Pulse Magazine - November 2013

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DRINK SPECIALS • HOT WINGS • SPICY NACHOS

WIN FREE GUAC FOR A YEAR W I celebration of our new location opening this In W Winter, we’ll also be giving away “Más Mezcal” S Scratch Tickets (Worcester location only).

P Play for your chance to win Free Guac for a Y Year along with other great prizes. It’s free to p play, while supplies last.

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November

34 Skate softly and carry a big fist pg.

2013

Online @ thepulsemag.com style & Beauty

STYLE: Fashion fixes SHOES: Get Grounded with this footwear

IN THIS ISSUE tHE COVER story

6

Stylin’

Style & Beauty 12

Accessories go big for fall

13

Express yourself!

14

Get glam on the cheap

15

Keep your hair looking great

even at the gym

LIFESTYLE 26 Sticking around for

Thanksgiving?

DINING & ENTERTAINING 28 Vintage Grille

makes the most of the automobile

MEN: Celebrate Movember

theme

29 HOT AND NOW 31 PulseBREW:

Be like the Pilgrims

drink beer with your turkey

MUSIC: We Were Astronauts

ON CD: Lullwater, Rebel Revive, Natalia Kills

18

Style & Beauty

25 A sit down with Jason Hook

Group plans new theater for Worcester

PULSEBOOKS: The Dispensary DINING

THANKSGIVING: The best of the frozen turkey dinners

Strut your college style

24 UP AND COMERS:

Producer Owen Black returns to

Worcester with a new sound

MONEY: Stay out of holiday debt

Entertainment

32 Thanksgiving wine suggestion:

Stay in your comfort zone

36

Lifestyle

PULSETECH: New finds for your phone

PULSETECH: Debunking cell phone myths

ENTERTAINMENt 17 Public Works celebrates 25 years Club, Pub & Bar Listings

MEN: Get great style FASHION: Great finds

Sports & fitness 34 Skate softly and carry a big fist

20 Pulse Shots

BEAUTY: Beauty must-haves

MORE ONLINE!

Follow us on Twitter @ WorcesterPulse and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thepulse magazine.

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 Chris Reddy, Kerry Cyganiewicz, Kelsey Lemmon, Vanessa Herbold Account Executives Kim Dunbar, Sports Editor Alex Kantarelis, Music Editor Tine Roycroft, Lifestyle Editor

Tine Roycroft, Kimberly Dunbar, Alex Kantarelis, Jennifer Russo, Jason Savio, Bernie Whitmore, Juli Fahey, Briann MacMillan, Michael Wood, Paul Giorgio, Stacia Kindler, Tim Korby, Kerry Cyganiewicz Writers

Nov. 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 5

COVER STORY

Stylin’

Models: Lisa Marie & Micah James

What is style? Well, we all have style … some just have good style. Check the runways, and you may think it’s impossible to achieve great style on a budget. But our fashion columnist Stacia Kindler and fashion writer Michael Wood have taken a look at the runways and picked out the best of the upcoming looks for him and her. Even better, they’ll tell you how to wear it, where to cut corners and how to pull it all together.

Then, there’s writer Juli Fahey. She hit the streets with friend Jesse Ljunggren to find out how practical these trends are.

Can you find them locally? Will you have to take out a loan to put your wardrobe together? She’s giving us the dirty details on how these trends translate into everyday wear for the rest of us.

But in the end, style is what you make of it. It’s entirely your own. So take these trends and add your own flair for a look that’s designed by you!

Photography by: Justin Mayotte; Hair & Makeup by: Lilly C.; Special thanks to: Adesso Salon, LG Moda and Grime Clothing 6 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Nov. 2013

Fall is full of girl power

Model: Lisa Marie Outfit available at LG Moda 1177 Central St., Leominster, MA

By Stacia Kindler

As any well-trained shopper has spent the last few months thoroughly ripping through the tides of all things slinky and strapless at any and all last-minute summer sales, the fashion world has been rolling out all things relevant for the months to come. If nothing else, the chill of November mornings should at last have us thinking of our favorite cold-weather fashions to adorn ourselves in as sunny slowly but surely turns subzero.

>>

THE LOOK: Punk Perhaps the biggest trend this season is the ballsto-the-wall grunge revival look that has every riot girl channeling her inner Courtney Love. In the true spirit of the ’90s, this season is all about roughing it up around the edges with larger-than-life layering and tough-as-nails hints of buckled and studded glory.

The best part about this trend is that it’s been in the making for quite some time now, so don’t get rid of your ex’s button-ups just yet.

Get This: Plaid Just as you thought those thrift shop flannels were at the end of their rope, they’re still here and bigger than ever. Extending from the boxy button-up layering staple to entirely tartan frocks and schoolgirl skirts, plaid plans to spice it up this fall with even more options than before.

Get This: Leather No true badass look is completed without it. Lucky for us, faux leather and shiny bits of hide-like accents are everywhere this season.

Whether it’s patched-on shoulders and elbows or garments constructed completely of the fabric, getting some grit into your daily look with a dose of leather will be sure to have you trending this fall and well into the winter.

Get This: Graphic Sweatshirt Graphic sweatshirts are popping up in stores everywhere. Oversized and crazy cozy, I can assure women everywhere this will be your favorite trend since boyfriend denim. Whether the subject matter is cartoon, landscape or slogan, the trend has something for everyone’s lazy day.

Get This: Moto Jackets An absolute must, not only for your new punk-rocker aesthetic but an essential for fall fashion, no matter how you cut it. Zipped, studded, buckled or streamlined and fitted, the moto jacket is the perfect way to add a little texture to your favorite fall outfits this season, so keep up with the Joneses while adding a classic garment to your wardrobe.

Juli’s Take: Women’s punk look

Model: Rachel Hurst Sweater available at Grime - 356 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA

When you think of a punk look, what first comes to your mind? Leather jacket?

Graphic tee? Plaid shirt?

Combine these three and you will get the perfect punk look. This look will inspire you to dress in layers, which is perfect for the cold weather. You can find a leather jacket as cheap as $15 at your local Forever 21 store. A graphic tee and a plaid shirt can be purchased at Forever 21 for less than $30. This look will not break your bank, but it might break hearts.

Nov. 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 7

THE LOOK: Menswear Inspired Classic menswear-inspired pieces constructed of richly textured fabrics and staple patterns have taken over the runways this season, as essential suits of pinstripe, herringbone and houndstooth flood the shopping scene in the most perfect chilly-weather way. Whether it be in the shape of a boxy blazer or an updated version of perfect printed trousers, be sure to find an imitation menswear piece that suits you this season.

Get This: Velvet Stay classy and secure your newfound regality with one of the most luxurious fabrics around and a never-ending, musthave fall texture. Fall pieces across the spectrum are being constructed of the indulgent material this season ~ and plenty of them are perfect starter pieces for a masculine menswear look when paired with all things boxy and boyish.

>> Model: Rachel Hurst Leggings available at Grime - 356 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA

Get This: Oversized Outerwear Loose and boxy, structured or draped, pick your poison ~ as long as you supersize it. Coats this season are all about the making a masculine statement. Whether you fancy neutrals, pastels, fur or print, we promise there is a super coat or cape out there for you.

Truthfully, the next few months of outfits are going to be covered by your coat anyways, so why not make a statement?

Models: Lorraine McKenney & Micah James

If you haven’t noticed yet, fur is in! You might have to do some searching to find this look, so check out thrift stores or consignment shops. You can snag a fur-trimmed jacket for less than $100 at Macy’s, worth the splurge you plan on wearing it all season. Go with faux fur and take care of the environment while looking good.

8 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Nov. 2013

>>

Juli’s Take: Women’s fur look

Other Noteworthy Looks The Trend: Fur You may have noticed an animal-like presence this season as runways experience an influx of fur-friendly new pieces, especially in outerwear. Super-shaggy coats, sweatshirts and textured accents on many other garments are going to be front and center as you shop.

Too dramatic for you? Stay in the loop and look for accented accessories or other alternatives such as embroidered feathers.

Model: Lisa Marie Outfit available at LG Moda - 1177 Central St., Leominster, MA

The Trend: Green As far as color is concerned, rainbows of lime, jade, emerald and olive are the only significant shades. Just as camouflage decorated our lives and our clothes a few months back, the popularity of its hues continue as the colors stay relevant as ever. Add an army jacket to any outfit for instant gratification or grab yourself a pair of cargo pants for a sexy cool look.

Whether you fancy the grown-up menswear trend or would rather get down and dirty with your inner rock star, this season is bound to have everyone competing to make a statement.

>> Model: Lorraine McKenney

Nov. 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 9

Five wearable, functional favorites for guys

By Mike Wood

This fall, we got to see what all the runways were bringing during fashion weeks from New York City to Milan to Boston.

While the fashionistas of the world were wagging tongues about all the trends to come, we weeded through the enormous fashion tsunami to recognize the looks that seemed practical and wearable in day-to-day life. So before you descend on the mall to stock up on what’s hip and hot, take note that not everything translates from runway to sidewalk. So going through the good, the bad and the just plain ugly, we’ve got five fashion finds that guys can actually rock in a real world meant for real people.

Model: Dimitri Yantsides

THE LOOK: Slimmed-Down Backpack It’s a much lamented topic: The Man Bag. Should we or shouldn’t we? A murse? Never. But we’ve got stuff to carry around, too, right? So how do we do that without resorting to our stinky, wellworn gym bag? Well, all sorts of designers at all price levels ~ from Hex and Merrill to Marc by Marc Jacobs ~ have found this year’s messenger bag and debuted the easy-on-the-shoulders (and eyes) backpacks that are slimmer in design than the traditional toss-on-yourback bag. Not as bulky, these sleeker cousins keep your manhood intact while telling everyone how stylish you are.

