YOUTH POETRY SLAM: Finalists to take stage at Academy of Music in April, D4
LIVE WIRE: Tree House Brewing Summer Stage is heating things up, D4
‘ORIGINAL’ HOME SHOW: 4-day event returns to West Springfield starting today, D5
How many animals are in the zoo? If it is the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center, then the number is over 200 native and exotic animals.
On Saturday, March 29, the zoo begins its weekend schedule after being closed for the winter with opening day, which will feature visits with the animals, keeper talks and enrichment. There also will be an opening-day scavenger hunt with a chance to win a Family Plus Membership for the 2025 season.
“It’s always exciting to see visitors return to our zoo and feed many of our farm friends, such as our goats, camels, alpacas, llamas, and donkeys.”
GABRY
TYSON, ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
“It’s always exciting to see visitors return to our zoo and feed many of our farm friends, such as our goats, camels, alpacas, llamas, and donkeys. It’s fun to see them interacting,” said Gabry Tyson, the zoo’s assistant executive director.
“There is also our bobcat ,who we brought in last year and soon became a popular favorite with visitors. His personality now is really starting to shine, very playful and cute. Our bison was also new last year and gives us an opportunity to talk about conservation efforts to repopulate its natural habitat. That’s another new fun and educational exhibit to visit if you didn’t see him last year. Additionally, Thorn, our newest baby muntjac deer, was born at the zoo last September and guests will have the opportunity to see him this season,” she added. Last year, the zoo also reopened its Education Center, housing
reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
“Little kids love to come here,” Tyson said about the center which, until last year, had been closed since the COVID-19 pandemic. “They love to see the snakes, lizards and especially our Madagascar hissing cockroach.”
While many of the zoo’s animals will be on display, Tyson noted it is still too cool for some animals to come out from their shelters, including
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last admission at 3:30 p.m.
parrots, spider monkeys and Thelma, the zoo’s alligator.
Tyson explained what will occur during the scheduled keeper talks and enrichment encounters throughout opening day.
“Keeper talks involve our zookeepers and educators who will be stationed at many of our animal enclosures. They will be offering visitors a more in-depth look at the animals by talking about their behaviors, diets, daily care, as well as answering questions,” Tyson said.
“Enrichment is meant to
elicit natural behaviors and promote physical and cognitive exercise. It can be as simple as various scented items — fur, feathers, spices, catnip — in a box for the animal to explore or it may include novelty items like puzzle feeders to encourage the animal to forage and problem solve,” she added.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last admission at 3:30 p.m.
The zoo begins its sevenday-a-week operating schedule on May 12. It also will be open for the entire week of
Massachusetts (April 14-21) and Connecticut (April 21-27) spring breaks.
Tickets are $13 for adults, $9 for seniors ages 62 and over, $7 for children ages 1 to 12, and free to those under 1.
Upcoming events for the year include:
• April 19, Eggstravaganza: Travel the Bunny Trail around the zoo with goodies for the kids, a visit from the Easter Bunny, music, crafts and animal encounters. Held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• May 31, Wine Safari: Paring wines from around the world with animals from the same region will allow visitors to travel from country to country sampling the wine from the region while
meeting wildlife that inhabits it. Held from 2-6 p.m.
• May 11. Mother’s Day: Mothers receive free admission from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• June 15, Father’s Day: Dads receive free admission from 10 am. to 3:30 p.m.
• Aug. 2, Brew at the Zoo: Tickets are already on sale for the annual fundraiser to benefit the animals and their care. This 21-plus event features unlimited craft beer samples (while supplies last) from
THURSDAY
Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
FRIDAY
Delaney House: Ron Smith. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
East Mountain Country Club:
The Midlife Crisis Band. 1458 E. Mountain Rd, Westfield
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar
Comedy Club: Matt Lopes. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
Shaker Farms Country Club: Pandemonium. 866 Shaker Road, Westfield
Tangle Chocolate Lounge: Slow Jam. 5 Main St. Route 9, Williamsburg
The Drake: Battle of the Bands. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow
Theodores’: Anthony Geraci & Boston Blues All Stars. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Brothers By Law. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SATURDAY
Delaney House: The New System. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar
Comedy Club: Matt Lopes. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
The Drake: The Slackers with Some Ska Band. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
Theodores’: 7Roads Band. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: The Healys. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY
Delaney House: Trivia. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
The Drake: Habibi with the Stevenson Ranch Davidians. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
IT’S NOW OFFICIALLY spring, which means many people are already dreaming about summer.
Fortunately for local music fans, there are plenty of summer shows already lined up. One venue that has become a local mainstay for outdoor music lovers is the Summer Stage at Tree House Brewing in Deerfield. Tickets are already on sale for many shows there, so let’s take a look at the first few months.
