Weekend - December 28, 2023

For the latest Western Mass. happenings, visit masslive.com/entertainment

Weekend

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| THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

ENTER THE HAGGIS: Band to play 2 year-ending shows in Holyoke, E4 TUSK: Carrying on the legacy of Fleetwood Mac at MGM Springfield, E5 WINE PRESS: Top 10 wines under $10 for 2023, E8

WELCOME 2024 Ring in the new year in Western Massachusetts, Page E2

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THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

NEW YEAR 2024

Ring in the New Year

Above, fireworks in downtown Northampton during the city’s 38th annual New Year’s Eve celebration, First Night Northampton. At top, from left, Morgan Brogden, of Westfield, rides the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round during First Night Junior; Michael and Amanda Lovejoy, of Colchester, Connecticut, enjoy New Year’s Eve festivities at MGM Springfield; and John and Theodore Higby, of Belchertown, watch fireworks during New Year’s Eve festivities in downtown Northampton. (THE REPUBLICAN, FILE PHOTOS)

By Keith O’Connor

Special to The Republican

New Year’s Eve is a time to look back and reflect on the past year, while looking ahead in anticipation of the good things to come. As part of New Year’s Eve, many people will be celebrating at home with friends and family or attending neighborhood parties, while others will venture out to local restaurants, musical venues and other sites to ring in the New Year.

SEE NEW YEAR, PAGE E3

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023 | E3

NEW YEAR 2024

Above, Samantha Gingras of Chicopee wears many hats during First Night Junior, a daytime New Year’s Eve party.

At left, families enjoy live music during a past First Night Northampton. (THE REPUBLICAN, FILE PHOTOS)

New Year

year renewed my faith that goodness would eventually triumph. If you are not familiar with her, check her vibe out. We’ve also decided to go for broke and close out with a dance party at the Academy of Music with the Soul Magnets which will be a warm-up for the dance party with Peace and Rhythm DJ’s when we close the street down at 11:30

p.m. in front of the Hotel Northampton,” Sanderson said.

“Also, I’m super excited about being back at Smith College. Theater 14 is an amazing theater to experience live art in and we’ve doubled down on the level of talent there. It will be a way to keep crowds down across all the venues,” he added.

Family programming includes performers such as Carrie Ferguson and the Grumpytime Club Band, comedy and magic with Ed Popielarczyk, Talking Hands Theatre, Henry the Juggler, The Nields for Kids, Mad Science of Western New England, Valley Light Opera, Roger Salloom, Show Circus

SEE NEW YEAR, PAGE E5

Select dates through December 30 Get your tickets at WWW.OSV.ORG 3193507-01

we live amongst some of the best talent in the world. It’s about nurturing that talent, CONTINUES FROM PAGE E2 it’s about giving people old Popular area attractions and young an opportunity to — MGM Springfield, Heribe entertained and to discovtage State Park in Holyoke, er their newest most favorite and various locations in performer. It’s about celebratNorthampton as part of their ing making it through another long-running First Night year and getting inspired to offer distinct opportunities make the next one better. I to ring in the New Year in love First Night,” said Steve adult settings or to bring the Sanderson, event producer kids along to family-friendly for the Northampton Arts events held during the day.

Council.

Since 1985, First Night First Night returned last Northampton — organized by year after an absence due to the Northampton Arts Coun- the COVID pandemic. cil with major sponsorship “People were very excited

by Greenfield Savings Bank for our live return. They were — has filled the Paradise City able to go and see bands with a 12-hour, family-friend- that they perhaps were not ly festival of the arts at 23 able to see at clubs late at downtown venues, culminat- night due to being adults ing in a traditional ball-raising and having families and not from the roof of the Hotel being able to go out as much Northampton at midnight. for financial or time conIt all kicks off with an after- straints. First Night is a night noon of family-oriented perwhen people have saved formances and events begin- some energy or planned naps ning at noon at the Academy so that they may go out and of Music with SHOW Circus celebrate. And, First Night is Studio’s eye-popping Let an affordable way to attend a There Be Light. Fireworks at family friendly arts festival,” 6:15 p.m. from the top of the Sanderson said. central parking garage comHe noted that he is “very plete the afternoon and signal excited” by a couple of hapthe start of the adult-oriented penings at this year’s event. evening entertainment.

“Mary Lambert playing “First Night is all about the baby grand piano on the showcasing Western MassaAcademy of Music stage. Her chusetts. It’s our home and show with Carook earlier this

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CLUBBING & MUSIC

Last-minute ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve

Nightclubs THURSDAY Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee

M

Southwick Inn: Open mic hosted

by Steve Piper of Roadhouse Band.

479 College Highway, Southwick The Still: Drink specials. 63 Springfield St., Agawam West Springfield Fish and Game Club: CD jukebox, pool table. 329 Garden St., Feeding Hills Whip City Brew: DJ with dance.

287 Elm St., Westfield

FRIDAY Delaney House: Floyd Patterson. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Craig Conant. 1 MGM Way, Springfield Shaker Farms Country Club: Tom Savoy. 866 Shaker Road, Westfield The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow Theodores’: Sweet Daddy Cool Breeze. 201 Worthington St., Springfield West Springfield Fish and Game Club: CD jukebox, pool table. 329 Garden St., Feeding Hills West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: My Alibi. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield

SATURDAY Delaney House: Freddie Marion. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Craig Conant. 1 MGM Way, Springfield The Drake: NRBQ with Lux Deluxe. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: The Healys and Barney McElhone. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield Whip City Brew: DJ with dance.

287 Elm St., Westfield

SUNDAY Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee

The Drake: NRBQ with Lux Deluxe. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst

HOLYOKE

Enter the New Year with Enter the Haggis

By Keith O’Connor

at the door or $70 for both shows. Showtime is 8 p.m.

New Year’s Eve in HolyTickets for New Year’s Eve are oke will be celebrated for $45 in advance and $55 at the two nights on Saturday and door, or $70 for both shows.

Sunday at Gateway City Arts, Showtime is 8:30 p.m. Food where revelers can enjoy a will be available in The Bistro meal then later listen to the from 6-9 p.m. for both shows. enigmatic sounds of Toronto’s There are also package deal Celtic rock band Enter the options that include a prix-fixe Haggis. dinner at Judd’s Restaurant.

“When I started to produce For more information and shows for Gateway City Arts tickets, visit gatewaycityarts. beginning last year, one of the com. first things I thought about A favorite at festivals and was New Year’s Eve and how performing arts centers Enter the Haggis had been a across the United States and tradition for New Year’s Eve at Canada, Toronto’s Enter The the Iron Horse. I thought that Haggis for over two decades it would be a great opportuhas combined bagpipes and nity to build a new tradition fiddles with a rock rhythm with them here in Holyoke,” section to create a distincsaid Neal Robinson, talent tively eclectic sound. Their buyer and operations manag- songs offer singalong meloer for Gateway City Arts. dies and deep, meaningful “Enter the Haggis will perlyrics which tell the stories form in two different rooms of everyday hard-working over their two days at Gatepeople, often faced with way City Arts. Our Music Hall seemingly insurmountable on Saturday is a bigger venue challenges. Signature songs that lends itself to dancing like “One Last Drink,” along with a more high-en“Gasoline,” “Down With The ergy show. Their New Year’s Ship” and “Lancaster Gate” Eve performance will be in have had millions of plays on the Divine Theater, which is streaming services, appeared an intimate setting with more in Hollywood movies, and seating and is better suited have been performed and for an acoustic evening with recorded by artists around them,” he added. the world.

