Six Flags
New England opens 2026 season with new coaster: Quantum Accelerator.
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The wait is over
Six Flags New England opens 2026 season with new coaster: Quantum Accelerator
By Keith O’Connor Special to The Republican
he wait is over.
TCoaster fans will finally have a chance to climb aboard Six Flags New England’s 12th roller-coaster, Quantum Accelerator, when the amusement park opens for the season on April 11. Slated to open last June, Six Flags New England suddenly delayed the opening of Quantum Accelerator until this year, disappointing those who especially purchased passes based on marketing for the new roller-coaster.
“We hold ourselves to high operational standards and are committed to delivering attractions that meet our expectations for quality, comfort and reliability. Any
time we introduce a new attraction we put it through extensive testing. During that process last year, we saw op portunities to make enhance ments that would improve the overall ride experience for guests. We took the time needed to ensure this ride meets our high standards for guest satisfaction,” said Bill Falzone, park manager for Six Flags New England.
Season passholders will re‑ ceive exclusive first access to the new ride during opening weekend. Access to all other guests begins April 17, as the park kicks off daily operation for Spring Break Days.
The Quantum Accelerator features two high‑energy launches, rapid twists and turns, 11 airtime moments and speeds up to 45 miles per hour. Riders lean forward and grab handlebars instead of sitting in a traditional seat. The low‑profile design enhances the sensation of speed through tight curves and banked maneuvers.
The adventure begins with a launch from 0 to 30 mph out of the station, followed by a second burst mid‑course that accelerates riders to 45 mph for the final half of the journey.
Just as it took some time for Quantum Accelerator to be rider ready, preparing for opening day is a year‑round effort, noted Sydney Snow, regional manager for public relations at Six Flags New England.
“It takes months of planning and hands‑on work to bring the park to life each spring. Our incredible park teams work tirelessly behind the scenes maintaining rides, re freshing attractions, garden ing, cleaning, training team members, and making sure every detail meets our high standards for guest experi ence. It’s a huge undertaking, but our teams do an amazing job, and all that hard work pays off when we get to wel come guests back for another season of fun,” she said.
Six Flags is about much more than exhilarating coast
KEY STATS FOR THE QUANTUM ACCELERATOR
• Location: Crackaxle Canyon, the park’s Western-themed area
• Top speed: 45 mph
• Top height: 59 feet
• Track length: 2,604 feet
• Minimum rider height: 48” (4 feet tall)
• Maximum rider height: 77” (6 feet 5 inches tall)
being delayed last season, the new coaster at Six Flags New England — the dual-launch Quantum Accelerator — will open for riders for the
ers that — along with the new Quantum Accelerator — also includes Pandemonium, Flashback, Catwoman Whip, Batman: The Dark Knight, and the Thunderbolt, among others.
“We have a wide variety of attractions and there truly is something for everyone. SkyScreamer, the tall swings, is very popular and not a coaster. Other favorites include Houdini — The Great Escape. It’s an indoor, dark ride that creates the illusion of being upside down. It uses a stationary row of seats that rocks while the surrounding room rotates 360 degrees. We also have the classics like our Carousel, Bumper Cars, Scrambler, and Tea Cups,” Snow said.
There are two areas for kids — Looney Tunes Movie Town and Kidzopolis.
“The most popular among families is Dino Off Road Adventure. Riders sit in a jeep‑themed vehicle while driving around a prehistoric safari filled with life sized animatronic dinosaurs. We also have The Great Chase, a kid‑friendly coaster that is only 13 feet tall and goes 12 miles per hour,” Snow said. Beyond the entertaining
JOIN
Riders lean forward and grab handlebars instead of sitting in a traditional seat. The low‑profile design enhances the sensation of speed through tight curves and banked maneuvers.
After
2026 season. (PHOTO COURTESY SIX FLAGS NEW ENGLAND)
Springfield’s King Saison has a basis of basses
WHEN A COUPLE of guitarists form a band, there often comes a point where someone has to play bass. The decision is often foisted on one of them, rather than someone choosing to play the less flashy instrument.
But Springfield-based King Saison never had that problem, as founders Jeff King and
Noelle Saison both started as bassists before joining forces.
“We both graduated with music degrees and both majored in bass guitar. He went to Westfield State and I went to Holyoke Community College,” Saison said in a recent interview with The Republican
The band, which also includes drummer Clark Seibold and multi-instru-
Best of Bob Dylan
Amherst Cinema to welcome executive director of Bob Dylan Center for special screening
On Saturday, April 11, at 4 p.m., Amherst Cinema will welcome Bob Dylan Center Director Steven Jenkins for “Stepping Into the Unknown: Films From the Bob Dylan Center.” Spanning several decades and musical styles, this onehour program of short films and videos from the Bob Dylan Archive will feature rare and previously unreleased clips of Dylan on stage and in the studio.