By G riffin C rafts
Special to The Republican
The Regional Youth Poetry
Slam at the Academy of Music, now in its third year, is more than just a competition (with a cash prize and all) — it’s a movement toward self and community betterment. On April 5, finalists from around Western Massachusetts will take the stage and reflect on where they’re at in life.
At the heart of the event is Imani Wallace, artistically known as Lyrical Faith, a poet, educator and activist whose career embodies the intersection of art, education, and social change. Hailing from Bronx, New York, she is one of the country’s most acclaimed spoken word artists. Her work has been featured on NPR,
Huffington Post Black Voices, and Write About Now Poetry, and she has performed at some of the country’s most revered cultural spaces, including the Apollo Theater in New York. She is currently a doctoral candidate in social justice education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she studies the intersection of arts and activism.
“I see poetry and competing in poetry, especially for youth, as a form of protest,” Faith said.
Youth finalists set to take the stage include Izaria Thomas, of Springfield Honors Academy; Melanie Rivas, of the Springfield Conservatory of the Arts; Elias Vega,
You don’t even have to wait for spring to be half over for the first shows lined up at Tree House. On April 22, Rhett Miller will take the stage there, with Josh Rouse serving as the support act. Miller is best known as the frontman of the 1990s alt-country band the Old 97’s, but has also garnered acclaim for his solo career and songwriting.
Then, on April 24, Jeffrey Foucault will bring his distinctive voice and songcraft to the Summer Stage. Foucault was on Northampton’s Signature Sounds label early on his career. Wild Horses will open the show.
The next concert on tap (so far) will be heading closer to actual summer as the
triple bill of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, The Infamous Stringdusters and Melt bring a diverse set of sounds to Deerfield: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong play psychedelic funk, while The Infamous Stringdusters can boast of a progressive bluegrass virtuosity that won them a Grammy in 2017. Melt rounds out this smorgasbord with its soulful bend of pop and rock.
June 4 will see Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ showcase their Grammy-winning collaboration at Tree House. The pair are touring on their upcoming release, “Room on the Front Porch,” due out in May. The duo garnered acclaim for their debut collaboration, 2017’s “TajMo.” The show will be opened by Abraham
Four-day show kicks off today at Eastern States
Exposition
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
If you are considering attending this year’s “Original” Western Mass. Home & Garden Show, which opens its doors on Thursday for four days, there is no better time than now.
“Our world is getting more complicated, and tariffs are not going to help the home building and remodeling industry,” said Andrew Crane, executive director of the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Western MA, organizers of the event, Showtimes at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield are Thursday and Friday from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 pm.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, the tariffs - placed on construction materials such as lumber, aluminum and steel from Mexico, Canada and China - are projected to increase the costs that go into building a single-family home
in the United States by $7,500 to $10,000 as well as the costs for any remodeling projects.
But it is not just the raw materials.
The tariffs will mean higher prices for home improvement shoppers.
Don Johnson, president of True Value Hardware, told the Associated Press that means higher prices for home improvement shoppers on the shelves of local hardware stores - including items such as refrigerators washing machines, air conditioners and more which are manufactured in Mexico and China.
“I think, if anything, one thing remains constant regarding your home. Unlike
Above, Frank Fleury, of Easthampton, tries out one of Hanging Chairs products as Robert Waife answers his questions at a past Original Western Mass. Home & Garden Show at Eastern States Exposition. At left, Bob Boilard of Boilard Lumber, left, talks with Mark Jankowske of Florence during a previous show.
(THE REPUBLICAN, FILE PHOTOS)
stocks where the market goes up and down, your house will hold its value or gain in value especially with any improvements that you make. That’s why home improvements are a good investment,” Crane said.
Given what is going on in the market today, Crane noted now is the time to make best use of your plans
by going to the Home Show, he noted.
“I expect that people will certainly be more selective this year and need to do their due diligence at the show by looking around before buying or signing a deal. If it is a new roof or siding you are looking for, take the time to visit several exhibitors offering those products and
fine someone you feel you can trust and who will give you the best deal and value for your money,” Crane said.
“This isn’t like the yellow pages and picking out anybody to do the job. You don’t know if they are ripping people off. But those people won’t be at the Home Show, they’re in hiding because they don’t want to be seen. At the Home
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D3
local breweries, a home brew competition, live music, food trucks, games and animal interactions. Held from noon to 5 p.m.
• Oct. 25. Spooky Safari: Dress in costume and enjoy family-friendly Halloween fun complete with a trick-ortreat trail for kids ages 0-12*,
on-site activities, crafts, music, and appearances from some special friends. The event also features a virtual costume contest with prizes and a pumpkin hunt around the zoo. Held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
For more information on the zoo and opening day, as well as for information and ticket’s about the zoo’s upcoming events, visit forestparkzoo.org.
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
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.
