wknd-20260423 by repubnews

Inside: After 44 years in Western Mass., the Young@ Heart Chorus is expanding to New York City. Page D2

Young@Heart Chorus takes on New York City

NORTHAMPTON TO NEW YORK CITY

Above, in file photos, members of the Young@Heart Chorus prepare backstage before a Northampton concert. Below is a scene from a past Young@ Heart Chorus concert. After 44 years of being based solely out of Western Massachusetts, the Young@Heart Chorus has founded a second satellite chorus in New York City. (ROSEMARY

Young@Heart takes on NYC

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

chorus expands to New York City after 44 years in WMass

hat’s meant to be will always find a way.”

For New Yorker Joan Jeffri, who was a professional actress and singer in her day, that quote by country music singer Trisha Yearwood rang true recently for her. Jeffri, 78, is the newest member of Young@Heart Chorus NYC. That’s right, New York City. After 44 years of being based

solely out of Western Massachusetts, Young@Heart has started a second group in New York City and, since last September, singers have been meeting weekly at the Abrons Art Center, part of the Henry Street Settlement, to create their first-ever satellite group.

The groups are now coming together for a combined concert, “Young@Heart Meets Young@Heart NYC,” on Sunday at the Academy of Music in Northampton.

“I had seen the documentary film about Young@Heart some years ago and fell completely in love with what they

were doing. I told myself, ‘I have to do this,’ but I’m not moving to Massachusetts,”

Jeffri said.

“About six months ago, I said to a friend that I really missed singing, which I hadn’t done for quite a while after losing hearing in one ear. Two days later, I got a call from Bob Cilman and it was like the universe was answering me,” she said of the Young@Heart chorus director.

“He explained someone told him about me and the Performing Arts Legacy Project and that I could possibly

“We also have a unique combination of people unlike you would find in Northampton who reflect the diverse population of New York City. Chinese people, a lot of Latino people, and many who are Jewish.”

Bob Cilman, director, Young@Heart Chorus

help recruit older singers from that group for his new project. I told him only if he put me at the top of the list, and I’m still recruiting more people today,” she added.

Jeffri is founder of the Performing Arts Legacy Project, an online platform to document and represent the careers of older performing arts professionals housed at the Entertainment Community Fund, formerly The Actors Fund, in Manhattan.

Cilman noted that for a long time he and Young@Heart co-director Julia van Ijken had been talking about starting

another group eventually selecting New York City.

“When I told one of our funders what we were interested in doing, she said that she had the perfect place for us called the Henry Street Settlement. I called them and they were really interested in the idea,” he said.

He and van Ijken went down to New York City in September for a week to hold workshops at the Henry Street Settlement and see if they could drum up interest.

“The first day we had about four people, six on the second

Bob Cilman, Young@Heart Chorus founder and co-director, performs with other members at the Hope Center for the Arts in Springfield in a February concert. (LEON NGUYEN PHOTO)

Young@Heart Chorus members are pictured backstage in this file photo. (ROSEMARY HAYNES PHOTO) SEE CHORUS, PAGE D6

Nate Martel finding ways to make music & money

George Lenker LIVE WIRE

NATE MARTEL HAS HAD THE vagaries of capitalism on his mind — and in his songs.

The Easthampton-based singer-songwriter recently released two singles, and while the songs vary widely, the lyrical content of both deals with economic themes.

Martel said the latest song, “Come to Light,” focuses on the current political side of capitalism, while the earlier one that was released in March, “The Paper

Chase,” is more of a personal take on having to hustle just to get by.

“I wanted to kind of dive into that idea, and I was thinking of all the songs by people like Woody Guthrie that were anti-capitalist and anti-establishment,”

Martel said of the newest song in a recent interview with The Republican. “So, I kind of wanted to write a song that had that sort of feel and bring it back to working-class stories.”

Martel has been plying his trade for al-

most 20 years in Western Massachusetts and beyond. He first burst on the scene in 2008 with his band Outer Stylie, but has since grown into a solo career in various formats.

Martel said that although he is currently releasing singles, his most recent two songs will later be part of an album. He noted that releasing more singles is a necessity in today’s market.

“I love just working on albums and

“I love just working on albums and thinking of a whole concept, but it’s just not practical these days for building an audience and staying relevant.”

NATE MARTEL, OF EASTHAMPTON

John Violinist

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

His parents didn’t really name him after a musical instrument.

John Violinist is simply a moniker for John Randolph, who is bringing his violin experience to the Hope Center for the Arts in Springfield on Saturday.

Showtime is 7 p.m.

“I wanted a (stage) name that would stick in people’s minds,” Randolph said about incorporating the instrument into his name.

The artist, born and raised in New Britain, Connecticut, first picked up the violin at age 5 after visiting an exhibit with his parents at the University of Hartford.

“It just looked so cool and its shape stood out from the rest. When I got my first violin it was difficult to learn at the beginning, but I eventually got the hang of it. It is easier to take up an instrument when you’re young because there are usually no bad habits as a first-time learner that you must break,” Randolph said.

