Springfield Symphony Orchestra
stages 2nd concert of season, Page D2
‘ECHOES OF AMERICAS’
“We are also finding new ways to present beautiful music ... music that represents the wonderful diversity of the community we live in.”
PAUL LAMBERT, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE SPRINGFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Springfield Symphony Orchestra to present
‘Echoes
of the Americas’
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special to The Republican
Audiences will be treated to a vibrant journey through contemporary Latin American classical music on Saturday when the Springfield Symphony Orchestra performs “Echoes of the Americas” at Springfield Symphony Hall.
Showtime for the second concert of the season is 7:30 p.m.
Renowned as a conductor, violinist, violist and concertmaster, Guillermo Figueroa is guest conductor.
“Over the last couple of years, we have been working very hard to invite new audiences to listen to the music of our wonderful Springfield Symphony Orchestra. We have been doing that by offering new traditions and different forms of music, building on the wonderful classical music which is the bedrock of who we are. But we are also finding new ways to present beautiful music ... music that represents the wonderful diversity of the community we live in,” said Paul Lambert, president and CEO of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.
“We tried a concert last year called ‘Havana Nights’ that was very well received. So, we thought this year as part of our tapestry of music to continue to lean into the Latino audience and the tradition of Latin American music. Specifically, this concert is more classically themed and I think people will be thrilled when they hear the music being presented. It is very upbeat while still in the classical genre,” he added.
The concert opens with Puerto Rican composer Ernesto Cordero’s violin concerto “Insula Tropical,” featuring Figueroa as both soloist and conductor. The piece will be followed by Gabriela Lena
Above, Guillermo Figueroa and at top, Grammy-nominated Miguel del Aguila are the guests for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s second show of the season: “Echoes of the Americas.” (SUBMITTED PHOTOS
VIA SPRINGFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA)
Orchestra
Frank’s “Three Latin American Dances” and by Astor Piazzolla’s renowned “Libertango.” The suite from Manuel de Falla’s “The Three-Cornered Hat” will offer a nostalgic nod to Spain. The evening will culminate with Miguel del Aguila’s exhilarating “Conga,” featuring the composer on piano.
“Classical music was dominated by European traditions for much of the time until the first half of the 19th century. So the sounds and rhythms of Hispanic music were not incorporated into classical music until then. What they bring is that deep background of rhythm in particular. There is a very conscious feeling of rhythm in a lot of Hispanic music, be it Caribbean, Venezuelan or Argentinian, for example. Rhythm is a very prevalent new innovation that Hispanic composers have brought into the mix, along with a sense of color and instrumentation based on the music they hear and all the dances that come from different areas. So color, a lot of percussion and rhythms are some of the traits found in Hispanic classical music,” Figueroa said.
Figueroa is the music director of the Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra. He is also the artistic director of the Music in the Mountains Festival in Colorado and music director of the Lynn Philharmonia in Florida. Additionally, he was the music director of both the New Mexico Symphony and the Puerto Rico Symphony. His international appearances, among others, include the Toronto Symphony, Iceland Symphony, Orquesta Sinfonica de Chile and the National Symphony of Mexico. In the United States he has appeared with the orchestras of Buffalo, Detroit, New Jersey, Memphis, Phoenix, Tucson and the New York City Ballet. As violinist, Figueroa’s recording of Ernesto Cordero’s violin concertos for the Naxos label received a Latin Grammy nomination in 2012. He was concertmaster of
the New York City Ballet, and a founding member and concertmaster of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, making over 50 recordings for Deutsche Grammophon. Also accomplished on the viola, Figueroa performs frequently as guest of the Emerson, Fine Arts, American, and Orion string quartets. He has also given the world premieres of four violin concertos written expressly for him.
“I am very much looking forward to the concert with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. I understand that some of the symphony members recommend me for this engagement and I am very grateful to them. It’s going to be a wonderful night,” Figueroa said.
The concert is sponsored by USA International Sports
At left is a scene from Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s first show of the season, “New England Reverie.” The second show of the season will be staged on Saturday at Symphony Hall.
(LEON NGUYEN PHOTO)
Complex of Holyoke and the Ruiz family.
“We need folks to step up and support us on an ongoing basis, and we thank the Ruiz family and Holyoke’s USA International Sports Complex,” Lambert said.
A “Classical Conversation” with Figueroa and del Aguila will take place prior to the concert at 6:30 p.m. for ticketholders, and a meetand-greet will be held after the concert in the Mahogany Room.
Season subscriptions and individual concert tickets are available on the SSO website, SpringfieldSymphony.org, or by calling the box office at 413-733-2291.
Individual tickets start at $25, and subscriptions that include the season’s six classical concerts start at $127.50.
on Thanksgiving Eve
THANKSGIVING IS still two weeks away, but at this time of the year it’s probably better to say that Thanksgiving is only two weeks away.
During the holiday season, time seems to move even faster than usual and therefore plans need to be firmed up earlier. Of course, Thanksgiving means gathering with friends and family for all sorts of reunions, both formal and informal.
And while Turkey Day is usually considered the start of the holiday season, the real kickoff happens the day before when numerous people attend get-togethers, meeting up with old classmates, teammates, colleagues and confederates at local watering holes.
Since our focus here is
music, below are some of the places up and down the valley where you can enjoy some entertainment while catching up with long-lost pals on Thanksgiving Eve (Nov. 27).
