Comedian Roy Wood Jr. celebrates Cabaret Theatre’s return at Mohegan Sun, Page D2
LUPA ZOO: Ludlow zoo welcomes season with new baby animals, D4
LIVE WIRE: Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra to play Holyoke, D4
SIX FLAGS: Agawam park opens for 2025 season with new roller coaster, D5
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
The Cabaret Theatre at Mohegan Sun is set to return to its glory days in the coming months as officials at the Connecticut casino plan to bring back big-time acts to headline marquee shows at the intimate 450-seat cabaret room.
A performance by Emmy-nominated comedian Roy Wood Jr. on Saturday at 8 p.m. is part of the revamp of the classic entertainment venue, which will host comedians, singers, bands and
other entertainers in 2025.
Wood is the host of CNN’s “Have I Got News for You,” an American adaptation of a long-running UK comedy series, which premiered September 2024 and returned for a second season in February.
Well-known singer and actor Kristen Chenowith, who has starred on the Broadway stage as well as in movies and on television, opened “The Cab” — as it is now affectionally called — in 2002. She was followed by a host of top performers and personalities over the years including Dionne Warwick, Al Jarreau, Tony Danza, Burt Bacharach, Neil Sedaka, Michael Bublé, Lou Rawls, Tony Bennett, Wanda Sykes, Paul Anka, Smothers Brothers, Tony Orlando, Derek Jeter, Aaron Lewis, Chris Botti and others.
“The Cabaret Theatre is very important to the Mohegan Tribe, as well as to our team, who wanted to make a statement with this absolutely beautiful performance space. But as we fired up the Mohegan Sun Arena, the financial models were such to having a bigger venue where you could present even bigger names,” said Tom Cantone, president of Sports & Entertainment for Mohegan Sun.
April
According to Cantone, the arena concert industry is “second to none” and puts your venue “instantly on the map.”
“When you have the biggest names in American pop culture, it is going to drive concertgoers to you in the tens of thousands. And last year we reached having over 15 million people who have come to our arena over the years to be entertained. So, from a marketing standpoint, whoever drives the biggest volume is the winner,” he said.
However, Cantone noted that over the years he “really wanted” to find a way to bring back the heyday of that “intimate and glorious theater” that had been there pretty much as a meeting space for conventions and other groups. It was his belief that Mohegan Sun needed to have more variety, more entertainment options for their guests to enjoy, not just the Arena and Wolf Den. So they set out to do a test by having various artists perform there once again.
“I had Joey McIntyre from New Kids on the Block come in to do a warm-up at The
writer. He served for eight years as a correspondent on Comedy Central’s Emmy award-winning “The Daily Show.” In 2023, Wood guest hosted “The Daily Show” and headlined the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, leading to its highest ratings since 2017. His fourth stand-up special, “Lonely Flowers,” premiered on Hulu earlier this year. Upcoming projects include the comedy film “Outcome,” Sundance film “Love, Brooklyn” and a memoir titled “The Man of Many Fathers.”
Tickets, ranging in price from $100 to $122, are available through Ticketmaster and at the Mohegan Sun Box Office.
Wood took time from his busy schedule for some straight talk with The Republican.
Q. What will your show be like on Saturday at The Cabaret
Theatre?
A. I think my comedy is about people and the human experience. Ironically, people may know me for my politics, but I don’t live in that realm the entirety of the time. You are more likely to hear me talking about relationships during my show than actually talking policy points. I’m a guy that is no different than anybody else. You can be mad at the government, for sure, but I’m also mad that they charge for extra sauce when you get your chicken nuggets.
Q. Your father, Roy Wood Sr., was a respected radio journalist who covered the civil rights movement. How much of an influence was he on your decision to study journalism?
A. My dad, the way he tackled social issues, there wasn’t a drop of humor in
“I think my comedy is about people and the human experience. Ironically, people may know me for my politics, but I don’t live in that realm the entirety of the time.”
Cab before his Carnegie Hall debut and it went over really well, a major success for us.
Then we brought in other shows, including the Chippendales and Nick Carter of Backstreet Boys fame, to see how it would work as a venue once again if we brought back more frequent entertainment. And it worked and passed the audition,” Cantone said.
“So now we are bringing back a revamp of something so well-received and historically successful in the past, and we are planning what I think will be a pretty nice schedule. In fact, at the end of December we brought in singer and Broadway star Linda Eder, who was part of the ros-
ter from back in the heyday. She was great and the show was well-received. Once again, the venue was just sitting there begging to come back into the game and I was begging for it to come back as well. And with support from the Mohegan Tribe and management, we now have three popular venues again offering an array of different options for our guests on any given weekend,” he added. Future shows planned include comedian Anthony Rodia and magician Jason Ledanye, as well as the Bacon Brothers band.
Wood is an Emmy-nominated documentary producer, and WGA-nominated
THE “MORE IS BETter” philosophy isn’t always true, but for the Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra that recipe has been a resounding success for more than 15 years.
The Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra is a group of between 20 and 25 acoustic, electric, classical and bass guitarists performing a wide-ranging repertoire. Led by artistic
director Joseph Ricker, the ensemble is based in Northampton and made up of players hailing mainly from Western Massachusetts. The group has been entertaining audiences of all ages and musical persuasions since 2009.
The orchestra will play Holyoke’s De La Luz Soundstage (114 Race St.) on Sunday, April 6, at 2 p.m. Ricker answered a few questions
about the group in advance of the show.
Q. The Holyoke concert is quite diverse in its musical scope. How do you decide on the itinerary/setlist for a show?
A. As you noticed, a big feature of any HVGO show is the diverse range of repertoire. There are several reasons
for this. First, there is really no standard repertoire for a group like this. It is experimental in nature, so the possibilities are wide open. Second, I have a big musical curiosity, and this group allows me to let it roam freely. A third factor is my commitment to putting something for everybody in each concert that we perform. I mean, where else can you
The Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra is a group of between 20 and 25 acoustic, electric, classical and bass guitarists performing a wide-ranging repertoire.
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special to The Republican
The animals at Lupa Zoo in Ludlow have left their winter hideaway behind and come out of the barn, waiting for people to visit and experience the tranquility of the zoo, which opens for the season on Saturday.
There is always something new at the Lupa Zoo, said owner Joan Lupa.
“We have a new baby eland born at the zoo in the fall. Her name is Zula and she is the daughter of another ‘famous’ eland here at the zoo. Mary is well-known after escaping from the zoo in April last year after a storm knocked down a tree landing on the fence that kept the antelope inside,” said Lupa about the animal’s well-documented escape and nearly five weeks “on the lam.”
And there are more babies to come.
“We are expecting some baby prairie dogs that will be arriving very soon from another zoo. And last September a new baby wallaby was born and will be making her debut this year. Baby wallabies stay in their mother’s pouch for many months and recently came out into the world for all to see,” Lupa said.
There are hundreds more animals on 20 acres — from birds to reptiles and from primates to exotic hoof stock and more — for visitors to get acquainted with, but not to pet. Among them are zebras, foxes, goats, alpacas, monkeys, elk, otters, cows, Himalayan bear, pot-bellied pigs, Muntjac deer, all kinds of birds, and many other creatures, four-footed or otherwise.
THURSDAY
Theodores': Rockstar Karaoke. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
FRIDAY
Delaney House: Floyd Patterson. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke East Mountain Country Club: Mad'Atter. 1458 E. Mountain Road, Westfield
The Drake: Hidden Gems featuring UMass Songwriting and Production Club. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
The Foundry: Rob Flax's Boom Chick Trio. 2 Harris St., West Stockbridge
The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow
Theodores': Petey Hop. 201
Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
SATURDAY
Delaney House: Frank Serafino. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
MGM Roar Comedy Club: Eric Eaton. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
Theodores': Firecracker. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
SUNDAY
Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
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
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican Coaster
lovers rejoice.
When Six Flags New England opens for the season for weekends on April 5, until daily in early June, it will debut its 12th roller coaster called Quantum Accelerator for thrill fans.
“It is New England’s first dual-launch straddle coaster where instead of sitting in a traditional coaster car you will sit on a hover-like vehicle and straddle the seat while grabbing the handlebars. What also makes it unique is that instead of a traditional coaster ride that starts by climbing uphill followed by a climactic drop, you are launched out of the ride station at 35 miles per hour,” said Ray Sciarretta, regional area manager for brand marketing- East Region for Six Flags, noting it is called a dual-launch coaster because halfway through the ride there
is a second burst of acceleration.
“We are calling it a family-style coaster perfect to ride for families looking for those high thrills but also allows younger riders who meet the 48-inch height requirement to ride as well,” he added.
There is a backstory found on the Six Flags New England website explaining the arrival of Quantum Accelerator:
“In a quiet, secret transaction, Professor Screamore purchased the tiny town of Crackaxle Canyon. The abandoned Wild West outpost was the perfect hiding place for his laboratory of bizarre inventions. Time travel always fascinated the eccentric inventor. He dreamed of combining old-world technologies, like steam-powered machinery, with modern marvels to launch himself back and forth through time. But not straight paths through time. Professor Screamore wanted to travel steampunk style at high speeds with twists, turns, and lots of ups and downs with airtime.”
While Quantum Accelerator may eventually become a
favorite among riders, it is still Superman the Ride that is tops among adults. For kids, it is the Dino Off Road Adventure, Sciarretta noted.
Six Flags this season is also looking to heighten the dining experience for visitors.
with is to renovate our popular Riverboat Café and offer an elevated menu there. It is now themed to a restaurant you might find on a traditional riverboat. As far as the quality of our food, it’s all about attention to details as well, such as hand-breading our own chicken tenders, for example,” Sciarretta said.
A familiar phrase heard around the park is “Mommy, can I buy something?” And there are plenty of places where kids and adults can shop until they drop.