With encouragement from his parents — his mother

Connecticut-based violinist who plays R&B, hip-hop, soul to perform at Hope Center for the Arts

played piano — Randolph was classically trained by several teachers as he grew up. He continued his training through high school and college, where he graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a degree in music.

He steered away from music after graduating from Central Connecticut State University, instead taking a job with the State of Connecticut. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Randolph picked up his violin again “practicing

John Violinist will play Springfield's Hope Center for the Arts on Saturday.

Taylor Sanzo | tsanzo@masslive.com

Quantum Accelerator: Up and running

AThe new ride is the park’s 12th roller coaster and the first dual-launch straddle coaster in New England, offering an exhilarating blend of high-speed excitement, Six Flags said in a release.

Quantum Accelerator features straddle seating, so riders will board a steampunk hover bike and grip the handlebars to start their ride. Riders are also launched out of the station from 0 to 30 mph, with another launch midcourse at speeds reaching 45 mph.

The train rides over the loading station, reaching a height of 59 feet, with high-speed twists and turns. Guests of the park can find the ride at Crackaxle Canyon.

Find Six Flags New England’s operating schedule and hours online at sixflags.com/ newengland/ m

First ride: See MassLive’s first look — and first ride — on the new Quantum Accelerator online at masslive.com

Nightclubs

THURSDAY

The Drake: Maris with Louisa Stancioff. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst

Theodores': Rockstar Karaoke. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

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

FRIDAY

The Drake: Thee Sinseers & The Altons. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst

Theodores': Neil Vitullo and the Vipers. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

Wyckoff Country Club: Dear Ella Band. 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke

Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 West Columbus

new unique ride is offering more thrills at Six Flags New England — and it’s a first for the park.

Ave., Springfield

Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Dan Ringrose. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield

SATURDAY

The Drake: Hotline TNT - WMUA Spring Concert. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst

Theodores': The Racky Thomas Band. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

Wyckoff Country Club: Kwartetto Mambo. 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke

Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield

Irish House Restaurant & Pub: The Healys. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield

SUNDAY

Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield

TUESDAY

Chicopee Elks #1849

431 Granby Road, Chicopee 413-592-1849

Bingo Tuesday

Doors Open at 4PM

2 Progressive Jackpots 6:15PM Early Bird 6:20PM Start

Min. Entry Package $15 Open Seating

2 Halls for Players Handicap Restroom 1st Floor

WEDNESDAY

Polish American Citizens Club 355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385

Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm

Doors Open at 4pm. Minimum Admission $50

1 - 1199 Progressive Betty Boop 50/50 Prize $900

2 - $500 Cover Alls

3 - $400 Special Games All regular games $100 with 80 people or More. All Cards are included with Admission. Prizes climb with additional attendence. Full Kitchen 4-6:30pm.

THURSDAY

Fairview Knights of Columbus

1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee (413) 532-2011

DOORS OPEN 4:30PM

MASKS OPTIONAL Progressive Jackpot 6:15pm Early Bird 6:20pm Start

Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms

Min. Entry Package $15

Chorus

FROM PAGE D3

day, and 15 by the time we left. Today we have 25 members and we’re getting calls every day from others who are interested in becoming members,” Cilman said.

The Henry Street Settlement is a not-for-profit social service agency on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City that provides social services, arts programs and health care services to New Yorkers of all ages.

The requirements are the same as in Northampton and members must be 75 and older. But five of the New York group members are under that age, as Cilman said they “grandfathered in” because they attended the initial workshops.

“These are really dedicated people and a really interesting mix, some of whom have had professional singing and acting careers, including our newest member, Virginia Wing, who is 88, and was once on the old “Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson. We also have a unique combination of people unlike you would find in Northampton who reflect the diverse population of New York City. Chinese people, a lot of Latino people, and many who are Jewish,” Cilman who travels to the “Big Apple” every Friday to work with the new group, said.

The New York group had

“We can all do the same old thing every day, but how boring is that?”

Joan Jeffri, member of the New York City Young@Heart Chorus

but how boring is that?” Jeffri said.

“Most of songs picked were not pop-worthy, some of them were not music I had ever heard and others I had heard years ago. I don’t think some members of the Brooklyn Youth Chorus who we performed with recently had heard any of them either,” added Young@Heart NYC member Lynda Hill.

Similar to Jeffri, Hill — who has sung with the New York City-based Nashir! The Rottenberg Chorale at the Kaufman Music Center — had also previously seen the Young@Heart documentary.

“My husband’s mother had heard about the Young@ Heart movie and wanted us to bring her to see it. I asked her what it was about and she said, ‘It’s about old people singing,’ to which I responded, ‘I don’t want to see old people singing.’ But the movie was so good, just amazing. It made a big impression on me,” Hill, who says she now proudly identifies as one of those “old people singing,” said.

its debut show on March 10 in Brooklyn with the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, which served as a benefit for the New Sanctuary Coalition, an organization led by and for immigrants.

“It was a very successful show, a big hit, with 300 people in the audience, and once you start doing shows the word gets out,” Cilman said.

