30 YEARS IN PARADISE
Paradise City Arts Festival returns to Three County Fairgrounds
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
The folks at Paradise City Arts Festival have persevered and are now celebrating their 30th anniversary during Columbus Day weekend on the grounds of the Three County Fair, where over the years they have survived the remnants of a very windy and rain-filled hurricane leaving muddy and soaked fields behind, and a supercell storm that sent tents solidly anchored into the ground up into the air.
Still, the show went on despite these challenges and continues today, with nearly 220 of America’s finest artists and craftmakers from 20 states traveling to Northampton to participate in the three-day extravaganza, beginning this year on Saturday. They will be selling their amazing original works in ceramics, painting, decorative fiber, art glass, furniture, jewelry, metal, mixed media, photography, sculpture, wearable art and woodworking.
“It is amazing to me that it has been 30 years
... it’s been an exhilarating ride,” said Linda Post, who founded Paradise City Arts Festival with her husband Geoff Post.
Both were practicing artists — Linda has always been a painter and Geoff designed wearable art — and the couple traveled around the country for years as exhibitors at other people’s shows.
“We saw things we liked and didn’t like about these shows, and thought we could do better and felt particularly qualified to SEE PARADISE, PAGE D4
Above, “The Frog Prince” is from the Paradise City Arts Festival’s special show, “Fables & Folklore: Reframing the Classics,” a themed exhibit where age-old stories meet modern creativity.
(PHOTO COURTESY PARADISE CITY ARTS FESTIVAL)
At left, Wendy Ellertson’s “Tolly and Spirit,” a sculptural leather turtle with a leather “spirit” bird riding upon its back, and above, a bag designed by Bergamot + Amor, a Vermont business. (PHOTOS COURTESY PARADISE CITY ARTS FESTIVAL)
NIGHTCLUBS
THURSDAY
The Drake: The Wolff Sisters and Jake Swamp and the Pine. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst
Theodores’: Rockstar Karaoke. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
FRIDAY
Delaney House: Alex Touhey. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
East Mountain Country Club: Union Jack. 1458 East Mountain Rd, Westfield
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar
Comedy Club: Chris Franjoia. 1
MGM Way, Springfield
The Drake: AJ Lee and Blue Summit. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst
The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow
Theodores’: Night Train. 201 Worthington St., 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: Frank Serafino. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
Les Trois Emme Winery: Tom Savoy. 8 Knight Road, New Marlborough
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Chris Franjoia. 1 MGM
Oct.
LUCINDA WILLIAMS certainly seems to enjoy playing Western Massachusetts. After all, she has made four visits to the area over the past decade or so, including a headlining appearance at the Green River Festival.
Now some local and regional musicians are returning the love with the latest Back Porch Songwriter Night — The Songs Of Lucinda Williams. The concert will be held at the Shea Theater in Turners Falls on Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
The show will feature Mark Erelli, Kris Delmhorst, Evelyn Harris (of Sweet Honey and the Rock), Ali McGuirk and Lisa Bastoni, all backed
Way, Springfield
The Drake: DJ Lucas with Woody 22BB and Hung. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst
Theodores’: The Racky Thomas Band. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
West Springfield’s Irish House
Restaurant & Pub: Jimmy McArdle and Jerry Murphy. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY
Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
The Republican is not responsible for unannounced schedule changes. Listings must be received two weeks before the date of the event. Items should be mailed to Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329, emailed to pmastriano@repub.com or submitted to www.masslive.com/myevent
On
13, local Western Massachusetts musicians will sing songs by Lucinda Williams, pictured performing at the Shea Theater. (RICH FURY / INVISION / AP, FILE)
in southern Vermont, works out of her home ceramics studio. (SUBMITTED PHOTOS)
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D2
start our own show and give artists and makers the respect they deserved,” Post said.
“We lived in Northampton and at the time, about the mid ’90s, Northampton was coming into its own as a cultural center. We had been part of the city’s art scene for a long time, and figured what could be better than to start a show here and help put this unique cultural destination on the national map,” she added, noting they needed a big enough place for what they hoped would grow into a major arts event for years to come.
And it has.
“I don’t know how many people attended that first
year, but after three years we were attracting from 8,000 to 15,000 people and some 220 exhibitors compared to about 150 when we started. Over the years we have recorded attendees from all 50 states and nearly every continent,” Post said.
“That initial year was much more successful than we could have imagined for a first-year show. We had an incredibly talented group of exhibitors because we had a reputation among artists, and they trusted us to put on a show of a high caliber,” she added.
As for selecting a name, the Posts bandied around several, and they didn’t want to simply call their event a craft fair; theirs was really quite more than that. Then Linda remembered that a Northampton
librarian had told her a story about how Northampton became known as “Paradise City.”
