INSIDE: Springfield Armory National Historic Site to celebrate Henry Knox’s ‘Noble Train of Artillery’ with free family events. D3
Original musical at 52 Sumner to highlight Springfield's role in American Revolution Page D2
‘FOR LOVE! FOR
Original musical at 52 Sumner to highlight Springfield’s role in American Revolution
LIBERTY!’
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special
Ito
The Republican
t is sometimes easy to forget the role Springfield played in the American Revolutionary War and the city’s ties to Gen. Henry Knox.
But playwright and director Vana Nespor of Springfield Community Theater of MA is not going to let that happen.
Learning of the 250th anniversary of Henry Knox’s daring “Noble Train of Artillery,” a 300-mile winter expedition that began in December 1775, Nespor — along with
composer Clifton (Jerry) Noble — penned “For Love! For Liberty,” a musical that explores Knox’s challenges in hauling tons of captured artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston in January 1776. The achievement helped secure one of the Continental Army’s first strategic victories.
Premiering Sunday at 52 Sumner, in conjunction with area America 250 and Knox Trail 250 celebrations, with two showtimes, 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., Nespor pays homage to Knox, his wife Lucy, and the Springfield Armory that he founded, by placing the show at a present-day reenactment presented to a questioning group of students.
Nespor said when writing “For Love! For Liberty!” it was important for her to have Springfield families — both adults and children — be part of the play.
Above, from left, Courtney Ousley, left, and Jill Franks go over their final lines during a rehearsal of “For Love! For Liberty!” at 52 Sumner in Springfield, and Ashley Duplessis in costume as Lucy Knox for the production. (LEFT: SOPHIE MARKHAM PHOTO; RIGHT: COURTESY OF VANA NESPOR)
Sean Davis is Henry Knox in the Springfield Community Theater of MA production of "For Love! For Liberty!"
Springfield Armory to celebrate Knox’s ‘Noble Train of Artillery’
Festivities honoring Gen.Henry Knox’s daring “Noble Train of Artillery” that began in 1775, along with his role in identifying Springfield as the site of the first national armory, will begin on Saturday at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site.
The event highlights the 300mile winter expedition that brought captured artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston, an achievement that helped secure one of the Continental Army’s earliest strategic victories.
The free, family-friendly anniversary program will feature engaging living-history demonstrations and educational experiences that highlight the hardship, ingenuity, and teamwork that defined Knox’s remarkable journey.
Beginning at noon and running through 3 p.m., the Knox Trail 250 event will feature:
• Horse- and oxen-drawn cannon sledge demonstration showing how artillery was hauled across icy terrain during the winter of 1775–76.
• Colonial militia interpreters presenting drills, equipment, and camp life.
• Artillery and firearms blank firing demonstrations illustrating 18th-century weapons technology.
• Continental Arsenal in Springfield exhibit exploring the Armory’s foundational role in supporting the Continental Army.
For updates and further information call 413-734-8551, visit nps.gov/spar or go to facebook. com/sparnhs.
“It is serious fun. Today’s youthful energy is embracing our area’s critical role in American history.”
VANA NESPOR
rest of the way to Cambridge hauling 60 tons of some 59 cannons.
‘Liberty’
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D2
“I came up with the idea of having a bunch of middle school students, who won a contest, visiting the Springfield Armory. While there, they find themselves participating in a special event involving a Revolutionary War reenactor and his wife who bring to life the story of Henry and Lucy Knox. It is serious fun. Today’s youthful energy is embracing our area’s critical role in American history,” Nespor said.
The role of Henry Knox is
Instant Issues
performed by Sean Davis, of Enfield, while Lucy Knox is played by Ashley Duplessis of Chicopee. The 10 schoolchildren are played by youngsters from six area school districts, with actors ranging in age from 9 to 16. They remain on stage during the entirety of the play, singing, dancing and reacting to the scenes of Knox’s struggles.
The two-act play, including eight songs, features a variety of scenes beginning at Lake George where Knox awaits the arrival of artillery by 40 boats that have disappeared in the fog. It then follows their hazardous
Dr. Okey Ndibe, Author & Journalist Nigeria: Between Hope & Hopelessness
Thursday, January 29, 2026 noon-1 pm 1350 Main Street, 9th Floor Gallery, downtown Springfield
RSVP deadline for lunch provided Monday, January 26
Council Members: $10.00 | $25.00 (includes lunch) Non-members: $15.00 | $30.00 (includes lunch)
Special Thanks To NAI/Plotkin
For more information, call 413-733-0110 or email info@wacwestma.org.
journey across frozen rivers and snowy mountains from the Hudson River through the Berkshire Mountains to Springfield, where the men leading the caravan disband and leave Knox on the banks of the Connecticut River. That is the moment when Springfield’s men step in to repair the carts, bring fresh horses and oxen and speed Knox along on his journey the
“Springfield is the last scene in our play where Knox utters those now famous words declaring the town ‘one of the most proper spots’ in America for the location of a national arsenal,” Nespor said.
Before writing the play, which she began in earnest last June, Nespor did extensive research on the lives of both Henry and Lucy, including reading historic accounts and dozens of their letters.
