FEARLESS WOMEN, ON STAGE AND OFF: Springfield Symphony Orchestra will mark Women’s History Month with concert on Saturday, D2
The Republican Entertainment Editor shares thoughts on this year’s major categories. Page D6
Fearless women, on stage & off
SSO to stage special Women’s History Month concert on Saturday
By Keith O’Connor Special to The Republican
Women will take center stage at Symphony Hall on Saturday, March 14, when the Springfield Symphony Orchestra presents “Mendelssohn, Gershwin, & A Woman’s Voice.”
Showtime is 7:30 p.m.
The concert will feature women composers and performers to celebrate Women’s History Month. Guest conductor and SSO Artistic Adviser Mei-Ann Chen will appear for her second performance of the 2025-26 season.
The concert will also include the return of a Springfield favorite, pianist Claire Huangci, renowned for her “radiant virtuosity, artistic sensitivity, keen interactive sense and subtle auditory dramaturgy,” according to a report by German newspaper Salzburger Nachrichten.
“March 14 is a celebration in the truest sense. It is a night where the brilliance, strength, and artistry of women fill every corner of Symphony Hall. From the extraordinary music of Fanny Mendelssohn to the
dynamic leadership of Mei-Ann Chen and the breathtaking artistry of Claire Huangci, this program reflects what happens when talent and vision are given the space they deserve,” said Heather Caisse-Roberts, president and CEO of the SSO, in a statement.
The concert will open with Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel’s “Overture in C major.” Guest pianist Huangci will perform George Gershwin’s “Piano Concerto in F” to close out the first half.
Springfield Symphony Orchestra Artistic Advisor Mei-Ann Chen will conduct the orchestra's March 14 concert "Mendelssohn, Gershwin, & A Woman’s Voice.” She is shown above conducting a 2024 show. (LEON NGUYEN PHOTO)
“Women’s History Month is, of course, important to me — I am a woman, after all. Approximately half of the world’s population is female — there should be a celebration of women’s talents, creativity and innovation, as well as equal footing.”
Women
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D2
The second half will feature a piece by Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel’s younger brother, Felix Mendelssohn, “Symphony No. 3, Op.56, A minor.”
Chen — an internationally acclaimed conductor and one of Musical America’s 2015 Top 30 Influencers — noted that women composers have been overlooked for the most part, with a few exceptions, in the past.
“The reason for this is mainly due to the societal constrictions and cultural requirements of the past, where women’s options were vastly limited, and society frowned upon them being anything other than mothers and wives. In this male-dominated social structure of the past, there was very little opportunity of a woman having her work published, never mind performed. As time progressed, women began to fight for equality, and some received the support of their male peers, and gradually women composers began to be recognized,” she said.
In 2022, during her post as music director of Chicago
FEARLESS WOMEN, OFF STAGE
Meet the 11 recipients of this year’s Fearless Women Awards, who will be honored on stage during the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s March 14 concert. Page D5
deserved to be played yet not in the standard repertoire circulation, especially works by women that have been hidden for a long time,” Chen said, adding that Mendelssohn-Hensel’s only surviving orchestral work is gaining exposure in the symphonic music world after first surfacing in 1994.
She explained why a piece by Mendelssohn-Hensel’s brother, Felix Mendelssohn, was also included in the program.
“The SSO musicians have
been wanting to program Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony for some time. I recommended to include it in this program due to the close relationship between the Mendelssohn siblings, as well as that the Scottish Symphony was inspired by Mendelssohn‘s visit to the ruins of Palace of Holyroodhouse, where Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, lived and loved,” Chen said.
Continuing its focus on women, the SSO will also celebrate the recipients of its fourth annual Fearless Women Awards, honoring local women who embody courage, resilience and empowerment. Since its inception, the Fearless Women Awards have recognized more than 20 women in the region, all nominated by their peers. A pre-concert reception will be held in the Mahogany Room at Symphony Hall, and the
Sinfonietta, the organization received the Donne Foundation’s first-ever Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Champions Award.
That same year, the Donne Foundation released a report, “Equality & Diversity in Global Repertoire,” which examined concert programming by 111 orchestras across 31 countries to determine repertoire diversity. The report found that only 7.7% of works performed by the orchestras were composed by women, and of those numbers, 5.5% were composed by white women.
“Women composers today are sadly not as well-recognized as they should be,” Chen said.
By the numbers, the League of American Orchestras reported that in 2022, 112 works by women were performed by U.S. orchestras; in 2023, 102 works performed were by women and non-binary composers; and in 2024, 121 works by women composers were performed by U.S. orchestras, out of thousands of compositions performed.
Chen’s passion is to discover hidden gems by women, such as Mendelssohn-Hensel’s “Overture in C major.”