Young@Heart NYC features an eclectic repertoire that has defined the Northampton chorus from day one with songs by artists such as Richard Hell and the Voidoids, Stevie Wonder, Joan Armatrading, Jelly Roll, John Mayer, Santana, LCD Soundsystem and others.

“The selections are nothing that anyone would expect, arcane rock songs that some have never heard of ... songs that we can interpret for ourselves. It’s not for everyone, but the greatest thing I think for people who stay with the group is the challenge it presents to us. We can all do the same old thing every day,

As a tribute to their sister chorus, guests to Sunday’s concert can expect to hear music from their hometown Young@Heart that is related to or written in New York City, including Janis Ian, Bad Bunny, Alicia Keys, The Young Rascals, Velvet Underground, The Ramones, Blood, Sweat and Tears and more.

Sunday’s show will also feature special guest appearances via videos by Gloria Estefan, Paul Shaffer, and Rachel Maddow.

“We are performing a song by Gloria which she will introduce. Paul helped us out during the pandemic, and he is going to introduce the New York group. And Rachel will be introducing two songs at the end of the show,” Cilman said.

Showtime at the Academy of Music is 3 p.m.

Tickets, priced from $25.16 to $57.90, are available online at aomtheatre.com or by calling the Academy of Music Box Office at 413-584-9032, ext. 105, Tuesday through Friday from 3-6 p.m.

CONTINUES

Above is a look backstage with the Young@Heart Chorus in a file photo. At right and below, members of the Young@Heart Chorus perform. (ROSEMARY HAYNES PHOTO; JULIAN PARKER-BURNS PHOTOS)

Calling all princesses

Music of ‘Frozen,’ ‘Wicked,’ more comes to

Springfield Symphony Hall

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

Spoiler

alert.

If you are considering bringing your young princess or prince to The Princess Concert at Springfield Symphony Hall on Saturday, note that you won’t be seeing on-stage characters in costume to resemble “princesses” like Moana, Anna, Elsa, Ariel and certainly not the Lion King.

“This is not a story. It is a concert,” said Georgi Mottram, the show’s co-creator for EV Productions LTD.

England’s Enchanted Voices will take the stage at Springfield Symphony Hall at 3:30 p.m.

“I really wanted to create a concert of all the most inspiring music that I’d ever heard, and that I hoped audiences would be inspired and uplifted from beautiful music that sends shivers down your spine,” Mottram said, adding that it is her “passion project.”

The Princess Concert brings together four vocal talents from England — three females, including Mottram, and one male, all known for their performances on the West End and for royalty — with showstopping choreography and acrobatics.

Audiences will hear their favorite songs from hit films such as “Frozen,” “Wicked,” “Moana,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Pocahontas,” “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory,” “Anastasia,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,”

England’s Enchanted Voices will perform music from the Disney films “Frozen” and “The Little Mermaid,” as well as music made popular by Taylor Swift. “Taylor is a pop princess,” explained Georgi Mottram, the show’s co-creator.

“The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” with a few songs thrown in in for fun by Coldplay, Rachel Platte and Taylor Swift.

“Well, Taylor is a pop princess,” Mottram explained.

After captivating audiences across the United Kingdom with sold-out performances and rave reviews under the name The Princess Proms, the renamed show for America is crossing the Atlantic for its U.S. debut tour, which began in April and is expected to extend into the fall.

“Because the reception has been so exceptional in the UK, we knew we had to take this show to American audiences.

We also want to experience America for ourselves and your insanely beautiful theaters such as Symphony Hall. As artists we are really excited about performing in such inspiring places,” Mottram said.

Just as important as the songs are to Mottram, so is the message she and the rest of Enchanted Voices want to share with audiences.

“The concert is very uplift-

ing with beautiful messaging hidden throughout the performance. The show has a moralistic element with inspiring messages that we really want the audience to take away with them... that is really important to us. We want to spread the message of hope and empowerment to all, especially to the young generation, allowing children and adults to truly believe in themselves and remember how special and powerful and incredible they are,” Mottram said.

There is no live orchestra, and performers sing to vibrant orchestral tracks.

Showtime is set for a family-friendly 3:30 p.m. for the one hour and 15 minutes concert.

While younger audiences attending the concert are not going to see a story, they will still be engaged, Mottram noted.

“We’ve never had a non-engaged audience. From the moment that the music starts, it’s just so powerful along with our voices and how we sing with such emotion. You

become transfixed no matter your age, which is a testament to the power of some really incredible music,” she said.

Separating themselves from any official representations in the show, a disclaimer states, “The Enchanted Voices and its events are not affiliated with the films and composers listed. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.”

Tickets priced at $29 to $64 are available online at symphonyhallspringfield. com.

“We want to spread the message of hope and empowerment to all, especially to the young generation, allowing children and adults to truly believe in themselves and remember how special and powerful and incredible they are.”

T HURSDAY

Bike Swap Drop-Off: Thu.-Sun., Colorado Ski and Bike. Pick-ups of unsold bikes must be made by the following Monday by 5 p.m. Commission options: If your bike is sold, you have two choices: Receive cash with a 20% commission taken by the shop or receive 100% of the sale value as credit towards a new bike purchase from the shop. Swap Bike purchases are available during the sale period only. Please note: No early birds. 901 Shaker Road, Longmeadow.

