Worcester Magazine Dec. 26, 2019 - Jan. 2, 2020 by Worcester Magazine

DEC. 26, 2019 - JAN. 2, 2020 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

CULTURE • ARTS • DINING • VOICES

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On the Record

Our favorite New England albums of 2019

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D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020

IN THIS ISSUE

D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020 • V O L U M E 45 I S S U E 18 Find us on Facebook.com/worcestermag Twitter @worcestermag Instagram: Worcestermag

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Featured ......................................................................................4 City Voices...................................................................................8 Cover Story ...............................................................................10 Artist Spotlight .......................................................................18 Lifestyle......................................................................................20 CD Review..................................................................................20 Dining Review..........................................................................21 Table Hoppin’ ..........................................................................21 The Next Draft..........................................................................22 Film .............................................................................................23 Film Capsules ..........................................................................24 Calendar ....................................................................................25 Adoption Option ....................................................................28 Games .........................................................................................29 Classifieds .................................................................................30 Last Call .....................................................................................31

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the cover

Photo by Christine Peterson; Design by Kimberly Vasseur

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Clockwise from top left, musicians James Moore, Matt Zappa, Joel Rines, Mary Widow, Walter Sickert, jojo Lazar, Rachel Jayson, Brother Bones, Tim Greeno and Mike Leggio, seen here at Ralph’s Rock Diner, were among the artists who performed on some our Favorite New England Albums of 2019. Story on page 10

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A twist on Tchaikovsky

‘Hip Hop Nutcracker’ puts modern spin on classical ballet RICHARD DUCKET T

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hen Tchaikovsky composed “The Nutcracker,” he had no way of knowing his evocative music would prove to be a great time-defying fit for a certain style of dance. Hip-hop. True, “The Nutcracker” has also been associated with classical ballet in the nearly 130 years since the work was first performed at the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in 1892. But “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” has been getting people moving enthusiastically since it debuted in 2014, and that’s just the audience. With a dozen hip-hop dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and rapper and hiphop legend Kurtis Blow as MC, the popular show comes to The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts for a performance at 7 p.m. Dec. 29. “It’s the classical music of Tchaikovsky. It’s amazing to see it happen. It’s a holiday mash-up for the entire family,” Blow said. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, artistic director of the Brooklyn-based theatrical hiphop dance company Decadancetheatre, the show is in its sixth year and Blow has been part of it pretty much from the start. “One of the reasons why I really wanted to get involved was the music and see this ensemble we’ve put together from all over the world with their different styles,” Blow said during a recent telephone interview. “It shows the universality of the dance and the universality of the music. It is a great fusion of hip-hop and classical music.” The original 19th-century adaptation from a story by German Romantic writer E.T.A. Hoffmann has been updated to contemporary New York City and is set on New Year’s Eve rather than Christmas but still involves a Clara, in this case MariaClara. A young adult, Maria-Clara is at a New Year’s Eve street party where her parents are bickering. Also at the party is a modern-day mysterious Drosselmeyer, a character from the original ballet. Maria-Clara decides to take a walk and meets a young man selling roasted nuts named “The Nutcrack-

“The Hip Hop Nutcracker” will be performed at 7 p.m. Dec. 29. at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts. COURTESY PHOTO/TIMOTHY NORRIS

er.” A short while later, after resuming her stroll, Mara-Clara is set upon by a Mouse Crew led by a Mouse Queen, but The Nutcracker comes to the rescue. Drosselmeyer, who has a helping hand in the altercation, then transports the two to the Land of Sweets Nightclub on New Year’s Eve in the 1980s where they witness Maria-Clara’s mother and father first meeting on a dance floor. Back in the present, music and dance will mend her parents’ relationship while Maria-Clara and The Nutcracker are also in love. The story may have changed a little, but the music that underlies everything remains the same, more or less. The DJ provides a “hip-hop beat

under the classical music and there’s a violinist that comes out. When they collaborate it’s an awesome part of the show,” Blow said. Blow’s part in “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” is essentially to set the scene and the right mood. “I’m the MC. I come out in the introduction, get everyone ready for the production, pump them up, sing my Christmas rap, just have a party there for the first 10 minutes.” He leads a New Year’s Eve countdown, “and then the show starts,” he said. Blow reappears at the end to wish everyone happy holidays. “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” had a relatively short run in 2014. This year it began a 30-city cross-country holiday tour Nov. 7 in San Diego;

Worcester is the final stop. Blow said this will be his first visit to the city. “It’s incredible to see the generations. All ages. All races. It’s the holiday season. The spirit of love is in the air. Two young people fall in love and it’s a special magic,” he said. There could be said to be another special sort of blending of classical and the new in “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” in that Blow, 60, is one of hip-hop’s founding fathers and “old school.” In 1979 Blow became the first rapper to be signed by a major label. “Christmas Rappin” sold over 400,000 copies and became an annual classic. Its gold follow‑up, “The Breaks,” helped ignite a still‑spreading international “Rap Attack.” His other hits

include “If I Ruled the World.” Blow, who lives in New York City, said that in the 1970s hip-hop “was escapism from the drugs, the gangs and drug wars … ‘Let’s get into this instead of that.’ So a lot of kids in the ‘70s can say hip-hop saved their life.” Meanwhile, “I always knew that we had the potential to collaborate with other forms of music.” Sure enough there was “Rock and roll and rap. Country music and rap. As a music producer, I’ve always loved big orchestras. What I call king and queen music. The big sound of the orchestra.” By the same token, hip-hop has expanded to other countries around the world and also been adopted by those countries, Blow noted.

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“You go to Germany, they rap in German. Countries have embraced hip-hop but they’ve done it in their own culture. Not only is there an American rap scene in Germany but a German rap scene even larger.” Blow wears many hats these days, including rapper, singer, songwriter, record/film producer, b-boy, DJ, MC, public speaker and minister. In the latter capacity is a founder of the Hip-Hop Church in Harlem. Asked if his embrace of Christianity (“born again” in 1994) has affected his music, he said some “traditionalists” felt he shouldn’t perform his earlier songs since an Rap legend Kurtis Blow is the MC for individual coming to “The Hip Hop Nutcracker.” Jesus Christ is “a new PHOTO SUBMITTED creation.” However, his songs did not use profanity, he said, and so he continues to perform them. “Sometimes I get good feedback and not so good feedback. My job is to be a fisher of men, whether I can sing ‘The Breaks’ or not. Let’s just go out “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” there and praise God.” With that, hip-hop can be enjoyed When: 7 p.m. Dec. 29 regardless of an individual’s religious Where: The Hanover Theatre and beliefs, Blow said. Conservatory for the Performing Arts, “Yes. Music for everyone. That’s 2 Southbridge St., Worcester hip-hop. Hip-hop is for everyone How much: $42.5 to $62.50. (877) here.” 571-7469; thehanovertheatre.org Contact Richard Duckett at richard.duckett@telegram.com. Follow him on Twitter @TGRDuckett.

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FEATURED

The most Worcester moments of 2019 BILL SHANER

THE BEER GARDEN BRAWL: Worcester loves a good bar fight, lets be honest. A knockdown, drag-out bar fight involving police at a new and supposedly upscale, trendy downtown bar? Even better. A bar fight in which everyone is wearing Halloween costumes captured by dozens of widely shared videos on Facebook and Instagram? It may be the holy grail of Worcester moments. We may not see its like again for years, though we did just recently flirt with a repeat incident. Multiple reports of people at the Beer Garden flipping tables when Worcester singer Ricky Duran came up second place on “The Voice” a few weeks back. How this place became the rowdiest bar in Worcester is beyond me, but we love to see it.

RIP LT. MENARD: In November, Worcester lost another fine public servant to a house fire. Lt. Jason Menard was killed while getting his guys out of a burning building — a building which, it turns out, did not contain the person they were looking for. Another devastating blow for Worcester, which has seen far, far more than its share of firefighters make the ultimate sacrifice. Rest in peace, Lt. Menard.

THE NAMING OF A TEAM: WooSox it is. In November, the Worcester Red Sox ended months of speculation and intrigue when the team officially unveiled the nickname and logo. It will be WooSox, and the logo will be a Harvey Ball smiley face holding a bat. As with anything in Worcester, there were those who complained, but the Red Sox organization chose WooSox and it will likely stay that way until the team leaves Worcester eventually. So let it be written, so let it be done. RICK CINCLAIR

GOODBYE LUKES: Konnie Lukes, the longest serving city councilor, the first female mayor, and near about the finest thorn in City Manager Ed Augustus’ side I’ve witnessed, announced in May that she would not seek re-election. Next month, a new council will be inaugurated, and for the first time in decades, the ever divisive figure will no longer be on it. Lukes, more than anyone save maybe Joe Petty and the late Brian O’Connell, defined the political culture of Worcester. She could always be trusted to not be trusted, take the opposite side and pick apart city officials with a fine tooth comb. She will be missed and she won’t be. That the city decided to finally commission a mayoral portrait for her this month was a nice and final gesture — a fitting way to bring an era to a close. Konstantina B. Lukes is retiring after

38 years of public service to the city of Worcester.

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D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020

FILE PHOTO/ASHLEY GREEN

THE SUPERINTENDENT’S CONTRACT: The contract renewal of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Maureen Binienda in May was the most high-profile, vicious political fight of the year, hands down. Nothing even came close. Her contract was renewed in a split vote amid accusations of racism in Worcester schools and demands from the Latino community especially that the district do more to combat wide disparities in discipline rates between students of color and white students. The School Committee was split between ardent supporters of Binienda and fierce critics. The night of the renewal vote, every building principal and members of the local chapter of the Teamsters Union filled the gallery while protesters demonstrated outside the chamber door. The superintendent won the day, but the issues that made the process so contentious remain, for the most part, unresolved.

HOLY CROSS: Let us not forget about our colleges. The College of the Holy Cross was hit badly this year with story after story (some of which driven by our reporting, just FYI) of sexual assault and misconduct on campus. An anonymous Instagram account sharing stories of sexual assault on campus, an organ player and a basketball coach accused, and a bona fide student sit-in in the administration office, straight out of the ‘60s, colored a tough year for the college.

Rapper Joyner Lucas, center, appears with a crowd during the shooting of the music video for “Broke and Stupid.” PHOTO SUBMITTED

THE JOYNER VIDEO: Worcester pride is real. Worcester people pile on their own city all the time, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love it. And there exists no better demonstration of that Worcester pride than rapper Joyner Lucas’ June video for the song “Broke and Stupid.” Lucas walks out of the Main South institution Maria’s Kitchen before cruising around Worcester neighborhoods in a Maserati wearing a Worcester Red Sox jersey. The video features real Worcester people and landmarks while lyrically covering Lucas’ rags to riches story. Worcester loves to be proud of Worcester every once in a while, and this was the perfect moment for that.