Tickets for Saturday’s show Band members include SEE HAGGIS, PAGE E7 are $32 in advance and $42 Special to The Republican

George Lenker Live Wire

and Yo La Tengo, among others.

Local favorites LuxDeluxe opens the show with their very danceable rock/pop.

The Drake is at 44 North Pleasant St. Looking for more of a formal dinner with music sort of affair? Maybe The Delaney House in Holyoke fits the bill. The event runs from 6:30-9:30, with music

by Made Men. Go to Delaney house.com for reservations.

If you’re looking for some pre-party festivities, O’Connell’s Irish Pub in Chicopee will feature the music of Livio Gravini starting at 6 p.m.

In Ludlow, the Polish-American Citizen Club will feature The Skid Marks starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are

SEE LIVEWIRE, PAGE E6

People. Plant. Purpose.

LARGEST SELECTION OF:

Two-time Award Winning Dispensary

3194079-01

MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Craig Conant. 1 MGM Way, Springfield

Enter the Haggis will play two shows to ring in the New Year at Gateway City Arts in Holyoke.

AYBE HOLIDAY shopping, family get-togethers and other seasonal celebrations caused you to forget about the changing of the calendar. But now you are looking for some last-minute New Year’s Eve plans.

We’ve got you covered. Below are a few parties up and down the Pioneer Valley that you might want to consider: The Deck in Northampton will provide an early start for those who aren’t night owls. The venue opens at 2 p.m., with live music by Wyld Stallyns from 4-7 p.m. The Deck’s elevated area is also a great place to watch the city fireworks at 6:30 p.m.

While the venue will close at 8 p.m., those wishing to continue the party can simply slide into the adjoining Tunnel Bar, or the complex’s new restaurant, The Notch 8 Grille. The Platform is at 125 Pleasant St. Over in Amherst, longtime rockers NRBQ will ring in the New Year at The Drake.

While the band needs little introduction to many area folks, their songs have been covered by the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Los Lobos, Dave Edmunds, Widespread Panic

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023 | E5

SPRINGFIELD

Carrying on the legacy of Fleetwood Mac

By Cori Urban

improv alive.”

Tusk’s shows incorporate Tusk, a Fleetwood Mac trib- “a lot of energy, engage the ute band, has been together crowd and (help them) forget for almost 16 years, and in their troubles for a couple of that time the band’s chemishours,” added band member try, synergy and intuition have Scott McDonald, who perbeen credited with setting the forms as Lindsey Buckingham group apart from other Fleet- on guitar and vocals. wood Mac tribute artists.

Tusk will perform on New “We meld our creativity,” Year’s Eve, Dec., 31, at 9 p.m. said Kathy Phillips, who at MGM Springfield’s ARIA portrays singer Stevie Nicks Ballroom. in the tribute band. “We want Fleetwood Mac was a British to keep (the original) spirit of blues band that became a Special to The Republican

popular Anglo-American poprock group; its 1977 album, Rumours, was one of the biggest-selling albums of all time.

The tribute band, Tusk, formed after a mutual friend in the New Jersey music scene suggested the five musicians that now comprise the band could create a realistic tribute to Fleetwood Mac. “It was kind of a whim,” Phillips said in a telephone interview

SEE TUSK, PAGE E7

Tusk, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, will play MGM Springfield on New Year’s Eve. (COURTESY PHOTO)

New Year CONTINUES FROM PAGE E3

Studio, Original Cowards, Green Street Brew, Yo-Yo Guy, Rocking Puppies and more.

Evening entertainment for grown-ups includes Valley Jazz Voices, The Gaslight Tinkers, Klezamir, The Northamptones, The Mitchells, Padded Waltz, Lexi Weege & JJ Slater Big Band, THISTLE, Pangeans, Zachary Bartolomei Quartet, Peter Blanchette: Archguitar and Friends, Taproots, NCMC Pride Chorus, Ian St. George Band, Joey Peace, and others.

For a list of numerous family performers and adult options during the evening, visit FirstNightNorthampton. org.

A single pin opens the doors to all event at every venue.

They are on sale at many locations throughout Western Massachusetts listed on the FirstNightNorthampton. org website or they can be purchased online, then picked up on Saturday at First Night headquarters at Thornes Marketplace, open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. New this year, tickets can be purchased online and picked up at Cedar Chest before Dec. 31.

Adult pre-sale pins are $16 good all day and evening until Dec. 30, then available

on Dec. 31 for $20. The price is $10 for seniors age 65 and older with proof of age. Pins for kids at $8 for those ages 2 to 10 can be purchased anytime. Kids under 2 are free. There is also a day-only button for adults priced at $10 which is good until 6 p.m. and can be purchased anytime.

One-hundred percent of proceeds benefit community arts.

There will be free on-street parking during First Night and at all of Northampton’s municipal lots, except at the downtown parking garage.

Smith College parking lots and the Smith College garage on West Street are complimentary and open to the general public. There are also lots at Forbes Library, the Northampton Senior Center, and the Northampton Community Arts Trust at 33 Hawley Street.

The focus on younger New Year’s Eve celebrants continues at Heritage State Park in Holyoke at the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round and Children’s Museum.

The annual celebration to ring in the new year begins early at 10 a.m. and runs through 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 each or $35 for a family four-pack and are available online only through Dec. 28 at Holyokemerrygoround.org/tickets, then at the door They include unlimited

rides on the historic carousel and admission to the Children’s Museum.

There will be live entertainment and an advance ball drop on the evening tradition set for 12:50 p.m. in the afternoon.

MGM Springfield will ring in the New Year on Sunday with a night filled with music, dance and good eats that they are calling “Gold Dusk Disco.”

Fleetwood Mac may never tour again, so fans of the enigmatic group can see and hear the next best thing, TUSK, the ultimate Fleetwood Mac tribute band that has been playing around the United States since 2008. Showtime is 9 p.m. at Aria Ballroom at the casino. Tickets from $43 to $53 are available at mgmspringfield.com.

After the concert, revelers can boogie over to the Bellagio Ballroom where DJ Nicki Nell will spin music to dance to from 10:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. The event is free, but only for those 21 and older.

If you want to end 2023 with a good laugh, comedian Craig Conant, the standout “Unrepped New Face” at the prestigious Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, will help you chuckle your way into the new year

at ROAR Comedy Club at 8 p.m. Tickets are available on the MGM Springfield website.

Commonwealth Bar and Lounge is throwing a party with a full night of live music featuring Fever and DJ WhyNot. Reservations are recommended on the MGM Springfield website.

If loud music is not your thing, then partygoers can head to TAP Bowling where they can reserve a package

that includes lane availability from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., three appetizers from the TAP Bar and Lounge menu, and a champagne toast at midnight. The package serves up to four people.

Reserve your spot by calling 413-273-5410.

