Weekend - April 25, 2024

For the latest WMass events, visit masslive.com/entertainment

ASPARAGUS VALLEY POTTERY TRAIL: 29 potters on board for 20th annual event, D3

LIVE WIRE: Hatfield vineyard announces summer concert series lineup, D4

TRAIN SHOW: Northeast Large Scale Train Show roars into West Springfield, D5

NASA astronaut Scott Tingle captured this view of a sunrise from the International Space Station in 2018. (NASA)

WINDSOR LOCKS

To galaxies

...far, far away Space expo returns to New England Air Museum

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

He doesn’t believe humanity will ever achieve intergalactic space travel seen in so many science fiction television shows and movies from “Star Trek” to “Star Wars” and beyond. And he has never seen an otherworldly UFO, but believes there has to be intelligent life far, far beyond our galaxy.

Retired NASA astronaut

Mike Mullane will discuss

his views on space travel, possible life beyond the stars, his three missions aboard the shuttles Discovery and Atlantis, what he believes is the future of space travel, and other topics as keynote speaker at Saturday’s Space Expo 2024 at the New England Air Museum. The popular annual event at the museum, located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, will feature guests from the region’s aerospace

industry, hands-on activities for children and families, and more from intergalactic characters roaming the event to seeing rockets and robots up-close. There will also be a special appearance by Connecticut engineer Donald Rethke, known to many as “Dr. Flush,” who developed space toilets for the shuttles.

“Our Space Expo, which we have offered for a number of years, closely aligns with the

Retired NASA astronaut Mike Mullane, pictured at left in a file photo, will be the keynote speaker for Saturday’s Space Expo at the New England Air Museum. (SUBMITTED)

20 years of the Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail

Space

CONTINUES FROM PAGE D2

museum’s mission to educate and inspire people of all ages, particularly the young, about space and aerospace and the innovations and human genius that have taken us to the moon and beyond,” said Stephanie Abrams, president and CEO of the New England Air Museum.

“The Space Expo is a bridge between generations - dreamers who once looked up to the stars and saw not just lights but destinations, and today’s youth whose interest in science and technology will take us to the next frontier and who will see those first footsteps on Martian soil,” she added.

Mullane will deliver two lectures at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. with public meet and greets to ask the astronaut questions and for photographs from 10 to 10:45 a.m. and from 2-3 p.m.

Upon his graduation from West Point in 1967, Col. Mullane (Ret.) was commissioned in the United States Air Force. As a weapons systems operator aboard Phantom aircraft, he completed 134 combat missions in Vietnam.

He was selected as a mission specialist in 1978 in the first group of space shuttle astronauts before retiring from NASA and the Air Force in 1990.

Mullane is the author of several books including his entertaining memoir, “Riding

Show now includes 29 potters, guests from 10 states

BY C ori U rban Special to The Republican

The Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail sprouted up in the Pioneer Valley in 2005 and has grown to include 29 potters with guest artists from 10 states.

The 20th annual studio tour will take place

Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with stops at eight studios.

Pottery will be available for sale in a wide range of wheel-thrown and hand-built ceramics for tabletop, home and garden. Visitors will also have the opportunity to talk with the artists about their work, techniques and sources of inspiration.

“Over the years my work has grown and changed because I have grown and changed,” said potter Lucy M. Fagella of Lucy Fagella Pottery in

At left is work by Molly Cantor, based out of Shelburne Falls. She is one of the potters featured in this year’s Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail event. (ASPARAGUS

Rockets, The Outrageous Tales of a Space Shuttle Astronaut.

Mullane’s interest in aviation dates back to his youth and seeing “satellites come over the dark skies of New Mexico.”

“I was born after World War II. My dad was a flier and I remember sitting in a Saturday matinee and seeing these Hollywood movies depicting airmen in the war. It had a huge influence on me. Then in 1957 the launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Union started the space race and sparked my greater interest in the future of aviation and rockets. There was never any doubt what I wanted to do - to become an astronaut, every kid dreams of being one or a rock star and for me it was space,” Mullane said.

Mullane noted one of the more popular questions he is always asked is what it was like to be blasted into space.

“I tell people that for me it was a weird mix of boundless joy after dreaming of going into space, combined with a deep fear for your life while sitting on the launch pad attached to a giant rocket. There is no escape system with the shuttle, while with our earlier space capsules you could blast away from the rocket and fall into the water. There is no option other than success with the space shuttle,” he said about the possibility of a catastrophic failure.

As for the future of space travel and the lofty ideas of what lies ahead, Mullane put

Three-time Space Shuttle Astronaut Col. Mike Mullane, at center, talks with Boy Scouts from Troop 152 of Fayetteville, at left Alex Labs and Andrew Nordberg at right, both then 16, before the start of Boypower at the Oncenter in Syracuse in 2012.

things into perspective.

“In the near future, I only see us returning to the moon which NASA is talking about for maybe 2028 or 2030. Mars is a long way into the future for us and there are many issues to be solved. Current propulsion makes a visit to Mars a three-year round trip and being able to take with you all that you need to survive......oxygen, water, toilet paper, food,” he said.

“Thanks to the James Webb Space Telescope, the only planet seen that might sustain life is 1,800 light years away, meaning it would take 180 years at 10 times the speed of light for any human to reach the planet. The only other option is straight out of science fiction movies like ‘Passengers,’ where travelers are put into a state of suspended ani-

mation while waiting to reach their faraway destination,” Mullane added.

