Worcester Magazine January 16 - 22, 2020

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THE ROAD TO THE ‘BRONX’ ‘BRONX’

‘American Idol’ winner Nick Fradiani comes to Hanover in Broadway tour of ‘A Bronx Tale’ Tale’

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The Road to the ‘Bronx’ ‘American Idol’ winner Nick Fradiani comes to Hanover in Broadway tour of ‘A Bronx Tale’ Story on page 11

J A N U A RY 16 - 22, 2020

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Featured ......................................................................................4 City Voices...................................................................................8 In Case You Missed It ... .......................................................10 Cover Story ...............................................................................11 Artist Spotlight .......................................................................17 Lifestyle......................................................................................18 Listen Up....................................................................................19 Table Hoppin’ ..........................................................................19 Dining Review..........................................................................20 The Next Draft..........................................................................20 Film .............................................................................................22 Film Capsules ..........................................................................22 Calendar ....................................................................................24 Adoption Option ....................................................................28 Games .........................................................................................29 Classifieds .................................................................................30 Last Call .....................................................................................31

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Acting locally

EcoTarium examines personal impact of climate change BILL SHANER

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Two of the guest curators are a mother-daughter pair of local environmental activists. Selina GalloCruz and her daughter Xochitl said the EcoTarium reached out to them after appearing in Worcester Magazine’s coverage of a youth climate strike. They chose a piece of coral from the Caribbean as their guest contribution to the exhibit. Coral

there is getting bleached, as similar reefs are around the world, causing habitat loss and destruction of the sea animals which relied on it. For Xochitl, the coral hits home.

“We picked it because it kind of connects our heritage,” she said, “We’re from Mexico and Cuba and we’ve always gone to the beach. It’s just really sad that so much beauty

is dying because of this.”

Young children all have to grapple with the reality of climate change, said Selina Gallo-Cruz, and it’s incumbent upon parents to help process it. The exhibit affords that opportunity, she said.

“Kids are definitely finding out about climate change and they’re afraid, and it’s a lot of kind of scary

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new exhibit at the EcoTarium aims to spread awareness of the effects of climate change by giving it a personal touch.

Titled “Community Curators: Local is the New Global,” the exhibit takes up almost all of the bottom

floor of the longstanding Worcester institution, and includes features on the impacts of climate change on local habitats, a video on manmade causes, and several special guest contributions from Worcester folks, each with a story attached.

The exhibit opened over the weekend with a kick-off event last Thursday.

From left, Xochitl Cruz-Garcia, Selena Gallo-Cruz, Pawtucket Red Sox mascot Paws and Che Anderson at the “Connection to Climate Change” natural history collection at the EcoTarium.

STEVE LANAVA

FEATURED

Giuliano D’Orazio, left, and Josh Croke look at a taxidermy mounted walrus head at the never-displayed “Connection to Climate Change” natural history collection.

STEVE LANAVA

emotions and it’s just really big and they don’t know how to process it,” she said. “I’m glad they put it right on the ground floor. It sort of prompts that conversation and what they should be doing about it.”

Stories like Xochitl’s are the driving idea behind the exhibit, said EcoTarium president Lucy Hale.

“We really wanted folks who live in Worcester to be able to tell their stories through our natural history collection,” she said. “Everyone has a connection to something in nature.”

For Hale herself, news of how climate change is expected to impact Cape Cod, where she spent time in the summer as a child, helps to underscore the real and growing threat. The exhibit aims to capture relatable moments.

“It’s hard, it’s hard to spur change in our lives,” she said. “Sometimes it’s hard to make those shifts, but that passion can inspire you to try a little bit harder every day.”

Che Anderson, one of City Manager Ed Augustus’ staff members, is C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 7

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STEVE LANAVA

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

From left, Monica Thomas-Bonnick, Guido Carcerano and Wendy Pavlicek at the never-displayed “Connection to Climate Change” natural history collection.

FEATURED

WGBH aims to bring Worcester news to wider audience BILL SHANER

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hen WGBH announced last week that it would open a new bureau in Worcester, staffed by a full-time Worcester reporter, it was news that rocked a beleaguered journalism landscape.

The expansion into Worcester, fueled by funding from two Worcester foundations, is something media observers in the city have hailed as the biggest investment in Worcester media in years, possibly decades.

Mark Henderson, founder of the 016 and an often vocal observer of Worcester media, said the city hasn’t seen something like this since Allen Fletcher bought Worcester Magazine way back in the early 1990s.

“To that extent, it’s kind of a watershed moment,” said Hender-

son. “These things don’t happen every day. I think that this was a great move for WGBH, its a great move for the city and I applaud the foundations for helping with the funding.”

With a downtown studio, plans to hire both a full-time reporter and interns from local colleges, WGBH comes onto an increasingly diverse and fractured scene of media outlets covering the city. Online publications such as MassLive and This Week In Worcester and Spectrum have created what Henderson called a landscape “manifestly different than a few years ago.” There’s a lot of news coming from a lot of places, but there still exists a deficit of substantial journalism (Henderson was clear to make the distinction between news and journalism) as layoffs and other budget cuts have ravaged legacy publications.

In comes the news team at

WGBH, which has been reporting on Worcester for some time. Over the past few months, reporter Anna Kusmer has produced substantial feature stories on the issues affecting the city in the areas of affordable housing, immigration and transportation. In a phone interview, News Director Kate Zachry said that with the new bureau, WGBH plans to keep doing what they have been, only more so.

“I think what we’re looking to be able to do is just bring our audience stories from Worcester. We’ve been reporting there for years, but we’re really excited to have this opportunity to jump in on the ground, open up a bureau and have a full reporter dedicated to this area,” said Zachry, “to cover that region and bring our audience that news, which I think everyone is going to benefit from.”

But make no mistake, the stories about Worcester that WGBH

Kate Zachry SCOT T INDERMAUR

produces will be for WGBH’s audience, which stretches around the state and region. When asked if the organization will be covering the processes of city government, like a

local outlet would, Zachary said the bureau will cover city government only insofar as it would benefit the WGBH audience.

“I think WGBH News is going to be covering stories that happen in Worcester that our audience is going to benefit from hearing, no matter where that takes us,” she said.

“That could touch city government but that is going to take us to a lot of other coverage areas in Worcester and in the surrounding towns.”

That WGBH will be writing about Worcester for a larger audience is a good thing for the city, according to Henderson. He called the move a “recognition that the story of Massachusetts increasingly is the story of Worcester.”

“They’re writing for the GBH audience, a Massachusetts audience and a northeast audience,” he said.

“Having that story of Worcester there is a very good sign.”

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E C O TA R I U M

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 5

also a guest curator. For his contribution, Anderson chose a figurine of a sea turtle. For Anderson, sea turtles represent one of his first exposures to tangible impacts of global warming. On a trip to Puerto

to make climate change real for people, and inspire people to take small steps toward reducing their impact on the globe, like eating less meat, driving more eco-friendly cars and buying secondhand clothes.

“Those are really small things you can do as an individual that if

Xochitl Cruz-Garcia and Lihua Wang look at a taxidermy mounted walrus head at the “Connection to Climate Change” exhibit at the EcoTarium.

STEVE LANAVA

the world doesn’t blow up from all the things happening right now, your kid or your grandkid can see a turtle, and not just think about it as something that doesn’t exist anymore,” he said. “They can actually experience it.”

J A N U A RY 16 - 22, 2020

Rico a decade ago, he saw sea turtle nests on a beach, and a local friend explained to him the ways in which climate change was making it harder for hatchlings to survive.

“Now, as I got older and learned more about the impact we have on our world, I really go back to that moment and become sort of aware of what we do as people and the way we destroy things like turtles,” he said.

For him, the exhibit is an effort

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CITY VOICES

HARVEY

Eyes wide shut

JANICE HARVEY

most fervent supporters are “lost to paranoia and factually unmoored talking points just the way t seems ironic that our collecHaasan was lost to Sun Myung tive vision is so blurry in the Moon.” She suggests we stop trying year 2020. I try to follow the to call them back from their beliefs, unfolding crisis in Iran, so entangled in the impending impeach- to stop arguing with them. “They ment trial of Donald Trump, but it’s are stuck in a bad relationship with not unlike the panicky sensation of a controlling figure.” All this makes sense, but what happens to Trump groping for my eyeglasses when I hear a strange sound in the middle cultists when he’s gone?

At some point, whether by of the night. I need to see clearly to removal or term limits, Donald ascertain the source of my fears, to either face it or be assuaged. I’m Trump will no longer be president.

Where will his followers be when not alone in the dark, this much I he shuffles off to his safe place? If know. he should be denied the office by The past week has only galvaimpeachment, it’s hard to imagine nized the two sides of America: those who want Trump impeached that Mike Pence would fill that void. He’s as lacking in charisma and removed as a corrupt traias Trump is “blessed” with it, and tor, and those who have placed can’t begin to rally the devotion him on the Mount as a savior. The Trump is able to stir. He’s not crude difference is Trump supporters believe they have clear vision, since enough, though he certainly has no qualms about lying to the masses. they leave no room for questionA third of the country will require ing what they are told, while the intense therapy, and many of them Trump Resistance questions everything issued from Trump and won’t even have health insurance.

Heffernan concludes by saying his handlers, leaving us fumbling that we need to figure out why so in the fog. many Americans were susceptible Such is the strength of cults. A to Trump idolatry, why they have recent Los Angeles Times opinion piece penned by Virginia Heffernan “elected to forfeit their authentic personalities and principles rather titled “Call Trumpism what it is: than refine or strengthen them.” a cult” sheds some light on why Encountering Trump loyalists efforts to reach Trump supporton Facebook, I’ve noticed that for ers by his detractors are futile.

Heffernan suggests that while this the truly devoted, there is no lie, no word is often hurled as an insult in crime he could commit that they won’t justify. All critical thinkthe war of words, a very real cult has formed around the impeached ing has been abandoned. A cyber squabble over Trump’s penchant president. Heffernan maintains for lying was met with this post by that his fan club morphed into a Trumpster: “Which of his statea cult for her when “in August, ments you listed is Trump’s biggest, Trump looked heavenward and most substantive lie?” This struck called himself ‘the chosen one.’”

She references “The Cult of Trump,” me as proof of cultish behavior — since when are lies placed on a by former Moonie Steve Haasan scale? A lie is a lie is a lie. in her column, noting that his Cults usually dissolve when their 2019 book was dismissed at the time as “incendiary.” If anyone can idols disappear. Will Trump loyalists wander the land like lost lambs accurately read the signs of cultor dig in deeper, hating resisters ism, it’s Haasan. The only sources even more than they did when the that compare in veracity might be “chosen one” directed them to turn survivors of Jonestown. Haasan says true believers undergo “a radi- against their fellow Americans? cal personal change,” and for those Will they ever remove the rosecolored glasses that obscure their of us who have seen loved ones vision? What does one do with all morph into complete strangers regarding Trump, this would seem that hate? These question will go unanswered, for only time will tell. to be true.

Heffernan states that Trump’s

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I

FIRST PERSON

The matinee CHARLES THANAS

the ground. His coat mixed with broken glass and curb sand and as he rolled over to see his imaginary ith each new mornbully, ice cream wrappers stuck ing, it was like a new to his coat like menacing tattoos. neighborhood around They could have just as easily been The Hammond Street all the labels off the booze that Market. The surrounding streets pumped him up into that drunken were always alive, always somemonster — foolish, obscure thing new. Childhood is like that, individual. I feel sad even now as everything is new all the time, over and over again, days don’t run I remember the group of school together. Every day is just another aged witch hunters tormenting him in his cruel disadvantage. feature. It just comes nice and They circled the old guy hollering easy, before we got into cultural absurdism. This is — childhood as like tiny villagers having finally features and not cultures and who tracked down Boris Karloff.