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
Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms
Min. Entry Package $15
SPRINGFIELD
The Springfield Museums will again host “Van Gogh for All,” on view March 29 through Sept. 14 at the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts.
Designed to engage 21st-century audiences in the 19th-century art of Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890), this experientially rich exhibition uses modern technology and participatory learning to introduce audiences to Van Gogh’s genius, his personal struggles, and his creative process.
The Springfield Museums was selected to premiere Van Gogh for All on the East Coast in 2019, and it immediately captivated audiences of all ages with its blend of entertainment, education, and art appreciation.
“We are committed to offering fully accessible, hands-on, interactive programming, learning spaces, and exhibits to enhance visitors’ experiences in our galleries,” said Kay Simpson, CEO and president of the Museums, in a statement. “We are absolutely thrilled to bring Van Gogh for All back to the Northeast, especially because this exhibit is dedicated to making art
“Van
(DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)
accessible for people of all backgrounds.”
Visitors can literally step into Van Gogh’s artwork to discover the unusual perspective of The Bedroom, go behind the shutters of The Yellow House, or become part of one of the artist’s famous landscapes. The exhibit offers multiple photo opportunities and space to create your own art—with stations for drawing a still life or a portrait. Many of the
elements in the exhibition are interactive, offering the visitor the opportunity to interact with the artist’s work, including a 12-foot-wide, electronic version of the iconic The Starry Night.
“Van Gogh for All is a fantastic opportunity to experience the artist’s life and work in a new way,” said curator of Art Kris Ludwig in a statement. “Whether you want to immerse yourself in Van Gogh’s world, sketch your
own portrait, or learn more about the artist’s remarkable life, this exhibition offers something memorable for everyone.”
Ludwig curated a companion exhibition, entitled “Van Gogh’s Threads of Influence,” in an adjacent gallery. This selection of paintings and prints from the Museums’ permanent collection reveals the connections between Vincent van Gogh and the artistic movements that shaped his vision, showcasing revolutionary artists such as Paul Gauguin, Camille Pissarro, Paul Signac, and Japanese master Andō Hiroshige. These artists, who inspired or befriended Van Gogh, transformed late 19th-century art with innovative techniques that challenged traditional approaches, ushering in a new era of creativity.
In keeping with the Museums’ multidisciplinary approach, staff at the Springfield Science Museum developed “Vincent’s Starry Sky,” an original planetarium show that utilizes forensic astronomy to determine the night sky views that may
have inspired Van Gogh’s most famous paintings. The Seymour Planetarium’s full-dome Zeiss projectors illuminate the planets, stars, and astronomical phenomenon that lit up the sky in late 19th century France and the Netherlands when Van Gogh painted them in his signature striking blues and yellows.
Audiences will also hear excerpts from letters the artist sent to his younger brother Theo during the last six years of his life and career, narrated by Kari Njiri, host of “All Things Considered” on New England Public Media. Vincent’s Starry Sky will be shown on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 p.m. throughout the run of “Van Gogh for All.”
“Art and science blend perfectly together in the work of Vincent van Gogh,” said Jenny Powers, Director of Science for the Museums, in a statement. “I hope that this planetarium show will inspire visitors to cross the Quadrangle Green between the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts and the Science Museum for a complete Van Gogh experience!”
“Art and science blend perfectly together in the work of Vincent van Gogh.”
JENNY POWERS, DIRECTOR OF SCIENCE, SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS
Maria Roblez, Thanisha Martinez, Samara Thadison, and Zilaij’a Lewis, all of Holyoke High School (Dean Campus); Adrianna Serrano-Rios, of Holyoke High School (North Campus); Espin Santiago, of Westfield High School; and Allyson Klement, of Amherst Regional High School.
The finalists recently gathered for a pre-show workshop to fine tune their performances before the slam. The workshop isn’t just about fine-tuning the technical details of each student’s performance, but about
building confidence, community, and a sense of purpose.
“We make that workshop an intentional aspect of the youth poetry slam experience,” Faith said. “The main goal is to get participants pumped up, get them aware of the rules, what they’re competing against, as well as give them feedback on their stories amongst their peers.”
And after seeing the students perform during the workshop?
“These students are ready,” she said. “They came with serious poems. They came with their game faces on.”
The topics these students will tackle are bold, personal
and deeply resonant. “I don’t wanna air out too much of what they’re talking about so that everyone can come to the show and see for themselves, but I was very moved by their stories. They are stories that reflect many social issues and social identities.” Faith added.
And the competition itself, while intense, is also collaborative and supportive.
“We strike a balance between both,” Faith said. “Competition doesn’t have to be this scary and intimidating word. It’s something to lean into, right? Because if you can conquer your fears of public speaking, if you can conquer your fears of being worried
about sharing in front of your friends, family, and community, then you have conquered being a better poet, performer, artist and writer than you were yesterday.”