In addition to Mullane, special guests with infor-

mation tables and activities will include the 510st Legion Connecticut Garrison, Aldrich Astronomical Society, Astronomical Society of Greater Hartford, CATO Rocketry Club, Collins Aerospace, Danbury FIRST Robotics Teams, EAA Chapter 166, Springfield Museums, Springfield Stars Club, Talcott Mountain Science Center and others.

There will also be two food trucks onsite - Latitude Pizza and Tacos La Rosa.

Space Expo 2024 is free with admission to the museum. Tickets, available at the door or online, are $23 for ages 15 and older, $18 for seniors, $13 for youth ages 4 to 14, and free to children ages 3 and under. Veterans with valid ID receive a discounted admission of $12. For more information, visit neam.org.

Nightclubs

T HURSDAY

Theodores’: Rockstar Karaoke. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

FRIDAY

BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity: Red House: Terrible, AM Psychosis, River Party. 130 Pine St., Florence

Delaney House: Ron Smith Duo. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke

East Mountain Country Club: The Time Trippers. 1458 East Mountain Rd, Westfield

The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow

Theodores’: JR. Krauss and the Shakes. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Lower Valley Guys. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield

SATURDAY

Delaney House: Frank Serafino. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke

The Drake: Juice with Hush Club. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst

The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Spose featuring Rigometrics. 289 Main St., Greenfield

Theodores’: Peter Poirier Band. 201 Worthington St., Springfield West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Terry Brennan. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield

SUNDAY

BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity: All Things A Cappella - Music Speaks Louder Than Words. 130 Pine St., Florence

TUESDAY

The Drake: Wheatus: Dirtbags Across America. 44 North 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

Who’s who on Taylor Swift’s ‘Tortured Poets’?

By M adison M alone K ircher New York

Times

When Taylor Swift released “The Tortured Poets Department,” on Friday at midnight, her fan base quickly got to work decoding the album, looking for layers of meaning and insight into Swift’s life. Of course, that includes the pop singer’s romantic history.

Like many of her past works, the songs on this album — which features over a dozen additional tracks as part of an extended album called “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology” — are laden with names and references, many of which appear to be to real people from Swift’s universe and the literary canon. At least two poets, Dylan Thomas and Patti Smith, are mentioned.

Here’s a look at some of those characters.

Matty Healy

Plenty of lines from “Tortured Poets” have fans guessing that certain songs — including “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived,” “The

Hatfield vineyard announces summer concert series lineup

THE PARLOR ROOM in Northampton just announced the lineup for its outdoor summer concert series at Black Birch Vineyard in Hatfield for 2024.

The series, now in its fifth year, started during the lockdown of 2020, when indoor music shows were prohibited.

Black Dog” and “Down Bad” — may be about Matty Healy, the frontman for the 1975 who was spotted out and about with Taylor on several occasions last spring. One clue Swifties are latching on to: On “The Black Dog,” Swift refers to the band the Starting Line. Healy covered one of the band’s songs while he was touring last spring. And then there is the much-discussed reference to a person Swift describes as a “tattooed golden retriever” on the album’s title track. Healy seems to fit the bill, according to her fans.

Travis Kelce

Swift’s fans have been floating the notion that the many sports references in the track “The Alchemy” allude to football player Travis Kelce, the singer’s current boyfriend. “So when I / Touch down, call the amateurs and cut ’em from the team / Ditch the clowns, get the crown, baby, I’m the one to beat,” she sings in the chorus. “Where’s the trophy? / He just comes running over to me,” she adds in the bridge.

As usual, this year’s schedule is sure to excite fans of folk and Americana music. The eight-week series kicks off on July 5 with longtime local favorite Livingston Taylor. While he may not have the universal renown of his older brother James, Livingston Taylor wields his own type of special musical magic, which has enchanted Western Massachusetts audiences for decades.

On July 12, Nora Brown will play the vineyard with support from Stephanie Coleman. Mark Erelli and his string quintet will then take the stage on July 19.

Another longtime favorite, Loudon Wainwright III will play a Sunday show on July 21. Lori McKenna then follows on July 27, with The Mammals coming to town on July 28.

The series ends up with Tom Rush on Aug. 3 and the Sweet-

The eight-week series kicks off on July 5 with longtime local favorite Livingston Taylor.

back Sisters on Aug. 4.

All shows start at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be found on the Parlor Room’s website. Black Birch Vineyard is at 108 Straits Road in Hatfield.

Liner notes

• Longtime indie rock darlings Belle & Sebastian will bring their new tour to Boston’s Orpheum on April 27.

The Scottish group, which has been sprinkling the universe with its own brand of magical and wistful pop music since 1996, just embarked on a U.S. tour that will cover 22

This cover image released by Republic Records show "The Tortured Poets Department" by Taylor Swift. (REPUBLIC RECORDS VIA AP)

George Lenker LIVE WIRE

Large Scale Train Show roars into Eastern States Exposition

Five-year old Finn Fox from Sanbornton, N.H., touches a locomotive for sale during the 2023 Northeast Large Scale Train Show at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

If January’s Railroad Hobby Show — the largest show of its kind in North America — wasn’t big enough for you, then you might want to consider attending this weekend’s Northeast Large Scale Train Show.

Both shows, held on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition, are produced by the Amherst Railway Society. Show hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Young Building.

Similar in concept to the January show, this weekend’s event features operating large scale railroads, exhibits by the major manufacturers of largescale model railroad equipment - locomotives, track, rolling stock, and scenery - as well as clinics on all aspects of large-scale railroad construction, maintenance, and operation, and many other activities for railroad enthusi-

asts of all ages.

