For
SPRINGFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: 3rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration concert planned for Saturday, D4
HEATHER MALONEY: Singer-songwriter’s new album inspired by grief, D4
WINE PRESS: Sun Wine & Food Fest returns to Mohegan Sun casino, D8
Jon Bauman, of Sha Na Na fame, is playing his final show at the Mohegan Sun arena. Page D2
Jon Bauman, formerly of Sha Na Na, has brought his concert to Mohegan Sun for more than 2 decades. Now, it’s coming to an end.
Jon Bauman, also known as “Bowzer,” is hosting his final Rock ‘N’ Doo-Wop Party at the Mohegan Sun Arena on Sunday. Bauman has hosted his show for more than two decades. Pictured, clockwise from top left, Bauman performs on stage in a file photo; special guests Chubby Checker and Jay Siegel will join the stage for Bauman’s final show; and Bauman is pictured striking his classic pose at The Canterbury House Monday on May 6, 2013, in Charleston S.C.
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
The concert’s title says it all — “Bowzer’s Rock ’N’ Doo-Wop Party Volume 23: The Final Chapter.”
It’s the end of a “golden era” for Jon Bauman, aka Bowzer, formerly of Sha Na Na, who will be hanging up his greaser T-shirt after bringing his Rock ’N’ Doo-Wop Party to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, for over two decades.
Showtime is 3 p.m. and remaining tickets at $55.50 are available online at mohegansun.com.
Bauman, 77, was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1947 and was considered a child prodigy, playing the piano and beginning classical lessons at age 7 before attending the prestigious Julliard School at age 12, then ultimately graduating magna cum
laude from Columbia College in New York. He gained fame in 1969 when, along with several classmates from Columbia, they formed Sha Na Na — the first major revival group to honor the music and times of the 1950s and ’60s — even before the “Grease” stage show and movie were released and the popular nostalgic sitcom “Happy Days” aired on television. For the
group, Bauman created his alter ego, the loveable greaser named Bowzer. Their fame reached a high point in 1977 when they were given their own syndicated television variety show named after them. It ran from 1977 to 1981, with Bauman eventually leaving the group in 1983.
When Bauman left Sha Na Na, he began to step out of his Bowzer character and serve as a game show host for the “Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour” on NBC and the nationally-syndicated “Pop ‘N’ Rocker Game.” He then spent two years as one of the original “VJ’s” on the music channel VH1, appeared in several episodes of the “Miami Vice” television show, and provided voiceovers for animated series like “Animaniacs” and films including “My Little Pony,” and he produced a number of televi-
sion shows on the history of doo-wop and rock ’n’ roll. He also performed with his own group, Bowzer and the Stingrays, at casinos, theaters, fairs, amusement parks, cruise ships and conventions all over the world.
Generous with his time, Bauman spoke with The Republican for more than one hour about his life, career and what is next.
Q. So, this is really going to be your last performance?
A. I wasn’t sure if 2024 was going to be the last show, but decided to do one more. At 77, my back isn’t great, and I’m not moving like I used to and not enjoying travel in the same way I once did traipsing around the country. I’m also distracted by my work
on senior issues. I’ll miss the shows, done thousands over 55 years, but it’s time to end performing while I can still do so on my own terms. There is no place I’d rather do my last show, our swan song, than at Mohegan Sun. It’s quite an accomplishment doing 23 of these shows, the biggest and best of those around, at Mohegan Sun over the years.
Note: Bauman is president of the Social Security Works PAC, a political action committee created in 2017 to elect leaders who will work to expand Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and lower prescription drug prices for all Americans. He travels across the country in an effort to help senior by advocating to expand these programs and working to elect responsible leaders who will work for the people, not for themselves.
Q. How did the show get started at Mohegan Sun?
A. I had been playing at the free Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun with my band The Stingrays in a show I put together called “Bowzer’s Rock ’N’ Roll Party.” I did that for just a couple of years when I was approached by Maynard Strickland (a Mohegan tribal elder and former tribal councilor) and the late Jimmy Fox, who was director of operations at the time at Mohegan, about doing a big show in their new arena in 2003. They were big fans of the music and liked my approach, that I wasn’t just putting together an oldies show, but presenting it in a fun and interactive way for audiences.
Q. What does this year’s lineup look like?
A. We always have 10 acts on the program, that is a lot of talent for a very modest ticket price. The show has always been at 3 p.m. on the Sunday of Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, which was a good decision. It’s a 3 ½ hour-long show, then you can go to dinner afterwards and the next day many folks don’t
“A lot of stuff has happened on that stage of ours, some of which we are going to relive on Sunday.”
JON “BOWZER” BAUMAN
have to work, so it’s a great formula. This year’s lineup of originals will feature Chubby Checker & The Wildcats, Gary “U.S.” Bonds, Jay Siegel’s Tokens, Peggy March, The Dubs, Lala Brooks who was the original lead singer of The Crystal, 9/ 11 firefighter Frank Pizarro with The Music of The Platters, Rocky & The Rollers, Bobby Wilson who is the son of Jackie Wilson and, of course, Bowzer & The Stingrays featuring Johnny Contardo. It’s an all-star
some of which we are going to relive on Sunday.
Q. What part of your musical life will you always take with you?
lineup of some of the most beloved performers from the days of early rock and roll and doo-wop. In a very profound way, they are really a community who have done this show for years and are still great at what they do.
Q. Will you be doing anything different at this year’s show?
A. Well, I’ve done this before, but only on the 10th and 20th anniversary shows. We will be showing onscreen some of the best video clips from shows over the years. I want to do it again this year to review and reminisce about some of the extraordinary things that have happened on this stage over the course of 23 years. We’ve had incredibly emotional shows. Johnny Maestro of The Crests and Brooklyn Bridge and Jay Black of Jay and the Americans had their last shows on our stage, now I will. It’s a show that everyone loves doing. A lot of stuff has happened on that stage of ours,
A. That’s a hard one, I can’t decide between the Sha Na Na years and subsequent years after leaving the group. Our television show made everything else possible for me. But even before the show, we were building ourselves up to be headliners with our own great show that was really dynamic and fun to do. We were our own bosses and made it all up ourselves until we got the Sha Na Na television show with a great producer who let us do a lot of our own stuff onscreen. During those 14 years when we had the television show, we had on performers like Bobby Rydell, Chubby Checker and Gary “U.S” Bonds, and it was great to be able to showcase them at a time when work was not as prevalent for them. Those relationships have lasted for me all of my life. I left Sha Na Na in 1983. I was born in 1947 and was in my mid 30s at the time. After leaving the group, I did some television, a lot of game shows, but didn’t really enjoy that, and in 1987 returned to my Bowzer character in a big show in Atlantic City. It was
called “Bowzer’s Original Doo-Wop Party,” and really the precursor to my show at Mohegan Sun Casino. I loved doing those shows and like on the Sha Na Na television show, we had onstage original artists from the time period. I loved meeting them and am grateful for those additional relationships that continue today. I cherish those relationships and that experience at the time in Atlantic City as much as Sha Na Na.
