Worcester Magazine October 24 - 30, 2019 by Worcester Magazine

OCTOBER 24 - 30, 2019 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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THE FUTURE IS NOW

Worcester youth and residents continue to fight against climate change

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O C T O B E R 24 - 30, 2019 • V O L U M E 45 I S S U E 9 Find us on Facebook.com/worcestermag Twitter @worcestermag Instagram: Worcestermag

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Featured ......................................................................................4 City Voices...................................................................................8 In Case You Missed It ... .......................................................10 Cover Story ...............................................................................11 Artist Spotlight .......................................................................17 Lifestyle......................................................................................18 CD Review..................................................................................18 Listen Up....................................................................................18 Dining Review..........................................................................20 The Next Draft..........................................................................20 Table Hoppin’ ..........................................................................21 Film .............................................................................................22 Film Capsules ..........................................................................23 Calendar ....................................................................................24 Adoption Option ....................................................................28 Games .........................................................................................29 Classifieds .................................................................................30 Last Call .....................................................................................31

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Student environmental activist Xochitl Cruz-Gallo ( far left), and her mother, Selina, along with members of Xochitl’s school’s climate club. Photo by Steve Lanava Design by Kimberly Vasseur

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The future is now: Worcester youth and residents continue to fight against climate change Story on page 11

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Man, machine and music WPI robots and live musicians to share stage at Mechanics Hall RICHARD DUCKET T

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lay it again, PAM. PAM could play that favorite tune again exactly as you like it, but there is also the possibility that PAM and fellow instruments might add their own touch and perform it a different way of their choosing each time, if you so wish. PAM is an acronym for Poly-tangent Automatic Multi-Monochord, one of the robotic instruments created by Scott Barton, assistant professor of music at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, that will taking part in a concert of music and dance made by a human-robot ensemble at 3 p.m. Oct. 27 in Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St. “Sound Fusion — Robots and Live Performers Creating Music Together” is a collaboration among Mechanics Hall, the WPI Music Perception and Robotics Lab, which Barton directs, and Worcester Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. There will be an interactive robotic demonstration/”petting zoo” for families (especially children) to see the robots up close at 2 p.m. Oct. 27. Performers in the 3 p.m. concert include Will Sherwood, principal organist at Mechanics Hall; veteran rock guitarist Cliff Goodwin; vocalist Michael Lynch; dancer Mitzi Eppley; organist Gavin Klein; Patrick Chatham, cello; Kerry Muenchow, violin; Nate Tucker, percussion; Anthony Topper, robot keyboard; and Perucssive Aeophone, Cyther (humanplayable robotic zither played by Barton), Modular Percussion/CADI (Configurable Automatic Drumming Instrument), and PAM. “I think we’re breaking ground,” said producer, musician, composer and educator Tom Bellino, project consultant at Mechanics Hall. There is a common denominator. “Throughout the whole process, music is the whole point of this,” Barton said. To put it another way, “It’s going to be really fun,” said Kathleen M. Gagne, executive director of Mechanics Hall. The event will be a first in several respects, and showcases Mechanics Hall’s E. & G.G. Hook Organ, a musical marvel when it was dedicated in 1864 (with a total of 3,504 metal and wood pipes), and cutting-edge 2019 robotic musical instruments. The organ “was the most complex

machine at that time. The next most complex was a clock,” said Sherwood. Barton has been building his musical robots over the course of the last 12 years. “I’m a musician who develops technology as opposed to an engineer who does music on the side,” he said. The Oct. 27 “Sound Fusion” program includes classical works by Bach, Brahms, Debussy and SaintSaens, Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag,” The Who’s “Eminence Front,” and Barton’s 2019 composition “Tempo Mecho.” The concert will conclude with an “Improvisation” sequence involving all of the participants, human and robotic. It will be the first time that Goodwin, who toured with the Joe Cocker Band, has played electric guitar live on stage with such a group. But as “a live guitarist” who enjoys the spontaneity of live performance, he is looking forward to the experience. “This is actually a thrill. It’s truly a unique art form to me,” Goodwin said. During the concert, human instru-

mentalists and the musical robots will play the lead for a given piece. In a recent interview in Barton’s office/lab at Alden Hall, WPI, with Bellino, Goodwin, Sherwood and PAM, et al, Barton said you can compose or arrange works in a predetermined way for robots “and they will play them.” Also, however, “one of the ideas is that these machines can play autonomously,” he said. Earlier this year Barton had an installation at the Worcester PopUp where people could interact with the robots based on one of his compositions, “Machinic Tides.” The piece would never be repeated exactly the same way, he said. “There’s some music theoretic built in, but everything is spontaneously generated,” Barton said. The robots are programed so that they’re “‘listening,’ and the machine chooses what to do. They make decisions in a quantitative way — ‘I think this note is particularly important because of the frequency with which it is being heard.’ It can enhance the human

performance, improvise, or ignore it. One of the goals is to show how flexible these tools are and they’re flexible for us as composers to do something interesting,” Barton said. “Isn’t that one of the essences of art?” said Goodwin. “How can I do something interesting?” “The way different performers put a different interpretation on a piece — this is another flavor,” Barton said. “For me as a composer, the entire foray is born out of wanting to find new ways to utilize my voice.” PAM won’t be announcing its own bluesy solo composition Oct. 27 written during a rainy afternoon at Alden labs when the electricity was running low. “There are humans behind robots,” Barton said. “Robots didn’t make themselves.” Still, “There’s an experience of being in the same room with them,” Barton said. “I think there’s a point where there’s a transformation from machine into instrument.”

Sherwood noted that at rehearsals, “we’re seeing how we all can contribute to the fabric of the sound.” The program was chosen with familiar pieces performed first such as Bach’s famous Toccata and Fugue. “I don’t want people to be scared because it’s robots and computers,” Sherwood said. “It really is music. It’s up to the audience what they find compelling.” The concluding improvisation will begin with Barton at the Cyther and Eppley the dancer. “That will grow to where we establish an idea, then all of the other musical voices, so we’re playing together,” Barton said. Like playing live with human instrumentalists, “there’s that danger,” Goodwin said. “That’s the thrill of it. It’s intriguing because it’s freeing at the same time.” Having a dancer “adds another element — motion,” Barton said. “One thing that robots introduce with their physicality is motion. When you introduce a dancer you have a

Scott Barton, left, assistant professor of music at WPI, discusses his robotic musical instruments that will be performing in concert at Mechanics Hall with veteran guitarist Cliff Goodwin. STEVE LANAVA

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Association members were also involved in founding WPI in 1865. So the relationship between Mechanics Hall and WPI is very longstanding. “Sound Fusion” is “a totally collaborative idea,” Gagne said. Gagne, Barton and Sherwood were all in agreement that they would like to see it continue. We likely won’t have heard the last of PAM. “We always have been about the latest innovation,” Gagne said. Contact Richard Duckett at richard.duckett@telegram.com. Follow him on Twitter @TGRDuckett.

From left, Scott Barton, Thomas Bellino of Mechanics Hall, Cliff Goodwin, and Mechanics Hall organist Will Sherwood, discuss Barton’s robotic musical instruments. STEVE LANAVA

very interesting interaction.” “Sound Fusion” is the initial happening of Mechanics Hall’s recently announced “Many Voices Project,” which Gagne said is especially focused on engaging youth with creative programing so “that they can experience this amazing space.” Mechanics Hall was built in 1857

under the auspices of the Worcester County Mechanics Association whose members were leading the way in the industrial revolution in Worcester’s manufacturing heyday and branching out into other areas. “Mechanics Hall has been the birthplace of many innovations,” Sherwood said.

Sound Fusion — Robots and Live Performers Creating Music Together When: 3 p.m. Oct. 27. (2 p.m. interactive robotic demonstration) Where: Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester How much: $12; $10 college students; $5 children 17 and younger. mechanicshall.org

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Vision led to mission to tell story of Joseph BILL SHANER

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ive years ago, Charlton resident Alexander Diaz set out to make a movie. The idea — and a lot more than that — came to him in an otherworldy vision one night while in bed with his partner and dogs. It rushed before his eyes and laid out for him a 10-step mission he must embark on to properly tell the story. Then he woke up. He wrote down what he remembered, and he got to work. It might sound crazy, Diaz admitted, but he doesn’t really care. He’s on a mission to tell a story and have as many people see it as possible. “Joseph,” a 13-minute short film that recently got picked up for the Toronto Shorts International Film Festival, is step seven. The story is on Joseph, step-father of Jesus Christ, and it fills in some gaps left in the Bible. But Diaz cautioned that it is not just a film for religious people, but rather a film which explores themes of fostering, caring and nurturing people. “I don’t want anyone to feel that this is a religious movie because there’s more to it,” he said. The film will be played at the Toronto International Film Festival on Nov. 14. I met Diaz at the Applebee’s in Auburn on his lunch break. Over tacos and wings, he shared his vision and ambitions for the movie. He doesn’t consider himself a filmmaker so much as a conduit through which this one story comes into being. Enthusiasm radiated off Diaz as he recounted the five-year journey of making the film — writing the script, bringing in the people who made it possible and, now, promoting it. At one point, he slid his phone across the table with the trailer for the film loaded. Surprisingly high quality, even on a phone, the trailer shows scenes of a man in a bedroom who awakes with a vision and sets out to articulate it. After a sequence of credits, the trailer explodes into a series of quick-cut clips of scenes taking place during the time of Jesus. Roman soldiers. Angels and devils in the desert. The manger. The clips featured bright and elaborate costumes, post production and CGI and dramatic scenery. The trailer seemed to suggest more than could be covered in a 13-minute short, and that is sort of what Diaz is going for. The trailer

will be officially released Saturday, Nov. 2. Diaz started with a 90-minute script which he condensed with the help of Dan Rosario, director of photography, producer Abigail Charland and others to a 13-minute short film, in part for logistical reasons. A 90-minute film without financial backing is a wildly expensive proposition.

The film is shot in six locations, including Diaz’s house, an old, abandoned church in Southbridge, Old Sturbridge Village and sand dunes in Rhode Island. In all, about 100 people worked on the movie, between sound, lighting, costumes, production and acting. The Toronto Shorts Film Festival is the first festival from which Diaz and crew heard back, but they

Alexander Diaz, director and writer of “Joseph.” BILL SHANER

submitted the movie to 94 film festivals around the world, including Cannes, Sundance and Tribeca, and should start hearing back from many in early 2020. After he finishes applying for film festival recognition, he will start screening the film in and around Worcester. The story of Joseph and the sacrifices he made, he said, is an example for all of us.

“Especially now in 2019 where this world is going we need more of that,” he said. Diaz moved to the area from Puerto Rico in 2002. He was a dancer there for 20 years, but now he owns a few UPS stores and practices interior design. He is openly gay, but also proudly Catholic, which many, to his frustration, find confusing.

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real ambitions to be a filmmaker outside this one story which he feels compelled to tell. “I just want to inspire people to follow their dream and listen more to their inner voices telling them what to do,” he said. “I did and it changed my life. It changed my life completely.”