“The ‘big’ difference is these model trains and layouts are really ‘big,’” said John Sacerdote, show director.

“It’s the sheer size of these trains that is attractive to some model railroaders. We’re talking huge, really large trains such as a locomotive that might measure 30-inches long and weigh 15 to 20 pounds. Because they are much larger, the interior of the cabs and cars have more room for detail making them even more lifelike. And they are often louder, too,” he added.

The Amherst Railway Society defines “large scale” as

Renaissance

play a free concert at Forbes Library on April 27.

Live Wire

CONTINUES FROM PAGE D4

cities, ending in Seattle on May 19.

The band also just launched a new platform for engaging fans called The Herbaceous Border, which is described as a hub for the B&S community to discuss music, shows, and for the band to share exclusive music, videos and other content, such as live chats with band members and early access to tickets.

Tickets for the Boston show are available at livenation.com.

be just the place for you on April 27.

That’s when the library will feature Renaissance Jukebox, which will present music inspired by the works of Shakespeare (among other things). The afternoon will include “quotes, songs, ballads, and instrumental works associated with Shakespeare in his own era, and modern songs that connect with our personal and sometimes unruly responses to Shakespeare’s texts,” according to promotion materials.

S-scale, O-scale (Lionel size), G-scale (often found in garden railroads), F-scale, 7 ¼ gauge, and 7 ½ gauge models and larger.

“Our show last year was a success for a first-time event. People love gardening and garden railroading is on the rise. With no large scale show in all of New England, we recognized the need to consider bringing one to the area to fill a void for large scale modelers to get together,” Sacerdote said, noting the Amherst Railway Society is currently in the process of creating a garden railroad at their facility in Palmer.

“We are literally busting at the seams this year and had to turn away some exhibitors because there just wasn’t enough space for them. But there will be next year as we move into the much larger Better Living Center on the fairgrounds,” he added.

• If you ever wondered what William Shakespeare might have spent a few shillings on if he had access to a jukebox, then Northampton’s Forbes Library might

Renaissance Jukebox features longtime early music performers Donnie Cotter (voice), Meg Pash (lute, voice, viol) and Chris Stetson (lute, mandolin), McKay Perry (violin) and Liam Birkerts (bass viol).

The event starts at 3 p.m. Forbes Library is at 20 West St.

Jukebox will

Pottery

Greenfield, one of the founders of the tour named for one of the popular crops of the area. “It would be sad if there was no change in all these years. Family life changes, my kids have grown and flown. This has left me with uninterrupted time to work.”

As an artist/potter she keeps evolving, and her materials have changed from porcelain to white clay for the past 22 years. “This past year the clay that I am using is a beautiful rich brown stoneware. I am also using local clay that I dig from my backyard for use as a slip, (clay that is watered down and refined to use like paint on the surface of the pot). This all makes for very rich earthy surfaces,” she said.

Visitors to her studio will see an array of her functional pottery and funerary urns.

Prices for functional pottery for the kitchen range from $25 to $175; funerary urns sell for $50 to $800.

Potter Donna McGee, of Hadley, was one of the people who began the pottery trail 20 years ago and again will be participating. She will be selling pots, stoneware vessels and a series of plates and platters with an emphasis on the gestural, loosely drawn imagery that has become her signature. Prices will range from $35 to $1,900.

She enjoys having people go into her studio for the first time “and are just in awe,” she said. “In awe at the size of my studio, at the quantity and quality of my work, mostly at being in the actual ‘inner sanctum’ where the magic takes place.”

“Beautiful, functional objects and a connection to those who make them are what the Pottery Trail is all about,” said potter Tiffany Hilton, who has been one of the hosts for 19 years. “The pandemic heightened our need for human connection as well as our appreciation for the objects we choose to live with in our homes.”

The self-guided pottery

trail winds along scenic rivers and through the historic villages and college towns of Western Massachusetts. Look for distinctive yellow pottery trail signs guiding visitors to studios clustered in three areas: Florence/ Northampton/Hadley, Greenfield, and the Mohawk Trail village of Shelburne Falls.

Pick up a Pottery Trail Passport at your first location. Those who have their trail passport stamped at all eight studios will be entered to win a mug or cup. Twenty-nine prizes will be awarded. No purchase necessary.

The Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail launched an annual Early Career Fellowship for BIPOC Ceramic Artists in 2022. After receiving applications from throughout the country two fellowships have been awarded to Jessica Ayala of Brooklyn, New York, and Joshua Wong, of Yellow Springs, Ohio, were

chosen to be guest artists for the 2024 tour.

Fagella attributes the pot-

“It’s one thing to buy handmade pottery, but it is extra special to see the studio where it is created.”

Lucy Fagella

tery trial’s longevity to three factors: People really like to get out on a spring day after a long winter and tour around the beautiful valley, and they like to see the studios and meet the potters. “It’s one thing to buy handmade pottery, but it is extra special to see the studio where it is

created. When you purchase a handmade piece of pottery you are getting a little piece of the potter who made it,” she said. “Seeing the studio and the artist’s surroundings gives more information about the maker, thus creating memories each time you use the piece that you have brought into your home.”

The third reason for the longevity is that the potters involved work well together as a group.

For more information about the potters and the Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail, contact Tiffany Hilton at 413-824-6506 or email high_fired@hotmail.com.

For more information about the Pottery Trail, go online to asparagusvalleypotterytrail.com or apotterytrail. com.