Q. While this is not the last show for some of the acts sharing the party stage with you at Mohegan Sun, it is the final curtain call for Bowzer’s Rock ’N’ DooWop Party. Where can fans turn to now to continue the party?
A. There is still a demand for our music, and other shows will crop up, although not the big arena-type show that has been ongoing here. Audiences are older and the performers, too, but our music is still the roots of everything you hear in today’s contemporary music scene. I believe younger people will keep the music alive and that is great. But I don’t want to see groups cropping up and taking the name of a popular
THURSDAY
Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
FRIDAY
Antimony Brewing: Tom Savoy. 55 Pittsfield Road Building 2, Lenox
East Mountain Country Club: Union Jack. 1458 E. Mountain Road, Westfield
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Jon Rudnitsky. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
Shaker Farms Country Club: Pandemonium. 866 Shaker Road, Westfield
The Drake: Perennial with Radical Joy, Truther. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow
Theodores’: Liviu Pop and Friends. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
SATURDAY
Delaney House: Gerry Moss. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Jon Rudnitsky. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
The Drake: Don’t Tell Comedy. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
Theodores’: Wildcat O’Halloren. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: The Blaney Brothers. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY
Delaney House: Trivia. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 W. 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 011021329, emailed to pmastriano@ repub.com or submitted to www. masslive.com/myevent
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s third annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration concert, “New Musical World,” will feature violin soloist Melissa White, left, and guest conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson, right. (SUBMITTED PHOTOS)
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to
The Republican
The contributions of African American composers to the world of symphonic music will be the focus of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s third annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration concert taking place on Saturday, Jan. 18.
composers, whose music is stunning and beautiful, but not always represented as much in the repertoire of orchestras, but should be,” said Paul Lambert, president and CEO of the orchestra.
“Saturday’s concert also continues our ‘Tapestry of Music’ theme for the season featuring various traditions of music coming together to create a beautiful experience for our audiences,” he added.
“Saturday’s concert continues our tradition of offering a concert on Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend featuring works of African American composers, whose music is stunning and beautiful, but not always represented as much in the repertoire of orchestras, but should be.”
Paul Lambert, president and CEO of the orchestra
Showtime for the concert at Springfield Symphony Hall, billed as “New Musical World,” is 3 p.m.
“Saturday’s concert continues our tradition of offering a concert on Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend featuring works of African American
By G eorge L enker and Daniel T ebo
Special to The Republican
HEATHER MALOney initially didn’t want to release the songs on her new album, “Exploding Star,” which blossomed from her grief over the death of her father.
Fortunately, some friends and collaborators heard the songs and encouraged her to share the music.
“I’m an introvert to begin with, but I’ve always been lucky to have very encouraging people in my creative life who nudge me outward. This particular album wouldn’t exist without them because I just couldn’t find it in myself to want to broadcast such a vulnerable body of work,” she said.
Maloney will celebrate
the new record with two shows at The Iron Horse in Northampton on Feb. 7-8. Prior to her shows, Maloney discussed the record in recent interviews.
The following questions were asked by George Lenker.
Q. These songs were written after your father’s death. Did they work as kind of a catharsis for grief for you, and did the songs come easily or were they difficult to write?
A. It took me nearly a year to even want to write songs having to do with my dad, but when I was ready, they all came out very quickly and pretty much one right after the other. It was like the floodgates opened.
Antonín Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 9″ will be at the heart of the performance, subtitled “From the New World,” which will be accompanied by visuals on the big screen, a concert element that has become popular with
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
There is going to be an allout war inside the MassMutual Center in Springfield this weekend.
It is going to be monster truck against monster truck and driver against driver as part of the Monster Truck Nitro Tour, roaring into the Springfield arena this weekend for shows on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
During the two shows, audiences will be treated to the sight of 10,000-pound car-crushing giants competing in racing, wheelie contests, as well as freestyle motocross.
Monster truck driver Rob Poutre, of Vermont, is currently leading the industry with wins.
“Everyone is out to get me,” said Poutre, who will be driving USA-1 at this weekend’s shows.
“USA-1 is one of the original four monster trucks and it has been around for a long time,” he added.
Poutre, who has been behind the wheel driving monster trucks for four years, said that enjoys participating in the sport for two major reasons.
“I really enjoy the fan experience, it’s unlike any other sport, and you get to meet many of them personally. And it’s just the rush of it all, being at the helm of a 10,000-pound monster,” he said.
While it is fun sport to participate in, Poutre noted there are times when it is scary.
“A definite time was when I did my first backflip with a monster truck, there’s no science to it, you just have to
“To those who have followed my career, I say the same thing I’ve said when I made it up in 1970 and went on to say at the end of every television show and live event I’ve ever done — ‘Good night, and grease for peace.’ But we still haven’t achieved peace yet.”
JON BAUMAN
go for it,” he said.
Jason Ellins is the show’s announcer.
“My job is to guide fans through what is happening, not doing a play-by-play of all the action, but normally introducing the monster trucks as they come out,” he said.
Similar to Poutre, Ellins noted it is the fans who add to his enjoyment as announcer.
“One of my favorite parts of the show is the fans. The crowd is fully involved and super pumped up and excited to see their favorite trucks, yelling and screaming and cheering them on the whole time,” he said.
In addition to regular admission tickets, special VIP tickets are available to enhance the fan experience. They provide admission into the show, a Pit Party pass, VIP lanyard badge and seating in the VIP only section.
VIP tickets do not include a ride truck ticket which can be purchased separately.
The Pit Party begins when doors open. Party-goers can go out onto the track and meet the monster truck drivers and see the monster trucks up close and personal. In addition to the monster truck drivers, all of the other performers will be there to meet as well and answer any questions you may have, take selfies and sign autographs. Pit Party passes are required to enter the special area.
