Bands from New England & beyond to play 52 Sumner in Springfield, Page D4
4-H FAIR
Hailey Gillotti, of Torrington, Conn., and her Alas-
Animals, arts and a bike rodeo come to Eastern States Exposition
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
Parents who are looking for something for their kids to do to keep them busy and amused this summer, look no further.
This Saturday’s Hampden County 4-H & Youth Fair at the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds in West Springfield, to be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., may be just the day out you’re looking for.
The free one-day event — parking is also free — showcases 4-H members’ animal projects, handmade crafts, gardening, art, photography, robotics, photography (which is the biggest category for entries), and much more in as many as 26 different divisions. Awards and premiums are presented at the end of the day.
The purpose of the fair is to recognize youth for their achievements on projects that they have made, grown or raised during the past year, and for the public to attend and learn more about the program, and applaud the successes of participants.
“Participation in the many project competitions are open not only to 4-H members, but to all youth ages 5 to 18 years old from Hampden, Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Worcester counties. While the
Above,
kan malamute Miatuck during a past Hampden County 4-H & Youth Fair at the Eastern States Exposition. At left, a curious sheep pokes its head out of an enclosure at a past fair. (FREDERICK GORE & STEVEN E. NANTON)
Tori Sullivan of the Hampden County Sheriff's Department shows her horse to visitors, above, and at right, Madison Tinker, of Egremont, goes nose-to-nose with her rabbit Willow.
(STEVEN E. NANTON, FREDERICK GORE PHOTOS)
4-H FAIR LINEUP
The day’s full show and activities schedule includes:
9 a.m.: Rick Sullivan Memorial Kids Fun Run (open to all youth)
9:30 a.m.: Dairy, Goat, and Rabbit Shows
10 a.m.: Working Steer, Sheep and Dog Shows; Bottle Rocket Launch (open to all youth)
11 a.m.: Model Horse Show; Pedal Thru Youth Bike Rodeo (open to all youth)
Noon: Beef Show
1 p.m.: Talent Show; Pedal Tractor Pull (open to all youth)
3 p.m.: Fashion Revue, where anybody entered puts on the clothes they made and does a little walk and talk about their outfit
3:30 p.m.: Lead Line and Wool Competition
4 p.m.: Awards Presentation
4-H
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D2
time to submit an entry has already expired, kids can view all the projects and remember that next year they can participate, too,” said Carey Leckie, past president of the Hampden County Fair Association, who is helping to organize the event.
There are many activities for those attending to participate in, Leckie noted, including the fun run, bottle rocket launch, pedal tractor pull, an arts project where kids will make a hobby horse from pool noodles, a raffle with drawings throughout the day, and the Pedal Thru Youth Bike Rodeo.
The day begins with a healthy physical activity — the Rick Sullivan Memorial 4-H Kids Fun Run at 9 a.m.
“We try to make the run accessible to runners of all ages from 5-18 and the distance varies according to age from one-eighth-of-a-mile to a half-mile run,” Leckie said.
There will be T-shirts available for the first 50 entries. Ribbons also will be awarded to all participants, and juice and snacks will be served at the end of the race.
One of the more popular events of the day has always been the bike rodeo in col-
Above, from left, Lucas Pomeroy gets a firsthand look at a sheep as his brother, Tucker Pomeroy, and their parents, Matt and Lauren Pomeroy, of Granville, look on, and Victoria Badnais, of Agawam, makes a Stomp Rocket during a past Hampden County 4-H & Youth Fair at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTOS)
“4-H focuses on projects that kids enjoy where they can learn by doing, build leadership skills and community spirit.”
CAREY LECKIE, PAST PRESIDENT OF THE HAMPDEN
laboration with Pedal Thru Youth. Pedal Thru Youth is a nonprofit organization that promotes an active and healthy lifestyle among youths. The organization donates bikes and helmets to children and families who may not be able to afford one on their own. Pedal Thru Youth partners with local charities, law enforcement and public schools to serve local communities.
Bob “The Bike Man”
Charland of Springfield is the founder of Pedal Thru Youth Inc. He started working with children in 2003 when he led a Girl Scout troop for his daughter and coached her softball team. He then started teaching automotive classes for Willie Ross School for the Deaf in 2012. Around the same time, he started fixing up bikes to donate to less fortunate kids. In 2017, after being diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease, he decided that he wanted to create a formal organization
Mark Gionfriddo, creator of Mount Holyoke College’s “The Big Broadcast,” singer Nikki Gorts and a five-piece band bring the swing to 52 Sumner for a lively tribute to the music of Louis Prima and Keely Smith
Tickets: https://thewildest.eventbrite.com
COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION
SKA PIONEER VALLEY FESTIVAL
2-day festival brings ska music from New England and beyond to 52 Sumner
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
Ska lovers rejoice.
