Worcester Magazine Aug. 29 - Sept. 4, 2019

AUG. 29 - SEPT. 4, 2019 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

CULTURE • ARTS • DINING • VOICES

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The soul

of the game Inside the wild world of esports at the DCU Center

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Executive Editor David Nordman Editor Nancy Campbell Content Editor Victor D. Infante Reporters Richard Duckett, Bill Shaner Contributing Writers Sam Bonacci, Stephanie Campbell, Sarah Connell Sanders, Gari De Ramos, Janice Harvey, Barbara Houle, Jim Keogh, Jim Perry, Hope Rudzinski, Craig S. Semon, Steve Siddle, Matthew Tota Creative Director Kimberly Vasseur Multi Media Sales Executives Deirdre Baldwin, Debbie Bilodeau, Anne Blake, Kate Carr, Laura Cryan, Diane Galipeau, Ted Genkos, Mia Haringstad, Sammi Iacovone, Bob Kusz, Helen Linnehan, Patrick O’Hara, David Prendiville, Kathy Puffer, Jody Ryan, Henry Rosenthal, Regina Stillings, Randy Weissman Sales Support Jackie Buck, Kayla Kinney, Yanet Ramirez Senior Operations Manager Gary Barth Operations Manager John Cofske WORCESTER MAGAZINE is a news weekly covering Central Massachusetts. We accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts.

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the cover

Photo by Matthew Healey, Design by Kimberly Vasseur

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The Soul of the Game: Inside the wild world of esports at the DCU Center Story on page 11

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Featured ......................................................................................4 City Voices...................................................................................8 In Case You Missed It ... .......................................................10 Cover Story ...............................................................................11 Artist Spotlight .......................................................................17 City Life ......................................................................................18 Table Hoppin’ ..........................................................................18 Lifestyle......................................................................................19 Dining .......................................................................................20 Next Draft .................................................................................20 Film .............................................................................................22 Film Capsules ..........................................................................22 Listen Up....................................................................................23 Calendar ....................................................................................24 Adoption Option ....................................................................28 Games .........................................................................................29 Classifieds .................................................................................30 Last Call .....................................................................................31

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FEATURED

Lunenburg actress reprises roll as princess at King Richard’s Faire RICHARD DUCKET T

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ou could say that singer and actress Charisse Shields of Lunenburg likes being part of a royal family.

After all, she does portray a princess at King Richard’s Faire, the Renaissance-style fall festival that opens this year on Aug. 31 and runs on weekends (as well as Labor Day and Columbus Day) through Oct. 20.

Spread across an 80-acre kingdom of forest off Route 58 in Carver, the festival features an array of entertainment on eight stages, a royal court and village folk, street performers, knights on horseback, exotic tigers, musicians, singers, dancers, acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and musical comedy performers. There are also artisans and craftsmen, plenty of food, and wine and brew (and soft drinks). Dating back to 1982, it is the largest and longest-running event of its kind in New England.

As big a production as the festival is, “it’s a total family atmosphere,” Shields said.

For one thing, there are the families and children she gets to meet. And fellow festival performers and crew are a close-knit group, she said. “We go to barbecues with each other. We go bowling together. My little brother works there, too. It’s literally my second family. I know I can call on any of them if I have any kind of issue.”

Shields first auditioned for a part at King Richard’s Faire in 2010 and returned annually. But last year she was away from court, pursuing an increasingly growing performing career that has included more travel and becoming a member of Equity, the actors’ union.

However, “I missed my fair,” she said. “I wanted to come back at least another year.”

Shields will be returning to the role of Princess Drizelda, a part that’s a counterpart to Drizelda’s best friend, Princess Snow. Princess Snow is a “sweetheart.” Princes Drizelda is “the complete antithesis of that,” Shields said. “She’s kind of a wicked princess.”

Indeed, she’s billed as Princess Malevolent of Grey Marsh. The marsh in King Richard’s Faire lore is “the icky, sticky, gooey place that the wicked characters come from,”

Charisse Shields returns to the role of Princess Drizelda at King Richard’s Faire.

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Shields said.

Princess Drizelda acts and sings in a musical scenario that’s part of a two-act musical. “There are a lot of lot of parodies of songs,” Shields said.

Scenario writer Frank Dixon “works with character and works with our voices.”

When not on the stage, Shields stays in character as Princess Drizelda, interacting with people at the festival. “All day long I’m spending the day as a guest in King Richard’s lands.”

People need not worry about meeting her because actually Princess Drizelda may not be all bad.

“She’s a little like me. I’ve taken the character in as myself,” Shields said.

“A lot of my personality traits are amplified. She has a bit of sass to her, is what I like to say.”

It took quite a bit of sass on Shields’ part to decide at the age of 30 to give up her post office and print production jobs to go after musical theater professionally. She had done a lot of community theater (including several shows at Theatre at the Mount in Gardner) and had the yearly weekend fall King Richard’s Faire gig. But Shields decided to take a chance and try to take things

Charisse Shields, left, of Lunenberg joins fellow princesses Kelley Stephens and Jamie Lynn Dellorco to entertain guests at King Richard’s Faire in Carver, Mass.

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further.

“I guess it was a quarter life crisis.

(I said) ‘I need to try this. If I don’t I’m gonna regret it.’ I don’t regret it. I don’t have the stability I used to, but it works for me.”

One big break was being cast last year in an Equity show, “Rock Odys-

sey,” at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami. She’s also appeared in other shows in Florida.

“My home base is Lunenburg. I travel a lot for different show combinations,” she said. Besides performing, she’s also taken on behind-thescenes entertainment jobs including

circus tour administration and working as a casting assistant for the upcoming “Little Women” movie adaptation.

“I’m hoping to get more performance work than administrative work,” Shields said.

Growing up in Lunenburg, “I

used to sing a lot when I was really little,” Shields said. In high school she sang in choruses but didn’t appear in any musicals because she played ice hockey and the schedules clashed. During her freshman year at Fitchburg State University a friend “convinced me to try out” for a part in a show, Shields said. “I tried out.”

She hasn’t looked back, with roles that have included Mimi in “Rent,” Deena Jones in “Dreamgirls” and Ronette in “Little Shop of Horrors.”

After auditioning at King Richard’s Faire she was initially cast as Princess Alice in a scenario based on “Alice in Wonderland.” This year will be her fourth time as Princess Drizelda, she said.

“I love it … I love being part of an upbeat in representation, be it racially or assurance wise.” She can see children realize “ ‘I can be a princess.’

I love the recognition. The look in their eyes.”

A unique challenge for a performer at the festival is that all of Shields’ activities take place outdoors for almost two months. “The weather changes so drastically from beginning to end,” she noted. Costumers are “really great at having alternaC O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 7

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FEATURED

Woo-bituaries Elizabeth Bishop (b. 1911, d. 1979) STEVE SIDDLE

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ll the untidy activity continues, awful but cheerful.

(Inscribed upon her gravestone in Hope Cemetery.)

She had a rough start. Elizabeth’s father died while she was an infant.

Her mother went crazy and finally got committed when her daughter was 5. Bishop’s childhood was shadowed by various illnesses and consequently kept her from going to school. Much of Elizabeth’s early education came from her Canadian grandparents and a beloved aunt in Boston.

Predictably, Elizabeth read deep and wide. An early talent for metaphor and felicity of language helped Elizabeth get into Vassar College.

After graduating in 1934, Elizabeth went abroad.

Long boat rides and rugged hikes could not dissuade the young poet.

She traveled extensively on the European continent, North Africa and throughout Brazil. Upon her American homecoming Elizabeth published her first book of poems in 1946. She would go on to win all the awards and achieve the mild fame of a prominent American poet.

Pick up most any anthology of 20th-century English poetry and you will find a piece by Elizabeth.

Bishop’s poems are remarkable, in the easy naturalness of tone and the precise way she finds the right word. The poems themselves are small in scale but grave in implication and intimate in tone; like a private conversation with a welltraveled friend.

Her happiest years, it seems, were a world away from Worcester.

In 1951 Bishop moved to Brazil to live with her lover, Lota de Macedo Soarse. Yet Worcester and New England loom large in much of her most famous poems. Indeed, after all her travels she chose to be buried here. It is as if she were continuing a conversation with where she came from, with who she was, and where it all went down.

“Think of the long trip home.

Should we have stayed home and thought of here? Where should we be today?”

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K I N G R I C H A R D’ S

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tives for our outfits.” Her costume is also “built to my measurements.”

Nevertheless, a “velvet dress, wool and fur coat is a lot if it’s 90 degrees

as her ultimate dream. “No, I don’t think so. Broadway, you have to stay there. I really just want to be able to make a living performing and traveling. A national tour — that would be the ultimate dream. I’d love to be in ‘The Lion King.’”

As for returning to King Richard

King Richard’s Faire features an array of entertainment, including street performers, knights on horseback, exotic tigers, musicians and more.

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and his Faire next year, “You never know from year to year,” Shields said.

“If I’m there, I know I’ll be a part of it. If not, I know the scenario will be just as good.”

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

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outside. Sometimes I switch to a stole.”

Hydration is one key for all involved. “Everyone’s great about having water available. We’re really vigilant and take care of each other.”

Looking ahead, Shields said she is not really aspiring to Broadway

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CITY VOICES

HARVEY

FIRST PERSON

First day back-to-school jitters JANICE HARVEY

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promise I won’t whine about summer ending. At least, I’ll try not to fuss too much, even though there are tears on my pillow every time that alarm rings.

The only ones crying louder than kids when school resumes are the teachers, and we admit it. But we adjust. The first two wake-ups hurt like hell, but we slip into the groove quickly. Thanks to the painful chore of making up snow days in June every year, and returning to the classroom before Labor Day, we’ve grown accustomed to summer shrinking faster than Donald Trump’s approval rating.

We began our year with the usual review of Worcester Public Schools policies. This exercise covers everything from sexual harassment to handing out aspirins like Willie Wonka — both are prohibited, by the way — and a list of dos and don’ts involving privacy. Teaching can be a minefield when it comes to societal shifts.

Custodial parents vs. non-custodial parents can put teachers in a corner, and we are as duty-bound as physicians to stay tight-lipped regarding a student’s progress without clear and written permission to share even the slightest crumb of information. I’ve adopted the phrase “You’ll have to check with my principal about that. Let me get him for you,” as my go-to answer. “Know Your School Night” gives me the hives.

The first day back wouldn’t be complete without two things:

90-degree heat and videos made

by School Safety Director Rob Pezzella. Pezzella has a job I don’t envy, given the current climate of fear regarding mass shootings. Most of my colleagues have been through at least one ALICE training (Alert Lockdown Inform Counter Evacuate), a program that teaches educators how to “proactively handle the threat of an aggressive intruder or active shooter event.” One of Pezzella’s many tasks is making sure we stay up to date on the latest tactics recommended to help our students survive such a horrific scenario.

As I watched a video reviewing the five steps for which the acronym stands, I found myself fixated on “Counter.” Counter is a step you’d rather not reach, since it involves what to do if confronted by a shooter. Distracting the shooter to throw off his accuracy is what it’s about: throwing anything you can grab. I kept thinking about how this might work if the intruder had a “traditional” weapon like a hand gun.

I know nothing about guns but I have to assume that an active shooter carrying an AR-15 doesn’t rely on accuracy if he’s spraying a room with bullets. I felt jittery as I watched the video, recalling how traumatic the initial training had been for me. I began to think about how a ban on assault weapons, the kind designed to kill as many humans as efficiently and rapidly as possible, might be more effective than an English teacher throwing her stapler at a murderer. It saddens me and leaves me outraged

WORCESTER MAGAZINE’S LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY Letters to the editor are a great way to share your thoughts and opinions with thousands of readers and online viewers each week.

There is no word limit, but we reserve the right to edit for length, so brevity is your friend. If handwritten, write legibly - if we cannot read it, we are not running it. A full name and town or city of residence are required. Please include an email address or phone number for verification purposes only. That information will not be published. Make sure your letter makes it into Worcester Magazine in a timely fashion — send it in by the Monday of the next issue. Please note that letters will run as space allows. Send them to Worcester Magazine, 100 Front St., 5th Floor, Worcester, MA 01608 or by email to WMeditor@gatehousemedia.com.

to think that nothing has changed after 255 mass shootings in the first eight months of 2019. No laws regarding guns have changed since my first ALICE training, three years ago. It saddens and infuriates me to learn that mothers are buying bullet-proof backpacks along with lunch sacks and notebooks while NRA honcho Wayne LaPierre spends 90 minutes talking Trump out of something as simple as background checks.

