeon “Jiji” Kim will close out the UMass Fine Arts Center’s classical guitar series for the season tonight in the Bowker Auditorium.

Guitarist Jiyeon ‘Jiji’ Kim to play show in Bowker Auditorium tonight

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

She may not be a rock star like guitarists Eric Clapton or the late Jimi Hendrix, but in the classical world, Jiyeon “Jiji” Kim is a rock star in her own right.

Known professionally as Jiji Guitar, the adventurous classical guitarist regarded for her virtuosity and command of diverse repertoire will complete the UMass Fine Arts Center’s classical guitar series for the season today.

Showtime is 7:30 p.m. in the Bowker Auditorium.

Jiji was born in South Korea, home to the many K-pop bands now seeing success in the American market with their mainstream music. Believed to have begun in 1992, K-pop was born one year before Jiji’s birth in 1993 in Seoul. But her success in music would take another form.

Considered by many as a child prodigy, Jiji began playing classical guitar when she was 8 years old.

“Our parents (she has two sisters), especially our dad, had a great influence on us. He wanted us to be artists of some sort, which he thought would be cool. He wanted to be an artist himself, but went on to become a doctor. My dad would buy tons of CDs and live concert DVDs for us to listen to and watch ... Eric Clapton, Deep Purple and others like the ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ movie. That is how I got into music. I wanted to be in a band. He said no to the drums, no to an electric guitar, but bought me a classical guitar and thought I should start from there,” Jiji said.

At the age of 14, Jiji was accepted as a student at Korea National University of Arts before a life-changing experience would send her to America to further her studies with Grammy-winning classical guitarist Jason Vieaux, considered “among the elite of today’s classical guitarists.”

“Jason was touring South Korea and giving master classes. I loved

(MARTY BRA)

Jiji

his album ,which featured the song ‘Letter from Home,’ and when I saw him perform it live it sounded just like the record. I said, ‘Who sounds like this?” because so many times recordings sound better than a live performance. His teaching style was so amazing and constructive, and I told my parents that I wanted to go to Cleveland to study with him,” Jiji said.

And that is exactly what she did, moving to Cleveland to study with her mentor at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he headed the guitar department. After studying with Vieaux for two years, Jiji became one of the first guitarists to study at the Curtis Institute of Music, where she graduated in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in guitar performance.

In 2016, Jiji became the first guitarist in 30 years to secure first prize in the Concert Artists Guild Competition. More recently in 2021, she received acclaim by The Washington Post, who selected her as “one of the 21 composers/performers who sound like tomorrow.”

In recent years, Jiji has presented solo recitals at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Lincoln Center, 92nd Street Y, Caramoor, Green Music Center, and the National Art Gallery among other distinguished venues. Her performances have been featured on television and radio on PBS’ “On Stage at Curtis,” NPR’s “From the Top,” Hong Kong broadcast station RTHK’s “The Works,” and others.

Jiji has premiered solo and chamber works by a diverse range of musical artists such as Michael Gilbertson, Hilary Purrington and Shelley Washington. A sought-after and versatile collaborator, her recent chamber and ensemble performances include appearances with the New York Philharmonic’s Nightcap Series, Cuarteto Latinoamericano, the Verona Quartet, and violinist Danbi Um among others. This March she made her debut at Verizon Hall with Curtis Symphony Orchestra premiering a new guitar concerto by

“Everyone is taken. So I have to be myself and I am happy being Jiji.”

Grammy-winning composer Steve Mackey.

The popular classical guitarist has gained a reputation as a sought-after concerto soloist including recent appearances with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Augusta Symphony, American Composers Orchestra, New York Youth Symphony and a host of others. Equally fluent in classical and contemporary genres, her interpretation of Joaquin Rodrigo’s landmark “Concierto de Aranjuez” has enthralled audiences across the county, and her premiere of new guitar concertos continues to break new ground. Over the last five years, she has premiered three major concertos by Natalie Dietterich, Purrington and Krists Auznieks.

She will soon release on CD “Unbound,” the culmination of a multiyear commissioning and recording project and plans on performing three compositions from the piece during her UMass concert.

Jiji also performs her own compositions combining the old and the new by introducing electronic media and acoustic music together. In the more modern world, Jiji is also a DJ sharing her love for more upbeat dance style music such as happy hardcore, a subgenre of hardcore dance music, and Berlin experimental electronica.

After earning a master’s degree from Yale School of Music, Jiji turned her attention to

For women, the allure behind Bruce Springsteen

(KIM CHEONGA)

more than just making music, but teaching the art form to students as an assistant professor at Arizona State University School of Music. Currently an associate professor of guitar at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, Jiji has presented master classes and workshops extensively, including at the Peabody Institute, Yale University, and Dublin’s National Concert Hall.

Today, teaching is one of her “favorite things to do.”

“Teaching comes naturally to me. I love working with people ... for me that is my personality. I enjoy helping people and solving problems together,” said Jiji, who was a teaching assistant during her undergraduate years at college before teaching Korean while attending graduate school.

Equally at home with both acoustic and electric guitar, Jiji’s concert program at UMass will range from traditional and contemporary classical to free improvisation, including “classical goes electric.”

So when asked does she ever wish she could be Eric Clapton or Jimi Hendrix instead of Jiji, she responded, “I have a great answer for that.

“Everyone is taken. So I have to be myself and I am happy being Jiji,” she said.

Reserved tickets — available at fac.umass.edu — are $30 and $20 for youth 17 and under, and $10 for Five College students.