And, for some good eats at MGM Springfield, Chandler Steakhouse will be open featuring live music from Kyle Langlois, as well as Costa and TAP Sports Bar.

at the Springfield Museums

FINAL WEEKS! Closes January 14

ART • HISTORY • SCIENCE • SEUSS IN SPRINGFIELD

SpringfieldMuseums.org/holiday •

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E6 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

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DINE & WINE

E

Predicting 2024 restaurant trends

VERY DECEMBER about this time, those who write about the restaurant business put cursor to screen and identify the trends they believe will impact the that scene in the months to come. This year is no different, with each of the major food service media outlets dedicating plenty of space to “best guesses” as to what 2024 will bring.

Many of those predictions focus on the financial, attempting to make sense of the likely impact of uncertain economic conditions and menu price inflation on future levels of business. With menu prices increasing at a faster clip than the overall rate of inflation, many commentators seen a decline in dining out visit activity in the months ahead, with customers “trading down” when they do go out.

With the labor market still tight, most of those speculating about 2024 see continued growth in technology solutions, whether they be AI-powered restaurant management systems, automated

and melted cheese, especially in dishes inspired by raclette and the Greek specialty known as halloumi.

When it comes to the bar scene, “low proof ” and “bitter” are most often cited as the cocktail watchwords of 2024.

Hugh Robert

Side Dishes • Starbucks is using the Peppermint Chocolate Cream ordering kiosks, or even “huCold Foam it introduced man-free” kitchens. earlier this fall as a part of a An example of the latter is new holiday season espresso CaliExpress, a fully automatdrink, the Merry Mint White ed burger restaurant develMocha. oped by Pasadena-based Miso Flavored with white chocoRobotics, the company that late sauce and blended with designed Flippy the mechanimilk and ice, the drink is cal fry cook, along with severtopped with the aforemenal other technology partners. Starbucks is using its Peppermint Chocolate Cream Cold Foam tioned cold foam and garCaliExpress prepares and as part of a new holiday season espresso drink, the Merry Mint nished with chocolate curls. sells fresh-ground premium Suggested price for a Merry White Mocha. (COURTESY STARBUCKS) burgers, with only one human Mint White Mocha is $8.50 employee needed on-site to for the “grande” size. run the operation. firm, has gone so far as to des- rowed from various cuisines When it comes to restaurant ignate the year ahead as “the from around the world.

• Champney’s Restaumenu offerings, tomato is the Year of the Tomato,” predictOther ingredients gaining rant & Tavern at the Deeringredient that most often ing the familiar vegetable will favorable mention in the prog- field Inn is hosting a special garners mention in 2024 turn up in desserts, jams, and nostication sweepstakes are New Year’s Eve celebration forecasts. Technomic, a major fermented products as well in buckwheat, thanks to its nutty for the under-12 set.

SEE MENU, PAGE E9 restaurant-industry research tomato-based dishes borflavor and gluten-free status, Off The Menu

LiveWire

Rock Voices is the area’s only community rock choir, singing music by popular CONTINUES FROM PAGE E4 artists with their own unique $20 in advance and $25 at style. There are currently 150 the door. The music starts members and the group will at 8 p.m. and a champagne be backed by a full band for toast and pastries are includ- this show. ed in the price of admission.

Northampton High School The venue is at 355 East St. is at 380 Elm St. Whatever your plans, • Field Day, the summer please have a happy and safe music festival in Northampcelebration. ton, just announced the lineup for 2024.

Liner notes The festival, which will • It’s always great when expand to multiple days, will good music joins forces with be held at the Three County a good cause.

Fairgrounds from May 31 to Such an occasion will help June 2. This year acts will kick off 2024, as Rock Voic- include Indigo De Souza, es will perform at Northamp- Nation of Language, DEHD, ton High School and will Geese, Butcher Brown, Sheer donate the proceeds of the Mag, The Heavy Heavy, NTH event’s raffle to Grow Food Power, This Love, Cooper Northampton. The show is B Handy, Sun Parade, and on Jan. 6 at 7 p.m.

Prewn, among others.

TUESDAY

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Haggis

Tusk

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E4

founder Craig Downie on vocals, bagpipes, harmonica, guitar, keyboard, tin whistle and trumpet; Brian Buchanan on vocals, fiddle, keyboard, guitar, mandolin and accordion; Trevor Lewington on vocals, guitar, octave mandolin and keyboard; Role Baldino on fiddle; Caroline Browning on bass guitar; and Tom Baracco on drums.

During performances, Enter The Haggis shares the stories behind their songs and laugh through tour anecdotes. Their show often features unpredictable and spontaneous moments. One song might feature Brian Buchanan and Rose Baldino trading fiery fiddle lines, while the next song highlights Craig Downie taking a trumpet solo or ripping through a bagpipe reel. Sometimes during an encore, the band will leave the stage entirely to perform acoustically standing on chairs in the audience.

Enter The Haggis has appeared on “Live with Regis and Kelly” and “A&E’s Breakfast with The Arts,” and was the feature of an hour-long PBS concert special. The band’s legions of die-hard fans (the self-described “Haggis Heads”) have crowdfunded the last five Enter the Haggis albums, helping to propel their releases to the top of Folk Radio and Billboard Heatseekers charts.

Buchanan took a few moments from the band’s busy performance schedule to answer several questions for The Republican.

Enter the Haggis plays Syracuse Irish Fest in this file photo.

(CHARLIE MILLER / CMILLER@SYRACUSE.COM)

shows, and we’ll definitely crank up the amps and make our appearance on December 30 a full-blast rock show.

The following night, which happens to be New Year’s Eve, we’ll be in the smaller Divine Theater - an intimate seated venue designed for more dynamic shows. We’re fortunate to have almost a dozen studio albums under our belts at this point, which affords us the luxury of crafting setlists that suit the stages we play on. If you’re more interested in some of our more acoustic-oriented music, there are just a handful of tickets left for the New Year’s Eve performance.

Q.

You have played Northampton before on New Year’s Eve, what is it like performing on that special night?

A.

I believe this will be our 15th time ringing in the New Year in Western Massachusetts. That means I’ve spent two-thirds of You have two very dif- my adult New Year’s Eves ferent shows planned for in the Northampton area.

Gateway City Arts. What We’ve had some incredible will they be like? experiences, from debuting brand-new songs that have since become favorites, to One of the more inplaying covers that inspired teresting and challenging (misguided) crowd surfing at parts of playing with Enter the Iron Horse. Our guitarist the Haggis is the way the Trevor (Lewington) actually nature of our venues can proposed to his now-wife in change drastically from the green room at the Iron night to night. Race Street Horse on New Year’s Eve is a big, raucous rock venue — and the fact that she said designed for standing-room yes in that environment is

Q. A.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023 | E7

proof that they’ll be together forever.

Q.

What is it like performing with your wife, Rose Baldino, on stage?

A.

I’m pretty sure she planted this question just to test me. It’s been amazing having her along for the ride.

Having an extra fiddle player has enabled us to rework some of our older material, and to play some songs live that we were never able to pull off properly in the past.

She and Caroline (Browning) are also both great singers, which means there are times where we have five-part harmonies going on - definitely not something we could have imagined even five years ago.

Q. What does the band

have planned in 2024?

A.