“It was clear in those letters that Henry was hailed as a hero for accomplishing the nearly impossible task given
Henry Knox
Vana Nespor, founder and executive director of the Springfield Community Theater of MA, goes over lines at one of the rehearsals for "For Love! For Liberty!" at 52 Sumner in Springfield. (SOPHIE MARKHAM PHOTO)
SSO: ‘Let’s Groove Tonight’
Concert led by William Waldrop to highlight Motown, Philly sound on Saturday night
By K eith O ’C onnor Special
to The Republican
After bringing Latin flare to their last two concerts, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra turns its attention to Detroit and Philadelphia in a pops concert on Saturday devoted to Motown and the Philly Sound.
“Let’s Groove Tonight” sees the return of an evening concert, set for 7:30 p.m., at Springfield Symphony Hall.
The concert will feature three guest vocalists with extensive repertoires — Cherise Coaches, Brik Liam and Jeremy Keith — and the return of guest conductor William Waldrop.
“I love coming back to Springfield to conduct the SSO. What keeps me coming back are the stellar people I get to work with and engage with—the musicians and the orchestra staff, the team at Symphony Hall, and the patrons. The musicians at the Springfield Symphony Orchestra play with such heart, musicality and overall excellence. I always feel a great sense of trust from this orchestra and that allows us to really enjoy making music together,” Waldrop said.
“ I also love the connection this orchestra has with its audiences — the concerts always feel celebratory, deeply appreciated, and connected
to the community in a very special way. All that makes me want to come back many times,” he added.
Heather Caisse-Roberts, president and CEO of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, called the Motown and Philly Sound “fearless” and “soulful” in a press statement.
“This is bold, energetic, music that changed culture and still hits just as hard today,” she said in a statement. “What makes the night even more powerful is doing it alongside our partners at MLK, Jr. Family Services and the Young Professional Society. This concert is about sound, soul, and community coming together in a way that only live music can.”
Motown and the Philly Sound are iconic soul and R&B genres from the 1960s and ’70s that garnered legendary hit songs, both
emphasizing smooth vocals
and catchy melodies. Motown, which originated in Detroit, focused on polished pop-soul with artists like The Supremes, The Temptations, and Marvin Gaye, while the Philly Sound, originated in Philadelphia and was spearheaded by groups like Gamble & Huff and MFSB (Mother Father Sister Brother).
Saturday’s concert will fea-
ture hits by The Spinners, The Stylistics, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Lou Rawls, Diana Ross, Gamble & Huff, Percy Sledge and more.
Famous hits from the Philly Sound will include “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” “You’ll Never Find A Love Like Mine,” “Rock The Boat” and ” “Love Train,” joined by
TUESDAY
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Bingo Tuesday
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2 Progressive Jackpots 6:15PM Early Bird
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Min. Entry Package $15
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WEDNESDAY
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Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm
Doors Open at 4pm. Minimum Admission $50
1 - 1199 Progressive Betty Boop 50/50 Prize $900
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THURSDAY
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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
Above, from left, Jeremy Keith, Cherise Coaches and Brik Liam will be guests during Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s “Let’s Groove Tonight” concert on Saturday.
Westfield’s Bekka Dowland releases new single
WESTFIELD’S Bekka Dowland has been making up songs since she was a little girl, but she didn’t actually learn the guitar until she was a teenager, and she didn’t start to learn it seriously until she was in her 20s.
“I was always writing songs — at least from a little kid’s standpoint. I didn’t have musical ability then, but there were always melodies in my head,” she said in a recent interview with The Republican. “But then when I went through my first really huge adult breakup, I took some lessons because I thought,’ I really have to put music to these words.’ And that’s how it’s been from then on.”
Dowland will play Element Brewing Co. in Millers Falls on Jan. 17 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Dowland’s passion for music — especially country pop — came from her family, which was always more interested in radio than television, she said.
“We always had the radio on, and I grew up in the ’90s era of country music, which is my favorite. So I think that’s where a lot of musical influence comes from — just based off of what we were
THE STRING QUEENS
Trio to play Springfield’s Hope Center for the Arts
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special to The Republican
Meet The String Queens, three classically trained musicians who put their own twist on timeless classics in an attempt to bridge the gap between classical, hip hop, pop and everything in-between.
listening to,” she said. “Seriously, I could live without a computer, I could live without TV, but I could not live without radio.”
Dowland works with the NI Music Group out of California and has released a handful of singles and an EP over the past five years. While she has recorded in the Golden State, she now mostly records in Florida.
“We recorded there and it’s just an awesome place, and ever since then we’ve just figured that’s the place to be because it has a great crew and really good vibes,” she said
She also has produced a half-dozen videos for some of the songs. Unlike many artists, Dowland just doesn’t just play and sing in the
The trio — Kendall Isadore, Dawn Johnson and Élise Sharp — will bring their string music to the Hope Center for the Arts on Friday. Showtime is 7 p.m. at the performance arts center on 150 Bridge St. in Springfield where Stage West was once located.
Based in Washington, D.C., The String Queens have been featured in performances at renowned concert halls and venues across America, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the nation’s capital. Notable appearances include a special performance
dedicated to Vice President Kamala Harris at the “We Are One” presidential inauguration concert in January 2021, and an electrifying arrangement of Harry Styles’ “Golden” for the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament in Wimbledon in June 2021.
