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June 2013 pg

21:

Worcester’s summer car show won’t be the Nationals

IN THIS ISSUE tHE COVER story 6

Summer in the City

ENTERTAINMENt

LIFESTYLE 28

Make this summer your most stylish yet

29

Cool Careers: A job with (he)art

12

It’s a mad, mad (fisherman) world

30 One guy takes on the world of dating

13

The Blue Plate Lounge music, food and cheap pours

DINING & ENTERTAINING

14

UP AND COMERS: Styk ~ perfect music for this summer

32

15

ON CD: MOSS ~ Horrible Night MSI ~ How I Learned to Stop Giving A Sh-t and Love MSI Rob Zombie ~ Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor

16 Pulsebooks - 5 summer beach reads

Dine out (literally!)

34 Volturno brings wood-fired taste to Worcester 35

HOT AND NOW

36

PulseBrew: Angry Orchard Strawman Cider

17

Little Wolf returns to New England

17

Girls Got Game: GTAV

20

Molehill Productions: Local playwrights making big mountains

21

Worcester’s summer car show won’t be the Nationals

22

Club, Pub & Bar Listings

44

24

Pulse Shots

ART & CULTURE

Reaching goals: Hockey standout Karen Thatcher

Style & Beauty 42

style & Beauty

SKIN: Vanishing Oil gives you soft summer skin

BEAUTY: Go blemish free

SUNSCREEN: Cover yourself before going out GIVEAWAY: Streekers

Lifestyle

TRAVEL: Travel Happy

PULSETECH: Waterproof must-haves for the beach

sports & Fitness 40

Online @ thepulsemag.com

THE STYLE LIST: Ready, set, summer style

43 A bag for those weekend trips Stock up for summer festivals!

Entertaining

Group plans new theater for Follow us on Twitter @Worcester Pulse and like us on Facebook at Worcester PARTY: Host a great barbecue

MORE ONLINE!

facebook.com/thepulse magazine.

Don’t forget to check our Facebook page for this month’s

giveaway. Five readers will get FREE Streekers hair color!

45 WPI professor gets a new look at Hendrix

PULSE Magazine is produced 12 times a year by Pagio Inc., 88 Winter St., Worcester, MA 01604. (508) 756-5006. Copyright 2012 All rights reserved. Pagio, Inc. does not hold itself responsible for statements made by any contributor. Statements or opinions expressed in Pulse reflect the views of the author(s) and not the official policy of the Pagio, Inc., unless so stated. Although all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical standards, acceptance does not imply endorsement by Pagio, Inc. unless so stated. Material printed in Pulse is covered by copyright. No copyright is claimed to any work of the U.S. government. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission. For information on permissions, reprints and other services, contact Pagio, Inc.

Paul Giorgio, Publisher Donna Roberson, Editor Justin Perry, Art Director, Photographer Katelyn Putelis, Graphics & New Media Designer Chris Reddy, Kerry Cyganiewicz Account Executives

Kim Dunbar, Sports Editor Alex Kantarelis, Music Editor Tine Roycroft, Lifestyle Editor

Tine Roycroft, Kimberly Dunbar, Alex Kantarelis, Jennifer Russo, Jason Savio, Katey Khaos, Bernie Whitmore, Mike Walsh, Steph Moore, Paul Giorgio, Rachel Shuster, Dorit Slotow, Ben McNeil, Alyssa LaManna, Kerry Cyganiewicz, Writers

June 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 5

COVER STORY

Out to Lunch Summer Concert Series

Looking at a staycation this year? No worries, Central Massachusetts has tons of stuff happening this summer. Whether you’re looking for art, culture, festivals or food, there is something going on that you’ll love ~ and many of these events are free! So kick back, relax and enjoy the dog days of summer!

By Joshua Lyford 6 THEPULSEMAG.COM | June 2013

Celebrate!

African American Juneteenth Festival

In its 16th year, this festival brings people together to recognize the oldest commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S. Featuring crafts, food, dancing and awesome music, Institute Park will be celebrating in June.

1-5 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Institute Park, Salisbury Street, Worcester. Free.

Juneteenthfestival.org.

Latin American Festival

The Worcester Common becomes home to the fantastic Latin American Festival on Aug. 17. The event is a family affair, featuring Latin food, a beer garden, a tent for children sponsored by the Worcester Art Museum and LatinAmerican inspired crafts, all to the tune of non-stop musical acts.

Noon-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at the City Hall area of Worcester. Free.

Worcesterlatinfestival.com.

Asian Festival

of Dance Lindiana School Music Fest

Experience Asian culture through an afternoon of dance, costumes, music and food at the city’s Asian festival in June. This year marks the festival’s 10th anniversary, and plans are in the works to make this the biggest and best Asian festival to date.

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Noon-7 p.m. Sunday, June 30, at the Italian-American Cultural Center, 28 Mulberry St., Worcester. Free. Seacma. org.

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No summer in Central Massachusetts would be complete without some great Independence Day celebrations, and of course, 2013 will be no different.

The City of Worcester’s Independence Day celebration at Cristoforo Columbo Park on Shrewsbury Street on July 3 will include fantastic musicians, children’s activities and food. The Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra will perform, and the fireworks will be, as always, incredible. Other towns noted for celebrating the Fourth with a bang include Auburn Bolton, Clinton, East Brookfield, Fitchburg, Harvard, Milford, Millbury, Northbridge, Putnam, Spencer, Sturbridge, Rutland, Webster and West Brookfield.

Check with your town or city for full details.

June 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 7

Food Truck Fest

For Foodies

Back by popular demand, the Food Truck Festival will be rolling into Elm Park on June 22. The festival will feature more than 20 of New England’s finest food trucks. Fancy a gourmet grilled cheese or some lobster mac and cheese? You can get that and much more, in addition to children’s games and entertainment.

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Elm Park in Worcester. $7 for adults ($10 day of event), $5 for children 6-12 and free for children 5 and younger.

Foodtruckfestivalsofne.com.

Taste of Shrewsbury Street

Worcester Restaurant Week

More than 40 restaurants and pubs around Shrewsbury Street come together June 18 to offer a rare chance to sample some of the area’s best food and drink for one low price. In addition, there is some great entertainment and crafts, and the proceeds benefit the beautification of Shrewsbury Street and local children’s organizations.

Just purchase a button for entrance to the whole event.

Aug. 5-17 at participating Worcester restaurants. Three-course meal for $23.13.

Facebook.com/worcesterrestaurantweek.com.

5-9 p.m.Tuesday, June 18. $25 for a button, available from participating restaurants and at Shrewsburystreet. com.

The summer edition of the Worcester Restaurant Week is coming the first two weeks of August and is certainly not an event for foodies to miss. Enjoy some of the city’s finest food for an easy-to-stomach price, and some of the best restaurants offer a special Chef’s Menu. Participants will serve up a variety of dishes, from seafood to steak, Italian to Mexican, and everything in between.

THEPULSEMAG.COM||June June2013 2013 8 8 THEPULSEMAG.COM

Summer Sounds

Disc Jam Festival

Three summer nights of camping, music, fun and a great disc golf tournament in gorgeous Brimfield ~ what more can you ask for? How about 50 local and national music acts, a silent disco each night, yoga sessions, a hula hoop workshop and fun activities for kids? If that doesn’t get you in the door, maybe the $1,000 disc golf tournament prize will.

Friday, June 14, to Sunday, June 16, at 6 Mill Lane Road, Brimfield. $60-$100.

Facebook.com/DiscJamFestival.

Wachusett Mountain MusicFest

On Sept. 8, Wachusett Mountain will play home to the 16th annual Music Fest.

Having won several fan-voted awards, the event is always one to remember.

Featuring two stages of great live music, awesome food, a craft fair, a car show and more. Don’t forget to bring your blankets and lawn chairs!

Noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at Wachusett Mountain, 400 Mountain Road, Princeton. $15-$25 for adults, $4-$6 for children. Wachusett.com.

Paulie’s New Orleans Jazz N’ Blues Fest

The sixth annual NOLA Jazz N’ Blues Festival is set for June 21-23 at

the Keystone Plaza Urban Fairgrounds on Chandler Street. With a slew of incredible jazz and blues acts like Irma Thomas, Walter Wolfman Washington and Shaka and the Soul Shakers, the weekend will be one to catch.

7 p.m.-midnight Friday, June 21; noon-midnight Saturday, June 22, noon-9:30 p.m. Sunday, June 23, at Village of Piedmont Urban Fairgrounds, 231 Chandler St., Worcester. $15-$65. Baevents.com

Out to Lunch Summer Concert Series

Kicking off on June 20 and running every Thursday through the summer, these concerts allow folks to enjoy music and lunch on the Worcester Common Oval.

The series is free to the public and features awesome live musical acts, great food from local restaurants and a farmers’ and crafters’ market.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays from June 20-Aug. 29 on Worcester Common, 455 Main St., Worcester. Free. Facebook.com/OutToLunchConcertSeries.

Indian Ranch Summer Series

The Indian Ranch Summer Series runs throughout the season and features big acts at a gorgeous locale in Webster. With musicians like Dwight Yoakam, Montgomery Gentry, Charlie Daniels, Pat Benatar and The Marshall Tucker Band, attendees get a chance to see some huge performers in an intimate setting. There’s also a campground for those that want a true summer experience.

Days, times and ticket prices vary. 200 Gore Road, Webster. Indianranch.com.

June 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 9

Hot Art

Movies on the Common

Returning this summer, Movies on the Common brings folks together to spend some time downtown behind the courthouse to watch classic films. Kid-friendly and fun, the events are free and feature live music acts in addition to the films themselves. Bring a blanket or a chair and settle in for some entertainment!

Worcester Common. Free. Check worcesterfilmworks.org for dates, times and movies.

Hot Night in the City

Taking place in August, Hot Night in the City is a fun, block party-style crafting festival at the Worcester Center for Crafts. Featuring all sorts of crafts like glass-blowing, blacksmithing and wood turning, the night includes live music. WOOcard holders will see some extras for attending and flashing their card.

5-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at Worcester Center for Crafts, 25 Sagamore Road, Worcester.

Worcestercraftcenter.org.

Art in the Park

Held in Elm Park, this unique exhibition runs from July 27-Oct. 13 and features art installations set up throughout the park.

Seeing Elm Park transformed into an outdoor art gallery is truly a sight to behold, and since you can peruse at your own leisure, there is no excuse to miss it!

Opening Day is Saturday, July 27, with a rain date of Sunday July 28. Exhibition runs through Oct. 13 in Elm Park. Free.

Artintheparkworcester.org.