Selections include Dylan’s first film soundtrack for 1961’s “Autopsy on Operation Abolition;” a solo rendition of “Ballad of Hollis Brown” from the 1963 TV special “Folk Songs and More Folk Songs;” a rollicking 1976 take on “I Pity the Poor Immigrant” with Joan Baez; a gospel-infused “Blowin’ in the Wind;” an apocalyptically rocking “When the Night Comes Falling from the Sky” with Dylan backed by
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers; and a glimpse into the Archive’s film restoration project with never-before-seen footage of “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” from 1966. Jenkins will present the program and engage in a post-screening discussion and audience question-and-answer session about the films and the mission and activities of the center. Special guest Frozen Corn, an Americana
mentalist Bobby Pickett, will play the Marigold Theater in Easthampton on Friday, April 10 at 8 p.m. The group will also perform at the Strangecreek Campout in Greenfield on May 22.
Since starting in 2021, King Saison has been busy. The band has released a bunch of singles, a few EP, and dropped a full-length album last summer. They have also
Nightclubs
THURSDAY
The Drake: Lucia. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
Theodores': Rockstar Karaoke. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
FRIDAY
MGM Springfield: MGM Comedy Roar: Emo Philips with special guest Ken Rogerson. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
Wyckoff Country Club: Masala
Jazz Trio. 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke
The Drake: Dave Matthews Tribute Band (DMTB). 44 N. Pleasant St.,
trio from Amherst, consisting of Anthony Pasquarosa, Chris Carlton, and Joshua Burkett, will round out the event with a performance of Dylan covers.
Tickets to this special screening are $20 for general admission and $18 for Amherst Cinema Members. Tickets can be purchased at the Amherst Cinema box office or online at amherst cinema.org.
played stages all across New England’s six states.
Two of their songs, “The Raven & The Ivy” and “I Need a Dog” were nominated as finalists for the Great American Song Contest in 2021 and 2023. After traveling cross-country in 2024, King Saison toured Alaska for five weeks last summer.
Both King and Saison were
Amherst
Theodores': Carl Ricci and the 706 Union Ave. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
West Springfield's Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Frank Serafino. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SATURDAY
MGM Springfield: MGM Comedy Roar: Emo Philips with special guest Ken Rogerson. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
Theodores': Barrett Anderson. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
George Lenker LIVE WIRE
Bob Dylan Steven Jenkins
‘Gloria!’ From Vivaldi to Gershwin
Jazz Fest to host ‘Civil Disobedience’ Kedrick Armstrong to conduct Saturday matinee
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special to The Republican
The music of Italian composer and Baroque master Antonio Vivald and American composer George Gershwin, known for fusing classical and pop music, will come together on Saturday in a springtime concert, “Gloria! From Vivaldi to Gershwin,” performed by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.
Showtime is 3 p.m. at Springfield Symphony Hall.
The concert will be led by guest conductor Kedrick Armstrong, music director of the Oakland Symphony.
“This will be my debut performance with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. I’m very much looking forward to meeting the musicians and community,” Armstrong said.
The program will open with Vivaldi’s “Concerto for Two Cellos in G Minor,” featuring two cellists — Aron Zelkowicz, who is founder and director of the Pittsburgh Jewish Music Festival, and Emily Taubl, principal cellist for the SSO. Concertgoers will then be transported to France with Poulenc’s “Gloria,” featuring the voices of the Springfield Symphony Chorus and the UMass Amherst Chorale, before closing on the streets of Paris with Gershwin’s “An American in Paris.”
“Gershwin, for me, is the great connector in the program, building on the foundation of composers who have come before him, like Vivaldi, while also innovating in ways that might have influenced Poulenc’s
NORTHAMPTON — The Northampton Jazz Festival will co-present the New York based quintet, “Civil Disobedience: Blue Note Records in the Progressive ’60s,” in a concert at the Iron Horse Music Hall on Sunday, April 12 at 7 p.m.
‘Gloria,’ written 30 years after ‘An American in Paris,’” Armstrong said.
The guest conductor noted the important role the two cellists bring to the Vivaldi piece.
“Our two cellists [Emily Taubl and Aron Zelkowicz] play a pivotal role as soloists in Vivaldi’s ‘Concerto for 2 Cellos.’ The two soloists weave around each other and the orchestra in a musical conversation. This will be my first time working with them, so I’m excited to discover their individual playing styles and what they each will bring to the piece,” Armstrong said.