Recognized by D.C.’s leading news network WUSA9 as “school teachers by day and
concert performers by night”, the Queens’ dedication, service, and innovative work in the field of music education have been acknowledged by the DC Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Save The Music Foundation and many others. Their three albums, “Rise,” “Our Favorite Things,” and
Based in Washington, D.C., The String Queens have been featured in performances at renowned concert halls and venues across America, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the nation’s capital. SEE QUEENS, PAGE D11
Westfield native Bekka Dowland will play Element Brewing Co. in Millers Falls on Jan. 17. (REBEKAH CURTIS PHOTO)
George Lenker LIVE WIRE
The String Queens will play Springfield’s Hope Center for the Arts on Friday. (ROY COX PHOTO)
‘Liberty’
to him by Gen. George Washington. On the personal side, he was a fascinating character, just 26 years old when given this task, irrepressibly optimistic and charmingly humorous. Quite surprisingly, some of the accounts didn’t feel the same way about Lucy,” Nespor said.
“One author called her an ‘ice queen’ while other accounts told about how much the men loved her because she insisted on bringing food to the camps even though Henry tried to keep her from that suffering,” she said.
Equally intrigued by Lucy, Nespor noted she knew Knox’s wife needed to be a part of the story. She wrote into the play the letters of encouragement Lucy sent to her husband while out in the field, as well as devoting an entire scene to her when her father throws her out of the house because he didn’t approve of her marrying Henry.
“I wanted to take the audience between the lines in those letters to showcase how much the war cost not only the men, but the women of our country. They smuggled, spied, raised food, melted their spoons into cannon balls, tended the dead and
wounded, many times while pregnant and nursing,” Nespor said.
Regarding the lyrics to the songs, Nespor noted the lyrics for the children were the most fun to write.
“The young present-day boys are all bravado when they rap about how they would ‘Take Them Out,’ insisting they would have sim-
ply kicked out the British, and the girls respond with their own rap song insisting it was a hard long painful war and that we not forget ‘Her Story,’ which talks about the contributions of the women who too often get left out of the history books,” she added.
Other standout songs include “Step into the Story,” when at the beginning of the
play the kids invite themselves and the audience into the story of Knox; “I Stand Beside Him,” Lucy’s song of defiance to her father when she is thrown out of their home, and “For Love! For Liberty!” the title song by Henry and his men when they almost give up on top of the Berkshires.
When it came to putting life
“I wanted to take the audience between the lines in those letters to showcase how much the war cost not only the men, but the women of our country.”
Vana Nespor, on her play, ‘For Love! For Liberty!’
into her lyrics through song, Nespor turned to Noble for help.
“I was introduced to Jerry through a friend and was blown away by his creativity and music. What a talent,” Nespor said.
Noble is a composer, arranger and pianist who, from 1987 until his retirement in 2020, served as a collaborative pianist for Smith College choral ensembles, students, and faculty as the staff accompanist in the Smith Music Department. He has produced original works and arrangements for a broad range of vocal and instrumental ensembles and soloists, and his music has
Above, Rachel Jerusik, and left, Grayson Davidson are pictured during a recent rehearsal for “For Love! For Liberty!” at 52 Sumner in Springfield. (SOPHIE MARKHAM PHOTOS)
The cast in costume for "For Love! For Liberty!," a new musical written by Vana Nespor premiering at 52 Sumner in Springfield this weekend. (PHOTO COURTESY VANA NESPOR)
Girl Scouts of the USA has introduced a new cookie, the “Exploremores,” to the lineup this year. It is inspired by rocky road ice cream and filled with chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond-flavored creme. In honor of the new cookie, the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts are hosting a photo contest on their website, with submissions being accepted from Jan. 16 to Feb. 20. (COURTESY OF GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA)
‘EXPLOREMORE’
Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts hosting cookie photo contest
By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com
SPRINGFIELD — In honor of the newest addition to its cookie lineup, the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts are encouraging everyone to get out and “Exploremore.”
The rules are simple: Snap a picture of yourself with a box of the newest Girl Scout cookie, “Exploremores,” in meaningful, fun or creative places. If you don’t have a box at the ready, you can use a printable cookie cut-
out available on the Girl Scouts’ website.
The photos can be submitted online on the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts website from Jan. 16 through Feb. 20. Winners will be announced on March 6 in the categories of Best Local Expedition, Best Girl Scout Spirit, Explore the Great Outdoors, Most Creative Expedition, and Small Business Snapshot.
The contest is being held to celebrate the newest Girl Scout cookie, “Exploremores,” which are described as “rocky road ice cream-inspired cookies filled with flavors of chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond creme.”
Girl Scout cookie sales start Jan. 16 and run through March 15. Visit the Online Cookie Finder at gscwm.org/en/cookies/find-cookies.html to find a cookie booth location near you or connect with a local troop’s online cookie shop.
Brew news abounds for the New Year
ILIKE TO START OFF the new year with good news, and so despite having a mixed bag today, let’s begin with a positive bit of local news.
I mentioned in November that Drawing Board Brewing, which ended up closing its previous shop in December, was only moving its operations — not closing permanently. While the owners kept mum about the new location, they dropped several hints, and it turns out that the new brewery will be just a block down the road.
The brewery, formerly on the corner of Main and Chestnut streets in the Florence section of Northampton, will now be located on the corner of Main and Maple streets. (Some folks might recall the spot being the former home to Pizza Factory.)
Drawing Board actually created a special beer for the transition, coyly naming it Corner to Corner Pale Ale, with artwork of both Chestnut and Maple leaves on the label. I sampled it before the old location closed and it was fantastic. I hope they keep it in regular rotation. Stay tuned for news on when
Drawing Board reopens.