Bronze sculpture by Amy Podmore, of Williamstown, Mass., at the 2011 Art in the Park

10 THEPULSEMAG.COM | June 2013

“Portals�

wenbeg at

by Carolyn Le

the 2011 Art

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June 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 11

Entertainment

It’s a mad, mad (fisherman) world

By Kimberly Dunbar

Charlie Moore misses the “happy days.” Not just the show, but the days when he could turn on the TV and laugh his balls off for a half hour.

“I grew up watching sitcoms and laughed, and it was fun,” said the longtime television host. “These days, all these reality shows aren’t even true; they go out of their way to insult people and make them look bad. I mean Honey Boo Boo, are you kidding me?”

Moore isn’t one to shy away from offering his opinion. Which makes his own show, Charlie Moore: No Offense, completely perfect for him.

“Anyone who knows me knows I’m going to give my opinion,” said Moore, who has built a reputation based on his love for fishing, Boston sports and his uncensored opinions and humor.

You might know the Massachusetts native better as the Mad Fisherman, a nickname he was given early on in his career of hosting outdoor shows on NESN. Since 1996, Moore has hosted several shows, including Front Row, Charlie Moore Outdoors (currently its 18th season) and ESPN’s Beat Charlie Moore.

No Offense, which airs on NBC Sports, features Moore as he travels the country, inviting celebrities and athletes to hang in his world of fishing while he hangs in theirs. Unlike his other shows, Moore gets to do a lot, well, more.

“It’s more of a lifestyle show,” he said. “I get to combine everything I love. I get to travel the world and do different things. It’s very multidimensional.”

Moore is also multidimensional. Known as “the guy who changed the way

12 THEPULSEMAG.COM | June 2013

people view outdoor programming,” the Mad Fisherman not only has multiple, successful shows but also a book (his second comes out this fall), DVDs, Emmys and his own ice cream (Brigham’s Mad Fish Mud).

“I never want to get stale or complacent,” he said. “I don’t want to lose the edge; I always want to stay focused and hungry.”

While Moore is all about staying driven, it’s not materialistic things that motivate him. It’s moments like the one several years ago, when he was inducted into the New England Sports Museum.

“You can buy a lot of things in this world, but you can’t buy that,” said Moore, who was joined by his family and several of Boston’s great athletes during the induction ceremony at the TD Garden. “I’m just a kid from Lynnfield [Mass.] with barely a high school education, and I’m getting honored with Ted Williams and Curt Gowdy. How would you [explicative] feel?”

Having that respect from his peers and his reputation are what matter most to Moore, which is why he is always on.

“There’s no ‘lights, camera, action’ here,” he said. “I’m Charlie Moore, and I’m always on. I like to make people laugh. I want people to watch my show and say, ‘That was a half hour of entertainment. It took me to a happy place.’ It’s about good, clean fun, and I want them to wish they were hanging out on my boat with the Mad Fisherman.”

Watch out, Honey Boo Boo, here comes Charlie Moore.

Visit charliemoore.com for show times and more information.

The Blue Plate Lounge music, food and cheap pours

By Jennifer Russo

The Blue Plate, which has been around since the 1930s, was once a stop for third-shift factory workers seeking a cheap plate of grub on the way home.

Throughout the years, the place has been a fixture in Holden, reinventing itself through the decades but keeping its focus on providing quality food at decent prices (seriously, a cheeseburger with pasta salad and chips for $4 and a draught PBR for $2 ~ where do I sign up?). Tommy Smith, who has been the Plate’s head chef for more than 20 years, also offers a delicious chicken cacciatore and taco salad.

Since the 1960s, when rock ’n’ roll clawed its way into the open air, The Blue Plate has brought amazing talent to the area to tear up the stage. The crowd’s style has changed ~ from paisley and flowered shirts to bell-bottoms to butterfly collars to punk hair and neon to today’s simple jeans and T-shirts, but the goal has remained the same ~ bring in the bands, entertain the masses and do it all with a genuine and local flair.

“We feature bands of all genres ~ rock, R&B, blues, jam, hard rock, folk, country ~ you name it,” said manager Michael Stacy Jr. “We’ve just expanded our stage area to accommodate bands up to nine pieces but kept the great sound and acoustics of the room that we’ve been known for. My dream is to see us continue growing our fan base and get great entertainment in every week.”

Stacy’s Uncle Tiny ran the place until his death in 1994, and The Blue Plate went through a tough time for a while. However, over the past few years, the restaurant and venue has been revitalized, with the hiring of some friendly staff, the booking of high-quality entertainment and the help of social media outlets in promoting how great the place really is.

And it’s working. Recently, Duke Levine played the Plate with Cosmic Slim, and the line was out the door. The venue has hosted Shakedown Street, which Stacy said is “easily the best local Grateful Dead cover band around.” The Silverbacks (a show that sold out in record time), Bare Hill, Deborah McDonnell and many more acts have also played at The Plate. The Plate is also known for its Open Mic Night, which is taking a short hiatus until the fall, but will be back and better than ever. Stacy also said the lounge has “the cheapest drinks and the deepest pours around.” Well, I’m sold. What’s not to love?

The Blue Plate has kept its retro décor as a nod to its 80 years in the business and is planning some events this year to celebrate its long-standing tradition and thank its patrons, old and new, for being a part of its ongoing legacy.

The Blue Plate Lounge is a cash-only restaurant at 661 Main St. in Holden.

It is open from 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday and noon-11 p.m. Sunday. For more information, including a schedule of events, visit facebook.com/pages/Blue-Plate-Lounge/50677911497.

June 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 13

Styk~

perfect music for this summer By Alex Kantarelis

Every now and then, there is a band that really does something different. In the case of Styk, “totally out there” there might be a better way of putting it. Jamie Buckmaster’s latest project is a retro-loving rock band with all the glitz and glamour of the late ’70s. If Judas Priest met up with Thin Lizzy and somehow had a baby with David Bowie, Styk would be the offspring. The result is a stompy, head bob-worthy, upbeat yet punk rock sound that is perfect for summer. In fact, Styk has already been making a name for itself in Worcester’s thriving basement show scene.

Buckmaster, the Dungeoneers’ and the Terribles’ guitarist, started writing songs with a glam rock ~ almost throwback ~ vibe. “I wanted to approach music from a slightly different viewpoint. There are no glam rock bands anymore,” he said.

The result was an album that he recorded himself. Taking the Styx logo and flipping the X to create a K, Buckmaster had his band name, but wasn’t done there. “I wanted to take it a little further, like T. Rex and The Sweet, bands from England that dressed crazy,” he said.

14 THEPULSEMAG.COM | June 2013

“If you think back and you look at bands on stage in the ’60s and ’70s, like soul and funk, it was insane. There are these totally crazy dudes on stage, and they’re wearing diapers and sparkly trench coats with silver boots, and I wanted to re-emphasize that.”

His first batch of songs became his self-recorded, self-released, self-titled first album. Now, he needed to assemble a band. Enter John Guida on drums, Dan Sabatinelli on guitar and Eric John Yankus-Franco on bass, each with his own glam rock, sequined gear. The small project was now a full-blown band that released a second album last year, Velvet Burnout. Styk brings its high-energy live show all over the Worcester area, especially at the Firehouse and Distant Castle. The band just finished recording a new, yet-to-be-titled album, due out this summer.

For Buckmaster, basement shows are the way to go. “The difference between the house show scene and the bar club/ scene is that we make our own rules. We don’t have to deal with promoters or door charges. It’s more of a community,” he said.

“For someone who’s never been to a house show, it’s important to know that they can come to a house show and not be ostracized.”

So if you’ve ever thought you wouldn’t fit in at a house show, give it a try. You’ll have a blast.

For all of Styk’s music for free, check out Styk.me or facebook. com/stikme.

ON CD MOSS ~ Horrible Night

By Jennifer Russo

Put into the category of what is known as “doom metal,” MOSS has been on the scene for more than a decade, and yet, this is only the group’s third full album. What that tells me is that the band takes its time to make sure what it puts forth is exactly what the members want it to be ~ perfectionism at its best. Horrible Night, the latest album release, backs up this claim, showing the artists’ growth as musicians. Staying true to its signature sound, the album also gives an air of reinvention for this band.

MOSS is one of those bands that has a loyal cult following and brings back that feeling of classic metal that seems to have been pushed off into a corner by all of new subgenres that have surfaced. It’s a hypnotic experience for those willing to submit to a voluntary detachment from their everyday realities. It’s a foreboding and trance-inducing sound that touches upon the band’s eerie influences, invoking images of shrouded beings holding candles in a field ~ that type of music.

There are six songs on the album, which range from four minutes to a whopping 11 minutes. The album itself is reminiscent of Ozzy concerts back in the ’80s but a little more somber. The lone guitarist pumps out power chords that seem simple, but with note combinations that bring in flats and sharps that are a little more complex. I would call it song deconstruction (as if there were such a thing) ~ bringing in elements of sound in their simplest and most base form.

For more information, visit facebook.com/mossdoomcult.

MSI ~ How I Learned to Stop Giving A Sh-t and Love MSI

By Katey Khaos

No, really, that’s the album name!

Last fall, Mindless Self Indulgence took advantage Kickstarter to raise funding for its new album. Fans only had to donate $1 to receive the album.

Upon first listen, I am instantly thrown back to the band’s previous album If. “You’re No Fun Anymore” and “Ala Mode” are both awesome tracks that showcase how much tighter MSI has become musically. Let’s face it, those guys will never mature, so I will let Jimmy Urine be, with his funny ~ and sometimes bizarre ~ lyrics. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy a song about how much they like ice cream?

“Casio” is the one track on the album that stood out as weird, even for MSI, and that’s saying something.

“Let me check my calculator watch / All you need to know is C-A-S-I-O.” Just ...what?

For MSI fans, this is definitely the album you’ve been anticipating since last fall.

If you’ve never heard MSI and you like songs with sex references ~ so many that you could create your own drinking game ~ this album is worth a listen. If you’re the type of person to get your panties in a bunch over the band’s lyrical content, then it’s most likely not.

For more information, visit mindlessselfindulgence.com.

Rob Zombie ~ Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor

By Jason Savio

Only Rob Zombie could title his new album Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor without anyone turning a head. Over the course of his music and film career, we’ve come to expect the unexpected from Zombie, and, on his fifth solo release, he continues to pull the curtain back on the hidden highways and dark corners of America.

There is, in fact, a regeneration of sorts on the album, with Zombie summoning the ghost of former band White Zombie’s blood-on-the-pavement fierceness and heavy sludge. But the most profound and surreal aspect of VRRV is that the dark and seedy world he creates with his lyrics is not too different from our own.

The hypnotic trance of “Rock And Roll (In A Black Hole)” can be interpreted as B-movie farce or an honest reality check when Zombie yells in an explosive chorus, “We’re all dancing in a black hole / When all we want to do is rock and roll.” The cryptic rally of “Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown” is an observation of the controlling and manipulating nature of mass media. Zombie echoes the same sentiment with the super-charged “Trade In Your Guns For A Coffin” when he sings, “Obey, submit, assume, consume the dream that never was / Just follow the rules.” Even the upbeat Grand Funk Railroad classic, “We’re An American Band,” isn’t safe, as it gains a new sinister smile.