I believe that our schools will do everything humanly possible to keep our kids safe. Every teacher I know instinctively protects children, whether the threat comes from a bully in the schoolyard or an intruder with murder on his mind. I’ll throw that stapler if I have to, but I’m hoping that before I retire, I’ll have a “first day back” experience that doesn’t happen on the heels of yet another mass shooting. No one enters the field of education to do anything but teach; let’s hope steps will be taken to allow us to have academic lessons instead of survival tactics on our minds.

Oh, and kudos to Rob Pezzella.

I don’t know what they’re paying him, but it’s not enough.

Questioning the rise of Socialism KEN KOZBERG

to death, possibly many more. The Chinese Socialists under Mao Tseany people have Tung killed some 45 million people written maxims that during the Great Leap Forward essentially say the of the late 1950s. Who knows same thing: Learn how many more were killed and from the mistakes of history, or imprisoned in the Soviet Union you are doomed to repeat them. and China for opposing the SocialThe current political move toward ist State. The same can be said socialism in our country begs that about Vietnam, Korea, Cuba and people learn from the mistakes of more recently, Venezuela. I had a history. I first only have to look at great-aunt who was a product of a my own family. My grandfather Socialist reeducation prison camp was arrested by the Soviet Socialunder Stalin. She came here after ists in the 1920s for the “illegal the war, and was sadly damaged transport of goods” (the undergoods. ground economy) but was lucky I used to teach in the Worcesenough to escape with my pregter Public Schools. As part of nant grandmother and raise his an economics chapter in social family in the United States. Most of studies, I assigned an essay questheir extended families were killed tion about the benefits of the free by the German National Socialenterprise system in the United ists a few years later during World States as opposed to the command War II. economy of Cuba. A parent wrote When Josef Stalin and the Soviet me that her son would not answer Socialists decided to collectivize that question, as it assumed our agriculture in the Ukraine in the system was better than Cuba’s. She early 1930s, the result was the Ho- went on to personally attack me lodomor. Following the confiscapolitically; I discarded the note tion of land, food and livestock, at C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 9 least 4 million Ukrainians starved

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CITY VOICES

WORCESTERIA

Less pep than expected at teachers’ rally

FIRST PERSON

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 8

relationships, and had the power to enforce its ideas.

The current crop of socialists running for the Democrat Party’s presidential nomination are often asked how they plan on paying for their expansive socialist programs.

I have yet to hear a satisfactory answer. Britain’s Margaret Thatcher famously said, “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.” The leadership in every socialist country live very well. They insulate themselves from the results of their policies.

I find it interesting that Senator Bernie Sanders, arguably America’s most recognized Socialist, is worth about $2.5 million, according to Forbes Magazine. He’s doing pretty well.

Have you ever had the frustrating experience dealing with local, state or federal government agencies about an important issue? Who hasn’t? How can people have so much trust in the government that they want to give it even more power than it already has? We need less government interference in our lives. We need to teach our children to be self-reliant and motivated, that they have the power to succeed in life. My grandfather knew this and passed it on to his children and grandchildren. I’m grateful to him and hope that I’ve been able to pass it on.

when I retired, so I can’t quote it, but her words stung as I had been involved in the anti-war and antidraft movements in the Vietnam era.

BILL SHANER I discussed with my principal how to respond, and her wise MY CONDOLENCES: The superintendent held her annual pep rally on advice was to excuse the assignFriday — for teachers, not students. It’s something I’ve always thought was ment but not to respond to the a little weird, and I’ve heard more than a few teachers casually complain note. I wouldn’t get anywhere and that the four-hour event is a waste of time better spent putting their we had a lot of important things classrooms back together. Well, after getting my hands on a rundown of to focus our energies on. I often the day’s events, I’m inclined to agree. If I was forced to attend this, I’d be wondered if that parent taught miserable, too. The event is basically just a non-stop Worcester government her son how the Castro brothers official speech parade. The superintendent speaks, then the lieutenant and Che Guevara imprisoned and governor, then the state treasurer, then the mayor, then the city man- oppressed the gay population of Ken Kozberg used to teach in ager, then the police chief, then the fire chief, then the commissioner Cuba. The Socialist government Worcester schools, and now lives in of Health and Human Services, then the district attorney. I’ve listened did not approve of same-sex Oakham. to all of them speak before and they’re all fine orators to varying degrees but right in a row like that must be brutal. Then I’m told they played a videocast message from someone high up at the PawSox, probably Charles Steinberg (it’s on the program as “special guest”), and then, after all that, a keynote address from Jamie Casap, an “education evangelist” at Google Hey, you. Yeah, we’re talking to YOU. You look like you have something to say. So this is your chance: Worceswho emphasizes the use of new technologies in teaching. And then, after ter Magazine is looking for contributors to our weekly First Person column! We’re seeking essays from our that, School Security Director Rob Pezzella delivers the closing remarks. readers about whatever facet of Worcester life they want to share. And not just politics: We want to hear Man. Now, I couldn’t confirm this entirely because it’s pretty deep union politics but let’s just say there is a movement going on right now within the about things in this city we might not otherwise ever know: Things that make the city uniquely yours. Tell us your story, and the story of the people around you. To submit for consideration, please send a 750 word essay Education Association of Worcester to end this event. A message going to WMeditor@gatehousemedia.com with the words “First Person” in the subject line. Let us know what’s on around to teachers reads, “As we all know many people left the DCU want- your mind. ing more. Let’s change that and get back into our schools before school starts!” Those frustrated with the event are asked to fill out a Google form which has been created to collect teacher feedback and provide it to the School Committee. That’ll be a fun meeting if and when the School Committee takes that data up.

Want to Write For First Person?

nging Aime ghout her upbri a ballerina. Throu New York. Musicians, acKent,

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s as well as art schoo and aristo had all kinds lf going on to in gallery shows and event creative poets, painters e found herse of ry tors, dancers, over the count herself with the same types she is today. Aime now shows all the artist that und BFA in 2006. She als. She continues to surro surrealistic world. that receiving her and arts festiv the luminous colors of her the Harlequin, a magical being l and music s variou of at paint are sexual, playfu ng with the idea inspire her to people which has been worki it. These esoteric Harlequinsour world and their own to she now For several years the world that surrounds beyond the boundaries of and ing can change itself us in their thoughts of travel s: following event Greenfield. . sometimes devio sly elastic points of views om/coletteaimee or at the in al: Sept. 13-15 reach tremendou of her work at rawartists.c Aug. 24, Wormtown Festiv Check out more town Spencer: Party in down Spencer Street

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ter in to create small town of ée is the daugh that Colette took her life in the Colette Aim in and out of of the influencesSUNY New Paltz in New York, of art flowing l at crats were many

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Let us feature your artwork in Worcester Magazine’s Artist spotlight! Email WMeditor@gatehousemedia.com for more information!

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Fair warning, ousemedia.com. s WMeditor@gateh tion digital copie local artist, emailde a small bio and high resolu tion and what will , or know of a If you are an artist your work, you’ll need to provie what will run, based on resolu sh in order to publi We reserve the right to choos art. of some of your newsprint. on reproduce best

TERMAG

*He did throw up shortly after receiving the trophy, but what happens after the trophy is received is none of our business.

TLI GHT ART IST SPO

artists WORCES

THE TOP DOG: If I could take a quick break from city politics, I would like to congratulate Archie Bellos, who pulled off the nearly impossible feat of eating 18 (loaded and dressed up) hot dogs in about four hours and without throwing up* at the Worcester Hot Dog Safari over the weekend. That is an impressive feat, and the honor of Top Dog is well deserved.

CITY LIF E

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THE RABBLE AROUND DOHERTY: The rabble hath been roused when it comes to where to put the new Doherty High School. Some people are upset about the secrecy surrounding the composition of the school building committee, which features representatives of city government, Doherty school teachers, Worcester State, Friends of Newton Hill and Brendan Melican, who appears on the list as “other” but also used to work for the Massachusetts School Building Authority, so that’s a nobrainer. The complaint here is that some are not Worcester residents and they’re making a decision on a big Worcester project. While that might be true, it appears everyone on this committee is involved with the relevant and necessary organizations, so I don’t really understand the line of inquiry. What is more interesting to me is this new proposal of putting the school on the Chandler Magnet Elementary School land, and sending all the kids that go there back to their “neighborhood” schools, as if that one isn’t? There are 500 kids who go to that school, and it hosts the only bilingual program in the district. Should this not be more of a concern?

And would this proposal even get off the ground if it were, say, The Flagg Street school instead? I don’t think it’s a good idea at all, especially since there are other proposals that wouldn’t break up a school and effectively displace 500 kids. Like where Doherty is now, but placed differently, or taking Foley Field, which is sort of weird but less bad than a school. I don’t see why any option is preferable to building on the existing site.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ...

Listen! A Poetry Reading Poet Dave Macpherson has been hosting offbeat poetry readings every Sunday at Nick’s Bar and Restaurant for a while now, first the extremely offbeat Hangover Hour, where featured poets read full sets of the work of a favorite dead writer, and now Listen! A Poetry Reading, where local poets read their work, or Macpherson may stage a reading of an old radio play. You never know. The Aug. 25 installment featured local poet Susan Roney-O’Brien, and the open reading included Eve Rifkah, Dave Jahn, Heath Bleau and others.

Photos by Sam Fuller

COVER STORY

of the game BILL SHANER Video game spectators watch players compete in Super Smash Bros. at the Shine 2019 esports tournament at the DCU Center.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Inside the wild world of esports at the DCU Center

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The soul MATTHEW HEALEY

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COVER STORY

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awoke on Friday in clothes from the night before and cracked a Reign energy drink. I put water on for a Nissan instant noodle and downloaded Twitch, a popular video game streaming app, to my phone. The annual Shine Super Smash Bros. Competition was at the DCU Convention Center for the first time. Unsure what to expect, I loaded my bag with the essentials — laptop, camera, notepad, corn chips — and I readied myself to walk for the first time into the wild world of competitive esports.

mates casually watched. Volunteers escorted and organized players — managing brackets with as many as 800 competitors in them.

Along the back of the room was the main stage. Two massive monitors flanked a stage with two folding tables on it, set at 45-degree angles.

This is where the real contenders showed off, and depending on who was playing, as many as 100 people could be watching behind them in folding chairs.

I was told that at the end of the conference, come time for the final

Paris Ramirez, a 19-year-old from Connecticut, goes by the gamer tag Light, and is considered one of the top 10 Smash Ultimate players in the world.

BILL SHANER

Upon entering the conference center, the scene looked not unlike a comic con. There were vendor booths and games and people milling around. Some held posters of scantily clad anime girls, superhero and game culture swag was abundant, and some came in costume.

Notably, a team of four players seemed to go the entire day in banana suits. But beyond the small vendor section in the entryway, the conference center opened up to what, for many, may seem a totally alien world. But for those involved in the world of esports, this is the familiar field of play.

The floor was covered in rows upon rows of folding tables holding monitors, TVs, consoles and controllers. At each, dozens of players stared into monitors with laser focus while friends and team-

matches, the entire audience is at rapt attention for the showdowns between elite players. There were three other stages sprinkled around the room. Each had a team of announcers who would call play by play and provide color commentary for each game. These matches were simultaneously live broadcasted to the internet, where the content garnered millions of views.

On one of the lesser stages, where players competed in the Brawlhala iteration of Super Smash Bros., I attempted to interview the winner of one round. When I approached him, he politely declined. He was from Brazil, and he didn’t speak any English, he said. Though most of the players at the competition were from the northeast, Shine drew elite players from around the world. This player

COVER STORY

Arjun Malhotra, left, of Erie, Pennsylvania and Jake Cohen of Nanuet, New York compete on the main stage in a game of Super Smash Melee during the tournament.

MATTHEW HEALEY

not the best, player of that specific character. At the DCU Center Friday, he wore a sweatshirtstyle jersey for Rogue. In a sea of thousands of gamers, the jerseys distinguished elite players, and that’s partly the point.

“Having a jersey is like being a walking advertisement in a way,” said Ramirez. “They’re my team, I go and compete for them. And then you do other things to help support them, and then they support you.”

Ramirez is Rogue’s only Super Smash Brothers player, but the team sponsors a roster of players across eight games.

Elite esports players make money off of tournament prizes as well as from sponsorships and from streaming. As far as tournament prizes go, Shine, and Super Smash

Seth Kary is Shine’s volunteer coordinator.

BILL SHANER

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

livestream their matches on the gamer streaming platform Twitch.