“You stay in the yard. Don’t go really cares? near that man!” My mother called Anyway, he came around down to me and then I could hear the corner, just missing the fire her say something like, “Ain’t it hydrant, a tall sun baked man, awful, that poor man. Why do they face coarse and burned, overcoat get so drunk that they can’t stand? hugging the sweat out to his face in ninety-degree heat. The ground And in the morning too, so early.”

The lady next door, hanging out stank and he came around by the her window, only half wondered fence, leaning to one side, wobble because she kind of knew the anfooting his way down Hammond swers herself in a different way.

Street, right toward me and fixed He got up to his knees and me in my sneakers with a kind swung out one of his bruised paws of childhood horror, a fanciful as if to swipe away the vulgar little intrigue of some kind. village rousting him, unafraid and Then he stumbled off the curb daring him to his feet. He was not and fell to the asphalt as if he a new sight on the street, not by had taken an invisible push to

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a long shot. He was like so many thrillers teasing our insecurity on those wonderful Saturday matinees, even Bella couldn’t fill the bill here with this crowd. Here, it took one from the local hop house to create this one, the Saturday morning matinee — “DRUNKENSTEIN!” Even at young age I felt like yelling something from my yard, something like, “Hey pal! You better lay off the juice and go sleep it off. You look like you’re ready for the pathetic ward. I mean where will this all lead you?” And me, a sympathetic kid even at that young age could only wonder what he was thinking about. What demons were in his mind, arms flailing around, trying to grab hold of something, anything, bitter respect — nothing. It was all gone with his booze soaked balance. Poof ! Took the legs right out from under him.

Who knows, maybe he liked entertaining the kids on Hammond Street — most never made it to the Saturday Matinee anyway.

Charles Thanas lives in Leicester.

CITY VOICES

WORCESTERIA

Time to say ‘I told you so’ BILL SHANER

TOLD YOU SO: Let me start off by saying this is a redemptive week

for me as a columnist because so much of what I have been hammering away at for the past few years is coming to roost. I said I told you so and I said it often. I wasn’t the only one. We were all ignored and cast as naysayers. Now, let us begin.

30 MILLION MORE: Oh, whoops, city needs more money to build Polar Park. Oh, how much? Just $9.6 million for construction overruns and $20 million more for “additional costs,” including relocating buildings that had to be moved for the project. Just another $30 million on top of a $100.8 million project that the city is on the hook for. Ah, who could have seen it coming. Welp, gotta do what we do best and pass the cost off onto city residents in wonky and obscure ways that hopefully no one will care too much about. A $1-$1.25 surcharge on tickets for the park. Parking fees going up from $5 to $8 for $10 to $12 at city-owned garages around it. You know, just making the experience more expensive for the Worcester folk who cheered it into existence. Now the line from Augustus is “no existing city tax revenue will be used to fund the ballpark construction.” That’s a long way away from the original “the project will pay for itself ” line. Yep, a lot of new wiggle room in that framing, especially given that the ancillary development across the street — the Madison Holding hotels and office space and such — are now pushed back to a 2022 open. What if a recession hits (as is often bandied about lately) and Madison Holdings pulls a 2008 and delays the project a decade? What then? Worcester owes on the loan at the end of the day. Not Madison Holdings. Not the WooSox. The Worcester Public Schools are about 70 percent of the city’s budget. Where do you think austerity starts when this falls apart?

TOOTHLESS: Adding insult to injury is the so-called Community Bene-

bend over backward to facilitate development and the enrichment of private interests, but wiggle and squirm out of anything that might help real Worcester people get a piece of the pie, has been as disheartening as it has been revelatory. The whole project of neoliberal city government is rotten to the core, and this WooSox deal is a textbook example.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

IN CONCLUSION: To watch how the leaders of our city government

J A N U A RY 16 - 22, 2020

fits Agreement the city signed with the Worcester Community Labor Coalition. It is on paper a good thing that the city and the community was able to secure a deal for concessions that ease the impact of the park and spread the wealth around. But the devil is in the details, as it always is, and this deal stinks — flat out stinks. You might hear about the $3 million to the Green Island neighborhood and the few cutesy things the WooSox have promised to do (community garden, yay), but the eyebrows really start going when you get to the “monitoring and enforcement” section of the deal. Section 1: The city is “responsible for all monitoring and compliance enforcement for all the commitments made in this agreement.” Oh, you’re going to keep yourself honest, then. Cool. And then in section 3, more good stuff: “The WCLC recognizes and agrees that the City has the sole and exclusive authority to enforce compliance.” Oh, so we can’t actually do anything if they forget about this stuff. Got it. And then the icing on the cake, section 5: “The WCLC affirmatively agrees to waive any and all rights, to the extent such rights exist, to bring any legal proceedings against the City, the Team, or their affiliates for any action, asserted inaction or noncompliance.” OH, OKAY. Basically the city could say “whoops, sorry, we forgot” and there’s nothing anyone could do about it. A big, hand-drawn middle finger would have sufficed.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ...

Bad Marriage at Rascals

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Fresh off a tour opening for Tesla, Bad Marriage — which comprises vocalist Jonny Paquin of Worcester, guitarist Mike “Fitzy” Fitz of Milford, guitarist Ian Haggerty of Attleboro, bassist Todd Boisvert of Medway and drummer Michael Delaney of Milford — played a set at Rascals in Worcester, sharing the stage with AC/DC tribute Dirty Deeds. Not bad for a new venue to score one of the area’s biggest up-and-coming acts.

Photos by TaJonn Nickelson

COVER STORY

THE ROAD TO THE ‘BRONX’

‘American Idol’ winner Nick Fradiani comes to Hanover in Broadway tour of ‘A Bronx Tale’

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Nick Fradiani as Lorenzo and Stefanie Londino as Rosina.

JOAN MARCUS

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COVER STORY

RICHARD DUCKET T

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ick Fradiani had never acted and sung in a musical until he was approached by the producers of the 2019–2020 North American tour of the Broadway musical “A Bronx Tale.”

Now he’s on the road with it. “It is the first musical I’ve done in my entire life, which is pretty crazy,” he said.

But Fradiani didn’t necessarily have to worry about performing live and stage fright. “I’ve been comfortable in front of a crowd,” said the 2015 winner of “American Idol.” He was also the lead singer of pop/rock band Beach Avenue when it won battle of the Bands at Mohegan Sun in 2011.

His performance in “A Bronx

Tale” looks like another success story.

The musical comes to The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts for six performances Jan. 16-19 as part of The Hanover Theatre’s 2019-20 Broadway Series.

The pulse of “A Bronx Tale,” which is set set in the Bronx, New York, in the 1960s, is the tug of war in the heart of young Calogero between his loyalty to his hardworking bus driver father, Lorenzo, and the allure of powerful mobster, Sonny. Fradiani has the role of Lorenzo.

He was speaking on the phone last week when the show was in West Palm Beach, Florida. A review in the Palm Beach Daily News the day before by Jan Sjostrom said, “Fradiani infuses the role with

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JOAN MARCUS

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Alec Nevin as Calogero and Kayla Jenerson as Jane in “A Bronx Tale.”

COVER STORY

history. “I have some friends in Worcester. I have a bunch of buddies out in that area.”

West Palm Beach was nice and warm regardless of a great review.

“When I left the East Coast it was snowing. Hopefully it’ll be a little warmer (in Worcester Jan. 16).”

Fradiani had been encouraged musically from a young age by his father, Nick Fradiani III, himself a musician. After Wheaton College, Nick Fradiani IV was a substitute teacher by day and a singer/musician at night. Besides winning Battle of the Bands, three members of Beach Avenue also had a notable run on “America’s Got Talent” in 2014.

His “golden ticket” at his “American Idol” audition was Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes.” Fradiani’s winning song was “Beautiful Life” (the FIFA 2015 Women’s World

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J A N U A RY 16 - 22, 2020

warmth and, as a 2015 ‘American Idol’ winner, he has the pipes to steal the show. The emotion he pours into ‘These Streets,’ the Act One closer in which Lorenzo vows to fight for his son’s future, turns it into the show’s standout number.”

“It’s been going great so far,” Fradiani said of the tour, which started in October and will take it to over 30 cities.

He should be in line for a warm reception here as well since he knows Worcester and has several friends in the area who will be coming to The Hanover Theatre during the show’s run. Fradiani grew up in Guilford, Conn., and still lives in Connecticut. “Worcester’s close to where I live. It’s an easy drive,” he said.

Furthermore, he was a student Wheaton College in Norton, where he graduated with a degree in

Alec Nevin (left) as Calogero and Trey Murphy as Young Calogero in “A Bronx Tale.”

JOAN MARCUS

COVER STORY

Cup official anthem). He released an album, “Hurricane,” in 2016.

Other recordings include an EP, “Where We Left Off.” Asked if he’d still be teaching were it not for “American Idol,” Fradiani said that’s “debatable …

Before I had kind of said I want to do music full time.”

However, winning “American Idol” was “definitely life changing,” he said. “I do this as a living now. It

brought me into this situation (‘A Bronx Tale’).”

“A Bronx Tale” ran on Broadway for 700 performances from 201618. The book for the musical is by writer and actor Chazz Palminteri, who first brought “A Bronx Tale” to life as a one-man show offBroadway in 1989 based in part on his own experiences. The story was made into a 1993 movie, “A Bronx Tale,” generally considered

to be a modern classic. Robert De Niro, who directed the movie, played the role of Lorenzo. He also co-directed the Broadway show.

The musical has music by Oscar, Grammy, and Tony winner Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid”), and lyrics

by Grammy winner and Oscar and Tony nominee Glenn Slater.

The show “is kind of the best of both worlds — some really awe-

Trey Murphy (center) appears in “A Bronx Tale.”

JOAN MARCUS

JOAN MARCUS

“A Bronx Tale” is coming to The Hanover Theatre.

JOAN MARCUS

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Alec Nevin (right) as Calogero.

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COVER STORY

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Kayla Jenerson as Jane and

some songs as well as the acting of the cast of “A Bronx Tale.” the characters,” Fradiani said.

JOAN MARCUS He’s been enjoying playing Lorenzo. “I really love the character.

I’m not a father in real-life but I watched the movie and saw a lot of similarities with my dad, which was a big help.”

In one scene, when Calogero is 9 (the story also has a teenage Calogero as a narrator and participant), “we’re just tossing a baseball around and talking. Me and my dad had the same exact moment,” Fradiani said.

Getting cast in “A Bronx Tale” was not an automatic given, and Fradiani had to audition.

“Luckily the songs are right in my wheelhouse. The acting came pretty naturally to me.”

He also credited the touring show’s director, Stephen Edlund.

“There is some adjusting. He (Edlund) helped so much. I’m really seeing myself grow as we go along.”

Fradiani met Paliminteri for the first time at his final audition, and now knows him pretty well as the show has gone along on its way.

“He invited me to his restaurant and I had dinner with him. In real life he’s just as intimidating as he is in the movie, but we’ve had some great times,” Fradiani said.