Comedy Project Open Mic: Thu., 7 p.m. LAVA Center, hosted by Paul Bennet, $5-$10 suggested donation. 324 Main St., Greenfield.

Easthampton Film Festival 2026: Thu.-

CALENDAR

Sun., Marigold Theater. A diverse lineup of screenings at local venues, including the Marigold Theater, E-Media (aka Easthampton Media), and CitySpace. For the first time, there will also be additional programming in Northampton at Smith College and Visions Video. For more information or to purchase tickets to screenings, visit Easthampton FilmFestival.com. Tickets may be purchased online by credit card or with cash at the door, subject to availability. Seating is limited, and capacity varies by venue, so early purchase is recommended, $15 per screening. 84 Cottage St., Easthampton.

Online Talk: “From the Plantation to Northampton: Slavery & The Watson Household”: Thu, 6:30 p.m. Online. In this Zoom talk, Historic Northampton’s Elizabeth Sacktor and UMass Amherst PhD

student Anaëlle Cama will present their new research on life at the Watson plantation before the family moved to Northampton. They will focus on the lives of several enslaved women – Ellen, Eveline, Ann, Phillis, and others – who likely sewed the Watson family clothing now in Historic Northampton’s collection. They will also explore how the Watsons and their children profited from wealth derived from slavery and sharecropping and became benefactors to local institutions. To register for the Zoom presentation, visit historicnorthampton.org/upcomingprograms.html. Free and open to the public.

UPHA CH-14 Spring Premier Horse Show: Thu.-Sat, Eastern States Exposition, C Barn, Coliseum, E Barn, F Barn, Free. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-737-2443 or www.thebige.com.

From ping-pong mastery in ‘Marty Supreme’ to season 2 of Kate Hudson’s Netflix show

WHAT TO STREAM

The Associated Press

Timothée Chalamet starring as a ping-pong master in “Marty Supreme” and a Netflix comedy competition show hosted by Kevin Hart are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

New movies to stream this week

• After nine Oscar nominations, $179 million in ticket sales and a few dings for opera and ballet along the way, “Marty Supreme” begins streaming Friday on HBO Max. A24’s biggest box-office hit ever stars Timothée Chalamet as a ping-pong striver in 1950s New York doing whatever it takes to reach greatness. Josh Safdie directs a cast including Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion and Kevin O’Leary. In her review, AP’s Jocelyn Noveck called it a “nerve-busting adrenaline jolt of a movie.”

• Another highlight of 2025, the darkly comic Korean thriller “No Other Choice,” lands on Hulu on Friday,

April 24. Park Chan-wook’s satire stars Lee Byung-hun as a family man laid off from a paper plant. After analyzing his prospects, he decides to murder his closest competition for a new job.

• The latest Colleen Hoover hit adaptation, “Regretting You,” arrives Friday, April 24, on Prime Video. In it, Allison Williams stars as a single mother moving on after the death of her husband (Scott Eastwood). Dave Franco costars as her new love interest.

• Charlize Theron expands her already robust action movie resume in “Apex,” a survivalist thriller about a

grieving woman who heads into the Australian wilderness for outdoor adventure. But when a sadistic local (Taron Egerton) begins terrorizing her, a frantic chase ensues. Catch it on Netflix on Friday, April 24.

— AP Film Writer Jake Coyle

New music to stream

• Laundry started it all. OK, not really, but Kehlani’s first Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, “Folded,” marked a new peak for the singer’s sultry, matured R&B. The AP even deemed it one of 2025’s best of the year. Now, Kehlani’s talents have only grown

FRIDAY

Bike Swap Drop-Off: See Thursday listing Easthampton Film Festival 2026: See Thursday listing Karaoke: Fri., 7 p.m. Tangle Chocolate Lounge, Gather your friends for a night of fun. All ages welcome. Laughter and fun guaranteed. You don’t have to be an experienced or even a good singer to have fun with karaoke. In fact, that’s the whole point. Free. 5 Main St. Route 9, Williamsburg.

Mount Holyoke College Department of Dance presents 2026 Student Dance Concert: Fri.-Sat, 7:30 p.m. Kendall Sports and Dance Complex. For more information or to reserve tickets, go online to mhc.ludus.com

in a new, self-titled, fulllength release, out this Friday, April 24.

• Noah Kahan’s 2022 single “Stick Season” turned the Vermont singer-songwriter into a household name; now, he’s at “The Great Divide.” That’s the title of his fourth studio album, out Friday, April 24. Come for folky

ruminations on fame (“Porch Light”), stay for the plucky title track and what exists in between.

• In the decade following her debut album, Meghan Trainor’s bright, cheery pop music has kept one central message: Stay true to who you are and ignore the haters. That continues on her single “Still Don’t Care,” the first tease of her seventh fulllength album. And it is found on the whole of the release, titled “Toy with Me,” out Friday, April 24. In December, she told the AP to expect a few self-love bops, songs to anger through and lots of familial love. The singer-songwriter recently canceled a summer tour following the birth of her daughter, Mikey Moon.