Elite players typically represent esports teams, which sponsor players in a variety of different competitive games. In between matches, I caught up with Light, who consistently ranks within the top 10 players. His real name is Paris Ramirez, and he’s a 19-yearold from Connecticut. He’s been playing competitively since he was 15, but since joining the esports team Rogue, he travels constantly to Smash tournaments across the country, sometimes for a month at a time.

“This is 100 percent my job,” said Ramirez. He only plays Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, the newest version of the game, and only plays as the character Fox. He is considered one of the best, if

Shine volunteer coordinator Seth Kary is part of an eight-person core staff which puts the event on. At the convention center, he sat with other staff and volunteers in a pen of folding chairs, squarely in the middle of the action. It had the feel of a dispatch center.

Volunteers ran paper brackets back and forth. Others entered the results into laptops and others still coordinated with players. Amid the flurry of activity, Kary took a minute to explain the appeal of what he called “the Northeast’s celebration of Smash, so to speak.”

“The sense of community everyone has, I mean, everyone comes together because they love this game and they’ve made countless friendships, relationships and everything in between,” he said.

“Everyone says it’s like a family.”

Kary, the other organizers and a roster of about 80 volunteer had been at the conference center as early as 4 a.m. the day before the tournament. Where other, larger tournaments are paid for and put on by big gaming companies, Shine has more of a DIY ethic, Kary said. For Smash, “it’s not

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wore a jersey for the esports team Sinai Villagers, and the jersey was covered in advertisements. A quick google search showed that his tag — short for gamer tag, the name players identify themselves by in game — is Fiend. He is a 20-yearold computer engineering student, but also a professional Brawlhala player.

Shine is one of the largest Super Smash Bros. tournaments — what players consider a “major” — and it attracts the best players in the world. In fact, 27 of the top 50 players, as ranked by Panda Global Rankings, competed. For fans, many are household names, like MkLeo, from Mexico, and Leffen, from Sweden. Both have huge social media followings, at 114,000 and 276,000 Twitter followers respectively, and often

Brothers in general, are on the more modest side of the industry.

The winner of the Smash Ultimate tournament pulled in about $3,600 in prize money. The winner of Melee, a past version of the game, pulled in about $2,700. Still, elite players can make hundreds of thousands of dollars. MkLeo has amassed $186,000 in prize money over the course of his career, and he is only 18 years old. In other games, prize money reaches eight digits. The most lucrative tournament, The International, doled out $34 million in prize money. The winning five-person team pulled in $15.6 million — a pot that esports outlet Engadget pointed out is more per player than Tiger Woods pulled in the 2019 Masters.

Though it has only recently wiggled its way into the mainstream, on the back of rockstar streamers like the Fortnite player Ninja, esports has quietly become a lucrative international endeavor.

Although Shine brought thousands to Worcester, and racked up almost 10 million streaming views on Twitch, Shine is on the small side of a deceptively large industry.

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can Architectural Foundation has a pending purchase agreement with the city to convert the space into an esports arena in partnership with Becker College. Along with a function hall and a hybrid performance and movie theater hine’s decision to relocate to Worces- space, the AHF plans to convert the main auditorium space into ter was purely financial. The tour- an esports venue. A rendering put together shows a packed audinament has been in Boston since torium with a jumbo screen and 2016, and last year it was held a massive projection, as about a in the booming Seaport district. dozen players sit on stage in gamShine found both the space and ing chairs staring at their laptops. the hotel rooms for players to be The vision was celebrated by city much too expensive, so they relocouncilors as a novel and exciting cated to Worcester, where cheap use of space at a meeting earlier hotel rooms, parking and conventhis year. tion space are readily available.

Tim Loew, general manager of But more and more, people and the Becker Varsity Esports Club organizations in Worcester have and executive director of MassDigi, begun to see the value in esports. said esports is a youth movement Becker College has aggressively that, like rock ’n’ roll, we’d be powpursued esports. Last year, the erless to stop. college launched a scholarship “Esports are clearly something program for talented esports that should be on everybody’s players under the banner Varsity radar screen at this point, the Esports Program. The program viewership numbers are out of works with the college’s esports this world, the interest level with club. The club competes in games young people is demonstrably such as Overwatch and League of enormous,” he said. “If you’re trying Legends among others, and plans to add Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to get a peek into the future, it’s esports.” in the future.

Internationally, economists At the old and long abandoned predict that esports could become Memorial Auditorium, the Ameri-

ESPORTS IN WORCESTER

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really a commercialized industry.” Nintendo, the company that produces Super Smash Brothers games, is not involved in the event, though it does sponsor it as a sort of slap of approval. Instead, it’s up to Shine’s small staff and corps of volunteers. Kary pointed to the endless rows of tables covered in consoles.

“This, all of this … I was here since 4 a.m. yesterday setting this up,” he said. “A lot of it is volunteer work and unfunded. It’s for the love of the game. It’s just the passion people bring. If people weren’t passionate we wouldn’t be putting on these tournaments.”

The Super Smash Brothers scene — and it did have the palpable feel of a distinct subcultural movement inside that conference center – is maintained via tournaments large and small which happen every week in cities around the region, Kary said.

“This is one of the biggest tournaments of the year but people come every week to 60- to 80-person tournaments,” he said. “They grind and grind. They want to get better. They play their friends. It’s this huge, like, group effort for everyone to get better with each other.”

Ruth Blaney of Littleton sits in a quiet spot and reads an ebook while her 15-yearold grandson Donovan Blaney (not pictured) watches and competes in a video game contest at the Shine 2019 esports tournament.

MATTHEW HEALEY

COVER STORY

a $1 billion industry this year, and could grow to $1.79 billion by 2022, according to a Newzoo market report. For perspective, the average value of an NFL team is $2.57 billion.

Though the money itself is impressive, the audience size is staggering. Newzoo estimates there were 215 million occasional viewers and 165 million enthusiasts, a total audience size of 380 million, up about 14 percent from 2017. By 2021, Newzoo predicts the industry will have a total audience of about 557 million people.

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hough small in comparison to the industry at large, Shine’s online audience was substantial. On Friday afternoon, the main stream had picked up almost 7 million views by the time I logged on around

8 p.m., and about 8,000 were watching a match between MkLeo and Light. The live streams ran all day, shuffling between highprofile matches and analysis. Fans engaged one another in a rolling constant comment stream under the video. On Saturday early in the afternoon, 9,135 people were tuned in. On Sunday, come time for the final matches between elite players, the stream had an audience of about 30,000 people, and it had racked up more than 10 million unique views. Like every esport since companies like Twitch made livestreaming easy, competitions are broadcast on two levels — in-person and online. The streams have color commentators and commercial breaks, operating much the same as a TV broadcast, and they stayed hyper focused on the elite players who command the biggest audience.

But while the elite players were part and parcel of Shine’s draw, they were sprinkled into a field of about 1,600 competitors across various versions of the game. For Ultimate, the newest version, there

From left, video game fans Jeremy Jackson of Brockton, Benjamin Aube of Worcester and Joseph Tankard of Pembroke watch a Smash Ultimate match on the big screen during the Shine tournament.

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Nathanial Kranjc of Chicago competes for the University of Illinois in the collegiate tournament of Super Smash Melee during the Shine 2019 esports tournament.

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MATTHEW HEALEY

were 800 competitors. For Melee, an older but beloved version, there were 600. Elite players had to work their way out of massive pools just the same as unknown players.

After milling around the convention center floor for a while, I sat in to watch a few matches.

Light and his partner, Marss, were on the big stage competing in a doubles tournament. I sat in the rows of folding chairs behind them, watching the game on a 20-foot projection, with about 100 other people.

I overheard two audience members behind me talking about the match in specifics I couldn’t understand. Full disclosure: I am what you would generously call a casual gamer, and I have never played Super Smash Bros. In any serious way, so much of the competition and commentary was lost on me. Like any sport, competitive gaming has developed its own vocabulary: “ledge dashing,” “offthe-court game,” “DI away,” “edge guarded,” “year of the falcon.” None of it made any sense to me, but the two people behind me seemed fluent.

Turns out, they were brothers and had driven six hours to the tournament from a remote town in northern Maine. They both entered the tournament, but were quickly knocked out in a hyper competitive field. But they stayed

on and followed the tournament as fans. With esports perhaps more than any other sport, the line between competitor and spectator is blurred.

“We’ve been watching people play competitive Smash for a couple years now, since like 2013, and it’s always been a dream of

sight, and they have favorites. Tim talked glowingly about getting to meet the player MewTwo King for a minute. David said his favorites are Marss and Light, who were on the stage preparing for a match as we spoke. The tournament was the brothers’ first time at a major tournament after following the esport

Video game competitor Charlie Clapp of Wareham poses for a photo with his controller.

MATTHEW HEALEY

ours to come to an event,” said Tim Youngfellow, sitting next to his brother David. Back in 2013, David found videos of competitive Smash, got his brother into it, and soon they were hooked. Now they know elite players by name and by

for years and the pair glowed as they told stories of watching and meeting their favorites.

“It’s like more than I could have imagined it to be,” said Tim.

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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of three adult kids and Nana to two grandsons. To say the least, she has a busy life and is blessed with an amazing family.

Her photography work is her personal escape. Light, colors and all things nature call to her to pick up her camera and “capture time.” Most seasons will find Cobb outdoors embracing nature, although she does dabble in portraits and action now and then trying to capture emotion.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Donna Cobb is a hobby photographer, wife and mom

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CITY LIFE

Student Art Criticism: Material Needs 2019 ANYA KOHAN

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nce a year, artists have a rare opportunity through ArtsWorcester: a chance to win support for making new work. Now in their ninth cycle, Material Needs Grants range from $500 to $1,500, and are restricted to the supplies needed to create new art in Worcester County. Made possible by an anonymous donor, Material Needs Grants have paid for familiar artistic media such as paint, film and clay, but also unexpected materials such as rubber, artificial pearls, concrete, carpentry wood and taxidermy.

These awards are an opportunity for artists to imagine what they would make if the cost of supplies was not a factor. Scored by a volunteer committee, artist proposals must demonstrate that the art they make is new to their practice and that their project can be completed for exhibition within a calendar year, when the results of their work goes on view to the public.

Opening Sept. 6, the works of the 11 artists awarded Material Needs Grants last year will go on exhibition in ArtsWorcester’s West Gallery. One of the artists is Aimee Cotnoir. With her funds, Cotnoir created large-

scale film noir-inspired narrative paintings. Filmic imagery is layered in her work in an effort to expand the painting’s — and film’s — meaning and to reach a wider audience. She often portrays the passage of time in the scenes that she chooses to depict by evoking the movement of figures and the change of light and shadow — a difficult feat in painting. Focusing specifically on visually powerful scenes which are driven by compelling cinematography and a power struggle between sexes, Cotnoir aims to bring attention to gender dynamics in film by way of her paintings which will enhance and create a new meaning for both media.

The grant put Cotnoir fully back into her studio. “Prior to receiving it,” she says, “I was spread out very thin working and taking on numerous projects outside of my studio practice. The grant made me realize that although writing and interviews and curating are worthwhile and interesting pursuits, I need to, above all else, be an artist. I had forgotten how right it feels to really dive in.”

Sarah Williams chose to use her Material Needs Grant to explore new techniques within her chosen medium. Out of her ceramic vessels, she carves words and narratives

AIMEE COTNOIR, “THE TENSION IN BETWEEN,” OIL ON CANVAS, 18” X 44”

taken from today’s debates and social media jargon about politics, technology, and the environment.

Williams is particularly interested in celadon on a porcelain clay body.

Celadon style glazes have a rich history in Asia, dating back to before the 10th century. Williams’ interest lies in the translucency that allows precise, incised work to show through the glaze, in this case, the language of media, politics, and discord. The combination of her fresh and often irreverent political commentary with ancient and refined techniques results in jarring, oddly

elegant juxtapositions. In addition to her pieces in Material Needs, a solo exhibition of Williams’ works is on view in an ArtsWorcester exhibition in the Davis Art Gallery, on the third floor of the Printers building.

This year’s cohort also included Amanda Bastien, Piya Samant, Tess Barbato, Tyler Vance, Cathy Taylor, Terry Lamacchia, Melinda Goodhue, Jaimee Taborda and Lyn Slade. All of the recipients of the Material Needs Grant are residents of Worcester County and were a member of ArtsWorcester for at least one calendar year prior to their application,

the only qualifications necessary for applying. Material Needs opens at ArtsWorcester, 44 Portland St., with a public reception from 6-9 p.m.

Sept. 6.

Opening in the East Gallery Sept.