“Jenny Lind was a famous opera singer fans referred to as the ‘Swedish Nightingale,’ who toured the world and loved stopping in Northampton to perform. When she married her husband Otto back in 1852, they decided to spend part of their honeymoon in Northampton. While sitting on a bench at Paradise Pond near Smith College, she turned to Otto and exclaimed, ‘This must be the Paradise of America!’” Post said.
“Reporters and photographers surrounding the
couple quickly wrote down her words and
“We had been part of the city’s art scene for a long time, and figured what could be better than to start a show here and help put this unique cultural destination on the national map.”
LINDA POST, WHO FOUNDED PARADISE CITY ARTS FESTIVAL WITH HER HUSBAND GEOFF POST
famous
Northampton soon became
“Little Red Riding Hood” from the Paradise City Arts Festival’s special show, “Fables & Folklore: Reframing the Classics”; Linda Post and her husband, Geoff Post, founders of the Paradise City Arts Festival; and Mucuy Bolles, who lives
different medium than normal this year — creating craft cocktails. Linda’s creation was called the Manhattan Meets Northampton, while her husband concocted a Paradise City Cosmo. Their creativity paid off and the concept was incredibly successful with the cocktails continuing each year alongside traditional favorites and a full bar featuring a selection of wine and beer.
known as Paradise City. The term fell out of use over the years, but we loved the name and concept of it and felt it was right for us as the name of our show. And that is how we became Paradise City Arts Festival,” she added.
On the occasion of their 30th anniversary in Northampton, Post noted she is “very excited about having renowned New Hampshire artist and professor Rick Freed at our show all three days.”
“He is going to lead a collaborative effort among show patrons, their children, and exhibiting artists in creating a 14-foot-wide painted mural that will be a vibrant and fanciful depiction of the Pioneer Valley,” Post said
“When it is finished, the mural will be our gift to the City of Northampton, where it will be installed inside City Hall along with a plaque inscribed with the names of everyone who worked on the mural. The backdrop of this spectacular painting will be the iconic view of the Connecticut River seen from Mount Sugarloaf surrounded by the vibrant colors off fall foliage. Superimposed over it will be a portrait of Jenny Lind, the ‘Swedish Nightingale,’ whose words inspired Northampton being referred to as ‘Paradise City,’ Northampton’s City Hall with its unique architecture, and the words ‘The Paradise of America’ at the top. Nightingales can also be seen filling the sky over the river,” she added.
Every season a theme is selected for the show’s Special Exhibit, located in Building 2, which serves as an additional
showcase to spotlight a selection of their exhibiting artists and craft makers. October’s theme is “Fables & Folklore: Reframing the Classics” with the intent to bring classic fables to life with a contemporary twist and unique blend of innovative artistry, craftsmanship, and storytelling. Each depicted fable serves as a backdrop of the artworks on display tied into tales like “The Emperor’s New Clothes” to “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Snow White,” and “The Frog Prince.”
“Visitors can expect to see the elaborately beaded Rosy Maple Moth necklace by Karen
Alisa Houben depicted on the cover of our Fall Paradise City Guide, pottery decorated with myths and fables by Vanessa Chatwood Kerby, a fantasy painting of the forest floor by Margaret Shipman, and, of course, the Frog Prince, sculpted and stitched in leather by Wendy Ellertson. Wendy is one of a double handful of artists at this year’s show who also participated in the very first Paradise City Arts Festival,” Post said.
The festival’s 2,000-squarefoot dining tent, connected to the exhibition buildings by a covered walkway, is dedicated
The Paradise City Arts Festival mural project, above, marks the festival’s 30th anniversary in Northampton. At left, E. Douglas Wunder’s jewelry incorporates geometric influences of human and naturally made objects. (SUBMITTED)
to the culinary and musical arts.
Whatever your pleasure, from all-American burgers and fries, pizza, and a tasty sandwich to international delights such as Asian street food, Indian favorites and Thai food, the dining tent features treats from local restaurants including Spoleto, India House, Ginger Love Café, Local Burger, Little Wall, and a returning favorite — Herrell’s Ice Cream.
In tune with the show’s 2017 theme, “Life of the Party,” the Posts were inspired to put their artistic talents to work in a
New this year is Monsoon Roastery, offering an espresso and coffee bar in the front of Exhibition Building 3.
Whether you are enjoying a bite to eat or a drink, or just resting a spell, the dining tent is host to the Paradise City Arts stage presenting original music, jazz, blues and rock from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday.
On Saturday, guitar-based duo Le Fever will perform a range of musical styles from alt-blues to indie rock. Sunday features blues roots rock and roll by Buddy McEarns Band, rounding out the three days with the jazzy sounds of Green Street Trio with jazz vocalist Avery Joi.
And there is still more to do at Paradise City Arts Festival in the Paradise Pavilion, introduced last spring, featuring 1,500 square feet of
Thursday, October 24 5:30-8:30 pm
• Curated Wine Tasting
• Unique Art Auction
• Special Exhibitions
A memorable event to benefit the Springfield Museums.