Monster Trucks are extremely loud and the tour website “highly recommends” all fans in attendance to wear some form of hearing protection, especially younger kids. Hearing protection is available for purchase from the merchandise booth. For pricing information and to order tickets, visit massmutualcenter.com.
group from the past with no authentic members.
Note: That is a cause that Bauman has championed over the years as chairman of the Truth in Music Committee at the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, which has succeeded in passing a law to help protect consumers from impostor groups that try to pass themselves off as the real thing in live performances.
Q. What do you want to say to those considering attending this year last show, whether they have never been to your musical party or have been faithful followers all these years?
A. You are not going to want to miss this show. It will have a different flavor to it by reason that it is the last show. I held my 16th and last Bowzer’s Holiday
Rock ’N’ Roll Party on the Ruth Eckerd Hall stage in Clearwater, Florida, on Dec. 8. I expect the atmosphere at Mohegan Sun to be pretty much the same as our final show in Clearwater ... very emotional and a lot of love in the room. You’re going to see something different from other shows, I guarantee it, simply because of the circumstance of being my last show. If you’ve enjoyed the show before, you definitely should show up for this one. And, if you have never attended one of our shows, now is your last chance.
Q. So, what is next for Jon Bauman after he hangs up his greaser T-shirt?
A. I’m never going to stop working on senior issues as long as I can draw a breath. I’m going to continue working to promote and expand Social Security, Medicare and for lower drug prices. Those
programs changed America when before Social Security passed in 1935, 50% of seniors in America had incomes below the poverty rate. That is no longer the case. The quality of life for older folks is vastly better than before, but there is still a lot of work to be done. I’m going to continue to work towards a much better quality of life for seniors and help to elect good people who support these issues. We are all in this together and we all must do our part to make this a better a country, a better world.
Q. Any last words?
A. To those who have followed my career, I say the same thing I’ve said when I made it up in 1970 and went on to say at the end of every television show and live event I’ve ever done — “Good night, and grease for peace.” But we still haven’t achieved peace yet.
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
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Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm
Doors Open at 4pm. Minimum Admission $50
1 - 1199 Progressive Betty Boop 50/50 Prize $900
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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.
WEDNESDAY CALL TODAY 413-788-1250 TO LIST HERE
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
I was surprised by how celebratory and joyful some of the songs coming out of me were at the time. But I’d say most of the songs came from some painful places until I was able to write my way into some kind of catharsis by the end of it. And few of the songs honestly just functioned as a way of familiarising myself with new feelings— at the time they didn’t really provide any kind of relief beyond articulating those feelings, because I was still very much in them.
I’m new to grief, but I’ve come to believe that, especially in the early stages, we sometimes just need permission to absolutely wallow in our heartbreak without minimizing, glorifying, sugarcating or looking for a silver-lining.
It became so clear to me that we don’t live in a culture that supports or understands that, and there’s real pressure to either bury it and move on (get back to work!), or at least to make the pain more palatable (for yourself and those around you.)
Q. You even played your father’s guitar and a keyboard that you’ve had since your childhood on the record. How big an influence on your music was your father and what was it like using his guitar to play on these particular songs?
A. Neither of my parents were particularly musical, but both of them absolutely loved music and played it constantly. Their combined record collection is amazing, and mostly made up of ’60s and ’70s folk, rock, pop and soul.
My dad bought that guitar towards the end of his life actually — for the purpose of learning a few chords so he could play some of his favorite rock songs — he was definitely a rocker. So it’s actually more of a practice guitar that wasn’t exactly fit for recording or performing, but our amazing local luthier Trevor Healy turned it into a rubber bridge
[a type of guitar that mutes harsher tones] for me and I love how it sounds.
I think my dad would get a kick out of knowing that I’m using it now, and it’s a very tangible way to bring him on stage with me.
Q. When you play these songs live, will you play a lot of them together as a group — since they were spun from the same whole cloth — or will you just sprinkle them in and out of the set?
A. We will play mostly the new songs on the album release tour, but we will definitely work in some songs from previous albums throughout the set as well.
Q. The lead single, “Exploding Star,” has a quiet, almost celebratory feel and sound, which belies the grief that some of the lyrics reveal. Have you found that it’s important to find these shards of light within grief?
A. Yes, I think it’s important to let yourself feel all the shades of light and dark within grief, and “Exploding Star” is totally a mash-up of many different shades for sure. It revolves around the
“I think it’s important to let yourself feel all the shades of light and dark within grief, and ‘Exploding Star’ is totally a mash-up of many different shades for sure. It revolves around the idea that when someone dies their whole life kind of slowly disperses and spreads out beyond what’s familiar to us.”
Heather Maloney
Isaac Eloit), who road-tested so many of these songs with me on tour. Early on, Isabella would take some of my rough demos and arrange harmonies so devastatingly beautiful, that on more than one occasion I could not hold it together as she and Isaac sang them to me for the first time.
idea that when someone dies their whole life kind of slowly disperses and spreads out beyond what’s familiar to us. I had this feeling as I sorted through his belongings and made trips to donation centers. Like I was spreading him out to the point that he’d be both everywhere and also nowhere. Which was both comforting and sad. So I think that’s why both feelings ended up in the song. It’s also lyrically just a big old string of unanswered questions — at least all the verses are — so the whole song feels emotionally open-ended to me.
The following questions were asked by Daniel Tebo.
Q. From the moment I hit “play,” I was blown away by the incredible blend of vocal harmonies, which are a constant presence throughout the record. Can you speak a bit about your collaborators and how their contributions helped bring these songs to life?
A. I feel so incredibly lucky to have been surrounded by harmony wizards from the very beginning of the project. It started with High Tea (Isabella DeHerdt and
After months of shaping these songs with High Tea, we took them to my friend Don Mitchell to start production. It was already super special to be working with Don, who I hadn’t worked with since we collaborated and toured together over 10 years ago (on a project called “Woodstock” with his band, Darlingside.)
So I was already feeling great
about having Don on the project, but I ended up being totally blown away by his approach and skill as a producer. He found the right sounds for the feelings, he played so many of the instruments, lent his incredible vocals and generally added such depth and dimension to the album as a whole.
He also was such a huge part of weaving so much meaning into the sound itself — he worked in the audio from one of my family home videos, tracked with my childhood keyboard and my dad’s guitar, and made the trip to record in my vacant childhood home in New Jersey (where we tracked
THIS MONTH ISN’T turning out to be a particularly good one for restaurants that count on beverage alcohol sales to ensure their profitability. With cocktails, beer and wine currently accounting for about 20% of total revenue in licensed restaurants, any changes in consumer attitudes toward drinking may well have serious consequences.
