EXIT 7: Youth players stage ‘James and the Giant Peach’, D3
HILLTOWN 6 POTTERY TOUR: Two-day self-guided tour, D6
BEER NUT: Easthampton’s New City Brewery’s ginger beer sets it apart, D8
By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com
They bill themselves as a dance party for the whole family, so don’t let the name “Father Goose” trick you into thinking that this weekend’s show at 52 Sumner is only for the kids.
Though the kids might chant “Father Goose! Father Goose!” from the crowd, the band’s frontman is also known as Wayne Rhoden. He was born in Jamaica before relocating to New York, where he made a name for himself in the late ’80s in Brooklyn’s underground circuit.
The idea for children’s’ music came about after a collaboration with fellow musician Dan Zanes, who was starting his own group, Dan Zanes and Friends. Both Rhoden and Zanes had children who were of similar ages. They both wanted to do something cool for kids, because at the time, the only music for kids were songs like “The ABC song” — songs that “only targeted kids, but not their entire family,” Rhoden explained in a phone interview with The Republican.
The name “Father Goose” originated from Rhoden’s very first song
targeted for children. “The title of that track was called ‘Father Goose,’ so ever since then, the kids would say ‘Father Goose! Father Goose!’ That’s how the name got started,” Rhoden said.
In the early 2000s, as Father Goose, Rhoden was featured on several albums with Dan Zanes and Friends, and in 2006, he became a Grammy winner for Best Musical Album for Children for his work on “Catch That Train.” As Father Goose, he began releasing his own albums, including “Color with Father Goose,” “It’s a Bam Bam Diddly” and “Bashment
Time,” and founded his own spinoff shows, “Father Goose and The Goose Trotters Band.”
Father Goose and his band has received numerous accolades over the years, including nominations in the Parents’ Choice Awards and Independent Music Awards. On Spotify, “Calling Me” has amassed more than 206,000 listens; another song, “I Can Make It,” has totaled more than 148,000.
Along the way, Rhoden met Victor Rosario, a Springfield native who serves as Father Goose’s guitarist. Born and raised in Springfield and a
graduate of Westfield State University, Rosario has a lifelong connection with Dan McKellick, cofounder of 52 Sumner. They played together in a local band, Moses Soul, for years.
McCellick called him one day and told him about his idea for 52 Sumner and asked Rosario to come look at the former church.
“They asked me a few questions and I gave some advice, and a year later, 52 Sumner was born,” Rosario said with a laugh in a phone interview with The Republican. He performed at the venue on its opening night as part of a separate musical act.
Now, Rosario’s connection has served to bring Father Goose and his band — whose lineup includes Rhoden’s own son who performs under the name Irie Goose — to the venue on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. Friday night’s show is a VIP experience, promising a meet-and-greet with the band after the show. Tickets, which start at $15, can be purchased online at 52sumner.com.
Rhoden and Rosario took time to
By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com
SOME OF THE PIONEER VAL-
ley’s youngest actors have been hard at work at Exit 7 Theater in Ludlow, preparing for their summer production “James and the Giant Peach.”
A musical based on the children’s book of the same name, “James and the Giant Peach” is “a whimsical and magical journey of one boy out to change his life and find a real family,” according to the
IF PEOPLE ARE talking about summer music in the Berkshires, the first thing that comes to mind is probably Tanglewood in Lenox or maybe Wilco’s annual Solid Sound Festival at MassMoCA in North Adams.
But there’s another player in the game in the western part of the state: Bousquet Mountain. The Pittsfield ski resort changed ownership in 2020, and within two years, the new bosses launched a summer music series for the skiing off-season.
It’s always a great sign to see more live music venues opening up. An even better sign at
Exit 7 website. Andrew Bennett plays James Henry Trotter, a young orphan boy who enters a gigantic peach and meets several garden bugs who help him along his journey.
“Exit 7 Youth Players is a chance for the kids in the community to come and showcase their talents,” said Jackie Berube, who is directing the youth production and has been working with the young cast since auditions
and
“We try to make our music cool, like any other music that is out there, but make sure that it’s clean, appropriate and is sending a positive message.”
WAYNE RHODEN, AKA ‘FATHER GOOSE’
us dance. And then after we listen to the words, and I can listen to a song and the words can be “blah, blah, blah” but to you, the words can be “ha ha ha” — but the beat will always be there. I know so many songs, but I don’t remember any of the words. (laughs) I remember the music.
Q. I can only imagine that there must be a lot of energy at your shows. Do any moments stand out to you?
talk about their brand of “kindie rock” and what they hope to accomplish with their music in a phone interview prior to their two-night visit at 52 Sumner. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q. What is the creative process behind making music geared for kids?
Rosario: Oh wow, that’s a good question. (laughs)
Rhoden: That’s a broad question. (laughs) Kindie rock — basically, it’s a wide genre, a very wide genre, almost every genre you can think of, there’s a band out there playing that type of music that targets kids. You have some that are interactive, educational and there’s some that are fun. Us, what we tend to do, we don’t stick to a particular genre. We infuse every little thing — right Vic, would you say that?
Rosario: Yeah, I figured when you asked the question as far as that aspect, for us it’s a genre, yes, but the style of music shifts between each
song in a sense. One song could be a rock song. One song could be hip-hop. One song could be Latin. You know what I mean? The style of music can alter and change, but still be under the same umbrella of “kindie rock.”
We even have a new one that’s more of a Celtic (style), I believe. There’s some new stuff we’re working on and it’s interesting, because when you think of music, there’s so many different styles of music.
Q. You describe your music as not fun just for kids, but for the whole family as well. Can you tell me more about that, and how you make sure the music fun for everyone in the audience, regardless of age?
Rhoden: Generally, kids listen to all types of music, so we have to make sure our music is very appropriate and everything like that. But when creating the music, we have to make sure that the groove, the whole energy of the music, that the parents can also enjoy it even when the kids are not
around. The problem that I used to notice is that a lot of kids’ shows and a lot of kids’ music, the kids are up there enjoying themselves, and the parents can’t wait until the show is over. (laughs) We try to make our music cool, like any other music that is out there, but make sure that it’s clean, appropriate and is sending a positive message.