Easthampton seems to be a hotbed of entertainment on the night before Thanksgiving. The Se7ens Sports Bar & Grill kicks off the fun with a free show featuring Voodoo
George Lenker LIVE WIRE SEE LIVE WIRE, PAGE D5
The Grinch’s Grotto is from the creators of The Dr. Seuss Experience, and Dr. Seuss Enterprises.
Grinchmas is sponsored by
The Beatles, ‘BRAT’ summer, country and more
All of the 2025 Grammy snubs and surprises
By M ARIA SHERMAN
Associated Press
NEW YORK — It looks like the 2025 Grammy Awards may be a different kind of award show. Beyoncé leads the nods with 11, bringing her career total to a record-breaking 99 nominations. There’s an incredible diversity of genres represented across the major categories, and women continue to succeed. So ... who didn’t make the cut? What were the best surprises of all? Let’s take a look.
Country’s cool again ... and it looks a little different Country music has bled into other prominent genres and the Recording Academy has taken note. Country hybridists — like Beyoncé, Post Malone and first-time nominee Shaboozey — lead many nominations, in country and beyond.
But that means the traditionalists might not see rewards: CMA Awards favorites Cody Johnson’s “Leather” and Luke Combs’ “Fathers & Sons” didn’t see any nominations. The latter shouldn’t come as much of a surprise: Combs’ blockbuster cover of
Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” wasn’t nominated for record of the year at the Grammys in 2024, either — though it did land a nod in best country solo performance. This year also marks Malone and Beyoncé’s first-ever nominations in the country categories.
The Beatles are back Who saw this one coming?
The Beatles last new song, the AI-assisted “Now and Then,” is up for record of the year. Released in 2023, the song utilized artificial intelligence to extract John Lennon’s voice from an old demo. It’s the same technology used to separate the Beatles’ voices from background sounds during the making of director Peter Jackson’s 2021 documentary series, “The Beatles: Get Back.”
Last summer, the Recording Academy announced a series of changes to the Grammy Awards, including new protocols involving technological advancements in machine learning. It sparked headlines: “Only human creators” could win the music industry’s highest
Nightclubs
THURSDAY
Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
FRIDAY
Shaker Farms Country Club: Wine Celler Music - Tony Bernardo. 866 Shaker Road, Westfield
The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow
This combination of photos shows top Grammy Awards nominees, top row from left, Beyonce, Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, bottom row from left, Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and Taylor Swift. (AP PHOTO)
honor in a decision aimed at the use of artificial intelligence in popular music. At the 2025 Grammys, clearly, those changes are in action.
Album of the year gets a facelift
Last year’s album of the year category was dominated by pop women — and that
Theodores’: Chris Fitz. 201 Worthington St., Springfield Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum: Nov. Ghost Tours. 104 Walker St., Lenox
West Springfield’s Irish House
Restaurant & Pub: Lower Valley Guys. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SATURDAY
Antimony Brewing: Tom Savoy. 55 Pittsfield Road Building 2, Lenox
Theodores’: The Amplifiers. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Terry Bren-
Chris Fitz will play Theodores' in Springfield on Friday night.
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)
nan. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY
The Republican is not responsible for unannounced schedule changes. Listings must be received two weeks before the date of the event. Items should be mailed to: Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329, emailed to pmastriano@repub.com or submitted to masslive.com/myevent
Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
SEE GRAMMY, PAGE D5
continues, with Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX’s rave-ready approach to the genre receiving noms. The latter is a nice surprise (more on that below), but the two men nominated are creative outliers. OutKast frontman André 3000’s experimental jazz-flute album “New Blue Sun” is a contender, as well as Jacob Collier’s “Djesse Vol. 4,” though that one may fulfill a space left vacant by Jon Batiste.
‘BRAT’ summer is forever Charli XCX, having never received a solo artist nomination at the Grammys, is up for seven awards at the 2025 ceremony. Those include record and album of the year, as well as pop solo and pop duo/group performance, pop dance recording, dance/electronic album and music video. Clearly, her culture-shifting “BRAT” album — and the summer of memes it inspired — has continued to hold real influence.
Exciting — and undoubtedly surprising — first time nominees
There is no shortage of first-time nominees this year. Some were expected — like Roan, Carpenter and Shaboozey — others less so. Willow Smith has received her first nomination in the arrangement, instruments and vocals category for arranging her song “b i g f e e l i n g s.”
Linda Martell, the first commercially successful Black woman musician in country, is featured alongside Shaboozey on Beyoncé’s “SPAGHETTII,” which is up for the melodic rap performance category. That delivers the progenitor her first-ever Grammy nomination at age 83.
And lastly, Morgan Wallen — undoubtedly one of the most popular musicians in the country, and one rife with controversy — has received his first two Grammy nominations for his feature on Malone’s “I Had Some Help.” Last year, his song “Last Night” was nominated for
Charli XCX, who has never received a solo artist nomination before, is up for seven awards in the 2025 Grammys.
(EVAN AGOSTINI/INVISION/AP, FILE)
best country song, but that is a songwriter’s award, and Wallen did not receive a nod.
In the past, the country singer has been absent from nominations. In 2021, after video surfaced of him using a racial slur, he was disqualified or limited from several award shows and received no Grammy nominations for his bestselling “Dangerous: The Double Album.”
Latin music is missing from the top categories ... again
Just like last year, Latin music is missing from the top categories at the 2025 Grammys, despite a surplus of eligible talent: Peso Pluma’s “Éxodo,” Shakira’s “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran,” Residente, “Las Letras Ya No Importan,” Carín León’s “Boca Chueca, Vol. 1” and Bad Bunny’s “Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana” among them.
No K-pop?