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RICK CINCLAIR

SEX ED: The runner up for contentious political fights in Worcester involved mostly the same characters as the superintendent’s contract renewal. A push from progressives to get a real sex ed program in the Worcester Public Schools was scuttled and squashed by an old guard of current and former school officials who found the program a bit too modern for their tastes. Months of behind the scenes fighting came to a head at a contentious February meeting which satisfied no one. The School Committee did not implement a sex ed program, and opted instead to wait for the state to tell them what to do. We’re still waiting.

THE DEATH OF DIVE BAR: Dive Bar — the tiny, cramped, smelly, dingy bar on Green Street with the amazing back patio — punched way above its weight when it came to defining the culture of Worcester nightlife. The bar was hip and ambitious without trying too hard about it, and it was home to some of the most innovative stuff Worcester’s bar scene has produced, like the Mama Roux food trailer and the live performance of “Wet Hot American Summer.” Dive Bar came to mean something for a lot of cool people in Worcester. When it closed in November, it was a huge blow. That the closing is tangentially related to the WooSox project (the property owner wants to use the space for some sort of venture related to the WooSox), made it even worse. For many, a Worcester without Dive Bar is a worse Worcester, regardless of what goes up across the street.

D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

CITY VOICES

FIRST PERSON

Voicing a grave concern

artists

DOUGLAS MEDINA

CITY LIF E

TLI GHT ART IST SPO

WORCES

of an actor and

FILE PHOTO/STEVE LANAVA

D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020

give me access to a list. What a pity that they do not, because I am sure there are over a hundred people I would like to visit if I knew where they were. I think this practice should be

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

changed and certainly there are many people out there who feel the same way. Douglas Medina lives in Worcester.

The historic James A. Norcross mausoleum at Hope Cemetery.

well as schoo and aristo had all kinds and events as going on to art poets, painters found herself the country in gallery shows of creative tors, dancers, over the same types she is today. Aimee now shows all nd herself with the artist that BFA in 2006. She ls. She continues to surrou surrealistic world. that receiving her and arts festiva the luminous colors of her the Harlequin, a magical being l and of at various music paint g with the idea ic Harlequins are sexual, playfu own to inspire her to workin which been their people now she has it. These esoter our world and For several years the world that surrounds beyond the boundaries of and ng : can change itself s in their thoughts of traveli following events Greenfield. sometimes deviou ly elastic points of views. om/coletteaimee or at the in al: Sept. 13-15 reach tremendous of her work at rawartists.c Aug. 24, Wormtown Festiv own Spencer: Check out more Party in downt Spencer Street

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19 5 - 21, 20 AUGUST 1

fter several years of remembering the passing of a childhood friend, I finally took the initiative to look up the boy’s final resting place. Roughly remembering the date, I went to the public library and looked up the microfilm of the Telegram & Gazette for August 1969. After some searching I found his obituary. To my great surprise I discovered that he was laid to rest at Hope Cemetery, a place where I had frequently walked my dog. The staff at the office gave me a map that showed where his remains were laid. This led me to wonder how many more of my past acquaintances could also be found there. I have at times bumped into the grave markers of people I once knew in my 62 years of life. However, much to my dismay, the office informed me that there is no available list of the people interred there. I thought this was odd because they seemed to have had no problem telling me where a certain someone was when I inquired, but they could not, or would not,

Let us feature your artwork in Worcester Magazine’s Artist spotlight! Email WMeditor@gatehousemedia.com high res samples of your work and a brief bio!

wanted

CITY VOICES

WORCESTERIA

Heard it through the grapevine ... BILL SHANER

LANAVA UPDATE: Had a nice phone call with the outgoing chairman of

the Democratic City Committee last week. Mike Lanava informed me, politely, that while it is true he’s not seeking re-election for the chairman role (I said he resigned, which is a bit tomato/tomato but technically different), he is not going on to work for the Joe Kennedy Senate campaign, as I heard from multiple people in the Worcester rumor mill. That’s the fun of a gossipy political column — sometimes the gossip is junk, sometimes it’s gold. I pressed Lanava for any sort of inkling as to what may have caused that rumor or why, but he didn’t have anything for me. If you do, dear reader, you know what to do.

WOONEY ISLAND: Here’s another fun rumor. And before you call for my

head, yes, this is just a rumor and, no, it is not confirmed. Word on the street is the Worcester Red Sox made an offer on Coney Island, and the folks who own Coney Island politely told them to go pound sand. Amazing. It is right down the street from Polar Park, and it is one of the places that stands to really benefit from game day foot traffic. Baseball and hot dogs are a perfect couple, after all. So it makes sense that the WooSox would want such a place for their own. Luckily for all of us, though, the family appears committed to keeping Coney Island and not changing a damn thing about it. May you forever be able to walk into Coney Island, sniff that iconic smell, inhale some grill smoke, down a few dogs and chocolate milk, carve your name into a booth, then burp it all up tasting exactly the same way it went down. Coney Island forever, long live the king.

2020 is going to be one of the worst, dumbest years in American history, and the dread will likely bleed into Worcester in terrible and unexpected ways. This campaign season is going to turn us all bitter as we continue to hurtle toward the brink. Just remember, what happens in Worcester is more important than what happens in Washington and you can do more about it. So instead of sitting idly by and consuming the cable news dog and pony show like some poison pill, get involved in a local group, make a small change and feel good about it.

THE YEAR BEHIND: As I look back upon 2019 and everything that happened in Worcester, I can’t help but come to the same conclusion over and over and over again: How am I still employed here? That’s all! I’ll leave it at that! Merry Christmas, happy holidays, happy new year, Worcesteria readers! Without you I am nothing.

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THE YEAR AHEAD: I think we all have to come to grips with the fact

D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020

THE GREENDALE MALL: Allow me to step back onto my housing soapbox for a moment. The Greendale Mall is coming down, and a mixed use development of housing and retail is apparently coming up. Finard Properties, a Boston-based real estate development and management company, purchased the building last week. Go to Finard’s website, and the home page features a hotel development which looks so much like 146 Front St., you could be excused for mistaking them. Indeed, much of the company’s development projects seem to be in the realm of box stores, corporate hotels and the like. A full proposal has yet to emerge, but the Finard team has promised a mix of retail, housing and office space, and they’re hinting at a sort of outdoor mall type vibe. This screams luxury apartment type housing development, which is entirely unproductive. We as a city should be demanding housing developments that meet our housing needs. We have not been doing a good job of this. Let’s use this development to change that.

COVER STORY

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D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020

On the Record

Our favorite New England albums of 2019

COVER STORY

BY VICTOR D. INFANTE PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE PETERSON

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With that in mind, this is a rundown of my favorite New England-inflected albums of 2019. I say “favorite” instead of “best” to acknowledge two things: 1.) That though I’ve listened to a lot of albums, I have not listened to everything, and 2.) My perspective is warped by where I work. Any “best of ” list is a reflection of what the world looks like from where the author is standing. This is what the local music scene looks like from my desk. Vanyaland, the Boston Herald or the Boston Globe (if it actually covered local music for real) might come up with different lists. Mine is Worcester-centric, by necessity, but Worcester music does not exist in a vacuum. It’s influenced by the artists from the surrounding region, and likewise exerts its own an influence outward. These are the albums that have stayed with me over the course of the year, the ones I return to, even if I didn’t have the opportunity to write about some of them. This is what local music sounds like from HERE, and from where I’m sitting, the acoustics are astonishing.

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t’s been a good year for Worcester music: Rapper Joyner Lucas launched a torrent of music videos, stoking both local and national attention; local singersongwriter Sam James appeared on the TV show “Songland” and co-penned songs for Bebe Rexha and Dolly Parton; and local rocker Ricky Duran captured the city’s imagination with his astounding run on “The Voice,” finishing as the first runnerup. It’s enough to make you believe in the city’s vast, untapped reservoir of musical talent.

COVER STORY

“Humans Are Special,” by Thank God For Science: Jeremy Moses Curtis, the musical mastermind behind Thank God For Science and a member of Worcester band the Curtis Mayflower, among other projects, has created here a wildly chaotic collection of music that somehow, despite all odds, manages to create a cohesive emotional statement. The understated roll of bluegrass that is “Fingerpicking” gives way to the fever-dream of “I-O Moon Blues.” Later, the odd soft jazz feel of “DaDaDeco” takes on the tenor of something reminiscent of ’70s power rock, before it all winds down with the surprise viola in “Sitting in the Wayback.” It’s hard to say what’s more amazing, that all of this works, or that it all feels strangely inevitable. As wildly inventive as this album is, there’s something in it that’s recognizable. It allows us to see ourselves in its chaos.

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“Set Yourself Free,” by Way Up South: There are a lot of reasons to recommend this album, not the least of which is the excellent musicianship shown throughout. From rock to barrelhouse blues to honky-tonk and even gospel, Way Up South shows a mastery of the underpinnings of American popular music, and uses the varied stylings to great effect. But perhaps even more fascinating is the album’s redemption narrative. It feels immensely personal, and the sense of gratitude that permeates the thing resonates with every listen. It washes over the listener like cool water.

From left, Way Up South members Chris “Fessa” Nemitz, Charley Carrozo, Paul Ferguson, Brian Girard, Jeff “Bubba” Maider and Jack Howard.

Angela Fiorentino, Anna Hill, Tim Greeno and James Moore of Dodeca.

“Ghost Baby,” by Dodeca: Dodeca is at its core a fusion band, marrying disparate musical elements into something a little bit greater than the sum of its parts. The band — drummer Angela Fiorentino, guitarist-vocalist Tim Greeno, vocalist Anna Hill and bassist James Moore — crafts what is essentially a country narrative with the album, and then uses elements of rock, blues and jazz to accentuate the familiar stories, making them simultaneously fresh and familiar. The opioid dirge “Ecstasy at the End of Days” is arresting as a howl from beyond the grave, whereas “Blue Collar Anthem” is simultaneously rip-roaringly fun and glistening with empathy. The album ends on a stunning cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” that demonstrates the power of Hill’s vocals and connects the album to the great continuum of country music.

COVER STORY

From left, Death over Simplicity, DJ Manipulator and Ghost of the Machine.

“Frodian Spit,” by Death Over Simplicity: In a lot of ways, this is very much an album about growing up in Worcester. “I was ill-born in the Seven Hills/not the Big Apple,” raps DoS, and the sense of longing to be elsewhere is palpable. DoS is a smart rapper, one who plays well with perspective, and that serves him as he balances that adolescent wanderlust with more adult perspectives, particularly in “Childhood’s End,” which centers on fathers struggling with insecurities over their roles, where DoS echoes the earlier “Seven Hills” lyric, as guest rapper Danny Fantom says, “My life is like a blur/although it might be childhood’s end/at least I have my son/and the child within.” The album reveals itself as a subtle coming of age tale, one that’s tender and insightful.

From left, Thinner members Neil Lucey, Craig Wilson and Danny McGee.