And at the end of the day, it’s not just about winning- it’s about showing up.
“To be honest, doing the best that you can and knowing that was the best you could do is an accomplishment in and of itself,” she said. “Nobody will be leaving here a ‘loser.’ Everyone is leaving here as a winner of something, whether that is winning within themselves or winning a cash prize. Everybody here has already won just by stepping on that stage.”
The Academy of Music has intentionally made space for these young poets. Aliana De La Guardia, the theater’s development and communications manager, who has helped to organize the event, said: “We are happy to help create a space where youth can speak their truth and be heard and be celebrated.”
In addition to the students, Faith will also perform.
Tickets to the Youth Poetry Slam, which are $10, are on sale online at aomtheatre. com, by phone at 413-5849032, ext. 105, or in person at 274 Main St., Northampton Tuesday through Friday, from 3-6 p.m.
AS LONGTIME readers know, I’m a huge fan of cask/ real ale.
And while I sporadically lobby for more bars/breweries to provide it, I certainly understand the reasons why many don’t. Once the task is tapped, it’s on a very short timeline before it becomes less than desirable.
Fortunately for New Englanders, we have NERAX (the New England Real Ale Exhibition) each spring. The 2025 edition will be held April 2–5 at the South Boston Lithuanian Club, and although I’m not sure I can make it this year, I’m really going to try. Every time I’ve gone to it I’ve been amazed by the offerings and always found something new and delicious. But more on that later.
As far as more regular cask offerings, one local venue that consistently has a cask ale is the Moan & Dove in Amherst. The casks are usually tapped on Wednesdays. I was lucky to be driving by there last week and was able to sample a fantastic cask beer made by OEC Brewing from Oxford, Connecticut.
OEC stands for Ordinem Ecentrici Coctores, or “Order of the Eccentric Boilers.” According to the brewery’s website, the Latin isn’t grammatically correct, but founder/head brewer Ben Neidhart wanted to use a name and symbols that spoofed secret societies of yesteryear.
As the website says: “In old brewing literature fermentation was often called boiling as the vigorous bubbling drew comparisons to the boiling of liquids. As advanced as brewing science has become, sometimes we are still just as clueless when it comes to the science behind the actual creation of complex flavors and aromas. Sometimes a little mysticism just goes a long way and after
George
Lenker Beer Nut
I’m a lover of bitters and when they’re on cask it’s probably my favorite style.
all, we would not dare to take ourselves too seriously!”
You’ve got to love it.
Based on my experience last week, you also have to love their beer. I had a brew called Hildago Best Bitter and it was stunningly great. I’m a lover of bitters and when they’re on cask it’s probably my favorite style.
Hildago Best Bitter comes across like a classic British bitter. It employs two British hops, Challenger and East Kent Goldings, the latter of which might be the most British of all hops.
The aroma is mild, but the malts bring a breadiness immediately to the table, surrounded by a tea-like aspect from the Challenger hops. The first sips reinforce the bread-like notes but add a touch of honey on top. Some subtle herbal characteristics emerge, but the dominant facet here is bread, or maybe crackers. It finishes with a bit more honey emerging, but this is again moved aside by the delicious malt flavor.
Based on this beer, I need to visit OEC soon.
Now, as far as NERAX, tickets are now on sale online. You can grab yours by heading to nerax.org, where you can also find directions, policies and what to expect at the event.
ASOMBER MILEstone for the restaurant industry, March 2025 marked the passage of five years since COVID-19 lockdowns and stay-at-home orders changed the business forever.
While the manner in which the restaurant industry was impacted by COVID-19 was profound, in many instances those changes reflected the amplification of trends that were already present before March 2020 rather than being pattern-breaking disruptions of their own.
Third-party delivery is an example; most of the major services like DoorDash and Uber Eats were active when the pandemic began, but their acceptance and growth was supercharged by events post2020. Orders for delivery have more than doubled over the last five years and now represent nearly one out of every five restaurant purchases.
Problems with restaurant staffing were another major consequence of the pandemic, and those staffing issues, along with supply chain problems, helped trigger another hangover from the pandemic experience — a rapid run-up in restaurant prices, which have increased more than 30% since 2020. Those staffing shortages were in part presaged by a pre-2020 shortage of trained kitchen personnel.
Nonetheless, dramatically higher restaurant prices may be leading to an invidious sort of consumer price fatigue, a factor which may help explain persistent month-over-month declines in restaurant traffic, a trend that begin last fall and continues to date.
The way in which consumers are using restaurants has also changed. For example, more people are dining alone than ever before — estimates are nearly one in three customers are doing so. And a whole new food-away-fromhome pattern has emerged that restaurant industry
insiders are labelling the “road trip daypart.” That label describes the increasingly popular practice of ordering food for takeout and parking somewhere else to eat it. Similar resets in restaurant-related consumer behavior are likely to have significant impacts on how the industry does business in the years ahead.