Rosario: I agree with that. It’s clean music — it’s not like today, with the profanity and the message is negative and so forth like that. It’s totally opposite what we do. And you’re right, Goose, you’re right. If the beat and the rhythm is there, it doesn’t matter what you’re saying, you’re there to listen to the music, and the music will hit you a certain way that you start dancing. So it doesn’t really matter what you say, as long as the music is really hitting you, you know what I mean? Sometimes in today’s society, we don’t really listen to the words, we listen to the beat, and that beat makes us react, and that beat makes
Rhoden: One memorable moment — maybe not for everybody else, but for me personally — is when we’re rocking the crowd, especially when it’s an outside event, and I see other people passing by who don’t have kids and they stop and they’re dancing along with the music. That tells me “OK, yes, we’re doing something right,” because they haven’t heard about the show, they’re just passing us by on their own business, and they gravitated towards the music. I remember one time, this elderly lady — she looked like she could be a grandmother, upper 70s, 80s — she’s walking by with a walking stick, and she stopped, and she was just dancing. So whatever trouble or stress she was probably going through at that moment, she was just lost into the music. That makes me feel so good inside.
Rosario: For me, it’s a lot of moments. (laughs) When you play a song, you write a song, and you have the audience respond to what you do, I think that’s sometimes the best moments in a sense, that you can sit on stage and you can see the audience singing your song, dancing to your song. I think, from a musician’s point of view, that’s probably one of the biggest highlights. It doesn’t matter if the place is sold out or if there’s two or three people there, just to have that interaction with the people. To me, that’s the most memorable thing. When you analyze it, it’s not just getting up on stage and — I always tell Goose, “being a rockstar” in a sense — it’s not about that. It’s about spreading love and spreading positivity when you do the music, and when you receive that back from the people. Like Goose was saying, no matter what’s going on in your life, we like to do a show where you can just forget about the outside world and come into our world and just have fun.
Rhoden: That is so true. I remember receiving an email once where a lady said that her child has autism, and our song was the first song he actually opened up to and was singing along. That touched me so much.
THURSDAY
Dance Adventure: Thu.-Fri., 9 a.m.-noon, Berkshire Pulse, ages 4-7. This program for young dancers invites them on an expedition into the world of dance. Classes will include creative dance, tumbling, drumming, and more. Tuition assistance is available. Learn more and register at https:// bit.ly/BP-intensives, 420 Park St., Housatonic.
Florence Summer Concert Series: Florence Civic Center, Paul Arsalanian Green Street Trio. Food truck: The Saucy Mama. Bring your lawn chairs. 90 Park St., Florence.
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival presents MOMIX: Thu., 8 p.m.; Fri. and Sun., 2 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m. In the Ted Shawn Theatre. For tickets, visit jacobspillow.org, starting at $65. 358 George Carter Road, Becket, 413-243-0745.
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival presents Sekou McMiller & Friends: Thu., 6 p.m. Henry J. Leir Stage, choose what you pay. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413243-0745 or jacobspillow.org
Majestic Summer Theater presents A Man Named Cash: Thu., 2 and 7 p.m. Majestic Theater, with Eric Hofmanis and Megan Houde backed by the Adirondack Four band. $28, $26. 131 Elm St., West Springfield. 413-747-7797 or majestictheater.com.
Performing Arts Summer Workshops with Pioneer Valley Symphony: Thu.-Fri., Episcopal Church of St. James and Andrews Church, Sign up for weeklong a.m. and p.m. workshops over 5 weeks in July and August. Sliding scale: $175-$325 per workshop (register for two or more for 25$ off each workshop). 71 Federal St., Greenfield.
Sidewalk Sales: Thu.-Sun., Smith College Museum of Art, in-store only. Enjoy 40-60% off original prices. Shop hours are 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Elm Street at Bedford Terrace, Northampton. 413-585-2760 or scma.smith.edu.
Singer/Songwriter Series: Jake Manzi, Thu., 9 p.m. Theodores’, 201 Worthington St., Springfield. 413736-6000 or theobbq.com
South Hadley Summer Concert Series: Thu., 6:30-8 p.m. South Hadley Town Common, The Berkshires. If there is rain, cancellations will be announced on the town website, the Recreation Department’s website and Facebook. Free will donation. Route 47 and 116, South Hadley.
Thursday Night Concert: Thu., 6:30 p.m. Chicopee Main Library, The Eddie Forman Orchestra, 449 Front Street, Chicopee. 413-594-1800.
SEE CALENDAR, PAGE D10
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D4
Q.Throughout the years, your music has been nominated for multiple awards, and received a Grammy in 2006. How does it feel to be recognized for your work?
Rhoden: I try not to focus on those things. I tend to focus on the music aspect of it and creating the joy and the positive vibrations.
Rosario: I think when you’re in the process of doing certain things, you’re not really thinking about “winning.” You’re going to do the same work if you get nominated, if you don’t get nominated. You’re going to put in the same work, the same effort, same money, same time. But when you do win, it kind of becomes a little surreal, because it’s like “I worked this hard and I won, what else is there to do?” (laughs) Once you reach the top, there’s nowhere to go. For me, sometimes getting a nomination, I feel like sometimes it’s even better, because it makes you work to get the win. And then, when you do win, it feels good because it’s the work that you put in, and you’re being judged by your peers. You’re giving the best work that you can at that moment in time, and to get the recognition for what you’re doing — yes, it is a beautiful thing. But at the end of the day, it’s what we do constantly — every record that we do, we try to give it our best. We’re not really thinking about winning or losing, we’re thinking about just being in this moment in time. You know, Goose will call me up, say “I want to do a country song,” and all of a sudden, “Calling Me” was (played next to songs by) Willie Nelson and a few other country greats on the radio.
Rhoden: Yeah, it was on the radio station with all those old greats, amazing artists where I don’t even see myself nowhere near that kind of caliber, so that’s shocking.