“These are works that
JOIN WYCKOFF COUNTRY CLUB
Mei-Ann Chen, artistic adviser, Springfield Symphony Orchestra
Pianist Claire Huangci will join the Springfield Symphony Orchestra for its March 14 concert, “Mendelssohn, Gershwin, & A Woman’s Voice.” (MATEUSZ ZAHORA)
Nightclubs
THURSDAY
The Drake: Gubbulidis with Jesse Bardwell. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
Theodores': HCC Jazz Night. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
FRIDAY
Delaney House: Buddy McEarns. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar
Comedy Club: Big Jay Irish. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
Wyckoff Country Club: Masala Jazz Trio. 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke
The Drake: Ganesh, Wolfe, Kryssi, Wednesday, Ben Richter with DJ Mental Drift. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
Theodores': The Mighty Soul Drivers. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
West Springfield's Irish House
Restaurant & Pub: Kittie and the Beard. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SATURDAY
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar
Comedy Club: Big Jay Irish. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
The Drake: Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
Wyckoff Country Club: Kwartetto Mambo. 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke
Theodores': Wildcat O'Halloren. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
West Springfield's Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Canal Street Trio. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY
Delaney House: Trivia with Bobby Roast Beef in The Mick. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
Listings must be received two weeks before the date of the event. Items should be mailed to: Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329, emailed to pmastriano@repub.com or submitted to masslive.com/myevent
Northampton’s Henning Ohlenbusch releases new solo album
‘ALMOST ALWAYS Overwhelmed” is a phrase that many, if not most, people can relate to these days.
It’s also the title of Henning Ohlenbusch’s latest solo album that just came out last week. It’s taken from a line of one of the songs on the record.
“It feels like a good phrase for these strange times, both personally and universally. I like how it can sound sad, but it can also sound happy,” he said in a recent interview with The Republican. “Because you can be overwhelmed in either situation, happy or sad, and it’s important to remember that, I think. A life spent being overwhelmed is probably a life spent well.”
Ohlenbusch talked about the album, his songwriting process and several other topics during the interview.
Q. First, since you also have a band, how do you decide which music to put out as a solo artist as opposed to with your band Gentle Hen?
A. Weirdly, there is never really any question in my mind about which songs belong where. Besides the more obvious truth that the upbeat rock songs just fit better with the band and the delicate finger-pickers work better in a solo album setting, there is also some kind of abstract I-know-it-when-I-hear-it mood or subject of a song that makes the decision for me. Maybe the solo album songs are a little more personal while the band songs are a little more universal, but not so much that anyone would notice.
Q. How do you decide when you’re going to put an album out? Is it just that you look around and see that you have a collection of songs and now it’s time
“Songs, just like people, are affected by the climate — natural, social, political or whatever. Each album could be a photo album on a shelf of photo albums. You know, there’s that year when you wore the green shirt all the time and bell bottoms were ubiquitous.”
Henning Ohlenbusch
ubiquitous. Themes show themselves after time passes. For example, this album released in 2026 is titled Almost Always Overwhelmed.
to do it? Or is it more of thinking that a certain group of songs hang together well and that would make a good album? What’s that process like?
A. It’s pretty simple. I’m always writing songs, and when I have the right amount that fits the solo thing, it’s time to make a record. And the same goes for the band thing. Often, since the songs are written mostly during the same year, certain themes do show themselves without any conscious effort on my part.
Songs, just like people,
are affected by the climate — natural, social, political or whatever. Each album could be a photo album on a shelf of photo albums. You know, there’s that year when you wore the green shirt all the time and bell bottoms were
Q. You have a very nimble finger-picking style. Is that something you’ve always been able to do for most of your life or did you develop it over more recent years?
A. This might sound ridiculous, but I’m pretty sure when I bought my first guitar, the $5 Stella with only three strings and painful action, I didn’t
Henning Ohlenbusch has released a new solo album, “Almost Always Overwhelmed.”
George Lenker LIVE WIRE
LIVE WIRE, PAGE D11
Sponsored locally by
This year’s Fearless Women have been named
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra has announced the 11 recipients of its fourth annual Fearless Women Awards following a record number of nominations this year.
Each year, the awards honor local women who embody courage, resilience and empowerment.
A record number of 80 nominations were received for this year’s Fearless Women Awards. Women were nominated by their peers among five categories, including bravery, advocacy, passion, perseverance and authenticity. The 11 recipients will be recognized on stage during Saturday’s Springfield Symphony Orchestra concert, “Gershwin and A Woman’s Voice.”
The 2026 Fearless Women recipients are:
• Claudia Quintero, director of the Central West Justice Center, nominated in the advocacy category.
Quintero is a public interest attorney, social justice advocate and community leader who oversees a team providing civil legal services across Western and Central Massachusetts. Quintero coleads the Fairness for Farmworkers Coalition, co-drafted the Fairness for Farmworkers Act and teaches at Western New England University School of Law.