We’re hosting our second annual Camp Haggis in Fairlee, Vermont, in January. We’ve booked an entire resort on a lake in the mountains, and we’re inviting about 200 friends and fans to come hang with us for a whole weekend, full of shows, activities, workshops and movie screenings. We’re crossing our fingers that the lake will be frozen this year, so that we can also enjoy skating the 4.5 mile loop on Lake Morey. There are still a handful of rooms available, and anyone who is interested in joining us can learn more at www.camphaggis.com.

“We are good CONTINUES FROM PAGE E5 friends, the from New Jersey. “We all original five. love Fleetwood Mac, and it really just works.”

Over time you They settled on the name “Tusk” after Fleetwood develop an Mac’s 1979 Tusk album. “We were looking for something intuition with short and easily identifiable … something punchy,” Mcthe people Donald said in a phone call from Pennsylvania. you perform The time, trust and close friendship the band memwith. And we bers have cultivated to form an intimate familiarity laugh a lot.” with one another’s musical nuances shapes each performance. “We are good friends, the original five.

Over time you develop an intuition with the people you perform with. And we laugh a lot,” McDonald said. “Our happiness, joy and creativity have allowed us to meld. We’re always looking to improve, and there are no egos. We’re team players. We succeed as a collective.”

When Tusk performs in Springfield, audience members can expect the band to “knock out all the hits” of Fleetwood Mac like Go Your Own Way, Don’t Stop, Dreams and You Make

SCOTT MCDONALD, OF TUSK

Loving Fun. McDonald said the members of Tusk are indebted to Fleetwood Mac and are trying to “keep their spirit alive. We know their music means a lot to people.”

Tusk celebrates Fleetwood Mac’s legacy that continues to endure over 50 years of musical and cultural evolution.

“Music evokes emotion,” Phillips said. “And that’s good to see.”

For more information about Tusk’s show in Springfield, go to MGMSpringfield.com.

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DINE & WINE

2023 an up-and-down year for craft beer

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to buy great wine.

W

E ARE JUST days from 2024, so let’s review 2023, with most of the following data courtesy of the Brewers Association, a nonprofit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers.

It would appear that the past year was a mixed bag for craft brewing. While year-end final numbers are not quite available yet, indicators point to production being down in 2023, which would be the first time (not counting the COVID-flattened 2020 that independent brewers have seen such a decline).

Craft beer also saw an ongoing shrinkage of market share in the alcoholic beverage category. The BA attributes this decline to several factors, including pricing, demographics, and marketing/branding.

Bart Watson, chief economist for the Brewers Association, still put a positive spin on the middling news.

“While many individual businesses are struggling, there is good news in the continued overall popularity of the category. Yes, things are more challenging, but independent brewers still sell more than one out of eight beers in the United States; beer drinkers spend roughly one out of four of their beer dollars on a beer from a small and independent brewer; and the industry remains a source of jobs and community across the country,” he said in a statement.

Two obvious factors reared their heads again, helping to muddy the craft beer pool: supply chain issues and climate change factors. While the supply chain problems were somewhat mitigated compared to the previous few years, climate change caused persisting disruptions that challenged brewers throughout the year.

Environmental factors

George Lenker Beer Nut

affected two of brewing’s main ingredients: barley and hops. The 2023 North American barley harvest was larger than in 2022, but it still lagged below the five-year average. Barley was affected by below-average precipitation and higher temperatures than normal in Canadian prairie provinces and parts of Montana.

While hops weren’t quite as disrupted in the U.S., European hop varieties production was down. Like most of the year’s benchmarks, it was one step forward, one step back.

One piece of proposed legislation, however, would signify a great leap for craft brewing: the United States Postal Service Shipping Equity Act. This bill looks to give the USPS the same ability as private carriers to ship alcohol in states where it is legal to do so.

“While the Brewers Association, along with state guilds, will continue to fight for additional market access in areas such as direct-to-consumer shipping, many of craft’s current challenges will require new strategies to reach new and existing customers in new occasions with new flavors and innovations,” Watson said. “To grow in 2024, small brewers can work to take share within the same pie or grow the pie in new ways.”

This makes the legislation beneficial to breweries, consumers and the postal service.

That sounds like a win-winwin to me.

Five of the wines included in this year’s Top 10 Wines Under $10 list. (PHOTO BY KEN ROSS)

Top 10 wines under $10 for 2023

Y

OU DON’T HAVE to spend a lot of money to buy great wine.

That single line sums up one of the biggest reasons why I first wanted to write this weekly wine column.

A little over 11 years later, I can’t thank the newspaper enough for agreeing to my suggestion and for allowing me to continue to write this labor of love each week.

And one of my favorite wine columns I look forward to writing each year is this one about the top 10 wines under $10.

But this annual article — and many other wine columns I write throughout the year — isn’t just about offering a few suggestions.

It’s about hopefully changing people’s minds about wine in general.

Wine doesn’t have to be a treat saved for special occasions. You can easily enjoy a great, affordable bottle of wine anytime.

In fact, some really great wines don’t even come in a bottle. One of the wines on this year’s top 10 list comes in a box. Another wine on the

wine tops this year’s list, which also includes five red wines (two from France and one each from Argentina, Italy, Portugal), three more white wines (from New Zealand, California and Washington) and one Spanish sparkling wine.

Let me add that I also included a link to my other Ken Ross top 10 columns in years past Wine Press (along with my top choice each year) in case you’re looklist comes in a can. ing for other affordable wine So without further ado, let’s suggestions. get to this year’s top 10 wines Hope you enjoy and looking under $10. Let me add that forward to sharing more great all of these wines were purwines with you every week chased within the past year in next year.

Massachusetts.

A few of these wines might be familiar to regular readers 2021 Chateau Roc De as well. But there are many Segur ($10.99 at Table & new ones on this year’s list, Vine in West Springfield) including this year’s number (French, red wine) one wine for under $10.

Let’s kick things off with In years past, that top honor a delicious red wine from has covered a wide range of France’s Bordeaux region. wines, including five French Made with a blend of caberwines, two from Italy and one net sauvignon, cabernet franc each from Spain, Portugal and merlot grapes, this wonand Argentina. Nine of those derful wine has a soft, subtle, 10 wines were red wines. The velvet-like flavor and aroma, other one was a white wine. including hints of blackberry, SEE ROSS, PAGE E9 This year, a French white

10.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023 | E9

• The Skyline Beer Company in Westfield will be hosting a Winter Whisk(e)y Dinner on Jan. 14, starting at 5:30 p.m.

The four course dinner will have a specially selected whis• The Delaney House in • Bond 124 in Somers is key paired with each course.

Holyoke will be hosting a New holding its seventh annual Jay Cole, the “Whisky Pirate” Year’s Day Brunch on Jan. 1, New Year’s Day Brunch Buffet will be providing commen2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2024. tary.

The event’s breakfast staThe buffet, which will Tickets for the dinner will tion will be featuring all the include hand-carved meats, be $60 plus tax and gratuity; traditional breakfast favorites; made-to-order waffles and they can be ordered online. chef ’s entrees for the brunch omelets, and a host of other Skyline Beer answers at 413are to include grilled chicken dishes, will be served from 10 378-3333. teriyaki, bistro sirloin, baked a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Adults will scrod, and broccoli alfredo. A received a complementary • Coffee-and-sandwich gicarving station stocked with Bellini or Mimosa with their ant Dunkin’ is bringing back roast turkey and honey glazed meal. its Pink Velvet Macchiato, a ham will be available as well.