Rosario: To me, that’s more than winning an award, to actually get the recognition to be on the same playlist as Willie Nelson and all these people, when we’re not really country artists, we just got together and said “hey, we’re going to release a country single.” (laughs) Next thing you know, I think if you look on Spotify, “Calling Me” is a big hit for us, numbers-wise.
Rhoden: For me, it’s good that we get that recognition, but that’s some sort of organization — a panel of people sitting down and trying to analyze and think, “OK, does this person or that person deserve this?” So I personally don’t really care much about that. What I care about is the fact that I would see a video of someone having a house party, and they’ll have somebody dressed as and pretending to be me and singing my songs at a kids’ party. That actually blew my mind at the time. I remember that I had an injury on my leg, so I went on stage with a cane and a cowboy hat, and then I saw a video surface with a 5-year-old with a cowboy hat and a cane singing my song. I’m lost for words when I see stuff like that. There’s no award in the world you could give me to take that place.
Rosario: That is the award.
Rhoden: I’m doing it for people to enjoy themselves, bottom line.
Q. How does it feel knowing you have such an impact on the younger crowd especially?
Rhoden: It’s a good, warm feeling inside. It motivates me to continue to do what I’m doing.
Rosario: You have to realize that we become role models in a sense. I want to have my son be like “hey, daddy did this, and daddy inspired me to do this because of the music that he does.” I think that’s one of the coolest things, and being an artist, it’s not about us, it’s about giving to everyone. I say “them,” as in everyone. Sometimes artists can be self-absor-
bent and “me, me, me” but at the end of the day, you have to think of “them, them, them” because they’re the ones that are actually giving back, they’re buying your music and merchandise and coming to your shows, and without “them,” there would be no “me.” To appreciate that and to find that balance, it’s always great, and it makes you humble. When you have a child come over and say “hey, you inspired me to play guitar; I’m a guitar player.” I’m a former teacher, also, so I have students that will come to me and they’ll call me up, and 10 or 15 years have passed, and they inspire me now. And they always go back and say “Hey, Mr. Rosario, the reason why I do this is because of that one day.” And I’m like “wow, that was like 15 years ago.” At the end of the day, that’s more rewarding and that’s more fulfilling, to inspire people. And I think a lot of people forget about that. They don’t inspire, they’re more thinking about themselves, but in our genre and what we do as musicians, I think if you inspire people, you never know what you’re going to get. It’s rewarding to see things come back to you in that sense, and it catches me off guard every now and then.
Rhoden: I only think of one mission that I have — it’s nice if someone thinks of me as a role model, but that’s not my intent. My intent is No. 1, to spread love through my music and No. 2, to send positivity through music. I do songs like “You Can Make It,” so you feel positive about yourself. My son and I, we did a song called “Stop The Bullying,” you know, if you see something, say something. We tend to do that type of music, to spread the love, to be positive about yourself, lift yourself up off the ground, hold your head high, those types of (songs), and for you to look into yourself and know that you have an inner strength.
Q. Earlier, you guys mentioned that you cover a lot of different genres. Can people expect a little bit of everything, genre-wise, at 52 Sumner this weekend? Rhoden: They don’t call us “King of the Dance Party” for no reason. I can’t share exactly what to expect, because I don’t know what they’re going to get until we get there. I don’t like to preplan the set, but they will get a little of everything, and I definitely know there will be dancing. So if you’re there, prepare for dancing.
Studios to open doors, offer live demonstrations for 18th annual event
By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com
Pottery studios across the Hilltowns
will be opening their doors and firing up their kilns this weekend for the annual Hilltown Pottery Tour.
The self-guided tour is two days long — July 27 and 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days — and offers the opportunity to buy pottery, watch educational demonstrations and see potters at work in their studios.
It all began 18 years ago when six potters in the Hilltowns came together and decided to share what they do with the public in a way that felt more personalized than craft shows. They became known as the Hilltown 6, and the fruits of their labor — the group’s annual pottery tour — has continued to grow each year.
This year, there are eight Hilltown potters on tour: Robbie Heidinger, Christy Knox, Maya Machin, Michael McCarthy, Hiroshi Makayama, Mark Shapiro, Constance Talbot and Sam Taylor. Across their studios, they are hosting more than 20 guest potters from across the country.
“The potters in the Hilltowns, we moved to the areas that we live in because we like the peace and quiet of the countryside and the beauty of it. You will see when you come on the tour that each studio is unique,” said Knox, one of the potters on the tour.
Taylor’s studio in Westhampton sits next to a waterfall; Machin’s studio in Ashfield is located inside a renovated barn; Talbot redesigned her grandmother’s
old house in Windsor into a studio.
“They’re out of the way places (where) people generally wouldn’t just know to stop in, so it’s quite a nice opportunity to see all of these secret, magical, creative spaces that we’ve created,” Knox added.
Knox built her own studio in her Cummington backyard. She calls it her dream studio.
Inspired by the world around her, Knox named it “Natural Elements,” and recalls being fascinated by nature from a young age.
“One of my earliest memories is playing in my mother’s garden, and I have kept my own garden ever since I left home at 18 years old,” Knox said. “Even when I was in college, I managed to figure out a piece of dirt that I could turn into a garden and keep.”
Knox’s work continues to be inspired by the beauty in plants and flowers all around her.
“Even my earliest work incorporated nature as a motif, and all of the different ways in which I have worked in clay has incorporated nature in it,” she said, adding that her studio is the pinnacle of that.
Most recently, Knox created an embossing process in which she takes dried plants, leaves and flowers, and turns them into embossing plates. She then takes those plates and uses them to create three-dimensional raised patterns on her pottery.
“I’m a hand-builder,” Knox said, meaning she doesn’t use
a potter’s wheel in her work.
“I’ll start by rolling out a slab of clay. I pattern the surface first, and then I build the pots by hand.”
Weekend demonstrations
A big highlight of the weekend tour is live demonstrations, which allow people to see each potter’s creative process, from rolling out the clay to the finished product.
“People can really see and understand what goes into
each of our pottery practices,” Knox said, adding that the community is so diverse that each potter’s process is unique. Each potter on the tour uses different clays, different surfaces, different firing processes.
