Weekend
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| THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
ALL THAT JAZZ
ALSO INSIDE: 52 Sumner to stage knock’em-dead musical comedy in Springfield. Page D8
Northampton music festival puts spotlight on women, D2
D2 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
Putting the spotlight on women at this year’s
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Above, from left, Champion Fulton and the Sarah Hanahan Quartet will play the Northampton Jazz Festival, returning this weekend. Below, Grammy-nominated jazz saxophonist and composer Lakecia Benjamin will headline the festival.
NORTHAMPTON JAZZ FESTIVAL
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By Ashley Potter
apotter@repub.com
he spotlight will be on women at this weekend’s Northampton Jazz Festival, including its headliner, a Grammy-nominated musician fusing modern sounds with classic jazz. “Women are doing amazing things in jazz, and they always have been,” Ruth Griggs, president of the board of the Northampton Jazz Festival, told The Republican. The two-day jazz festival starts on Friday with the annual Jazz Strut, a free event that partners to bring live music to city restaurants and SEE JAZZ, PAGE D3
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 | D3
“We have concerts in venues that hold 80 people, and we also have concerts in venues that hold 200, 300 people. ... That’s not something that you see at many festivals.” RUTH GRIGGS, NORTHAMPTON JAZZ FESTIVAL
Visitors enjoy live music at Pulaski Park during a past year's Northampton Jazz Festival.
Jazz
(HOANG 'LEON' NGUYEN, FILE PHOTO)
ticketed event. “In January is when we realbreweries all night long. Satly start looking earnestly for urday is Jazz Fest Day, which our headliner,” Griggs said, will bring 10-plus bands and explaining that festival board singers to venues ranging members get together and from the Iron Horse Music start considering who they’ve Hall to Pulaski Park. Most of been listening to, who they’ve the weekend’s performances seen in New York City, and are free and open to the public who is up and coming in the — only the weekend headjazz world. “It’s really about liner, Lakecia Benjamin, is a going out there and hearing CONTINUES FROM PAGE D2
Grammy-nominated musician and composer, is known for her unique blend of R&B, jazz and funk. Her music has drawn praise from Rolling Stone, The New Yorker and The New York Times. She was named a 2023 Library of Congress Jazz Scholar, and, in 2024, she was named Alto Saxophonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Associ-
SEE JAZZ, PAGE D9
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musicians,” she said. Being able to have Benjamin headline the festival this year, Griggs said, is “very exciting.” “I believe that she is the future of jazz because she’s taking it out of the realm of traditional jazz standards and she’s infusing it with new music, with hip-hop and funk,” Griggs said. Benjamin, a six-time
ation. She has released six full-length albums and has collaborated with jazz and R&B greats such as Wayne Shorter, Regina Carter, Alicia Keys and Missy Elliot. Benjamin is currently touring in support of her newest album “We Dream” and, according to Griggs, will play the Hollywood Bowl the night before her show in Northampton. “She is an amazing powerhouse and her whole presentation is very modern and new and she’s not coming out with her sunglasses and her beret in that old tradition. She’s the exact opposite,” Griggs said. Benjamin will play the Academy of Music at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the show are on a sliding scale from $25.16 to $63.44. Tickets priced at $20 for students and $10 for Card to Culture members are also available, in an effort to make the show as accessible as possible. And before Benjamin takes the stage on Saturday night, Northampton will play host to a wealth of both new and accomplished jazz musicians, including legendary pianist
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D4 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
NIGHTCLUBS & OUTINGS THURSDAY The Drake: The Dead Tongues with Taylor Ashton. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst Theodores’: JT Horne. 201 Worthington St., Springfield Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
FRIDAY Delaney House: Baird Souls. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke Theodores’: Mark Nomand Band. 201 Worthington St., Springfield Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
SATURDAY Delaney House: Frank Serafino. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Show: Gareth Reynolds. 1 MGM Way, Springfield Theodores’: The Mighty Soul Drivers. 201 Worthington St., Springfield Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: The Healys. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY Delaney House: Trivia with Bobby Roast Beef. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
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Kimaya Diggs turns blues into ‘Green’
HE LEAVES ON trees will soon begin to change color, but if you are still longing for some green, Kimaya Diggs has you covered. The South Hadley native is about to release her new album, “Green,” on Oct. 2, with a record release show planned at Northampton’s Academy of Music Oct. 10. The album’s title stems from that moment each spring when the world suddenly becomes infused with verdant hues almost overnight. “It feels like a moment when anything can happen, and there’s just so much possibility, and I wanted the album to reflect that idea that you can take that moment where there’s so much to discover, and that anything is possible when you begin to engage with it,” Diggs said in a recent interview with The Republican. Embracing sudden changes is certainly not a new concept for Diggs. In 2021, she had to twist her way through several devastating shifts in fortune: the death of her mother, the unexpected death of a lifelong friend and the death of her beloved dog, Quincy. This all was after Diggs underwent surgery for a vocal cord injury in 2019 — a terrifying ordeal for a singer. While those challenges resulted in her 2023 album, “Quincy” — a record that