“It’s Lonely Out Here: The JFM Story (Revisited),” by Ghost of the Machine: Worcester rapper Ghost of the Machine finds a captivating balance between racial politics and a personal sense of loneliness and alienation, excavating the intangible connection between the rage of the former and the pain of the latter. “If I had all the dollar bills in the world I’d be lonely,” he raps, “in the zone all by myself/if I had a room full of bottles with some models I’d be lonely/and yeah I’m fine/I don’t need no help.” Elsewhere, the album’s flow is abruptly broken by “Middle Passage,” an a capella poem by Worcester’s Ashley Wonder that speaks right to the heart of black cultural trauma. It’s a whiplash moment which brings the album into focus, but by the time Ghost hits the track “Beautiful Day,” he’s found a way to bring a ray of hope into the darkness he’s presented, and that contrast shines brilliantly.

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“We Lifted Ourselves,” by Thinner: This album is a blast of strippeddown, unapologetic rock ’n’ roll which almost feels anachronistic these days, but it’s delivered with such a high-spirited, unabashed love for the music that it’s hard not to get swept up in it. Songs such as “Ride the High the Low” and “Party Crimes” blister with intensity and a sense of reckless abandon. Ultimately, this is an album about freedom, and that’s a theme that’s nestled at the very heart of rock ’n’ roll. “The road is long we sing the same old song turn the radio on and drive away,” they sing on the album closer, “Superhighway,” and it’s the same horizon from some ’50s surf tune, some bit of ’60s British blues or ’70s New York punk, but still … albums like this make you believe you can reach it, someday.

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“The Soviet Tape,” by DJ Manipulator: Hopedale hip-hop producer DJ Manipulator is easily one of the smartest and most creative people in New England music, and with “The Soviet Tape,” he walks right up to the line between brilliance and madness, taking sampled Russian albums and what seems to be preglasnost propaganda recordings to create a richly textured musical commentary on the nature of spin and propaganda. In lesser hands — heck, in almost ANY other hands — this would be, at best, interesting. More likely, it would utterly fail. Manipulator, though, never loses sight of making this engaging, visceral music first, with the commentary becoming the framework. The result is a poli-sci lesson you can dance to, complete with Russian Casey Kasem copycats and knockoffs of American pop music, and it’s nothing short of genius.

COVER STORY “Why The Wild Things Are,” by Cliff Notez: Boston rapper Cliff Notez asks an extremely pertinent question near the beginning of his lush and densely layered album, “Why the Wild Things Are”: “Is it worth waiting on this magic? Do I got patience for this magic?” Magic is an act of transformation, and this album explores the idea of transforming personal and generational pain and trauma into something healthy. Perhaps just as pertinent, though, is the idea of questioning whether that transformation is worthwhile. Notez holds all of this up to the light and interrogates it, his persona walking straight up to the line of where the hypothetical wild things are created. Ultimately, though, with “Worth It” and “Get Free II — My Compiled Thoughts,” he comes to a conclusion that feels enormously earned.

Members of the Marshall Pass. Craig Rawding, left, and Duncan Arsenault, right, with rapper Cliff Notez, center.

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D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020

“Ghost Land,” by the Marshall Pass: Musician Duncan Arsenault and vocalist Craig Rawding have created here a slim poem of an album, one which delves deep into a moment of impending loss, and lets the emotion roll forward languidly. It’s a wistful and beautiful album, and every inch of it feels real and necessary. “When you’ve lost it all,” sings Rawding, “Either walk or crawl/We walked on ’til we lost the horizon.” This is ultimately an album about what it means to be on the other side of losing everything, and it’s both heartbreaking and enormously cathartic.

Clockwise from bottom left, members of STL GLD Christopher Talken, Moe Pope, The Arcitype, Jonathan Ulman and Tim Hall.

“The New Normal,” by STL GLD: This offering from the Boston-based hip-hop ensemble — comprising Christopher Talken, Moe Pope, The Arcitype, Tim Hall and Jonathan Ulman — was probably the year’s first great album, and it was a staggering piece of work. Bristling with rage that barely conceals a raw vulnerability, this album shows the power that comes from actually caring about the world. The question refrains throughout the album: “Is this normal”? Is violence and racial injustice normal? And then, the questions that burble behind that one: SHOULD this be normal? Why should we accept this? “They say racism don’t exist,” they rap on the song “With Me,” “Imma raise my kid/Like the Queen she is/Or the king she is/You inside my battleship/Black/white/ dark/light/smart/people/hype people/ LGBTQ/Y’all my people too.” It’s a bracing and near-perfectly executed piece of work, one that cuts fresh with each re-listen.

COVER STORY

Producer Joel Rines and singersongwriter Gracie Day.

“The Nashville Sessions,” Gracie Day: With this album, recorded in Nashville, Worcester-area singer-songwriter Gracie Day taps into a sense of wanderlust and small-town constraint to create a narrative that bristles and smolders. Day is an excellent vocalist, blessed with a smoky voice and an impeccable sense of phrasing, but really, this album shows that her greatest strength is as a storyteller. The heat of “Come a Little Closer” plays well into the ambivalence of “Last Chance,” and the hopefulness of the opener, “Tennessee,” feels like a distant echo when you reach the sense of stasis of “Some Things Never Change.” She accomplishes a lot in a slim album, and not a single note is wasted.

“There Will Be No Intermission,” by Amanda Palmer: Lexington native Amanda Palmer, late of the punk cabaret duo Dresden Dolls, has created here an immensely personal portrait of her past few years, mostly centering on the death of her friend, author C. Anthony Martignetti, and the birth of her son, Anthony. Between those polarities, Palmer is unflinchingly human, letting her fears, failures and vulnerabilities shine, and somehow, amid all the heartbreak, she finds moments that are arrestingly beautiful. At one point, she entreats the listener to imagine her singing beside her, and that’s easy to do, the album’s so shockingly intimate.

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“Final Strike,” Louie Gonz: Gonz has always been one of the area’s best rappers, but “Final Strike” feels like a real evolution in his work. It burns with ambition and an indomitable sense of will. From songs such as “My City” and “Bad Habits” to even more personal work such as “Family Matters,” Gonz creates a visceral portrait of where he’s coming from, as both an artist and a person, and the unsentimental honesty gives the album a sort of electricity that binds it together, even as the tempo alternates between hard-hitting rabbit punches and more languid R&B stylings. Perhaps it’s not a coincidence that an album called “Final Strike” chooses its shots very well, and hits every time.

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COVER STORY

“Hexphones,” by Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys: Walter Sickert and his merry musical cohorts are entirely capable of Grand Guignol theatrics, and is absolutely fearless in the face of artistic risk, but what makes this album so spectacular is how it nails down a solid blues-rock underpinning to support its more wild and psychedelic aspects. Whether it’s the dirty Southern rock stomp of “Doomsday Disco” or the velvety, spiraling lyrics of “Siren Street” — “Burn, burn, burn/the Devil to the Ground/the Devil is me/this I have found/all my friends are witches, now,” later shifting to “all my friends are dying stars now” — the album always feels strangely grounded, even when it seems to be venturing beyond the Mountains of Madness.

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D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020

“El Rio,” Carlos Odria Trio: This collaboration of guitarist Carlos Odria, drummer Thomas Spears and bassist Geoffrey Oehling is one of the most jawdroppingly beautiful pieces of work in recent memory, each note flowing with seeming ease into an exquisite tapestry. The all-instrumental album catches the listener in a riptide of jazz and Spanish guitar, carrying them away to a musical place that’s achingly beautiful. “Cleo,” by Oompa: With “Cleo” — inspired by Queen Latifah’s lesbian character in the film “Set It Off ” — Boston-area rapper Oompa has created an enormously affecting study of desire, deprivation and ambition, about what it means to want and need things in the face of poverty and voices telling you you’re not good enough. The sheer sense of defiance in songs such as “Cleo N ‘Nem” and “Feel Like Cole” is infectious. “Last year they wouldn’t give me 30 seconds,” she raps, “now they book me for these shows/they know I wreck it, I wreck it.” And she does. The whole album, winding down to the gospel-infused “Thank You (Fed),” is an inspiring and spiritually liberating ride, electric from beginning to end.

Clockwise from top left, members of Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys include Sickert, Matt Zappa, Mike Leggio, Brother Bones, Mary Widow, jojo Lazar, Edrie and Rachel Jayson.

“Pandora’s Box,” by Danny Fantom: Worcester rapper Danny Fantom’s great gift is the ability to balance whimsy with serious subject matter. This album cuts close to the emotional bone, as his persona mulls exploded relationships and his relationship with his young son. Fantom doesn’t pretend there are easy answers, rapping, “I hope my son don’t never see me like Darth Vader/ashamed of who I became … I stay composed but the pain run deep/type of (expletive) to make a grown man weep.”

COVER STORY

D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020

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CITY LIFE

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020

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.

Evan Charney is a graduate of the High School of Music and Art in New York City, and studied printmaking at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Maryland Institute of Art, and the Worcester Art Museum. He has taken workshops in advanced printmaking techniques at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Art New England, Truro Center for the Arts and Zea Mays Studio. He is a member of Wood Engravers’ Network, Society of American Graphic Artists, Boston Printmakers, and Printmakers of Cape Cod. Evan’s prints have been selected for juried exhibits in many regional and national venues. His prints have received numerous awards and he has had one-person shows at the Mashpee Public Library, the Cotuit Center for the Arts, and the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center. “For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with printmaking. It’s a perverse art form: as much craft as art. It requires time and patience to acquire the technical skill, like a musician who must first master the instrument before being able to make beautiful music. Unlike painting, the outcome in printmaking is indirect, hidden, uncertain until the very end. But then there is nothing as satisfying as ‘pulling’ the final print, the ‘Aha!’ moment when you lift the paper from the press and see the final result.” “After all these years printmaking is still a challenge: disappointing when unsuccessful, but a joy when it comes out right! Best of all it is art you can sell or give away but also get to keep.” As the late sculptor Eduardo Chilleda said, “I am always trying to learn to do what I do not know how to do.” Good advice for art and for life. See more of his work at evansart.smugmug.com

CITY LIFE

Four Year Strong bringing new music to holiday show Annual tradition at Palladium in its 12th year JASON GREENOUGH

COURTESY KAT NIJMEDDIN

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songs for a really long time,” says Day. “We put a lot of work into recording them, and it’s our favorite record we’ve done yet, so we’re just really excited to play a new song, especially at a show like this where we have so many of our local fans that have supported us over the years. We couldn’t think of a more perfect time to premiere new music.” Sure, they’ve got some new material to share this year, as well as some upgrades to their stage production. Above all of that, the biggest payoff for Four Year Strong, year after year, beyond the lineups and light shows, is quite simply having the ability to do it all over again and having the

chance to make their way to the stage, and close out each year by putting on one hell of a show for their fans. “It’s our hometown, the crowd is always amazing, and it’s our favorite venue in the whole world,” says Day. “As far as this year feeling different, we’re playing the new song that no one has ever heard before, and with everyone who is coming to the show, they’ve heard every song we’ve played for at least five years since the last record came out, so giving them something brand new is the big thing for us this year.”

