FREE MUSIC FRIDAYS: Malado brings ‘feel-good’ sound to MGM Springfield, D4
‘JANET PLANET’: Film by Amherst native to premiere at Amherst Cinema, D5
MAROON 5: Band to play MassMutual Center in Springfield, D6
Celebrating the red, white and blue
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
It’s all about the red, white and blue on the Fourth of July, celebrating when the Second Continental Congress voted for independence from Great Britain on July 2, 1776. It wasn’t until July 4 that delegates from the 13 original colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence.
SEE FOURTH, PAGE D3
Ring in the Fourth of July across Western Mass.
Bridget Griffin, of Springfield, at right, enjoys her pretzel and free Friendly ice cream sundae cup during a past Star Spangled Springfield celebration. Above, from left, are scenes from a past East Longmeadow Fourth of July carnival. (THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)
For the past 248 years, Americans have celebrated the birth of its young country on July 4 with parades, picnics and more, not forgetting the illuminating display of fireworks that started the tradition. It is reported that the practice of setting off fireworks began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day.
Today the tradition continues around the country in Springfield and surrounding communities, including the popular Star Spangled Springfield on July 4, which each year attracts thousands of partygoers to Riverfront Park to celebrate America’s birthday.
This year’s event is once again sponsored by MassMutual.
“Independence Day unites Americans in celebration of and thanks for the freedoms we all hold dear. MassMutual is happy to support the Spirit of Springfield again this year and help bring a truly
great July 4th celebration to Springfield and the region, said Dennis Duquette, head of Community Responsibility at MassMutual, in a news release about the event. It all begins at 6 p.m. with face painting and balloon artists until 8 p.m. At 7 p.m., there will be welcoming remarks after the singing of the national anthem performed by Vanessa Ford, and the introduction of special guests from the USS Massachusetts nuclear attack submarine being commissioned in 2025.
“There is no better way than to begin our celebration of the red, white and blue than with the national anthem sung by Vanessa Ford, who has shared her beautiful voice with us over the years. It is also a special honor to have with us four USS Massachusetts sailors from a small but mighty force that go where few can to protect our homeland — under the sea. For more than a century of service, the Navy submarine force, in particular its nuclear attack submarines, continue to be a cornerstone of our nation’s security,” said Judith A. Matt, president of the Spirit of Springfield.
This year’s musical entertainment will be provided by Hipptown, which will take to the stage at 7:15 p.m.
The six-member band, led by Floyd Patterson II, will perform pop and rhythm and blues selections, Motown favorites, and more.
Food and beverages will be available in the park from 6 to 9:30 p.m., including Batch Ice Cream, Anna’s Fried Dough, and Elegant Affairs with hamburgers, hot dogs, rice with pork and beans, sausage and pepper grinders, water, soda, beer, wine, and more. Also, the Springfield Water Department will be handing out free water bottles until 8 p.m. to keep everyone cool and hydrated. Then, at 9:30 p.m., all eyes will be on the skies for fireworks that will be choreographed to music broadcast on Mix 93.1FM and in Riverfront Park.
An armed services med-
ley will begin the fireworks, followed by “Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen, “Rock in the USA” by John Mellencamp, “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood, “Think Freedom” by Aretha Franklin, “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, “This Fourth of July”
by Smash Mouth, “God Bless America” by Celine Dion, “Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys, “America the Beautiful” by Ray Charles, ending with Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes.” In addition to MassMutual, Star Spangled Springfield is
Now on view
Above, Yesenia Montanez, Meghan Beaudreau and Samantha Morales enjoy a past Star Spangled Springfield. Far left, Keyla Pinto and Italo Bruno play a water game at the annual Coca-Cola July 4th Fest celebration at Six Flags New England. Immediate left, Vanessa Ford will once again sing the national anthem for this year’s Star Spangled Springfield celebration.
(THE REPUBLICAN, FILE PHOTOS)
Kahlo, 1932.
Malado, a Springfield-based R&B/hip-hop/funk band, will play MGM Springfield’s Free Music Fridays concert series. (SUBMITTED)
FREE MUSIC FRIDAYS
Malado brings ‘feel-good’ sound to MGM Springfield
By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com
We’re a few weeks into the MGM Springfield concert series, and entering the long, hot days of summer, but the next band up on the Free Music Fridays’ roster promises to keep things fresh.
Malado, a R&B/hiphop/ funk group born out of Springfield in 2008, will perform in the plaza on Friday.
The band gained national attention when, in 2014, it placed Top 3 out of 160 bands worldwide on VH1’s 24-hour reality show, “Make A Band Famous.” Since that time, Malado has performed all over New England as well as nationally, alongside A-list artists such as Lupe Fiasco, Ludacris, Big Sean and All Time Low.
The key to its success over the years has been “feel-good energy and feel-good music,” said the group’s cofounder, music director and drummer Gary “Skillet” Smith. Smith will be joined on stage by band members Shamari “Shamrock”
Stampp, keys and assistant music director; Shaquille Harris, bass; Gustavo Collazo, guitar; and Ru Love Williams, lead vocalist.
The show at MGM Springfield is free and open to the public.
Smith took the time to talk about Malado’s musical journey and his personal growth as an artist before Friday’s show.
The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q. Can you tell me a little bit about how Malado got together?
A. The band was started in 2008. I’m one of the co-founders of the band, along with a family member of mine, Joshua. Back in ’08, Josh attended UMass, and there was an opportunity for a talent show in Worcester. He reached out to me about starting this band, and we were just blindsided. We really started it for this one-off thing and did it one
Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival returns in July
TWO NOTABLE MUsic events are now showing up on the radar, with one happening this coming weekend. But let’s start with the bigger one first:
The 11th annual Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival will be back downtown at Stearns Square and the Tower Square Park area on July 12-13.
time, and from there we just continued to practice as a band. From there, we started doing various Battle of the Bands, talent shows, and also appeared on VH1’s “Make A Band Famous” (in 2014).
Q. And you guys placed Top 3 on “Make A Band Famous.” Can you tell me about how you guys found out about that opportunity and what it was like being in that competition?
A. I was just scrolling on Instagram one day and I saw the ad about submitting a video to be a part of the show. At first I was just going to keep scrolling, because I’ve seen those types of things all the time and never got a call back, but I sent a video over. I filled out the form. I ended up receiving an email and a phone call, and we had our video audition. We went out to New York to shoot and it was an experience. We didn’t really know what to expect because we didn’t get to
The annual music celebration is a free, family-friendly festival that showcases Springfield’s diverse culture, bringing thousands of visitors each year to enjoy the sounds of jazz, blues, gospel, funk, Afro-Cuban jazz, salsa, hiphop and more. The festival also features a Jazz & Justice Speaker Series that explores the history and cultural roots of the music, its social contexts and issues of racial and climate justice.