And attitudes about drinking do appear to be changing, as reflected in the rise of what consumer behavior researchers have dubbed the “sober curious” lifestyle. A growing cohort of the general public, it appears, is inclined to abstain from beverage alcohol consumption when dining out, and those who do drink are choosing to drink less. This is especially so with younger patrons — those ages 18 to 24 — with some onethird of that age group not drinking at all.
Dry January, an annual abstinence campaign that originated in the U.K. back in 2013 and now publicized and promoted internationally, is symbolic of changing cultural
norms toward the consumption of alcohol.
“Mindful drinking” is at the center of these shifting attitudes; it’s a mindset rooted in the idea that beverage alcohol consumption, if indulged in at all, should be done cautiously and conscientiously, taking into consideration both the short- and long-term health and wellness consequences. Statements made earlier this month by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, may serve to further diminish the public’s thirst for alcoholic drinks. In asserting that that the consumption of alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer, Murthy called for strict new labeling requirements that underscore a link between drinking and cancer.
Given the current political climate, there is no certainty that Murthy’s recommendation will become law, but his words may nonetheless resonate with those who are rethinking their relationship with alcohol.
For the restaurant industry, however, the message should be clear. Reimagining the role of alcoholic beverages in
Hugh Robert Off The Menu
a dining operation’s overall business strategy may prove to be a matter of long-term survival.
To start off 2025, Chickfil-A locations are bringing back the Grilled Spicy Deluxe Sandwich, which was first offered as a limited-time-only menu item back in 2021.
The sandwich features a grilled chicken breast that’s been marinated in a pepper blend. Served on a multigrain bun, the Spicy Deluxe is garnished with cheese, lettuce, tomato and a cilantro lime sauce.
Key Lime Lemonade is also returning to Chick-fil-A in three variations — lemonade
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, pictured above in a 2022 file photo, has issued a statement declaring that the consumption of alcohol is now the third leading preventable cause of cancer and has called for new labeling requirements for alcoholic beverages. (AP PHOTO / SUSAN WALSH, FILE)
only, a “Sunjoy” blend with iced tea, and a version “frosted” with Icedream frozen dessert.
There are Chick-fil-A Restaurants on Memorial Drive in Chicopee, on Hazard Avenue in Enfield and on Gold Star Boulevard in Worcester.
IHOP’s Pancake of the month is the Snickerdoodle pancake. A “stack” serving of four buttermilk pancakes is finished off with a topping of cinnamon sugar, cream cheese icing and a garnish of whipped topping.
The Snickerdoodle pancakes can also be enjoyed as a two-cake “side” or as part of a “combo” with eggs and a choice of breakfast meat.
Greater Springfield has two
IHOP locations, one on Riverdale Street in West Springfield and a second in the Five Town Plaza in Sixteen Acres.
“Value” meals are making an appearance at two more quick service restaurant chains.
Participating Subway restaurants are now offering “Meal of the Day” bundles. The bundles are available in two formats, one featuring a 6-inch sub and a second that includes a foot-long sandwich. Both bundles include a fountain drink and the customer’s choice of either two cookies or a bag of chips. Suggested price points for the Meal of the Day options are $6.99 and $9.99, respectively. A daily rotation of sandwich
T HURSDAY
Agawam Historical Association
Winter Meeting: Thu., 6:30 p.m.
Capt. Charles Leonard House, featuring historian and scholar William Hosley. He will present “Making Hisotry-Celebrating Massachusetts’ Local Historical Museums’.” 663 Main St., Agawam.
MGM Springfield Ice Rink: Thu.Sun., MGM Springfield. Hours: Mon.-Tue. Closed. Wed.-Thurs.
4-10 p.m.; Fri.- Sat. 1-10 p.m.; Sun. noon-10 p.m. through Jan. 19. Walkup sales only; tickets not available online. For more information visit mgmspringfield.mgmresorts. com/en/entertainment/ice-rink. html. 1 MGM Way, Springfield. Montague Shakespeare Festival 2025 Workshops: Thu.-Sun., online, “The Digital Bard: Live Online Workshops,” through Feb. 28, 1-2 p.m. A nine-part Zoom workshop series offering insights
into Shakespeare’s works. Learn from acclaimed actors and directors from Shakespeare’s Globe and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Cost is $25 per workshop. Register online at montagueshakespeare festival.com
Pioneer Valley Jazz Shares presents Double Trumpet Trios: Thu., 7:30 p.m. Holyoke Media, Thomas Heberer, Ken Filiano, and Phil Haynes; Nate Wooley, Ken Filiano & Phil Haynes. For tickets, visit
jazzshares.org, $15 for nonmembers. 1 Court Plaza (23 Suffolk St.), Holyoke.
FRIDAY
Art Workshop to Aid Preservation Efforts: Fri, 6:15-9:30 p.m. Capt. Charles Leonard House, “Winter Scene” art workshop by local artist Patti Bessette. Cost per person is $40 and includes all materials and step-by-step instruction
needed to paint a winter scene on 18”x24” canvas. No experience is necessary. Registration is required as seating is limited. Participants need only bring their creativity, snacks and a beverage. Contact Charlotte at 413-549-7820 for tickets and information. A portion of the proceeds will aid the preservation efforts at the Capt. Charles Leonard House, 663 Main St., Agawam.
SEE CALENDAR, PAGE D10
WANT TO LEARN more about wine and have fun while you’re doing it?
The odds are in your favor later this month at Mohegan Sun. The Connecticut casino, hotel and spa will host its annual Sun Wine & Food Fest from Jan. 23 to 26.
The four-day-long event in Uncasville, Connecticut, will feature a wide range of wine tastings, culinary classes and many other events throughout the weekend.
The Sun Wine & Food Fest kicks off Thursday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m. with a hands-on culinary class and tasting with celebrity chef Todd English, who will share how pasta and tiramisu are made. The event will include wines and cocktails paired with English’s award-winning food.
Also on Thursday, Two Roads Brewing Company will host a beer tasting from 8 to 9:30 pm. Learn how its award-winning beers are made while tasting food prepared by Jamie McDonald from Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ.
Friday, Jan. 24, features several events, including: Suntory Global Spirits’ Asian Market (6-9 p.m.): Presented by Suntory Global Spirits, the event will feature a range of Asian cuisine paired with spirits. Food Network host and chef Esther Choi will team up with chefs to prepare a wide range of foods.