WHILE THERE IS a certain workmanlike swagger to Bruce Springsteen that clearly makes males of a certain age identify with him, The Boss certainly appeals to women just as much — but maybe for different reasons.

A recent book, “Mary Climbs In: The Journeys of Bruce Springsteen’s Women Fans,” explored these reasons via talking to female Springsteen fans about their experiences. The book was written by Northampton

George Lenker

psychologist and professor

Lorraine Mangione and British-born writer and sociologist Donna Luff.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band perform April 1, 2023, at Madison Square Garden in New York. (CHARLES SYKES / INVISION / AP)

Museums hope to share importance of conservation at Earth Day Festival

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

It is not just superheroes who can save the world.

It is everyone’s responsibility, and Sunday’s Earth Day Festival at the Springfield Museums has organizers hoping to get that message across.

“The hope is that people care about the planet every day. Our Earth Day Festival is a time to stop by the museum and learn different ways to protect, clean up and keep our planet healthy,” said Jenny Powers, director, Science Museum. “Our hope is that visitors on Sunday will learn about some of the greatest climate issues of our time and how they have a direct impact on us here in Springfield, where we are feeling its effects, and beyond.”

The annual celebration of clean air, land, and water will feature eco-friendly demonstrations and special exhibits on the Quadrangle Green. A wide array of environmental programs and activities are designed to get everyone thinking locally and globally about conservationism and to promote fun, recreational ways to enjoy the outdoors, and learning about the beautiful natural world.

The event, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is free and open to the public.

“We must all take time to slow down and enjoy the beauties of nature ... to put our phones away and enjoy the sunset and budding trees and flowers around us.”

David Gallup, president of The Naturalists’ Club

of The Naturalists’ Club, which will have four tables at the festival.

AMHERST Hot Wheels come to life at Mullins Center

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

Things will be positively “glowing” inside the Mullins Center this weekend.

Kids, and adults, too, can light up the arena with their own glow sticks as part of the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks

Live Glow Party which roars its way into Amherst for two days, beginning Saturday.

Showtimes for the event, produced by Family Entertainment Live, are 12:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Audiences will be entertained by a thrill show featuring their favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, including Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Demo Derby, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, Gunkster, and the newest to the lineup HW 5-Alarm, the firetruck hero of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks.

The Glow Party production features a spectacular laser show, dance parties and Hot Wheels toy giveaways. Fans can also witness a special appearance from a transforming robot, as well as the high flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks

In addition to the main show, there is a special Crash Zone/Power Smashers PreShow. For an additional $10 add-on to their tickets, fans can gain access to the competition floor to see their favorite Monster Trucks up close. Crash Zone times are Saturday matinee from 10-11:15 a.m., Saturday evening from 5-6:15 p.m., and Sunday matinee from noon to 1:15 p.m.

Among the many environmental exhibitors setting up tables on the Quadrangle Green will be Allen Bird Club, birding activities; professor Richard Little, rare Jurassic armored mud ball; All Energy Solar; Western Massachusetts Youth Climate Leadership Program of Mass Audubon; Western Massachusetts Master Gardner Association, educational activities; Mass Audubon Springfield; University of St. Joseph, environmental science program; Regreen Springfield; Greening the Gateway Cities Program — Springfield; Springfield Forestry Division, seedling giveaway; Springfield Garden Club; Environmental Center for Our Schools, paper making activity; Western MA Council Boy Scouts of America, birdhouse kits, fishing game; Mass Wildlife Angler Education Program, casting instruction; Springfield Department of Public Works, recycling activities; US Fish and Wildlife Service, Silvio O. Conte NFWR, pelts and skulls; Tom’s Wildflower Honey; ener-G-save/Cooler Communities, free energy audit sign-up; and The Naturalists’ Club.

Founded in 1969, the Naturalists’ Club has as its mission to “actively promote knowledge, appreciation, and preservation of our natural environment.” Hikes, paddles, and bike rides held many weekends year-round, and all kinds of field trips and occasional organized travels to intriguing natural places around the world, immerse members in nature. Monthly meetings and programs are held at the Springfield Science Museum. Visit naturalist-club.org for membership information and upcoming events, as well as to view their latest extensive and informative educational newsletter.

In addition to providing copies of their latest newsletter at the festival, visitors will be introduced through microscopic images the “smallest things in nature that you don’t see,” Gallup said, as well as the opportunity to make tote bags with recycled materials and learning the benefits of keeping a nature journal.

“Our goal is to inform people not only on Earth Day but every day about nature and the beauty around them,” said David Gallup, president

“I think the importance of Earth Day and events like ours at the museum is to help families to become more aware, if not already,

For an additional $75 ticket ad-on, the Backstage VIP Experience offers a backstage tour to see what happens behind the scenes before all of the smashing and crashing, as well as seeing the Monster Trucks up close during an exclusive guided tour. Backstage VIP Experience times are Saturday matinee at 9:30 a.m., Saturday evening at 4:30 p.m., and Sunday matinee at 11:30 a.m.

Main Show tickets range in price from $29 to $59 for adults and $16.50 to $31.50 for children 2-12 and are available at mullinscenter.com.

Live Freestyle Motor Team. “Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party continues delivering the ultimate fan experience to families across the country,” said Julie Freeland, senior director of Global Location Based Entertainment at Mattel. “This exhilarating show offers so many unique surprises, amazing glow effects and larger than life moments. We’re excited to bring the tour to more cities than ever before.”