• Costa, the Italian restaurant located off the casino floor at the MGM Springfield casino complex, is bringing back its Costa Supper Club next month.
On April 6, 13 and 27, the Supper Club will feature a fixed price, three-course menu along with a Las Vegas-style show. The performance at each supper club event will feature Elvis impersonator Mike Slater. The dinner and show are priced at $90; an optional package that also includes wine service is $125. Performances each evening are scheduled at
5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets can be ordered online at sevn.ly/xKBbZS3p.
The general information number for MGM Springfield is 413-273-5000.
• The Bubble Mug Cafe at Pottery Cellar in Westfield is hosting a Homestead Dinner on Saturday, April 5, with service beginning at 5 p.m.
An eclectic assortment of entree selections will be available, including options like Short Rib Beef Stew, Turkey Potpie, Pecan-crusted Salmon and Baked Mac ‘n Cheese. Dinners include salad, bread service and a dessert; live piano will also be part of the evening.
Reservations can be made by calling 413-642-5524.
• The Notch 8 Grille in Northampton will host a wine dinner on Friday, April 11, starting at 5:30 p.m. The event, which was rescheduled from March 6, will be featuring wines produced by Cakebread Cellars of Rutherford, California, a producer of fine Napa Valley wines for more than 50 years. Each course of the dinner will be paired with a different Cakebread Cellars vintage.
Tickets for the evening can be ordered at Eventbrite.com.
The Notch 8 Grille answers at 413-326-4151.
• On Saturday, April 5, the Munich Haus German
SUNDAY, APRIL 20
WITH TABLE 3 RESTAURANT GROUP
For a special Easter celebration leave the cooking to Table 3 Restaurant Group. Our talented chefs have prepared sensational menus so you can enjoy a stress-free and relaxing holiday meal. Celebrate Easter at one of Table 3’s highly acclaimed locations. We have so many terrific options it may be difficult to choose!
For reservations and menus, scan the QR code or call the restaurant of your choice.
CEDAR STREET GRILLE will be offering their unique brunch menu all day plus some tasty Easter specials. Seating is 10am–4pm.
THE BARN AT WIGHT FARM’S spectacular annual Easter brunch buffet is brimming with all your favorites. Cost is $46.95 for adults and $21.95 for children 5–12. Seating is 10am–4pm. Reservations require a non-refundable deposit of $25 per guest which will be applied to your check.
THE DUCK AND AVELLINO will be serving a pre-fixe menu with all your holiday favorites, fantastic holiday cocktails, and decadent desserts. Pricing is $44.95 for adults and a children’s menu is available for those under 12. Seating is 11am–4pm.
TABLE 3 RESTAURANT GROUP has you covered for the best Easter holiday catering around. We can provide your complete meal, or you can add a few key items to enhance your celebration.
THE DUCK & AVELLINO | 508-347-2321 | theducksturbridge.com | avellinorestaurant.com
CEDAR STREET GRILLE | 508-347-5800 | cedarstreetgrille.com
CEDAR STREET CAFÉ | 508-347-6800 | cedarstreetcafesturbridge.com
THE BARN AT WIGHT FARM | 774-241-8450 | thebarnatwightfarm.com
THURSDAY
The Original Western Mass. Home Show: Thu.-Fri., noon-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center. Home & garden show with products and services for all your building, remodeling, decorating and garden needs. On Thursday, March 27, only, veterans and active military are admitted to the show free of charge, General admission $10; discount ticket with Coupon $7; children under 12 free. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-737-2443 or thebige.com.
FRIDAY
Amherst Historical Society and Museum History Bites: Fri., 12:30 p.m. Bangs Community Center, Josh Shanley will discuss the great flood of 1936. Free and open to the public, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst. 413-259-3065 or amherstma.gov.
”Disaster! The Musical”: Fri.-Sat., Westfield Women’s Club. Prepare for a whirlwind of laughter, suspense, and toe-tapping tunes as “Disaster! The Musical” hits the Westfield Theatre Groups stage. Tickets are now available online at westfieldtheatregroup.com.
Rated PG for adult language and content. 28 Court St., Westfield.
Friday Fish Fry: Fri., 5-7 p.m. Swift River Sportsman’s Club, running through April 18. Prices range from $14 for fish and chips to $18 for a fish, shrimp and chip combo. Clam Chowder also will be available! Come out and enjoy one of the best fish dinners in the area with generous portions. For more information, please call the club at 413-323-9387, 350 Cold Spring Rd, Belchertown.
