the
from the EDITOR
PULSE PULSE Magazine is produced 12 times a year by Merit House Media, Worcester, MA. Copyright 2026 All rights reserved. Merit House Media 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 Merit House Media, unless so stated. Although all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical standards, acceptance does not imply endorsement by Merit House Media, 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 Merit House Media, info@merithousemedia.com
staff: Kate McEvoy, President & Publisher kate.mcevoy@ merithousemedia.com Jenny Pacillo, Editor editor@merithousemedia.com Kevin La, Art Director design@merithousemedia.com David Simone, Senior Account Executive david.simone@merithousemedia.com Elizabeth Beard, Office Manager elizabeth.beard@ merithousemedia.com
CONTRIBUTORS: Julie Bowditch, Shaun Connolly, Melissa Cutler, Brian Dowd, Jason Homer, Kevin La, Joshua Lyford, Jenny Pacillo, Hank Stolz, Julie Walker, Bernie Whitmore, Ravon Williams, and Dianne Williamson.
Printing back to back music focused covers really got me thinking about all of the great bands from Central Mass. The majority of my playlists are firmly cemented in the early 2000’s and haven’t changed in about 20 years, so I always look forward to this slice of the local scene. Voting was still live when we went to press, but the talented Brian Dowd was able to catch up with the artists who will be performing throughout the awards ceremony. This lineup celebrates the talent that makes Central Mass. music worth coming out for! The WMA’s will be at Off the Rails on Sept. 3, and, of course, all are welcome to this free event. This will be the third year in a row comedian and number one dad, Shaun Connolly, is hosting the awards. Sometimes I feel like we should rename Pulse “The Shaun Connolly Chronicles,” because he’s always up to something cool around the city. One of my favorite parts of the show are the live performances. We’re welcoming Colt and the Coyotes and Young Man Winter back for a second year in a row. I’m looking forward to Legacy Legend and Whiskey 6 as well. It’s going to be a great show from start to finish. There are so many talented artists in the city, and we always try to recognize as many as we can, but the voting process isn’t a perfect science. If we missed an amazing musician let us know! Email me at editor@merithousemedia.com but try to be nice because I’m fragile and teetering at the edge at all times. We’re always looking for new categories to include, and I’m already planning on adding “Band That Needs a Reunion” for next year. I know it’s a ways away but I’m nominating The Chase Scene and the rule is if you win you have to throw a show. The Worcester Music Awards are one really fun event in a city where you can find live music any night of the week. This is the perfect time for me to plug our Pulse emails for weekend suggestions, and, obviously, the internet exists, so there are lots of ways to find shows. So support the local scene, come to the WMA’s, discover new artists and let us know who we should be highlighting!
READ PULSE ONLINE: THEPULSEMAG.COM FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM @WORCESTERPULSE FACEBOOK.COM/THEPULSEMAGAZINE
Jenny Pacillo, Editor editor@merithousemedia.com
PULSE Magazine: SEPTEMBER 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS COVER STORY
PLATE & POUR
SOUND OF THE CITY: 2 THE WORCESTER MUSIC AWARDS BY BRIAN DOWD
TABLE FOR WOO
FEATURE STORY
(SPILLING) THE TEA
14
DINNER WITH FRIENDS
15
MAPLE HILL’S ANNUAL MVP OPEN BY JASON SAVIO
6
YOUR LOCAL MONTHLY DINING REVIEW
13
CONTRIBUTORS:
BY BERNARD WHITMORE
WHAT IS BREWING IN HOSPITALITY
OBSERVATIONS OVER BITES AND BEVERAGES
BY DIANNE WILLIAMSON
MUSIC, ART, & CULTURE IN THE FRONT ROW CENTRAL MA THEATER PREVIEW
7
BY ERIC BUTLER
ARTS & CULTURE LISTINGS
8
WORMHOLE 9 THE OTHER SIDE OF MUSIC, ARTS & CULTURE
TRENDING, LEARNING & LIVING WELL TAILS OF THE CITY PERTAINING TO PETS AND THEIR PEOPLE
BY JULIE BOWDITCH
SHAUN KNOWS SPORTS? MUSINGS ON LIFE AND SPORTS
BY JOSH LYFORD
16
20
BY SHAUN CONNOLLY
ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS
9
FACE THE MUSIC
10
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS
BY CHARLENE ARSENAULT
IN THE WEEDS A MONTHLY PUFF PIECE ABOUT CANNABIS
VIEWS FROM ANOTHER PERSON’S BOOKMARK
12
BY JASON HOMER
22
BY RAVON WILLIAMS
OUT AND ABOUT
WHAT I’M READING NOW
A VIEW THROUGH RAINBOW GLASSES
23
BY JULIE WALKER
NEW IN THE WOO
18
1:1 WITH HANK STOLZ
26
EXCERPTS FROM TALK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
BY HANK STOLZ
3 12
Dianne Williamson is an award-winning retired Journalist, who is best known as one of the region’s most celebrated media personalities. A native of Worcester, Dianne’s regular column in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette is the stuff of legend.
6
Brian P. Dowd is a journalist, writer and poet from Holden, MA. His work has been published in The Wachusett Free Press, Three Decker literary journal and his own substack “locker room guy”.
Hank Stolz has been waking up Worcester for almost thirty years. With more than two decades’ experience in talk radio and news reporting, Hank launched RADIO WORCESTER the Talk of the Commonwealth program as a way to keep a locally-focused media in the Central Massachusetts market. You can listen to Hank every morning through www.radioworcester.com
t h epu ls emag.com
1
photo by: Baby Safe Haven
SOUND OF THE CITY: THE WORCESTER MUSIC AWARDS BRIAN DOWD As we head into the final stretch of another great (if not a bit scorching) summer, I feel it’s a great time to reflect on what makes summers here in Worcester so great. Pool parties at your buddy’s house — who actually paid attention in school. Heading to the local ice cream shop for a couple of scoops of purple cow or whatever lesser flavor you like. A trip over the bridge down the Cape for oysters and lobster rolls or, for the real thrill-seekers, up to Hampton Beach for fried dough and a good old-fashioned fistfight. Those things are all unquestionably great, but there’s nothing more quintessentially Worcester than a summer night out on the town. They don’t call her the “Paris of the ’80s” for nothing. I like the nightlife, baby. Busting out of work on a warm, sunny Friday like it’s the last day of school, heading to a nearby bar or venue, taking that first cold sip of [enter your beverage of choice here], and basking in the warm glow of sweet summer freedom and ancient neon beer signs with friends old and new is what this life of ours is all about. Last night was a movie, and what does every movie need? A soundtrack, of course. And here in the old heart of the Commonwealth, that soundtrack, more often than not, comes from one of our many outstanding local acts.
2 SEPTEM B E R 2 0 2 6
If you’ve spent any time out at night in our fair city (which, if you’re reading Pulse, I assume you have), I don’t have to tell you the local music scene is thriving. With what feels like more live music options than ever, no matter what genre you’re into, someone is performing it somewhere and performing it really well. A great live act can take an ordinary night to another level, and there’s no shortage of talent in the Worcester scene today.
“I just honestly need to keep it moving along. You know, award shows, especially with a bunch of categories, they can get really slow and sloshy, and I really try to keep the show moving so people don’t get bored.” No dull moments here, folks! A 17-year veteran of the local comedy scene, Connolly is sure to make it a fun night.
So don’t you think these acts deserve a little recognition? Maybe, I don’t know, an award? Yeah! A music award! Not just any music award, but a Worcester Music Award! Well, would you look at that, your pals here at Pulse have just the thing…
“The show is the community coming together. I mean, it’s a small part of a larger art scene in Worcester, and I think it is thriving…this award show is a great way to dip your toe in and find out what’s going on…It’s like a greatest hits of the city.”
Without further ado, I welcome you to the official preview of the 2026 Pulse Magazine Worcester Music Awards!
LOCAL ARTISTS SHINE
SHAUN CONNOLLY TAKES THE STAGE Your host and master of ceremonies will be none other than Pulse’s own, the man behind “Shaun Knows Sports?,” Shaun Connolly. Returning for his third consecutive WMA as host (that’s a three-peat, sports fans). He promises to keep the show flowing and entertaining.
Now, what would a music award show be without some live music, right? Lame, that’s what! So I’m happy to report we’ve got four incredible local acts ready to take the WMA stage: Young Man Winter, Colt and the Coyotes, Legacy Legend and Whiskey 6.
This one is a can’t-miss.
photo by: Baby Safe Haven
Finally, if you prefer a little twang in that thang, country rockers Whiskey 6 may be your cup of tea (or shot of whiskey am I right?… Don’t worry, I will not be performing stand up at the WMAs.) Whiskey 6 is comprised of Livv Tsetsilas (vocals), Stephanie Briere (vocals), George Politis (guitar/ vocals), Keith Ryan (drums), Al Villagracia (bass) and Matt Marcus (keyboard.) One of the fastest emerging acts in New England right now, Whiskey 6 has opened for huge country acts across the nation and was selected by the Red Sox organization to perform at Fenway Park for “Country Night.” All of this has prepared them for their biggest stage yet, the 2026 WMAs. Guitarist George Politis assured me they’re up to the task and excited to play the Worcester crowd. “Worcester is a music town and to perform there and be a part of the culture means only one thing. Simply put, you’re doing something right!”
ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY
Young Man Winter, the 2025 WMA Best Rock Act, comprised of James Dunseith (vocals, keys), Sergio Marcucci (guitar), PJ McQuade (vocals, guitar), Daniel Newman (drums) and Greg Przygoda (bass), combines melodic indie rock with ’90s alternative influences. We are talking jangly guitars and infectious hooks that capture the DIY, blue-collar spirit of the Worcester music scene. Guitarist Sergio Marcucci wasn’t shy about his feelings about the Worcester music scene. “The Worcester music scene has honestly been the best part of our experience as a band. From our very first house show, we’ve felt supported by other musicians, venues and people who genuinely care about keeping the local scene alive. We’ve made friendships, found collaborators, and grown as a band because of this community, and we’re incredibly grateful to be a small part of something that feels so welcoming, creative and DIY.” Worcester-born roots, rock and soul outfit Colt and the Coyotes formed in the most Worcester of ways: over a couple of pints at Vincent’s. The band lives by the mantra “music is communal, the stage is porous and a good night should end with everybody singing.”
While the core band is comprised of Andrew DelCid (vocals and guitar), Emily Colton (lead vocals), Fred Bement (harmonica and percussion), Reid Angwin (electric guitar, programming), Jobeth Umali, Timmy Gilligan, Ben Cook, Andy Caplan (drums — that’s right, four drummers) and Aaron Foy (bass), the band features a rotating cast of frequent collaborators, including founding member Cote Shaw.
The Worcester Music Awards are sure to be a great night of celebrating the community of artists that call our great city home — the soundtrack to our night out. In closing, I’ll leave you with an excellent quote from Colt and the Coyotes’ Andrew DelCid: photo by: Baby Safe Haven
They believe in “destroying the barrier between performer and audience” and that their shows are “less about watching a band than joining one.” Up-and-coming hip-hop artist Legacy Legend is hard to put in a box. His musical career started as a child, traveling with his church, singing, as well as playing piano and drums. From there, he started hitting local open mics, releasing music and connecting with audiences. “Performing here means everything,” he says. “This is home base, so showing love to the city that helped shape me and rocking the stage in front of the local crowd is always special. I truly have prepared myself and still am learning as I go to ensure I do what it takes to be a voice for many others with no voice and to make my city proud of their new uprising artist with an original and different sound.” t h epu ls emag.com
3
LIVE MUSIC BY THE LAKE • 200 GORE ROAD, WEBSTER, MA
FEATURING
OZZMOSIS (OZZY OSBOURNE TRIBUTE)
VAN HAGAR (VAN HALEN TRIBUTE) CRÜECIFIED (MOTLËY CRÜE TRIBUTE) SHOT OF POISON (POISON TRIBUTE) THE PRIEST (JUDAS PRIEST TRIBUTE)
SEPTEMBER 6 • 12PM
SEPTEMBER 13 • 12PM
SEPTEMBER 20 • 1PM
OCTOBER 3 • 1PM
For tickets and more information, visit www.IndianRanch.com
AFTER WORK
PARTY
“Getting to play the Worcester Music Awards isn’t really about an awards show. It’s a chance to celebrate this weird, prolific, interconnected music community we’re lucky enough to be part of, and maybe raise a glass to the people who helped build it along the way. Keep Worcester Weird, and have a hot dog while you’re at it!”
EVERY WEDNESDAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 9 • 5:30PM TO 7:30PM
Great music, fun games, giveaways and prizes
LAKESIDE DINING • 200 GORE ROAD, WEBSTER, MA
Well said, Andrew, and don’t mind if I do.
WEEKLY SPECIALS
HAPPY HOUR
Oh, and one more thing! Make sure to get there early for a set by artist, producer and Doherty High School alum Kool Kojak, aka Worcester’s own Al Grigg. Al is the man behind some huge hits including Flo Rida’s No. 1 hit “Right Round” and has worked with every big name in the game from Ariana Grande to Britney Spears to Weezer to… Ed Helms? Cool!
EVERY WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
2PM TO 5PM
The 2026 Pulse Magazine Worcester Music Awards will be held on Thursday, Sept. 3, at Off The Rails, 7 to 10 p.m. See you there.
THURSDAYS
Jorge “Tasteless Jack” Ramirez was one of those people who felt like a friend almost as soon as you’d met him, and it’s what made him such an integral part of the Worcester music scene. He uplifted every artist he crossed paths with and welcomed them like family. He wrote honest, deeply personal songs that would linger on your mind long after seeing him perform. We’re going to miss the hell out of him. Go listen to some Tasteless Jack. www.tastelessjack.com
5:30PM - 8:30PM | FREE ENTRY!
UPCOMING EVENTS AT SAMUEL SLATER’S HALL 9/18
COMEDY NIGHT WITH PAUL NARDIZZI, CAROLYN PLUMMER, AND NIC SUGIARTO
STEVE BJORK, AND BRIAN WAYNE
11/14 PETTY LARCENY: A TRIBUTE TO
10/23 BLOOD, SWEAT & KEY’S
11/21 FLEETWOOD MAC
HALLOWEEN DUELING PIANOS
11/7
Tasteless Jack
COMEDY NIGHT
11/13 WITH COREY RODRIGUES,
COMEDY NIGHT 10/16 WITH PAUL D’ANGELO, MAYA MANION, AND DAN MILLER
10/24 A WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ
photo by Ryann Whitaker
4 SEP TEMB E R 2 0 2 6
SEPTEMBER 3 • TONY GARCIA SEPTEMBER 10 • JEDIAH SEPTEMBER 17 • MISSY MAXFIELD SEPTEMBER 24 • STEFAN COUTURE OCTOBER 1 • TONY GARCIA
THE MUSIC OF TOM PETTY
LITTLE LIES: A TRIBUTE TO
A TRIBUTE TO 11/27 AFFINITY: THE MUSIC OF JOURNEY
MURDER MYSTERY DINNER
12/5
BEST OF TIMES: THE MUSIC OF STYX, FOREIGNER & REO SPEEDWAGON
12/11 WITH KELLY MACFARLAND, KENDRA
THE FOOLS COMEDY NIGHT
CUNNINGHAM, AND GARRETT FINN
FOR RESERVATIONS, EVENT TICKETS, AND MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.SAMUELSLATERS.COM Samuel Slater’s Restaurant is open Wednesday-Saturday (12-9pm) and Sunday (12-8pm) for lunch and dinner.
WORCESTER MUSIC AWARDS 2026 FINALISTS BEST COUNTRY ACT LAKELINE STOMP N’ HOLLER WHISKEY 6
BEST OVERALL LIVE ACT AQUANETT THE VERGE YOUNG MAN WINTER
BEST WORLD MUSIC CROCODILE RIVER MUSIC DANIEL GAY JERARD RICE
BEST COVER BAND BREVITY CHASE THE PAST TIPTON ROCK BAND
BEST POP ACT COLT AND THE COYOTES HAZEL BLOOM MISS FAIRCHILD
BEST CLUB DJ BRIAN LAROCHELLE K1N KID KASH
BEST ELECTRONICA ACT DORIATH THE ORACLE SUNSHINE AT NIGHT
BEST PUNK ACT FOXFIRES RIVERSIDE RIOT SOWING
BEST FEMALE VOCALIST MOLLY MCKEON MORGAN ALYSE TINA VALENTI
BEST FOLK/BLUEGRASS ACT ASH & ERIC DANIEL GAY MOLLY MCKEON
BEST RAP/HIP HOP ACT FANTA VIBEZ LADII GIRL LEGACY LEGEND
BEST MALE VOCALIST CRAIG NAUGHTON JAKE MCKELVIE SCOTT EDMAN
BEST HARDCORE/METAL ACT ANGELZ FURY CARE GIVER DEATH RATTLE
BEST ROCK ACT BREVITY OPENING NIGHT TIPTON ROCK BAND
BEST LIVE VENUE ELECTRIC HAZE INDIAN RANCH OFF THE RAILS
BEST JAM/GROOVE ACT BOOGIE CHILLIN’ MOONLIGHT SAINTS MOWESBY AND THE NORTHERN FLICKER
BEST SOLO ACT COTE SHAW JAY SULLY LEGACY LEGEND
BEST RADIO STATION 100FM THE PIKE WCUW 91.3 WXLO 104.5
BEST UP-AND-COMERS BLUES TORCH MOLLY MCKEON MOWESBY AND THE NORTHERN FLICKER
BEST SMALL VENUE HOTEL VERNON HUSKY’S VINCENTS
BEST JAZZ ACT JAZZED UP TRIO TIM HETU TRIO WORCESTER JAZZ COLLECTIVE
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED LIVE AT THE
WORCESTER MUSIC AWARDS EVENT THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 OFF THE RAILS 90 COMMERCIAL STREET, WORCESTER DOORS: 6:30 PM / AWARDS: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
FEATURING EMCEE SHAUN CONNOLLY
WITH LIVE MUSIC BY: KoOoLkOjAk, LEGENDARY LEGACY, WHISKEY 6, YOUNG MAN WINTER, AND COLT & THE COYOTES t h epu ls emag.com
5
MAPLE HILL’S ANNUAL MVP OPEN BY JASON SAVIO
The biggest weekend of the year for pro disc golf in Massachusetts is nearly here. Some of the best disc golfers in the world will converge on the Maple Hill Disc Golf Course in Leicester on Sept. 24-27 for the MVP Open. The MVP Open is the final playoff event of the Disc Golf Pro Tour, with the winners moving on to the tour championship in Virginia this October. “For me, Maple Hill is a magical place where everyone is family, and I don’t mean that in a fluffy way,” says Steve Dodge, general manager and co-owner of the Maple Hill course. If you are unaware of what disc golf is, or wondering why it is not called ultimate frisbee, that is because they are two different sports. “Ultimate frisbee is almost like frisbee soccer, and disc golf back in the day used to be called frisbee golf,” explains Dodge. “Frisbee golf and ultimate are different in that frisbee golf is basically golf, and ultimate is basically soccer, both done with frisbees.” You need to get the frisbee in the basket for disc golf, and that is done by hitting the chains attached to the basket, creating what Dodge calls “one of the most distinctive and enjoyable sounds in the sport.”