Same as above: K-pop, too, seems to be absent. There are no nominations for the BTS members who’ve released solo material this year: RM’s “Right Place, Wrong Person,” J-Hope’s “Hope on the Street, Vol. 1,” and Jimin’s “Muse.”
As a boy band, BTS has received five nominations across its career.
Only one nomination for landmark artists Despite being one of the great global superstars of the current moment — regularly celebrated as one of the most streamed artists on the planet — Bad Bunny’s
“Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana” received only one nomination, for música urbana album.
And Usher, who had a blockbuster year — including a star-studded Super Bowl halftime show — also received only one nomination, for R&B album.
... And none for others
In pop, Dua Lipa’s “Eternal Optimism” is nowhere to be seen. In country, best new artist hopeful Megan Moroney received no nominations. In R&B, Normani’s long-awaited debut album, “Dopamine,” failed to make waves with voters, and in rap, Nicki Minaj’s “Pink Friday 2” and Megan Thee Stallion’s “Megan” are absent.
The end of Jack Antonoff’s reign?
Last year, Jack Antonoff took home producer of the year, non-classical for a third year in a row, tying Babyface as the only other producer to do so consecutively. This year, he didn’t receive a nod in that category — one he has held a place in since 2019. Who will take the mantle?
The 2025 Grammy Awards will air Feb. 2 live on CBS and Paramount+ from the Crypto. com Arena in Los Angeles.
Live Wire
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D3
Driver, with food offerings starting at 6 p.m. The Se7ens Sports Bar & Grill is at 75 Cottage St. in Easthampton. Over at New City Brewery, also in Easthampton, patrons will be able to dance their way into the holiday season with a Thanksgiving Eve bachata and salsa party. The $10 cover gets you a bachata lesson from 8-9 p.m., followed by dancing until midnight. New City Brewery is at 180 Pleasant St. Also in Easthampton, the Pulaski Club (79 Maple St.) will see Dan O’Sullivan providing the entertainment from 7-10 p.m., while DnA Acoustic will play at Local Burger (116 Pleasant St.).
Chicopee also has several options on Nov. 27. The Just Go With It Band will take the stage at Rumbleseat Bar and Grill (42 Springfield St.), while Fuel the Madness plays ’90s classic rock at View Street Tavern (92 View St.).
In addition, O’Connell’s Irish Pub and Grill (733 Chicopee St.) will feature Chris Hartman, while Brian Chicoine will play a variety of acoustic music from 6-9 p.m. at the Dugout Café (134 Meadow St.).
In Springfield, those looking
If you’re looking to dance, then maybe the Commonwealth Bar and Lounge at MGM Springfield is your best bet as DJ Meechie will be spinning tunes from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
to pregame the holiday can find several locations to combine music with their meetups. The Boulevard Tavern and Grill (664 Page Blvd.) will showcase live music from IPA (It’s Pat Again), and Nathan Bills Bar and Restaurant (110 Island Pond Road) will feature the 7Roads Band.
If you’re looking to dance, then maybe the Commonwealth Bar and Lounge at MGM Springfield is your best bet as DJ Meechie will be spinning tunes from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
But if you want to rock out, then head over to Wilbraham, where the dynamic duo named One Was Johnny will play the Daily Pint (2523 Boston Road). Likewise, rockers can also choose to hear Rock 201 at VFW Post 8006 (18 Meadow St. in the Florence section of Northampton) or Alex Rohan at East Village Tavern (53 North Main St. in East Longmeadow).
www.rmhc-ctma.org/event/springfield-trees-of-hope
Sunday, November 17th - 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Whiting Farms Rd, Holyoke, MA
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Craft fair is your one-stop shop for all holiday needs
Show returns this weekend to Eastern States Exposition
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special to The Republican
Instead of giving someone a gift card for Christmas or shopping at the mall for just another mass-produced something or other, some people are putting more thought into what to gift someone by visiting holiday craft fairs like this weekend’s 36th edition of the Old Deerfield Holiday Sampler.
Held in the Better Living Center on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, craft fair hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and 12 for children 12 and under.
In addition to finding that unique handmade item for someone special, there will be equally unique Christmas décor to trim the home both inside and outdoors. In fact, according to a 2023 Statista survey, 80% of U.S. adults planned to buy new Christmas decorations last year and will again be shopping for new ways to brighten their homes for the holidays.
The annual craft fair fea-
Even Santa Claus shops at the Old Deerfield Christmas Sampler, where every year he looks for a few surprise presents for Mrs. Claus that haven’t been made by his elves.
tures more than 200 juried artists, crafters and designers working in a variety of categories such as ceramics, printmaking, mixed media, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, photography, fashion, woodworking, glass, leather and fine art.
“We have at least 40 new exhibitors who have signed up for this year annual Craft Sampler so there is always something new for visitors to explore,” said John O’Neill, co-coordinator of the Holiday Sampler.
Many people give home-
made treats as gifts, but if baking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of specialty foods to wrap up for giving or even to keep for yourself — fire cider, aged balsamic vinegars and olive oils, spices and sauces of all kinds, chocolates, salsa, jams and jellies, gourmet marshmallows and nuts, fudge, peanut butter of all flavors, sweet maple syrup and plenty more culinary delights.
Even Santa Claus shops at the Old Deerfield Christmas
Above and at right are scenes from a past Old Deerfield Holiday Sampler. The holiday craft fair returns to the Eastern States Exposition this weekend. (STEVEN NANTON / FILE PHOTOS)
Waves of restaurant closures wash over U.S.