Featured performers include Alfredo Rodriguez, Ranky Tanky, Lisa Fischer, Brandee Younger, and T’Swan and Talynt, among others.
Hailing from Havana, Cuba, Rodriguez first practiced on a makeshift keyboard drawn on his parents’ dinner table. This determination showed he was not to be denied and eventu-
ally led him to the Montreux Jazz Festival, where Quincy Jones invited him to the U.S., which made him leave his family and Cuban citizenship behind.
Since then, Rodriguez has earned a Grammy nomination for “Guantanamera” from his album “The Invasion Parade” and has been featured by NPR’s “All Things Considered,” DownBeat, The New York Times, and more. New York’s Brandee Younger is a harpist with a mission to redefine the instrument for the digital age. She made history in 2022 as the first Black woman to receive a Grammy nomination for Best Instrumental Composition as well as an NAACP Image Award nomination.
Younger began playing the
George Lenker LIVE WIRE
Nightclubs
THURSDAY
Delaney House: Billy Eagan. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
Northampton Brewery: Bands on Brewster 2024: Magick Lantern. 11 Brewster Court, Northampton
The Ranch Golf Club: Tom Savoy. 65 Sunnyside Road, Southwick
Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
FRIDAY
BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity:
New Directions Cello Festival. 130 Pine St., Florence
Delaney House: Piper Hopkins. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
East Mountain Country Club: Whitaker Hill Band. 1458 East Mountain Road, Westfield
The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Off the Common: A Free Summer Concert Series: Sen Morimoto. 289 Main St., Greenfield
The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow
Theodores’: Ed Peabody and the Big Blue Thang. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Peter J. Newland
Trio featuring Ralph Whittle and Mark Pappas. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
West Springfield’s Irish House
Restaurant & Pub: Dan Ringrose. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SATURDAY
Delaney House: Lower Valley Guys. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Gareth Reynolds. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
Theodores’: Frankie Boy and the Blues Express. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: The Healys. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY
BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity:
Cello Bib Band and Participant Showcase. 130 Pine St., Florence
Marigold Theater: Wanda and the HBH Band with Juke Joint Jazz. 84 Cottage St., Easthampton
Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
AMHERST
‘Janet Planet’ to be screened at cinema
Film is the work of Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright, Amherst native Annie Baker
Amherst Cinema will host the premiere of “Janet Planet,” a film by Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright and Amherst native Annie Baker, starting tonight.
Renowned for her evocative storytelling in theater, Baker transitions to the silver screen with “Janet Planet.”Her directorial debut captures a child’s experience of time passing, and the inef-
fability of a daughter falling out of love with her mother.
What’s more, “Janet Planet” was shot entirely in Western Massachusetts and features significant contributions from area communities — such as the Double Edge Theatre in Ashfield — and with many residents participating as cast and crew.
“For months, we’ve fielded calls from so many folks eager to share their stories and ready for their big screen debut. That day has finally come,” said Amherst Cinema Executive Director Yasmin
At left is a scene from “Janet Planet,” a film by Amherst native Annie Baker. The film will be screened at Amherst Cinema starting tonight. (A24 FILMS)
Live Wire
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D4
harp at age 11, moving on to study classical music at the Hartt School, later stepping into jazz under the guidance of Jackie McLean. Her career includes performances with jazz icons like Pharoah Sanders and Ravi Coltrane, and appearances on albums by Lakecia Benjamin and Robert Glasper.
South Carolina’s Ranky Tanky won the Best Regional Roots Album at the 2019 Grammy Awards for its sophomore release, “Good Time.” The album also topped Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Chart. The group has been featured in The New York Times, on NPR’s “Fresh Air,” and the “Today” show.
Lisa Fischer, who has both a Grammy and Oscar on her shelf, is a musical chameleon of sorts, shifting easily through various musical hues, from soul to jazz to rock to gospel. She first forged a career as a backup singer, collaborating with music notables such as the Rolling Stones and Luther
Vandross, Fischer now forges her own path with Grand Baton, exploring new musical horizons.
T’Swan and Talynt use their sibling synergy to create a different kind of hip-hop. Natives of Springfield, they both have solo careers, but also join forces as they will for
the festival.
The other event will be Pioneer Valley Brewery’s hosting of an outdoor beer garden with live music and food trucks on June 29, from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
The event will take place behind 151 Third Street and abutting beautiful Unity Park
on the riverfront in downtown Turners Falls. Music will be by Jimmy Just Quit. The next shows in this series will be Grove Prophet on Saturday, July 27 (with 9 p.m. fireworks on the riverfront) and Tracy & Co. on Aug. 24. In case of rain, this event will move inside the brewery.
TUESDAY
Chicopee Elks #1849
431 Granby Road, Chicopee 413-592-1849
Bingo Tuesday
Doors Open at 4PM
2 Progressive Jackpots 6:15PM Early Bird
6:20PM Start
Min. Entry Package $15 Open Seating
2 Halls for Players
Handicap Restroom 1st Floor
WEDNESDAY
Polish American Citizens Club 355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385
Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm
Doors Open at 4pm. Minimum Admission $50
1 - 1199 Progressive Betty Boop 50/50 Prize $900
2 - $500 Cover Alls
3 - $400 Special Games All regular games $100 with 80 people or More. All Cards are included with Admission. Prizes climb with additional attendence. Full Kitchen 4-6:30pm.
THURSDAY
Fairview Knights of Columbus 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee (413) 532-2011
DOORS OPEN 4:30PM
MASKS OPTIONAL Progressive Jackpot 6:15pm Early Bird 6:20pm Start
Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms
Min. Entry Package $15
SPRINGFIELD
Maroon 5 to play MassMutual Center
Fourth
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D3
supported by 90 Meat Outlet, Affordable Waste Solutions, American Medical Response (AMR), Charlie Arment Trucking, Elegant Affairs, iHeart Media (Mix 93.1 FM), Joseph Freedman Company, MGM Springfield, Michael’s Party Rentals, Quality Beverage, Sheraton Springfield, Springfield Parking Authority, The Republican, WWLP-22News, and the City of Springfield including the building, fire, parks, police, and public works departments.