The demonstrations planned for this weekend include:
• 10 a.m. both days at Maya Machin’s studio: Piecing it Together: Stacking Canister
were held in early March. More than 40 children came out and auditioned for the play, and Berube involves the young actors in each step of the creative process.
“When it comes to the youth productions, my team and I really try to showcase the youth of the community not only on stage, but backstage as well,” Berube said. Her team includes music director Kerry Cipoletta, choreographer Shealyn Berube, stage manager Caroline Trudell and costume designer Christina Kopp. “This year our assistant stage manager is a member of the youth community and half of the backstage crew are teens.”
Another cast member choreographed his own tap number for the production, Berube added.
“When I work with youth in theater, I try to create the space of professionalism and theater experience, but also the space of an educational environment,” Berube said. “Some youth that come out to audition for us have been involved with theater their whole lives and some have never been on stage before.”
This is Berube’s second year leading youth productions at Exit 7, after directing “Cinderella” last summer, but she’s also coordinated and directed five productions
“When it comes to the youth productions, my team and I really try to showcase the youth of the community not only on stage, but backstage as well.”
Jackie Berube, Exit 7 Theater
at Bellamy Middle School in Chicopee, where she used to work as a math teacher. She’s also no stranger to performing herself and has acted in several Exit 7 productions — including “Something Rotten!” and “Almost, Maine.”
This year’s production is a special one for Berube, who calls “James and the Giant Peach” a passion project. “I grew up watching the movie, and many years ago I considered directing it at Bellamy, but the idea of creating a giant peach was overwhelming to me,” Berube said. “But once I heard the music for ‘Peach,’ I fell in love with it immediately and knew that it was something I wanted to bring to life on stage.”
Bringing “James and the Giant Peach” to life has not been without hiccups. Most notably, Berube said that only two weeks before their planned opening they found themselves without a set — and that meant without
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D3
kicked off last week with the third annual Mountain Day, a festival that featured acts such as Whiskey Treaty Roadshow and Bella’s Bartok, among others. But that’s just the start of a run of concerts that will
Man’s Waltz as headliners, with Legion of Jerry (playing the music of The Jerry Garcia Band), Grateful Dread (Dead songs with a reggae tinge) and Kind Bud (acoustic music). The Bousquet Folk Festival 2024 will be held on Aug. 10, from 5-10 p.m., showcasing the talents of acts such as Johnny Irion & U.S. Elevator,
If all of the above weren’t enough, there will also be music at the resort’s Drifters Bar & Restaurant every Friday night as well as various other times throughout the week.
take music fans right through Aug. 17.
a giant peach, as well. The community stepped up and something “miraculous happened,” Berube said, when a crowd came out to the theater to help. Six hours later, the cast and crew had the skeleton of a giant peach, a tree, the Empire State Building, a bed, and other pieces of the set.
“When you get involved in a show, regardless of what capacity, you become part of a new family. You spend three to four days a week together, you learn about characters and a story, and you all come
Next up will be the Sunset Soul Concert from 6-10 p.m. on July 27, featuring a wide array of R&B and soul artists. Matt Cusson will top the bill and be joined by Arnold McCuller, whose career includes collaborations with artists such as Phil Collins, Aretha Franklin and James Taylor. Signature Dish, a band featuring JJ Slater and Lexi Weege, will also be on the slate.
Aug. 3 will see Fire on the Mountain Jam 2024 take the stage at Bousquet Mountain from 3 to 10:30 p.m. The show, which celebrates the music of the Grateful Dead, the Allman Brothers Band, and The Band, will feature the sounds of Rev Tor & Dead
Session Americana, Glori Wilder and Rounders Revival. Irion, of course, has a rich history and has collaborated with folk legends like Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie’s family. Rounding out this year’s series will be the Bousquet Jazz Festival from 4-10 p.m. on Aug. 17. This year will feature The Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Samirah Evans, and the Luke Franco Quartet. If all of the above weren’t enough, there will also be music at the resort’s Drifters Bar & Restaurant every Friday night as well as various other times throughout the week. This week, on July 26, Uncle Stash will kick things off.
Bousquet Mountain is at 101 Dan Fox Drive in Pittsfield.
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
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
Hugh Robert Off The Menu
AMONG THE MANY aspects of tipping as a restaurant business practice, the “tip credit” aspect has been a long-running source of controversy.
A tip credit is an exception to various minimum wage laws and regulations that allow employers to pay employees who customarily receive tips a set hourly wage rate
SAM DIBBLE OF NEW City Brewery in Easthampton is a true renaissance man.
I first met him as a brewer, of course, but as it turns out, making great beer is just one of his many talents.
Dibble comes from a family of craftspeople and entrepreneurs. He attended the University of Massachusetts for a few years but soon realized he needed to work with his hands “and create tangible things.” So he dropped out and pursued an array of trades and skills: carpentry, masonry, landscaping, and organic gardening. But then something clicked.
“I began beekeeping and brewing mead when I was 20. It was something new and different which was very exciting. I met the founders of Katalyst Kombucha through my cousin and became their first employee when they had just moved to the CDC kitchen in Greenfield,” he said. “We founded Green River Ambrosia the year after. I became a co-owner of Katalyst and then we merged the two companies into Artisan Beverage Cooperative in 2012.”
Dibble left to start New City Brewery in 2013 after having an epiphany of sorts.
“After seven and a half years of making Kombucha, Mead, and Ginger Libation, then brewing ales on the weekend,
that is less — often considerably less — than the otherwise-mandated minimum wage rate. Workers can be paid this sub-minimum wage as long as their average hourly pay — paid wages and tips combined — equal or exceed the statutory minimum rate. Fair-pay activists have long criticized the tip credit as a compensation model that is harmful to those in restaurant
jobs. Thanks in part to the efforts of such advocates, the tip credit is already banned in seven states.