6 SEPTEM B E R 2 0 2 6
Maple Hill has hosted the MVP Open in different iterations for over two decades, and during that time has become recognized by UDisc.com as one of the best disc golf courses in the world. It currently ranks No. 1 in the United States and No. 5 globally. For this year’s MVP Open, top professional men and women disc golfers will compete, including Massachusetts’ own Simon Lizotte and former Disc Golf Pro Tour champion Missy Gannon. The winner will also walk away with what Dodge estimates to be a $125,000 cash prize. “The plan was to make Maple Hill the best disc golf course in the world and to build one of the best disc golf tournaments in the world, and it’s very odd to me that we’ve gotten to the point where that’s been recognized,” says Dodge, crediting his cousin Tom Southwick, who helped design the original course and is the owner of the property. “You could put a pin in it and say, ‘mission accomplished.’ It’s one of those things where you shoot for the moon and you accidentally hit it.” The weekend of the MVP Open is full of fan events, starting with a kickoff party at Treehouse Brewing Company on Wednesday night with the players in attendance. On Thursday night fans can game with the players via a video
game trailer that will be brought on site. There will even be a pie eating contest on Friday night that includes a $15,000 giveaway and, Dodge says, they will “hand out $100 bills to people in the audience kind of randomly.” Sure, Maple Hill is a championship-level course and hosts the MVP Open, but it is not just for the pros. It is also beginner-friendly and welcoming to all, offering lessons, a beginner-level course, memberships, and more. “I’m really happy that so many people have come on this journey and recognized how much fun it is to play disc golf, how great the people that play disc golf are,” says Dodge. “The culture of the disc is unlike anything I’ve seen in any other sport. It’s self-officiated and you play with honor and you root for the other people to hit the putt. You’re not playing against people, you’re playing with people.”
Tickets for the MVP Open are available at themvpopen.com and come in various price ranges and VIP options.
MUSIC, ARTS & CULTURE
TREE HOUSE DISTILLERY PERRINE SHOWDOWN AT LESSTHAN GREATER THAN HUDSON MA
BY ERIC BUTLER NEW SEASON. WHO DIS? Summer isn’t the only season changing this time of year. Each of Worcester’s theater companies will be launching new seasons this fall. Local Shakespeare fanatics know to keep an eye on the Hanover Theatre Rep’s schedule. Following well-received productions of “Julius Caesar,” “Macbeth,” “Much Ado About Nothing” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” artistic director Livy Scanlon will revive “Romeo and Juliet,” a classic play featuring the canon’s most wellknown star-crossed lovers. The production will run Sept. 23-Oct. 11 in the BrickBox Theater at the Jean McDonough Arts Center. For more information visit thehanovertheatre.org. While no one will be questioning the validity of Romeo and Juliet’s love, “The Effect” by Lucy Prebble (an acclaimed playwright and writer and executive producer on “Succession”) will leave audiences asking if Tristan and Connie’s attraction is real or the side effect of a pharmaceutical trial. WCLOC Theater Company, Worcester’s oldest community theater, dating back to 1937, will produce this self-described “clinical romance” directed by Kaci Kneeland, from Oct. 16-25 at their playhouse at 21 Grandview Ave. in Worcester. For more information visit wcloc.org. WCLOC is not the only Worcester community theater active this fall. Studio Theatre, Worcester’s First Stages initiative, has selected a new play called “Ghostlight on the Fifth” by Carlos Fruzzetti, a local playwright and artist. Beginning in September, this new play will be given dramaturgical support and refined through workshops with local actors, guided by dramaturg and producer Amanda Tafeen. This work will culminate in a staged reading to be scheduled in November. For more information visit: studiotheatreworcester.org.
CYPRIAN 1/4
Resist that Netflix binge until the first snowfall and support live, local theater this fall - you’ll discover it’s the best! Eric Butler is the founder of the Broadway in Worcester, a program that brings celebrated Broadway artists to Central MA. A graduate of The College of the Holy Cross and Boston College, Eric is the Executive Director of the Museum of Worcester.
t h epu ls emag.com
7
MUSIC, ARTS & CULTURE
If you’d like to be included in future listings, please email editor@merithousemedia.com
SEPTEMBER 2026 American Heritage Museum (978) 562-9182 568 Main St., Hudson americanheritagemuseum.org 3 - History After Hours: First Battle of the Ironclads with Michael Manning 12 & 13 - History Takes Flight: Historic Aviation Weekend 27 - PatCon2026: IPMS Patriot Scale Modelers Annual Scale Model Show and Context Arts Worcester (508) 755-5142 44 Portland St., Worcester Artsworcester.org 8 - The 44th ArtsWorcester Award Ceremony: Pre sented to Marlene Persky 9 - Public Reception: Material Needs 2026 Boulder Art Gallery (978) 354-7000 960 Main St., Fitchburg theboulderartgallery.com Gallery open Thursday, Friday, Saturday Brick Box Theater (508) 413-5622 20B Franklin St., Worcester jmacworcester.org/brickbox 10 - Dustin Ybarra 23 - 27 - THT Rep presents Romeo & Juliet Creative Hub 2 Ionic Ave, Worcester Creativehubworcester.org Work in Progress Wednesdays Friday - Queer Artist Maker Nights DCU Center (508) 755-6800 50 Foster St., Worcester dcucenter.com 12 - Import Evolution Auto Show Fitchburg Art Museum (978) 345-4207 185 Elm St., Fitchburg fitchburgartmuseum.org 3 - FAM at Night JMAC Popup (508) 561-0173 20B Franklin St., Worcester jmacworcester.org 12 - Mark Flanagan presents The Canvas Comeback 13 - Silent Book Club 18 - Gilden in Two Suns: Opening Reception
8 SEP TEMB E R 2 0 2 6
Mechanics Hall (508) 752-5608 321 Main St., Worcester mechanicshall.org 10 - Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons 18 - Queer AF In Denim 25 - Ballet Maginificat! Anchored: The Pilgrim Story 26 - Worcester Symphony Orchestra with Irina Muresanu New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill (508) 869-6111 11 French St., Boylston towerhillbg.org Tuesdays - Chair Yoga & Yoga in the Garden Thursdays - Yoga at the Garden Fridays - Chair Yoga at the Garden 5 - Saturday Morning Yoga 6 - Guided Garden Tour 10 - Keys Across America Concert 12 - Enchanted Botanical Besom 13 - Mini Gardens Under Glass 17 - Chinese Brush Painting: Dahlias 19 - Through the Lens: Capturing the Seasons 20 - Shinrin Yoku: Forest Bathing at the Garden 23 - The Stillness Within: Fall Meditation Series 24 - Botanical Mixology: Enchanted Elixirs 26 & 27 - New England Dahlia Society Show & Sale Old Sturbridge Village (800) 733-1830 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge osv.org 5 - Muster Day 12 & 13 - Textile Weekend 19 & 20 - By Hands and Harvest 26 - Revolutionary Gala Preservation Worcster (508) 754-8760 10 Cedar St., Worcester preservationworcester.org 18 - Searching for the Salisburys: A Paranormal Investigation 25, 26 & 27 - Manhattan Short Film Festival Samuel Slater Museum (508) 461-2955 31 Ray St., Webster Samuelslaterexperience.org Tuckerman Hall (508) 754-1234 10 Tuckerman St., Worcester tuckermanhall.org The EcoTarium (508) 929-2700 ecotarium.org 222 Harrington Way, Worcester 12 - Breakfast with the Otters
The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts (877) 571-7469 2 Southbridge St., Worcester thehanovertheatre.org 13 - Historic & Architectural Tour 18 - Brit Floyd 26 - Sasha Velour: Travesty 27 - Sherlock Jr. and Seven Chances, Silent Films accompanied by Clark Wilson on the Wurlitzer Organ 30 - An Evening with David Sedaris WCUW Community Radio 508-753-1012 910 Main St., Worcester wcuw.org Cinema Worcester films every Thurs & Fri 7pm, and Sat & Sun 1pm 5 - Harold Stevens Gallery opening reception Matthew Wasser Immersive Multimedia Installation 6 - Singer Songwriter in the Round with Serena 12 - Armadi Tsayn 13 - Chet Williamson Harmonica Jazz Quartet 19 - Pat Halpin & the 351‘s 26 - Racky Thomas Blues Band 27 - Belly Dance Worcester Art Museum (508) 799-4406 55 Salisbury St., Worcester worcesterart.org 17 - Amelia and Robert H. Haley Memorial Lecture: Art Museums in a Globalized World 25 - After Hours: “First Revelation of the Sovereign Queen” 27 - Artist Talk: Martine Gutierrez Worcester Center for Crafts (508) 753-8103 25 Sagamore Rd., Worcester worcestercraftcenter.org 30 - Glass Artist Series: Evelyn Gottschall Baker Museum of Worcester (508) 753-8278 30 Elm St., Worcester worcesterhistory.org 1 - 15 - LGBTQ+ Worcester Histories
MUSIC, ARTS & CULTURE
to Love Your Labels, a “fashion design and identity development program.” ing Mouth and their latest release “The Ringing Bell.” On Friday, Sept. 11, The Callous Daoboys CALLING ALL CRYBABIES! and Kaonashi scratch a particular itch and of course the following Saturday, Sept. 19, Dying Your Super Bowl is nearly upon us as Taking Fetus, Crowbar and Sanguisugabogg (Ed note: Back Sunday, Thrice and Saves the Day rip grab a drink before spell checking this one) get the Palladium Outdoors on Saturday, Sept. 26. heads banging. Finally, on Wednesday, Sept. 23, Dust off that white belt and find out if your old New Jersey’s Bayway with Central Mass.’ Hard band shirts fit with the rest of us, because “your Target. lipstick, his collar, don’t bother angel” doesn’t hit quite the same in solitude these days, does Massive props to Worcester’s finest Magic: The it? Besides, those PBRs aren’t going to guzzle Gathering crew for hitting (and exceeding) their themselves. Seems to be that TBS is touring on Kickstarter funding goal for their communithe 20th anniversary of “Louder Now,” Thrice ty-led Premodern championship event. Fellow on 2025’s “Horizons/West” and Saves the Day MTG players should find what they’re looking is probably just generally through being cool. If for at Duressfest.com. Bust out those Ice Age those puns missed, congratulations, you prob- cards, and perhaps you can have a Dark Ritual ably have fewer embarrassing MySpace photos of your own. than–ahem–some of us. For too long, those of us that call the Canadian OK, we’ve had our fun, but the Palladium is Tuxedo home have had to weather the slings absolutely stacked with the good stuff this and arrows of high-fashion snobbery. No more! month, so here are a few additional rapid-fire This year’s Queer AF art and fashion fundraissuggestions: Thursday, Sept. 10, Revocation’s er returns to Mechanics Hall on Friday, Sept. 18 20 Years of Torment Tour. This is a standout with a (delightfully) denim focus. Billed as the with support by Massachusetts favorites Fum- queer Met Gala of Massachusetts, proceeds go