For the public’s safety, officials will be enforcing no pets, no alcohol, no smoking, no bicycles, no skateboards, no rollerblades, no drones, no sparklers, and no illegal fireworks in and around Riverfront Park.
In order to prepare for the fireworks, the Memorial Bridge, where they are shot off, will close on July 3 at 11 p.m. to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
The Spirit of Springfield has been presenting Independence Day festivities since 1991.
For more information about Star Spangled Springfield, visit spiritofspringfield.org or contact the Spirit of Spring-
field at 413-733-3800.
Among the other celebrations with and without fireworks planned on and around the Fourth of July holiday to honor our nation’s birthday are:
• Agawam: Six Flags New England will celebrate the biggest holiday of the summer with fireworks each night at 9:30 p.m. from July 4-7. By day, stroll the park and enjoy classic Americana décor, themed entertainment and activities at the Main Street Gazebo and Gotham City before the fireworks end the night in a spectacular show of light, color and big booms. Visit sixflags.com/new england for more information on hours, admission prices and more.
• Amherst: This year’s free Amherst Independence Day Celebration will be held on July 2 at McGuirk Stadium at UMass Amherst. There will be live music, food, and fun and games as well as a White Lion Beer Garden. Event begins at 6 p.m., with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Parking will be available in Lots 11, 14, 21, 22 and 33 with accessible parking in Lot 10.
• Chicopee: Sponsored by the Chicopee Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, there will be a free fireworks display and celebration at Szot Park
Dolan: Concert is ‘tremendous honor and exciting milestone for Springfield’
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
In advance of adding more dates for its popular Las Vegas residency at Park MGM, pop act Maroon 5 have set aside time to visit Springfield for a hit-filled concert with all new production and staging at the MassMutual Center on Monday.
Showtime is 8 p.m.
Maroon 5 is playing a limited series of performances on the East Coast this summer, coinciding with headlining shows at Milwaukee’s Summerfest and the Ottawa Bluesfest, supported on some dates by Grammy Award-winning songstress Maren Morris.
“Having Maroon 5 perform at the MassMutual Center is
on Saturday, June 29. There will be two food vendors, face painting for a fee by The Happy Face Painter and novelty items for sale. Moose and the High Tops will perform at 6:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks are at 9:30 p.m. Parking will be limited in the park in the softball and tennis court parking lots. Once they are filled, roads entering Szot Park will be closed off. Rain date is June 30.
• Easthampton: There will be fireworks in Easthampton at Thunder in the Valley Concert and Fireworks Festival on June 29, but it will cost you. Tickets for the daylong event from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. range
in price from $20 to $70. The festival features bands, food trucks, games and more ending in fireworks. All funds raised will be donated to the Children’s Miracle Network at Baystate Children’s Hospital. For more information on the event held at Molitoris Farm on 95 Park Hill Road, visit thunderinthevalleyma. com.
• Greenfield: Greenfield’s Park and Recreation Department will hold off its big party at Beacon Field until July 6 with their Independence Day Fireworks Celebration beginning at 4 p.m. featuring music, food and fun straight through until 9:35 p.m. when the free fireworks color the sky. Rain date is July 7.
• Holyoke: The sprawling and scenic grounds of Holyoke Community College on Homestead Avenue will be the site of the city’s free annual July 4th Fireworks Celebration on June 28, held in conjunction with Holyoke Gas & Electric. The event begins at 6 p.m. with music, food and many activities for children. The display of red, white and blue will begin at dusk. Rain date is June 30.
• East Longmeadow: All of the patriotic fun continues in East Longmeadow with free fireworks and more. The East Longmeadow Rotary Club is holding its annual carnival from June 28 to July 3 at Center Field. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Ride tickets and wristbands will be available for purchase at the carnival. On July 4, the East Longmeadow Fourth of July Parade Committee will host one of the largest Independence Day parades in the Northeast. Participants will step off from East Longmeadow High School at 10 a.m. Fireworks, however, come early on July 3, following the Rotary Club’s annual Summer Concert Series at East Longmeadow High School with Trailer Trash. Fireworks will fill the sky at about 9:30 p.m.
Judy DaCruz of East Longmeadow with her granddaughter Emily Smith enjoy a past year’s Fourth of July parade in East Longmeadow. (HOANG 'LEON' NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)
• North Adams: The town of North Adams will hold a display of patriotism on July 4 with free fireworks at Joe Wolfe Field at 310 State St. after the SteepleCats game against Sanford Mainers. Grab some tickets to the game, then stick around for the fireworks which begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.
• South Hadley: Fourth of July fireworks begin the night before the big day, on July 3 at the Michael E. Smith Middle School on 100 Mosier St. Festivities, including music, food, and activities for the kids start at 5 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. The event is free. Rain date is July 6.
• South Deerfield: Tree House Brewing Company at 1 Community Place will hold its Deerfield Fireworks Display on July 3. Tickets are
$10. Children under the age of 12 are welcomed as guests of ticket holders. Ticket holders will be ID’d and given a wristband to enjoy their draft pours and to pick up their to-go orders at the end of the show. Ticket holders can arrive beginning at 5 p.m. The show will begin between 9-9:15 p.m., depending on light.
• Westfield: “Fireworks for Freedom” will be celebrated on June 29 at Westfield
South Middle School Field on West Silver Street. The traditional celebration of the Fourth of July holiday will feature musical entertainment from Korey & The Knightsmen Band, food vendors, and a fireworks show. The event is presented by Westfield Gas & Electric/ Whip City Fiber, Advance Manufacturing & the Amanti Family. The Middle School lawn will open at 5 p.m. with free fireworks to follow as
the skies darken later in the evening.
• Pittsfield: Fireworks are scheduled at 9 p.m. on July 4 from Wahconah Park. Prior to the nighttime event, there will be two baseball games at the park — a Babe Ruth AllStar Game at 3 p.m. followed by a Berkshire Adult Baseball League game. The games are free and there will be food and beverages available. Fireworks are underwritten by the Pittsfield Suns.
To stay up to date on the latest Fourth of July festivities, go online to MassLive.com.
watch any of the other bands go before us. We were the very first band to play when it started, and the very last band to play. It was a learning curve as we went along, learning more about ourselves, learning how to command a stage, learning the do’s and don’ts of the stage. It was a great experience, and from there, we were able to do a lot of great things.
Q. And now that it’s been a decade since that experience, how do you look back on it and how it helped your group as musicians?