Four Year Strong annual holiday show, with Knuckle Puck, The Movielife, Bearings and Bloom When: 7 p.m. Dec. 28 Where: Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester How much: $25-$40. www. thepalladium.net

coming along with much excitement, is also fairly nerve-wracking in the sense that it takes the band away from their comfort zone of getting up on stage and playing their setlist of fan-favorite bangers almost from muscle memory. Nerves or not, though, Day and the guys are still looking forward to having the chance to usher in the next era in the band’s legacy — and to do it in front of a hometown crowd makes it even sweeter for them. “It’s very exciting for us, because this upcoming album has been in the works for two-plus years, so we’ve been sitting on some of these

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t may be regarded as cliche when a band boasts their excitement for playing in front of their hometown fans, but for Alan Day and the rest of the Worcester-bred pop punks in Four Year Strong, it’s not cliche just the truth. Gearing up for its 12th annual Holiday show at the Palladium Dec. 28, the band has once again put together a lineup of absolute killers onstage, as Chicago-bred pop punk quintet Knuckle Puck make its way back to the Palladium stage, along with Bearings, hailing from Ottawa, and Boston duo Bloom. In addition to that trio of undeniable talent, another supporting role will be filled by Long Island’s The Movielife — a spot on the bill that holds a bit more significance for Day and the rest of the band, even beyond having bonafide legends helping them close out 2019 in style. “(The Movielife is) a fun band to have on the lineup this year because they had been broken up for a long time, and their last show before they broke up was at the Palladium when I was a kid, and I was there for it,” says Day. “I think Dan (O’Connor, guitar), Jake (Massucco, drums), Joe (Weiss, bass) and I were all at that show together, actually, and witnessed them say it was their last show, so to have them opening up for us, years later at the same venue, is pretty cool.” While he’s quick to admit that building the show is quite the process, from the lineup to the lighting and production, Day and his bandmates look forward to making some sort of refreshing tweaks every year that help keep the experience fresh and exciting for both returning fans and holiday show newcomers — and, of course, this year is no different. As previously announced on the band’s social media accounts, members will be unveiling a new song off of their forthcoming 2020 album this weekend, as well as shooting the music video for it. However, while Day is beyond stoked to give the band’s loyal fan base something new to groove to after five years, he’s not shying away from the fact that unleashing a new song for the first time, while

CITY LIFE

LIFESTYLE

How I became a morning person in 2019 SARAH CONNELL SANDERS

have never been a morning person. I prefer to rise naturally. Who wants to be yanked into the dark world like a thrashing philistine by the sound of an incessant alarm? Be that as it may, I’ve struggled to find an alternative that allows for gainful employment. My line of work starts early. The first wakeup call goes something like this: “Ding, dong, dingding-ding, dong.” The tone sounds faster and faster, weaving its way into my dreams until I can muster enough strength to locate the snooze button on my nightstand. This cycle of events repeats itself at 5:40 a.m., 5:48 a.m. and 5:56 a.m. Sometimes, if I don’t need to wash my hair, I go for the snooze hat-trick. Sleep is a wicked siren that I can’t seem to shake. Just last week, I bolted out of bed a 8:30 a.m. yelling, “Oh my god, I’m late for work!” only to realize that is was in fact a Saturday. Have I mentioned that my husband is an excellent sport about all of this? To relieve my morning angst, I

established a few simple tricks to help me move toward incremental change. Every day gets a little bit easier.

The Grandma Stretch

When I was little, my grandparents lived in a motorhome and traveled all over the country. Whenever they could, they would scoop me up and bring me along on legs of their grand adventure. My grandma would start every morning by laying on her stomach with her hands out in front of her and ascending into cobra pose. Grandma would breathe in for eight seconds as she rose up and then slowly exhale for eight seconds while she lowered herself back down. She’d repeat the whole process for as long as it took to feel ready to start the day.

Wake Up Your Brain

I allow myself one snooze before I try to pry my eyes open enough to check my phone. Plenty of experts say it’s bad to look at your phone in bed, but I find that it helps lure me

into consciousness. While I do my makeup and get dressed, I turn on an audiobook to help activate my intellect. Right now, I’m listening to “She Said” by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, a behind-the-scenes look at investigative reporting for The New York Times. It’s distracting enough to help me forget my morning grog, but not distracting enough to keep me from making myself look halfway decent for work.

Count Me Down

I saw television host Mel Robbins speak at the Worcester Women’s Leadership Conference a few years back. She shared a simple tip she called “The Five Second Rule.” It states, “If you have an impulse to act on a goal, you must physically move within five seconds or your brain will kill the idea.” I literally count backward from five most mornings. When I get to “one,” the covers come off.

Coffee Routine

Having something to look forward to when you get out of bed is important. Part of my difficulty is that the love

“Sleep is a wicked siren that I can’t seem to shake.” of my life is still fast asleep beside me when it comes time to start my day. It’s hard to step out into the world all by my lonesome. But, there’s another great love waiting for me when I get myself out the door — coffee. Making a coffee plan is just as important to the success of my morning as picking out an outfit or finding my car keys. Some days I grind my own beans

and brew it myself. Other days I pick a spot to stop on the way to work. Either way, it’s a treat worth contemplating before dawn. Do you have any advice for an aspiring morning person? Message me on social media or leave a comment on Worcester Magazine’s page to help me stay awake in 2020.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020

CD REVIEW

Diane Blue delivers stellar light JIM PERRY

hen you click play, and Diane Blue’s new CD begins, the first notes of the opening song, J. J. Cale’s “Same Old Blues,” float across the room like smoke from a fireplace. The sound is seductive, the production crystal clear, and the groove totally irresistible. Right off the bat, you can tell that this collection was done right. The recording, titled “Look For the Light,” finds Bostonbased singer Diane Blue at the peak of her powers. She smartly collected the perfect musicians to breathe life into the songs, including her good friend, legendary blues guitarist Ronnie Earl, who drops in on two songs to prove why he is so revered. Drummer Lorne Entress doubles as producer, and his deft hand delivers an authentic and bright sound. I particularly like the timbre of the

drums, subtle yet impactful. The rest of the crew is first-rate as well. Worcester native Brooks Milgate handles the piano and organ, shar-

ing those duties with Dave Limina. Kevin Barry teams up with Chris Vitarello, creating a complementary duo of guitar styles. Rounding out

the ensemble is upright bassist Jesse Williams. Diane Blue proves herself to be a fine songwriter, contributing six originals to the collection. Blue’s “I Never Knew,” the second song of the set, is a medium slow blues which features a couple of understated but beautiful solos from Ronnie Earl. By the time the next tune, “That’s a Pretty Good Love,” comes bouncing out of the speakers, it has become apparent that this is an uplifting, happy blues record, celebrating the good side of love and life. Blue gets downright naughty on the next one, her own “Wishin,’” featuring the awesome lyric, “hopin’ you’ll be gropin’ this body of mine.” As the CD unfolds, the sequence of songs feels well thought out. They seem to roll into each other organically. “Easy, Easy Baby,” a ’50s-style doo-wop song, keeps the feeling happening.

One of the collection’s best numbers, Blue’s “Reach Out To Me,” comes next, and her voice cries with emotion throughout. Kevin Barry’s guitar solo is a standout, too. “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me,” continuing this CD’s penchant for retro type songs, showcases some marvelous piano work from Limina. Next comes “Knock Knock,” sounding quite a bit like the old New Orleans standard, “Rockin’ Pneumonia.” The musicians’ approach to each of these songs is with the seasoned passion of the veterans that they are. The arrangements are what you could call “loosely tight,” which comes with the kind of deep experience these guys have. Everything is tightly arranged, the dynamics go from all out to a whisper, but the actual playing is loose within the confines of the structure. “Don’t Box Me In,” a fun swinging Diane Blue original, leads into the astounding final song, “If I Could Talk to My Mama,” a very slow blues number, also written by Ms. Blue.

Clocking in at just over 10 minutes, it feels as though the band never wanted to stop playing. And Ronnie Earl returns for some stunning soloing, so understated that you get pulled right inside the song listening to him. A perfect ending to a heartfelt CD. Blue’s “Look For the Light” debuted at No. 10 on the Living Blues Radio Chart, where it currently sits at No. 8. The rest of the country is taking notice. As technology keeps handing us ways to easily grab the music that we love for free, the once thriving CD market is slowly disappearing. Do me a favor and buy this one. It’s the perfect example of the power of the CD. A group of songs that belong together, creating an experience not unlike watching a great movie. This is a winner on all counts. Diane Blue and her band will be appearing this New Year’s Eve at Chan’s Restaurant in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Check for tickets at chanseggrollsandjazz.com.

CITY LIFE

DINING

Holy Poké reigns victorious 2 Oliver St., Worcester • holypokeworcester.com • (508) 755-4106 SANDRA RAIN

The net hanging below the counter threatens to enmesh you in Hawaii’s grasp and the island-pop soundtrack f the three poké shops that takes similar effect. have opened in Central In Hawaii, the term “poké” transMass., Holy Poké is by far the finest. This family-run opera- lates to “cut into chunks.” A typical tion launched in the Clark University poké bowl includes marinated raw fish such as tuna or salmon, served neighborhood last March and won over sushi rice. Holy Poké dresses instant approval of area students’ bowls up further with more than a appetites and Instagram feeds. dozen fresh fillers such as edamame, Holy Poké shares the same turmandarin oranges, pickled ginger, quoise and white DNA as Tiffany & Co., but guests leave with something cilantro, jalapeño, scallion, red cabbage, wasabi, seaweed salad, kani better than a charm bracelet or a (imitation crab) and masago. crystal bowl — this is a bubble tea Guests are hit with a wave of and poké bowl crowd. The restaulemon ponzu, wasabi mayo and rant occupies a modest sliver at the garlic avocado from the moment intersection of Oliver and Beaver streets, formerly a small corner store. they walk through the door. You can trust in your server to help you figure Hand lettering on the windows announces the lot’s new life with flirta- out what pairs well together. Choose from chopped nori, garlic crisps, tious splashes of iridescent color. A handful of high stools are avail- fried onion, tempura flakes, or white sesame seed to finish your bowl with able for those wishing to dine in on a crunch. the white marble laminate bar rail. Holy Poké only offers white rice, Space is tight. A school of fish swim but if you’re looking to limit your across the aquamarine wall, leading the way toward a large compass rose. starches, they will use fresh salad as your base or even go half and half.

