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SHADOWS FALL: Metalcore band founded in Springfield in 1996 celebrates 30th anniversary with hometown show. D4

Waking the Dragon

Dragon Boat Festival returns to Springfield, Page D2

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12th annual Dragon Boat Festival sets sail on Connecticut River

Waking the Dragon

Above, members of the Paradise City Dragon Boats prepare for their scrimmage on the Connecticut River. At left, Katrina Pierce of Ocean State Dragon Boat Club shows off a fitting face tattoo for the event. Below, team members walk to their boat ahead of a previous year’s Dragon Boat Festival. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTOS)

T

By Keith O’Connor

Special to The Republican

he dragon heads on the front of the boats sailing the Connecticut River during the 12th annual Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday may look a little scary, but don’t fear. The race is nothing but friendly.

But that wasn’t always the case in the early days of dragon boat races, which originated in China. Dragon boats were originally created as giant Chinese war canoes and paddlers in competing boats would hurl stones at other racers and use cane sticks or paddles to strike the other crews.

Don’t expect any of that misbehavior when 25 teams — equating SEE DRAGON, PAGE D3

The Baystate Healthy Vaxxed Dragons Team crosses the finish line ahead of the BHN Dragon Roars Team during a past year’s Dragon Boat Festival in Springfield. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO)

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026 | D3

“It’s a good physical activity, but you must work hard. It may look easy, but it’s not unless everyone is working together.”

Allison Rebello, of Chicopee, a member of the Paradise City Dragon Boat team

Clockwise from top left: Paradise City Dragon Boat team members line up to participate at the 2025 Dragon Boat Festival in Springfield; Dakota Quesada, of Farmington, Connecticut, is drummer for the USA Waste and Recycling team at a past race; and spectators watch last year’s races.

(STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO)

Dragon CONTINUES FROM PAGE D2

to about 400 individual racers — from Massachusetts and beyond head to the Connecticut River for a day of fun races between groups, companies and organizations.

Allison Rebello, of Chicopee, is one of the many “friendly” racers who will be leading Northampton’s Paradise City Dragons team.

“Dragon boating is an amazing sport. There are 22 people in the boat, and every person is important and all paddle together. So, there is a lot of camaraderie and people really support each other. It’s a good physical activity, but you must work hard. It may look easy, but it’s not unless everyone is working together,” she said.

Rebello, who has been paddling since 2015, was one of the first to join the Northampton team in 2016.

“I was a paddler for a while and loved it so much. But now I am one of the coaches and it is exciting to be in that

new role. I sit in the front of the boat where I am the drummer who keeps the beat going and yells out race commands,” she said.

The Paradise City Dragons are a team of cancer survivors.

“Half of our team are breast cancer and other cancer survivors, and I am one of them. Other members who don’t have cancer race with us race for support. It makes for a nice group, everyone supporting one another,” Rebello said.

The sport of dragon boat racing — dating back more than 2,000 years, with roots in an ancient folk ritual involving contending villagers — has been associated with breast cancer survivors since the mid 1990s when Dr. Don McKenzie discovered the therapeutic benefits of

SEE DRAGON, PAGE D7

July 1-26 presented by ClockJack Productions

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D4 | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

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30 YEARS OF METAL

Shadows Fall celebrates 30th anniversary with hometown concert in Springfield

A

By Ashley Potter

apotter@repub.com

metalcore band is gearing up to play the city where it was founded 30 years ago.

Brian Fair of the band Shadows Fall performs. The metalcore band founded in Springfield is returning to the city for a 30th anniversary concert at MGM Springfield. (ACHIM RASCHKA PHOTO)

Shadows Fall, formed by guitarists Jonathan Donais and Matt Bachand in Springfield in 1996, will bring their melodic brand of metal to the Aria Ballroom at MGM Springfield on July 18. Showtime is 7 p.m.

The concert falls on the anniversary of Springfield’s official Shadows Fall Day, as decreed by Mayor Domenic Sarno last July, when the band opened for Lamb of God. “Coming from the late ’90s metal and hardcore scene in Massachusetts, to survive for 30 years, to be able to come back and play a hometown

show is pretty much about as cool as it gets,” Brian Fair, the band’s frontman, told The Republican.

Shadows Fall was founded at a time that metal was considered underground music — making a career out of it was practically unheard of, Fair said, especially coming out of Springfield.

“We just decided we didn’t care,” Fair said. “We were going to live out of the band and eat off the dollar menu and somehow find a way to make it happen.”

That drive paid off. Over the band’s 30-year career, Shadows Fall has released

seven studio albums, three compilation albums, and two DVDs. The band received two Grammy Award nominations for Best Metal Performance — first in 2006 for “What Drives the Weak” and later, in 2008, for “Redemption.”