MILITARY STRATegists often describe a retreat as the most difficult of all tactics to successfully execute, and the same can also be so in the business world. This fall, however, a number of well-known restaurant brands are currently finding themselves in retreat, either voluntarily or out of necessity.
Last month Spartansburg, South Carolina-based Denny’s announced that it is planning to close 150 stores, about 10% of the chain’s U.S. presence, as part of a growth strategy they’re calling Diner 2.0.
Supposedly the weak performance of those locations slated to close is, as a company spokesperson put it, “sapping the vitality of the whole system.”
In addition to forthcoming store facelifts, Diner 2.0 may eliminate the system’s requirement that Denny’s Restaurants be open 24/7
The Wendy’s Company has also announced a new wave of store closures some 140 locations by the end of the year — that comes on top of a May 2024 announcement of 100 store shutdowns. These “outdated” and “underperforming” restaurants, company officials say, will
be replaced but not at the same location by an equal number of new Wendy’s outlets that are more favorably sited.
Wendy’s has been experiencing a difficult year, with same-restaurant sales in the U.S. only growing by a scant 0.5%.
Some of the restaurant industry downsizing has been involuntary — TGI Fridays, one of the original casual dining concepts, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week.
The brand shut down 50 locations prior to the filing, which left about 160 TGI Fridays operating for now.
So what’s going on with all these restaurant industry retreats?
The factors involved are many. Restaurant concepts, like any other product, have a life cycle during which they grow and prosper, eventually mature, and then fade away.
The restaurant industry itself is currently facing economic challenges in the form of higher costs and flat customer counts.
And finally, the food-awayfrom-home market may be, in many areas at least, saturated, with too many dining options chasing after too few customer dollars.
Side Dishes
• On Wednesday, Nov. 20, the West of the River Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring its 15th annual Food Fest West.
Held at the Crestview Country Club in Agawam, Food Fest West will give those attending the chance to sample some of the area’s tastiest restaurant specialties. The event will also feature a raffle and a memorabilia auction.
Food Fest West will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tickets, which are $50 in advance and $60 at the door, can be purchased at the chamber’s website, our wrc.com. Their telephone number is 413-426-3880.
• The Pottery Cellar in Westfield is hosting an Authentic Polish Dinner Night on Saturday, Nov. 23. The dinner — which will include golabki, pierogi, kapusta, kielbasa, fasolka szparagowa, rye bread and dessert — is priced at $28.95 plus gratuity and tax. Beverages, including beer and wine, will also be
IT’S A BIT OF A CLICHÉ but also somewhat true that great beer comes from the northern parts of Europe, while great wine comes from the southern regions.
On the surface, this generalization makes sense: Places like Germany, Belgium, England, Ireland and Czechia are destinations for beer drinkers, while countries such as Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy are hotspots for wine lovers. Of course, there can be all sorts of objections to these broad assertions. For example, Germany can rightly claim to have a lively wine culture.
But since our focus in this column is beer, I’d like to look at the opposite side of the coin. I recently had the opportunity to drink a “wine country” beer that I don’t often have and was pleasantly surprised at its drinkability. I speak here of Birra Moretti, a solid beer offering from Italy.
If my memory serves me here, I recall that previous encounters with this brew were certainly fine, but unimpressive. This time however, I found myself drinking a second one even though I could have switched to another beer. But the cracker flavor of
the malt base, coupled with the mildly bitter but somewhat spicy hop accents really hit the spot. The finish is clean and crisp, with maybe a tinge of lemon.
This experience got me thinking about other beers from countries that are more known for their wine. Of course in this day and age of multinational companies buying up older and smaller breweries, assessing where a beer is from is not as obvious as it once was. Moretti, for example, was bought by the Heineken Group in 1996, and although the claims are that the recipe has remained true to the original of 1860, the beer itself is now also brewed in the U.K., where it’s the best-selling draft lager. So with that fact acknowledged, other good beers
BLACK FRIDAY
Starbucks’ holiday menu this year includes a new Cran-Merry Orange Refresher, pictured far left. (STARBUCKS)
Hugh Robert Off The Menu
George Lenker Beer Nut
Thanksgiving Catering
Enjoy a complete Thanksgiving Dinner or choose from scrumptious salads, sides, sauces, and desserts to enjoy at home.
~Heating Instructions Provided~
See a full list of menu items available at table3restaurantgroup.com/thanksgiving
To order, call 774-241-8450. Orders must be placed by 2pm Monday, Nov. 25. Pick-up times at Cedar Street Café are Wednesday, Nov. 27 from 7am-3pm.
table3restaurantgroup.com/thanksgiving
Traditional Thanksgiving Day Feast
Thursday, November 28th at The Duck & Avellino
502 Main Street | 508-347-2321 theducksturbridge.com | avellinorestaurant.com
CHOICE OF ENTRÉE
A bountiful and festive dinner with all your favorites and some of ours too. Our prix-fixe Thanksgiving Day Menu includes a bakery basket, choice of soup or salad, entrée with sides, and choice of dessert—all for $44.95 per guest (plus tax & gratuity).
Traditional Roast Turkey | 16oz. Prime Rib | Pumpkin Sage Ravioli Rosemary & Thyme Crusted Salmon
View the full menu at table3restaurantgroup.com/thanksgiving. Make your reservation now by calling 508-347-2321.
Thanksgiving Day at
Thursday, November 28th at The Barn at Wight Farm 420 Main Street | 774-241-8450 | thebarnatwightfarm.com
Reserve now, reservations are limited!