Fans of the genre can get their fill of music at the second annual Pioneer Valley Ska Festival on Friday and Saturday at 52 Sumner in Springfield. The former church will host ska bands from all over New England, New York, New Jersey, Colorado, Georgia, Oklahoma and beyond.
Not quite sure what ska is and think you might want to give the festival a try?
Distinguished by its lively and upbeat tempo, ska, considered Jamaica’s first indigenous urban pop style, began there during the 1950s prior to rocksteady
and reggae styles. It incorporates Caribbean mento, calypso, American jazz and rhythm and blues. Ska has transformed over the years from its early Jamaican roots to the 2 Tone ska revival in the UK and the punk infused third wave in
the United States. Think of Madness, The Specials, Reel Big Fish, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Skatalites — then you have heard ska. Headliners at the Springfield festival on Friday night are Spring Heeled Jack, The Pomps, and River City Rebels followed by Llama Tsunami, Sorry Sweet Heart, Nic and the Adversaries, Skappository, Take Warning, and The Scrub Ups. Doors open at 4 p.m. On Saturday, doors open at noon with two stages, including headliners Catch 22, Skarmy of Darkness and Sgt. Scag. Other performers include The Best of the Worst, The Abruptors, Girth Control, Futon Lasagna, The Agonizers, Threat Level Burgandy, Left Hand Hot Dog, Mega Infinity, Green Street Fiends, The Doomstompers, Ghost Tones, Follow Thru, Pop!, Fuakata, and PWRUP.
Eyrie House Ruins brings
‘gothic folk’
to Easthampton
Gothic folk band Eyrie House Ruins will play Luthier’s Co-Op in Easthampton. (FACEBOOK)
THERE ARE PLENTY of hybrid musical styles: country rock, folk pop, acid jazz, ska punk and many more.
But local musician Rikk Desgres might have invented a new one: gothic folk.
“We had a hard time describing the genre of our music,” Desgres said in a recent interview with The Republican. “We discussed the topic and we settled on gothic folk.”
This new genre seems like a perfect dovetail with the group’s name: Eyrie House
Ruins. The name, of course, is taken from the well-known Holyoke landmark, where a hotel owned by William Street burned to the ground in 1901, and still contains the stones of
George Lenker LIVE WIRE
Nightclubs
THURSDAY
Delaney House: Lower Valley Guys. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
Northampton Brewery: Bands on Brewster: Lucia Dostal. 11 Brewster Court, Northampton
Theodores’: Brother Sal. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Tree House Brewery: Jeff Tweedy with special guest Hannah Cohen. 1 Community Pl., South Deerfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
FRIDAY
Delaney House: Joe Zebian. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
East Mountain Country Club: Dancing to Laststand. 1458 East Mountain Rood, Westfield
MGM Springfield: Free Music
Fridays: Petty Larceny. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
Shaker Farms Country Club: Live Music at the Pavilion: Pandemonium. 866 Shaker Road, Westfield
The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow
Theodores’: King Saison. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
SATURDAY
Delaney House: David Picchi. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
4-H
and start donating bikes to large groups of children — and the idea for Pedal Thru Youth was born.
“Bob is an amazing partner with us and will be back setting up an obstacle course and providing all kinds of bikes from trikes to motorized, along with helmets, for all to participate in the experience,” Leckie said.
The bike rodeo is a fun way for the organization to teach children the rules of the road while practicing safe bicycling.
“4-H focuses on projects that kids enjoy where they
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Chris Tabb and Janet McNamara. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
Theodores’: The Blues Express. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: The Healys.
Live Wire
what was to be a new building that was never completed. Desgres has often mused among the ruins, “What if the entire thing didn’t burn down?”
“I love history. Especially local history. I have hiked to the Eyrie House Ruins many times,” he said. “To relate Street’s experience and his hard times, Eyrie House Ruins lyrical topics are usually dark with topics of misunderstood people, drink, religion, and of course the murder ballad.”
The project has been a decade in the making. Desgres found himself listening to gothic country bands such as Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, 16 Horsepower and Tarantella, all from the Denver, Colorado, music scene. The lyrics of this bands focus on dark themes such as death, loss and the supernatural.
“It was part country, folk, Southern gothic, Eastern European music and rock all blended together. This intrigued me and I thought about starting a band up with these ideals,” he said. “It was difficult to find people who wanted to do this type of music. Most people were into heavy metal or rock or country or bluegrass but not everything jumbled up in a blender like this.”
The group had a few false starts, but finally settled in with the current band about a year and a half ago.
“Jay Barns, our drummer, was in it from the inception.