This election season the tip credit is once again being targeted by One Fair Wage, a union-supported lobbying group currently striving to have the tip credit eliminated in eight additional states, including Massachusetts. As reported in industry publication Restaurant Business, a recent survey of 3,735 tipped restaurant employees in the eight states One Fair Wage has targeted produced some surprising results — 90% of those workers queried would prefer that the tip credit be maintained. The vast majority of those polled further reported fearing that elimination of the tip credit would reduce
I decided I needed a change,” he said. “I had fallen in love with brewing beer on the weekends, and I wanted to branch out, uninhibited by the constraints of the brands I had built and in desperate need of freedom for creative expression.”
Enter Danny Workman, one of New City’s co-founders (and former owner of Jake’s in Northampton). Workman was living at Mill 180 in Easthampton at the time and told Dibble about a vacant space at the building, and although the premises needed some renovations, Dibble saw an opportunity.
“I immediately saw the potential. We formed a company and a business plan and I got to work on renovations in January 2014,” he said.
Dibble talked about his philosophy behind brewing and what patrons can expect at New City in a recent interview. Do you have specific goals
like trying to focus on a particular market segment, or excel in a certain style, etc.? Yes. We specialize in ginger beer. Very few breweries in the world produce this style as an alcoholic beverage, and we’ve developed a unique line of three different flavors with a non-alcoholic line in development as well, and so much more to do in terms of growing sales for these unique products.
Do you have any kind of guiding philosophy for brewing? Are there certain things you try to achieve with each beer, or do you just approach each beer differently, depending on the style?
I view brewing as an equilateral triangle with the three different sides being art, science, and business. Each of these
angles requires forethought, intention, and execution. Without one, the rest can fail and the beer can suffer.
I view myself as a brewer as an artist/craftsman, a scientist, and a businessman. I’ve been brewing commercially for almost 20 years, and as with any lifelong creative endeavor, I strive to stay true to the passion that originally gave me the drive to make brewing a career as well as continually reinventing myself and our beers.
Why do you think your ginger beer is so popular?
I think there is so much market saturation with IPAs and related sub-genres of IPAs as well as the continued dominance of giant corporate mass-produced lagers and watery drinks that people are thirsty for truly unique and
well-crafted brews. Ginger as an ingredient has been prized for thousands of years and made it into beer and as its own style of beer at least 400 years ago.
Ginger itself is such an exciting ingredient to work with that I’ve dedicated the bulk of my career to working with it. It’s a palate cleanser, refreshing in the summer and warming in the winter. There’s nothing quite like it, and it pairs incredibly well with a wide range of food and other flavors.
What’s your biggest challenge as a brewer that you face on an ongoing basis?
I think it would have to be the beer market and economy in general. There’s so much competition and our costs keep rising so it’s a real challenge to keep up with trends in taste and stay true to making our unique products while keeping them affordable. I refuse to compromise on the quality of our ingredients so our beer isn’t the cheapest, but I also have always tried to find ways to keep it accessible for everyone, no matter their budget.
What’s your favorite style to brew and/or drink?
Besides the various ginger beers, its lagers. They are a constant challenge to get right and absolutely unforgiving if you get anything wrong so they keep me on my toes and the results when you do get everything right are some of my favorite beers to drink, for sure.
Sand has been placed at the Eiffel Tower stadium, which will host the Beach Volleyball competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
AS YOU MAY HAVE heard, the Summer Olympics are starting this week.
And just in case you have been lucky enough to miss the non-stop ads promoting this event for the past few years, the Olympics will be held in Paris.
So this week, I figured why not recommend a few great French wines to celebrate the occasion?
Or to be more precise, I decided to recommend five types of French wines (and a recommended wine for each type) in honor of the five rings in the iconic Olympic symbol.
For each wine type, I have recommended a specific wine from one of the best regions in France that produces that wine.
In addition, you can find information about any Olympic events being held in the wine-growing region where that wine is from in France. Hope you enjoy.
Sparkling wine
This is the easiest one. When it comes to French sparkling
their incomes.
Interpretations of what this data actually means vary. Some critics of the minimum wage suggest that tipped workers are inappropriately fearful that customers will tip less, while others suggest that not reporting tip income will become more difficult should the law change.
In any case, expect the issue of “tip credits” and “sub-minimum wages” to continue to be litigated in both state legislatures and at the ballot box during the months ahead.
wine, this conversation basically starts and ends with Champagne. Yes, there are definitely many great sparkling wines from France. But for many people, the best French sparkling wine comes from Champagne (regular readers have heard this spiel before — Champagne can only come from Champagne) made using the traditional method.
Recommended wines: There are so many outstanding Champagnes – from familiar ones from large Champagne houses, including Taittinger Brut La Francaise Champagne ($64.99 at Table & Vine in West Springfield) and Champagne Louis Roederer Collection 244 ($59.99 at Table & Vine) to many so-called “grower” Champagnes from smaller producers. Whichever Champagne you choose, you honestly can’t go wrong. Just make sure you get a “brut” style one since they’re dry, crisp and refreshing. Olympic sports: If you were hoping to watch Olympians competing in France’s Champagne region, you’re
every Thursday and Friday starting at 4 p.m.
Two lobsters are only $26; advance reservations are required. Those can be made by calling the Student Prince directly at 413-734-7475.
“Lobzilla” will continue through the end of August.
• Chef Unmi Abkin, local chef-celebrity and five-time James Beard Award nominee, will be presenting a restaurant pop up, “La Petite Table,” at Valley View Farm in Haydenville.
Operating out of the farm’s Muse Cider Bar, Abkin will be featuring new plant-based creations she perfected during a recent professional sojourn in Paris.
• A note from the now-retired Peg Gorman, who was an “ambassador” for the Salem Cross Inn in West Brookfield, brought a request to send out birthday good wishes another Salem Cross alumnae, Beverly Goodrow of Ware.
Goodrow was the long-time hostess at the Salem Cross up until the COVID-19 pandemic; she was also a co-worker and friend of Gorman’s.
Goodrow was recently honored, along with several other staffers, at a “July Birthdays” get-together hosted by Nancy, Heather, and Martha Salem, all of whom are members of the family that operates the Salem Cross Inn.
• On Monday, July 29, the Gypsy Apple Restaurant in Shelburne Falls will be teaming up with Croatian Premium Wine Imports of Revere to present a Croatian Wine Dinner.