• Maeliz Colon, project manager at Robert W. Hall Consulting Engineers Inc., nominated in the advocacy category. Colon is an advocate for community college and nontraditional women in engineering. Beyond the
workplace, Colon has been involved in efforts to increase diversity, promote equity and advocate for underrepresented groups. She serves as the Society of Women in Engineering Counselor for the Springfield Technical Community College affiliate group.
• Dr. Linda Thompson, president of Westfield State University, nominated in the perseverance category. Thompson has served as the 21st president of Westfield State University since 2021. Her tenure includes renovating Parenzo Hall, opening the Research, Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurial Center, and a Finance and Data Analytics Lab, and successfully completing the 2023 accreditation review by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
• Kisha Zullo, founder and president of Events for Joy, nominated in the perseverance category. As an entrepreneur and dedicated leader in women’s empowerment, Zullo is a Certified Meeting Professional with over 25 years of experience in hospitality and is founder and president of Events of Joy. Zullo is also the visionary behind the Women in Business Summit.
• Erica Swallow, president of the Springfield Preservation Trust Board, nominated in the passion category. Swallow also serves on the Springfield Museums
Advancement Committee and the Forest Park Civic Association Historical Committee and is a local real estate broker at Swallow Real Estate. She moved to Springfield for its rich history, cultural diversity, and progressive energy.
• Rongbing Shen, educator at Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, nominated in the passion category. Shen is committed to the transformative power of arts-integrated learning, currently teaching K–5 music at PVCICS. Her passion for community building extends
Women
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D3
Fearless Women awardees will be recognized on-stage at the start of the performance.
“This is the third Fearless Women honors by the Springfield Symphony. It’s a wonderful program and shows just how much the orchestra is invested in the community. Orchestras are an integral part of a community’s culture, and a bridge to harmony among the diverse people and cultures
that make up a community,” Chen said.
The conductor also stressed the importance of recognizing Women’s History Month.
“Women’s History Month is, of course, important to me — I am a woman, after all. Approximately half of the world’s population is female — there should be a celebration of women’s talents, creativity and innovation, as well as equal footing. All talent should be respected, and encouraged,” Chen said.
“I think it’s beautiful that the Springfield Symphony has women in important leadership positions, occupying the majority of the administration positions, principal positions in the orchestra, plus an artistic advisor found in me,” she added.
The SSO’s nonprofit community partner for Saturday’s performance is The Gray House, and concertgoers are encouraged to bring diapers, wipes, gift cards and monetary donations, all much-needed items to help families in the community. Tickets for the March 14 concert begin at $25 and are available online at Spring fieldSymphony.org, or by calling the SSO Box Office at 413-733-2291.
TUESDAY
Chicopee Elks #1849 431 Granby Road, Chicopee 413-592-1849
Bingo Tuesday
Doors Open at 4PM
2 Progressive Jackpots 6:15PM Early Bird 6:20PM Start
Min. Entry Package $15 Open Seating
2 Halls for Players Handicap Restroom 1st Floor
Polish American Citizens Club 355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385 Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm Doors Open at 4pm. Minimum Admission $50 1 - 1199 Progressive Betty Boop 50/50 Prize $900 2 - $500 Cover Alls
3 - $400 Special Games All regular games $100 with 80 people or More. All Cards are included with Admission. Prizes climb with additional attendence. Full Kitchen 4-6:30pm.
WEDNESDAY CALL TODAY 413-788-1250 TO LIST HERE
THURSDAY
Fairview Knights of Columbus 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee (413) 532-2011
DOORS OPEN 4:30PM
MASKS OPTIONAL Progressive Jackpot 6:15pm Early Bird 6:20pm Start
Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms
Min. Entry Package $15
Mei-Ann Chen conducts the Springfield Symphony Orchestra during a past concert. (SOPHIE MARKHAM)
Claudia Quintero
Maeliz Colon
Linda Thompson
Kisha Zullo
Erica Swallow
Rongbing Shen SEE FEARLESS, PAGE D12
from
Michael B.
from left, Michael B. Jordan and Omar Benson Miller in a scene from “Sinners”; Amy Madigan in a scene from “Weapons”; Timothée Chalamet in a scene from “Marty Supreme”; and Stellan Skarsgård, left, and Elle Fanning in a scene from “Sentimental Value.”
OSCARS
The Republican Entertainment Editor shares thoughts on this year’s major categories
2026
By Shelly Tan, Samantha C hery and A mber F erguson The Washington Post
‘Sinners,” the transporting vampire flick from director Ryan Coogler, broke the record for the most Oscar nominations leading up to this year’s ceremony, followed by “One Battle After Another,” Paul Thomas Anderson’s kinetic revolutionary thriller. With 16 nods, “Sinners” surpassed the 14-nomination record first set in 1950 by “All About Eve” and later tied by “Titanic” and “La La Land.”
