wknd-20260129 by repubnews

2026 Grammy Awards

Comedian Trevor Noah is hosting Sunday’s ceremony

By M ARIA SHERMAN Associated Press

The 68th annual Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This year marks a return to normalcy after the 2025 award show was altered to focus on supporting relief efforts following the devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires.

“I think we will see some history-making moments,” Recording Academy CEO and President Harvey Mason jr. told The Associated Press. “With artists being nominated in categories they haven’t been previously nominated in, and a new crop of talent coming through the system this year — I think we’re going to see some really exciting results.”

Here’s what you need to know about the 2026 Grammys, including how to

Clockwise from top left are Grammy nominees Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, Tyler the Creator, Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, Chapell Roan, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.

Comedian Trevor Noah

Nightclubs

THURSDAY

The Drake: Night Moves with Johnny Delaware. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst

Theodores': Luke Deroy. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield

FRIDAY

Delaney House: Myke Ross in the Mick. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke

MGM Springfield: MGM Comedy Roar: Lara Beitz. 1 MGM Way, Springfield

The Drake: Cheem, The Missing Peace, Slow Degrade. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst

Theodores': Shawn Leonard and the Shadowcasters. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield

West Springfield's Irish House

Restaurant & Pub: Johnny BeBop. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield

SATURDAY

Delaney House: Bruce Gregori in the Mick. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke

MGM Springfield: MGM Comedy Roar Comedy Club: Lara Beitz. 1 MGM Way, Springfield

Theodores': K. Caruso and the Elegant Vagabonds. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield West Springfield's Irish House Restaurant & Pub: The Healys. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield

SUNDAY

Delaney House: Trivia with Bobby Roast Beef in the Mick. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke

The Drake: Matt Haimovitz & Christopher O'Riley. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst

Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 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 01102-1329, emailed to pmastriano@repub.com or submitted to www.masslive.com/myevent

Sabrina Carpenter, who is a leading nominee at this weekend’s Grammy Awards ceremony, will perform at the show. A complete list of this year’s Grammy nominees can be found on Page D6.

Grammy

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stream and where you can see music’s biggest stars walking the red carpet.

When are the Grammys and how can I watch or stream the show?

The main show will air live on CBS beginning at 8 p.m. on Sunday.

The Grammys can also be watched through live TV streaming services that include CBS in their lineup, like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and FuboTV.

Paramount+ premium plan subscribers will be able to stream the Grammys live; Paramount+ essential subscribers will have on-demand access the next day.

The premiere ceremony will take place just ahead of the Grammys’ ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Eastern, 12:30 p.m. Pacific at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. It can be streamed at the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and on live.GRAMMY.com

Who is performing at the Grammys?

The 2026 award show will feature a special segment in which all eight of the this year’s best new artist nominees will perform. That means Leon Thomas, Olivia Dean, global girl group Katseye, The Marías, Addison Rae, sombr, Alex Warren and Lola Young will all share the stage before going head-to-

“He’s a special host. He really finds the right balance between being funny and smart and knowledgeable but also being a fan of music.”

Recording Academy CEO and President Harvey Mason Jr., on host Trevor Noah

Host Trevor Noah speaks during the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 4, 2024, in Los Angeles. (CHRIS PIZZELLO / ASSOCIATED PRESS)

head for one of the night’s biggest prizes.

Sabrina Carpenter will also perform at the Grammys.

Carpenter is a leading nominee at this year’s ceremony, with six nods for record, album and song of the year as well as pop solo performance, pop vocal album and music video.

Who is hosting the Grammys?

Comedian Trevor Noah will host the show for the sixth consecutive time — and it will be his last.

“I am beyond thrilled to welcome Trevor Noah back to host the Grammys for his sixth, and sadly, final time,” Grammys’ executive producer Ben Winston said in a statement.

“He’s been the most phenomenal host of the show. He’s so smart, so funny, and such a true fan of the artists and music. His impact on the show has been truly spectacular, and we can’t wait to do it together one last time.”

The only other people to host six or more Grammy telecasts were musical artists: Andy Williams hosted seven shows, followed by John Denver with six. Noah previously tied LL Cool J, with five.

Noah himself is a four-time Grammy nominee and is up this year in the audio book,

TUESDAY

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THURSDAY

Fairview Knights of Columbus 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee (413) 532-2011

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‘Swan Lake’

International Ballet Stars will stage “Swan Lake” at Springfield Symphony Hall this Sunday.

International

Ballet Stars brings dancers from Ukraine,

16

other countries to Springfield Symphony Hall stage

By K eith O ’C onnor

Special to The Republican

Any true devotee of the ballet will tell you that “Swan Lake,” to be presented by International Ballet Stars at Springfield Symphony Hall on Sunday, Feb. 1, has alternate endings.