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“I don’t practice my faith for the people, I practice for myself,” he said. “Those people that criticize me for being in the Catholic community and being gay, I say to those people I don’t care.” Though he’s sinking a lot of time, creative energy and money into the production of “Joseph,” Diaz has no

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CITY VOICES

FIRST PERSON

EcoTarium not pussy-footing around

THE ECOTARIUM

ern cougar remains extinct, and long before the formal declaration in 2018. The last eastern mountain lion in Massachusetts was sighted in 1858. In comparison, there are an estimated 30,000 western cougars in the U.S. Even the mountain lion that was found most recently in Connecticut was tracked to be of South Dakota lineage. What a remarkable story we get to share: How these large cats have learned to adapt and survive in the face of climate change. We can commiserate with the sentiment of your source who worried that humans are “wiping this majestic predator from the face of the planet.” Why it is the very core of our foundation and mission. Our spectacular Wild Cat Station habitat was designed to remind visitors of the mountain lions that used to roam our region, and why it is that habitat loss, climate change and human wildlife conflict has led to the eastern cougar’s extinction. Our programs are geared to inspire guests to think about why certain species are “wiped off the planet,” and to

The staff of the EcoTarium took a few minutes to respond to assertions made about mountain lions in Worcester in Bill Shaner’s Sept. 24 and Oct. 1 Worcesteria columns in Worcester Magazine, and Shaner and Victor D. Infante’s subsequent discussion Oct. 3 on the Worcester Culture Watch podcast.

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Dear Bill, Let’s get a few things purrfectly clear. Salton and Freyja, the two mountain lion residents of Wild Cat Station at the EcoTarium, have gone on the record as the first official “Cats in the Woo.” Next followed the Paw Sox and the rest of the copycats. Indeed, they are attractive creatures. Still kittens, the playful pair are too young for Tindr. Our cat keepers claim they both need practice to skillfully use their paws to swipe right and couldn’t possibly have drawn other cats to our city. Don’t blame them for being beautiful. As a reminder, the EcoTarium’s 60-plus-pound siblings were rescued as orphans from Central California. With assistance from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan coordinator for the cougar, the cats were transported to the EcoTarium, into a habitat that was custom-made for them. They are crepuscular — most active during twilight. Our wildlife staff suffer their incessant meowing to hit up Armsby Abbey and Dive Bar. One day perhaps they will understand we said no because we love them, plus they’re too young to drink. Zoos throughout this region have been home to mountain lions and large cats for some years (Beardsley, Stone Zoo, Buttonwood). Have you done due diligence into whether their felines are responsible for an increase in sightings of large cats? Looks like a mountain lion, smells like a mountain lion, acts like a mountain lion, but is it truly a mountain lion? Although we do

The EcoTarium’s Wild Cat Station is home to a pair of mountain lions, brother and sister Salton and Freyja. ASHLEY GREEN

not deny the possibility of mountain lion sightings in Worcester, it is our firm belief that these sightings were of bobcats. The visual difference is striking: the bobcat is about half the size and is missing the elongated tail of a mountain lion. Mountain lions are also one color, bobcats are multicolored. However, it is possible that a mountain lion could have traveled quite some distance to Worcester. Worcester has some awesome breweries (purrhaps we can convince Wormtown to bring back their Cougar ale). Yet, this feat would have been one of a western cougar, that has voyaged far from its established range in the Western United States. Sadly, the east-

challenge people to think about how we can adjust or improve our daily lives to prevent further extinctions. By seeing these magnificent animals up close, we hope to develop and foster a sense of passion and compassion. We at the EcoTarium are proud of our almost 200-year role as a leader in nurturing an understanding and awareness of our diverse world. Lastly, retract your claws! Salton and Freyja are not “murder cats.” What a bad cattitude. It is elementary knowledge that all species of cats are predators, whether it’s a house cat or a mountain lion. Bill, it sounds to us like you are kneading some attention of your own. We don’t want to sound catty, but there are plenty of fish in the sea (which happens to be one of our cats’ favorite treats). The EcoTarium science and nature museum is located at 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. It is, indeed, the cat’s meow.

CITY VOICES

WORCESTERIA

O’Connell’s death leaves hole in city politics BILL SHANER

FILE PHOTO/JIM COLLINS

REST IN PEACE BRIAN: Brian O’Connell was the kind of person for whom even just a missed meeting was cause for concern. He so loyally served the city for 36 consecutive years — that’s coming up on four literal decades — one no-show and people were worried. As most of my readers should know by now, the longest serving member of the School Committee died last week from what early reports called a medical event. Now, it’s no secret that O’Connell and I have … dissimilar … politics. In my reporting and columnizing about the School Committee, I was rarely kind to the man. But when it comes down to it, especially at a local level, differences of opinion matter so much less than the act of having an opinion, believing in it, and working to see a vision realized. In a moment where it seems fewer people than ever care about city politics, O’Connell represented a dedication and commitment that seemed to come from a bygone era. His is a work ethic we would be lucky to find in another School Committee member. I was particularly struck by School Committee member Jack Foley’s line in a Telegram reaction story last week. “We won’t see the likes of him again.” That’s a great way to put it, but I hope he’s wrong.

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GET LEARNED: Election Day is just about two weeks away, and there are few ways to better decide on candidates than seeing them on stage debating the pertinent issues. Next Wednesday, Oct. 30, the League of Woman Voters, The Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition, Worcester State University, Worcester Youth Center and the YWCA of Central Mass. (phew) are putting on a candidate forum for Council incumbents and hopefuls. The forum, titled “A City Looking Forward,” will take place at the Worcester State University Eager Auditorium from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. I don’t know if it’s being livestreamed, but someone should probably step up and livestream it. It’s very easy in this year 2019, and it is helpful for lazy people (e.g. me).

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ELECTION IMPACT: OK, enough with the eulogizing. This is a politics column after all, and a historically crass one at that. So let’s get into it. We’re no longer talking about Brian O’Connell the man here, we’re talking about Brian O’Connell the political figure. The first and most obvious question is who fills his chair until the end of the term in January. As of Monday afternoon (my new, no good, rotten deadline), it seemed former School Committee member Donna Colorio was in line, as she finished 7th in the 2017 election in a seven-way race. But she’s also campaigning for City Council, so that’s going to be a tad confusing if she takes the seat. Also, is she bound to take the seat or can she decline? Dust off your copy of that charter, folks. Now, past that immediate concern, we come to the fact that Brian O’Connell has for years been the top vote getter of any Council candidate. Who is his constituency, and where are they going to go? Will they go anywhere at all? Also, this leaves two seats on the committee open, as opposed to the one left by outgoing committee member Dante Comparetto, and in the field of challengers, there are many more candidates with a left bent than without. Could we see a swing away from a conservative majority on the board? Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, O’Connell held a key subcommittee role — the chairman of the Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports. Structurally, this position gives the chairman a lot of power in deciding which curriculum goes forward, and which stays on the cutting room floor. Who that position goes to is a matter of public interest, and the appointment should not be done quietly.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ...

The Haunted Speakeasy

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Mix a little holiday spookiness with a generous helping of vintage cool and a dash of burlesque, drag and musical performances, and you have “Haunted Speakeasy,” hosted by chanteuse Niki Luparelli, Worcester’s most swinging Halloween party. The second weekend of the party will be held 8:30 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26, at the Atrium Nightclub, 1 Exchange Place, Worcester. Tickets $30-$35. Photos by Steve Lanava

COVER STORY

THE FUTURE IS NOW Worcester youth and residents continue to fight against climate change

GARI DE RAMOS

Global climate change has been a paramount concern for young activists, both internationally — take, for instance, the impact of 16-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg — and here at home.

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STEVE LANAVA

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Student environmental activist Xochitl Cruz-Gallo (far left), and her mother, Selina, along with members of Xochitl’s school’s climate club.

COVER STORY

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In September, hundreds of Worcester residents turned out for a wide array of events advocating for climate change action. The community-organized Climate Emergency Declaration was passed unanimously by the City Council on Sept. 17, which declared a climate emergency in Worcester and proposed a plan of action. Hundreds turned out for the Global Climate Strike on Sept. 27, and more than 550 residents turned out for the Global Youth Climate Strike the week prior. The enthusiasm and participation from the Worcester community was larger than organizers anticipated. That being said, many students in the Worcester Public School system — the future change makers — were prevented from attending the Youth Climate Strike. Shortly before Sept. 20’s strike, Superintendent Maureen Binienda called families and guardians to inform them that their students would not have an excused absence if they missed class for the Youth Climate Strike. The move put Worcester behind other major U.S. cities such as Boston and New

York, which allowed for excused absences for the strike with prior notice. Katherine Carr, Binienda’s chief of staff, explained that rallies and strikes do not fall under the definition of excused absences. According to the Worcester Public Schools Student Handbook from 2019-2020, the district’s policy is to excuse absences for religious holy days, a death in the immediate family, a court appearance, hospitalization and illness. Carr stressed that the decision not to excuse absences for the Youth Climate Strike comes from a concern over student safety and the superintendent’s general rule of not allowing excused absences for any kind of rally or strike. In her statement, Binienda stressed that “The WPS also provides opportunities for student leadership in solving world problems.” That being said, the young climate change advocates who were present at and organizing the Youth Climate Strike are fully aware of the problems posed by climate change. From left, Nicole Nelson, Andrew Etheridge and Vickash Mohanka, participants in the “Why should the children pay Green Worcester Public Workshop. for the sins of the adults?” asked

STEVE LANAVA

COVER STORY

Jaden Fernando, an 8-year-old student from St. Peter Central Catholic, speaking to the crowd at the Youth Climate Strike.

Boylston, is similarly concerned about the lack of youth representation in Worcester climate organizing. Nelson has been a member of 350 Central Mass, where her youth really shows, since her first year of high school. “The folks are largely retirement age, I’m the youngest person there by a lot,” she said. Often approached as the group’s resident social media and technology guru, espite the focus on youth she wonders where all the young at September’s climate people are. events, many community “I find that a lot of times young organizers feel there’s a people will come to one meeting lack of youth representation. and they’ll want to get involved,” The major events from Septem- Nelson said, “but they have a hard ber were organized by two main time sticking to it for whatever groups: the Climate Action Circle reason.” (CAC) and the Climate Strike CoDespite the absence of youth alition (CSC). Despite the different in Worcester-wide organizing names, their members overlap efforts, the few younger members and largely comprise working- and are the ones who have an acute retirement-aged people. understanding of the urgency of

WHERE ARE ALL THE YOUNG PEOPLE?

“Why should the children pay for the sins of the adults?” - 8-year-old Jaden Fernando.

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climate change and an incredible drive to fight against it. Nelson, for example, learned about climate change in 7th grade, which she considers to be late in life to learn about the issue. “They explained it in class and I was like, ‘wait a second, we’re going to die!’” she said. Since then, Nelson has been committed to fighting for the climate. Like many young people, Nelson’s drive comes from an unfortunate source of anxiety. “It’s scary to think I will be graduating college around a time when the world will look drastically different because of climate change,” Nelson said. “It’s hard to plan for my future in a world that is barely livable.” This worry Nicole feels is what environmentalists are calling climate anxiety and climate grief — a state of anxiety and despair about the future of the planet and humanity. Nelson is not alone in having these worries.