Clockwise
top left: Emma Stone stars as Michelle in “Bugonia”;
Jordan, foreground
“Frankenstein,” “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme” and “Sentimental Value” also picked up numerous nods ahead of this year’s Academy Awards ceremony, which will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu on Sunday, March 15 at 7 p.m., with Conan O’Brien returning as host.
Winners from last year’s awards ceremony return this year to present, including Mikey Madison, who won Best Actress last year for her role in “Anora,” and Adrien Brody, who earned last year’s Best Actor title for his role in “The Brutalist.” Other presenters for this weekend’s cer-
emony include Demi Moore, Kumail Nanjiani, Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldana. See a list of major Oscar nominees below. A complete list of categories and nominees can be found online at oscars.org.
BEST PICTURE
“Bugonia” “F1”
“Frankenstein” “Hamnet” “Marty Supreme” “One Battle After Another” “The Secret Agent”
“Sentimental Value” “Sinners” “Train Dreams” Who should win: “Sinners” should
take home the top prize this year. Not only was it a true original tale that stood out among weeks of box office lulls, remakes and sequels in 2025, but the response to it has been phenomenal, with the film grossing over $369 million worldwide. Audience reception and critics alike have praised the Southern gothic tale by Ryan Coogler, with the film maintaining a 97% certified fresh Rotten Tomatoes review score and becoming the first-ever horror movie to earn an “A” grade from the national research firm CinemaScore. But it’s more than just its success on paper — “Sinners” combines the historic reality of segregation and oppression of Black people in the South during
the Jim Crow era with the horrors of vampires and does it astonishingly well. Supported by a cast of largely Black actors, including Michael B. Jordan, who plays double duty as twins Smoke and Stack, it’s the kind of success Hollywood needs to acknowledge at a time of political tension where many Black people feel their voices aren’t being heard.
— Ashley Potter, The Republican entertainment editor
BEST ACTOR
Timothée Chalamet, “Marty Supreme”
Leonardo DiCaprio, “One Battle After Another”
Ethan Hawke, “Blue Moon”
BEST DIRECTOR
Chloé Zhao, “Hamnet”
Josh Safdie, “Marty Supreme”
Michael B. Jordan, “Sinners” Wagner Moura, “The Secret Agent”
Who should win: Michael B. Jordan pulled double duty in “Sinners,” effectively embodying two completely individual characters — with their own personalities, stories and ultimately, fates — and doing it as seamlessly as he did makes him more than deserving of this year’s Best Actor title. There is a mix of grief, horror, sadness and even moments of joy between twin brothers Smoke and Stack, and it’s hard to remember when you’re watching “Sinners” unfold on screen that these two roles are
Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another”
Joachim Trier, “Sentimental Value”
Ryan Coogler, “Sinners”
Who should win: It goes without saying that Coogler deserves this award. “Sinners” — which surpassed the all-time record for number of Oscar nominations this year — is only as successful as the visionary behind it. In this case, the attention goes to Coogler, who pushed boundaries by combining social commentary with horror (a historically overlooked genre), and came out on top. Additionally, if he were to win, Coogler would make Oscar history, becoming the first Black director in the Academy Awards’ 97-year history to win in this category. Since its inception, only seven Black directors — including Coogler — have been nominated for the award, including Jordan Peele, John Singleton, and Barry Jenkins.
— Ashley Potter, The Republican entertainment editor
Director Ryan Coogler is pictured on the scene of “Sinners” with Michael B. Jordan, at left. Both Coogler and Jordan are nominated for Oscar awards in this weekend’s ceremony.
Above, Leonardo DiCaprio stars in a scene from "One Battle After Another,” and at left, Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein in Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein.”
Oscars
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D7
played by the same man. That’s how realistic and how seamless Jordan’s portrayals are. Additionally, Jordan has the momentum, having recently won the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in the 32nd annual Actor Awards on March 1. Hopefully he continues riding that wave of momentum to the top in this weekend’s Oscars ceremony.
— Ashley Potter, The Republican entertainment editor
BEST ACTRESS
Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet”
Rose Byrne, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”
Kate Hudson, “Song Sung Blue”
Renate Reinsve, “Sentimental Value”
Emma Stone, “Bugonia”
Who should win: Emma Stone is already a two-time Oscar winner, having previously been honored in this same category in 2023 for “Poor Things” and in 2016 for “La La Land,” and she’s again proven how strong of an actress she is as Michelle Fuller in “Bugonia,” a high-power CEO that’s kidnapped by conspiracy theorists who believe she’s an alien. Stone plays a character that is both manipulative and vulnerable at the same time, something that a film like “Bugonia” needs to keep the audience guessing until the very end, but she also shaved her head completely for the role, and had her head shaved on screen. The transformative moment that Stone’s character has her head shaved on screen was captured in one take, demonstrating Stone’s commitment to her role.