“I’m playing his real-life father. He told me some great stories.” One involved De Niro visiting Paliminteri’s Jeff Brooks, left, and Trey father and obsessively following him Murphy appear in “A Bronx Tale.” around to observe every mannerJOAN MARCUS ism. “It was just real cool talking to him (Palminteri). The show’s very important to him. We want to do it justice every night for him.”

“A Bronx Tale” is currently scheduled to be on the road until midMay. Asked if he would take part in another national tour of the show, Fradiani said, “I would consider it. I love the role. I love the tour.”

Meanwhile, “I have to concentrate on my own musical career as well.”

During the summer he said he recorded a lot of music, knowing he would be going on tour with a “Bronx Tale” in the fall. Fradiani is eyeing a release of the new material at some point in 2020.

Still, would he ever consider performing in another musical?

“If it’s the right situation,” he said.

Story to be (quite possibly) continued …

Contact Richard Duckett at richard.duckett@telegram.com. Follow him on Twitter @TGRDuckett.

CITY LIFE If you are an artist, or know of a local artist, email WMeditor@gatehousemedia.com. Fair warning, in order to publish your work, you’ll need to provide a small bio and high resolution digital copies of some of your art. We reserve the right to choose what will run, based on resolution and what will reproduce best on newsprint.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

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See more of his work at skwibo.com.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Brooklyn, New York - 2002-2008: During his first stretch living in New York, he organized many informal art shows in restaurants, bars, and theaters for himself and later for a group of Greenpoint artists he organized: Meeker Avenue Artists.

Tucson, Arizona - 2010-2014: After a brief time in the Army, Doyle used the GI Bill to get a Bachelor’s in Art History from the University of Arizona. During this time he participated in group shows at Contreras Gallery, Raices Taller and Solar Culture Gallery. The Contreras Gallery offered him his first solo show, “Fresh Eyes on the Old Town.”

Brooklyn, New York - 2014-2016: After graduating from the University of Arizona, he moved back to Greenpoint and had the pleasure of working as a Gallery Guide for the Solomon R. Guggenheim museum. It was there that he really developed his love of helping people navigate the often arcane world of modern and contemporary art.

Worcester, Massachusetts - 2016- Present: Coming full circle back to Worcester has been an excellent experience. Doyle has been amazed at the development of the art scene, and quickly became involved, participating in group shows at ArtsWorcester and The Sprinkler Factory. Going forward he plans to do what he can to add to the growth of art and culture in the city, through his own work and helping others where he can.

J A N U A RY 16 - 22, 2020

Timoth Doyle grew up in Central Massachusetts largely ignorant of visual art until a trip to the Worcester Art Museum at age 15 spawned what would be a life-long passion.

Doyle never received formal training but has been on a continuous journey of learning and exploring through his painting.

CITY LIFE

LIFESTYLE

Inside Worcester’s pop up economy SARAH CONNELL SANDERS

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

J A N U A RY 16 - 22, 2020

o succeed as a pop up food vendor in Worcester you need a mighty work ethic, social media savvy, patience for red tape, and culinary ingenuity. Pop ups tend to materialize in unusual locations, so flexibility is also a must.

Imagine a catering job for which you are removed from your kitchen and have no idea how many guests will arrive. Think you have the stomach for it? Vendors who can generate hype while maintaining supply and demand along with a cool head are the ones who make it big.

For many of Worcester’s burgeon-

ing pop up vendors, their endeavors began as nothing more than a side hustle. This is extraordinarily common for my generation. A 2018 study

by Bankrate revealed that 51% of millennials have an additional income to their primary job. My writing this column is case in point.

Many of Worcester’s most admirable pop-trepreneurs lead double lives, spending their days as pharmacists, woodworkers or the like.

This duplicity makes a pop up event all the more desirable. Rarity brings exclusivity, particularly in communities that can’t sustain specialty shops 365 days a year.

On Friday, 3cross Fermentation

Above: Wooden Noodles popped up for a massive crowd at the grand re-opening of 3cross Fermentation Coop on Jan. 10.

Right, followers turned out in force for Glazy Susan’s exclusive everything bagel doughnut. It was available between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. at New Tradition Company on Jan. 12.

SARAH CONNELL SANDERS

Cooperative reopened to a packed house after almost a year of renovations. It was hard to tell who had come for the beer and who was there for the noods. The team from Wooden Noodles erected a makeshift kitchen swathed in a curtain of steam as they dished out bowls of ramen. No one minded the wait and everyone Instagrammed their ajitamas — seasoned soft-boiled eggs.

On Sunday, a line stretched down the driveway of New Tradition Coffee Co., trailing around the corner. Fans of Glazy Susan stood patiently in the rain for doors to open at 9 a.m. A much anticipated everything bagel doughnut awaited guests inside, ready to pair with New Tradition’s bright espresso sodas. Like the combination of Wooden Noodles’ ramen and 3cross beer, doughnuts and coffee collided in a harmonious frenzy.

Don’t be fooled, operating a pop up food business is taxing. Aside from maintaining a thrilling social media presence, owners must secure insurance, permitting and food service certification. A sense of urgency is equally pivotal. Like Thomas Keller’s law of diminishing returns, followers must be led to believe that each taste of a sought after creation could be their last.

If all of this still appeals to you, Worcester offers an abundance of

resources to help you build a fervid following. Here are the entities to know when the pop up calls your name: • The Worcester Regional Food Hub plays host to nearly 50 members, providing facilities in addition to technical assistance and marketing resources. Kitchen rental is just $25 per hour. To access the list of current members, visit www. worcesterfoodhub.org, and to set up a meeting about your own business, email info@worcesterfoodhub.org.

• The Department of Inspectional Services can help you navigate the permit and licensing process for

a temporary food establishment.

Applications are available online at www.worcesterma.gov/housinghealth/food-protection or you can set up a meeting by emailing inspections@worcesterma.gov and have a professional walk you through one step at a time.

• The Office of Economic Development’s “Guide to Starting a Small Business in Worcester” is available online at www.worcesterma.gov/ business-community-development/ start-a-business. After reviewing the startup guide, you can request an advisory meeting by emailing development@worcesterma.gov.

CITY LIFE

TABLE HOPPIN’

LISTEN UP

Chefs ready to face off in annual competition

BARBARA M. HOULE

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orcester’s Best Chef, scheduled Jan. 26 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, is a cooking competition for chefs to show off their skills and creativity, raising the profile of their restaurant at the same time.

This time around, WBC pits 19 chefs against each other in the first round of competition. Each dish will be judged on key evaluation criteria and the three chefs voted the Judges’ Choice Award move center stage for the fast-paced Iron Chef competition before a panel of judges and live audience.

Worcester’s Best Chef tickets are available by visiting www.worcestersbestchef.com. VIP guests, $75 per person, get early entrance at 3 p.m. and have access to a VIP-only room.

Regular admission is 5 p.m., $55 per person; 5:30 p.m., $45 per person.

Note: Rick Araujo, 2019 WBC Judges’ Choice Award, will not participate in the event as previously announced. Araujo is consultant on a new restaurant concept in downtown Worcester expected to open this year.

Learn more about the chefs and awards on the WBC website, in addition to other event information and sponsors. The dynamic executive chef and caterer Jay Powell will narrate the Iron Chef competition with Hank Stolz, TV and radio host.

Christina Andrianopoulos will emcee during VIP time.

I will judge the WBC competition with Steven Blair of Johnson & Wales University in Providence; Denny Corriveau, Free Range Culinary Institute’s founder and mas-

ter game chef; George Malavasic of Johnson & Wales University; Peter Eco of Sonoma at the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester; Jim Nicas of the Castle Restaurant in Leicester.

Guests will vote the People’s Choice Awards and the Student Dessert Award. Culinary students from Tantasqua Regional High School in Sturbridge, Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School in Charlton and Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in Upton will compete for best dessert.

Domenic D. Mercurio founded WBC 14 years ago with the intention of putting focus and emphasis on the “incredible culinary talent that exists in Central Massachusetts.” His idea, he said, was to have people think of Worcester as a destination city and

Winter Project delivers wistful, swaggering ‘Brighter Days?’

VICTOR D. INFANTE

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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quent songs, “Better” and “Indifference,” the first of which centers on a sense of discontent and emptiness, the latter on the realization that “you don’t seem to notice when I’m with you/you don’t seem to miss me when I’m gone.” In song after song, the album’s persona is left with only ashes.

A lot of the album’s themes come to the fore with the more overtly wistful “Answer Key,” which recounts a series of vignettes of loss and loneliness. There’s a sense of restraint in the song, an ineffable way that the guitars and bass feel as though they’re pulling against the vocals, letting loose with the chorus. It’s a subtle bit of musicality, but it’s enormously effective.

The album’s closer, “Tommy Dyes His Hair,” blows off the album’s energy in a spectacular old-school punk fashion, taking swipes at vanity while also giving the band a chance to show off a bit, starting with a short drum solo that’s soon accentuated by a relaxed bass groove.

It’s a fun way to end, and a nice, upbeat coda that assuages the hurt evidenced in the preceding songs.

At least a little bit, anyway. Still, while the song’s fun, it’s the sense of wistfulness that follows the listener when the album’s done.

J A N U A RY 16 - 22, 2020

hat’s most interesting about Boston band The Winter Project’s most recent album — “Brighter Days?” — is just how much of an exposed raw nerve the whole thing is. Underneath the album’s cheap whiskey swagger and punch-drunk attack is a sort of wounded vulnerability that gives the whole thing a sense of soul that’s evident from the opener, “Long Gone.”

The band — which will be performing an early show at 3 p.m. Jan. 18 at Ralph’s Rock Diner — digs into the song with a sort of abandon. “Long gone are C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 2 1 the times/when I used to feel so free,” sings vocalist Tim McDonald, and there’s a real contrast between the pang of nostalgia inherent in the song and the rock catharsis that comes from the bash of John Ehrlinger’s drums and Chris Meusel and Ken Cerreto’s guitars. Only Ron Belanger’s bass seems to echo the sentiment of McDonald singing, “Well you know I don’t even mind/What we been through, it’s a part of life/But I never thought it would take/This time.”

That’s the sentiment at the heart of the album: not the opera of fresh pain, but the quiet pang of old ones.

The polarity of “Long Gone” spins into the more straightforward blast of rock ’n’ roll, “Industry,” which takes aim at the toxic music industry, before settling into the more reflective, “All In,” which revisits the theme of old pain: “I saw those lies inside your eyes/You try to claim the best of it all/Don’t act surprised there was no prize/just you and me and nothing at all.” It’s really the guitars that drive here, assisted by a percussive dropped beat before the first verse that commands attention.

The album’s most emotionallyfraught moment comes from the song “Breathe,” which focuses the lens on heartbreak for a more immeSome of the chefs, students and judges who will participate in the upcoming diate feel: “I know you’re hanging on/ Worcester’s Best Chef competition are pictured at Mechanics Hall. some other nightmare’s sleeve/but RICK CINCLAIR I’ll wait all night to feel you breathe.”

It’s a shattering portrait of waiting for a lover to return home from a presumed affair, one that’s belied by the song’s uptempo feel.

The album’s underlying sense of malaise creeps through the subse-

CITY LIFE

DINING

Holden’s Local standby The Local Tavern • 680 Main St., Holden • (508) 829-3008 • theholdenlocal.com SANDRA RAIN

I

have visited The Local Tavern in Holden in all of its iterations.