Above, from left, pottery work by Tiffany Hilton and James Guggina. (ASPARAGUS VALLEY POTTERY TRAIL)

Lucy Fagella is pictured in her Greenfield studio. (RIKKI SNYDER PHOTO)

When restaurants take deep-frying shortcuts, customers taste the difference

WHEN IT COMES

to deep-fried foods, restaurant dining has an advantage over eating at home. Preparing French fries and the like are tasks most household kitchens (and cooks) aren’t eager to take on, so consumers, when they hunger for something deep fried, are inclined to rely on the restaurant experience.

Restaurant do, in fact, have the capacity to produce top-quality deep-fried foods, thanks to sophisticated fryers, custom-formulated fats and kitchen expertise.

So why, then, are deep-fried foods in restaurants so often disappointing? The source of that problem lies in the nature of the deep-frying process itself.

The oils or shortenings used in deep frying - they should never be referred to as “grease” - have two relevant characteristics.

First of all, fryer fat breaks down with use. From the very first batch of fries on, exposure to heat (typical restaurant frying temperatures are around 350-375 degrees), air, and moisture from the food being cooked all cause the fat to slowly degrade into free fatty acids. Those, as they accumulate with continued use, can give the food a subtle but discernible “sour” flavor.

Additives to combat the fatty acid breakdown are formulated into commercial frying fats, and certain procedures, if practiced diligently, can extend the useful life of the oil. Such steps include frequent filtering, keeping the oil at a lower “idling” temperature when not being used to cook food, and making sure that fryer fat is replaced before it becomes

heavily contaminated with the byproducts of heat and usage breakdown.

The last requirementfrequent fat replacement - is where a second characteristic of commercial frying products, their cost, becomes relevant. A container of fat can easily cost around $100, a not inconsiderable expense considering that replacement, in a high-volume operation, might be required every week or so in order to maintain top frying quality.

What therefore causes disappointing deep-fried foods in restaurants is usually not the process itself, but operational shortcuts, including inadequate fryer and fryer oil maintenance and/or too-infrequent oil replacement.

Both shortcuts save money but do so at the expense of food quality and customer satisfaction.

Side Dishes

• The Notch 8 Grille in Northampton has introduced a weekly Sunday Brunch.

Served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the brunch is billed as offering “the best of two worlds,” with both a buffet option and a selection of a la carte specialties available.

The buffet features a chef-attended omelet station, a selection of dishes for midday enjoyment, and a

dessert table display.

The a la carte brunch menu lists the likes of Bananas Foster French Toast, Lobster Eggs Benedict, and a Smoked Salmon “Club” Sandwich. A Tomahawk Steak and Eggs for Two is also available.

The Notch 8 Grille can be reached at 413-326-4151.

• As part of this spring’s Culinary Passport Dinner series, on May 1, the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge is offering a tastebud tour of Brazil.

The Red Lion’s Executive Chef, Jon Sterrett, is planning a five-course overview of a complex and vibrantly flavorful set of food traditions. Those attending can also elect to enjoy beverage pairings designed to complement the meal.

The dinner, which begins at 6 p.m., will cost $133.35; the beverage pairings are an additional $40. Paid reservations for the event can be made on Eventbrite.com.

The Red Lion Inn can be

contacted at 413-298-5545.

• The Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant in Springfield will be hosting its Rock N Roll IV Beer Dinner on May 9, starting at 6 p.m.

A five-course menu will be paired with specially selected brews inspired by the greats of rock ‘n’ roll.

Live music by Andrew Henshon will be part of the evening.

The event is priced at $80, which includes tax and gratuity. Paid reservations can be made online at beanrg. com/shop/beerdinner.

The Student Prince answers at 413-734-7475.

• With four of the five institutions that comprise the Five College Consortium holding commencement ceremonies the weekend of May 17-19, the dining out scene in central Hampshire County will be busy those days.

To make things easier,

the Inn on Boltwood in Amherst is offering a Five College Commencement Luncheon on Friday, May 17, starting at 1 p.m.

A special feature of this occasion is the option to reserve private seatings for large groups, with each party having its own table.

The event features a luncheon buffet with a beef sirloin carving station. Other main dishes available will include grilled salmon and chicken Provencal.

A cash bar with an option for bottle sales of champagne is also planned.

Tickets for the Commencement Luncheon are $60, service fee and tax included. Reservations should be made through Eventbrite. com, which will tack on a “convenience fee.” The deadline for paid reservations through Eventbrite is Monday, May 13.

The Inn at Boltwood will also be hosting a similarly-

Hugh Robert Off The Menu

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

Affordable kosher wines perfect for Passover or anytime

PASSOVER STARTED at sundown on Monday, April 22.

The annual Jewish holiday commemorating their liberation from slavery continues until the evening of April 30.

During this annual holiday, there are many special, traditional feasts, including Seder on April 22 and April 23.

As part of the Seder, many people drink wine. And for many Jewish people, that means drinking only kosher wine.

Ken Ross Wine Press

There are many rules about what makes a wine kosher. There’s also a fair bit of confusion.

This week, you can learn all about kosher wines, as well as tasting notes for a few suggested kosher wines, many

George Lenker Beer Nut

New England standing strong in craft beer market

WHEN IT COMES

to craft beer, New England actually compares favorably to California in certain ways.

This might be surprising to some, as California is a renowned craft beer mecca, and more than twice the size (both in population and land mass) of all six New England states combined.

The way I’m writing about today is pretty specific but still notable: In a recent report from the Brewers Association, California had 11 of the top 50 producing craft beer companies, and New England had eight. I’d say that’s

Contrary to popular belief, making kosher wine does not involve a rabbi. The wine simply needs to be made by people who observe the Jewish Sabbath, the traditional day of rest on Saturday.

of which cost less than $16 a bottle.