The five-course event, which will begin at 6 p.m., will feature a selection of premium wines, both red and white, from the various wine-producing regions in Croatia.
Reservations for the dinner can be made by calling the restaurant at 413-625-6345.
• The Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant in downtown Springfield is reviving a Hu Ke Lau Restaurant tradition this summer. It’s the return of “Lobzilla,” a twin lobster deal that’s available at the Student Prince
in July, the North Quabbin community of Orange is embracing the lore of the popular “Harry Potter” series of adventure books.
Part of that fantasy transformation will be the 4th annual Return to Hogsmeade Village, a vendor and food truck fair, which is planned for Saturday July 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The pop-up is scheduled for July 28 from 2-6 p.m. For more details, contact Valley View Farm at 413-320-3324.
• Now underway on weekends through Aug. 4, Six Flags New England in Agawam is hosting a Food and Brew Festival.
Offered on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m., the festival features Mexican, Italian, and Southern-inspired foods such as nachos, street tacos, and brisket sandwiches. Cornbread topped with mac & cheese and barbecued pulled pork is being featured, as are dishes like chicken broccoli alfredo, beef spiedini and more.
Tickets for the Festival can be purchased online.
The general information number for Six Flags New England is 413-786-9300.
• On July 27 starting at 10 a.m. the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls will be conducting an on-foot tour of that community’s restaurant scene.
The “Nice & Easy Walk: Downtown Restaurants” will explore the Canal Side Rail Trail as well as downtown Turners Falls, highlighting local restaurants and their connections to area food production.
The walk is free and subject to cancellation in the event of bad weather.
More details can be had by going online or by calling the Great Falls Discovery Center at 413-863-3221.
• During the last weekend
To be held at Orange Municipal Airport, the fair benefits Ken’s Legacy Inc., a nonprofit that supports kid-focused programs in the Orange area. In addition to 80-pus vendors, the fair will feature nine food trucks offering everything from lobster and hot dogs to cannoli and ice cream.
The White Cloud Diner in Orange, which is located across from the airport, will also offer a Hogwarts-themed special menu through Sunday, July 28.
Harry Potter fans can indulge in hot or cold “butterbeer” and the diner will be hosting live entertainment during the Hogwarts weekend.
The White Cloud Dinner, which is open for breakfast and lunch Wednesday through Sunday, answers at 978-544-6821.
• Panera Bread cafe-restaurants have upgraded their breakfast offerings with a selection of breakfast sandwiches, several of which are made using Panera’s signature cinnamon rolls.
The CinnaScramble features scrambled eggs and melted American cheese on top of a warm cinnamon rolls, while a Sausage CinnaScramble adds sausage (or bacon) to the sandwich build.
Panera has also introduced a Bacon Double Take that includes scrambled egg, American cheese, provolone, and a double portion of bacon. The Double Take is served on black pepper focaccia bread.
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.
Dance Adventure: See Thursday listing
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival presents Dancers of Damelahamid: Fri.-Sat., 6 p.m. Henry J. Leir Stage. For tickets, visit jacobspillow.org. 358 George Carter Road, Becket, 413-243-0745.
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival presents MOMIX: See Thursday listing
Majestic Summer Theater presents Rick Larrimore, Rod Stewart Tribute: Fri., 7:30 p.m. Majestic Theater, For tickets, call the box office at 413-747-7797. 131 Elm St., West Springfield. 413-747-7797 or majestictheater.com.
On the Boards ‘24: Fri.-Sat., 7 p.m. LAVA Center, Staged Reading, “Inheritance,” written by Nina Gross and co-directed with Kiersten Samalis, -5 sliding scale. 324 Main St., Greenfield.
Performing Arts Summer Workshops with Pioneer Valley Symphony: See Thursday listing Rainbow LGBTQIA+ & Allies Coffee Social Hour: Fri., 1 p.m. Northampton Senior Center, Gay Men’s Group, every Fri., 67 Conz St., Northampton. 413-587-1228 or northamptonseniors.com.
Real Live Theatre Presents “When the Mind’s Free”: Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Shea Theater, Each performance concludes with a facilitated community conversation. Tickets available at reallivetheatre.net and The Shea’s website, theshea.org. Masks will be required for audiences July 28 and Aug. 3. Masking is optional at all other shows. Sliding scale, and caregivers of those facing Alzheimer’s/dementia or addiction will always be pay-what-you-can. 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls. 413-8632281 or theshea.org.
Sidewalk Sales: See Thursday listing
Springfield’s 2024 Summer ‘Movies in the Park’: Fri., 8:30 p.m. Kenefick Park, “Wonka” (2023). No rain date. Plainfield Street, Springfield.
Tanglewood 2024 Season: Boston Symphony Orchestra: Fri., 8 p.m. Andris Nelsons conducts Mackey, Koussevitzky, Sibelius and Scriabin. Shed. For tickets visit tanglewood.org. 297 West St., Lenox, 888-266-1200.
SATURDAY
Community Cookout Fundraiser: Sat, noon-4 p.m. Thomas Smith
Timothée Chalamet as Willy Wonka in Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures’ “Wonka,” to be screened at Kenefick Park as part of Springfield’s summer “Movies in the Park” series. (WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT)
House, Summer fare of hamburgers and hotdogs from noon to 2 p.m. to be prepared by Agawam Lions Club. Proceeds to benefit the Agawam Historical Association’s preservation efforts. Event to also feature musket drill by 25th Continental Regiment, blacksmithing demonstration. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and/ or chairs. There also will be a raffle. 251 Northwest St., Feeding Hills, or thethomassmithhouse.com.
Earth Grief: Sat., 7 p.m. BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity, Free. 130 Pine St., Florence.
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival presents Dancers of Damelahamid: See Friday listing Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival presents MOMIX: See Thursday listing
“Keep Your Heart Open” A Performed Staged Reding of a Musical Memoir: Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. A.P.E. Gallery, by Marcia Gomes. Talk back after the performances, admission by suggested donation. 126 Main St., Northampton. 413-586-5553 or apearts.org.