Nikki Stoia, director of the Springfield Symphony Chorus, called Poulenc’s “Gloria” quite “glorious” and noted she is looking forward
“Growing up as a classical musician, I rarely performed music by women composers or composers from racial minorities in America. The music I was studying didn’t always reflect the communities I was serving or even my own community.”
Kedrick Armstrong, guest conductor, Springfield Symphony Orchestra
David Ambrosio of the Civil Disobedience project. Civil Disobedience will perform a concert April 12 at the Iron Horse Music Hall, hosted by the Northampton Jazz Festival.
Guest conductor Kedrick Armstrong will lead the Springfield Symphony Orchestra in their springtime concert “Gloria! From Vivaldi to Gershwin” on Saturday. The concert will also feature the voices of the Springfield Symphony Chorus and the UMass Amherst Chorale. (PHOTO COURTESY SSO)
Festival Flowers of Set to bloom at the Springfield Museums
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special to The Republican
Some flowers may be blooming on the grounds of the Springfield Museums, but the real show is inside as part of the 13th annual Festival of Flowers, which will be in bloom from today, April 9, to Sunday, April 12.
The festival will feature 54 interpretive arrangements created by local professional florists and garden club members. The floral displays will be located across three museums: the Springfield Science Museum, the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, and the Wood Museum of Springfield History.
The Festival of Flowers is one of the Museums’ most anticipated annual events, said Larissa Murray, director of education.
“I often field questions about the plans for the next Festival of Flowers all year long. The event showcases the incredible talent and
creativity here in our region. It’s a chance for florists to promote their work, garden club members to work with a medium they love, and it’s fun and whimsical for all. The best part of the annual event is that it’s different every single year. The selection of artwork changes as do the interpretive ideas,” she said.
Planning for the festival begins in January. Participating florists choose a piece of artwork or an object from one of the Museums’ collections which they then have the creative freedom to bring to life.
“Some participants bring their interpretations to life by focusing on color and shape,
while others expand on the meaning or context of the artwork or the subject matter,” Murray said.
“Most interpretive arrangements are placed on pedestals that are about two feet in length and width. A few people choose to create larger installations when space in the museum gallery allows,” she added.
Everything being interpreted this year is different from the more than 40 objects featured in last year’s festival. A selection of what is being interpreted this year includes:
• From the Science Museum, a Stegosaurus and African animals.
• From the Museum of Fine Arts, 19th century American, Modern & Contemporary, 18th & 19th century French, 17th century Dutch,
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
3
WEDNESDAY
Polish American Citizens Club
355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385
Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm
Doors Open at 4pm.
Minimum Admission $50
1 - 1199 Progressive Betty Boop 50/50 Prize $900
2 - $500 Cover Alls
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
Olive Haynes models a flowery veil designed by Fiona Paine of Forget Me Not Florist at the 12th annual Festival of Flowers at the Springfield Museums. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO)
Libby Meehan, of Whately, of Blooming Table Events, shows off her flowery gown at the 12th annual Festival of Flowers at the Springfield Museums. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO)
Six
Flags New England sells a variety of passes — ranging in price from $70 to $145.
rides, there is also live enter tainment all season.
“Guests can enjoy Gar‑ gantuan Games Show which features interactive challeng‑ es along with our famous tall stilt walkers, Looney Tunes characters to meet, and visits from the Justice League characters. We also have our Street Block Party show where guests can dance along and show their moves. Plus, a fan favorite, Trash Tones, is a live show featuring drum mers as they make music on trash cans and buckets, while our tap dancers hold down the beat,” Snow said.
All shows and character appearances happen daily at various times. Guests can find the schedule on the Six Flags website and mobile app.
Across the park, Six Flags New England continues to invest in its food and bev erage program overseen by Josh Streeter, executive chef, with upgraded ingre dients, expanded menus, and the fully renovated Riverboat Café. Guests will find elevated versions of familiar favorites, including house‑made mac and cheese and freshly hand‑breaded chicken tenders, along with a new hand‑breaded fish and chips offering this year. Additional enhancements include deep‑fried Brussels sprouts and a selection of bold, house‑made sauces at Chop Six.
“We’re focused on elevat‑ ing every visit through great food and exceptional experi ences,” said Streeter in a Six Flags news release.
In an interview with The Republican, Streeter said the “response to our changes last year were positive” noting that the focus last year was on Chop Six and Riverboat Cafe.
“This year we are looking at JB’s Smokehouse BBQ where the pulled pork served over French fries is loved by many parkgoers. We’re replaced the brisket option with sirloin
“We’re focused on elevating every visit through great food and exceptional experiences.”