Grand Tasting Preview (7-10 p.m.): Get a sneak peek
of the vintage wines, beers, spirits and foods slated to presented at the event’s Grand Tasting.
Sun Patio Ice Bar Experience (8-10 p.m.): This outdoor event on the Sun Patio will feature an ice bar, craft cocktails and music from a live deejay.
Preston Ridge Vineyard Wine Tasting (9-10:30 p.m.): Learn more about the wines from Preston Ridge Vineyard, a family-owned Connecticut winery. The wines will be paired with small bites prepared by chef Adam Young.
Events on Saturday, Jan. 25, include:
Grand Tasting (Noon-5 p.m.): Taste more than 1,000 wines, beers and spirits and sample foods prepared by a wide range of chefs at the centerpiece event for the weekend.
Vintage Cru (4-6 p.m.): Wine tasting event featuring older, rare wines “from renowned vineyards and highly sought-after vintages,” according to the organizers. Sunday, Jan. 26, features several brunch options related to the event at the following
locations: The Shed Restaurant (9 a.m.); Michael Jordan’s Steak House (10 a.m.); and Todd English’s Tuscany (10 a.m.).
To learn more about the Sun Wine & Food Fest or to register for specific events, visit Mohegan Sun’s website at mohegansun.com.
Other upcoming wine events
Free Friday tastings: Provisions in Northampton, Longmeadow and Amherst will host free wine tastings at its three store locations on
Friday, Jan. 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. Visit Provisions’ website for more details, provisions wine.com.
Jazz at The Vineyard: Black Birch Vineyard in Hatfield will host Sunday Afternoon Jazz at the Vineyard on Sunday, Jan. 19, from 1:30-4 pm. Half Shaved Jazz (Adam Scotera on saxophone and trumpet, Jeff Nissenbaum on bass, and Larry Klein on keyboard) will perform. There is no cover charge. To learn more about the event, visit Black Birch Vineyard’s website, black birchvineyard.com
Boston Wine Expo: The Boston Wine Expo returns in April with a wide range of wine tasting events and classes. The event will be held April 5 and 6 at Boston Park Plaza. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit the Boston Wine Expo website, boswineexpo.com. Cheers!
Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s Weekend section every Thursday.
LAST WEEK, I USED the term “Old Man Winter” in this column and it brought to mind a favorite beer that I have never written about: Coniston Brewing Co.’s Old Man Ale.
Coniston Brewing has long been a British brewery I’ve held in extremely high regard.
The company’s Bluebird Bitter is one of the best bitters I’ve ever had, and Coniston’s classic approach to beermaking is one that has sometimes seemed to have been lost in today’s craft beer world. When you taste Coniston beers, you might be transported back to a simpler time, when old English gentlemen strolled the British countryside, stopping at the local pub for an afternoon beer and a chat with the barman. The whole vibe of Coniston seems to ooze old-world charm and beers that aren’t trying to grab your attention with the latest fad.
So you might be surprised to learn that the brewery itself is only 30 years old. Of course, the U.S. can only get the two beers I mentioned above, but I’ve also had one or two abroad, and they still sustained that balanced, satisfying nature.
Old Man Ale is a brown ale that is perfect for a winter evening, perhaps while one reads poetry or the latest sports news with some soft music in the background. Everything about this beer says “class,” but not necessarily upper class. In many ways, it’s a decidedly blue-collar brew that
options is the framework within which the “Meal of the Day” program operates.
Fried chicken chain KFC is introducing five new $5 Bowls, each of which is built around an order of KFC’s Original Recipe Chicken Nuggets.
Three of the bowl options are flavored with KFC’s Nashville Hot Sauce, which is used in the Loaded Fries Bowl, the Hot Mac & Cheese Bowl and the Hot Famous Bowl. There are also Mac & Cheese and Famous Bowl variations without the Nashville Hot Sauce.
The brand is additionally introducing two additional bowl variations that are “digital only,” both of which showcase KFC’s sweet-savory Korean BBQ Sauce. The Korean BBQ Mac & Cheese and the Korean BBQ Loaded Fries bowl, both priced at $5, must be ordered through the KFC app or at KFC.com.
On Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 6 p.m., Figaro Ristorante in Enfield will be presenting its monthly Italian night dinner event.
The evening begins with a cocktail hour; dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. The first course is to be Artichoke
Heart Francese, a fresh Caprese Salad, and Arancini (Sicilian rice balls).
“Homemade” Pasta Fagiole will be served next, followed by a main course of Beef Bracciole and handmade pasta. A romaine salad will accompany the entree, and dessert will be included as well.
A cash bar will be available during dinner.
The “Taste of Italy” Italian dinner is $40 per person, tax and extra for gratuity.
Call Figaro Ristorante at 860-746-2414 for further details or to make reservations for the evening.
Starbucks has started
the new year by adding new items to its menu, including several espresso-based cortado beverages.
Originating from Spain, a cortado is a drink made from espresso and steamed milk. It differs, however, from a latte as it is made with a “short pull” of espresso. That “short pull,” known in the espresso trade as ristretto, extracts rich coffee flavors from the grounds and produces a “coffee forward ” beverage experience.
The new cortado drinks at Starbucks will be available in two forms — a traditional cortado and a Brown Sugar Oatmilk variation, the latter
being flavored with brown sugar syrup and a dash of cinnamon.
Starbucks has also brought back, as a limited time only special, its Pistachio Latte, which can be ordered hot, iced, or as a Frappuccino.
On the food side, the coffee chain is currently promoting, while supplies last, a Spicy Falafel Pocket
Starting Wednesday, Jan. 22, Vanished Valley Brewing Company in Ludlow will be promoting weekly Europa Flashback Nights. Each Wednesday, Vanished Valley will bring back menu favorites from Ludlow’s Europa Restaurant, which previously operated out of Vanished Valley’s Center Street taproom and restaurant.
On Jan. 22, two Europa favorites will be featured, Alentejana and Shrimp Europa. Alentejana is a traditional Portuguese pork and clam stew prepared with a spicy broth. Shrimp Europa, a dish of sauteed shrimp and onions served in a red pepper sauce, will be offered as a starter or served over rice as an entree. Both Europa Flashback items will be making a one-day-only appearance, being served from noon until 9 p.m.
Vanished Valley Brewing Company answers at 413610-1572.