THE LOOK: Double-Breasted Suit Everything makes a comeback, or so they say, but that doesn’t mean we’re all on board with all the fashions that have resurfaced through the years (acid wash jeans, anyone?). The double-breasted suit jacket has been threatening its resurgence for more than a few years now, but it seems that this is its year (again). While we’re on the fence about the return of the double-breasted suit jacket, the fashion designers/ decision-makers have deemed it The Look. It seemed like nearly every designer on the runway had a model sporting this jacket (Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani and Ermenegildo Zegna are just a few), so we better get onboard the so-’80s-it’s-2013 train if we want Juli’s Take: Men’s to stay in bomber jacket style.

Is there such thing as a men’s jacket that can be worn throughout fall and winter? The bomber jacket is exactly what you need. It can go from day to night and fall to winter. These are all over the place right now and can be found for less than $100 at the local malls, not bad for a winter coat investment. So make sure you have your favorite pair of jeans ready to go, since they’ll go perfectly with this jacket.

Juli’s Take: Men’s distressed sneakers Distressed sneakers are in for men. These are everywhere, but shop around; they can be pricey. The more worn they look, the better. Grab a pair of these sneakers to go with your casual outfits and relax with flair.

10 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Nov. 2013

THE LOOK: Bomber Jacket This iconic look has never really gone out of fashion, but now it’s also brighter and bolder than ever before. This is one look that promises to be everywhere next year, because nearly everyone can wear a bomber and look good doing it.

That’s because there are so many variations to the look to choose from ~ slimfit, aviator, color-blocked, varsity stripe ~ in materials running the gambit from silk or sheepskin to nylon or leather. You can’t go wrong with this one, guys, and you can find it all price points from all kinds of different designers.

THE LOOK: Distressed Sneakers I’m guilty as charged. I’m that guy with way too many pairs of sneakers to mix and match with every outfit I pull from my closet. So my heart might have skipped a few extra beats when I saw the distressed sneakers of Marc by Marc Jacobs squeaking (OK, sliding) down fashion week runways worldwide. Yes, they might seem like something your mom threw in the trash after too many games on the basketball court in your youth, but the rubber around the sole is supposed to look this way. For a more wallet-friendly version, check out Aldo, which will have similar shoes for a fraction of the cost.

THE LOOK: Nylon Trench Coat Instead of that drab gray or brown “I’m-going-to-work” raincoat you resort to once you smell rain, why not strut through that rain in style with a colorful nylon trench that will brighten everyone’s day? From lesser-known designers right up to Burberry Prorsum, you can find a fashionable alternative for those April showers. So, we say ditch the tattered hoodie you instinctively snatch from the closet on your way out the door and dress up when the weather gets you down.

Model: Micah James

Nov. 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 11

beauty & style

Accessories go big for fall

By Tine Roycroft

You haven’t completed your fall and winter fashion wardrobe until you’ve acquired the most important parts ~ the accessories. From handbags and necklaces to earrings and belts, accessories can complete an outfit and bring wardrobe pieces together for an allaround amazing look.

But even buying the right costume jewelry can prove difficult with all of today’s choices. Luckily, we have fashionista Leah Long, owner of Alexis Grace Consignment in Worcester, to help lead us in the right direction and dispel some fashion myths.

Pulse: What’s a must-have item that promises to be hot this fall and winter?

Leah Long: Scarves! There are a million different ways to tie them ~ bunch them up around your neck, keep them long and toss one side over your shoulder, loop it around your neck. A good scarf can take a black, boring outfit and add a great color pop. It creates a casual look that says “I threw this together, but it looks good.”

What about jewelry?

I’m seeing big earrings and big rings. They’re great for making fashion statements. Feather earrings were in this summer and are big still. Bangle bracelets are hot, especially mixing and matching bold colors. And pins are coming back! You used to think of pins as something you’d find in your grandmother’s jewelry box, but they’re popular again. I’m seeing a lot of examples where people are taking vintage pieces and making them modern.

What are some timeless pieces?

I think every woman should have a pair of hoop earrings; they’re always sexy and fun. You always need a longer necklace; something with a lengthy chain that has a pendant on it. And, of course, you always need a shorter necklace for a simple, elegant look.

Is it against fashion law to mix silver and gold?

No way! There’s a ton of jewelry out there that actually combines the two.

12 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Nov. 2013

And for the fall, expect to see a lot of other metals being featured in jewelry ~ copper, bronze and stainless steel, for example.

What should we look for in handbags?

A lot of people are returning to quality items ~ a simple black or brown leather purse made from good leather. People are looking for classic items that will last throughout the years and still look good. A bag that is black, tan or a deep brown will look great with just about any outfit.

According to fashion law, do shoes need to match handbags?

No. I don’t think we’re matching much of anything anymore, no matter the season!

What about mixing? Can we mix patterns?

It can be done, and it can be done amazingly, but it’s a rare skill for someone to have. Unless you’re good at it, you should avoid it. Before you go out, ask a friend if you have that skill.

Final question: Can we wear flats with a cocktail dress this winter?

No, never! Just suffer for a short time in stilettos. Kick your shoes off under the table if you need to, but suffer for fashion!

Express yourself!

By Brianna MacMillan

The air is getting colder and you’ll be spending more time inside, so now is the perfect time to redecorate.

Interior design projects are daunting; it is important to make sure your space embodies your personal style. So, start with what you have ~ look around at your stuff and figure out what you like and what you’d like to toss. Freshhome. com’s “How to Identify Your Own Decorating Style” advises those looking to redecorate to “stick with significant and meaningful items.” Using items that mean something to you will make it a lot easier to fall in love with your space.

Finding your inspiration is important, and there are many examples out there.

Your inspiration could be a pattern, piece of fabric, art or furniture. Interior designer Ann Coplen-Harold, who owns Interior Design by Ann in Worcester, said this inspiration “doesn’t have to be anything you own,” it just has to be something that speaks to your vision of your space.

Coplen-Harold recommends starting with the Internet, using websites such as Pinterest and Houzz and bed and bath websites. Write down what you like about pictures and think of how these trends may already show up in your own style. The trends you wear on a regular basis say a lot about what you could live with in your space. Find a pattern or color you love and subtly repeat it within your space. This repetition will help to tie pieces together and make your vision seem more cohesive.

Redecorating does not have to cost thousands of dollars, either. Search Craigslist, eBay and yard sales for pieces that are structurally sound and easy to refinish or embellish. Lighting is a great, inexpensive and fun way to add style to a room. Coplen-Harold recommends using fabric, beads or feathers on lampshades as trim. Little touches are a fun way to add style to your space without breaking the bank.

If you are working with a dorm room, try and coordinate bedding with your roommate or find a pattern you both like.

Choose pieces that match the background color of the pattern, making them coordinate well without matching completely.

Apartments always seem to be smaller than we would like. Making the most of your space and visually increasing the space can help open things up. CoplenHarold advises addressing furniture in terms of the “most amount of usability and function.” Do not overwhelm a small space with large furniture; smaller well-spaced pieces make a space seem larger. A larger rug will have the same visual effect.

Tackling an interior design project can seem overwhelming, but decorating your space to your personal taste is not as difficult as it seems. Keep it simple and stick to what you like ~ and can afford ~ and your dream space may not be so far away.

For more information: interiordesignbyann.com freshome.com houzz.com

Nov. 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 13

Get glam on the cheap

By Juli Fahey

Shopping for makeup can be an adventure. For some, it’s retail therapy; for others, it’s about reinventing oneself. If you’re looking for a cheap pick-me-up when money is short, head to the drugstore; you’ll find brands that work just as well as their more expensive counterparts.

Foundation If you’re a foundation woman, Maybelline’s Dream Smooth Mousse is only $9.79 and makes your skin look flawless. But if you like to go eco-friendly, check out Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques. The crème foundation is made with certified organic extracts of green tea, passionflower and raspberry and can be had for $27.

Eyes Long days require a lot of energy and (unfortunately) little sleep; hence, the dark circles under your eyes. Laura Mercier’s Secret Concealer is exactly what you need. You can pick it up at Sephora for $22. A cheaper choice, but still excellent, is Revlon’s Colorstay Under Eye for $8.49.

If you are looking for an eco-friendly concealer, check out Josie Maran Cosmetics. This line offers the Argan Creamy Concealer Crayon ($20) and Argan Magic Marker Liquid Eye Liner ($22). These products contain organic ingredients and are fragrance-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free and recyclable.

Moving on to the eyelashes, do you have ongoing issues with clumpy mascara? Since you can’t slow down to “declump” your lashes, Covergirl has created Clump Crusher Extensions Lashblast ($8.99). If you prefer the doll lash look, try out Lancôme’s Hypnôse Doll Lashes mascara for $27.

Who doesn’t love a good smoky eye? If you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, Maybelline has the Master Smoky Eye Shadow Pencil for $6.99. Give it a shot; if it doesn’t work out, at least you didn’t spend a fortune.

Maybelline also has an eye shadow for people who don’t know exactly how to put it on, and it comes in the perfect shades for fall. There is a step-by-step guide on the back of Expert Wear Eyeshadow Quad ($5.99).