A. It was ups and downs. I feel like that moment showed us what we needed to work on more and showed us that we were gifted and talented to be able to be on stages not just locally, but all over the world. But it was definitely a learning curve. We learned more about ourselves as musicians and as artists.
Q. Would you say your musical style and process has evolved since that time?
A. Oh yes, because it’s not just one thing about music. It’s just like playing sports. You have to train. If you play basketball, you don’t just go in the gym and throw around a basketball all day. It’s weightlifting, it’s conditioning, working on your breathing, your
pace, getting up and down the floor. So aside from us working on being musicians, we had to work on things like professionalism and togetherness, because anyone can solo on an instrument, but when you’re doing a show and performing with other people, that’s not important. One band, one sound is very important. You know, you want to provide feel-good music for your audience, so they remember the music, even when we’re doing cover tunes. You want to remember it because you identify with the identity of the song, but you also want to walk away saying, “Wow, I love the way Malado played that.” It’s like a conversation. You know, you can have the same conversation with two different people, but you may receive a different delivery from one other person that touches you and makes you remember that conversation.
Q. And do you guys play a mix of originals and covers?
A. Yep. Throughout our course from 2008 to now has been a mixture of original music and cover music.
Q. The R&B and hip-hop scene is constantly evolving. How have you guys had to adapt and evolve over time to stay on top of the latest trends?
A. It’s just like anything else. We remain ourselves, but we know how to move with the times. There’s certain things
that are going to age out, and it doesn’t work anymore, so you have to figure out “how can I still be myself but adapt with the times?” Even if you look at the downtown Springfield music scene, I can say we’ve been trendsetters. There’s a location downtown — Dewey’s Jazz Lounge. I see a lot of different bands coming in and out of there now, but we were one of the originals there. We had a residency every Friday. I see a lot of what we brought to the table that did influence a lot of different bands that have come after us, just like other bands did for us. You take what’s needed, and you leave what’s not needed, and you learn how to grow.
Just look at young children, you know. You don’t look at them at the age of 18 and expect what they were at the age
of 5. You expect some form of growth, and not just physical growth, but growth in education and in knowledge and in other things.
So we just continue to grow. There’s been some changes with some of our band members. People have gone on to do other things, but it’s always been a “next man up” opportunity to continue to grow.
Q. Do you think personal growth is closely intertwined with artistic growth?
A. Yes. Even with being a band, at some point, you want to say “OK, we’ve done this, let’s challenge ourselves to do this” or “Let’s do that.” Growth is what keeps it feeling new and feeling fresh. And the audience you’re performing
for, they can be seeing you for the first time, but a lot of them can feel the energy of “OK, this is fresh, this is new, I love this experience.” Or when something’s stale, it’s like, “OK, we need to go back to the drawing board.” My objective is always for the crowd first. Us second, crowd first, because that’s who comes out to see us. We want to give them feel-good energy and feel-good music.
Q. And do you see a lot of energy at your shows?
A. That’s our feel, the energy. We want to provide a good performance, because that energy we get from the audience, it definitely comes back to us and in return, we’re able to kick it in gear and give them a great show. From family members and friends to even strangers, we’ve done a lot in our city and the numbers keep continuing to grow. People continue to follow us on our social media and message us like “Hey, when’s the next event?” The love has definitely been tremendous. I’ve seen it grow from ’08 to now.
Q. What can audiences expect at the MGM Springfield show?
A. They can expect feelgood energy and feel-good music. They might have seen other bands before, but they’ll definitely witness an experience that they talk about, that they share with their family members or friends. I always stress feel-good energy, feelgood music.
A photo of the band provided by Malado. (SUBMITTED)
With $5 meal deal, McDonald’s offers ‘summer of value’
CHICAGO-BASED
McDonald’s Corp. is this week introducing its much-anticipated $5 meal deal. A response to the chain’s continuing loss of low-income consumers, the meal deal has triggered much buzz within the restaurant industry, so such so that a meme of sorts has emerged. Increasingly, summer 2024 is being referred to in the food service media as “the summer of value.”
The McDonald’s deal began on Tuesday and will run for a relatively brief time period, with the best guess being four weeks or so. The “deal” is to include a McDouble or McChicken sandwich, small fries, a four-piece Chicken McNuggets and a small soft drink.
Already competitors in the quick service space have latched onto this “summer of value” meme, offering deals of their own. Even casual dining chains like Chili’s and Applebee’s have gone “value” with promotional offerings, emphasizing the sit-down experience they are able to provide at a price that’s comparable to that of a fast food meal.
The $5 price point that McDonald’s is promoting — and driving their competition to match — has in the past demonstrated potency as a marketing strategy. The real question is whether or not a briefly available $5 meal deal will bring back the low-income consumers McDonald’s has lost and, after the deal goes away, leave them convinced that McDonald’s is once again a “good deal.” As any marketer can tell you, attitudes and beliefs can be remarkably hard to change. Locally, independent restaurants might also want to look at how they can pile onto all the “summer of value” marketing hype by coming up with their own meal deals over the next several months.
Side Dishes
• On Friday, June 28, from 5-9 p.m., chef Andrew Brow and the White Lion Brew-
ing Company in downtown Springfield will be hosting an Oyster Party.
The party will feature oysters “three ways” — raw bar style, with a pink peppercorn and grape mignonette; oysters “Rockafella,” with creamed spinach and bacon; and oysters “Leopold,” with andouille sausage, sweet corn green onion and corn bread crumble.
Craft beer, wine and cider will be available at the party, and live music also will be on the docket.
The telephone number for the White Lion Brewing Company is 413-326-1829.
• Moe’s Southwest Grill locations are currently offering Tequila Lime Chicken, a protein add-in option that’s
made from chicken breast in an agave citrus sauce. An option with any entree, the chicken is accented with the flavors of lime, jalapeno peppers and garlic.
Tequila Lime Chicken also headlines in a Queso Crunch Taco, where it’s sandwiched between two soft tortillas along with queso sauce, shredded cheese, Pico de Gallo and crema. Both items are available for a limited time only.
There are Moe’s Southwest Grill locations at 1300 Boston Road in Springfield, at 301 East Main St. in Westfield and at 25 Hazard Ave. in Enfield.
• Black Birch Vineyard in Hatfield will be hosting a Farm to Table Dinner on Saturday, July 13.
The five-course dinner, which is being prepared and served by Wheelhouse Catering of Amherst, will feature locally source ingredients innovatively prepared. Selected Black Birch wines will be paired with each course. Both omnivore and vegetarian selections will be available. Tickets for the dinner, which are $125 all-inclusive, can be ordered online.