Already more then 10 stores to choose from, shoppers will find a new store in Crackaxle Canyon called Screamore Gadgets, which fits the Western-style, steampunk theme of the new Quantum Accelerator thrill ride.
“For the first time, we have hired our own executive chef to oversee all of the restaurants in the park. He is working on new recipes and will introduce additional food items over time. One of the biggest things we have started
Six Flags transactions are cashless; however, you can convert your cash to a prepaid debit card at one of the multiple kiosks located throughout the park.
The weather is not warm enough to don your bathing
TUESDAY
Chicopee Elks #1849
431 Granby Road, Chicopee 413-592-1849
Bingo Tuesday
Doors Open at 4PM
2 Progressive Jackpots 6:15PM Early Bird 6:20PM Start
Min. Entry Package $15 Open Seating
2 Halls for Players Handicap Restroom 1st Floor
WEDNESDAY
Polish American Citizens Club 355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385 Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm Doors Open at 4pm. Minimum Admission $50 1 - 1199 Progressive Betty Boop 50/50 Prize $900
2 - $500 Cover Alls
3 - $400 Special Games
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
there. He was very upset with this country. Journalistically, I wanted to be fun and light. Honestly, Stuart Scott, an ESPN sports commentator, was more of an influence in my getting into journalism. And when I got older and really got into stand-up.... looking at this country and the issues people were dealing with ... I basically turned into a funnier version of my father. And that is really what I am at this point — a hilarious version of my own dad.
Q. How did working as a news reporter at an Alabama radio station, where for a time you filled in for the station’s in-house comedian, shape your approach to comedy and journalism?
A. I was already doing stand-up when I worked at the radio station, which was hard news. What it did was to help me understand the science of comedy. By and large, morning radio, especially urban radio in the late ’90s, was a form of open mic in a way. Because in morning radio you need a joke in its quickest and rawest form. You don’t have a lot of time to talk. So I learned a lot during that time and it is what actually got me into doing radio for another decade after that.
Q. How did it feel in 2023 to be chosen as the headline comedian for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and what went through your mind when preparing your jokes? Also, do you remember the joke that got the most laughs and the one that more or less fell flat?
A. It was a fun, but a wild ride. You are essentially performing for a room, half of which hates you. The unwritten agreement with doing the Correspondents’ Dinner is getting on stage and performing, knowing that half of the people don’t like you. That is a very odd feeling. The most difficult part of the Correspon-
art versus critiquing it.
Q. The prestigious Peabody program is based at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia at a time when the free press is under attack. How do you see the free press today?
A. The free press is needed to maintain a state of accountability. I think we are seeing media turning a corner to a point of feeling maybe access isn’t as important as telling the truth. The AP paid the price and is being excluded from things by the White House and a series of other media outlets
“The free press is needed to maintain a state of accountability. I think we are seeing media turning a corner to a point of feeling maybe access isn’t as important as telling the truth.”
Comedian Roy Wood Jr. Roy Wood Jr. is pictured alongside Jon Stewart on “The Daily Show.”
dents’ Dinner is that you really can’t calculate it until you are in it. The news cycle moves so fast that a joke you write in February will be nothing by April. I started out my monologue in the early days with something about Chinese spy balloons. But two months later that was pushed off the table when Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon both got fired on the same day a week before the dinner. There was so much news happening that it was impossible to fit it all into the show. The dinner is an exercise in preparing a comedy set that is never going to be final because everything is always changing.
My best joke was about Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas being bought by billionaire Harlan Crow. We can all see Clarence Thomas, but he belongs to the billionaire and that is what an NFT
is. (Non-fungible tokens, often referred to as NFTs, are blockchain-based tokens that each represent a unique asset like a piece of art, digital content, or media.) As for the just OK material, it was about George Santos, who was really on his way out at that time.
Q. How do you compare the Correspondents’ Dinner to hosting the Peabody Awards? (Editor’s note: The Peabody Awards honor how television/broadcasting, and digital and podcast programming, can have positive effects on society.)
A. The biggest difference is that the Correspondents’ Dinner is a critique of this country, whereas the Peabody Awards is an opportunity for me to honor people for their critiquing. It’s a celebration, definitely an opportunity to celebrate
where it hasn’t at times. But they felt that this was the one show to bring over that would breach the format. I appeared on the show in London last year as a guest host. They needed a host for the American show and I had already left “The Daily Show” by that time. So, it worked out beautifully. When I did the show in Britain, I felt it was a well-oiled machine. One advantage to the British show, that we don’t quite have yet here is the feeling that we are a place where elected officials trust enough to come on, crack a joke, critique and be critiqued. We are still growing in that regard, but on the political side we have had good guests such as Rep. Tim Burchett and Rep. Jasmine Crockett from both sides of the aisle. It is a joy to do the American show. Everyone is happy, the ratings are solid and the fans are responding.
Q. Who would you like to have on the show?
A. I’d like the First Gentleman Doug Emhoff to be a guest. He is a fun guy to hang with and I don’t think people understand that. And I’d like Sen. Ted Cruz to appear on the show as well.
are being kicked out of their offices at the White House. We need to realize that if someone is trying to control the media, then they are trying to control the message. And if they are trying to control the message it is because there is something they don’t want you to know. So, a free press is very important.