“We always wrote music that we wanted to hear, we never chased any trends,” Fair said of the band’s success. “If anything, at the time when we started playing, metal with guitar solos and a mix of screaming and singing was not the cool thing to be doing.”

Fair added that some of

SEE METAL, PAGE D12

“At the time when we started, playing metal with guitar solos and a mix of screaming and singing was not the cool thing to be doing.”

Brian Fair, of the Springfield band Shadows Fall

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Wendell to play host to banjo residency this month

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ANJOS ARE WIDELY thought of as classic old-timey instruments, dating back to the 17th century.

But an artist residency in Wendell this month might give people some new insights into the instrument.

Michael Nix will bring his New Classic Banjo Project to the Wendell Meetinghouse as part of the 2026 Performer Series Residencies, a grant-funded project to build connections and to introduce a wide community to the Wendell Meetinghouse performance space.

The New Classic Banjo Project series will include activities from July 21-26, including a concert of composed banjo works, a PowerPoint lecture demonstration on the design and commission of Nix’s seven-string Banjar, a discussion with Friends of the Meetinghouse member Court Dorcey on how to commission a musical instrument, composition or song, and a workshop for banjo players on integrating New Classic Banjo techniques in their own playing.

For more information on the series, visit the Wendell Meetinghouse website.

Nix answered a few questions about the residency in a recent interview with The Republican.

Q. What is the New

Classic Banjo Project?

A.

The New Classic Banjo Project was instituted to develop and record a modern classical banjo repertoire,

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026 | D5

NIGHTCLUBS & OUTINGS THURSDAY

Restaurant & Pub: Brothers By Law. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield

Northampton Brewery: Bands on Brewster: King Radio, Simple Wyckoff Country Club: Dear Friend & More. 11 Brewster Court, Ella. Heritage Greens, 233 Northampton Easthampton Road, Holyoke Theodores’: Other Brother Darryl. 201 Worthington St., SATURDAY Springfield

Michael Nix will bring his New Classic Banjo Project to the Wendell Meetinghouse as part of a residency program this month. (KIM NICHOLIAS PHOTO)

to include five-, six-, seven-string and other hybrid banjos.

The elements of the NCBP are: My design of a modern classical seven string banjo to play modern newly composed and arranged concert music. I have commissioned two seven-string banjos over the course of this project, the first arriving in 2003 and the second in 2023 after twenty years of playing and research.

My own compositions for the seven-string banjo, the traditional five-string banjo, six-string guitar-banjo or banjitar.

The NCBP exists to research early banjo players and composers in national and international archives, using old banjo music to inform new compositions.

As a banjo artist, I work in an unbroken stream of players dating back to the earliest enslaved banjo players in the greater Caribbean basin that we have evidence dating to the late 1600s.

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

Delaney House: Eric Bascom Trio. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke

White Lion Pridelands: Live music by local DJ and cold beer on tap. Tower Square Park, Downtown Springfield.

MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Claude Stewart. 1 MGM Way, Springfield

Lawn Party @ The Landing: Now That’s ‘90s. Wear your ‘90s best. The Landing at the MassMutual Center, Downtown Springfield.

FRIDAY Delaney House: Luther Johnson.

3 Country Club Road, Holyoke MGM Springfield: MGM Free Music Friday: Simply the Best. 1 MGM Way, Springfield Theodores’: King Saison. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

George Lenker LIVE WIRE

Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield West Springfield’s Irish House

Theodores’: Chris Fitz. 201 Worthington St., Springfield Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Kilashandra. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield Wyckoff Country Club: Blue Devil Blues. Heritage Greens, 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke

SUNDAY Delaney House: Trivia with Bobby Roast Beef. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield

MAKE SUMMER BREAK AT THE BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME!

Q.

Why would the average banjo player be interested in this workshop?

A.

Learning new techniques and styles will inform one’s musicianship and playing style. It may give the musician new ideas for an improvised solo, an arrangement, new song, or instrumental composition. As a

SEE LIVE WIRE, PAGE D12

CALL 1-877-HOOPLA OR VISIT HOOPHALL.COM/PLAN-YOUR-EXPERIENCE

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D6 | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

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Above and at right are scenes from previous Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival in Northampton.

This year’s festival will be held at Look Park on Saturday.

Welcome to Glasgow

H

By Keith O’Connor

Special to The Republican

ow strong are you?

That is a question you can answer by testing your might before leaving this weekend’s 31st annual Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival.

The only festival of its kind in Massachusetts and the second largest in New England, the popular event at Northampton’s Look Park offers an immersive journey into Celtic culture through world-class music, athletic feats and authentic traditions beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Many Highland festivals and athletic games are now featuring a test of strength at Stonelifting Try-It Stations for guests to give it their “best try.”

“I first saw this being done at the No Fame Games in Milford, and I knew immediately that we had to bring it to Northampton,” said Peter Langmore, festival chairman.

Located in the festival’s

clan area, the Stonelifting Try-It Station feature a ladder of ascending stones of increasing weight that are lifted over a horizontal bar onto a platform below.

“Anyone from a child to an elder can step up to our stonelifting station and receive one-on-one guidance through the steps of proper lifting for those who want to challenge themselves,” said Joshua Mackintosh, founder of No Fame Games, based out of Milford.

“These heavy lifting stones from Scotland are called Clach Cuid Fir, which in Gaelic means ‘manhood stones.’

They were traditionally used as tests of strength for a male going into manhood and

SEE GLASGOW, PAGE D11

Celebrate Scottish culture, food, games at Look Park on Saturday

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SPRINGFIELD

Unity House Players stage ‘Robot Nature’

Above, Unity House Players rehearse for "Robot Nature." At right is one of the playwrights and Monson native Ian C. Weber.

U

(PHOTOS COURTESY UNITY HOUSE PLAYERS)

nity House Players is staging a new original musical comedy, “Robot Nature,” co-created by Tammy Mader and Western Massachusetts native Ian C. Weber.

In this East Coast premiere production, top scientists unveil the robots they've built to solve world peace in the pursuit of honest scientific research. However, one robot goes rogue as the show explores themes about science, social justice, work-life balance, and ethics, through a hilarious script and high-energy musical numbers.

Weber was raised in Monson before moving to Chicago in 2017, where he has since been working professionally as a performer, composer, and sound designer. He partnered with his former professor, Tammy Mader, director of the Musical Theatre Dance program at Roosevelt University, to create “Robot Nature.”

“We started writing the piece in 2021, predating the current AI boom, which necessitated some rewrites.

The future always catches up to you,” Weber said in a statement. “So, this time we invented some fictional

terms while keeping the actual scientific method intact.”

This musical comedy is also accompanied by an original score.

“I'd call it a fusion of jazz, rock and electronic dance music” Weber said. “It involves some pretty cool technology in order to be played live,” which will be done by a band of four local professional musicians.

Performances will be held Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. from July 18 to July 26. There are special preview performances open to the public on Thursday, July 16, and Friday, July 17, at 7 p.m. that will include a talk-back session between the creative team and the audience. “The ultimate goal for this show,” Weber added,“is to be licensed to theater companies across the country.”

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door or online at uuspringfield.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026 | D7

Dragon CONTINUES FROM PAGE D3

paddle sports for women who have had breast cancer surgery.

According to the International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission, there are currently over 260 BCP teams across the world, representing 33 countries.

Admission is free for spectators to watch the races at North Riverfront Park in Springfield.

It all begins at 8:30 a.m. with opening ceremonies followed at 8:45 a.m. by the ancient Waking the Dragon ritual, when the eyes on the dragon head are dotted

Dancers from Asian Performing Arts put on a show during a past year’s Springfield Dragon Boat Festival. As is tradition every year, live entertainment will highlight Asian culture at North Riverfront Park in Springfield. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO)

Admission is free for spectators to watch the races at North Riverfront Park in Springfield. with white paint to wake the dragon from slumber in order to race.

The first race begins at 9 a.m. and the last launches at 3 p.m. Races are short, only about a minute, and each team races at least three times. Medals are awarded at the end of the race.

While the races are quick, there are a number of factors affecting the outcomes.

“A lot has to do with the conditions on the river and the water. Wind and current all play a role and you have to consider that the racers are paddling upstream,” said Ben Quick, executive director of the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club, which organizes the event in collaboration with the Chinese Association of Western Massachusetts.

Hungry spectators and racers can grab a bite to eat at the PVRC Grille and Thai Chili food truck beginning at 11 a.m. Then, at noon, during a break from all the action, there will be Asian-inspired entertainment featuring the Mountain River Taiko Drummers, Chinese Kungfu Academy, and the Hong Tinh Duong Lion Dance Team. A drummers parade will follow at 1 p.m.

The day comes to an end at 3 p.m. with a Cancer Survivor Flower Ceremony

on the river, followed at 3:30 p.m. with a medal and award ceremony.

According to the United States Dragon Boat Federation, the Flower Ceremony has become a “heartwarming tradition of dragon boat festivals where paddlers out on the water throw flowers into the water to embrace their sisterhood and to honor those who have died from breast cancer.”

Parking is limited and

officials are asking spectators to consider alternate transportation to the event by carpooling or biking.

Festival proceeds benefit the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club to continue their efforts in connecting people with healthy activity on the Connecticut River.

There will be a 50/50 raffle to raise additional funds for the club. Drawing is at 2 p.m. and tickets are 1 for $5 and 3 for $10.

For more information, visit pvriverfront.org or call 413736-1322.

NOW ON VIEW

Explore the bold inventions, groundbreaking ideas, and creative thinkers that shaped the City of Firsts— from the American Revolution to the industrial age and beyond.

SpringfieldMuseums.org •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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NOW STARRING: THE FAB FAUX Beatles tribute band bringing ‘mixed’ show to Academy of Music

‘T

By Keith O’Connor

Special to The Republican

he Beatles are coming! The Beatles are coming!”

That was the message heard around the country as Capitol Records prepared to release the group’s first album in advance of their arrival in America to perform on “The Ed Sulivan Show.”

Now, 62 years later, that chant has changed to “The Fab Faux are coming! The Fab Faux are coming!”

The Beatles tribute band will play the Academy of Music in Northampton on Saturday.

Having performed to soldout audiences at New York’s Beacon Theatre and Radio City Music Hall, as well as around the country, the Fab Faux are no strangers to Western Massachusetts and performed at the Calvin Theatre in 2013 and the Academy of Music in 2019.

Set for 8 p.m., the group of professional musicians — known for their accurate reproduction of The Beatles’ extensive music catalog — will perform what is billed as “The Incredible Mixed Rock and Roll Show.” While at the Calvin Theatre they played “A Hard Day’s Night” in its entirely, along with a set of the Fab Four’s classics. Six years later, at the Academy of Music, they performed “Meet the Beatles” and other early-career tracks.

The Fab Faux was born in

1998 when Will Lee, who has played with all four Beatles, was bassist at the time for Paul Shaffer’s CBS Orchestra on the “Late Show with David Letterman.” He decided to organize his labor of love to The Beatles’ music without parading around in period wardrobe, fake accents and wigs, and focus instead on the intricacies and soul of the music.

While Lee has since departed the group and has been replaced by Jim Baggio, the line-up continues to be Jimmy Vivino, music director/guitarist for “Conan” and long-time music partner of Levon Helm, John Sebastian, and Laura Nyro; lead-singing drummer/ producer Rich Pagano who has worked with Rosanne Cash, Roger Waters and many others; guitarist Frank Agnello who has played with Marshall Crenshaw, Phoebe Snow and more, and multi-in-

strumentalist Jack Petruzzelli who has worked with Rufus Wainwright, Patti Smith and other artists. Guitarist Boggia has recorded three albums and has worked with Joan Osborne, David Byrne, Aimee Mann, Bernadette Peters and others, and has written with famed Beach Boys lyricist Tony Asher.

Tickets range in price from $59.24 to $115 with fees and are available online at aomtheatre.com or by calling 413-584-9032, ext. 105. Box Office hours are 3-6 p.m. at 274 Main St. Pagano took time out to answer the following questions about his time with The Fab Faux, Saturday’s show, and more, including an incredibly personal memory of his late son.

The following interview has been condensed for length and clarity.

more progressive with Jim and are now playing some of the band last year after 27 The Beatles deeper cuts, like a years. That is three times jamming play on “Things We as long as The Beatles Said Today.” played together. I image his Will didn’t want to venture departure would be somemuch away from The Beatles. thing like one of The Beatles But Jim really loves the solo leaving their band. Tell me years, so now you are hearing about that and how you are us do things like “It Don’t moving on with Jim Boggia? Come Easy,” “Jet” and “I’m Losing You.” Our audiences are key and it’s gratifying I am so grateful for Will. to see them rocking in their He was the spark for The Fab Faux. It was his idea and he set chairs when we go into the solo years. the parameters for how deep we were going to get into the Your age left you out of music of The Beatles and the experiencing the early days level of replication unlike any tribute band had attempted. of Beatlemania. What was your first introduction to He is the greatest and I am so The Beatles? fortunate to have performed with him for over 20 years.

Will decided to live most of My earliest memory was the year in the south of France sitting in a doctor’s office when I was about 6 years old and and the expense of traveling back and forth for gigs with us seeing a picture of The Beatles on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” wasn’t feasible. We thought It was years after, but somethe only person who could be how the article had that early part of the new lineup would be Jim Boggia, who we already photograph, and I just loved considered the ‘sixth member looking at their suits and hair.

My mother always had the raof the band’ who would play with us when we took on larger dio on in the kitchen, WABC shows like “The White Album” in New York City, as we were and “Solo Years” themes and getting ready for school. And I remember hearing The Will gave us his blessing. Jim brings a different energy to Beatles and asking her, ‘Who the group. He’s a bit more rock is this group?’

SEE FAB, PAGE D10 and roll. We’ve become a little

Q. Founder Will Lee left

A.

Q. A.

“I had never heard sonics like that before. I remember turning to my younger brother, who was 3, and saying, ‘Here, you can have my Walt Disney records. I’m moving on.’”

RICH PAGANO, ON DISCOVERING THE BEATLES FOR THE FIRST TIME

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026 | D9

CALENDAR

Can You HEar it?

VOTE BEST RECORD SHOP.

AT THE PILLOW

‘Steppin’ with “The Kid”’ Tap dancer and choreographer Michela Marino Lerman will present her show, “Steppin’ with ‘The Kid’: A Celebration of Betty Carter,” on the Henry J. Leir Stage at Jacob’s Pillow on Thursday and Friday. In addition to Lerman, the show will feature an ensemble of tap dancers and musicians, including acclaimed singer Charenee Wade. Tickets can be purchased online at jacobspillow.org. (LUIS GUILLÉN PHOTO)

THURSDAY AQHA Region Six Super 6 Horse Show: Thu.-Sun., 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Eastern States Exposition, C Barn, Coliseum, E Barn, F Barn, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield.

413-737-2443 or www.thebige. com.

Jacob’s Pillow presents Michela Marino Lerman: Thu.-Fri, 5:30 p.m. Michela Marino Lerman: Steppin’ with “The Kid” on the Henry J. Leir Stage. Choose what you pay; rain-or-shine tickets start at $48.50. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413-243-0745 or www. jacobspillow.org.

Jacob’s Pillow presents A.I.M.

by Kyle Abraham: Thu, 7:30 p.m.; Fri. and Sun, 2 p.m.; Sat, 2 and 7:30 p.m. A.I.M by Kyle Abraham: White Space in the Ted Shawn Theatre. Tickets, starting at $71.50, are available online at jacobspillow.org. 358 George Carter Road, Becket, 413-2430745.

Young Singers in Harmony — A Summer Vocal Music Exploration Program: Thu, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Fri, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity, Heart of the Valley Chorus invites youth entering grades 4–9 of all genders to a high-energy, half-day summer program where singers explore the science of sound through hands-on projects, musical games, and a cappella singing. Designed for all ability levels, the program offers a supportive, low-pressure environment and concludes with a showcase for friends and family.

Singers entering grade 10 and up may apply to attend as unpaid interns and participate in the program free of charge while earning volunteer service letters, $150$250. 130 Pine St., Florence.

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE D10

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Jacob’s Pillow presents Faye Driscoll: Thu. and Sat., 8 p.m.; Fri.

and Sun., 2:30 p.m. Faye Driscoll: “Weathering” in the Doris Duke Theatre. Tickets, starting at $81.50, are available online at jacobspillow.org. 358 George Carter Road, Becket, or 413-2430745.

SCAN TO VOTE

WEEKEND

D10 | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

Calendar CONTINUES FROM PAGE D9

FRIDAY Amherst Business Improvement District Summer Concert Series: Fri, 5-8 p.m. Amherst Town Common, The Berkshires & Muswell Hillbillies, Free.

Main Street, Amherst.

AQHA Region Six Super 6 Horse Show: See Thursday listing

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This breakfast is free and open to all veterans, spouses, caregivers, and community members. 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst. 413-259-3065 or www. amherstma.gov.

Wendell Meetinghouse July Spirit Circle: Fri., 7 p.m. The Wendell Meetinghouse. Shay and Charles Cooper will provide an overview of the Baha’i faith and its view of the times we live in. For information on the Wendell Meetinghouse and its programming, contact Court Dorsey at courtcdorsey@gmail.com or visit wendellmeetinghouse.org. Free, donations greatly appreciated. 1 Morse Village Road (on the Common), Wendell.

CitySpace presents Lomelda, with Plume Girl and Home Baker: Fri, 7:30 p.m. Blue Room at CitySpace, Tickets are available at CitySpaceEasthamp ton.org, $20-$30 sliding scale. 43 Main Young Singers in Harmony — A St., Easthampton.

Summer Vocal Music Exploration Jacob’s Pillow presents Michela Mari- Program: See Thursday listing no Lerman: See Thursday listing Jacob’s Pillow presents A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham: See Thursday listing

AT THE PILLOW

‘White Space’

Jacob’s Pillow presents Faye Driscoll: See Thursday listing

A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham returns to Jacob's Pillow this weekend to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a brand new show, "White Space." The show, which was developed at the Pillow Lab in December 2025, features work performed by 12 dancers within an all-white environment, set to live music by renowned composers Jason Moran and Nico Muhly. The U.S. premiere of "White Space" will be staged in the Ted Shawn Theatre various times through Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online at jacobspillow.org. (CARRIE SCHNEIDER PHOTO)

Fab

Mt. Holyoke College Summer Theatre presents “The 39 Steps”: Fri.-Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Kendall Sports and Dance Complex. For tickets, visit mhcsummertheatre.ludus. com or email MHCSummerTheatre@ MtHolyoke.edu, $15 general admission.

50 College St., South Hadley, www. mtholyoke.edu.

Veterans Breakfast for All: Fri, 8-9 a.m. Bangs Community Center.

did in his early solo career? Does The Fab Faux do “Now and Then” and what do you think of AI in its use to clean up “Free As A Bird” and “Real Love” as well as its use in “Now and Then”? And are you afraid AI might be used to tinker with their original recordings?

SATURDAY AQHA Region Six Super 6 Horse Show: See Thursday listing Jacob’s Pillow presents A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham: See Thursday listing Jacob’s Pillow presents Faye Driscoll: See Thursday listing Mt. Holyoke College Summer Theatre presents “The 39 Steps”: See Friday listing Shadows Fall: Sat., 7 p.m. MGM Springfield, in the Aria Ballroom.

Tickets start at $65.24. 1 MGM Way, Springfield.

ac like you, you have the bootlegs of those three songs, they’ve been around for years.

CONTINUES FROM PAGE D8 I love the new mix of “Free As A Bird” and thanks to AI But it wasn’t until “Abbey John’s voice sounds more Road” in 1969 when I saw an advertisement for the album, natural. As for “Real Love,“ I and I remember going to my prefer the demo, but I do like father and saying, “I love the the finished product for ”Now look of this cover, and I think and Then.“ I’m not a big fan of I know who this band is. Can most of the remixes that have been released. I do think ”Let you buy me this record?” And that was life changing. My It Be” came out great as did I’ve listened to bits and father had this giant Lafayette pieces of Paul’s new record, parts of the “White Album,” stereo that we couldn’t touch, and I like what I’m hearing. and “Abbey Road” is just terand so he dropped the needle It has some of his best lyrics rible. Looking ahead with AI, on the record and when ever. He’s letting us in, which I feel it is a great tool for sonic “Come Together” played, I he has done on some past surgery and used as a color had never heard sonics like records, but with this one I in a musical palette, yet as it that before. I remember turn- really feel him saying, “I’m an begins to create full songs, I old man and I’m going to look struggle with it on that level. ing to my younger brother, who was 3, and saying, “Here, back on my life.” As for Ringo, Explain what a you can have my Walt Disney I think it’s great that he is still records. I’m moving on.” so vital, and touring, and we “MIXED” concert is all all know his love for country about?

Let’s catch up to the music and bringing back that genre in his style. He’s such an current Beatles world.

I used to prefer performWhat do you think of Paul’s inspiration on so many levels ing full albums as part of our concerts. Now I love playing besides his drumming, just new album, “The Boys of Dungeon Lane” and Ringo the way he conducts his life, a mixed set because we can his spirituality. going country again with cover every era, and especialI’m sure with a Beatlemani- ly now that we’re doing the “Long Long Road” like he

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Springfield College Police Car Show: Sat, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Springfield College.

Show will feature classic cars, custom builds, restored vehicles, police cruisers, motorcycles and other unique automotives. Vehicle registration is $20, with all proceeds benefiting the Springfield College Police Department Comfort Dog Program. Rain date is July 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free to spectators. 263 Alden St., Springfield; www.springfieldcollege.edu.

SUNDAY AQHA Region Six Super 6 Horse Show: See Thursday listing Do It Now — Poetry, Political Commentary and Musical Improvisation: Sun, 1 p.m. Peskeomskut Park, 1 p.m.: Book Fair with local authors and publishers; 2 p.m.

Performance of “Do It Now” featuring Paul Richmond, Tony Vacca and John Sheldon, Free, donations accepted. Avenue A and 7th Street, Turners Falls.

Jacob’s Pillow presents A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham: See Thursday listing Jacob’s Pillow presents Faye Driscoll: See Thursday listing Summer Theatre Presents: “The 39 Steps”: See Friday listing Sevenars presents the Mada & Hugh Piano Duo: Sun, 4 p.m. Sevenars Academy, $20 suggested donation at the door. Ireland Street at Route 112, Worthington. 413-238-5854 or www. sevenars.org.

ters for kids like him, who were worried they would be ostracized once they set foot into a treatment facility.

Not long after his death, Caron Treatment Center and Release Recovery, who recognized Nic’s efforts on behalf of his community, came to us wanting to start the Nic Pagano LGBTQIA+ FoundaThis July marked the tion to provide scholarships for recovery. It touched us five-year anniversary of significantly and today some your son Nic’s accidental 30 brave souls have benedeath due to fentanyl poifited from the scholarship. I soning after having been sober for six months. How now do a concert every year have your lives changed as in New York City to raise grieving parents dealing money for the Foundation.

Also, I went back to school with such a tragedy? and became a certified Sober Two weeks before his Coach to help other parents death, Nic told us he wanted dealing with a child with a to go back to school to get his substance use disorder. That social worker’s license and is a big component in my specialize in intake for people life today, helping the sober in his community. He was gay community. And my wife, Karen, dedicates part of her and out. We could not have been prouder because when week volunteering at a New he was sober, Nic was a York City soup kitchen in an welcoming presence at sober effort to preserve the lives of others. houses and treatment cenearly ’70s solo stuff. I don’t like to give away our setlist, but I can say that you’ve never heard The Fab Faux go from “Tomorrow Never Knows” to “Instant Karma.” We’re going to try to do everything that we can, songs that work on Saturday, from “I Wanna Be Your Man” to “Oh! Darling.”

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were also used for job interviews, often for someone who wanted to become a stone mason. It’s a social status practice that has carried on for thousands of years,” he added.

The testing stones at the Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival range in weight from 15 pounds to a 267 pound direct from Scotland.

“The historic Clach Fear Alba stone came to us from Martin ‘The Stone Man’ Jancsics, who used it while training to lift the very famous Iver Stone. It was a gift from Jancsics meant as a bridge of strength connecting across oceans for the Scottish diaspora in the United States. Many stones like this are a timeless piece of history dating back thousands of years. Simply by touching these time-traveling stones, you are holding hands with others who tested themselves on their own journey of strength,” Mackintosh said.

In addition to the new Stonelifting Try-It Station, the lush Look Park grounds will come alive with Celtic dancers, Highland pipers and drummers, sheep herding, Scottish dogs and other animals, wool spinners and weavers, an encampment by reenactors from the Historic Highlanders, all kinds of competitions from drum majors to pipe bands and more, and lively Celtic music. Festivalgoers can also celebrate their Scottish heritage — real or coveted — with kilt-wearing, tree-tossing Scotsmen at the Highland Athletic Games.

Although the Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival is in full swing by 11:30 a.m., it is not until then when the dramatic opening ceremonies take place with 27 massed bands — some 700 pipers piping and drummers drumming — marching onto the field in a display of military pageantry accompanied by tons of clan members in traditional dress, yelling their clan’s war call.

“It is really quite a spectacle to behold with all the colors and sounds of the massed

bands. Nowhere else will you see something quite like this and festivalgoers are usually amazed at how big a procession it really is,” Langmore said.

Always a crowd pleaser, the Highland Athletic Games — usually beginning around 9 a.m. with the first event, the Braemer Stone — date back some 900 years to Scottish King Malcom Canmore, who devised the first Scottish Games. The games usually attract crowds of 300 people or more, including both men and women, and require a combination of strength and athleticism to participate in stone throwing, weight tossing, hammer throwing, and caber toss.

Scotland is highly regarded the world over for its live-

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long as you are 21 and older, the Celtic Pub will be offering pours of their ever-popular 80 Shilling Scottish Ale alongside New City Mule, Original Ginger Beer, New City Lite, Signature IPA, and Dauntless Dry Stout, while Look Park will be serving up mead and wine. There will also be a Whisky Tasting curated by The Whisky Pirate requiring an additional special whisky ticket, available online at glasgowlands.org for $32.07.

Young Scots can get their party on in the Wee Folk Pavilion, where there will be crafts, games, face painting and storytelling. Athletic or not, kids can participate in the Children’s Highland Games from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The event is next to the Water Spray Park, which also will be At top, a gentleman carries a open for splashing around. traditional Scottish Tartan, a Guests of all ages can weave piece of woven cloth desigalongside members of the nating distinctive Scottish Spinners and Weaver’s Guild clans, into the grounds of of Springfield in the Mini the Glasgow Lands Scottish Shelter.

Festival. At left, festivalgoers For a taste of Scotland, enjoy a whiskey tasting. (SOPHIE vendors will serve meat MARKHAM; STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTOS) pies, bridies, sausage rolls, homemade Scottish shortbread, haggis and Scottish “Nowhere else will Nachos alongside hamburgers, hot dogs, fish and chips, you see something soft serve, Filipino street quite like this and food, thirst-quenching fruit festivalgoers are slushies, lemonade and other treats. usually amazed Other vendors will be at how big a selling reminders of Scotland to add to your collection inly music based in the folk procession it really cluding tartan items, antique tradition. Festival organizers is.” boast filling their Ceilidh Scottish jewelry, hand sewn Peter Langmore, festival Tent with “high-energy Celtkilts, bagpipes, handmade chairman, Glasgow Lands leather goods and pottery, ic music” from 9:45 a.m. to Scottish Festival and other authentic Scottish 8:30 p.m. The main stage will come alive with Albannach, and Irish products. returning to the festival with Held rain or shine, Glasgow its signature tribal rhythms Additional musical treats Lands Scottish Festival opens during two sets at 1:30 and include pop-up music from its gates at 9 a.m., with most 3:45 p.m. Not your father’s Young Folk, a Celtic fovendors leaving the event around 5 p.m. However, the Celtic band Seven Nations cused acoustic duo made festival activities continue will take the stage at 2:45 up of brothers Tom and and 4:45 p.m. The day ends Andew Fakem. Still more with closing ceremonies at with Haggis X-1 from 7 p.m. music can be heard in the 6 p.m. and entertainment in the Celtic Pub continues until to closing, whose music Pioneer Valley Harpers 8:30 p.m. creates a balance between Guild Tent featuring the innovation and tradition. soothing sounds of harp Tickets at the gate are $32 for adults and $5 for children Pipe Dream with Corey music by Rosemary Caine ages 6-12. Kids under age 6 Walden will bring their mix and Friends. Although not of bagpipes, rock anthems musical, but good for plenty are free. Advance tickets onand high energy to the stage of laughs, the Harper’s Tent line at glasgowlands.org are $31.04 for adults and $6.20 at 9:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. also is home to the Bonnie for children 6-12. Parking is before and after the opening Knees Contest. ceremonies.

For a cooling pint or two, as free on the Look Park grounds.

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THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Live Wire

reproduction of Minstrel Era gourd banjo.

The repertoire will include CONTINUES FROM PAGE D5 several of the commissioned works and compoteacher, I am always giving sitions from “Aperçu” and my students permission to think creatively and outside some pieces from the folk the established way of doing and bluegrass repertoire played on the Banjar. It’s a things right off the bat.

My take on the playing of wide range of styles from “Koromanti,” based on the music is that the average banjo player may actually be earliest transcriptions of the person to come up with Black banjo playing to Thai a new technique, sound, melodies I have arranged, reworked for Banjar, to my texture or use for the banjo.

Anyone can be an innovator poem and instrumental “Barton Cove” — my most if they soak up what has been done in the past and requested piece. use their imagination to There’s an early 20th integrate these ideas in their century novelty piece, vision for their own music. It “Ghost Dance,” by Fred might take years to develop J. Bacon that reminds me of dancing skeletons and the vision into a style, but the spark can come from creatures from the old those who give people the black-and-white cartoons opportunity to think differwe watched as children.

“Spanish Fandango” is a ently and support that way of looking at music. piece popularized by Mother Maybelle Carter and is still played by folk and banjo What will you be performers. “Overcome” playing during the conby composer Jim Dalton is a cert on July 25? modern take on “We Shall Overcome,” and is inspired I will be playing a by the inscription on Pete solo concert on three or Seeger’s banjo: This instrufour different banjos: Two seven-strings, a five-string, ment surrounds hate and causes it to surrender. a six-string, and possibly a

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, d a e h A l Cal !! k c i u Q o They G 90 William Street, Springfield • 732-5428 www.frigofoods.com 159 ShakerStreet, Rd, East Longmeadow • 525-9400• 732-5428 90 William Springfield 159 Shaker Rd, East Longmeadow • 525-9400

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the band’s biggest inspirations, like Iron Maiden and Testament, had built lifelong careers staying true to themselves, and that’s what Shadows Fall aimed to do as well.

“I think that’s a big part of why we’re still making music for sure,” Fair said.

Shadows Fall’s last studio album, “Fire from the Sky,” came out in 2012 — more than a decade ago. The band is working on a new album, which Fair said will be a “very heavy and very angry record.”

“As we get older, we start writing more aggressive music,” Fair said. “I don’t know if that’s just because of the state of the world or what it is.”

Fans can expect to hear some of their newest songs at MGM Springfield on July 18,

as well as a mix of favorites from the band’s three decades of making music.

“We haven’t played in a while and we’re really itching to play live again. We’re gonna’ come as hard as we can and really bring the fury,” Fair said, adding that the Springfield concert is the group’s only show currently booked for 2026.

Asked what the biggest difference has been in performing over the past 30 years, Fair laughed.

“We’re a lot more sore after a show than we used to be, I’ll say that,” he said. “Before, I could roll out of the bus hungover and still go crush it.

Those days are gone.”

Fair noted that the group is serious about getting into shape both physically and vocally before their live shows.

“I want to hit that stage like I did when I was 21 years old at 51,” he said.

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