Join us for Bountiful Thanksgiving Buffet including Hors d’oeuvres, Salad, Assorted Breads and Rolls, Carved Fresh Roast Turkey & Prime Rib of Beef, Cracker Crusted Cod, Chef’s Holiday Sides, and Scrumptious Dessert Selection. Cost is $45.95 per guest and $22.95 per child ages 5–12 (plus tax & gratuity).
View the full menu at table3restaurantgroup.com/thanksgiving. Reserve now by scanning the code above or by calling 774-241-8450. Reservations are
3 remarkable, robust Rioja red wines
CERTAIN PLACES are consistent in making great wine year in and year out. Whether it’s California’s Napa Valley, France’s Bordeaux region or the rolling hills of Tuscany in Italy, you can be sure that most of the wines from these places will taste terrific most of the time.
The same is true for Spain’s Rioja region. Here in the northern part of the country, you can find many outstanding wines.
This week, you can learn more about red wines from Rioja, as well as general information about winemaking in this part of the country. And a few weeks from now, you can learn more about wines from throughout Spain, right after we focus on wines perfect for Thanksgiving next week. Hope you enjoy.
Rioja wine statistics
• 161,000 acres of vineyards;
• 16,000 vineyards;
• 673 wineries
Rioja wine history
Located in northeast Spain not far from France and the Atlantic Ocean, Rioja has been producing wine for more than 3,000 years.
The vast majority of wine (91%) made in Rioja is red wine.
The other 9% of wine from Rioja is white wine.
Many of the red wines made in Rioja are a blend of several different grapes. But some producers (including two wines featured this
week) make red wines using one particular grape, including one wine this week made with one type of grape from one specific vineyard.
Rioja wine regions
Rioja wines come from three particular subregions in Rioja:
• Rioja Alavesa: Wine subregion located on the northern banks of the Ebro River in the Spanish province of Alava;
• Rioja Alta; Subregion located in the more northern and western part of Rioja with many higher altitude vineyards;
• Rioja Baja: Formerly known as Rioja Oriental, this lower altitude wine subregion is located in the eastern part of Rioja.
Rioja wine grapes
Tempranillo is hands down the most popular red wine grape in Rioja, followed by Garnacha. Some winemakers make wines using only Tempranillo grapes. Other times, Tempranillo is often blended with Garnacha as well as a few other red wine grapes, including: graciano, mazuela, and maturana tinta.
As for white wine, four grapes in particular are the most common in Rioja including garnacha blancam macabeo, malvasia, and tempranillo blanco.
Wine tasting notes
2018 Campo Viejo Reserva Red ($16.99 at Table & Vine in West Spring-
field)
Grapes: Blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo Tasting notes: Elegant, soft, subtle red wine with hints of roasted blackberry, cherry and plum. Dashes of vanilla and black pepper also appear at times, giving this affordable red wine a
SEE WINE, PAGE
(imported to U.S.) from wine nations include Peroni Nastro Azzurro (also from Italy), Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc (France), and Estrella Damm (Spain). I’m fairly confident that there are better beers from these countries, but I’m naming those that I know are widely available here.
Now, I don’t think any of these above beers are going to set my readers’ world on fire. But I think that too often we beer aficionados are too quick to dismiss beers that don’t fit within certain limits we impose on our favorite beverage. I certainly admit that there have been times I have turned down a beer based on some preconceived notion I had about how or where it was made — or if it had been taken over by a larger brand.
But although these sorts of biases might have some basis to them, they also can sometimes prevent us from having a perfectly fine beer. Just as not every quarterback has to be Tom Brady, not every band has to be The Beatles and not every writer has to be Shakespeare, every beer doesn’t have to make our tastes buds sing the “Hallelujah Chorus.” What beers from wine-centric countries have you enjoyed? I’d especially love to hear about lesser-known brews from these areas. Reach me at geolenker@yahoo. com.
TUESDAY
Chicopee Elks #1849
431 Granby Road, Chicopee
413-592-1849
Bingo Tuesday
Doors Open at 4PM
2 Progressive Jackpots
6:15PM Early Bird
6:20PM Start
Min. Entry Package $15
Open Seating
2 Halls for Players
Handicap Restroom 1st Floor
WEDNESDAY
Polish American Citizens Club 355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385
Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm
Doors Open at 4pm.
Minimum Admission $50
1 - 1199 Progressive Betty Boop 50/50 Prize $900
2 - $500 Cover Alls
3 - $400 Special Games All regular games $100 with 80 people or More. All Cards are included with Admission. Prizes climb with additional attendence. Full Kitchen 4-6:30pm.
THURSDAY
Fairview Knights of Columbus
1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee (413) 532-2011
DOORS OPEN 4:30PM
MASKS OPTIONAL Progressive Jackpot
6:15pm Early Bird 6:20pm Start
Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms
CALL TODAY 413-788-1250 TO LIST HERE
Min. Entry Package $15
The three Rioja red wines from Spain recommended this week. (PHOTO BY KEN ROSS)
Ken Ross Wine Press
THURSDAY
Amherst Historical Society and Museum: Thu., 7-8 p.m. Clapp Memorial Library, Belchertown Historical Association’s assistant archivist and writer Michael Carolan will discuss the village of Dwight in North Belchertown. 19 South Main St., Belchertown, 413-323-0417 or clapplibrary.org.
Klezmer Workshop with Lisa Gutkin: Thu., 5 p.m. BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity. Gutkin will teach a klezmer tune by ear including ornaments, phrasing and accompaniment. All instruments and levels welcome. 130 Pine St., Florence.