The Springfield Museums will celebrate Earth Day with a free daylong event on Sunday.

Bushnell unveils 2024-’25 Broadway lineup

By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com

THE BUSHNELL IN Hartford has unveiled the lineup for its 20242025 Broadway season.

Seven shows will make up the season — starting with “A Beautiful Noise” Oct. 1 to 6 and ending with “Back To The Future: The Musical” June 4-8, 2025.

The Neil Diamond musical, “A Beautiful Noise,” tells “the untold true story of a Brooklyn kid who became a chart-busting, show-stopping, award-winning American icon,” according to The Bushnell’s website. The musical, created in collaboration with Diamond himself, is appropriate for all ages. “A Beautiful Noise” runs Oct. 1-6 and is 2

Roaring ’20s comes to life with ‘Great Gatsby’

HCC

production takes stage today through Saturday

While there is certainly a lyrical quality to the prose in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, “The Great Gatsby,” set during the Jazz Age of the Roaring ’20s, music, as important as it is to the story, does not literally project from the pages.

But it does literally sound from the stage during the Holyoke Community College spring theater production of

“The Great Gatsby,” which opens today and runs through Saturday.

In this “Gatsby,” a fivepiece jazz band is part of the ensemble cast and lends a live soundtrack to the tragic tale of the mysterious Jay Gatsby and his pursuit of his long-lost love Daisy Buchanan.

Of all the theatrical adaptations now available — the copyright for the book expired in 2021 — HCC theater professor and director Patricia Sandoval chose the 2006 version written by playwright Simon Levy.

hours and 15 minutes long, including one intermission.

Disney’s “The Lion King” follows, running Nov. 13 to Dec. 1. Winner of six Tony Awards, “The Lion King” brings the Disney classic to life — from the sounds of the Serengeti to all of the animals that call Pride Rock home.

“The Lion King” is 2 hours and 30 minutes long, including a 20-minute intermission.

“MJ the Musical,” to be staged Dec. 10-15, follows the making of Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour. According to The Bushnell’s website, “MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that

Liam Galpin of Easthampton, as Jay Gatsby, and Alison Smythe of Wilbraham, as Daisy Buchanan, lead an ensemble cast in the Holyoke Community College theatrical production of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” playing today through Saturday. (PHOTOS COURTESY HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE)

George Lenker Beer Nut

Good brew news for ‘End Times’

HERE IN NEW ENgland we just survived an early April ice/snowstorm and an earthquake. By the time you read this, a solar eclipse will also have happened. Add in a record amount of cicadas predicted to hit the East Coast in a month or two, and you might well think it’s the End Times.

But we beer aficionados like to look on the bright side of things, so today let’s look at some good news from the Brewers Association.

First up is the 27th annual Big Brew Day on May 4. This yearly event is an opportunity to celebrate homebrewing.

The Brewers Association provides plenty of resources to get you involved in the art

of homebrewing, including recipes, supplies, tutorials and marketing materials.

The Brewers Association also just announced that its latest group of aspiring brewers and startups in its Mentorship Program matches the largest number ever to date: 35. The program has served 200 members thus far in its history. The program provides

a 12-week virtual mentorship where each mentee works with three mentors in their areas of interest.

Last but not least, the BA is supporting H.R. 7577, the Creating Hospitality Economic Enhancement for Restaurants and Servers [CHEERS] Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation to support local businesses,

Would you try a ‘dirty soda’?

DO YOU LIKE YOUR soda “dirty”?

The latest phenomenon in the beverage world, dirty sodas refer to soft drinks “made dirty” by the addition of flavor-boosting ingredients such as cream, flavored syrups or fruit juices.

The idea, of course, comes from barkeeping, where a cocktail is “made dirty” by the addition of a non-standard ingredient. A “dirty martini” thus results when a shot of olive brine is added and the otherwise clear drink becomes a bit murky.

Dirty sodas, although not then so labeled, have been around for a long time — the root beer float and the egg cream are examples — and dirty sodas have near-cult status in Utah, a state where Mormon aversions to caffeine and alcohol have made dirty sodas a widely available treat.

Dirty soda “how-to” videos have become standard fare on TikTok of late, and last year the dirty soda concept went mainstream when Sonic Drive-Ins began offering “Dirty Drinks” laced with cream and flavored syrups.

Restaurants are attracted to the dirty soda trend for a number a reasons. First of all, making a regular soft drink “dirty” typically means an upcharge, enhancing the money-making potential of already high-margin, straightfrom-the-dispenser sodas.

Dirty sodas also play nicely

into the zero-alcohol trend, offering an option to those who don’t want beer, wine or a cocktail. A dirty soda has a more complex flavor profile (and suggests a bit more sophistication) than a plain old cola.

Their alcohol-free status also makes dirty soda drinks accessible to underaged patrons. Major brands are getting in on the dirty soda action. IHOP this month is promoting IHOP x Pepsi Maple Syrup Cola, a “dirty” soda flavor, and Nestle Global’s Coffee-Mate brand is promoting its selection of coffee lighteners as dirty soda flavor builders.

As the soda add-in trend picks up momentum, dirty sodas are likely to soon become a prominent feature of restaurant beverage repertoires.

Side Dishes

• Barstow’s Dairy Store and Bakery in Hadley is holding a Steak Dinner Night on Monday, April 22, from 5 to 8 p.m.