6 is Robin Reynolds’ solo exhibition, “Summer Blooms/Winter Gardens.”

On the third floor, Williams’ “Dysfunctional” will run alongside Natasia Lawton-Sticklor’s photographs, “Tea Time.” All are on view through Oct. 5.

Gallery hours at ArtsWorcester are Tuesdays through Thursdays, noon-5 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, noon-7 p.m.

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TABLE HOPPIN’

Worcester Tech culinary instructor wins Unsung Hero award BARBARA M. HOULE

T Kevin Layton, chef instructor/head of culinary arts at Worcester Technical High School, has won the school’s Unsung Hero award.

PHOTO/COURTESY OF KIM YOUKSTETTER

he beginning of the school year for Kevin Layton, chef instructor/head of culinary arts at Worcester Technical High School, began on a celebratory note.

Meet the Unsung Hero award recipient at Worcester Technical High School.

School principal Kyle Brenner presented Layton with the award last week and told staff, “This year’s unsung hero was an easy choice.”

Layton puts plenty of work in behind the scenes, he said, and has had a heavy impact on literally thousands during his extensive 20-year educational background that includes writing, developing, organizing and implementing curricula for all courses under their direction.

“There is seldom a school event that this person is not present,” said Brenner. “He is always quick with

a straight ‘yes’ or perhaps a not so direct, ‘umm, yeah, we’ll make it work,’ but never have I heard an, ‘err, nope, can’t or won’t do it.’ This person has traveled near and far with students to provide them with opportunities and experiences that prepare them for this global society.”

Layton was lauded for providing students with innumerable opportunities to hone their skills at every level of their technical trade. “While he personally has an unsophisticated palate, he works with his students to provide some of the most sophisticated dishes and comfort foods,” said Brenner.

“Under his direction, the chefs and young aspiring chefs have designed and prepared breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts for small, elegant occasions to large informal and formal settings (upward of 300+) for a multitude of events for the benefit of the school and community.”

The culinary students, with assistance from chef instructors,

prepare the menu and food served at the school’s Skyline Bistro, which is open to the public when school is in session. The bistro will officially open on Sept. 10. The café’s Thanksgiving dinner event in November (three days) last year sold out in less than an hour.

A teacher-mentor for new teachers, Layton participates annually in Jump Start, the culinary department’s Advisory Board, homecoming, award banquets, celebrations, retirements, ribbon cuttings, visiting dignitaries and fundraisers.

His belief in providing access to college and coursework has resulted in agreements with Johnson & Wales University and the Culinary Institute of America, according to Brenner, who said Layton works with the co-op coordinator providing co-ops and internship opportunities for his students as well as providing students opportunities to service conferences, restaurant and café,

allowing them to work on their soft skills in customer service, including with the Worcester Restaurant Group’s Sole Proprietor. In addition, culinary students have participated in the ProStart (national invitational) competition and Worcester’s Best Chef.

According to Brenner, Layton is the first instructor to establish an international relationship and exchange program with the Lycee Des Metiers Hotelliere and Tourisme du Val de Loire in France. The collaboration provided students at Worcester Technical High School to Skype and email with other students (pen pals) in France to gain more cultural insight.

When the French students and teachers visited Worcester (twice), Layton organized activities and host families.

Brenner said Chef Layton “amazes us with his energy and drive on a daily basis.”

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LIFESTYLE

Wake Up, Worcester SARAH CONNELL SANDERS

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legendary Boston-based rapper Termanology took us by surprise with a live performance. The PWW brand stood strong.

In the words of the great installation artist Balloonski, “Secret Walls slaps.” It is epic. Magnificent.

Staggering. PWW’s first Secret Walls, held in 2016, opened my eyes to how art brings out new life in familiar

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Please Consume Responsibly. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children. Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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omewhere between the Table Talk pie eating contest and the bouncy house at the Great Brook Valley Block Party, a woman approached me to thank POW! WOW! Worcester for “waking the Valley up.” I shook her hand and my head at the same time. I didn’t know what to say.

The members of our PWW committee had each played a unique role in supporting more than a dozen visiting artists over the course of a week-long mural festival centered around the Great Brook Valley neighborhood. In fact, at that very moment, our attorney was driving a tiny car full of large muralists to the airport, our operations director was disassembling all evidence of a covert art-battle, and I was spattered in a combination of bucket paint and leaky garbage juice. PWW POW! WOW! Worcester mural in was so much bigger than Great Brook Valley by Tony Peralta and Evaristo Angurria. any one person and the day-to-day grind felt far PHOTO/SARAH CONNELL SANDERS from glamorous.

My biggest fear going into the festival was that residents of places. Conversely, this year’s PWW captivated me with a crew of hilarithe neighborhood would feel like we ous, brilliant and tenacious neighborwere encroaching on their home. I hood kids. hoped the artists could elicit a sense I understand what the woman at of ownership as they set to work in the Block Party means about “waking the community.

From the very first day, Tony Per- up.” Most weeks, I see all the same people and go to all the same places. alta delivered.

But, last week, I was thrust into a Peralta brought discipline, guidance and candor to a crowd of young community filled with love and light. admirers all week long. When he said Every day felt like my first Secret Walls all over again. his goodbyes on Friday afternoon, I As luck would have it, the 2019 watched the mightiest girl in Great Brook Valley shed a tear. I felt certain festival also coincided with the start of a new job for me. My position will the mural he completed with fellow Dominican painter, Evaristo Angur- allow me to see many of the young people I met in Great Brook Valley on ria, would always mean more to her a daily basis. Best of all, I’ll be helping than paint on a wall. kids grapple with Worcester’s latest That evening, across town, PWW batch of PWW murals, so in a way, supporters swarmed the Beer Garthe festival never has to end. den on the Grid and pushed their On the ride home from the block way to the front of the stage for a clear view of Secret Walls — the art party, I started to cry. Maybe it was sheer exhaustion. Maybe it was the scene’s roving “Fight Club.” Everyone culmination of a gigantic project. Or, was drinking Wormtown’s PWW maybe it was the start of something beer and wearing PWW gear. Los new. One thing is for certain: the Angeles pop artist Matt Gondek Valley woke me up and gave me a lot chided competitors over the PA to be grateful for. I won’t take that for system while DJ Jon Strader riled granted. the crowd. At the end of the night,

CITY LIFE

DINING

Lunchtime Simplicity at Oishi 8 Franklin St., Worcester. (508) 752-1688 SANDRA RAIN

Choose wisely.

You’ll find a sushi chef standing in silence behind the counter slicing ishi is ideal on afternoons when your watch strikes 2:30 cucumbers into singular paper-thin spirals for hours on end. His patience p.m. and somewhere along the way to your three o’clock is bountiful. He wears a navy blue headband and matching jacket, both meeting downtown, you realize you haven’t eaten lunch yet. You want to printed with a traditional Japanese motif. Bento boxes emerge fast upon keep things healthy, but good meals ordering. The mango roll contains so take time. Oishi is a one-stop shop many uniformly packed cubes that for no-nonsense Japanese cuisine it begins to resemble a plant tissue that will leave you feeling refueled microscope slide you once examined and rejuvenated. during a middle school science class.

If you are truly in a rush, don’t The mango roll's shade of sunny hesitate to order the lunch spegoldenrod matches the paint on the cial. Failing to do so will result in walls. a lengthy appeal from the kind Oishi does not employ a lot of gentleman at the register. You won’t make this mistake twice. He wants to heavy sauces with its sushi; the maki does not require soy sauce. Rolls arsave you money and you should let him. Ordering a lunch special opens rive on dainty floral plates, arranged in blossoming cylinders with dabs the door for a free beverage, soup or salad, depending on your preference. of wasabi and a pile of pale pickled ginger. Pinch each piece between Remember, in Japanese culture, ofyour plastic set of smooth, tapered tentimes broth can serve as a drink.

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chopsticks and devour.

I hazard a guess that Oishi’s spicy ramen menu is part of the reason that their neighbors at Stix Noodle Bar are in the midst of changing concepts. Stix couldn’t hold up to Oishi’s namesake bowl served with chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, and a seasoned hard boiled egg. Crunchy bean sprouts and freshly chopped broccoli ease the heat, while Oishi’s rich miso broth emits a signature saline tang.

Oishi’s noodles hold the squiggle of an instant cup, rendering them both slurp-worthy and nostalgic.

Oishi feels welcoming, as evidenced by a framed print on the wall that spells out “FRIENDS.” Don’t be afraid to stay awhile if your afternoon meeting gets canceled. The staff makes sure every surface from the tables down to the tile floor stays clean and dry until closing.

Oishi’s pint-sized space is not ideal for a large group, but it is a

prime spot for solo respite. Sushi and ramen may have had fashionable moments over the last decade, but Oishi leaves pretensions at the door.

Dishes are simple and inexpensive.

On my last visit for the lunch special, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., I polished off two rolls and a drink for $10.95.

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: HHH Service: HHH Value: HHH

THE NEXT DRAFT

Pumpkin beers creeping back into the market

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MATTHEW TOTA

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he monks of St. Joseph’s Abbey follow a Trappist tradition that dates back to the 17th century.

They operate their brewery by the strict standards of the International Trappist Association and produce timeless styles of beer that float above the whims of craft’s fleeting market.

But, being in New England, their abbey cloister could not avoid one of the most polarizing trends in beer: the summer release of pumpkin beers, otherwise known as the pumpkin creep.

So, Spencer Brewery has already made and shipped its first pumpkin beer. In fact, they had a lot fun brewing it, as evidenced by the name they picked: “The Monkster Mash.”

“We said, ‘Let’s do a pumpkin beer,’ which is a little out of character for us,” said Father Isaac Keeley, the brewery’s director. “Then as we were talking about it, we got enthused: ‘Let’s not put it in a bottle, let’s put it in a 16-ounce can.’ And when, we worked on the label, we got out of our typical branding. It became a

playful thing to do.”

Given Monkster Mash’s Halloween theme — it carries an orange label with the face of a ghoulish looking jack-o’-lantern — Keeley does regret that the ale was not released later, perhaps closer to the holiday. The brewery, though, felt the pressure of the market.

“I would love to have it be on the holiday schedule, so to speak, because of the whole Halloween motif; as a normal human being that’s what I would want,” he said. “It isn’t that way though. And we’re such a little brewery, that we can’t drive those schedules. When this is gone, everybody is going to start talking about Christmas beers. The day all of the Halloween stuff goes out the door, the Christmas stuff goes in the next day. Take this with a grain of salt because I live in a monastery, but this big

A tank at Spencer Brewery sports a banner for its new pumpkin beer, “The Monkster Mash.”

COURTESY OF SPENCER BREWERY

retail cycle, it has a life of its own.”

Distributors don’t want to take all the blame for the pumpkin creep, as they say they are meeting a schedule dictated by their breweries, while reacting to the demands of their customers. It should be noted, too, that there are many breweries in Massachusetts who choose to hold off releasing their pumpkin and other fall beers until October.

Jon Salois, vice president of sales at Atlas Distributing Inc., cringes when he sees Halloween candy at stores in August, so he understands those who despise the summer release of pumpkin beers.

Atlas is Spencer Brewery’s local distributor.

It also distributes Shipyard Brewing Co.’s Pumpkinhead, which of all the pumpkin beers released in August, seems to garner the most love and derision

for its early arrival. First released in 1997, Pumpkinhead has become the primary villain in the minds of those who ridicule the pumpkin creep.

But for as much criticism as the early release of pumpkin beers receives, the beers themselves do sell, Salois said, especially in New England. “There are so many people who love fall,” he said. “I think people do cringe initially, but everyone seems to eventually gravitate not only to pumpkin beers, but the Oktoberfests, the Märzens and even the ciders.”

About four years ago, he said, breweries flooded the market with pumpkin beers, and for Atlas, sales were strong. But in 2016, Atlas saw the market for pumpkin ales decline slightly and begin to level out.

Salois believes breweries were overly enthusiastic about their pumpkin beer based on the success they had in 2014 and 2015. There were so many offerings, and stores had too much inventory. In 2016 and 2017, for instance, Atlas stocked around 40 different pumpkin beers from 14 different breweries.

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CITY LIFE

TA B L E H O P P I N’

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Layton and his wife, Christine, have two children, Colleen and Ian Layton.

“It is always nice to be recognized for the work that all teachers do on a daily basis during the school year,” Layton said. “This award was not only for myself, but all the culinary arts instructors because of all the support they give me every day to help keep the department running smoothly.”

When we asked Layton if there was something about him that we didn’t know that would surprise us he answered, “My friends and colleagues will be very surprised that I take time to sit back and relax throughout the summer months.