Everything about Holy Poké feels harmonious and soothing; even the bubble tea machine is hypnotizing. It mixes and froths honeydew, red bean and matcha milk tea into pastel shades fit for an Easter egg factory. Little tapioca pearls swim at the bottom of the cup, preparing for the slurp that sends them shooting up your oversized straw. My favorite is the taro flavor, which looks like pulverized lilac petals that have been blended into a mystical milkshake. The recent addition of Tsunami fries to Holy Poké’s menu is a revelation. Think of them as Hawaiian poutine topped with spicy mayo, sweet teriyaki sauce and furikake. Furikake is a Japanese seasoning that most often combines dry fish powder, sesame seeds and seaweed. They are without a doubt my favorite fries in Worcester. What makes Holy Poké different than its counterparts is a clear sense of pride and dedicated ownership. Employees don’t just love poké, they are intimately acquainted with it. By relishing every customer experience,

Holy Poké has nuzzled — not clawed — its way into Main South. You can become a part of the warm embrace by keeping this precious poké shop in your sights. On my last visit, bowls, fries, and teas for two came to $33.16.

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: HHHH Ambience: HHH Service: HHH Value: HHH1/2

Woo Bar & Grill set to open on Shrewsbury Street BARBARA M. HOULE

ASHLEY GREEN

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 23

Owners Jon Pittsley and Eddie Rocco at the new Woo Bar & Grill, located at 358 Shrewsbury St., Worcester.

and Skilled Nursing Center and also has some restaurant experience The men said they each had a dream of owning and operating their own restaurant. They envisioned a casual place that would appeal to both dining and bar customers, but also offer quality food and drinks that are affordable. The menu keeps to the restaurant’s brand, according to the owners. “American cuisine with a taste of popular Brazilian dishes,” said Rocco. “Woo plates” are small versions of full entrees and are great for sharing, said Pittsley. Guests also can opt for burgers, wings or wood-fired pizza. There also is food special every day, he said. Woo Bar & Grill is open from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Seating for 42 inside; seasonal outdoor patio.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

on Pittsley and Edinei (Eddie) Rocco, owners of the recently opened Woo Bar & Grill, 358 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, plan a grand opening celebration on Dec. 28. The restaurant, located in space formerly occupied by Padavano’s Place, is a first for partners Pittsley and Rocco, who secured the restaurant location in October from owners Rose-Ellen Padavano and Angela Padavano. The couple own and operate Rosalina’s Kitchen, a popular BYOB restaurant on Hamilton Street in Worcester. Pittsley and Rocco have “refreshed” the restaurant’s dining and bar areas and created a new menu to give guests an entirely different dining experience. Creative decorat-

ing includes photographs of iconic Worcester landmarks. “We’ve given the place a facelift,” said Pittsley. Family members helped the owners spruce up the place, he said. The dish: Pittsley, originally from Bellingham, was on the management team at Dolphin Seafood Restaurant in Natick for 23 years. Early in his career, he worked for the late Bob Bonin, a local restaurateur who owned and operated the Ground Round in Shrewsbury. Former Ground Round employees have remained friends through the years, according to Pittsley, who said they get together at least once a year to “party and catch up.” Rocco settled in Worcester from Brazil more than 20 years ago. He was director of environmental services at Beaumont Rehabilitation

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TABLE HOPPIN’

CITY LIFE

THE NEXT DRAFT

A solemn brew Friends, firefighters gather to brew beer in memory of Worcester firefighter Lt. Jason Menard MATTHEW TOTA

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020

little more than 10 months ago, Jon Sturgis attended the release of “Worcester’s Bravest,” a Belgian witbier brewed by Wachusett Brewing Co. and Wormtown Brewery to honor fallen firefighter Christopher Roy and raise money for his 10-year-old daughter, Ava. As much as they enjoyed the beer, Sturgis and the hundreds of other people who gathered at Wachusett’s Westminster brewery that day hoped they would never drink Worcester’s Bravest again. But last week, Sturgis stood inside Wormtown’s brewhouse brewing the same beer, this time in memory of his cousin, Lt. Jason Menard, who died Nov. 13 while battling a four-alarm fire on Stockholm Street. Menard, 39, sacrificed himself to help a fellow firefighter escape the building. For the second time in a year, the city is mourning the death of one of

its firefighters. And Sturgis is saying goodbye to another friend. “I grew up with Chris, and we played sports together,” he said. “Jay’s the same, but it hit a little bit too close to home. The support, with everybody coming together for Tina (Menard) and the kids, is important. We’re very grateful.” Wormtown, Wachusett and Greater Good Imperial Brewing Co. are brewing Worcester’s Bravest to raise money for Menard’s wife, Tina, and his three children. They will donate all of the proceeds to the Menard Children’s Fund, established by the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and Worcester International Association of Firefighters Local 1009. Last Wednesday, Wormtown invited a group of Menard’s friends and fellow firefighters to brew Worcester’s Bravest, just as it had done for Roy. “Our wish would have been for last time to be the only time, and we’d never have to brew it again,” said

Wormtown managing partner David Fields. “It made a bunch of sense to bring the guys together to help with the healing process. My hope would be that this is the last time.” After an introduction from head brewer Scott Drake, they began the brew. Two at a time, they climbed the stairs to the brew deck to dump large sacks of malt into the tall steel mash tun. During the downtime, they stood in a circle, sipping pints of Be Hoppy and remembering Menard. “This gives the guys close to Jay, including some of our members, and a few of his friends from outside the job, the chance to get together, have a good time, have a piece of this, and when the beer is released, we can say we actually did it,” said Local 1009 vice president Terry Baudin. Worcester’s Bravest will be released next month, on draft and in a limited number of cans at each brewery’s taproom. The breweries are also hosting release events: Wormtown

on Jan. 24, Wachusett on Jan. 25 and Greater Good on Jan. 31. Along with raising crucial funds for Menard’s family, Sturgis said, he relished the opportunity to pay tribute to his friend. “There’s nothing that we can do to repay what Jay and others have done for us, so as a small appreciation, it’s really nice that Mike Giangrande was at Wormtown Wormtown is doing this for us as a community,” Brewery last week brewing a beer in he said. “And even if we honor of his close friend, Worcester Fire Lt. Jason Menard. Worcester’s can never repay them for their sacrifices, this Bravest will be released next month, is good way to remem- with all proceeds of the sale going to ber them.” As he soaked in the the Menard family. MATTHEW TOTA sights and smells of the brewhouse, Mike Worcester, MA, 01605. Checks should Giangrande, one of Menard’s closest be made payable to PFFM Foundafriends, thought about how much tion, c/o Menard Children’s Fund. Menard would have loved to be Last week, the Stephen Siller there. Tunnel to Towers Foundation used “This was Jay’s favorite place,” the donations from a fundraising Giangrande said. “We came down campaign to pay off the mortgage on here all the time, so for them to make Menard’s home. The New York-based a beer for him, he would have loved charity had pledged to “ease the it. He would have loved to be here, burden of the Menard family in light see all of this.” of the tragic loss of their beloved Donations to the Menard famhusband and father.” ily can be made online at www. The Greg Hill Foundation is also PFFMFoundation.org or by mailing raising money for the family at www. donations to Worcester Fire Depart- thegreghillfoundation.org/donament Credit Union, 34 Glennie St., tions/menard.

CITY LIFE

TA B L E H O P P I N’

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 21

Telephone is (774) 243-6130; connect on Facebook. Parking is in front and back of the restaurant. Note: The restaurant will be open New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, opening at 11 a.m. Pittsley and Rocco are owners who plan to wear as many hats as it takes to run a thriving neighborhood restaurant. Welcome The Woo Bar & Grill to Worcester’s food scene.

Living Earth closing after 48 years

Earlier this month, Albert and Magdalena (Maggy) Maykel, owners of Living Earth Natural Market & Café, 232 Chandler St., Worcester, announced the store would permanently close on Dec. 31. The Maykels started the business in 1971 and told Elaine Thompson of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette that after closing the store they planned to “retire and move on.” Read Thompson’s complete story at telegram.com. Living Earth closed its café last week but the store remains open. Hours posted on Facebook are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 26, 27 and 28. Closed on Dec. 29. Many of us share fond memories of EVO dining and Bootleggers

OSV marketing manager, and Dennis Santelli, general manager of sales, catering and retail at OSV. We agreed that each of the gingerbread entries was a winner and deserved bragging rights, but we had to select the best in four categories. Not so easy. Criteria included overall appearance, originality and creativity, etc. Loren Stanard of Sutton took first place in Adult Professional; Denelle Cooke of North Grosvenor Dale, Connecticut, won Adult Non-Professional; Melody Berreth of Higganum, Connecticut, won in Youth division; and the Culross Family of Leicester, won in Family Annual OSV division. gingerbread contest Winners in each category received Recently I was asked to judge Old a $100 OSV gift certificate. Sturbridge Village’s gingerbread Jim O’Brien, director of public house contest. I’ve judged at the events and performance, who is village before and also gingerbread in charge of the competition, said, competitions in Boston. “We’re thrilled with the GingerThis year at OSV was different. bread House Competition. This There were close to 70 displays that year saw the best response by parfeatured everything from gingerbread ticipants ever and the houses were of houses to farms and beyond. The superior quality. This competition is realistic scenes were colorful and the a fun and loved part of our Christdetailing amazing. Deliciously deco- mas by Candlelight program.” rated gingerbread houses covered The gingerbread houses are diswith peppermint candy, sprinkles, played in OSV’s Visitor Center. You gumdrops, crushed colored candy can’t miss them! jewels, cookies, biscuits and tons of There’s still time to enjoy Christglistening royal icing on roofs, sleighs mas by Candlelight activities at the and winter gardens. A pure sugar village. Visit www.osv.org/event/ high without even tasting! cbc/. Also, check out Evening of IlJudges included Nathan Hardt, lumination Jan. 17 and 31 (www.osv.

Prohibition Pub operated by two of Maykel’s three children, executive chef Albert Maykel III and Celeste Maykel-Zack. EVO dining evolved from the store’s original Garden Café. Living Earth and restaurants participated in many community fundraisers, including the local Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation. Chef Al Maykel also represented the business in numerous food competitions and won numerous awards. We wish Al and Maggy Maykel a happy and healthy retirement!

Clockwise from top left: Family Division winner, Youth winner, Non-Professional winner and Professional winner SUBMIT TED PHOTOS

org/event/evening-of-illumination. Enjoy the celebration!

Happy New Year!