As the event’s name sug-

gests, the center-of-plate item is to be a farm-raised Barstow’s rib-eye steak. The meal will also include a baked potato with all the fixin’s, green beans, and, for dessert, a brownie sundae made with local ice cream.

Two seatings are planned, one at 5 p.m. and a second at 6:45 p.m. Dinners can also be ordered to-go. Homemade mac & cheese will be available for those with smaller appetites.

To make a reservation, call 413-586-2142 or email info@ barstowslongviewfarm.com.

• Champney’s Restaurant at the Deerfield Inn will be holding another of its Fancy Nancy Luncheons on Monday, April 15, starting at 11:30 a.m. The event will be a tribute to Jane O’Connor’s young readers classic “Fancy Nancy,” with Champney’s full children’s menu on offer.

Mrs. Claus, who is to make a guest appearance, will read from “Fancy Nancy,” and participants are invited to get into the spirit of the luncheon by showing up “dressed fancy.”

Space is limited so reservations are suggested; they can be made by calling 413-7745587.

• The Munich Haus German Restaurant will be holding another Game Feast on April 20 at 6 p.m.

As is customary for these events, a buffet carving station will feature venison, bison, elk and kangaroo, with

other featured “wild” offering to include wild turkey schnitzel, roasted wild boar, game sausages, fried alligator, and more.

Tickets for assigned seating are $65.

Call the Munich Haus at 413-594-8788 or visit the Munich Haus website for more details.

• The Vanished Valley Brewing Company of Ludlow will be holding a “Spring Into Summer” Beer Dinner on April 29. The five-course meal, which begins at 6 p.m.,

will start with a Jumbo Stuffed Meatball, a first course that will be followed by Piri Piri Shrimp Wontons.

A third course of Tomato Gorgonzola Salad will precede the dinner’s main event, which is to be Double Bone Lamb Lollipops paired with a lemon-mint risotto.

A Lemoncello Cheesecake topped with a blueberry compote is slated to be the dessert experience.

Each course will be matched with an appropriate selection

Hugh

Mangione talked about the book in a recent interview.

Q. Outside of the more generic reasons, like the fact that he’s a rock star with sex appeal, what are some of the more interesting facets that you discovered about why women become and stay Springsteen fans?

A. For so many of the women, it was a journey through life together with Springsteen, in good times and hard times, and whether this had been going on for decades or they were more recent fans. There was definitely a sense of being together, some even felt it was a relationship with him, or at least almost a relationship with him and that relationship was very important to them. It was meaningful on many different levels, just like relationships with friends, family members, mentors, teachers, and guides are multilayered and meaningful.

Q. One of your chapters is about “women on Springsteen and women.” How do women see his views and relationships with women, and how do you think that differs from how men might view those attitudes?

A. I think, although this is just anecdotal as we definitely haven’t done the survey on men who are fans, that many men might miss some of what Springsteen says about women, and how his songs portray them. I suspect it is just not a question or an issue, other than to a few fan scholars, actually men and women, who have criticized Springsteen for being somewhat sexist.

As for women, what I particularly appreciated was how honest survey participants were, and if they didn’t like some of

what Bruce said, such as using the phrase “little girl” a lot, they were open about it. Other fans were more accepting, that Springsteen was using the language of the times, and he is “evolving” in his views, and that is what is important. As someone who appreciates that we can all evolve and learn new things, I really resonated with that view.

Q. Another chapter explores “Springsteen as a friend or family member.” Is there a consensus as to how women might view him among those choices? Is there a big difference between them?

A. Some women saw him as both, and others saw him as definitely one or the other. As an Italian American, I connected with the family images, whether as a brother, father, or an unnamed member of the family, as it spoke to a real sense of intimacy and comfort, the inviting him over for Sunday dinner. I think the friend image contained the camaraderie, closeness, familiarity, adventure, and valuing that hopefully comes with friendships, and that is how they felt about Springsteen. I do see them as different, even in the words I just chose, but not a huge difference.

Q. One of the chapters themes is “Springsteen as therapist.” How do the women you spoke to see Springsteen through that lens? And since you are a professor in clinical

psychology, how valid is anyone using a rock star as a therapeutic substitute?

A. Springsteen is just so helpful and life-affirming in tough times, for many fans he stands by you, helps you to cope, helps you to explore the issues and also gives support at the same time. That is really critical to many of the fans, and perhaps to fans of some other performers, but it is not psychotherapy. (We clearly have a disclaimer in the book that says it is not the same as psychotherapy.)

But can Bruce’s work help out some women during tough times, certainly. And should psychotherapists think more about bringing in music and fandom to therapy, absolutely. This is one of my favorite lines from the book and Springsteen: “While we went through a rough period following my husband’s passing, I often quoted a line from ‘Tougher Than the Rest’ to my sons: ‘The road is dark and it’s a thin thin line. But I want you to know I’ll walk it for you any time.’”

Q. What is the main takeaway that writing this book provided you with?

A. That we were onto something when we thought that Bruce meant so much more to women fans, judging by what he meant to us and our friends who are fans. That fandom of all sorts may have deeper, more existential, meaning for some fans, including the value of the fan community.

I have been interested in creativity my whole life, started writing poems as a kid, have traveled far and wide to see work from my favorite artists, researched and wrote a dissertation on the creative process, and I use artistic pieces and activities in my clinical work and teaching, so this continued to fill out the creativity mosaic for me, to validate its significance. It’s a journey; we are all on a journey.

‘Gatsby’

“It’s well written, it was approved by the Fitzgerald estate, and uses a lot of Fitzgerald’s language in it,” said Sandoval.