• Musician documentaries

At left, McKenna Grace, Dave Franco, and Allison Williams appear in a scene from “Regretting You.” Above, Timothée Chalamet stars in a scene from “Marty Supreme.”

Kehlani

SPRINGFIELD Hands-on

learning

The Springfield Museums are offering various spring break activities for students this week through Friday, April 24. In the Springfield Science Museum, that includes the opportunity to visit the gallery “Dinosaurs Still Live: The Story of Archosaurs,” which shows the connections between dinosaurs and today’s birds and crocodilians. At right, Aria Razzaghi, 5, plays with dinosaur pieces in the Springfield Science Museum. (DOUGLAS

Calendar

CONTINUES FROM PAGE D8

or contact PerformingArts@ mtholyoke.edu. Tickets are $5 general admission and free for students and seniors. 50 College St., South Hadley, www. mtholyoke.edu.

Roomful of Blues: Fri., 8 p.m. Shea Theater, For tickets visit www.sheatheater.org , tickets are $28 advance / $40 door. 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls. 413863-2281 or www.theshea.org.

Silent Disco: Fri., 6:30 p.m. American Legion #452, Come out to dance and sing your heart out and help raise money for Nora’s Haven. 3 DJs will be spinning 3 different types of music, $30. 237 Exchange St., Chicopee.

UPHA CH-14 Spring Premier Horse Show: See Thursday listing

SATURDAY

Massachusetts Chocolate History: Sat., 2 p.m. Tangle Chocolate Lounge. Special guest and chocolate historian Victoria Kichuk comes to Tangle with her collection of chocolate making tools, cookbooks, and historical memorabilia to teach about the incredibly rich history of chocolate right here in Massachusetts. For example, you know the story of the Boston Tea Party. But did you know that when the colonists stopped drinking tea due to taxation they turned to drinking chocolate? Or that American patriot and silversmith Paul Revere crafted dedicated drinking chocolate pots that can

CALENDAR

be seen at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts? The $20 ticket price includes a housemade chocolate treat. Register online at tanglechocolate.com, $20. 5 Main St. Route 9, Williamsburg. Amherst College Department of Music Honors Thesis in Saxophone Performance & Composition “LaMente” by Camila Bonilla: Sat, 7 p.m. Aliki Perroti & Seth Frank Lyceum, at the CHI Think Tank in the Seth Frank & Aliki Perroti Lyceum at Amherst College. The concert is free and open to the public; seating is first come first served. Refreshments will be served at the reception following the performance. 197 South Pleasant Street, Amherst. Bike Swap Drop Off: See Thursday listing

Easthampton Film Festival 2026: See Thursday listing Mount Holyoke College Department of Dance Presents the 2026 Student Dance Concert: See Friday listing

Open Studios, Art Show & Sale: Sat.-Sun, noon-4 p.m. Indian Orchard Mills Dane Gallery, Step into a day of art, inspiration, and community as the Dane Gallery comes alive with an exciting exhibition showcasing the incredible talent of local IOM artists. Sip complimentary refreshments while you explore. Then wander the historic mill complex and experience art where it’s made. Meet artists inside their unique studios, hear the stories behind the work, and discover one-of-akind pieces you won’t find anywhere else. From bold paintings and handcrafted jewelry to charcuterie workshops, hand crafted dog treats, handmade skin care

products, scented candles, stylish design work, captivating photography, fiber arts, adult art lessons, and more—there’s truly something for everyone, $3 suggested donation. 34 Front St., Indian Orchard. 413-543-3321.

UPHA CH-14 Spring Premier Horse Show: See Thursday listing

SUNDAY

Live Music with Ray Mason: Sun., 2 p.m. Tangle Chocolate Lounge, Tunes that follow no trend while keeping an upward slide on the songwriting scale. Fifteen albums of original rock, pop and roll from a man and his Silvertone. Free. 5 Main St. Route 9, Williamsburg.

Easthampton Film Festival 2026: See Thursday listing Heinrich Heine Far and Near — New Songs for an Old Poet: Sun., 4 p.m. South Congregational Church, Free admission with a suggested donation of $15. 1066 South East St., Amherst.

How to Make Chocolate: Sun, 11 a.m. Tangle Chocolate Lounge, Learn in the 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. Northampton Youth Cinema Festival: Sun., 6 p.m. Filmmakers ages 21 and younger are bringing their visions to the big screen. By partnering with local students,

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 exhibit includes vintage automobiles, Indian motorcycles, historic firearms, Hasbro GameLand, and other industrial and cultural artifacts.

the Youth Cinema Festival ensure that Northampton’s rich history of independent cinema remains vibrant, evolving with the diverse and fresh voices of the community’s youth. In the Flex Room, 33 Hawley St., Northampton. 413584-7327 or www.nohoarts.org.

Open Studios, Art Show & Sale: See Saturday listing

Papercut Workshop - Tree of Life with Tamar Shadur: Sun., 10 a.m.-noon, Cancer Connection. Explore the art of papercutting in this hands-on workshop. Artist Tamar Shadur will introduce the basics of papercutting through the “Tree of Life” motif, a symbol of growth, connection, and renewal. This program is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis or who is a primary caregiver, and is free of charge. Registration is required. Call Cancer Connection to register at 413-586-1642, ext. 104. Free. 41 Locust St., Northampton.