A timeless tale of love and betrayal, “Swan Lake” is filled with enchanting scenes and dramatic storytelling through the art of dance. One of the most frequently staged ballets worldwide that paved the way for both “The Nutcracker” and “Sleeping Beauty” tells the story of a prince, Siegfried, who encounters a beautiful swan transformed from

“The Ukraine people are going through incredible challenges while trying to conduct normal life and remain working. And we are happy to provide some work for them, which is really, really important.”

Ekaterina Vaganova-Yachmennikova, founder and producer of International Ballet Stars

a human princess, Odette, by a wicked sorcerer named Rothbart.

The original version, which was premiered by the Bolshoi Ballet in 1877, featured a happy ending when Siegfried, after fighting with the sorcerer, rips off Rothbart’s wing to break the curse and he and Odette live happily ever after. In the tragic ending, Sigfried and Odette, now in human form, drown to break the curse.

“We are presenting the happy version,” said Ekaterina Vaganova-Yachmennikova, who is founder and producer

gious classical ballet institutions — came to Springfield to perform “Swan Lake” at the venue.

The Ukraine connection continues on Sunday when

International Ballet Stars — which brings world-class, fullscale ballet to communities throughout the United States and Canada — unite artists

of International Ballet Stars along with her husband Artem Yachmennikov.

Every scene in “Swan Lake” — from the poetic “Dance of the Little Swans” to Odile’s dazzling 32 fouetté turns — is a celebration of classical ballet brought to life through the masterful choreography of Marius Petipa and Len Ivanov.

It is not the first time the ballet has graced the Symphony Hall stage.

In November 2024, the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine — considered as one of the country’s most presti-

Sponsored

Beau Sasser’s Mojo Wagon to play Marigold

WHEN SOMEone is as talented and renowned as Beau Sasser, it’s no wonder he plays in more than one band.

But five?

At current count, that’s the number of local groups Sasser plays with — and that figure doesn’t include a couple of dormant bands he is still in.

“I’ve become quite a journeyman at this point in my career,” Sasser said in a recent interview with The Republican. “Some of them are other people’s original music, and others are mine, but yeah, they’re all active.”

The busy keyboardist will play with one of his newer combos, Mojo Wagon, at the Marigold Theater in Easthampton today at 8:30 p.m.

While Sasser is primarily known for playing funk, his repertoire reaches far beyond that genre. For example, Mojo Wagon certainly employs the funkier edges of music but also explores other areas.

“Mojo Wagon is more on the rock side of what I do, but it’s still funky. And at the Marigold show we will

‘Swan’

CONTINUES FROM PAGE D4

not only from Ukraine, but Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, United States, Russia, Romania, Japan, Turkey, Armenia, Moldova, Brazil, Poland, Tajikistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan and beyond. Three of the company’s principal dancers — Diana Stetsenko, Oleksii Kniazkov and Ilona Baitler — are from Ukraine, while the fourth principal dancer, Sergie Zdanschi, is from Moldova.

“We are proud of the fact that for this tour we have new hand-painted sets and costumes designed by talented Ukraine artists. The Ukraine people are going through incredible challenges while trying to conduct normal life and remain working. And we are happy to provide some work for them which is really, really important,” Vaganova-Yachmennikova said.

She added that they recommend “Swan Lake” for ages 3 and older.

“My son watched it when he was just 2 years old, of course, he was exposed to theater more than others his age. But I observe other children who come to see the ballet and just sit quietly for two hours and don’t take their eyes off of the stage. They are

mesmerized by the music and dancing. And I really believe it is important for the cultural education of future generation to attend these shows,” she said.

Still, classical music and ballet are not for everyone, but Vaganova-Yachmennikova noted beyond the art itself, “Swan Lake” has more to offer some people.

“I believe the bottom line is that when you are at the show, it helps you to forget about any challenges you are going through in your life. Because we are presenting a happy ending, audiences can dive into this mix of beauty magic and start believing in the power of good and love again which can help you to overcome any challenges,” she said.

Because there is no speaking in ballet, it can sometimes be difficult for those unfamiliar with the plot to follow the storyline. International Ballet Stars provide access to their Digital Playbills via QR codes in the lobby or on their website at internationalballetstars. com. Each playbill includes a story synopsis, act breakdown, and cast information to help you easily follow the performance.

Ticket prices for the 7 p.m. show are priced at $59.64, $71.29. $93.21 and $103.46.

FROM PAGE D3

narration and storytelling recording category for “Into The Uncut Grass,” a children’s story.

“He’s a special host. He really finds the right balance between being funny and smart and knowledgeable but also being a fan of music. And I love that. It’s so hard to find that combination,” Mason Jr. said.

As for his departure? “Every person at some point in their career, they decide they want to do something else,” Mason Jr. said. “And we’re so appreciative of the years that we got from Trevor. He’s really helped define the show and make the show what it’s become over the last six years.”

How can I watch the red carpet?