More than that, she said, she liked that Levy’s stage directions include music, but that the cues don’t call for specific songs to be played – or live music at all, for that matter.

“I liked that it was open ended,” she said, “so we picked the music.”

The “we” in this case included herself, choreographer Tiffany Joseph, and guitarist and HCC music professor Bob Ferrier, the musical director and band leader for the play.

The show opens with a big dance number set to Irving Berlin’s “Putting on the Ritz.” Benny Goodman’s “Sing Sing Sing” leads the top of the second act. The play also incorporates songs such as “The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin and others — not necessarily written before 1922, when the story is set.

“We wanted to choose music that would be familiar to the audience,” Sandoval said, “so they could feel a part of the energy. We wanted the music to be enjoyable.”

For those not familiar with it, “The Great Gatsby,” both the book and the play, is narrated by the humble Nick Caraway (played by student actor Zachary Ciano, of Springfield), who has moved east to learn the New York City bond trade. Much of the action takes place in the fictional Long Island en-

clave of West Egg, where Carraway meets his suspiciously rich neighbor, Jay Gatsby (Liam Galpin, of Easthampton), who enlists him in a plot to reconnect with Carraway’s cousin, Daisy (Alison Smythe, of Wilbraham), now married to an unfaithful brute named Tom Buchanan (Joe Wilcox, of Westfield).

Additional cast members include Myrtle Wilson (Aolanis Figueroa Pinto, Holyoke); George Wilson (Kazz Cuyler, Holyoke); Jordan Baker (Thea Shinholster, Springfield); Mr. McKee (Chandler Frantz, Easthampton); Mrs. McKee/ Dancer 2/Policeman (Zoe Fydenkevez, Chicopee); Mrs. Michaelis (Clove Wood, Agawam); Meyer Wolfsheim/ Party Host (Manual Morales, HCC alum); Dancer 1 (Serenety Rodriguez, Holyoke); Cigarette Girl (Wandeliz Gonzalez Marrero, Westfield); Drinks Girl (Gissel Santos, Holyoke).

The band providing the score for “The Great Gatsby” is comprised of Bob Ferrier (guitar); Ken Forfia (piano); Andy Kivela (drums); Bruce Krasin (clarinet, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); HCC student Kai Caban of Amherst (bass).

“The Great Gatsby” will be staged Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with an additional 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. The April 12 show is ASL-interpreted.

Tickets are $5 HCC students, staff, and faculty; $10 general admission; and $8 seniors. They are available one hour before each show at the Leslie Phillips Box Office or by calling 413-552-2528.

Mother’s Day

WITH TABLE 3 RESTAURANT GROUP

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 will be brimming with all mom’s favorites and will be hosted in our beautiful Winthrop Room with seating from 10am to 4pm. The cost is $44.95 for adults and $20.95 for children 5-12 (not including tax and gratuity). To make a reservation* scan the QR code or visit thebarnatwightfarm.com or our Facebook event page. For questions, call 774-241-8450.

*Reservations require a $25 per guest non-refundable deposit which will be applied to your check the day of the event. No shows will forfeit their deposit. Tables are reserved for 2 hours per reservation and checks cannot be split.

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

THURSDAY

Amherst Women's Club Thursday Evening Speakers Series: Thu., 6-8 p.m. Amherst Woman's Club, Laura Reichsman, director of Family Outreach of Amherst, speaks on "From Client To Director: A Story Of Resiliency." The event is free and open to the public. A wine and cheese reception takes place from 6-6:30 p.m., with talk at 6:30 p.m. 35 Triangle St., Amherst.

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Thu.-Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Holyoke Community College, adapted for the stage by Simon Levy and directed by Patricia Sandoval. April 12 show is ASL-interpreted. Tickets available one hour before each show at the Leslie Phillips Box Office or call 413-552-2528 to reserve. 303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, hcc. edu.

Mass Mammals Program: Thu., 7-8 p.m. Jones Library. Join Mass Mammals for a conversation about their Citizen Science Project. Two undergraduate researchers from Amherst College will share a bit about black bears in Massachusetts, have a conversation about their project, and invite you to learn how you can be a more engaged and involved community scientist. Free and open to the public. 43 Amity St., Amherst, 413-256-3090 or joneslibrary.org.

FRIDAY

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: See Thursday listing Greenfield Community College Chorus: Fri., 7:30 p.m. Episcopal Church of St. James and Andrews Church, "Of Seasons and Singing"; Margery Heins will conduct and Meg Reilly will accompany at the piano. The concert is free, with donations welcome. 71 Federal St., Greenfield.

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.

SATURDAY

Amherst History Museum presents the Downtown Amherst Architecture Walking Tour: Sat, 10 a.m.-noon, the Amherst Historical Society & Museum will host a guided architectural tour of downtown Amherst. The tour will be led by architect Steve Schreiber FAIA and Chair of the Department of Architecture at UMass. It will explore the exteriors and surroundings of old and new buildings in the central business district, and will include stops at infrequently seen places. Rain date April 14. This tour is limited to 20 people. Meeting location and parking information provided upon registration. Fees are non-refundable. If you need to cancel your participation, you may transfer your spot to a friend. Note: This is a 2-hour walking tour over varied terrain. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Bring a water bottle if desired. To register, visit amhersthistory.org/ events/downtown-amherst-architecture-walking-tour/, $10 for Amherst History Museum members. $15 for nonmembers. 67 Amity St., Amherst.