JOSH STREETER, EXECUTIVE CHEF, SIX FLAGS
that we will be smoking throughout the day,” he said. As for the most popular stop for customers looking for a more fulfilling bite to eat, Streeter said “it is still Riv‑ erboat Café. But Six Below and our Sweet Shoppe both get a great deal of attention for those looking for a tasty, sweet treat.”
He said the beverage poured the most at the park is
KEY STATS FOR THE PANDEMONIUM
• Location: North End
• Top speed: 31 mph
• Top height: 42 feet
• Track length: 1,351 feet
• Minimum rider height: 47” (3 feet, 11 inches), 43” accompanied riders (3 feet, 7 inches)
Coca‑Cola and that they are adding something new this year.
“We are responding to feedback that some people wanted to enjoy a cup of coffee which we didn’t offer. They can now find a good cup while walking around the park,” Streeter said.
While there is still a chill in the air, visitors looking for some water fun will have to wait until May 30 for Hurri‑ cane Harbor, New England’s largest water park to open.
Once again, the new year will be filled with special events for pass holders and the general public including Spring Break Days from April 17-26, Star Spangled Nights on July 3 and 4, as well as Oktoberfest, Fright Fest and Tricks and Treats on select days this fall.
Six Flags New England sells a variety of passes — ranging in price from $70 to $145 — which offer, depending on the pass purchased, unlim‑ ited admission, preferred parking, discounts, and more, such as exclusive ben‑ efits and events all season.
New for 2026, Gold Season passes and memberships now include regional access, allowing guests to enjoy multiple East Coast parks on a single pass — including Six Flags Great Escape, Six Flags Great Adventure, Six Flags Wild Safari, and Hurricane Harbor New Jersey. Through April 26, guests who pur‑ chase a Silver Season pass are eligible for a free upgrade to a Gold Season pass. For more information, visit sixflags. com/newengland/ season-passes. For additional information, including updates on one‑day daily admission prices, times and more, visit sixflags.com.
Guests ride the Pandemonium coaster at Six Flags New England. (PHOTO COURTESY SIX FLAGS)
Jason Simao of Fall River with his daughter Sage enjoy a day at Six Flags New England in this file photo. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN FILE)
THURSDAY
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.mill rivermusic.com.
FRIDAY
Jonathan Dely: Fri., 7 p.m. Cultural Center at Eagle Hill, $30-35. 242 Old Petersham Road, Hardwick; www.thecenterateaglehill.org.
Open Mic!: Fri., 7 p.m. Tangle Chocolate Lounge. Free. Come with your songs, poems, stories, juggling pins, whatever you love. Sign-ups 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.
SATURDAY
Jacob’s Pillow Curriculum in Motion Institute Embodied Info Session: Sat., 10 a.m. Northampton Center for the Arts, Curious about community building and enriching education through movement?
Join for an in-person workshop with artist Lynn Peterson to explore the Curriculum in Motion method, using dance making and embodied exploration to encourage new methods of learning and collaboration in partnership with K-12 classrooms, after-school programs, cultural organizations and more. Stick around to learn more about the Curriculum in Motion Institute, an opportunity for artist educators to train in this community-oriented methodology. The session will include dance-making, a Q&A, and refreshments. Special discounts for the Institute are available for local residents— email community@jacobspillow.org for more details. Free. 33 Hawley St., Northampton; 413-584-7327 or www.nohoarts.org.
School for Contemporary Dance & Thought Presents Hut X3: Sat., 8 p.m. Center for the Arts Trust Building, an Evening of Experimental Music, Movement & Words. In the A.P.E’s Workroom Theater (Lower Level). Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door. 33 Hawley St., Northampton.
Singalong!: Sat., 2:30 p.m. Tangle Chocolate Lounge. Instruments
CALENDAR
Flowers for the family
As part of this year’s Festival of Flowers, the Springfield Museums will host a special family day for all ages to enjoy the exhibits. Family Day, which will include hands-on activities for the youngsters, will be held on April 11, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Above is a scene from a past year’s Festival of Flowers. (STEVEN NANTON PHOTO)
welcome. Led by someone who knows what they’re doing, so you don’t have to. Free. 5 Main St. Route 9, Williamsburg; Springfield Symphony Orchestra Concert: Sat., 3-5:30 p.m. Springfield Symphony Hall, “Gloria! From Vivaldi to Gershwin.” For tickets visit www.springfieldsymphony. org, $25-$80. 34 Court St., Springfield, 413-733-2291.
SUNDAY
GCC Community Chorus Full Performance: “Spring Mix!”: Sun, 7:30 p.m. First Congregational Church of Sunderland, Admission free — donations welcome. 91 South Main St., Sunderland. How to Make Chocolate: Sun., 11 a.m. Tangle Chocolate Lounge, Learn in the real Tangle Chocolate factory how chocolate is made, and then go through the steps yourself in a way that you can duplicate at home. Start with cacao beans, leave with your very own bars of chocolate! Small group size, taught by Tangle’s owner/ chocolate maker. $60 per person. 5 Main St. Route 9, Williamsburg.
