GLASGOW LANDS
Experience
Scottish culture without leaving WMass Saturday at Look Park
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
You don’t have to be from Scotland to enjoy everything Scottish.
Olysea Bardow, who was born in Belarus and later emigrated to the United States, is just one of the many vendors who will be present at the 30th annual Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival on Saturday at Look Park.
This won’t be her first trip to the festival, either. Years ago, she competed in the Highland Dance competition when the festival was held in Blandford.
Bardow, who uses Olwen Bardow as her pen name, will be selling her book, “The Whispers of the Heather: The Tales of Yore,” which features 12 fairytales exploring the mysteries of the enchanted fairy realm of Celtic folklore.
“Along with my husband, I have traveled to Scotland three
times. I was going through a personal crisis at the time of our first visit, but the minute I stepped into Scotland it felt as if I was in a different world and everything changed for me,” Bardow said.
Her first trip to Scotland is when she was first introduced to Highland dancing. On her second trip, her interest in Celtic folklore was born.
“I became enchanted by the many castles we visited along SEE GLASGOW, PAGE D3
Above, clockwise from top left: Members of the Massachusetts Historical Swordsmanship demonstrate fencing; bass drum players from the Roisin Dubh Irish Pipe Band, based out of Long Island, New York; and a gentleman carries a traditional Scottish Tartan, a piece of woven cloth made up of vertical and horizontal stripes in different colors, at a past Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival. (SOPHIE MARKHAM PHOTOS)
with the history and folklore associated with them and these exciting stories came to mind about Scottish culture and the belief in fairies. I did more research and put my heart and soul into writing the book,” Bardow said.
But Saturday’s festival is not just about vendors. Look Park will come alive with Celtic dancers, Highland pipers and drummers, a clan parade and mass drummers at the opening ceremonies at 11:30 a.m., sheep herding, Scottish dogs and other animals, wool spinners and weavers and lively Celtic music. Festivalgoers can also celebrate their Scottish heritage — real or coveted — with kilt-wearing, tree-tossing at the Highland athletic games, and delighting in plates piled high with scones, shortbread, bridies and meat pies served up in the vendor area.
Last year, there were 38 pipe bands competing at the festival, with over 700 pipers and drummers marching in opening ceremonies — more than any other Scottish festival on the East Coast.
Gates open at 9 a.m. and, while most vendors leave the event around 5 p.m., the festival continues with closing ceremonies at 6 p.m. and entertainment in the Celtic Pub until 8:30 p.m.
“This year is our 30th anni-
versary after holding our first festivals in Blandford, which was founded in 1735 by Scottish Irish settlers. Now, three decades later, we can proudly proclaim that Glasgow Lands is the second-largest Scottish festival in New England and the only one in Massachusetts thanks to the continued support of our sponsors, volunteers and the many attendees who each year come in search of world-class Scottish arts,” said Peter Langmore, longtime festival chair.
Langmore noted the sounds of drums will be more present than ever this year, thanks to the festival’s inaugural Northeast Branch Amateur Drumming Championships. The event will feature all grade levels of amateur snare, tenor, and bass drumming.
“I come from a Scottish background and to me, seeing and hearing the drummers is exciting. Upon entering Look Park and its surrounding woodlands, you will hear the echoes of pipes and drums all day, especially when the 31 massed bands march into the opening and closing ceremonies,” said Diane Peacey, pipe and drum coordinator for the past 10 years.
In addition to the drums and many other sounds of Scotland immersing visitors into its vibrant culture, there will be live music representing the wealth of internationally renowned bands and musicians who make their home in “Alba,” the Scottish Gaelic
name for Scotland.
From 9:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. there will be world-class Celtic music in the Ceilidh tent featuring The Devil’s Brigade, Albannach and Waking Finnegan. Albannach, whose members were born and raised in Scotland, will perform at 1:30 and 3:45 p.m. New Hampshire-based Celtic rock band Waking Finnegan will perform at 10:15 a.m., 12:15 and 2:45 p.m., while the Devil’s Brigade, embracing Celtic rock and world music, will perform at 4:45 and 7 p.m.
You can raise a glass to all the music in the Celtic Pub nearby with local microbrews provided by New City Brewery in Easthampton, who Langmore said “almost always sells out of their special Scottish Ale.” New this year is the availability of wine and mead from Phantom Brewing Company in Greenfield.
For the seasoned drinker, this year’s tasting offers participants — for an additional charge — a whisky trip through Scotland. Hosted by “The Whisky Pirate” Jay Cole and sponsored by ImPex Beverages in partnership with Four Seasons Liquors in Hadley, Cole will discuss flavor differences and distilling techniques from different regions in Scotland.
“This year is our 30th anniversary after holding our first festivals in Blandford, which was founded in 1735 by Scottish Irish settlers.”
PETER LANGMORE, LONGTIME FESTIVAL CHAIR FOR GLASGOW LANDS SCOTTISH FESTIVAL
The highlight of the festival, the Highland Athletic Games, often attracts some 300 watchers each year. The Highland Athletic Games, usually beginning around 9 a.m. with the first event, the Braemer Stone, date back some 900 years to Scottish King Malcom Canmore, who devised the first Scottish Games. The games, open to both men and women, require a combination of strength and
athleticism to participate in stone throwing, weight tossing, hammer-throwing, and caber toss.
“Tossing the caber, perhaps the most traditional of all the competitive games, is what layman folks refer to as tossing a telephone poll. It is actually a large, tapered pole around 17-feet long that is tossed end-over-end flipping into the air,” said Al Wilder,
Above and at right are scenes from a past Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival at Look Park.