If you want to step it up a notch and spend a little more money, check out the Sephora Collection Makeup Made Simple BCA Palette for $34. This palette of eyeshadows has three sections to provide you with different looks for different occasions.

Lips & Cheeks Now, don’t forget about your lips! Red lipstick is the new trend when it comes to finalizing your make-up for the day. Viva Glam Nicki lipstick by M∙A∙C is just what you need for $15. M∙A∙C and hip-hop diva Nicki Minaj joined forces to create this lipstick. Every penny from the sale goes to help women, children and men who are fighting HIV and AIDS. If you’re looking for something less expensive, L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Caresse Lipstick comes in multiple shades for $9.99.

How about a lip liner to go along with your lipstick? Revlon ColorStay Lipliner ($7.99) comes in plenty of shades.

If lipstick isn’t quite your thing, you may want to try out an eco-friendly lip gloss.

Try Sally B’s B Glossy Lip Gloss($18). This product is made with 95 percent certified-organic ingredients.

Of course, one way to save money is to make your lipstick do double duty.

Smear a little on your cheeks for a gentle flush and skip the blush.

With so much quality makeup in the drugstores, it’s your choice whether you want to go budget-friendly or splurge. Either way, you do not have to spend your life savings to upgrade your makeup for a night out on the town, so treat yourself!

14 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Nov. 2013

Keep your hair looking great even at the gym

By Josue Perez

You workout to look great, so why not look great while working out? These gym dos are easy to manage and look fabulous.

The sleek ponytail is a classic look that’s perfect for the gym and is also easily manageable. To start, I recommend brushing the hair up to the top of the head, positioning how high you’d like your hair to rest while smoothing out any bumps along the way.

From there, use an elastic band to keep the ponytail in place. A great tip: One of the biggest mistakes you can make is wrapping the band around too tight. This will cause hair breakage and damage. Instead of the typical elastic band, one of my favorite tool tricks is using a Bunjee Wrap Elastic (these are elastics with two hooks on the ends to hold hair in place). This is such a great styling tool because the two hooks will wrap around your hair giving you the perfect sleek ponytail that won’t move, no matter what exercise you’re doing.

more detailed look. However, going beyond just a simple, low-hanging braid is where the creativity comes in. I like to braid the front of the hair, leading it down toward a sleek ponytail for a cute, duel-look hairstyle. Not only is it a great look, but it also ensures that bangs and shorter layers stay tamed while you’re hitting the gym.

In effort to make any style look enhanced and more put together, always remember that less is more when it comes to using products and tools. To make any style look neat and healthy, your best bet is to use tools that protect your hair and contribute to making your hair stronger!

Celebrity hair stylist Josue Perez is responsible for styling celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, Katrina Bowden and Cameron Diaz (to name a few). For more information about Perez, visit josueperezhair.com.

One piece of advice that I find to be the most crucial is to use tools that help protect your hair against damage. If you regularly straighten your hair and need to use a straightener to achieve a sleek, frizzfree ponytail, I recommend using tools that will protect your hair and eliminate the damage from the high heat, such as the Rowenta Straight Express Iron. It is simple and ready to use in seconds, and it emits pure negative ions that form a layer of protection against the heat. It also will straighten your hair in just one pass, eliminating the need to go over hair multiple times and create hair damage. Keeping your hair healthy is key when it comes to creating new hairstyles that will stay in place and look flawless every time.

As far as hair products at the gym, things can get tricky. As you get into motion and begin to sweat, the oils from hair products often drip down onto your face, which can lead to breakouts. So instead of relying on hairspray, gel and the like, I recommend scaling back and opting for the “less is more” approach. One product I do recommend, which is safe to use even when you’re sweating, is a dry shampoo. This miracle worker keeps your hair looking clean. It’s a great product to have once you leave the gym so your hair will look as fresh and clean as it did before your workout. I also recommend using a head band. Not only is it a cute way to spruce up the sleek ponytail, but it keeps any product oils from dripping down onto your face as you exercise.

To keep hair totally out of your face at the gym, the topknot is a great solution.

Although the end goal is to have the hair bump-free, I suggest starting the knot by teasing the ends of your hair a bit before tying it up. The slight tease makes the hair a little fluffier; this slight fluff will ultimately allow hair to easily wrap into the knot without falling out. When I style a topknot, I use a foam hair donut; it is the only way to get a perfect topknot. The perfect circle of the donut is the easiest way to get an even knot that stays in place. Hair donuts come in all shades and sizes; match yours perfectly so that it stays hidden! Bobby pins are always a great, quick tool to help pin down the stubborn pieces.

My favorite gym style is the braid. I love this look for the gym because it’s a great way to get a little creative and add some extra flair. The style possibilities are endless, and it is a great way to keep your hair out of the way while working out. To start, pull your hair into a low ponytail, and then tie your hair into a braid.

From there, you can either leave the braid down to show it off or tie it up for a Nov. 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 15

16 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Nov. 2013

Entertainment

Public Works celebrates 25 years

By Jason Savio

Plan to head to Ralph’s Rock Diner on Nov. 27 to catch Public Works. That’s right; Public Works will reunite to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Public Works was one of Worcester’s premier bands in the late ’80s and early ’90s, playing numerous shows and recording four EPs. The talents of singer/guitarist Bret Talbert, bassist Todd Kosiewski and drummer Tony Wilson helped propel the young band to quick popularity in a crowded music scene. The three were still teenagers when they performed their first official gig as Public Works at McGillicuddy’s in 1988, showcasing the band’s alternative sound.

“We saw what was going on in the scene, (and) it was mostly just hard rock,” Talbert said. “We tried to look at what was the next thing that was happening and take that to another level and blend it all together.”

Soon, the underage members of Public Works found themselves gaining notoriety and recognition, not only from the fans but from other bands, as well.

While waiting outside of Paradise Rock Club in Boston to see The Wonder Stuff, the three caught site of the group’s singer and managed to give him a copy of their EP The American Electro-Pastel Surge, which he listened to before offering Public Works the chance of a lifetime: to join The Wonder Stuff on tour across the country.

The three immediately dropped everything ~ including college, temporarily ~ to chase their dream. “We had taken on eight different crowds who had never seen us, and we won all of them,” Wilson said of the tour. “It was amazing.”

After a crusade across the states and eventual return to Worcester, Public Works was firing on all cylinders. The band eventually came full circle and performed at the Paradise, opening up for Carter USM, for whom Public Works would record a cover that was released as a B-side in the UK and reached the charts there.

The group made an effort to release its own original single on vinyl; however, unfortunate circumstances led to frustration and disappointment amongst its members and, ultimately, the dissolution of Public Works in 1994.

“It took the wind out of our sails because we didn’t have the record and now we started to fight amongst ourselves about what to do next,” Talbert explained.

“But we were still friends.”

In the years following Public Works’ break-up, all three members stayed involved with music through their own individual projects, but their first love was never forgotten.

“We were feeling pretty nostalgic when we were hanging out at Ralph’s last Thanksgiving and contemplating this (reunion) and running into people that are looking at the three of us and saying ‘Hey, are you guys playing again?’” Talbert said of the genesis of the upcoming show. “The time is probably now or never.

Twenty-five years is an event, and I think we owe it to ourselves and to the fans that still ask about us.”

Fans are in for a treat at Ralph’s on Nov. 27, with Public Works promising to play all the favorites from its original recordings, along with a few surprises and twists. The excitement is evident for the members of the band, too, who are looking forward to getting back together.

“Being on stage with the boys and having that feeling again,” Kosiewski said.

“You know, when you get in that certain pocket or groove, it feels really good, and I miss that feeling.”

There’s no doubt that along with the excitement, there’s an amount of anxiety that comes with trying to bring songs back to life that have been silenced for years, but the members of Public Works still have the spirit and passion to give a great show.

“I think what you kind of live off is a nervous energy of the idea of ‘Can you do it again?’” said Wilson. “There’s no question we can do it.”

For more information, visit facebook.com/pages/Public-Works/ 119147428255618.

Nov. 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 17

Club & Pub Listings

Entertainment at clubs, bars, pubs, & other select venues

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

508-755-0879 thebannerbar.com Barber’s Crossing Road House 861 Main St., Leicester 508-892-7575 barberscrossingrestaurant.com

Cafe Destare 320 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-5734 destare.com Canal Restaurant & Bar 65 Water St., Worc.

508-926-8353 facebook.com/CanalRestaurantandBar Thursdays: Open Mic Night Nov. 8: Thomas Babatunde Nov. 9: Dan Kirouac Nov. 15: Dam Chick Singer Nov. 30: Bill McCarthy

Barbers Crossing (North) 175 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8438 barberscrossingrestaurant.com Thurs: Karaoke, $500 prize through Nov. 14

The Cannery 12 Crane St., Southbridge 508-764-1100 12crane.com/canneryhall/index.php

Beatnik’s 433 Park Ave., Worc.

508-926-8877 beatniksbeyou.com

Cantina Bar & Grill 385 Main St., Worc.

508-459-5325 cantinaworcester.com

Beemer’s Pub 114 River St., Fitchburg 978-343-3148 beemerspub.com

Center Bar & Grill 102 Green St., Worc.

508-438-0597 thecenterbar.com Thursdays: Thirsty Thursday with DJ Matty J Fridays: Friday Night Dance Party with DJ Blackout Saturdays:Center Bar Saturday Nights Sundays: Sunday Funday Karaoke with DJ Matty J

Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8484 blacksheeptavernsterline.com Tuesdays: Trivia Night Fridays, Saturdays: Live bands Blackstone Tap 81 Water St., Worc.