HCC Jazz Festival: Fri.-Sat., Holyoke Community College, Friday, March 28, with pianist, composer and educator Earl MacDonald joining the Amherst Jazz Orchestra and members of the HCC jazz faculty for a big band concert. The Friday show begins at 8 p.m. in HCC’s Leslie Phillips Theater in the Fine & Performing Arts building. The concert is free for HCC Students, faculty and staff, and $10 for the general public. Saturday, March 29, starting at 10 a.m. in the Fine & Performing Arts Building, MacDonald and members of the HCC Jazz Festival faculty will lead improvisation clinics, demonstrations, and jam sessions for area high school and college musicians. Saturday
and Twice as Smart. A program of vocal music under the leadership of Orice Jenkins and Gloria Matlock, with Dr. Jones joining Ms. Matlock in providing commentary on the history and significance of the songs, 16 Court Square, Greenfield.
A Balm in Gilead - Songs of Resilience, Hope, and Healing: Sun, 4 p.m. Second Congregational Church, LAVA Center will present “A Balm in Gilead: Songs of Resilience, Hope, and Healing.”
Serious Play Weekend Workshop: See Saturday 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 springfieldmuseums.org.
events are free and open to the public, 303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, hcc.edu.
Montague Shakespeare Festival presents “Macbeth”: Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Shea Theater, tickets $25. 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls. 413-863-2281 or theshea.org.
Mount Holyoke College Dept. of Dance Presents: “Soul Ties”: Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Kendall Sports and Dance Complex, A culmination of a year-long process of research and choreographic inquiry featuring work created by members of the class of 2025 who have been deeply involved with the MHC Dance Department. Note: The 2 p.m. performance on March 29 is a relaxed performance with brighter house lights, softer music, additional intermissions and additional accessibility options available, Tickets: $10 general admission; $5 students. 50 College St., South Hadley, mtholyoke.edu
The Original Western Mass. Home Show: See Thursday listing Public Talk at LAVA Center: Fri., 6 p.m. LAVA Center, “New Roots in River Banks: Polish and Other Eastern European Immigrants to Franklin County,” by Jeanne Sojka and Peter Thomas, 324 Main St., Greenfield.
SATURDAY
Bing Productions presents Eric Bascom & Friends: Sat., 7:30 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, “The Blues Project: Songs of Love & Loneliness” in Trinity United Methodist Church’s Asbury Hall. Tickets are $20, available in advance from Eventbrite or at the door, cash only. 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield, 413-737-5311.
Dear Ella at Institute for Musical Arts: Sat., 7 p.m. Institute for the
Musical Arts, $10 - 30. 165 Cape St., Goshen, ima.org.
”Disaster! The Musical”: See Friday listing
HCC Jazz Festival: See Friday listing
Montague Shakespeare Festival Presents: “Macbeth”: See Friday listing
Mount Holyoke College Dept. of Dance Presents: “Soul Ties”: See Friday listing
The Original Western Mass. Home Show: See Thursday listing Serious Play Weekend Workshop: Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Eastworks, Physical Actor Training & Ensemble Building. Two-day workshop open to actors 18 and older. Work with Serious Play Theatre in an ensemble setting, incorporating the physical acting exercises of Tadashi Suzuki combined with various training exercises from the movement vocabularies of Laban, Siti Company (Anne Bogart), Jerzy Grotowski, Peter Brooke, Remy Charlip, Jaques LeCoq, and 30 years of Serious Play’s physical theatre-making process. Stylize and sculpt your strengths as a performer and a creator. Develop the vital skill of whole-body listening and responding on stage, and join in the exciting, imaginative group creative process. Free parking in front of building / two elevators available to access second floor. To register, email seriousplaytheatre@gmail.com to request the Registration Form. For more information, call 413-588-7439. Tuition for the Serious Play March Weekend Workshop is $200. 116 Pleasant St., Easthampton. 413527-1000 or eastworks.com.
Sweet Spirit - Songs of Joy, Peace, and Freedom: Sat., 2 p.m. Second Congregational Church, With the youth of Música Franklin
The Sunday program features Dr. Jones presenting a multimedia discussion of the history and meaning of the spirituals, with music by Twice as Smart youth and a LAVA Community Choir — an ad-hoc choir of any and all who love to sing together. Adam Matlock, music director, will lead the Community Choir in songs that illustrate key themes in Dr. Jones’s talk: communal identity, welcoming & inclusiveness, covert communication, and contemplative spirituality. 16 Court Square, Greenfield.
Creativity in Rhythm - Workshop with Julian Gerstin: Sun, 4 p.m. Blue Room at CitySpace. Explore the world of musical rhythm. How does it work? How can we play more strongly, accurately, creatively? This workshop is for players of all instruments, and vocalists, to better understand what you can do on your instrument, and how to connect rhythmically with other musicians. Examine music from the Caribbean, Africa, the Balkans and the Arab world (among others), try out ideas from those cultures, and invent our own. The instructor is a veteran of musical traditions from Cuba, Ghana, Brazil, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Egypt and Bulgaria, a jazz composer, and the author of “Rhythm: Patterns in Time.” The workshop is followed by a performance by the Julian Gerstin Sextet at CitySpace at 7:30. Workshop tickets: $15; workshop and performance tickets: $30. Limited space available. Adults and responsible teens only.