It’s not the monsters and demons that we should be afraid of on VVRV, it’s ourselves, Zombie argues. VVRV is a loud and towering record that demands to be heard.

For more information, visit RobZombie.com June 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 15

books

PULSE

5

summer beach reads

By Stephanie Monahan

Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan If you can’t be lounging at a beach house in Maine this summer, you can at least live vicariously through the family in this book. Though each character has her own complicated feelings about the house, Maine and family, each returns for another summer together. You will probably find someone to relate to ~ the youngest daughter, who’s keeping a secret; the black sheep, who never seemed to fit in; the in-law, who sees everything from a different perspective; or the head of the household, who’s trying to keep it all together.

Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris Reading Sedaris feels like listening to your funniest friend tell stories you don’t ever want to end, and his newest essay collection doesn’t disappoint. He takes everyday annoyances (conversations with customer service reps), family dynamics (a father he can’t quite impress) and political issues (same-sex marriage) and manages to view them from an angle you wouldn’t expect. But the bottom line is simply this: He’s hilarious.

The Moon & More by Sarah Dessen It is the summer before college, and Emaline is stuck between two worlds. There’s the comfort of her familiar beach town, stable family and boyfriend that make staying in place seem right. Then, there’s the pull of bigger dreams, leading her in the opposite direction. This is Dessen’s 10th young adult book, and while it is a familiar formula ~ a teen girl learns about life and love over the course of a summer ~ the formula works.

Superman: The Unauthorized Biography by Glen Weldon For all of the comic book hero enthusiasts, this volume follows the life and evolution of Superman throughout his 75-year history. Weldon is a comic book geek, and his love for the genre and focus on details really shines through, making this comprehensive but not at all dull.

Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham Yes, this novel is written by an actress, but don’t let that deter you from giving it a try. Graham uses her real life as inspiration: Struggling actress Franny Banks is about to give up on her dream. She hasn’t been able to land that breakthrough part, and the rest of her life is equally disappointing. Franny’s voice is engaging, and navigating New York City in the 1990s with her is a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon.

16 THEPULSEMAG.COM | June 2013

Little Wolf returns to New England

By Chris Reddy

Last year, the Worcester music scene was fortunate to have experienced an up and coming blues band when Little Wolf headlined Wormtown Brewery’s Oktoberfest at Jillian’s.

After extensive recording and touring in the months since its last stop here, the band is back in New England to start its new tour. Little Wolf fashions a unique, dynamic roots/blues/rock explosion: a fusion of Steve Lott’s 35 years of experience and Kristi Clanton’s youthful exuberance. Bred in West Texas, Lott is a principal singer/writer/ guitarist in the band. Lott has toured the world extensively and released two award-winning albums in Australia in 1999 and 2001.

Just last year, his compilation CD, Blues from Down Under, was No. 13 on the Living Blues Australian Radio Chart. Clanton, the other principal singer/writer/ guitarist, has been a singing star since childhood in Texas. She has blossomed into a great slide-steel guitarist and songwriter. At 22, she can handle anything from a traditional blues shout to a heart-breaking ballad.

Tough as overdue rent or smooth as 20-year-old bourbon, Clanton can kill you with one note. This Texas blues sensation was well received on 2012’s Down Under Tour. The tour began with the Blues at Broad Beach festival, one of Australia’s iconic blues fests. The band made additional appearances in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. In the fall of 2012, Little Wolf was a part of the Brother’s & Sister’s Americana Tour of New England.

To get Little Wolf’s full tour schedule, visit littlewolfmusic.com.

Game Preview: GTAV

By Katey Khaos

Here we go again. Dangerous missions, guns, hot women and fast cars. It’s everything you’re accustomed to from the Grand Theft Auto franchise since its debut in 1997 on the PS1. Since then, not much has changed with the game, aside from locations and main characters.

Do the players care? Not likely. I mean, you can’t exactly steal a car and proceed to go on a shooting rampage in real life and use a cheat code to weasel your way out of it ~ so there’s that.

Jokes aside, though, Rockstar Games has created a series that, with minimal changes ~ same basic idea with some mods ~ feels like an entirely new game every time. This fall, Rockstar Games will be releasing the latest installment to the series ~ GTAV. Although not a whole lot has been leaked about the storyline, personality trailers have been released, allowing players take a look at the colorful cast of characters they’ll be playing. I’d like you to meet Michael, Franklin and Trevor, three men with dysfunctional lives ~ what else is new?

Michael is the retired career criminal who’s living the easy life in a huge mansion in Rockford Hills. Despite the luxury, he’s bored with his new life, sick of his family and is looking for some new excitement.

So, in other words, he’s having a midlife crisis.

Next up is Franklin, the youngest of the bunch. Franklin’s set-up is nothing short of what you’d expect from a Rockstar game ~ a young black kid trapped in gangland violence in the bad part of town. Grove Street, anyone?

Finally, we’ve got Trevor. Ever heard of an ex-military pilot redneck who deals drugs? Well, now you have. He’s the epitome of ‘MURICA ~ minus the drugs.

He frequents the area’s trailer park, Sandy Shores, with a posse of meth addicts in tow. From the looks of it, Trevor will be the comic relief of the trio and completing missions with him will be nothing short of hilarious.

Yes, you’ll be swapping between the lives of all three men as you explore the vast urban sprawl of Los Santos, both willingly and via missions. From what I’ve seen, Rockstar has done a nice job incorporating the trio’s backstory into these missions.

To check out the character trailers and a few other teasers for GTAV, visitrockstargames.com/V. GTAV will be available Sept. 17 for both PS3 and Xbox360. Pre-order is happening now and can be done at the link mentioned above.

June 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 17

Molehill Productions:

Local playwrights making big mountains

By Rachel Shuster Founded in 2006, Molehill Productions is an up and coming production company, presenting works created by local playwrights.

“Although we specialize in original theater, we are interested in producing a wide array of artistic endeavors, showcasing nascent and emerging talent,” said Seth Leary, founder and artistic director of Molehill Productions.

Back in 2006, Leary, of Worcester, was applying to a Fringe festival when the name for his production company was born. “It said ‘Production Company,’ so I put in a name. I chose Molehill because I was looking to make mountains,” Leary said.

Molehill Productions’ next production is a musical romantic comedy presented in anthology form titled, Love: In a Number of Acts.

“It has a ‘play within a play’ storyline, where the over-arching book, written by myself and Sean Costello, incorporates musical interludes, written by myself, and three one-act plays, written by two different local playwrights. The story is about love and magic and the pursuit/presence of the two in our lives,” Leary said. “A charismatic, yet bumbling, magician must perform a love ritual in order to earn his Love Card, so he can pursue a lady magician.

“The magician brings together an ensemble of actors who represent love in its many forms through a myriad of mediums. As the love stories and songs unfold, so do the latent and blossoming feelings between the cast members. The audience experiences the love ritual both in a presentational form and from a unique, behind the scenes view.”

inclusion of one-act plays by local playwrights Kelly Flanagan [of Shrewsbury] and Kara Krantz [of Sturbridge], we filled out the rest of the love ritual story,” Leary said.

As for his theater background, Leary has plenty of experience under his belt, both in central Massachusetts and beyond. “Sean and I opened our first original production, Bob for God, at Gateway Players Theater in 2002. Since then, I’ve had a number of original plays produced throughout the New England region, including The Balance in Bedford (N.H.), Becky’s: In concert with collaborator Brian Sampson and Tragical, Comical, Historical, Pastoral in Philadelphia,” Leary explained.

Leary’s favorite type of theater ~ “comedic and collaborative, utilizing a cinematic, dynamic approach” ~ is certainly representative of his personality and the type of work he has been producing. Leary also loves Shakespeare, classic musicals and “interactive, guerilla-style forms of satirical performance art comedy.”’

As for his inspirations, Leary has quite a list. It includes Shakespeare, Neil Simon, David Chase, Aaron Sorkin, The Rolling Stones, Beethoven, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Death Row Records and Arthur Miller.

Love: In a Number of Acts opens June 7 at the Singh Performance Center, 50 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, and runs for two weekends, closing Saturday, June 15. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m., and there is also a 2 p.m.

Sunday matinee June 9. Tickets are $15 general admission at the door.

This play came to fruition in September of 2012, when Leary realized that it had been more than three years since he had a play open.

For more information about Molehill Productions and on how to get involved in productions, check out molehillproductions.wordpress.com, find it on Facebook or email Leary at molehill.productions@gmail.com.

“I scoured my inventory and realized I had the score to an original musical that, if presented in a theatrical concert context, could form the foundation for a new show. I couldn’t do it alone, so I contacted my frequent collaborator Sean Costello [of Worcester], and we wrote the magician’s story. With the subsequent

Photos Members of Molehill Productions rehearse for their upcoming play.

(Photo by Kara Emily Krantz Photography.)

20 THEPULSEMAG.COM | June 2013

Worcester’s summer car show won’t be the Nationals

By Joshua Lyford Growing up in Massachusetts, the annual Summer Nationals event was something that got my pulse racing. This was odd, as I knew (and still know) next to nothing about performance vehicles. Aside from an aesthetic appreciation of the look, I have no real interest in cars. Yet, for some reason, there was a palpable anticipation in the early part of July.

to move the event for years, however, so we must assume that there was some straw that broke the camel’s back.

Now, the portion of the event that would really grab our young group’s attention was most certainly the yearly “burnouts” that would be run at the Ernest A. Johnson Tunnel downtown. We would coordinate our entry and most commonly sneak down from the top of George Street and save our entrance fee for snacks. You could smell the burnt rubber almost immediately, and the scene downtown was always unforgettable.

Between the babes in bikinis and the drunken rabble-rousing, it was like a sort of modern-day version of a medieval carnival.

“We’re turning the clock back,” said co-founder Marissa Brown. “It’s a place where people can show off retro cars and bring their families for a wholesome time.” Cars of Summer looks to keep the event car-oriented and classy. Think more carcentric and less wet T-shirt contest.

Looking back ~ this is fairly telling ~ I didn’t even realize there was a classic car show associated with the event until years later. This year will mark the first in which the Summer Nationals will leave Worcester to find a new home in Thompson, Conn.

The man behind the Summer Nationals, Bob Moscoffian, declined any comment on the move, leaving us to speculate. He had been threatening

Luckily, Massachusetts car enthusiasts are ready to step up and fill the void themselves. Cars of Summer will take place from July 4-7 at Greenhill Park and aims to keep the car show tradition alive.