Q. How did you come to host “Have I Got News for You” on CNN?
A. Before coming to American television, “Have I Got News for You” began as a British television panel show produced by Hat Trick Productions in London. It’s been running there for 30 seasons. Creator Jimmy Mulville and everybody at Hat Trick knew they had a good thing going and always felt that the panel format could work in America,
Q. You have appeared several times as a roundtable guest on CNN’s “NewsNight with Abby Phillip.” This is a very serious, straightforward news show. How do you keep the comedy in check when entering the conversation?
A. My goal when you see me on television is to be funny. Being on Abby Philip is different. Her show sometimes creates a great deal of tension between people. If I can’t think of a funny way to say something, then I just say it because I don’t want to leave any stone unturned. You also need to consider how open others at the table are to laughing. And if you make a joke and then have five people just staring at you, well, it’s like being back at the Correspondent’s Dinner.
Tickets to Roy Wood Jr.’s show at the Mohegan Sun’s Cabaret Theatre can be purchased online at mohegansun.com
Local restaurants offering Easter specials this year include Figaro Ristorante in Enfield, in which a margarita from the eatery is pictured at left, and Center Square Grill in East Longmeadow, where scallops are pictured being cooked, above. (THE REPUBLICAN, FILE PHOTOS)
IT WASN’T ALL THAT long ago that the typical Easter get-together featured a home-cooked dinner, the centerpiece of which was a baked ham or a roasted leg of lamb. In 2025, however, Easter gatherings are increasingly likely to take place in a restaurant setting, with brunch as the daypart timing involved.
Promoting an Easter brunch has become a “must” element in the springtime marketing efforts of many restaurants, and typical of such events created for the occasion is the Easter brunch menu planned at Figaro Italian Restaurant in Enfield. Its brunch buffet, which is to be served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., will feature leg of lamb, baked ham, roast pork, chicken, scrod and ziti marinara. An assortment of breakfast food favorites and side dishes will also be part of the layout.
Call Figaro at 860-745-2414 to make Easter reservations.
Hotels have a reputation for creating buffets with style and flair, so the Sheraton Springfield’s Grand Easter Buffet promises to be a memorable food experience.
A chef’s carving station stocked with honey-baked
ham and roast beef tenderloin will be one of the buffet’s focal points. Other entree selections include pan-seared cod and chicken breast with wild mushroom Marsala sauce will be among the offerings.
Those preferring breakfast-style fare will be able to indulge in made-to-order scrambled eggs or fresh waffles served with strawberry topping and whipped cream.
A make-your-own salad bar and a smoked salmon and bagel bar also will be featured.
The Sheraton Springfield’s Grand Easter Buffet will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the last seating scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Reservations, which are required, can be made by calling 413-263-2117.
Instead of putting on a buffet, some establishments are instead opting for an a la
IHATE MULTITASKING.
I hate the word and I certainly hate what it represents.
It’s not that I’m super lazy (although a strong case could be made that I am), and I certainly realize that in today’s busy and results-oriented world, there are times when juggling a few tasks simultaneously is necessary. But I will argue that one should make those particular times as rare as possible.
There is a certain beauty in focusing all your attention on one thing, whether it’s a job, a piece of art, a vista in nature or — in the case of today’s column — a beer.
carte menu, like the Easter Brunch being promoted by the Center Square Grill in East Longmeadow.
To be offered from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, the brunch menu will feature “classics & carvings” such as herb-encrusted leg of lamb, slow-roasted prime rib, blueberry and lemon mascarpone pancakes and prosciutto strata.
The Grille is also promising a selection of special handcrafted Easter cocktails to go with their Easter brunch.
The Center Square Grille answers at 413-525-0055.
• On Saturday, April 5, Red’s Bakery of Goshen will be operating a “pop-up” at the Elbow Room Coffee Company in Williamsburg. Red’s will be on hand starting at 8 a.m. with a selection of their “from-scratch” baked specialties.
Red’s Bakery answers at 413-570-6130.
• Bnapoli Italian in West Springfield has organized a five-course Sicilian Wine Dinner for Monday, April 7. The dining experience, which is scheduled to start with a 5 p.m. cocktail hour,
Of course, we beer aficionados certainly pay attention to the beers we are drinking at any given moment, but many times we really aren’t paying strict attention. If you write about beer, whether it be professionally or just as a hobby on a site like Beeradvocate. com or Untappd.com, you probably focus on several aspects of the beer, taking notes and really spending time getting to know the brew.
But I’d hazard a guess that most of the time most of us are not doing that. And even when we are, that’s not exactly what I’m talking about here.
What I am suggesting here is that every once in a while,
we drink a beer in a contemplative way. I’m certainly not saying that you do this every day, or maybe not even every week. But I think it’s important to treat beer with the kind of respect that goes into making it. If your brewer is any good, you know that he or she goes through meticulous steps to make the beer as good as it can be.