I knew (banjoist) Val Brown from the rock scene as a guitar player, and wanted to play with her in the past, but timing never worked out. I saw her posting songs on a banjo and asked her if she was interested in this crazy project. She was,” Desgres said. “Val knew Kelsey Peake, our violin player, and Jim Pion, our bass player, answered an ad on Facebook.”
The band plays a smorgasbord of music, including both originals and covers. The covers range from artists as diverse as Townes van Zandt to Motörhead. Desgres explained the process of how they choose the covers.
“Because we all come from rock backgrounds, it’s fun to transform rock songs into our version of gothic folk. We just started playing ‘A Forest’ by The Cure, a song I thought about for this project for a while. The violin does the synth part, and the banjo does a hybrid of what the guitar and synths do,” Desgres said.
Eyrie House Ruins is finishing up its debut album and hopes to release it in the fall. The band will play Luthier’s Co-Op, 108 Cottage St. in Easthampton, on July 26. The band goes on stage at 8 p.m.
can learn by doing, build leadership skills and community spirit. The more kids that get involved in these projects, the more I see the difference it makes in their lives,” Leckie said.
The Hampden County 4-H & Youth program, established in 1953, is a branch of the University of Massachusetts Extension 4-H Youth Development Program. 4-H is America’s largest youth development organization, empowering nearly 6 million young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime.
For more information on Hampden County 4-H, visit hampdencounty4h youthfair.org.
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
WEDNESDAY
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.
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
Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms
Min. Entry Package $15
Audiences enjoy live music offerings during a night at Luthier’s Co-op in Easthampton. (THE REPUBLICAN, FILE PHOTO)
Shakespeare & Company is staging “Romeo and Juliet” outdoors in Lenox through August.
Shakespeare classic being staged outdoors in Lenox this summer
‘Romeo & Juliet’
Shakespeare & Company is staging “Romeo and Juliet,” directed by Kevin G. Coleman and Jonathan Epstein, through Aug. 10 outdoors at the Arthur S. Waldstein Amphitheatre in Lenox.
Epstein, who noted he and Coleman have collectively directed more than 20 productions of Romeo and Juliet, said this production explores the pursuit of delight within a difficult and warring world.
“Shakespeare is a master of integrating delight and this play is the archetype of that,” he said in a press release. “So, we’re asking: In a world where the common language is about conflict and strife, how can delight make room for itself?”
This production also marks the first outdoor mainstage production of the year at Shakespeare & Company, and the first since it was named one of the “Top 10 Outdoor Performance Ven-
CALLING ALL FILMMAKERS
Submissions
being accepted for 5th LAVA Film Festival
By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com
GREENFIELD — Lights, camera, action!
The LAVA Center, in the heart of downtown Greenfield, is calling on amateur filmmakers from across the state to submit their work for the fifth LAVA Film Festival.
The festival spotlights amateur filmmakers, from students to adults, and all are welcome to submit their films for consideration.
Films can be submitted online at thelava center.org/lava-film-festival/ through Aug. 10. To be eligible, films must be made by current residents of Massachusetts and be creative projects, as opposed to live events or filmed
ues in the U.S.” by Newsweek. Epstein said he’s excited to see this season’s Romeo and Juliet take shape on the amphitheatre stage.
“You could wait a lifetime to see a Romeo and Juliet capable of filling a space this size with this much intimacy and passion,” he said, noting that he’s also eager to see audience reactions to the production and its interpretations. “This cast as a whole
performances. Films can be of any length, subject and genre.
Filmmakers could be asked to rate accepted submissions using official MPAA guidelines — you can determine what rating your film should have using the organization’s official guidelines.
The fee to submit films is $10, but that fee is waived for those under 18 years old and Pioneer Valley residents. To receive a promo code to waive the entry fee, email info@thelava center.org with proof of age or residency.
‘It’s definitely a clay moment’
Hilltown 6 Pottery Tour returns this weekend
By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com
The lifespan of a pot continues long after a craftsperson molds and glazes it.
“That pot could then be acquired by somebody, and it could be used over a lifetime, and even passed down over generations,” said Mark Shapiro, one of the potters involved in this month’s Hilltown 6 Pottery Tour. “When someone acquires a pot and brings it into their home, how they use that pot, how they display that pot and how they handle the pot, they’re equally contributing to the life of
the pot.”
Shapiro, who works out of a studio in Worthington, has seen a resurging interest in
Above, work by Normandy Alden, and at left, work by Dan Finnegan. They are Mark Shapiro’s guests on this year’s edition of the Hilltown 6 Pottery Tour. (HILLTOWN 6 POTTERY TOUR)
the art of clay and handmade objects, which he said has contributed to the longevity of the Hilltown 6 Pottery Tour.
“It has totally exploded, with multiple community studios, new community studios being established, workshops having wait lists, and so on,”
Shapiro said. “It’s definitely a clay moment right now.”