First, nearly two decades ago as Al Fresco Trattoria — an Italian joint with dark wood, flickering candlelight and a well-stocked library of fine wines. In the early aughts, surfboards and tiki drinks materialized as owners rebranded under the name Flip Flops. Most recently, in April of 2019, decor pivoted once more to introduce The Local Tavern — a gastropub with reclaimed pallet wood tables and an emphasis on area farms. As part of the transition, owner Nic Viapiano turned over the keys to his daughter Elena, a trained pastry chef.

Guests may recognize remnants of all of 680 Main St.’s former lives.

I counted six different versions of bar stools scattered across the establishment. Wine labels and cigar wrappers of celebrations past were immortalized under a shellac coating on the bar. A half empty wine rack loomed overhead. Metal pipes at both of the two bar areas stood plastered with stickers. Flotsam and

jetsam hung from the walls, including an extensive collection of license plates. A touch screen jukebox gave off an iridescent glow.

In this way, The Local Tavern is hyper-local. It is a tribute to itself, a museum of bygone concepts with just a glimmer of the future.

All this is to say that The Local has yet to find cohesion. Large centerpiece televisions lead me to believe that more than anything, it is destined to be a sports bar. The Local is the sort of place where you’ll accidentally spend $40 on Keno.

Not that I did. (But, I did.) During Patriots’ games, they even offered an impressive array of $5 snacks like pretzel nachos and wings.

The draft list reflects a variety of esteemed Massachusetts breweries including Exhibit A, Night Shift and Stone Cow. Carlson Orchards Cider from Harvard is also available on tap.

Not into craft beverages? Rest assured, The Local has $3 pints of PBR. Guests have the option of a 20-ounce pour for most beers, a treat which I typically reserve for airport terminals, but I caved into at The Local.

Much like Keno, Nite Lite Lager is

my kryptonite.

Bartenders are quick-witted and well-seasoned, unfazed by The Local’s new concept. Trust them to review 86’ed items before you order and to trail you out to the parking lot so you don’t forget that styrofoam container of leftovers. They are patient, clever and seem to care deeply about customer service.

The customer base varies widely at The Local. Families appear to be right at home, sidled up to a bar rail or sprawled out at one of the dining room tables. But, a crew of rowdy bikers were also in their element when they stopped by mid-ride for a bite on my last visit. On the same trip, I thought I had left the Worcester-radius behind until a twentysomething next to me launched into a story that began, “I got drunk and tried to hit on my girlfriend’s mom at Vincent’s last night,” proving that The Local caters to a variety of crowds.

In addition, they actually cater — weddings, funerals, bar mitzvahs and the like.

Order a margherita pizza, straight out of the oven made with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella

and hearty sprigs of basil. I love spearing pub food out of a bowl, so the Mediterranean salad with grilled chicken is a natural draw providing a vat of romaine, red onion, cucumber, olives and feta tossed in lemon mint dressing. The crispy Brussels sprouts also arrive in a deep bowl, coated with truffle oil, pork belly chicharrones and Parmesan.

Cooks are still dialing in their burger temps. On our last visit, our medium burger came out red while a guest at the next table sent his back because it had been overcooked.

Even so, the brioche bun was fresh and the french fries tasted like real potatoes, a feat as rare as our burger.

The Local is still settling into its new identity and that’s part of the fun. With so few pub options in Holden, the community is more than willing to enjoy the ride.

On our last lunch date at The Local Tavern, food and drinks for two came to $78.63.

Explanation of Stars: Ratings are from zero to five. Zero is not recommended. One is poor. Two is fair. Three is satisfactory. Four is good. Five is excellent.

Food: HHH Ambience: HH Service: HHHH Value: HHH

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J A N U A RY 16 - 22, 2020

THE NEXT DRAFT

Through new labels, beers, Springdale cements identity MATTHEW TOTA

F

or a while now, Springdale Beer Co. has quietly struggled with an identity crisis.

Labels on its beers have seemed pieces of a puzzle that do not fit together. Depending on whom you ask, the brewery’s name is either Springdale Barrel Room (the name of its taproom, not the brewery itself) or Springdale by Jack’s Abby. Some still don’t know the brewery spawned from Jack’s Abby, let alone is located next door on Clinton Street.

To general manager Joe Connolly, all this confusion has muddled Springdale’s story, one that started with brewers who set out to expand what they knew about fermentation by making nuanced sours, bold stouts and hazy IPAs. “When we launched Springdale, I was the sole human focused on it. We didn’t have a marketing

department in house,” Connolly said.

“A lot of the work and effort that went into creating the liquid inside the cans was mirrored by people creating different labels and different logos. If you looked at them as a group, you wouldn’t know they were coming from the same place.”

This week, though, ahead of its third anniversary, Springdale is finally cementing its identify, unveiling new packaging and a new year-round IPA. Moving forward, the brewery will also be releasing a fresh hazy IPA each month, along with a new quarterly tart ale lineup.

Springdale has created flashy new labels for its core beers, including the Belgian witbier Pearly Wit and the breakfast stout Brigadeiro, which will now be known as “BRIG Mocha Stout.” All the labels feature art unique to the beer, as well as a pattern reminiscent of the ice saws

C O N T I N U E D O N N E XT PA G E

CITY LIFE

TA B L E H O P P I N’

beers. You’ve got Pete’s Wicked Ale and Sam Adams, what we grew up loving and what brought a lot of us to the beer table,” he said. “You also had these big burly, bitter beers, the hops arms race of how you shove more bitterness into beer, and that being a door opening to craft beer for our generation. We also have loved and have learned so much from making hazy New England IPAs that have welcomed a whole different set of drinkers to the beer table.”

Connolly has been ruminating a lot on the so-called New England IPA, because along with Springdale’s rebrand, the brewery will launch a hazy IPA series. Starting in March, brewers will create a new IPA every month using a different combination of hops and other ingredients.

“From a production perspective, that’s where we will put our innovation and exploration into,” Connolly said.

The brewery will no longer brew previous IPAs like “Amirite?!” and “But I Digress,” but elements of those beers will be incorporated into the new releases, including the first, “Party Ain’t Over,” which uses the recipe for “Good N’ You?” Jack, Eric and Sam Hendler

opened Springdale in December 2016 at 102 Clinton St., a stone’s throw from their first brewery, Jack’s Abby.

Springdale was to be a side project, the experimental arm of Jack’s Abby; unlike Jack’s Abby, which only brewed lagers, Springdale’s focus would be in barrel-aging funky and sour ales.

Over the last three years, Springdale has grown into brewing force in its own right, producing more than 70 unique beers and brewing around 10% of the 50,000 barrels per year that Jack’s Abby brews. The brewery’s barrel-aging program, which isn’t changing under the rebrand, save for new labels on the bottles, is the largest of its kind in Massachusetts, with over 1,300 barrels.

The rebranding has imbued Springdale with fresh energy, Connolly said, and he’s ready to stop worrying about confusion over branding and get back to exploring the limits of fermentation.

“It was a very challenging process to really look at ourselves honestly and reevaluate,” Connolly said.

“There was lot of work that we had put in before where maybe we didn’t make the right decisions for the

brand, as much as we felt personally invested. I’m excited that our packaging now is doing a lot of the work of educating our consumers, where before that was put on our own shoulders. We found the thread that connected everything together.”

Springdale will be celebrating its third birthday this Friday night at the barrel room, 102 Clinton St., from 5 to 11:30. Admission is free, though

THE NEXT DRAFT

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 20

in the brewery’s logo.

“They look like they’re talking to each other,” Connolly said of the new cans. “In this current beer climate, that’s fairly important.”

The brewery is also introducing Springdale IPA, a new year-round IPA that, according to Connolly, combines the biting bitterness of the West Coast IPA with the smooth, sweet, citrusy flavors of the New England IPA. “The first thing you notice is the haziness of the beer; it’s definitely not a bright beer,” he said. “The nose on it is suggestive of tropical fruit, and for me melon, and there’s a fruity spicy character that suggests a deeper hoppiness. It starts with the fruitiness, but it quickly moves into a powerful bitterness that smacks the end of the palate off — just enough bitterness that makes you want more sweetness.”

Brewing Springdale IPA (6.2 percent alcohol by volume) spurred Connolly and others at the brewery to reflect on how overall tastes in beer, especially IPAs, have evolved.

“We’re keying into the last 30 years of what we’ve experienced drinking

Sunday, Monday brunches at Hartman’s A Sunday Brunch Buffet is scheduled Jan. 19 and Jan. 26 at Hartman’s Herb Farm, 1026 Old Dana Road, Barre, in addition to a Monday Lunch Buffet, Jan. 20 and Jan. 27.

The Sunday Brunch Buffet, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., costs $20 per person, not including tax and gratuity. The menu includes Danish, muffins, fruit, egg bake, French toast casserole, bacon, sausage, herbed potatoes, chicken Mediterranean, baked haddock.

Monday Lunch Buffet, $20 per person, not including tax and gratuity, has seating from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Menu: Crackers and dip, roasted

vegetable soup or salad, chicken Marsala, baked haddock, grilled vegetable ravioli, herb roasted potatoes and mixed vegetables.

Dessert at both the Sunday Brunch and Monday Lunch will be apple crisp and Bailey’s cheesecake.

Both events are by reservation only. Call (978) 355-2015.

Making mocktails a thing National Mocktail Week is celebrated nationwide from Jan. 12-18.

Marnie Rae founded National Mocktail Week as a time to enjoy non-alcoholic alternatives to traditional drinks. Rae lives in Washington and works to promote Mocktails as a standard on drink menus both at home and in bars/restaurants.

Read our interview with Rae in next week’s Table Hoppin’ column.

If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.

the brewery does ask that you RSVP to the event here: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/springdale-turnsthree-tickets-88111647309.

You can also purchase a $10 ticket for a flight of beer paired with food from chef Dave Punch. All proceeds from the ticket will go to Bike MS. An exclusive Springdale Beer Co. glass will be given to the first 50 people at the party.

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repairs ASAP.” Stillman Quality Meats, 157 Harding St., Worcester is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.

The business recently introduced home delivery. Visit https://www. stillmanqualitymeats.com, or call for more information about the service.

Stillman’s participates in the Somerville Armory Market from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays; the Charles Hotel Winter Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

brainstormed to help raise needed funds.

The family’s plan includes a “traveling sausage making class.” Stillman Quality Meats will go to your home to teach you and friends how to make sausage,” said Kate Stillman.

“We’ll bring all the equipment and the meat and take care of the mess.

We’ll also bring snacks.”

Classes last approximately two hours and guests get to take home three to four pounds of sausage each.

A small class, up to six people, costs $500; large class, seven to 12 people, $1,000. Call (413) 277-9600 for more information.

Like barbecue? The Stillman family will host a farm BBQ from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Hardwick farm. Tickets on sale include a welcome gathering with light snacks, farm tour and sausage making session. Lost Towns Brewing will provide “local libations.”

The cost of a single ticket is $100: Double ticket, $150. Call (413) 2779600 to reserve.

“We’re grateful for the local folks and neighbors who hustled through the holidays (in snow and ice) to make it possible for our farm to continue processing,” said Kate Stillman.

“We really want to thank everyone for their loyal support and considering one of the options that will help use raise funds to cover unexpected

J A N U A RY 16 - 22, 2020

The response to the competition has been great, and I feel validation and recognition despite not coming in “keep them from going to Providence first. I still won.

“The show gave me an incredible or Boston when they wanted a good confidence boost in my abilities as a meal.”