The Associated Press will stream a four-hour red carpet show with interviews and fashion footage. It will be streamed on YouTube and APNews.com.

Who is nominated for the Grammys?

Kendrick Lamar leads the nominations with nine total. He’s up for record, song and album of the year — marking the third time he’s had simultaneous nominations in those big categories — as well as pop duo/group performance, melodic rap performance, rap song and rap album. He’s also nominated twice in the rap performance category.

Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff and Canadian record producer/songwriter Cirkut follow Lamar with seven nominations each.

Thomas, Bad Bunny, Serban Ghenea and the aforementioned Carpenter all boast six nominations. Andrew Watt, Clipse, Doechii, Sounwave, SZA, Turnstile and Tyler, the Creator have five each.

There are a number of firsttime nominees as well this year, including Tate McRae, Zara Larsson, PinkPantheress, JID and … Timothée Chalamet. You read that correctly.

The Hibernians of Hampden/ Hampshire Counties and Ladies Order invite the public to attend Irish Night in Holyoke 2026.

February 28, 2026 at the Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke, Mass. Doors open at 5pm. Dinner at 6:30pm.

The Night will feature the Keohane and Kenneally Irish-American Band and a Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner with Ribs. The price is $5000 per person and valet parking services will be available.

For reservations by February 24, call Joe O’Connor at 413-627-7148, or Fran Hennessey at 413-785-5687 or online at eventbrite.com.

Additional Entertainment by

The Hibernians wish a Happy St. Patrick’s Day to All!

International Ballet Stars will stage “Swan Lake” at Springfield Symphony Hall this Sunday.

George Lenker LIVE WIRE

the Cassin School of Irish Dance and Piper Matt O’Connor. The Night is in memory of Hibernian Daniel P. Curran and will benefit the Maurice A. Donahue Memorial Scholarship.

Who’s up for a Grammy?

By A nne B ranigin and A mber F erguson

The Washington Post

Parity was the theme for this year’s Grammy nomination announcement, with four big artists garnering nods across the top categories: Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar and Sabrina Carpenter.

Below are the top categories of nominations for the 68th Grammy Awards, which will be held on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles and will be broadcast on Paramount+ and CBS.

Album of the year

• “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” Bad Bunny

• “Swag,” Justin Bieber

• “Man’s Best Friend,” Sabrina Carpenter

• “Let God Sort Em Out,” Clipse

• “Mayhem,” Lady Gaga

• “GNX,” Kendrick Lamar

• “Mutt,” Leon Thomas

• “Chromakopia,” Tyler, the Creator

Record of the year

• “DtMF,” Bad Bunny

• “APT.” Rosé, Bruno Mars

• “Manchild,” Sabrina Carpenter

• “Anxiety,” Doechii

• “Wildflower,” Billie Eilish

• “Luther,” Kendrick Lamar and SZA

• “Abracadabra,” Lady Gaga

• “The Subway,” Chappell Roan

Song of the year

• “DtMF,” Bad Bunny

• “Manchild,” Sabrina Carpenter

• “Anxiety,” Doechii

• “Wildflower,” Billie Eilish

• “Golden,” Huntr/x (from “K-Pop Demon Hunters”)

• “Abracadabra,” Lady Gaga

• “Luther,” Kendrick Lamar and SZA

• “APT.” by Rosé and Bruno Mars

Best new artist

• Olivia Dean

• Katseye

• The Marias

• Addison Rae

• Sombr

• Leon Thomas

• Alex Warren

• Lola Young

Producer of the year (non-classical)

• Dan Auerbach

• Cirkut

• Dijon

• Blake Mills

• Sounwave

Songwriter of the year (non-classical)

• Amy Allen

• Edgar Barrera

• Jessie Jo Dillon

• Tobias Jesso Jr.

• Laura Veltz

Best pop solo performance

• “Daisies,” Justin Bieber

• “Manchild,” Sabrina Carpenter

• “Disease,” Lady Gaga

• “The Subway,” Chappell Roan

• “Messy,” Lola Young

Best pop duo/group performance

• “Defying Gravity,” Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande

• “Golden,” Huntr/x (EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami)

• “Gabriela,” Katseye

• “Apt.,” by Rosé and Bruno Mars

• “30 for 30,” SZA with Kendrick Lamar

Best pop vocal album

• “Swag,” Justin Bieber

• “Man’s Best Friend,” Sabrina Carpenter

• “Something Beautiful,” Miley Cyrus

• “Mayhem,” Lady Gaga

• “I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 2)” Teddy Swims

Best rock album

• “Private Music,” Deftones

• “I Quit,” Haim

• “From Zero,” Linkin Park

• “Never Enough,” Turnstile

• “Idols,” Yungblud

Best R&B album

• “Beloved,” Giveon

• “Why Not More?” by Coco Jones

• “The Crown,” Ledisi

• “Escape Room,” Teyana Taylor

• “Mutt,” Leon Thomas

Best rap album

• “Let God Sort Em Out,” Clipse, Pusha T and Malice

• “Glorious,” Glorilla

• “God Does Like Ugly,” Jid

• “GNX,” Kendrick Lamar

• “Chromakopia,” Tyler, the Creator

Best musical theater album

• “Buena Vista Social Club”