508-797-4827 blackstonetap.com Blue Plate Lounge 661 Main St., Holden 508-829-4566 hometown.aol.com/blueplatelounge Nov. 1: The Deborah McDonnell Band, folk rock, bluegrass, country Blueprint New American Bar & Grill 9 Village Square, Westminster 978-668-5580 Nov. 1 (our Grand Opening): Five Hole Nov. 2: Kendall Miller Band Nov. 7: Hit the Bus Nov. 8: JCDC Nov. 9: Kevin Shields Nov. 14: Rob Benton Nov. 15: Rob G & Mr. C Nov. 16: DJ Matt Tellier Nov. 21: Chris Reddy Nov. 22: Gale County Nov. 23: TODO Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Eve Tequila Mockingbird Bolton Roadhouse Bar & Grille 544 Wattaquodock Road, Bolton 978-365-5757, 978-365-3036 Boulder Cafe 880 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-0008 Breakaway Billiards 104 Sterling St., Clinton 978-365-6105 myspace.com/breakawaybilliardsclinton Thursdays: Karaoke Fridays, Saturdays: Live bands Brew City 104 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-752-3862 brew-city.com Bull Run Restaurant 215 Great Road, Shirley 978-425-4311, 877-536-7190 bullrunrestaurant.com

Centerfolds 2000 139 Southbridge St., N. Oxford 508-987-5222 centerfolds2000.com Chooch’s Food & Spirits 31 E. Brookfield Road, N. Brookfield 508-867-2494 sitewizzer.com/choochs Fridays: Karaoke Sundays: Sunday Blues Jam with Da Funk Chopstick’s Restaurant & Lounge 21 Commercial Road, Leominster 978-534-0020 chopsticksleominster.com Christopher’s Pub 7 Pleasant St., Leominster 978-534-8250 facebook.com/christopherspubleominster Cicero’s Cafe 17 Suffolk St., Worc.

508-767-9728 worcesterscene.com/admin/location_images/ ciceros.jpg Classic’s Pub 285 Central St., Leominster 978-537-7750 classicspub.net Club Caliente 816 Main St., Worc.

508-826-9305 Club Instyle 41 Pleasant St., Worc. theclubinstyle.com Club KasBar 234 Southwest Cutoff, Worc.

508-798-8385 facebook.com/ClubKasBar Nov. 16: BitterSuite Cornerstone’s Restaurant 616 Central St., Leominster 978-537-1991 cornerstonesrestaurant.com Nov. 8: Gale County

18 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Nov. 2013

Nov. 9: Ron Robuccio Band Nov. 15: Chris Fitz Band Nov. 16: Side Effect Nov. 22: Neon Alley Nov. 23: Sean Fullerton Cosmopolitan Club 96 Hamilton St., Worc.

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

508-754-3550 creeganspub.com Nov. 30: BitterSuite Dance Ranch & Saloon 70 James St., Worc.

508-757-6977 danceranchandsaloon.com Dar Bah 29 Canal St., Millbury 508-865-8441 Days End Tavern 287 Main St., Oxford 508-987-1006 daysendtavern.com Nov. 23: BitterSuite Devens Grill 4 Ryans Way, Devens 978-862-0060 devensgrill.com Dunnys Tavern 291 E. Main St., E. Brookfield Electric Haze 26 Millbury St, Worc.

508-799-0629 facebook.com/ElectricHaze Fat Tony’s Pub 1102 Main St., Worc.

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

508-792-3700 aohworcester.com Firefly’s / Dante’s 350 E. Main St., Marlborough 508-357-8883 fireflysbbq.com Nov. 8: BitterSuite Flip Flops 680 Main St., Holden 508-829-3008 flipflopsma.com Nov. 9: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops From Hell Flying Rhino Cafe 278 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

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

508-753-2995 funkyandjosemurphys.com Sundays: Josh Briggs and Friends

Gardner Ale House 74 Parker St., Gardner 978-669-0122 gardnerale.com Mondays: Blue Mondays ~ Live Blues Thursdays: Audio Wasabi Fridays, Saturdays: Live music Sundays: Sunday Brunch with Chet Williamson Gilrein’s 802 Main St., Worc.

508-791-2583 gilreins.net Greendale’s Pub 404 W. Boylston St., Worc.

508-853-1350 myspace.com/greendalespub Tuesdays: Open Mic and Local Musicians Showcase with Bill McCarthy Wednesdays: Open Jam with Sean Ryan Sundays: Blues Jam with Jim Perry Nov. 22: Brumby Halligan’s Sports Bar and More 889 Southbridge St., Auburn 508-832-6793 halliganssportsbarandmore.com Hotel Vernon - The Ship Room/Kelley Square Yacht Club 1 Millbury St., Worc.

Indian Ranch 200 Gore Road, Webster 508-943-3871 indianranch.com Ixtapa Cantina 308 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg 978-582-9701 ixtapacantina2.com Jak’s Pub 536 Main St., Worc. jakspubworcester.com JC Fenwick’s 37 Mechanic St., Leominster 978-840-4845 Jillian’s - Worcester 315 Grove St., Worc.

508-793-0900 jilliansworcester.com Wednesdays, Thursdays: Pong Nov. 30: Doctor Robert JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough 508-842-8420 jbag.biz Wednesdays: Wacky Wednesday Night Jam Nov. 8: Dirty Deeds (The Premier AC/DC tribute) Nov. 9: WCUW Blues Fundraiser Nov. 16: Gilmour’s Breakfast (Floyd Tribute) Nov. 22: The Dave Macklin Band Nov. 23: No Alibi Nov. 27: JJ’s Thanksgiving Eve Bash with The Flock of A**holes!

Nov. 29: Nibot/Northborough Food Pantry Fundraiser Nov. 30: Probable Cause Thanksgiving Bash LaScala Restaurant 183 Shrewsbury St, Worc.

508-753-9912 lascalashrewsburystreet.com

Fusion 109 Water St., Worc.

508-756-2100 fusionworcester.com

The Lazy Dog 31 Main St., Marlborough 508-229-2264 doggonelazy.com

Galway Bay Irish Pub 186 Stafford St., Worc.

508-753-8909 thegalway.com

Legends Airport Road, Fitchburg 978-342-6500 facebook.com/centericebar

Continued on Page 23

T:9”

T:5.4”

Enjoy Heineken Light Responsibly

Brewed in Holland. Imported by Heineken USA Inc., New York, NY. ©2013

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7/23/13 2:50 PM Nov. 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 19

Pulse

Shots Ralph’s Tavern

Jillian’s ~ Worcester

Feel the beat of the City!

Photos by Justin Perry

Shrewsbury Street ColumbusFest ~ Worcester Brew City

Parkway Diner

Michael’s Cigar Bar ~ Worcester

Rye & Thyme ~ Leominster

Vintage Grille (Country Fest) ~ Worcester

Blue Print Lounge ~ Westminster

Ritual ~ Worcester

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22 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Nov. 2013 39386_MW_DDD.indd 1

3/27/13 2:02 PM

Continued from Page 18 Leitrim’s Pub 265 Park Ave., Worc.

508-798-2447 leitrimspub.com Thursdays: Open Mic Night and Local Musicians Showcase with Bill McCarthy Nov. 9: Bill McCarthy Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc.

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

508-799-7655 londonbilliards.com

Mickey Sheas 324 Electric Ave., Lunenburg 978-342-5825

Nov. 7: Karaoke with DJ Sirch One Nov. 22: BILL McCarthy Nov 23 Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell

The Mill 185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston 774-261-8585 themill185.com Nov. 7: Heather Marie Nov. 8: How Bizarre Nov. 9: Joe Macey Nov. 15: Brian Chaffee Nov. 16: Brian Richard Nov. 22: Jay Graham Nov. 23: Andy Cummings Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Eve with Chris Reddy Nov. 29: Tom Revane Nov. 30: Josh Briggs

Pho Dakao 593 Park Ave., Worc.

508-756-7555 Fridays, Saturdays: Karaoke

Lucky Dog Music Hall 89 Green St., Worc.

508-363-1888 luckydogmusic.com Mondays: Monster Mondays Open Jam, hosted

by Mike G. Tuesdays: Electric Tuesdays (always 21+) Nov. 6: Mister Smarta** Theatre’s 50th live comedy/movie show Nov. 7: The Flock Of A**Holes ‘80s party with Pointe Blank and Killiney Woods Nov. 8: Triple XXX Band Nov. 9: D.P.R. (Danny Pease & The Regulators) with TBA and Rebel Alliance Nov. 14: Boom Box, the ‘70s and ‘80s tribute band, with guests Nov. 15: Season Of The Dead (Danzig-Misfits dynasty band) “V” CD release party, Army Of None and Bullethead.

Nov. 16: Gov’t Surplus (Gov’t Mule tribute) with special guests TBA Nov. 21: The Flock Of A**Holes ‘80s party with Ways To Fall and Amy Herrera.

Nov. 22: Uncle Billy’s Smokehouse with Loudboy Nov. 23: Red Hot Chili Pepper tribute Funky Monks, special guests Gladstone and more.

Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Eve Bash with Kung Fu Grip, Opening Night, and more.

Nov. 28: Thanksgiving Night Party with The Flock Of A**Holes and more Nov. 29: The Sperm Whales, The Free Hats and more Nov. 30: Recycled Dysfuntion, Deep Six, Our Former Selves

Mill Street Brews (@ The Artist Development Complex) 18 Mill St., Southbridge 508-764-6900 millstreetbrews.com

Mahoney’s Pub 413 Park Ave., Worc.