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D4
SEE PARADISE, PAGE D6
The dining tent at the Paradise City Arts Festival offers scrumptious food from some of the area's most popular restaurants. (SUBMITTED)
Paradise
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D5
space for fun and informative demonstrations and handson creative activity stations for the entire family, including the new participatory Mural Project.
At “World on a String,” children will be immersed into a world of imagination as Caravan Puppets hosts crafters of all ages to learn the art of puppet making and bring their own whimsical characters to life.
Also, at “Hot off the Press,” you can make your own coasters and notecards on recycled paper, using antique blocks to combine words and pictures, on a 100-year-old letterpress with Bill Muller of Big Wheel Press.
The Posts believe in giving back to the community and one of the ways they help is through a Silent Art Auction at each show to benefit a nonprofit organization. This year’s recipient is the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, which is committed to fostering connections and learning opportunities for local businesses, ensuring that the Northampton community — with its many shopping opportunities, eclectic dining, vibrant music scene and overall dedication to the
GREENFIELD
Keeping Franklin County’s history alive with Vintage Days
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special to The Republican Opportunities to “shop ‘til you drop,” see a movie or two, dance the night away, and take in some rich history of Franklin County are planned as part of this weekend’s Greenfield Vintage Days 2024.
“There is so much to discover here in Greenfield, which I have termed the Valley’s Vintage Capital. Each year we keep growing with more vintage stores and others, and our plan is to keep on growing each year with more participants.”
arts — continues to grow and thrive. Auction tables are located in Building 3, where a selection of items donated by Paradise City Arts exhibitors can be found with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to the Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, the Posts have raised over a half-million dollars for local nonprofits.
Before leaving the festival, visitors can stroll through the Sculpture Promenade — located between the Festival Dining Tent and exhibition buildings — with large-scale outdoor works of art sculpted in bronze, clay and steel to Zen fountains carved from Vermont granite to functional garden furnishings.
Hours are Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Monday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets are $14 online and $16 at the door for general admission, $8 for students, and children 12 and under are admitted free. Parking is free and plentiful.
The event is held rain or shine, and once you leave your car and enter through the gates, all buildings are covered.
For more information and to purchase advance online tickets, visit paradisecityarts.com or call 413-587-0772.
“It’s our third year and it is going to be a lot of fun. There is so much to discover here in Greenfield, which I have termed the Valley’s Vintage Capital. Each year we keep growing with more vintage stores and others, and our plan is to keep on growing each year with more participants,” said Hannah Rechtschaffen, director of the Greenfield Business Association.
“The idea behind what has become an annual event was to celebrate the authentic vintage vibe we have here in Greenfield from our stores to an independent movie theater to good food and vintage cocktails. Everyone, especially with the fall now here, enjoys going out to
Hannah Rechtschaffen,
director, Greenfield Business Association
have fun and our Vintage Days is a good excuse to get out to shop, look at some fine vintage cars, eat and sip some fall cider, and encourage those who might be in Greenfield for the first time to come back for more,” she added.
It all starts on Friday for three days of sidewalk sales in downtown along with a vintage book sale and the debut of the Vintage Room at Roundabout Books, where you can browse books, CDs, DVDs and more while sipping on freshly brewed ice tea.
On Saturday, fresh vegeta-
bles, delicious foods, music and crafts await visitors at the 50th anniversary Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Court Square. Visit greenfieldfarmers market.com for more information.
The towns of Franklin County have a rich industrial history which has been preserved in the Museum of Industrial Heritage on 2 Mead St. The doors will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday where exhibits will highlight the county’s factories and mills that produced cutlery, hand tools, machine
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
Min. Entry Package $15 Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms
Oktoberfest celebrations are sure sign of fall
Ending Oktoberfest with Aecht Schlenkerla smoke show
THE DAYS GROW shorter, there’s a chill in the air, and leaves swirl underfoot — all reminders that it’s Oktoberfest time.
In Munch, the city in Germany that’s celebrated Oktoberfest for nearly two centuries, the festivities start in late September. The event itself — part carnival, part beer bash — attracts visitors from across the globe.
Here in the restaurant world of Western Massachusetts, Oktoberfest has become one of the rites of fall — a celebration of German culture as well as an excuse to drink good beer. The peak of our local Oktoberfest season is early October, although a few celebrations take place in late September.
Though this particular establishment’s “Mighty Oktoberfest” event is already history, the Student Prince and Fort Restaurant in Springfield continues this month to feature Oktoberfest dishes that includes the Fort’s Classic Split Pea Soup and an “Oktoberfeast” platter.
The Munich Haus German Restaurant in Chicopee is hosting four Oktoberfest celebrations — Friday, Oct. 18; Saturday, Oct. 19; Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26. Each Oktoberfest feast features a whole roasted pig as well as a buffet of central European favorites and a Vienna-style dessert table.
Live music performed by either the Berkshire Mountain Wanderers or the Vagabonds is also part of each evening.
Tickets for the Munich Haus events can be purchased in advance by calling 413-594-8788.