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

A cinematic look back at 2019 JIM KEOGH

How did Dame Judi Dench get roped into the catastrophe that is “Cats”? UNIVERSAL PICURES

“Apollo 11,” a bracing documentary that employs stunning never-beforeseen NASA footage to recapture the historic event. Both have their charms, but the latter will make your neck hairs stand on end, especially when Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin seek out level terrain on which to land the LEM as their fuel runs perilously low. “Apollo 11” is a majestic piece of work about a majestic achievement. Best Rewrite of History: Where were Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth in 1969 when the Manson family was roaming the hills above L.A.? In Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” the washed-up actor and his stunt double (Leonardo Di Caprio and Brad Pitt) not only thwart the Tate-LaBianca murders, they exact 50 years’ of retroactive vengeance with a level of violence that’s even more surreal than the original crimes.

some cinema superlatives of the past 12 months: Best in Show: My favorite movie of the year? “Parasite.” Writer-direc-

Best Questionable Martin Scorsese Gamble: There were two actually. First was the interview (and a later New York Times op-ed) in which the director suggested Marvel superhero movies, while well-made pieces of pop entertainment, are “not cinema.” Cue the howling fanboys. Second, and at great artistic risk, Scorsese chose to digitally “de-age” Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci to play younger versions of their characters in his mob epic “The Irishman” rather than hire actors to play them as young men. De Niro’s face, waxy and weird, is perched atop a 76-year-old body that virtually creaks when he beats up an unfortunate grocer. Get that man some Ben Gay! And I don’t mean the grocer. Best Moonshot: Two films celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing — “First Man,” with Ryan Gosling playing the stoic and grieving Neil Armstrong, and

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019 was a year of goodbyes: to the Avengers Infinity saga, to the “Star Wars” Skywalker chronicles, to “Game of Thrones” and its Monday-morning post-mortems, and to any notion that deep-pocketed streaming services won’t continue disrupting the way the film industry defines, and awards, major motion pictures. In the near future a movie viewed on your TV, computer or phone without an accompanying token theatrical opening will be a Best Picture frontrunner. As the governing bodies who determine these things skew younger (and not in an artificial “The Irishman” kind of way) the norms will change and the objections will wither. You think Netflix rules the world now? Wait five years. Before bidding farewell for good to 2019, it’s worth taking a look back at

tor Bong Joon-Ho’s parable about the canyon separating the haves and have-nots was many things: social commentary, satire, thriller, and, at times, sly comedy. The story is set in Korea, but it could have unfolded anywhere on this Earth with equal impact. Bong Joon-Ho had things to say, and he did not hold back. Best Worst Catastrophe: Is “Cats” the worst movie of the year? The evidence presents a strong case. The reviews are savage, the box office is weak, and people laugh when they speak of it (reminder: it’s not a comedy). The film’s $95 million budget paid for computer-generated fur and whiskers to be layered onto a bunch of famous humans like Judi Dench, Taylor Swift and Idris Elba to creepy effect. You needn’t see the movie to know a massive hairball has been coughed up — the trailer killed “Cats” before it had a chance at one life, never mind nine.

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FILM

CITY LIFE

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D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020

FILM CAPSULES “Abominable” — Three friends try to reunite a young Yeti with his family in the Himalayas in this animated adventure. Voices of Chloe Bennet, Eddie Izzard, Sarah Paulson. (1:32) PG-13. “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” — Tom Hanks slips on the friendly cardigan of children’s TV show host Fred Rogers to dispense lessons in kindness to Matthew Rhys’ jaded journalist. (1:48) PG. “Black Christmas” — Update of the 1974 holiday horror classic about sorority sisters stalked by a masked killer. With Imogen Poots, Aleyse Shannon, Lily Donoghue, Cary Elwes. Written by Sophia Takal, April Wolfe. Directed by Takal. (1:38) PG-13. “Bombshell” — Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie play Fox News employees whose allegations of sexual harassment help topple network founder Roger Ailes. With John Lithgow, Allison Janney, Connie Britton, Kate McKinnon. Written by Charles Randolph. Directed by Jay Roach. (1:48) R. “Cats” — The long-awaited film version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1981 blockbuster stage musical based on the poetry of T.S. Eliot arrives with an all-star cast of felines singing and dancing in styles ranging from ballet to tap to hip-hop. With James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson, Francesca Hayward. Written by Lee Hall, Tom Hooper. Directed by Hooper. PG. “Dark Waters” — Mark Ruffalo stars as a crusading attorney who uncovers a deadly truth about a large chemical company. With Anne Hathaway, Tim Robbins, Bill Camp, Victor Garber, Mare Winningham, Bill Pullman. (2:06) PG-13. “Downton Abbey” — The Crawleys and their staff prepare for a royal visit in this big-screen adaptation of the beloved British TV series. (2:02) PG. “Ford v Ferrari” — Matt Damon is American car designer Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale is British racer Ken Miles in this fact-based drama. (2:32) PG-13. “Frozen II” — Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven join Elsa as she searches for the truth behind her powers in this sequel to the blockbuster 2013 animated musical. With the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel. (1:43) PG. “Jojo Rabbit” — A young boy in Nazi Germany discovers his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in the attic in writer-director Taika Waititi’s satirical fable. With Scarlett Johansson, Thomasin McKenzie, Waititi. (1:48) PG-13. “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. (2:02) R. “Judy” — Renée Zellweger portrays Judy Garland during the legendary entertainer’s run of sold-out stage shows in 1968 London. (1:58) NR. “Jumanji: The Next Level” — Danny Glover and Danny DeVito join Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan in this sequel to the 2017 action adventure hit about young people trapped in a video game. With Nick Jonas, Awkwafina. Written by Jake Kasdan, Jeff Pinkner, Scott Rosenberg; based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg. Directed by Kasdan. (1:54) PG-13. “Knives Out” — Writer-director Rian Johnson rounds up a stellar group of suspects for this whodunit about the murder of a famous crime novelist. With Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette. (2:10) PG-13. “Midway” — The story of the critical World War II Pacific Theater battle between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy in June 1942. “Playing With Fire” — Firefighters find their lives turned upside down when they rescue three siblings but can’t find the kids’ parents. “Queen & Slim” — An African American couple on their first date become fugitives after a traffic stop gone tragically wrong. With Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bokeem Woodbine, Chloe Sevigny. Written by Lena Waithe. (2:12) R. “Richard Jewell” — Clint Eastwood directs this fact-based drama about the security guard falsely accused in the Centennial Park bombing during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. With Paul Walter Hauser, Sam Rockwell, Kathy Bates, Jon Hamm, Olivia Wilde, Ian Gomez. Written by Billy Ray; based on an article by Marie Brenner. (2:09) R. “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” — Forty-two years after “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away” first appeared on movie screens, the ninth episode brings the space saga to its conclusion as the Resistance struggles to defeat the First Order. With Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Domhnall Gleeson, Richard E. Grant, Lupita Nyong’o, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran, Ian McDiarmid, Billy Dee Williams. Written by J.J. Abrams, Chris Terrio; story by Derek Connolly, Colin Trevorrow, Chris Terrio, Abrams; based on characters created by George Lucas. Directed by Abrams. (2:35) PG-13. “Uncut Gems” — Adam Sandler stars as a desperate New York City jeweler juggling numerous deals in this crime thriller. With Lakeith Stanfield, Julia Fox, Kevin Garnett, Idina Menzel, Eric Bogosian, Judd Hirsch. Written by Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie, Ronald Bronstein. Directed by the Safdies. (2:15) R.

CITY LIFE

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

The Carlos Odria trio — guitarist Carlos Odria, drummer Thomas Spears and bassist Geoffrey Oehling — play some exquisitely executed jazz and Latin music. They’re all superb musicians, and the combination is capable of gorgeous work which seems to transcend genres.

Lynsey Bunny Moon: 3 p.m. Dec. 28, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester. Pre New Years Eve Dinner Dance freaturing Dave Burbank and his Orchestra: 6:30-11 p.m. Dec. 28, Hibernian Cultural Centre, 19 Temple St., Worcester. For information: (508) 752-9519, frohsinnclub@gmail.com. Four Year Strong with Citizen, Bearings and Bloom: 7 p.m. Dec. 28, The Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester. $10-$55. Comedian Jon Fisch: 7 and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 28, WooHaHa! Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $20. Dan Kirouac: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 28, The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar, 99 Route 13, Brookline. Worcester Railers vs. Maine Mariners: 7:05 p.m. Dec. 28, DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. Cost: $15-$36. Nilserver, Beige and Lean: 8 p.m. Dec. 28, Strong Style Coffee, 13 Cushing St., Fitchburg. The Giles Robson/Bruce Katz Show: 8 p.m. Dec. 28, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. $25. The Ed Sullivans: 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 28, Halligan’s Bar And Function Hall, 889 Southbridge St., Auburn. Cost: $10. Comedian James Dorsey: 8 p.m. Dec. 28, The Comedy Attic, Park Grill & Spirits, 257 Park Ave, Worcester. $15. Everybody Wants Some (Van Halen Tribute): 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Dec. 28, Marine Corps League, 181 Lake Ave., Worcester. We & The Dawg with Johnny Blue Horn: 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Dec. 28, The White Eagle, 116-120 Green St., Worcester. On the Rocks: 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 28, Rock Bar, 81 Water St., Worcester. For information: info@ ontherocks.com. The Royal Furs: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 28, Whiskey On Water, 97 Water St., Worcester. The Jake Ash Band: 9 p.m.midnight, Dec. 28, Rascals, 70

James St., Worcester. Cost: $10. Joan Cleary & Co: 9 p.m. Dec. 28, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

Sunday, Dec. 29 Molly’s Birthday Bloody & Doughnut Bar Bash: 1-3 p.m. Dec. 29, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester. For information: nicksworcester@ gmail.com. This year Molly celebrates her 41st birthday at The Bloody Bar and Nick’s is adding a doughnut bar! Twin Peaks theme. “The Hip Hop Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Dec. 29. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. $42.50-$62.50.

Laugh into the New Year Comedy Central’s Dan Boulger will be one of the reasons to welcome 2020 with a smile as WooHaHa! Comedy Club presents its “New Year’s Eve Show” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at The Pavillion Theatre at the Beer Garden. Also joining in on the fun will be comedians Kristine Blinn, Jimmy Cash and Brian Higginbottom. What: The WooHaHa! presents: New Year’s Eve Show When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31 Where: Pavillion Theatre, Beer Garden, 64 Franklin St., Worcester How much: $25. thewoohaha.com

What: Carlos Odria Trio When: 9 p.m. Dec. 27 Where: Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester

What: James Montgomery When: 8 p.m. Dec. 27 Where: Point Breeze, 114 Point Breeze Road, Webster

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Transcending genres

The James Montgomery Blues Band has a pretty immense repertoire, most recently highlighted by its recent collaboration with singer Ayla Brown, in which they tackled songs such as “Dancing in the Streets,” “Respect” and “Come Together.” But whatever songs Montgomery decides to present, it’s going to be filled with a joyous bombast and high-energy zeal.