508-277-1073 facebook.com/mahoneyspub.ma Tuesdays: Pub Pong with cash prize Thursdays: Karaoke

The Outlook Restaurant 79 Powers Road, Westford 978-692-5700 dineoutlook.com Nov. 15: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops From Hell

Marty’s Pub 225 Cantebury St., Worc.

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

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

508-459-9035 michaelscigar.com Nov. 6: Blue Light Bandits Nov. 7: Mystic River Band Nov. 8: Acoustic Nation Nov. 9: Real Cool Cats Nov. 13: Hit the Bus Nov. 14: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Nov. 15: Rugged Road Band Nov. 16: Just Brad Nov. 20: Lori Martin Nov. 21: Jim Devlin Nov. 22: Andy Cummings Trio Nov. 23: Hit the Bus Nov. 27: Hit the Bus Nov. 28: Jon Bowser Nov. 29: Jim Devlin Nov. 30: Beetle Juice

Moonstruck Café 19 Worcester Road, Charlton 508-248-4558 Moynihan’s Pub 897 Main St., Worc.

Nick’s Bar and Restaurant 124 Millbury St., Worc.

508-753-4030 myspace.com/NicksWorcester Fridays: Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat Nov. 9: The Pamela Hines Trio Nov. 23: Dale LePage Trio The Nines Neighborhood Bar 136 Millbury St., Worc.

508-340-0318 Olde Post Office Pub 1 Ray St., N. Grafton 508-839-6106 Wednesdays: Stump! Trivia Nov. 22: Ottomatic Slim Electrifying Blues Band On The Rocks Sports Bar & Grill 96 Lakefront Ave., Lunenburg 978-342-6692

Oxford Tavern 314 Main St., Oxford 508-987-5397 Paisanos Pizza & Spirits 450 Lancaster St., Leominster 978-534-7117 The Palladium 261 Main St., Worc.

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

508-757-1070 pampas-restaurant.com Partner’s Pub 970 South St., Fitchburg 978-345-5051 partnerspub.com Patsie Dugan’s 49 Millbury St., Worc.

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

508-792-4263 perfectgameworcester.com Wednesdays: Country Wednesdays Fridays: DJ One-3 Saturdays: DJ Reckless Sundays: Opem Mic with Bill McCarthy

South Side Grille & Margarita Factory 242 W. Broadway, Gardner 978-632-1057 southsidemargaritafactory.com

Point Breeze On the Lake 114 Point Breeze Road, Webster 508-943-0404 pointbreezeonwebsterlake.com Nov. 16: She’s Busy

Speakers Night Club 19 Weed St., Marlborough 508-480-8222 speakersnightclub.net Thursdays: Pub Night Dance, Drink, Party Fridays: Top 40 Dance Party

The Pumphouse 340 Main St., Southbridge 508-765-5473 facebook.com/#!/pages/The-PumpHouse/374917818127?sk=info

Spruce Street Tavern 68 Spruce St., Clinton 978-368-1255 SpruceStreetTavern.com

Rage 105 Water St., Worc.

508-756-2223 rageworcester.com

Squire Whites Pub & Restaurant 347 Greenwood St., Worc.

508-752-7544 squirewhites.com

Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner 148 Grove St., Worc.

508-753-9543 ralphsrockdiner.com Tuesdays: See You Next Tuesday with DJ Poke Smot Wednesdays: Music Under the Moose Thursdays: Metal Thursday Sundays: Sunday Night Cinemageddon (drive-in movies in the parking lot); Ralph’s Flea Market and Farmers’ Market

Stagecoach Inn and Tavern 128 Main St., Groton 978-448-5614, 877-782-4346 grotonstagecoachinn.com Sunset Tiki Bar 79 Powers Road, Westford 978-692-5700 skinashoba.com/summer Tal’s Place 138 Lake St., Webster 508-949-6559 talsplacewebster.com

The Raven 258 Pleasant St., Worc.

508-304-8133 facebook.com/people/RavenWorcester/100001022046717

Three G’s Sports Bar 152 Millbury St., Worc.

508-754-3516 3gs-sportsbar.com Nov. 27: Turkey Party w/ the T-Bone Blues Band

Red Onion - Otter River Hotel 29 Main St., Baldwinville 978-939-7373, 978-939-8321 myspace.com/theredonion RG Scooters Pub 84 Lakefront St., Lunenburg 978-348-2453 facebook.com/pages/RGScooters/211225168902092 Fridays: Karaoke Saturdays: Live bands Sundays: Blues Jam with A Ton of Blues

Trumbull Bar & Grill 117 Main St., Spencer 508-885-6901 Tweed’s 231 Grove St., Worc.

508-755-8047 tweedspub.com Union Music 142 Southbridge St., Worc.

508-753-3702 unionmusic.com Nov. 28: The Union Ukulele Club

Rivalry’s Sports Bar 274 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

774-243-1100 rivalrysworcester.com

Upper Deck Sports Bar & Grille 377 Stetson Road, Barre 978-355-2224 upperdecksportsbarandgrille.com

Rose Garden Restaurant and Pub 16 Milford St., Upton 508-529-7776 uptonrosegarden.com

Victory Bar & Cigar 56 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-756-4747 victorycigarbar.com

Rumors 371 Park Ave., Worc.

508-755-5542 clubuniverseworcester.com Thursdays: College Night Fridays: International Night Saturdays: Latin Night Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster 978-534-5900 ryeandthyme.com Nov. 7: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Nov. 8: Invisible Sun ~ The Police Tribute Nov. 9: Scott Babineau Nov. 14: Big Jon Short Nov. 15: Jay Graham Nov. 16: Andy Cummings Nov. 21: Zack Slik Nov. 22: Brian & The Captain Nov. 23: JCDC Nov. 29: Scott Babineau Sakura Tokyo 640 Park Ave., Worc.

508-792-1078, 508-792-1068 sakura-tokyo.com

Sean Patrick’s Family Restaurant 494 Electric Ave., Lunenburg 888-824-3924, 978-345-2000 seanpatricksrestaurant.com

Vincent’s Bar 49 Suffolk St., Worc.

508-752-9439 myspace.com/vincentsbar Sundays: Big Jon Short Nov. 9: Second Saturday Spectacular (or Meatballs and Mayhem) Whiskey Alley 281 Lunenburg St., Fitchburg 978-345-4040 Wonder Bar Restaurant 121 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-752-9909 wonderbarrestaurant.net Ye Olde Tavern 7 E. Main St., W. Brookfield 508-867-9709, 508-867-4139 westbrookfieldtavern.com

Nov. 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 23

Producer Owen Black returns to Worcester with a new sound

By Alex Kantarelis

Producer, musician and downright rad dude, Owen Black, is back in Worcester and is creating a new sound that is all his own. The longtime hardcore kid and eventual Brooklyn, N.Y., resident has returned to the city that got him his start in music.

Black, who is originally from Maine, made the move to Worcester when he was in high school, where he jammed with friends and constantly started new projects. By the time he was in college, Black had started the hardcore band Jaguarz, one of Lockin’ Out Records’ earliest bands. Influenced by older New York bands like Underdog and Warzone, Jaguarz developed its own sound that fit in well with Mental, Righteous Jams and the rest of the Lockin’ Out’s roster from the early 2000s.

Black then took his love for music to New York, where he continued working on small music projects. However, he focused most of his attention on Trumbull, a web magazine and production studio based in Brooklyn, and also spent time working at Metrosonic Recording Studios, where he picked up more tools of the music production trade. During that time, he continued dabbling in more of his own projects, expanding from hardcore to more metal and crossover sounds. He eventually met up with former drummer René Natzel, of legendary German hardcore band True Blue. Together, they worked on some demos for Natzel’s new project, World Collapse, but before those could see the light of day, Natzel moved back to Germany and the project was put on the back burner.

Black wanted more from music and decided to take on all the responsibility himself.

“After spending so long without a band behind me, but continually thinking about music, I started to learn to compose music on the computer. First, in garage band and then in Logic,” he said.

24 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Nov. 2013

The experiment actually started while Black was still in Boston and continued being an experiment until recently. Black decided to mix all his influences and base everything around the old Rick Rubin/ Beastie Boys sound. “A lot of bands, when they get together, zero in on some influences,” Black said. “What I happened to zero in on was this year, 1984, when the Beastie Boys were transitioning from a New York City punk band to a hip-hop group, which has never happened before or since.”

Using the first single from the Rick Rubin/Beastie collaboration, “Rock Hard,” as his starting point, Black started producing his own tracks that were unlike anything he had ever worked on. He is leaving everything out on the table for this project. All the hardcore, metal and experimental influences that he has gathered over the years are popping out in an aggressive and funky, License to Ill-style sound.

Black recently left Brooklyn and has spent a good portion of 2013 living back in Worcester and fine-tuning his new songs. “I needed to get away from [Brooklyn] to get into a more creative and comfortable zone to bring together my ideas on this project,” he said. These tracks are instrumentals created on a computer that feature real instruments and real drums as the samples. Black’s ideal goal is to get a band to play those parts live, creating sound that is totally unique, yet still rocks, just like License to Ill and Paul’s Boutique did for the Beastie Boys.

“I’m trying to put together all my influences, which are all over the place, and bring something back to the city that we can actually play,” he said.