Hope you enjoy.

What is kosher wine?

First, let’s talk a bit about some of the misconceptions about kosher wine. Contrary to popular belief, making kosher wine does not involve a rabbi. The wine simply needs to be made by people who observe the Jewish Sabbath, the traditional day of rest on

Menu

CONTINUES FROM PAGE D7

Organized Amherst College Commencement Dinner on Saturday, May 25.

Questions about either event should be directed to the Inn at Boltwood at 413835-2008.

• There’s only a week or so left to enjoy the Pancake of the Month at participating IHOP locations, with April’s featured hotcake presentation being Cinnamon Apple Pecan.

A stack of four buttermilk pancakes topped with cinnamon apples, dulce de leche sauce, a sprinkle of pecans, and a finishing garnish of whipped topping, the Pancake of the Month can also be enjoyed as part of a “combo” with eggs, a breakfast meat choice, and hash browns.

There are IHOP locations at Five Town Plaza in the Sixteen Acres section of Springfield and on Riverdale Street in West Springfield.

• One of the significant downsides of restaurant jobs is the need to work while the rest of the world is having fun.

However, one Seattle fine dining venue is trying to change that. Family-owned Canlis, a destination restaurant known for its dramatic

Saturday. Other rules apply to kosher wine, including making sure that all the ingredients in the wine are kosher. This means no animal products added to the wine. Kosher wines should also not come into contact with bread or grain products.

Additional rules apply. Fortunately, you don’t have worry about memorizing these rules. Many wine stores

design and the multiple James Beard Awards it’s received , is giving its staff weekends off this summer. Canlis is planning to close weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, forfeiting the revenue opportunity that Saturdays, the busiest evening of the week, represent.

The idea, according to the restaurant’s owners, is to give employees the chance to enjoy time off within the same time frame that family and friends are typically off work.

The restaurant is reaching out on social media, encouraging customers to support the scheduling experiment by coming to Canlis for dinner on Mondays, a night when the restaurant would normally be closed.

• Reaching out to value-oriented customers who

have seen their dining-out options diminish with menu price inflation, KFC has introduced “Taste of KFC” Deals, a group of meal offerings priced starting at $4.99. These include a two-piece meal with potato, gravy, and biscuit; a Meal for Two that includes four pieces of chicken, potatoes, gravy and biscuits; and a $20 Family Meal offering made up of six pieces, four sides, and four biscuits.

In announcing the new deals, KFC’s corporate leadership has stated that “value has become a bigger priority for the chain.”

There are KFC outlets on Center Street in Ludlow, on Memorial Drive in Chicopee, and on King Street across from the Stop & Shop Plaza in Northampton.

• The cafe chain Star-

have sections set aside where you can easily find kosher wines. And many winemakers produce wines that have been certified kosher and say so on the label.

Who produces kosher wine?

Another myth about kosher wine is that it only comes from certain producers from parts of the world. The truth

bucks has signed onto the “swicy” trend by introducing three new sweet-spicy lemonade drinks.

A limited-time-only menu offering, the Spicy Lemonade Refreshers are available in three flavors - strawberry, pineapple, and dragonfruit; they get their spicy kick from a proprietary chili blend.

Starbucks is also offering a spicy cream cold foam as a customization option for the other drinks on its menu.

• The Dirty Truth Beer Hall in Northampton, in conjunction with Allagash Brewing Company of Portland, Maine, will be celebrating Saison Day on April 27. Saison, a “farmhouse-style” of ale traditionally produced in Belgium, will be the day’s featured beer, with ales from several domestic and imported producers available.

The kitchen at Dirty Truth will also be producing Belgian-inspired dishes that day from noon until 10 p.m.

Reservations for Saison Day are available on the Dirty Truth’s website. The establishment picks up at 413-5855999.

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 new Starbucks Spice Lemonade Refreshers, including strawberry (left), dragonfruit (center) and pineapple (right).

THURSDAY

Jazz Lab Ensemble: Thu., 7:30 p.m. Bezanson Recital Hall. Free. North Pleasant Street, Amherst. 413-545-2511 or umass.edu.

"The Play That Goes Wrong": Thu.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m. Majestic Theater, through June 2. For tickets, call the box office, 413747-7797, $33, $35, $37. 131 Elm St., West Springfield. 413-747-7797 or majestictheater.com.

FRIDAY

“12 Angry Jurors": Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m. The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center. Tickets $20 general; $18 student, senior, military (ID may be requested). 289 Main St., Greenfield, hawksandreed.com

BerkChique! "First Dibs" VIP Party: Fri., Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum, For tickets visit https://gildedage.org/ products/berkchique. $25 or 2 for $40, 5:30-8:30 p.m., 104 Walker St., Lenox, 413-637-3206.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: Fri., 8 p.m. The Drake, doors open 7 p.m. $20 advance, $25 day of show, GA standing. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst, thedrakeamherst.org.

Comical Mystery Dinner: Fri., Crestview Country Club, "Un-Happy Days." The evening includes the live show with several acts and a three-course buffet style dinner. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Dinner and show starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets available online at

Train

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To add to your train experience before attending Sunday’s show, Sacerdote noted the Amherst Railway Society, CTrail and Springfield Union Station have collaborated on providing an opportunity to ride aboard a real train.