Majestic Theater Summer presents Moondance, Van Morrison
Tribute: Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Majestic Theater, For tickets, call the box office at 413-747-7747. 131 Elm St., West Springfield, or majestictheater.com.
On the Boards ‘24: See Friday listing Real Live Theatre Presents “When
the Mind’s Free”: See Friday listing Seventh Annual Homebrew Showcase: Sat., noon-3 p.m. Paddy’s Irish Pub, to benefit all Our Kids Inc. 21+ event only. The event offers sampling of beers made by local homebrewers as well as dozens of raffle prizes. A representative from All Our Kids will be on hand to provide information and answer questions. A limited number of advance tickets are on sale at https://fosertingaok.ludus. com. Tickers also will be available at the door. Designated drivers receive free entry, though a donation is appreciated, 1060 Wilbraham Road, Springfield.
Sidewalk Sales: See Thursday listing
Tanglewood 2024 Season presents Boston Symphony Orchestra: Sat, 8 p.m. Andris Nelsons conducts Leon Khachaturian and Tchaikousky, featuring Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano. Shed. For tickets visit tanglewood.org. 297 West St., Lenox, 888-266-1200.
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival presents MOMIX: See Thursday listing
“Keep Your Heart Open” A Performed Staged Reading of a Musical Memoir: See Saturday listing
Majestic Children’s Theater: “The Secret Garden”: Sun., 1 and 4 p.m. Majestic Theater, For tickets call the
this time, military personal 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 2026, admission to the Springfield Museums is free for all. For more information, visit springfield museums.org.
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. “The 200th Anniversary of the Springfield Republican,” through Jan. 5. “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: The Exhibit,” through Sept. 1. This 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.
box office at 413-747-7797. 131 Elm St., West Springfield, or majestictheater.com.
North Hall Arts Festival 2024: Sun., 2 p.m. North Hall Theatre, Sparky Quartet. Free, donations accepted. 40 Searle Road, Huntington. 413-667-5543 or northhallhuntington.org.
Real Live Theatre Presents “When the Mind’s Free”: See Friday listing Sevenars Concerts 2024: Sun., 4 p.m. Sevenars Academy presents cellist Inbal Segev, admission by suggested donation at the door. Ireland Street at Route 112, Worthington. 413-238-5854 or sevenars. org.
Sidewalk Sales: See Thursday listing
Tanglewood 2024 Season presents Boston Symphony Orchestra: Sun., 2:30 p.m. Andris Nelsons conducts Lee, Copland, Thompson and Stravinsky featuring Paul Lewis, piano. Shed. For tickets visit tanglewood.org. 297 West St., Lenox, 888-266-1200.
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 is participating in the Blue Star Museum Initiative. During
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. Summer Spectacular Activities, through Aug. 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., free with museum admission.
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 hands-on exhibition shares authentic dinosaur eggs and nests collected from all over the globe. Permanent exhibit: State-of-the-art Zeiss Projector and updated International Space Station Exhibit.
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibit. First-floor exhibition provides interactive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit springfieldmuseums. 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.
Sets with Machin
• 10 a.m. both days at Hiroshi Nakayama’s studio: Exploring Some Basics with Garrett Sanders (Saturday), Ben Bonsall (Sunday)
• 11 a.m. both days at Mark Shapiro’s studio: The Beloved Mug with Mark Shapiro (Saturday); What’s the story? Images on pots with Normandy Alden and Jeffrey Lipton (Sunday)
• 11 a.m. both days at Michael McCarthy’s studio: Throwing on the Potter’s Wheel with McCarthy (Saturday); Surface Decorating Wheel-thrown Pots (Sunday)
• 11 a.m. Sunday only at Sam Taylor’s studio: Decorating porcelain with Janel Jacobson
• Noon both days at Christy Knox’s studio: Slip on, Slip off: Surface decorating with Doug
Peltzman (Saturday); Slip on, Slip off: Surface decorating with Kristen Kieffer (Sunday)
• Noon both days at Robbie Heidinger’s studio: Altered Crocks with Ben Eberle (Saturday); Altered Crocks with Stuart Gair (Sunday)
• 1 p.m. Saturday only at Sam Taylor’s studio: Making Artifacts
• 1 p.m. Sunday only at Constance Talbot’s Studio: Flameware Cooking with Alice Cozzollino
“I think of it this way: If you
go to a gallery and buy a piece of art, then you know a little bit about that piece of art. If you go to a craft show and you get to meet the artist and talk to them, the richness of what that piece of art is, is a little bit deeper,” Knox said, adding, “But if you can actually go to a potter’s studio and really get a full understanding of who that person is, what influences them, how the work is made, then the depth and the richness of that piece of pottery is vast.”
The number of special guests for the pottery tour has grown with the event each year, with 20 participating this year, some coming from as far away as Minnesota.
Each host potter is responsible for choosing their guests, Knox said, and for her, that was an easy choice this year.
“I have two guests joining me this year — Kristen Kieffer and Doug Peltzman,” Knox said. “I’ve known Kristen for a number of years. I met her at a craft show a long time ago and have admired her work for forever.”
She found Peltzman on social media and was immediately captivated by his work.
“Last summer, during the Hudson River Pottery Tour, I went to go meet him and see his work in person,” Knox explained. “He is just a sweetheart of a guy, and his work is very different from Kristen’s or mine, and so beautiful.”
A complete list of potters
and their special guests can be found on the Hilltown Pottery Tour’s website: hilltown6. com.
“Having this wonderful array of invited guests adds to the richness of what you will discover (on the tour),” Knox said. Both the pottery tour and demonstrations are free and open to the public. Maps of the pottery tour are available online or, if you prefer, you can pick a studio to start with on day one of the tour. Brochures will be available in each potter’s studio with a map to all locations.
“When I think of the tour this year, I think about celebrating clay. Celebrating clay as a material, celebrating clay as a whole process of art and artmaking, and celebrating clay as community,” Knox said. “The potters and the people that come on the tour, it turns into this amazing happening because we’re all celebrating the same thing.”
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out of luck. But don’t worry. I can guarantee there will likely be lots of Champagne bottles featured in the Olympic celebrations. I just hope those athletes don’t waste too much delicious Champagne by spraying it all over the place.