BY JOSHUA LYFORD
Since this is a month filled with metal and hardcore (as is tradition here in Worcester), you’ll be needing a wind-down, and thankfully, Mechanics Hall has you covered here as well, with Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons on Thursday, Sept. 10. This event is exactly what it sounds like, with a string quartet performing Vivaldi’s legendary “Four Seasons.” This would have gotten loins positively roiling back in the 1700s and I see no reason to believe anything has changed. So wear your finest denim and buckle up compadre, Thursdays just got vivacious. Would it be too much to ask of a vision board to have just one continental breakfast with a pair of jaunty river otters? Well, consider this a manifestation NUCLEAR BOMB because on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 12, the EcoTarium is letting its river otters, Daisy and P.J., serve up the good stuff. No Bloody Marys, but otherwise an otterly ridiculous way to spend a morning. The universe has a way of providing, so hit up EcoTarium.org for otter things to do. Josh Lyford is an award-winning reporter, editor and musician. Josh has spent nearly two decades covering (as well as contributing to) arts, culture, music and entertainment across Central Massachusetts.
SEPTEMBER 2026 107 Tap 107 Water St., Worcester 107tap.com Thursdays - Karaoke/DJ Fridays & Saturdays - DJ Black and White Grille (508) 885-5018 206 North Spencer Rd., Spencer Blackandwhitegrille.com Blueprint New American Bar & Grille (978) 668-5580 10 Village Sq., Westminster Boland’s Bar and Patio 81 Water St., Worcester Tuesdays - Stump Trivia Classic’s Pub (978) 227-5258 285 Central St., Leominster Draught House Bar & Grill (508) 835-4722 42 West Boylston St., West Boylston
Eddy’s Pub (508) 304-9888 120 Stafford St Suite A, Worcester, Thursday - Trivia Night Friday - Karaoke Night Saturday - Live Music Night Electric Haze 26 Millbury St., Worcester thehaze.com Wednesdays - Space Jam with Brandon Sunshine Esteves Thursdays - Maladies Karaoke with Mal E. Fishn’t 12 - Raalo x Lito Slay - After Party Artist Showcase Gambrino’s Cask & Barrel (508) 796-5177 266 Park Ave., Worcester Thursday & Saturday - Karaoke Greater Good Imperial Brewing 508-926-8736 55 Millbrook St., Worcester Tuesdays - DJ Bingo Wednesdays - Geeks Who Drink Trivia
Indian Ranch (508) 943-3871 200 Gore Rd., Webster Indianranch.com 13 - Nash Icon Local Countryfest 18 - Comedy Night at Slater’s with Paul Nardizzi & Guests 20 - Blackberry Smoke 25th Anniversary Tour 26 - 100FM The Pike Disco Dance Party Cruise Hosted by Chuck Perks Legends Bar and Grille 978- 342-6500 68 Airport Rd, Fitchburg MB Lounge (508) 799-4521 40 Grafton St., Worcester themblounge.com Wednesdays - Karaoke Thursdays - Trivia Fridays & Saturdays - Dance Party 6 - Tea Dance 10 - Bien Latina Drag Show 12 - Block Party
MCL Club 508-797-0141 181 Lake Ave., Worcester Worcestermcl.org Mondays - Pitch! Taco Tuesdays Thursdays - Music Bingo Sundays - Mike G’s Sunday Jam Off the Rails 508-304-6411 90 Commercial St., Worcester offtherailsworcester.com Wednesday - Karaoke 3 - Worcester Music Awards 11 - Runaway Radio and Electric Flannel 13 - Chad Milliken Memorial & Scholarship Fund Corn Hold Tournament 18 - Whitey Morgan & The 78’s 24 - Cole Barnhill 25 - Boogie Chillin’ & The Housetones Ralph’s Diner 508-753-9543 148 Grove St., Worcester Monday - The Dirty Gerund Poetry Open Mic Wednesday - Karaoke with Dj Matt R!
t h epu ls emag.com
9
MUSIC, ARTS & CULTURE
BY CHARLENE ARSENAULT SEPTEMBER HAPPENINGS September has always been something of a confused month. The calendar says summer is packing its bags, the thermometer frequently begs to differ, and somewhere in Worcester (and beyond), someone thinks it is a fantabulous idea to start talking about pumpkin beer and what they are going to be for Halloween. Fortunately, the local entertainment calendar is not suffering from any such identity crisis. September brings everything from underground music and art to stand-up comedy, Pride, blues and belly dancing, with Pink Floyd and Van Halen tributes, symphonic metal and one of America’s best-known humorists thrown in for good measure. In other words, if there is nothing here that gets you out of the house this month, you may just really like your house. Or you are waiting to emerge on Halloween. The month gets moving Saturday, Sept. 5, when the Detour Music & Creative Festival takes over The Grove Village, 100 Grove St., from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Billing itself as a gathering for artists and creators who prefer making their own paths to following established ones, Detour mixes live music with fashion, vendors and other creative offerings. Also on Sept. 10, CASA Project Worcester County takes over Polar Park at 6 p.m. for its 8th annual Champions for Children fundraiser. The Canal District event combines local food and live entertainment with a mobile auction and awards ceremony, all while raising money to train CASA volunteers to become Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). Saturday, Sept. 12, offers a particularly good argument for leaving the couch. First of all, Pride Worcester energizes the Worcester Common from 2 to 7 p.m., bringing more than 200 artisan makers, businesses and community organizations downtown alongside live performances, speakers, food, a youth and family zone, and health and community resources. Organizers describe the Pride Worcester Festival as both “a protest AND a celebration,” and the free annual festival has grown into one of the region’s largest LGBTQ+ gatherings. Later that night, due to popular demand, Femme is throwing an10 SEP TEMB E R 2 0 2 6
other kick-arse block party (yup, that means outside) featuring games, raffles, tastings, vendors, DJ Lavender and a performance by Sister Funk. Also that night, you might as well jump..,go ahead and jump. Jump—the Van Halen tribute band, that is—hammers on (and off) at Off The Rails from 8-10 p.m., bringing the David Lee Roth-era swagger, Eddie Van Halen guitar pyrotechnics and enough classic-rock nostalgia to make you briefly consider digging your old denim jacket with the patches out of storage. The blues come roaring back Saturday, Sept. 19, when Pat Halpin & the 351s pull into the WCUW FrontRoom. Harmonica player Halpin has been part of the New England blues scene since the early 1990s, and the 351s— named for Ford’s legendary 351 Cleveland engine—mix Chicago blues with rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly, swing, Tex-Mex and country. Showtime is 5 p.m. You could then head downtown, where Worcester gets its own taste of Southeast Asian night-market culture. The Worcester Night Market runs from 4 to 9:30 p.m. around City Hall and the Common, transforming the area with hundreds of lanterns, food and artisan vendors, live entertainment and interactive activities. The free event is presented by RICEMA, Sugi Matcha and Mint Kitchen & Bar. The calendar gets heavier—literally—on Friday, Sept. 25, when Kamelot headlines the Palladium. The Florida-born band has spent decades blending melodic and progressive metal with symphonic grandeur, making this the month’s destination for anyone whose preferred night out involves soaring vocals, thunderous riffs and perhaps significantly more leather than your average Worcester gathering. The next night, Saturday, Sept. 26, the Racky Thomas Band brings the blues back to WCUW’s FrontRoom for a 7 p.m. show co-sponsored by the Boston Blues Society. The Boston band has been at it since 1995, cooking up a musical gumbo of Chicago blues, gospel, country blues and boogie
with the kind of high-energy live show that has kept Thomas and company carrying the blues torch around New England for nearly three decades. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; admission is $20. On Sunday, Sept. 27, the WCUW FrontRoom trades the blues for belly dance when Namid and Baseema present “Raqs at the Radio Station” at 5 p.m. The showcase brings together performers from around New England working in Middle Eastern, North African, Hellenic and Turkish-influenced dance styles, with Heather Powers, Fady, Tiffany Hawko, Origins, PSYbel and Divergence Dance Collective among the scheduled performers. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.; admission is $15. Finally, September goes out laughing—or at least thinking about why it is laughing. Best-selling humorist and social satirist David Sedaris returns to The Hanover Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, following publication of his latest collection, “The Land and Its People.” Sedaris will read new, unpublished stories and commentary, with book signings scheduled before and after the show. And then it is October. Which, around here, means someone had better start finding a costume. And looking forward to the Pet Rock Festival, which helps a whole lot of animals with its event on Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Lancaster Fairgrounds. . Charlene Arsenault serves as editor of The Worcester Guardian, a local, independent news organization covering Central Massachusetts. To find out more about The Worcester Guardian or catch up on the latest local news, visit theworcesterguardian.org.