• “Death Becomes Her”

• “Gypsy”

• “Just in Time”

• “Maybe Happy Ending”

Best Latin pop album

• “Cosa Nuestra,” Rauw Alejandro

• “Bogotá (Deluxe),” Andrés Cepeda

• “Tropicoqueta,” Karol G

• “Cancionera,” Natalia Lafourcade

• “¿Y Ahora Qué?” by Alejandro Sanz

Best traditional country album

• “Dollar a Day,” Charley Crockett

• “American Romance,” Lukas Nelson

• “Oh What a Beautiful World,” Willie Nelson

• “Hard Headed Woman,” Margo Price

• “Ain’t in It for My Health,” Zach Top

Sabrina Carpenter

The voices behind the hit Netflix series “K-Pop Demon Hunters” are nominated for multiple Grammy Awards at this Sunday’s ceremony.

The “Best new artist” Grammy category is dominated by women this year, with Olivia Dean, left, and Addison Rae both among the nominees.

What to stream?

‘Bridgerton,’ the Grammys, Chevy Chase, Rose Byrne and ‘The Wrecking Crew’

The Associated Press

Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny live at the Grammy Awards and Rose Byrne’s Oscar-nominated performance in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also among the streaming offerings worth your time this week, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Highguard is the latest entry in the ever-growing field of multiplayer shooters, Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista star in “The Wrecking Crew” and the third season of “Shrinking” checks in on Apple TV.

New movies to stream

• If you haven’t seen Rose Byrne’s Oscar-nominated performance in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” Mary Bronstein’s psychological drama arrives Friday, Jan. 30 on HBO Max. Byrne plays the stressed-out mother of a young, unseen child who’s struggling with a mystery illness. In her review, the AP’s Jocelyn Noveck wrote that the film “has given Byrne, an actor of effortless appeal in lighter films, a chance to display versatility and grit in surely the toughest dramatic role of her career.”

• Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista star in “The Wrecking Crew” (Prime Video, Wednesday) as estranged half brothers who reunite after their father’s mysterious death. The action comedy is directed by Angel Manuel Soto, who made 2023’s “Blue Beetle.”

• Ira Sachs’ “Peter Hujar’s Day,” the lead nominee to the Independent Film Spirit Awards, is a marvel of historical yet intimate dramatic resurrection. The film (Criterion Channel, Tuesday) is based on a transcript from a 1974 interview by the writer Linda Rosenkrantz (Rebecca Hall) and her friend, the photographer Peter Hujar (Ben Whishaw). Rosenkrantz had planned a book about how artists spend their time. But the book never happened, and Sachs, after coming across the transcripts, dramatizes their dialogue.

• In “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not,” the filmmaker Marina Zenovich profiles the irascible “Saturday Night Live” and “Fletch” star. For the film (HBO Max, Saturday, Jan. 31), Zenovich interviews the complicated and sometimes combative comedian about his career, with glimpses of his daily life. Perspectives are offered by Dan Aykroyd, Beverly D’Angelo, Goldie Hawn, Lorne Michaels, Ryan Reynolds and Martin Short.

— AP Film Writer Jake Coyle

New music to stream

• ’Tis the season — the 2026 Grammy Awards season, that is. On Sunday Feb. 1, the 68th annual award show will air live on CBS. Watch as Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga and many more go head-to-head in the top prize categories. Plus, the show doubles as a kind of bespoke live concert viewing experience — and who doesn’t like

that? The 2026 Grammys can also be watched through live TV streaming services that include CBS in their lineup, like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and FuboTV. Paramount+ premium plan subscribers will be able to stream the Grammys live; Paramount+ essential subscribers will have on-demand access the next day.

• California power poppunk bands Joyce Manor return with their seventh full-length album Friday, the all-too-appropriately titled “I Used to Go to This Bar.” Spoken like a gently aging band whose penchant for hooks knows no bounds.

— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman

New TV series to stream

• Benedict, the second eldest Bridgerton, takes center stage in season 4 of

the Netflix romance series, It’s about the love stories of a large family in London during the Regency Era. Season 4 has “Cinderella” vibes with Luke Thompson’s Benedict looking for an enchanting “woman in silver” who is actually Sophie, a housemaid (Yerin Ha) working for his family. Part 1 drops today with the remaining episodes arriving in February.

• The third season of “Shrinking” checks in this week on Apple TV. The series follows Jason Segel as a therapist named Jimmy, a widowed dad to a teenage girl, who shares a practice with characters played by Harrison Ford and Jessica Williams. Between Jimmy’s colleagues, neighbors and friends, he forms a new kind of family. Season 3 features guest stars Michael J. Fox, Jeff Daniels, Sherry Cola, Isabella Gomez, and Candice Bergen.