While the project began as just an experiment, it has become so much more. Check out Owen Black’s tracks at soundcloud.com/bugbarack.

A sit down with Jason Hook

steps in on the LL Cool J cover ‘Mama Said Knock You Out,’ too, which sounds bizarre, but it rips.”

It’s a hot day at Mayhemfest 2013 … and I’m sitting in the press area, taking a few moments of Jason Hook’s time before he hit the stage with Five Finger Death Punch (5FDP).

In support of the new albums, 5FDP has been touring non-stop this year. Mayhem wrapped up in August, and the band went right out with The Wrong Side of Heaven Tour with several bands, including Escape the Fate, Miss May I and Gemini Syndrome. From there, 5FDP will kick off its fall tour and head out to Europe with Avenged Sevenfold. After a short break in December, the band tours again in February.

I asked Hook how the members can keep up their energy level on successive tours like this.

By Jennifer Russo

I hoped to find out everything there was to know about the new album … well, actually…albums that 5FDP will offer us this year. Yep, two albums in one year ~ pretty rare for a rock/ metal band to accomplish, but here it is. With the first CD just released a few short months back, the second volume will grace the shelves Nov. 19.

I asked Jason if there is a definite concept to these two new albums.

“With this one, I don’t think we started with the concept. Being as it’s our fourth and fifth record and the first three have gone gold, we kind of felt like the pressure was off, at least to follow guidelines. We just did it. There is always some pressure as a new band, where you are dying to prove your worth and that you can sell records and that people will like what you’ve done. Now that we have done that and reached that level, we brought back a little creative freedom. We are just doing what we really want to do, and I like the feel of that on these two records,” Hook said.

I always think it’s great when like-minded musicians get together and work on a song.

I have found that this is never a disappointment. The love for music just ties it all together, and a great product is always the result. On the first volume, we hear 5FDP and some notable talents, including Maria Brink, Rob Halford, Jamie Jasta and even hip-hop artist Tech N9NE. “I have a huge crush on Maria,” Hook admitted. (Good god ~ who doesn’t?) “Jamie has been a pal of ours since the beginning. He’s just great; Hatebreed has been going on a long time. I think what happened with the Rob Halford thing ~ well, we had this song, ‘Lift Me Up,’ and someone said, ‘You know that sounds kind of like an old Judas Priest song,’ and it turns our manager has a relationship with Judas Priest, and he said he would love to do it. Next thing you know, we are meeting him in Vegas. Tech N9NE

Seriously, the whole album rips. It’s in my car player, and I dare ya ~ I DARE YA ~ to listen to it and sit still. Not gonna happen.

“This is a busy and dense year for us, and I look at the schedule and say ‘Holy f**k, I hope we make it.’ We bring our personal trainer along, too. It may not be very cliché rock and roll, but we don’t drink and do drugs; we go to bed at a fairly reasonable time and we get up and go to the gym every morning, where he beats the s**t out of us.

You know, we’ve tried it the other way, but it’s a choice. I want to be good at 5FDP, not s****y at it. It’s important to us.”

Though the band has been described as “political,” Hook disagrees wholeheartedly.

“I never really felt politics should be a big chunk of the musical pie. Everyone has their own beliefs and desires as far as what they want. We aren’t forcing our political views down anyone’s throat. Music should translate a feeling ~ not just one feeling but whatever feelings that song makes you feel. And it’s different for everybody.”

The Wrong Side of Heaven & the Righteous Side of Hell Volume 2 can be purchased everywhere beginning Nov. 19. Go to fivefingerdeathpunch.com to pre-order the bundle that includes the CD and a T-Shirt, a bonus song and some other cool stuff.

Want to win a signed copy of Volume 1? Head to our Facebook Page for details beginning Nov. 15.

Nov. 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 25

LIFESTYLE

Sticking around for Thanksgiving?

By Jennifer Russo

Perhaps Thanksgiving is not a holiday you celebrate. Maybe you can’t afford to (or don’t want to) go home to see all those relatives. Maybe the idea of eating turkey and cranberry sauce makes you gag, or perhaps you are just curious about how the Worcester area celebrates and want to check it out. Despite your reasons for sticking around for Thanksgiving, there is plenty you can do around the city this year instead of becoming the dorm hermit and playing Candy Crush all day. It all depends on what your interests are.

Do good ~ There are plenty of people who are in need of a good, hot meal this holiday and plenty of places that can use your help in providing it. Some perspective for you: 20.9 percent of the families in Worcester live below the poverty level, and 16.9 percent of households in Worcester experience food hardship. According to Project Bread, one in three children in 14 low-income neighborhoods in Worcester experience hunger or are at risk of hunger. If you are hanging around or a little sad you couldn’t make it home, helping someone else will likely make you feel a lot better. For a list of pantries and kitchens, visit foodpantries.org/ci/ma-worcester. You can also donate food to places like Rachel’s Table (rachelstable.org), which provide food regularly to those in the area who need it.

Check out festivals ~ Festivals are one of the best things about the fall season. Central Massachusetts has quite a few that you may or may not know about. Closest to Worcester, Red Apple Farm in Phillipston has its 11th annual Thanksgiving Harvest Festival from Nov. 23-24, featuring live music and tons of local vendors, games, hayrides, raffles and more. Find out more at redapplefarm.com.

Chocksett Inn (chocksettinn.com) in Sterling are all hosting Thanksgiving Day feasts that are sure to tempt you to loosen a button to make room for more mashed potatoes.

Have a drink ~ Fall and early winter is the best time to try hard ciders and pumpkin beer before the stouts come rolling in. My personal favorite, Southern Tier Pumking, boasts an 8.6% ABV and tastes like pumpkin pie in a glass. Our own Wormtown Brewing Company has a Pumpkin Ale, too. Not a beer person?

Try throwing apple schnapps, butterscotch schnapps, cinnamon schnapps and vanilla vodka in a shaker with some milk or cream for a delicious Caramel Apple Martini; don’t forget the cinnamon sugar rim.

Get moving ~ While your buddies are stuffing themselves full of apple pie, you could be burning calories and competing for a prize. Go for a walk in the crisp air and admire the foliage, or better yet … run. Slattery’s Turkey Trot in Fitchburg on Sunday, Nov. 24, is a 5-mile walk or run with a cash prize. It’s only $25 to register and all proceeds go to a scholarship fund. Register at coolrunning.com/major/13/slattery/. You could also try rock climbing; though the Central Rock Gym in Worcester (centralrockgym.com/worcester.php) is closed on Thanksgiving Day, it is open the rest of the week!

Watch some football ~ Local high schools and colleges have some games going on; check out their schedules and cheer them on!

Go turkey hunting ~ No, I do not mean literally. Wild turkeys, though plentiful and sometimes annoying, are protected. However, each year the town of Grafton hosts its Great Turkey Treasure Hunt that is hugely successful. For more information about the event and rules, call the Grafton Recreation Commission office at (508) 839-5335.

Learn some history ~ Alright, so maybe the last thing you want to do on school break is to learn something new, but since you live in the New England area ~ where Thanksgiving was born ~ there is the unique opportunity here to experience some of our nation’s history first hand. Old Sturbridge Village offers a chance to see what the holiday is all about every weekend in November. See re-enactments of a 19th-century shooting match and learn how Thanksgiving food was made. Get insight to dining customs back in the day and on Nov. 28, join in a traditional Thanksgiving Feast (reservations now accepted at osv.org).

Eat some food ~ OK, so you reallllly want a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings and aren’t sure where to get a meal that tastes like the home cooking you love. Look no further. The Publick House in Sturbridge (publickhouse.com), the Wachusett Village Inn (wachusettvillageinn.com) in Westminster and the

Go shopping ~ Some stores will open Thanksgiving night to begin their Black Friday door-busters and sales before Friday actually hits. Get an early start to get the deals. Want to preview some ads and get your holiday shopping done before the last-minute crowds? Check out blackfriday.fm/2014.html.

26 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Nov. 2013

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

anzios

27 NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NORTH COUNTY • Nov. 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM

REVIEW DINING & Entertaining

Vintage Grille

makes the most of the automobile theme

By Bernie Whitmore

Vintage Bar & Grille 346 Shrewsbury St., Worcester (508) 752-0558 vintagegrilleworcester.com

When the 346 Shrewsbury St. location first opened for dining (as Juniors Pizza), the novelty and functional logic of a restaurant in a converted automobile garage was groundbreaking. After all, by simply opening a bay door, the outdoor patio was instantly connected to the dining area. And if America’s about anything, it’s cars, advertising and dining, right?

Years later, Vintage Bar and Grille has taken over the location and remains true to the garage theme. The most immediate impression one has when entering Vintage is auto parts and memorabilia. The bright primary colors used in these advertising pieces and all that shiny chrome detailing were designed to rivet our attention. At night, Vintage’s interior radiates light and color.

We started our meal with a kick, complements of a plate of Chicken Fenders.

Vintage expresses the automobile theme in its menu, with section names such as Hub Cap Pizza Station and items like the All American Model T (deep-fried PB&J). Fenders are available in various options; we chose deep-fried, bone-in chicken wings with buffalo sauce. Tenders are available, but that’s a culinary dead end I wasn’t ready to take.

Our ample starter was composed of a mix of wings and drumsticks slathered in peppery hot sauce sporting a tart, vinegary edge; so saucy, it formed a pool in the plate. After each piece, I dipped crunchy carrot and celery sticks into a cup of cooling blue cheese dressing. In short: These were classic wings, capably prepared, that required a pile of paper products to clean up my messy fingers.

sipping Peroni and Orange Crush.