Skyline Beer Company in Westfield has added a second seating to its Feb. 2 Winter Whisk(e)y Dinner. Tickets to the new 2:30 p.m. seating can be purchased at Eventbrite.com, where they are priced at $76.50 plus a convenience fee.
Skyline Beer Company picks up at 413-378-3333.
T. Hasegawa USA, Inc. the American division of a global company that develops flavor solutions for food manufacturers, has proclaimed brown sugar to be 2025’s flavor of the year.
The firm’s 2025 flavor report makes note of brown sugar’s versatility as an ingredient, citing its use in baked goods, beverages, and sauces.
Brown sugar’s rich caramel flavor nuances, the report goes on to point out, make it increasing popular in coffee beverages and cocktails in addition to the ingredient’s traditional role in food items both sweet and savory.
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.
MGM Springfield Ice Rink: See Thursday listing Montague Shakespeare Festival 2025 Workshops: See Thursday listing
Auto Parts Swap ‘n Sell: Sat.Sun., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center, Admission $15 per day, 12 & under are free with paid adult. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-737-2443 or thebige.com.
Frander: Sat, 7 p.m. Cultural Center at Eagle Hill, $35 adults/$30 students and seniors. 242 Old Petersham Road, Hardwick, the centerateaglehill.org.
MGM Springfield Ice Rink: See Thursday listing Montague Shakespeare Festival 2025 Workshops: See Thursday listing
Auto Parts Swap ‘n Sell: See Saturday listing
MGM Springfield Ice Rink: See Thursday listing Montague Shakespeare Festival 2025 Workshops: See Thursday listing
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. of every month through the end of 2026, admission to the Springfield Museums is free. For more information, visit springfield museums.org.
Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: Permanent exhibit: more than two dozen Indian motorcycles and related memorabilia.
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. Jan. 16, 12:15 p.m. “The Ladders Fish Climb.” Cost $4, free for members. Presented by Caroline Appel, marine biologist and educator.
Springfield Science Museum: “The Robot Zoo,” Jan. 18 - May 4,
Through March 9. “Free to Be.You and Me: 50 Years of Stories and Songs.” Through April 6. “Created in Color: The Picture Book Art of Raul Colon.” Jan. 18 - June 1. 125 West Bay Road, Amherst or carlemuseum.org.
Historic Deerfield: “In Pursuit of the Picturesque: The Art of James Wells Champney.” Through Feb. 23. “Building a Collection: Recent Acquisitions.” Through Feb. 23. 80 Old Main St., Deerfield or historic-deerfield.org.
Historic Northampton Museum and Education: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Wed.-Sun. noon-5 p.m. $5 suggested donation. 46 Bridge St., Northampton or historic-northampton.org.
Josiah Day House: Permanent exhibit: featuring guided tours, artifacts, furniture, clothing and documents from 1754-1902. call for open house schedule and individual tours. $3, $1 children 6-12, free for members. 70 Park St., West Springfield, 413-734-8322.
that honors civil rights trailblazers. Learn together through lively discussions and gallery activities recommended for families with children ages 5-10 years old. Tours are limited to 25 participants, advanced registration required, free with general admission. Gallery Talks at 9:30, 10:15 a.m., 2:30 p.m. “Shining a Light on Black Women’s Achievement,” listen to stories and learn about some of the trailblazing Black women featured in illustrator Anita Kunz’s exhibition. Drop in, no registration is required. Story times at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., $0-$25.
opening celebration, Jan. 18, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Be among the first to experience the Museums’ latest special exhibition, “The Robot Zoo,” and discover the magic of nature as a master engineer. Free with museum admission. Observatory Night: Jan. 19, 6-8 p.m. Cost $10, free for members. Evening includes special planetarium presentations, displays, activities, and a chance to look through the rooftop telescope. Due to the popularity of this program, registration is required. 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. Firstfloor 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 more information, visit springfieldmuseums.org.
Quadrangle admission - $25 for adults, $16.50 for seniors (60+) and college students with ID, $13 for children ages 3-17; free to children under age 3 and members, Springfield residents are free with proof of residency. Welcome Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Amelia Park Children’s Museum: Permanent exhibits include spaceship, construction site, library,
grocery store, as well as weekday activities. Visit ameliapark museum.org for information. Hours: Tue.-Tue, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Open for groups Wed. $8 adults; $8 children (12 months and older); $4 grandparents/seniors (60+); military personnel and teachers receive a 10% discount off the price of regular admission. Members/ infants free. 29 S. Broad St., Westfield or ameliaparkmuseum.org.
Anchor House of Artists: Rotating art exhibits, self-staged by fine regional talents. The best leastknown gallery in the Pioneer Valley. Free public receptions on the 2nd Fri. of the month from 5-8 p.m. For more information, email artists@ anchorhouseartists.org, go online to anchorhouseartists.org, or call 413-588-4337. 518 Pleasant St., Northampton East Longmeadow Historical Commission Museum: Permanent exhibit. Open every third Saturday of the month, 1-3 p.m. with free admission. Featuring displays of local history. Guided tours are available. For more information about seasonal events, visit them on Facebook by searching “East Longmeadow Historical Commission.” 87 Maple St., East Longmeadow
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: Permanent exhibit: Gabrielle Healy Carroll Storytime Programs are held Tues. and Fri. 10:30 a.m.; Sat. 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m., free with admission. Museum hours: Wed.-Fri, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, noon-5 p.m. $6, $9, $22.50 for a family of four, “Artful Collaboration: Eric Carle & Ann Beneduce.”
Mead Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: Various American and European paintings, Mexican ceramics, Tibetan scroll paintings and more. Museum hours: Tues.-Thu. and Sun., 9 a.m.-midnight; Fri., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 220 South Pleasant St., Amherst or amherst.edu.
Mount Holyoke College Art Museum: “Northern Exposure: Painting from the Low Countries in the Permanent Collection.” Through May 25. “Mariam Ghani: Like Water from a Stone.” Through May 25. Lower Lake Road, South Hadley or mtholyoke.edu.