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Andrew Etheridge, 25, recently graduated from Worcester State University. He is among the younger members of both groups and led the organization of the Youth Climate Strike. “We decided we’d like to do our own thing to give people in Central Mass. and those who can’t make it into Boston an opportunity to participate in the strikes,” said Etheridge. William Westgard-Cruice, 23, a geography PhD candidate at Clark University who led the climate strike mobilization efforts for Clark, was happy to help organize the events, but wants younger people to be the ones leading the charge. “It’s not my preference as a 23-year-old graduate student to be organizing the youth,” said Westgard-Cruice. He pointed to Sunrise Movement Boston, which he says is largely led by high schoolers, as an example of appropriate youth organizing. Nicole Nelson, an 18-year-old high school senior from West

COVER STORY

ONE WORCESTER FAMILY’S STORY

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ochitl Cruz-Gallo, a 13-year-old from St. Peter Central Catholic, and her mother, Selina Gallo, a professor of sociology at the College of the Holy Cross and member of Mothers Out Front, exhibit symptoms of climate anxiety and grief. When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, Cruz-Gallo readily responded with “climate change activist.” “She has no other choice,” added Gallo, who could not hold back tears when thinking about her daughter’s future. “She’s always been super talented in the theater,” Gallo said. “She thought she would be a Broadway actor one day, but this year she told me ‘I can’t do that anymore because I have to work on climate change.’ That really sucks because I can’t tell her she’s wrong.” Cruz-Gallo is a particularly astute 13-year-old who, despite the bleakness of the climate’s future, has plenty of hope for herself

Activist William Westgard-Cruice, 23, a geography PhD candidate at Clark University who led the climate strike mobilization efforts for Clark, was happy to help organize the events, but wants younger people to be the ones leading the charge. ASHLEY GREEN

and the world. In her spare time, Cruz-Gallo goes dumpster diving in the back of Clark University’s geography department to look for climate journals. She is using a science project at school to find a non-electric substitute to her refrigerator. Earlier this year, she challenged her 8-year-old brother to a day of not touching a single light switch. “Her brother was in the bathroom at my mom’s house,” said Gallo, “and he called out ‘Abuela! Can you turn on the light?’” For Cruz-Gallo’s household, climate change is personal on two accounts. Over the summer, Cruz-Gallo’s younger brother had a heat stroke after playing soccer

outdoors. Extreme heat is an increasing problem in Worcester. According to a report by the Massachusetts Climate Change Clearinghouse, Worcester can expect at least 23 more days of temperatures above 90 degrees in 2070. On top of this, Cruz-Gallo’s father learned he had leukemia, which he attributes to his using Roundup, an herbicide, at his gardening job. Although not directly related to climate change, Gallo says the trade-offs on human life and environmental protection in exchange for the use of herbicides is comparable to the trade-offs we make to sustain the fossil fuel industry.

COVER STORY

Cruz-Gallo is already starting her life path as a climate change activist. In June, she spoke at the City Council against the use of plastic bags for recycling; at the

Stable Future. Like Cruz-Gallo, Mehuljic is also continuing to take her climate activism beyond the strikes. Inspired to protect the planet having grown up hiking

“The macro or system changes matter as much as the micro or individual changes,” she said. “If you can’t change your own way of life, how can you expect a major corporation to change how they do business?” - President of Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Students for a Just and Stable Future, 22-year-old senior, Eme Mehuljic rally for the Climate Emergency Declaration; and at the Youth Climate Strike. “Promise me, promise yourselves,” Cruz-Gallo said, “this strike is not the only thing you do about climate change.”

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he successful actions and turnout from September give Cruz-Gallo hope, but she knows not to stop there. With the help of her mom, Cruz-Gallo has started the SPCC Climate Club at school. Not even a semester into the club’s existence, members are already excited to learn and be in the space. The goal of the club is to raise awareness about the issue and actions people can take on climate change. “The best and easiest people to reach are usually children, because when you’re an adult you already have your own opinion about everything,” said Cruz-Gallo. “If we teach people when they are little, they will have something to carry with them all throughout their lives.” Ema Mehuljic, 22, helped lead the strike mobilization at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. There, she is a senior and president of the school’s Students for a Just and

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GOING BEYOND THE CLIMATE STRIKES

the Appalachian Mountains with her mother, she hopes to put her degree in Environmental Sustainability to use and work as an environmental consultant. “The macro or system changes

COVER STORY

matter as much as the micro or individual changes,” she said. “If you can’t change your own way of life, how can you expect a major corporation to change how they do business?”

the environment and mitigate the effects of climate change. Afterward, he will earn his master’s in public administration from Syracuse University to work on environmental regulation.

CSC, stressed the need to stick together and bring people from different sectors into the climate movement. “None of this can be done alone,” said Mohanka. “We need

“None of this can be done alone. We need people from food justice, immigrant rights, education justice, faith organizations, and more to tie everything together and strengthen each other.” - Vickash Mohanka, organizer with Clean Water Action and a participant in the Green Worcester Public Workshop

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The future action doesn’t stop there. Westgard-Cruice is studying the development of offshore wind energy in New England. Etheridge plans to work with Worcester universities to work toward complete divestment from the fossil fuel industry with “smart reinvestment” in firms that better

Vickash Mohanka, 28, an organizer with Clean Water Action who volunteered his logistical and media skills to the CSC, stressed the need to stick together and bring people from different sectors into the climate movement. Mohanka, who volunteered his logistical and media skills to the

people from food justice, immigrant rights, education justice, faith organizations, and more to tie everything together and strengthen each other.” In the first week of October, both the CAC and CSC had meetings to reflect on their September successes and plan what comes

next. Mohanka attended the CAC’s meeting and said that the group wants to not only solidify a process for various groups to gather, but also to launch “an ambitious climate or environmental justice policy or campaign.” During the Sept. 17 City Council meeting in which the Climate Emergency Declaration passed, Councilor Sarai Rivera called for a city-wide day of community planning. Mohanka emphasized the importance and potential for Worcester to act as a climate leader in Massachusetts. Worcester is the only city in Massachusetts and the largest local government in New England to pass a Climate Emergency Declaration, and Mohanka wants more. “Right now, the cities known as climate leaders are Brookline, Cambridge and Newton,” said Mohanka. “These are really high income cities. They’re not lowincome. They don’t have the kind of immigrant population Worcester does.”

HURDLES MOVING FORWARD

ohanka sees potential in Worcester as a city that can represent the underrepresented in the fight against climate change, but is concerned about Worcester’s willingness to empower its residents as well. “We’re always trying to get more people involved, but the system is such that people have a lot going on,” said Mohanka, who is a paid climate change activist. “You may work a job, but you can’t afford rent, childcare or health care. As organizers, we ask ourselves how do we make people care about climate change when they are busy trying to put two cents together and afford a life?” Westgard-Cruice is fortunate to be paid to study climate change as a PhD student, but says that “we should not underestimate the capacity of working people.” Instead, both Mohanka and Westgard-Cruice are more concerned with the Worcester Public School system and the School Committee preventing the next generation of climate leaders from engaging in climate action, particularly in the face of students not being given permission to join the September protest. “They are disconnected from the experiences of students and teachers in the public school system,” said Mohanka of Worcester’s School Committee. With his two-year tenure on the School Committee coming to a close, School Committee Member Dante Comparetto feels similarly, but focuses his frustration with the superintendent’s position. “The school system rewards people that are most loyal to the superintendent, and that completely alienates anyone who is not close to her,” Comparetto said. “There is a toxic work culture within the school system created by the leadership, so in no way are we fulfilling our roles as School Committee members.” “A lot of people have been in power for a long time, and they need to step down,” said Mohanka.

CITY LIFE

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT 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.

O CT O B E R 24 - 30, 2019 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Amanda Bastien is an artist and visual arts teacher from Central Mass. She graduated with a BFA from Montserrat College of Art in 2001 and an MAT from Salem State College in 2007. She is a 2018 ArtsWorcester Material Needs Grant recipient and has received multiple teaching grants from Auburn Cultural Council. She has taught at Georgetown Middle/High and Auburn High School for a combined 15 years. Bastien’s artwork ranges from abstractions of natural subjects to visual interpretations of life experiences. She is a naturalist at heart and loves helping people realize their creative potential. See more of Bastien’s work at workbornstudio.com or on Instagram: @workbornstudio.

CITY LIFE

LIFESTYLE

You should care about K-pop

simjang’s pork ribs are served with kitchen scissors, as is traditional in many Korean homes. SARAH CONNELL SANDERS

SARAH CONNELL SANDERS

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he “Korean wave,” better known as “hallyu,” is a major driver for American popular culture in 2019. I regularly catch the teens in my orbit poring over translations of Korean lyrics while they’re meant to be doing their schoolwork. They linger in the hallways, attempting to master the sophisticated choreography of K-pop idols and capture their moves on video. They relish the colorful costumes, tantalizing melodies, and defined roles that make K-pop prime for American fandom. For reference, only 3% of the youth I work with identify as Asian,

though it feels like all of them are compelled by elements of South Korean culture. They are especially smitten with K-pop, an army of sensational genre-bending performance groups noted for their audiovisual appeal. Nearly every news segment I watched on the subject of K-pop begins with a clip of The Beatles stepping off the plane in New York on Feb. 7, 1964, to mark the start of the British Invasion. The Korean wave has crested. In early October, a new K-pop supergroup called SuperM chose to stage its debut performance in Hollywood. Fans saw this decision as a significant step for the future of K-pop in America. Sure enough, Su-

perM debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The success of SuperM was by design, thanks in large part to the South Korean government. The government has invested critical resources into its Ministry of Culture, dating back to the 1990s. Since then, Korea has built up sophisticated national strategies around music and video content and accumulated its fair share of cultural influence across the globe. American tastemakers are hooked. Last week, a middle-schooler asked me if I had ever made a “mukbang” video and I found myself nervously googling. Turns out, a mukbang (pronounced “mook-bong”) is a live broadcast of someone feasting on an extensive or otherwise intricate array of dishes. Mukbang is just one more pop culture phenomenon to originate out of South Korea. Along with K-dramas and K-beauty, Korean cuisine is hotter than ever. More than 6,700 miles from Seoul, the frolicsome sincerity of a Korean boy band reverberates in Worcester. To walk through the door of simjang on Shrewsbury Street is to emerge in an elaborate K-pop video. (“DNA” by BTS comes to mind, if you’re looking for a solid entry point.) Young people once smitten with fast food now clamor to capture themselves biting into pork buns and dumplings on camera. simjang is a mukbanger’s dream. Chef-owner Jared Forman opened simjang a year and a half ago, and has since managed to consolidate the menu to an executable catalog of Korean fried chicken, rice bowls, and ramen. He and his sous chefs,

Storm Easton and Nick Breyare, also curate a rotating roster of specials designed to engage customers with the addictive constitution of a K-pop smash hit. On a recent Saturday, I asked Forman to hijack my meal. He sent out fried poppers stuffed with tofu and “nooch” — nutritional yeast that is both cheesy and vegan. We pulled at a pile of krab nachos covered in crab sticks, scallions, cilantro, sesame and pungent gochujang. An unidentified man walked past our table and declared, “That’s a stoner’s paradise!” Then came a whole red fish, fried and garnished with sweet slivers of Asian pear and a punchy vinaigrette. We ate greens too — amaranth and chrysanthemum leaves layered into a deep bowl. We dunked seared prawns in a bath of miso coconut broth and then crunched through their heads, devouring them whole. I snipped at my pork ribs with a pair of red kitchen scissors and then ate with my hands. At the end of our meal, a lychee mai tai appeared at our table, sprinkled with a fine layer of purple yam powder. I could have sworn it jumped straight out of Loona’s “Love Cherry Motion” video in which hues of mauve, amethyst, lavender and violet wash over five dancers in perfect synchronicity. I took one sip and I felt certain that America’s embrace of South Korean culture was less like a “wave” and more like a changing tide. Show off your best K-pop routine at simjang’s costume dance party at 8 p.m. Oct. 31.