Some may think this is silly, but I believe that occasionally we should all also engage in some thoughtful quaffing where we see drinking the beer as a quiet, detached process. This means avoiding any attempt to discern all the notes and flavors imparted by the malt, hops and any added ingredients (although it can include some of that). It simply means allowing the beer to fully engage your senses without judgment or analysis. A good analogy might be listening to a piece of music. Sometimes we hear music without really listening
SEE BEER, PAGE D11
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
‘Midas Man’ — Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival Screening: Thu., 6:30 p.m. Yiddish Book Center. Celebrate opening night of the 19th Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival with screening of ‘Midas Man’ at the Yiddish Book Center, $12. 1021 West St., Amherst; 413-256-4900, ext. 124, or www. yiddishbookcenter.org.
Mount Holyoke College annual Glascock Intercollegiate Poetry Competition: Thu.-Fri., Gamble Auditorium, Contestants' Readings; April 3, 5:30 p.m. Gamble Auditorium in the Art Building; Judges' Poetry reading: Friday, April 4, noon in the Stimson Room in the Williston Memorial Library. These two events are free to join and open to the public. For more information, visit Mount Holyoke College events calendar online at mtholyoke.edu. 50 College St., South Hadley. Plug In to Campus and Local Organizing: Thu., 4 p.m. Bromery Center for the Arts. The Plug In event is an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and community members to think about the university as a site where social struggle plays out. This event will feature local and campus groups that are organizing for immigrant justice, worker power, reproductive justice, and housing justice, and for an end to student debt, carceral violence, and university complicity with the weapons and fossil fuel industries. Participants will hear from organizers and attend two short participatory workshops. Free. Presidents Drive, Amherst.
"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 Group’s 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, Fridays through April 18. Prices range from $14 for fish and chips to $18 for a fish, shrimp and chip combo. Clam chowder is also available. Come out and enjoy one of the best fish dinners in the area with generous portions. For more information, call the club at 413-323-9387. 350 Cold Spring Road, Belchertown.
Greenfield Recreation Fireworks
Fundraising presents Indoor Mini Golf: Fri., 5:30-8:45 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Greenfield Recreation Department presents an
Indoor Mini Golf fundraising event at the Recreation Department’s 20 Sanderson St. office location. Patrons are invited to showcase their putting skills for $5 per person, while children under 3 can participate for free. A food truck will be on-site for the festivities, 20 Sanderson St., Greenfield.
Montague Shakespeare Festival presents "Macbeth": Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Shea Theater. Tickets are $25. 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls. 413-863-2281 or www. theshea.org.
Mount Holyoke College annual Glascock Intercollegiate Poetry Competition: See Thursday listing Quarter Auction: Fri., 6-8 p.m. Foster Memorial Church. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the auction begins at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to bring quarters and friends for a fun evening and a chance to win some great items from the vendors. There also will be a raffle. Admission is $5 for two paddles. The main vendor is One Call Away Veterans Support Center. (OCA) Bring a personal hygiene item to be donated to OCA for a free third paddle. Dinner and snacks will be available for purchase, $5. 1791 Wilbraham Road, Springfield. 413782-2112.
Jacob’s Pillow Curriculum in Motion Institute In Person Embodied Info Session: Sat., 4:30 p.m. Berkshire Pulse. Artist Lynn Peterson will lead a workshop exploring the Curriculum in Motion method through dance-making and learn more about the 2025-26 Curriculum in Motion Institute. The Institute is an opportunity to train in the community-oriented methodology and build community with a network of like-minded artist educators. The info session will include dance-making, a Q&A, and refreshments. Special discounts for the program are available for local residents; please inquire with Community Engagement at community@jacobspillow. org for more details. Applications for the Curriculum in Motion Institute 2025-26 Cohort are accepted through May 12. Free. 420 Park St., Housatonic;
Benefit Concert for Transhealth: Sat., 6 p.m. Haydenville Congregational Church. Based in Florence, Transhealth provides medical care for trans people, It is the only independent, nonprofit health-care organization in the United States devoted solely to serving the trans and gender-diverse community. The concert will include a sing along as well as performances by The Queer Joy Collaborative Choir, Addie
Kogan, Ballad Box and other queer bands. There is a suggested donation of $10 - $25. The church is at 143 Main Street (Route 9) Haydenville. For more information, contact Mare Berger at marielberger@gmail. com, High Street, Williamsburg.
Chicago Total Access: Sat., 8 p.m. 52 Sumner, doors open 7 p.m. For tickets, visit 52sumner. com/#Events. Tickets start at $25. 52 Sumner Ave., Springfield.
CitySpace Bluegrass Pickers, Singers, & Strummers: Sat., 4 p.m. Blue Room at CitySpace, Free. 43 Main St., Easthampton.
CitySpace presents Tiny PopUp Market: Sat, Blue Room at CitySpace, 4 p.m. Free. 43 Main St., Easthampton.