West Springfield Coin Club Coin Show: Sun, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dante Club. Coin dealers will be exhibiting as well as buying and selling coins and giving free appraisals. For further information, contact Peter Setian at 413-5969871, Admission and parking are free. 1198 Memorial Ave., West Springfield.

Young@Heart Meets Young@ Heart NYC: Sun., 3 p.m. Academy of Music Theatre, Doors open at 2:30 p.m. To purchase tickets by phone, call 413-584-9032, ext.105, Tues-Fri 3-6 p.m. or visit the website at www.aomtheatre. com, $25.16-$57.90 after fees (service fees will apply). 274 Main St., Northampton.

Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “One Foot in Two Places” by Olwen O’Herlihy Dowling, through Oct. 4. “Get Surreal Spring Vacation Program,” through April 25 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A week of activities inspired by the avant-garde art and literary movement. Free with museum admission. “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. Permanent exhibitions include American and European prints, paintings, drawings, and sculpture. On the first Wed. of every month through the end of 2026, admission is free for all visitors. “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 in the Springfield Science Museum invites visitors of all ages to uncover the surprising connections between dinosaurs, birds, crocodilians, and pterosaurs. “Dinosaurs Still Live” blends hands-on discovery, immersive environments, and engaging storytelling to spark curiosity and inspire learning across generations. “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 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.

HOOK / THE REPUBLICAN)

Calendar

Museums

Amelia Park Children’s Museum: Permanent exhibits include spaceship, construction site, library, grocery store, and weekday activities. Visit ameliaparkmuseum.org for information. Hours: Tue.-Tue, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Open for groups Wed. Admission is $8 adults; $8 children (12 months and older); $4 grandparents/seniors (60+); free members/infants. Military personnel and teachers 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. 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.

New England Air Museum: Space Expo, April 25, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring the whole family for a day packed with space, science, and hands-on excitement. Special guest retired NASA astronaut Dottie Metcalf-Lindenberger will offer talks at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and meet and greets from 10-10:45 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. Activities are free with museum admission. 36 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks or www.neam.org.

Norman Rockwell Museum: Online exhibit: “Imagining Freedom.” The exhibition highlights the important role of Norman Rockwell and other artists in advancing and communicating these ideals, envisioned as core human rights for all people. The fee for accessing “Imagining freedom” is $5 for the general public, available on the museum’s website at NRM.org.

“A Brief History of Illustration: The Abyss.” Through May 31. “Norman Rockwell: The Human Touch.” Through May 25. “Shine A Light: The Art and Life of Deb Koffman.” Through June 7. “The 36th Annual Berkshire County High School Art Show.” Through April 28. “Spring Break Family Days: Art with a Job to Do,” April 25, 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Free with museum admission, Kids, teens, and Members free. Reservations required for family tours.

CALENDAR

Space expo

The New England Air Museum will host a Space Expo on April 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with hands-on fun and experiments for the whole family to enjoy. Special guest, retired NASA astronaut Dottie Metcalf-Lindenberger, will host talks and meet and greets throughout the day. All Space Expo activities are free with museum admission. Above, Metcalf, at right, is shown talking with Bria Jackson, of Atlanta, who was attending Space Camp in Alabama in 2018. (ASSOCIATED PRESS, FILE PHOTO)

Family Tours at 10:15 p.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or www.nrm.org

Old Sturbridge Village: Kids are admitted to the museum free in April. During this month-long offer, up to two children, age 17 or younger, will be admitted free with each adult full-price general daytime admission ticket. Route 20, Sturbridge or www.osv.org.

Smith College Museum of 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 eighteenth- through twenty-first centuries. “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. Curator is Lauren Leving. All exhibits are free. 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’

free for children 12 and under. Group rates also available online. 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or www. volleyhall.org.

Windsor Historical Society: Permanent exhibit: Explore the people, places and events that have shaped Windsor for over four centuries. Hours: Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. with house tours at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. General admission to the library and historic houses is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for students and free to children under 12 and WHS members. Visitors are free to browse the museum store and exhibit galleries at no charge. 96 Palisade Ave., Windsor or www. windsorhistoricalsociety.org.

Wistariahurst Museum: Permanent exhibit: Gardens and grounds open daily from dawn to dusk. Carriage House and gift shop open Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For information about house tours, group tours and upcoming events visit www.wistariahurst.org. Standard admission is $7 Holyoke residents; $5 seniors; $5 youth (under 18); and free museum members, active military and family members. 238 Cabot St., Holyoke or www.wistariahurst.org.

2. Art Forum online on April 16, 7:30 p.m., register at www.gallerya3. com. 28 Amity St., Amherst 413256-4250.

Indian Orchard Mills Dane Gallery: All new exhibits every month featuring the artists at Indian Orchard Mills. Hours: Sat. noon-4 p.m. or by appointment. 34 Front St., Indian Orchard or 413-543-3321.