Reservations for the brunch layered espresso drink that An ice cream sundae bar are required; they can be features red velvet cake and will be the featured dessert made by calling 860-698cream cheese icing flavors, as option.

6011. part of a new seasonal menu.

The post-holiday lineup includes a new Frosty Red Velvet Specialty donut. The confection is based on a red velvet-flavored donut topped with vanilla icing and cream cheese-flavored sprinkles.

A new hot beverage, White Hazelnut Bark Coffee, is also available post-holiday.

Infused with white chocolate and hazelnut flavorings, the new coffee variety will be available either hot or iced.

Among the savory offerings in this winter’s lineup is the Pancake Wake-up Wrap, a warm pancake wrapped around egg, cheese, and either bacon or sausage. The Pancake Wrap is joined by the return of sweet black pepper bacon, which can be enjoyed

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Menu CONTINUES FROM PAGE E6

On Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve day, the restaurant will be hosting a Kids’ Count Down to Noon. The event, which will begin at 11:30 a.m. and wrap up around 1 p.m., features live music by Tom Carroll and Laurie Davidson as part of the fun. There also will be a countdown to noon, complete with a cider toast.

Champney’s will have its full kids’ menu as well as its regular lunch menu available.

Reservations for the celebration are suggested, and they can be made by calling 413774-5587.

On New Year’s Day Champney’s will be offering a full

breakfast menu from 7-10 a.m. and a full lunch menu from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Live music by Ron Smith & The G Notes will be featured from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Ross

The brunch is $38.95 for adults and $20 for children 10 and younger.

Reservations can be made online, and the restaurant answers at 413-532-1800.

year. (And if you’re looking for more sparkling wine suggestions, I wrote about a bunch of CONTINUES FROM PAGE E8 them a few weeks ago.) What almonds and plums. This I love about this affordable great wine proves there are Cava (which is a type of sparmany great bargains to be kling wine that can only come found in Bordeaux, which you from Spain) is its crisp, dry, can read more about in a few refreshing, nutty finish. weeks as well.

zo region in central Italy was easily my favorite wine. Made with montepulciano grapes, this hearty, meaty wine’s a steal at roughly $6.25 a bottle.

Its dry, flinty flavors include hints of cherry, toasted almonds and dark chocolate.

9. 2021 Domaine

Coast Sauvignon Blanc ($9.99 at Table & Vine) (California, white wine) I recently came across this easy-drinking white wine from California’s central coast. If you want something a little more mellow than a zesty New Zealand sauvignon blanc, give this outstanding wine a try. Flavors include hints of lemon, sea salt and just a dash of fresh-cut grass along with a slight tartness.

Again, all these flavors are soft, subtle and delicate.

7. 2022 Matua Sauvignon

Blanc ($10.99 at Table & Bousquet Malbec ($9.99 at Vine) Table & Vine) (New Zealand, white wine) (Argentina, red wine) New Zealand makes very I wrote a few months ago distinct sauvignon blanc about great wines from wines. The flavors are often Argentina other than malbec. crisp, slightly tart and have But there’s no denying that a flavor that can only be some of the best malbecs described as fresh cut grass. in the world come from this Not everyone loves such mountainous South Ameriflavors. But if you’re a big fan can country. This particular like me, I think you’ll love this wine comes from one of my outstanding, affordable white favorite Argentinian wineries. wine. The refreshing flavors Made with organic grapes, include grapefruit, green apthis hearty red wine has bold, ple and yes, fresh-cut grass. vibrant flavors, including ripe blackberries and black pepper.

A terrific red wine for a cold 2020 Mise Montepulwinter night. ciano ($24.99 for 3 liter box at Provisions in Northampton) Segura Viudas Brut (Italy, red wine) Cava ($9.99 at Table & Box wines often get a bad Vine) rap. But it’s just a box. It (Spain, sparkling wine) doesn’t affect how a wine This is my go-to dry spartastes. If anything, wine in kling wine — because you nev- a box tastes fresher longer. er know when you’re going to And when I tasted several box have to pop open a bottle of wines earlier this year, this bubbly, especially this time of superb wine from the Abruz-

6.

8.

5. 2022 Seaglass Central

grenache, syrah and mourvedre grapes (the holy trinity for many southern Rhone red wines), this enchanting red blend from France’s Languedoc region has wonderful, soft, rounded flavors, including plum, blackberry and toasted almonds.

3. 2018 Colossal Reserva

Casa Santos Lima ($9.99 at Table & Vine) (Portugal, red wine) My favorite wine of the year in 2018 remains one of my favorite, affordable wines under $10. Made with a blend of syrah, touriga nacional, alicante bouschet and tinta roriz grapes, this charming, robust red wine bursts with flavors that last at least a minute after each sip.

Those flavors include roasted blackberries and raspberries. Highly recommend.

SEE MENU, PAGE E12

grapes and featuring no-frills packaging, this refreshing white wine has a crisp, mineral-like finish with hints of lemon and sea salt. In a way, this chardonnay reminds me of ones from Macon in the southern part of Burgundy in France. An absolutely delicious wine that just happens to come in a can.

1. 2022 Le Petit Balthaz-

ar ($8.99 at Table & Vine) (French, white wine) And now, I’ve saved the best for last. In a recent tasting of wines under $10, this outstanding gem stood out like the North Star.

Made with a blend of equal parts viognier and sauvignon blanc, this beautiful, delightful wine has a lot of character and personality without being overwhelming. Slightly tart and crisp, the flavors include hints of 2019 Ninety Plus Cellemon, melon, sea salt and lars French Fusion ($9.99 at House Wine Chardon- green apple. My wife and I Table & Vine) nay ($4.99 for 375 ml can kept returning to this wine (French, red wine) at Table & Vine) throughout our tasting. And Ninety Plus Cellars makes (Washington, white wine) each time, this wine was my a wide range of delicious, afWine in a can has come favorite one, hands down. fordable wines, which often a long way from the super Hope you enjoy this wine cost less than $10 a bottle. I sweet wine spritzers many just as much too. could have easily included of us remember from years Cheers! three or four Ninety Plus ago. This particular one Wine Press by Ken Ross Cellars’ wines on this list. from Walla Walla, Washing- appears on Masslive.com every But if I had to pick just one, ton was one of my favorite Monday and in The Repubthis is my personal favorite. discoveries this past sumlican’s Weekend section every Made with a classic blend of mer. Made with chardonnay Thursday.

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CALENDAR exhibit) present self-trained New England artists living or deceased who work outside the academic tradition. For more information, visit neva-museum.org, email vision@neva-museum.org, or call 413-588-4337. The best leastknown gallery in the Pioneer Valley, featuring free public receptions on the second Fri. of the month from 5-8 p.m. For more information, email artists@anchorhouseartists. org, go online to anchorhouseartists.org, or call 413-588-4337. 518 Pleasant St., Northampton

THURSDAY Bright Nights at Forest Park: Thu.-Sun., Forest Park, through Jan. 1. Hours: Sun.-Thu., 5-9 p.m.; Fri., Sat., holidays, 5-10 p.m. Admission: $23 per car; $35 limos; $80 mini buses (seating capacity 17-31); $175 buses (seating capacity 31+); $23 campers with seating capacity of less than 17. Tickets must be purchased in advance; visit brightnights.org, Sumner Avenue, Springfield.