In Amherst, the Amherst Public House will be holding an Oktoberfest celebration on Thursday, Oct. 17, starting at 6 p.m. A full agenda of authentic German beer, food and fun is planned. Tickets, which are $70 plus a conve-
nience fee, are available at Eventbrite.com.
A decidedly less conventional Oktoberfest is being put on by Zack’s Texas Style BBQ in South Deerfield. On Saturday, Oct. 12 starting at 3 p.m., Zack’s, which is located on Elm Street, will be serving an all-you-can-eat buffet and sponsoring live music.
Zack’s answers at 413-3505926.
Side Dishes
Avellino Restaurant in Sturbridge is hosting a “Rocking the Wine” dinner on Wednesday, Oct. 23. The evening, which is co-hosted by Ruby Wines Inc. of Avon, will feature five Italian reds paired with a five-course menu of Avellino
specialties.
Cost to attend is $79, not including tax or gratuity; the dinner begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m. For more details or to purchase tickets, contact Avellino at 508-347-2321.
On Saturday, Oct. 12, the Indian Orchard Citizens Council will be hosting the eighth annual Indian Orchard Food Truck Festival
Scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., the festival will be held at 117 Main St. in Indian Orchard. In addition to more than 20 food trucks, the event will include live music, crafts, games, raffles and more.
Additional information is available by emailing iocc. council@gmail.com or by calling 413-301-2533.
Participating Chick-fil-A locations are currently offering a Southern staple, Pimento Cheese, as a whilesupplies-last side. A sassy combination of cheddar cheese, green chilies, and red pimentos, the Pimento Cheese can be used as a dip
OKTOBERFEST OFFIcially ended Oct. 6, and although I wrote about some local celebrations a few weeks ago, I didn’t get a chance to write about any particular Oktoberfest-style beers.
However, as the season wound down on Sunday, I celebrated it with one of my favorite fest beers — Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen.
I guess I’m using the term “favorite” a bit loosely. What I mean is this beer is always a pleasure to drink, although and frankly probably isn’t among my favorite examples of the Märzen style. But it’s definitely a flavor-packed, gobsmacking beer that everyone should have once in a while.
Aecht Schlenkerla makes a whole lineup of rauchbiers, from a wheat beer to an Urbock to a Rotbier and more. And they all have one thing in common: intense smokiness. These are not beers to take lightly. Although the alcohol level is moderate (usually around 5.1%), the flavor is fierce. These brews are meant to be sipped slowly. (Think of a winding, twisting road in a deep and dark, beautiful German forest: You need to go slowly due to the sharp turns,
but that in turn allows you to appreciate the beauty around you.)
The smell of the beer is deceptively mild and malty. While there is definitely some smokiness in the nose, an aromatic smoothness belies the smoke show that awaits –and which immediately takes control of the taste buds on first sip. Schlenkerla uses beech wood for smoking the beer, but the malts employed for the Märzen seem to attenuate the harsher aspects of the smokiness.
There is a soft and fleeting brown sugar note to the malt structure, but it appears just long enough to restrain some of the smoke bomb explosion. But I have been drinking this beer for years, so I am always ready for the unique and somewhat potent facets of the flavor.
the senses...
the senses... ...Love is in the air ...Love is in the air
Giana Chelimsky, left, and Tom Hebert dance to live music during the Mighty Oktoberfest in Springfield. While the city’s annual Mighty Oktoberfest is now over, area restaurants are offering Oktoberfest celebrations all month long. (SOPHIE MARKHAM)
Hugh Robert Off The Menu
George Lenker Beer Nut
SEE BEER, PAGE D11
4 Chianti Classico red wines perfect for fall
SONGS BY THE BEATles.
Plays and poems by Shakespeare.
Paintings by Rembrandt. Classics are classics for a reason.
Because they’re timeless and never go out of style.
They also often serve as the foundation for future masterpieces.
That’s because they often blazed new ground first.
So what does all of this have to do with wine?
This week, we’re focusing on Chianti Classico wines from Italy.
The word “classico” refers to these wines being “the first” or “the original.”
In general, Chianti Classico wines are considered a step above in terms of quality compared to Chianti wines in general. And that’s saying a lot since many Chianti wines are some of the best, affordable red wines in the world.
But that’s just the start. In order for a wine to be called a Chianti Classico, it has to abide by many other specific rules and regulations.
Below, you can learn all about these guidelines, as well as find tasting notes for four, terrific Chianti Classico wines from four, different recent vintages.
Hope you enjoy.
What is Chianti?
Chianti is a wine region located within the larger Italian wine region of Tuscany. Some people think that Chianti is a style of wine. And while it is true that many Chiantis have a similar, dry yet slightly fruity taste, any wine produced in Chianti can be called a Chianti.
I’ve written here before about the confusion many people have when it comes to American wines and wines from most European countries, especially Italy, France and Spain. In the United States, most wines are identified by their grape — Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, etc.