Time will tell if Cars of Summer will be able to take the classic car show crown, but the new angle may be a breath of fresh air for the community.

“We’re listening to the people and taking their interests into account,” co-founder Gary Cooper said. “It’s not the quantity of the cars, it’s the quality, and we want to promote the city.”

The event includes a kids’ zone with scavenger hunts and inflatables, city drives, a Ms. Cars of Summer award and a discount deal with the Greenhill Country Club.

For more information about Cars of Summer, visit carsofsummer.com.

June 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 21

Club & Pub Listings Entertainment at clubs, bars, pubs, & other select venues ATTENTION CLUB OWNERS!!

All listings MUST be entered into Social Web (socialweb.net) NO LATER than JUNE 15 to be included in our June issue.

American Graffiti 113 Summer St., Lunenburg 978-345-1010 The Banner Bar & Grille 112 Green St., Worc.

508-755-0879 www.thebannerbar.com Barber’s Crossing Road House 861 Main St., Leicester 508-892-7575 www.barberscrossingrestaurant.com Saturdays through June 29: Karaoke Singing Contest with $500 prize Barbers Crossing (North) 175 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8438 www.barberscrossingrestaurant.com Thursdays: Karaoke Thursdays through June 20: Karaoke Singing Contest with $500 prize Beatnik’s 433 Park Ave., Worc.

508-926-8877 www.beatniksbeyou.com June 4: Indie Art Market June 7: Tony Soul: Delta Blues Project June 8: Orange Television June 13: Ukulele June Edition with Rich “Amazing Dick” Leufstedt June 14: Lovewhip June 15: Clamdigger June 20: The Not So Late Show with Shaun Connolly and The Over-Qualified Band June 21: Break and Run, The Lounge Chair Allstars June 22: Sadplant, Slitstitch, The Pity Whores, The Lost Riots June 27: The Smile Makers, Zack Slik June 28: The Feather Merchants, Secret Sage June 29: Little Sugar & The Big Spoonful Beemer’s Pub 114 River St., Fitchburg 978-343-3148 www.beemerspub.com Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8484 www.blacksheeptavernsterline.com Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through June 29: Live bands Sundays through June 30: Bah Jam Open Mic with A Ton of Blues Tuesdays through June 25: Tuesday Trivia Night June 15: Tony Soul Delta Blues Project Blackstone Tap 81 Water St., Worc.

508-797-4827 www.blackstonetap.com Blue Plate Lounge 661 Main St., Holden 508-829-4566 hometown.aol.com/blueplatelounge June 28: The Ric Porter Band June 29: Cosmic Slim & His Intergalactic Plowboys Boiler Room 70 Winter St., Worc.

508-796-5165 www.boilerroomclub.com

Bolton Roadhouse Bar & Grille 544 Wattaquodock Road, Bolton 978-365-5757, 978-365-3036

Boulder Cafe 880 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-0008 June 7: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Breakaway Billiards 104 Sterling St., Clinton 978-365-6105 www.myspace.com/breakawaybilliardsclinton Brew City 104 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-752-3862 www.brew-city.com Bull Run Restaurant 215 Great Road, Shirley 978-425-4311, 877-536-7190 www.bullrunrestaurant.com Cafe Destare 320 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-5734 www.destare.com Canal Bar & Grille 65 Water St., Worc.

508-926-8353 The Cannery 12 Crane St., Southbridge 508-764-1100 12crane.com/canneryhall/index.php Cantina Bar & Grill 385 Main St., Worc.

508-459-5325 www.cantinaworcester.com Thursdays: Havana Night Live Latin Jazz Thursdays: Havana Night Salsa Thursday with Joselito y su Combo Celtic Tavern 45 Belmont St., Northborough 508-366-6277 www.celtictacernrt9.com Center Bar & Grill 102 Green St., Worc.

508-438-0597 www.thecenterbar.com Wednesdays: Ladies Night with DJ Blackout Thursdays: Thirsty Thursday with DJ Matty J Sundays: Sunday Funday Karaoke with DJ Matty J Mondays: Trivia Night hosted by Mike Ricardi Frdays: Friday Night Dance Party with DJ Blackout June 8: Saturday night EDM/House dance party with DJ Kartier Centerfolds 2000 139 Southbridge St., N. Oxford 508-987-5222 www.centerfolds2000.com Chooch’s Food & Spirits 31 E. Brookfield Road, N. Brookfield 508-867-2494 www.sitewizzer.com/choochs Fridays: Karaoke Christopher’s Pub 7 Pleasant St., Leominster 978-534-8250 www.facebook.com/christopherspubleominster Cicero’s Cafe 17 Suffolk St., Worc.

508-767-9728 www.worcesterscene.com/admin/location_ images/ciceros.jpg Classic’s Pub 285 Central St., Leominster

22 THEPULSEMAG.COM | June 2013

978-537-7750 www.classicspub.net June 7-8: Caves on Mars June 14: Autopilot June 15: Trigger June 21: Touched Jun 22: Hired Guns

508-756-2100 www.fusionworcester.com

Club Caliente 816 Main St., Worc.

508-826-9305

Gardner Ale House 74 Parker St., Gardner 978-669-0122 www.gardnerale.com Sundays through June 30: Sunday brunch with Chet Williamson June 3: Blue Mondays ~ Live Blues Thursdays through June 27: Audio Wasabi Fridays and Saturdays through June 29: Live music June 10: Gil Corea June 17: Ton of Blues June 24: Wolf Brothers Gilrein’s 802 Main St., Worc.

508-791-2583 www.gilreins.net

Club Instyle 41 Pleasant St., Worc. www.theclubinstyle.com Club KasBar 234 Southwest Cutoff, Worc.

508-798-8385 www.facebook.com/ClubKasBar Cornerstone’s Restaurant 616 Central St., Leominster 978-537-1991 www.cornerstonesrestaurant.com Wednesdays through June 26: Trivia Night June 7: Carl Ayotte June 8: Ernie Cataldo & Ruth Sawin June 15: Mike Shattuck Cosmopolitan Club 96 Hamilton St., Worc.

508-752-0482 Creegan’s Pub 65 Green St., Worc.

508-754-3550 www.creeganspub.com Dance Ranch & Saloon 70 James St., Worc.

508-757-6977 www.danceranchandsaloon.com Dar Bah 29 Canal St., Millbury 508-865-8441 Devens Grill 4 Ryans Way, Devens 978-862-0060 www.devensgrill.com Dunnys Tavern 291 E. Main St., E. Brookfield Fat Tony’s Pub 1102 Main St., Worc.

508-798-8908 www.facebook.com/pages/Fat-TonysPub/120246167987079 Fiddlers’ Green Pub & Restaurant 19 Temple St., Worc.

508-792-3700 www.aohworcester.com Thursdays through June 27: Pitch League Firefly’s / Dante’s 350 E. Main St., Marlborough 508-357-8883 www.fireflysbbq.com Flip Flops 680 Main St., Holden 508-829-3008 www.flipflopsma.com Flying Rhino Cafe 278 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-757-1450 www.flyingrhinocafe.com Funky Murphy’s Bar & Grill 305 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-753-2995 www.funkyandjosemurphys.com Fusion 109 Water St., Worc.

Galway Bay Irish Pub 186 Stafford St., Worc.

508-753-8909 www.thegalway.com

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

508-853-1350 www.myspace.com/greendalespub Tuesdays: Open Mic Night with Bill McCarthy.

Wednesdays: Open Jam with Sean Ryan Sundays: Blues Jam with Jim Perry June 7: The Invaders June 14: Valvatross June 15: Time Machine June 21: Hothouse June 28: Bittersweet June 29: 9Teen Halligan’s Sports Bar and More 889 Southbridge St., Auburn 508-832-6793 www.halliganssportsbarandmore.com June 22: Pink Collar Comedy Tour, hosted by Kevin Barbare Hotel Vernon - The Ship Room/Kelley Square Yacht Club 1 Millbury St., Worc.

Indian Ranch 200 Gore Road, Webster 508-943-3871 www.indianranch.com June 22: Zonkaraz June 23: Dwight Yokam June 29: Jo Dee Messina June 30: Peter Frampton’s Guitar Circus Ixtapa Cantina 308 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg 978-582-9701 www.ixtapacantina2.com Jak’s Pub 536 Main St., Worc. www.jakspubworcester.com JC Fenwick’s 37 Mechanic St., Leominster 978-840-4845 Jillian’s - Worcester 315 Grove St., Worc.

508-793-0900 www.jilliansworcester.com Mondays through June 24: Wise Guys Trivia June 7: Hypercane June 8: How Bizarre June 14: Tall Boys June 15: UFC June 22: Rotten Apple June 28: Jimmy’s Down June 29: Analog Heart JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough 508-842-8420 Continued on pg. 27

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June 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 23

Pulse

Shots

Feel the beat of the City!

Photos by Justin Perry

Give Kids a Fightin’ Chance Charity Boxing Match at The Palladium ~ Worcester

7 Nana ~ Worcester

Blackstone Tap ~ Worcester

Leitrim’s ~ Worcester

Loft 266 ~ Worcester

Perfect Game ~ Worcester

Mahoney’s Pub ~ Worcester

Volturno ~ Worcester

CANAL DISTRICT

Continued from pg. 22 www.jbag.biz Wednesdays: Wacky Wednesday Night Jam June 6: Summer Acoustic Series featuring Jodee Frawley June 7: Heavy Horses June 8: Probable Cause June 13: Summer Acoustic Series featuring Rob Ledoux June 14: The Allens June 15: No Alibi June 21: Let’s Get Rocked (Def Leppard Tribute) June 22: Brit Wits June 27: Amanda Cote Project June 28: Flock of Assholes June 29: The Issues LaScala Restaurant 183 Shrewsbury St, Worc.

508-753-9912 www.lascalashrewsburystreet.com June 18: Chris Reddy Live ~ Taste of Shrewsbury Street The Lazy Dog 31 Main St., Marlborough 508-229-2264 www.doggonelazy.com Legends Airport Road, Fitchburg 978-342-6500 www.facebook.com/centericebar June 6: Scott Babineau June 8: A Fine Connection June 14: Karaoke June 20: Sean Ryan June 21: Brian & Captain June 28: Karaoke Leitrim’s Pub 265 Park Ave., Worc.

508-798-2447 www.leitrimspub.com Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc.

508-796-5177 www.loft266.com Tuesdays: Game Show Live Trivia London Billiards/Club Oasis 70 James St., Worc.

508-799-7655 www.londonbilliards.com Lucky Dog Music Hall 89 Green St., Worc.

508-363-1888 www.luckydogmusic.com Sundays: The new ‘90s party band How Bizarre, featuring members of The Flock, Squeezer, The Vig and Neon Alley.

June 5: Woo Town Wednesdays. Free show with The Victory and more.