The annual sold-out WBC includes chef,” said Clark, “and the experience not only food tastings, but also wine, and exposure adds to momentum going forward.” beer and beverage samples. In addiShe said the Niche team is very tion, the event benefits the participating vocational schools. Chefs and supportive and even held a viewing party of the TV event. restaurateurs will have booths on She was chef de cuisine and pastry two floors of Mechanics Hall. It’s a chef at deadhorse hill in Worcester foodie paradise. when she won the Judges’ Choice Chefs, good luck in competition!

Award at the 2018 Worcester’s Best Chef competition.

Local chef appears Clark is “psyched” for this year’s on ‘Chopped’ WBC. “I’m fired up and ready to go,” she Congrats go out to Worcester said. chef Robin Clark whose recent appearance on the Food Network’s Stillman farm “Chopped” put her on the map. fundraising efforts Clark, executive pastry chef and executive sous chef for Niche HospiOwner Kate Stillman of Stilltality Group in Worcester, said she man Quality Meats in Worcester had an amazing run on the show in a recent newsletter announced despite finishing runner-up on the that the Stillman family farm in final round. The TV episode aired last week was taped more than a year Hardwick had been hard hit with ago, according to Clark, who said she unexpected and major repairs last November and December. took part in the show in June 2018.

The family had to replace the well/ “It was an amazing experience, really awesome,” said Clark. “It was dif- pump and septic systems for the ficult, probably the hardest day of my farm abattoir, she said, and the bills have exceeded expectations. The life, but I would do it all over again. repair work completed, the family C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 19

CITY LIFE

FILM

I think we’re gonna need a better ‘reboot’ JIM KEOGH

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emember those horrible old days of personal computing when “reboot” was the most commonly used word around the office? I fondly recall banging out news stories on my state-of-the-art Apple IIe when the waffle-sized screen would flicker and go black. “Gotta reboot,” I’d say with confidence. I would then proceed to repeatedly hit the “On” button, then yank the plug from the wall, followed by the crucial follow-up step of plugging it back in. If nothing else worked, I’d whack the console from several different angles. Open palm only, of course.

The general unpleasantness associated with “reboot” crept back into my world and kicked me in the groin last week when I read on Barstool Sports that Universal is developing a remake of “Jaws,” and I share writer Jerry Thornton’s outrage. I’ve written many times in this space of my adoration for Steve Spielberg’s 1975 blockbuster, the greatest summer

The shark claims a victim on set of the 1975 film, “Jaws.”

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

film of all time. Only last September I wrote, “When Ben Gardner’s severed head popped out from beneath his crippled boat and scared the crap out of Richard Dreyfuss (and the audience), I was lost forever to this movie.”

I still am. Which is why the prospect of a reboot fills me with … what? Dread, maybe. Anger, possibly.

Certainty, certainly — that it is unnecessary and destined to be terrible.

I have history on my side. Consider some of the reboots Hollywood thought were good ideas: “Dirty Dancing” (2017). Remove Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey and replace them with Colt Pratts and Abigail Breslin, who have less chemistry than a Bunsen burner.

And ditch most of the dirty dancing.

What could possibly go right?

“Godzilla” (1998). Why the fascination with remaking a Japanese B

“Abominable” — Three friends try to reunite a young Yeti with his family in the Himalayas in this animated adventure. With the voices of Chloe Bennet, Eddie Izzard, Sarah Paulson.

(1:32) PG-13.

Florence Faivre, Caden Dragomer.

Written and directed by Pearry Reginald Teo. (1:28) NR.

movie about a giant lumbering lizard? This Matthew Broderick version is truly the worst of the re-dos, down to the fact the monster is as tall as a building in some scenes, yet can hide in the subway in others.

“Miracle on 34th Street” (1994). Did the filmmakers never consider the notion of a little rich girl realizing her dream of living happily ever after in a beautiful country house to be a tin-eared? The concept may have played marginally better in 1947, but that version starred Maureen O’Hara, and everything is better with Maureen O’Hara.

“King Kong” (2005). I give Peter Jackson credit for his CGI work that gives Kong the scars borne of a turbulent life. The scene with Jack Black outracing a dinosaur stampede, however, is an abomination.

“Ghostbusters” (2016). This one took heat from fanboys of the original who complained that the very existence of a women-only remake somehow corrupted a precious childhood memory. It was a bad movie regardless of gender, but not

I-now-require-therapy bad.

These only scratch the surface.

Someday we’ll have a long chat about what Tim Burton and Mark Wahlberg did to “Planet of the Apes.”

In fairness, some reboots work out just fine, though they may skip a generation to hit their stride. The character of Batman, reimagined by Tim Burton and Michael Keaton, turned out dandy under Chris Nolan after being strangled with his own cape

by Joel Schumacher, and Spider-Man endured the Andrew Garfield years (after Toby Maguire) before finding new life with Tom Holland behind the mask.

What might a 21st-century “Jaws” look like? The CGI shark will move too fluidly, kill too efficiently. The cast will be younger than Robert Shaw’s boat shoes. And the mayor will be a slick, cartoonish weasel, not the two-packs-a-day champion of small business owners played by Murray Hamilton.

In 1975, I stood in a line for “Jaws.”

In 2022, or whenever this shark thing is released, I just may be picketing it.

dancing in styles ranging from ballet to tap to hip-hop. With James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson, Francesca Hayward. Written by Lee Hall, Tom Hooper. Directed by Hooper. PG.

“Judy” — Renée Zellweger portrays Judy Garland during the legendary entertainer’s run of sold-out stage shows in 1968 London. (1:58) NR.

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FILM CAPSULES “1917” — Two young British privates during WWI must cross through enemy territory to warn their fellow soldiers of an impending ambush in director Sam Mendes’ real-time thriller. With George MacKay, DeanCharles Chapman, Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Claire Duburcq, Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch. Written by Mendes, Krysty Wilson-Cairns. (1:50) R.

“The Assent” — A series of bizarre events lead a single father to suspect his young son may be possessed.

With Robert Kazinsky, Peter Jason,

“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” — Tom Hanks slips on the friendly cardigan of children’s TV show host Fred Rogers to dispense lessons in kindness to Matthew Rhys’ jaded journalist. (1:48) PG. “Black Christmas” — Update of the 1974 holiday horror classic about sorority sisters stalked by a masked killer. With Imogen Poots, Aleyse Shannon, Lily Donoghue, Cary Elwes.

Written by Sophia Takal, April Wolfe.

Directed by Takal. (1:38) PG-13.

“Bombshell” — Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie play Fox News employees whose allegations of sexual harassment help topple network founder Roger Ailes.

With John Lithgow, Allison Janney, Connie Britton, Kate McKinnon.

(1:48) R.

George MacKay in “1917.”

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

“Cats” — The long-awaited film version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1981 blockbuster stage musical based on the poetry of T.S. Eliot arrives with an all-star cast of felines singing and

“Downton Abbey” — The Crawleys and their staff prepare for a royal visit in this big-screen adaptation of the beloved British TV series. (2:02) PG. “Ford v Ferrari” — Matt Damon is American car designer Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale is British racer Ken Miles in this fact-based drama. (2:32) PG-13.

“Frozen II” — Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven join Elsa as she searches for the truth behind her powers in this sequel to the blockbuster 2013 animated musical. With the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel. (1:43) PG. “The Grudge” — Producer Sam Raimi delivers the latest incarnation of Takashi Shimizu’s 2002 horror staple about a vengeful ghost. With Andrea Riseborough, Demián Bichir, John Cho, Betty Gilpin, Lin Shaye, Jacki Weaver. (1:34) R.

“Jumanji: The Next Level” — Danny Glover and Danny DeVito join Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan in this sequel to the 2017 action adventure hit about young people trapped in a video game. With Nick Jonas, Awkwafina. (1:54) PG-13.

“Just Mercy” — Michael B. Jordan portrays Bryan Stevenson, the reallife civil rights activist and criminal defense attorney famed for fighting for justice for the wrongly convicted.

With Brie Larson, Jamie Foxx, Rob Morgan, Tim Blake Nelson, Rafe Spall, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Karan Kendrick.

(2:16) PG-13.

“Knives Out” — Writer-director Rian Johnson rounds up a stellar group of suspects for this whodunit about the murder of a famous crime novelist.

With Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette. (2:10) PG-13.

“Like a Boss” — Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne star as cosmetics

CITY LIFE

Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan and Jack Black in “Jumanji: The Next Level.”

SONY

entrepreneurs whose financially shaky business is targeted for a buyout by beauty tycoon Salma Hayek. With Billy Porter, Jennifer Coolidge, Ari Graynor, Jessica St. Clair. (1:23) R. “Little Women” — Writer-director Greta Gerwig adapts Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel about the four determined March sisters coming of age in Massachusetts during the Civil War. With Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper, Louis Garrel, Tracy Letts, James Norton, Bob Odenkirk. (2:14) PG. “Midway” — The story of the critical World War II Pacific Theater battle between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy in June 1942.

“Playing With Fire” — Firefighters find their lives turned upside down when they rescue three siblings but

Smith, Tom Holland, Rashida Jones, Ben Mendelsohn, Reba McEntire, Rachel Brosnahan, Karen Gillan, DJ Khaled, Masi Oka. (1:42) PG. “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” — Forty-two years after “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away” first appeared on movie screens, the ninth episode brings the space saga to its conclusion as the Resistance struggles to defeat the First Order. With Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Billy Dee Williams.

(2:35) PG-13.

“Uncut Gems” — Adam Sandler stars as a desperate New York City jeweler juggling numerous deals in this crime thriller. With Lakeith Stanfield, Julia Fox, Kevin Garnett, Idina Menzel, Eric Bogosian, Judd Hirsch. Written

by Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie, Ronald Bronstein. Directed by the Safdies.

(2:15) R. J A N U A RY 16 - 22, 2020

ANNAPURNA PICTURES

can’t find the kids’ parents.

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“Spies in Disguise” — A secret agent is transformed into a pigeon with the help of a nerdy scientist in this animated comedy. With voices of Will

“Underwater” — Aquatic researchers are menaced by mysterious creatures after an undersea earthquake destroys their laboratory. With Kristen Stewart, T.J. Miller, Jessica Henwick, Vincent Cassel, Gunner Wright. (1:35) PG-13.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Marc Evan Jackson, Charlize Theron and Michael Buie in “Bombshell.”

CITY LIFE

THINGS TO DO

Unlikely Folk

COMPILED BY RICHARD DUCKETT, VICTOR D. INFANTE AND CHARLENE ARSENAULT

‘Crafting a New Home’ Weavings, baskets, bamboo crafts, sculptures and embroideries by refugee artisans now living in Worcester are among the works featured in a new exhibition at the Worcester Center for Crafts. “Crafting A New Home: Refugee Artisans of Worcester” is being presented by the center in collaboration with RAW (Refugee Artisans of Worcester), which supports craft work as a vibrant means toward self-empowerment. The exhibition will be on view Jan. 16 to Feb. 29. The opening reception from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 18 will include craft demos and a talk with guest curator Susan Rodgers, emerita anthropology professor at the College of the Holy Cross, and RAW co-founders Ellen Ferrante and Joan Kariko.