Ken Ross Wine Press
Elsewhere, many wines are identified by their location — Tuscany, Burgundy, Rioja, etc. And to make matters even more confusing, within Chianti there’s also a subregion named Chianti Classico, which you can read more about below.
What is Chianti Classico?
As briefly explained above, Chianti Classico refers to where the wine comes from in Italy. The Chianti Classico wine region is a smaller subregion located within the Chianti region of Italy. The Chianti Classico subregion is about 100 square miles and is located in between Florence and Siena.
There are also a few technical differences between Chianti wines and Chianti Classicos. Red wines from the Chianti Classico region must be at least 12% alcohol and must be aged for a minimum of 11 months in oak barrels. The vines used to make Chianti Classico wines must be at least four years old as well.
In addition, only certain grapes and minimum quantities of these grapes must be used to make Chianti Classico wines.
What grapes are used to make Chianti?
If you like Chianti red wines, odds are you love wines made with Sangiovese grapes. All Chianti red wines must be made with a minimum of 70%Sangiovese grapes. The other grapes often
DATE: Sunday, October 20
TIME: 10:00am – 2:00pm
LOCATION: Dream Destinations Travel Show MGM Resort • 1 MGM Way • Springfield MA
Visit travel.state.gov/applyinperson for more information.
Bring with you:
• Completed, printed application (DS-11)
• Citizenship evidence and a photocopy (original U.S. birth certificate or Naturalization Certificate)
• Passport photo (2x2, taken in the last 6 months)
• Valid photo ID and photocopy of front & back (Drivers License, State or Military ID card, etc.)
• Payment (check or money order only)
Visit travel.state.gov/passport/children for more information.
Bring with you:
• Completed, printed application (DS-11)
• Citizenship evidence and a photocopy (original birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, previous passport)
• Both parents valid photo IDs and a photocopy of front & back (Drivers License, State or Military ID card, etc.)
• Passport photo (2x2, taken in the last 6 months)
• Payment (check or money order only)
• Parents and child must be present when application accepted
THURSDAY
Five on Film Series: Thu., 7 p.m. Amherst Cinema, "Nomadland"; directed by Chloé Zhao. 107 mins and rated R. Chloé Zhao’s third feature film won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, and Actress in a Leading Role. Written and directed by Chloé Zhao, Mount Holyoke College Class of 2005 graduate. Introduction by Danielle R. Holley, president of Mount Holyoke College, 28A Amity St., Amherst.
Rainbow LGBTQIA+ & Allies
Coffee Social Hour: Thu., South County Senior Center, meets on the 2nd Thurs. of the month. 22 Amherst Road, Sunderland.
Wilbraham Women's Club Membership Tea: Thu., 11:30 a.m. St. Cecilia Church. Lunch served at noon. The presentation, which will begin at approximately 1:15 p.m., will be the director from Christine’s House. Providing a home of help for women and their children who are homeless. Please join us call Maureen Mikuszewski 413-596-8269, 42 Main St., Wilbraham.
FRIDAY
4th annual LAVA Film Festival: Fri.-Sun., LAVA Center, The festival is a showcase of exclusively Massachusetts filmmaking talent, from students to professionals and everyone in between. The festival will kick off with a reception on Friday, Oct. 11, 5–7 p.m., 324 Main St., Greenfield.
“Constellations” by Nick Payne, presented by the Valley Players: Fri.-Sat, 7 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m. Munson Library, 50% of net ticket
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D6
tools, measuring instruments, taps and dies, paper, textiles and many other products. Admission is free. To learn more, visit industrialhistory.org.
If old cars are your thing, there will be a Vintage Car Show on Saturday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 91 Main St. at the Mohawk Mall.
Movie buffs on Saturday can head to Greenfield Garden Cinema on 359 Main St. at 11 a.m. for a free showing of “Love’s Young Dream.” The movie is a one-act comedy/ drama produced at the Victoria Theatre in June of 1924. It
CALENDAR
Latino culture, music and food. The festival will have a lineup of diverse food. Event is free and open to the public. 485 Appleton St., Holyoke.
NAMI Western Massachusetts GIANT Tag Sale!: See Friday listing Paradise City Arts Festival: Sat, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Three County Fairgrounds, will be open on Columbus Day, Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Admission: $14 online, $16 at the door (adults); $8 students; free for ages 12 and under. 41 Fair St., Northampton. 413-5842237 or threecountyfair.com.
Pay It Forward Series “Phoenix in the Holy Land”: Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Blue Room at CitySpace, $15-$20. 43 Main St., Easthampton.
SUNDAY
revenue will be donated to Cancer Connection. Tickets are priced on a pay-what-you-can system, but reservations are strongly recommended due to limited seating. Reservation guarantees admission but not a specific seat: seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, Pay-what-you-can. 1046 South East Street, Amherst; NAMI Western Massachusetts GIANT Tag Sale!: Fri.-Sun, NAMI-Western Massachusetts (in Catherine Horan Medical Building). Free. 1221 Main St., Holyoke; Rainbow LGBTQIA+ & Allies Coffee Social Hour: Fri, 1 p.m. Northampton Senior Center, Gay Men's Group meets every Fri. at 1 p.m., 67 Conz St., Northampton. 413-587-1228 or northamptonseniors.com.