June 6: The 80’s tribute band The Flock Of A-Holes weekly party with VERY special guests: Bernie’s Garage and Fliptscript June 7: Rock About A Cure Relay For Life benefit show featuring Mindset X, Tester, A Simple Complex and Mongrel.

June 9: A Classic Cabaret show by The Boston Sprockettes with live music by The Cannibal Ramblers June 12: Woo Town Wednesdays. Free show June 13: ‘80s party every Thursday with The Flock Of A-Holes with The Luxury and Hey Now...

Morris Fader June 14: Red Hot Minute, the Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band with The Free Hats and more Jun 15: Pantera tribute band Trendkill with guests Sinners Inc. & more June 20: ‘80’s party every Thursday with The Flock Of A-Holes with Fliptscript and The Zak Smith Band June 22: The ultimate Journey tribute band Scarab and more June 23: Fall Off Records presents a night of hip hop, R&B, spoken word and reggae June 26: Woo Town Wednesdays. Free show with On The Cinder, Some Kind Of Nightmare & more June 27: The ‘80s tribute band The Flock Of A-Holes weekly party with special guests Foo Fighters tribute band Faux Fighters and more June 28: White Mullet, Deep Six featuring Jimmy D’Angelo, Blackwell June 29: The glam slam kings of ‘80s hard rock,

Mullethead, with special guests Beaver McD vs.

Captain Insidious, Kristen Ford Band Mahoney’s Pub 413 Park Ave., Worc.

508-277-1073 www.facebook.com/mahoneyspub.ma Marty’s Pub 225 Cantebury St., Worc.

508-754-0033 www.martyspub.com MB Lounge 40 Grafton St., Worc.

508-799-4521 www.mblounge.com McNally’s Grille & Pub 88 Sargent Road, Westminster 978-874-1444 www.mcnallysgrille.com Michael’s Cigar Bar 1 Exchange Place, Worc.

508-459-9035 www.michaelscigar.com June 5: Lori Martin June 7: Bill McCarthy June 8: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell June 12: Hit the Bus June 14: Brett Brumby June 15: Hit the Bus June 19: Lori Martin June 20: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell June 21: Just Brad June 22: Brett & Lisa Brumby June 28: Hit the Bus June 29: Andy Cummings Trio Mickey Sheas 324 Electric Ave., Lunenburg 978-342-5825 The Mill 185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston 774-261-8585 www.themill185.com June 6: Marc Jablonski June 8: Bill McCarthy June 13: Josh Briggs June 14: Chad Clements June 15: Andy Cummings June 20: Dave Obrien June 21: Joe Macey June 22: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell June 27: Marc Jablonski June 28: Jay Graham June 29: Rob Orciuch Mill Street Brews (@ The Artist Development Complex) 18 Mill St., Southbridge 508-764-6900 www.millstreetbrews.com Nick’s Bar and Restaurant 124 Millbury St., Worc.

508-753-4030 www.myspace.com/NicksWorcester Fridays: Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat The Nines Neighborhood Bar 136 Millbury St., Worc.

508-340-0318 Olde Post Office Pub 1 Ray St., N. Grafton 508-839-6106 On The Rocks Sports Bar & Grill 96 Lakefront Ave., Lunenburg 978-342-6692 The Outlook Restaurant 79 Powers Road, Westford 978-692-5700 www.dineoutlook.com Oxford Tavern 314 Main St., Oxford 508-987-5397 June 14: Fortune Not Found, featuring The Fall Effect Paisanos Pizza & Spirits 450 Lancaster St., Leominster 978-534-7117

June 14: Brian & Captain June 15: Scott Babineau June 20: Franco & Sam June 21: Keiko Gammel June 22: Andy Cummings June 27: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell June 28: Brian & Captain June 29: Scott Babineau & Rick D

The Palladium 261 Main St., Worc.

508-797-9696 www.thepalladium.net Pampas Churrascaria Restaurant 145 E. Central St., Worc.

508-757-1070 www.pampas-restaurant.com

Sakura Tokyo 640 Park Ave., Worc.

508-792-1078, 508-792-1068 www.sakura-tokyo.com June 14-15: Doctor Robert June 21: Windfall Classic Rock Cover Band June 22: Windfall Classic Rock Cover Band

Partner’s Pub 970 South St., Fitchburg 978-345-5051 www.partnerspub.com Patsie Dugan’s 49 Millbury St., Worc.

508-755-4155 www.patsiedugans.com Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge 64 Water St., Worc.

508-792-4263 www.perfectgameworcester.com Wednesdays: Game Show Live Trivia Sundays: Open Mic with Bill McCarthy Saturdays through June 29: DJ Reckless June 6: Karaoke with DJ Sirch One June 7: DJ One-3 Pho Dakao 593 Park Ave., Worc.

508-756-7555 Saturdays through June 29: Karaoke with Tom Lynch Point Breeze On the Lake 114 Point Breeze Road, Webster 508-943-0404 www.pointbreezeonwebsterlake.com Tuesdays: Open Mic The Pumphouse 340 Main St., Southbridge 508-765-5473 www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-PumpHouse/374917818127?sk=info Rage 105 Water St., Worc.

508-756-2223 www.rageworcester.com Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner 148 Grove St., Worc.

508-753-9543 www.ralphsrockdiner.com Sundays: Sunday Night Cinemageddon ~ ovies every Sunday night Tuesdays: See You Next Tuesday, with DJ Poke Smot. Guest DJs and bands each week.

The Raven 258 Pleasant St., Worc.

508-304-8133 www.facebook.com/people/RavenWorcester/100001022046717 Wednesdays through June 26: Open Mic Night June 15 :Wormtown Ska Promotions Presents The Pants with Archie Alone, FORT! the band & Sustain Rivalry’s Sports Bar 274 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

774-243-1100 www.rivalrysworcester.com Thursdays: Blues Jam June 7: John Riley June 8: Beach Party with Tom Revane June 9: The Recliners June 14: Drunken Uncles June 15: Three of a Kind June 16: Randy & Dave Show June 21: Babe Pino June 22: Mission of Blues June 23: Take Two June 28: Pete Towler June 29: Chad Clements Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster 978-534-5900 www.ryeandthyme.com Wednesdays through June 26: Karaoke June 6: Jay Graham June 7: Jon Short June 8: Live Comedy Night June 13: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell

Sean Patrick’s Family Restaurant 494 Electric Ave., Lunenburg 888-824-3924, 978-345-2000 www.seanpatricksrestaurant.com Smoky Joe’s/Rumors 371 Park Ave., Worc.

508-755-5542 www.clubuniverseworcester.com Fridays: Paint Party at Throwed (18-plus) Speakers Night Club 19 Weed St., Marlborough 508-480-8222 www.speakersnightclub.net Thursdays: Pub Night Dance, Drink, Party Fridays: Brazilian Dance Party Bands & DJ Spruce Street Tavern 68 Spruce St., Clinton 978-368-1255 www.SpruceStreetTavern.com Squire Whites Pub & Restaurant 347 Greenwood St., Worc.

508-752-7544 www.squirewhites.com Stagecoach Inn and Tavern 128 Main St., Groton 978-448-5614, 877-782-4346 www.grotonstagecoachinn.com Sunset Tiki Bar 79 Powers Road, Westford 978-692-5700 www.skinashoba.com/summer June 26: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Tal’s Place 138 Lake St., Webster 508-949-6559 www.talsplacewebster.com Tammany Hall 43 Pleasant St., Worc.

508-753-7001 www.tammanyhallrocks.com Three G’s Sports Bar 152 Millbury St., Worc.

508-754-3516 www.3gs-sportsbar.com Trumbull Bar & Grill 117 Main St., Spencer 508-885-6901 Union Music 142 Southbridge St., Worc.

508-753-3702 www.unionmusic.com Victory Bar & Cigar 56 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-756-4747 www.victorycigarbar.com Vincent’s Bar 49 Suffolk St., Worc.

508-752-9439 myspace.com/vincentsbar Sundays: Big Jon Short ~ solo acoustic country blues June 5: Jon Bonner June 8: Second Saturday Spectacular (or Meatballs and Mayhem) Wonder Bar Restaurant 121 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-752-9909 www.wonderbarrestaurant.net

June 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 27

Make this summer your most stylish yet

LIFESTYLE

As the weather warms up, it’s time to think about entertaining outdoors, getting some exercise and, of course, the beach. We’ve got products that will make the lazy days of summer safe, stylish and fun.

Set a chic summer table Create a beautiful setting with ease by adorning a dining or picnic table with di Potter’s Wine Glass Shades. The Paper Table Collection by di Potter offers vibrant color schemes in contemporary and eyecatching patterns to create a sophisticated setting. Each set of Wine Shades comes with six ready-to-assemble translucent shades in a trio of complimentary styles. Once assembled, simply slip them over a wine glass, pop in a flameless battery-operated tea light, and you’re ready to go. $22 for six shades. Visit dipotter.com for more information.

Safety is always trendy With a quick turn of the wrist, the versatile, visible Nite Ize TwistLit attaches to anything on wheels, making it easy to spot in every kind of light. Featuring a long-lasting LED module encased in specially formed housings, the TwistLit is designed with a curved back that rests snugly against the round surfaces on your bike or scooter. The bright, long-lasting, battery-powered LED is activated with a simple push of a button ~ white in front illuminates your path and tells people you’re heading their way; red clearly marks the rear wheel and signals your orientation to other commuters; and multi-colored disco is the universal signal for wild and crazy fun. $8.99. Visit niteize.com.

Tablet protection PlusMotif makes fashionable and functional interchangeable cases for iPads, iPad Minis, Kindles and Android Tablets. With 16 different colored cases to choose from and 72 motif designs to snap on and off, PlusMotif allows you to be the stylist and design your own look to fit your mood.

28 THEPULSEMAG.COM | June 2013

In addition to personal design and protection for your tablets, PlusMotif interchangeable covers come with a dual stylus pen. You can jot down notes on the included traditional notepad or on the touch screen of your tablet.

Cases start at $29.99; motifs start at $3.99. Visit plusmotif.com.

A sweet treat for your ears A new look for an old staple! ChicBuds’ innovative, retractable earbuds are going wild this season in new blue zebra and pink leopard designs. Customers can choose from bright teal with black and white zebra stripes or hot pink with leopard spots. Both types show off chicBuds’ signature Swarovski bling on the earbuds, which are also fitted with comfortable inner ear tips. Compatible with iPhone, iPod, CD player, MP3 player, DVD player, airplane connector... basically any listening device you’ll want at the beach! $24.99. Visit chicbuds.com.