Produced and designed by Dolores Kohl Education Foundation Sponsored locally by
NIGHTCLUBS
THURSDAY
Delaney House: Floyd Patterson. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke Northampton Brewery: Bands on Brewster: Hannah Mohan, Stefan Weiner. 11 Brewster Court, Northampton
The Drake: Eilis Kennedy & Peter Blanchette. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst
Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
FRIDAY
Delaney House: Ask Me Now. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke East Mountain Country Club: Union Jack. 1458 East Mountain Rd, Westfield
MGM Springfield: MGM Free Music Friday: Back in Black. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow
Theodores’: Cheryl Arena. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Lower Valley Guys. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SATURDAY
Delaney House: Myke Ross. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Sean Fogelson. 1
Jimmy Mazz plays ’50s,
’60s
hits at Majestic Theater
Ludlow native to offer matinee, evening shows
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
Kalin
(DOUGLAS HOOK PHOTO)
Tommy Whalen brings electric showmanship to Theodores’
MOST GUITARISTS
who have been playing as long as Tommy Whalen probably aren’t likely to hop up on the bar to do a solo.
But Whalen still regularly pulls off showman moves like that, along with wandering out into the crowd to give audience members an up-close and personal experience. When asked where he gets his high-energy performance tendencies, he had a single and enthusiastic answer.
“My mother! She loved to clown around,” he said in a recent interview with The Republican. “She was such a lively person.”
Whalen is a well-known figure in the local and regional music scenes. From his time with Cruise Control, a popular 1980s band, up through playing with the renowned Connecticut swing/R&B band Eight to the Bar, some-
George Lenker
where along the line he also formed his current band, Tommy Whalen and the Ragged Edge.
The band will play Theodores’ in Springfield on July 19.
“Well, in the early ’90s, my good friend Wally Greaney asked me if I wanted to play one night a week at the Waterfront in Holyoke. I said, ‘Sure, let’s do it.’ We ended up playing there for
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Popular vocalist and entertainer Jimmy Mazz returns to the Majestic Theater’s summer lineup of entertainment with two shows on Saturday, July 19, offering memories for music lovers of different generations.
At an afternoon matinee at 2 p.m., Mazz will go “Cruisin’ Through the Fifties” with remembered artists like Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Chubby Checker, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, and Bill Haley, not forgetting the king of all of them, Elvis Presley. Hit songs will include “The Tennessee Waltz,” “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me” and “Shaboom, Shaboom.”
Then at 7:30 p.m., Mazz returns for those who want to relive the 1960s with “Swingin’ Through the
Singer Jimmy Mazz
Sixties.” Appearing for this show with his live band, Mazz will take the audience through the most musically expressive and innovative decade in history including The Beach Boys, Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” Dion’s “Runaround Sue” and “The Wanderer,” The Righteous Brothers’ “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” and many more epic songs from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Herman’s Hermits and many others.
“This year marks 20 years for me as a full-time entertainer,” Mazz said.
Mazz is no stranger to the area, having grown up in Ludlow.
Veraidi sits at a table with her three friends at Theodores’ in downtown Springfield. She came from the Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee to enjoy the food and listen to the blues music. "The restaurant is great for pulled pork," said Veraidi.
LIVE WIRE
ENTERTAINMENT
What’s on TV?
Here are the top 5 most-watched shows right now and where you can stream them.
By
A riana Tourangeau atourangeau@masslive.com
Summer is here and it’s a great time to get outside and enjoy outdoor activities, but it’s also a good time to binge new and popular shows when the heat becomes too much.
Here are the five mostwatched shows right now from the week ending July 4, according to Variety. The shows are able to stream on Peacock, Hulu, Disney+ and Netflix with subscriptions.
“Squid Game”: The popular Netflix show is in the No. 1 spot with 2.8 billion estimated minutes watched, with the most recent season of the show (Season 3) available to stream now. Viewers need a Netflix subscription to stream, which start at $7.99 a month.
“Squid Game” is a South Korean dystopian survival thriller drama where 456 players, all of whom are in deep financial hardship, risk their lives to play a series of children’s games turned deadly for the chance to win 45.6 billion Won.
“Love Island USA”: Peacock’s ultimate dating show
business empire afloat.
“The Bear”: The popular Emmy-winning series is in the number four spot with an estimated 996.6 million minutes watched. FX’s “The Bear” is only available to stream on Hulu and is in its fourth season, which was released on June 26. Hulu subscriptions start at $9.99 a month or viewers can bundle with Disney+ for $10.99 a month.
is in the No. 2 spot with 2.5 billion estimated minutes watched. Season 7 of the show premiered on June 3 and has had plenty of controversy, drama and entertainment to have America in a chokehold. The season finale will premiere on Sunday, July 13. Viewers can stream the show on Peacock with subscriptions starting at $7.99 a month.
“Love Island USA” is based on the U.K. series of the same name and features “islanders” who couple up with each other and compete in games and challenges for a chance to win or split $100K at the end. Throughout the series, “bombshells” are thrown in to spice up current connections and couples will explore, recouple or break up. Fans are able to cast their votes for their favorite couples. The finale features four final couples, with only one left standing in the end. The person who gets the money can choose to split the $100K with their partner or keep it for themselves.
“The Waterfront”: In the No. 3 spot is Netflix’s new crime drama series, which was released on June 19, with an estimated 1.6 billion minutes watched.
“The Waterfront” is about a wealthy fishing family from North Carolina that smuggles drugs and is struggling to keep their
“The Bear,” starring Jeremy Allen White and Boston native Ayo Edebiri, is about food, family and the insanity of the grind. Carmy is a young chef who comes home to Chicago to run his family’s sandwich shop after a heartbreaking death in the family. The series follows what it’s like to own a small business and the soul-crushing realities that come along with it.
“Ironheart”: The new Disney Plus series is in the No. 5 spot with an estimated 567.9 million minutes watched. The series was released on June 24 with a total of six episodes. Viewers can stream
Mass. resident wins Season 7 of
‘Love Island USA’
By Taylor Sanzo tsanzo@masslive.com
A fitness coach from Massachusetts was named as one of the winners of the latest season of “Love Island USA.” Bryan Arenales, 28, a native of Everett, joined the cast in the middle of Season 7 during Casa Amor. As a participant, the goal for Arenales was to search for love — and the show’s $100,000 prize — in Fiji, while living with fellow contestants under constant
video surveillance.