Book Launch Party - “Appleseeds: A Boy Named Johnny Chapman”: Sat., 1-4 p.m. Storrs Library, Longmeadow writer and local historian, Melissa M. Cybulski, has turned history into historical fiction in "Appleseeds: A Boy Named Johnny Chapman." This family-friendly event will feature a reading and signing by the author, music of early New England performed by The Ne'er Do Wells, crafts, and a Storrs House Museum Open House featuring a new Johnny Chapman exhibit. The Batch Ice Cream truck will be onsite as well. The book will be available for purchase in person at the event. Free. 693 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow; 413-565-4181.

“The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott

Fitzgerald: See Thursday listing

Guest Vocal Ensemble - The New Consort: Sat, 4:30 p.m. Bezanson Recital Hall, with the UMass Chamber Choir. Free. North Pleasant Street, Amherst, 413-545-2511 or umass.edu.

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of the world around them. We must all take time to slow down and enjoy the beauties of nature.....to put our phones away and enjoy the sunset and budding trees and flowers around

us. Poets and naturalists have been telling us that for years,” Gallup said, who also serves as a planetarium educator at the Science Museum.

“The night sky is a part of nature and very relaxing to watch,” he added, noting the Seymour Planetarium in the Science Museum will be open

CALENDAR

A Saturday Dose of Fun: Sat., noon2 p.m. LAVA Center, Improv games for adults with Henry Balzarini. Limited to 15 participants. To sign up, email hbquit@hotmail.com, $5-$10 suggested. 324 Main St., Greenfield.

The Theater Guild of Hampden

Presents "Oklahoma": See Friday listing

WRSI Meltdown: Sat, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center, featuring music, readings and more, for all ages. 289 Main St., Greenfield, or hawksandreed.com.

SUNDAY

Close Encounters with Music

Concert: Sun, 4 p.m. Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, "Something Borrowed, Something Blue-Cross-Cultural Syngergy!"

Tickets $28-$52. 14 Castle St., Great Barrington. 413-528-0100 or mahaiwe.org.

Jazz Sunday Service: Sun., South Congregational Church-Springfield, The Hot Cat Jazz Band will be performing at the church's annual Jazz Sunday service at 10 a.m. The band will perform upbeat jazz arrangements of familiar hymns as well as accompany the South Church Choir. All are welcome. 45 Maple St., Springfield.

Quabbin Valley Twirlers Square

Dance Club: Sun. and Mon., 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

UMass Bassoon Day: Sun., Bezanson Recital Hall, all-day event. Free. North Pleasant Street, Amherst. 413-545-2511 or umass.edu.

West Springfield Coin Club

Meeting: Sun, 7 p.m. Mittineague Congregational Church, A video presentation will be given on assembling a coin collection from circulation. Refreshments will be available. Guests are always welcome. For further information, contact Peter

on Sunday with shows portraying the wonders of the night sky. Tickets are $5 for ages 8 and older in addition to museum admission.

To add to all the Earth Day fun, the Boys of the Landfill Bluegrass Band will perform environmental songs at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Setian at 413-596-9871, 1840 Westfield St., West Springfield.

Museums

Amelia Park Children’s Museum: Permanent exhibits include spaceship, construction site, library, grocery store. Weekday activities.

Hours: Tue.-Tue, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Open for groups Wed. $8 adults; $8 children (12 months and older); $4 grandparents/seniors (60+); military personnel & teachers receive 10% discount off the price of regular admission; members/infants free. 29 South Broad St., Westfield or ameliaparkmuseum.org.

Anchor House of Artists: Rotating art exhibits, self-staged by fine regional talents. The best least-known gallery in the Pioneer Valley. Free public receptions on the second Fri. of the month from 5-8 p.m. For more information, email artists@anchorhouseartists.org, visit anchorhouseartists.org, or call 413-588-4337. 518 Pleasant St., Northampton Berkshire Museum: “Planning for the Future-1979-2024,” through May 5. “Painted Pages: Illuminated Manuscripts, 13th-18th Centuries.,” through May 5. 39 South St., Pittsfield or berkshiremuseum.org.

Children’s Museum at Holyoke: Permanent exhibit: Wiggle and Wash/ Vet Clinic, toddler merry-go-round and a STEM-based cash register for kids. Hours: Tues.-Fri, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun, noon-4 p.m. Closed Mon. Children & adults $8; seniors (62+) $5; children under 1 and members are free. 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or childrensmuseumholyoke.org.

Connecticut Trolley Museum: April Break Fun, April 12, 15-19. New this year: LEGO Workshop from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Students will build a LEGO trolley using a pre-made kit instructed by a Museum Educator to take home. Including with the workshop is an age-appropriate tour, trolley ride and snack. The workshop is geared towards 8-12 and costs $25 per person which includes admission. Registraiton is required for the workshop. 58 North Road, East Windsor or

cttrolley.org.

East Longmeadow Historical Commission Museum: Permanent exhibit: Historical artifacts. Hours: 1-3 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month, through June, weather permitting. Free admission. Special tours are available upon request by contacting Bruce Moore at 413-525-3072. 87

Maple St., East Longmeadow

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: Permanent exhibit: Gabrielle Healy Carroll Storytime Programs are held Tues. and Fri. 10:30 a.m.; Sat. 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m., free with admission. Museum hours: Weds.-Fri, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, noon-5 p.m. $6, $9, $22.50 for a family of four. 125 West Bay Road, Amherst or carlemuseum. org.