The Ice Rink at MGM: Thu.-Sun., MGM Springfield. Hours: Wed.Thu., 4-10 p.m.; Fri., 1-10 p.m.; Sat., 1-10 p.m.; Sun., noon-10 p.m.; New Year’s Day, noon-10 p.m. Closed Mon.-Tues. Skate rental $7. Visit https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/ ice-rink.html for more information.

1 MGM Way, Springfield.

Puppetry Percolator Workshop Series: Thu., 5-8 p.m., LAVA Center, this is an informal exploration of the worldwide art of puppetry.

Drop in to examine puppetry’s history and evolution as an art, play with different forms, and workshop simple puppets and performances.

This series is appropriate for teens and adults, 324 Main St., Greenfield.

FRIDAY Bright Nights at Forest Park: See Thursday listing The Ice Rink at MGM: See Thursday listing

SATURDAY Bright Nights at Forest Park: See Thursday listing The Ice Rink at MGM: See Thursday listing

SUNDAY Bright Nights at Forest Park: See Thursday listing First Night Junior: Sun., 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Holyoke Heritage State Park, featuring unlimited merry-goround rides, Children’s Museum admission, and live entertainment.

Ball drop is at 12:50 p.m. Tickets available online only at holyokemerrygoround.org/tickets, $10 each, $35 family 4-pack. 221 Appleton St., Holyoke, 413-534-1723.

First Night Northampton 2024: Sun., noon-midnight, 12 hours of live entertainment throughout downtown Northampton. Adult pre-sale buttons are priced at $16 until Dec. 30. Adult buttons are priced at $20 on Dec.31. Kids, senior, and adult day-only buttons

Children’s Museum at Holyoke: Permanent Exhibit: Amazing world of learning and play includes the Wiggle and Wash/Vet Clinic, a toddler merry-go-round, and a STEM-based cash register for kids.

Hours: Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m. Closed Mon. In the event of severe weather conditions, check Facebook or Instagram, or local TV Station 22 for closures. Admission: Children & adults $8; seniors (62+) Children enjoy ice skating on the ice rink at MGM Springfield’s plaza, which is open on New $5; children under 1 and memYear’s Day. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN) bers free. First Night Junior: Dec. 31, Holyoke Heritage State Park will once again be hosting their / Latinos in Springfield Past and in activities that encourage teamare priced equally regardless of annual kid-friendly New Year’s Eve purchase date. The following prices Present,” through March 3. Perma- work and creative thinking, with celebration. The event runs from nent exhibit: More than two dozen interactive three-dimensional exapply to buttons purchased at 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., and admission Indian motorcycles and related hibits. Second floor contains Geidesignated First Night Northampmemorabilia. sel’s personal memorabilia. Timed includes entrance to the Children’s ton buttons outlets and online.

Museum, Volleyball Hall of Fame, tickets required. For reservations, Visit firstnightnorthampton.

Michele and Donald D’Amour unlimited Merry-Go-Round rides, visit springfieldmuseums.org. org to purchase buttons and for Museum of Fine Arts: “A Gathand entertainment. Tickets are more information, Main Street, Quadrangle admission — $25 for ering: Works from Contemporary available online at holyokemerNorthampton. adults, $16.50 for seniors (60+) and Black American Ceramic Artists,” college students with ID, $13 for chil- rygoround.org/tickets and will through March 31. “Artifice: New The Ice Rink at MGM: See Thursdren ages 3-17; free to children under be available the day of the event Paintings” by Priya N. Green, day listing at the Merry-Go-Round and at the age 3 and members, Springfield through Dec. 31.

“As They Saw Sunday Worship Service: Sun., 10 Children’s Museum. 444 Dwight residents are free with proof of resiIt: Women Artists Then & Now,” a.m. United Congregational Church dency. Welcome Center and Museum St., Holyoke or childrensmusethrough Jan. 14 in the Wheeler of Holyoke. No matter who you are umholyoke.org. store. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. Gallery. or where you are on life’s journey, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Connecticut Trolley Museum: you are welcome. Arrive 15 minutes Springfield Science Museum: Museum is open during school “Gingerbread: In the Land of early to join in for a “hymn sing,” vacation break Dec. 26-30; be sure Sugar & Seuss.” Through Dec. 31. followed by fellowship, conversato dress warm and bring blankets.

Second FloorChanging Exhibits tion, coffee and snacks. 300 ApplePurchase tickets at cttrolley.org.

Gallery. Step into the pages of a Dr. ton St., Holyoke, 413-532-1483 or Seuss book in this whimsical and uccholyoke.org.

Amelia Park Children’s Museum: $16-$21 per person and tickets must be purchased in advance. clever holiday gingerbread exhibit.

Permanent exhibit: Hands-on Tusk, Fleetwood Mac Tribute: 58 North Road, East Windsor or Classic stories and characters activities and creative exhibits, Sun., 9 p.m., MGM Springfield, cttrolley.org. created out of flour, sugar, and including the Hurricane Simulator.

Aria Ballroom. For tickets, visit East Longmeadow Historical colorful candies are set against a Sign up online for a play session mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.

Commission Museum: Percom/en/entertainment/aria-ball- backdrop of immersive murals and at ameliaparkmuseum.org. Hours: Mon., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Thu.-Sun., 10 manent exhibit: Featured at the room.html, $43, $53. 1 MGM Way, festive decorations. “Ways of My museum are East Longmeadow Ancestors: We are Nipmuc. We are a.m.-3 p.m. Open for groups Tues.

Springfield. artifacts pertaining to the quarries, the Freshwater People,” through and Wed. $8 adults; $8 children local Native Americans, period Feb. 25. “Oh the Things You Can (12 months and older); $4 grandCreate School Vacation Fun,” Dec. parents/seniors (60+); military per- clothing, the railroad system, and 27-29, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free with sonnel and teachers receive a 10% more. Hours: 1-3 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month, Sept.-June, museum admission and takes discount off the price of regular George Walter Vincent Smith weather permitting. New exhibits place throughout the museums. admission; members and infants Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: Permanent exhibit: State-of-thefree. 29 South Broad St., Westfield and events are planned for 2024 “Ancient Treasures,” a display season. All are welcome; admisart Zeiss Projector and updated In- or ameliaparkmuseum.org. of artifacts from ancient China, sion is free. Special tours are availternational Space Station Exhibit. Anchor House of Artists: The Greece, Rome and Egypt. For more The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss New England Visonary Artists Mu- able upon request by contacting information, visit springfield Museum: Permanent exhibit. seum. Always new ways of looking Bruce Moore at 413-525-3072. 87 museums.org.