After some time on the reality dating show, Arenales coupled up with fan-favorite Amaya Espinal. The two quickly grew close to each other, expressing romantic interest and a real connection.
During Sunday night’s season finale, the two received the most votes from the public, being named the Season 7 winners. Arenales also received the $100,000 prize — which he chose to split with Espinal. “Love Island USA” has officially wrapped up, but can still be watched on Peacock. The show also announced the Season 7 reunion will air on the network on Aug. 25.
TUESDAY
Chicopee Elks #1849
431 Granby Road, Chicopee 413-592-1849
Bingo Tuesday
Doors Open at 4PM
2 Progressive Jackpots 6:15PM Early Bird 6:20PM Start
Min. Entry Package $15 Open Seating
2 Halls for Players Handicap Restroom 1st Floor
Polish American Citizens Club 355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385
Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm Doors Open at 4pm. Minimum Admission $50
1 - 1199 Progressive Betty Boop 50/50 Prize $900
2 - $500 Cover Alls
3 - $400 Special Games All regular games $100 with 80 people or More. All Cards are included with Admission. Prizes climb with additional attendence. Full Kitchen 4-6:30pm.
WEDNESDAY CALL TODAY 413-788-1250 TO LIST HERE
THURSDAY
Fairview Knights of Columbus 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee (413) 532-2011
DOORS OPEN 4:30PM
MASKS OPTIONAL Progressive Jackpot 6:15pm Early Bird 6:20pm Start
Min. Entry Package $15 Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms
Above is a scene from Season 7 of “Love Island USA.”
Amaya Espinal, left, and Bryan Arenales, a Massachusetts resident, from the reality series "Love Island USA." (BEN SYMONS / PEACOCK)
The dragon (boats) are coming
Spectating for the races, which begin at 9 a.m. at Riverfront Park, is free
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican SPRINGFIELD —
The dragons are coming.
No, not the scary ones found in the popular summer movie “How To Train Your Dragon,” but dragon boats.
It’s all part of the 11th annual Dragon Boat Festival, to be held Saturday, July 19, on the Connecticut River at North Riverfront Park on 121 West St.
in Springfield.
Clockwise from above left: a dragon head adorns a racing canoe; members of Gloria’s Warriors wait to head to their boat at the seventh annual Springfield Dragon Boat Festival; Anne Diebold, of Westfield, warms up with members of the Dragon Rays of Springfield, and the NECAA Harvard Chinese Dragonboat crosses the finish line in Heat One of the Community Division during a past Springfield Dragon Boat Festival.
(THE REPUBLICAN, FILE PHOTOS)
Admission is free for spectators to watch the races between groups, companies, organizations and others from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The first race begins at 9 a.m. and the last launches at 3 p.m. Races are short, only about a minute long, and each team races at least three times. Medals are awarded to top finishers.
“Racers come for the fun and some friendly competition,” said Ben Quick, executive director of the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club, organizers of the event in collaboration with the Chinese Association of Western Massachusetts.
A dragon boat, some measuring up
to 40 feet long and weighing more than 800 pounds, is a canoe-like vessel with ornate dragon heads and tails used in an ancient Chinese water sport dating back some 2,000 years called dragon boat racing.
The boat holds an average of 20 paddlers along with a drummer and steerperson. The drummer, also referred to as the “caller,” is considered the “heartbeat” of the dragon boat and sits in the front, constantly pounding on the drum to help with the stroke timing of the paddlers. The steerperson, also called the “sweep,” steers the boat with a large oar from the rear.
For those who arrive early before
the first race sets off at 9 a.m., at 8:45 a.m. they will be able to watch what is called the ancient Waking the Dragon ceremony, when the eyes on the dragon head are dotted with white paint to wake the dragon from slumber in order to race.
According to dragonfestival.org, the sport’s popularity has made it the fastest growing team water sport, with clubs and races in more than 60 countries.
The festival also has a connection to breast cancer survivors.
“The association with breast cancer survivors’ dates to the mid-1990s when Dr. Don McKenzie discovered
Above, clockwise from top left: A couple enjoys cold drinks from White Lion Brewing Co. at the opening of Pridelands on Mane Street; Roy and Tami Cargile enjoyed the outdoor entertainment just days before their wedding; and guests find a shady spot to enjoy their drinks at opening night of Pridelands on Mane Street. (ASHLEY POTTER / THE REPUBLICAN)
Welcome to the Pridelands
The Pridelands is now open. White Lion Brewing Co.’s new outdoor event space in downtown Tower Square Park offers ice cold beer served out of a 40-foot shipping container and live music under a shaded tent. It is open on Wednesday and Thursday nights, from 4:30-9 p.m., through the end of October.
Guests Roy and Tami Cargile were among the guests on opening night last week. The couple, who were celebrating only days ahead of their wedding, said that they connected at White Lion’s Springfield taproom just down the street. “We thought we’d come down here for a little full-circle moment,” Tami said.
(ASHLEY POTTER / THE REPUBLICAN)
the therapeutic benefits of paddle sports for women who have had breast cancer surgery. And the therapeutic benefits are not just physical, but emotional in being able to be among other supportive survivors,” Quick said, noting Baystate Health’s Rays of Hope sponsors its boat for breast cancer survivors called the Springfield Dragon Rays. Kathy Wheeler, team manager of the Springfield Dragon Rays, has been participating in the sport for eight years. A two-time breast cancer survivor, she received treatment at Baystate Medical Center.
“It was while participating in the Rays of Hope Walk that I learned about dragon boat racing from other survivors. It has been an awesome experience, and we are all very supportive of one another. And it has been a good sport to strengthen my arms and core,” she said, noting this year she will serve as the boat’s drummer.
Quick noted they expect some 500 racers and another 250 spectators.