They are so used to me running around and being on the go that they never see me in a relaxed state.”

A member of the advisory board for culinary arts at the school, I know that other members, local chefs (some alumnae of the school), restaurateurs and representatives of the food industry, join me in sending Layton sincere congratulations.

Chopped!Worcester returns in October

Circle the date: The annual Chopped!Worcester culinary event to benefit Jeremiah’s Inn in Worcester is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 7 at Maironis Banquet Facilities, 52 South Quinsigamond Ave., Shrewsbury.

General admission tickets, $35 per person, are on sale. Visit https://jichopped19.eventbrite. com, or connect on Jeremiah’s Inn’s Facebook page. One hundred percent of the event proceeds will support Jeremiah’s Inn’s Nutrition Center’s food pantry and residential programs.

Local chefs will participate in friendly culinary competition, having only 30 minutes to prepare two courses to be presented to judges.

Chefs rattling the pots and pans will include Christopher Anthony Bairos of Broth in Worcester; Rick Araujo of Civic Kitchen & Drink in Westboro; Lauren Flores, a Worcester chef; Bill Bourbeau of The Boynton Restaurant & Spirits in Worcester and 2019 Iron Chef winner at Worcester’s Best Chef competition.

I will be on the judges’ panel with Chef Christopher O’Harra, Tony Bristol of 96-1 SRS and Executive Chef Kenneth O’Keefe of the Publick House in Sturbridge, who won the 2018 Iron Chef, Worcester’s Best Chef competition. The overall winner gets to take home the “Golden Cleaver” award.

FYI: Bairos in 2016 won the Judges’ Choice Award at Worcester’s Best Chef competition; Araujo, the Judges’ Choice Award in 2019. Both chefs competed for the Iron Chef title.

Hosts will be executive chefs/owners Jay Powell of Jay’s Twisted BBQ and Grille, which operates out of Leicester, and Michael Arrastia of the Hangover Pub in Worcester.

Enjoy live music, appetizers and “mocktails” provided by local eateries. A silent auction also will take place.

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

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Even Shipyard acknowledged the slumping sales of pumpkin beer.

When it announced the August 2017 release of Pumpkinhead, the Maine brewery doubled down on its flagship pumpkin, pledging efforts to boost its sales, including the release of a cinnamon sugar mix for glass rims.

Over the last two years, Salois said, pumpkin beers have started to rebound, with the market becoming somewhat less saturated. Last year, Atlas had only about 33 different pumpkin beers, he said.

Nationally, the market for pumpkin beers has mirrored what Atlas saw regionally.

“Twenty-sixteen saw oversupply and dropping sales, leading to tight orders in 2017,” Bart Watson, chief economist for the Brewers Association told me in an email. “By 2018 it seemed like distributors and brewers were doing a better job of figuring out which pumpkin beers should be in the market and the size of orders.”

Atlas is anticipating better

pumpkin beer sales this year than last, Salois said. August has not even ended, and already the distributor has sold a third of what it did in 2018.

“I’m expecting this to be a really positive year for us in terms of the fall seasonals,” he said. “The summer has been great, and that success seems to be moving right into the fall.”

As for Monkster Mash, Salois said early sales of the Trappist pumpkin ale have been strong.

Spencer Brewery brewed about 55 barrels of Monkster Mash, and Keeley is hopeful all of it will be sold off well before Halloween. The ale, which comes in at 5.2 percent alcohol by volume, has a subtle pumpkin flavor and touch of spice.

Of course, because the brewery wanted to release Monkster Mash by the first week of August, it had to use pumpkin puree.

In Massachusetts, fresh, local pumpkins won’t be ready until at least mid-September.

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CITY LIFE

FILM

Raise a cup to Seinfeld JIM KEOGH

L

ast year, I took the click-bait and answered 50 online questions testing my knowledge of “Seinfeld.” I was horrified to miss two.

Until then, I’d assumed my “Seinfeld” acumen was foolproof.

I’ve watched every episode many times — the nightly rerun at 11 p.m. on WSBK is typically the last thing I see before either shuffling off to bed or passing out on the couch. When Jerry Seinfeld performed standup at The Hanover Theatre a few years ago, I was three rows from the stage.

I’ve built up similar affection for “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee,” Seinfeld’s Netflix series that features him bantering with standup comics and actors while they motor around town in vintage cars and nosh in diners and delis. Seinfeld has interviewed everyone from Jim Carrey to

Christoph Waltz, mostly in New York and Los Angeles but with side trips to locales as diverse as New Orleans and our own Shrewsbury ( for a sitdown with Aziz Ansari).

He’s sipped coffee with a husband and wife (separately) — Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker — and spoken frankly with Michael “Kramer” Richards about the racist onstage tirade that derailed Richards’ standup career. Dana Carvey asked his advice on how to deliver a joke for maximum impact. Four of his former guests, Jerry Lewis, Bob Einstein, Garry Shandling and Don Rickles have since died.

He’s even played host to one of his former “Seinfeld” girlfriends, Ali Wentworth, who nearly got him banned from the Soup Nazi’s kitchen.

I admire the show for many reasons. One is pragmatic: Each episode is only about 20 minutes long.

Compactness is key in the streaming universe — or at least in mine.

The current season also has revealed a willingness to “go there.”

During a conversation with cabaret star Bridget Everett, Seinfeld rails against a particular comedian, essentially calling the guy an untalented hack. The name is bleeped out, yet lip readers and other sources confirm Seinfeld is skewering comedian-filmmaker Bobcat Goldthwaite. Their beef apparently dates to Goldthwaite’s earlier criticisms of Seinfeld, whom Goldthwaite accused of being “weird,” inauthentic, and obsessed with his post-sitcom efforts to regain his throne in the standup kingdom.

In another episode, Jamie Foxx recalls how important it was for him and his grandmother to watch Johnny Carson beckon African-American singer Joe Wilson to his interview couch, a gesture that traditionally

bestowed credibility on any “Tonight Show” performer. As Wilson made his way over, the microphone cord wrapped around his leg and tripped him to the floor. Because of the time it took to untangle him, his one-onone was mercilessly brief. But he did reach Carson’s couch!

My favorite episode this season is a two-parter with Ricky Gervais that speaks to the risks involved with telling jokes for a living. At one point, Seinfeld inserts a punchline into the observation “no two people look alike,” which Gervais flags as potentially offensive to an entire ethnic group. Throughout the episode, the comedians keep returning to the issue of whether the line should be edited out, since doing so will spare them the hassle of answering to the aggrieved mob. Gervais seems legitimately unnerved by the potential fallout. Seinfeld obviously decided to let it ride, opting to launch an

“Avengers: Endgame” — Captain America and the other surviving team members attempt to set the universe to rights in the aftermath of Thanos’ victory in this Marvel franchise entry.

(3:01) PG-13.

“Blinded by the Light” — A working-class British-Pakistani teen in 1987 finds inspiration in the music and lyrics of Bruce Springsteen. With Viveik Kalra, Hayley Atwell, Rob Brydon. (1:57) PG-13.

“Brian Banks” — A promising high school football player fights for justice after he is falsely convicted of rape.

With Aldis Hodge, Sherri Shepherd, Melanie Liburd, Greg Kinnear. (1:39) PG-13.

“A Dog’s Journey” — The pooch with a purpose forms a new attachment and vows to watch over her in this sequel. (1:48) PG. “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” — The teen explorer from the animated series leads her friends on a jungle adventure in this live-action tale. With Isabela Moner, Eugenio Derbez, Michael Pena, Eva Longoria, Temuera Morrison. (1:42) PG. “The Farewell” — Lulu Wang’s tender, funny and melancholy dramedy about an elaborate family deception is personal filmmaking at its most incisive, with superb performances. PG. “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs

& Shaw” — Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham grudgingly team to battle a cyber-genetically enhanced anarchist wielding a bio threat in this globe-spanning spinoff of the speedfueled action series. (2:14) PG-13.

“Godzilla: King of the Monsters” — The giant reptile vies with Mothra, Rodan and the three-headed King Ghidorah for world domination.

(2:12) PG-13.

“Good Boys” — Bad decisions lead a trio of sixth-graders down a comical path of age-inappropriate misadventures. With Jacob Tremblay, Keith L. Williams, Brady Noon, Molly Gordon, Lil Rel Howery, Will Forte.

Written by Lee Eisenberg, Gene Stupnitsky. (1:32) R. “John Wick — Chapter 3 — Parabellum” — The super-assassin played by Keanu Reeves is back, pursued by other hired killers looking to collect a $14 million bounty. (2:10) R. “Late Night” — A swell romantic comedy of a very particular sort, a film that details the delightful attachment two women have to the profession they’re completely devoted to. R. “The Lion King” — The young Simba has a series of adventures on the way to claiming his birthright in this computer-animated remake of the 1994 animated Disney musical.

(1:58) PG. “Men in Black: International” —

A new generation of alien-busting agents searches for a mole in their midst. (1:55) PG-13.

“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” — Leonardo DiCaprio is a has-been TV star and Brad Pitt plays his longtime stunt double in writerdirector Quentin Tarantino’s 1969-set multi-narrative tale set during the closing days of the studio system’s Golden Age. (2:39).

“Overcomer” — A high school coach and family man in an economically struggling town finds inspiration in a young girl who tries out for the cross-country team.

With Alex Kendrick, Aryn WrightThompson, Shari Rigby, Priscilla Shirer. (1:59) PG. “The Peanut Butter Falcon” — A young man with Down syndrome chases his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. With Shia LaBeouf, Dakota Johnson, Zack Gottsagen, John Hawkes, Bruce Dern, Jon Bernthal, Thomas Haden Church, Jake Roberts, Mick Foley. Written and directed by Tyler Nilson, Michael Schwartz. (1:33) PG-13.

“Ready or Not” — A new bride is forced by her eccentric in-laws to play a twisted and deadly game.

With Samara Weaving, Mark O’Brien, Adam Brody, Henry Czerny, Andie MacDowell. (1:35) R. “Rocketman” — Mild-mannered

Jerry Seinfeld at Brody’s Diner in Shrewsbury.

T&G FILE PHOTO/SUZANNE PANARELLI

uncomfortable conversation rather than avoid it.

Watch the episode. Decide for yourself. Me, I’m OK with hitting the accelerator rather than the brakes once in a while.

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FILM CAPSULES “47 Meters Down: Uncaged” — Four teen girls exploring undersea ruins are menaced by sharks in this sequel. With Sophie Nelisse, Corinne Foxx, Sistine Stallone, Brianne Tju, John Corbett, Nia Long. (1:29) PG-13.

“Aladdin” — Live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1992 animated musical based on the timeless fantasy tale about a charming thief, a beautiful princess and a big blue genie. (2:08) PG. “Angel Has Fallen” — Gerard Butler’s Secret Service agent returns, this time framed for the attempted assassination of the president. With Morgan Freeman, Jada Pinkett Smith, Lance Reddick. (2:00) R. “The Angry Birds Movie 2” — The irritable avians of the popular game app return in this animated sequel. Voices of Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Leslie Jones, Bill Hader, Rachel Bloom, Awkwafina, Sterling K. Brown, Danny McBride, Peter Dinklage, Dove Cameron, Lil Rel Howery, Nicki Minaj. (1:36) PG. “Annabelle Comes Home” — The deadly doll wreaks horror on the family of demonologists in this franchise entry. (1:46) R. “The Art of Racing in the Rain” — A clever dog voiced by Kevin Costner narrates the story of his owner, an aspiring Formula One driver. With Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, Kathy Baker, Martin Donovan, Gary Cole. (1:49) PG.

English piano player Reginald Dwight transforms into rock superstar Elton John in this musical fantasy biopic starring Taron Egerton. (2:01) R. “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” — Teens in a small town in the 1960s discover a book of terror tales that start to come true. With Zoe Margaret Colletti, Michael Garza, Gabriel Rush, Austin Abrams, Dean Norris, Gil Bellows, Lorraine Toussaint. (1:510 PG-13.

“The Secret Life of Pets 2” — A sequel to the computer-animated comedy reveals more of the antics our animal companions get up to when we’re not around. (1:26) “Spider-Man: Far from Home” — The young web slinger’s trip to Europe with his school friends is interrupted

by Nick Fury and some elemental creatures. (2:08) PG-13.

“Toy Story 4” — The gang goes on a road trip and reunites with Bo Peep in the fourth entry in DisneyPixar’s beloved computer-animated franchise. (1:40) G. “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” — A Seattle woman with a seemingly perfect life suddenly disappears in this comedy-drama based on Maria Semple’s best-selling novel. With Cate Blanchett, Billy Crudup, Kristen Wiig, James Urbaniak, Judy Greer, Troian Bellisario, Laurence Fishburne. (1:44) PG-13.