SATURDAY
4th annual LAVA Film Festival:
will be preceded by another silent film – a Pathé newsreel that captured Greenfield’s first Winter Festival in 1923. It is believed to be the only remaining footage of its kind and is accompanied with a silent screen virtual orchestra accompaniment in modern 5.1 theater surround stereo. The selections are from the actual orchestra score written for the screen over 100 years ago.
The day ends with an Intergenerational Dance from 6-9 p.m. at Franklin County’s YMCA. From 6-7:30 p.m. local dance teachers will provide instruction for various popular dances from the 1950s to current day, then
See Friday listing “Constellations” by Nick Payne, presented by the Valley Players: See Friday listing Downtown Amherst Architecture Walking Tour: Sat., 10 a.m.-noon Amherst History Museum, This walking tour is strictly limited to 20 people. Registration is required. Visit amhersthistory.org/events/ downtown-amherst-architecturewalking-tour/; meeting location and parking information provided upon registration. Cost is $10 for Amherst History Museum members, $15 for nonmembers. 67 Amity St., Amherst.
Fall Concert at Jericho: Sat., 4-7 p.m. Jericho Center, free admission. 537 Northampton St., Holyoke. Hispanic & Latino Festival: Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, celebration of Hispanic &
4th Annual LAVA Film Festival: See Friday listing Back Porch Songwriter Night — The Songs of Lucinda Williams: Sun., 7:30 p.m. Shea Theater, featuring Lisa Bastoni, Kris Delmhorst, Mark Erelli, Evelyn Harris (from Stompbox Trio), Ali McGuirk, and The Deep River Ramblers. Tickets are on sale at signaturesounds presents.com. $30 in advance, $35 on day of. 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls. 413-863-2281 or theshea.org.
"Bring It, Broadway": Sun., 4 p.m. Academy of Music Theatre, Broadway’s own Tony Award nominee Jenn Colella and SiriusXM radio star Seth Rudetsky will present an afternoon of song and laughter. This event is a fundraiser for Paradise City Dragon Boat, a nonprofit racing team of cancer survivors and supporters in Western Massachu-
setts. For information about the concert and Paradise City Dragon Boat, visit paradisedragons.org. Tickets are on sale at the Academy of Music Theatre Box Office by phone at 413 584-9032 and online at aomtheatre.com, $40-$100. 274 Main St., Northampton.
“Constellations” by Nick Payne, presented by the Valley Players: See Friday listing
Easthampton Harvest Festival: Sun, 1-5 p.m. Nonotuck Park, This is a free event. Pumpkin carving contest, live music, food trucks, inflatable slides and games for kids and adults, face painting, craft/ artist vendors, and horse-drawn wagon rides. 1 Daley Field Road, Easthampton.
NAMI Western Massachusetts GIANT Tag Sale!: See Friday listing
Paradise City Arts Festival: See Saturday listing
Pay It Forward Series — “Phoenix in the Holy Land”: See Saturday listing
West Springfield Coin Club Meeting: Sun., 7 p.m. Mittineague Congregational Church, a presentation and discussion will include facts about U.S. Proof coins. Refreshments will be available. For more information, contact Peter Setian at 413-596-9871, 1840 Westfield St., West Springfield.
Whip City Animal Sanctuary Hogs & Horsepower Car & Bike Show: Sun., Whip City Animal Sanctuary. There will be prizes, snacks and adult beverages to purchase, and animals to visit. Entry for hot rods $10. Details for the event can be found on the sanctuary’s website and Facebook pages. 232 Montgomery Road, Westfield.
from 7:30-9 p.m., a deejay will play favorite tunes from those decades while you dance. Dancers are invited to attend dressed to represent their favorite decade. Entry is $10 per person, $5 for Greenfield Community College students, kids under 12, and seniors 65 and over. Purchase tickets in advance online at gcc.mass.edu/ events/dance-throughthe-decades/.
“Organized by Greenfield Community College, the dance is a new addition to this year’s Vintage Days. There will be dances to learn every 15 minutes and then an opportunity to practice your new steps from the hustle to
the bus stop to the electric slide all night long with a big mashup,” Rechtschaffen said.
On Sunday, Greenfield Garden Cinema will run “Far Out: Life On & After the Commune” at 6:30 p.m. The documentary film traces 50 years in the lives of a group of New England writers, activists and artists, as they became pioneers in the back-to-the-land and organic farming movement. In 1973, when a giant nuclear power plant was planned nearby, they became active opponents. In a dramatic act of civil disobedience, Sam Lovejoy, a commune member, toppled a 500-foot weather tower on the site.