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Sturbridge. All Together Now Auntie Trainwreck’s Final Show of 2019: 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. The musicians who comprise the Curtis Mayflower — vocalist Craig Rawd27, Greendale’s Pub, 404 West ing, bassist Jeremy Moses Curtis, guitarist Pete Aleksi, percussionist Duncan Boylston St., Worcester. Arsenault and keyboardist Brooks Milgate — are some of the hardest working Three Little Birds: 8:30-11:30 p.m. musicians around, each juggling numerous projects. So getting to see them Dec. 27, Barbers Crossing Road together at all is kind of an accomplishment. Still, the Mayflower remains one of Worcester’s most staggeringly good bands, and is worth seeing on any House, 861 Main St., Leicester. occasion. Kevin Shields: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 27, Quinn’s Irish Pub, 715 West What: The Curtis Mayflower Boylston St., Worcester. When: 9 p.m. Dec. 27 Abraxas (Santana Tribute Band): 9 Where: Vincent’s, 49 Suffolk St., Worcester p.m.-midnight, Dec. 27, Rock Bar, 81 Water St., Worcester. Decks and Drums: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 27, Firefly’s BBQ, 350 East Main St., Marlborough. Tar, Shapethrower, Alley Trash and Ego Death: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 27, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester. The Curtis Mayflower: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 27, Vincent’s, 49 Suffolk St., Worcester. Carlos Odria Trio: 9 p.m. Dec. 27, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester. Doctor Robert: 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 27, Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange St., Worcester. Aquanett’s Pre-New Years Eve Bash: 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 27, Southbridge Road, North Oxford. Drafter’s Sports Cafe, 35 Chase Thursday, Dec. 26 James Montgomery: 8-11 p.m. Dec. Avenue, Dudley. Dark Desert Eagles: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27, Point Breeze, 114 Point Breeze Saturday, Dec. 28 26, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Webster. Delta Generators: 8 p.m. Dec. 27, Road, Shirley. $40. Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Introduction to Google Drive: Karaoke in the Cabaret: with DJ Road, Shirley. $18. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Dec. 28, Matt R., 8 p.m. Dec. 26, Nick’s Bar Ben Cosgrove: 8 p.m. Dec. 27, Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Strong Style Coffee, 13 Cushing S., Worcester. Cost: Free. For Worcester. St., Fitchburg. $5-$10 donation. information: (508) 799-1655, Comedian Jon Fisch: 8 p.m. Dec. wplref@mywpl.org. Friday, Dec. 27 27, WooHaHa! Comedy Club, 50 Children’s Concert with Margaret McCandless: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat: 5:30 p.m. Franklin St., Worcester. $20. Steve & Steve Duo: 8 p.m. Dec. 28, Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Dec. 27, Nick’s Bar and restaurant, 27, Days End Tavern, 287 Main St., 11 French Dr., Boylston. For 124 Millbury St., Worcester. Oxford. information: thbg@towerhillbg.org. Shabbat Chanukah with Creative Comedian James Dorsey: 8 p.m. Editing with Pixlr X: 2:30-4 Latke Contest: 6-8 p.m. Dec. Dec. 27, The Comedy Attic, Park p.m. Dec. 28, Worcester Public 27, Temple Emanuel Sinai, 661 Grill & Spirits, 257 Park Ave, Library, 3 Salem St., Worcester. Salisbury St., Worcester. For Worcester. $15. Cost: Free. For information: (508) 755-1257, Gypsy Cowboys: 8 p.m. Dec. 27, information: amayou@emanuelsinai.org. (508) 799Shabbat evening services begin at Halligan’s Bar And Function Hall, 889 Southbridge St., Auburn. 1655, 6:30 pm. FM Live!: 8-11 p.m. Dec. 27, Baba wplref@ Matt Brodeur: 7 p.m. Dec. 27, Sushi Sturbridge, 453 Main St., mywpl.org. J. Anthony’s Italian Grill, 206

Got The Blues

CITY LIFE

Celebrating Kwanzaa

THINGS TO DO http://thehanovertheatre.org. Listen! A Poetry Reading: Poet Curt Curtin reads from his new book, “For Art’s Sake.” Hosted by Dave Macpherson, 7 p.m., Nov. Dec. 29, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester. Town Meeting Pre-NY Eve Show: 7:30 p.m. p.m. Dec. 29, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. $22.

Monday, Dec. 30

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D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020

“Star Wars“ Themed Trivia: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 30, Red Heat Tavern, 227 Turnpike Road, Westborough. Free. NYE Day Dog Champagne Toast: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 31, Quite Fetching Barkery and Pet Boutique, 1 Grafton Common, Grafton. For information: quitefetchingllc@gmail.com.

Grateful Dead New Year’s Eve With Settle Down Easy: 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31, Timberyard Brewing Company, 555 East Main St., East Brookfield. Cost: $30. Poetry Open Mic: 7 p.m. Dec. 31, Strong Style Coffee, 13 Cushing St., Fitchburg. Free. New Year’s Eve Show: featuring comedians Dan Boulger, Kristine Tuesday, Dec. 31 Blinn, Jimmy Cash and Brian Higgenbottom, 7:30 p.m. Dec. Noon Year’s Eve Party: 12-5 p.m. Dec. 31, Roll On America, 90 Duval 31, WooHaHa! Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $25. Road, Lancaster. Cost: $10. New Year’s Eve at Mount Wachusett: New Year’s Eve with Stomping 4 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 31, Wachusett Melvin: 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31, Firefly’s BBQ, 350 East Main St., Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Marlborough. Cost: $20. Road, Princeton. For information: Comedian Tim McIntire: 8 p.m. info@wachusett.com. Balloon Dec. 31, The Comedy Attic, Park drop, fireworks, live music, food, lift tickets, tubing and a whole lot more. Grill & Spirits, 257 Park Ave, Worcester. $20. Shrewsbury Toastmasters Haunted Speakeasy Presents: New Invitation: 6:45-8:30 p.m. Dec. 31, Year’s Eve Gatsby Ball: 8:30 p.m.-1 258 Walnut St, 258 Walnut St., a.m. Dec. 31, Secret Atrium behind Shrewsbury. Cost: Free. Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange New Year’s Redemption Rockin’ Place, Worcester. Cost: $75. For Eve!: 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31, information: info@nikiluparelli. Redemption Rock Brewing com. Featuring a Prohibition-Era Company, 333 Shrewsbury St., fete complete with burlesque, Worcester. $45. For information: photo booth, hors d’oeuvres, a hello@redemptionrock.beer, champagne toast at midnight, live https://go.evvnt.com/567680-0. music from Niki Luparelli and the This New Year’s Eve them? “The Gold Diggers and burlesque and Future.” Music by Secret Sage. vintage Performances by: Devilicia, New Year’s Eve 2019 with Lucifer Christmas, Jynx Merlot, Roomful of Blues: 7 p.m. Dec. 31, Poise N’ Envy, and Harley Queen. Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great New Year’s Eve with She’s Busy: 9 Road, Shirley. $100.

Comedy in the Cabaret: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester. The Dirty Gerund Poetry Series: 9 p.m. Dec. 23, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester. Free, donations requested to help pay the performers.

Kwanzaa is underway and OurStory Edutainment will be hosting a “Community Kwanzaa Celebration” Saturday at the Worcester YWCA. The event will include performers, drumming, candle lighting, vendors and more. Toward the end of the celebration there will be a traditional Kwanzaa karamu (feast). Organizers ask those who are able to bring along a dish to share (no pork please). “Whether you have no idea what this holiday is or you’ve been celebrating for years, everyone is welcome to learn and share with community! Tell a friend to tell a friend and bring the whole family!” What: Community Kwanzaa Celebration When: 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 28 Where: YWCA, 1 Salem St., Worcester. Free. Email ourstoryedutainment@gmail.com

p.m.-12 a.m. Dec. 31, Point Breeze, 114 Point Breeze Road, Webster. $15. Dock 10: 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 31, Whiskey On Water, 97 Water St., Worcester. 2019 NYE Swanky Soiree with New Orleans Grooves: 9:30 p.m.12:30 a.m. Dec. 31, 124 Millbury St, 124 Millbury St., Worcester. With Tootie Pa & His Big Fine Thang. Roaring 20s New Year’s Eve Dance Party with DJ Patrick Allen: 10 p.m. Dec. 31, Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester. $5.

Wednesday, Jan. 1 Matt Brodeur: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Jan. 1, The Hangover Pub, 102 Green

Gilded Age Niki Luparelli’s Haunted Speakeasy parties have always had a Roaring ‘20s flair to them, so it’s no surprise that she’s going the full F. Scott Fitzgerald with her “New Year’s Eve Gatsby Ball” as we enter the 2020s. Time to break out those flapper dresses, fedoras and other vintage accoutrements, order a classic cocktail and party the night away to music by Luparelli and the Gold Diggers, along with burlesque and vintage performances by Devilicia, Lucifer Christmas, Jynx Merlot, Poise N’ Envy and Harley Queen. What: Haunted Speakeasy Presents: New Year’s Eve Gatsby Ball When: 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31 Where: Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange Place, 1 Exchange Place, Worcester, How much: $75

St., Worcester. GWLT Hike Series: First Day Hike: noon-1:30 p.m. Jan. 1, North High School, 140 Harrington Way, Worcester. For information: gwlt@ gwlt.org. Join GWLT’s executive director, Colin Novick, for a guided tour through the Trust’s Crow Hill conservation area. Participants should park and meet up at North High on Harrington Way.

Dance the Year Away If you’re looking to dance 2019 out of your system — and really, there are worse ways to shake it all away — then you may want to consider the Roaring ’20s New Year’s Eve Dance Party with DJ Patrick Allen. Allen — the secret identity of “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” competitor Joslyn Fox — knows how to get a dance floor moving, so this party looks like a good bet. But it’s a Roaring ’20s party, so vintage wardrobes are encouraged! What: Roaring ‘20s New Year’s Eve Dance Party When: 10 p.m. Dec. 31 Where: Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester How much: $5

CITY LIFE

New Year’s Blues It’s a roomful of New Year’s Eve fun at the Bull Run restaurant in Shirley with dinner, champagne toast, hats, noisemakers and the return of the acclaimed Roomful of Blues for what’s become a regular Dec. 31 celebration. Celebrating the jump blues, R&B and early rock ‘n’ roll music of the horn-powered golden era of the late 1940s and early 1950s, Roomful of Blues is led by guitarist Chris Vachon, longtime tenor and sax player Rich Lataille, and vocalist Phil Pemberton. Bees Deluxe opens. What: Roomful of Blues’ New Year’s Eve When: Doors open at 7 p.m. Dec. 31 Where: Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley How much: $100. Tickets include: dinner, show, champagne toast, hats & noisemakers, tax and tip. Cash bar is available. (978) 425-4311; bullrunrestaurant.com.