Rose wine
Here again, if you’re looking for great rose wine, simply head straight to the magical Provence region in the south of France. While I still find it hard to believe, rose wines in general still sometimes face an uphill battle from some wine people who dismiss them as “pool wine” or “beach wine.” But when done right, rose wines can be just as delicious and distinct as any great wine. Recommended wine: There are so many great Provence rose wines. One producer from Provence that consistently makes great roses is Commanderie de Peyrassol. Like other Provence roses, their elegant, expressive wines are made with a blend of several grapes (it’s required for
all Provence rose wines) and range in price from roughly $18 to $50 a bottle for their outstanding rose wines. Olympic sports: You’re in luck, sailing and soccer fans. Provence can be found right between two French coastal cities — Nice and Marseille. Nice will host several Olympic soccer matches. (It’s a beautiful stadium you can easily reach by public transportation just on the outskirts of downtown Nice.) The charming, hard-working seaside city of Marseille will host soccer and sailing events.
The obvious choice for some French white wine fans would be Burgundy and its world-renowned chardonnay wines. But there’s definitely also something to be said for crisp, dry, refreshing white wines from France’s Loire Valley. A few weeks ago, I recommended several outstanding sauvignon blancs from France’s Loire Valley. So this week, I thought I might focus on another great white wine grape often found in the same area — chenin blanc. And in particular, Vouvray.
Recommended wine: The name Vouvray refers to two things — where the wine comes from and the style of wine. The Vouvray wine region is located within the Loire Valley. The name also refers to the distinct, dry, mineral-rich white wine that comes from Vouvray. Again, all Vouvrays are made with chenin blanc grapes. There are several great Vouvrays. One of my favorites is Champalou Vouvray ($25 Suggested Retail Price), a crisp, floral, slightly lemon-like wine. Olympic sports: The Loire Valley will host one sporting event during this summer’s Olympics — football (aka soccer) at the stadium in Saint-Etienne, a small city close to Lyon.
Red wine
region, head further south to the Rhone region.
Olympic sports: Hope you love soccer, because the city of Bordeaux will feature Olympic football matches at its stadium in the center of town. Cheers! Wine
I’m not going to get into the whole debate over which French wine region produces the best red wines. Some are on Team Bordeaux and its elegant, regal, blended red wines. Others support Team Burgundy and rave about their subtle, out-of-this-world pinot noirs. Personally, I love both. And if you’re looking for another great French red wine
Recommended wine: One of the great things about France’s Rhone region — especially the southern part of this region near Avignon — is how many outstanding, affordable red wines you can find from here. And one of the best ones to start with is the E. Guigal Cotes Du Rhone Rouge ($14.99 at Table & Vine). This blended red wine consistently tastes great year in and year out. It’s full, flavorful and goes great with grilled meats or on its own. It’s truly one of the best wine bargains around. Olympic sports: As you might have guessed, if you want to watch Olympic events in the Rhone region, get ready to watch more soccer. That’s because the city of Lyon is the only place in the Rhone region serving as a host city for this summer’s Olympics.
Dessert wine
Now that you’ve made you way through this movable feast in France, it’s time for one last wine — a dessert wine. And when it comes to French dessert wines, my favorite is Sauterne. Like Vouvray,
Sauterne refers to where the wine comes from (the Sauterne region in Bordeaux) and the style of wine. The grapes used to make these slightly-sweet dessert wines (mostly semillon with some sauvignon blanc mixed in) have nothing to do with the name of the wine. Recommended wine: One of the tricky things about Sauternes is they need a lot of time to age. So even if you find one, you might have to wait a decade or more to truly enjoy it. So perhaps you can buy one now and open it when you’re watching the Olympics in 2044 when robots are running circles around us. And while you can spend a lot of money on Sauternes, two great affordable ones are 2005 Chateau Rieussec ($49.99 at Table & Vine for a half bottle) and 2005 Chateau Suduiraut ($99.99 at Table & Vine for a half bottle). The 2005 vintage is great and will drink well for the next 20 years. Serve slightly chilled in small glasses.
together to tell that story,” Berube said. “Getting involved in theater, in part, is about the fun and joy of singing and dancing and acting, but it’s also about building that community bond,” and people from “all over Western Mass and Connecticut” have come together to make “‘James and the Giant Peach’ a success,” she added.
Cast members, ranging in age from 8 to 18, include: Andrew Bennett, as James Henry Totter; Henry DiNapoli, as Ladahlord; Victoria Poutre, as Spiker; Arianna Jimenez-Laurent, as Sponge; Oliver Bellman, as Grasshopper; Abigail Drumm, as Ladybug; Samuel Beckwith, as Earthworm; Rylee Moore, as Centipede; and Celine Johnson, as Spider. The ensemble includes Sofia Allegrezza, Madelyn Bensley, Kaitlyn Kay Bienvenue, Madeline Bleau, Joshua Brusseau, Harper Butterworth, Ferris Calcasola, Hannah Corridan, Ollie Dziura, Noelle Hisgen, Allison Kehoe, Eleanor Kinne, Santi-
no Nai, Casey Rioux, Kian Roy, Xan Salamon, Rylee Santiago, Carleigh Stebbins, Ashleigh Thayer and Tovah Woldorf.
“James and the Giant Peach” will be staged at the Exit 7 Theater, 37 Chestnut St. in Ludlow. Showtimes are July 26 and Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and July 27, 28 and Aug. 3 and 4 at 2 p.m. The show is 2 ours long, with one 15-minute intermission.
Tickets are $23 general admission, $25 preferred admission, $20 for seniors and veterans and $20 for students and youth under 12 years old. To purchase tickets, go online to exit7players.org; tickets also can be purchased at the door. For more information, call 413-583-4301.
“There’s so many different ways to be part of live theater,” Berube encouraged. “You don’t have to be a performer to be part of the family, you can volunteer backstage, you can help build and paint the sets, you can work in the concessions, or help with sound or lighting. You can come to the theater with absolutely no experience and still find a spot to fit in.”