LAVA Center: “Elaine VanGelder Exhibit,” Closing reception Fri., April 24, 5-8 p.m. 324 Main St., Greenfield

Old Town Hall: “Poetry in Puddles” Photography by Dave Madeloni, through April 25. Accompanied by poets and other wordsmiths inspired by his photography. Free, 43 Main St., Easthampton Trinity United Methodist Church: “Just Ink” by Roger Duffy. Through April 30. Gallery hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sun. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield 413-737-5311.

Outdoors

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. 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. “Ghost Tour with Robert Oakes,” April 25 7 p.m. Minimum age to attend is age 12. Reservations are strongly recommended as tickets are limited. 104 Walker St., Lenox or www.gildedage.org.

Volleyball Hall of Fame: Permanent exhibit. Open Tues.-Sun, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Mon. Last admission is 30 minutes prior to close. Admission is $8 adults; $5 seniors 65 and older; $5 students, active and retired military; and

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. Admission is $8 adults, $6 seniors, and 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.; “You Have to Do Something” Visual Art Exhibition by Phil Lawrence, through April 26. 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. 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. 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

Great Falls Discovery Center: Outdoor Story Walk “Ruby’s Birds.” Through May 12. For ages 3 and up and anyone who loves migratory birds. “Nice & Easy Walks,” April 23 & 30, 1-2 p.m. Easy-paced, 1- to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for older adults, but open to all. Indoor Storywalk: “One Earth” by Eileen Spinelli, through April 30. For ages 4 and up, accompanied by an adult. Meet at the welcome desk. Earth Week Investigation Station and indoor Storywalk “One Earth.” Through April 26. For all ages.”Kidleidoscope Story Hour,” April 24, “Who Lives in a Tree?” 10:30-11:30 a.m. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Great Hall Guest Speaker: “King Philip’s War in Your Backyard 1675-76.” April 26, 2–3:30 p.m. David Brule reviews the events that happened nearby in the central Connecticut River Valley starting in August 1675 and continuing into May 1676 and beyond. Free. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls or www.greatfallsma.org.

Northfield Mountain: “Beaver Pond Wildlife” with naturalist, David Brown. April 23, 6-7:30 p.m. This talk is free and no registration is needed. 99 Millers Falls Road, Northfield or www.firstlightpower. com/northfield.

The Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center: Zoo in Forest Park 2026 Season. Sat.-Sun, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sumner Avenue, Springfield or www.forestparkzoo.org.

WINDSOR LOCKS

Violin

and playing as a hobby.”

“I started posting videos on social media of me playing my violin. It got a lot of attention and people really seemed to take an interest in what I was doing. The next thing I knew, people began seeking me out to perform at various events, booking me for weddings and other occasions. Then I started doing shows and, well, the rest is history,” he said.

What made the difference for Randolph’s growing popularity was a change from classical violin music to more contemporary music such as hip hop, pop, R&B and soul.

“I just wanted to try something new. I always loved R&B and soul growing up, but I never thought to put it over pieces I was hearing on the radio,” he said.

Randolph noted he likes the “surprise element” and wouldn’t give titles away to music he will be playing on Saturday, other than offering a taste of who audiences might hear, including Alicia Keys, The Isley Brothers, Prince, Earth, Wind & Fire, among others.

The performer is a storyteller with a passion for storytelling through sound.

“The violin has a number of strings and with them you can hear a different level of tones in each. So, there is a different feeling based on the notes you play... there are different styles of play and different keys that evoke emotion. I like to evoke emotions based on the setting where I am performing. I am very

John Violinist will play the Hope Center for the Arts in Springfield this weekend.

passionate when I play and like to speak through my instrument to people in a way that it relates to something they might be personally going through at the time,”

Randolph said.

Randolph will be joined at the Hope Center for the Arts by Lawrence White on bass, Jeffrey Valez on guitar, Elijah Hampton on drums and Aaron Ashe on keyboards. His latest album, “Rise,” can be heard on Spotify and Apple Music.

Tickets for Saturday’s performance range from $55 to $75 and are available in advance online at hopecenterforthearts.org.

“I am very passionate when I play and like to speak through my instrument to people in a way that it relates to something they might be personally going through at the time.”

JOHN RANDOLPH AKA JOHN VIOLINIST

Coming up at the Hope Center for the Arts

The Hope Center for the Arts, established by Pride Stores founder Robert Bolduc in the former CityStage space in downtown Springfield, has a busy lineup of summer entertainment coming to the venue in the coming months. Here's a look at what's on the schedule:

• John Violinist — Saturday, April 25

• Madeleine Peyroux & the Carlile Family Band — Wednesday, April 29

• New England Center for Circus Arts — Saturday, May 2 & Sunday, May 3

• BoDeans — Sunday, May 3

• Journey to Funkstar: A New Orleans Immersive Concert Experience — Friday, June 19

• Men of Praise — Saturday, June 20

• Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel Isle of Hope Tour — Friday, July 31

• An Evening with Celtic Thunder — September 16

Stream

are a dime a dozen these days; often, they function as promotional material with little editorial value. That is not the case with “Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool,” available to stream Wednesday on Netflix. The country superstar keeps her cool … and gets candid in this feature, which spans her personal and professional lives.

— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman

New series to stream this week

• A new Netflix competition show called “Funny AF with Kevin Hart” premieres this week and features Hart traveling to different comedy clubs in the U.S. in search of the next great stand-up sensation. Hart is joined by Keegan-Michael Key, Tom Segura, Kumail Nanjiani, Chelsea Handler and Nikki Glaser, who serve as judges. The semifinal and final episodes will stream live on Netflix and the audience can vote in real-time. The winner will get their own Netflix stand-up special.

• Prime Video has a new series about a different Kevin that also premieres this week. “Kevin” is an animated series about a cat who moves into a local pet rescue after his owners split up. Jason Schwartzman voices Kevin and Aubrey Plaza, who co-created and co-wrote the series, also voices a character.

• A new “Stranger Things” animated spinoff harks back to the Saturday morning cartoons of the 1980s, with stand-alone adventures each episode. “Stranger Things: Tales from ’85” takes place during Seasons 2 and 3 of the original show and follows its core gang encountering mysteries and monsters from the Upside Down. They’re voiced by new actors, not the live-action cast. It debuts Thursday, April 23, on Netflix.

• Kate Hudson’s “Running Point” returns for Season 2 on Netflix on Thursday, April 23. Hudson plays Isla Gordon, whose family has owned

the fictional Los Angeles Waves for years. Hudson takes over as the team’s president when her older brother (Justin Theroux) steps down. Her character is based on Jeanie Buss, the governor and former controlling owner (now minority owner) of the Los Angeles Lakers.

• Richard Gadd, whose “Baby Reindeer” drew acclaim and a defamation lawsuit from the real-life woman it depicted, has created and written a new dark drama called “Half Man” where he co-stars with Jamie Bell. Gadd told the AP that he turned down numerous Hollywood offers after “Baby Reindeer” in favor of making “Half Man.” It premieres Thursday, April 23.

— Alicia Rancilio

New video games to play this week

• At first glance, Kiln gives off a mellow vibe, inviting you to sit at a pottery wheel and craft a ceramic masterpiece. Don’t get too relaxed: The next step is to send your creation into battle. You’ll need to team up with three friends for “Quench mode,” a 4-vs.-4 melee in which the goal is to douse the flames of your rivals’ kiln. Expect plenty of flying shards and other obstacles to make the free-for-all more frenetic. Start spinning Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

• Italian developer Luca Galante unleashed a surprise smash back in 2022 with his low-res indie shoot-’em-up Vampire Survivors. Fans have since gobbled up a half-dozen expansions, and now it’s time for a full-fledged spinoff, Vampire Crawlers. It’s a “casual, turn-based deck builder” in which you explore dungeons and fight monsters by flinging playing cards at them. Think something like Slay the Spire with, well, vampires — then throw in “turboturn,” which lets you pile up damage by slinging cards more quickly. It looks every bit as hectic and silly as the original, and you can take a bite Tuesday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

— Lou Kesten

Easthampton-based singer-songwriter

Nate Martel will play his original music May 2 at the Marigold Theater in Easthampton. (SUBMIT-

Live Wire

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thinking of a whole concept, but it’s just not practical these days for building an audience and staying relevant,” he said. “With the way the algorithms are and everyone’s low attention span, you have to be in people’s faces more, so you have to release singles.”

Martel’s other recent single, “The Paper Chase,” partially stemmed from Martel’s chagrin over those ever-changing hurdles to make music his full-time career, such as dealing with those social media algorithms.

“It’s funny because everyone who sees what I do and sees how much I travel thinks it’s the travel that’s the most draining part, and it can be draining,” he said. “But to me, it’s nothing compared to having to think about social media all time. Sometimes that can be fun, but it’s not fun when you have to think about it all the time.”

He particularly dislikes having to constantly take selfies to promote his steady schedule of gigs or new music. He said he doesn’t enjoy having to be his own publicist.

“I make enough to live, and live all right, but it’s not like I have some mansion,” he said with a laugh. “But I wish I made enough that I could hire someone to do that for me.”

But Martel is definitely grateful to have found a way to make music his career.

“I just love all of it. I love writing and recording and playing in front of an audience,” he said.

He noted that what helped was finding a way to play shows that “aren’t necessarily glory gigs,” such as playing background music in restaurants as ambience,

“I’m like the acoustic guitar version for a nice restaurant that might hire a piano guy,” he said. “It’s kind of like my paycheck, and it allows me to keep continuing creating my own music. It also helps me get better as a singer and performer.”

Martel has plenty of those types of gigs coming up, but the next show of his original music with his band will be May 2 at Marigold Theater in Easthampton. He said it all adds up to a career, which is his goal.

“I’ve done a lot of jobs in my life and had a lot of manual labor jobs. My last two jobs were at a construction company and at a moving company. And those are hard jobs where you don’t necessarily feel like coming home and picking up the guitar at the end of the day,” he said. “And I just can’t see myself not making music.”

“I’ve seen other people talk about this too: If you want to make music your life, then you kind of have to make it your life and figure out a way to get paid doing it.”