In other, sadder local news, Wandering Star Craft Brewery in Pittsfield closed on New Year’s Eve after a run of almost 15 years. Owner Chris Post started as a home brewer and opened the brewery at 11 Gifford St. in 2011. I had a few of Wandering Star brews over the years, and they always were spot-on. Best of luck to whatever Post does next.
On the national front, but certainly germane to Massachusetts, the Brewers Association, a nonprofit trade group representing the nation’s 9,000-plus breweries, will be ramping up its efforts for its “Brews to Barns” initiative in 2026. The proposal is geared toward providing an excise tax credit to reward breweries for donating spent grain to the agricultural sector. Many brewers already donate their spent grain to local farmers. This type of partnership reduces farm costs and keeps usable organic matter out of landfills, so it seems like a perfect fit. But the BA notes that a significant amount of spent grain is still wasted, often ending up in landfills where
farms and breweries, jumps on board with this win-win proposition.
And finally, zooming out to the international level, I am sad to report that Craig, the Kenyan elephant who served as an ambassador for the popular Kenyan lager brand called Tusker, died on Jan. 3.
Craig was believed to have been one of Africa’s largest male tuskers and died of natural causes at Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya, conservationists said.
it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative was inspired by a bill introduced in Texas
and promoted by the Texas Craft Brewers Guild in 2025. Let’s hope Massachusetts, which has plenty of both
“Craig had just turned 54 years old. He led a long life and no doubt fathered many calves,” said the Amboseli Trust for Elephants in a message. The Kenya Wildlife Service described Craig as an “icon” of successful conservation.
Let’s all raise a glass in memory of this pachyderm beer ambassador.
This undated photo shows Craig, the iconic elephant with super tusks, who died from natural causes on Jan. 3, in Amboseli National Park, Kenya. The elephant was an ambassador for the Kenyan lager brand Tusker. (KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE VIA AP)
George Lenker Beer Nut
F RIDAY
Heartbeat Theater presents “Proof” by David Auburn: Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Blue Room at CitySpace, $23. 43 Main St., Easthampton.
Six One Five Collective: Fri, 7 p.m. Cultural Center at Eagle Hill, $30-35. 242 Old Petersham Road, Hardwick; www.thecenterat eaglehill.org.
SATURDAY
Auto Parts Swap ‘n Sell: Sat.-Sun., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center. Admission is $15/day, 12 & under are free with paid adult. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-7372443 or www.thebige.com.
Dueling Pianos Dinner and Show: Sat, 5-10 p.m. Crestview Country Club. Dinner and show $62.20; show only $26.50. 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. 413-786-2593 or crestviewcc.org.
Heartbeat Theater presents “Proof” by David Auburn: See Friday listing
Knox Trail 250 Celebration Event: Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Springfield Armory National Historic Site, Watch history come alive at the 250th Anniversary Celebration of the Knox Trail. Activities Include: horse and oxen-drawn cannon sleds; colonial militia reenactors; firearm and artillery demonstrations; “Continental Arsenal in Springfield” exhibit; as well as tributes to the Knox Trail towns and Patriots from Westfield, West Springfield, Springfield, Wilbraham, Palmer, Warren, Free. 1 Armory Square, Springfield; 413734-8551 or www.nps.gov/spar.
Prom + Singing = Joy at the Queer Joy Collaborative’s Winter Ball!: Sat., 5-9 p.m. Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School. Sliding scale $10 - $35 (No one turned away for lack of funds). 80 Locust St., Northampton.
SUNDAY
Auto Parts Swap ‘n Sell: See Saturday listing
Heartbeat Theater presents “Proof” by David Auburn: See Friday listing
Quadrangle
George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum: 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
CALENDAR
Museums is free. For more information, visit www.springfield museums.org; Feb. 17-21, school break program “Critter Crossing.” Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: Permanent exhibit: The Indian Motocycle Collection is the largest collection of Indian cycles and memorabilia in the world. The Firearms Collection includes more than 1,600 firearms, with the largest collection of Smith & Wesson guns in the world. The Automobile Collection includes an 1899 Knox, a 1901 Crestmobile, a 1925 Rolls-Royce roadster, and a 1928 Rolls-Royce roadster. Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “Markets, Foodways, and the Essence of Place: Works from the Museo de Arte de Ponce,” through Sept. 6, First Floor - Alpert Gallery. Museum a la Carte. Jan. 15, 12:15 p.m. “The Most Proper Spot in America: The Continental Arsenal at Springfield.” Cost: $4, free for members. In person or online. Presented by Alex MacKenzie, author and curator of collections, Springfield Armory National Historic Site. “Please Touch! A Tactile Exploration of Sante Graziani’s Mural,” through July 26.
Springfield Science Museum: Permanent exhibits: The Science Museum houses permanent collections of natural science, anthropology and physical science.
The Science Museum’s Seymour Planetarium consists of the historic Korkosz Starball, now the oldest operating star-projector in the United States.
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss
Museum: Permanent exhibit: First floor 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. Weekday activities. Visit ameliaparkmuseum.org for information. Admission: $8 adults; $8 children (12 months and older); $4 grandparents/seniors (60+); military personnel and teachers receive a 10% discount off the price of regular admission; members/ infants free. 29 S. Broad St., Westfield or www.ameliapark museum.org.
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: “Cooking with Eric Carle,” through Aug. 23, 2026. 125 West Bay Road, Amherst or www. carlemuseum.org.