• School’s back in session. “School Spirits” starring Peyton List, that is. The Paramount+ series also returns for a third season this week. List stars as a teen trapped in the afterlife which happens to be her high school. She’s there with other ghosts who are also former students that help Maddie to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

• Kaley Cuoco and Sam Claflin star in a new mystery for MGM+ called “Vanished.” Cuoco plays a woman whose boyfriend (Claflin) goes missing on a train to France. The four-part limited-series premieres Sunday, Feb. 1.

— Alicia Rancilio

New video games to play

• Highguard is the latest entry in the ever-growing field of multiplayer shooters, offering yet another way to get online with your friends and blow stuff up. In this case, you are Wardens — “arcane gunslingers sent to battle for control of a mythical continent.” Judging by the trailer, you’ll be able to ride mythical beasts and wield magical powers along with the typical arsenal of weapons. It comes from a new studio called Wildlight Entertainment, whose founders have worked on hits like Call of Duty, Apex Legends and Titanfall. And it’s free-toplay, so you might as well give it a shot on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S on PC.

— Lou Kesten

This combination of images shows promotional art for "School Spirits," from left, "Bridgerton," and "Vanished." (PARAMOUNT+ / NETFLIX / MGM+ VIA AP)

This image released by A24 shows Rose Byrne in a scene from "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You." (LOGAN WHITE / A24 VIA AP)

SATURDAY

Diana Daniels + Bones Forever: Sat., 7:30 p.m. The Parlor Room at Signature Sounds, $18. 32 Masonic St., Northampton; 413-665-4046 or www.signaturesounds presents.com.

Great Barrington Kennel Club Dog Show: Sat.-Sun., Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, 413-737-2443 or www. thebige.com.

Kindergarten Registration & Celebration - Northampton: Sat, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. JFK Middle School, Northampton, Florence, & Leeds. If your child turns 5 on or before Aug. 31, 2026, come with them to do the registration paperwork for kindergarten while they play. They will then be all set to start kindergarten in September. To prepare ahead of time, fill out the registration forms and collect the needed documents. You will find what you need on the NPS Kindergarten Page at northamptonschools.org/ kindergarten. Snow date is Feb. 7. For questions, call Registrar Briana Cristofori, 413-587-1328. Free. 100 Bridge Road in the Florence section of Northampton.

Saturday Matinees: Sat., 11 a.m. Forbes Library, All film genres for all walks of life. Beginning in January and continuing into the foreseeable future, films will be screened on Saturday mornings. All shows start at 11 a.m. Free. 20 West Street, Northampton; 413587-1011 or www.forbeslibrary. org.

SUNDAY

Great Barrington Kennel Club Dog Show: See Saturday 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 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

CALENDAR

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, on the first floor of the Alpert Gallery. Museum a la Carte: Jan. 29, 12:15 p.m. “The French Alps and Beyond.” Cost: $4, free for members. Presented by Tom Condon, educator, national park ranger, and author.

“Please Touch! A Tactile Exploration of Sante Graziani’s Mural,” through July 26.

Springfield Science Museum: “Math Alive!” exhibition, through May 3. Be among the first to experience this latest special exhibit that reveals how real math powers sports, nature, robotics, music, dance, movie-making, and more. Free with museum admission. 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: Firstfloor exhibition provides opportunities to explore new sounds and vocabulary, play rhyming games, invent stories, and engage in activities that encourage teamwork and

creative thinking, with interactive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia.

Quadrangle admission - $25 for adults, $16.50 for seniors (60+) and college students with ID, $13 for children ages 3-17; free to children under age 3 and members, Springfield residents are free with proof of residency. Welcome Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Museums

Amelia Park Children’s Museum: Permanent exhibits include

spaceship, construction site, library, grocery store, and weekday activities. Visit ameliaparkmuseum. org for information. Admission is $8 adults, $8 children (12 months and older), $4 grandparents/seniors (60+), and members/infants free. Military personnel and teachers receive a 10% discount off the price of regular admission. 29 S. Broad St., Westfield or www.amelia parkmuseum.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

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Ready for a close-up

Kathleen Snyder of Binghamton, N.Y., brushes her Shih-tzu Curtis prior to a competition at the Great Barrington Kennel Club Dog Show at the Eastern States Exposition. The Great Barrington Kennel Club Dog Show returns Saturday and Sunday to the Better Living Center at the Eastern States Exposition. For more information, visit thebige.com.

(THE REPUBLICAN, FILE PHOTO)

exhibit: Various American and European paintings, Mexican ceramics, 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 S. Pleasant St., Amherst or www.amherst.edu.