— Ashley Potter, The Republican entertainment editor
SUPPORTING ACTOR
Benicio del Toro, “One Battle After Another”
Jacob Elordi, “Frankenstein”
Delroy Lindo, “Sinners”
Sean Penn, “One Battle After Another”
Stellan Skarsgård, “Sentimental Value”
Who should win: This one will be a tough race, but I can see Stellan Skarsgård coming in as the category’s underdog for the win.
In “Sentimental Value,” Skarsgård plays an absentee filmmaker father who tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter by offering her a role in his movie.
Skarsgård brings his character to life through the smallest, most subtle hints — the way his facial expression shifts just slightly, the way he pauses when speaking, the way he avoids eye contact with his daughter. He speaks some English in the film but largely speaks in Swedish, so to most (American) audiences, a lot of his acting power stems from his body language. This is already history-making for the Oscars, with Skarsgård being the first-ever Best Supporting Actor nominee from an international film, and Skarsgård would further make history by winning this award.
— Ashley Potter, The Republican entertainment editor SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Elle Fanning, “Sentimental Value”
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, “Sentimental Value”
Amy Madigan, “Weapons”
Wunmi Mosaku, “Sinners”
Teyana Taylor, “One Battle After Another”
Who should win: Horror movies are historically overlooked at
the Oscars, but with “Sinners” leading the charge this year, that might just open up the doors to another horror win: Amy Madigan, who played Aunt Gladys in “Weapons.” Madigan is up for an Oscar for the second time in her career, having previously been nominated for her work in 1985’s “Twice in a Lifetime.” Aunt Gladys, who despite having about only 14 minutes of screentime in “Weapons,” stood out in the film for her fiery red hair and kooky personality that starts as just unsettling and ultimately derails into plain evil. It’s also worth mentioning that Madigan has already received recognition in the 2026 Actor Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, as well as Best Supporting Actress wins from the Critics Choice Awards and New York Film Critics Circle. She could very well keep that momentum going all the way to the top, and it would be well-deserved: at 75
years old, Madigan would be the second-oldest actress to win the award, following then-77-year-old Peggy Ashcroft’s win in 1985.
— Ashley Potter, The Republican entertainment editor ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Robert Kaplow, “Blue Moon”
Jafar Panahi, “It Was Just an Accident”
Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie, “Marty Supreme”
Eskil Vogt and Joachim Trier, “Sentimental Value”
Ryan Coogler, “Sinners” ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Will Tracy, “Bugonia” Guillermo Del Toro, “Frankenstein”
Maggie O’Farrell and Chloé Zhao, “Hamnet”
Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another”
Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar, “Train Dreams”
CASTING (NEW CATEGORY)
Nina Gold, “Hamnet”
Jennifer Venditti, “Marty Supreme”
Cassandra Kulukundis, “One Battle After Another”
Gabriel Domingues, “The Secret Agent”
Francine Maisler, “Sinners” CINEMATOGRAPHY
“Frankenstein”
“Marty Supreme”
“One Battle After Another” “Sinners” “Train Dreams”
ANIMATED FEATURE
“Arco” “Elio”
“KPop Demon Hunters” “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain” “Zootopia 2”
Emma Stone, above, appears in a scene from “Bugonia.” At right, Teyana Taylor, left, and Sean Penn are shown in a scene from “One Battle After Another.”
Wunmi Mosaku appears in a scene from “Sinners.”
Jessie Buckley, center, appears in a scene from "Hamnet."
THURSDAY
“Mean Girls” High School Version: Thu.-Sat, 7 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m. Northampton High School, “Mean Girls” is based on the 2004 Mark Waters film about high school hardships, superficiality, and the triumph of genuine friendships. This production features a live pit band and a cast of 46 NHS students. Directed by Dave Grout, with musical direction by Susan Dillard and choreography by Zazie Tobey. Tickets range from $10-$15. 380 Elm Street, Northampton; 413-587-1344 or www.hamphigh.org.
Song Share Sessions for NonBinary, Trans and Women Singer-Songwriters: Thu., 7 p.m. Mill River Music and Guitars, Looking for a creative home in the Valley?
Join host Jess Martin (she/they) at Mill River Music for the only song share session in the region dedicated exclusively to non-binary, trans, and women songwriters, Free. 135 King St., Northampton; 413-505-0129 or www.millrivermusic.com
FRIDAY
“Golden Girls” Bingo: Fri., 6-8 p.m. Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity, Add some dazzle to the winter darkness with “Golden Girls”-themed bingo. $10 per player, ages 18+, includes two bingo boards, with additional cards for sale. Cheesecake and mocktails will be available for purchase. Caftans, shoulder pads and sweater sets are encouraged. 130 Pine St., Florence.