Mead Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: Various American and European paintings, Mexican ce-
EASTHAMPTON Heartbeat Theater stages 'Proof'
William Spademan as Robert and Kimberly Gaughan as Catherine act out a scene from "Proof" at the new Heartbeat Theater in Easthampton.
“Proof” will be staged in CitySpace’s Blue Room, located at 43 Main St. in Easthampton, on Jan. 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m., and Jan. 18 and 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $23 including fees and can be purchased online at heartbeattheater.org. Tickets also will be available at the door prior to each show, pending availability. (PHOTO BY RIVER HAMBLETON)
ramics, Tibetan scroll paintings and more. Museum hours: Tues.-Thurs. and Sun. 9 a.m.-midnight; Fri. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 220 South Pleasant St., Amherst or www.amherst.edu.
Norman Rockwell Museum: “Jazz Age Illustration,” through April 6. Step back into the vibrant world of the 1920s and 1930s with “Jazz Age Illustration,” a major exhibition exploring the art of popular illustration during this transformative era. “Norman Rockwell: Home for the Holidays,” through Feb. 22. This heartwarming collection of holiday themed works by Norman Rockwell: from Thanksgiving and Christmas to New Year’s are showcased in this lively installation of enduring seasonal favorites. Online Exhibit: “Imagining Freedom.” The exhibition highlights the important role of Norman Rockwell and other artists in advancing and communicating these ideals, envisioned as core human rights for all people. The fee for accessing “Imagining freedom” is $5 for the general public, available on the museum’s website at NRM.org. “A Brief History of Illustration: The Abyss.” Jan. 15 – May 31. “Shine A Light: The Art and Life of Deb Koffman.” Through June 7. “Family Program: Honoring Dr. Luther King Jr.,” Jan. 17, 10 a.m.3 p.m. Experience a guided family tour with our museum educators, exploring Rockwell’s powerful Civil Rights era paintings. Then, take part in drop-in artmaking where families can create works inspired by themes of equality and hope. Throughout the day, enjoy readings of stories and poetry honoring MLK Jr.’s life and work in the museum
classroom. Family gallery tours at 10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. Free with museum admission. Kids, teens, and members free. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or www.nrm.org. Smith College Museum of Art: SCMA Exhibition - Garrett Bradley: “AKA” (2019), through Feb. 1. SCMA Exhibition “A City in Flux: Reflecting on Venice,” through March 22. SCMA Exhibition “Crafting Worlds,” through Aug. 23. This installation explores how artisans in Japan utilized materials and handcrafted techniques to forge social relationships and engage with the world around them. Elm Street at Bedford Terrace, Northampton or www.scma.smith.edu. Free.
The New England Visionary Artists Museum: The New England Visionary Artists Museum in Northampton has five exhibition showrooms hosting regional artists’ work in all media and is home to Anchor House of Artists, the region’s subsidized studio and representation support to artists living with neurodiverse conditions. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 2-6 p.m., with regular free public receptions on the second Friday of the month, from 5-8 p.m. Find them at 518 Pleasant St. Sign up for the newsletter at the website, NEVA-museum.org. For more information, call 413-5884337—$10 suggested day admission donation asked at the door.
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
10 great wines that slipped through the cracks last year
THIS PAST YEAR, I did my best to tell faithful readers like you about a wide range of wines from around the world.
There were 12 outstanding wines under $12.
There were Champagnes and other wines worth splurging on for the holidays.
Wines from Puligny-Montrachet and Sicily.
Barbecue wines, chilled red wines and affordable white wines.
Even so, there were many great wines that still somehow slipped through the cracks for whatever reason.
This week, I wanted to set things right and give these well-deserved, overlooked wines the spotlight they deserve.
Below, you can learn more about these 10 outstanding wines.
Hope you enjoy and looking forward sharing more great wines with you this year as well.
2023 Lorgeril O de Rose ($18 Suggested Retail Price): Easy-drinking, light, bright rose wine with hints of peach flavors made with Cinsault grapes from France’s Languedoc region.
2021 Goose Ridge G3 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($19 SRP): Earthy, full-bodied, smooth red wine from Washington’s Columbia Valley with plum and cherry flavors.
2022 Antica Enotria Vriccio Primitivo ($20 SRP): Complex, dense red wine made with Primitivo grapes from Italy’s Puglia region. Flavors include cherry, jam and plum.
2017 Lan Gran Reserva Rioja ($26 SRP): Dry, earthy red wine made with Tempranillo grapes from Spain’s Rioja region. Complex flavors include hints of plum and roasted cherry.
2023 Meran Alto Adige Pinot Noir ($27 SRP): This interesting red wine from Italy’s Alto Adige region has a
Frank’s sparkling wine made in the Cremant with Riesling grapes has a bright, refreshing finish with a touch of sweetness, including hints of honey and strawberry.
Splurge Wine (Wines under $100)
2022 Joseph Drouhin Gevrey-Chambertin (SRP $91): You can never go wrong with a Joseph Drouhin wine from France’s Burgundy region. (I’ve never had a bad bottle ever.) And when it comes to Burgundy, the village of Gevrey-Chambertin consistently hits it out of the park with its subtle, understated Pinot Noir wines.
This week, I wanted to set things right and give these well-deserved, overlooked wines the spotlight they deserve.
light, bright finish with hints of cherry and raspberry.
2022 Carmen Delanz Alpata Carmenere ($30 SRP): Chile has long been famous for its smooth red wines made with Carmenere grapes. Flavors include blackberry, cherry and dark chocolate.