LISTEN UP

Cliff Notez delivers stunning ‘Wild Things’ VICTOR D. INFANTE

oston rapper Cliff Notez poses an answer in the title of his new album, “Why the Wild Things Are,” and then proceeds to unwind the questions that bring the listener to that place. “Is it worth waiting on this magic?” he asks the air, amid the lush R&Bfueled opening track, “Voodoo.” “Do I got patience for this magic?” sings

a rich voice. Magic is a transformation, and Notez’s persona sees the opportunity for that everywhere, but he wonders if change is worth it: “Can I get workers’ compensation/if I know my job is mentally oppressive?” There’s an exhausted quality to the song, and when he pushes on to “Massochists” and ponders “nihilistic catharsis,” that weariness hardens and sharpens before

flowing into the third song, “Rebel,” where Notez takes on a more assertive tone. “Now the copper’s saying lay flat/I’mma break backs/ (racial epithet) face facts, take that/got you little (expletive) … you got a gun/ you’re screaming now/we’re calling up the dispatch/breaking bones/trying to snap a brother like Kit-Kat.” Where do the wild things come from? Notez makes it clear we build them through a thousand lacera-

tions, some small, some large, all of them contributing to calloused skin that both protects but can also suppress one’s ability to feel. As an artist, Notez homes in on that decision between feeling the pain or turning off feeling altogether, and his persona makes the harder, almost superhuman choice. He resolves to feel. “Don’t you tell me I can’t shoot

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

CD REVIEW

Brumbylon CD shows duo’s skills

JIM PERRY

rett and Lisa Brumby have spent a good, solid 30 years performing in front of Central Massachusetts audiences. From the legendary She’s Busy, to various incarnations of duos, trios and full bands, they have put their stamp on the music scene. Now in their late 50s, they are kicking their career into high gear under the name Brumbylon. The duo’s new CD, “Through the Noise,” is their most ambitious project yet. The release party will be Nov. 1 at Point Breeze in Webster. They will be accompanied by an all-star band of local musicians. Both are accomplished guitarists and first rate singers, and the Brumbys have forged a unique sound over the years playing together. Their special bond as a couple filters through the music in ways that create a special warmth. They are seasoned songwriters, and on this new recording, they have merged their individual sensibilities in a very special way. Though Brett and Lisa are influenced by classic rock, from Pink Floyd to Heart, the songs they have penned for this project are truly original. From riff crazed rockers like “Crazy” and “Shiver” to the delicate weavings of “Surrender” and “Way of the Wind,” the recording offers some stunning originality. And the balance of influence between the two of them is uncanny. Brett Brumby calls this “our most ambitious release to date. We simply wanted to do the best recording of our music that we could do right now,” he says. Most of the recording and writing was developed in his basement studio, and now he and Lisa are excited to bring it out to the world. “Out of the cave and onto the web,” says Brett.

CITY LIFE

LISTEN UP

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 18

PROMOTIONAL PHOTO

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and it positively shines with positivity. Its glow illuminates the album’s final song, “Get Free II,” which feels like a moment of the persona taking stock of where they (and the album) has been, before moving on. The losses are still ashen on the persona’s tongue, but his perspective has changed. He knows freedom is, ultimately, a thing he has to choose, and as it builds, fading into a few choral verses of Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock’s “It Takes Two,” the listener can feel the weight of psychic chains falling, replaced with a sensation of flight.

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laser beams from out my eyelids,” he raps later on the album, in “Black Incredible.” “Don’t you tell me the Avengers assembled and I was never invited/and don’t you tell me I got superpowers, but I can only select one/ don’t tell me I can’t be a genius one day and then a beast the next one/I could guard the galaxy, I mean I like classic rock/but when I think about it/I could be like Static Shock.” The verse is filled with pop culture references, particularly to the Avengers and the soundtrack of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, as well as the black superhero Static Shock, who has appeared in DC Comics and in his own animated TV show. That last bit hits with a sort of punctuation that echoes into the next verse, which is sung: “Look up in the sky/it’s a bird, it’s a plane/it’s another black man/ getting through the pain.” Getting through that pain is an act of heroism, and like most acts of heroism, it comes with a cost. One of the things that’s most remarkable about this album is that, while it uses hiphop as its base, Notez reaches to different tones and musical genres to add layers of texture to the album. “Losing Crowns I” is effectively a folk song, just sung vocals and guitar, and the subsequent “Venus Incarnate” is a soulful bit of R&B, which informs the album’s pivot in subjects from pain to love, which of course often inflicts its own sort of pain. Deep into the song, the tone changes, and Notez comes to the fore with rap verses. Things change again when the tone deepens, taking on a gospel character with “Get Free I,” and yet, while this is the tonally lowest point of the album so far, it also strikes a small spark of hope, one which burns through the remainder of the album. That small spark energizes the next song, “Stevie’s Ribbon.” It’s a cool blast of hip-hop, and there’s a vibrancy that even bitter lines such as “I don’t want to be a slave/but I’m working every

day” and the reality-slap, “my brother just died/and you’re talking about censorship.” The persona needs to be allowed to feel. Not feeling causes more damage. It’s how you make a wild thing. Everything burbles over into the high-energy “Happy,” which allows Notez to demonstrate his intricate rapping skills. It’s a hopeful song, one that finds an internal balance with heavier, more cynical bars by another rapper. “Only love can make me happy,” sings the refrain, and now all the album’s disparate pieces and themes begin to coalesce. “When you look down,” sings Notez, in a reprise of “Lose Your Crown,” “You lose your crown.” The album winds down to a beautifully wrought and joyously performed “Worth It,” which answers the question posed back at the album’s start. “Tell yourself that you’re worth it,” sings a voice at Notez, and the reply comes back from the rapper, “Baby I’m worth it.” The song is an act of reclamation, of finding one’s own value,

CITY LIFE

DINING

C’Mondz is Shrewsbury Street’s best bistro 156 Shrewsbury St., Worcester • cmondzrestaurant.com • (508) 304-9995 SANDRA RAIN

’Mondz is a new addition to the Shrewsbury Street corridor and I believe it has the potential to fill a very specific vegan void. I still dream about their vegan banana-oat pancakes topped with maple syrup, granola and a coconut whipped cream that offers just a dash of salinity. The pancakes are absent of any excess sweetness or dryness, balanced to perfection. With enough vegan facing dishes like that, I think C’Mondz could become an institution. All dishes at C’Mondz are made with minimally processed, organic ingredients. Sometimes it’s hard to keep a menu short when so much effort and consideration has gone into every detail. That said, restraint is pivotal when it comes to crafting an approachable menu layout. C’Mondz’s descriptions are lengthy and many of the items would benefit from consolidation. Their website header reads,

“Fusion of 5 Cuisines — American, French, Vegan, Asian, Italian.” I would like to note that Shrewsbury Street doesn’t have any French or vegan establishments. I predict “vegan bistro” will be C’Mondz’s sweet spot if they are willing to narrow their gaze. The space at 156 Shrewsbury St., formerly Meze, is divided into two rooms. The front door opens

to C’Mondz’s dark side, which the owner hopes to someday transform into a bar area. Guests must walk past the vacant host stand and follow the light toward sounds of clinking glasses and pleasant morning chatter in order to enter the dining room. A bell on the door would be a welcome addition to alert service staff to new arrivals. Floral paintings, exposed brick

and ornate ceiling tiles punctuate the sunny space. Tablescapes pop with woven gray placemats and sharp mustard linens. A view of the Boulevard Diner across the way serves as a further reminder that C’Mondz will need to set itself apart. A miniature banana seat bicycle is the centerpiece of the restaurant. Even the coffee is mindful. Beans are roasted for custom order with a state-of-the-art photospectrometer right here in Worcester at Good as Gold. Fresh orange juice is also available. Patrons are welcome to BYOB until owners secure a liquor license sometime in the near future. Service at C’Mondz is vigilant and you can expect the chef to stop by before the end of your meal to introduce himself. Even the simplest dishes, like steel cut oats, are made exceptional by delicate accoutrements including saucers of brown sugar, agave and cinnamon. I know I’ve belabored the niche vegan appeal, but I would be remiss not to mention the smoke sausage

skillet. Spicy shrimp, sausage and chicken sizzle in cast iron alongside sautéed onions and cauliflower. The whole thing comes topped with a sunny-side egg, and it is reportedly the chef ’s favorite dish. I found it delicious, albeit similar to something I might find up the road. On the far wall, careful typography spells out the precept: “The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. The first to forget is the happiest.” It is with that in mind that I leave this constructive criticism: be the best BYOB vegan bistro in town and forget the rest. On my last brunch date at C’Mondz, our total came to $37.36. 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: HHH1/2 Ambience: HHH Service: HHHH Value: HHH

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THE NEXT DRAFT

Banishing kids from brewery sparks debate MATTHEW TOTA

hen designing his Worcester taproom, Greater Good Imperial Brewing Co. founder Paul Wengender built in a play area for children, setting it back far from the bar and filling it with arcade games and toys. On some afternoons, you’ll find the space filled with kids playing, while their parents chat over pints of Pulp. “It was really purposeful, built for those who want to sit at the bar and don’t want to have kids running around,” he said. “Almost every day moms and dads will meet up in the taproom, with one of them bringing the kids, and they have a pint and talk about their day. The kids are sitting on the rug with the toys we’ve provided for them.” You would not find a similar amenity at the local bar, nor would it be necessary. But taproom breweries

have evolved into unlikely options for a family outing. In the past, parents never considered bringing their kids to the brewery. Now, well, just visit Jack’s Abby in Framingham on a Friday evening. On at least a few visits to area taprooms, I’ve seen more kids than legal drinkers. The same could be said for dogs; one afternoon at Trillium Brewing Company in Canton, dogs definitely outnumbered people. Of course there are always the curmudgeons complaining under their breath about the kids and dogs ruining their peaceful watering hole. And once or twice, I’ve been one, especially after spilling my beer trying to avoid ornery dogs, or losing my patience with the two kids stomping around atop the same bench I’m sitting on. I’ve never wished for a brewery to outright ban both kids and dogs. Last month, though, Fat Orange Cat Brewing Co. in East Hampton,

Connecticut, did just that, posting a message to its Facebook followers saying safety concerns had prompted it to become “kid and pet free.” “We realize this is a HUGE decision, but we take the safety of our staff, our customers, our cherished pets and our property VERY VERY VERY seriously,” Fat Orange Cat wrote. “There is no doubt some people will be upset and perhaps we’ll lose some folks’ business, we get it, but in the end there is nothing more important than the wellbeing and safety of everyone who visits FOC and everyone who is a part of the craft beer community.” The post garnered more than 700 comments, with people mostly split. Those who supported the brewery thought it was about time; they worried about confrontations between dogs and wondered why parents would opt to bring their kids to a brewery in the first place. Those against the decision largely

Greater Good Imperial Brewing Co. founder Paul Wengender included a play area for children away from the bar when building his taproom. FILE PHOTO

told the brewery they were alienating a large number of their customers, most of whom would likely not return.

I respect the brewery for making a difficult choice that they felt was necessary to create a safe environment, knowing it would result in customers cursing its name and cutting ties. I reached out to Fat Orange Cat to learn more about the reasons behind the new policy, but did not hear back. Still, keeping away kids — and sometimes pets — is perhaps one of the worst business decisions a brewery taproom could make. You are ignoring a vital chunk of your customer base and missing out on the opportunity for your taproom to ascend beyond another neighborhood bar, into more of a community gathering space that happens to serve freshly made beer. “People who don’t understand the craft beer movement think of breweries only as a bar,” said Jackie Cullen, co-founder of River Styx Brewing in Fitchburg. “People who do understand the movement know

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CITY LIFE

TABLE HOPPIN’

Chef Arrastia makes some changes at Hangover Pub BARBARA M. HOULE

xecutive chef Michael Arrastia, owner of The Hangover Pub and Broth ramen bar in Worcester, is making his culinary voice heard in new ways. Arrastia’s cooking has evolved as he has grown as a chef, and he recently dug deep into his Puerto Rican heritage for inspiration when

has shied from bacon. The Hangover Pub has built a reputation on being “New England’s first bacon gastropub,” with people often waiting in line for weekend brunch. With new menu items, Arrastia takes on an inventive spirit and fuses tradition with new technique and twist. For example, he takes a recipe such as Puerto Rican mofongo (mashed plaintains), adding to it lobster, bacon, mozzarella and a so-

lemon garlic aioli and Plato de Chicharron, white rice and red beans with braised and fried pork belly. He also has added a bacon tomato grilled cheese and black garlic creamy tomato soup and bar pizzas, small in size but big in flavor. “Trust the Chef ” has the surprise element, leaving the meal option up to the chef. And, there’s the pub’s popular tasting plate, offering everything from Korean ribs to candied bacon. Kimchi Bacon Rice Balls will remain on the menu “forever” as a result of their popularity, according to Arrastia, who donated food at a recent charity event and culinary competition he co-emceed. The Hangover Pub has overcome challenges since opening in April 2016, according to Arrastia, who is now the sole owner of both The Hangover and Broth restaurants. He has expanded the pub’s hours, opening at 11 a.m. daily. No lunch on Monday; dinner service every day. Broth opens for dinner only at 4 p.m.