Lisa Gutkin on stage: Thu., 7 p.m. BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity, Gutkin will intertwine Irish, Klezmer and Americana music with a back up band including Christina Crowder, Pete Rushefsky and Rachel Leader, $20-$35. 130 Pine St., Florence.
Medicare Readiness Session: Thu., noon-1 p.m. Our Lady of the Valley Church. Learn about Health New England’s 2025 Medicare Advantage options from your local team. Health New England Medicare experts will explain the company’s 2025 Medicare Advantage options and what you need to know when choosing a Medicare plan. Register or find other community Medicare sessions at healthnewengland. org/medicare/sessions, or email msupport@hne.com for a oneon-one meeting, 33 Adams St., Easthampton.
Rainbow LGBTQIA+ & Allies
Coffee Social Hour: Thu., South County Senior Center, meets on the second Thurs. of the month, 22 Amherst Road, Sunderland.
FRIDAY
2024 Snow Farm Seconds Sale: Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Snow Farm: The New England Craft Program, with arts and crafts from over 250 local and regional artists. The annual event supports Snow Farm’s nonprofit mission of providing exceptional studio craft and fine art instruction for people of all ages in a residential setting. Find a handmade treasure at the Seconds Sale – glass, ceramics, clothing, jewelry, baskets, wood, cards, prints, ornaments, and more. Admission is $8/person (when paid online) or $10/person at the door. 5 Clary Road, Williamsburg, 413-268-3101 or snowfarm.org
Holiday Fair: Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m.3 p.m. First Church in Ludlow, Holiday crafts and sweets for sale. A raffle with more than 25 baskets to choose from, with a TV being the grand prize. Santa and Mrs. Claus
CALENDAR
will visit on Saturday only from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.. Snack Bar is open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., stop in for a break from shopping for a soup and sandwich plus dessert. Free. 859 Center St., Ludlow.
Opera House Players presents “Rock of Ages”: Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Enfield Annex, This show contains adult themes and language. Some content may not be suitable for young children, 124 North Maple St., Enfield.
Pay It Forward Series presents Grotesque Burlesque: Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m. Blue Room at CitySpace, $20$30. 43 Main St., Easthampton.
Rainbow LGBTQIA+ & Allies
Coffee Social Hour: Fri., Bernardston Senior Center, third Fri. of the month at 11 a.m. 20 Church St., Bernardston.
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 northampton seniors.com.
SATURDAY
2024 Snow Farm Seconds Sale: See Friday listing Fall into Winter Fair: Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Holy Family Catholic Church, Featuring 45 crafters and artisans with a wide array of handcrafted products. A tea cup raffle and refreshments are also available. In the Father Kerwan Hall and adjoining classrooms. Admission is free. 23 Simon Road, Enfield.
Holiday Fair: See Friday listing Jubilant Caprices with the PVSO: Sat., 3 p.m. Belchertown High School, $15-$35 (youth & students $5). 142 Springfield Road, Belchertown.
Medicare Readiness Session: Sat., 10-11 a.m. Hotel Downstreet, Learn about Health New England’s 2025 Medicare Advantage options from your local team. Register or find other community Medicare sessions at
of every month through the end of 2026, admission to the Springfield Museums is free. For more information, visit springfieldmuseums.org.
Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: “The 200th Anniversary of the Springfield Republican,” through Jan. 5. Permanent exhibit: More than two dozen Indian motorcycles and related memorabilia.
Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Tues.-Fri. 12:30-4:30 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. First floor of building 28. 1 Armory Square, Springfield, 413-755-5258.
Gallery A3 Amherst Art Alliance: Works by Keith Hollingworth annd Ron Maggio, through Nov. 30. Hours: Thu.-Sun., 2-7 p.m. 28 Amity St., Amherst, 413-256-4250.
healthnewengland.org/medicare/ sessions, or email msupport@hne. com for a one-on-one meeting. 40 Main St., North Adams.
Old Deerfield Holiday Sampler Craft Fair: Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center. Featuring over 200 juried crafters, designers, and artists. Mixed media, ceramics, printmaking, live music, jewelry, specialty foods, sculpture and more. Visit Santa: Sat. 10 a.m.noon & 1-3 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-noon & 1-3 p.m., Admission: Adults: $8 Children: 12 and under free. Parking: $5 cash collected by Eastern States Exposition. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-737-2443 or thebige.com
Opera House Players presents “Rock of Ages”: See Friday listing Pay It Forward Series presents Grotesque Burlesque: See Friday listing
Springfield Symphony Orchestra Concert: Sat., 7:30 p.m. Springfield Symphony Hall, “Echoes of the Americas.” Tickets are $25-$80. 34 Court St., Springfield. 413-733-2291 or symphonyhall.com.
SUNDAY
2024 Snow Farm Seconds Sale: See Friday listing Noirvember Series presents “The Hitch-Hiker”: Sun., 1:30 p.m. Amherst Cinema, 1953. 71 min. Not Rated. For tickets, visit Amherst Cinema.org, 28A Amity St., Amherst.
Old Deerfield Holiday Sampler
Craft Fair: See Saturday listing Opera House Players presents “Rock of Ages”: See Friday listing
Quadrangle
George Walter Vincent Smith
Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: “Ancient Treasures,” a display of artifacts from ancient China, Greece, Rome and Egypt. On the first Wed.
Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “Gilded Echoes: The Tiffany Influence in Josh Simpson’s Glasswork,” through Feb. 25. “Look Again: Portraits of Daring Women” by Julie Lapping Rivera, through Feb. 23. “Tiffany’s Gardens in Glass,” through Feb. 25. Museum a la Carte: Nov. 14, 12:15 p.m. “Frances Perkins: A Woman’s Work.” $4, free for members. Presented by Jarice Hanson, Professor Emerita of Communication, University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Springfield Science Museum: “Music Night in the Seymour Planetarium,” Nov. 14, 6 p.m. $10, free for members. Expertly selected playlist accompanied by space and light special effects delivered by the Seymour Planetarium’s full-dome projection system. Due to the popularity of these programs, registration is required. To register, visit springfieldmuseums.org. 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 opportunities to explore new sounds and vocabulary, play rhyming games, invent stories, and engage in activities that encourage teamwork and creative thinking, with interactive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia. For tickets and more information, visit springfield museums.org.
Quadrangle admission - $25 for adults, $16.50 for seniors (60+) and college students with ID, $13 for children ages 3-17; free to children under age 3 and members, Springfield residents are free with proof of residency. Welcome Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Galleries
A.P.E. Gallery: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Tues.-Thurs. noon-5 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. noon-8 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m. “Variations in Monochrome: Limiting the Palette,” through Dec. 1. Gallery hours: Wed.-Sun. noon-5 p.m.; Fri. noon-8 p.m.; closed Mon. and Tues. 126 Main St., Northampton or apearts.org.
Indian Orchard Mills Dane Gallery: All new exhibits every month featuring the artists at Indian Orchard Mills. Hours: Sat. noon-4 p.m. or by appointment. 34 Front St., Indian Orchard, 413-543-3321.
Jasper Rand Art Museum: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 6 Elm St., Westfield or westath.org.
Old Town Hall: Eli Helman Ink Drawings, through Nov. 30. 43 Main St., Easthampton Taber Art Gallery: “Thrive-Beyond Surviving,” through Dec. 20. 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke, 413-5522614.
Outdoors
Great Falls Discovery Center: “Deep Roots: A History of Agriculture in the Connecticut River Valley,” through Dec. 31. “Climate Stories Music Program,” Nov. 14, 7-8:30 p.m. StoryWalk Series: “Thanks to the Animals” by Allen Sockabasin, Nov. 16 - Jan. 1. For young readers ages 6-8 and anyone who enjoys wildlife. “The Nolumbeka Project presents Full Beaver Moon Gathering,” Nov. 16, 1-3:30 p.m. in the Great Hall. With guest speaker Angela Marcellino. Raffle drawing and admission is free. A French/Breton Jam Session. Nov. 17, 2:30-4:30 p.m. An informal group of musicians gathers to play the traditional dance music from France, commonly known as bal folk. Free and open to the public, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls or greatfallsma.org.
Mt. Greylock State Reservation: Visitor Center: Open Daily. Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Trail maps, hike guidance, 13-minute orientation film, bathrooms, drinking water available. Wheelchair accessible. “Nature Scavenger Hunt,” ongoing, Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For children and families. Scavenger hunts are available at the Visitor Center. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough
Natural Bridge State Park: Visitors Center exhibits daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., year round; explore the park story through displays, artifacts and scavenger hunts. $2 parking fee; programs are free. 107 McAuley Road, North Adams
“The Hitch-Hiker” will be screened as part of the Amherst Cinema’s “Noirvember” film series on Sunday. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
beautiful, balanced flavor and finish.
2016 Beronia Gran Reserva Rioja ($29.99 Suggested Retail Price)
Grapes: 100% Tempranillo
Tasting notes: Intense and jammy flavors at first, make sure you give this wine time to breathe in the glass after you first pour it out of the bottle. After 30 minutes in the glass, the wine’s flavors settle down and before more velvet like with hints of plum, cherry and dark
chocolate.
2020 Beronia Vareia Beronia Vinedo Singular Rioja ($79.99 Suggested Retail Price)
Grapes: 100% Tempranillo
Tasting notes: Absolutely stunning single vineyard red wine, this light yet intense, flinty wine has floral, fragrant aroma along with
flavors that range from hints of candied blackberry and plum to bright, lively raspberry notes. An absolutely regal Rioja that tastes fantastic. Cheers!
Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s Weekend section every Thursday.
available.
The Polish Dinner Night will have two seatings, one at 5 p.m. and a second at 7 p.m. Advance reservations are required, and they can be made by calling 413-642-5524.
• Uno Pizzeria & Grill in Sturbridge will be working with Greater Good Imperial Brewing Company of Worcester to present a Beer Pairing Dinner.
The event is planned for Tuesday, Nov. 19, and will start at 6:30 p.m. A fivecourse menu will be prepared, incorporating with the likes of cranberry-brie puff pastry bites, kebabs of crispy brussels sprouts and butternut squash, a “green bean casserole” flatbread, turkey meatball sliders, and pumpkin cannoli.
For more details, contact Uno Pizzeria & Grill at 508347-6420.
• The Starting Gate at Greathorse in Hampden has announced the date of its upcoming Breakfast with Santa.
To be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, starting at 11:30 a.m., the event will include a breakfast buffet with options including pancakes, waffles, breakfast meats and scrambled eggs as well as fresh fruit and assorted pastries. A separate hot cocoa station will include a variety of mix-ins and toppings.
In addition to visits with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, there will be holiday cookie decorating, dancing with DJ-provided music and a “letter to Santa” writing session.
The price of the event is $55 plus a convenience fee; kids three and younger are free.
Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.com.
The Starting Gate at Greathorse answers at 413566-5158.