Black Birch Vineyard picks up at 413-247-3300.
• There’s still a few days left to enjoy the June specials
of blackberry, raspberry and strawberry, will be available for a limited time only.
• On July 11, Brignole Vineyards in East Granby, Connecticut, will be hosting a New England Summer Seafood Bake. Prepared by DORO Catering & Events, the Seafood Bake will begin at 6 p.m. with a “New England Raw Bar” and a glass of wine.
The Seafood Bake portion of the menu will feature Stuffed Lobster Tails, Chorizo Sausage, and Grilled Chicken.
For dessert strawberry shortcake will be served; Brignole will be pouring its Mountain Laurel Sparking Wine along with the dessert course.
Tickets for the event, which are $125, can be ordered online.
at Krazy Jakes in Wilbraham.
The month’s main dish special is Spicy Chicken & Bacon Mac served with a salad or soup; featured seafood selection is Snow Crab Legs.
From-the-grill choices include a “Panco Cubano” hot dog prepared Cubano sandwich-style and a Nacho Burger garnished with nacho cheese sauce, tortilla chips, and house-made salsa.
For breakfast, Krazy Jakes is currently featuring a Philly Steak Breakfast Quesadilla.
The telephone number at Krazy Jakes is 413-596-6464.
• The Wendy’s Co. is marking the official arrival of summer with the introduction of a Triple Berry Frosty flavor, replacing the Orange Dreamsicle frozen dairy dessert it had previously been promoting.
The new flavor, which incorporates the essences
Brignole Vineyards answers at 860-653-9463.
• A low-key way to spend a weekend morning, Sunday brunch is a popular indulgence for many. Unfortunately, some restaurants suspend the offering of Sunday brunch during the summer months, but that’s not the case at Villa Napoletana in East Longmeadow. It offers brunch from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. weekly, featuring traditional breakfast items, Italian favorites, and hot lunch entrees.
The tab for brunch is $22.95; children 12 and younger are charged $11.50.
Villa Napoletana’s telephone number is 413-7329300.
• Now headquartered in Addison, Texas, Friendly’s Restaurants has introduced its summer round of menu additions.
Two versions of a Lobster Roll lead off this summer’s sandwich menu — a “Maine Style” made with chilled lobster meat dressed with mayonnaise and “Connecticut style” served warm with a side of melted butter.
A Lobster & Shrimp Quesadilla is being offered, as is Lobster Bisque.
Burger fans can enjoy a Double Stack Burger over the
On Friday, White Lion Brewing Company in Springfield will play host to an Oyster Party. Oysters will be served three ways by chef Andrew Brow. (THE REPUBLICAN, FILE PHOTO)
Wendy’s new Triple Berry Frosty has arrived just in time for summer and is available nationwide.
Hugh Robert Off The Menu
French sauvignon blanc wines under $15
TRYING TO BEAT THE HEAT this summer? Join the club. And don’t blame me.
Anyone who knows me knows that I have never been one of those people who pines for hot summer days in the middle of winter.
I’m the guy you hate in January who’s
MY BEER WRITING career didn’t start when I first penned this column in 2003. It began six years earlier as a beat reporter when I twisted my editor’s arm to let me cover the opening of The People’s Pint in Greenfield.
The Pint is a unique place in many ways, but one aspect might almost seem counterintuitive for a business: Owner Alden Booth doesn’t want it to get too big. He’s not out to dominate the world or expand its footprint in any way.
“Our mission has always been to keep it simple and local — don’t look for and become dependent on a lot of outside tourists and one-time visitors. The key was to do what it takes to hook the local folks,” Booth said in a recent interview. “Another reason we wanted to keep it local is because we wanted to minimize how far people would have to drive to come to the Pint. We are the opposite of a place like Tree House that is on a scale and designed to be completely dependent on lots of people driving substantial distances to their facilities to get beer.”
The People’s Pint has been open since 1997 when it became just the third brewery in the Pioneer Valley — after the
dancing with delight like Mary Tyler Moore in downtown Minneapolis when it’s frigid cold in New England and we have waist-high snow.
Those were the days, to paraphrase another classic 1970s sitcom.
So what can you do to keep cool in summer?
Open a bottle of nice, refreshing white
wine.
And if you love bright, lively, invigorating wines, head on over to France – or simply to your local wine store.
There, you can often find a great selection of affordable French sauvignon blancs.
This week, you can learn more about
People’s Pint keeps it fresh – and local
Northampton Brewery (1987) and Deerfield’s Berkshire Brewing Co. (1996). Although Booth had learned to homebrew as a student in Boston in the mid-1980s, he originally never had plans to open a brewery.
“When I met Dan Young, my co-founder, he had already been brewing at LongTrail and was currently the brewer at the Windham Brewery in Brattleboro. I hung out there with him, drinking MoonBeam pale ales, and
talking about starting a place of our own,” Booth said.
Once they decided to pursue a brewery, Booth (who lived in Northfield); and Young (who lived in Montague) knew they wanted to “open up a pub with simple food and our own beers in Franklin County,” Booth said.
“We actually looked at a couple of places in Shelburne Falls, and at the Snow’s Ice Cream building, but ended up at 24 Federal Street two years
SEE BEER, PAGE D11
WINE, PAGE D11
FROM PAGE D8
next few months; the sandwich features two beef patties along with sliced American cheese and the traditional lettuce, tomato and mayo garnish.
Participating Friendly’s Restaurants are also now offering French Toast a la Mode. Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with maple syrup, the French toast comes garnished with bacon.
These summer season menu specialties will be available at participating Friendly’s locations through Oct. 5.
• This summer, Enfield Public Schools are sponsoring a Youth Culinary Institute, with three separate week-long programs presented during the month of July.
An Introductory Culinary Arts Camp is scheduled from July 8-12. A hands-on, experience-based course, the institute will explore the commercial kitchen preparing different recipes with different themes daily.
During the Introductory Camp Chef Josh Ogrodowski, the Institute’s lead instructor, will be focusing on an array of kitchen skills as well as safety, sanitation, menu development, and food presentation.
During the week of July 1519, the Institute will hold an International Youth Culinary Camp, the focus of which will be recipes from different regions of the world.
A Youth Baking and Pastry Camp is scheduled from July 22-26.