Beginning this weekend, The Hangover Pub will offer a late night menu from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Visit thehangoverpub.net for more about online ordering and new delivery options, menus, etc. Arrastia has won numerous culinary awards, including Iron Chef at Worcester’s Best Chef competition. He has faced off with chefs on the Food Network’s “Chopped” and has appeared on the Travel Channel. He and his wife, Ashley, have two children. Did we mention that Apple Bacon Caramel Streusel Cheesecake is on The Hangover Pub’s menu, in addition to tasty new cocktails?

Lettuce Be Local owner opening market downtown

Maker to Main Market is a new business coming to downtown Worcester after Thanksgiving.

Lynn Cheney, owner of Lettuce Be Local, the Central Mass Local Food Hub in Sterling, changed the name of her company with plans to open Maker to Main Market at 328 Main St., Worcester, after Thanksgiving in time for the December holiday season. Cheney said the market would open daily to the public, with extended hours for chefs, brewers and farmers. Shelves will be filled with products ranging from produce, meats and cheeses to herbs, maple syrups, flour, rice and oats and grains, coffee and tea, all from local makers. Shoppers also will be able to purchase a small selection of “not-solocal-items,” as a convenience to area residents, according to Cheney. Craft beer and wine will be sold. The Market will showcase a Chef ’s Table with rotating demonstrations by area chefs, designed to teach basic cooking skills, offer recipes and give pro tips for using C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 23

Full Time Sales Position Available

ASHLEY GREEN

frito wine sauce. The empanadas he remembered eating as a child are on the menu as a small dish, Dos Empanadas, with white rice, red bean sauce, roast pork and spicy mayo. Arrastia said he finds cooking new dishes “exciting.” The Hangover’s business has doubled since he introduced his two-page menu, with dishes such as a surf and turf burger with seared filet mignon and butter, sautéed lobster, bacon, cheddar cheese and

Comprehensive training provided. Send cover letter and resume to: Jeremy Wardwell, Sales Manager jwardwell@gatehousemedia.com

creating a new menu. He explained it as sensory memories, with him cooking beside a family member. “I think chefs and even home cooks often borrow from their heritage,” said Arrastia, who rolled out a new menu at The Hangover a couple of weeks ago. “Most of us remember a special childhood or celebratory food. My food connection is with Puerto Rican cooking.” Don’t get the idea that Arrastia

The ideal candidate will be an active listener and a strong communicator who is willing to seek out new business while also fostering and growing existing relationships.

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Michael Arrastia, executive chef and owner of The Hangover Pub and Broth ramen bar on Green Street.

The Landmark Leominster Champion The Millbury-Sutton Chronicle The Grafton News Worcester Magazine The Item The Telegram & Gazette baystateparent

Immediate opening for a self-motivated, confident sales person with strong organizational skills and a positive attitude.

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Become a part of our successful multi-media sales team!

CITY LIFE

FILM

Enough blaming and shaming to go around JIM KEOGH

cattered thoughts arrived at while raking scattered leaves: Tom Brady took some heat and gave some back last week over his cameo in the Netflix limited series “Living With Yourself.” In the scene, a smiling Brady emerges from a strip-mall massage parlor and hops into a limo. Folks understandably thought Brady was taking a good-natured poke at Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose visit last year to a strip-mall massage parlor, punctuated with an exit by limo, resulted in solicitation charges. When questioned about his appearance on “Living With Yourself,” Brady insisted it was being taken out of context by the “blame and shame” media. Brady, in fact, should be taking his swing at the producers, who filmed him in front of a green screen and added the strip-mall setting later (I don’t know how the script described the setting). Unintention-

al or not, the final product delivers an unambiguous subtext for those familiar with Kraft’s travails. Blaming and shaming filmmakers happens more frequently than you might think. I recently came across this Matt Damon quote about Tony Gilroy’s screenplay for “The Bourne Ultimatum”: “[I]t was unreadable. This is a career-ender. I mean, I could put this thing up on eBay and it would be game over for that dude. It’s terrible. It’s really embarrassing. He was having a go, basically, and he took his money and left.” A+ for honesty, Matt. But where’s the hate for “Jason Bourne”? • If a Saddest Person in Space category were added to the Academy Awards, the competition would be fiercer than the Olympics. Consider some recent rivals: Brad Pitt (“Ad Astra”), Ryan Gosling (“First Man”), Sandra Bullock (“Gravity”), Matthew McConaughey (“Interstellar”), Natalie Portman (“Lucy in the Sky”), George Clooney (“Solaris”)

and Sam Rockwell (“Moon”). I get it. I read Ray Bradbury’s books. I know the lyrics to “Rocketman.” Space is lonely and unforgiving. Apparently, no one has cracked a genuine smile in the heavens since “Spaceballs.” • The greatest gig for a veteran actor has to be the traveling Q&A show. One of your beloved movies is screened, then you take the stage to answer friendly questions from a moderator and the audience. John Cusack came to The Hanover Theatre not long ago to discuss his career and the making of the film “Say Anything,” which was screened that night. Chevy Chase is due at The Hanover next month to dish on “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” and John Cleese arrives next February to reveal what it was like to “ride” across the English countryside to the sound of clattering coconuts in “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Clearly the money is good and the lifting is light. Who among us could fill an auditorium

with people who want to hear about our jobs? • Quentin Tarantino deserves credit for refusing to edit “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” to please China’s censors, who dislike his portrayal of an arrogant, self-important Bruce Lee. China is refusing to release the movie without edits. In the past, Tarantino has cut some violent scenes to earn his movies a China release, yet won’t budge on this matter, perhaps because Lee’s daughter filed a complaint with China’s National Film Administration over the director’s depiction of her father. She and Tarantino have been feuding since the film’s release, and now the personal spat has evolved into an international standoff. There’s little else to do but wait for a LeBron James tweet setting Tarantino straight about China’s political realities.

McBride, Peter Dinklage, Dove Cameron, Lil Rel Howery, Nicki Minaj. (1:36) 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. “Downton Abbey” — The Crawleys and their staff prepare for a royal visit in this big-screen adaptation of the beloved British TV series. With Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Matthew Goode. (2:02) PG. “Gemini Man” — Ang Lee directs Will Smith in this action-thriller about an elite assassin who faces off against his younger doppelganger. With Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen, Benedict Wong. Written by David Benioff, Darren Lemke, Billy Ray; story by Benioff, Lemke. (1:57) PG-13. “Hustlers” — Former strip club workers plan to take down a group of Wall Street players. With Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Stiles, Keke Palmer, Lili Reinhart, Mercedes Ruehl, Lizzo, Cardi B. Written and directed by Lorene Scafaria; based on

a magazine article by Jessica Pressler. (1:50) R. “It Chapter Two” — It’s 27 years later and the evil returns to Derry, Maine. James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa, Jay Ryan, James Ransone, Andy Bean, Bill Skarsgard, Jaeden Martell, Wyatt Oleff, Jack Dylan Grazer, Finn Wolfhard, Sophia Lillis, Chosen Jacobs, Jeremy Ray Taylor. Written by Gary Dauberman, based on the novel by Stephen King. Directed by Andy Muschietti. R. “Jexi” — A pop culture blogger gets a little too familiar with the digital assistant on his smartphone. With Adam Devine, Rose Byrne, Alexandra Shipp, Ron Funches, Charlyne Yi, Wanda Sykes, Justin Hartley, Kid Cudi, Michael Pena. Written and directed by Jon Lucas, Scott Moore. (1:24:) R. “Joker” — Joaquin Phoenix takes on the role of Gotham’s notorious mad clown in this standalone character study/origin story. With Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Marc Maron, Shea Whigham. Written by Todd Phillips, Scott Silver; based on characters from DC Comics. Directed by Phillips. (2:02) R. “Judy” — Renée Zellweger portrays Judy Garland during the legendary entertainer’s run of sold-out stage shows in 1968 London. With Jessie

Buckley, Finn Wittrock, Rufus Sewell, Michael Gambon. Written by Tom Edge; based on a play by Peter Quilter. Directed by Rupert Goold. (1:58) NR. “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. “Lucy in the Sky” — Natalie Portman stars as an astronaut who begins to lose her grip on reality after returning from a mission in space. With Jon Hamm, Zazie Beetz, Dan Stevens, Ellen Burstyn, Jeffrey Donovan, Tig Notaro. Written by Brian C. Brown, Elliott DiGuiseppi, Noah Hawley; story by Brown, DiGuiseppi. Directed by Hawley. (2:04) R. “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” — Angelina Jolie reprises her role as the Disney villainess in this sequel to the 2014 fantasy tale. With Elle Fanning, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ed Skrein, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, Lesley Manville, Michelle Pfeiffer. Written by Linda Woolverton, Noah Harpster, Micah Fitzerman-Blue; story by Woolverton. Directed by Joachim Ronning. (1:58) PG. “The Peanut Butter Falcon” — A young man with Down syndrome chases his dream of becoming a

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady lashed out at the media for trying to create a controversy over his cameo appearance in a Netflix movie. ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

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FILM CAPSULES “Abominable” — Three friends try to reunite a young Yeti with his family in the Himalayas in this animated adventure. With the voices of Chloe Bennet, Tenzing Norgay Trainor, Albert Tsai, Eddie Izzard, Sarah Paulson. Written and directed by Jill Culton. (1:32) PG-13. “Ad Astra” — Brad Pitt stars as an astronaut searching for his father in the outer realms of the solar system. With Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga, Liv Tyler, Donald Sutherland. (2:02) PG-13. “The Addams Family” — Cartoonist Charles Addams’ creepy, kooky clan returns to the big screen in animated form. Voices of Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Chloe Grace Moretz, Finn Wolfhard, Nick Kroll, Snoop Dogg, Bette Midler, Allison Janney, Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara. (1:45) 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

professional wrestler. With Shia LaBeouf, Dakota Johnson, Zack Gottsagen, John Hawkes, Bruce Dern, Jon Bernthal, Thomas Haden Church, Jake Roberts, Mick Foley. (1:33) PG13. “Rambo: Last Blood” — Sylvester Stallone’s venerable action hero embarks on a vengeful final mission. With Paz Vega. Written by Matthew Cirulnick, Stallone; story by Stallone; based on the character created by David Morrell. Directed by Adrian Grunberg. (1:40) R. “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. “Zombieland: Double Tap” — Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Abigail Breslin and Emma Stone reunite to dispatch even more of the undead in this sequel to the 2009 horror comedy. With Rosario Dawson, Zoey Deutch, Luke Wilson. Written by Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Dave Callaham. Directed by Ruben Fleischer. (1:33) R.