George's Coney Island since 1918 Worcester, Mass. ConeyIslandLunch.com
Welcome Back Students!
508-459-9040
107 Water Street, Worcester, Ma Delicious Drinks & Friendly Atmosphere Darts•Keno•Outside seating•pool table
Karaoke/DJ Thursdays DJ Friday and Saturday
Free event space for any occasion Hours Thu 07:00 pm – 02:00 am Fri 07:00 pm – 02:00 am Sat 07:00 pm – 02:00 am
BOOK YOUR EVENT AT 107 TAP! t h epu ls emag.com
11
BY JASON HOMER A TRIO OF PICKS September holds particular significance in our community as so many important moments and celebrations come together. It marks the return to school, the observance of the Jewish High Holidays, Worcester’s celebration of Pride, the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, and, of course, Library Card Sign-Up Month.
My Escape Read: As a fan of Allie Brosh’s “Hyperbole
and a Half,” the part-blog, part-webcomic I had been following since about 2010, I loved her first book. But by the mid-2010s, she was posting much less, and I was spending less time online. I had honestly forgotten just how funny, irreverent and relatable her work was as an exhausted millennial. I was delighted to stumble on her 2020 collection, “Solutions and Other Problems”, while browsing the Graphic Novels section of the WPL. I was there after a staff member told me to go check out how great it looks with manga pulled out as its own section. The book was exactly the kind of ridiculous, honest and unexpectedly heartfelt reading I needed. Brosh manages to make stories about terrible pets, childhood, grief, loneliness, and her own questionable life choices both completely absurd and incredibly relatable. If you enjoyed “Hyperbole and a Half,” this is an easy recommendation. And if you haven’t read either, you are in for a very weird and very funny time.
My Serious Read: “Brown Enough” by Christopher Ra-
vis. I would recommend listening to the audiobook to hear the stories directly from Rivas himself, as it helps the book feel conversational as he shares stories about race, identity, code-switching, masculinity and belonging. Much of September asks us to navigate our own identities, and this book prompts those considerations. I especially appreciated how honest he was about the pressure to be “Brown enough” while also trying to fit into spaces that were not necessarily created with you in mind. The book is part memoir and part social commentary, and I found myself thinking about how often we adjust or hide parts of ourselves depending on the room we are in. It is an easy listen, but it also leaves you with some harder questions about identity, representation and what it means to actually be part of the conversation.
My Holds: “The Sixth Faction” by Veronica Roth comes
out Oct. 6. I was a huge fan of the “Divergent Series” by Roth and, like many fans, did not like the ending as it felt forced and did not match how the narrative progressed in the series. Well, I guess Roth listened as this novel will explore an alternate reality where Tris’ plans to join Dauntless are altered by tragedy. Jason Homer is the Executive Director of the Worcester Public Library, a seven-branch library system. Jason hails from Brockton, MA, and holds degrees from Stonehill College and Simmons University. And, of course, he is an avid reader.
12 SEP TEM B E R 2 0 2 6
ITALIAN FESTIVAL WORCESTER PHOTO CREDIT: MISSY CUTLER
Rascal’s (508) 459-0862 70 James St., Worcester Rascalsworcester.com 12 - Whiskey Church 19 - Back in Black AC/DC Tribute 26 - Dock 10 Reunion Tap & Table 774-293-5501 198 Worcester St., North Grafton Mondays - Musical Bingo Wednesdays - Trivia with Nate Briggs Steel and Wire Cocktail Lounge (508) 373-2225 124 Millbury St., Worcester The Bull Run (978) 425-4311 215 Great Rd., Shirley 10 - Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience 11 - Chris Knight 12 - Yellowhouse Blues Band 18 - Anthony Geraci 20 - The Dwayne Haggins Band 25 - Boston Ladies of Comedy 26 - Amy Speace 27 - Dinner on the Bridge 2026 The Palladium 508-797-9696 261 Main St., Worcester thepalladium.net 11 - The Callous Daoboys 13 - Icon for Hire 16 - Hammerfall 18 - I Love R&B Party 20 - RAQ Baby Presents: Robert Johnson Tour 23 - Bayway 25 - Kamelot 26 - Taking Back Sunday 27 - Crown Magnetar and To The Grave 29 - Taste of Chaos Vincent’s Worcester 508-752-9439 49 Suffolk St., Worcester Wachusett Brew Yard 978-874-9965 175 State Rd. E, Westminster 152 Green St., Worcester White Eagle 508-753-9612 116-120 Green St., Worcester Whiteeagleworcester.com Thursday - Wrestling Open Thursday & Friday - Dj Nights Woo Bar & Grill 774-243-6130 358 Shrewsbury St., Worcester Wednesdays - Space Jam with Brandon Sunshine Esteves Thursdays - Maladies Karaoke with Mal E. Fishn’t
PLATE & POUR
BY BERNARD WHITMORE SIMPLE MAN SALOON AND GRILL 119 HIGH STREET, CLINTON PHONE: (978) 365-1949 WWW.SIMPLEMANSALOON.COM The Simple Man Saloon and Grill describes itself as the “premier hot spot for great food, cold drinks and superb live entertainment.” We decided to test that claim: Was Simple Man mostly an entertainment hot spot with food on the side, or could the kitchen make a case for “great food” all on its own? By the end of the meal, the answer was clear. From the sign that greeted us, “Welcome, please seat yourselves,” to the servers, to the customers, everything about Simple Man was embracingly friendly. That warmth set expectations before the food did. The menu is not an endless barrage of freezer-to-table fare, but it does hew closely to sports bar standards. We started with a basket of hand-battered onion rings, thick-cut Bermuda onions slathered with batter and deep-fried till the onions turned a bit soft and sweet. The craggy bread-
ing reminded me of tempura, but a bit thicker The first thing I noticed was the thick-edged with a pleasing salty-crunch that was perfect crust. The dough had formed large bubbles with my glass of Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA. that the intense heat of the oven baked to crispy splinters of heavenly flavor. The tomato sauce Scanning the menu, I found its Flatbread section, base tasted as robust as any traditional recipe, where you specify tomato, Alfredo, or BBQ base; roasted garlic cloves contributed honestly conplus various protein and vegetable toppings. centrated sweet garlic flavor and sliced pepI stammered out my selections, hoping for the peroni; so many slices there was barely a bite best, yet expecting very little. My experience with without one, plus mozzarella cheese baked into flatbreads has been very uneven. that chewy crust. And a scattering of herbs. Amazing! From the moment my friend saw the Prime Rib Dinner he knew exactly what he wanted. The So, does Simple Man’s cuisine merely complemeal is one of Simple Man’s specials, offered on ment the entertainment lineup, or does it rise to certain days “while quantities last.” “greatness”? Between the market-priced prime rib and the unexpectedly thrilling pinsa, the Simple Man’s is market-priced, not inexpensive, kitchen made the stronger case. Over the past but as soon as it hit the table I could tell it was one few decades, Clinton restaurants have been gorgeous slab of meat, thick-cut and glistening destination-worthy. If anything, the meals we with juices. As ordered, it was pinkish-red at the enjoyed at Simple Man Saloon and Grill elevate center, marbled with fat and slow-roasted till its that tradition. salt-and-pepper coating had turned crusty black with rich beefy flavor. It was served with au jus, a large baked potato cracked open and ready to be slathered with butter and sour cream, broccoli florets, and blistered cherry tomatoes. The second standout arrived by surprise. Prepared for flatbread monotony, I came alive when served a 12-inch round of gorgeous pizza. If I had taken more time to read the full menu I would have seen Simple Man’s subtitle, which specifies pinsa crust—a very exciting flatbread, not the boring cardboard stuff found elsewhere.