“Mean Girls” High School Version: See Thursday listing Open Mic: Fri, 7 p.m. Tangle Chocolate Lounge, free. Come with your songs, poems, stories, juggling pins — whatever you love to do. Signups start at 6:30 p.m. Feel free to pick up dinner next door at the Williamsburg Market and enjoy it at Tangle. 5 Main St. Route 9, Williamsburg.
Sean Cassidy at Foxwoods: Fri., 8 p.m. Foxwoods Resort Casino, Great Cedar Showroom. For tickets visit www.foxwoods.com 350 Trolley Line Boulevard, 860200-2882.
SATURDAY
Easthampton Theater presents “Enchanted April”: Sat., 7:30-10 p.m.; Sun., 2-4:30 p.m. Williston Theatre-Williston Northampton School, $23 to $25. 18 Payson Avenue, Easthampton.
GB Con: Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m., with VIP hours on Saturday at 9
CALENDAR
a.m. MassMutual Center. A TCG & Collectibles tradeshow, GB Con will feature voice actors, meet and greets, trading card vendors, an artist’s alley, and a cosplay contest. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at massmutualcenter.com/events/ detail/gbcon2026. MassMutual Center, Springfield.
Longmeadow High School Student-Led Benefit Concert: Sat., 5:30 p.m. First Church of Christ Longmeadow, to benefit Jewish Family Service of Western Mass Springfield. Donations encouraged at the door. All money raised will go towards helping refugee families in Western Mass. Andreas Christoforakis is this year’s student organizer. Free and open to the public. 763 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow.
“Mean Girls” High School Version: See Thursday listing A Reading of Two Plays by Ben Scranton: Sat., 7:30 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, Experience the malarkey of Irish storytelling in “The Head of Seamus Delaney.” When two bar buddies create a bet to see who has the biggest head in the city, scheming and convoluted word play abound as they race toward a surprising conclusion. Featuring
WEST SPRINGFIELD Mmm, maple!
The Storrowton Village Musuem will celebrate all things maple at its one-day Maple Harvest Day event on March 14. The annual event highlights the history and tradition of maple sugaring in New England and includes a pancake breakfast served with locally-produced maple syrup. Visitors will get to watch as the Gilbert Farmhouse is turned into a sugarhouse for the day. They will learn, step-by-step, how the “liquid gold” is made, from tree tapping to sap boiling, and watch 19th century open hearth cooking demonstrations of maple recipes. Under a heated tent, Ferrindino Maple also will be offering educational tastings of maple syrup. Tickets to the morning’s pancake breakfast can be purchased at a discounted rate of $7 for adults or $10 in-person on the day of the event. Children’s tickets are just $5 online and in-person. At left, a youngster was very happy with her plate of pancakes at a past Maple Harvest Day. (FILE PHOTO)
guitar, whistle and mandolin as they draw from the rich repertoire of traditional Irish and Scottish tunes and songs. Free. 5 Main St. Route 9, Williamsburg.
“Mean Girls” High School Version: See Thursday listing “Queer Kids Stuff,” LIVE!: Sun., 10-11 a.m. Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity, High Five Books is thrilled to present a live family presentation of “Queer Kids Stuff,” an award-winning musical LGBTQ+ web series that breaks down complex topics like gender identity, pronouns, and inclusivity for young audiences. Hosted by Mx. Lindz, this interactive program combines live music and storytelling to engage children in fun and meaningful conversations about diversity, acceptance, and queer joy. High Five books will have copies on hand for purchase and signing. This live family performance takes place Sunday, March 15, from 10-11 a.m. Pay what you can — no one turned away for lack of funds, sliding scale. 130 Pine St., Florence.
South Hadley Chorale Concert: Sun., 3 p.m. Abbey Chapel, Vivaldi’s Gloria, spirituals. For more information visit www.southhadleychorale.org, 50 College St., South Hadley.
David Belew, Lynda Blair Vernalia, Gabe Levey, Wally Marzano-Lesnevich, and Moe McElligott. Free, donations welcomed. 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield. 413-737-5311.
Royal Rose: Sat., 2 p.m. Foxwoods Resort Casino, Rainmaker Expo. Sample everything rosé — wines, seltzers, spirits and more, at this Foxwoods signature tasting event. Offerings subject to change. To enter Royal Rosé, you must be at least 21 years of age with a valid, state-issued form of identification, a valid passport, or a valid United States military identification card, 350 Trolley Line Blvd, Mashantucket. 860200-2882 or www.foxwoods. com.
Singalong!: Sat., 2:30 p.m. Tangle Chocolate Lounge, Love to sing? Come join your voice with others in a monthly singalong! Songbooks will be available that include a variety of well-known songs, both old and new, and you can bring your favorites as well. Instruments welcome. Free. 5 Main St. Route 9, Williamsburg. Springfield Symphony Orchestra: Sat, 7:30 p.m. Springfield Symphony Hall, “Mendelssohn, Gershwin, & A Woman’s Voice.” Tickets range from $25 to $80. 34 Court St., Springfield. 413-733-
2291 or www.symphonyhall. com.