The Hilltown 6 Pottery Tour, returning for its 19th run on July 26 and 27, is a self-guided tour that invites people to visit a variety of studios across the Pioneer Valley’s Hilltowns. The tour
SEE CLAY, PAGE D11
“You have to meet people where they are, and so I guess we’re asking people to meet us where we are. They might not have much knowledge of this whole world that’s like breathing the air for.”
SHAPIRO,
Potter Mark Shapiro works on a delicate vase in his Worthington studio. He is a founding member of the Hilltown 6 Pottery Tour and his studio will be open to guests during the 2025 tour, being held July 26 and 27. At right is work by Shapiro.
THURSDAY
Jacob’s Pillow presents Orlando Hernandez & The Knee-Heart Connection: Thu., 5:30 p.m. Jacob’s Pillow Dance. Orlando Hernandez & The Knee-Heart Connection, on the Henry J. Leir Stage. Rain or shine tickets from $40. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413-243-0745 or www. jacobspillow.org.
Jacob’s Pillow presents Stephen Petronio Company: Thu.-Sun., 7:30 p.m. Jacob’s Pillow Dance, Stephen Petronio Company in the Ted Shawn Theatre. Tickets from $65. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413-243-0745 or www.jacobspillow.org.
Jacob’s Pillow presents Elle Sofe Company: Thu.-Sun., 8 p.m. Jacob’s Pillow Dance, Elle Sofe Company in the Doris Duke Theatre. Tickets from $85. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413243-0745 or www.jacobspillow. org.
Sidewalk Sales at SCMA: Thu.Sun., Smith College Museum of Art. Visit SCMA for this four-day sale that runs Thu., July 24 through Sun., July 27 and is in conjunction with Sidewalk Sales in downtown Northampton. There will be 40-60% discounts on original prices, including items by artists and makers no longer producing new work. Located at SCMA, 20 Elm St., Northampton, in the atrium adjacent to the entrance. Elm Street at Bedford Terrace, Northampton; 413-5852760 or scma.smith.edu.
Tanglewood presents Festival of Contemporary Music: Thu., 8 p.m. Tanglewood, Festival of Contemporary Music: Ortiz and the Mexican Tradition, in Ozawa Hall. 297 West St., Lenox. 888266-1200 or www.tanglewood. org.
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. 324 Old North Road, Worthington. 413-238-5353.
FRIDAY
The Comedy Project Revue: Fri., 7 p.m. LAVA Center, doors open 6:30 p.m. $5-$10 suggested donation. 324 Main St., Greenfield. SEE CALENDAR, PAGE D9
Monday Night Raw to make Springfield debut
Marking final appearance for
John Cena
Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com
For the first time ever, nationally televised WWE Monday Night RAW will come to Springfield.
The action-packed evening will land at the MassMutual Center on Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Leading the night’s matches will be
undisputed WWE Champion John Cena, who will be making his final Springfield appearance as part of his “Last Time is Now” tour.
A Springfield College alum, Cena is a record-breaking 17-time WWE champion after securing the world title win at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas in April. He will retire from professional wrestling at the conclusion of his tour.
“The word ‘retirement,’ to me, simply means acknowledging and accepting that you’re closing a chapter and opening another one,” Cena said
‘No other alternative’
The all-ages ska and punk festival is produced by 413ska founder Eric Coles, who produces ska/punk shows in western Massachusetts and beyond.
“We moved here from Sommerville three years ago, where I had great access to ska and punk shows, especially in Cambridge and Boston. But when we moved to Northampton, which I believed had a thriving scene, found that it really didn’t. I did go to some shows, but those venues eventually shut down, and there wasn’t much left to my liking,” Coles said.
With no other alternative, the ska fan began to realize that he would have to “do it myself,” and formed 413ska to begin booking bands for places such as JJ’s Tavern in Florence and Hawkes and Reed in Greenfield, among other sites. It all led up to last year’s one-day Pioneer Valley Ska Festival at Hawkes and Reed, which was such a success with ever 300 attending, that Coles knew he had to plan another.
“When I began looking for a venue for this year, a friend who is on the board at 52 Sumner suggested I con-
to do by bringing artists to Springfield at an affordable cost. Their mission aligns with ours,” Coles said.
In addition to the music, there will be a food truck and an ice cream truck parked outside, and two bars inside serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers, as well as other beverages, including kombucha.
Parking is free and available on the street or directly across the street in the old Friendly’s parking lot.
sider the Springfield site. It looks amazing, and I like the whole idea of using a former
church as a venue space. So, I’m a big fan of their idea and I love what they are trying
General admission, which includes both days, is $30 with a $3.85 fee, available through Eventbrite.com or 52 Sumner’s website. Day-of admission at the door is $40 with a $4.52 fee. Children 13 and under are free.