Perhaps it was the informal atmosphere of Vintage ~ I’m not sure ~ but something led me to cast off all pretenses of having a balanced dinner, and I ordered one of the specials, Buffalo Mac ’N Cheese. My companion seized the opportunity to tease me, “Hey! There’s also a Buffalo Chicken Salad. Why not make all three courses buffalo chicken?”

Buffoonery aside, he seemed plenty attracted my bowlful of chubby, soft elbow macaroni drenched in a creamy, cheesy mixture tinted deep orange by buffalo sauce. Scattered throughout were slices of grilled chicken that retained their rich char flavor. Stretchy strands of cheese proved this wasn’t a simple Kraft affair. Not nearly as spicy as the wings, in this dish buffalo sauce provided just the right background flavor.

Everyone seems to be fond of mac ’n cheese ~ Vintage even features the dish on a pizza, and I challenged my friend to order it. But he wouldn’t take the bait and, instead, ordered F150 Steak Tips, 12 ounces of grilled chunks of beef. He reported them “cooked perfectly medium rare.” Vintage uses its own marinade, fresher and not cloyingly-sweet like others. The tips came with a towering mound of garlicky smashed potatoes and a medley of summer squash and zucchini slices, sautéed till soft and tasty.

Normally topped by a sauté of onions and mushrooms, Kerry served them on the side after my friend proclaimed, “I like the taste of beef … without toppings!”

When I asked Kerry, our waitress, what was on tap, she mentioned Travelers Pumpkin Ale. This would be my first sampling of work by the Traveler Beer Company of Burlington, Vt., and I eagerly committed to a pint. Formally known as Jack-O-Traveler, this deep amber brew is technically a shandy that’s so rich in pumpkin pie spices, it kept its spicy-sweet flavor till the very last quaff.

Our meals were so large, we had no appetite remaining for dessert, but that didn’t stop us from letting Kerry recite Vintage’s product line. Starting with cheesecake, she soon mentioned a Reese’s concoction and three or four other peanut-centric items. She laughed when we pointed out the monumental risk to those with food allergies.

Lesson learned: Try anything from a Vermont brewery. Travelers is focused on shandies and is taking this funky brewing tradition to places never imagined by the old Italian couple sitting at their table on the piazza,

If nothing else, Vintage’s menu is something you can have fun with. But the cuisine is seriously good, with righteously large portions and reasonable prices.

J. D. Power would call it “a superior customer experience.”

28 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Nov. 2013

Hot & Now

By Paul Giorgio

St. Pauli Girl. Girls Incorporated of Worcester’s Fall Wine and Beer Tasting will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Wormtown Brewery Company and Peppercorn’s Grille & Tavern, 455 Park Ave., Worcester. Call (508) 755-6455, ext. 21, for details. And no, they won’t be serving St. Pauli Girl, but they will be serving Worcester’s finest hometown beer ~ Wormtown.

Moe’s to open in Westborough. Moe’s Southwestern Grille will open its fourth location in Westborough in early 2014. The site will be at the intersection of Route 9 and Otis Street.

Ryan Rouleau, who is the owner of the chain, launched his first Moe’s nine years ago.

Welcome to another Moe’s.

Tammany Hall closes. One of Worcester’s oldest live music venues, Tammany Hall, a downtown fixture for almost 30 years, recently closed its doors. A Facebook posting let its customers know but also said it may reopen in the spring.

Porto Bello sold. Worcester’s Porto Bello Restaurant on Shrewsbury Street was recently sold to the owners of Uncle Sam’s Pizza. Don’t fear, though. Sam is not opening a pizza joint. He will open a Greek tapas restaurant, specializing in small plates of home-cooked Greek food, such as grilled octopus and some lamb dishes. The Tessier family, which owned the place for years, plans to retire.

They say it’s pure. Pure Juz, Worcester’s first juice bar, recently opened at 123 Highland St. Partners Luz Gonzalez and Arber Issak came up with the concept and are open seven days a week. There is an outdoor patio for the warmer months or for those who don’t mind the cold. Pure Juz uses organic and locally sourced products.

Crust Bakeshop opens. Crust Bakeshop, the latest venture by Armsby Abbey owner Alec Lopez, recently opened its doors on the north end of Worcester’s Main Street, next door to the Abbey. The bakery offers artisanal products. Check out the holiday specials.

Haiku has new menu. Kenzo Phan, our favorite Asian chef, has created a new and exciting menu at Haiku on Worcester’s Park Avenue. He has added a great many beef dishes at very affordable prices. Haiku has also reopened for lunch during the week. Try the lobster bisque ~ it is fabulous.

A day of Thanksgiving. Maybe the traditional Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving is not for you. If you choose to go out for dinner, a great many Worcester area restaurants will be offering the full Thanksgiving meal. You can try everything from Ceres at the Beechwood to the Webster House. Just pick your favorite place and make a reservation.

Nov. 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 29

30 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Nov. 2013

Be like the Pilgrims drink beer with your turkey

By Kerry Cyganiewicz

Did you know that the reason that the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth was because they were running out of beer?

It’s true. During the trip over, they drank beer because it was safer to drink than water during the long voyage.

Another little known fact is that pumpkin beer originated because barley wasn’t available when they landed. Those are some handy tidbits to share when people ask why you are serving beer instead of, or in addition to, wine with your Thanksgiving turkey.

Turkey is prepared in three main ways: roasted, deep fried, and smoked. I have listed some suggestions to go with each style below. Cheers!

Roasted Turkey Alagash White Ale, Alagash Brewing Company, 5% ABV This is a traditional Belgian White Ale, brewed close by in Maine, that won a gold medal at the 2010 World Beer Cup. It is brewed with coriander and Curacao orange peel for a slightly tart, yet refreshing, ale. I like to refer to this as a gateway beer. If you like Blue Moon or Shock Top, you are going to love this. It is an excellent segue to other types of Belgian ale. Its flavor profile goes well with lightly seasoned, roasted birds.

Eureka, Tree House Brewing Company, 3.9% ABV This is an American blonde ale, brewed in Brimfield. I chose this ale for a variety of reasons. It is an enjoyable, short road trip to Brimfield this time of year. I like supporting local businesses, and this just happens to be one of the better breweries in the country, in my opinion. Eureka is a refreshing, clean-tasting pale ale. It is not bitter and has some notes of fruit and lemon from the hops, which are specially sourced from New Zealand.

It is bold enough to go with a properly seasoned bird, yet simple enough not to steal the show.

and it should take you 30-60 minutes to pick up on all of the changes this world-class beer goes through as it approaches room temperature. With sweet malt, coffee, chocolate, molasses and slightly floral hop notes, this stout’s aroma reminded me of a fall walk in the woods. This is one of the better choices for a properly done smoked turkey.

Arrogant Bastard Ale, Stone Brewing Company, 7.2% A disclaimer for this beer: Read the back label of the bottle before you buy it. If you are scared, or deem yourself not worthy, put it down and make another choice from this list. This beer will stand out against almost any food you can think of and still be pleasant to drink, with dark fruit, alcohol warmth, sweet malt and angry hops. The hop aftertaste is like that bitter ex; it just won’t go away. It is complex and sophisticated, like it says on the label. As it warms, it becomes even more evil. This is going to be my choice for the fifth year in a row.

Deep Fried

Hennepin, Brewery Ommegang, 7.7% ABV Named after the first European to see Niagara Falls, this Belgian saison/farmhouse ale is perfect for those that would have preferred wine. There are notes of pepper, straw and citrus, just to name a few of the flavors lurking about. There is an underlying funk that some might describe as medicinal, earthy or even damp barn. It is quite complex and will have people wondering just what it is they are drinking. It would fit in nicely with a fried turkey, without overwhelming the subtleness of a lightly seasoned version.

Sculpin, Ballast Point Brewing Company, 7% ABV There are many American IPAs to choose from. What makes Sculpin special is not so much its individual attributes but how they work together. There is a solid malt backbone present, but it does not overwhelm. There are plenty of hops giving off pine, citrus, melon and citrus notes. The bitterness of the hops is nicely offset by the malts. This is a well-balanced IPA that will cut through any fried turkey, but not be the main focus of the dinner.

Skull Splitter Scotch Ale, Orkney Brewery, 8.5% ABV Thorfinn Hausakluif, the seventh Viking Earl of Orkney, is featured prominently on the label. His nickname was ~ you guessed it ~ Skull Splitter. This is reminiscent of a fine single-malt scotch. It is peaty, malty and warm. There is no effort to hide the alcohol at all. It should be savored over time so that the subtle nuances can be appreciated as it breathes and warms. This is an excellent choice if your turkey is liberally seasoned or if you want something to serve that is as much a conversation piece as it is an excellent beer.

Smoked Turkey Saint Botolph’s Town, Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project, 5.9% ABV This is an English brown ale from here in Massachusetts. There is little to no hop presence, just delicious toffee, slight chocolate and nuttiness without being sweet. There is a bit of creaminess in the mouthfeel of this beer, so it’s an excellent beer to prove people wrong when they say things like, “all dark beer is bitter, thick and strong.” A worthy pairing for a smoked turkey on the lighter side.