43 Main St., Easthampton; Julian Gerstin Sextet: Sun, 7:30 p.m. Blue Room at CitySpace, In partnership with Carol’s Jazz Night, the Julian Gerstin Sextet will be at CitySpace. $20 for concert admission. 43 Main St., Easthampton.
Montague Shakespeare Festival Presents: “Macbeth”: See Friday listing
The Original Western Mass. Home Show: See Thursday listing
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: Museum a la Carte. March 27, 12:15 p.m. “Designing Downtown: How Springfield Took Shape.” Cost: $4, free for members. Take an in-depth look at the maps and illustrations featured in the exhibit Designing Downtown at the Wood Museum of Springfield History. Cheek examines various designs for Springfield’s city center from both renowned city planners and local Springfield citizens and discusses why they failed and how they shaped the Springfield we live in today. Presented by Zoë Cheek, Curator of Library and Archives, Wood Museum of Springfield History.
Springfield Science Museum: “The Robot Zoo,” through May 4. Discover the magic of nature as a master engineer. Free with museum admission. Permanent exhibit: State-of-the-art Zeiss Projector and updated International Space Station Exhibit. The live animal center has been reopened as “Living Waters: From Oceans to Valleys.”
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 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.
Restaurant in Chicopee is collaborating with Hot Mic Events to present a “Not the Wurst Comedy Show Ever.”
The laughfest, which is scheduled for 8 p.m., will feature Tracy Locke, Steve Nagle and Rick Fink, with Gary Marino hosting. General admission to the show is $25.
A VIP buffet dinner, beginning at 6:30 p.m. will precede the comedy show. The dinner, which will feature favorites from the Munich Haus culinary repertoire, is priced at $50, tax and gratuity not included, when packaged along with the comedy show
Tickets for either the dinner package or the show alone should be ordered online at hotmicevents.com
The telephone number for the Munich Haus is 413-5948788.
• Deep Roots Distillery USA in Sturbridge is hosting a farm-to-table dinner and wine tasting on Thursday, April 10. The evening, which starts at 6:30 p.m., is a collaboration with Agronomy Farms Vineyard in Oakham and a number of other farmers and local suppliers.
Tickets for the three-course menu are $95; they can be purchased online at deep rootsdistilleryusa.com, where the menu for the dinner can also be viewed.
Deep Roots Distillery USA answers at 774-241-0045.
• In celebration of National Deep Dish Pizza Day, Uno Pizzeria & Grill in Springfield is hosting a cooking class on Saturday, April 5, starting at noon and running through 2:30 p.m.
The class is designed to guide participants through the process of making a deepdish pizza, beginning with the preparation of the dough and progressing right up to the selection of toppings.
Tickets for the class, which includes pizza, salad and beverage, are $40 plus a convenience fee. They can be ordered by going to eventbrite. com/e/1267380070909.
Uno Pizzeria & Grill is located off Boston Road
By Taylor Sanzo tsanzo@masslive.com
One “Grey’s Anatomy” icon recalled her life growing up in Massachusetts in a recent podcast.
in Haymarket Square. Its telephone number is 413 5436600.
• The Delaney House in Holyoke is presenting a special wine dinner event, “Truffle & Tannins,“ on April 3.
The menu for the threecourse dinner is to begin with a mini truffled croque monsieur; the course that will follow is to be a truffle risotto.
A lamb chop in a truffle-mushroom crust will serve as the main course; a cheese course of triple creme camembert and truffle-infused honey will follow.
Dessert is to be a dark chocolate truffle oil cake.
An eclectic selection of red wines will be partnered with the various courses.
The “Truffle & Tannins” Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. and is priced at $99 per person. Tickets can be purchased online at delaneyhouse. com/truffles-tannins; dial 413-532-1800 to reach the Delaney House.
• Olive Garden Italian Restaurants have brought back a popular promotion in the form of a “Buy OneTake One” deal. Last offered in 2020, the Buy One -Take One offers applies to seven entrees: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Four-Cheese Manicotti, Lasagna Classico and Chicken Parmigiana, to name four of the seven.
Guests purchasing one of the entrees for in-store dining can get a second portion of the same entree “to go.”
Pricing for the deal, which will
run through May 4, starts at $14.99 and includes breadsticks and a choice of soup or salad.
There are Olive Garden Italian Restaurant locations on Riverdale Street in West Springfield and on Hazard Avenue in Enfield.