“They come for three reasons — to support a racer, to enjoy the fantastic entertainment, and for the spectacle of the event offers,” he said.
For those planning to stay for the day, the PVRC Grille and Thai Chili food truck beginning at 11 a.m. will provide suste-
nance. Then, at noon, during a break from all the action, there will be Asian-inspired entertainment provided by Mountain River Taiko Drummers, Chinese Kungfu Academy, and the Hong Tinh Duong Lion Dance Team.
Among some of the many teams racing their dragons will be the Instant Ramen Team, which is the name of the Chinese Association of Western Massachusetts Youth Team’s Dragon Boat, Springfield Pharmacy First Responders, who are the defending champions with a time of 58 seconds, STCC Intermural Rowing Team, Valkyrie Dragons of Rhode Island, Wolf Pack Dragon Boat Racing Team, Veterans Dragon Boat USA, Paradise
City Dragon Boat Team from Northampton, Wellness Warriors, a breast cancer survivors team from Boston; and Hope Chest Breast Cancer Survivor Team from Buffalo.
The day comes to an end at 3 p.m. with the emotional cancer survivor flower ceremony, followed at 3:30 p.m. with a medal and awards ceremony.
According to the United States Dragon Boat Federation, the Flower Ceremony has become a “heartwarming tradition of dragon boat festivals where paddlers out on the water throw flowers into the water to embrace their sisterhood and to honor those who have died from breast cancer.”
Parking is limited and officials are asking spectators to
consider alternate transportation to the event by carpooling or biking.
Festival proceeds benefit the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club to continue its efforts in connecting people with healthy riverfront activities.
There will be a 50 /50 raffle to raise additional funds for the club. Drawing is at 2 p.m. Quick added that for some extra summer fun, thanks to a grant from the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the club will be offering free kayaking by providing paddles, life vests and kayak on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit pvriverfront.org or call 413736-1322.
CALENDAR
THURSDAY
ACAA New England Mosaic Project Unveiling: Thu., 5-7 p.m. Agawam Municipal Golf Course. Over 180 canvases have been returned this year, and have been assembled onto a 20-by-4-foot mosaic that will be displayed at two events. At each event, the canvases will be sold for $25, with net proceeds supporting the Gloria McLellan Memorial Scholarship. Admission is free and open to the public. 128 Southwick St., Feeding Hills. Free In-Person Medicare Info Session with Health New England: Thu., 1 p.m. Homewood Suites. Health New England Medicare experts will be on hand to answer your Medicare Advantage questions and explain the company’s 2025 Medicare Advantage options. Pre-registration can be done online at healthnewengland. org/medicare/sessions is recommended. You can also find other community Medicare sessions at the same website. 375 Whitney Avenue, Holyoke, 413-532-3100.
Jacob’s Pillow presents The
TV
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D5
the Marvel series on Disney+ with subscriptions starting at $7.99 a month.
“Ironheart” is about genius teenage inventor, Riri Williams, who creates the most advanced suit of
SPRINGFIELD
Sit back & relax
A guest enjoys a cold beer at opening night of White Lion Brewing Co.’s new outdoor Pridelands on Mane Street in Tower Square Park. The beer will be flowing and live entertainment will be had Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-9 p.m. (ASHLEY POTTER / THE REPUBLICAN)
Live Wire
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D4
20 years,” Whalen said.
Whalen said the current lineup consists of Greaney on sax, harp and vocals, Rudy Weeks on bass, while “the drummer seems to rotate — always someone great.”
Sarasota Ballet: Thu.-Sun., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Jacob’s Pillow Dance, The Sarasota Ballet in the Ted Shawn Theatre. Tickets from $65. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413243-0745 or jacobspillow.org.
Jacob’s Pillow presents Andrew Schneider: Thu.-Sun., 2:30 and 8 p.m. Jacob’s Pillow Dance, Andrew Schneider in the Doris Duke Theatre. Tickets from $65. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413-243-0745 or jacobspillow.org.
Open Stage at LAVA: Thu., 6:30 p.m. LAVA Center. Signups at 6:30 p.m., followed by 7 p.m. showtime; there will be a five-minute limit for each act. There is a $1–$5 suggested donation for this event. For more information, visit www.lavacenter. org. 324 Main St., Greenfield. Thursday Night Live Music Series: Thu., 6:30-8:30 p.m. Liston’s Bar and Grill. Performances will take place outdoors (weather permitting). Guests are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs, but seating will also be provided. While outside food or beverages are not allowed, the event’s
outdoor bar will offer a limited selection of food and beverages. In addition, their regular restaurant and menu will be open, with indoor and patio seating available for those who want to enjoy a meal while listening to the music. Free. 324 Old North Road, Worthington. 413-238-5353.
Jacob’s Pillow presents VT Dance: Thu., 5:30 p.m. Jacob’s Pillow Dance, on the Henry J. Leir Stage. Rain or Shine tickets from $40. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413-243-0745 or jacobspillow.org
FRIDAY
Chicago the Musical: Fri.-Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Ja’Duke Theater, PG-13. Runtime is 2 hours, 15 minutes with an intermission. Strobes
SEE CALENDAR, PAGE D10
While it would be tempting to call his current combo a blues band, the group is not so easily pigeonholed, exploring rock and funk as well.
“I do love all styles. You might be surprised. It’s all stuff that we grew up with,” he said of the breadth of the band’s repertoire, before noting his preferences. “Yes, I’m a rocker at heart, and I have always loved the blues.”
Yet Whalen didn’t start out as a bluesman. He said first got interested in music and guitar from a different source.
“I first started with Peter Paul & Mary, and Bob Dylan at 12,” he said. “I guess I was a folkie.”
But when it comes to his
armour since Iron Man. Set after the events of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” the series pits technology against magic when Riri returns to her hometown of Chicago where she finds herself wrapped up with the mysterious yet charming Parker Robbins a.k.a “The Hood.”