52 Sumner in Springfield, previously the home of Faith United Church, will play host to the second annual Pioneer Valley Ska Festival on Friday and Saturday. (DOUGLAS HOOK / THE REPUBLICAN)
John Cena celebrates his win during Wrestlemania XXX in New Orleans on April 6, 2014. (JONATHAN BACHMAN / AP IMAGES FOR WWE, FILE)
Northampton's Sidewalk Sales event starts today and continues through Sunday, July 27, featuring special sales and events in the downtown shopping district. This is Dan Pedersen of Williamsburg giving his son Mason a great view of the sidewalk sales during a past year’s sale. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN, FLE)
beer and desserts from Tangle and perhaps learn something new while having fun doing it. All are welcome. Free. 5 Main St. Route 9, Williamsburg.
Jacob’s Pillow presents H.T. Chen & Dancers: Fri., 5:30 p.m. Jacob’s Pillow Dance, H.T. Chen & Dancers on the Henry J. Leir Stage. Rain or shine tickets from $40. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413243-0745 or www.jacobspillow. org
Jacob’s Pillow presents Stephen Petronio Company: See Thursday listing
Jacob’s Pillow presents Elle Sofe Company: See Thursday listing Second Annual Pioneer Valley Ska Festival: Fri.-Sat., 4-11:30 p.m. 52 Sumner. Two days of live music for all ages. Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the door. 52 Sumner Ave., Springfield.
Sidewalk Sales at SCMA: See Thursday listing Tangle Trivia Night: Fri., 7 p.m. Tangle Chocolate Lounge. Bring your team of family, friends and neighbors or join solo for a night of trivia at Tangle Chocolate! Bring your own dinners and enjoy wine,
Tanglewood presents Festival of Contemporary Music: Fri., 2:30 p.m. Tanglewood presents the Festival of Contemporary Music: Mexico, Cuba, the U.S, and one hundred years of percussion in Ozawa Hall. Free. 297 West St., Lenox. 888-266-1200 or www. tanglewood.org.
Tanglewood presents BSO: Fri., 8 p.m. Tanglewood, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with María Dueñas in the Shed. Tickets range from $32-$117. 297 West St., Lenox. 888-2661200 or www.tanglewood.org.
The Torch Song Revival Collective: Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Northampton Center for the Arts, in Association with Easthampton Theatre Company. 15-20% of proceeds from the show will be donated to groups supporting LGBTQ+ communities. Tickets are available online at www.torchsongrevival.com/tickets. Tickets to the production are sliding scale.
See you on the sidewalk!
One of Northampton’s most beloved traditions returns from Thu., July 24, through Sun., July 27.
For over four decades, the annual Sidewalk Sales has marked a highlight of the summer, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience downtown Northampton in full bloom. Shops extend their storefronts onto the sidewalks with rare finds, seasonal discounts, and signature pieces that reflect the originality and craft behind each small business. Visitors are encouraged to make a day, or a weekend, of it. Grab a bite at Summer on Strong, take in a show as the Iron Horse reawakens, or spend an hour exploring the city’s growing network of murals and public art. Whether you're discovering a hidden gem or reconnecting with a longtime favorite, the Sidewalk Sales are a chance to see downtown Northampton at its most welcoming and alive.
Additional information and a list of participating businesses can be found online at nohodna.org or on Instagram and Facebook @ northamptondna.
See you on the sidewalk.
33 Hawley St., Northampton. 413584-7327 or nohoarts.org.
The Wedding Jester: Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. Blue Room at CitySpace, $20. 43 Main St., Easthampton.
J. Leir Stage. Rain or Shine tickets from $40. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413-243-0745 or www. jacobspillow.org.
Jacob’s Pillow presents Stephen Petronio Company: See Thursday listing
Jacob’s Pillow presents Elle Sofe Company: See Thursday listing
Medicare Drop-in Session: Sat., 10 a.m. Fairfield Inn & 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. Preregistration at healthnewengland.org/medicare/sessions is recommended. You can also find other community Medicare sessions at the same site. Free. 249 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington.
Second Annual Pioneer Valley Ska Festival: See Friday listing Sidewalk Sales at SCMA: See Thursday listing
Tanglewood presents BSO: Sat., 8 p.m. Tanglewood presents Boston Symphony Orchestra. Mahler Symphony No. 1 and John Williams’ Piano Concerto with Emanuel Ax. Shed. Tickets range from $35-$153. 297 West St., Lenox. 888-266-1200 or www.tanglewood.org.