480 Shrewsbury St, Worcester, MA 508-304-1334 Open 7 Days of the Week tropeirosgrill.com
Worcester’s New Authentic Brazilian Steakhouse All-You-Can-Eat Churrasco & Salad Bar
Unparalleled Authenticity Passed Down Recipes from Generations Come Join Us for an
Unforgettable Experience! Make your special occasion truly memorable and create lifelong memories with us!
13
PLATE & POUR
as one of USA Today’s 38 Bars of the Year and got more than the average mention, noting that it’s one of the best all-around bars in the region. You GO, girls! THEIR PLACE IS YOUR PLACE
VARIOUS CONTRIBUTORS WORLDLY WORCESTER The French say that a meal without wine is a sad meal, and it sounds like the Grill & Green Kitchen at 141 Highland Street in Worcester couldn’t agree more. With a plant-forward, eatthe-rainbow philosophy, the GGK offers “MediterrASIAN” foods in a setting inspired by European cafes. Owner Fawn Weydt opened the spot in 2021 to create “a little of Paris in Worcester”, and the Kitchen recently was approved for a full liquor license. We’ll drink to that! Tucked away in a little spot that is worth finding, Shiraz Persian Restaurant & Grillrecently opened amongst the string of storefronts in the plaza at 490 Lincoln Street (across from Lincoln Plaza). There you’ll find an outstanding menu featuring lamb, salmon and all your favorites, plus - more than a dozen types of kebabs!
14 SEPTEM B E R 2 0 2 6
Bonus find: you’ll be a few doors away from Golden Bakery – where you can buy pita bread as it is bagged fresh from the oven – it’s a donot-miss spot! FROM CUPCAKES TO QUINOA…
We just learned that The Neighborhood Kitchen on Church Street in Whitinsville doesn’t just offer great American cuisine, it also offers the kind of space rentals that you wish-you-knewabout-back-when-you-needed-it. On Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, TNK offers space for: commercial kitchen rentals, ghost kitchens, pop-up dinners, private events, paint-and-sip parties and more. File that under “resource found”.
Excitement is building for The Vegan Path’s soft opening this month at 56 Water Street in Worcester, the former home of The Queen’s Cups bakery. It’s an early opportunity to check GET READY TO GRAB & GO out owner Tao Zhou’s family-style dining concept and TVP’s much talked-about tofu burgers MCL Custom Caterers, based out of Holden Hills Country Club, will soon be gracing dinand zucchini noodles. ner tables in homes across the area. We’re told that MCL, whose international cuisine you WOOt! WOOt! may have enjoyed at The White Room (WorcesA quick shout-out to Worcester’s Femme Bar ter) or Bay Path Barn (Boylston), will soon be who clearly impressed USA Today, as they expanding their offerings with a prepareddidn’t just make their list, they were the col- meal-to-go model that will include lunch and umn opener! That’s right, Femme was picked dinners.
PLATE & POUR
DINNER with FRIENDS OBSERVATIONS OVER BITES AND BEVERAGES
BY DIANNE WILLIAMSON BLAME IT ON THE BOLOGNESE. The food at Mare e Monte is so good, so savory and sweet, that we felt compelled to defend such decadence by reciting our otherwise-healthy dining habits, not unlike when Donald Trump cops to only five Big Macs for his midday snack. “I had boneless chicken breast last night,” Kathy announced. “I made salmon,” noted Charlene, a notorious one-upper. Earlier that afternoon, Kathy and I had attended a screening of “The Odyssey,” an epic tale notable for its epicness and the fact that I epically managed to avoid reading it as a college English major. Which was fine by me, given that the film ran approximately as long as time itself, minus the coming attractions, and featured many smelly-looking Green soldiers dining on mutton and other ancient meats. Their table manners, frankly, were revolting, so you can’t blame Odysseus for avoiding his palace for some 20-odd years. Plus, I’m betting that Penelope was a lousy cook, given her unhealthy obsession with weaving. Anyway, my friends and I met up later at the cozy Italian trattoria on Wall Street. We prepared to indulge, despite relentless health-related media bulletins sporting headlines such as “New Study Finds That Food Is Dangerous When Consumed” and
Another annoying habit of Charlene involves music. Whenever a song is played in her presence, she will expound on her feelings about said song when no one has asked her. I am sometimes guilty of such behavior, having recently endured the dreadful “Young Girl” and Speaking of conspiracy theories, we seem to have “This Girl is a Woman Now,” back to back on glommed on to them at such an alarming rate that an oldies’ station. it leads me to wonder: Which government agency is hypnotizing us and how are they doing it? “I’m pretty sure that band should have been What’s the purpose? When did so many of us be- called Gary Puckett and the Pedophiles,“ I observed. come so silly? “That Tasty Oreo Is Planning to Kill You.” It’s a wonder we eat at all these days, what with the explosive diarrhea epidemic, which our top scientists plan to address as soon as health czar RFK Jr. finds a way to tie it to a vast international conspiracy.
Why can’t we accept, for example, that a drunken Karen Read simply hit her boyfriend with her car and wasn’t framed by a breathtaking assortment of cops, neighbors, the town crier, Big Pharma, the Illuminati, crazed squirrels and the family dog?
“How about ‘You’re 16’ ?” Charlene added. “What a peppy love song! Ha! Ringo would have been arrested in 20 states! ”
We ordered various pastas and a Caesar salad, despite the real concern in 2026 that eating let(And don’t get me started on poor Patrick Clancy tuce could cause our bowels to explode. and the vicious nonsense spewed by the tin-foil brigade. Nothing is funny about these people; the less It could be worse, though. Imagine if such intestinal torment was caused by, say, chocolate said, the better.) chip ice cream. Granted, a disturbing number On a lighter note, we enjoyed the ambience at Mare of Americans would still eat it, even if we had e Monte as we settled on the calamari, which was to waddle around aimlessly in adult diapers. delicious. We exchanged small talk until turning to a familiar topic that always manages to rankle: our Speaking of Donald Trump: I don’t know if the rumors are true. But if they are, I blame it on propensity to become our parents. the Big Macs. “Everything I say now sounds like a Progressive commercial,” Charlene noted, adding that she’s often horrified to discover herself making inane small talk with valets and Uber drivers. “Yeah, you do that a lot,” added Maura, in the helpful manner of a spouse.
Dianne Williamson is an award-winning retired Journalist, who is best known as one of the region’s most celebrated media personalities. A native of Worcester, Dianne’s regular column in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette is the stuff of legend.
BREAKAWAY MASS WORCESTER PHOTO CREDIT: KEVIN LA
t h epu ls emag.com
15
TRENDING, LEARNING & LIVING WELL
BY JULIE BOWDITCH THE BUSINESS OF BEING A PET PARENT I have made a discovery that I suspect many pet parents already know: having a pet is remarkably good for the economy. And equally bad for our bank accounts. My 14-pound fur babe has a veterinarian, groomer, trainer, insurance policy, sitters, and a social calendar that occasionally rivals my own. She has preferred treats, roughly 500 balls, and a wardrobe she absolutely did not ask for. Americans spent an estimated $158 billion on our pets in 2025. Billion with a capital B. There are approximately 95 million pet-owning households in the United States, and spending is expected to climb to $165 billion this year. Think about the pet ecosystem in our own
16 SEPTEM B E R 2 0 2 6
community. There are veterinarians and veterinary technicians who keep our animals healthy. Groomers who somehow return them to us looking—and smelling—like entirely different creatures. Trainers who teach our dogs how to behave and, more often, teach us how to communicate with them. There are dog walkers, sitters, day care and boarding providers. Then there are the businesses that make having a pet more fun: family-owned pet stores, local treat makers, photographers, artists, bars and restaurants with dog-friendly patios, and community events where bringing your fourlegged date is not only allowed, but encouraged. Many of these are small businesses and entrepreneurs. They employ our neighbors.
They rent storefronts in our neighborhoods. They work with other local vendors. They sponsor community events, donate gift cards to fundraisers, and support local rescues and animal welfare organizations. Our pets connect us to our communities in ways we might not otherwise experience. Maybe our spending can do the same. If even a fraction of the billions pet parents are already spending stayed closer to home, imagine the ripple effect—not just for pet businesses, but for the communities those businesses support in turn. Our pets already make our homes and lives better. With a little intention, our pet budgets can make our communities better, too. Julie Bowditch is Executive Director at CASA Project Worcester County and pet-mom to 1.5-year-old Mini Goldendoodle, Brinkley.