• There’s only a few days left to enjoy two limited-time-only menu items at IHOP locations.
March’s Pancake of the Month, Bananas Foster, features IHOP’s buttermilk pancakes layered with sliced bananas and garnished with additional banana slices, a Bananas Foster syrup and whipped topping. The Bananas Foster pancakes are available a la carte as a four-cake stack or as part of a combination breakfast with eggs, breakfast meats and hash browns.
IHOP is also featuring an Ulti-Mint Milkshake made with vanilla ice cream, mint syrup and chocolate chips. Whipped topping and a sprinkle of chocolate complete the drink presentation. There are IHOP locations on Riverdale Street in West Springfield and in the Five Town Plaza in the Sixteen Acres section of Springfield.
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.
On a recent episode of popular podcast “Call Her Daddy,” Ellen Pompeo, who plays Meredith Grey on “Grey’s Anatomy,” was a guest on the show. The show is hosted by Alex Cooper.
While talking topics like her career, a salary negotiation and her family, she also made some references to her upbringing outside Boston in Everett.
Pompeo displayed her own Boston accent and dove more into her early life before fame.
When finding the two had ties to the city in common, Cooper informed Pompeo that she attended Boston University.
“So pahk the cah in Hahvahd Yahd,” Cooper joked.
“Pahk the cah,” Pompeo added. “I didn’t go to university, I was working at f——— Dunkin’ Donuts, hun.”
The 55-year-old actress said she can always hear a slight Boston accent of hers, but she’s “constantly trying to
not sound” like she has one. Pompeo was also not shy when speaking on finances. She explained that because of her “intense” Boston upbringing, she always noticed people with money when she was young.
“I became aware at a very early age that people with money had power, and I didn’t have any power as a young woman. I didn’t like the way that felt,” Pompeo said. “I would watch people, all men, who had a lot of money and a lot of power. I looked up to them and thought they were incredibly cool.”
Alexander.
The Gin Blossoms will take stage on June 5, playing their string of hits such as “Hey Jealousy,” “Allison Road” and “Follow You Down.” Their debut album, “New Miserable Experience,” has been certified quadruple platinum.
June 10 will see Aimee Mann celebrating the “22½ anniversary” of her 2023 album, “Lost in Space.” Mann began her career as the singer in ’Til Tuesday, later launching an even more successful solo career. Her solo work has garnered her two Grammy Awards and an Academy
Award nomination. Jonathan Coulton will open the show. Gary Clark Jr. ends the month (and kicks off July) with two nights, June 30 and July 1. Clark rose to fame and won a his first Grammy Award in 2014 for the song “Please Come Home” from his Warner Records debut album “Blak And Blu.” Clark added three more Grammy Awards to his collection in 2019, including Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song for “This Land,” and Best Contemporary Blues Album for “This Land.”
For more information about the season’s upcoming concerts, and to purchase tickets, visit Tree House Brewing’s website.
Show, many of our dealers have been in business a long time, you can talk with them face-to-face and get to know and learn more about them before making any decisions. And that is a good reason to come to the show,” he added.
This year, the show is in two buildings.
“We have added a second building in addition to the Better Living Center. The Stroh Building will be themed to the outdoors and we’re calling it our Home and Garden Showcase, where you will find landscapes and everything for the outdoors from decorative furniture to equipment to keep the yard in the shape such as lawnmowers,” Crane said.
To help you get started, the Home Show website lists over 100 categories that when clicked on will direct you to the booths featuring that product or service. Among them can be found roofing, sheds and gazebos, masonry, windows and doors, lawn service, kitchens and baths, mattresses and bedding, solar energy, lawn sprinklers, siding, sunrooms and modular homes.
Home owners looking to spruce up their homes can attend a variety of workshops spread over the show’s four days including “Avoiding
Costly Mistakes in Bathroom Remodeling,” “Techniques for Refinishing Oil & Varnish Cabinetry,” “Fencing: The Art of Security with Elegance,” as well as “How To Finance a Home Construction” and “Additional Dwelling Units, What You Need To Know,” and others.
Crane said showgoers should be sure to stop by the 94.7 WMAS radio booth in the Stroh Building before leaving the show.
“We are having a big free raffle with prizes to help improve your home and life. We will be giving away thousands of dollars in prizes if you are lucky enough to have a winning spin on the Home Show 70thAnniversary Prize Wheel,” Crane said.
Pick up a floor guide of the show and look for a registration form to try your hand at spinning the wheel and possibly winning a La-Z-Boy recliner, Aerus-Electrolux air filter system, Polish Pottery, concert tickets, tools, home hardware, garden items, restaurant certificates and more.
Admission is $10, or $7 with a coupon printable form the show’s website at western masshomeshow.com, and free to children under 12. On Thursday only, veterans and active military are free.
The Eastern States Exposition charges $5 to park, cash only.