CITY LIFE

LISTEN UP

Oompa steps up with captivating ‘Cleo’ VICTOR D. INFANTE

is on fire/we don’t need no water/ let the (expletive) burn.” Desperation gives way to arson-tinged anger, here’s a sense that “Cleo,” the new album by Boston hip-hop and it’s transformative. That fire spreads to the subsequent song, “Joy artist Oompa, sort of solidiBack,” where romantic longing and fies as it progresses, Oompa’s professional insecurity mesh. As persona becoming more present, more actualized with each track. It’s Oompa’s vocals escalate, her anger burns away the song’s almost ironic, as the sense of fear. “I want album begins with my joy back,” she raps, songs drawn from the persona claiming real-world privation, something ineffable. taking the listener on “If you’re asked a journey of overcomto quiet your voice, ing obstacles and don’t,” says Oompa, in becoming herself. a spoken interlude at The album, which the end of the song. draws its name from “Stretch your pain the lesbian character across the room/let played by Queen your words vibrate like hunger.”

Latifah in “Set It Off,” opens with There’s power here, and by the time “Pangs,” a brooding rumination on the heavy-hitting “Feel Like Cole” arall the things the album’s persona rives, all the album’s earlier negative has been told she can’t be, being emotion transforms into fuel. Songs “too divisive/too black for the white kids/too dyke for the righteous.” She such as “Work,” “Another 10,” “20/20” and “I Want the Sky (No Ceilings)” fumes at these obstacles, spitting level up the album’s intensity, shiftthem out with a tone of derision at her naysayers. This is an aspirational ing the narrative from hardscrabble sustenance to hard work and ambialbum, but Oompa makes no bones tion. It feels as though this should be about where that journey is beginning: “Make a half-gallon of milk last the less-relatable part of the album, but the opposite is true. Earlier, for six days/six sick kids in a crib the world seemed to be constantly with no sick pay.” stealing from her: Money, love, selfEverything in the first few songs respect, joy. When she reclaims all is built on an unstable foundation. that, she becomes fully herself.

“Dope,” for instance, makes use of a The album ends with “Thank You sultry R&B tone as Oompa reflects (Fed),” a Gospel-esque expression of on lives infected by drugs and robgratitude to the people who stood bery. A sense of financial desperaby her, particularly her mother. The tion haunts the song, which ends explosion of church choir vocals fill with a spare, spoken exchange as the song with life: “I can’t believe I Oompa’s persona humbled herself, came this far/I can’t believe I lost asking for money she’s owed. Even the more upbeat “Cleo N’ Nem” can’t it all/when I think about all I’ve won/I’ve gotta thank you.” The sense extinguish the bit’s heartbreaking of gratitude is palpable, and that realness, nor does the more sensual “Cookie,” with its refrain, “either I just warmth spills into the album’s coda, “Order My Steps (Outro),” where caught the flu/or I think I’m in love the persona addresses whom she’s with you.” Even love is disorienting.

The album pivots on “Fool’s Gold,” speaking to and for: “To the group home girls and the chubby girls/just which faces injustice squarely, eyetrying to find jeans that fit/for the ing the roots of the urban poverty: “We know how it end/got me by the homies trying to be men/and don’t like examples they get/for the teachwrist/put me in the car/take my ers who said you ain’t (expletive)/ fingerprint/keep me for a minute/ you were perfect don’t let ‘em forget,” this is ludicrous/you just making then later adding, “To my queer charges stick.” Defiance escalates throughout the song, continuing into babies/can’t say the world is better/ but it’s better with you in it/so please the incendiary “Yaaamsayn,” which echoes the classic Rock Master Scott never let up.” & the Dynamic Three line, “The roof COURTESY ALLY SCHMALING PHOTOGRAPHY

T

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CITY LIFE

THINGS TO DO

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Thursday, Aug. 29 Out To Lunch Festival and Farmers’ Market featuring the Drunken Uncles: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Aug. 29, Worcester Common Oval, 455 Main St, Worcester. Free.

Summer in the Park Concert Series — Robert Black: 6-8 p.m.

Aug. 29, Dr. Arthur and Dr. Martha Pappas Recreation Complex, 203.5 Pakachoag St., Auburn. For information: kpappas@town. auburn.ma.us. Rain date the following Tuesday Thursday Night Laughs: hosted

by Rob Pierce, featuring Kirsten Logan, Dean Abbott and Dave Sheehan, 8 p.m. Aug. 29, WooHaHa! Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $10.

Victor Wainwright & the Train: 7:30-11 p.m. Aug. 29, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. Cost: $25. For information, call (978) 425-4311. Victor Wainwright’s musical style was described by the American Blues Scene Magazine as “honky-tonk and boogie, with a dose of rolling thunder.

Matt Robert and Marty Ayotte: 8 p.m. Aug. 29, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

JAIL BREAK with Special Guest Disasterina from “Dragula”: hosted by: Poise’N Envy and Harley Queen, featuring: Marianne Laputaine, Veronica Powers and Naomi Chomsky, 8:30 p.m. Aug. 29, Bull Mansion, 55 Pearl St., Worcester. $15-$20.

Friday, Aug. 30

Thank Friday it’s Dr. Nat: 5:30 p.m.

Aug. 30, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

In Good Nature, Northern Life, Ghost Fame and Bicycle Inn: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 30, The Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester. $10.

WOOtenanny Presents: Vallydated:

7-9 p.m. Aug. 30, Nick’s Bar, 124 Millbury St., Worcester. Cost: $5.

For information: (508) 826-8496, woocomedyweek@gmail.com.

“Wild Rose”: screening, 7-8:40 p.m.

Aug. 30, Park View Room, 230 Park Ave, Worcester. Cost: $8.50-$10.

Plein Air Film Series — “Boom for Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel”: screening, 8-11 p.m.

Aug. 30, Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester.

Cost: $12-$16. For information: information@worcesterart.org.

Ty Herndon: 8 p.m. Aug. 30, The Pavilion at the Beer Garden, 66 Franklin St., Worcester. $25-$30.

Best of Worcester: hosted by Brian Glowacki, featuring EJ Edmonds and Jesse Bulingame, 8 p.m. Aug. 30, WooHaHa! Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $20.

Twelveyes, Former Critics, Seaholm and Waiver Wire: 9 p.m.

Aug. 30, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester.

Saturday, Aug. 31

GWLT Hike Series: Crow Hill: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Aug. 31, Crow Hill Conservation Area, 221 Harrington Way, Worcester. For information: (508) 795-3838, lea@gwlt.org.

GWLT Board Member Deb Cary leads a free guided tour through the Crow Hill conservation area, which is home to oak trees, blueberries, and a pyrophytic plants. Hikers will meet in the parking lot by the kiosk across from the Ecotarium.

August Grow Like a Pro Series!

FREE 4 Week Cultivation Education Series: 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Aug. 31, Green Zone Hydroponics & Supplies, 60 Madison St., Worcester. Cost: Free.

Space is limited to 27 students, so register by phone or in person at the store.

When Main Street Was Gay: 12-1:30 p.m. Aug. 31, Worcester PopUp, 20 Franklin St., Worcester.

Cost: $10. For information: (508) 753-8278, davidconner@ worcesterhistory.net. Join WHM for a walking tour of LGBTQ+ Downtown Worcester. Follow the paths of early bar hoppers, community builders, cruisers, and Pride marchers as they cautiously and sometimes defiantly navigated the blocks around Worcester’s Main Street in pursuit of sociability, spiritual fellowship, sexual pleasure and political rights between 1950s and 1990s.

A digital companion to the tour will help bring the sites of early LGBTQ+ life to live through images and artifacts attesting to a time when Main Street was gay.

Sts. Anargyroi Greek Festival: 12-5 p.m. Aug. 31, Sts. Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church of Marlborough, 9 Central St., Marlborough. For information: (508) 485-2575, webmaster@stsanargyroi.org. Free.

Donald Prange & Rick Levine: 3 p.m. Aug. 31, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

JAZZED UP TRIO featuring Mauro DePasquale: 7-10 p.m.

Aug. 31, Casta Diva Restaurant, 35 Solomon Pond Road, Northborough.

The Grants: 8-11 p.m. Aug. 31, Specialty Sandwich Co, 624 Main St., Holden. For information: 774272-5572, lirange70@charter.net.

Pub Style Restaurant with Full Bar Farruko: 8 p.m. Aug. 31, Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester. $35-$450.

Tyra Penn and Her Army of Snakes: 8 p.m. Aug. 31, The Stomping Ground, 132 Main St., Putnam, Conn.

Best of Worcester: hosted by EJ Edmonds, featuring Jeff Landry and Jesse Bulingame, 8 p.m. Aug. 31, WooHaHa! Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $20.

Brooks Milgate: 9 p.m. Aug. 31, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

Independent Label Mixer: Live

Muster enthusiasm In the early 19th century farmers and craftsmen were required by law to serve in local militia units, and various militia companies from several towns would often come together for a regimental muster — a grand display that brought townspeople out to cheer on the companies as they marched by in uniform. On Muster Day at Old Sturbridge Village Aug. 31, visitors can view and take part in the spectacle firsthand. The militia will demonstrate the use of cannons and muskets, children can join the company and march with them, and there will be martial music and the opportunity for conversations with uniformed militia.

What: Muster Day When: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 31 Where: Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge How much: Included with admission. osv.org

stand-up comedy and hip-hop, featuring Laura Legacy, aka Letty, 9:20 p.m. Aug. 31, Charlee Bravos, 9 Grove St., Putnam, Conn.

Sunday, Sept. 1

UsLights, Peregrine and The Brewhouse Band: 3 p.m. Sept. 1, Marine Corps League, 181 Lake Ave., Worcester.

Listen! A Poetry Reading: 7 p.m.

Sept. 1, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

The Duende Project: 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 1, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

Richie Ramone: with Wimpy Rutherford and the Cryptics and Tender Beats, 9 p.m. Sept. 1,

Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester. $15.

Monday, Sept. 2

Run For The One 5K: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sep. 2, Next Level Church, 112 Crescent St., West Boylston.

Cost: $25. For information: shane. becton@nextlevel.church. All of the proceeds will benefit addiction recovery efforts.

Dirty Gerund Poetry Series: featuring Providence MC Jesse Ramos, 9 p.m. Sept. 2, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester.

Tuesday, Sept. 3

Rainbow Lunch Club: 12-2 p.m.

Sept. 3, Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, 90 Holden

Nashville Dreams In the acclaimed new British musical drama “Wild Rose” being screened Friday by cinema-worcester, Rose-Lynn (played by Jessie Buckley) has just served a prison sentence in Glasgow, Scotland. The single mother of two gets a job as a housekeeper, and hangs on to her dream — of going to Nashville and making it as a country singer. Legendary BBC presenter “Whispering” Bob Harris, playing himself, is among those impressed by her voice. Julie Walters (“Educating Rita”) plays Rose-Lynn’s mother.

What: “Wild Rose” — presented by cinema-worcester When: 7 p.m. Aug. 30 Where: Park View Room, 230 Park Ave., Worcester How much: $10; $8.50 students and seniors. cinema-worcester.com

CITY LIFE

St., Worcester. For information: (508)756-1545 ext.404 or wlen@ eswa.org. Programs, entertainment and educational series for LGBTIQA 60 years old and older; younger partners, friends and allies. $2.50 suggested donation for those age 60+; the fee for younger individuals is $5.50.

Worcester’s Role during the AIDS Crisis: 7-8:30 p.m. Sep. 3, Worcester Historical Museum, 30 Elm St., Worcester. Cost: $5. For information: (508) 753-8278. Jim Voltz, who was executive director of AIDS Project Worcester from 1991-1996, will lead a discussion on the early days of the AIDS

In the Mix The Independent Label Mixer is a strange, offbeat show: a little bit poetry slam, a little bit rap battle and eclectic rattlebag of fresh voices from the world of stand-up comedy and hip-hop. It’s a judged competition, with the winner taking home $100 and headlining the next

Jessie Dillon Beauty Celebrates One Year Anniversary: 6-8 p.m.

Sep. 4, 258 Main St, 258 Main St., 111, Milford. For information: JessieDillonBeauty@gmail. com. This event will feature exclusive discounts, door prizes, free raffles, a bubble bar & bites, “selfie station,” and complimentary services (first come first serve).

While attendance is free, RSVP’ing on jessiedillonbeauty.com secures your value-packed goodie bag.