Riders can board the Large Scale Limited from Springfield to Hartford and return back in time to attend the show. The train leaves Springfield Union Station at 9:55 a.m. and arrives in Hartford at 10:32 a.m. before returning to Springfield at 11:33 a.m.

CALENDAR

ludus.com/index.php or email hglick@mtholyoke.edu, $5 general, free students. 50 College St., South Hadley, mtholyoke.edu.

"The Play That Goes Wrong": See Thursday listing

String Chamber Ensembles: Fri., 7:30 p.m. Bezanson Recital Hall, Free. North Pleasant Street, Amherst. 413-545-2511 or umass.edu

SATURDAY

"12 Angry Jurors": See Friday listing

equitable and inclusive access to high quality music education programs. The annual Spring Gala features live music, live and silent auction, cocktails and appetizers, and CMSS Excellence Awards, $75. 127 State St., Springfield. 413-7828428.

Concert Band: Sat., 7:30 p.m. Tillis Concert Hall, formerly the Fine Arts Center Concert Hall. $15 general public; $5 students, seniors, UMass employees; free UMass students (tickets required). 151 Presidents Drive, Amherst. 413-545-2511 or fineartscenter.com.

https://crestviewcountryclub. ticketleap.com/comical-mystery-un-happy-days/, $55. 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. 413786-2593 or crestviewcc.org.

Documentary Film Screening: Fri., 6:30 p.m. Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence, "The Cost of Inheritance," this one-hour documentary is about reparations for historic and current harms done to African Americans, followed by a Q&A with three members of Northampton’s Reparations Committee. Sponsored by the Unitarian Society

of Northampton and Florence's Racial Justice Team. Free and open to the public. 220 Main St., Northampton.

MGM Roar Comedy Club presents

Ben Bailey: Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m. MGM Springfield, in the Armory. For tickets visit, https://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/1110294?venueId=9264, $25. 1 MGM Way, Springfield.

MHC Dept. of Dance presents "Epiphany": Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m. Kendall Sports and Dance Complex. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit https://mhc.

Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail: Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The self-guided pottery trial winds along secenic rivers and through the historic villages and college towns of Western Mass. Look for distinctive yellow trail signs guiding visitors to studios clustered in three area: Florence/Northampton/Hadley; Greenfield; and the Mohawk Trail village of Shelburne Falls. For more information, visit apotterytrail.com. 49 Conway St. Building 6, Shelburne Falls. 413-625-2870 or asparagusvalleypotterytrail.com.

BerkChique! Shopping Days: Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum, Free. 104 Walker St., Lenox. 413-637-3206 or gildedage. org.

Community Music School of Springfield Spring Gala: Sat., 6 p.m. Community Music School of Springfield, CMSS Spring Gala, the single largest source of funding for the school's extensive financial aid and scholarship offerings, creates

Doodles & Donuts With Cece Bell: Sat., 5:30-7 p.m. BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity, join High Five Books and award-winning author, illustrator and graphic novelist Cece Bell for an early evening family art and music extravaganza with hot, fresh donuts. Bell will spin original tunes from Animal Albums, lead drawing demonstrations, and discuss her new book & its connection to El Deafo. Q&A and signing to follow, $0 to $50 (no one turned away for lack of funds). 130 Pine St., Florence.

The Hilltown Draw-Around: Sat., noon-midnight Cowell Gym, The Hilltown Draw-Around is back. A 12 hour pay-what-you-can, drawwhere-you-want fundraiser for The Art Garden's youth programming. An inclusive, all-ages arts event with interactive drawing and collage prompts, workshops, music, and pop-up cafe. Come for an hour or 12, pay what you can. 51 Maple St., Shelburne Falls.

The cost for the train ride is $5 and children 2 and under ride free. Tickets can be purchased online at nelsts.org.

If live steam is your thing, the New Hampshire Garden Railroad Society is hosting a Live Steam-up both days of the show. The society is setting up a 44-by-22 foot Gauge-1 (45mm) two track layout specifically for steam powered trains. The group is also providing space to store and service steam locomotives during the show. In addition, the society is inviting anyone with an operating Gauge-1 steam locomotive to bring it to the show and run it on their tracks. However, only propane and butane fueled locomotives will be allowed to run. Open flame or coal fired locomotives can be displayed, but cannot be fired indoors. Free clinics will include

“Intro and Features of the RailPro Control System with Comparison to DCC,” “Building Large Scale Turnouts Suitable for Outdoor Use,” “Adding a Water Feature to Your Outdoor Garden Train Layout,” and “Pruning Dwarf Trees for Your Garden Railway.” On Sunday, learners can attend “Popular Installs and Programming - a Demo of Popular Engines,” “Plan and Design Your Garden Railway,” “Adding Water Features to Your Outdoor Garden Train Layout,” and “Pruning Practices.” There will also be mini demos and clinics offered throughout the day by experts at their exhibit areas. What modeler doesn’t like to show off their own handiwork to an admiring

audience. The Drag & Brag table, a popular event at many large scale train shows, offers an opportunity to bring in your large scale modeling projects for others to see and ask questions about creative piece. Located in Section 71 of the Young Building, the section is sponsored by Large Scale Central. Visitors may be able to offset their many purchases from dealers at the show by bringing any S-scale, O-scale, G-scale, F-scale, 7 ¼ gauge, 7 ½ gauge and larger model railroad gear to sell at the White Elephant Table. Sponsored by the Steam Locomotive Operation Group, sellers will be asked to donate $1 for every five items they want to sell and

10% of completed sales to the sponsors.