"Disaster! The Musical": See Friday listing
Fiddle Workshop with Ida Mae Specker: Sat., 2 p.m. Blue Room at CitySpace. A free workshop and demonstration on traditional fiddle music designed for folks with some basic violin experience. Workshop is free, registration required. 2-3 p.m. Limited space available, Free. 43 Main St., Easthampton.
GCC Community Chorus Spring Concert Season: Sat., 7:30 p.m. Episcopal Church of St. James and Andrews Church, The handicap entrance on Church St. is indicated with signage. Admission is free, with donations accepted at the door to defray concert expenses. The public is welcomed to attend, 8 Church St., Greenfield.
Jacob's Pillow Curriculum in Motion Institute In Person Embodied Info Session: Sat., noon, Northampton Center for the Arts, Would you like to build your skills as a choreographer and teaching artist and enhance your dance artistry? Join in for an inspiring in-person workshop with artist Lynn Peterson, where you’ll explore the Curriculum in Motion method through dance-making and learn more about the 2025-’26 Curriculum in Motion Institute. Free. 33 Hawley St., Northampton; 413584-7327 or www.nohoarts.org.
Magic in the Valley: Sat, 6:30 p.m. Temple Beth El, A stage show follows at 7:30 p.m. A Valley Conjurers production, co-sponsored by the Longmeadow High School Key Club, Magic in the Valley promises a family-friendly evening to captivate audiences of all ages with mind-boggling illusions, comedic performances, and awe-inspiring tricks. this is a fantastic way to spend your evening and witness outstanding performances. Tickets $15 before show date ($20 at the door) age 16 and older; children under age 10 free; $10 age 10-15. Information for Magic in the Valley
available online at assembly17.org
Tickets can be ordered from zeffy. com/ticketing/giant-magic-show, 979 Dickinson St., Springfield. Montague Shakespeare Festival Presents: "Macbeth": See Friday listing
Partners in Performance Series presents Ida Mae Specker: Sat., 8 p.m. Blue Room at CitySpace, Tickets are $20 advance and $25 at the door, $20-$25. 43 Main St., Easthampton.
Reading and Author's Talk and Reception: "Tell Me About Your Happy Place: A Shy Giraffe Story" by Haabiba Rothenberg-Whitney on Sat. at 3 p.m. Community Music School of Springfield, Park Edge Creative, a new publishing company in Springfield, is hosting a reading, author’s talk, and reception, as a book launch celebration of "Tell Me About Your Happy Place: A Shy Giraffe Story"; The author will share how and why she created the character of the Shy Giraffe and read the story to young children, and the young-at-heart in the audience. This story is designed to teach children imaginative visualization techniques to help them deal with stress and anxiety. Free and open to the public. 127 State St., Springfield. 413-7828428.
‘The Glory of Life’ - Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival Screening: Sun., 2 p.m. Yiddish Book Center, $12. 1021 West St., Amherst; 413256-4900, ext. 124, or yiddishbookcenter.org.
Greenfield Recreation Fireworks Fundraising presents Indoor Mini Golf: See Friday listing Montague Shakespeare Festivalpresents "Macbeth": See Friday listing
‘Welcome to Yiddishland’ - Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival Screening: Sun., 11 a.m. Yiddish Book Center, $12. 1021 West St., Amherst; 413-256-4900 ext. 124 or yiddishbookcenter.org.
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.
Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: Permanent exhibit: more than two dozen Indian motorcycles and related memora-
bilia.
Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “Van Gogh for All,” through Sept. 14. “Festival of Flowers Family Day,” April 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tour the galleries to view extraordinary floral designs inspired by objects in the Museums, then explore the world of flowers through hands-on activities. Free with museum admission. Takes place throughout all the museums. Festival of Flowers after hours. April 3, 5-8 p.m. Cost is $25, or $15 members. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while touring the interpretive floral arrangements in all four museums. Experience floral fashion, make your own wearable floral accessory, celebrate Vincent van Goghs artwork, and get creative with floral-inspired art activities. Live music, complimentary food, and cash bar. Catered by NOSH. Reservations required, visit springfieldmuseums.org Festival of Flowers: Docent Tours, April 4-6 11:15 a.m.–4 p.m. Join experienced docents as they discuss the interpretive floral arrangements and the museum objects that served as inspiration. Meet in the lobby of each museum. Free with museum admission. 11:15 a.m.: D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts; 12:15 p.m. Springfield Science Museum; 1:15 p.m. GWV Smith Art Museum; 2:15 p.m. Wood Museum of Springfield History; 3:15 p.m. D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts. Museum a la Carte. April 3, 12:15 p.m. “Conservation of Rare Plants in New England.” Cost: $4, free for members. Presented by Tristram Seidler, curator, University of Massachusetts Herbarium; and extension associate professor of biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst.
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. Stars Over Springfield: April 4, 7:30 p.m.–9 p.m. Cost: $7, $5 members. Recommended for ages 8 and older. This month’s topic is “Our Universe in Motion”. Registration is required, visit www.springfieldmuseums.org.