All three of the Institute’s programs are designed for students from grades 5 through 8 and at all levels of culinary skill. The sessions will be held at Enfield High School in Enfield. For more details or to register online go to enfield. revtrak.net/AdultEducation/. Enfield Public Schools answer at 860-2536500.
• 350 Grill in downtown Springfield is currently celebrating “Seafood Sundays” every Sunday evening from 5-9 p.m.
The Seafood Sunday menus feature special seafood dishes as well as prime rib; live entertainment and outdoor dining is also part of the fun. For reservations, call 413439-0666.
• The Ranch Golf Club in Southwick is holding a “Family Fun — Live Music” evening on Friday, July 5 from 5-9 p.m. This opento-the-public event features music by Floyd Paterson and Adam Call.
A family-style barbecue dinner is being served, with a menu that includes flank steak and fried chicken along with sides such as potato salad, corn on the cob, garden salad, and more. Dessert is also provided.
Cost to attend is $40, and tickets can be purchased online.
For more information, call 413-569-9333, ext. 5. 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 People’s Pint in Greenfield. (DON TREEGER / THE REPBULICAN, FILE)
George Lenker Beer Nut
Ken Ross Wine Press SEE
THURSDAY
Concerts in the Park Series: Thu., 6:30 p.m. Forest Park, Floyd Patterson's Hipptown. Rain location to be Carriage House tent. Those attending the concert may enter Forest Park through the Sumner Avenue or the Route 5 entrances for free after 5 p.m. on the evenings of the concerts. Free. Sumner Avenue, Springfield.
Florence Summer Concert Series: Thu, 6:30-8 p.m. Florence Civic Center, The Henderson Blues Band. Foodtruck: Caravan Kitchen. Bring your lawn chairs, 90 Park St., Florence.
Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival 2024 presents M.A.D.D. Rhythms: Thu.-Fri,, 6 p.m. Jacob's Pillow Dance, M.A.D.D. Rhythms. Henry J. Leir Stage (outdoor). Tickets start at $40. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413-243-0745 or jacobspillow.org.
Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival 2024 presents Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo: Thu., 8 p.m.; Fri. and Sun., 2 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m. Jacob's Pillow Dance, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo. Ted Shawn Theatre. Tickets start at $65. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413-243-0745 or jacobspillow.org.
Majestic Theater Summer 2024 presents Joe Canata & The Knight Tones: Thu., 7:30 p.m. Majestic Theater, Joe Canata & The Knight Tones. For tickets, call the Box Office, 413-747-7797, $28, $26. 131 Elm St., West Springfield or majestictheater.com.
Open Stage Series: Thu., 6:30 p.m. LAVA Center, takes place fourth Thurs. of every month. Signups will start at 6:30 p.m. and the show will start at 7 p.m. Artists are encouraged to sign up to perform theater, dance, music, literature, spoken word, magic, puppetry, circus, sideshow, comedy, etc. $5 suggested donation ($1 Card to Culture). 324 Main St., Greenfield.
FRIDAY
Free Music Fridays: Malado: Fri, 7:30-9 p.m. MGM Springfield, In the Plaza, 1 MGM Way, Springfield.
Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival
2024: See Thursday listing Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival
2024: See Thursday listing Majestic Theater Summer 2024 presents Wild Taxi: Fri., 7:30 p.m. Majestic Theater, Wild Taxi Harry Chapin and Yusuf/Cat Stevens tribute. For tickets, call the box office at 413-747-7797, $28, $26. 131 Elm St., West Springfield, or majestic theater.com.
"My Nephew Jamie": Fri., 6 p.m.
CALENDAR
Norman Rockwell Museum, Join filmmaker Bonnie Bien and artist James Warhola for a sneak peek at their fascinating new documentary film, “My Nephew Jamie.” James Warhola’s career as an illustrator and his relationship with his famous uncle, the ever-elusive pop artist Andy Warhol, are the subjects of a yet-to-be released documentary film by Bonnie Bien. The artist and the filmmaker will introduce the program and will provide insights and personal reflections about the making of the project and the stories behind it. The event will be held in the Norman Rockwell Museum Terrace Café, $20, members free. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge; 413-2984100 or nrm.org.
Rainbow LGBTQIA+ & Allies Coffee Social Hour: Fri, 1 p.m. Northampton Senior Center, Gay Men's Group, every Fri, 1 p.m., 67 Conz St., Northampton. 413-587-1228 or northamptonseniors.com.
Tanglewood 2024 Popular Artist Series presents Jon Batiste: Fri, 7 p.m. Tanglewood, Jon Batiste. Shed. Lawn tickets available, $39. 297 West St., Lenox. 888-266-1200 or tanglewood.org
SATURDAY
Antenna Cloud Farm presents MAJEL CONNERY: Sat., 7:30-8:45 p.m. Antenna Cloud Farm, $0-$25. 25 Green Hill Road, Gill; Burning Roses Burlesque: "See You L8ter Space Cowboy": Sat., 9 p.m. Rendezvous, Queer circus arts burlesque. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.com/e/burningroses-burlesque-see-you-later space-cowboy-tickets894466702987, $15-$25. 78 Third St., Turners Falls. 413-863-2866 or thevoo.net.
Fun Field Day: Sat., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The High School of Commerce,
Street (Unity Park). Beer Garden, Outdoor Music and Food Trucks Jimmy Just Quit. The first of three summer events with craft beer, food by Mohawk Falafel and Strays Vegan Pizza. In case of rain this event moves inside the brewery, 56 1st Street, Turners Falls.
Summer Reading Kick-Off featuring Carrie Ferguson and the Grumpytime Club Band: Sat, 10:30 a.m. The Drake, Doors open 10 a.m., 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst, thedrakeamherst.org.
SUNDAY
Hosted by Christina's House. Activities for all ages include face painting, music, arts and craft, field games, fire-truck, snacks and more. For more information and volunteer opportunities email Jennifer@ christinashouse.org. Takes place at the Philip A. Sweeney Field, behind the high school, 415 State St., Springfield.
Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival 2024: See Thursday listing Majestic Theater Summer 2024 presents Union Jack: Sat., 7:30 p.m. Majestic Theater, Union Jack: Rock 'N' Roll on Ed Sullivan, $28, $26. 131 Elm St., West Springfield. 413-7477797 or majestictheater.com.
On the Boards '24: Sat, 7 p.m. LAVA Center, a festival of new play readings by (mostly) local playwrights. Table readings: "Phoenix in the Holy Land," written by JuPong Lin and directed by Ash Governman; "Acacia," written by Samuel Rahman and directed by Ash Governman. For advance tickets, visit tixtree.com/o/ lava, $5-$15 sliding scale ($1-$2 for Card to Culture participants). 324 Main St., Greenfield.