His trial drew national attention and points to a history of activism in our region. The film will be followed by a Q&A with director Charles Light and members of the commune. Tickets are $20 and available at https://app. formovietickets.com/pick Ticket.
Maps and additional information on participating shops and more will be available on Friday and Saturday in the Franklin Community Co-op’s community room on 170 Main St
To learn more, visit the Vintage Days event page on the Visit Greenfield website at https://visitgreenfieldma. com/vintagedays.
In this file photo, director Chloe Zhao, left, appears with actress Frances McDormand on the set of “Nomadland.” The award-winning film will be screened at Amherst Cinema tonight. (SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES VIA AP, FILE)
or sandwich spread.
There are Chick-fil-A restaurants on Memorial Drive in Chicopee and on Hazard Avenue in Enfield.
• As a part of the operation’s Spirits Education Series, Deep Roots Distillery USA in Sturbridge will be offering a Whiskey Dinner on Oct. 17, starting at 6 p.m.
The third in a series, the program, which starts at 6 p.m., will discuss different types of whiskey and how Deep Roots distills them. A four-course meal prepared using various whiskeys as well as several small whiskey tastes will be part of the experience.
Cost to attend is $90; tickets can be ordered online.
Deep Roots Distillery USA answers at 774-241-0045.
• The Notch 8 Grille in Northampton is beefing up its
list of crafted cocktails with a special fall drink list.
Among the new bar top offerings are Rosemary’s Baby, a gin-based creation that’s accented with elderflower liqueur, pomegranate juice, lemon, and fresh rosemary. A Mezcal Cider Margarita brings together apple cider, lime juice, mezcal, and a splash of Grand Marnier.
Two served-hot mixed drinks are also included in the fall lineup, a Pumpkin Pie Chai and Hot Buttered Bourbon.
The Notch 9 Grille, which is located in Northampton’s Union Station complex, specializes in steak and seafood. They answer at 413-326-4151.
• Brignole Vineyards in East Granby will be hosting a dinner theatre event in conjunction with ACME Mystery Company of New England.
To be held on Oct. 18 starting at 6:45 p.m., the Dead Meat Murder Mystery Dinner will relate the tragic story of
the Tortellini Corner Market as it battles the “Price Slasher” supermarket chain as well as a dishonest health inspector, Harry Graft.
A three-course dinner prepared by the Little Oak Cafe of Canton will precede the mystery performance. Those attending will have a choice of chicken piccata or vegetarian eggplant parmesan as their entree.
Tickets for the murder mystery dinner, which are $90, can be ordered online.
Brignole Vineyards answers at 860-653-9463.
• The Munich Haus German Restaurant in Chicopee is presenting another of its Lobsterfest dinners on Wednesday, Oct. 23, starting at 6 p.m.
The menu for these events features a 6-to-8 pound lobster with an array of go-withs, including clam chowder, Caesar salad, seasonal vegetable and boiled potatoes. A strawberry sundae is offered for dessert.
Cost for a “one guest-one lobster” experience is $120; two people can split a lobster between them for $140, tax and gratuity not included. Prepaid advance reservations must be made by Oct. 20.
Call the Munich Haus at 413-594-8788 for more details.
• Champney’s Restaurant at the Deerfield Inn is hosting two Spirit Gathering Gallery Dinners with Brandie Wells on Monday, Oct. 21 and Tuesday, Oct. 22.
During the evening, Wells will show how she connects with spirit guides and angels, revealing mysteries from the “other side.”
Her appearance will be preceded by a buffet dinner featuring herb-crusted whitefish, slow-roasted turkey breast and vegetable lasagna rolls. A seasonal vegetable and roasted garlic potatoes will also be offered, with apple-pear crisp served for dessert.
Cost to participate in either of the evenings is $60 plus tax and a 20% gratuity. For more details, call Champney’s at 413-774-5587.
• Villa Mulino Ristorante in Simsbury is partnering with The Best Wine Shop in Town to present a five-course Old World Wine Dinner on Wednesday, Oct. 16. The dinner’s menu will include courses such as lobster burrata, grilled octopus, and seared duck breast. A selection of fine wines from across Europe will be poured during the event.
Tickets for the dinner, which are $95 plus tax and gratuity, can be ordered by calling 860507-7117.
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 .
used to make Chianti red wines include Canaiolo (up to 10 percent per Chianti or Chianti Classico) as well as a blend of several other grapes, including Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Trebbiano.
What grapes are used to make Chianti Classico?
In order for a wine to be classified as a Chianti Classico, it must contain at least 80 percent of Sangiovese grapes grown in Chianti Classico wine region. And like Chianti, the other grapes often used to make Chianti Classico wines often include Canaiolo, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
What is a Chianti Classico Reserva Wine?
Wine Tasting Notes
2022 Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Classico ($21.99 Suggested Retail Price)
Tasting notes: Starting with the youngest of the four Chianti Classico wines recommended this week, this full-bodied, intense red wine has a wide range bright berry fruit flavors, including hints of blackberry and raspberry. A truly delightful wine that will taste great for at least another 5 years.