Maple St., East Longmeadow First-floor exhibition provides opthrough the eyes of artists. Seek-

Museums

Quadrangle

Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum portunities to explore new sounds of Springfield History: “Latinos and vocabulary, play rhyming en Springfield, Presente y Pasado games, invent stories, and engage

Eric Carle Museum of Picture ing curator projects in the 2024 season. Preferred projects (talk and Book Art: Permanent exhibit: SEE CALENDAR, PAGE E11

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Calendar CONTINUES FROM PAGE E10 Gabrielle Healy Carroll Storytime Programs are held Tues. and Fri. 10:30 a.m.; Sat. 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m., free with admission. Museum hours: Weds.-Fri, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, noon-5 p.m. $6, $9, $22.50 for a family of four. 125 West Bay Road, Amherst or carlemuseum.org.

Historic Deerfield: Exhibit: “Garden of Hearts: Madeline Yale Wynne & Deerfield’s Arts and Crafts Movement,” through March 3. 80 Old Main St., Deerfield or historic-deerfield.org.

Historic Northampton Museum and Education: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Wed.-Sun. noon-5 p.m. $5 suggested donation. 46 Bridge St., Northampton or historic-northampton.org.

a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Tues. and Wed. Advance ticket purchase required. $20 adults; $18 seniors, AAA, retired military; $10 college students; free children 18 and under, members, and active military. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or nrm.org.

are required. Visit EmilyDickinsonMuseum.org/Visit to purchase your tickets and for more information. 280 Main St., Amherst

Titanic Museum: Permanent exhibit: exhibits from the collection of the International Titanic Historical Old Sturbridge Village: “For the Society. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 Purpose of Illumination.” Learn how p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $4, $2 New Englanders needed, used, and children and students. 208 Main created artificial lighting methods St., Indian Orchard or titanic1.org. in the 1830s and see first-hand University Museum of Contemartifacts from the era. “Christmas porary Art - Fine Arts Center:

By Candlelight,” through Dec. Dec. Permanent exhibit. The University 30, 2-8 p.m. For more information Museum is open through May 1; or to purchase tickets, visit osv.

Tue–Fri, 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sat-Sun, org. Tickets range $36-$45 adults, noon–4p p.m.; and first Thursdays $18-$20 ages 4-17. Route 20, until 8 p.m. Closed Mondays, holiSturbridge. days, and academic breaks. Check Pan African Historical Museum USA: Permanent exhibit: Exhibitions by local artists. Hours: Tues.Fri., noon-4 p.m. Free. 1500 Main St., Springfield, 413-733-1823.

for snow days at umass.edu/closing/. 151 Presidents Drive, Amherst

Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum: Hat Exhibit, through Dec. Included with regular Polish Center of Discovery and admission to the museum. Hours: Learning: Permanent exhibit: A 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Permanent exhibit: Holyoke Heritage State Park: living monument safeguarding Guided tours of the first and Permanent exhibit: Preserving historical objects representative second floors. Weekdays from the history and culture of Holyoke of the material culture of the 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends through permanent exhibits on Polish people in America. Gallerfrom 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Self-guided the paper and textile industry. Fea- ies include “Coming to America”; tours are on the hour with the last turing a scale model of Mountain “At Home in America”; “Folk Art”; self-guided tour weekdays at 2 Park. Visitor Center open Tues.“History.” The Polish Center is open p.m. and weekends at 3 p.m. Call to Sun., noon-4 p.m. Closed Mondays. to the public daily, Mon.-Fri., 1-5 reserve at 413-637-3206. AdmisCheck website for programs and p.m., except for inclement weather sion is $18 adults, $17 seniors tours at mass.gov/locations/ and holidays. Other times may be (65+), $10 students with ID and $7 holyoke-heritage-state-park. scheduled by appointment. $5 children 5-17, and free for children Free. 221 Appleton St., Holyoke. donation. 33 South St., Chicopee 4 and younger. Marionette Shows: 413-534-1723. or polishcenter.net.

“The Reluctant Dragon,” Dec. 29, Josiah Day House: Permanent 3:30 p.m. Featuring Carl Sprague.

Smith College Museum of Art: exhibit: Featuring guided tours, Children must be accompanied by “Sum of Its Parts: Multi-Panartifacts, furniture, clothing and adults. Reservations are required as el Works on Paper From the documents from 1754-1902. call seating is limited and can be made Collection,” through Jan. 7. Free. for open house schedule and indiPermanent exhibits: “Ancient World by calling 413-637-3206 or online vidual tours. $3, $1 children 6-12, at gildedage.org/events. $20 Gallery, Beyond the Museum: Art free for members. 70 Park St., West on Smith’s Campus.” Hours: Tues.- per person, $10 for children 4-17 Springfield, 413-734-8322. and free for ages 3 and under, 104 Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m., closed Mon. Walker St., Lenox.

Mead Art Museum: Permanent ex- and major holidays. Smith College hibit: Various American and EuroMuseum of Art (SCMA) is free to West Springfield Town Museum: pean paintings, Mexican ceramics, all. Elm Street at Bedford Terrace, Permanent exhibit. The museum Tibetan scroll paintings and more.

Northampton or scma.smith.edu. is open to the public every first Museum hours: Tues.-Thu. and Sat. of the month from 1-3 p.m.

Springfield Armory National HisSun., 9 a.m.-midnight; Fri., 9 a.m.-8 toric Site: Ranger-led interpretive Items on display include hand-built p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 220 programs offered in the museum in models of early town buildings and South Pleasant St., Amherst or other structures, local artifacts and the afternoon. Junior Ranger proamherst.edu. historic items from the Civil War, grams conducted frequently each Mittineague Park and Bear Hole Norman Rockwell Museum: day. Wed.-Sun, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 1 “Norman Rockwell: Winter WonArmory Square, Springfield or nps. area, as well as other local historic items and displays. 55 Altamont derland,” through Feb.25. Family gov/spar.

Ave., West Springfield Activities: Storytime in the “Leo Susan B. Anthony Birthplace MuLionni” Galleries,” Dec. 28, 29, 11 Wistariahurst Museum: Perseum: Permanent exhibit: Daniel a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. During Anthony’s Store, The Legacy Room, manent exhibit: Gardens and December School Break Week, Grounds open daily from dawn The Birthing Room, The Portrait enjoy a reading of favorite tale from Gallery. Winter Hours: Fri.-Sun, 10 to dusk. Carriage House and Gift the collection of Leo Lionni. Free shop open Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-2 a.m.-4 p.m. through May 26. $10 for children. “Between Worlds: p.m. For information about house adults, $8 seniors, $6 students The Art and Design of Leo Lionni,” tours, group tours and upcoming and children 6-17, free for children through May 27. Family activities: under 6 and NARM/NEMA/ROAM events visit wistariahurst.org. $7 Holiday Imagi-Nation: Dec. 28, 29, members. 67 East Road, Adams or Holyoke residents; $5 seniors; $5 11 a.m.-2 p.m. During December youth (under 18); free museum susanbanthonybirthplace.com. school break week, enjoy funmembers, active military and family The Emily Dickinson Museum: filled family art-making activities members. “Victory Theatre WPA Homestead and Evergreens: Perinspired by the holidays and the Murals” exhibition. Through March manent exhibit. Open Wed.-Sun. 10 2024. 238 Cabot St., Holyoke or colorful stories of Leo Lionni, with a.m.5 p.m.