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibit. First floor exhibition includes interactive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia.
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.
hear arrangements of vintage video game music alongside compositions by Stravinsky and Ravel, a song by the Cranberries alongside a South American folkloric piece by Inti Illimani?
Q. Do you find there are musical threads between artists you play? Like, is there a commonality between Stravinsky and The Cranberries?
A. I don’t know if there are any musical threads between the musical artists that make up our repertoire. I would be interested to know what the audience thinks about that. I don’t sit down and think of a theme and choose music that fits into a certain scheme. It all starts with music that speaks to me personally. It has to do that for me to be able to spend all that time arranging it for the group. Next,
I have to be convinced that our group can do something worthwhile with the piece. Finally, I have to believe that it is something our audiences will love too.
Q. What’s the hardest part about arranging music for and organizing the orchestra?
A. The biggest challenge about arranging for and organizing the orchestra – one that I enjoy – has to do with the nature of guitar players. I think more so than other instrumentalists, each guitar player is different, has their own technique, special abilities and unique strengths. This is even more true when you have a group like ours, with players from so many different musical backgrounds. So, my challenge as the leader is to learn about and understand all of my players and create parts that bring out their strengths. I think I’m getting better at this over time. When an arrange-
Street location.
is being planned around a selection of wines from Sicily, an often-underappreciated wine producing region.
The meal will begin with traditional arancini (rice balls) as antipasto; the dinner’s second course Is to be a salad of citrus and fennel.
For the “primi” (first entree), the kitchen is planning pasta alla Norma, with e secondi (second entree) of swordfish puttanesca to follow.
Dessert is to be a cassata Siciliana.
Each course will be paired with a different, selected-to-be-compatible Sicilian wine.
Tickets, which are available online at Eventbrite.com, are $100 per person plus a convenience fee.
Bnapoli Italian can be reached at 413-240-2106.
• The HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute in Holyoke is hosting an Open House on Wednesday, April 9 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at its 164 Race
ment seems to work, I think it is largely because I have succeeded in doing this.
Q. You’re premiering a new original composition. What can you tell us about it? Do you often play original pieces?
A. Although I don’t consider composing original music to be my primary vocation, I do love writing music for this group, and when I began programming a small original work or two in our concerts I was pleasantly surprised by the positive reaction of the audience. In fact, the first time I premiered one of my works (a “Canon in C”), I announced from the stage on a whim that the piece was written by Joseph Rosewood, a pseudonym I invented on the spot. I wanted to know how it would land if no one knew it was written by me. Many said it was their favorite thing in the concert, which was very encouraging. The original work we are performing in this concert is
entitled “Summer Rain.” It is a tone painting depicting one of those beautiful summer downpours that build slowly to peak of intensity and suddenly fade away. This is the most substantial work I have written for the group to date, and I look forward to presenting it to our audience.
Q. Drummer Joe Fitzpatrick is joining you. Do you often have guest drummers or other players?
A. We are always joined by a guest artist on drums. We have had the pleasure of working with several great drummers over years including Joe Fitzpatrick, Eliezer Martinez and Billy Klock. In concerts, I consider these fine artists to be my co-musical leaders.
Tickets to the Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra concert on Sunday, April 6, can be purchased on the De La Luz Soundstage website. Tickets are priced on a sliding scale, starting at $20.
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suits just yet, so visitors will have to wait until Memorial Day weekend to cool off in Hurricane Harbor, New England’s largest water park. When the sun shines, and even when it doesn’t, visitors to the water park can get tossed around the sea at Commotion Ocean, drift around all day at Adventure River, brave such rides as Cannonball Falls, Big Kahuna, Geronimo Falls, Shark Attack and Splash Island created especially for kids, and many other wet and wild experiences.
Six Flags New England sells a variety of passes — ranging in price from $55 to $170 — offering, depending on the pass purchased, unlimited admission, preferred parking, discounts, and more, such as exclusive benefits and events all season.
For additional information, visit www.sixflags.com.
The program will provide visitors with the opportunity to taste “what’s cookin’” at the institute, as well as offer the opportunity to ask questions of the institute’s instructional staff.
The HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute offers degree and certificate programs in the culinary arts as well as workforce training and one-day classes for food enthusiasts.
Questions can be directed to the Institute’s staff via email at cai@hcc.edu or by calling 413-552-2838.
• On April 10, chef Michael Anderson of Tucker’s Restaurant in Southwick will be sharing his kitchen with two other well-known local chefs, Joshua Houghton and Brad Kline. The three will be working together to produce a special Spring Collaboration Menu.
The four-course dining experience they’ve planned will begin with a shaved asparagus salad that’s dressed with pistachio vinaigrette and garnished with whipped feta. After the salad, dinner attendees will be
presented with a seafood duo of grilled swordfish and seared tuna.
The main course is to be a Mediterranean beef brisket sauced with caponata and paired with toasted couscous.
Lemon olive oil cake is planned for dessert.
Tickets for the event, which are $75 including tax and gratuity, can be reserved by calling Tucker’s Restaurant at 413-569-0120.