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

Holyoke Heritage State Park: Permanent exhibit. Visitor Center open Tues.-Sun, noon-4 p.m. Closed Mondays. 221 Appleton St., Holyoke, 413-534-1723.

Josiah Day House: Permanent exhibit:. $3, $1 children 6-12, free for members. 70 Park St., West Springfield, 413-734-8322.

Old Sturbridge Village: Kids Free in April, through April 28. Throughout April up to two children, 17 and younger, will be admitted for free with each adult standard full-price daytime admission. Route 20, Sturbridge or www.osv.org.

Smith College Museum of Art: Permanent exhibits: “Ancient World Gallery, Beyond the Museum: Art on Smith’s Campus.” Hours: Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., closed Mondays. Free. April Second Friday: Art and Nature. April 12, 4-8 p.m. Drop in for hands-on art making activities in the museum’s atrium and enjoy light refreshments from 4-7 p.m. Explore still life paintings and landscapes in the galleries, and then bring the sweet smells of spring to life with “scratch and sniff” scented paint on watercolor paper. Elm Street at Bedford Terrace, Northampton or scma.smith.edu.

Since the very first Earth Day in 1970, millions of people from more than 190 countries worldwide have come together every April 22 to stand up for the planet and champion a greener, more equitable future for everyone. Now in its 54th year, Earth Day, founded by EARTHDAY.ORG, serves as

a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility for everyone to safeguard the environment and our own future. For more information on the free Earth Day Festival and tickets to the Science Museum - one ticket includes all five museums - visit springfieldmuseums.org.

3 great Italian red wines made with Sangiovese grapes

LAST WEEK, I WROTE about three Sicilian red wines made with the same wine grape — nero d’avola.

This week, I thought we would stay in Italy and learn more about even more popular red wine grape — sangiovese.

All three wines featured this week are made with this versatile grape.

What makes these wines even more interesting, I think, is that they’re made by the same winery (Carpineto) but come from three different, distinct wine-growing subregions in Italy’s Tuscany region – Chianti Classico, Montepulciano and Montalcino.

Hope you enjoy.

History of Carpineto Winery

Founded in 1967, Carpineto produces wine from five different estates that include more than 1,200 acres of vineyards in Italy’s Tuscany region — Chianti, Chianti Classico, Montepulciano, Montalcino, and Maremma.

Sangiovese grape

Sangiovese is the most popular and most widely grown wine grape in Italy’s Tuscany region, where this grape has been cultivated since the 1600s, according to “Wine Grapes” by Jancis Robinson, Julia Hardin and Jose Vouillamoz. Hundreds of years later, sangiovese still reigns in Italy, where it’s the most popular wine grape in the country. You can also find significantly smaller amounts of sangiovese vineyards in California, Argentina and many other parts of the world

. Chianti Classico wine region

Located within the Chianti region of Tuscany, Chianti Classico includes seven smaller subregions located between Siena and Florence. In order for a wine to be classified as a Chianti Classico, it must contain at least 80% sangiovese grapes grown in these seven

Ken Ross Wine Press

subregions in Chianti between Siena and Florence. Reserved (riserva) Chianti Classico wines like the one recommended this week must also be aged at least 24 months before being bottled.

Montelpulciano wine region

Montelpulicano is another outstanding wine growing region in Italy’s Tuscany region located south of Chianti. But to make matters even more confusing, montepulciano is also the name of a grape that’s often grown in the Montelpulciano region. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines (like the one recommended this week) come from the Montepulciano region of Tuscany and must be made with a minimum of 70% sangiovese grapes, along with a blend of other grapes, including with 10% to 20% of canaiolo nero and other local grapes, including mammolo. The wine must then be aged a minimum of 24 months, including 12 months in oak barrels, in order to be called Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine.

Montalcino wine region

Montalcino wines come from the Montalcino region of Tuscany east of Montepulciano. And if you’re drinking a Montalcino wine, you’re likely having a Brunello di Montalcino. Brunello di Montalcino is also a “designation of origin” like Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. However, in this case, Brunello di Montalcino is a “Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita” or

Beer

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DOCG, which means the wine meets even higher standards. That’s probably why Brunello di Montalcino cost significantly more than many other Italian wines. In order to be called a Brunello di Montalcino with the DOCG designation, the wine must meet certain strict requirements, including: the wine must come from Montalcino region of Italy near Siena; the wine must be made entirely with sangiovese grapes; and the wine has to be aged in oak barrels for at least three years.

Wine tasting notes

2019 Carpineto Chianti

Classico Riserva ($28 Suggested Retail Price)

Region: Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy

Grapes: 100% sangiovese

Tasting notes: Earthy yet light red wine with intense, powerful fruit flavors that manage to somehow be elegant and intense. Velvet-like flavors range from hints of cherry and plum to flinty notes of dark chocolate and almonds.

2019 Carpineto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano Toscana Reserva ($36 SRP)

Region: Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy

Grapes: 90% sangiovese, 10% canaiolo

Tasting notes: Voluptuous, plump, lively wine with wonderful, earthy, fresh fruit flavors, including hints of cherry and violets. A big, fleshy wine that’s not overpowering with a long, elegant finish that remains vibrant from one taste to the next.

2019 Carpineto Brunello Di Montalcino ($72 SRP)

Region: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy

Grapes: 100% sangiovese

Tasting notes: Dense, dark, intense red wine bursting with big, beautiful flavors, including generous helpings of blackberry, cherry, raspberry and black licorice. Flinty at times with a dry, elegant finish, this wine tastes great now and will age gracefully for decades as well.