Norman Rockwell Museum: Online exhibit: “Imagining Freedom.” The exhibit highlights the important role of Norman Rockwell and other artists in advancing and communicating these ideals, envisioned as core human rights for all people. The fee for accessing “Imagining Freedom” is $5 for the general public, available on the museum’s website at NRM.org. “Anita Kunz: Original Sisters Portraits of Tenacity and Courage,” through May 26. $10/$25. “Norman Rockwell: Home for the Holidays,” through Feb. 23. $0 - $25. “Norman Rockwell’s Life and Holiday Art Guided Tours,” through Feb. 23. Reserve an engaging and inspiring guided tour to enhance your Museum visit. Tours are limited to 25 people and often sell out in advance. Tours held daily. $0-$10 in addition to Museum admission. MLK Weekend Family Activities. Jan. 18, 9:30 a.m., the museum will host free programs focusing on the themes of civil rights, social justice and activism. “Family Gallery Talks: Civil Rights Heroes,” 30-minute interactive Guided Family Tour focusing on art
“MLK Weekend Gallery Tours: Norman Rockwell and Civil Rights,” Jan. 18, 19 and 20 at 1 p.m. Tours limited to 25 people. Advanced registration required. Free with museum admission. Permanent exhibit: Gallery. Hours: Thu.-Mon., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Tues. and Wed. Advance tickets purchase required. $20 adults; $18 seniors, AAA, retired military; $10 college students; free children ages 18 and under, members and active military 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or nrm. org.
Old Sturbridge Village: “For the Purpose of Illumination.” Learn how New Englanders needed, used, and created artificial lighting methods in the 1830s and see first-hand artifacts from the era. Included with standard daytime general admission. Standard daytime admission is $30 for adults, $28 for seniors (55+), $15 for youth (4-17), $15 for college students (with a valid college ID), and free for children 3 and under. Route 20, Sturbridge or osv.org.
Pan African Historical Museum USA: Permanent exhibit: Exhibitions by local artists. Hours: Tues.Fri., noon-4 p.m. Free. 1500 Main St., Springfield, 413-733-1823. Polish Center of Discovery and Learning: Permanent exhibit: A living monument safeguarding historical objects representative of the material culture of the Polish people in America. Galleries include “Coming to America”; “At Home in America”; “Folk Art”; “History.” The Polish Center is open to the public daily, Mon.-Fri, 1-5 p.m., except for inclement weather and holidays. Other times may be scheduled by appointment. $5 donation. 33 South St., Chicopee or polishcenter.net.
Smith College Museum of Art: “Younes Rahmoun: Here, Now,” through July 13. The exhibition galleries are located on the first floor and lower level. Complimentary light refreshments and cash bar in the atrium. Free. Permanent exhibits: “Ancient World Gallery, Beyond the Museum: Art on Smith’s Campus.” Hours: Tues.-Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m., closed Mon. and major
holidays. Smith College Museum of Art (SCMA) is free to all. Elm Street at Bedford Terrace, Northampton or scma.smith.edu.
Springfield Armory National Historic Site: Ranger-led interpretive programs offered in the museum in the afternoon. Junior Ranger programs conducted frequently each day. Wed.-Sun, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 1 Armory Square, Springfield or nps.gov/spar.
Titanic Museum: Permanent exhibit: Exhibits from the collection of the International Titanic Historical Society. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $4, $2 children and students. 208 Main St., Indian Orchard or titanic1.org. University Museum of Contemporary Art — Fine Arts Center: Permanent exhibit. The university museum is open through May 1; Tue.-Fri., 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., noon–4p p.m.; and first Thursdays until 8 p.m. Closed Mondays, holidays, and academic breaks. 151 Presidents Drive, Amherst, umass.edu
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Volleyball Hall of Fame: Permanent exhibit. Open Tues.-Sun, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Mon. Last admission is 30 minutes prior to close. $8 adults; $5 seniors 65 and older; $5 students, active and retired military; and free for children 12 and under. Group rates also available online. 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or volleyhall.org.
Windsor Historical Society: Permanent exhibit: Explore the people, places and events that have shaped Windsor for more than four centuries. Hours: Wed.-Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m., with house tours at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. General admission to the library and historic houses is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for students and free to children under 12 and WHS members. Visitors are free to browse the museums tore and exhibit galleries at no charge. 96 Palisade Ave., Windsor or windsorhistoricalsociety.org.
Wistariahurst Museum: Permanent exhibit: Gardens and grounds open daily from dawn to dusk. Carriage House and gift shop open Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For information about house tours, group tours and upcoming events visit wistariahurst.org. Standard admission: $7 Holyoke residents; $5
can be enjoyed after a long day of manual labor — or any activity, really.
The beer pours a lovely ruby-tinted brown hue that foreshadows the earthy delights to follow. A small but firm head crowns the beer leaves a modest but noticeable lacing on the glass as it’s quaffed.
The aroma is a wonderfully complex blend of bread, nuttiness and some fruit notes.
The aroma is a wonderfully complex blend of bread, nuttiness and some fruit notes. The first sips bring these facets forward, with a caramel underpinning carrying the whole boat along your palate. The hops (Challenger and Mount Hood) serve as a security team to help keep the maltiness in check. They also add a dryness to the beer, which is a pleasant addition to the mix, So, while the malts — including the roasted barley which augments the other malts — hold sway here, the beer finishes fairly dry, which, of course, only invites you to have another. At 4.8% ABV, it’s probably safe to do so. This is definitely one beer I’d like to sample on cask someday.
And while the beer’s name might imply that it’s mainly for eccentric old codgers, the moniker actually comes from the Old Man of Coniston, a mountain that can be seen from the brewery. This beer is one for all ages.
seniors; $5 youth (under 18); free museum members, active military and family members. 238 Cabot St., Holyoke or wistariahurst.org. Yiddish Book Center: Permanent exhibit, “A Velt mit veltelekh: The Worlds of Jewish Culture.” The center will be open to the public on Thu., Fri., Sun. and Mon. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Shabbos (Saturday) and Jewish and legal holidays. $8 adults, $6 seniors, free for members, students and children. “Yiddish: A Global Culture.” Free, yiddishbookcenter.org/events/ grand-opening-yiddish-global-culture. 1021 West St., Amherst or yiddishbookcenter.org.
Great Falls Discovery Center: Indoor StoryWalk: “Under the Snow” by Melissa Stewart, through Jan. 26. For ages 3 and up, accompanied by an adult. Meet at the welcome desk. At the end of the StoryWalk, enjoy reading more books about snow and winter from the collection. Great Hall Art Exhibit: “Junior Duck Stamps.” Through Jan. 16. Kidleidoscope Story Hour. Jan. 17, “Rabbits”; Jan. 24, “Winter Insects”; Jan. 31, “Ground-
the orchestra’s audience. The concert will feature both historic and living composers who explore and express their visions of America and use of African American musical styles and melodies.