Local singer-songwriter Tommy Whalen and his band, Tommy Whalen and the Ragged Edge, will play Theodores’ on July 19.
playing and singing, he said the biggest influence was B.B. King.
Whalen said his showmanship is usually enjoyed by people, but it did once cause a run-in with an audience member.
“Well, some guy tried to trip me while I was walking the bar one night at the Waterfront. Usually, people eat it up,” he said.
Whalen recently took his extroverted playing to a new level: He now sets up outdoors — from open fields to the streets of downtown Springfield — and plays whenever the mood strikes him.
“Last summer, I saw a battery-powered Bose speaker at Guitar Center, and that’s all I needed to go mobile,” he said with a laugh.
Along with the July 19 show, Whalen also plays solo gigs at Theodores’ on Wednesday nights through the end of August. He clearly has a lot of affection for the venue.
“It’s our hometown premier blues club,” he said. “People love the atmosphere
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game coordinator.
“My personal favorite is the sheaf toss where a competitor using a pitchfork throws a bale of hay over a bar suspended from a ladder about 20 feet high, but I’ve seen them tossed as high as 35 feet,” he added.
Kids can also be Scots for a day by participating in the Children’s Highland Games at 1:30 p.m. Activities include a rope pull, caber toss, haggis toss and a sack race. The event is next to the Water Spray Park, which also will be open for splashing around and cooling off.
If you’re looking to learn more about your connections to Scotland, clans and genealogists will be present to assist in tracing your Scottish ancestry. In the background, enjoy Celtic harp music performed by the Pioneer Valley Harpers’ Guild in the Harper’s Tent.
On the dance stage, Black Rose Academy of Irish Dance and the Cassin Academy of Irish Dance will both perform. The stage will also play host to demonstrations by Massachusetts Historical Swordsmanship.
“July in Scotland is a typical summer month with warm temperatures. However, given the unpredictability of the climate there, the month also sees about 11 days of rain. Whatever the weather in Glasgow on Saturday, here across the ocean in Northampton whether it rains or shines, the festival will go on,” Langmore said. Tickets at the gate are $32
and $5 for children ages 6-12. Kids under age 6 are admitted free. Advance tickets, available online at glasgow lands.org, are $29.
The Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival Inc. is a nonprofit corporation. Its mission is to support other area nonprofits as well as to provide scholarships for qualifying Scottish dance, pipe and/or drum students.
All proceeds from this year’s event will benefit River Valley Counseling Center, a multiservice agency in Hampden County, which is a licensed mental health clinic that offering a range of traditional and non-traditional outpatient services to adults and children. Proceeds will also benefit Forum House in Westfield, a service of Viability, Inc., serving disabled and disadvantaged adults in Hampden, Hampshire and South Worcester counties.
For more information and a complete festival schedule, go online to glasgowlands. org or call 413-862-8095 or 413-862-4539.
Theater, ages 16+; open to all experience levels. Register online or by calling 413-243-9919, ext. 163. Questions about accessibility accommodations? Contact community@jacobspillow.org. 358 George Carter Road, Becket; 413-243-0745 or www.jacobspillow.org.
Chicago the Musical: See Friday listing
Jacob’s Pillow presents The Sarasota Ballet: See Thursday listing Jacob’s Pillow presents Andrew Schneider: See Thursday listing Public Tours of Jacob’s Garden: Sun., noon Jacob’s Pillow Dance, Join us a guided tour of Jacob’s Garden, tucked away on George Carter Road. Free with suggested donation of $10-$20 per person. Register online or by calling 413243-9919, ext. 163. 358 George Carter Road, Becket; 413-243-0745 or www.jacobspillow.org.
Sevenars Concerts 57th Anniversary Season Opening Concert: Sun., 4 p.m. Sevenars Academy, Sullivan String Quartet, Suggested donation is $20. Ireland Street at Route 112, Worthington. 413-2385854 or www.sevenars.org.
related memorabilia.
Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “Portraits in RED: Missing & Murdered Indigenous Peoples Painting Project,” through Sept. 7. In this striking series of portraits, artist and activist Nayana LaFond sheds light on the crisis affecting Indigenous peoples, particularly women, who are eleven times more likely to go missing than the national average. The exhibition is the last time the works will be on view together: at its close, the portraits will be returned to living family members. “Van Gogh for All,” through Sept. 14.
‘YoKai: Japanese Ghosts, Demons and Monsters,” through July 20. In the Starr Gallery of Watercolors. On view for a limited-time only. Showcasing a stunning collection of Japanese woodblock prints and decorative arts, this exhibition features the diverse forms and stories of supernatural entities known as yokai.
and other special lighting will be used throughout the show, Adults $5, children and seniors $2. 110 Industrial Blvd, Turners Falls; 413863-0001 or www.jaduke.com.
Jacob’s Pillow presents The Sarasota Ballet: See Thursday listing
Jacob’s Pillow presents Andrew Schneider: See Thursday listing
Jacob’s Pillow presents Red Clay Dance Company: Fri., 5:30 p.m.
Jacob’s Pillow Dance, Red Clay Dance Company on the Henry J. Leir Stage. Rain or shine tickets from $40. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413-243-0745 or jacobspillow.org.
MGM Springfield presents Lamb of God: Fri., 7:30 p.m. MassMutual Center, with special guests Hatebreed and Shadows Fall. For tickets visit boxofficeticketsales. com/7064400/lamb-of-godtickets-fri-7-18-2025-massmutual-center, Tickets start at $105. 1277 Main St., Springfield. 413-7876600 or massmutualcenter.com.
Movie Night at Tangle Chocolate: Fri., 7:30 p.m. Every third Friday of each month enjoy a free movie night for the whole family at Tangle Chocolate. Bring your own dinner and relax as a movie classic is screened. This Friday, “The Princess Bride” will be shown. Rated PG, runtime is 1 hour and 38 min. Free. 5 Main St. Route 9, Williamsburg.
Movies in the Park: Fri., 9 p.m.