What: “Crafting a New Home: Refugee Artisans of Worcester” — Opening Reception When: 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 18 Where: Worcester Center for Crafts, 25 Sagamore Road, Worcester How much: Free. worcestercraftcenter.org

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J A N U A RY 16 - 22, 2020

Thursday, Jan. 16 Hatha Yoga Thursday (8 Week Session): 9-10 a.m. Jan. 16, Holden Recreation Department Studio, 1420 Main Street, Parking and entrance located behind building, Holden. Cost: $80. For more information or to sign up, visit holdenrec.com or call the Recreation Office at (508) 8290263 Story Time — Terrific 2’s & 3’s: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 16, Boylston Public Library, 695 Main Street, Boylston. For information: (508) 869-2371, llstretton@cwmars.org.

Registration Required.

Snack & Study: 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Jan. 16, Boylston Public Library, 695 Main Street, Boylston. For information: (508) 869-2371, efurse@cwmars.org. Ages 12 and up are invited to come to the library after school for snacks and study space.

PAWS to Read: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Jan. 16, Worcester Public Library Burncoat Branch, 526 Burncoat Street, Worcester. For information: lsheldon@mywpl.org. Read to Bridgette, our certified therapy dog. Boost reading skills and confidence! Ages 5-12. Time slots are filled on a first come, first served basis.

Weaving Craft: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Jan. 16, Boylston Public Library, 695 Main Street, Boylston. Cost: Free.

For information: (508) 869-2371, efurse@cwmars.org.

Louise Bogan Chapter of the Massachusetts State Poetry Society Monthly Meeting: 6 p.m.

Jan. 16, Lunenburg Public Library, 1023 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg.

The Secret Lives of Teens and Tweens: presentation by John Mattleman, mental health counselor and trainer, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 16, Westborough High School, 90 West Main Street, Westborough. For information: yfs@town.westborough.ma.us.

Thursday Book Club: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 16, Boylston Public Library, 695 Main Street, Boylston.

For information: (508) 869-2371, efurse@cwmars.org. Subject of discussion is “In the Enemy’s House” by Howard Blum.

Tour of South America Wine Dinner: 6:30-9 p.m. Jan. 16, Samuel Slater’s Restaurant, 200 Gore Road, Webster. Cost: $65.

For information: (508) 943-1639, info@indianranch.com. The menu will be curated by Executive Chef Keith Polaina. Tickets $65 not inclusive of tax or gratuity. 21+

event.

Kerrville North series with Teghan Devon, Eric Kilburn and Nancy Beaudette: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. $22.

Comedian Langston Kerman: 8 p.m. Jan. 16, WooHaHa! Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $20.

Troy Gonyea: 8 p.m. Jan. 16, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

19th Nervous Breakdown (Rolling Stones Tribute) and inXpensive Winos: 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Jan. 16, Electric Haze, 26 Millbury Street, Worcester.

Metal Thursday featuring Branch Davidian, Imipolex, Plea of Insanity and Wretched Inferno: 9 p.m. Jan. 16, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester. $8.

What: Steve Forbert When: 8 p.m. Jan. 18 Where: Bull Run Restaurant (ballroom), 215 Great Road, Shirley How much: $22

Friday, Jan. 17 New England Stamp Expo 2020: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 17, The International Golf Club & Resort, 159 Ballville Road, Bolton. Free.

Fly Fishing Show Marlborough 2020: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Jan. 17, Royal Plaza Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road, West Marlborough. Cost: $5-$35. For information: eventbrite.com/e/ fly-fishing-show-marlborough2020-online-ticket-salestickets-74705174187. Adults: One Day Pass $15 Two Day Pass $25 Three Day Pass $35 Military with Photo ID: $10 Children 6-12: $5 Children 5 and under: Free Boy and Girl Scouts in uniform 16 and under: Free Tickets are nonrefundable, processing fees will be added.

Movie Matinee: 2:30-4 p.m. Jan. 17, Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Street, Worcester. For information: 508-799-1655, wplref@mywpl. org.

Like a Rolling Stone …

To say Boston poet Adam Stone has been a mainstay of the region’s poetry scene for nearly two decades is underselling it a bit. Stone has been a constant presence, a witty and incisive writer and an excellent performer. While usually his stomping grounds are venues such as the Cantab in Cambridge, where he’s had a long involvement with the Boston Poetry Slam, he actually has a history with Worcester, having served on the Worcester Poetry Slam Team in 2008. Now, he’s back in town, with a featured reading that promises a set of new and relatively recent poems.

What: The Dirty Gerund Poetry Series featuring Adam Stone When: 9 p.m. Jan. 20 Where: Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester How much: Free, donations requested to help pay the performers

It seems like it would have been difficult to be an aspiring folk singer amid the burgeoning NYC punk scene of the ‘70s, sharing stages with the likes of John Cale and Talking Heads, but Steve Forbert’s music has a way of cutting across genre borders. Songs such as “I’m In Love With You,” “Goin’ Down to Laurel,” “Cellophane City” and especially “Romeo’s Tune” have a lovely, haunting feel to them, but also a sort of rough-hewn, down-to-earth quality that makes them resonate.

Captured Moments: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Jan. 17, Alternatives Unlimited, 50 Douglas Road, Northbridge.

For information: (508) 234-6232.

Tess Davis strives to capture the raw, genuine emotion of fleeting, authentic moments unique to families. Scarlett Hoey focuses on exploring identity, domesticity, gender and relationships. James Hunt explores the interdependent and often conflicted relationship between human activity and the natural environment. Together they fill the Heritage Gallery with beautiful, evocative images that will surely capture your attention!

Exhibit ends February 28.

Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat, followed

by Matt and Marty: 5:30 p.m. Jan. 17, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

Toy Story 4 — Free Family Movie Night: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 17, GB & Lexi Singh Performance Center, 60 Douglas Road, Northbridge. Free.

Recess Super Smash Bros Tournament: 7-10 p.m. Jan. 17, 216 W Boylston St, 216 West Boylston Street, West Boylston. Cost: $10.

The JSB Trio: 7-10 p.m. Jan. 17, Timberyard Brewing Company, 555 East Main Street, East Brookfield.

Fender Road (Feat. Paul ‘Fender’ Lirange and Gary Suter): 7-10 p.m.

Jan. 17, 308 Lakeside, 308 East Main Street, East Brookfield.

A Night of Comedy with Jimmy Dunn and Tony V: 8-11 p.m. Jan. 17, Samuel Slater’s Restaurant, 200 Gore Road, Webster. Cost: $20.

For information: (508) 943-1639, info@indianranch.com. 21+ event Hush Club, Memory Lame, The Medicinal Purpose, Solar VVitch: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Jan. 17, Ralph’s Diner, 148 Grove Street, Worcester.

Ellis Paul: 8 p.m. Jan. 17, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. $20.

Comedian Langston Kerman: 8 p.m. Jan. 17, WooHaHa! Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $20.

Celebration of the Lizard: Tribute to the Doors: 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Jan. 17, Rock Bar, 81 Water Street, Worcester.

Tester, Inverter, Sinn and Fuel of

CITY LIFE

We’ll Always Have ‘Paris’

‘Whack’ job

American World War II veteran Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly) relocates to Paris to pursue his love of painting and falls in love with Lise Bouvier (Leslie Caron) in the 1951 classic movie musical “An American in Paris.” Songs by George Gershwin include “I Got Rhythm,” “Love Is Here to Stay,” and “’S Wonderful.” A 17-minute masterpiece ballet finale with Kelly and Caron dancing to Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” cost almost half a million dollars to shoot. The film, which won eight Academy Awards including Best Picture, will look wonderful again when it is shown at movie theaters across the country as part of the 2020 TCM Big Screen Classics Series with Fathom Events. Ben Mankiewicz will provide commentary.

What: “An American in Paris” When/When/Where/How much: 1 and 4 p.m. Jan. 19; 7 p.m. Jan. 22; Regal Solomon Pond 15, Marlboro; $16 7 p.m. Jan. 22; Blackstone Valley 14 Cinema du Lux, Millbury; $14.50 7 p.m. Jan. 22; Cinemagic Sturbridge, Sturbridge; call (508) 347-3609 or visit cinemagicmovies.com

War: 9 p.m. Jan. 17, Drafter’s Sports Cafe, 35 Chase Ave., Dudley. $10.

Saturday, Jan. 18

‘Suitcase’ in Hand

Attic, Park Grill & Spirits, 257 Park Ave., Worcester. $15.

Little Levity: 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Jan. 18, Loft 266, 266 Park Avenue, Worcester. For information: mail@ littlelevity.com.

Metal Night With The Sickness And Trendkill: 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

Jan. 18, Rascals, 70 James Street, Worcester. Cost: $10.

Dan Burke: 9 p.m. Jan. 18, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

Space Force, Ira’s Grateful Harp Revival and Medicine Show: 9 p.m.

Jan. 18, Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester. $10.

Roberta & the Guise: 9:30 p.m.

Jan. 18, Breakaway Billiards, 104 Sterling St., Clinton. Free.

Sunday, Jan. 19 Amnesty International Worcester Meeting: 4:30-6 p.m. Jan. 19, Hadwen Park Congregational

Church, 6 Clover Street, Worcester. For information: amnestyworcester@gmail.com.

Neon Skate Night: 7:30-10 p.m.

Jan. 19, Skylite Roller Skating Center, 648 Park Avenue, Worcester.

Cost: $10. For information: skyliterollerskating@gmail.com.

Listen! A Poetry Reading: Hosted

by Dave Macpherson, 7 p.m., Jan. 19, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

Monday, Jan. 20 Music & Reflections for Martin Luther King Day: 2-3:15 p.m. Jan. 20, Pakachoag Music School, 10 Irving Street, In the Sanctuary at All Saints, Worcester. Cost: Free. For information: (508) 791-8159, sarah@pakmusic. org. The program features tenor and Pakachoag faculty member Christon Carney, with pianist Kristjon Imperio in art songs,

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What: Ellis Paul When: 8 p.m. Jan. 17. Doors open for seating and dinner at 6 p.m.

Where: Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley.

How much: $20. (978) 425-4311; bullrunrestaurant.com

Shirley. $15.

Emo Night Brooklyn — Worcester: 8 p.m. Jan. 18, The Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester. $10.

Comedian Kenice Mobley: 8 p.m. Jan. 18, The Comedy

What: “Two Boston Guys Whack Up A Pie!” — with Jimmy Dunn and Tony V When: 8 p.m. Jan. 17 Where: Function Hall, Samuel Slater’s Restaurant, 200 Gore Road, Webster How much: $20. www.samuelslaters.com

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Ellis Paul — singer-songwriter, poet and troubadour originally hailing from a potato farming family in northern Maine — has been performing warm, memorable songs telling extraordinary stories about everyday people for 30 years. His 20th album, appropriately titled “The Storyteller’s Suitcase,” documents personal memories of love, family and community. But as Paul notes on the album, “Every story needs someone who will listen.”

Samuel Slater’s Restaurant in Webster will be serving “Two Boston Guys Whack Up A Pie!” Friday with national headliners Jimmy Dunn and Tony V as part of its “Comedy Night” Series. Dunn got his start in the comedy world telling jokes at a bar in Gloucester and has gone on to perform at some of the comedy industry’s most prestigious events, including Denis Leary’s “Comics Come Home,” Montreal’s “International Just For Laughs Comedy Festival,” and the “Late Show with David Letterman.” He recently co-starred on the CBS comedy “The McCarthys.” Tony V started his stand-up comedy career in 1982 after attending several shows at Boston’s prestigious Comedy Connection. He wandered in one night, quite by accident, looking for a little stress relief from a high-pressure job. He has appeared on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” Comedy Central’s “Tough Crowd” with Colin Quinn and several sitcoms including “Seinfeld,” “Boston Common,” “The Single Guy” and “Dr. Katz Professional Therapist.”