Everything you need at the beach Going to the beach should always be an enjoyable experience. The Lazee Move is a feature-laden, three-products-in-one combo unit: a multi-position, lay-flat chair with a heavy duty aluminum frame, dual cup holders and breathable mesh fabric with contoured pillow; a cart with large wheels to easily navigate sand and sidewalks, a slotted umbrella holder and a pullout platform extension for additional hauling capacity; and a high-impact plastic table featuring a non-slip surface, cup recesses and storage compartment. $309.99. Visit beachtuff.com.

Cool Careers: Cool Careers: A job with (he)art

By Dorit Slotow

C.C. Lowell is one of the largest and oldest art supply stores in Worcester ~ a central hub for many local artists. And the store’s general manager, April Kennedy, has worked for the company since 2006.

“C.C. Lowell practically raised me,” Kennedy said, as she prepares to leave C.C. Lowell to pursue her own art career. As general manager, Kennedy’s day-to-day activities can be anything from assisting customers on the floor to planning events.

As with anything in life, Kennedy has her favorite things about working for C.C. Lowell: “I love people and I love art, so I enjoy hearing what everyone is creating and helping them solve their art dilemmas. I also love bringing artists together in the name of art, which is what I enjoy most about organizing events and workshops. It’s fun to see people get excited about the same things I do.”

She continued, “Our mural project, finished late last summer, was a super-fun project, too. I actually got to get messy and help paint the mural, rather than just selling the paint. The best part is definitely using the products themselves.”

Along with working in the store, Kennedy has also had the privilege of hosting local art events. “We host the Worcester Art Museum Spring Open House at the store every year to promote museum classes. In the past few months, we

have started hosting weekend workshops and product demos.

We’ve shown everything from hand-casting with alginates to paper craft. Some demos are free to the public, and some have a reasonable fee to cover instruction and cost of materials,” she said When it comes to artists, Kennedy has always had her favorites. “My favorite childhood artist was Andy Goldsworthy; I am still baffled by the way he manipulates nature. The idea of not using materials is intriguing. I have also always loved Gustav Klimt. His palette and the way he portrays the female body is so dreamy and sensual. I’d love to be able to convey the kind of emotion he does in my paintings. My favorite local artist is Rose Lebeau.

Her shadow boxes take 3D art to a whole new level. I love the eclectic, and rather eerie, vintage feeling.”

Kennedy said the experience she has gained at C.C. Lowell has been a major educational opportunity for her. Not only has she gained knowledge and experience, but she has also grown as a person.

“Working here has inspired and challenged my art. I have produced so many styles of work in the last few years and finally whittled it down to my style, simply because every material and every inspiration is at my fingertips.”

For more information, visit cclowell.com.

June 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 29

One guy takes on the world of dating Joe Keller wasn’t ready to date when his 13-year marriage ended.

In fact, he admits being single again was a bit of a learning curve, so he learned. Then, he shared his trials, errors and successes in Single Effort: How to Live Smarter, Date Better and Be Awesomely Happy.

With common sense, smarts and heart, Keller started his new adventure with confidence and humor, and the end result is his road map of advice for single guys.

From food to fun, from finance to romance, Single Effort delivers clear, real-world advice.

Keller describes Single Effort as all about maximizing return: “An example of Single Effort would be keeping yourself in shape (or getting back in shape) while at the same time finding opportunities to meet new women by attending a group aerobics class.”

And Single Effort isn’t just for men.

Ladies will benefit, too. From ideas to spice up your relationship to a revealing look at a guy’s perspective on dating ~ Keller covers it all. He offers real-world advice for living as a single man, how to thrive in dating, how to prepare meals and master the world of wine and how to save time and money.

For those that are ready to date, Keller advises that they practice good, old-fashioned chivalry ~ opening doors, holding an umbrella for a date, and, of course, the compliment. “Bear in mind, however, that facts are not compliments.

Statements like ‘I see you’re wearing a new dress,’ ‘Those shoes sure are bright,’ or ‘Your hair is much shorter in real life than in your picture,’ do not, unfortunately, count as compliments,” Keller writes. “For it to be considered a compliment, you need to say something nice about your date. Be sure to use pleasing and engaging (but sincere) adjectives in your compliment (and no, ‘bright’ doesn’t qualify ~ unless you’re talking about her radiant smile).”

But before dating, Keller encourages men to take a step back and pursue their own interests as a single guy.

“It’s what’s on the inside that counts. Happiness comes from following your passion, loving and being loved, and ultimately, finding peace within yourself,” Keller said. “The book is based on the concept of Single Effort.

It’s about working smart and maximizing your outcomes as a single guy, but also about making an effort, being proactive, charting your own course and living a fulfilling life.”

Keller, a father of two, shares his passion for helping others through volunteer work in the U.S. and abroad, via his writing and through public speaking. He makes his home in Auburn Hills, Mich.

To learn more about Joe Keller, visit SingleEffort.com. Single Effort How to Live Smarter, Date Better and Be Awesomely Happy is available at amazon.com and bn.com.

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DINING & Entertaining

Dine out (literally!)

By Chris Reddy

Looking for a little al fresco dining? Luckily, plenty of area restaurants have set up their patios and are ready to celebrate the warm weather. Check out these local restaurants for a great outdoor dining experience.

Photo: Devens Grill Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling (978) 422-0255 blacksheeptavernsterling.com Celebrating six years on Route 12 in Sterling, the Black Sheep added a large outdoor patio a few years back, which allows for outside dining, entertainment and an outdoor, sit-down bar! Known for some of the best pizza and wings in the area, the restaurant also has one of the best live music scenes in central Massachuesetts. The Sunday Blues Jam with A Ton of Blues is always packed ~ inside and out!

The Bootlegger 50 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg (978) 342-7711 thebootleggerrestaurant.com The Bootlegger has been a popular hotspot since the late ’70s, featuring fine Italian and American favorites. The recent outdoor renovations have only added more intrigue to the vibrant restaurant and bar, with a beautiful three-season outdoor seating area and outdoor nightly bar service with live entertainment and full menu offerings. The Bootlegger has some of the best outdoor ambiance you will find in northern Worcester County.

Buca Di Beppo 7 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury (508) 792-1737 bucadibeppo.com Located on Route 9 overlooking Lake Quinsigamond, Buca Di Beppo features the only waterfront dining on the lake, with great patio seating waterside.

Specializing in Italian family-style food, Buca sets itself apart with a large outdoor dining area ~ perfect for lunch or dinner ~ offering expansive views across the lake towards the growing UMass Medical Complex. Buca Di Beppo is now booking graduation parties and seasonal celebrations!

Ceres Bistro 363 Plantation St., Worcester (508) 754-2000 ceresbistro.com Looking for farm-to-table, casual fine dining in a beautiful outdoor setting?

Then, make your way to Ceres at The Beechwood Hotel at the corner of Plantation Street and Route 9. A floor-to-ceiling glass wall brings the outside in and opens to the patio for dining or enjoying a cocktail at the outdoor bar. Full menu offerings ~ from fine steaks to seafood specialties ~ are offered outdoors in a relaxed, yet sophisticated, casual atmosphere. Wonderful lighting and decorative fixtures abound inside and out, making this a great spot for dinner, or just drinks, on a warm summer night!

Flying Rhino 278 Shrewsbury St., Worcester (508) 757-1450 flyingrhinocafe.com With the addition of its outdoor, wrap-around dining deck, you can now

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experience one of Worcester’s best eclectic fine dining experiences inside or out on Shrewsbury Street! Open daily for lunch and dinner, the Flying Rhino has become a favorite restaurant destination due to its ever-changing and creative menu offerings and superior presentation and service.

Always a big draw during the Taste of Shrewsbury Street and the College Shuffle, The Rhino offers exceptional food and periodic outdoor events, making this a must destination for outdoor culinary adventure!

Grill on the Hill 1929 Skyline Drive, Worcester (508) 854-1704 grillonthehill.net With vast vistas of the Green Hill Golf Course all around, the Grill on the Hill has become one of Worcester’s premier outdoor dining spots. Located at the clubhouse, with a deck that allows for outdoor dining, the Grill features delicious and reasonably priced lunch and dinner offerings from specialty burgers, sandwiches and flatbread pizzas to entrées that fit every appetite. Whether you are golfing or not, this restaurant features some of the prettiest views of Green Hill.

Guiseppe’s Grille 35 Solomon Pond Road, Northboro (508) 393-4405 guiseppes-grille.com

event with a variety of delicious, affordable Italian cuisine.

Always a participant in the Taste of Shrewsbury Street, La Scala is also a destination for the College Shuffle and other seasonal events.

The Mill 185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston (774) 261-8585 themill185.com Celebrating its two-year anniversary, The Mill offers a large patio deck for outdoor dining for lunch and dinner. Open daily, this popular West Boylston restaurant is garnering rave reviews for its smoked salmon, ribs and eclectic entrees like Fettuccini Jambalaya and Smokehouse Lasagna. If you are looking for appetizers or just cocktails, the large deck is perfect for enjoying a nice summer day, and patio specials are offered throughout the season! Live entertainment is featured Thursday through Saturday, and a $5 bar menu is featured daily from 4-6 p.m.

Rye & Thyme/Mezcal 14 Monument Square and 20 Central St., Leominster (978) 534-5900 and (978) 728-4084 ryeandthyme.com and mezcalcantina.com The Niche Hospitality Group has successfully transformed the old Monument Grill into a popular dining destination in Leominster, featuring wood-fired pizzas, steaks, seafood, chops and burgers! Add to that $1 oysters and the largest selection of American craft beers and spirits in Central Massachusetts. Offering a beautiful downtown dining patio, Rye & Thyme is a great spot to enjoy an outdoor meal, raw bar or an amazing craft beer.

Guiseppe’s Grille on Solomon Pond is just a short trip down Route 290. Featuring fine Italian dining, seafood and daily specials, Guiseppe’s has a large, outdoor dining deck overlooking Solomon Pond, with a small outdoor bar featuring seating on the water. The food is fabulous, and the quaint, peaceful ambiance makes for a nice romantic dining experience in Northboro. Diners inside the lounge and dining room are offered panoramic views of Solomon Pond, as well, with sliders that offer access to the outdoor area. Weekend entertainment in the lounge and fine Italian coffees and caféstyle beverages at the adjoining Tazza make for a great allaround dining experience!

As part of the Niche Hospitality Group, Mezcal down the street offers fine Mexican cuisine and now also offers an outdoor dining patio. Open daily, Mezcal offers a $2 taco every day until 4 p.m. and all night Tuesdays! In addition to offering exceptional southwest cuisine and service, Mezcal now offers dining or drinks inside and out. Check out the original Mezcal on Shrewsbury Street, as well.