Norman Rockwell Museum: “Shine A Light: The Art and Life of Deb Koffman,” through June 7. “Jazz Age Illustration,” through April 6. “Norman Rockwell: Home for the Holidays,’ through Feb. 22. Online exhibit: “Imagining Freedom,” 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,” through May 31. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or www.nrm.org.

Smith College Museum of

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THE BIG GAME MEANS BIG ENTERTAINMENT

Inside Super Bowl week’s concerts, parties and celebrity scene heading into big game

By JONATHAN L ANDRUM JR . Associated Press

Super Bowl week will unfold across several days in the Bay Area, with the game itself serving as the final act in a tightly coordinated mix of sports, music, media and celebrity appearances.

From league-run press events to invitation-only gatherings in San Francisco, the jam-packed week draws athletes, entertainers and executives together in the days leading up the league’s championship game. Early programming sets the stage for nights headlined by figures such as Shaquille O’Neal and Dave Chappelle, along with a variety of performances spread out through San Francisco by Kehlani, Post Malone and Calvin Harris. High-profile stops like the Sports Illustrated celebration — tied to Tight End University collaborators Travis Kelce and George Kittle — help define the celebrity-driven stretch of the week before fan-focused experiences take over on game day.

For first-timers and returning visitors alike, Super Bowl

week moves quickly. Here is a day-by-day look at how each day takes shape starting Feb. 4:

Wednesday, Feb. 4: Power brunch and early arrivals Super Bowl week begins with events centered on leadership, media and behind-

the-scenes influence.

The day’s marquee event is the Sports Power Brunch: Celebrating the Most Powerful Women in Sports with attendees including Becky Hammon, Maria Taylor and Elle Duncan at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco. The invitation-only gathering

Above, a combination of photos show Post Malone performing at the 57th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville, Tenn., on Nov. 8, 2023, left, and Kehlani performing at All Points East festival in London on Aug. 18, 2023. At left, Shaquille O’Neal performs during Shaq’s Fun House Super Bowl event at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Feb. 10, 2023. (AP PHOTOS)

brings together executives, broadcasters and athletes for panels and honors spotlighting women shaping the sports industry.

Thursday, Feb. 5: Bad Bunny, NFL Honors and big concert night

Thursday combines leaguerun programming with the first major wave of concerts. The day begins with the Super Bowl halftime and pregame performers media event, hosted at the NFL’s media hub. Reporters and the public will hear directly from the game’s performers

including Bad Bunny, Charlie Puth, Brandi Carlile and Coco Jones.

After that, attention shifts to the NFL Honors, hosted by Jon Hamm at the Palace of Fine Arts. There’s a red carpet followed by the awards show, blending sports with entertainment.

But the fun doesn’t stop, launching more into the concert calendar. Fall Out Boy performs an intimate show at The Regency Ballroom as part of the Wells Fargo Autograph Card Exclusives series, a ticketed event limited to

Art: 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. It features lacquerware, ceramics, bamboo baskets, and metalwork from the 18th- through 21st centuries. SCMA Exhibition — Garrett Bradley: “AKA” (2019), through Feb. 1. SCMA Exhibition “A City in Flux: Reflecting on Venice,” through March 22. All exhibits are free and open to the public. Elm Street at Bedford Terrace, Northampton or www.scma.smith.edu.

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 for 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, and for more information call (413) 588-4337.

Ventfort Hall Mansion and

NORTHAMPTON

‘Crafting Worlds’

Above is “Undulation” by Monden Kogyoku, made of timber bamboo. It is part of the exhibit “Crafting Worlds: Japanese Decorative Arts from the 18th through 21st Centuries,” on display at Smith College through Aug. 23. The exhibit is free and open to all.

Gilded Age Museum: Permanent exhibit: Guided tours of the first and second floors. Weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Self-guided tours are on the hour with the last self-guided tour weekdays at 2 p.m. Call to reserve at 413-637-3206. Admission is $18 adults, $17 seniors (65+), $10 students with ID, $7 children 5-17, and free for children

4 and younger. Salon Series Talk with Louise Levy “Getting to Know the Family.” Jan. 31, 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. “Gilded Age Gossip: The Scandals of Stanford White and other Sordid Tales of the Time.” This talk is included in your admission to the mansion for self-guided tours. Reserve your spot at https:// gildedage.org/pages/calendar or call 413-637-3206. 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. $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.

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); and 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.

Center for the Arts Trust Building: “Mutating Origins,” through Feb. 28. Arts Night Out / Exhibition Reception: Feb. 13, 5-8 p.m. In the Split Level Gallery. “Listen to My Photographs,” featuring the work of artists from The Care Center Art Exhibition. Gallery hours: Wed.Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat, 12-7 p.m. closed Mon. & Tues. 33 Hawley St., Northampton

Gallery A3 Amherst Art Alliance: Paintings by Gordon M. Green and Evelyn Pye, through Jan. 31. 28 Amity St., Amherst, 413-256-4250. 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, 413-543-3321.