The Torch Song Revival Collective: See Friday listing
The Wedding Jester: See Friday listing
A Woman Under Pressure — A Cartoon Exhibit and Gallery Talk with Andrea CK: See Friday listing
SUNDAY
A Woman Under Pressure — A Cartoon Exhibit and Gallery Talk with Andrea CK: Fri., 5 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m. LAVA Center. Gallery talk, July 26, 11 a.m., 324 Main St., Greenfield.
SATURDAY
30th Annual Bel Canto Opera: Sat., 7:30 p.m. White Church of Blandford, $40. 4 North St., Blandford.
Jacob’s Pillow presents BOCA TUYA: Sat., 5:30 p.m. Jacob’s Pillow Dance, BOCA TUYA on the Henry
Jacob’s Pillow Workshops with Festival Artists: Sun., 10 a.m. Jacob’s Pillow Dance, at Jacob’s Pillow. 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 I.D. July 27: Elle Sofe Company, ages 16+; Aug. 3: Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, ages 16+; Aug. 10: Tap with Derick K. Grant, ages 12+; Aug. 17: Ballet BC, ages 16+;August 24: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, ages 16+, Register online or by calling 413-243-9919, ext. 163. For questions about accessibility accommodations, contact community@jacobspillow.org, $25. 358 George Carter Road, Becket; 413-243-0745 or www.jacobspillow.org.
Jacob’s Pillow presents Stephen Petronio Company: See Thursday listing
Jacob’s Pillow presents Elle Sofe Company: See Thursday listing Sevenars Concerts 57th
BOCA TUYA will perform as part of the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival on Saturday. (JACOB JONES PHOTO)
Anniversary Season Opening Concert: Sun., 4 p.m. Sevenars Academy presents the Springfield Chamber Players’ Clarinet Quintet, $20 suggested donation. Ireland Street at Route 112, Worthington. 413-238-5854 or www.sevenars. org.
Sidewalk Sales at SCMA: See Thursday listing Bella Voce featuring Lisa Woods, Terri LaFleur and Jerry Noble: Sun., 3 p.m., Memorial Hall Museum. Old Deerfield Summer Concert Series is being held on Sundays through Aug. 31. All concerts begin at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults and $8 seniors and students, and available at the door before each show. Weather permitting, free refreshments will be available after the concert. 8 Memorial St., Deerfield, deerfield-ma.org
Sundays in the Park Music Series: Sun, 12:30 p.m. Lee Congregational Church. The Lee Cultural Council presents Sundays in the Park through Aug. 10, in the park in front of the First Congregational Church in downtown Lee. Each week, there will be one to two musical performances taking place from 12:30 to 2:30P and will be held sprinkle or shine. The audience is encouraged to bring their own chairs and to bring a picnic or order takeout from any of Lee’s area restaurants. If final concert cancelled, rain date will be Sunday, Aug. 17. 25 Park Place, Lee.
Tanglewood presents BSO with Lang Lang: Sun., 2:30 p.m. Tanglewood, Boston Symphony Orchestra. Beethoven Symphony No. 6 and Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No. 2 with Lang Lang. Shed. Tickets range from $43-$209. 297 West St., Lenox. 888-266-1200 or www.tanglewood.org.
The Torch Song Revival Collective: See Friday listing
The Wedding Jester: See Friday listing
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 www.springfieldmuseums.org.
Summer at the Museums: Through Aug., various activities throughout
the museums.
Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: “Witch Panic! Massachusetts Before Salem.” Through Nov. 2 The exhibition explores how the first instance of 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 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.
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-of-the-art Zeiss Projector and updated International Space Station exhibit.
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.
Outdoors
Ashuwillticook Rail Trail: Family Friendly Bike Ride: July 26, 5:307:30 p.m. p.m. Explore the scenic Ashuwillticook Rail Trail with park interpreters and discover natural and cultural features along this popular recreational trail. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own bike (traditional pedal bike or an e-bike pedal assist class 1), drinking water, sunscreen and bug spray. Wear a helmet and clothing appropriate for the weather. Inclement weather cancels. Call for meeting location. For more information and to pre-register, call 413-499-4262. Free for all ages. Farnams Road, Cheshire
Summer of learning at the Museums
The Springfield Museums are offering a summer of play, music, and education through August. Open seven days a week through Aug. 15, the museums are offering a number of hands-on exhibitions and activities on the Quadrangle Green. Activities include live music offerings on Wednesday afternoons and special “Tinker Thursday” programming each Thursday. “Activities can change from week to week in our drop-in spaces, so there are new experiences often for visitors looking to visit more than once this summer,” said Abby Garner, Family Engagement Coordinator for the Springfield Museums, in an interview with The Republican.