Founders Breakfast Stout, Founders Brewing Company, 8.3% ABV Who doesn’t like breakfast for dinner occasionally? I know, not on Thanksgiving. This wonderful American imperial stout is brewed with chocolate, Sumatra and Kona coffee and oats. It is pitch black, with a large head that stays longer than it takes you to drink it,

Nov. 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 31

Thanksgiving wine suggestion: Stay in your comfort zone

By Tim Korby

On the Thanksgiving dinner table is an array of flavors ranging from sweet candied yams to tangy cranberry sauce, earthy root vegetables to herbal giblet stuffing, and, of course, there is both mild white breast meat and stronger dark thigh meat. With the multitude of different flavors already at the table, you want to make sure that your wine won’t overwhelm the food or interfere with the conversation but blend in with both. You and your guests should feel comfortable with the wine served, so the choice of wine will be different for each group, depending on the group’s experience level with wine.

Even though I grew up in California, it was generally a German wine on the table for the Thanksgiving dinner. It was usually something simple like a Zeller Schwartze Katz, which is similar to a German liebfraumich. We actually saved the good wine (often a BV Georges de Latour cabernet) for later in the evening with cheeses. The light and fruity flavors of German-style wines are a great choice for Thanksgiving because they actually do match well with many of the flavors on the table and they are wines that even those who don’t normally drink wine might enjoy. If you’d like to use an American wine for the American holiday, but with a similar style to a German, then try Firestone riesling from California or Ste. Michelle riesling from Washington State.

My aunt’s father was a restaurateur from Italy, and every third year, we would have an Italian/American Thanksgiving. Here, in addition to many of the American classics, would be eggplant Parmesan and lasagna with meatballs and sausages in red sauce. On the table would always be a bottle of chianti, in addition to homemade red wine. If you are going to have red wine on the table, make sure to keep it on the lighter side; Ruffino or Melini would be good chianti choices. Again, if you’d like to go American, then look towards a lighter red zinfandel like Edmeades from Mendocino County.

Now that I have a smaller number at the holiday table, I can get a bit more extravagant with my wine choices. I always start out with a nice champagne as everyone arrives; this year’s choice will probably be Roederer brut. Then, I have both pinot noir and a white wine on the table with the meal. For the white, I am leaning towards Guigal Cotes-du-Rhone blanc because of its pear, honeysuckle and subtle herbal traits, which compliment many of the dishes on my table. For the pinot noir, (if still available) I will be decanting a Domaine Bart marsannay from the Burgundy region of France, but again, if you’d like to stay with similar American wines, try Meiomi’s pinot noir from California, and for white wine, grab a bottle or two of Cline Viognier.

Remember that Thanksgiving is about sharing the things that we love with family and those that we love while giving thanks for all of these things. If you’re adventurous, then try something new, but if you are not and KendallJackson chardonnay, Mark West pinot noir or Beringer white zinfandel is your family’s favorite, then by all means, stay in your comfort zone.

Tim Korby is the director of Julio’s Liquors and the-AngelShare.com online wine store. He started in the wine industry in California in 1976 and moved to the Boston area in 2000. In addition to being a retail wine buyer, he has taught wine courses since 1984 and has regularly written newsletters, articles and blogs since 1981. Tim travels the world several times a year to find just the right wines for his customers and to learn the true romance of the wines he sells.

32 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Nov. 2013

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Lunch & dinner daily beginning at 11:30AM Brunch Saturdays & Sundays beginning at 10AM Located downtown in the historic courthouse district.

144 Main Street Worcester, MA 508.795.1012 www.armsbyabbey.com Nov. 2013 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 33

Sports & Fitness

Skate softly and carry a big fist

By Kimberly Dunbar

He’s best known in the rink as a physical player who rarely shies away from dropping the gloves. But away from the rink, Jimmy Bonneau’s icy exterior melts away, revealing a simple, easy-going guy who’s never even been in a fight off the ice.

“I’m not the violent type,” said the 28-year-old Sharks forward. “It’s not my style.”

In fact, the Quebec native only started fighting while fighting for a spot in his sport. “I was always a pretty good player, but there was nothing about me that made me stand out,” he said.

Bonneau became an enforcer, taking advantage of his 6-foot, 3-inch, 245-pound frame to increase his playing time and get drafted. “In the Quebec Major Juniors [Hockey League], I started playing a lot more physical, had more fights and bigger hits. I realized if I kept playing this way, things could go well for me.”

Growing up in a small town in Quebec, Bonneau was born with hockey in his blood. “It was a big thing; everyone played,” he said. Bonneau put on his first pair of skates at 3 and a year later began playing hockey. “I loved it … I’ve been playing ever since.”

At 17, Bonneau graduated from pond hockey and backyard rinks to the Major Juniors and soon the National Hockey League. He was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 2003 and has since traveled around the American Hockey League. But of all the places he’s played, Bonneau is happy to be in Worcester for his third season.

everything about life at age 28, but if I can teach them a thing or two on or off the ice, that’s something I want to do.”

His best piece of advice for the kids is just to have fun. “This can be a stressful lifestyle. It’s a year-to-year job that’s performance-based, and the difference between being on the couch next season, looking for an office job, or playing in the NHL is not that much. So I tell them … give it your best. Know when to disconnect and when to be on 100 percent.”

Bonneau always gives it his all on the ice, whether he’s throwing down or scoring goals, but given the choice, he’d rather score goals. “The reason I fight is to play hockey,” he said. “If I wanted to be only a fighter, I would be a boxer or join the UFC. Everyone has a role; I have mine. But I’d rather score a goal, and I think the team would, too.”

As far as the fans go, Bonneau thinks they enjoy both, but what he says they really deserve is a playoff team. “Our goal is to make the playoffs,” he said. “We need to start winning more games than we have in the last few years. The fans are always there and always give us support. They deserve to see some playoff games.”

But before the playoffs, there’s Dec. 7 ~ Jimmy Bonneau Bobblefist Night, in which the first 3,000 fans receive a Jimmy Bonneau bobblefist.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” said the man of honor, whose parents will be in town for the occasion. “People are going to want some of those back home. Not much Sharks memorabilia makes it back to Canada, so they’ll be excited about it.”

“The mentality of this organization and this team is my favorite I’ve been on since being in the American League,” Bonneau said. From the coaches to the staff to the fans, Bonneau said he feels extremely comfortable in the Sharks organization. “I’m not saying the other places I’ve been haven’t been like this; it’s just the place I have felt it the most.”

Especially on the night in which the Worcester Sharks play rival Providence Bruins, could there be anything more appropriate than a fist to honor this fan favorite?

Bonneau is also comfortable in his role as the team’s leader. At 28, Bonneau is a seasoned veteran on a very young Sharks team. “I love this role,” he said.

“I’m not old by any means, but it keeps me young. I’d be silly to think I know

For more information on the Sharks, visit sharksahl.com. Pulse has two four-packs of tickets to give away to the Dec. 7 game, courtesy of the Sharks. Check our Facebook page for details on how to win.

34 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Nov. 2013

“I think I can agree with that,” Bonneau laughed.

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Strut your college style Sports & Fitness

By Juli Fahey

Fall is the time for pumpkins, cider, applepicking and yes … college sports! While you can get all the gear you need at your college store, we took a look at some of this season’s hottest items.

At The College of the Holy Cross bookstore, there are purple (Holy Cross’ school color) sweatshirts and gray sweatshirts with purple lettering, which are perfect for the fall sports ~ think football and hockey. If you are a woman looking for something a little more fitted, check out the Holy Cross Patagonia gray zip-up sweatshirt. If you plan on doing some cooking after a sporting event, feel free to pick up an oven mitt, perhaps even bring it to a game and start a new trend.

Are you a “Proud Clarkie?” Or do you know someone that is? If so, pick up the shirt that has this saying on it. Even though fall tends to get chilly, it doesn’t mean the sun stops shining. In that case, pick up some Clark University shades.

Some people like to go for the classic look, and Becker College is all about this. At the college store, grab a classic blue Becker College sweatshirt with white lettering. How can you go wrong? And don’t forget to pick up some Becker gloves. There no worse feeling than that of your fingers going numb at a sporting event.

Are you a proud Lancer? You should be if you go to Worcester State University.

And the “Worcester State Lancers All Day” is the shirt for you. Also, let’s say you have your hat, your gloves, your sweatshirt … what is missing? Well, a scarf, of course! Don’t forget your WSU scarf.

If you are a fan of the Nichols’ bison, you should take a look at the classic black sweatshirt. Not only does it say the name of the school on it, but it features a picture of the mascot. While you are at it, check out the “Bison State of Mind” shirt. What Nichols’ student wouldn’t want this? Flaunt your school pride The mascot of Quinsigamond Community College is the wyvern, a dragonlike creature. If you belong to the QCC community, don’t hesitate to go to the bookstore and buy a wyvern sweatshirt. Prefer to keep it simple? The “Property of Quinsigamond Community College” shirt could be more up your alley.

36 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Nov. 2013

WPI, home of the engineers, is also home to different types of sports apparel.

Pride is the motto of most of the clothing found at WPI. Pick up a red “Pride” hoodie or, if you’re a female student, check out the “It’s a WPI thing” shirt designed for women.

Assumption College sports apparel is full of choices. From women’s white V-necks that say “Assumption College Greyhounds” to white hoodies that say “Greyhounds” in blue, Assumption keeps it short and sweet and to the point.

Last but not least, if you’re cheering on Anna Maria College, head to the campus store to find simple, classic gear like sweatshirts and sweatpants with the college name. Want to up the ante? Come prepared for rain with an Anna Maria umbrella.

Fall is the time to get out and support your college teams, so head to your college’s bookstore and do it in style!

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