Taber Art Gallery: “River Valley Radical Futures,” through March 12. The gallery will host a closing talk from project lead and curator Alix Gerber and book launch on Thursday, March 12, from 5-7 p.m. 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke or 413-552-2614.

Trinity United Methodist Church: Jim Sharrard’s photos of past Boar 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.

cardholders. Sports Illustrated and Tight End University’s “Tight Ends” will feature performances by Loud Luxury and Frank Walker.

At Pier 80 Warehouse, Illenium hosts an album release show tied to his upcoming project “Odyssey,” opening one of the weekend’s largest warehouse. Meanwhile, Grammy-nominated singer Noah Kahan will headline SiriusXM’s concert at The Warfield in which fans can win a chance to win a pair of tickets to the show.

Friday, Feb. 6: Shaq, Post Malone, Kehlani & Madden Bowl

In one of the busiest nights, you can’t really go wrong. Across San Francisco, multiple large-scale concerts and fan-facing experiences run at

the same time.

Make your choices early.

At the Cow Palace, Shaq’s Fun House returns as a carnival-style nightlife event hosted by Shaquille O’Neal, who performs as DJ Diesel alongside a rotating lineup of DJs. The event is a ticketed experience with immersive activations ranging from an all-inclusive general admission for $249.99 to a shared VIP table ticket, which starts at $1,550.

Uber One will hold a members-only event featuring a performance by Olivia Dean and Shaboozey at Pier 48.

Bud Light hosts a free, 21-and-over concert experience with Post Malone at Fort Mason Center, with access granted through a sweepstakes model.

Music continues across the Bay Area. Kehlani headlines a ticketed pre-Super Bowl block party at San Jose City Hall, one of the closest major concerts to Levi’s Stadium. At the Chase

Center, EA Sports’ Madden Bowl combines football and music with performances from Luke Combs and LaRussell, athlete appearances and a livestreamed blue carpet, hosted by New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston and sports commentator Kay Adams. The social media channels will offer behind-thescenes content with Twitch streamer Sketch who will host a livestream featuring athletes playing each other on “Madden NFL 26.”

The Palace of Fine Arts hosts Sting as the opening night of On Location’s Super Bowl Studio 60.

Pier 80 Warehouse doubles down on EDM with a joint performance from Calvin Harris and Diplo, anchoring one of the largest ticketed shows of the night.

Green Day, who will open the 60th Super Bowl with an anniversary ceremony celebrating generations of MVPs, will hit

the stage along with Counting Crows at the FanDuel and Spotify party at Pier 29.

Saturday, Feb. 7:

Dave Chappelle & Wale

anchor Super Bowl eve

Saturday serves as the peak of celebrity-driven Super Bowl weekend activity.

Dave Chappelle headlines an already sold-out comedy show at Chase Center, one of the most in-demand tickets of the weekend. At the Cow Palace, Sports Illustrated hosts SI The Party, a ticketed and VIP event with performances by The Chainsmokers, Ludacris, DJ Irie & Xandra. The costs range from $450 to $1,750 VIP shared table tickets.

Rapper Wale will hit the stage at Pier 27, T-Pain and Sean Paul will have a show called R&B and Ribs at Pier 80 Warehouse while Chris Stapleton and Sierra Ferrell will perform at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.

Additional Super Bowl Eve performances include Dom Dolla at San Jose City Hall and The Killers at the Palace of Fine Arts as Night Two of Super Bowl Studio 60. Larry June, Hugel, Loud Luxury and Plastik Funk will perform at the Maxim Big Game Party 2026: Bay Lights & Football Nights.

Sunday, Feb. 8: Game Day and Fan Experiences

Game day opens with largescale fan events leading into kickoff.

Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Tailgate runs for four hours starting at 11:30 a.m. PT, offering free general admission with registration alongside paid upgrades. The event blends live music, food and sponsor activations ahead of the game. The Chainsmokers will perform at On Location’s Club 67, Champions Club and Touchdown Club pregame parties just outside Levi’s Stadium.

‘Return to Silent Hill’

Video game adaptation frustrates and compels

By D ominic Baez

The Seattle Times

Watching “Return to Silent Hill,” the film adaptation of the acclaimed psychological survival horror game Silent Hill 2, is like watching the latter through a broken mirror. All the original elements are there, but what’s reflected back is disjointed, a tableau that’s familiar but not. The effect has “Return” feeling more like a retelling than an adaptation — one that’s frustrating and compelling in equal measure.

For those who haven’t played the video game (please, go play it), Silent Hill 2 is a gutting examination of grief that follows James Sunderland as he battles monsters, figurative and literal, in his quest to find his wife amid the haunting grotesqueries of the lakeside town of Silent Hill.

“Return to Silent Hill,” directed by Christophe Gans (who also helmed “Silent Hill,” the enjoyable if slightly schlocky 2006 film adaptation of the first Silent Hill game), follows the same basic premise — until it doesn’t.