• Though the chain’s new CEO, Brian Niccol, has committed Starbucks to the simplification of its in-store operations, that doesn’t mean the brand is forgoing its traditional holiday beverage rollout this month.
Though the Seattle-based coffee shop giant has yet to make a formal announcement, knowledgeable sources report that drink favorites such as the Chestnut Praline Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha and Caramel Brulee Latte are slated to return, along with a new Cran-Merry Orange Refresher.
Three new holiday foams — Sugar Cookie Cream, Chestnut Praline Cream and Gingerbread Cream — will be
available to garnish Starbucks coffee drinks.
Four seasonal food items are to be part of the holiday lineup — a Snowman Cake Pop and a Penguin Cookie are making their debut, along with a Dark Toffee Bundt cake and a savory Turkey Sage Danish.
Holiday season offerings were scheduled to be in Starbucks location around Veterans Day.
• A Fall Food Truck Festival is being hosted by Vanished Valley Brewing Company in Ludlow on Saturday, Nov. 16, from noon to 5 p.m.
More than 15 food trucks will be on site; live music will also be part of the offerings. Vanished Valley will be lighting up their firepits, weather permitting, and s’mores will be available for purchase. For additional information, contact Vanished Valley at 413-610-1572.
• The Irish House Restaurant at the Irish Cultural Center in West Springfield has announced its schedule of “Christmas Music with the Tavern Carolers.” Seven dates in December are available with two of the dates, Dec. 22 and 23, including a visit from Santa.
Each performance includes a three-course meal; tickets are $65 and include the meal gratuity. More details and a link for ticket purchases are available at the Irish Cultural Center website.
• This month’s specialty sundae offering at Friendly’s restaurants is “Tom the Turkey.”
Tom is made with a scoop of Hunka Chunka PB Fudge ice cream. The ice cream is decorated with candy eyes, a candy corn beak, and a peanut butter cup tail.
The ice cream treat will
be available at participating Friendly’s locations through the end of November.
• Soulao’d Kitchen on Page Boulevard in East Springfield is celebrating its fifth anniversary on Friday, Nov. 15 from 2 to 5 p.m.
To mark the occasion the restaurant will be offering free food samples, giveaways, and face painting for the kids. Call Soulao’d Kitchen at 413-316-3202 for more information.
• Is McDonald’s bringing back its McRib sandwich?
The McRib, a cult-favorite build of spiced boneless pork patty that’s sauced with a tart barbecue glaze, garnished with slivered onions and dill pickles, and served on a toasted bun, was last available in the U.S. during November 2022, when it made a “farewell tour.”
However, the sandwich has been reintroduced into McDonald’s locations in the United Kingdom this fall, where it is being promoted as a limited-time-only feature. McDonald’s U.S.A. executives had previously hinted that the McRib might make a return to domestic locations “later this year,” and several food publications have revealed that the company is supposedly bringing back the McRib in the “greater Ozarks area” at the end of this month.
No word, however, is forthcoming on any plans for a coast-to-coast reprise of the McRib sandwich.
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.
Soulao’d Kitchen on Page Boulevard in East Springfield is celebrating its fifth anniversary on Friday, with free food samples, giveaways, and face painting for children. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN, FILE PHOTO)
Sampler, where every year he looks for a few surprise presents for Mrs. Claus that haven’t been made by his elves, O’Neill said. When he isn’t busy shopping, the jolly ol’ elf will be meeting with boys and girls to hear their Christmas wishes.
There will be free family craft making all weekend. And, a craft sampler favorite each year, there will be an expertly handcrafted miniature New England village to explore, circa 1897, preparing for the holidays, which was created by Beverly Kidder. Also, demonstrations of their crafts will be offered by
her decorative talents were red, green and silver tinsel wrapped around the booth’s frame with Christmas balls hanging from the tinsel, Christmas lights, and Snoopy resting on the roof of his doghouse decorated for the season on top of the frame, with a red ball hanging below.
Simmons, who calls her business Simply Prudence Creations, makes “Catcher Bags” that cost $22.
“I started making them 18 years ago. The idea of making my catcher bags began as a project while taking a class to get more familiar with the new sewing machine I had just purchased. They hold things like television controllers, phones, and whatever you can fit into them,” she
the Western Massachusetts Woodturners and potter David Hebert.
Every year, exhibitors are encouraged to create a festive booth voted on by the public. The winners receive a $100 credit toward booth fees for an upcoming show of their choice. Last year there were 10 winners, with Prudence Simmons receiving the most votes, O’Neill noted.
“All during the show, people were passing by my booth saying, ‘I voted for you,’ and that was really sweet. I recognized some of them who had stopped into my booth and some I didn’t know if they were customers or not,” said Simmons, of Bangor, Maine.
The crafter noted she wanted to create something “colorful, bright and cheerful.”
Among the highlights of
said.
The bags can be used in the car, on crutches, next to your bed, wheelchairs, inside your camper, on the treadmill, on a bicycle, on the arm of a chair — the possibilities are endless.
Her designs come in a multitude of themes including nature and animals, nautical, services, sports, Western, whimsical and flowers, outdoor adventures, checks and plaids, bubbles and dots and holidays.
Adding a festive spirit to the holiday-themed show, there will be live music from Piper Pichette, who will perform on her strolling harp, and Helen Yetman-Bellows, who will play tunes on her native American flutes. For more information, visit Deerfield-craft.org or call 413-774-5400.
Handmade snowmen and snowwomen on display at a past Old Deerfield Holiday Sampler Craft Fair. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO)