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D | | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

Inside: Local music, family festivals, free yoga & more

Welcome to Paradise City

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

It begins with a stone for Marie Murphy. For Kibaek Sung, it all begins with a drawing.

Both are metalists with a different focus. She is a jeweler and he makes functional art, mostly lamps.

But this Memorial Day weekend, they will come together as they join more than 200 artists and makers for the Paradise City Arts Festival in Northampton, where visitors will discover work in furniture, jewelry, art glass, garden sculptures, ceramics, fashion design, painting and more.

The three-day festival begins Saturday at the Three County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with shopping

What’s on tap for SUMMER 2026

Ashley Potter | apotter@repub.com

According to the calendar, summer doesn’t start until June 21, but anyone in Western Massachusetts knows that the real summer fun kicks off this weekend when the Paradise City Arts Festival opens its gates in Northampton.

The three-day festival, held each year over Memorial Day weekend, will welcome over 200 artists and crafters to the Three County Fairgrounds Saturday through Monday.

ending at 6 p.m. to make way for a concert, and continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It finishes Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Murphy, who creates rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, first developed a passion for jewelry from her mom.

“I was a preteen when my mom was the first person to gift me with jewelry — a vintage Native American

In the weeks that follow, the region will host festivals, concerts, parades, and everything in-between across the region.

Below are some of the major events to look forward to in the months ahead. Note that dates and times are subject to change, and it’s always best to check online for the most up-to-date information.

Jewelry by Marie Murphy will be among the items on display and for sale at this weekend’s Paradise City Arts Festival in Northampton.

Festivalgoers dance

the rhythm and beats of the live music at the Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival in 2025. (SOPHIE MARKHAM PHOTO)

At left, Estefabua Peralto shows off Fried Camembert Cheese from the Student Prince Restaurant during a past year’s Springfield Restaurant Week. The weeklong event returns in June.

CONTINUES FROM PAGE D2

turquoise cuff bracelet and I loved it, especially the turquoise,” she said.

Later, while attending college for a degree in business communications, Murphy managed a store that sold jewelry from around the world and became a buyer for them, traveling to big wholesale shows including in New York City.

“It wasn’t until relocating back to Boston that I enrolled at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, where I studied metalsmithing at night while working a day job in project management. I became obsessed with metalsmithing, and it became my hobby for 12 years before launching Sliver Raven Studio,” Murphy said.

Murphy has a large stone collection — jaspers and agates are among her favorites — that includes quartz, alexandrite, amber citrine, garnet, onyx, moonstone, turquoise ... the list seems endless.

“It begins with being drawn to a certain stone at the time. I don’t know what I am going to

“Metal itself is just a medium for me. My goal is to spread my vision and create joy for people, make them smile.”

KIBAEK SUNG

do ahead of time, and I let the stone do the speaking as my design evolves around it,” she said of her process.

For Murphy, whose home studio is in Madison, Connecticut, it is all about “quality and craftsmanship.”

“My customers value well-crafted jewelry made with solid heavy-gauge silver that will last a lifetime and can be passed on to someone else when the time comes,” she said.

To preview her wearable art before attending this weekend’s show, visit silver ravenstudio.com.

Sung’s metalsmithing also involves creating everyday art, but lamps more so than jewelry. On his website, Lumedeco, he writes that his work is a place “where design shines.”

“Movement is important to my work. You can achieve more things with metal as you bend and forge it into something amazing. Metal itself is just a medium for me. My goal is to spread my vision and create joy for people, make them smile,” he said.

Sung began his study of

Above is Kibaek Sung, who creates hand-fabricated metal objects out of Bellingham, and at left, Marie Murphy will be selling her wearable art — mostly jewelry in the form of rings and necklaces. (PARADISE CITY ARTS FESTIVAL)

Sounds of music fill long summer days in WMass

to a

By K eith O ’C onnor Special

to The Republican Summertime spells the sounds of great music echoing through the air in venues near and not so far away — including in Springfield, Chicopee, Greenfield, Florence, South Hadley, Hadley, Agawam, Eastampton, East Longmeadow, Westfield, West Springfield, Holyoke and Montague. There is music for every taste from jazz, rock and soul to gospel, salsa, county, folk, roots music and pop.

Best of all, most of the concerts listed here are free to attend, with a few exceptions. Some have chairs and others require the need to bring your own chair or blanket. And, if you are hungry, there will be food trucks and more to satisfy your appetite as well as beverages of all kinds, including alcohol. This year’s schedule includes:

• Bring a blanket and pack a picnic basket for free Concerts in the Park, happening Thursday evenings at Forest Park in Springfield. The music begins with Dee Reilly on July 9 at the Carriage. Re-

From concerts to speakeasies,

a past

maining concerts are held in the Forest Park Amphitheater and include the Petty Larceny Band, July 30; Skynyrd Hatchet, Aug. 6; Zac N Fried, Aug. 13; Jake Manzi Band, Aug. 20; Unforgettable Fire, Aug. 27; Bennie and the Jets, Sept. 3; and Floyd Patterson Band, Sept. 10.

Live music starts at 6:30 p.m. each night, with Madd Eatz food trucks and beer from White Lion Brewing available beginning at 6 p.m. Attendees can enter Forest Park through the Sumner Avenue or Route 5 entrance for free after 5:30 p.m. For more information, go online to springfield-ma.gov/ park/or call 413-787-6435. Rain location will be at the Carriage House Tent.

• The Bull Pen at McCray’s Farm on 55 Alvord St. in South Hadley will bring live music events, some with cover charges, on Friday and Saturday nights from 7-10 p.m. for all to enjoy beginning with Midlife Crisis on June 5. The schedule will continue with Backstage Pass

By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com

Looking ahead to a third season of summer program-

ming, Angela Park, co-founder of 52 Sumner, had one thing to say: “It’s crazy.

“We went from having almost nothing and then it was just piling on, we are scheduled all the way out now until December,” she continued of the Forest Park venue, which she co-founded with Dan McKellick in 2024 in the home of the former Faith United Church.

The venue opened that spring with a performance by Grammy-winning blues singer Christone “Kingfish”

Ingram. It was a sell-out concert, and Park said ever since then, Ingram has been in talks to return to 52 Sumner.

“They really loved 52 Sumner and Dan [McKellick] kept asking them to come back. They reached back out

to us like, ‘Hey, we’re going to be around, would you mind putting us on your calendar, please?’” Park said. “That is pretty cool. We were really, really excited when they reached back out to us again.”

A couple relaxes while listening

concert during

Concert in the Park series at Forest Park in Springfield. The free concert series returns this summer starting on July 9 with Dee Reilly. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO)

The co-founder of Springfield Performing Arts Ventures, Inc. and 52 Sumner is Angela Park. (DOUGLAS HOOK / THE REPUBLICAN)

on June 6, $10; Solmere, June 12; Stillwater Band, June 13; Jukebox Renegades, June 19; Trailer Trash, June 20, $10; One Flight Up, June 26; Just Go With It, June 27, $5 cover; Joe Macey, July 10; Project 267, July 11, $5; The Deadheads MA, July 17; Change-Up CT, July 18, $5; Black Cadillac July 24, $5; Johnny Blair, July 25; Alex Rohan, July 31; The Brat Pack, Aug. 1; Project 267, Aug. 7, $5; Full Circle, Aug. 8; Now That’s ’90s, Aug. 14; Lindsey LaBelle, Aug. 15; Midlife Crisis, Aug. 21; Just Go With It, Aug. 22, $5; General Gist, Aug. 28; and Backstage Pass, Aug. 29. Gates for each concert open at 6 p.m. There will be picnic tables available, but guests can bring their own seating. The venue also has two large tents and umbrellas at select tables.

Available in The Bull Pen: beer, soda, water, snacks, and merchandise, as well as cornhole and ring toss at the beer cart. There is also Glow Golf to play. The farm’s creamery will also be open, serving homemade fresh ice cream, baked goods, and food from the menu. No outside food or alcohol is allowed. ID check will be clearly marked at the venue entrance.

No dogs will be allowed inside the event area.

For more information, visit mccrays-farm.com/ bull- pen .

• SummerFest in Agawam at School Street Park begins on May 25 with Ray Guillemette Jr.’s King Country at a special time of 12:30 p.m. All other concerts in the series, unless noted, begin at 7 p.m. with Cobblestone Road, July 1; Ultimatum, July 8; Project 267, July 15; Jukebox Heroz, July 22; Agawam Night Out from 6-8 p.m. featuring a movie in the park at 8:30 p.m., July 24; Benny & the Jets, July 29; Retro Floyd, Aug. 5; Kix 100.9 Country Show, Aug.12; and General Gist at 6 p.m., Aug. 19. In the event of inclement weather, show will be canceled. Call the Parks

SUMMER

and Recreation Department at 413-821-0513 after 2 p.m. on the day of the show for updated information. The free KidsFest also begins on July 1 with magician Robert Clarke, followed by Toe Jam Puppet Band, July 17; Airborne Comedians offering juggling and comedy, July 29; and Professor Paddy Whack’s Variety Show, Aug. 12. KidsFest showtimes are 10 a.m. at School Street Park. In the event of inclement weather, the show may be canceled. Call the Parks and Recreation Department at 413-821-0513 on the day of the show for more information.

• There will be free music at Daley Field in Easthampton at Nonotuck Park beginning on July 10 with Hard Knox continuing with Jimmy Mazz, July 17; Colony Motel, July 24; Heritage Pops Orchestra, July 31; Soiree of Western Mass, Aug. 14; and Soular Eclipse, Aug. 21.Showtimes are at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 413529-1440.

• The East Longmeadow Rotary Club will host its Summer Concert Series on Wednesdays at Mapleshade Elementary School. This year’s concert series kicks off on June 24 with A Ray of Elvis, followed by Trailer Trash on July 3. A laser light show will follow Trailer Trash. The

concerts continue with Union Jack, July 8; 7Roads, July 15; Brass Attack, July 22; The 60s Experience, July 29; Above the Treeline, Aug. 5; and Pridefalls, Aug. 12. Shows are free and begin at 7 p.m., and concessions will be available. Rain date is next day except for the July 3 Trailer Trash concert, which would be July 5. For more information, visit www.elrotaryclub.org.

• Bring your lawn chair, relax and enjoy the music at

the Florence Civic Center, 90 Park St., for the Florence Summer Concert Series. Free outdoor concerts are held every Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. beginning June 4 with LeFever and continuing on June 11 with Northampton High School Jazz Band; Tommy Filiault Band, June 18; Lisa Bastoni, June 25; Expandable Brass Band, July 2; Miss Paula & the Twangbusters, July 9; Tony Silva Fiesta Rumbera, July 16; The Moon Shells, July 23; Sweet Daddy Cool Breeze, July 30; The Pangeans, Aug. 6; Ozzie’s Basement, Aug. 13; Frank Manzi, Aug. 20; Zikina, Aug. 27; Christa Joy & the Honey Bees, Sept. 3; and Gaslight Tinkers, Sept. 10. Food trucks also will be onsite. For updated information, visit florencemass.com/concertseries/

• Buttery Brook Park in South Hadley will kick off its free Summer Concerts and Cruise Nights season with a host of free concerts set for Fridays at 5 p.m. to dusk beginning May 22 with SleeZZy Top and continuing with 3 Speed, May 29; Wonder Yearz, June 5; The Willies, June 12; Union Jack, June 19; Mid-Life Crisis, June 26; there is no concert/cruise night on July 3; Next J.E.N.

Band, July 10; King Kountry, July 17; Cottonwood, July 24; Lindsey LaBelle, July 31; Blue Devil Bluez, Aug. 7; Acousticca, Aug. 14; Dr. C and the Cure Alls, Aug. 21; The Berkshires, Aug. 28; Moose & the Hightops, Sept. 4; and Full Circle, Sept. 11. Food and beverages available for sale, no doge or outside alcohol. Buttery Brook Park is located at 123 Willimansett St. (Rt. 33) in South Hadley, Event details and weather announcements are available online at facebook. com/butterybrookpark.

• There will be music from Franklin County’s finest singers and musicians at the Greenfield Energy Park Coop Concerts Summer Concert Series which runs on Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. at the park on 50 Miles St. Admission is free. Listeners are invited to bring a chair, blanket and picnic supper. It all begins on May 28 with Katie Clarke and Larry LeBlanc, R & D, and Small Change; Pat & Tex LaMountain, Boys of the Landfill, and Orlen, Gabriel and Avery, June 4: Jim Eagan, and Joe Graveline, Nina Gross, and Dust Devils, June 11; 133 Skeele, Hope Street, and Little Wild Bouquet, June 18; R & D and

TUESDAY

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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

Amy Martin, of Agawam, holds her son Brody while enjoying a SummerFest concert at School Street Park in Agawam. The 2026 SummerFest concert series begins on May 25, with the KidsFest series kicking off July 1. Both concert series are free.

(FREDERICK GORE PHOTO)

MUSIC, PAGE D10

TANGLEWOOD 2026

Bringing star-studded performances to the Berkshires

By K en Ross

Special to The Republican

From Jon Stewart on June 20 to John Fogerty & Steve Winwood on Sept. 6, and everyone in between, this summer will be an especially busy one at Tanglewood, the idyllic summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

“We’ve got a really tremendous season, I think,” Anthony Fogg, vice president of artistic planning for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, said in a recent interview. “I guess I say that every year, but when I look at what’s in front of us, it’s really a very rich season in all of the categories of musical offerings that we present at Tanglewood.”

“I count about three dark nights the entire month of July and August,” Fogg added. “Despite my best efforts in the planning process to give everyone a little time off, the offerings were just too good to resist that we just really stretched the limits of the schedule and the calendar and we hope that there’s something that will appeal to absolutely everyone in the course of the summer.”

Even before Tanglewood’s

unofficial start to the season kicks off with its two Fourth of July weekend concerts featuring James Taylor (July 3 and 4), there’s a performance nearly every night at Tanglewood starting with comedian Jon Stewart on June 20 in The Shed, the nickname for the beloved performance venue where fans can listen inside or outside on the lawn.

Some early season highlights include Yacht Rock Review (June 21), the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (June 26), two concerts featuring Paul Simon (June 27 and June 28) and Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration with the Boston Pops (June 30).

Other popular music highlights throughout the summer include:

July 14: Ziggy Marley and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

July 21: “Weird Al” Yankovic with special guest Puddles Pity Party

July 28: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit with special guest Patty Griffin

Aug. 11: Hugh Jackman with Keith Lockhart and the

Boston Pops

Aug. 18: Brandi Carlile with Jensen McRae

Aug. 21: Cynthia Erivo with the Boston Pops

Aug. 29: Carrie Underwood

Aug. 30: Judy Collins, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Rosanne Cash with Amanda Shires

Sept. 2: Tedeschi Trucks Band with Lukas Nelson

Sept. 5: Alabama Shakes with Mavis Staples

Sept. 6: John Fogerty and Steve Winwood

Along with James Taylor, Independence Day weekend will also feature the first Boston Symphony Orchestra concert of the Tanglewood season on July 5. In that concert, the BSO will perform the world premiere of Philip Glass’ Symphony No. 15 along with works by John Williams and Aaron Copland and live narration by Alec Baldwin.

Next weekend’s BSO lineup features Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with Seong-Jin Cho and excerpts from Swan Lake, featuring dancers from Boston Ballet

Above, from left, Hugh Jackman and Cynthia Erivo, and, at right, comedian Jon Stewart are among the star-studded guests who will come to Tanglewood this summer season.

Jeremiah Kissel, left, and Keith Lockhart are pictured on stage for "Star Wars: The Story in Music," a concert staged in the 2025 season of Tanglewood. (HILARY SCOTT PHOTO)

JACOB’S PILLOW 2026 Returns this summer for 94th season

By K en Ross

Special to The Republican

The 100th anniversary of the Martha Graham Dance Company.

World premieres.

Performances by dance companies from Germany, Australia and other countries around the globe.

All of the above and more can be found this summer in the Berkshires at Jacob’s Pillow, the oldest continuously running dance festival in the country.

“What’s so exciting is to have the full offering of Pillow programming in three venues,” Pam Tatge, executive and artistic director of

Jacob’s Pillow, said in a recent interview.

The Pillow’s three performance venues include the main Ted Shawn Theatre, the new Doris Duke Theatre and the Pillow’s unique outdoor performance space, which features many choosewhat-you-pay performances throughout the summer.

“The incredible outdoor stage is unlike any other stage for dance in the world,” Tatge said, “You get to see dancers in with the backdrop of the Berkshire hills and really see humans in their creaturely existence amongst nature. It’s just thrilling.”

Months of hard work go into putting together each summer’s 10-week-long season at Jacob’s Pillow.

“I intentionally work with the curatorial team,” Tatge said. “I don’t want to be the sole gatekeeper at Jacob’s Pillow. I like multiple voices in the room, so that takes even

more time, in a good way, but we are pretty much done by October or November the year prior. And we’re always working ahead. I’m talking to artists about 2027, 2028 and 2029, things that will be that are in development, that will be ready by then.”

“I’m always amazed how quickly each year comes,” she added.

Jacob’s Pillow’s 94th season kicks off June 20th with a season-opening gala featuring 2026 Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award recipient and New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck.

The regular, 10-week-long season then begins with the Paul Taylor Dance Company (June 24 - 28) in the Ted Shawn Theatre. That same week, Shamel Pitts (June 24 - 28) will perform “Touch of Red” in the Doris Duke Theatre, a piece that was developed during a residency at the Pillow in 2020.

The second week of the season features Urban Bush Women (July 1 - 5) in a dance-driven musical set in a fictional jazz club. That same week, Ilya Vidrin (July 3 - 5) will make its Jacob’s Pillow debut in a piece created during two Pillow residencies.

The third week marks the return of the Akram Khan Company (July 8 - 12) for the first time in over 20 years in the final touring production of the company.

“Akram is arguably one of the most celebrated choreographers of our time,” Tatge said. “He choreographs for his own company and many other companies around the world, and this will be the last performance of the Khan company. He will continue to make work for other companies, but this is the sunset tour of his company.”

At the Pillow, Akram’s company will perform “Thikra: Night of Remembering.” “It’s

a thrilling work for all women that takes you on a journey that shows us the importance of connecting with our past in order to be able to envision the future,” Tatge said.

The fourth week of the season features A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham (July 15 - 19) with the U.S. premiere of “White Space” and Faye Driscoll (July 15 - 19) in a work created in a Pillow Lab residency in 2022.

“We love Kyle, we love A.I.M.,” Tatge said, adding that the Pillow has been an unofficial “artistic home for Kyle ever since he started out with his first performance on our outdoor stage.”

The next week features the Australian-based Circa Contemporary Circus (July 22 - 26) for the first time in six years at Jacob’s Pillow in an evening-length work called “Wolf.”

Another international dance company makes its return the

Martha Graham Dance Company is celebrating its 100th anniversary this summer at both Jacob’s Pillow and Tanglewood. (LUIS LUQUE PHOTO)

Jacob's Pillow Dance Award recipient and New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck, shown above, will perform during the June 20 season-opening gala at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. (CHRISTOPHER DUGGAN PHOTO)

By Ashley Potter apotter@repub.com

MGM SPRINGFIELD Casino makes use of outdoor spaces this summer

Whether

it’s attending a free

concert in the plaza or enjoying a cold drink on the terrace, MGM Springfield is encouraging people to take advantage of its outdoor spaces this summer.

“We’ve been talking about it for a while, and we want to use this plaza as much as we can, so we’re maximizing this year,” said Amanda Croteau, MGM Springfield’s director of entertainment, in an interview with The Republican.

A returning favorite, Free Music Fridays — a free summer concert series held outdoor on the casino’s plaza — starts May 22 with country band Trailer Trash. The concert series will continue Fridays through the summer and, new this year, will con-

Sumner

Ingram will return to 52 Sumner this summer for an Aug. 9 performance. Tickets to the concert can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Park was eager to talk about another returning act, one that might raise a few eyebrows — from June 25 to 27, a Serial Killer Speakeasy will share chilling stories of infamous killers with audience members.

That same group previously performed multiple sold-out Edgar Allen Poe Speakeasy events at 52 Sumner.

tinue all the way into October.

“It’s just been so popular and well-attended, and whenever it ends, I think we’re like, ‘It’s still gorgeous outside. Why aren’t we making more of this?’” Croteau said.

The lineup for this summer’s Free Music Fridays series features returning favorites like Aquanett, a trib-

“It’s the same concept — instead of having four Edgar Allen Poe short stories, these are stories about serial killers,” Park explained. “I spoke to them about it, because I was like, ‘that’s really sort of dark.’ And they said, ‘it is dark, but it also pays homage to the people who were affected and families who were affected by these horrible monsters.’”

Four “case files” will be discussed — Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, John Wayne Gacy and Ed Gein — and each will be paired with a cocktail (or mocktail, if you prefer your drinks without alcohol).

Tickets to the Serial Killer Speakeasy start at $65 and

ute to 1980s rock and metal music, and Blushing Brides, a tribute to The Rolling Stones. There are also many newcomers on the lineup this year, including Blizzard of Ozz, a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, on July 3, Latin band Raquel & Su Nuevo Impacto La Dama de la Voz de Oro on July 31, and the Warped Tour Band on

Aug. 28.

“I always go on a hunt every year to see what’s new, what kind of stone has yet to be unturned,” Croteau said. “We’re always keeping our ear and eye out for new bands but also honoring the ones we know people don’t want to miss out on year over year.”

Each Free Music Fridays

can be purchased on the Fever website.

The summer lineup also features two performances by the Springfield Community Theater of MA — a bilingual production of “Aladdin” in July and the musical “Forever Plaid” in September.

July will also see the return of the third annual Pioneer Valley Ska Festival — a twoday celebration of music taking place July 24 and 25.

That event, produced by the organization 413 SKA, features 30 regional and national bands over the two-day schedule.

“It’s a family-friendly event,” Park said, adding that

each day will also feature vendors and food trucks.

“Last year, we had multiple generations coming in and it was really cool to see.”

One ticket — priced at $28 and available on Eventbrite — gets you access to both days of the Ska Festival.

The summer season also includes a free concert by blues-rock performer Kurt Allen on June 11 and a concert by all-female rock band PLUSH on Aug. 17.

Any time there isn’t an official show scheduled, Park said the venue is often booked for weddings, birthdays, city meetings and everything in between.

concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and lasts until about 9:15 p.m. Food and drink are available throughout the evening from the Plaza Bar and a variety of pop-up food trucks.

“It starts out, and it’s still a summery daytime afternoon, and then slowly throughout the performance, the sun sets, and all of our stage lighting comes up,” she said. “By the end, it really does feel like a rock show.”

But you don’t have to wait until Friday to enjoy a summer night on the casino grounds: On Tuesday nights through September, MGM Springfield is opening up its rooftop terrace for “Tuesdays on the Terrace.”

Described as an elevated evening on the casino’s website, each Tuesday will offer guests food, curated drink samples, and live music by

“It’s not just a theater, and that’s what’s so great about the space is it’s so flexible,” she said. “We can have a wedding or a fundraiser one night, but then we can throw on a musical and a national act the next.”

Park added that she is grateful for community support, especially for the audience members that come back time and time again for shows.

“It’s almost like the community needed this, wanted this, and it’s amazing now. We’re this tiny little group of people that came together with no money, and we built this all by ourselves,” she said.

Concertgoers enjoy a Free Music Fridays concert on the MGM Springfield Plaza. This year’s Free Music Fridays series returns starting May 22 with Trailer Trash.

metalsmithing at Seoul National University in South Korea, where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in metalsmithing. He later moved to the United States and earned a master’s degree in metals and jewelry design from Rochester Institute of Technology. He previously worked a co-op at Tiffany & Co., where he helped make trophies for major sports leagues such as the NBA and NFL. Alongside his own independent studio in Bellingham, he continues to work as a silversmith at Tiffany & Co.

For Sung, his work actually begins with seeing an empty space and imagining what shape of lamp could fill that space. Then comes the sketch of what that design would look like or as he explains on his website, “each piece is shaped with primary forms and colors, connected by formative lines that define both its form and mechanism.”

His aim is to engage people with his functional art.

“What I came to realize was that these modern designs were a very nice and simple way to connect people, and when using a lamp people have to engage with it by pulling a hanging metal circle to turn the light on and off,” he said.

To preview some of the art lamps that Sung will have for sale at the festival, visit lumedeco.com.

While some visitors look forward to visiting their favorite makers’ booths, this year they will have some 40 new exhibitors showcasing their art and handiwork to explore, noted Mariah Swanson, show director.

“This year we are debuting what we are calling our ‘Emerging Artist Collective.’ This is a brand-new tier of

artists who are just getting started in their careers and who may not have a lot of inventory yet. It’s a way of helping them get started and introducing them to showing their work at festivals like ours. They are incredibly talented and we look forward to seeing their careers grow,” Swanson said.

Between browsing the many decorated booths, visitors can enjoy “Art in Action” — where they can watch raw materials transform into masterpieces across multiple mediums and participate in creative activities including “Crafting with Color,” designed for the whole family. Art also comes in the form of music, food and drink at Paradise City under two dining tents which house local restaurants and food trucks where visitors can grab a quick snack between shopping or order up a more substantial meal, all while enjoying live music from the region’s musicians.

Culinary delights from Filipino street food to pizza and chicken tikka masala to ice cream await hungry shoppers served up from Local Burger, India House, Spoleto, Little Wall, Ginger Love Cafe, Masa Mexicana, P’Frogi, Skinny Pancake, and Herrel’s Ice Cream. There is also a full bar serving craft cocktails originally concocted by show founders Linda and Geoffrey Post, regional wines and local beer, as well as some very artsy coffee brews.

The three-day lineup of music will feature performances by Cloudbelly, Wildcat O’Halloran Band, Ryan Hommel Trio, Jared Cruz Quartet, Jared & John, Sonny Raymond Quartet, and Courtney Costaneda. The music continues Saturday night with a tradition that began last year, with a headlining band performing from 6-8 p.m. This year, indie-pop luminaries Winterpills will grace the Paradise City Arts Stage, while local food vendors and the beer garden remain open through 8 p.m.

An array of donations by Paradise City Arts exhibitors also will be available for bidding each day at the silent auction tables, with 100% of the proceeds directly supporting the International Language Institute of Massachusetts.

Swanson said no one likes it “when it is raining outdoors,” but no matter the weather, the show goes on in three airy, high-ceiling Exhibition Buildings providing cover from the elements, that stand alongside an outdoor sculpture promenade. General admission to the festival is $16, $10 for students with ID, and free for youth 15 and younger. A three-day pass is $24. Early-bird tickets, priced at $14, are also available on the Paradise City Arts Festival website.

There will be more than 200 crafters and vendors selling their work at this weekend’s Paradise City Arts Festival, in addition to live music and a wide variety of culinary options. (PARADISE CITY ARTS FESTIVAL)

The Paradise City Arts Festival will host "Crafting with Color" activities for the whole family all weekend long for hands-on fun. (PARADISE CITY ARTS FESTIVAL)

Psychedelic Farm Girls, June 25; Jennie McAvoy, 133 Skeele, and Orlen, Gabriel and Avery, July 2; Austin & Elliot, and The Brookside Project, July 9; Katie Clarke & Larry LeBlanc and The Frost Heaves and Hales, July 16; Steph Marshall, Pat & Tex LaMountain, and The John Lentz Trio, July 23; Austin & Elliott and Joe Graveline, Nina Gross, and Dust Devils, with an open slot for a rainedout artist, July 30; Small Change with two open slots for rained-out artists, Aug. 6; Zydeco Connection with an open slot for a rained out artist, Aug. 13; Jim Eagan, Jennie McAvoy and The Klines, Aug. 20; and a rained-out slot for affected artists, Aug. 27. For more information, call 413772-1553.

• Holyoke Rotary Club’s summer concerts at Heritage State Park on 221 Appleton St. do not begin until August, but the first performer — Lindsey LaBelle — has already been announced for Aug. 5. Further shows will be announced for Aug. 12 and 19. Concerts begin at 5:30 p.m. and run through 8 p.m. There also will be a food truck at each event with a bar provide by Brennan’s Place.

• The 45th season of Wednesday Folk Traditions at the Porter-Phelps-Huntington House Museum in Hadley kicks off on June 10 with The Wholesale Klezmer Band followed by Rosemary Caine and The Wilde Irish Shenanigans, June 17; Amherst Area Gospel Choir: 12thAnnual Horace Clarence Boyer Memorial Gospel Concert, June 24; Thea Hopkins, July 1; Zikina, July 8; Tim Eriksen, July 15; Whisper in the Mid-Zone, July 22; and Jose Gonzales and Banda Criolla, July 29. Concerts are held in the museum’s sunken garden at 6:30 p.m. Picknickers are welcome on the museum grounds at 5 p.m. Tickets at the door are $12 for adults and $2 for children, cash only. For more information, call 413-584-4699 or visit www.pphmuseum.org/ wednesday-folk-traditions.

• South Hadley holds its free Summer Concert Series on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8 p.m. on the Town Common. This year’s concerts begin on June 18 with A Natural Concert Band; South Hadley Community Band, June 25; Sound Bridges, July 2; The Berkshires, July 9; The Willies, July 16; Blue Devil Bluez, July 23; Union Jack, July 30; Cottonwood, Aug, 6; Midlife Crisis Band, Aug. 13; Jimmy Mazz Duo, Aug. 20; and Berkshire Hills Music Academy, Aug. 27. Rain dates are the following Sunday. If there is rain, cancellations can be found on the town website, the Recreation Department’s website and their Facebook page. For more information, call 413-538-5030 or visit www.southhadley recreation.org.

• Stanley Park in Westfield serves as the backdrop for the Westfield Bank Sunday Night Concert Series in the Beveridge Pavilion weather permitting. This year’s free concert series begins on June 7 with Floyd Patterson Band and continues on June 14 with Sweet Hitch Hiker; 7 Bridges Road, June 21; Studio 2, June 28; Cobblestone Road, July 12; Sarah the Fiddler, July 19; The Savage Brothers Band, July 26; The 413’s, Aug. 2; Brass Attack of Springfield, Aug. 9; and the Yacht Rock Band, Aug. 16. Concerts are held on each date from 6-8 p.m. Chairs and food service will be available. There is a suggested donation of $5 per person. If inclement weather, check the Stanley Park Facebook page or visit www.stanleypark.org.

• The West Springfield Park & Recreation Department, in partnership with the Rotary Club of West Springfield, will host their 2026 annual Summer Concert Series at various sites and times. Check www. wsparkandrec.com for full details.

July Summer Concerts on the Green at the Storrowton Village Gazebo, all with a 7 p.m. start, will include Ethel Lee Ensemble, July 9; Dan Kane & Friends, July 16; Richie Mitnick and Friends, July 23; and Sarah the Fiddler, July 30.

Chris Monczko and Andrea Scully were decked out in true parrothead attire for the Changes In Latitudes concert held last summer in Stanley Park. The free Stanley Park summer concert series returns starting on June 7 with the Floyd Patterson Band. (MARC ST. ONGE

mMore concerts: Listed is only a sampling of local summer concert series. For the complete story and list of concerts, go online to MassLive.com.

• Summer concerts at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield include “It’s the Wild West!” a Louis Prima and Keely Smith Tribute, June 23; The Boy Band Experience, July 2; Running on Jackson: Jackson Browne Tribute, July 9; Wild Taxi: Harry Chapin/Cat Stevens Tribute, July 10; Ronstadt Rewind: The Ultimate Linda Ronstadt Tribute, July 11; Good Acoustics: Simon and Garfunkel Tribute, July 16; Moondance: Van Morrison Tribute, July 17; Jimmy Mazz presents: Legends and Laughter, July 18; Doo-Wop Meets Motown, July 23; Tymeless Motown Revue, July 24; 7 Bridges Road: Eagles Tribute, July 25; American Dance: From Africa To Broadway, July 26; Abba: A Majestic Tribute, July 30-31 and Aug. 1-2; Torch Song Tuesday: Light Up the Night, Aug. 4; Studio Two: Early Beatles Tribute, Aug. 6; Union Jack, Aug. 7; The Corvettes, Aug. 8; Lisa Carter: The Ultimate Cher Experience, Aug. 9; Stiletto: Billy Joel Tribute, Aug. 12; Whitney Houston and Celine Dion Tribute starring Michelle Brooks-Thompson, Aug. 13; and A Ray of Elvis, Aug. 14-16. Tickets range

Gist, Sept. 17. Music begins at 6 p.m. with BBQ for a fee served from 5-8 p.m. $5 parking fee. No outside food or beverage, coolers or pets allowed. For more information, visit www.hamelssummitview.com

from $30 to $32 are $32 and are available online at www. majestictheater.com or at the box office at 131 Elm St. in West Springfield.

• Summit View Concerts on the site of Hamel’s Creative Catering at 555 Northampton St. in Holyoke begins a season of free concerts on May 28 with The Floyd Patterson Band continuing on June 4 with General Gist; Night Moves, July 2; Brass Attack, July 16; The Floyd Patterson Band, Aug. 13; and General

• The Landing, Springfield’s newest open-air event space located next to the Convention Center Carpark adjacent to the MassMutual Center, will host Lawn Party @ The Landing, a free weekly concert series presented by Lia Honda Enfield. The series will feature free concerts every Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. beginning on June 4 with Northbound followed by The Savage Brothers, June 11; Joe Macey, June 18; Ethel Lee & The Eric Bascom Quintet, June 25; Carol Divine & The Mighty Fine, July 2; Jarreau Pitts, July 9; Now That’s 90’s, July 16; La Era Del Mambo, July 23; Trailer Trash, July 30; Tafari , Aug. 6; Brass Attack, Aug. 13; Whiskey Traveler, Aug. 20; and Deep River Ramblers, Aug. 27. There will be food trucks, drinks, and lawn games. Parking is available at the Convention Center Car Park. For more information, visit massmutualcenter. com/the-landing-new/ thelandingevents .

Tanglewood

(July 10); Mahler Symphony No. 4 and Mozart Piano Concerto No. 25 with Emanuel Ax (July 11); and Brahms Symphony No. 2 and Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 with Eric Lu (July 12).

Soprano Renee Fleming and

baritone Thomas Hampson will perform and selections from John Adams’ opera “Nixon in China” with the BSO on July 17. That same weekend features two piano virtuosos performing with the BSO — Jean-Yves Thibaudet (July 18) and Daniil Trifonov (July 19).

Another great pianist and two outstanding violinists

“It’s hard for me to pick highlights, but I think some of the programs that I’m most looking forward to include a weekend where Andris is pairing concertos by Mozart with a symphony by Tchaikovsky.”

Anthony Fogg, vice president of artistic planning for the Boston Symphony Orchestra

take center stage with the BSO and conductor Andris Nelsons the following weekend in three different Tchaikovsky symphonies and Mozart concertos — violinist Augustin Hadelich in Violin Concerto No. 5 (July 24), pianist Paul Lewis in Piano Concerto No. 27 (July 25) and teenage sensation Himari in Violin Concerto No. 1 (July 26).

Still want more Mozart? You can hear one of the composer’s most beloved operas,

“The Marriage of Figaro,” on Aug. 1. It will be performed with singers and the BSO under the direction of Nelsons. “It’s a really wonderful cast we’ve brought together,” Fogg said.

That same weekend also features pianist Yefim Bronfman performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor” (July 31) and violinist Joshua Bell (Aug. 2) in a mixed program conducted by Nelsons.

Aug. 4 will welcome Tanglewood on Parade, a daylong musical celebration that features a parade and performances by the BSO, the Boston Pops, the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra and many other performances, plus fireworks set to

Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.

That same week, fans of cellist Yo-Yo Ma will have numerous opportunities to hear the world-renowned musician as he takes part in multiple concerts from Aug. 4 through Aug. 9. He also selected most of the music being performed that week at Tanglewood.

“Yo-Yo has brought incredible imagination and insight and deep thought into arranging a series of events right throughout the week, which looks at under the banner of the theme, we the people,” Fogg said. “So it’s very much a sort of study in American identity, looking at past, present and future, the way our society has been a melting pot since its inception.”

next week when Germany’s Gauthier Dance/Dance Company Theaterhaus Stuttgart (July 29-Aug 2) brings its breathtaking blend of precision, power, and play to the Ted Shawn Theatre. Led by artistic director Eric Gauthier, the company’s program will include several works, including “The FireWorks Project.”

That same week, Brian Brooks Moving Company (July 29-Aug 2) returns with a mixed program that features the world premiere of “Elsewhere.” And for the first time since 1956, the San Francisco Ballet (Aug. 5-9) will perform a wide range of pieces at the Pillow in the Ted Shawn Theatre and on the Pillow’s outdoor stage.

“San Francisco Ballet made its East Coast debut 70 years ago this summer so this is the 70th anniversary of their last visit,” Tatge said. “They haven’t been back since and

they will be taking over not only Ted Shawn (Theatre) but the outdoor stage with a different program on each stage. We’re really excited to host this. They’re one of the finest ballet companies in the world.”

That same week, Ephrat Asherie Dance (Aug. 5-9) will perform “Shadow Cities,” which was created in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning pianist and composer Arturo O’Farrill.

The next week features one of the highlights of the season — the Martha Graham Dance Company, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The iconic modern dance company will present two distinct programs this summer in the Berkshires — one at Jacob’s Pillow Aug. 12-16 and a different program at Tanglewood on Aug. 14, featuring the world premiere of a new work co-commissioned by Tanglewood and Jacob’s Pillow in honor of the dance company’s centennial.

“This is our first major col-

and vocalist Brinae Ali (Aug. 12-16) returns to Jacob’s Pillow the same week with “Baby Laurence Legacy Project,” which was developed during a Pillow Lab residency in 2024.

Another popular Pillow favorite, Ballet Hispanico (Aug. 19-23), returns the next week, along with Taiwanese dancer, choreographer, and inventor Huang Yi (Aug. 19-23).

Jacob’s Pillow’s 94th season runs from June 24 to Aug. 30 on George Carter Road in Becket.

laboration with Tanglewood,” Tatge said. “We co-commissioned a work in honor of the Martha Graham company’s 100th anniversary. That it’s a piece choreographed by former Alvin Ailey dancer Hope Boykin.”

The new piece for the

Martha Graham company is set to music that includes a recently recovered 49-second composition believed to have been created for Graham by Leonard Bernstein, the former conductor who had a long association with Tanglewood. Tap dancer, choreographer,

And the final week of Jacob’s Pillow concludes with another crowd favorite, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (Aug. 26-30), in a mixed program that features a variety of works by different choreographers, including Bob Fosse and Nacho Duato.

Jacob’s Pillow’s 94th season runs from June 24 to Aug. 30 on George Carter Road in Becket. For more information and to order tickets, visit Jacob’s Pillow’s website.

CONTINUES FROM PAGE D6

The Akram Kham Dance Company in "Thikra: The Night of Remembering." The Akram Kham Dance Company will perform in the Ted Shawn Theatre July 8-12. (CAMILLA GREENWELL)

Audience members are all smiles during a Pride Night concert at Tanglewood last year. (ROBERT TORRES)

Summer

May

Free Music Fridays: Trailer Trash, today’s modern country music. May 22, starting at 7:30 p.m., MGM Springfield Plaza. Free, mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com

Sheep and Woolcraft Fair: A celebration of fiber artists and woolcraft enthusiasts. May 23-24, Cummington Fairgrounds, 97 Fairgrounds Road. Free admission, masheepwool.org

Rhythm in the Park: Outdoor beer garden with live music by DJs Whynot, BiggMann, Kev G and Purcyse. May 23, 4-9 p.m., White Lion Pridelands at Tower Square Park. Free, facebook.com/ WhiteLionBrewing

Cinderella’s Tom Keifer with Buckcherry: May 23, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Springfield Symphony Hall. Tickets online, symphonyhallspringfield.com

Yoga on the Landing: Free outdoor yoga class led by Christina Lam. May 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., The Landing at MassMutual Center. Free, registration suggested, massmutualcenter.com

Tribute to Eleanor Powell: Co-author of “Born to Dance,” a biography on Springfield dancer/actor Eleanor Powell, to speak. May 28, 7-9 p.m., Hope Center for the Arts. Free, hopecenterforthearts.org

Theresa Caputo Live: May 29, 7:30-10 p.m., Springfield Symphony Hall. Tickets online,

party with live music, games, food and drinks. May 30, School Street, Pittsfield. Free, berkshirepride.org

Rainbow Run 5K: Race begins at 9 a.m., followed by refreshments and ceremony at 10 a.m. May 31, Ashuwillticook Rail Trail entrance, Pittsfield. Registration fees are $15/$35, berkshirepride.org June

Connecticut Morgan Open Horse Show: Daily horse shows at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. & 7 p.m. June 3-6, Eastern States Exposition. Free, ctmorgans.org

Lawn Party @ The Landing: Northbound, a Grateful Dead jam band. June 4, 4:30-7:30 p.m., The Landing at MassMutual Center. Free, massmutualcenter.com

Dine Springfield Restaurant Week: Dine at a number of participating Springfield restaurants. June 5-14, hours and locations vary, springfielddowntown.com/ restaurant-week/

Free Music Fridays: Petty Larceny, a tribute to Tom Petty. June 5, starting at 7:30 p.m., MGM Springfield Plaza. Free, mgmspringfield. mgmresorts.com

StamperCon: For stamp, scrapbook, and paper craft enthusiasts. June 5-6, Eastern States Exposition. Tickets are $8 at the door, easternstatesexposition.com

Family Fishing Festival: Free fishing fun at two locations. June 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls and Barton Cove Campground in Gill. Free, mass.gov/service-details/masswildlife-calendar

Whip City Brewfest: Unlimited beer tastings from local craft breweries, food trucks, live music, and more. June 6, noon-5 p.m., Central Street in Westfield. Tickets start at $50 general admission, $23 designated driver, whipcity brewfest.com

IRONKIDS Western Mass: Kid & family-friendly race. June 6, starting at 1 p.m., Riverfront Park in Springfield. Registration starts at $25, ironman.com/races/ im703-western-massachusetts/ ironkids

Lawn Party @ The Landing: Savage Brothers, a 6-piece funk band. June 11, 4:30-7:30 p.m., The Landing at MassMutual Center. Free, massmutualcenter.com

Granby Charter Days: Town fair featuring fireworks, live music, vendors & food. June 12-14, Dufresne Park in Granby. Free admission, facebook.com/granbyvolunteers/

Free Music Fridays: Crush, a tribute to Dave Matthews. June 12, starting at 7:30 p.m., MGM Springfield Plaza. Free, mgmspringfield. mgmresorts.com

Greenfield Pride March: Parade starts at intersection of Sanderson & Federal Sts. and finishes at Energy Park. Rally to follow. June 13, noon-4 p.m., Greenfield. Free, franklincountypride.org

Sommerfest Block Party: Live music, games, food & drinks under outdoor tent. June 13, 6-10 p.m., Student Prince Restaurant in Springfield. Free, additional cost for food & drinks, studentprince. com/events

Pride Day on the River: Enjoy a day on the river with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, followed by an afterparty. June 13, afterparty starts at 4:30 p.m., Zoar Outdoor in Charlemont. Free, pridedayontheriver.org

Holyoke Pride Rainbow Run: 5K run and 1-mile walk options. June 13, starting at 10 a.m., Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke. $35 for run/$25 for walk, holyokepride.org

Lawn Party @ The Landing: Joe Macey, acoustic singer. June 18, 4:30-7:30 p.m., The Landing at MassMutual Center. Free, massmutualcenter.com

Juneteenth Kick-Off Party: Live music by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and cold beer on tap. June 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m., White Lion Brewing Company. Free, additional cost for food & drinks, facebook. com/WhiteLionBrewing

Free Music Fridays: Redneck Castaway Band, a tribute to Kenny Chesney. June 19, starting at 7:30 p.m., MGM Springfield Plaza. Free, mgmspringfield.mgmresorts. com

symphonyhallspringfield.com

Free Music Fridays: Blushing Brides, a tribute to The Rolling Stones. May 29, starting at 7:30 p.m., MGM Springfield Plaza. Free, mgmspringfield.mgmresorts. com

Wine Safari: Wine samples and live animal encounters. May 30, 2-6 p.m., Zoo in Forest Park in Springfield. $55, tickets required, forestparkzoo.org/wine-safari

Brad Williams - The Tall Tales Tour: May 30, 7-9 p.m., Springfield Symphony Hall. Tickets online, symphonyhallspringfield.com

North Hadley Asparagus Days: A two-day celebration of spring agriculture. May 30-31, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., North Hadley Sugar Shack in Hadley. Free admission, hilltownfamilies.org/event/northhadley-asparagus-days

Pride Party: Downtown block

Springfield Pride Parade: Parade followed by community block party. June 6, noon-5 p.m., parade steps off from Springfield Technical Community College followed by block party at Stearns Square. Free, springfieldprideparade.org

IRONMAN 70.3 Western Mass: Triathlon that ends in downtown Springfield, after party in Court Square. June 7. Registration required, ironman.com/races/ im703-western-massachusetts/ register

Green River Festival: Three days of live music across four stages. June 19-21, Franklin County Fairgrounds. Tickets start at $110 for a one-day pass, greenriverfestival. com

Juneteenth concert: Presented by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra with special guests. June 19, noon-6 p.m., Center Court in Tower Square. Free, springfield symphony.org

Above is a scene from the 2025 Springfield Pride Parade. This year’s parade steps off from Springfield Technical Community College on June 6.

Tori, Quintin, and Hudson Hanna of Jacksonville, Vermont, attend the 2025 Green River Festival. The annual music festival returns to the Franklin County Fairgrounds June 19 through June 21. (SOPHIE MARKHAM)

‘Yoga on the Landing’ Free summer yoga sessions in downtown Springfield

By Ashley Potter apotter@repub.com

For those who have never tried yoga, or those who might be nervous about the idea of doing yoga in front of other people, instructor Christina Lam has a piece of advice:

“Come as you are.”

“Think of it as a guided stretching and breathing class versus the word ‘yoga,’” said Lam, a Springfield-based fitness and yoga instructor who will be leading a series of outdoor yoga sessions this summer at The Landing, the outdoor event space downtown next to the MassMutual Center.

“I’ll be giving instructions very clearly, guiding you through simple stretches and easy movements, step by step the whole way,” she added. “Another thing I always tell people is that you don’t need to be flexible.”

The summer yoga series — Yoga on the Landing — is being presented by the Springfield Business Improvement District on three Sundays this summer: May 24, June 21 and July 19. Each session will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include local vendors and food trucks.

Participation in each session is free, though registration is requested, so that an accurate headcount can be kept. There were already nearly 150 people signed up for the first yoga session this month.

“Yoga on the Landing is exactly the kind of programming we’re excited to continue bringing to Downtown Springfield — experiences that encourage people to connect, move, and experience downtown in a different way,” said Samantha Savoie, marketing and creative director for the Springfield BID. “Seeing more than 150 people already signed up for the first one shows there is a real demand for wellness-focused events in our urban core.”

Lam said she is “deeply, deeply grateful” to see that so many people have already shown interest in her yoga sessions.

“I’m just so completely humbled to be able to be instructing this,” she said. “I’ve been practicing for six years and teaching for five, and it is surreal. I get to stand and guide and lead a practice in front of

over 100-and-something people. This is something I only once imagined.”

Lam recounted how yoga completely changed her life during the COVID-19 pandemic. She recalled how in 2020, when the world shut down, she suffered from severe anxiety and panic attacks.

“I got a therapist during that time, and she actually suggested practicing yoga,” Lam explained, adding that she did yoga a few times in her home throughout 2020, and in 2021, she applied for yoga teacher training, and her experience in that studio cemented her calling to be an instructor.

Yoga has a number of health benefits, both mental and physical, according to John Hopkins Medicine, including lowered stress, better balance, better mental health, and pain relief from a number of chronic conditions.

There is an additional benefit to doing yoga outside with such a large group of people, Lam added.

“There’s a collective energy, it almost creates this shared rhythm with everybody that feels powerful and emotional, and the kinds of things that yoga practice helps, like mindfulness, breathwork, stillness, it just becomes amplified on such a level in community,” she said.

Each yoga session will begin at 11 a.m., but Lam

said class doesn’t start until 11:30 a.m., to give people time to arrive. The class will begin with a guided meditation followed by beginner-friendly yoga poses, and from 12:30 to 1 p.m., people will have the opportunity to check out local vendors and food trucks.

“I want people to leave this event feeling lighter, more grounded, and more connected, not just to themselves but to the community around them. We’re really bringing people together in a time that feels like we’re divided,” Lam said. “Such a big public yoga event will change the atmosphere of downtown, just for a moment, for an hour. People are going to come together and breathe.”

For more information on the Yoga on the Landing series, and to register for a session, visit the MassMutual Center’s website.

“I want people to leave this event feeling lighter, more grounded, and more connected, not just to themselves but to the community around them.”

CHRISTINA LAM, YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Christina Lam is a fitness and yoga instructor in the city of Springfield. She will be leading three free outdoor yoga sessions at The Landing at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield.

(PROVIDED PHOTO)

Journey to Funkstar: A New Orleans concert experience in honor of Juneteenth. June 19, 7-9 p.m., Hope Center for the Arts in Springfield. Tickets start at $45, hopecenterforthearts.org

Hooplandia: Largest 3x3 basketball competition on the East Coast. June 19-21, Eastern States Exposition. Admission to the event is free with a $10 cash-only parking fee, hooplandia.com

The Up Up Down Down Tour: Yellowcard joined by New Found Glory & Plain White Ts in concert. June 20, starting at 6 p.m., MassMutual Center. Tickets start at $60, massmutualcenter.com

Bark in the Park: Activities for you and your pup. June 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., One Armory Square in Springfield. Free, nps.gov/spar/ index.htm

Men of Praise: Concert featuring local and national male gospel artists. June 20, starting at 7 p.m., Hope Center for the Arts in Springfield. Tickets start at $40, hopecenterforthearts.org

Yoga on The Landing: Free outdoor yoga class led by Christina Lam. June 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., The Landing at MassMutual Center. Free, registration suggested, massmutualcenter.com

Lawn Party @ The Landing: Ethel Lee & The Eric Bascom Quintet. June 25, 4:30-7:30 p.m., The Landing at MassMutual Center. Free, massmutualcenter.com

Free Music Fridays: Billy and The Jets, playing hits by Elton John and Billy Joel. June 26, starting at 7:30 p.m., MGM Springfield Plaza. Free, mgmspringfield.mgmresorts. com

4th of July Fireworks: Includes family activities, food and live music. June 26 (rain date June 27), starting at 6 p.m., Holyoke Community College on Homestead Ave. Free, hcc.edu

Holyoke Pride Fest: Live music & performers, food, vendors and more. June 27, noon-6 p.m., Veterans Park in Holyoke. Free, holyokepride.org

Worthy Brewfest: Springfield’s signature craft beer festival, in a new location. June 27, noon-4 p.m., The Landing at the MassMutual Center. Tickets start at $45, massmutualcenter.com

Amherst Pride Parade: Parade followed by rally in Town Common. June 28, parade steps off at noon from Amherst Regional High School, followed by rally in down-

SUMMER GUIDE 2026

in Monson. Free, includes paid activities, silverbellfarm.com/ christmas-in-july

Brimfield Outdoor Antiques Show: Largest outdoor antique show in the country, open rain or shine each day. July 14-19, Brimfield. Hours & parking fee varies by field, brimfieldantiquefleamarket. com

Lawn Party @ The Landing: Now That’s ’90s, wear your best ‘90s outfits! July 16, 4:30-7:30 p.m., The Landing at MassMutual Center. Free, massmutualcenter.com

Free Music Fridays: Simply The Best, a tribute to “women who rocked the ’80s.” July 17, starting at 7:30 p.m., MGM Springfield Plaza. Free, mgmspringfield.mgm resorts.com

Yoga on The Landing: Free outdoor yoga class led by Christina

New England Morgan Horse Show: Competitions and behindthe-scenes looks at horses and their trainers. July 20-25, Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton. Free, nemha.com/nemhs/

Lawn Party @ The Landing: La Era Del Mambo, playing Latin, salsa & merengue. July 23, 4:30-7:30 p.m., The Landing at MassMutual Center. Free, massmutualcenter.com

Free Music Fridays: Malado, Springfield-based R&B & funk band. July 24, starting at 7:30 p.m., MGM Springfield Plaza. Free, mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com

Michael Blaustein - The Taste Me Tour: July 24, starting at 8 p.m., Aria Ballroom at MGM Springfield. Tickets online, mgmspringfield. mgmresorts.com

town Amherst. Free.

Fourth of July Carnival: Live music, carnival games & kiddie rides, beer garden and more. June 30-July 3, 6-10 p.m. & July 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Center Field in East Longmeadow. Free admission, facebook.com/ elrotaryclub.org

July

Yankee Classic Cluster Dog Shows: Shows featuring various Kennel Clubs. July 1-5, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. each day, Eastern States Exposition. Free, easternstates exposition.com

Lawn Party @ The Landing: Carol Divine & The Mighty Fine. July 2, 4:30-7:30 p.m., The Landing at MassMutual Center. Free, massmutualcenter.com

Free Music Fridays: Heartland, popular and classic country music. July 3, starting at 7:30 p.m., MGM Springfield Plaza. Free, mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com

Fourth of July Parade: New sensory zone along parade route this year. July 4, 10 a.m.-noon, steps off from East Longmeadow High School. Free, facebook.com/elrotaryclub.org

Star Spangled Springfield: Fourth of July celebration with live music, food trucks, fireworks. July 4, 6-10 p.m., Riverfront Park in Springfield. Free, spiritofspringfield.org

Star-Spangled Night: Patriotic celebration complete with nighttime fireworks. July 4, Six Flags New England in Agawam. One-day passes start at $39, sixflags.com/ newengland/ Independence Day Fireworks: Featuring live music, vendors, fireworks. July 5 (rain date July 6), starting at 4:30 p.m., Beacon Field in Greenfield. Free, greenfield recreation.com/fireworks.html

Pioneer Valley Ska Festival: One ticket equals two days of ska music by 30-plus bands. July 24-25, 52 Sumner in Springfield. Tickets start at $28.52, 52sumner.com

Hampden County 4-H Fair: Youth animal, vegetable, crafting projects, and more. July 25, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Eastern States Exposition. Free, facebook.com/HampdenCounty4H

Lawn Party @ The Landing: Trailer Trash, playing country music. July 30, 4:30-7:30 p.m., The Landing at MassMutual Center. Free, massmutualcenter.com

Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel: Isle of Hope Tour in concert. July 31, starting at 7 p.m., Hope Center for the Arts. Tickets start at $40, hopecenterforthearts.org

Free Music Fridays: Raquel & Su Nuevo Impacto La Dama de la Voz de Oro, playing Latin music. July 31, starting at 7:30 p.m., MGM Springfield Plaza. Free, mgmspringfield. mgmresorts.com

Lawn Party @ The Landing: Jarreau Pitts, playing R&B and soul music. July 9, 4:30-7:30 p.m., The Landing at MassMutual Center. Free, massmutualcenter.com

Free Music Fridays: Blizzard of Ozz, tribute to Ozzy Osbourne. July 10, starting at 7:30 p.m., MGM Springfield Plaza. Free, mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com

Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival: Celebration of jazz music featuring lineup of local & national talent. July 10-11, Court Square in Springfield. Free, springfieldjazzfest.com

‘Aladdin’: Musical staged by the Springfield Community Theater of MA. July 10-12, showtimes vary, 52 Sumner in Springfield. For tickets and more information, 52sumner. com

Christmas in July: Bounce house, train rides, visits with Santa on the farm. July 11-12, Silver Bell Farm

Lam. July 19, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., The Landing at MassMutual Center. Free, registration suggested, massmutualcenter.com

Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival: Celebration of Scottish culture with live music, competitions, vendors. July 18, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Look Park in Northampton. Regular tickets start at $29 in advance, glasgowlands. org

Dragon Boat Festival: Presented by the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club & Chinese Association of Western Mass. July 18, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., North Riverfront Park in Springfield. Free to spectators, pvriverfront.org/dragon-boatfestival

Shadows Fall: Massachusetts-based heavy metal band. July 18, starting at 7 p.m., Aria Ballroom at MGM Springfield. Tickets online, mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com

August

Brew at the Zoo: Unlimited craft beer samples, animal encounters, live music & food trucks. Aug. 1, 1:30-5 p.m., Zoo in Forest Park in Springfield. Tickets start at $58.30, forestparkzoo.org

Lawn Party @ The Landing: Tafari, playing reggae & Caribbean music. Aug. 6, 4:30-7:30 p.m., The Landing at MassMutual Center. Free, massmutualcenter.com

Free Music Fridays: Back in Black, a tribute to AC/DC. Aug. 7, starting at 7:30 p.m., MGM Springfield Plaza. Free, mgmspringfield.mgm resorts.com

Littleville Fair: Town fair featuring games & activities, agricultural competitions, demolition derby. Aug. 7-9, hours vary by day, 15 Kinnebrook Road in Chester. $10

Silvana Malvezzi and Taylor Fenton, both of Springfield, enjoy a past year’s Star Spangled Springfield Fourth of July celebration. (LEON NGUYEN PHOTO)

Katie Averill, a guest at the Zoo in Forest Park for last year’s Brew at the Zoo event, befriends a friendly goat. This year’s craft beer festival in the zoo will be held on Aug. 1.

(ASHLEY POTTER / THE REPUBLICAN)

Summer

CONTINUES FROM PAGE D14

adults, free for children, facebook. com/Littleville15/

Lawn Party @ The Landing: Brass Attack, playing brass and funk music. Aug. 13, 4:30-7:30 p.m., The Landing at MassMutual Center. Free, massmutualcenter.com

Free Music Fridays: Warped Band, tribute to “the best summer tour ever.” Aug. 14, starting at 7:30 p.m., MGM Springfield Plaza. Free, mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com

Middlefield Fair: Old-time country fair with entertainment, agricultural shows, vendors. Aug. 14-16, hours vary by day, Middlefield Fairgrounds at 7 Bell Road. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 seniors 65+ and free for veterans/children under 12, middlefieldfair.org

East Coast Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show: Unique fossils, minerals, crystals, jewelry & more for sale. Aug. 14-16, hours vary by day, Eastern States Exposition. $10, free for children under 12 with paid adult, mineralshowslld.com/eastcoast/

Lawn Party @ The Landing: Whiskey Traveler, playing Americana & country music. Aug. 20, 4:30-7:30 p.m., The Landing at MassMutual Center. Free, massmutualcenter. com

Free Music Fridays: Below Deck, playing “yacht rock” favorites. Aug. 21, starting at 7:30 p.m., MGM Springfield Plaza. Free, mgm springfield.mgmresorts.com

Westfield Fair: Agriculture & livestock exhibits, rides, games, entertainment and more. Aug. 21-23, hours vary by day, 137 Russellville Road in Westfield. Ticket prices and more to be posted online, thewestfieldfair.com

Lawn Party @ The Landing: Deep River Ramblers, playing bluegrass & Americana music. Aug. 27, 4:30-7:30 p.m., The Landing at MassMutual Center. Free, massmutualcenter.com

Cummington Fair: Agricultural & livestock exhibits, Midway rides, live entertainment, Engines & Tractor Show. Aug. 27-30, hours vary by day, Cummington Fairgrounds at 97 Fairgrounds Road. Tickets start at $12 in advance, cummingtonfair.com

Free Music Fridays: E Street Shuffle, a tribute to Bruce Springsteen. Aug. 28, starting at 7:30 p.m., MGM Springfield Plaza. Free, mgmspringfield.mgmresorts. com

Blandford Fair: Celebrating 156 years of agriculture with truck pulls, horse shows & more. Aug.

SUMMER

A parade dancer moves to the beats of reggaetón music at the Springfield Puerto

29-Sept. 1, 10 North St. in Blandford. Tickets $12 for adults and $8 for seniors/veterans, theblandfordfair.com

September

Free Music Fridays: Moondance, a tribute to Van Morrison. Sept. 4, starting at 7:30 p.m., MGM Springfield Plaza. Free, mgmspringfield. mgmresorts.com

Three County Fair: 209th consecutive fair with Midway, entertainment, agricultural exhibits & shows and more. Sept. 4-7, Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton. Tickets on sale starting July 1, 3countyfair.com

Brimfield Outdoor Antiques Show: Largest outdoor antique show in the country, open rain or shine each day. Sept. 8-13, Brim-

Tanglewood

Dance fans also will be in for a treat when the Martha Graham Dance Company performs on Aug. 14 in celebration of the dance company’s 100th anniversary. They will stage a new work co-commissioned for the occasion by Tanglewood and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Graham’s company and the BSO will also perform one of her bestknown works, “Appalachian Spring,” which has a Tanglewood connection.

The next night, on Aug. 15, John Williams Film Night — one of the season’s most popular performances — returns to Tanglewood.

field. Hours & parking fee varies by field, brimfieldantiquefleamarket. com

Free Music Fridays: Aquanett, a tribute to ’80s rock & metal. Sept. 11, starting at 7:30 p.m., MGM Springfield Plaza. Free, mgm springfield.mgmresorts.com

Mattoon Street Arts Festival: Art festival takeover of Springfield’s historic Mattoon Street. Sept. 1213, Mattoon Street in Springfield. Free admission, mattoonfestival. org

Puerto Rican Parade: Celebration of Puerto Rican heritage and culture. Sept. 13, downtown Springfield. Free. More information to be posted online, springfield prparade.com

Glendi: Celebration of Greek culture & Greek food. Sept. 18-20, St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Springfield. More information to be posted online, stgeorgenh.org/ activities/glendi/

The Big E: Live entertainment, Midway, unique eats, Avenue of States. Sept. 18-Oct. 4, Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. One-day tickets start at $17.50 for adults, thebige.com

Ray LaMontagne – Trouble 20th Anniversary Tour: Sept. 23, 7-9 p.m., Springfield Symphony Hall. Tickets online, symphony hallspringfield.com

Belchertown Fair: Family-friendly activities, fair food & Midway. Sept. 25-27, 2 Park St. in Belchertown. Free admission, btownfair.com

And make sure to mark down Aug. 19, when pianist Yuja Wang will perform a solo recital in Tanglewood’s Ozawa Hall. On Aug. 20, the same venue will feature the Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens on Aug. 20.

The BSO’s performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony on Aug. 23 will mark the end of the orchestra’s performances at Tanglewood this summer but not the end of the Tanglewood season, which continues through Sept. 6.

And these are just some of the highlights of Tanglewood’s summer season. There are many more events, including a wide range of lectures, the Tanglewood Wine and Food Festival in August, and numerous modern classical music performances.

Still not enough? How about dozens of open rehearsals and performances by the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra, which serves as a summer-long learning institution for some of the world’s best young classical musicians.

“It all adds up to an incredibly rich and busy summer,” Fogg said.

The Tanglewood season runs from June 20 to Sept. 6 in Lenox. For more information about Tanglewood, its upcoming concerts, or to purchase tickets, visit the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s website.

Michael Powell, of Amherst, and his son Leo enjoy a ride at the Three County Fair in Northampton last summer. (LEON NGUYEN PHOTO)

Rican Parade last summer. (SOPHIE MARKHAM)

local DJs from 6 to 9 p.m.

Tickets to “Tuesdays on the Terrace,” can be purchased on MGM Springfield’s website for $49.

In addition to its weekly programming, MGM Springfield is welcoming comedians to its Roar Comedy Club all summer long. Acts are already scheduled through September, including Chris Turner on May 30, Kristin Chirico on June 6 and Marina Franklin on Aug. 1.

Croteau added that the casino recently redesigned its Comedy Club space to deliver a more intimate, elevated experience.

“We previously had theater-style chairs set up, but we recently started incorporating small tabletops so people can upgrade their experience,” she said, adding that with the purchase of a tabletop ticket, you can have food and drink service delivered to you all night long. “Everybody likes it, and I think the comedians like it a little bit more, too. It kind of makes the space feel a bit more intimate and loungey.”

Shows at the Comedy Club are held on Saturday nights, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Tickets, which are required, also can be purchased on MGM Springfield’s website.

Inside the casino

For those who might want to stay inside on a hot day, MGM Springfield has a wealth of summer offerings inside of its doors, including new seasonal menus at all of its on-site restaurants and a newly opened spa.

The Luxxe Spa, which closed six years ago because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reopened earlier this year. Guests can enjoy a variety of different massages, hydrotherapy experiences for the face and scalp, an infrared sauna and more.

Price changes depending

on the services requested, with costs ranging from $45 for a “Glow Ritual” in the infrared sauna to $165 for a 60-minute massage.

“That has been a huge hit, and we’re very happy to have that back,” said Beth Ward, director of public affairs for MGM Springfield.

In addition to the spa, the casino’s restaurants have unveiled new seasonal menus for the summer.

At Costa Italian Restaurant, enjoy burrata Caprese panzanella — creamy burrata with ripe heirloom tomatoes, peppered arugula and toasted rustic bread, tossed in a pesto sauce — or mushroom and spinach ravioli served with a light tomato fondue.

In the TAP Sports Bar, try salmon burger sliders or slow-cooked crispy Berkshire pork belly.

The Chandler Steak House is offering New England oysters, crispy duck wings and grilled trout specialties this season.

And, in the South End Market, a new BBQ pulled chicken slider features tender pulled chicken in a smoky barbecue sauce on a toasted brioche bun.

New spring cocktails on the MGM Springfield menu include a fruity pebbles milk punch, which mixes Hendrick’s gin with strawberries, citrus and pineapple, and a Corvus cucumber lemonade, which mixes Corvus vodka with cucumber, lemon and a hint of cherry.

Guests who stay overnight in the MGM Springfield hotel also can enjoy the city’s only rooftop pool, which opened for the season earlier this month.

“People come from Springfield or Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Holyoke, whatever the case may be, just to hang out, stay overnight, go to a show, and even bring their families,” Ward said, adding that the property’s hotel was nearly booked to capacity last summer. “We’re really excited about this summer.”