Lawson’s Finest Liquids increasingly spotted in WMass
OUR NORTHERN neighbor Vermont has a well-deserved reputation in the craft beer world, and you’d think that being just down Interstate 91 would give Western Massachusetts an inside track to a bunch of great Green Mountain State beers.
But, unfortunately, ever since Brattleboro’s McNeill’s burned down a few years ago, some of the best brews from Vermont remain somewhat elusive at times. Of course, this paucity of presence here probably is a result of sheer distance.
The renowned Hill Farmstead in Greensboro Bend is a three-hour drive, while Stowe’s The Alchemist — maker of the renowned Heady Topper and Focal Banger — is two-and-ahalf hours away. While those breweries have seen a small increase in their availability here, they’re still fairly rare.
have quaffed Little Sip. But Epic Sip tips the scales toward the other end of the alcohol scale.
West Springfield Coin Club Meeting: Sun, 7 p.m. Mittineague Congregational Church, A 30-minute video will be shown on the topic of the United States Trade Dollar. Refreshments will be available. Guests are always welcome. For further information, contact Peter Setian at 413-5969871. Free. 1840 Westfield St., West Springfield.
Quadrangle
George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum: Permanent exhibitions include Asian decorative arts, Japanese arms and armor, Chinese cloisonné, American and European paintings, antiquities, and rare decorative objects.
Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: Permanent exhibits include vintage automobiles, Indian motorcycles, historic firearms, Hasbro GameLand, and other industrial and cultural artifacts.
Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “One Foot
But it seems that one vaunted Vermont brewery’s beers are showing up a bit more regularly: Lawson’s Finest Liquids out of Waitsfield. While Waitsfield is about the same distance as Stowe, I’ve spotted Lawson’s beers a bit more frequently than The Alchemist’s over the years. And I’ve started to see a wider variety of Lawson’s beers at several local shops in the past month or two.
Today I’m writing about one of the brewery’s newest: Epic Sip, which was just introduced in late 2025, but which I hadn’t seen on local shelves until recently.
Epic Sip is a member of the same IPA family as the classic Sip of Sunshine, Double Sunshine and Little Sip. At 9.5% ABV, Epic Sip is also the biggest brew in the clan.
While many readers will be familiar with Sip of Sunshine due to its iconic reputation (and Double Sunshine, which is just a danker cousin), I’m guessing the recent trend toward lower alcohol beers means plenty of you will also
It starts out with a great aroma bursting with citrus notes, a hint of grain — and I think I even detected a whiff of booze in the nose. It pours a mostly clear amber hue with orange edges, crowned with a big frothy head. The foam doesn’t last long, but it certainly makes a statement when the beer is first poured.
The first sips are indeed epic, with a wallop of tropical fruit torpedoes exploding on the palate. But this isn’t the fake fruit hop assault that we often encounter in other big IPAs these days. There is a cleanliness to the bitterness built on a solid but slightly sweet malt structure that makes this a welcome addition to the Sip family.
The alcohol also isn’t shy about making its presence known, and a subtle boozy burn can be felt as the hops fade from the tongue. It finishes fairly dry, with a touch of alcohol lingering alongside a hint of pineapple.
I’d still rate Sip of Sunshine slightly higher, but Epic Sip is certainly a good fit with the Sip kin.
And while I’m not sure how long its local availability will last, I hope Lawson’s is here to stay. Buy hey, either way, the weather is getting better, and a ride up north will be a bit more pleasant — and maybe even epic — in the coming months.
George Lenker Beer Nut
SPRINGFIELD
Calendar
in Two Places” by Olwen O’Herlihy Dowling, through Oct. 4. “Festival of Flowers Family Day,” April 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tour the galleries to view extraordinary floral designs inspired by objects in the Museums, then explore the world of flowers through hands-on activities. Free with museum admission. Festival of Flowers: After Hours. April 9, 5–8 p.m. Cost: $30, members$20. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and spring cocktails while touring the interpretive floral arrangements in all three museums. Experience floral fashion, design your own mini bouquet, and get creative with floral-inspired art activities. Live music, complimentary food, and cash bar. RSVP by visiting www.springfield museums.org. “Markets, Food-
ways, and the Essence of Place: Works from the Museo de Arte de Ponce,” through Sept. 6. First Floor - Alpert Gallery. Museum a la Carte. April 9, 12:15 p.m. “A Genius for Gardens: Edith Wharton’s The Mount.” Cost: $4, free for members. Presented by Anne Schuyler, Director of Visitor Services & Interpretation and Jackie Christensen, Assistant Director of Programs, The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home. “Please Touch!”