Some lucky attendees will be able to walk out of the show with more than they expected as part of a large scale raffle sponsored by the Amherst Railway Society and Steam Locomotive Operation Group. Tickets for the raffle are $5 or 5 for $20 for the chance to win everything from rolling stock to structures to electronics.

Tickets - sold on the grounds one-hour before the show begins - are $10, with children 15 and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult admission. Parking on the fairgrounds is $5. There are no online ticket sales For additional information, visit nelsts.org.

Actors (from left) Josh Karam, Shaun O’Keefe, Mariko Iwasa and Jack Grigoli are shown in a scene from “The Play That Goes  Wrong,” being staged at West Springfield’s Majestic Theater through June 2. (KAIT RANKINS PHOTO)

Calendar

MGM Roar Comedy Club presents Ben Bailey: See Friday listing

MHC Dept. of Dance presents "Epiphany": See Friday listing

Northeast Large Scale Train Show: Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Young Building. $10 per day, free for ages 15 and under accompanied by an adult. Parking $5 (cash). 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-737-2443 or thebige.com.

"The Play That Goes Wrong": See Thursday listing

Renaissance Jukebox: Sat., 3 p.m. Forbes Library, free. 20 West St., Northampton; 413-587-1011 or forbeslibrary.org

SABR April Meeting: Sat., 10 a.m. Springfield College-Richard B. Flynn Campus Union, In the Dodge Room A+B Campus Union Building. Society for American Baseball research, Springfield, MA Chapter, welcomes baseball historian and New York Times best-selling author Keith O'Brien, who will talk about his new book "Charlie Hustle: the Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball." Bill Nowlin, found of Rounder Records, will talk about the new SABR book on the 2004 Red Sox, "Sox Bid Curse Farewell.” $5 for the public. 263 Alden St., Springfield, springfieldcollege.edu.

Wine

is winemakers anywhere in the world can make kosher wine. And many winemakers do just that. As a result, there are kosher wines from Israel, Australia, Argentina, California and France, including certain wineries in Bordeaux and Champagne.

Tasting notes

2021 Barkan Vineyards

Classic Chardonnay ($15.99 at Table & Vine in West Springfield)

Country: Israel

Grape: Chardonnay

Tasting notes: If you love bone-dry white wines, you will absolutely love this outstanding, understated wine. This subtle white wine has a fascinating blend of soft, un-

Tom Savoy: Sat., 7-10 p.m. Antimony Brewing, 55 Pittsfield Road Building 2, Lenox.

The Wildcards: Sat., 7 p.m. Cultural Center at Eagle Hill, $35 adults, $30 students and seniors. 242 Old Petersham Road, Hardwick; 413-477-6746 or thecenterateaglehill.org.

Woodwind Chamber Ensembles: Sat., 4:30 p.m. Bezanson Recital Hall. Free. North Pleasant Street, Amherst. 413-545-2511 or umass. edu.

SUNDAY

"12 Angry Jurors": See Friday listing

Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail: See Saturday listing

BerkChique! Shopping Days: See Saturday listing

The History of Salsa: Sun., 2 p.m. Center for the Arts Trust Building, in the Flex Space. For tickets visit https://www.freshtix.com/ events/the-history-of-salsa-live or over the phone, 678-701-6114. Tickets are sent via email. $15. 33 Hawley St., Northampton.

Northeast Large Scale Train Show: See Saturday listing

"The Play That Goes Wrong": See Thursday listing

Zara Bode's Little Big Band: Sun, 7 p.m. Edwards Church of Northampton, 100% of donations benefit the Pioneer Valley Workers' Center, pvworkerscenter.org, suggested $10 - $30. 297 Main St., Northampton.

derstated flavors ranging from peach to sea salt, roasted butter and a slight hint of green apple. Highly recommend.

2021 Barkan Vineyards

Classic Pinot Noir Negev Israel ($13.99 at Table & Vine)

Country: Israel

Grape: Pinot noir

Tasting notes: Soft, subtle, fruit-forward red wine that really hits its stride the day after you open the wine. The first day, I found the wine a bit too fruity (almost raspberry like) for my taste. The second day, the wine really smooths out and the fruit flavors are less intense and more subtle and cherry like.

2021 Teal Lake Cabernet

Merlot ($12.99 Suggested Retail Price)

Country: Australia

Of the top 50, Massachusetts certainly held its own with three entries: Boston Beer Co. (No. 2), Boston’s Harpoon (No. 18) and Jack’s Abby in Framingham (No. 38).

Beer

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an impressive number for New England, given the size disparity between the two regions. Of course, Oregon, which is much, much smaller than both California and New England, had six of the top 50, so that’s even more formidable.

These statistics came from the Brewers Association’s recent annual report on production figures for the American craft brewing industry.

Of the top 50, Massachusetts certainly held its own with three entries: Boston Beer Co. (No. 2), Boston’s Harpoon (No. 18) and Jack’s Abby in Framingham (No. 38). While Connecticut only had one, it was a surprising one to me: Athletic Brewing Co. in Milford, a brewer of nonalcoholic beers, which came in at No. 10. This goes to show how well a good NA beer can do. (I’ll be writing about a few more NA brews in the coming weeks.)

Maine’s Allagash (15) and

Grape: Blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot

Tasting notes: This light, refreshing, flinty dry red wine from Australia absolutely blew me away. Flavorful and extremely dry, this wine tastes great straight out of the bottle and the next day as well. With flavors ranging from toasted almonds to dried raspberries, my wife and I adored this wine right from the start. Let me add that the flavors linger long after each sip.