LaScala 183 Shrewsbury St., Worcester (508) 753-9912 lascalashrewsburystreet.com

The newest addition to the Shrewsbury Street pizza club, Volturno has a bit more to offer with its full-service bar and new outdoor patio! Offering up mega-variety of fine Italian pizzas, it also offers traditional Italian dishes, as well. The elevated outdoor patio area can hold multiple diners, and Volturno is open daily for lunch and dinner. Getting rave reviews in its first months of operation, Volturno has its own flair, with high ceilings, an open concept and good service. Located next to 7 Nana, Volturno gives diners another outdoor dining option in the area.

Since opening in 2009, Kevin and Maria Zona have been offering up what many say is the best Italian food on Shrewsbury Street.

With the addition of the outdoor patio and full-service outdoor bar three years ago, the restaurant now offers casual outdoor dining for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. The beautiful stone and brick outdoor patio provides for casual fine dining in the heart of the Shrewsbury Street scene. A variety of raw bar offerings on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at the outdoor bar and live entertainment on the patio provide more reasons for a trip to La Scala. In addition to the restaurant, La Scala provides catering for any

More great outdoor dining spots!

Allora 139 Lakeside Ave., Marlborough (508) 485-4300 alloraonline.com Cornerstones 616 Central St Leominster Ma (978) 537-1991 cornerstonesleominster. com Devens Grill 4 Ryans Way, Devens (978) 862-0060 devensgrill.com El Basha 424 Belmont St., Worcester (508) 797-0884 elbasharestaurant.com GazBar 1045 Central St., Leominster (978) 534-6600 thegazbar.com

Volturno 72 Shrewsbury St., Worcester (508)756-8658 volturnopizza.com

Park Grill 257 Park Ave., Worcester (508) 756-7995 parkgrillworc.com Pho Dakao 593 Park Ave., Worcester (508) 756-7555 phodakao.com Smokestack 139 Green St., Worcester (508) 363-1111 bbqstack.com

Waterfront Mary’s 3 Birch Island Road, Webster (508) 943-2222 Located on Webster Lake, Waterfront Mary’s offers casual outdoor dining on the expansive deck overlooking the lake.

Open for lunch and dinner, the food is American classic fare with a full-service bar. More formal indoor dining is available inside, but full entrées are available on the deck.

The views of Webster Lake are fantastic, and this is a great spot for an afternoon jaunt on a nice day. Waterfront Mary’s also has periodic live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays and is a great spot to hit before attending an Indian Ranch show!

Vintage Grille 346 Shrewsbury St., Worcester (508) 752-0558 facebook.com/ VintageGrille

June 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 33

Volturno

brings wood-fired taste to Worcester

By Bernard Whitmore Volturno Pizza 72 Shrewsbury Street Worcester (508) 756-8658 volturnopizza.com Volturno, the latest entry into the Shrewsbury Street dining district, has made its home in the long-vacant Buick building at the lower end of the street. This highly anticipated restaurant marks the crossing of a threshold, of sorts. There was a time when any high-budget newcomer would be automatically dismissed for the sin of brashness.

The longer I watched resources being poured into the Volturno project, the more I expected to hear a knee-jerk chorus of ‘Hated it!’ after its opening.

But that hasn’t happened. Instead, people are simply enjoying Volturno’s thin-crust pizza. And then, when the weather warmed up, Volturno opened a wall of doors onto a splendid stone patio.

Finally! Al fresco dining not crammed onto a narrow sidewalk! A friend and I were fortunate enough to occupy one of these tables recently. As we enjoyed the warm setting sun, memories of winter melted away.

Let’s go back inside for a moment. At the center of Volturno’s dining room is a long rectangular bar surrounded by a variety of table configurations.

At the far end from the entrance are two kiln-like, wood-fired ovens paved with shiny mosaic tiles and set on marble platforms. These ovens generate the high temperatures necessary to put the perfect char on pizza dough. The high ceiling provides plenty of space for the ovens’ heat to dissipate; huge windows look out onto the street and beyond, to the busy rail yard.

Once you’re seated, attention naturally turns to the menus, which are basic listings that appear to be hand-typed on an old Remington and affixed to clipboards. Be ready for plenty of Italian, no punctuation and all capitals.

I’m sure your waiter will assist, but why not take the challenge? With some rudimentary Italian and foodie expertise, you can parse these descriptions for yourself.

We started with the Calamari appetizer. Unlike every other menu in North America, these were not breaded and deep-fried. Volturno marinates its calamari with a touch of chili heat and grills them for mild, smoky flavor. They’re served with chickpeas and tiny olives over a white bean puree. What a delicious departure!

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A glass of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Capestrano provided a depth of flavor rich enough to complement the tasty calamari.

The creators of Volturno’s Arugula Salad devised a combination of flavor and textural counterpoints: peppery arugula leaves, chunks of sweet golden beets, toasted hazelnuts and creamy blue cheese.

The light vinaigrette dressing held the main ingredients together without distracting. Not a single tasty leaf was left behind.

Although Volturno’s professed focus is pizza, it also has pasta offerings and several entrées. This evening, my friend ordered the Half-Chicken. From the Misty Knoll Farms in Vermont, this free-range chicken was naturally moist and flavorful. The chef roasted it to a deep, golden brown and served it on a bed of foraged mushrooms, tender peas and meaty fava beans in a buttery sauce. Days later, my friend phoned to ensure that I wouldn’t forget to note the tasty chicken and sweet richness of the favas.

When good pizza’s around, I don’t stray far. I’m fond of all varieties ~ white, red, deep-dish and cracker-thin. Everyone has a favorite; pizza seems to inspire passionate loyalty. But for me, a good thin-crust pizza usually edges out the others, and Volturno has a dozen varieties. It’s my goal to try them all.

This evening, I ordered the Lemon Pizza. Volturno starts with its homemade dough, adds basil leaves, a generous scattering of smoked mozzarella cheese for deep richness of flavor and a layer of razor-thin lemon slices. Then, it’s into the hot oven long enough to get a dappling of dark char that brings out the nutty flavor of the dough. The lemon comes out soft and tender, with zones of flavor from the fruit, pith and zesty yellow peel. And the creamy smokiness of the mozzarella …

Meraviglioso!

How about pizza for dessert? Volturno’s Nutella Pizza (its only dessert offering) takes that versatile dough, puffed up in the high heat of the oven, then slices it open and slathers it with the creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread. Sent through a blizzard of powdered sugar, it comes to the table cut in six irresistible wedges.

Take any leftovers home for breakfast tomorrow!

Al fresco dining at Volturno Pizza: Worcester, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Hot & Now

By Paul Giorgio

Construction under way. There is construction going on and an “Opening Soon” sign outside of the former Verona Grille on Route 70 in Shrewsbury, right over the Worcester line. The new restaurant will be called Billy’s Pub and is owned by Jimmy Larsen. According to Larsen, he has done extensive renovations, including putting in a new kitchen. Watch for a late June opening.

The Verona Grille closed more than a year ago.

First it was Gumbo then it was … The Canal Bar & Grill in Worcester’s Canal District, which opened as Gumbo before changing its name, has been sold. Canal Bar & Grill owner Nick Vapiano has sold the 65 Water St. eatery to Elaine Courtney, the former general manager of Nancy Chang’s on Worcester’s Chandler Street. Courtney worked at Chang’s for 18 years and has spent her life in the hospitality industry.

Vintage Grill gets a new chef. Vintage Grill on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street recently hired Mike Peak as its new chef.

Peak has been around the Worcester restaurant scene for a number of years, having worked most recently at LaBussola in Holden and The Steakloft in Northboro. Vintage will host its one year anniversary party on June 29.

Not very Sweet. Sweet T Southern Kitchen in Worcester’s Quinsigamond Village neighborhood recently closed its doors.

This was a truly authentic southern restaurant that featured homestyle southern cooking and great desserts First it was Banana Joe’s. Sloppy Joe’s is the name of the BYOB restaurant that will open shortly on Worcester’s West Boylston Street in the space that for years was home to Banana Joe’s, a produce stand and deli.

Do you want that book extra hot? A Buffalo Wild Wings is set to open at the site of the former Borders bookstore on Route 9 in Shrewsbury. The chain wing shop is expected to open in October, after the spaces undergoes major renovations.

Yankee Magazine honors local eateries. The Yankee Magazine’s Travel Guide recently named three local restaurants as Editor’s Choice winners in the May issue. Salem Cross Inn in East Brookfield, Princeton’s Sonoma and The Vienna Restaurant in Southbridge all won an award Greyhound offers food. Water Street’s Greyhound Pub in Worcester’s Canal District is now serving lunch. In addition to lunch, it has the best selection of single malt scotches around. The newly designed space is much larger than the old Greyhound, which was right at Kelly Square.

Framingham Beer Works. A new Beer Works recently opened in Framingham in the old Bugaboo Creek location on Cochituate Road. It will offer about 20 house-brewed beers on tap. It will serve classic pub food and will have a large outdoor patio.

Do you have Blueprints for that? Blueprints is the name of the new pub that will go into the space formerly occupied by Joseph’s Bistro in Westminster. Sean McNalley, the owner, is renovating the place and is looking at a July opening. The new pub will feature a 25-seat coppertop bar, American craft beers and food.

June 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 35

PulseBrew:

Angry Orchard Strawman Cider

By Kerry Cyganiewicz

Angry Orchard offers a number of ciders in the 5% ABV range. All taste of sweet apple and are quite drinkable ~ think spiked apple juice. A traditional farmhouse cider is usually much higher in alcohol and less sweet, with a distinct flavor profile influenced by the variety of apple and the method used to ferment and age the cider.

According to Angry Orchard, “For centuries, farmhouse cider-making has been a tradition celebrated by farmers in the English and French countryside.

Strawman combines a distinct blend of juices from traditional culinary and bittersweet apples, which is then aged in oak. The result is a fullflavored, complex and balanced cider with wine-like characteristics, rounded out by apple and citrus notes. Its lingering, earthy finish is a homage to the origins of this unique cider. “ Here is my take on it: Appearance: Golden honey in color. The small head disappears despite violent carbonation.

Aroma: Oak and tart apple notes dominate.

Taste: Leather, oak, apple and warm alcohol.

Lingering aftertaste of warm oak and warmth from the alcohol.

Mouthfeel: Very light; if not for the alcohol, it would be extremely drinkable Overall: Strawman reminded me of a fruity chardonnay. I drank one glass alone and one glass with a meal. It paired well with a rosemary pork loin. This is a good compromise for a wine drinker and a beer drinker to share the same beverage.

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June 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 37

NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING • NORTH COUNTY •

NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NORTH COUNTY • NIGHTLIFE • SHOP

38 THEPULSEMAG.COM | June 2013

NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NORTH COUNTY • NIGHTLIFE • SHOP

PPING • NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING • NORTH COUNTY •

PPING • NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING

Sports and Fitness

Reaching goals: Hockey standout Karen Thatcher

By Maxine Giza Donning a red, white and blue jersey while fans chant “U-S-A!” is a dream many children have, but for Franklin, Mass., native, Karen Thatcher, the dream became reality.

hockey player. Four of her six professional seasons were in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League, with the remaining two in the Western Women’s Hockey League.