Great Falls Discovery Center: Dino Trail Week: Indoor StoryWalk: “Daring to Dig: Adventures of Women in American Paleontology” by Beth Strickler, through July 31. Great Hall Exhibit: “Ways of My Ancestors-We Are Still Here” by Scott Strong Hawk Foster, through July 29. Outdoor Storywalk: “Agua, Aguita: Water, Little Water” by Jorge Tetl Argueta, through Aug. 19. “Kidleidoscope Story Hour,” July 25: Bees & Flowers, 10:30-11:30 a.m. “Whalemobile,” July 25, 3:305:30 p.m. “A French/Breton Jam Session,” July 27, 2:30-4:30 p.m. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls or www. greatfallsma.org.
Mt. Greylock State Reservation: Visitor Center open daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Interpretive exhibits explore the park story through artifacts and displays. Trail maps, hike guidance, 13-minute orientation film, bathrooms, drinking water available. Wheelchair accessible. “Greylock Moth Night,” July 25, 7-9 p.m. Safely catch, examine and release moths. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the Visitor Center. “Nature Scavenger Hunt,” Ongoing, Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For children and families. Self-guided adventurous quests invited you to search for natural treasures along part trails and inside the Visitor Center. 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. Art and nature enthusiasts can explore a half mile stroll through a wildflower meadow and shady groves adorned with 40 up to life size bronze sculptures by sculptor Andrew DeVries. Hours: Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and other times by appointment. The trail is free; donations are graciously accepted to help with upkeep. 36 East River Road, Middlefield
Markets
Amherst Farmers Market: Amherst Common, Sat. through Nov. 15, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Boltwood Avenue and Spring Street, Amherst Farmers Market at Forest Park: Every Tues. through Oct. 6, 12:30-6 p.m. 200 Trafton Road; free entry at main entrance on Sumner Ave for market shoppers. Sumner Avenue, Springfield or farmersmarketatforestpark.com.
Northampton Farmers Market: Sat. through Nov. 8, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 8 Gothic St., Northampton 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 www.masslive.com/myevent
Charlotte Clark, 6,of Gill looks to the stars at the Springfield Science Museum earlier this month. (DOUGLAS HOOK / THE REPUBLICAN)
weekend, where people can visit and browse his works, purchase pottery, and see live demonstrations of pots being fired and crafted.
“It’s so wonderful to be able to take something that’s almost a formless matter, like mud, and turn it into something that may be useful and beautiful,” Shapiro said. “It’s an incredible privilege to be able to be in that position at this moment, when we’re so attuned to a digital way of creating expression. It’s something that people did for hundreds and thousands and tens of thousands of years of human evolution.”
the technical limitations in the material and how to work with it, but even within that, I’ve never seen anybody dip into clay and not have a really meaningful and transformative experience.”
A weekend of demonstrations
In addition to Shapiro, all studios on tour will offer a variety of demonstrations and workshops over the two-day event. Demonstrations are on a drop-in basis, and there is no cost to attend.
The demonstrations planned for this weekend include:
began with six potters, and the group has expanded to include eight.
“You have to meet people where they are, and so I guess we’re asking people to meet us where we are,” Shapiro said. “They might not have much knowledge of this whole world that’s like breathing the air for us. For a lot of people, they’ve never seen a pot being thrown or the way someone might decorate something.”
The potters on tour this year include Shapiro, out of his Worthington studio at 42 Conwell Road; Robbie Heidinger, 1 Stage Road in Westhampton; Christy Knox, 108 Mount Road in Cummington; Maya Machin, 193 Hill Road in Ashfield; Michael McCarthy, 70 Bissell Road in Williamsburg; Hiroshi Nakayama, 193 Fisk Road in Worthington; Constance Talbot, 34 Shaw Road in Windsor; and Sam Taylor, 35 Perry Hill Road Ext. in Westhampton.
Between their eight studios, the potters will also welcome 18 guests from around the country, including Normandy
Alden, Hayne Bayless, Celia Feldberg, Dan Finnegan, Stuart Gair, Yeonsoo Kim, Billie Li, Jeffrey Lipton, Mathew Meunier, Mary Risley, Tandem Ceramics, Justine and Grant Figura, Sumiyo Toribe, Waterwheel Clay: Ben Bonsall and Garrett Sanders, Tom White and Sophie Yoon.
“Clay can be made to look like almost anything, and why a person chooses to work in a particular way with this material is quite personal and quite individual,” Shapiro said. “(This tour) is a chance to see that. I think it’s exciting for people to say, ‘Look, you can touch the clay, it takes any shape, look at all these different ways it can be manipulated and fired, and treated and used.’”
Keeping an old tradition alive
Shapiro has been making pots for almost 40 years and has exhibited his work across the globe, in places like Texas, New York, London and Korea. He is also a founding member of the Hilltown 6 Pottery Tour and has been involved with the annual event since its inception.