A Tactile Exploration of Sante Graziani’s Mural, through July 26. Springfield Science Museum: “Dinosaurs Still Live: The Story of Archosaurs,” This dynamic, 1,400-square-foot gallery blends hands-on discovery, immersive environments, and engaging storytelling to spark curiosity and inspire learning across generations. “Math Alive! Exhibition,” through May 3. Free with museum admission. Permanent exhibits include dinosaurs,
African wildlife, interactive STEM labs, Earth’s ecosystems, and immersive planetarium shows. Quadrangle admission - $25 for adults, $17.50 for seniors (60+), $16.50 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. Special exhibit fees may apply to all visitors. Welcome Center and Museum store. Closed Mon, Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
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.; “You Have to Do Something” visual art exhibition by Phil Lawrence, through April 26. Arts Night Out/reception on April 10, 5-8 p.m. Gallery hours: Wed.-
Sun., noon-5 p.m., Fri. 1-8 p.m., closed Monday & Tuesday. Free. 126 Main St., Northampton or www.apearts.org
Barnes Gallery of Leverett Crafts and Arts: “Art for the Earth Exhibition,” Sat.-Sun. through April 26, 1-5 p.m. April 11, morning cleanup/afternoon celebration; April 22, Earth Day, documentary film about microplastics at the LCA. Free. 13 Montague Road, Leverett, 413-548-9070.
First Congregational Church of Southampton: “Robert Floyd Photography: 25th Annual Women in History Exhibition,” through April 30, reception on April 12, from 1-3 p.m. Artwork created by Westfield High School students. 212 College Highway, Southampton Gallery A3 Amherst Art Alliance: “Flora & Fauna” by Laura Holland and Nancy Meagher, through May 2. Reception on April 10, 5-7
p.m.; Slow Art Day on April 11; Art Forum online on April 16, 7:30 p.m., register at www.gallerya3. com; 28 Amity St., Amherst, or 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, 413543-3321.
LAVA Center: “Elaine VanGelder Exhibit,” through April 24. Closing reception on April 24, 5-8 p.m. 324 Main St., Greenfield
Trinity United Methodist Church: “Just Ink” by Roger Duffy, through April 30. The public is invited to an artist reception on Sunday, April 12 at noon. Gallery hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sun. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield, or 413-737-5311.
and French Impressionism artwork (22 paintings total).
• From the History Museum: Rolls Royce, Indian Motorcycle, and Friendly’s Ice Cream.
Visitors who want to get the full story behind the arrangements and the objects they represent can participate in tours led by museum docents from Friday through Sunday.
“They participate in special training to help identify commonly used flowers and greenery, as well as interpretive styles in floral design. Additionally, when the floral arrangements arrive on Thursday morning, they walk through the galleries with a professional florist and discuss what has been created,” Murray said.
The daily tour schedule includes:
• 11:15 a.m. – D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts;
• 12:15 p.m. – Springfield Science Museum;
• 1:15 p.m.– Wood Museum of Springfield History;
• 2:15 p.m. – D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts
Visitors can also enhance their floral experience by attending any of the myriad events that coincide with the festival, including lectures and tours, classes, and handson activities. Full details and
registration for specific events is available online at SpringfieldMuseums.org/flowers. Special events in this year’s festival include:
• Museums á la Carte presents “A Genius for Gardens: Edith Wharton’s The Mount,” on Thursday, April 9, at 12:15 p.m.;
• “Festival of Flowers After Hours” on Thursday, April 9, from 5–8 p.m.;
• “Festival of Flowers: The Flower Lab” from April 10–12, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.;
• “Festival of Flowers: Docent Tours” from April 10–12, 11:15 a.m.–3 p.m.;
als are provided by Springfield Florists Supply.
“We love to support the Festival of Flowers each year. It is a great way to bring the community together and support the museum as we look forward to the spring months,” said Matthew Flatow, manager of Flowers, Flowers!.
When asked about their creation for this year, Flatow was coy.
“We’re a little secretive because we like it to be a big reveal when first seen by visitors. But I will tell you it is a large installation in the
“We love to support the Festival of Flowers each year. It is a great way to bring the community together and support the museum as we look forward to the spring months.”
MATTHEW FLATOW, MANAGER OF FLOWERS, FLOWERS!
• “Festival of Flowers Family Day,” on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.;
• Museum School Class: “Beautiful Blooming Brooch,” on Friday, April 10, from 10:30 a.m. –2 p.m.;
• Museum School Class: “Floral Cake Decorating Workshop,” on Saturday, April 11, from 10:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m.;
• Museum School Class: “Painting Spectacular Flowers in Watercolor,” April 16-17, from 10 a.m. –4 p.m.