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THE NEXT DRAFT

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that they are more like community centers, more like ski lodges: gathering place for the community to drink fresh-made products.” Like Greater Good, River Styx set out to design a taproom that would appeal to families and pet owners, Cullen said. It made sense, too, given the majority of their customers are either parents or dog owners. “Being dog friendly has brought a lot of business our way,” she said. “And our whole family-friendly, wholesome vibe is important to who we are.” That vibe has also become increasingly important to the towns and cities that host breweries. Chief among the reasons why local officials are so quick to embrace new breweries is their view of them as places for the entire family, which makes them businesses that help drive local commerce. “We knew that a brewery — or two — would have a positive

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Get ready for Tower Hill Botanic Garden’s haunted Halloween spectacular, featuring “Ghouls in the Garden.” The festivities will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 26, beginning with a children’s costume parade filled with “tricks and treats.” Pumpkin painting will be at noon; the Haunted Hounds doggy parade, 1 p.m. Activities are included in the cost of admission. Note: If you have a dog enrolled in Tower Hill’s Tails N Trails program, your pet has free admission. There is a $7 fee for nonmember dogs. Visit towerhillbg.org for more information. Enjoy food at the Farmer and the Fork at Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston. Tower Hill offers a spectacular view! If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.

Old Sturbridge Village now has tickets on sale for the village’s annual Christmas by Candlelight festivities. Village members receive 50% off all standard Christmas by Candle-

Tower Hill celebrates Halloween with ‘Ghouls in the Garden’

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Tickets on sale for OSV Christmas festivities

light tickets purchased through Thanksgiving. Nonmembers receive 15% off. The village also is accepting reservations for the popular Brunch with Santa at the Oliver Wight Tavern on Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22; and Lunch with Santa, Dec. 23. Visit osv.org for all holiday dining options. Reserve early as these quickly sell out. Santa has a busy schedule! O CT O B E R 24 - 30, 2019

local ingredients,” said Cheney. “Maker to Main Market will focus on quality ingredients while continuing to connect stories from local makers, producers and farmers in our effort to teach consumers about the seasonality of local ingredients.” Cheney plans to expand her food network of more than 150 farms and producers in New England. She will continue delivery of local food to wholesale customers and plans to launch a new, same day pickup service for Worcester residents who order the company’s customized Local Box. “Maker to Main’s mission is to remain committed to strengthening the community through a regional food system, by increasing accessibility for area residents while providing a platform for small local producers that will not only directly support and advance their economic vitality but will also promote environmental consciousness,” said Cheney. Visit makertomain.com for more information about the new brick and mortar market.

effect on the downtown area and the community as a whole,” said Meredith Harris, executive director of the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation. “The culture invites people of all ages to engage, socialize and most importantly get out and spend time perusing the downtown area.” In an industry rife with debates, the subject of kids and pets in a taproom is perhaps the most polarizing. “Some brewers are dead-set against allowing in anyone outside of adults,” Wengender said. “Then from a community perspective, there are the what I would call hardcore, classic demographic for breweries, and they’re mostly people who don’t have kids and don’t want kinds in the brewery.” And the debate, like over most things in craft beer, likely won’t end any time soon. And it will be interesting to see if any breweries follow in Fat Orange Cat’s footsteps. Thinking about the day I finally become a parent, I hope not.

CITY LIFE

THINGS TO DO COMPILED BY RICHARD DUCKETT, VICTOR D. INFANTE, BILL SHANER AND CHARLENE ARSENAULT

Getting ‘Naughty’ 4th Wall Stage Company is getting a bit naughty as it kicks off its eighth season with a romp. “Naughty Bits” is a collaboration with Lowell’s Image Theater whose popular “Naughties” show is a collection of provocative, humorous and outrageous original skits and songs. Performed by members of both companies, “Naughty Bits” will add “some extra Woosta spin,” said 4th Wall managing director and actor Barbara Guertin. Comedian

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Cindy Gray is host. The show at Fidddler’s Green Oct. 25 and 26 is a fundraiser for 4th Wall. “I just loved the idea of doing something ‘Out of the Box’ for 4th Wall,” Guertin said. “We are generally known for edgy, historic and heady American plays. This is new territory for us, but we thought this would be a great way to start a collaboration and mix up our typical season.” What: “Naughty Bits” — 4th Wall Stage Company and Image Theater When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26 Where: Fiddler’s Green, 19 Temple St., Worcester How much: $25; $22 seniors; $10 students. For tickets and more information: 4thwallstagecompany. org

Thursday, Oct. 24 Story Time — Terrific 2’s & 3’s: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Oct. 24, Boylston Public Library, 695 Main St., Boylston. For information: (508) 869-2371, llstretton@cwmars.org. Registration Required. PAWS to Read in October: Session 2: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Oct. 24, Worcester Public Library Burncoat Branch, 526 Burncoat St., Worcester. For information: lsheldon@mywpl.org. Opening Reception for Stitched — Knot What It Seams: 5-7 p.m. Oct. 24, Davis Art Gallery, 44 Portland St., Worcester. Cost: Free. For information: (774) 778-1756, lkeenekendrick@davisart.com. A juried exhibit that celebrates the idea of stitching in 2-D and 3-D media. The exhibit will run from October 25 through January 3. Annual Pumpking Carving and Leaf Blowout: 6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 24, Wormtown Brewery, 72 Shrewsbury St., Worcester. Cost: $20. Thursday night Cornhole: 7-9:30 p.m. Oct. 24, Greater Good Imperial Brew Co., 55 Millbrook St., Worcester. Cost: Free. “The Sleepy Hollow Experience”: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24, Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. Cost: $45. Showcase Cinemas brings back “The Goonies”: screening, 7:309:30 p.m. Oct. 24, Showcase Cinemas Worcester North, 135 Brooks St., Worcester. Cost: $16.50. NYC Comedy Invades Worcester: featuring Jordan Raybould and Bret Raybould, 5-9 p.m. Oct. 24, The Muse Bar & Kitchen, 536 Main St, Worcester. Cost: $7.50. The Yo Daddy Doe Variety Show: hosted by CoffeeHouse Craig, 7

Pairing off One of the musical highlights of the year is the dazzling annual Duo Piano Gala Concert at Tuckerman Hall presented by the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra. The 13th consecutive year of the show Saturday promises to once again be a lucky event for the audience as seven extraordinary local and international pianists perform on two Steinway concert grand pianos in various mesmerizing combinations, from duos to seven performers all at once. Featured pianists are Paul Buono, Malcolm Halliday, Kallin Johnson, Sima Kustanovich, Olga Rogach, Myron Romanul and Ian Watson. Works on the program include an arrangement for six pianists by D. Patrick of Mozart’s Overture to the Magic Flute, two pieces by Bach, American folk tunes, an arrangement for four pianists of Mendelssohn’s Overture to a Midsummer’s Night Dream, and an arrangement for seven pianists of “When The Saints Go Marching In.” What: Duo Piano Gala Concert When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 Where: Tuckerman Hall, corner of Tuckerman and Salisbury streets, Worcester How much: $25 in advance; $30 day of performance. For more information, call (508) 754-1234 or visit masymphony.org

p.m. Oct. 24, Strong Style Coffee, 13 Cushing St., Fitchburg. Crocodile River Music: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. $24. Karaoke: 8 p.m. Oct. 24, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester. Comedian John Campanelli: 8 p.m. Oct. 24, WooHaHa! Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $20. Gridlocked Thursdays — DJ Juice: 9 p.m. Oct. 24, The Pavilion at the Beer Garden, 66 Franklin St., Worcester. $5.

Nice, Cold Brew ... Brew Woo Harvest Fest is back for a second round at the DCU Center on Saturday. Brew Woo started out as a spring event in 2011, but last year’s additional first Harvest Fest was such a success they’re rolling out the barrels twice again for 2019. Harvest Fest will feature craft beer tastings from more than 70 New England breweries, savory food offerings, live music, vendors and more. What: Brew Woo Harvest Fest When: Oct. 26. 1 p.m. afternoon session; 6 p.m. evening session. Where: DCU Convention Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. How much: $35 (includes souvenir glass and 30 drink tickets); $60

Friday, Oct. 25 Thank Friday it’s Dr. Nat: 5:307:30 p.m. Oct. 25, followed by Dan Burke, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester. Harvest Wine and Beer Tasting: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 25, VFW Millbury post, 16 South Main St., Millbury. Cost: $15. For information: jebbica216@gmail. com. Local Botanist Judith Sumner Talks About Her Book “Plants Go to War”: 7-8 p.m. Oct. 25, Bedlam Book Cafe, 138 Green St., Worcester. For information: (508) 459-1400, bedlambookcafe@ gmail.com. Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures: 7 p.m. Oct. 25, DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. Cost: $11-$110. Naughty Bits: 7:30-9 p.m. Oct. 25, Fiddler Green, 19 Temple St., Worcester. Cost: $10-$25. For information: (508) 951-2665, barbara@4thwallstagecompany. org. Comedian Cindy Gray will host, with performances by our 4th Wall and Image Theater performers.

The Addams Family Musical: 7:30-3:30 p.m. Oct. 25, First Church Marlborough, 37 High St., Marlborough. Cost: $10-$15. For information: (508) 944-6678, dgriggs@upwitharts.org. Comedian John Campanelli: 8 p.m. Oct. 25, WooHaHa! Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $20. Comedian Alex Giampapa and Friends: 8 p.m. Oct. 25, The Comedy Attic at PArk Grille & Spirits, 257 Park Ave., Worcester. $15. Elizabeth Cook & Will Hoge: 8 p.m. Oct. 25, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. $30. Headliners Comedy Series featuring Drew Dunn: 8 p.m. Oct. 25, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great

Road, Shirley. $18. Haunted Speakeasy: 8:30 p.m. Oct. 25, The Atrium, 1 Exchange Place, Worcester. Cost: $30-$55. The Grants: 8:30 p.m.-midnight Oct. 25, Halligan’s Bar And Function Hall, 889 Southbridge St., Auburn. Cost: $5. Bearly Dead: 9 p.m. Oct. 25, the Palladium 261 Main St., Worcester. $15 Celebration of the Lizard — A Celebration of The Doors: 9 p.m. Oct. 25, Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave., Worcester. $10. Jon Strader: 9 p.m. Oct. 25, The Pavilion at the Beer Garden, 66 Franklin St., Worcester. $5 after 10 p.m. “The Sleepy Hollow Experience”: 9:30 p.m. Oct. 25, Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. Cost: $50.

Saturday, Oct. 26 Solomon Pond Mall Hosts Storytime with Regina Pizzeria: 11 a.m.-noon Oct. 26, Solomon Pond Mall, 601 Donald Lynch Boulevard, Marlborough. For information: nericson@regancomm.com. Second Chance Animal Services Halloween Barktacular: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 26, Camp Marshall — Worcester County 4-H Center, 92 McCormick Road, Spencer. For information: (508) 867-5525, lindsay.doray@

CITY LIFE

Sum of its parts secondchanceanimals.org. Halloween event bringing families and pets together to benefit Second Chance. Free. Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures: 11 a.m. Oct. 26, DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. Cost: $12-$180. Food Truck Fright Fest: noon5 p.m. Oct. 26, Green Hill Park, 50 Skyline Drive, Worcester. For information: wootrucks@gmail. com. Brew Woo Harvest Fest: 1 p.m. Oct. 26, DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. Cost: $26.25-$60. Solomon Pond Mall To Host Halloween Boo Bash: 2-5 p.m. Oct. 26, Solomon Pond Mall, 601 Donald Lynch Boulevard, Marlborough. For information: nericson@regancomm.com. Introduction to Brush Lettering with Chandni: 2-4 p.m. Oct. 26, Tatnuck Bookseller’s Event Room, 18 Lyman St., Westborough. Cost: $45-$50. For information: csalman@gmail.com.