9. Try the Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza from VIA Italian Kitchen 10. Split pizzas and a drink tower (21+) on The Mercantile rooftop bar 11. Try the tapas at Bocado Tapas Wine Bar 12. Try a guac trio at Mezcal Tequila Cantina 13. Plan a lunch study date at NU Kitchen 14. Go for the bibimbap at Choose & Mix 15. Celebrate with oysters at lobster at Green Island Oyster in the Canal District
A GUIDE TO HELP YOU EXPLORE WORCESTER BY
16. Enjoy delicious sushi at Baba Sushi 17. Try the Shawafel Plate at Shawarma Palace 18. Get the best view of the city at Vue, at the top of Worcester’s glass tower 19. Splurge on brunch at deadhorse hill
1. Eat a hot dog - with the works - at George’s Coney Island 2. Dig into a gourmet cupcake (or two) at Bean Counter Bakery 3. Enjoy a hearty breakfast in one of Worcester’s diner cars such as Miss Worcester Diner or Kenmore Diner
20. Choose from over 40 different toppings to load onto your burger at The Fix Burger Bar 21. Try something new at Tapa Vino in the Worcester Public Market 22. Finds apps with a fusion of Brazilian and American cuisine at Cocktail Garden & Kitchen 23. Try a brick-oven pizza at Volturno
4. Order a banana split at Gibby’s Ice Cream
24. Indulge in fresh bread from Birch Tree Bread Company
5. Bite into authentic Ecuadorian and Peruvian flavors at Mercado Restaurant
25. Experience a taste of Africa at Fatima’s Cafe
6. Brunch any day of the week at Livia’s Dish
26. Try the Ohio Pork Nachos at Peppercorn’s
7. Try the ramen at Chashu Ramen + Izakaya
27. Watch a sunset while dining at Grill on the Hill at Green Hill Golf Course
8. Fill a picnic basket with goodies from Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Marketplace
28. Grab a coffee at Acoustic Java
t h epu ls emag.com
17
OPENING HOURS Monday - Sunday 11am - 2am
Great food, cold drinks, big screens and an unbeatable atmosphere!
YOUR HOME FOR PREMIER LEAGUE ! Catch ALL your Premier League matches LIVE with us!
your home for Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, Patriots NFL SUNDAY TICKET Bring your friends, grab a pint, enjoy a proper Irish breakfast!
KITCHEN HOURS open late night - full menu Monday - Wed 11am - 12am Thursday - Sunday 11am-1am
305 Shrewsbury St, Worcester, MA 01604 WEEKDAY SPECIALS Dine-In Only Monday $11.99 Monday Madness Menu Tuesday $15.99 Prime Rib Dinner (after 5pm) 10 Cent Hard Shell Tacos - 3 Basket Limit $11.99 3 Soft Shell Beef Tacos Wednesday Build Your Own Burger $7 choose up to 3 toppings Thursday $12.99 Chicken Parm Dinner $24.99 All You Can Eat Steamers (after 3pm) Friday $11.99 Fish n' Chips Saturday & Sunday $12.99 Irish Breakfast $13.99 Turkey Dinner Saturday $15.99 Prime Rib Dinner (after 12pm) Full Irish Breakfast on weekends SUNDAY ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET ONLY $12.99! Entertainment Tues - trivia 8pm Wednesday live music 9pm-12pm Thursday live music 9pm -12pm Friday Saturday dj 10pm to close Sunday live music 6pm-9pm Karaoke 10pm - close
18 S EP TEM B E R 2 0 2 6
check out our Facebook for list of games and entertainment.
COLLEGE BUCKET LIST CONTINUED 29. Sample ‘Be Hoppy’ at Wormtown Brewery (21+) 30. Try the buffet at Alma Gaucha Worcester 31. Catch a New England sports game and dinner at Quinn’s Irish Pub 32. Fall in love with a new coffee order at Crust 33. Sip something hand-crafted at Greater Good Imperial Brewing Company (21+)
40. Shop for a sugar high at Bri’s Sweet Treats 41. Watch Worcester Railers at the DCU Center 42. Catch a show at The Hanover Theatre 43. Visit the EcoTarium to get swept up in a wind tunnel (and science!) 44. Hear the epic acoustics at Mechanics Hall
34. Try loose leaf teas and herbal tinctures from Thyme Herbal Apothecary 35. Visit the oldest art store (since 1852!) in the country, C.C. Lowell Art Supply Co. 36. Shop at a REC Worcester’s farmers market 37. Get a smoothie & book at Bedlam Book Café 38. Show city pride with a Worcester Wares t-shirt 39. Buy a comic at That’s Entertainment
45. Learn about Worcester’s many “firsts” at the Worcester Historical Museum 46. Take a class at Worcester Art Museum 47. Check out a show at the Palladium 48. Cheer on the WooSox at Polar Park 49. Explore the city’s public art 50. Ice skate on the Worcester Common Oval Find 50 more ideas at
DISCOVERCENTRALMA.ORG
t h epu ls emag.com
19
As an agnostic Red Sox fan, it has been a delight to watch them tear up the major leagues this second half of the season. Also, as an agnostic Red Sox fan, it has been hilarious to remember the Fenway Faithful chanting “Sell the Team” not two months ago. It was not long ago every hot-taker in the country was talking about what a buffoon Craig Breslow was and how evil and greedy John Henry can be. Now, newborns are receiving names like Payton and Rafaela. Fandom is a wild roller coaster that bears no logical reasoning. It is the closest thing we have to good old-fashioned tribalism. Most folks are fans because of location: They love the region they are in and the team that is closest to their mailbox. It can be familial as well. I am a Mets fan because of the pull of my cousins and uncles (and probably my love of being obstinate). I am, as of writing this, a proud father of a newborn girl. I have already tricked my son into accepting the mental disease of Mets fandom. He also loves Liverpool FC, and I feel bad about that disappointment too, though we have seen a lot of success lately. I hope my daughter takes a liking to sports, too. Through living room osmosis, I have convinced my wife to enjoy a Mets game, or go to Boland’s at 9 a.m. for Liverpool, or even scream for the World Cup. It is a burden I will wear on my sleeve, knowing full well that I will watch my kids potentially cry at some point over a competition. I will be crying with them, and there is comfort in that. There are so many factors of parenting where you question nearly every decision you make. Fandom, surprisingly, isn’t one of them. Shaun Connolly is a comedic entertainer from Worcester. He is an artist Fellow of both the Worcester Arts Council and Massachusetts Cultural Council. He also swears he also knows a lot about sports.
20 SEPTE M B E R 2 0 2 6
THERE’S MORE
ISN’T SHE LOVELY
thepulsemag.com
BY SHAUN CONNOLLY
TO SEE
TRENDING, LEARNING & LIVING WELL
A L T E R N A T I V E
C O L L E C T I O N
E - L I Q U I D S • M O D S D I S P O S A B L E V A P E S C B D • D E L T A 8 / 9 T H C - A • T H C - O G L A S S W R A P S • P A P E R S N I C O T I N E S A L T B A S E D P O D S Y S T E M S 652C PARK AVE, WORCESTER MA
774-243-1070
W W W . T H E R I Z E S H O P . C O M INSTAGRAM @THERIZESHOP FACEBOOK @THERIZESHOP V E T E R A N S
A N D
S T U D E N T S
1 0 %
O F F !
COMING NOVEMBER 1 !
Holiday Gift Guide TO SUGGEST ITEMS FOR INCLUSION IN EDITORIAL CONTENT EMAIL US AT INFO@MERITHOUSEMEDIA.COM
RESERVE YOUR
SPACE NOW!
EDITORIAL SECTIONS WITH GIFT GIVING SUGGESTIONS FOR: • • • • •
TWEENS & TEENS BABIES & KIDS PETS & PET PARENTS CO-WORKERS GUYS & GALS
AND MORE!
TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE OR FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE ISSUE EMAIL US AT SALES@MERITHOUSEMEDIA.COM
t h epu ls emag.com
21
TRENDING, LEARNING & LIVING WELL
in the
WEEDS
A MONTHLY PUFF PIECE ABOUT CANNABIS
BY RAVON WILLIAMS
MY CANNABIS STARTING FIVE There are way too many cannabis brands in the state to definitively say who makes the “best” products—even though most of them claim to be the best at something (lol). So instead of trying, I’m building my starting five. One pick for each of the major categories: flower, prerolls, vapes, edibles and concentrates. Point Guard: The Cure Company Flower The Cure gets the point guard role because of their consistency. Originally from LA, they offer unique strains like Bolato, Curelato Runtz and Cure OG. Their quality is hard to beat for the price. Their eye-catching packaging and weed give you something close to the experience of great street weed. Shooting Guard: Tower Three Pre-Rolls I kind of hate pre-rolls, so if I’m smoking one, I want good weed inside it. Tower Three grows some of my favorite weed, making their pre-rolls an easy choice. They’re a little pricey, but the quality is there. They’d be my flower choice too, but they’re $40 or more for an eighth. Small Forward: Treeworks Live Rosin Cartridges Full disclosure: I’ve never tried a Treeworks cart, but the hype around their vapes is nuts. A half-gram cart runs for $40, which is crazy compared to the usual $20 full-gram distillate cartridges you can find all over the city. Despite being twice the cost for half as much oil, live rosin carts are worth trying because a good live rosin vape can feel like night and day compared to a regular distillate cart. Power Forward: WYLD Gummies WYLD gummies are some of my favorite gummies, right next to the Kanha Sour Belts (honorable mention). WYLD gummies are made with real fruit, so they taste phenomenal. They also offer plenty of different cannabinoid ratios, making them approachable whether you just want THC or something more balanced. Center: U4EA Hash Rosin U4EA makes some of my favorite rosin. Their Amalfi Coast was something special—super gassy and got me very high. They’re a small team that makes top-notch rosin. There’s plenty of great rosin in the state, but U4EA gets my starting spot. That’s my five. Who are you putting on the court? Ravon Williams is a Massachusetts-based cannabis industry professional, enthusiast and journalist who covers culture, market trends, retail experience and consumer education.