• The Munich Haus German Restaurant in Chicopee will be offering its last Game Feast of the season at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 12.
The cost to attend the dinner, which will feature a carving station stocked with venison, bison, elk and kangaroo, is $65 per person. Tickets can be purchased online at munichhaus.com or by calling 413-594-8788
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.
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(especially in today’s world where we are inundated with a soundtrack for everything, from shopping to getting gas). Sometimes we purposefully go to a concert to really listen, although we also might attend a show just to dance or socialize. Other times, we might cue up a playlist to really sit with the music and truly listen. Maybe a better analogy is seeing a breathtaking sunset.
Unfortunately, in our Instagram-obsessed universe, our first instinct is to capture this type of beautiful vista in a photo. And there is nothing inherently wrong with that. But trying to “capture” something actually takes us out of the moment of just being with it or in it. Perhaps we’d all be better if we sometimes let the moment capture us.
I feel that with beer, a lot of us mostly drink our beers for the sensual satisfaction, the social aspect or, let’s be honest, to get a buzz. That’s all fine.
But what if every so often,
we just poured a beer, gazed at the beauty of how it appears in the glass, breathed in the aroma and then slowly sat with each sip as a new layer which the beer is unfolding for us. (Again, I mean doing all this without trying to analyze it or describe it like one does in a beer review. I’m talking about enjoying it the way you might sit and quietly and intently listen to a symphony or jazz composition.)
Doing this not only will pay respect to the beer, but it will also provide you with a few moments unplugged from the rat race and the need to “achieve” anything, except for remaining present in the moment. We can all use more of that sort of thing. Of course, most of the time we will continue to drink our beer while doing other tasks like socializing or enjoying a meal. That’s all well and good. But every so often, take at least a few minutes to just “be” with your beer. No analysis. No description. No judgment. Maybe it’s just coincidence, but the first part of beer is “be.”
An eland munches on an ear of fresh corn at the Lupa Zoo in Ludlow.
(DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)
Asked why zoos are so popular with kids and adults, Lupa said it is the fact that “animals bring joy to people.”
“There is a special connection between humans and animals and animals with humans. We have seen people with severe disabilities perk up when they see our animals ... see monkeys jumping around ... it makes them happy. We had one caregiver, who accompanied nursing home residents on a visit to the zoo, tell us about one woman enjoying an animal encounter that ‘this is the first time we’ve seen her smiling in days,’” Lupa said. And what child doesn’t love feeding animals? They can do just that at the zoo, but only with special feed sold and prepared by Lupa Zoo to meet the animals’ special diets.
There is also a concession stand for humans at the zoo serving up hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled cheese, chicken strips and more, as well as several beverages to choose from. Tables and chairs offer a place to relax and enjoy a bite at the stand, which is open weekends only, then full-time after school gets out for the summer.
Other features include a gift shop filled with stuffed animals and educational toys, as well as a playground.
Lupa Zoo — a USDA-certified facility — is the vision of Joan and her late husband Henry. Polish immigrants who came to the United States in the mid 1960s and were married here in 1966, the couple purchased a house
and farmland in Ludlow where they added to their “family” with miniature horses, pheasants and goats. Although they both had their own jobs, the Lupas created a little zoo for folks to stop by and see the animals, which eventually grew into the major operation it is today. You can also party with the animals by booking the venue and pavilion for birthdays and other special occasions; field trips for schools, camps, and day care facilities; Scout outings; and corporate and other events. Advance bookings are required by emailing info@lupazoo.org or calling 413-589-9883.
Zoo hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Aug. 31. Fall hours from Sept. 2 to Nov. 2 are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., then weekends only from Nov. 8-30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. While the zoo is closed most Mondays, it is open on April 21, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Columbus Day.
Tickets are $15 for age 13 and older, $12 for age 62 and older, and $10 for ages 2-12. Infants are free.
Memberships offer holders the opportunity to enjoy the zoo with unlimited visits including a family membership for $150 (two adults in the same household and up to four children under age 18), grandparent membership for $150 (two adults in the same household and up to six grandchildren under the age of 18), and individual membership for $80 for adults.
Lupa Zoo is located on 62 Nash Hill Road in Ludlow. For more information, visit lupazoo.org or call 413-5838370.
- Chicken Francaise Served in a Lemon Wine Sauce -12 Jumbo Coconut Shrimp - Baked Glazed Ham
- Roasted Carrots with Brown Sugar - Roasted Brussel Sprouts - Garlic & Herb Potatoes
- Shadone: A Frigo’s Traditional Easter Pie Made with Basket Cheese, Fresh Egg, and Asiago - Raspberry Lemon Drop Cake
Add On: Bourbon Atlantic Salmon l $12.95 per serving $275 l Serves 8+ People
All Orders Must Be Made by April 16th and Picked Up by Saturday, April 19th by 4:00 PM
Place your order today by calling us at 413-732-5428 (Springfield) or 413-525-9400 (East Longmeadow)