Cheers!

restaurants, and bars that utilize draft beer systems and help revitalize the hospitality industry.

The CHEERS Act looks to expand tax incentives for energy-efficient systems that would include keg and tap systems. Draft beer is the most sustainable type of packaging for retailers and suppliers, and the legislation would provide tax relief to small businesses that use them.

Beer notes

• In local news, the Manhan Charitable Foundation’s Brewfest will take place at 6 p.m. in the Boylston Room at Easthampton’s Keystone Mill on April 25. The event will feature beers from local breweries

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from Vanished Valley’s portfolio of beers and ales.

Tickets for the dinner, which are $62, can be ordered from Vanished Valley’s website, vanished valley.com.

The Vanished Valley Brewing Company answers at 413-610-1572.

• The East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5) is holding its “Feast in the East” 2024 event on April 30. The Starting Gate at GreatHorse in Hampden will be the event venue, with the evening scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. A food tasting event featuring samples from some of the region’s better-known eateries, the Feast in part benefits the Chamber’s Scholarship & Business Development Fund.

such as Abandoned Building, Bright Ideas, Fort Hill, New City Brewery, Leadfoot Brewing and Progression. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door through Venmo @MCF1876. The Manhan Charitable Foundation is run by current and former Easthampton Firefighters. Keystone Mill is at 122 Pleasant St.

• Speaking of Easthampton, my ongoing search for good old-school West Coast IPAs was rewarded by a recent visit to New City Brewery, where I enjoyed the venue’s Signature IPA, a 6.5% gem that hit all the marks. I also sampled the delicious Microburst Imperial IPA, an 8.2% double IPA that was perfectly balanced between malt structure and hoppy complexity, with no hint of the elevated booziness in the flavor. Both are recommended.

Tickets to the Feast, which are $120, can be purchased online at the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce website, erc5. com.

The Chamber’s office answers at 413-224-2444.

• Springfield Rocks Radio Group is once again hosting a Bacon & Brews event on Sunday, April 21. To be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meetinghouse in Holyoke, Bacon & Brews 2024 will begin at noon and last until 3 p.m.

The kitchen at the Log Cabin will be preparing a broad array of bacon-inspired “bites” while a cash bar dispenses a selection of craft beers. Live music will also be part of the mix.

General admission tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.com, where they are $30 plus a convenience fee.

The Log Cabin Banquet and Meetinghouse answer at 413-535-5077.

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.

catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status.” “MJ the Musical” is 2 hours and 30 minutes long, including a 15-minute intermission.

“Peter Pan” is next to hit the Hartford stage on Feb. 4-9, 2025. According to The Bushnell’s website, “this high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Emmy Award winner Lonny Price and choreography by Lorin Latarro.” Appropriate for all ages, “Peter Pan” runs for 2 hours and 15 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.

Another classic fairytale with a new twist, “The Wiz” arrives at The Bushnell March 11-16, 2025. This is no typical “Wizard of Oz” — “The Wiz” features a brandnew score “packed with soul, gospel, rock, and ’70s funk,” according to the theater’s website. The musical is appropriate for all ages, but The Bushnell cautions that the production includes haze, smoke, and flashing lights. “The Wiz” is 2 hours and 20 minutes long, including an intermission.

“Some Like It Hot,” to be staged April 29-May 4, 2025, is set against the backdrop of Prohibition-era Chicago. The winner of four Tony Awards, “Some Like It Hot” runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission.

“Back To The Future: The Musical” will close the Bushnell’s Broadway season June 4-8, 2025. A muchloved cinematic classic, “Back To The Future” hits Broadway with original music alongside hit songs from the movie, including “The Power of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Earth Angel,” and “Back in Time.” Recommended for ages 6 and up, “Back To The Future” is 2 hours and 40 minutes long, including an intermission.

Encore performances of “Les Misérables” and “Six” will also be staged from Oct. 29-Nov. 3 and Dec. 31-Jan. 5, 2025, respectively.

For more information on The Bushnell’s Broadway season, including how to purchase subscription packages for the 2024-’25 season, go online to bush nell.org/shows-concerts/ broadway-subscription.

Theater news & notes

• The LAVA Center will host improv workshops for adults, led by area improv teacher and performer Henry Balzarini, every second and fourth Saturday of the month from noon to 2 p.m.

The next workshop is scheduled for Saturday.

No experience is necessary; the workshop promises a fun and low-pressure environment.

Workshops are free, but donations are appreciated, with a $5 minimum suggested. There is a limit of 15 people per workshop, so reserve your spot by emailing hbquit@hotmail.com.

The LAVA Center is located at 324 Main St. in Greenfield.

• The MIFA Victory Theatre is raffling off a pair of Silver Premium tickets to see three-time Grammy winner Bad Bunny this month.

The show will be held at the XL Center in Hartford on April 20 at 8 p.m.

Raffle tickets are $20, and are only available to those 18 and older.

The winner will be drawn on Saturday.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, go online to mifafestival.org.

All proceeds will benefit the MIFA Victory Theatre Project.

“Your support helps MIFA Victory Theatre continue to present great art in the region and brings us closer to a reopened Victory Theatre, Holyoke,” shared Donald Sanders, MIFA executive artistic director, in a press statement.

For the official raffle rules, visit mifafestival.org/ bad-bunny-fundraiser.