In addition to interpretive arrangements based on objects and artwork, the museums often select an area to feature thematic displays. And this year, there will be a large area in the Science Museum devoted to children’s literature with florists interpreting a favorite childhood book. The celebration of books ties in with the special exhibition Book of Wonder, Cover to Cover: A Hands-On Journey with Donna Castellanos, as well as the Springfield
Museums’ ongoing commitment to support early literacy in the community.
Also, in the Wood Museum of Springfield History, several arrangements will interpret the special themes of America’s 250th anniversary and Springfield in 1776.
The Festival of Flowers is sponsored by Flowers, Flowers! in Springfield and supported by Durocher Florist, M&T Bank, Randall’s Farm & Greenhouse, and Willow & Moss Flowers. Floral materi-
Blake Court of Honor in the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts and is tied into an art exhibit and Earth-related in tone,” he said.
Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Festival of Flowers is free with paid admission to the Museums. Advanced tickets are encouraged by visiting the tickets page on the Museums’ website.
Kate Belhumeur, of Agawam, checks out one of the flower displays at the 12th annual Festival of Flowers at Springfield Museums. (LEON NGUYEN PHOTO)
“I’m grateful to be a part of a greater community doing the diligent work to bring these works to light and keep them on our concert stage.”
KEDRICK ARMSTRONG
‘Gloria!’
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to working with the UMass Amherst Chorale as well as soprano Jamie-Rose Guarrine.
“The Poulenc ‘Gloria’ is one of my favorite choral pieces to prepare because the work incorporates a number of different compositional styles of music, and the result is that choral singers — and audience members — invariably find a number of moments in the work that resonate with them. The Springfield Symphony Chorus and the UMass Amherst Chorale have enjoyed rehearsing this work.
This ‘Gloria’ really is quite glorious,” Stoia said.
“We are thrilled to collaborate for the fourth time with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Chorus,” added Stephen Paparo, director of the UMass Chorale, in a statement. “Some of the students
performed in Symphony Hall during our last collaboration two years ago. The Hall itself is a historic space. I love seeing and hearing my students’ reactions when everything starts to come together. Their excitement builds with each rehearsal leading up to the performance.”
“The Poulenc ‘Gloria’ is one of my favorite choral-orchestral pieces because it is quirky, dramatic and just fun to sing,” Paparo added. Guest conductor Armstrong uses his voice and platform as a Black conductor to advocate for classical music’s performance, publication, and preservation of minority voices.
“Growing up as a classical musician, I rarely performed music by women composers or composers from racial minorities in America. The music I was studying didn’t always reflect the communities I was serving or even my own community. My work as
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The Northampton Jazz Festival has expanded its live jazz offerings beyond its signature two-day festival in late September. It now co-presents visiting jazz artists in onenight-only concerts by partnering with area performance venues. In doing so, the Jazz Festival is able to bring more world-class jazz musicians to the region year-round.
Civil Disobedience, created by New York bassist David Ambrosio, is a project that has been carefully crafted to showcase the compositions of progressive jazz maestros from the late ’60s Blue Note Era, such as Bobby Hutcherson, Jackie McLean Stanley Cowell, Harold Land, Joe Chambers, Duke Pearson, and James Spaulding. Aside from leader Ambrosio, members of the band include Donny McCaslin on tenor and soprano saxophones, Jason Palmer on trumpet, Bruce Barth on piano, and Rudy Royston on drums.
Holyoke on April 11.
The April 12 concert at the Iron Horse will preview the first album produced by the group, entitled “Civil Disobedience,” with a release date of May 16.
a music director and conductor now focuses on filling those gaps in our repertoire, while also building programmatic connections between minority voices and the known works in our canon. There are many fabulous composers of all backgrounds who have written music across many generations. I’m grateful to be a part of a greater community doing the diligent work to bring these works to light and keep them on our concert stage,” he said.
The SSO’s nonprofit community partner for the performance is Square One, and concertgoers are encouraged to bring diapers that will be collected in the main lobby prior to the performance from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Tickets for the concert, starting at $25, are available online at SpringfieldSymphony.org, or by calling the SSO Box Office at 413-7332291.
In a reflection of a past era marked by social upheaval and civil unrest, the compositions that form the core of Civil Disobedience’s playlist lay dormant for decades, unheard and unappreciated at the time of their creation.