Storrowton Village Museum
Maple Harvest Day: Sat.,, 10 a.m. Storrowton Village Museum, Delight in fresh-flipped pancakes, served with pure Ferrindino maple syrup, with a side of sausages and coffee or juice in the Village’s red Greenwich Barn. Proceeds from the pancake breakfast will benefit Storrowton’s educational programs. Visitors will get to watch as the historic Gilbert Farmhouse is turned into a sugarhouse for the day. Under a heated tent, Ferrindino Maple will be offering educational tastings of maple syrup and several of their products for sale. Free docent-led tours and 19th century craft demos will also be available in the Gilbert Farmhouse, $10 adults, $5 children. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, or www. thebige.com.
SUNDAY
Easthampton Theater presents “Enchanted April”: See Saturday listing
Wild Thyme at Tangle: Sun., 2 p.m. Tangle Chocolate Lounge. Come join a local musical group of friends who blend fiddles,
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. Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: Permanent exhibits. 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: “One Foot in Two Places” by Olwen O’Herlihy Dowling, through Oct. 4. “Markets, Foodways, and the Essence of Place: Works from the Museo de Arte de Ponce,” through Sept. 6. Museum a la Carte. March 12, 12:15 p.m. “Learning about Nature through Drawing.” Cost: $4, free for members. Presented by Sonya
Live Wire
yet own a pick. That meant in order to start playing it and writing songs, I needed to use my fingers. I developed my own not-at-all-proper way of doing it, despite the skin peeling off of my fingers for months. So that type of playing is kind of terra firma for me. Later I got a pick and then eventually an electric guitar so now I can do things like play with The Fawns and Gentle Hen.
Q.
Who are some of your biggest songwriting
influences? It’s easy to hear some Paul Simon influence in there — both because of the intricate melodies along with lyrics that can be both poignant yet humorous.
A. Paul Simon certainly is an influence! Others include Suzanne Vega and Freedy Johnston for their careful ability to find perfect simple phrases. Jane Siberry and Robyn Hitchcock for their agility in mixing the surreal and dreamy with reality. Dylan, Nilsson, Lennon, McCartney, and Courtney Barnett for their ease at mixing humor with weight. Syd Barrett, Andy Partridge,
Kate Bush, Neil Young, David Byrne, Jim Armenti, Ray Mason, Thane Thomsen, Russell Brooks, Lesa Bezo, Han Wang, and dozens of others.
Q. Do you write in a catch-as-catch-can process or do you spend some time each day working on trying to write songs in a more organized manner?
A. I play guitar and work on songs pretty much every day, but not in a set time frame or for a scheduled amount of time. I pick up a guitar when the moment strikes and see what happens. If I get something cooking
and if I stumble on a few words, then I will work the song over and over in my head at any time of the day, while walking, or cleaning, or eating, or zoning out while in the company of others. I’ll turn the song’s phrases over in my head for days or weeks or months or, you guessed it, even years until it’s finished.
Q. What comes first for you, lyrics or music? Or is it different every time? How does the process usually play out?
A. It is different each time. Sometimes there’s a phrase I think would be good for a
song. And sometimes that phrase has a rhythm and melody when spoken in the English language and I’ll sculpt a melody based on the way the words go up and down in pitch, where inflections fall, and how long each word lasts when the phrase is just spoken. It’s a pretty good trick I stumbled upon some years back. Don’t tell anyone. Sometimes, though, the melody will dictate a particular emotion that then triggers some lyrics. It’s all pretty mysterious.
“Almost Always Overwhelmed” is available to stream on Ohlenbusch’s Bandcamp page, online at henningohlenbusch.bandcamp.com
Vickers, educator and member, Springfield Naturalists’ Club.
“Please Touch! A Tactile Exploration of Sante Graziani’s Mural,” through July 26. Springfield Science Museum: Math Alive! Exhibition, through May 3. This special exhibit that reveals how real math powers sports, nature, robotics, music, dance, movie-making, and more. Free with museum admission. Permanent exhibit: 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 activi-
ties. Visit ameliaparkmuseum.org for information. Hours: Tue.-Tue, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Open for groups Wed. Admission: $8 adults; $8 children (12 months and older); $4 grandparents/seniors; free members/infants. Military personnel and teachers also receive a 10% discount off the price of regular admission. 29 South Broad St., Westfield or www.ameliaparkmuseum.org.
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: “Cooking with Eric Carle,” through Aug. 23, 2026. “Exploring Materials: Printmaking Workshop,” March 12, 6–8 p.m. Together with a group, print, layer, and assemble a series of playful culinary-themed artworks. No prior experience needed — just bring your creativity. Registration required and can be done online. 125 West Bay Road, Amherst or www. carlemuseum.org.
Mead Art Museum: Permanent 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 South Pleasant St., Amherst or www.amherst.edu.