Beacon Field, Enjoy a film outdoors on the big screen. Movies begin at dusk, but make sure you arrive early for the best viewing spots. Pack a picnic, bring your blanket, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. July’s movie is “Dog Man,” rated PG. Fun for kids of all ages. Free. Corner of Beacon, Sanderson and Gerrett Streets, Greenfield.
Summe r Crafts — Tie-Dye a Book Tote: Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
High Five Books. What screams summer fun more than tie-dye?
A drawstring book tote will be provided, and you can bring up to two additional items to tie-dye. Drop in anytime from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday or Saturday, all ages welcome. Grownups are expected to stay and supervise any kids under age 11. Registration is helpful, but you can also just drop-in during the program. $20. 141 North Main St., Florence; Tanglewood presents Boston Pops: Fri., 8 p.m. Tanglewood, Boston Pops Orchestra with Keith Lockhart, conductor, featuring Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara for one night only. Shed. For tickets, visit tanglewood.org, $43-$218. 297 West St., Lenox, 888-266-1200. Theater of Ideas — Community Conversations Series: Fri., 6 p.m. LAVA Center, Topic is “The Promise of Single Payer Health Care.” Free, donations welcomed. 324 Main St., Greenfield.
SATURDAY
Chicago the Musical: See Friday listing
Jacob’s Pillow presents The Sarasota Ballet: See Thursday listing Jacob’s Pillow presents Andrew Schneider: See Thursday listing Jacob’s Pillow presents Contemporary Performance Ensemble: Sat, 5:30 p.m. The School at Jacob’s Pillow: Contemporary Performance Ensemble, Henry J. Leir Stage, Choose What You Pay; Rain or Shine tickets start from $40. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413-243-0745 or www. jacobspillow.org.
Summer Craft — Tie-Dye a Book Tote: See Friday listing Tanglewood presents “Tosca”: Sat., 8 p.m. Tanglewood, Andris Nelsons conducts “Tosca” in the Shed. Tickets range from $35$146. 297 West St., Lenox. 888266-1200 or www.tanglewood. org.
SUNDAY
Jacob’s Pillow Workshops with Festival Artists: Sun., 10 a.m. Workshops with festival artists offer unique experiences for movers to explore repertory, genres, and techniques from leading dance artists. $25 per class or $20 per class for dance educators with ID. July 20: The Sarasota Ballet, ages 12+; July 27: Elle Sofe Company, ages 16+; August 3: Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Company, ages 16+; intermediate/advanced; August 10: Tap with Derick K. Grant, ages 12+; open to all experience levels; August 17: Ballet BC, ages 16+; intermediate/advanced; August 24: Alvin Ailey American Dance
Sundays in the Park Music Series: Sun, 12:30 p.m. Lee Congregational Church. The audience is encouraged to bring their own chairs and to bring a picnic or order takeout from any of Lee’s fine restaurants. If final concert cancelled, rain date will be Sunday, Aug. 17. Free. 25 Park Place, Lee.
Tanglewood presents Andris Nelsons and Yuja Wang: Sun., 2:30 p.m. Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra. Andris Nelsons, conductor, Yuja Wang, piano in the Shed. Tickets range from $36$156. 888- 266-1200 or www. tanglewood.org.
Quadrangle
George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum: “The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards” exhibit, through Sept. 14. Permanent exhibit: “Ancient Treasures,” a display of artifacts from ancient China, Greece, Rome and Egypt. On the first Wed. of every month through the end of 2026, admission to the Springfield Museums is free. For more information, visit springfieldmuseums.org
Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: “Witch Panic! Massachusetts Before Salem,” through Nov. 2. The exhibition explores how the first instance witchcraft hysteria in the American colonies influenced the early history of the city and how the conversation continues today. Permanent exhibit: More than two dozen Indian motorcycles and
Springfield Science Museum: “Here Be Dragons,” through Sept. 14. On the Second Floor Changing Exhibits Gallery. “Reputation: Under the Stars in the Seymour Planetarium.” Fri, Sat, and Sun. at 4 p.m. The show features the original recordings from Taylor Swift’s 2017 album “Reputation” and dazzling effects created by a full-dome projector. Permanent exhibit: State-ofthe-art Zeiss Projector and updated International Space Station exhibit. The live animal center has been reopened as “Living Waters: From Oceans to Valleys.”
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibit. Firstfloor exhibition provides opportunities to explore new sounds and vocabulary, play rhyming games, invent stories, and engage in activities that encourage teamwork and creative thinking, with interactive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia.
Quadrangle admission — $25 for adults, $16.50 for seniors (60+) and college students with ID, $13 for children ages 3-17; free to children under age 3 and members, Springfield residents are free with proof of residency. Welcome Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Museums
Amelia Park Children’s Museum: Permanent exhibits include spaceship, construction site, library, grocery store, and weekday activities. Visit ameliaparkmuseum.org for information. Hours: Thu.-Tues., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed. closed. $8 adults; $8 children (12 months and older); $4 grandparents/seniors (60+);
The Sarasota Ballet will play multiple shows at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival this weekend.
(FRANK ATURA PHOTO)
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military personnel & teachers receive a 10% discount off the price of your regular admission; members/infants free. 29 South Broad St., Westfield or ameliaparkmuseum.org.
Anchor House of Artists: Rotating art exhibits, self-staged by fine regional talents. The best leastknown gallery in the Pioneer Valley. 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
Connecticut Trolley Museum: Summertime activities through Sept. 1. From interactive exhibits to themed events, the Connecticut Trolley Museum offers a summer experience filled with fun, learning, and unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages. For a complete list of activities, visit www.cttrolley. org. 58 North Road, East Windsor.
Edith Wharton — The Mount: Outdoor Sculpture: “Sculpture at the Mount.” Through Oct. Free and open to the public. 2 Plunkett St., Lenox or edithwharton.org.