J A N U A RY 16 - 22, 2020

Fly Fishing Show Marlborough 2020: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Jan. 18, Royal Plaza Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road, West Marlborough. Cost: $5-$35.

Ordinary People — Tracking One Family Through The US Census, 1790-1940: 9:15-10:45 a.m. Jan. 18, Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Street, Worcester. Cost: Free. For information: (508) 7991655, wplref@mywpl.org.

Hands-On Drumming: 10-11 a.m.

Jan. 18, Worcester Public Library Tatnuck Magnet Branch, 1083 Pleasant Street, Worcester. For information: lsheldon@mywpl. org. Native American, African, Caribbean and Latin stories, song and dance with musician Craig Norton.

Birds^2 (Birdssquared): Enamel Birds/ Origami Birds: 12-2 p.m. Jan. 18,

Gallery of Enamel Art, LLC, 340 Main Street, Suite 505, Worcester.

For information: (858) 922-7259, info@enamelgallery.org. Free.

Dub In The Hud: reggae bash, 1-10:30 p.m. Jan. 18, Medusa Brewing Company, 111 Main Street, Hudson.

Author Jean M. Grant: will sign and discuss “Will Rise from Ashes” and other works, 1-2:30 p.m. Jan. 18, Annie’s Book Stop, 65 James Street, Worcester. For information: info@anniesbooksworcester.com.

The Winter Project, Lenny Lashley’s Gang of One and The Steamies: 3 p.m. Jan. 18, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester. $10.

The Wormtown Mugwumps: 3 p.m.

Jan. 18, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

Music Class for Little Ones: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Jan. 18, Worcester Public Library Burncoat Branch, 526 Burncoat Street, Worcester.

For information: lsheldon@ mywpl.org. A 6-week music class designed and led by professional musician Sarah Gardner.

Book Discussion — ‘The Affair of the Mysterious Letter’ by Alexis Hall: 6-8 p.m. Jan. 18, Annie’s Book Stop, 65 James Street, Worcester.

Shrewsbury Crew Comedy Show Fundraiser: 7-10 p.m. Jan. 18, Scandinavian Athletic Club/SAC Park, 438 Lake Street, Shrewsbury.

Comedian Langston Kerman: 7 and 9:30 p.m. Jan. 18, WooHaHa! Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $20.

Boombox: 8-11:30 p.m. Jan. 18, Simple Man Saloon, 119 High Street, Clinton.

Steve Forbert: 8 p.m. Jan. 18, Bull Run Restaurant (ballroom), 215 Great Road, Shirley. $22.

Offtet: CD release party, 8 p.m.

Jan. 18, Bull Run Restaurant (ballroom), 215 Great Road,

CITY LIFE

THINGS TO DO One of the best Listening to songs such as “Fire,” “Look What You've Done” and “Maybe Baby” are a good reminder as to why Tester is one of the best-regarded metal bands in the area. There’s a full, low growl underneath the vocals that smooths out as Tony Casella sings, making it both menacing and strangely beautiful. Drummer Chuck Casella creates a thunderstorm of percussion, and bassist Raw Rippin digs in a tight groove that gives everything a solid-yet-jagged groove. It’s great stuff, from one of the best rock bands around.

Tuesday, Jan. 21

What: Tester, Inverter, Sinn and Fuel of War When: 9 p.m. Jan. 17 Where: Drafter's Sports Cafe, 35 Chase Ave., Dudley How much: $10

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

J A N U A RY 16 - 22, 2020

spirituals, and “Make Them Hear You” from Ragtime.

We’ll be joined by Pakachoag students, the Worcester Children’s Chorus, and members of the All Saints Choirs in this program of reflection and inspiration.

Greendale Family Branch YMCA, 75 Shore Drive, Worcester. Cost: Free-$15. For information: denisewelsh7777@gmail.com.

Comedy in the Cabaret: 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 20, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

The Dirty Gerund Poetry Series featuring Adam Stone: 9 p.m. Jan. 20, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester. Free, donations requested to help pay the performers.

Open Mic: hosted by Rick Hamel, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20, Funky Murphys, 305 Shrewsbury St., Worcester.

Free.

Shake Your Soul at Yoga Dance Class: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 20,

Story Time — Fantastic 4’s & 5’s: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 21, Boylston Public Library, 695 Main Street, Boylston. For information: (508) 869-2371, lstretton@cwmars.org.

Library Lunchtime Lecture Series — Peter Moriarity, photographer & author: discussing his recent book, “Warm Room: Photographs from Historic Greenhouses,” noon-1 p.m.

Jan. 21, Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester.

For information: information@ worcesterart.org.

Introduction to Finding Grants: 1-2:30 p.m. Jan. 21, Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Street, Worcester. For information: (508) 799-1655, wplref@mywpl.org.

Writer’s Group: 6:30-7:45 p.m.

Jan. 21, Boylston Public Library, 695 Main Street, Boylston. For information: (508) 869-2371, efurse@cwmars.org. Led by poet Susan Roney O’Brien.

Poetry Open Mic: 7 p.m. Jan. 21, Strong Style Coffee, 13 Cushing St., Fitchburg. Free.

Science Fiction Book Club: 7:158:30 p.m. Jan. 21, Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Street, Worcester.

Cost: Free. For information: (508) 799-1655, wplref@mywpl.org.

Book being discussed is, “Shades of Grey,” by Jasper Fforde.

The Cobra Kings: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21,

Epic Blooms Spring comes early to the Worcester Art Museum with its annual “Flora in Winter” Jan. 23 to 26. The event features beautiful floral arrangements inspired by art throughout the galleries accompanied by concerts, lectures, workshops, demonstrations, and numerous other activities.

This year’s theme, “Epic Bloom,” is influenced by the current exhibition “Photo Revolution: Andy Warhol to Cindy Sherman.”

An evening program on Jan. 24, “Flora Euphoria,” will include music, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and an opportunity to tour the floral creations.

What: Flora in Winter When: Jan. 23-26 Where: Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester.

How much: Members free; nonmembers $25; youth (4-17). Flora Euphoria: $25 members; $40 nonmembers; youth (4-17) $10. For more information, visit worcesterart.org

Greendale’s Pub, 404 W. Boylston St, Worcdester.

Southside Talent Showcase: open mic, 8:15 p.m. Jan. 22, The Southside Grille and Margarita Factory, 242 W. Broadway, Gardner.

Tone-Deaf Tuesdays: hosted by Poise’N Envy and Harley Queen, 9 p.m. Jan. 21, Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester.

Wednesday, Jan. 22 Story Time — Bouncing Babies: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 22, Boylston Public Library, 695 Main Street, Boylston. For information: (508) 869-2371, lstretton@cwmars.org.

Animanga Club: 3:30-5 p.m.

Jan. 22, Worcester Public Library Roosevelt Branch, 1006 Grafton

St., Worcester. For information: lsheldon@mywpl.org. This week’s subject is, “Fairy Tail.”

Make a Mini Pine Cone Wreath: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 22, Boylston Public Library, 695 Main Street, Boylston. Cost: Free. For information: (508) 869-2371, efurse@cwmars.org. Adults Only.

Registration required. Register online at boylstonlibrary.org/ events.

Wacky Wednesday Jam: 8:30 p.m.

Jan. 22, Greendale’s Pub, 404 W. Boylston St, Worcester.

Duncan Arsenault and Friends: 9 p.m. Jan. 22, Vincent’s 49 Suffolk St., Worcester.

CITY LIFE

Thursday, Jan. 23 Flora in Winter 2020: 10 a.m.5 p.m. Jan. 23, Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester. For information: information@worcesterart.org.

Included with admission.

Story Time — Terrific 2’s & 3’s: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 23, Boylston Public Library, 695 Main Street, Boylston. For information: (508) 869-2371, llstretton@cwmars.org.

Snack & Study: 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Jan. 23, Boylston Public Library, 695 Main Street, Boylston. For information: (508) 869-2371, efurse@cwmars.org.

PAWS to Read: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Jan. 23, Worcester Public Library Burncoat Branch, 526 Burncoat Street, Worcester. For information: lsheldon@mywpl.org.

CCYO (Cardio, Core & Yoga) 8 Week Session: 6-7 p.m. Jan. 23, Mayo Elementary School Gym, 351 Bullard Street, Holden. Cost: $80.

For more information or to sign up, visit holdenrec.com or call the Recreation office at (508) 8290263. Pre-registration is required.

Uproariously Funny

What: “Dreams of Harmony: Music & Reflections for Martin Luther King Day” — Presented by Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester When: 2 p.m. Jan. 20 Where: The Sanctuary, All Saints Church, 10 Irving St., Worcester How much: Free. www.pakmusic.org

2020 People to Watch Party: presented by Pulse Magazine, 6 p.m. Jan. 23, El-Basha, 256 Park Ave., Worcester.

Ballroom Series II Rumba & Cha Cha January 23rd to start: 7-8 p.m. Jan. 23, Asa Waters Mansion, 123 Elm Street, Millbury. For information: (508) 865-0855.

Class is open to singles and couples. Cost is $65 for members of the mansion and $70 for nonmembers.

Yoga for Everybody (8 Week Session): 7-7:50 p.m. Jan. 23, Mayo Elementary School Gym, 351 Bullard Street, Holden. Cost: $70.

For information: 508-829-0263, agreene@holdenma.gov, or visit Holdenrec.com. Pre-registration is required.

MaeDae Premiers: 9 p.m. Jan. 23, starlite, 39 Hamilton St., Southbridge.

Friday, Jan. 24

Stage “A Bronx Tale”: Jan. 16-19, The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. thehanovertheatre.org.

“Boeing Boeing”: Jan. 24Feb. 2, Bradley Playhouse, 30 Front St., Putnam, Conn. www. thebradleyplayhouse.org “Four Weddings & Elvis”: Jan. 24Feb. 1, Stratton Players, Alumni Center for the Performing Arts, Applewild School, 98 Prospect St., Fitchburg; strattonplayers.com/

Auditions Gateway Players Theatre production of “The Cemetery Club”: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 19 and 20, Elm Street Congregational Church, 61 Elm St., Southbridge (entrance on Park Street). Performances April 3, 4, 17, 18 and 19. (508) 764-4531 or (774) 230-1321.

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Worcester Art Museum Tour: Flora in Winter: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Jan. 24, Boylston Public Library, 695 Main Street, Boylston. Cost: Free. For information call (508) 869-2371, efurse@cwmars.org.

Included with admission.

Hands-On Drumming: 4-5 p.m. Jan. 24, Worcester Public Library Roosevelt Branch, 1006 Grafton Street, Worcester. For information: lsheldon@mywpl. org. Professional musician Craig Norton discusses Native American, African, Caribbean and Latin stories, song and dance.

A Celebration! “Flora Euphoria”: 5:30-8 p.m. Jan. 24, Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester. For information: information@worcesterart. org. The festivities include entertainment, live music, hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Valet available at Lancaster Street entrance for $5 per car. Members, $25, Nonmembers $40, Youth 4-17

$10, Salisbury Members Free.

5th Annual Winter Soiree: 6:3011:30 p.m. Jan. 24, Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street, Worcester. Cost: $48.

Tony Soul Project: 7-10 p.m. Jan. 24, Specialty Sandwich Co, 624 Main Street, Holden.