2020 Vina Santa Rita Triple C ($41 SRP): Another great Chilean red wine made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Carmenere (the three Cs). Subtle hints of cherry and raspberry.
2022 J Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($47 SRP): Smooth, subtle, understated Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley section of Sonoma County in California.
2022 Chateau D’Esclans Cotes De Provence Rose ($50 SRP): Light, bright, refreshing, elegant rose wine with hints of strawberry and raspberry from France’s picturesque Provence region.
2022 Early Mountain
Novum ($60 SRP): Complex, subtle, blended red wine from Virginia (yes, Virginia!) made with blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Tanat.
Local wine events
Cheese & nonalcoholic wine: Learn more about non-alcoholic wines and cheeses that pair well with them at an event hosted by Provisions in Longmeadow on Jan. 20 from 6 to 8 pm. Tickets are $30 per person. Seating is limited. Call 413-384-2719 or visit the store’s website to reserve a seat or for more information.
Mohegan Sun Wine & Food Fest: The 22nd annual event returns Jan. 22–25 to the Mohegan Sun casino. The fourday event features many food and wine-themed tastings and events. Visit Mohegan Sun’s website for more details.
Winter Red Wines: Learn more about red wines from around the world, perfect for cold, winter days and nights.
Holyoke Community College’s MGM Culinary Arts Institute at 164 Race St. hosts this noncredit wine tasting class led by yours truly on Jan. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. The class is open to the public. Tickets are $79. Seating is limited. Visit HCC’s culinary page to learn more.
More recommended wines
Everyday Wine (Wines under $15)
Gratsi Red ($50 for 3 Liter Box): Three liters equals four bottles of wine. So if you do the math, you’re getting four, $15 bottles of light, bright red wine made with grapes of France’s Languedoc region and the Italian island of Sicily. Bonus points — box wine stays fresh longer.
Weekend Wine (Wines under $40)
Dr. Konstantin Frank Celebre ($25 SRP): One of Upstate New York’s best wine producers, Dr. Konstantin
Lottery Wine (Wines over $100)
2023 Domaine Arlaud Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru Les Sentiers ($250 SRP): Unfortunately, I didn’t win the $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot last month. But as a friend of my wife’s used to say, the odds are in my favor. And when my ship does come in, this outstanding wine from another outstanding wine village (Chambolle-Musigny) just south of Gevrey-Chambertin in France’s Burgundy region would be high on my list of wines to buy. Domaine Arlaud is a legendary wine producer. This particular Pinot Noir is made with grapes from the “Les Sentiers” vineyard, which produces more muscular red wines than most wines from Chambolle-Musigny. The bottom line — count me in. Cheers!
Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com and in The Republican’s Weekend section.
Ken Ross Wine Press
Columnist Ken Ross shares 10 great wines from 2025 worth enjoying in the new year.
(ADOBE STOCK PHOTO)
‘The Pitt’’s Noah Wyle highlights health care disparity
By VIvIAN KwARM, JAMI GANz New York Daily News
Noah Wyle is reflecting on the “two different health care systems” in America after the “Pitt” star’s first-ever Golden Globe win.
The 54-year-old star of the HBO medical series spoke backstage to the Daily News Sunday, just after winning Best Actor in a Television Series –Drama.
When asked how he believes the success of the show — the Globes’ newly minted Outstanding Drama Series — is making people think differently about the American health care system, the “ER” alum said: “There might be another story to tell about what’s happening in the healthcare
system in America.”
“We have two different health care systems,” said star and executive producer Wyle, who previously earned three nominations for his work on “ER.”
“We have one for the affluent and one for people who live in certain areas and have certain colored skin and the people that are getting the sickest, the people that are hurt most are also getting some of the worst medical information.”
Wyle stars as Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch on the hit show.
“The Pitt” on Sunday beat out Netflix’s “The Diplomat,” fellow HBO hit “The White Lotus,” and Apple TV’s “Pluribus,” “Severance” and “Slow Horses” for Outstanding Drama Series.
Taylor Swift leads 2026 iHeartRadio Music Award nominations
Followed by Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter
By M ARIA SHERMAN Associated Press
NEW YORK — Pledge allegiance to her hands, her team, her vibes: Taylor Swift once again leads the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Award nominees with nine. She’s followed by Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter and Alex Warren, who are tied with eight each.
The iHeartRadio Music Awards honor the most played artists of the year on its stations and app. Last year, Swift and country singer Morgan Wallen led the nominees with 10 each.
She also led the nominees in 2024 and in 2023, when
she tied with Lizzo and Harry Styles.
This time around, Swift is up for song, artist, pop artist, pop song of the year, best lyrics, best music video, favorite on screen, favorite tour style as well as the new to 2026, fan-voted category favorite TikTok dance.
“This is an annual awards show made exclusively for fans, celebrating the biggest songs and artists they’ve loved listening to on iHeartRadio stations and our iHeartRadio app all year long,” said John Sykes, president of entertainment enterprises and Tom Poleman, chief programming officer of iHeartMedia in a joint statement.
Squaring off against Swift in the artist of the year category are Wallen, Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Benson Boone, Chris
Brown, Jelly Roll, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga and Tate McRae.
And in song of the year, Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” will face off against Wallen’s “Love Somebody,” Carpenter’s “Manchild,” Boone’s “Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else,” Doechii’s “Anxiety,” Shaboozey’s “Good News,” Warren’s “Ordinary,” Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther,” Leon Thomas’ “Mutt” and Myles Smith’s “Stargazing.”