The School at Jacob's Pillow: Contemporary Ballet Performance Ensemble: Sat, 6 p.m. Jacob's Pillow Dance, Henry J. Leir Stage, choose what you pay. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413-243-0745 or jacobspillow.org.
Striking Out Cancer in the Berkshires: All Day Baseball Game & Womens Softball: Sat, 9 a.m. Clapp Park, For ages high school and up. All proceeds to go to Dana Farber/ Jimmy Fund. $10 donation to play, includes T-shirt. Contact Joe DiCicco 518-390-2512, for more information. 233 W. Housatonic St., Pittsfield. Summer of Songs: Sat, 6:30 a.m.9:30 p.m. Unity Park & Skatepark, Summer of Songs at Pioneer Valley Brewery, free. Behind 151 Third
2026, admission to the Springfield Museums is free for all. For more information, visit springfieldmuseums.org.
Antenna Cloud Farm presents ANJU: Sun, 3-4:15 p.m. Antenna Cloud Farm, $0-$25. 25 Green Hill Road, Gill; Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival 2024: See Thursday listing Majestic Theater Summer 2024 presents Lisa Lanno: Sun, 2 p.m. Majestic Theater, Lisa Lanno: Messages from the Other Side. For tickets call the box office, 413-7477797, $28, $26. 131 Elm St., West Springfield, or majestictheater. com.
The Story Cafe — Spoken Word: Sun., 2 p.m. North Hall Theatre, Free, donations accepted. 40 Searle Road, Huntington. 413-667-5543 or northhallhuntington.org.
WorldFest 2024: Dante Club, Featuring cultures, traditions, ethnic foods, music, dance, clothing and more will be celebrated. There will also be children's puzzles, helium balloons, purple, green, and yellow beads handed out out and a silent auction of gift certificates to the Majestic Theater, Six Flags, restaurants, and more, $5 for adults with all school aged children (through high school) admitted free. 1198 Memorial Ave., West Springfield.
Quadrangle
George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: “Ancient Treasures,” a display of artifacts from ancient China, Greece, Rome and Egypt. Through Labor Day, the Springfield Museums are taking part in the Blue Star Museum Initiative. During this time, military personnel and their families are admitted to the museums at no charge. The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military—Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. On the first Wed. of every month through the end of
Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: “Designing Downtown,” through Sept. 8. Explore the history of downtown Springfield through centuries of plans that were never brought to fruition. Maps, drawings, blueprints, and more documents created by local citizens and nationally known city planners offer a glimpse into Springfield as it could have been and, at the same time, how the modern city came to be. “The 200th Anniversary of the Springfield Republican,” through Jan. 5. “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: The Exhibit,” through Sept. 1. Travel back in time and unravel the secrets of world-famous heroes. This new exhibit brings to life the PBS Kids TV series “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum.’ Permanent exhibit: More than two dozen Indian motorcycles and related memorabilia.
Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “Frida Kahlo, Her Photos,” through Sept. 8. On the Second Floor, Wheeler Gallery. “Look Again: Portraits of Daring Women” by Julie Lapping Rivera, through Feb. 23. Museum a la Carte. June 27, 12:15 p.m. “Sidonia’s Seam Binding: A Holocaust Dressmaker’s Daughter Discovers Her Style.” $4, free for members. Presented by Hanna Perlstein Marcus, author and clinical social worker. In-person or online. To register for online program, visit springfieldmuseums. org.
Springfield Science Museum: “Did the Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs?” Sat. through Aug. 31, 2 p.m. This full-dome show uncovers the science behind one of Earth’s greatest mysteries: the fate of dinosaurs. “Tiny Titans: Dinosaur Eggs and Babies,” through Sept. 1. This handson exhibition offers and astounding array of authentic dinosaur eggs and nests collected from all over the globe. Permanent exhibit: State-ofthe-art Zeiss Projector and updated International Space Station exhibit. The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibit. Firstfloor exhibition provides interactive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit springfield museums.org.
Quadrangle admission - $25 for adults, $16.50 for seniors (60+) and college students with ID, $13 for children ages 3-17; free to children under age 3 and members, Springfield residents are free with proof of residency. Welcome Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tanglewood’s Popular Artist Series will present Jon Batiste on Friday at 7 p.m.
Beer
after the Green River Cafe closed its doors.”
But the pair wanted more than just a brewery.
“We knew the brewery would just be a compliment to the atmosphere and the food. We and our friends didn’t want to have to go to Northampton to eat out all the time, but Greenfield only had burger and fries joints,” Booth said.
The People’s Pint was an immediate triumph. It featured a simple but locally sourced menu — and it didn’t hurt that the venue’s pints were only $2.75 back then.
“We had an amazing baker, so our breads and desserts
were a smash hit, and we had a turkey burger and spicy peanut noodles and great salads,” Booth said. “Also started using veggies like kale and swiss chard, which at the time were not on most menus — same with crispy fried tofu.”
Booth also emphasized that he keeps a similar local focus with where the beer goes for resale elsewhere.
“We
knew the brewery would just be a compliment to the atmosphere and the food. We and our friends didn’t want to have to go to Northampton to eat out all the time, but Greenfield only had burger and fries joints.”
People’s Pint owner Alden Booth
“We’ve kept it small and have always self-distributed mostly within a 50-mile radius, using an electric vehicle for some of the deliveries,” he said. “We could have tried to get bigger and brew and keg more beer for wholesale, but that’s a tough road to travel and can backfire –especially in today’s glut of beer.”
The stress on supporting the local region extends to other areas as well. Brewers use local grains and hops for some of their beers and brew beers such as Early Green and Building Bridges that support local organizations.
“Early Green supports and promotes our local Just Roots Farm low-income CSA, and Building Bridges supports feeding and community
involvement with area veterans,” Booth said. “We’ve also brewed a beer called Training Wheels in support of MassBike, a statewide bike advocacy organization.”
Like a parent being asked who his favorite child is, Booth couldn’t really tell me his favorite beer at the Pint.
“Hard to say, depends on the season a bit. But I’ve always liked our West Coaststyle, 100% Cascade hopped
Pied Piper IPA. Farmer Brown is very unique and delicious especially in the fall when on cask — same with the Oatmeal Stout,” he said.