James (Jeremy Irving) is still searching for Mary (Hannah Emily Anderson) after receiving a letter from her telling him to return to their special place. Silent Hill is still a place full of despair and its deadly, physical manifestations. But where Silent Hill 2 turns inward into damning introspection, “Return” chooses to lean into external threats, including new ones that were never present in the game.

“Return” oftentimes feels like a continuation of the first game, in which a cult plays a major

Silent Hill is still a place full of despair and its deadly, physical manifestations.

But where Silent Hill 2 turns inward into damning introspection, “Return” chooses to lean into external threats, including new ones that were never present in the game.

role. The problem is, these aren’t direct sequels; Silent Hill 2, while set in the same town, is its own contained story, almost completely divorced from the first game. So for Gans and co-writers Sandra Vo-Anh and Will Schneider to add those elements here feels jarring to the point of distraction. (“That didn’t happen!” was a constant refrain of mine.)

But then something interesting happens late in the film: The

‘RETURN TO SILENT HILL’ rrss

Rated: R

Running time: 1 hour, 46 min.

Playing at: Cinemark West Springfield, Hampshire Mall, Buckland Hills

tract from the film’s generally unimpressive cinematography and stunningly awful visual effects. (The idea that it was OK to add sunny blue skies to any scene in this movie, something nearly anathema to Silent Hill in general, is baffling to me.)

I want to say I like “Return to Silent Hill,” but I think I’m simply fascinated by it. It shouldn’t work, and it doesn’t a lot of the time, but there’s something compelling in

discordant elements begin to form into something cohesive and intriguing, if not nearly as memorable as the source material. The film’s best moments — James’ reflection in a filthy mirror, a heartbreaking conversation with a dying woman — are still the ones pulled directly from the game (the fan service

is real here), but the film manages to leave its own mark.

Speaking of what works, Akira Yamaoka’s beautifully despairing music is a highlight here. (Yamaoka composed the music for Silent Hill 2.) It often adds a much-needed layer of emotional depth to what’s happening on screen and helps dis-

how it all wraps up, how decisions that floundered in the moment feel a little more justified once the credits roll (which are awesomely stylish for some reason). It doesn’t hold a candle to the game, but there’s enough here to warrant another visit to this tragic little town.

Fog makes a prominent return as James Sunderland (Jeremy Irvine) tries to find his wife, Mary, in “Return to Silent Hill.” (ALEKSANDAR LETIC / CINEVERSE / TNS)

Jeremy Irvine as James Sunderland in “Return to Silent Hill,” an adaptation of the video game Silent Hill 2. (ALEKSANDAR LETIC / CINEVERSE / TNS)

probably lean into that and do songs by Sly and the Family Stone and Donna Summer,” Sasser said.

A lot of what Mojo Wagon does centers on singer Lauren Fleit, who plays quite a bit locally as a solo singer-songwriter.

“And she’s wonderful doing that, but she can also sing anything,” Sasser said. “She has a deep knowledge of everything from Elton John to Stevie Wonder to Lauryn Hill and beyond — and also some Dolly Parton, too — she can do pretty much anything.”

But Sasser stressed that Mojo Wagon really shines on the rock songs, where guitarist “Brother” Sal Maffettone shines.

“That’s where Brother Sal will pepper in a deep blues cut. Or he’ll do a Doors tune. Sal brings a lot,” Sasser said. “On some nights, we can play ‘Riders on the Storm’ and it could go on for half an hour.”

The whole package is grounded by drummer Kade Parkin, who handles both rock and funk expertly, Sasser said.

The band formed a couple years ago, playing a few private parties locally. They then ended up traveling to Key West, Florida, and playing some shows at the Green Parrot, an iconic dive bar.

“It’s kind of a touristy place, so although we played some of our originals, we

were kind of forced to come up with a list of songs that everybody loves,” Sasser said.

The band enjoyed that process, so they came back and started playing locally.

While funk music has had many legendary bass players, Sasser handles bass duties with his left hand on the keyboard. He said this was just a natural outcome of coming from the organ trio tradition.

“I was a big fan and a student of the organ trio growing up, which of course is a guitarist, an organ player and a drummer with no bass. So, I either play the bass with foot pedals or my left hand,” he said. “That became fashionable all through the ’50s and ’60s for organ trios. So that’s where I came from.”

Why did Sasser gravitate to funk — and why does he think people embrace it so much? He points to a quote by a legendary guitarist he played with early in his career.

“I was lucky enough to play with the great Melvin Sparks, and he was a jazz guy, but he told me that when James Brown came out on the radio, it was like an atomic bomb went off,” he said. “And it was all these rhythms, and it was like jazz and rock blended together. And people were dancing and then it permeated all sorts of music.

“It’s just these rhythms from Africa that people have been dancing to for thousands of years, and James Brown finally put them on the radio,” Sasser said.