Fans can vote in several categories including favorite Broadway debut, favorite TikTok dance, favorite debut album, best lyrics, best music video, and more.
Social voting takes place at iHeartRadio.com/awards and will close March 19 at 11:59 p.m. for all categories.
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 children 4 and younger. 104 Walker St., Lenox or www. gildedage.org.
Volleyball Hall of Fame: Permanent exhibit: Open Tues.-Sun, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Mon. Last admission is 30 minutes prior to close. Admission is $8 adults; $5 seniors 65 and older; $5 students, active and retired military; and
free for children 12 and under. Group rates also available online. 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or www. volleyhall.org.
Windsor Historical Society: Permanent exhibit: Explore the people, places and events that have shaped Windsor for over four centuries.
Hours: Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. with house tours at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. General admission to the library and historic houses is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for students and free to children under 12 and WHS members. Visitors are free to browse the museum store and exhibit galleries at no charge. 96 Palisade Ave., Windsor or www. windsorhistoricalsociety.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 www.wistariahurst.org. Standard admission is $7 Holyoke residents; $5 seniors; $5 youth (under 18); free museum members, active military and family members. 238 Cabot St., Holyoke or www.wistariahurst.org.
Yiddish Book Center: Permanent exhibit, “A Velt mit veltelekh: The Worlds of Jewish Culture.” The center will be open to the public on Thurs, Fri, Sun, and Mon. from
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Shabbos (Saturday) and Jewish and legal holidays. $8 adults, $6 seniors, free for members, students and children. 1021 West St., Amherst or www.yiddishbookcenter.org.
Galleries
A.P.E. Gallery: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Tues.-Thurs. noon-5 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. noon-8 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m.; 126 Main St., Northampton or www.apearts.org.
Gallery A3 Amherst Art Alliance: “Paintings by Gordon M. Green and Evelyn Pye,” through Jan. 31; Art Forum online Jan. 15, 7:30 p.m.
Register at www.gallerya3.com Gallery hours: Thurs.–Sun. 2–7:00 pm. 28 Amity St., Amherst or 413256-4250.
Indian Orchard Mills Dane Gallery: All new exhibits every month featuring the artists at Indian Orchard Mills. Hours: Sat. noon-4 p.m. or by appointment. 34 Front St., Indian Orchard or 413-5433321.
Trinity United Methodist Church: Jim Sharrard photos of past Board Head Festivals, through Jan. 31. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Sundays. Call 413-218-7391 for more information. 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield.
This combination of photos shows Sabrina Carpenter, left, Taylor Swift, center, and Bad Bunny. (AP PHOTO)
Noah Wyle in Season 2 of “The Pitt.” (WARRICK PAGE/HBO MAX/TNS)
the self-titled “The String Queens,” are available on their website, at thestringqueens.com, and on all major digital music platforms.
Tickets to their Springfield show, ranging in price from $40 to $60, are available at hopecenterforthearts.org.
Before packing up their string instruments for their trip to Springfield, violinist Kendall Isadore took time to answer a few questions for The Republican.
Q. How would you describe your unique sound?
A. It’s freeing, it’s soulful, it’s unashamed, and unapologetic. The three of us speak the same musical language. It’s the power of three. We are three string players playing music that traditionally has drums, guitars, synthesizers and more. And we are still tasked to bring those tunes to life without them, especially when we play covers. It often sounds like more than three people are playing because most of the time we’re each
Guest conductor William Waldrop will lead the Springfield Symphony Orchestra Saturday in its “Let’s Groove Tonight” concert. Waldrop said he agreed to come back to conduct “Let’s Groove Tonight” because the music is “irresistible.”
“We are not afraid to make a statement through our music, Every show is different... we try to craft a set list that is a story that takes the audience on a journey.”
Kendall Isadore, The String Queens
playing two notes at a time. We’re almost always playing double stops to give people that full orchestral sound. And where traditional classical music string trios might have space and breath in their playing, we’re covering and filling up the space the entire time because of the style and the genres of music that we’re playing. So, we’re covering the melody. We’re covering the harmony. We are trying to figure out rhythms, so a lot of times you’ll see us using pizzicato. We’re plucking the strings for whole passages. But while it is freeing for us as classically trained musicians, it’s also very technically sound. We cannot run from the technique just because you’re playing a song by Prince or you’re playing a Negro Spiritual, neither one of those are classical nor from that foundation, but they still should get the technique. It’s not like the
technique goes away.
Q. What songs are part of your repertoire?
A.
It’s like, get ready because it is going to be everything from classical to soul like “Earth, Wind and Fire.” We play a lot of Stevie Wonder and play “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles, which we arranged. We arrange all our music. We also have a beautiful arrangement of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature.” Then, you like Gershwin, right? We have a new arrangement that is going to be on our upcoming album this summer. It’s called ‘“Summertime Maria” [and] that has a Latin, jazzy vibe to it combining Gershwin’s “Summertime” and Carlos Santana’s “Maria Maria.”
Sometimes we play a tune called “Crazy Rolling,” which is a combination of Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” and Adele’s
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Motown staples including “What’s Going On,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” and “I’m Coming Out.”
Waldrop said he agreed to come back to conduct “Let’s Groove Tonight” because the music is “irresistible.”