Finding an edge

Connolly, with Doug Guertin and Bryan O’Donnell, featuring comedian Dan Hall, Daniel Ford and Vanessa Calixto from Save the Bridge, The FORCE show and “his wonderful display of capitalism from Mark Gallagher,”” 7 p.m. Oct. 26, Nick’s Bar and Restuarant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester. Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures: 7 p.m. Oct. 26, DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. Cost: $11-$115. Comedian John Campanelli: 7 p.m. Oct. 26, WooHaHa! Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $20. Comedy Jam For Jay: featuring Jimmy Cash, Mairéad Connolly, Jesse Burlingame, Emily Mame Ford, Dave Williams, Ben Bosunga, John Flagg, Brieana and Josh Ramirez, hosted by Lou Ramos, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26, Clinton Turner Hall, 60 Branch St., Clinton. $25. Rage Against The Macgine, Sapling (as Mclusky), Queers of the Stoned Age and Marilyn Manson: 8 p.m. Oct. 26, Hotel Vernon, 1 Millbury St., Worcester. Fellowship of the King and SPF 4: 8 p.m. Oct. 26, Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester. $10. Comedian Alex Giampapa and Friends: 8 p.m. Oct. 26, The Comedy Attic at Park Grille & Spirits, 257 Park Ave., Worcester. $15. Haunted Speakeasy: 8:30 p.m. Oct. 26, The Atrium, 1 Exchange Place, Worcester. Cost: $30-$55. New England 40th Anniversary: 8 p.m. Oct. 26, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. $30. Come To Grief, Psycho, Dour and Et Mors: 9-1:30 p.m. Oct. 26, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester. Cost: $10. Clamdigger’s Annual Halloween Bash: 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Oct. 26, Galway Bay Irish Pub, 186 Stafford St., Worcester. Comedian John Campanelli: 9:30 p.m. Oct. 26, WooHaHa! Comedy

Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $20.

Sunday, Oct. 27 Psychic Sunday Brunch: featuring compassionate clairvoyant Brandie Wells, 11 a.m. Oct. 27, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. $66. Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures: noon, Oct. 27, DCU

Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. Cost: $12-$160. Showcase Cinemas brings back “The Goonies”: screening, 1-3 p.m. Oct. 27, Showcase Cinemas Worcester North, 135 Brooks St., Worcester. Cost: $16.50. For information: (617) 585-5770, kcourchesne@360pr.plus An Irish Celebration of Harvest & Halloween in Story and Song:

Shining ‘Light’ It’s the little things in Amy Helm’s 2018 album, “This Too Shall Light,” that make it so captivating: The delicate intro to “Heaven’s Holding Me,” the almost imperceptible pivot from folk to gospel on “Odetta,” to the full-on vocal rapture of “Gloryland.” It’s a richly textured and spiritually resonant album that can shake something inside the listener with its force and beauty. Helm is an astounding songwriter and vocalist, and the album puts her talents on full display. What: Amy Helm with Mark Erelli When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27 Where: Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley How much: $35

Halloween on Ice: 2:30-5:30 p.m. Oct. 26, Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center, 112 Harding St., Worcester. Cost: $5-$25. For information: (508) 573-8027, giving@vnacare.org. Origami: Fall Folds: 2:45-3:45 p.m. Oct. 26, Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem St., Worcester. To register, call (508) 799-1655 x3 or visit mywpl.org. The Wormtown Mugwumps: 3 p.m. Oct. 26, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester. Genocide Pact, Undeath, Eaten and Inhalement: 3-7 p.m. Oct. 26, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester. Cost: $10. Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures: 3 p.m. Oct. 26, DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. Cost: $14-$149. Trunk or Treat 2019: 4-6 p.m. Oct. 26, City United Church, 194 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg. Cost: Free. “Tales Best Told in the Dark” Halloween Event at Roosevelt Branch: 4-5 p.m. Oct. 26, Worcester Public Library Roosevelt Branch, 1006 Grafton St., Worcester. For information: lsheldon@mywpl. org. The presentation will include: “Teeth”, a traditional Cape Verdean “jump tale”; “The Red, Red Lips”, a humorous tale with a twist ending; “The Uninvited Guest”, a story from Germany told with shadows; and many more. Come in costume and stay afterwards for a trick-or-treat monster hunt. Recommended for ages 6-12 and their families. In This Moment with Motionless in White, New Years Day, Ded, Rock & Roll Burlesque and Little Miss Nasty: 6 p.m. Oct. 26, Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester. Brew Woo Harvest Fest: 6 p.m. Oct. 26, DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. Cost: $26.25-$60. The Sort of Late Show with Shaun Connolly: hosted by Shaun

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What: Van Gordon Martin When: 8 p.m. Oct. 29 Where: The Stomping Ground, 132 Main St., Putnam, Conn.

What: Sum 41 with The Amity Affliction and The Plot In You When: 7 p.m. Oct. 31 Where: The Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester How much: $30.50-$199.50

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Musician Van Gordon Martin, perhaps best known for his work with Dub Apocalypse, has a penchant for taking the reggae genre and finding both an edge and a sense of freshness. That’s certainly what he does on his most recent single, “Life Is One.” On the one hand it’s a straight-up reggae song, but there’s more than that going on. There’s an energy that courses through it, a briskness that capitalizes on the genre’s capacity to galvanize listeners. It demonstrates both Martin’s talent and his understanding of the sounds with which he works.

There’s something terribly endearing about the instrumental break on Canadian rockers Sum 41’s song “Never There,” of the recent album, “Order in Decline.” Really, the whole song feels like something radically different than your typical punk/hard-core sound, and that’s part of the band’s appeal: The diversified, genre-defying style gives each song on the album a unique feel, and gives the album an unpredictability that makes it extremely listenable.

CITY LIFE

THINGS TO DO

A Promise to Keep

Turning 40! With songs such as “Get It Up,” “Don’t Ever Wanna Lose You,” “Hello, Hello, Hello” and the terribly catchy “P.U.N.K.,” the band New England has proved itself to be prog-rock masters to be reckoned with. The band, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a show at Bull Run, has an endearing quality that’s echoed well through the years. What: New England 40th Anniversary When: 8 p.m. Oct. 26 Where: Oct. 26, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley How much: $30

1:30-3 p.m. Oct. 27, Fitchburg Public Library, 610 Main St., Fitchburg. For information: (978) 829-1780, fplref@cwmars.org. With singer, harper, and storyteller Kate Chadbourne. Disney On Ice presents Road Trip

Adventures: 4 p.m. Oct. 27, DCU Center, 50 Foster S., Worcester. Cost: $11-$124. Listen! A Poetry Reading: hosted by Dave Macpherson, 7 p.m., followed by the Duende Project, Oct. 27, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester. Amy Helm: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. $35.

Monday, Oct. 28

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Teen Night at ArtsWorcester:

5-7:30 p.m. Oct. 28, ArtsWorcester, 44 Portland St., Worcester. Cost: Free. “Hocus Pocus“ Themed Trivia: 7-9 p.m. Oct. 28, Red Heat Tavern, 227 Turnpike Road, Westborough. Cost: Free. Halloween: 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 28, Greater Good Imperial Brew Co., 55 Millbrook St., Worcester. Cost: $5. Dirty Gerund Poetry Series: hosted by Alex Charalambides, 9 p.m. Oct. 28, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester.

Tuesday, Oct. 29

Story Time — Fantastic 4’s & 5’s: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Oct. 29, Boylston Public Library, 695 Main St., Boylston. For information: (508) 869-2371, lstretton@cwmars.org. Harry Potter Trivia: 7-10 p.m. Oct. 29, Revolution Pie + Pint, 50 Franklin St., worcester. Cost: $35. The Poetorium at Starlite Reading Series & Open Mic With Howard J. Kogan: 7-10 p.m. Oct. 29, Starlite, 39 Hamilton St., Southbridge. For information: poetorium@mail.

The Worcester acoustic singing duo The Promise Is Hope, namely Ashley and Eric L’Esperance, have superb voices that blend together to great effect on original songs with thoughtful lyrics and folk and pop musical influences. The married couple are making a name nationally as they tour and make friends at each stop. They’ll be back home for a concert at the Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center Friday. Kati Jones will open What: The Promise Is Hope, with Kati Jones When: 7 p.m. Oct. 25 Where: Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor Visitor Center, 3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester How much: $15, eventbrite.com/e/ the-promise-is-hope

com. Hosted by Paul Szlosek and Ron Whittle. Free, hat passed to pay the featured artist. The Cobra Kings: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29, Greendale’s Pub, 404 W. Boylston St, Worcester. Van Gordon Martin: 8 p.m. Oct. 29, The Stomping Ground, 132 Main St., Putnam, Conn.

Wednesday, Oct. 30 NEFA’s 18th Annual Idea Swap: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 30, Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester. Cost: $40$60. The Idea Swap is an annual event for New England-based nonprofit cultural organizations and touring artists to network and share ideas for touring projects. Story Time — Bouncing Babies: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Oct. 30, Boylston Public Library, 695 Main St., Boylston. For information: (508) 869-2371, lstretton@cwmars.org. Weekly Playgroup: Week 5: 3:154:30 p.m. Oct. 30, Worcester Public Library Tatnuck Magnet Branch, 1083 Pleasant St., Worcester. For information: lsheldon@mywpl.org. Hydroponics Gardening Club: Week 3: 4-5 p.m. Oct. 30, Worcester Public Library Goddard Branch, 14 Richards St., Worcester.

CITY LIFE

Death & Doom Double Header It’s a death & doom double header at Ralph’s Rock Diner, presented by Codex Obscurum.The first show, a 3 p.m. matinee, features Genocide Pact, Undeath, Eaten and Inhalement. The second show, at 9 p.m., features Come To Grief, Psycho and Dour, Et Mors. What: Death & Doom Double Header When: 2 and 9 p.m. Oct. 26 Where: Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester. How much: $10 per show

For information: lsheldon@ mywpl.org. Woohole Cornole: 6 p.m. Oct. 30, The Pavilion at the Beer Garden, 66 Franklin St., Worcester. $15 random draw. Halloween Dinner & Paranormal Investigation: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 30, Publick House Historic Inn, On The Common, 277 Main St./Route 131,

Hitting the Ice Disney On Ice returns to the DCU Center this weekend with “Road Trip Adventures,” and exciting twists and turns are promised as Mickey, Minnie and Goofy embark on a wild ride to some favorite Disney destinations. You can also expect exciting expert ice skating and plenty of audience engagement.

Thursday, Oct. 31

Celebrating Voices The Holy Cross College Choir will celebrate “Voices of Black Women” in its first concert of the season Friday. The theme of the concert is inspired by the Holy Cross Africana Studies program’s year-long exploration of black womanhood. Works to be performed include “Daniel, Daniel, Servant of the Lord,” a rousing spiritual arranged by African-American composer Undine S. Moore, and a world premiere by Brittany E. Boykin of Spelman College in Georgia that beautifully sets the words of poet Audre Lorde. What: “Voices of Black Women” — Holy Cross College Choir When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 Where: St. Joseph Memorial Chapel, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester How much: Free

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Story Time - Terrific 2’s & 3’s: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Oct. 31, Boylston Public Library, 695 Main St., Boylston. For information: (508) 869-2371, llstretton@cwmars.org. SUM 41 with The Amity Affliction and The Plot In You: 7 p.m. Oct. 31, the Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester. $30.50-$199.50. TUSK — The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. $35. “The Sleepy Hollow Experience”: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31, Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. Cost: $45. The Play That Goes Wrong: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31, Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. $39$79. The Yo Daddy Doe Variety Show: hosted by CoffeeHouse Craig, 7 p.m. Oct. 31, Strong Style Coffee, 13 Cushing St., Fitchburg. Troy Gonyea and Nick’s Halloween Party: 8 p.m. Oct. 31, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester. Comedian Mike Vecchione: 8 p.m. Oct. 31, WooHaHa! Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $20 8th Annual MT Heavy Metal Halloween Covers Weekend: 9 p.m. Oct. 31, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester. $5 per night.