Fender Road (Feat. Paul ‘Fender’ Lirange and Gary Suter): 8-11 p.m.

Jan. 24, Days End Tavern, 287 Main Street, Oxford. Free.

The Road Owls: 8:30 p.m.-12 a.m.

Jan. 24, Greendale’s Pub, 404 West Boylston Street, Worcester. Cost: $5.

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What: Comedian Kenice Mobley When: 8 p.m. Jan. 18 Where: The Comedy Attic, Park Grill & Spirits, 257 Park Ave., Worcester How much: $15

Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester will present a free event, “Dreams of Harmony: Music & Reflections for Martin Luther King Day” in The Sanctuary at All Saints Church. The program features tenor and Pakachoag Music School faculty member Christon Carney, pictured, with pianist Kristjon Imperio performing art songs, spirituals and the song “Make Them Hear You” from the musical “Ragtime.” Also taking part will be the Worcester Children’s Chorus and All Saints Choirs. Pakachoag Music School students will be playing music before the program begins and sharing inspirational quotes during the concert. State Rep. Mary S. Keefe of Worcester will provide opening remarks. Pakachoag Music School has not programmed an event linked to this theme or holiday before, said executive director Sarah Smongeski. In 2018, Pakachoag Music School moved from its home of many years at Pakachoag Church in Auburn to All Saints Church, 10 Irving St., near downtown Worcester. “We had a few reasons we wanted to do this concert. We were inspired in part based on an organizational vision for the future that links to the school’s new home here in Worcester and a desire to participate more fully in the cultural life of Worcester,” Smongeski said. “That vision centers around building greater organizational diversity as we work to grow the school. More importantly, honoring Martin Luther King with a concert is a reminder that we all need to continue to beat the drum and do better as a country around issues of equal access.” The event is sponsored by Security Engineered Machinery of Worcester. Pakachoag Music School has also recently received two new two-year grants supporting its efforts including Monday’s concert, Smongeski said. One grant is through the Creative Engagement Program funded by Greater Worcester Community Foundation in partnership with Boston’s Barr Foundation. “The second gift has been made anonymously, but will similarly support our efforts to expand diversity and grow financial aid in particular,” Smongeski said.

J A N U A RY 16 - 22, 2020

“I have a very specific type of man I’m interested in,” jokes comedian Kenice Mobley. “It’s villains. I’m not looking for a bad boy.

Bad boys are lame. I’m exclusively looking for a bad MAN. Someone you can tell … just by looking at them … that they have shut down three community centers.” It’s an uproariously funny bit, patiently timed and understatedly delivered. It’s great stuff. Word is, the set she’ll be working out at the Comedy Attic is the one she’s working out before headlining at Caroline’s in New York a few days later, so this is definitely one worth catching.

Remembering the Dream

CITY LIFE

ADOPTION OPTION

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J A N U A RY 16 - 22, 2020

Welcome to Adoption Option, a partnership with the Worcester Animal Rescue League highlighting their adoptable pets. Check this space often to meet all of the great pets at WARL in need of homes.WARL is open seven days a week, noon-4 p.m., 139 Holden St. Check them out online at Worcesterarl.org, or call at (508) 853-0030.

Ranger was living outside and so heavily matted it hurt him to move.

Other than screaming like a banshee when picked up, Ranger is a quiet cat. He enjoys being combed and a couple times we noticed him making biscuits in a blanket as we pet him. Ranger was adopted but returned for having a urinary condition. A canned-food only diet for life will prevent further flare-ups of urinary blockage. Ranger does not like animals or kids.

He needs a quiet home with one or two adults.

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66 ___ Poly (West Coast school) 67 Temptations

50 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 60 61

Give a lift North America’s oldest sport In shreds Inside looks?

Drummer in the Electric Mayhem Award for Alfonso Cuarón Potter’s device Misjudgment “Finding Dory” actor Willem Join metal to metal “Four and twenty blackbirds baked in ___” “Hold up!”

Amts. in recipes Active chemical in cannabis Mauna ___ (former Hawaiian erupter that’s neither one | you’re probably thinking of)

Last week's solution

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©2020 Matt Jones (jonesincrosswords@gmail.com) Reference puzzle #971

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Down 1 Gyro ingredient, often 2 Smashable items 3 Gin complement 4 Crate contents in “Angry Birds” 5 Friend of Roo and Pooh 6 Brand used in pipes 7 Form of the Sanrio character Gudetama 8 Predatory fish 9 Bifurcate 10 Pig in ___ 11 Symbol that’s a lowercase letter split by a vertical line 12 Part of A.D. 13 1,024 bytes, briefly 18 Hair-covering garment 22 Like nanotechnology’s scale 24 It’s on the plus side 25 “Lady Marmalade” singer LaBelle 27 Ring setting 29 Songwriter Redding 30 Round red root 31 Bear whose chair was too hard 32 1857 litigant Scott 33 Works into the schedule, with “for” 35 Magazine first published in 1945

36 38 42 43 48

J A N U A RY 16 - 22, 2020

Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Across 1 Part of PSL 6 Henna, e.g.

9 Bean that goes in bars 14 Make up (for) 15 Fish eggs 16 Ivy League sch.

17 Game show legend who, in his late 80s, returned to host “Let’s Make a Deal” for a week in 2010 19 Heavy weight, in France 20 Health stat that can be misleading 21 Farm grunt 22 Billboard’s Hot 100 #1 song of 2010 (originally a limitedtime free download on Kesha’s MySpace page in 2009) 23 Black Widow portrayer, in tabloids 25 Forest growths 26 Neptune’s home 27 “Good Will Hunting” director Gus Van ___ 28 Break down 31 Shareable PC files 34 Veteran actress who got to host “Saturday Night Live” in 2010 after a grassroots campaign 37 Red-headed Disney princess 39 AI game competitor 40 ___ Boogie (“The Nightmare Before Christmas” character) 41 A cappella group formed in 2011 that won NBC’s “The Sing-Off” 44 Part of RPI 45 Do some math 46 Elizabethan collar shape 47 Dorm leaders 49 Regrettable 51 Kind of poster 54 IBM computer that beat two humans on “Jeopardy!” in 2011 56 “___ oughta!”

57 Templeton, in “Charlotte’s Web” 59 “Cast of thousands” films 60 Only one of 2011’s top 10 highest-grossing films that wasn’t a sequel 62 Broad, flat beans 63 Long-handled farm tool 64 Thrown for ___ 65 Farm machinery manufacturer

“Decade in Review, Part 1”--fun stuff from 2010 & 2011.

by Matt Jones

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Prayer to the Blessed Virgin (Never known to fail) O most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity, O Star of the Sea, help me and show me where you are my mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech thee from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity, (make request). There are none that can withstand your power, O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (three times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (three times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and you must publish it and your request will be granted to you.

DMH

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LAST CALL

Robin Clark Finalist on “Chopped” R obin Clark is the executive pastry chef for Niche Hospitality Group. Clark made it to the final round on the most recent episode of The Food Network’s reality cooking competition “Chopped.”

“Chopped” loves a chef with a story. Did they get everything right? What was the essence of your story?

Back when they came to shoot my bio, I was still working at deadhorse hill. One thing I obviously wanted was to represent a strong female in the industry. There’s not a whole lot of that on television.

Typically, “Chopped” episodes have one, sometimes two, girls per episode. They were really impressed with the fact that I could work both savory and pastry, and they believed that would give me a leg up on the competition. A couple of line cooks they spoke to on camera said, “That’s why they call her the machine.” I thought it was really funny, so I didn’t mind.

The producers continued calling me “The Machine.” It became my persona.

called our names to walk down the hallway and I had to walk in the right spot, not too slow and not too fast, with my game face on. You arrive at six o’clock in the morning and spend hours doing paperwork and putting your jacket on. Then, they take your phones away. Finally, they say, “We’re going to bring you out to see the judges.”

You walk out and you can see the baskets but you can’t see into them, obviously. When they bring you out for the actual first round, after it’s over, they make you stand there and look at your

DYLAN AZARI

Were you star struck? I mean, Martha Stewart is pretty legendary.

I really liked Maneet Chauhan and Chris Santos. I was honestly not super thrilled about Martha Stewart. I’ve been a fan of “Chopped” for so many years. I was really hoping for a chef like Alex Guarnaschelli. The judges understand that it’s super difficult for us. They know it’s high stress, high adrenaline, high everything. They know that we don’t want to hear a bad critique on national television. But, one thing I like about Chris is that he’s hard, but he’s fair.

He’s not just hard to be hard. He wants to teach you something so that you can take something out of the experience.

They all shake your hand, but there’s a difference between “I’m just going to shake your hand” and “I’m going to shake your hand because I’m really happy that I got to meet

That sounds like a win to me.

I’ve sat with the failure of second place for a year and a half now. I thought they were going to make it look like I lost by a long shot and it turns out it was super close.

It was kind of cool to be able to see myself through other people’s eyes. How often do we really get that opportunity?

Did it take you a while to get the lay of the land?

They show you where everything is. You walk through and they say, “This is how you work the stoves and this is how you use the ice cream machine.” They bring you through the pantry once, but you can’t possibly remember everything. In my first round, I was making the pickling liquid and I was trying to find sugar and I knew I’d seen it but I couldn’t find it. I was just walking around the pantry going, “Where’s the sugar?

Where’s the sugar?” And no one could help me.

Where did you watch the show when it finally aired?

We were at Still and Stir. I worked until an hour before the show and then ran home to change. Mike Covino and Steve Champagne were there. The staff was hooting and hollering and clapping and booing and it was just this big thing. It was so cool. Steve came up and said, “I’m so proud of you,” which was really heartwarming because back when we filmed the episode I didn’t work for Niche, but everyone was still so excited and they made me feel like one of their own. Mike Covino made a comment that Niche was lucky to have me. I guess I knew he felt that way, but hearing it said out loud was just so special.

– Sarah Connell Sanders

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Did they make you do more than one take for anything?

They really wanted us to have visible reactions to things. When Ted Allen would ask, “Who do you think is going to win?” You would have to be prepared to say, “I’m going to win.” Walking down the hallway took us all at least eight shots to get right. We felt like little kids in a fire drill. They lined us all up in our order and they

You don’t often get that experience in a restaurant setting — watching someone eat your food.

Even for Worcester’s Best Chef, when they judge your food it’s blind judging. You send the dish out to them, but you’re not watching them wrinkle their noses or pick at it.

you.” And then, you have Maneet who was like, “Can I hug you?”

And she comes out of her chair to hug me. She said, “When you’re in Nashville, you have to look me up.”

It was super sweet.

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Is there a big clock on the wall?

Yeah, it’s behind the judge’s heads. I looked at it at least sixteen million times because the one thing I knew was that I had to get food on the plate.

actually spend 15 to 20 minutes on each of us. You’re standing there, you’ve explained your dish, and then you’re just watching them eat it and they all have the best poker faces. Martha Stewart is picking it apart with her chopsticks.

J A N U A RY 16 - 22, 2020

So, it felt like a fair portrayal?

Yes. I mean it’s very real.

The baskets are mysteries. The time is really the time.

plates for what feels like forever.

They want to get all of the angles of you, your face, and your plate.

The producer just kept saying, “Chefs looking at plates. Plates looking at chefs.” Judges don’t ever complain about an ice cream being a little melty or food not being hot enough because they spend so much time on each one of us that it would almost be impossible for it to stay warm.

When you watch the show, it looks like five seconds of judging per contestant, but they

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