“These songs that came out of the Philly Sound and Motown are all about joy, rhythm, good songwriting and fantastic arranging — all that translates so well to an orchestra. I love that this program celebrates music that is sophisticated and deeply crafted but always makes you want to dance and have a great time,” Waldrop said.
“I feel like Motown perfected the art of the song. These songs were about unforgettable melodies, economic but impactful structures, and
“Rolling in the Deep.” We also have an arrangement that we wrote called “’Til Victory is Won” which is a combination of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “America the Beautiful.” It is a beautiful arrangement that we play all year long, when you usually hear “Lift Every Voice and Sing” during Black History Month and “America the Beautiful” during the Fourth of July. The messages of those three tunes are aligned and all talk about freedom, liberty and justice. We are not afraid to make a statement through our music, Every show is different. We may play all of those. We may switch some of those out. But we try to craft a set list that is a story that takes the audience on a journey.
Q.Do you find it difficult to attract an audience because they might not like
dynamite performances. The Philly sound took a soul foundation and expanded it, adding lush string and horn arrangements, rich harmonies, and grooves that eventually led to disco. The arrangements and orchestrations really elevated the songs. I think both Motown and the Philly sound helped pave the way for the pop, R&B, and dance music that we know and love today,” he added.
As for the disco movement, Waldrop noted he was always drawn to the epic nature of the genre.
string music and its association with the classical genre?
A. The data would say no because almost every show, thank God, is sold out. So, attracting people, there doesn’t seem to be an issue or a barrier to getting them through the door. But, with that said, we know that there are conversations that happen before people buy their tickets. They ae talking to their spouse or their loved one and saying “We must see this concert,“ while the other may respond saying, ”I don’t know about these strings. I don’t like string music.“ We hear about those conversations all of the time, but somehow people take a chance on us. I think it is important to us for people to see themselves in us somehow, no matter if we are the same gender or have the same or different religious beliefs. It doesn’t matter. Music is just music and is the universal language that unites all of us. And we are just so grateful that folks don’t let those thoughts and their preconceived notions keep them out of the door.
“It’s the sweeping melodies, the strings, the singers, all added to grooves that were so satisfying. Some of my favorites are Anita Ward’s ‘Ring My Bell,’ ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way,’ which is on our concert, and, of course, ‘Last Dance’ by Donna Summer. As for Motown, l love the Temptations and the Supremes… such artistry and musicality all around,” he said.
The SSO is hosting the pops concert during the weekend of the Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday and the Springfield-based community organization, MLK Jr. Family Services, will be the SSO’s nonprofit partner for the event. MLK Jr. Family Services will have a table set up in the lobby promoting their annual MLK Day event and the programs and services they provide throughout the year.
Upstairs in the Mahogany Room, there will be a vendor market featuring the YPS and a variety of Black-owned businesses in the spirit of MLK weekend. There also will be a photobooth for concertgoers to enjoy.
Tickets for “Let’s Groove Tonight” are now on sale, starting at $25, online at SpringfieldSymphony.org, or by calling the SSO Box Office at 413-733-2291.
‘Liberty’
been performed by acclaimed artists throughout the United States and internationally.
Noble said that he and Nespor approached the musical end of the play “the old-fashioned way.”
“She sent me lyrics the way Bernie Taupin used to do with Elton John and I would write the music and send her a recording for her approval or any changes. It was a very fast process and I write fast. We didn’t really plunge into it until Vana was done with directing ‘Annie’ at the end of the summer, then we finished the project in about two months,” Noble said.
“The music is a mixture of a lot of things because of the lyrics Vana sent me. Obviously, it is a Revolutionary War tale, but there
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videos but acts out a part consistent with the song’s narrative.
She said this aspect of her career isn’t difficult for her.
“When I was little, I would put on shows in the living room for my parents. I definitely always wanted to be an entertainer,” she said. “And I do have a bit of an acting background. I took some professional classes when I was 15.”
Dowland just released a new single, “Be a Little Kinder,” which was inspired by the California wildfires and other natural disasters. Tackling this national and more existential topic was a change of pace for Dowland.
“The song is definitely different from what I put out in the past,” she said. “I still mostly write from a very personal perspective, but I was sitting here just living my regular life while wildfires were going on in California and made me realize that no matter who you are, things can happen to you whether
is a dual timeline with the kids visiting the Armory and becoming part of the story. So, you will hear a type of Marshall music (brisk marching music suitable for military troops) and for the kids I wrote hip hop beats.
Lin-Manuel Miranda set a high bar for writing when using rap in Broadway theater. I felt as if I could never come close to his work, but I was going to certainly try,” he added about the accomplishment.
Tickets to the play, available online at 52sumner. com, are $19 for adults and $10 for children.
52 Sumner, part of Springfield Performing Arts Ventures Inc., offers live music and other entertainment, and serves as the home for Springfield Community Theater of Western MA, at the old church at 52 Sumner Ave. in the city’s Forest Park neighborhood.
“I was sitting here just living my regular life while wildfires were going on in California and made me realize that no matter who you are, things can happen to you whether you’re famous or just a Joe Schmoe off the street.”
Bekka Dowland, of Westfield
you’re famous or just a Joe Schmoe off the street. So, it did open my eyes to write from a broader spectrum.”
The single is the first song off her upcoming debut album, which will be released this year.
“The release date is to be determined because I don’t want to jump the gun with it,” she said. “Because I really do want it to be everything I want it to be.”