“Sometimes people ask me,
for example, ‘What’s your favorite pot to make?’” Shapiro said. “And that is the pot I’m making right now, because no one’s telling me what to make. I’m choosing what to make.”
In his Stonepool Pottery studio in the hills of Western Massachusetts, Shapiro makes salt-glazed wood-fired pots. His work takes a variety of colors, from a striking golden-brown to a crystallized blue. He said that’s thanks, in part, to the salt glaze process, a traditional European method of finishing pots.
“It’s a glaze that’s formed when sodium is introduced in the kiln at temperature, and it combines with the available silicate in the clay, so it actually kind of grows the glaze from the inside out as opposed to putting the glaze on top of it,” Shapiro explained.
The doors to his studio will be open for the entirety of the
In addition to Shapiro, visitors will be able to view works by his two guests, Dan Finnegan, a potter from Virginia who trained professionally in England; and Normandy Alden, who works by day as a farmer in Cooperstown, New York, and creates whimsical sculptural work inspired by her farm life.
Demonstrations at Shapiro’s studio will be held at 11 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, Shapiro will show guests how to make a teapot from start to finish; and on Sunday, Finnegan will host a demonstration on his English influences.
“I would say to anybody who’s thinking about trying to do pottery, you will get more from doing pottery than you expect,” Shapiro said. “Because clay is such a generative material, and it’s so pleasant to work with. There are frustrations at the beginning, learning
• 10 a.m., both days, at Maya Machin’s studio: “Lid Lunacy: Perfecting Lidded Forms”;
• 10 a.m., both days, at Hiroshi Nakayama’s studio: “Spinning Bottles” by Ben Bonsall;
• 3 p.m., both days, at Michael McCarthy’s studio: July 26, throwing pots on the treadle wheel with Jeffrey Lipton and July 27, throwing pots on the treadle wheel with McCarthy;
• 2 p.m., July 27 only, at Sam Taylor’s studio: Stretching slabs and decorating with colored slips with Hayne Bayless;
• Noon, both days, at Christy Knox’s studio: July 26, “The Perfect Vase” and July 27, “Picture a Pitcher,” both with Knox;
• Noon, both days, at Robbie Heidinger’s studio: Self-portrait sculpture with Yeonsook Kim;
• Both days at Constance Talbot’s studio: July 26, all day, “Cooking with Clay Pots” with Talbot;
• July 27, 1 p.m., Terra Sigillata with Mathew Meunier.
A portion of proceeds from the Hilltown 6 Pottery Tour, which are made through donations and through purchases at the studios, will benefit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
A map of the studios on tour can be found on the Hilltown 6 Pottery Tour website, where it can be printed. Cellphone reception in the Hilltowns is spotty, so it’s suggested that you print out a copy of the map ahead of time. Maps also can be found in-person at each studio on the tour.
Clay
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Mark Shapiro works on pottery in his Worthington studio. At right is work by Shapiro.
John Cena responds to the crowd after throwing Jimmy Uso at the WWE Smackdown at the Giant Center in Hershey, Penn., on Sept. 1, 2023.
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when he announced his forthcoming retirement from the WWE at Money in the Bank in Toronto in 2024.
The Springfield lineup, which is subject to change, will also include World
Nightclubs
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429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY
Delaney House: Trivia in The Mick. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
Heavyweight Champion Gunther, Jey Uso, Rhea Ripley, Seth Rollins, Penta, Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch, The New Day: Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston, among others.
Public tickets will go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. and will be available on the MassMutual Center website.
MONDAY
Tree House Brewery: Lukas Nelson with Payton Howie. 1 Community PL, South Deerfield
Uno Chicago Grill: 50% off individual deep dish pizza. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
The Republican is not responsible for unannounced schedule changes. Items should be mailed to Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 011021329, emailed to pmastriano@repub. com or submitted to www.masslive. com/myevent
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is committed to both the sanctity and the whimsy of telling a story like this, and of all of the productions of this play that I’ve been involved in, this couple [Caitlin Rose, Romeo, and Ashley McCauley Moore, Juliet] takes delight in each other more than any other Romeo and Juliet I’ve ever seen,” he said.
Shakespeare & Company artistic director Allyn Burrows agreed that this production of Romeo and Juliet celebrates joy, but also calls attention to timely subjects.
“Once again we are reminded by this timeless clas-
sic, replete with soaring poetry, that divisions wrought by ‘adults’ wreak havoc on the lives of youth,” he said.
“While the lessons continue to be ignored, the beauty of the story cannot be.”
Food trucks will be on campus with light dinners for purchase on select evenings prior to the performance, including Saturday, July 26, and Aug. 4.
Tickets range from $22 to $95; $5 Card to Culture tickets for EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare participants are available for in-person purchase or by calling the box office.
For more information, visit shakespeare.org, or call the box office at 413-637-3353.