2021 Castello Di Verrazzano Chianti Classico ($27.99 SRP)
Tasting notes: Another intense, vibrant red wine with wonderful blend of floral fruit flavors, including hints of cherry and blackberry. Similar to the first wine while also slightly smoother, this slightly older wine shows why these wines often get better with age.
2020 Vecchie Terre Di Montefili Chianti Classico ($34 SRP)
Tasting notes: The first
Reserved (riserva) Chianti Classico wines must meet all the requirements for Chianti Classico wines. In addition, they must also be aged at least 24 months before being bottled and released to the public.
of two wines from the same winery, this terrific red wine has a slightly earthy yet elegant finish. The flavors here range from hints of cranberry and cherry to spicier, pepper-like notes. Another refined wine that will taste great for another 5 years.
2019 Vecchie Terre Di Montefili Gran Selezione Chianti Classico ($39 SRP)
Tasting notes: The oldest wine recommended this week, this 5-year-old gem vividly displays why many Chianti Classicos have a great reputation for being elegant wines built to age gracefully for years. This regal red wine has a broad range of intense fruit flavors, including hints of cherry, plum and blackberry. There’s also dashes of cinnamon and pepper. A true classic ready to drink now or for at least another decade.
Cheers!
Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s Weekend section every Thursday.
Märzen is one of columnist George Lenker's favorite Oktoberfest-style beers.
give it a go and let me know what you think.
First-time quaffers of Schlenkerla Rauchbier have told me they have been put off by the charred characteristics of the beer, but I would counsel them to sit with it for a while and allow the flavors to coalesce on the palate. There are hidden fruit notes that appear, albeit quietly, and the brew finishes dry and mildly bitter. But the real star of the show remains the burnt beechwood ballet with the malts.
If you have never tried it,
One last note: I have often joked that I am compelled to like any beer that has “lenker” buried in its name, but the term “Schlenkerla” is actually a term with its roots in the Frankish vernacular, where “schlenkern” is a term for walking not straight. While this could mean a drunken stagger, the Schlenkerla website notes that “allegedly one of the former brewers had a funny way of walking due to an accident, or maybe due to the beer, and so he was called the ‘Schlenkerla’ – the little dangler.”
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier
(GEORGE LENKER)
by the Deep River Ramblers (Paul Kochanski, Jim Henry, Chris Brashear, J.J. O’Connell). The artists will each be taking turns leading and playing a few of Williams’ tunes.
Bastoni released her newest album, “On the Water,” earlier this year, and while she doesn’t sound like Williams, there is a definite similar vibe to some of the songs. Bastoni talked about her love of Williams in a recent interview.
Bastoni said that as a teenager she was listening to a lot of songwriters like Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor, and was “just beginning to get curious about ‘real’ folk and blues music going further back.” In college, she started to wonder about those artists’ influences, which led her into early country, Hank Williams and songs from the Smithsonian Anthology of American Folk music.
“I would say that Lucinda Williams has been a huge influence from the start for me,” she said. “My grandmother was friends with Eric Von Schmidt, Dylan’s old pal from his Cambridge folk days. He’d come over to play music sometimes. He was listening to a lot of Lucinda Williams, and so on his advice, I sought out her albums.”
Bastoni was immediately drawn to her music.
“I loved how she was able to tap into the roots of folk, country and blues, while also telling her own stories in such a vivid, visceral way. Her music is such a magical combination of elements: a deeply personal vulnerability and truth that comes from sharing stories about one’s own life, and doing so in a way that ranges from the gentlest folk to blistering bluesy rock,” she said. “I love the sense of place and the emotional wisdom in Lucinda’s songs. There’s an earthy poetry to what she does that I have and will always aspire to
“I
love the sense of place and the emotional wisdom in Lucinda’s songs. There’s an earthy poetry to what she does that I have and will always aspire to in my own writing.”
LISA BASTONI
in my own writing.”
Bastoni is grateful to have had such a strong woman influence early in her musical formation and likes that today’s young woman seem to have even more female musical standard bearers, like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish.
“It is incredibly important for younger women to have these role models,” she said. “I am grateful to Lucinda, and Joni, and Emmylou, and Dolly, and Gillian, and so many more. When I was growing up, it was also pretty rare to see women instrumentalists in the rock/folk/ blues/Americana world. I see this changing a bit now, too, and I am grateful for that as well.”
Bastoni is particularly looking forward to sharing the stage with fellow musicians who share her passion for Williams
“Lucinda Williams is simply one of the greatest American songwriters, and it’s a joy to get to play these songs live, with such a wonderful bunch of artists and friends,” she said. “These tribute shows are always a blast, and this one will be no exception. Especially for Lucinda fans. And for folks who are not as familiar with her work, I hope they will come get a taste of what all the fuss is about.”