WCPA Board Meeting: 7-8:30 p.m. Sep. 4, Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow St., 2nd Floor, Worcester.

For information: (508) 797-4770, wcpaboard@yahoo.com.

Wednesday night Cornhole at Railers Tavern: 7-10 p.m. Sep. 4, Railers Sports Tavern, 90 Commercial St., Worcester. Cost: Free.

LGBTQ+ FOR THE RECORD Lecture: 7-9 p.m. Sep. 4, Worcester Historical Museum, 30 Elm St., Worcester. Cost: $5. For information: (508) 753-8278, davidconner@worcesterhistory. net. Eric Marcus, award-winning oral historian of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, will bring the voices of LGBTQ+ history to life through intimate conversations with moderator, Allen Young, coauthor of “Lavender Culture.”

Wacky Wednesday Jam: 8:30 p.m.

Aug. 7, Greendale’s Pub, 404 W. Boylston St, Worcester.

Demons & Wizards, Lizzy Borden and Týr: 7:30 p.m. Sep. 4, Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester. $35-$75.

Duncan Arsenault and friends: 9 p.m. Aug. 7, Vincent’s, 49 Suffolk St., Worcester.

Thursday, Sept. 5

What: Farruko When: 8 p.m. Aug. 31 Where: The Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester How much: $35-$450

Manafort Brothers, Worcester Center for Crafts, LUK Inc. and ArtsWorcester will be saluted.

Dharma and Punya: Buddhist Ritual Art of Nepal: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sep. 5, Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery, College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St., Worcester.

For information: (508) 7933356, prosenbl@holycross.edu.

Featuring paintings, illustrated texts, sculptures, and ritual implements crafted by Newar artisans over the last millennium, “Dharma and Punya: Buddhist

Ritual Art of Nepal” will be centered on how the Buddha’s teachings were arrayed as much for worldly householders as otherworldly seekers.

Buffalo Soldiers presentation by Joseph Glover: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Sep. 5, Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence St., Worcester.

For information: (508) 852-5539, ebelding@seniorconnection.org.

Free First Thursday - September: 3-7 p.m. Sep. 5, Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St., Fitchburg.

For information: (978) 345-4207,

Hey, Ho! Let’s Go! Richie Ramone wears his musical history well, and why wouldn’t you, if you’re one of the few remaining living members of one of the world’s most iconic punk bands? Joining the band as a drummer in 1983, he penned songs including “Somebody Put Something In My Drink.” His career has continued, but there’s still an underlying layer of blitzkrieg bop in his music, which is fine, because that sound has withstood the test of time.

What: Richie Ramone with Wimpy Rutherford and the Cryptics, and Tender Beats When: 9 p.m. Sept. 1 Where: Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester How much: $15.

vdezorzi@fitchburgartmuseum. org.

Reptile Show with Dave Marchetti: 4-5 p.m. Sep. 5, Worcester Public Library Roosevelt Branch, 1006 Grafton St., Worcester. For information: lsheldon@mywpl. org.

Lecture by Dr. Todd Lewis: 4:305 p.m. Sep. 5, Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery, College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St., Worcester. For information: (508) 793-3356, prosenbl@holycross. edu. This exhibition highlights Nepal’s artistic heritage as a rich and enduring continuation of Indic Buddhist traditions and features paintings, illustrated texts, sculptures, and ritual implements on loan from major institutions that were crafted

by Newar artisans over the last millennium.

NYC Comedy Invades Worcester: 5-9 p.m. Sep. 5, The Muse Bar & Kitchen, 536 Main St, Worcester.

Cost: Free-$7.50.

When Main Street Was Ga: 6-7:30 p.m. Sep. 5, Worcester PopUp, 20 Franklin St., Worcester. Cost: $10.

For information: (508) 753-8278, Davidconner@worcesterhistory. net. Follow the paths of early bar hoppers, community builders, cruisers and Pride marchers as they cautiously and sometimes defiantly navigated the blocks around Worcester’s Main Street in pursuit of sociability, spiritual fellowship, sexual pleasure, and political rights between 1950s and 1990s.

Bike Night with The Ed Sullivans: 6:30-10:30 p.m. Sep. 5, Halligan’s Bar And Function Hall, 889 Southbridge St., Auburn. For information: (508) 832-6793,

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The Breakfast Club: 7-9 a.m.

Sep. 5, AC Hotel by Marriott Worcester, 125 Front St., Worcester. Cost: $40-$375. For information: (508) 7532924, lzannotti@worcesterchamber. org. t, September’s edition of the Breakfast Club will feature Troy Siebels of the Hanover Theatre as the chief greeter and Dr. Lisa Olson of AbbVie Bioresearch Center as the keynote speaker.

Nouria Energy Corp., Worcester Community Action Council,

Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Farruko’s work straddles the worlds between what you can say is “classic” Latin American pop and a more contemporary feel. He’s capable of portraying immense warmth and emotional depth on songs such as the recent, reggae-inflected “Que Ha de Malo,” while he can rise to the more caustic contemporary R&B tones on a song such as “Si Se Da.” There are a lot of musical layers in Farruko’s music, but what’s most fundamental is an underlying groove that makes it irresistible.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

What: Independent Label Mixer ft.

Laura Legacy, aka Letty When: 9:20 p.m. Aug. 31 Where: Charlee Bravos, 9 Grove St., Putnam, Conn.

How much: $15

Wednesday, Sept. 4

Latin Groove

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show. Worcester-area rapper Laura Legacy, aka Letty, won the last at Electric Haze, and the video of her winning performance that night is straight-up fire. Also performing at this installment are comedian Latasha Hughes, Ms. Laura Michelle, Good Friday and Disciple. The event is presented by Raff Theruler.

epidemic in Worcester. Prof. Robert Tobin of Clark University will moderate.

CITY LIFE

THINGS TO DO halligansbar6@gmail.com.

Hidden Gems of New England: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sep. 5, Fitchburg Public Library, MA, 610 Main St., Fitchburg. For information: (978) 829-1780, fplref@cwmars.org. The program is based on a book called Inns & Adventures, co-authored by journalist Alison O’Leary and New York Times bestselling author Michael Tougias. O’Leary will offer highlights of the book through a multimedia program that features beautiful scenery, fascinating historical tidbits, and plenty of “travel gone wrong” humor.

Lil Tjay: 7 p.m. Sept. 5, The Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester. $24.50-$100.

FATBOY SSE: 7 p.m. Sept. 5, The Pavilion at the Beer Garden, 66 Franklin St. Worcester. $20-$25.

Allison & Moon, Opium Droid, Alyssa Joseph and The Ocean Between, 7 p.m. Sept. 5, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester.

Friday, Sept. 6

New Century/New Materials: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sep. 6, Open Sky Community Services, 50 Douglas Road, Northbridge. For information: (508) 234-6232, cristi.collari@openskycs.org.

A survey of innovative artistic practices centered on emerging trends in science and technology.

ArtsWorcester exhibitions: 6-9 p.m. Sep. 6, Davis Art Gallery, 44 Portland St., Worcester. For information: info@artsworcester. org. Nastasia Lawton-Sticklor considers the intricacies of form and history through the lens of her camera in “Tea Time.” Through tea, she focuses on both her own past and the larger cultural

narrative – from the comfort it has provided her personally, to the economic and racial disparity and that emerged from tea’s growing popularity in western countries.

In “Dysfunctional,” Sarah Williams explores language through ceramic art. Her belief that diction is interwoven with our current political state is investigated through her techniques in clay.

Both exhibitions will run through October 5.

“Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Adventure”: 6 p.m. Sep. 6, The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. Cost: $35.50 to $150.

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

Sep. 6, 308 Lakeside, 308 East Main St., East Brookfield.

Deep Thoughts Poetry Slam: 7-8 p.m. Sep. 6, Bedlam Book Cafe, 138 Green St., Worcester. For information: (508) 459-1400,

‘Rolling thunder’

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Victor Wainwright is considered one of the best blues piano players in the business, as well as “a world class entertainer and vocalist.” American Blues Scene Magazine describes Wainwright’s musical style as “honky-tonk and boogie, with a dose of rolling thunder.”

What: Victor Wainwright & The Train When: 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 29 (doors open for seating and dinner at 5:30 p.m.)

Where: Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley How much: $25. (978) 425-4311; bullrunrestaurant.com

Country Matters Country musician Ty Herndon has had an impressive career, including three songs that have reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs, a Grammy nod and a Dove Award. With songs such as “What Mattered Most,” “It Must Be Love,” “Living in a Moment” and the recent release, “So Small,” he displays an immense relatability, served by his warm vocals and steady, measured stylings. With a brand-new album of cover songs out, “Got It Covered,” Herndon is definitely looking to blaze some new territory.

What: Ty Herndon When: 8 p.m. Aug. 30 Where: The Pavilion at the Beer Garden, 66 Franklin St., Worcester How much: $25-$30

bedlambookcafe@gmail.com. J On Our Terms: A New Play by Mary Darling: 8-10 p.m. Sep. 6, McKay Campus School, 67 Rindge Road, Fitchburg. Cost: $5-$15. For information: theforgetheaterlab@ gmail.com.

On A High With two recently remastered albums in its arsenal and a new release set for 2020, Demons &

Stage

“Beer For Breakfast”: 8 p.m. Sept.

6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21; 2 p.m. Sept. 8, 15, 22. $20; seniors and students, $18; youth 11 and younger, $10.

Stageloft Repertory Theater, 450A Main St., Sturbridge. stageloft.org/.

“Tuesdays with Morrie”: Sept. 13, 14, 20, 21, 22. Gateway Players Theatre. www.gatewayplayers.org.

“Beautiful”: Sept. 26-29.

The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. thehanovertheatre.org.

“There’s a Monster in My Closet”:

Wizards — the brain child of vocalist Hansi Kürsch and guitarist Jon Schaffer — seems to be riding a high. The band’s classic brand of power metal — as exemplified by “Crimson King,” “Heaven Denies,” “Blood on My Hands” and “Fiddler on the Green” — flows with vigor and exuberance, finding elements of beauty amid a highly technical torrent of sound.

What: Demons & Wizards, Lizzy Borden and Týr When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4 Where: Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester How much: $35-$75

CITY LIFE

Keep it Dark The music video for Disasterina’s song “Born To Bleed” is a lot like “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula,” the show that introduced Disasterina to the world: It’s disturbing and uncomfortable, darkly sexy, more than a touch camp and flat-out hypnotic.

What: JAIL BREAK with Special Guest Disasterina When: 8:30 p.m. Aug. 29 Where: Bull Mansion, 55 Pearl St., Worcester.

How much: $15-$20.

The College of the Holy Cross, in conjunction with the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery, presents a major exhibition of Buddhist ritual art, “Dharma and Punya: Buddhist Ritual Art of Nepal,” Sept. 5 through Dec. 14.

Co-curated by Todd T. Lewis, distinguished professor of arts and humanities in the religious studies department at Holy Cross, and Jinah Kim, professor of history of art and architecture at Harvard University, the exhibition displays historic objects of Buddhist devotion on loan from art institutions and private collectors and will be accompanied by extensive programming.

Lewis will give a lecture “How Art is Central to Buddhist Tradition” at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 5 in the Rehm Library at Holy Cross.

What: “Dharma and Punya: Buddhist Ritual Art of Nepal” When/Where: Sept. 5-Dec. 14, Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery, O’Kane Hall, 1st Floor, College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St., Worcester. holycross.edu/cantorartgallery

St., Worcester. thehanovertheatre. org or (877) 571-7469.

Carol Burnett: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17. $68-$250. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. thehanovertheatre.org or (877) 571-7469.

Lewis Black: The Joke’s On US Tour. 7 p.m. Dec. 8. $55-$75.

The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. thehanovertheatre.org or (877) 571-7469.

Tickets

Peppa Pig Live: 6 p.m. Sept.

6. $35.50-$70. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. thehanovertheatre.org or (877) 571-7469.

Alan Parsons Live Project: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18. $29.50$79.50. Tickets on sale May 10.

The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. thehanovertheatre.org or (877) 571-7469.

REO Speedwagon: 8 p.m. Oct. 3. $45-$95. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

An exhibition of Buddhist ritual art

Theatre. gatewayplayers.org.

“A Christmas Story, The Musical”: 8 p.m. Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 6, 7; 2 p.m.

Dec. 1, 8. $22; $15 for ages 16 and younger. Theatre at the Mount, Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green St., Gardner. mwcc.edu/tam.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some)”: 8 p.m. Dec. 6, 13; 2 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15. $20; seniors and students, $18; youth 11 and younger, $10.