Southside Talent Showcase: weekly open mic, 8:15 p.m. Jan. 1, The Southside Grille and Margarita Factory, 242 W. Broadway, Gardner. Wacky Wednesday Jam: 8:30 p.m. Jan. 1, Greendale’s Pub, 404 W. Boylston St., Worcester.

deb@bookloversgourmet.com. Worcester Children’s Chorus 20192020 Mid-Season Auditions: 4-6 p.m. Jan. 3, Assumption College, 500 Salisbury St., Worcester. Cost: $15. For information: wccprogram@gmail.com. Immortal Jellyfish, Neon Velvet, Memory Lame, The Chakras, Thursday, Jan. 2 American Ink and Max Harrison: 6 p.m. Jan. 3, The Raven, 258 Closing Tour of Labored Pleasant St., Worcester. $10. Landscapes and Earth Wares: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Jan. 2, Fitchburg Art Deep Thoughts Poetry Open Mic: 7 p.m. Jan. 3, Bedlam Book Cafe, 138 Museum, 185 Elm St., Fitchburg. Green St., Suite 1, Worcester. For information: (978) 345-4207, Matt Brodeur: 9 p.m. Jan. 3, Dark vdezorzi@fitchburgartmuseum. Rose Saloon, 274 Shrewsbury St., org. Part of Free First Thursday. AKESIDE Worcester. The Yo Daddy Doe Variety Show: LAKESIDE 1/3 RocketShip, JonasTheCloud, hosted by CoffeeHouse Craig, AnyoneAnyway, Rainsound: 9 p.m.7 p.m. Dec. Jan. 2, Strong Style 1 a.m. Jan. 3, Ralph’s Rock Diner, Coffee, 13 Cushing St., Fitchburg. LAKESIDE 148 Grove St., Worcester. Cost: $8. The Ayahuasca Blues Trio: 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3 Jan. 3, The Hangover Pub, 102 Green St., Worcester. In Pieces – Photographic Works The Rowdy Show: featuring by Lora Brueck: 10 a.m.-6:30 comedian Brian Glowacki, 10 p.m. p.m. Jan. 3, Booklovers’ Gourmet, Jan. 3, WooHaHa! Comedy Club, 50 55 East Main St., Webster. For Franklin St., Worcester. $10. information: (508) 949-6232,

Enjoy the winter, Lakeside, in the company of good friends and family ... Come savor a casual drink and appetizer on the deck overlooking the lake. Host a business luncheon with prospective clients, or celebrate one of life’s milestones at a preplanned special function. Whatever the occasion, we want you to relax and enjoy the company of others in this lakefront environment created just for you.

LAKESIDE

308 East Main St., East Brookfield • 774-449-8333 308lakeside.com • Open 7 Days

LAKESIDE

The Wiogora School of Wonder Wisdom holds its Wiogora Yule Ball Saturday at First Unitarian Church of Worcester. There will be singing, dancing, a slide show of Wiogora 2019, and people are invited dress up or dress down and bring a peanut-free snack to share. Also, please bring a nonperishable food item to donate to Loves & Fishes Food Pantry. Wiogora School of Wonder and Wisdom is a Harry Potter-themed educational community and summer program that creates a unique experience to enhance imagination, creativity, teamwork and life skills.

What: Wiogora Yule Ball When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 28 Where: First Unitarian Church of Worcester, 90 Main St., Worcester How much: Free; donations gratefully accepted to cover costs. www.wiogora.org

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Wonderful Yule

D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020

CITY LIFE

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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D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020

ANJIE COATES FURRY TAILS GROOMING SALON & SPA

Meet Iris! Iris came to WARL from St. John in the Virgin Islands. She was surrendered there after her owner passed away. She came in malnourished and in need of some TLC. Iris is an active girl and would benefit from daily walks or runs. Iris is looking for an experienced owner and someone who can be a strong leader for her. Iris is very sweet and happy girl who cannot wait to have a fresh start with a new family. If you would like more information about Iris or would like to meet her, ask our staff today.

GAMES

J O N E S I N’

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40 Pizza chain started in Chicago, informally 41 Obsessive anime fan 45 Least spiteful 46 “SNL” alum Gasteyer 49 Country house 50 Line to the audience 51 Toy company known for pop culture collectibles 52 “Good ___!” 53 Designation of some meat markets 55 “That’s a mistake ...” 57 Do stuff? 58 List closing 59 “Read Across America” org. 60 Long-nosed fish 62 “The Joy Luck Club” author Amy

Last week's solution

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Down 1 Halloween costume option 2 Really dig 3 Company known for copying others’ material? 4 Talks too much 5 Morning droplets 6 Atlantic, e.g. 7 “Know your rights” org. 8 Unwilling to bend 9 French word before “cuisine” or “couture” 10 Breakfast hrs. 11 Ran across 12 Book reviewers, briefly 15 “Time to get a move on!” 21 Former VP Agnew 23 Body spray brand 26 “Deal!” 28 Mango dip 29 Do a kitchen job 30 Word in many college names 31 Brakes too fast, maybe 33 ___-majeste (high treason) 34 Twenty dispensers 35 Use clippers 36 Croatian-born engineer Nikola 37 Manta’s cousin 38 Do really poorly

D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020

Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Across 1 Like some dental floss 5 1988 Dennis Quaid movie 8 Regretful feeling 13 Brightness output? 14 ___ Domani (wine brand) 16 Made mellow 17 Monkees member Peter 18 “Champagne music” bandleader Lawrence 19 Ages from oxidation 20 Swiss flag feature 22 Cafe ___ (coffee drink) 24 Put a curse on 25 Marker on a wall map 27 Leftover 30 Musical comedian Minchin 31 Editor’s “put it back in” 32 Knee injury site, briefly 34 They’re next to some records 38 Gin fizz fruit 39 Where the grid’s circled letters denote the NW, NE, SW, SE and centermost locations 42 Be compatible 43 “Meh” 44 “Blueberries for ___” 45 Grandmas, for some 47 Bookcase material 48 Praising enthusiastically 50 Make a request 51 E-I link 54 Mythical flyer 56 Crewmate of Spock and Sulu 58 “A Wrinkle in Time” author Madeleine L’___ 61 Take ___ (lose some money) 63 Indigo dye source 64 Bluish greens 65 “Baby” character in “The Mandalorian” 66 Furniture chain to meander through 67 Jeweler’s weight measure 68 Layer on the farm 69 “Hilarious!,” online

“On the Map” – representing a few locations. by Matt Jones

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D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020

Sudoku Answers

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CentralMass Classifieds

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LAST CALL

Tracy Gahagan and Lori Martinez Twenty Two Knox Owners

wenty Two Knox is located within 14A East Worcester St. If it’s all over your social media feed, but you still can’t seem to find it in person — that’s probably because there’s no sign yet. There will be. In fact, the sign guy called during my visit to the shop earlier this week. Owners Tracy Gahagan and Lori Martinez have thrived as a virtual store for long enough to know that word of mouth and a strong reputation is more important than any sign will ever be. For now, think of Twenty Two Knox as your private fashion speakeasy. Ask the stylists at W Salon nicely, and they’ll show you to the promised land.

LM: And then, the owner of W Salon presented us with this space that was opening up. It was nasty at the time. It was two dingy storage closets. There was no door to the salon, so there was no light.

Lori Martinez, left, and Tracy Gahagan DYLAN AZARI

for their bodies. One girl who came in recently had lost over 150 pounds. She was balling. We were all crying because she’s like, “I’ve never asked for a smaller size. I’ve never been able to wear jeans. I don’t even recognize myself.” We’re not trying to be supermodels; we’re here for everyday women and we’re just trying to look good and feel good. Where do you source your clothes from? LM: Let’s say 99% right now is from California. We do consolidated shipping where we can utilize a huge network of boutique brands and then have them shipped here. TG: We attend wholesaler’s shows. Our next one is in February in Las Vegas. We go in and meet all the vendors and wholesalers and we get to see their products firsthand. Something we really have to be careful with as a boutique is that you could see that same dress somewhere else, but somebody knocked it off. Real brand’s photos pop up all over Facebook, but in

transitional pieces. Skinny jeans are still very much in where you can either dress them up with a frilly top or just stick to the basics. I think layering has been a trend for awhile, but it will still continue to be a trend. Where does all of that invenLM: We love our bralettes that tory go? show a little bit of detail under a TG: I have a coworking space in tee shirt or a tank top. They kind Newburyport that provides us of pop out with just a little bit of with storage. We also use warehouse space for all the online stuff. an accent. Flowy tops, lace, and animal prints are still very big. What are you excited to wear in TG: I put a limit on leopard print during our last buying trip, so she 2020? turns to me and goes, “How about TG: We have some of our favorite brands that match our style. Prob- cheetah?” ably the biggest problem for us is What is the significance of the that the two of us have the exact same style. We had to really learn name Twenty Two Knox? TG: Twenty two is my favorite to work with styles that fall outside of our comfort zone. We asked number, but there’s a lot of meanfor advice from other women next ing in the name for Lori. door and down the hall just to see LM: Twenty two represents my son’s birthday and my wedding what the community likes and anniversary. Knox is my youngest what they want to wear. There’s son’s middle name and my granda good mix of different pieces mother’s maiden name. now, whether you’re going out for a night or you want workout – Sarah Connell Sanders stuff. I think everybody wants the many cases, you never know what you’re buying. We don’t drop ship, so we want to make sure the quality is there and it represents what we believe in.

Where did you do that? LM: Stronger Personal Training. That’s our gym. Owner Frank Nash actually came to us with the idea of doing a fashion show. We don’t do anything on a small scale. It ended up that 250 people showed up. We raised a ton of money and we came to the idea of starting a nonprofit called Fashion for Funds to start giving back to

Will you hire employees to operate the store? LM: We’re fully staffed. We’re open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sundays we’re open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Mondays, we are by appointment only because we do a lot of personal styling and private styling. Ladies come in before an event and they’re looking for a certain style. They can also go through our website and get styled virtually with in-store pickup for free. We have over 10,000 items on the online store. TG: What we sell in the store isn’t online and what we sell online isn’t in the store. People can order items online and then try them on when they pick up at the store. If they don’t like something, we just put it on our shelves and go from there. LM: We do private parties if you want to get a bunch of girlfriends together, whether it’s on the weekends or on a Monday after we’re closed. Shop, drink wine, go to the salon for blowouts and just have a fun girls night. TG: We’re going to do a kick it off with Cupcakes Anonymous. The founder Tina LaCroix lost a lot of weight and became certified as a personal trainer. She has a community of over 2,500 women. The event is on January 12th and we’re turning this into Worcester’s beauty destination for the weekend. LM: When women lose weight, they need to relearn how to shop

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What made you confident that it could work? LM: Back in June, we did our first annual fashion show to raise money for Why Me and Sherry’s House.

What are your full time jobs? LM: I’m in insurance. Employee benefits. TG: I’ve been in medical sales for 22 years.

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What was intriguing to you about opening a brick and mortar in Worcester? TG: We had developed an online presence for a little over a year. It just really blew up. Twenty Two Knox became an overnight success. We said when we started the business that we didn’t want to have a brick and mortar. We were like, ‘Nope, absolutely not. No question.’ We both have full-time jobs, so just wanted to do the online thing as a passion project.

the community. TG: A lot of the models in the fashion show were role models from the community — influential entrepreneurs with their own businesses that give back. LM: A lot of people who were there told us, ‘You guys really need a store. I want to be able to come and shop.’

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D E C . 26, 2019 - J A N . 2, 2020