“David Ambrosio is going to bring a band of some of the best musicians on the New York scene today — Donny McCaslin, Bruce Barth, Rudy Royston and Jason Palmer — who will play their hearts out in sharing this music of protest and civil unrest on the Iron Horse stage,” said Ruth Griggs, president of the Northampton Jazz Festival, in a statement. “Musicians are poets, and I’m grateful that these fine musicians are coming to Northampton to play this poetry of protest during such an unsettling time in our nation’s history.”
Ambrosio is bringing his band to Western Massachusetts on a mini-tour, which includes a teaching workshop at Amherst College on Sunday, April 12, and with Ambrosio as a sideman in a Pioneer Valley Jazz Shares concert in
For the past 30 years, bassist and band leader Ambrosio has been a New York City freelance musician and educator. With degrees in classical composition and jazz performance, David has a broad musical palate that has become even more intensified by his travel experiences. In 2001, he performed in Cuba with Grupo Los Santos, Max Pollack’s Rumbatap, as well as numerous local Afro/Cuban folkloric music and dance ensembles. Not long after, he began an intense study of Afro/Cuban Bata drumming with master drummers Miguel Bernal, Carlos Gomez, and Carlos Aldama. Ambrosio is also the co-leader of the David Ambrosio/Russ Meissner Sextet, 40Twenty, and Grupo Los Santos, as well as being a part of many other groups including George Schuller’s Circle Wide, the Matt Renzi Trio, Eri Yamamoto Trio, and Jazz at Lincoln Center’s BMI/ New York Jazz Orchestra led by Ted Nash and Andy Farber. He has performed with such jazz greats as Kenny Werner, Joe Lovano, Terry Gibbs, Buddy DeFranco, George Garzone, Joseph Jarmon, and Ralph Alessi Ambrosio’s third recording as leader, “Four on the Road” (Fresh Sound Records, 2018), was praised as “Swinging brilliance in the light of interactive engagement, creating music that challenges while remaining largely accessible” by Dan Bilawsky of All About Jazz.
Ambrosio has also frequently toured in Central and South East Asia on behalf of the US State Department as a performer and clinician. Currently he is on the faculty at Hunter College and the New York Jazz Workshop in NYC. Tickets for the April 12 concert are $35 in advance ($42 including all fees) and $40 at the door. For more information and tickets, visit northamptonjazzfest.org
Kedrick Armstrong, music director of the Oakland Symphony, is guest conducting the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s springtime concert “Gloria! From Vivaldi to Gershwin.”
(ARMANDO L SANCHEZ PHOTO)
Live Wire
playing in other bands and knew each other but hadn’t really spoken much until King invited Saison to be on his podcast in 2021. The pair immediately realized they had some magic between them.
“He invited me to play some of my original music, which I had really never done for anyone, and I was wicked nervous,” Saison said.
Both still hold down bass duties at various times during a show, with Pickett adding color with electric violin, pedal steel guitar and banjo. Saison mostly plays guitar when singing one of her own songs, but the band also likes to have fun with the lineup.
“We switch it up, and sometimes we’ll both play bass on the same song. I’ll play chords on the bass and Jeff will play the regular bass line,” Saison said.
Saison said both she and King had an early interest in music. She originally started on guitar, but the instrument she had was pretty cheap, and she kept breaking strings. Her sister suggested she try bass instead, so her father bought her one for Christmas when she was 12. She originally planned on
Nightclubs
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West Springfield's Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Renburke's Rovers. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY
Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
MONDAY
Uno Chicago Grill: 50% off individual deep dish pizza (dine in only). 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
TUESDAY
Uno Chicago Grill: Blues Music.
continuing her music education beyond HCC.
“I originally intended to go on further for music composition and writing for film scores,” she said. “But mainly I just wanted to write my own music and reach people, so I guess I’m kind of doing what I wanted to do anyway.”
She and King write their songs separately, with each having varying influences.
While Saison lists The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Decemberists as impacting her writing, King named James McMurtry, Phish and Gordon Lightfoot as influences. He also said his mother’s taste in music had a definite effect.
“My mother was always playing stuff like Elvis and country stuff Kenny Rogers and Loretta Lynn,” he said.
A mix of all those combinations might sound unusual, so how would Saison describe the band?
“When I am asked what we play, I say you could call us a rock ’n’ roll band, but we are really like a bag of trail mix,” she said with a laugh. “Rock with bluegrass, funk and jam band influences.”
For more information about the Easthampton show, go online to marigold.org
For more information about the Greenfield show, visit strangecreekcampout.com
820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
WEDNESDAY
The Drake: Open Mic Night with Tank Hood. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
Theodores': Justin "Jabbo" Martin. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Light Rock. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
The Republican is not responsible for unannounced schedule changes. Listings must be received two weeks before the date of the event. Items should be mailed to Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329, emailed to pmastriano@repub.com or submitted to www.masslive. com/myevent