In her 10-year career with USA Hockey, which includes a silver medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Thatcher has made numerous contributions to the women’s national team. While her 70-game career represents a milestone difficult to fathom, her road to the world stage began at home.

This past season, Thatcher helped the Boston Blades defeat the Montreal Stars to win the Clarkson Cup, the women’s equivalent of the NHL’s Stanley Cup. Unlike her male counterparts, being a professional hockey player doesn’t equate to a hefty paycheck, but still requires dedication in the gym and on the ice. The commitment, while difficult, has been one Thatcher says has been worthwhile.

Although Thatcher’s mom taught her to skate on figure skates, she also gave young Thatcher a hockey stick when she asked for one. By 5, Thatcher was playing hockey and developing the skills that would propel her to the elite level. Her parents, who Thatcher refers to as the “backbone” of her career, helped her reach her potential by driving to various rinks to find opportunities to skate and play hockey.

But when she was 7, something happened that made Thatcher sure she wanted to play hockey for the U.S. “During my first season playing with the girls at Assabet Valley, Laurie Baker and other U.S. teammates came to visit our practice after they competed in the IIHF [International Ice Hockey Federation] World Championships,” recalled Thatcher. “They brought their medals with them, and I remember being in the locker room at Assabet and having them walk around to each of us to let us touch them and then taking a big group picture with them.”

After that encounter, the young Thatcher told her father she wanted to be a world champion, too. “My dad promised me that day that if I ever did, he would be there to watch, no matter where in the world it was.”

Thatcher’s father was true to his word when, in 2008, she represented team USA in Harbing, China, and brought back her first of two World Championship gold medals.

After her college career at Providence College and Brown University, Thatcher once again achieved something few can claim ~ she became a professional

40 THEPULSEMAG.COM | June 2013

“A typical day this year included a strength and conditioning session at 8:30 a.m. Sometimes, I would work from 5 a.m.- 8 a.m. before this, as well,” explained Thatcher. “After workout, it was home for a very quick lunch, shower and nap before heading back to one of my two part-time jobs in the afternoon.

Then, it was practice at night at 8. It was a struggle to make ends meet and could be exhausting, but when you are passionate about something, it is more than worth it.”

With the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, just months away, Thatcher had to make a difficult decision. “I suffered a concussion in February ~ my third major concussion ~ that I am still suffering symptoms from,” she said. “Given my future aspirations, my family and I have decided that it is best for me to move on from playing hockey at this time.”

Only a sampling of Thatcher’s on-ice honors have been touched upon, but perhaps this star’s greatest achievement is actually realizing her childhood dream. That same keen foresight is bringing her life in a new direction. Next spring, Thatcher will attend Boston University’s Doctorate in Physical Therapy program.

Photo Karen Thatcher gives Boston Blades fans a high five after a game at the Veterans Memorial Rink in Somerville, Mass.

(Photo by Christopher Weigl)

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The Style List.

beauty & style Ready, set, summer style

By Stacia Kindler

After months of the omniscient Mother Nature making us heat-hungry New Englanders envious of our West Coast neighbors, we can finally start to see the long awaited light and be happily blinded by summer. Whether you’re out of school for the season, skipping toward a vacation or planning to take it easy and soak up the sun this June 21, the first order of business is to box up your tired Stacia Kindler sweaters and start thinking about what styles to live in this summer.

As summer seems to be the most fleeting of all seasons, I find it best to build a handful of go-to summer looks to beat the heat before transitioning back to the usual pair of jeans for the rest of the year. This season, there are three basic concepts of summer style to choose from: boho, girly girl and tomboy.

The bohemian look is perfect for the girl looking to capture the no rules, fun-loving whimsy of summer in her wardrobe. The pattern-mixing, texture-loving aesthetic is inspired by the gypsy-like 60s revival trend being seen this season and is embodied by the free-as-a-bird festival queen that is every free spirit’s summer fantasy. To go boho, look for glimmers of fringe, beading and crochet details on your garments or breathe a new life into old pieces by adding these details yourself. A no-brainer starter kit is to pair denim cutoffs with a paisley or tie-dye tank top and tons of bronze jewelry.

Sucker for floral? Consider yourself a girly girl. This is always an easy road to take as the weather warms and stores are packed with ultra-fem silhouettes in every color of the rainbow, prints included. A good plan to build this look is to have at least two

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versatile dresses ~ perfect for a nofuss, one-step summer style. I would recommend one lightweight, loosefitting dress and another with a more sartorial feel, such as an oh-so-sweet fit and flare.

Although the girly girl lives in her dainty dresses, this season is packed with girl power trends to bring the heat to any run-ofthe-mill summer getup. Play with peek-a-boo cutouts to rough up ordinary pieces or stay up on unique trends this season, such as daring skirt slits, knife- and accordion-pleated skirts and bold ruffles to create your own individual spin on the girly girl approach.

In contrast to the adventure-seeking boho girl and the saccharine girly girl, there enters a different breed of nonchalant summer style, embodied by the all-American tomboy. If your idea of fun in the sun consists of a rough and tumble day exploring the great outdoors, put the dress down. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of ladylike trends that can pack a punch.

Just as the girly girl lives in her dresses, the tomboy lives in her denim shorts and vintage cutoffs. A goto outfit would be a perfect pair of high-waist denim shorts paired with a super-cropped top to play along with the ever-lasting midriff trend. Or play with this season’s bold graphic prints, easy as pie to pair with any denim for a bare-bones, catch-me-if-you-can style.

A bag for those weekend trips Summer means warm weather, long weekends and getaways to the beach.

Now, there’s a line of bags that can make the trip with you.

Anna Zefferys wanted a handbag that was just as stylish as it was practical. So she set off on a mission to combine the best of both worlds, initially developing her first prototype of the “perfect” handbag in 2010. The first bag, the Cleo ~ Shoe In, fused sleek design and luxury craftsmanship with practicality. The handbag

offered perfectly organized compartments with dual entry to divide the things you need easy access to (wallet), from the things you only need to reach periodically (change of underwear).

Now, the Oscar and Anna spring/summer 2013 collection offers a range of chic bags, perfect for overnights and weekends away. The bag is compact enough to double as a purse with any outfit and comes in a range of styles and colors.

Check out the full collection at OscarandAnna.com.

June 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 43

Stock up for summer festivals!

Spring and summer means musical festivals, and summer festival style means a light, airy look.

We’ve got ideas to help you look great and keep your stuff organized. So channel your inner flower child!

Wild Flower Crowns from Natural Life. $11, naturallife.com.

Complete your vintage look with the colorful Wild Flower Crown.

Wire-lined for an adjustable fit.

The Callet Case from Callet. $19.99, thecalletcase.com.

Keep your phone covered and your cards with you ~ this cellphone case doubles as a wallet.

The Companion from Rakuda. $119.99, rakudabags.com.

Style and function to cart your belongings to summer festivals. Available in Ocean Blue or Desert Tan.

Skin care from Own. Less than $25, ownproducts.com.

Keep your skin healthy and comfortable during festival season with Own’s line of natural products, including a day lotion with SPF 30.

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Water bottle by S’well. $25 for 17-ounce, $45 for 25-ounce, swellbottle. com.

These stainless steel bottles offer the natural look of wood while keeping your beverages cool for all-day refreshment.

What you put in it is up to you.

Festival Tees from Natural Life. $32, naturallife. com.

Contrast stitching offers a casual look for summer festivals.

WPI professor gets a new look at Hendrix

By Tine Roycroft

Art & Culture

By Tine Roycroft Jimi Hendrix fans are forever hungry ~ prowling the soundscape, looking for any traces of music or wisdom that the legendary guitar god left behind during his short, incredibly powerful career.

In February 1969, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, which included Noel Redding on bass and Mitch Mitchell on drums, played two gigs at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The Feb. 24 show was well recorded and well documented. But only poor quality bootlegs were thought to exist for the Feb. 18 show ~ until recently.

Joel Brattin, a professor of early 19th century literature at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, spends his days teaching Dickens and Shakespeare, but his passion for and knowledge of Hendrix knows no bounds. Brattin was delighted when the editor of UniVibes ~ a magazine devoted to Jimi Hendrix ~ asked him to review a soundboard recording (audio taken directly from the mixing board used during the performance) from the Feb. 18 show.

Jimi Hendrix performing at the Royal Albert hall in London 1969. (Photo: David Redferns/Getty) “I was teaching a group of WPI undergraduates at the time in London. In add to its power, in the middle of the song, Hendrix changed May and June of 2012, I was doing a program on Dickens, direction and began to play “Message to Love,” which is a Hendrix and Shakespeare,” Brattin said. song Hendrix made famous much later. Brattin believes this is the only recorded live performance of the song as played The professor was mailed the two CDs, and according by the original Jimi Hendrix Experience band. to him, even as he played the songs through his small computer speakers, he could tell that the sound was “Just to hear him veer off into ‘Message to Love’ from amazing.

‘Spanish Castle Magic’ is incredible,” Brattin said. “I think he’s the most extraordinary electric guitarist in history. I get “What happens often is that there are a lot of audience tremendous pleasure listening to his work, and because tapes that surface,” Brattin said. “Somebody brought a little of his work ethic, there’s just an awful lot of his material, recorder with one microphone in 1968 or 1969, and they despite his short career. He only had about three or four recorded from their seat in the audience. A lot of those years in his professional career before his early death.” recordings are poor. But this release is of excellent quality.”

Brattain’s classes at WPI are centered on Charles Dickens, but recently, Brattin did a presentation that concentrated on the best of Hendrix visuals, featuring rare films and videos of Hendrix performing.

Brattin feels that although Hendrix is known as an amazing rock musician, there’s a great deal the artist had in common with jazz and blues musicians; Hendrix did a lot of improvisation, for example. Some of this improvisation is evidenced on the Feb. 18, 1969, recording.

Joel Brattin

“Hendrix opened the show with an instrumental,” Brattin said, “which is not his usual mode ~ an 8-minute version of ‘Tax Free.’ Songs like that are always thrilling to hear because Hendrix does something different each time.”

The single, most amazing song in the show, according to Brattin, is “Spanish Castle Magic,” a song on Hendrix’s second album. A short piece, usually no more than four minutes, is actually 12 minutes long in this recording. To

There is no rest for this WPI Hendrix buff. “There’s a new studio album that was released a couple of months ago called People, Hell and Angels, which is supposed to be the final studio album released by the Hendrix family, so I have a review forthcoming for that,” Brattin said. “I’ve got book reviews and articles coming out, as well. There are always other projects coming up.”

For more information on Professor Brattin and his work, visit www.wpi.edu.

June 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 45

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