Norman Rockwell Museum: “Norman Rockwell: The Human Touch,” through May 25. “Shine A Light: The Art and Life of Deb Koffman.,” through June 7. “Jazz Age Illustration,” through April 6. Online Exhibit: “Imagining Freedom.” 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. “Second Saturdays at NRM,” March 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Explore the galleries and then create your own artwork. Free with admis-
sion, Drop-in — no reservation required. “Sounds of Swing,” March 14, 1-3 p.m. Enjoy live musical ambiance as you explore the “Jazz Age Illustration” exhibition. Free with admission. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or www.nrm.org.
Old Sturbridge Village: “Maple Days,” Wed.-Sun. through March 15, 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. Included with general admission. Route 20, Sturbridge or www.osv.org.
Smith College Museum of Art: 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. It features lacquerware, ceramics, bamboo baskets, and metalwork.
“Don’t Mind if I Do” exhibit, through June 28. Artists include: Lukaza Branfman-Verissimo, Pelenakeke Brown, Sky Cubacub, Emilie L. Gossiaux, Felicia Griffin, Joselia Rebekah Hughes, Jeff Kasper, and Finnegan Shannon. All exhibits at SCMA 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 N.E. 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. For more information, sign up for the newsletter online at NEVA-museum.org or call 413-588-4337. There is a $10 suggested day admission donation asked at the door. Pleasant St., Northampton. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum: Permanent exhibit: Guided tours of the first and second floors. Weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Self-guided tours are on the hour with the last self-guided tour weekdays at 2 p.m. Call to reserve at 413-637-3206. Admission is $18 adults, $17 seniors (65+), $10 students with ID, $7 children 5-17, and free children 4 and younger. Victorian Tea & Talk: “Houses of the Berkshires.” March 14, 3:30 p.m. Local historian and author, Cornelia Brooke Gilder will speak and a tea will follow her presentation. Ticket includes access to the mansion throughout the day of this event from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Reservations are strongly encouraged as seats are limited. “Ghost Tour with Robert Oakes,” March 14 & April 18, 24 at 7 p.m. Minimum age to attend is age 12. Reservations are strongly recommended as tickets are limited. Make reservations to all programs online. 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.
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. “For the Common Good: 250 Years of Windsor Civic Life.” March 12, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. A curator-led deep dive into the society’s new exhibit. Part lecture, part special tour, this Women’s History Month program offers a look into the lives and achievements of the women highlighted in the exhibit. Preregistration is encouraged. 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); and free for 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.
to her roles as artistic director for the Chinese American Culture Heritage Society and Board Member for the American Orff-Schulwerk Association (New England).
• Shannon Rudder, president and CEO of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, nominated in the authenticity category. A nonprofit leader for more than 25 years, Rudder arrived in Western Massachusetts in 2013 and has worked to advance equity across maternal health, education, housing, food security, and youth empowerment. At MLKFS, she carries forward Dr. King’s vision of community, inviting people in and honoring his legacy.
activism and community organizing, serving as President of the Black Business Association of Amherst Area.
• Megan Moynihan, president and CEO of United Way Pioneer Valley, nominated in the bravery category. At UWPV, Moynihan has spearheaded a transformation of the organization through challenging periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic, as she realigned programs to meet evolving community needs. She has also served as financial analyst at Springfield Public Schools and chief operating officer at UWPV.
• Terry Powe, assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and professional development at Springfield Public Schools, nominated in the authenticity category. Powe is a lifelong educator who has served as a teacher, district literacy coach, and principal of Elias Brookings School for 18 years. She mentors aspiring leaders and serves on several boards, including UMass, Springfield College, Springfield Museums and Elms College.
• Pat Ononibaku, president of the Black Business Association of Amherst Area, nominated in the bravery category. Ononibaku is an entrepreneur whose ventures span food service, home care, transportation, health care, and social services. She is involved in social justice
• Michelle Wirth, founder of FeelGoodShopLocal. com and Owner of Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, nominated in the collective impact category.
After a 15-year career with Mercedes-Benz USA in engineering, public relations, and national marketing, Wirth relocated to Western Massachusetts in 2017 to open her dealership. In 2022, she launched Feel Good Shop Local, a curated marketplace and gift concierge supporting local makers.
Since the awards’ inception, the SSO has recognized more than 30 women in the region.
According to Heather Caisse-Roberts, president and CEO of the SSO, “When we started Fearless Women four years ago, we simply hoped people would participate. This year our community submitted more than 80 nominations. That kind of response tells you everything about the extraordinary women shaping this region every day. Celebrating them on the Symphony Hall stage is one of the greatest honors we have as an orchestra.”
— Courtesy Springfield Symphony Orchestra
Shannon Rudder
Terry Powe
Pat Ononibaku
Megan Moynihan
Michelle Wirth