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: “Open + Shut: Celebrating the art of Endpapers,” through Nov. 9. Guest curated by Bruce Handy. “The Art of Grace Lin: Meeting A Friend in an Unexpected Plac,” through Jan. 4, included with general admission. Museum hours: Wed.-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. Sunset Thursdays: July 17, 24, 5-8 p.m. Enjoy breezy, late Thursday evenings while you picnic in the beautiful grounds and take in the rhythms of live jazz and global music. Featured musicians are Ben Malynoski Plus 2 (saxophone trio). 125 West Bay Road, Amherst or www.carlemuseum.org.
Historic Deerfield: Natural History Walking Tour Around Old Deerfield. July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 20, 3 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center at Hall Tavern. Included with general admission. 80 Old Main St., Deerfield or www.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 www.historic-northampton.org.
Josiah Day House: Permanent exhibit: featuring guided tours, artifacts, furniture, clothing and documents from 1754-1902. Call for open house schedule and individual
Ben Malynoski Plus 2, a Western Mass-based saxophone trio, will provide live music for the Eric Carle Musem of Picture Book Arts' Sunset
Thursdays on July 17 and 24, from 5-8 p.m. each day.
tours. $3, $1 children 6-12, free for members. 70 Park St., West Springfield, 413-734-8322.
Norman Rockwell Museum: “Hidden Worlds and Wonders: Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition,” through Oct. 26. “I Spy! Walter Wick’s Hidden Wonders,” through Oct. 26. “Illustrators of Light: Rockwell, Wyeth, and Parrish from the Edison Mazda Collection,” through Jan. 4. Online Exhibit: “Imagining Freedom,” $5 for the general public, available on the museum’s website at NRM.org
“Artist Talk: Walter Wick/ Behind Every Picture,” July 17, 5-6:30 p.m.
“Artist Tour: I SPY! Walter Wick’s Hidden Wonders,” July 18, 1-2:30 p.m. “Summer Saturdays for Families,” Sat. through Aug, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., interactive drop-in programs inspired by the art of Norman Rockwell and Walter Wick, creator of the “I Spy” books for children. Drop-in, no reservations required. Free with admission. “Artist Talk with Walter Wick: Children are the Best Audience!,” July 19, 11 a.m. to noon. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or nrm.org.
Old Sturbridge Village: CowParade, through Sept. 4, features more than a dozen life-size cow statues that have been transformed into imaginative works of art by a selection of New England artists. Visitors to the Village will have the chance to meet these beautiful bovines up close and learn about their unique connections to Old Sturbridge Village and New England. Tickets are available at www.osv.org/cowparade. “For the Purpose of Illumination.” Learn how New Englanders needed, used, and created artificial lighting methods in the 1830s and see first-hand artifacts from the era. Included with standard daytime general admission. Standard daytime admission is $30 for adults, $28 for seniors (55+), $15 for youth (4-17), $15 for college students (with a valid college ID), and free for children 3 and under. Route 20, Sturbridge or www.osv.org.
Pan African Historical Museum USA: Permanent exhibit: exhibi-
$4, $2 children and students. 208 Main St., Indian Orchard or www. titanic1.org.
tions by local artists. Hours: Tues.Fri. noon-4 p.m. Free. 1500 Main St., Springfield, 413-733-1823. Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum: “Forty Acres and the American Revolution: Stories of Independence and Servitude,” through Oct. 15. Museum guided tours offered Sat.-Wed. from 1-4 p.m. The next Wednesday Folk Traditions concert series is on Wednesday, July 23, Tony Vacca. Concerts are held Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm, outside in the Sunken Garden. Admission is $12, $2 for children 16 and under. Cash only. The museum and its grounds are a smoke-free site. “Community Days,” July 19, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. All residents of Amherst, Shutesbury, Leverett, South Hadley, Hadley, and Sunderland are welcome to a Community Day on Saturday, July 19th, for a free guided tour from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., available every half hour. The museum features a tour that foregrounds the lives of six enslaved Africans at the site–Zebulon Prutt, Cesar, Peg, Phillis, Rose, and Phillis– in addition to exploring the home’s transition into a museum. Guests can relax on the back veranda with complimentary refreshments and conversation after the tour. 130 River Drive, Hadley or pphmuseum.org.
Smith College Museum of Art: Permanent exhibits: “Ancient World Gallery, Beyond the Museum: Art on Smith’s Campus.” Hours: Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., closed Mondays and major holidays. Free. Elm Street at Bedford Terrace, Northampton or scma.smith.edu.
Springfield Armory National Historic Site: Ranger-led interpretive programs offered in the museum in the afternoon. Junior Ranger programs conducted frequently each day. Wed.-Sun, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 1 Armory Square, Springfield or www.nps.gov/spar.
Titanic Museum: Permanent exhibit: Exhibits from the collection of the International Titanic Historical Society. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum: Permanent exhibit: Guided tours of the first and second floors. Weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Self-guided tours are on the hour with the last self-guided tour weekdays at 2 p.m. Call to reserve at 413-637-3206. Admission is $18 adults, $17 seniors (65+), $10 students with ID, $7 children 5-17, and free for children 4 and younger. “Ghost Tour with Robert Oakes,” July 18 at 7 p.m. This is not a investigation. Admission is $30 and minimum age to attend is age 12. Reservations are strongly recommended as tickets are limited. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows. “Summer Salon Series,” July 19, 11 a.m. “An Electrifying Tale: JP Morgan, George Westinghouse, and The Race to Light Up the World.” Included with general admission. 104 Walker St., Lenox or www. gildedage.org.
Wistariahurst Museum: Permanent exhibit: Gardens and grounds open daily from dawn to dusk. Carriage House and gift shop open Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For information about house tours, group tours and upcoming events visit wistariahurst.org. Standard admission is $7 Holyoke residents, $5 seniors, $5 youth (under 18), and free museum members, active military and family members. 238 Cabot St., Holyoke or www.wistariahurst.org.