“I’m also really liking the session IPA, Training Wheels, at 3.8% alcohol. Our current brewer, Matt Wanamaker, is cranking out a lot of different beers, more variety than we’ve ever had, and people are loving that.”
But Booth had a (somewhat) easier time suggesting a beer for a first-time visitor.
“Depends on the style of beers they like. For a lighter one, I think the People’s Pilsner is absolutely delicious, and if they are not into hops, I definitely would recommend the Farmer Brown and/or Hope Street amber.”
sauvignon blanc wines in general, along with tasting notes for three, French sauvignon blancs that cost less than $15 a bottle. Hope you enjoy.
History of sauvignon blanc
Sauvignon blanc has been around for a very long time. Winemakers in France’s Loire Valley first began using sauvignon blanc grapes to make wine in the 1500s, according to the reference book “Wine Grapes” by Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding and Jose Vouillamoz.
Popularity of sauvignon blanc
Worldwide, sauvignon blanc is the second most popular white wine grape. This is based on sales and the number of acres of sauvignon blanc grapes.
As for the United States, sauvignon blanc has a bit more competition. Nationwide, it’s the fourth most popular white wine grape after French colombard (third) and pinot gris (second). So what’s the most popular white wine grape? Far ahead of everyone else — in this country and worldwide — is chardonnay.
Popular sauvignon blanc wine regions
Two places in particular remain extremely popular for making sauvignon blanc wines — France’s Loire Valley and New Zealand’s Marlborough region on the South Island. Other places that make outstanding sauvignon blanc wines include California, Chile, Australia and South Africa.
French sauvignon blanc wine regions
Because this week’s wine column focuses on French sauvignon blancs — and because this grape was first cultivated in France’s Loire
Valley — I thought it was important to explain a bit more about where you can find sauvignon blancs from France. Don’t be surprised if you don’t see the words “sauvignon blanc” or “Loire Valley” on the bottle. Sometimes, some winemakers get even more specific about where the wine comes from in France. In France’s Loire Valley, some of the most famous subregions for sauvignon blanc wines include Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume and Touraine.
In addition, France’s Bordeaux region also produces many outstanding sauvignon blanc wines.
Wine tasting notes
2022 Les Deux Moulins Sauvignon Blanc ($10.99 at Table & Vine in West Springfield)
Region: Loire Valley, France
Tasting notes: Many people often associate a certain fresh cut grass-like flavor to sauvignon blanc. That description only really applies to New Zealand sauvignon blancs. Loire Valley sauvignon blancs in general are more subtle, more understated. This particular wine has bright, light, refreshing flavors with hints of green apple, lemon and sea salt.
2022 Biscaye Baie Sauvignon Blanc ($11.99 at Table & Vine)
Region: Cotes De Gascogne, France
Tasting notes: The next wine takes us down to the southwest corner of France, an often overlooked wine-producing area. The good news is that low profile helps keep prices down for many outstanding wines from southwest France. If you like bright, lively fruit flavors, you’ll love the hints of peach, pear, apricot and green apple in this delightful wine.
2022 Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc ($13.99 at Table & Vine)
Region: Loire Valley, France
Tasting notes: For the last wine, let’s head back to France’s Loire Valley for another great, light, easy-drinking white wine. The flavors here are slightly tart as well with hints of peach, pear and apricot along with a dash of lemon and sea salt. Overall, all three wines are just what many of us crave on hot, muggy summer days when some of us daydream about snowdrifts and ski lifts.
Cheers!
Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s Weekend section every Thursday.
The three French sauvignon blanc wines under $15 recommended this week. (KEN ROSS PHOTO)
Maroon 5
a tremendous honor and an exciting milestone for Springfield. We’re looking forward to kicking off the week of July 4th and bringing the community together with some top-tier talent. This event showcases the MassMutual Center’s ability to provide world-class entertainment and highlights our partnership with MGM Springfield,” said Sean Dolan, general manager, MassMutual Center.
Fans can expect to hear many of the group’s biggest hits during the concert, including “Moves Like Jagger” which features Christina Aguilera, “Sugar,” “Girls Like You” which features Cardi B, “She Will Be Loved, “What Lovers Do,” which features SZA, “Memories,” and “Payphone,” which features Wiz Khalifa.
The group, with Adam Levine as frontman, was formed in 1994 as Kara’s Flowers while its members were still in high school. In addition to Levine, today’s lineup includes rhythm guitarist and keyboardist Jesse Carmichael, lead guitarist James Valentine, drummer Matt Flynn, keyboardist PJ Morton and multi-instrumentalist and bassist Sam Farrar.
Levine has also distinguished himself as one of the four original coaches of NBC’s hit show “The Voice,” which made its debut in
‘Planet’
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D5
Chin Eisenhauer. “‘Janet Planet’ has arrived with critical acclaim and lots of buzz. We’re excited to celebrate with neighborhood friends and filmgoers and look forward to a successful run at the Cinema.”
“Janet Planet” will transport viewers to the summer of 1991, where 11-year-old Lacy (Zoe Ziegler) spends her days at home, enthralled by
2011. He coached for 16 consecutive seasons before departing in 2019. NBC in early June announced that Levine will return as a coach for Season 27 alongside Kelsea Ballerini, Michael Buble and John Legend.
Since releasing its debut album in 2002, “Songs About Jane,” the Los Angeles band has achieved three Grammy Awards and sold more than 96 million albums and over 660 million singles worldwide.
Maroon 5 currently has more than 22 billion combined streams on Spotify.
Thirty-two of its songs have charted on the Billboard Hot 100, including four No. 1 hits and 15 Top Ten entries.
Like many big-name artists today, Maroon 5 is also a popular Las Vegas act. The band had its own residency last year, M5LV
The Residency, at the Dolby Live at Park MGM theater, which continued this year with dates in May and June as well as upcoming shows in September and October.
The group released the single “Middle Ground” last year, but its last studio album called “Jordi” was released in 2021. Since “Middle Ground,” the band has been working on some new songs and Levine teased on air with Ryan Seacrest that the new project is the band’s “coolest” and most “different” work yet.
Ticket prices range from $79 to $299 and are available at massmutualcenter.com.
her own imagination and the attention of her mother, Janet (Julianne Nicholson). As the months pass, three visitors enter their orbit, all captivated by Janet and her spellbinding nature. In her solitary moments, Lacy inhabits an inner world so extraordinarily detailed that it begins to seep into the outside world.
“Janet Planet” runs for 113 minutes and is rated PG-13. Tickets are now available online and at the box office. For more information, visit amherstcinema.org