2022 Domaine Bousquet

Alavida Malbec ($16.99 at Table & Vine)

Country: Argentina

Grape: 100% malbec

Tasting notes: For those of you who prefer slightly bigger, earthier wines, this robust yet smooth malbec from Argentina just might

Shipyard (46) both charted, as did Vermont’s Fiddlehead (28) and Rhode Island’s Narragansett (23). New Hampshire was shut out.

The number of operating craft breweries also kept climbing in 2023, reaching an all-time high of 9,761. New brewery openings (495) declined from the previous year, and closings (418) went up, but that still yielded an overall gain for the year. Also, craft brewers directly employed 191,421 people in 2023, which meant a 1.1% increase over 2022.

Bart Watson, vice president of strategy and chief economist of the Brewers Association, said that 2023 was a “competitive and challenging year for small and independent brewers.”

“Nevertheless, even as growth has downshifted, small brewers have proved quite resilient, as seen in the increase in number of breweries, relatively low closing rates, and gains in onsite sales and jobs,” he said.

And while the overall beer market saw a downturn of 5.1% in terms of volume in 2023, craft beer actually gained market share, as the craft beer volume decline was only 1%. Craft beer now holds a 13.3% market share of the overall U.S. beer world.

“While distribution is as competitive as ever, we continue to see success stories and pockets of growth across the top 50 list,” Watson said. “Even in an era of slow growth, the strongest brands still resonate with beer drinkers, regardless of company size or location.”

be the red wine for you. Bold fruit flavors include hints of plum, cherry and blackberry. There are also slight hints of nuts, particular almonds, on the finish that give this wine a distinct, delightful taste.

2019 Domaines Barons de Rothschild Legende Bordeaux Rouge ($17.99 at Table & Vine)

Country: Bordeaux, France

Grapes: 50% cabernet sauvignon, 50% merlot

Tasting notes: This delightful blended red wine illustrates why France’s Bordeaux region has such as well-earned reputation for making elegant, charming wines. Made with a classic Bordeaux blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot grapes, the flavors here are soft and subtle with hints of fresh

fruit (blackberry and cherry) without being overpowering.

Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee Brut Champagne ($64.99 at Table & Vine)

Country: Champagne, France

Grapes: 50% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir, 15%, pinot meunier

Tasting notes: A classic bone-dry Champagne from one the oldest Champagne houses (founded in 1812) in France’s Champagne region, this delicious sparkling wine hits all the right notes. Its flavors are crisp, dry, slightly nutty (think roasted almonds) and refreshing.

Cheers!

Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s Weekend section every Thursday.

Jim Koch, founder of Boston Beer Co.

But there is some debate, with some fans noting that her use of the term “blokes” would seem to imply the song is not about an American. (A winking line about “heroin but this time with an E” has some guessing the song is about Healy, who has previously spoken about his drug use.)

Jack Antonoff

A longtime collaborator of Swift’s, Jack Antonoff, who is credited as a producer on many of the new album’s songs, appears to get a lyrical shout out on the album’s title track.

Lucy Dacus

Musician Lucy Dacus also appears on that same track. (In addition to her work as a solo artist, Dacus is a member of the supergroup boygenius, who surprised fans with a performance during a stop on Swift’s Eras tour last year.) “Sometimes, I wonder if you’re gonna screw this up with me / But you told Lucy you’d kill yourself if I ever leave / And I had said that to Jack about you, so I felt seen,” Swift sings.

Kim Kardashian

Swift often leaves clues for fans by capitalizing seemingly random letters in words which, when strung together, spell a different word. In the case of this album, the song “thanK you aIMee,” seems to reveal the name Kim. (Swift and Kim Kardashian have a long and unfriendly history.)

Charlie Puth

Singer-songwriter Charlie Puth gets a name drop on the title track: “You smoked then ate seven bars of chocolate / We declared Charlie Puth should be a bigger artist.” Puth, through a representative, declined to comment.

Peter Pan

The song “Peter” appears to refer to the storybook character Peter Pan. “You

said you were gonna grow up / Then said you were gonna come find me,” Swift sings. She has made similar allusions in the past, including a line about “Peter losing Wendy” on her song “cardigan” in 2020.

Patti Smith

American singer, songwriter, poet and author Patti Smith gets a name check on the title track in a line about New York’s iconic Chelsea Hotel, where she once lived. Smith has been hailed as the “punk poet laureate.”

Dylan Thomas

The Welsh poet, known for works like “Do not go gentle into that good night,” is also mentioned along with Smith. “You’re not Dylan Thomas / I’m not Patti Smith / This ain’t the Chelsea Hotel / We’re modern idiots,” Swift sings. Thomas, who was also a resident at the Chelsea, is famous for his work as a neo-Romantic poet. (Swift has an older song, from her album “1989,” titled “New Romantics.”)

Clara Bow

Clara Bow, an actress from the silent film era known as the first “it girl,” has an entire song dedicated to her on “Tortured Poets.” In 1927, Bow starred in a film titled “It” and became a national sex symbol before leaving the industry. Fans have pointed out that Swift’s thinly drawn eyebrows in a video teasing a new music video to accompany the song “Fortnight” bear a striking similarity to Bow’s.

Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks is named on the song “Clara Bow.” Nicks has said that Swift’s song “You’re on Your Own Kid” reminds her of Christine McVie, her Fleetwood Mac bandmate who died in 2022. “You look like Stevie Nicks / In ’75, the hair and lips,” Swift sings in the song. (Nicks also wrote an original poem that accompanies a special vinyl edition of “Tortured Poets.”)

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.