The afternoon performance will also feature the music of composers William Grant Still with “Festive Overture for Orchestra,” modern-day composer James Lee III with “Amer’ican,” a piece that has been described as haunting and powerful’; and Florence Price with “Violin Concerto No. 2.”
The concert will be led by renowned guest conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson, who in 2005 made history as the first Black woman to win an international conducting prize and has continued to break barriers in Europe and the United States as the first woman or first African American woman on the podium for many orchestras and opera companies.
Johnson applauded the orchestra’s MLK weekend concerts as “an important step in building a relationship with the African
hogs,” 10:30-11:30 a.m. Program includes a story, activities and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weahter permitting. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Siblings and friends welcome. Meet in the Great Hall. “Nice & Easy Walks.” Jan. 17, 24, 31, 1-2 p.m. Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance. “Bluey Party,” Jan. 18, 1-3 p.m. Join in for crafts and activities related to the popular cartoon character, “Bluey.” Meet in the Great Hall. “The Grand Trunk Hotel,” Jan. 19, 2-3 p.m. Meet in the Great Hall. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls or www. greatfallsma.org.
Mt. Greylock State Reservation: Visitor Center open daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Interpretive exhibits explore the park story through artifacts and displays. Trail maps, hike guidance, 13-minute orientation film, bathrooms, drinking water available. Wheelchair accessible. Winter Wildlife Tracking: Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 22, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 12:30-3:30 p.m. For ages 8 and up. Join guide Jim for a 3-hour wildlife tracking
American community in Springfield.”
“I also think it’s important to include these composers across the season and in various programs to show the wider relationship between great composers from different backgrounds and the shared interests, issues and passions that transcend racial or cultural differences,” she said.
In regard to the “Tapestry of Music” theme, Johnson noted “it creates a wide patchwork of interconnected relationships between composers across the centuries in between countries and cultures.”
“Saturday’s program is a perfect example of that. It unites composers from Europe in the 19th century and American composers from the 20th and 21st centuries. And the works are placed in dialogue with another, creating a larger conversation about the idea of ‘America’ and what it means to be American,” she said.
Melissa White will be the featured violin soloist, who has captured the attention of orchestras and audiences worldwide, many of whom already know her for her successes as a founding member of the Grammy-winning
exploration. Dress for the weather. Nature Scavenger Hunt. Ongoing, Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For children and families. Self-guided adventurous quests invited you to search for natural treasures along part trails and inside the Visitor Center. There are several seek and find scavenger hunts for different age and skill levels. Scavenger hunts are available at the Visitor Center. Winter Wonderland Activity Day. Jan. 19, Feb. 16, 1-3 p.m. For all ages. Join in for a fun-packed time of winter activities, winter crafts, scavenger hutns, board gmes, and sledding if snow permits. Bring your own sled if you have one. 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 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
Harlem Quartet.
“Melissa is a friend and an excellent violinist and it’s always fun to perform with your friends. Melissa will be performing the Florence Price second violin Concerto. And I believe she brings a depth of expression borne out a long relationship with this piece and an understanding of some of the lived experience of the composer that will definitely inform her interpretation,” Johnson said.
Johnson said that Saturday’s concert is “not to be missed.”
“Obviously, the music is a great draw and will have something new for classical music lovers and newcomers alike. I think an extra treat will be having the visuals that will accompany the Dvorak ‘Symphony No. 9′ to create an even more visceral and impactful experience,” she said.
A “Classical Conversation” with Johnson and White will take place at 2 p.m. prior to the concert for all ticket holders, and there will be a meet and greet following the performance in the Mahogany Room.
Tickets are on sale, starting at $25, at springfieldsymphony. org or by calling the SSO box office at 413-733-2291.
songs, backing vocals and even some percussion on the house itself).
We also had my extremely talented friends: Reed Sutherland on bass and piano, Ariel Bernstien on percussion and Dave Senft on harmonies. They all just floored me with the parts they came up with. And finally, my friend Andrew Oedel at Ghost Hit was the mixing engineer and he was truly masterful in making all the layers in these songs shine.
Q. When I saw there was a track called “Ordinary World” on the record I quietly hoped it was a Duran Duran cover! You managed to transform a super glossy early ’90s pop song into something that brilliantly adapts the more hushed tones that run through these songs. How did this particular cover come to find a home among these originals?
A. My dad also liked this song, so it reminds me of him ... but actually the main reason I wanted to record it was that the lyrics really hit me in a new way after experiencing loss. The chorus is strangely perfect for articulating what it feels like — how foreign and disorienting it can be when it feels like you’ve totally lost your “ordinary world”, and you’re trying to “learn to survive” in a new normal. Other lyrics like “still I can’t escape the ghost of you”, and “where is my friend when I need you the most” hit me hard too.
Q. Do you feel like being a Northampton-based artist factors into your creative process?
A. Having the good fortune of ending up in Northampton (and Western Mass in general) has hands-down been one of the biggest reasons I get to make music for a living, so in a very literal way the answer is definitely yes. There is a concentration of incredible
musicians and artists who live here and inspire/support each other in ways that I haven’t seen in many other places. On top of that, there are so many people here who really care about art and have created groups and organizations around it — from my beloved label Signature Sounds (who will be releasing this album at the start of my 12th year as an artist on their roster!) to the Parlor Room Collective who are tirelessly fostering spaces for music community to thrive, to the radio stations, publications (thank you!) and businesses who throw their support behind local musicit’s just a rare kind of place. So, for me, that support directly affects how it feels to sit down and write. I feel like I’ve had the opportunity to write from a place of inspiration versus desperation, and making something meaningful versus something that I am hoping will sell. I’m certainly not saying that I haven’t struggled with those feelings as an artist, I just mean to say that the less artists struggle, the less constrained they get to be in what they make, and how much a community values art has everything to do with that.
Q. It looks like you’ll be touring quite a bit this year. Are you looking forward to getting on the road, and do you think it’ll be difficult, or liberating, to revisit the loss that’s present in these songs night after night?
A. I worried that it would be difficult to revisit the loss on stage, but while we were road-testing some of these songs I actually found that every time I performed one, I became more and more familiar with the emotional terrain of them, and over time I felt like I could embody the songs without being swallowed up by them, which is totally liberating and cathartic.
I’m in process though, and I’m trying to stay curious about what comes up as I heal and reorient. As per usual, any of the big feelings I’ve tried to avoid end up feeling way better when I lean into them, so this is one of the ways I’m trying to do that.