22 SEP TE M B E R 2 0 2 6
TRENDING, LEARNING & LIVING WELL
BY JULIE WALKER THIS PRIDE’S FOR YOU, WORCESTER! Unique among New England’s major cities, Worcester celebrates Pride each September—and the city comes alive with history, art, drag, dancing, craft events, and plenty of reasons to show up and show out. A march to honor the protest of Pride begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 at Femme Bar. Come out and fill the streets with energy, love, resilience, and joy on the way to the Pride Festival on Franklin Street, running from 2 to7 p.m. Expect LGBTQ+ organizations and allies, artists, makers, food vendors, live performers, and speakers for an afternoon full of outdoor fun and festivities. When the sun goes down, the party keeps going. Femme Bar hosts a block party featuring Sister Funk and DJ Lavender, plus tastings, vendors, outdoor games, raffles, temporary tattoos, and tarot readings. Over at MB Lounge, drag divas Daisha and Bootz take the stage before DJ Kai Rule gets the dance floor moving. Both parties are for ages 21 and older with a $20 cover. Then, on Sept. 18–19, Big Queer Worcester Weekend takes over Mechanics Hall with Love Your Labels’ Queer AF in Denim on Friday, followed by the Worcester Draglesque Festival’s full-scale drag and burlesque showcase on Saturday. Stay on top of your queer game at prideworcester.org/events and make September a little—or a lot—queerer in Worcester! Jorgeous from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” performs at The Best Little Drag Brunch in Worcester, Sunday, Sept. 13 at The Cocktail Garden.
Julie Walker (she/her), M.Ed., is a parent, school counselor, Board member of Love Your Labels,
t h epu ls emag.com
23
NEW IN THE
Blackstone Creamery
Owner’s Names: DJ Welch, Jenn Welch, Keith Havalotti & Kelsey Bergquist Address: 22 West St., Suite 11, Millbury, MA 01527 Phone Number: 508-865-5055 Instagram: blackstone_creamery; Facebook: Blackstone Creamery Tell us about your business. Blackstone Creamery, formerly Christopher’s Homemade Ice Cream, is a beloved Millbury institution serving homemade ice cream and frozen treats to families throughout Central Massachusetts. Committed to preserving the traditions that made the shop a community favorite, the new ownership team continues to use the same homemade recipes and timehonored methods that generations of customers have come to know and love. You’re giving a TED Talk about building your business. What advice or insight would be most important to share? Respect the legacy while embracing the future. Successful transitions happen when you take the time to learn from those who came before you, listen to your customers and invest in the people who make the business special. We have been fortunate to learn directly from the previous owners and to have experienced staff members help guide us through the transition. Building strong relationships and staying true to your core values are essential to long-term success. Any additional information you’d like to share? We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from the Millbury community during this transition. We would also like to recognize our dedicated returning staff members, whose experience, knowledge and commitment have been invaluable in helping us preserve the traditions that customers love. 24 SEPTE M B E R 2 0 2 6
IT’S A HOLIDAY SHOPPING DREAM COME TRUE Featuring dozens (and dozens) of LOCAL VENDORS • Hand-Crafted • Vintage • One-of-a-Kind AND MORE
8 DAYS ONLY NOVEMBER
Thursday, Nov 19 - Sunday, Nov 22
DECEMBER
Thursday, Dec 3 -Sunday, Dec 6
KB Designs
Owner’s Name: Kim Blais Address: 138 Green St., #201, Worcester Instagram @kimblaisdesigns Tell us about your business: KB Designs is a unique jewelry store and working studio. All jewelry here is designed and handmade right in the shop by me. I make fine and semi-fine pieces in a wide price range so everyone can find something special and unique. I also do custom work and repairs. I love to work with people to redesign their old jewelry or help them pick out gemstones to create a unique custom piece. I started KB Designs in 2021 as a side hustle while I was working full time for another jeweler. I did fairs, markets and pop ups. Then I was in the Worcester Public Market for three years before I landed at my own shop at 138 Green St. I am thrilled to be in the Canal district and in this building especially. Any additional information you’d like to share:
VENDOR BOOTHS AVAILABLE For more information email us at worcesterholidaymarket@gmail.com
It’s been a great experience for me to build my business here in Worcester, specifically. I have felt great love and support, not just from customers, but from fellow small business owners and many talented people who are part of the local creative community. For example, the new space that we’ve opened is shared with two other women who have been on similar paths with their businesses: Sarah Brueck who has a stained glass art studio here in the adjoining space, as well as Michelle May, who has a gorgeous gallery of fine art in the common area. The space just has a great feeling when you walk in. I feel really lucky to be surrounded by a community of such great and talented people..
Scan here to go our website and the extended version of our story!
Birchouse Botanicals
Owner’s Name: Lauren Jeleniewski Address: 20 Washington St., Hudson Website: www.birchousebotanicals com Facebook, Instagram + TikTok: birchousebotanicals Tell us about your business: Birchouse Botanicals is an independently founded, female-owned home fragrance brand and retail shop located in the heart of Hudson, Massachusetts. We offer a curated collection of handcrafted 100% soy candles, fragrance melts, room and linen sprays, reed diffusers and home fragrance accessories, featuring thoughtfully blended scents inspired by nature, nostalgia and the feeling of home. Rooted in sustainability and mindful living, our products are made with eco-conscious, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients and designed to bring warmth, comfort and beauty to everyday spaces. The typical experience at your business is? A visit to Birchouse Botanicals is meant to feel like a fully immersive sensory experience. When you walk into our Hudson shop, you’re immediately surrounded by beautiful scents, thoughtfully styled displays and shelves filled with our handcrafted home fragrance products, alongside unique finds from other New England-based, woman-owned makers. In five years you will: If the past eight years have taught me anything, it’s that some of the best parts of this journey weren’t things I planned for. Birchouse has evolved in ways I never could have predicted, and I’m sure the next five years will be no different. I hope we continue to grow, create beautiful products, build meaningful relationships within our community, and make Birchouse a place people genuinely love to visit. Beyond that, I’m leaving a room for the unexpected.
with
HANK STOLZ
EXCERPTS FROM TALK OF THE COMMONWEALTH AS EDITED BY JENNY PACILLO and MELISSA J. CUTLER
HOSTED BY: HANK STOLZ | FEATURING: JENNIFER ANTKOWIAK Hank spoke with award-winning voice actor Jennifer Antkowiak, founder of Soundshine Productions, a broadcast quality voice over studio based in Worcester. Hank Stolz: I think that the minute that people hear your voice, they go, “Wait a minute, where do I know that voice from?” You are indeed the voice of Radio Worcester. That’s just what you do, but not just for radio stations, for all different kinds of productions and commercials and political candidates and businesses. It must be a really fascinating line of work. Jennifer Antkowiak: It really is. The best part of my job is I get to learn about everybody’s business and really be invested in what they do and try to get their message out there to the world as best as I can. I went to school for communications and music, and I did not only theater and singing performance there, but I did some voiceover. But I put it away. I got married, got a job, raised a family. When my kids were getting older, there was no time for theater. So I started doing on-camera corporate
videos, training videos, HR videos, things like that, and there was a voiceover component to that. I really enjoyed it primarily, because I could get older and not have to be camera-ready. I work in my pajamas some days. It’s a wonderful thing. But I’m still behind a mic. It’s voice acting. All of those performance skills that I learned, even if it’s a corporate video, it’s still acting. Hank Stolz: What about that relationship with the people who know you from your demo reel or they know you from your work. How does that relationship work? And is it easier the more that you work with some repeat clients? Jennifer Antkowiak: Oh, absolutely. I love working with the repeat clients because you build that relationship where you kind of know what the other person is looking for. If they hire me for the warm, smooth voice, I know that’s what they’re looking for. For the new clients, there’s different things that they’ll do. They will either send music like you send or a reference video or their slide deck of some of the images that
they’re working with, or they may give us verbal direction. It really is such a collaborative partnership working that way. You really get to know what they want and deliver what they want, so they’re happy, you’re happy. Hank Stoltz: Soundshine Productions, how did it all begin? Because you have to wear many hats then as not only the professional behind the mic, but you have to do it all. Jennifer Antkowiak: One of the great things about voiceover is that really allows you to take control of your career. So not only do I have agents and managers, just like every other artist, I can go out and direct market to my own clients, to production companies and ad agencies and get on their rosters of talent. I created an LLC for Soundshine Productions, and several years later I became an S-Corp so now I’m my own employee. Now Soundshine Productions is WBENC-Certified, a woman-owned small business. The sky’s the limit when you own your own business, so I’m just really embracing everything that it entails.
Hank Stolz has been waking up Worcester for almost thirty years. With more than two decades’ experience in talk radio and news reporting, Hank launched Radio Worcester the Talk of the Commonwealth program as a way to keep a locally-focused media in the Central Massachusetts market. You can listen to Hank every morning through www.radioworcester.com.
STARTING SEPTEMBER 1ST: CATCH HANK'S SHOW EVERY MORNING ON OUR WEBSITE! STREAMING LIVE ON www.thepulsemag.com 26 SEPT E M B E R 2 0 2 6