Stageloft Repertory Theater, 450A Main St., Sturbridge. stageloft.org/.

“Annie”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 7, 13, 14; 2 p.m. Dec. 8, 14, 15. $20; $17 for seniors and students.

Calliope Productions, 150 Main St., Boylston. calliopeproductions.org.

“Miracle on 34th Street”: Dec. 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22. The Bradley Playhouse, 30 Front St., Putnam, Conn. thebradleyplayhouse.org.

“Forever Plaid”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 13 and 14; 2 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15. $20; senior (65+) and children 12 and younger, $15. Barre Players Theater, 64 Common St., Barre. barreplayerstheater.com.

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After all, Disasterina wasn’t competing on the cult favorite TV show to become America’s next favorite drag queen … she was competing to become America’s next ”supermonster.” In a culture where the glamorous side of drag has begun to get its due, Disasterina represents drag’s dark and twisted shadow, and frankly, it’s extremely cool. Other performers at this event include Marianne Laputaine, Veronica Powers and Naomi Chomsky, and the show will be hosted by Poise’N Envy and Harley Queen.

Oct. 4, 5, 6. Gateway Players Theatre. gatewayplayers.org.

“Deathtrap”: Oct. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 30. The Bradley Playhouse, 30 Front St., Putnam, Conn. thebradleyplayhouse.org.

“Don’t Dress for Dinner”: 8 p.m.

Oct. 4, 5, 11, 12; 2 p.m. Oct. 13. $22; $15 for ages 16 and younger.

Theatre at the Mount, Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green St., Gardner. mwcc.edu/tam.

“Spitfire Grill, The Musical”: 8 p.m. Oct. 11, 12, 18, 19; 2 p.m. Oct. 13, 20. $20; seniors and students, $18; youth 11 and younger, $10.

Stageloft Repertory Theater, 450A Main St., Sturbridge. stageloft.org/.

“Once on This Island”: Oct. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20. New Players Theatre Guild, 15 Rollstone St., Fitchburg. www.nptg.org.

“The Woman in Black”: 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 17, 18, 19, 25, 26; 2 p.m. Oct. 20, 27. $20; $17 for seniors and students. Calliope Productions, 150 Main St., Boylston. calliopeproductions.org.

“Wait Until Dark”: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26; 2 p.m. Oct. 27. $20; senior (65+) and children 12 and younger, $15. Barre Players Theater, 64 Common St., Barre. barreplayerstheater.com.

“The Haunting of Hill House”: 7:30 Oct. 25, 26, Nov. 1, 2; 2 p.m. Oct. 27, Nov. 3. $15; $12 for seniors and students. Pasture Prime Productions, 4 Dresser Hill Road, Charlton.

“The Play That Goes Wrong”: Oct. 31-Nov. 3. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. thehanovertheatre.org.

“A Murder Is Announced”: Nov. 15, 16, 22, 23, 24. Gateway Players

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CITY LIFE

ADOPTION OPTION

Robin Hood

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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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.

Meet Robin Hood and his merry band of reprobate varmints, Little John, Will Scarlet, Friar Tuck, Maid Marian and Clorinda. These 6 ruffians were surrendered when their owners were no longer able to care for them. One ferret is a big bundle of mischief, imagine 6 at once brawling around. Robin Hood was given his name by WARL since he was the first out of the cage and willing to jump out of the cage (without a vine to swing on) and onto your shoulder in a move that would put Errol Flynn to shame. Robin is nippy, so we would recommend him for a ferret experienced owner who can help him learn to fight with swords or quarterstaves or something safer like that. We do not know the ages of this merry crew, but we are going to adopt them out as pairs or trio’s or if you are really a sucker for ferret follies, all together. This dark beauty is Maid Marian.

Any wonder why Robin had a love interest?

She is cute. She is daring, She is right in the fray with the boys, holding her own, and not a hair out of place. She also loves a nice tuck up in her comfy fleece, as expected from a refined lady. She is definitely the match for any merry brigand. She is available for adoption with one or more of her ne’er do well friends. Adoption fee is $25 per ferret.

Maid Marian

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Here are some of WARL’s regular needs: Pet Supplies: Dog and cat food (both canned and dry). Purina brand preferred. Please no grainfree; Non-clumping kitty litter; Bedding, comforters, blankets and towels (not pillows & sheets); Kuranda Beds; martingale collars.

against; For dogs: Kongs, Ruff Wear, Jolly Balls, Tuffies, tennis balls.

Office Supplies: Copy paper (white and colors), postage stamps, pink and blue post-its, etc. Staples gift cards are always welcomed!

Pet Toys – For cats: furry mice and balls with bells, stuffed animals for orphaned kittens to snuggle

Computers, Laptops, Printers: Newer models or gently used models are welcomed.

Medical Supplies: Latex gloves, gauze, anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, popsicle sticks, Dixie cups, One Touch Test Strips.

depend on the heartfelt outpouring of people like you. Donations can be given online, mailed, or given in person at WARL.

Monetary Donations: WARL is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your donations of money, time, supplies, homes, and love are vital to our cause and the lives of the animals in our care. The animals

Cleaning Supplies: Paper towels, 33-gallon trash bags, sponges, bleach, dish soap, “HE” (high efficiency) laundry detergent, Lemon Joy soap.

Amazon Wish List: Can’t stop in?

Do you like the ease of shopping online? Visit our Amazon Wish List, and the items will be shipped directly to WARL!

GAMES

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39 40 41 44 45 46 47 48 50 54 55 58 61 62 63 64

Korbut the gymnast “Get bent” Sister, in Seville Word before status or bliss In need of cleaning, for some bathrooms Early times, casually Check for ripeness, as a cantaloupe 1997 Hanson chart-topper Playing marbles 2010 comedy inspired by “The Scarlet Letter” Post-op area Mine alternative?

Animator Avery Road or roof stuff Genre Catch the drift

Last week's solution

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©2019 Matt Jones (jonesincrosswords@gmail.com) Reference puzzle #951

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Down 1 Unesco Building muralist 2 Dom who voiced Pizza the Hutt in “Spaceballs” 3 Iron Man or Thor 4 Marquee partner 5 Get 100% on 6 “I’m gonna pass” 7 Adjective on taco truck menus 8 Danny who plays Frank Reynolds 9 Voice votes 10 “___ Miserables” 11 Twain, really 12 Scouse, Texas Southern, or Australian, for English 16 Squirrel (away) 18 Start of the first Kinsey Millhone title 19 Away from a bow 23 Word that punctuates Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” 24 “Stranger Things” actress ___ Bobby Brown 25 Leave out 27 Washing machine cycle 31 “Principia Mathematica” author 33 In ___ (feeling bad) 35 Blackberry, back in the day 38 Exit, to P.T. Barnum

A U G . 29 - S E P T. 4, 2019

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 Initials on a toothpaste tube 4 Where the TV show “Letterkenny” comes from 10 Watch readout, briefly 13 Accelerate 14 “Juno and the Paycock” playwright Sean 15 Clinton and Bush, e.g.

17 Waiting room welcome 20 School credit 21 ___ track 22 Gp. that publishes a scholarly style manual 23 Fortifies the castle, perhaps 26 Taiga feature 28 Put in service 29 Cup edge 30 Margin size, maybe 32 Juno’s Greek counterpart 34 Cup edge 36 “Lunar Asparagus” sculptor Max 37 Results of excessive stress 40 Japanese game sorta like chess 42 Key under Z and X 43 Stone who starred in 54-Down 47 Proposition to be proved 49 Portuguese colony in India 51 Archer’s necessity 52 Nomadic group 53 2004 movie with a screenplay by Tina Fey 56 Sch. whose initials actually refer to “Green Mountains” 57 “Brave New World” happiness drug 59 Substance with a pH value under 7 60 Beyond Burgers, for instance, or what the theme answers contain?

65 Sap source 66 “Casino ___” 67 Reverential feeling 68 Luxury ___ (Monopoly space) 69 Firecracker flashes 70 Alkali used in soapmaking

“Choice Menu” – another option out there.

by Matt Jones

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YARD SALE

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

NOVENA 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

LAST CALL

Lucy Hale EcoTarium president L

What does the future hold for the EcoTarium?

We’re changing up our pumpkin event. There are a lot of folks who do great pumpkin events around here and we’re a science museum.

We want to do some fun fall science during the daytime hours around animal treats and science tricks. We’ll encourage kids to come out in their costumes for that. We also have a wonderful “Night Journeys” program that we do primarily with Scouts and other youth groups. We’ve been getting a lot of requests for fall nights and we are officially sold out. We’re going to be opening early on Sundays for members to give them time to come when it’s a little bit quieter. The one thing that keeps me up at night is the planetarium. That’s going to be the next big project. We want to get the system the best technology we can. It’s six years older than it should be and it’s hanging on with tape, prayers and bubble gum. Plus, the planetarium offers accessibility challenges. We want to make it a better space for all.

– Sarah Connell Sanders

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What changes have you made at the EcoTarium since you began a year ago?

We had to make some changes pretty quickly to align our opportunities to our resources. We had to do some tough reorganizational work to cut down on our staffing levels. We didn’t have

staff in all the right places and we also had a need because we knew we had two wildcats coming. We required people with dangerous animal training — carnivores in particular. In our strategic plan that takes us through 2020, I found that there were really big chunks of the plan that hadn’t been done yet regarding community engagement and diversified revenue streams. We took some of our education roles and we shifted them to be more community facing. We created a position to focus on corporate sponsorships.

The institution had been in capital campaign mode for a while and they just needed a different way of thinking about things.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

members. As a result, we never had a line that went out of the building and around the block.

We believed in sticking to our guns about what “real science” meant, especially in a place like Texas where there’s some contention over climate change and evolution. We wove the stories of climate change and evolution throughout every exhibit in that museum. It was really important to say, “This is science and science isn’t opinion. Science is fact.” We also had a good mix of interactive and touchable things to get your hands dirty.

ASHLEY GREEN

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I met a guy at a wedding and moved to Texas. I found a job similar to what I had been doing in Needham and that led to more career opportunities in museums Did you always know you and zoos. During my wanted to work in a museum? time at the Museum I don’t think I always knew. I wanted to be a veterinarian when of Science, we received accreditation as a zoo I was a kid. When I was in high by the Association of school we had to do community Zoos and Aquariums. service volunteering and one of We were the first my godparents said, “Oh, you should volunteer with animals at science museum to rethe Museum of Science.” That was ceive that. I had never a place we’d always gone as a fam- worked for a traditionily and also on school field trips. I al zoo. And so, I had the opportunity to go was there one night with my dad to the Dallas Zoo and and there was a big poster about work as their public volunteering. In the lower right hand corner I noticed a photo of a programs coordinator.

I ended up being their kid feeding a carrot to a porcueducation manager. pine. I was like, “That’s what I want to do.” I started volunteering My friend and I were there that summer. I very quickly co-directors of that realized I did not want to be a vet. department for a number of years. We did I don’t like being around animals amazing conservation when they’re in distress; I have a programs with the really hard time with it emotionanimals at the zoo and ally. I just think the world of vets.

I think if you can handle that, you also out in the field, in Africa, and all over can handle anything. I realized the world. I worked for I could work with animals in a museum setting doing education a really great leader there. When the opportunity came to open and that’s what I really wanted a Science Museum in Dallas, I to do. I completed over a thousand hours of volunteering at the took that opportunity and he was really supportive of that. It was Museum of Science throughout a big deal to leave on really good high school. I also had two paid terms for an organization I loved. internships in high school. It’s really important for kids to realize That was a pivotal moment in my those opportunities exist because career. I was the director of school programs for the Perot Museum a lot of kids can’t just volunteer — they have to make money. That of Nature and Science, which was a brand new museum in downput me on a path to getting hired town Dallas. We hit the ground as a regular part-time curatorial running. We thought we’d see assistant when I was in college, 800,000 people in one year, and we followed by a really great job at saw 1.5 million in eight months. the Needham Science Center.

We were embedded in the school district and we worked with every Can you describe some of the best practices for launching a grade level, writing curriculum contemporary science museum and immersing kids in science. I with high engagement? painted murals, learned how to I listened to other museums that build circuit boards, and I even had opened and tried to underdid taxidermy. stand what went well and what didn’t go well. We were told over Where did you go to college? and over again to use time tickets.

I went to Boston College where I We trained the public and our got a degree in art history. Then, ucy Hale has been president of Worcester’s EcoTarium for exactly one year. We sat down to find out what she has in store for the historic institution.

What do you

Krave?

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