Admission to the muan Imagi-Nation Passport. Free wistariahurst.org. seum is by guided tour, for which for children. Permanent exhibit: Yiddish Book Center: Permanent advance-purchased timed tickets Gallery. Hours: Thu.-Mon., 10

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023 | E11

exhibit, “A Velt mit veltelekh: The Worlds of Jewish Culture.” The center will be open to the public on Thu., Fri., Sun. and Mon. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Shabbos (Saturday) and Jewish and legal holidays. $8 adults, $6 seniors, free for members, students and children. 1021 West St., Amherst or yiddishbookcenter.org.

Galleries A.P.E. Gallery: Permanent exhibit.

Hours: Tues.-Thurs. noon-5 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. noon-8 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m.; 126 Main St., Northampton or apearts.org.

Amherst Town Hall: Photographs

by James Barnhill will be exhibited in the Amherst Town Hall Gallery through Jan.31. Free admission, amherstma.gov/art. 4 Boltwood Ave., Amherst Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Tues.-Fri. 12:30-4:30 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. First floor of building 28. 1 Armory Square, Springfield, 413-755-5258.

Eastworks: Robert Floyd Gallery Presents “Color and Light: MY New York” by Patricia Crutchfield, through Dec. 29. 116 Pleasant St.Suite 102, Easthampton Forbes Library: Paintings and Mixed Media Showing, through Dec. 29. Exhibits by Cynthia Chamberland, Debra Hoyle, Gillian Haven. 20 West St., Northampton or forbeslibrary.org.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. and weekdays by appointment. Call 413-218-7391 for more information. 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield.

Outdoors Great Falls Discovery Center: Great Hall Exhibit: “Junior Duck Stamps,” through Jan. 16. Visit the duck investigation stations in the Great Hall and make your own duck stamp. StoryWalk Series.

Through Jan. 1, “Thanks to the Animals,” by Allen Sockabasin. For young readers ages 6-8 and anyone grateful for wildlife and storytelling.

School Vacation Week: Mammal Adaptations Investigation Station, through Jan. 1. During open hours come learn about local mammals and their unique winter adaptions.

Explore through touchable artifacts, habitat diorama scavenger hunts, and a Bingo game at the welcome desk. For ages 4 and up.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour: Dec. 29, “Ducks.” 10:30-11:30 a.m. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult.

Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting.

Siblings and friends welcome.

Nice and Easy Walks: Dec. 29, 1-2 p.m. Easy-paced 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all.

Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Meet at the main entrance. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls or greatfallsma.org.

Mt. Greylock State Reservation: Visitor Center: Open daily. Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Interpretive exhibits explore the park story through artifacts and displays. Trail maps, hike guidance, 13-minute Indian Orchard Mills Dane Galorientation film, bathrooms, drinklery: All new exhibits every month ing water available. Wheelchair featuring the artists at Indian accessible. Winter Wonderland Orchard Mills. Hours: Sat. noon-4 Activity Day: Dec. 28, 1-3 p.m. For p.m. or by appointment. 34 Front all ages. This event offers winter St., Indian Orchard, 413-543-3321. crafts, scavenger hunts, board Jasper Rand Art Museum: Pergames, and sledding if weather manent exhibit. Hours: Mon.-Thurs. permits. Designed as self-guided 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 8:30 activities but may be led by a Park a.m.-5 p.m. 6 Elm St., Westfield or Interpreter. Bring your own sled westath.org. if you have one. Call for weather updates, 413-499-4262. Animals Sunnyside Road Gallery: Feain Winter. Ongoing, Sun. through turing the work of Carolyn Avery.

April, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For all ages.

Hours: Sat. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by Self-guided activity. explore how calling 413-569-0384. 52 Sunnyanimals and birds adapt to the side Road, Southwick changing seasons. Discover which Taber Art Gallery: “Things animals hibernate, migrate, or Aren’t What They Seem” by Ryan change appearance. Chose a story Patience Rushing, through Dec. book, craft activity, or a take home 29. Gallery hours: Monday through project. Nature Scavenger Hunt.

Friday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. during Ongoing, Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For regular school sessions. 303 children and families. Self-guided Homestead Ave., Holyoke, 413-552adventurous quests invited you to 2614. search for natural treasures along Trinity United Methodist Church: part trails and inside the Visitor Pastels by Alison Johnson, through Center. 30 Rockwell Road, LanesDec. 30. Gallery open Sundays borough Gallery A3 Amherst Art Alliance: “Small Wonders” Holiday Show and Sale, through Dec. 30. Hours: Thurs.-Sun. 2-7 p.m. 28 Amity St., Amherst, 413-256-4250.

E12 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

WEEKEND

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

DVD RELEASES

Cage saddles up in ‘Butcher’s Crossing’ Tribune News Service

A Western featuring Nicolas Cage tops the DVD releases this week.

“Butcher’s Crossing”: A group of buffalo hunters traverse the Colorado frontier in this drama adapted from John Williams’ 1960 novel of the same name.

“As a novel, the coming-ofage story was arguably the first Western to subvert the genre’s morally certain, decades-old formulas,” writes John Wenzel of The Denver Post.

“Williams preceded giants of the revisionist and anti-Western such as Cormac McCarthy (‘No Country for Old Men’) and Larry McMurtry (‘Lonesome Dove’), although his influence is only lately appreciated by critics and readers.

“Williams, who also wrote 1965’s literary masterpiece ‘Stoner,’ invests in the emotional lives of his characters as ‘Butcher’s Crossing’ depicts a thrilling, stomach-churning buffalo hunt.

Harvard dropout — and naive Ralph Waldo Emerson devotee — William Andrews trades Boston for the Kansas frontier in an effort to expand his horizons. There he joins buffalo hunter Miller

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on a Sweet Black Pepper Seasoned Bacon Sandwich or as a “snackin’” side order.

Dunkin’s winter menu will be available through late February.

Nicolas Cage in a scene from “Bucher’s Crossing.” (MICHAEL C. B. STEVENS / BUTCHER’S CROSSING FILM LLC / TNS)

(just one name), whose epic, money-making quest involves finding and skinning a legendary herd of Colorado buffalo to secure his biggest payout yet.

“Like the book, the film — which stars Fred Hechinger (“The White Lotus”) as Andrews, and a fearsome Cage as Miller — is set in the early 1870s when Colorado was still a territory riven by murderous land grabs and precious-metal rushes.”

r a e Y w e Happy N Thank you for all of your continuous support!

Also new on DVD “Hitmen”: A CEO offers a $1 million bounty after his grandson in killed, drawing the interest of the globe’s most prestigious assassins.

made donuts and sourdough bagels remain available as well. Brunch is served every Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The new menu can be viewed online.

For more information, call The Dirty Truth at 413585-5999.

Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College’s hospitality and culinary arts program and has nearly 50 years of restaurant and educational experience.

Robert can be reached online at OffTheMenuGuy@aol. com.

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• The Dirty Truth Beer Hall in Northampton has announced an update to its Saturday brunch menu. That menu has been revised to include Eggs Benedict, a Two Egg Plate, and a Chicken & Waffles combination; house-

We at Frigo’s would like to wish all of our customers a

www.frigofoods.com 90 William Street, Springfield • 732-5428 159 Shaker Rd, East Longmeadow • 525-9400