“A Walk in the Woods”: 7:30 p.m. 25, 26; 2 p.m. 27. $20; $17 for seniors and students. Calliope Productions, 150 Main St., Boylston. calliopeproductions.org. “Once Upon a Mattress”: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25, 26; 2 p.m. Oct. 27. New Players Theatre Guild. 15 Rollstone St., Fitchburg. (978) 3456570, nptg.org “Wait Until Dark”: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 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 p.m. Oct. 25, 26, Nov. 1, 2; 2 p.m. Oct. 27 and Nov. 3. Pasture Prime Players, The Charlton Arts & Activities Center, 4 Dresser Hill Road, Charlton. pastureprime.org “Urinetown The Musical”: Presented by Bradley Playhouse. 7:30 P.m. Oct. 25, 26; 2 p.m. Oct. 27. The Bradley Playhouse, 30 Front St., Putnam, Conn. www. thebradleyplayhouse.org “The Play That Goes Wrong”: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31; 8 p.m. Nov. 1, 2; 2 p.m. Nov. 2; 1 p.m. Nov. 3 and 6:30 p.m. Nov. 3. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. $39$79. thehanovertheatre.org “Golda’s Balcony”: 8 p.m. Nov. 2, 7, 9; 4 p.m. Nov. 3, 10. Presented by 4th Wall Stage Company. Congregation Beth Israel, 15 Jamesbury Drive, Worcester. $25; $22 for seniors; $10 for students. 4thwallstagecompany.org. “American Buffalo”: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8, 9, 15, 16; 2 p.m. Nov. 17. Pilgrim Soul Productions, GB & Lexi Singh Performance Center at Alternatives’Whitin Mill, 60 Douglas Road, Whitinsville. $20; $18 for seniors and under 18. (508) 2960797, pilgrimsoulproductions.com

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What: Disney On Ice: “Road Trip Adventures” When: 7 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday; noon and 4 p.m. Sunday Where: DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester How much: Tickets start at $15. ticketmaster.com/disney-on-icepresents-road-trip-adventurestickets/artist/

Sturbridge. Cost: $65. With bestselling authors and paranormal Investigators Thomas D’Agostino and his wife Arlene. For information email diningwiththedead1031@ gmail.com. Matt Brodeur: 7 p.m. Oct. 30, Art’s Diner, 541 W. Boylston St., Worcester. Insincere Gentlemen: 8 p.m. Oct. 30, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester. Wacky Wednesday Jam: 8:30 p.m. Oct. 23, Greendale’s Pub, 404 W. Boylston St, Worcester. Duncan Arsenault, Brooks Milgate and Tyler-James Kelly: 9 p.m. Oct. 23, Vincent’s 49 Suffolk St., Worcester.

Stage

CITY LIFE

EAST DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY

ADOPTION OPTION 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.

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Tweety Bird is rather young and would also like to find out if she wants to be hand friendly. She has not had much experience. Tweety Bird came to WARL because she was given to some kind people who had parakeets in the past, but who were not at a point in life where they wanted another one. Tweety can be adopted to a home where there are already parakeets or other companion birds. Parakeets are not solitary birds and can get very lonely and cranky without proper attention, entertainment and toys. Adoption fee for Tweety is $15 and a donation of adopters choice for her cage and toys.

GAMES

J O N E S I N’

“Letter Imperfect” – I’ll try to spell it out. by Matt Jones

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In a slick-talking manner Smartphone shot? Food Network notable Crystal-lined stone Toksvig currently of “The Great British Bake Off” Skipped the restaurant “Hot” rum drink 2016 World Series champions “Under the Bridge” bassist Having no depth, in brief Mumbai titles When doubled, a guitar effect

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1 Jennifer Garner spy series 2 Cinematic intro? 3 Smidge

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4 Grow bored with 5 One of les quatre saisons 6 “Blade Runner 2049” actor Jared 7 “Garden State” actor/ director Zach 8 Camden Yards athlete 9 Bewhiskered beast 10 Two-by-two vessel 11 In any case 12 Very uncommon 13 Mass of floating ice 18 Purpose of some apps with profiles 22 Investigator, informally 24 Food popular on Tuesdays 27 Body image? 29 Look at the answers 30 “Orinoco Flow” singer 31 Rugged wheels 32 “Get rid ___!” 33 Tolkien trilogy, to fans 35 “All in favor” answer 37 Cable modem alternative 39 Hotel posting 40 Supportive cheer 41 Meat-testing org. 42 Singer/songwriter Spektor 47 Place with a membership, often

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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!

Mgr.’s helper Bendy joint Spongy toy brand “The Avengers” villain Word before firma or cotta Wall mirror shape Skill at noticing things (or, Item of interest) Prefix with sol and stat Out on the waves Bad day at bat (or, One more than two) British writer Ben known for his books of “Miscellany” Chimney passages 500 maker Find the secret code to get out, e.g. Fifth of a series Elite Eight org. Divide by tearing “Here, don’t get locked out” (or, Unlocking question) “The Godfather” first name Something ___ Actor Penn of “Sunnyside” “Wild Thing” band, with “The” Outer jigsaw puzzle piece “You’re pulling ___!” Sets as a goal Have a wide panoramic view (or, Country distances?) “Swell” Arm bone “Watch out” (or, Boded disaster) Salad bar veggie PBS chef Bastianich “___ not know that!” “Smooth Operator” singer “Oh jeez!” Full of streaks

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O C T O B E R 24 - 30, 2019

LEGALS PUBLIC AUCTION NOTICE Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of M.L.C 225 sec.39A, the following vehicle will be sold October 26, 2019 to satisfy our garage lien thereon for the towing and storage charges and expenses of sale and notice: 2005 Jeep Liberty VIN#1J4GL48K25W653818 The sale will be held at Earlyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on Park Ave., Inc., 536 Park Ave. Worcester, MA 01603

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WORCESTER HOUSING AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS SEALED BIDS shall be received at the Purchasing Office, 69 Tacoma Street., Worcester, MA 01605. Solicitation package may be picked up at the location above or may be downloaded from our website: www.worcesterha.org/purchasing, or call (508) 635-3202/3203, TTY/TDD (508) 798-4530. Bidders are responsible for ensuring they have received any/all addenda prior to submitting a bid. Separate awards will be made for each solicitation. WHA or its affiliate reserves the right to reject any or all responses, in whole or in part, deemed to be in their best interest. Award of all contracts is subject to the approval of the WHA Executive Director or Board of Commissioners. The Operating Agency shall indemnify and hold harmless the WHA and its officers or agents from any and all third party claims arising from activities under these Agreements as set forth in MGL c.258, section 2 as amended. Project Title Bid Opening Bid No. Release Date 19-35 10/10/2019 Physical Needs 4:00 PM November 7, 2019 Assessment & Energy Audit Jackson Restrepo, Chief Procurement Officer

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LAST CALL

Duncan Arsenault

father of The Dive Bar Music Series

he Dive Bar is closing in November, leaving behind a legacy of Thursday night performances orchestrated by Duncan Arsenault. Arsenault’s band, The Curtis Mayflower, has announced one final night of music at The Dive, beginning at 9 p.m. Oct. 24. We caught up with Arsenault to find out more about the venue that brought his band together. What are the details of Thursday’s last Dive Bar show? The Curtis Mayflower is made up of musicians who were part of The Dive Thursday series in heavy rotation. We all enjoyed playing those Thursday shows so much that we gave the lineup a name, and began writing our own music. To be able to play The Dive on a Thursday one last time before they close is a beautiful thing for us. We plan to do the same thing we always did there and I hope your readers come see for themselves what it’s all about.

anywhere else. I am grateful to know so many talented players who know a lot of songs. Some of the earliest incarnations of the series were very exciting and interesting. Steve Mossberg would play. Michael Thibodeau and Scott Ricciuti might be there. Jon Short was always ready and willing to jump in. These are people who not only play their instruments very well, but they are interested in the excitement of playing music with musicians they don’t know and don’t already know their material. In the first months of the series we kept things small, duos and trios and we started early. The thinking was that we would do music from 7-10 p.m. Soon after that, we were being asked to play later and later and eventually we settled into a 9 p.m. to midnight time, often closing the place with one more last set.

The Curtis Mayflower with Duncan Arsenault, center on drums. PHOTO COURTESY OF TED THEODORE/ARTROCITY

What is your relationship with country chart-topper Sam James? My relationship with Sam James is that he is a very dear friend. Far beyond making music together, he’s my brother.

Who are some of your favorite collaborators? Every project is different and it’s usually all about finding the perfect person for it. I follow my gut with projects I get involved in. Whatever I’m currently doing is usually my favorite thing. The Dive Bar was an explosive period of collaboration for me. So many bands were formed through those nights, not just with me but with musicians who would meet at the shows. I love this, and still do this with my Wednesday series at Vincent’s.

Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about Worcester’s live music scene? Live music is being made every night of the week in Worcester by fantastic musicians across all styles. While I’ve got the opportunity, I want to encourage your readers to get out there and take it in whenever they can. You’ll never get the feeling from a video or from a recording of live music that you would in person. You need to go to the source, and if you don’t demand live music it might get harder to find as time marches on.

What are your proudest accomplishments with The Curtis Mayflower? The music.

– Sarah Connell Sanders

What makes a venue uniquely suited for live music in Worcester? Some combination of good music and a good vibe seems to be the trick. It has less to do with the physical space as it does the people.

You’ve been featured on “NCIS” and “Young and the Restless.” How did it feel hearing your music on national television for the first time? It’s bizarre and sort of cool to hear the music out of context like that. There is always the hope that someone will hear it and find the music for themselves.

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dozens of these shows like Jeremy Moses Curtis, Jon Short, Paul Buono and Craig Rawding made the whole thing possible. I have a list of everyone that played these shows and I love everyone on that list. Another person I want to mention is Bill Connor. Soon after we started the series, Bill, who is a great drummer and performed at The Dive often with his own projects, is also a skilled Hammond organ technician. A year or so after the series started, Bill generously loaned a Hammond B3 and Leslie speaker to the bar. This opened up the opportunity to have organ players come in and play on an instrument you don’t often get to hear, especially in the corner of a small bar. So cool that he did that, I’m forever grateful.

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Who are some of the most memorable performers from your Thursday night shows? We did a little over 300 Dive Thursdays consecutively, with How did you start curating live about 80 different musicians. music at The Dive? I spent a lot There are so many moments that of time at The Lucky Dog Music are special to me that I couldn’t Hall on Green Street at the time possibly single one out. When I rethat Alec (Lopez) took over The flect back I think of the musicians Dive and switched over to craft who were there playing as much beer. It was a common thing to as I was. People like Jeff Burch, be at The Dog and drop in to The who is not only a tremendous Dive for a beer. Brendan Melican bassist, but the kind of person suggested to Alec and me that who you can call on to play just music would be good there. Alec about anything anywhere. Brooks is a musician and a music lover and he had already been thinking Milgate is another musician who about it too. It had not occurred to played hundreds of Thursdays with me. His musicianship is me to play music there. The room is not a natural fit for a band, and second to none, but again, he’s a person who is willing to go out on what is now the beer garden out a limb with other musicians. Scott back, was an alley parking lot. I Ricciuti (RIP) is also someone wanted to give it a try, so I came whose spirit was felt throughout up with a simple idea. I thought the series whether he was playing that if I could find different or not. Incredible songwriting and musicians each week who were willing to play music with me and singing was more than enough but he also brought an energy of whoever else we could find, we collaboration and enthusiasm could have some fun. I promised I still feel to this day. There’s no myself and Alec that the imporway the series would have been tant thing would be the quality the success it was without him. of the music, and that it wouldn’t Other players who did dozens and be anything that was happening

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