Yiddish Book Center: “The Art of 20th Century Yiddish Poster Design: Theater/Politics/Lectures,” through Sept. 1. Free, suggested $12 donation. “Yiddish: A Global Culture,” free. Permanent 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. Exhibit: “Albert Chasan: Painting His Parents Lives,” through Oct. Free, suggested $12 donation. 1021 West St., Amherst or yiddishbookcenter.org.
Outdoors
Great Falls Discovery Center: Great Hall Exhibit: “Ways of My Ancestors-We Are Still Here” by Scott Strong Hawk Foster, through July 29. Reception and talk: July 19, 2-4 p.m. Dino Trail Week: Indoor StoryWalk: “Daring to Dig: Adventures of Women in American Paleontology” by Beth Strickler, through July 31. Includes the stories of Mary Anning, the unsung hero
of fossil discovery, and of Mignon Talbot and the discovery of podokesaurus holyokensis. Meet at the welcome desk. Outdoor Storywalk: “Agua, Aguita: Water, Little Water” by Jorge Tetl Argueta, through Aug. 19. “Gel Printing for Teens and Tweens,” July 17, 3-5 p.m. Try your hand at gel printing, a fun way to explore color, texture, and layers. No experience needed. “Kidleidoscope Story Hour,” July 18: Coyotes; July 25: Bees & Flowers, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Program includes a story, activities and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Siblings and friend’s welcome. Meet in the Great Hall. “Urban Fern Walk,” July 19, 10-11:30 a.m. Join leaders from the Pioneer Valley Fern Society for a free walk along the paved Canalside Rail Trail. Meet at the main entrance. Free. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls or www.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.
“Thoreau Hike on the Bellows Pipe Trail,” July 19, 10 a.m. Join for a one-way 5.5-mile, or round-trip 11-mile, hike along the historic 1844 route of American naturalist and writer Henry David Thoreau’s ascent to the summit of Mt. Greylock. Recommended for ages 12 and older. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is requested. Dress for the weather; wear sturdy shoes, bring water, lunch, bug spray, sunscreen and trekking poles. Meet at Notch Road Gate parking lot. Free.
Nature Scavenger Hunt: Ongoing, Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For children and families. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough Natural Bridge State Park: Visitors Center exhibits daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., year round; explore the park story through displays, artifacts and scavenger hunts. $2 parking fee; programs are free, 107 McAuley Road, North Adams River Studios DeVries Fine Art International Sculpture Trail: Open for the 2025 Season. Through Oct. 19. Sculpture Trail located at 36 East River Road in Middlefield. Hours: Fri, Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., other times by appointment. The trail is free, donations are graciously accepted to help with upkeep. 36 East River Road, Middlefield
The Republican is not responsible for unannounced schedule changes. Listings must be received two weeks before the date of the event. Items should be mailed to Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329, emailed to pmastriano@repub.com or submitted to masslive.com/myevent
“My best friend’s father was a guitar teacher in the early 1970s. I couldn’t afford lessons, and he would come home and teach me what his father taught him. I didn’t really start to play guitar until the age of 15 while a junior in high school. At about that time, friends in school had a group and were losing their singer and asked me to fill in. I wasn’t a singer, but I said, ‘Sure, I’ll do it.’ I vividly remember my first live show with them at the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club. I sang ‘Smoke on the Water’ by Deep Purple with my hands in my pockets and staring down at the stage because I was too shy to look into the audience. And that got the ball rolling for me, and I continued playing in bands throughout high school,” Mazz said.
Over the years, he would go on to play in many bands, but it was when Mazz joined the wedding band Breezin’ in 1993 that changed his direction dramatically from just playing rock ‘n’ roll in the clubs. That wedding band experience taught him to actually entertain an audience and molded him into the entertainer he is today.
“After the wedding band retired, I met a bunch of guys from Springfield and Wilbraham who were doing originals and covers, and they asked me to join as their bass player. Once again, I said, ‘Sure, I can do it.’ We wrote a ton of music and toured all over including New York and Florida,” Mazz said.
One day out of the blue, he received a phone call to do a wedding, but he had been out of the wedding business for a while and at first was not sure he could do it.
“Once again, I said, ‘Sure, I can do it,’” Mazz said.
Learning a one-hour set of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin songs for the cocktail hour sparked the entertainer audiences see today. After multiple compliments and requests to do more weddings, upscale events and private parties, Mazz took his performing knowledge plus his love for a wide variety of music — Motown, polka, swing, rock and
roll, the British invasion and more — and went full time as a crooner singer and entertainer.
Yet another big break was about to knock at his door.
“I was performing in Boston when a lady came up to me at the end and asked me if I performed in Florda. She lived in a community down there and gave me an agent’s phone number to see if he would hire me but cautioned that they were already hiring for 2009 and it would probably be 2010 before I could get any work,” Mazz said.
He had to fly down on his own dime and perform a short set for a bunch of people, and before he knew it, he had 19 contracts for 2009 and another 42 lined up for 2010, much to his surprise.
“Contracts are usually for gated communities where they have a clubhouse with a stage and bring shows in during snowbird season, which is usually January through Easter. I worked the entire winter down in Florida in 2009 and ended up buying a house in 2010 because I was spending so much time down there. But in the summer months bookings dry up, and I found myself flying back to New England to continue to make a living here while renting an apartment. So, I was going back and forth each season. Then, in 2017, the market changed, and it was cheaper to buy a home than rent, so I bought a house in Southwick,” Mazz said.
Mazz doesn’t consider himself an impersonator or tribute artist, but he does have the uncanny ability to capture the sound of other people’s voices.
“I’m an impressionist and can sing in the voices of about 20 different stars like Johnny Cash, Elvis, Garth Brooks, Neil Diamond, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and many others. I might do short little bit of Elvis in the middle of singing his song, but that’s it, it’s not an entire performance. And I may do some in Springfield,” he said.
Tickets for either the matinee or evening show are $30 and available online at majestictheater.com.