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Kimaya Diggs will celebrate her newest forthcoming album, “Green,” at the Academy of Music in Northampton in October. (JO CHAT CHATTMAN)
confronted loss and grief head-on — Diggs decided to dig deeper and in a different direction for her new project. For “Green,” she took circumstances that she previously saw as limitations and shifted her perspective. “I would say the biggest thing that changed in the interim between the albums was this idea that I didn’t
George Lenker LIVE WIRE
need to wait to have more resources or more skills or more abilities to make the music that I dream of making,” she said. “That there is something to be said for working within the constraints of the situation that you’re in.” So, Diggs turned to fundraising for the album, and although it amounted to a bigger budget than she had worked with before, it was still a small budget for making an entire album. “But those constraints made me feel so inspired to be creative, to come up with creative solutions, and to just really be present with and appreciate the things, the resources, and the collaborators that I already love, and to make something with those,” she said. Creative inspiration seems to be in Diggs’ blood. Her great-grandfather was a vaudeville trumpet player and her love of music — whether it’s musical theater or dancing
SEE LIVE WIRE, PAGE D12
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D6 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
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THE BIG E 2026
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Clockwise from top left are foods available at The Big E, including: Candy Bar Pizza from Top The Crust, the Spic-E Burger from The Emporium in the Better Living Center, push-up sushi pops from K’s Japanese Restaurant and the Bacon-Wrapped Dilly Dilly Dog from The Meatball Factory. (NICK O’MALLEY / MASSLIVE)
foods to eat at The Big E that sound crazy but are actually delicious
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By Nick O’Malley
nomalley@masslive.com
he 2026 Big E is in full swing and each year the fair adds more and more ridiculous options that make people look aghast when you tell them what you ate. But a select few of those fairground monstrosities are actually pretty darn good and make for great stories when you get home. Here are my 12 picks for Big E foods that sound positively bonkers, but are actually worth eating. 1) Uncrusta-Double Burger From White Hut, in the Food Court
2) Salted Butter Popcorn Ice Cream From Moolicious, on Springfield Road & East Road
Normally, I don’t endorse dipping ice cream into butter. But this time I’ll let it slide. SEE FOOD, PAGE D7
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This is the early breakout star among this year’s crazy new foods. It’s a double cheeseburger that uses a pair of deep-fried Uncrustables instead of buns.
The whole thing is super oily and heavy. But the Uncrustables do add a really enjoyable sweet-savory dynamic.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 | D7
THE BIG E 2026
Food CONTINUES FROM PAGE D6
This concoction features vanilla ice cream that’s dipped in salted butter and then rolled in popcorn dust. It’s pretty similar to a buttered popcorn jelly bean. 3) Fried Butter From Marion’s Fried Foods, on New England Avenue
Sure, this sounds crazy. But the end result is pretty clever. It’s like a dinner roll that’s filled with melted butter. Once you break it open, butter pours out and covers the whole bready affair. Make sure to use the provided cinnamon sugar.
Probably not. But for those few crazies who do, the Deep-Fried Whoopie Pie is the perfect solution.
4) Pop-up Sushi
8) Maple Bacon Corn Ribs
From K’s Japanese Restaurant, in the Food Court
From Mr. Pickle, on Springfield Road
Remember Push-Pops? Now imagine those with a roll of delicious sushi coming out. 5) The Spic-E Burger From The Emporium, in the Better Living Center
First, there was the Craz-E Burger served on a pair of glazed doughnuts. Now there’s the Spic-E Burger, a cheeseburger topped with bacon and jalapeno poppers served on doughnuts that have been rolled in Hot Cheeto dust. 6) Turducken Sandwich From New England Craft Beer Pub, on the Avenue of States
This sandwich is the ideal fusion of crazy concept and tasty execution. It starts with a patty of chicken, turkey, duck confit and sausage cornbread that gets fried up and topped with cheese and cranberry aioli. It tastes like a Thanksgiving sandwich in grilled cheese form. 7) Deep-Fried Whoopie Pie
Above, from left, Fried Whoopie Pie from Sugar Shakers and the Turducken Sandwich from the New England Craft Beer Pub. At left, BBQ Brisket Sundae from Porky's.
These aren’t actual ribs. Instead, it’s a corn cob that’s quartered and loaded up with bacon and maple syrup. 9) BBQ Brisket Sundae From Porky’s, on Commonwealth Avenue
Not an actual sundae, but a BBQ parfait loaded with all the best sides. 10) Bacon-Wrapped Dilly Dilly Dog From Giant Corn Dog Factory, on West Road
The cross-section is a little off-putting. But the flavors of the hot dog, pickle and corn dog coating create something magical.
11) Candy Bar Pizza From Top The Crust, in the Food Court
Is a giant chocolate chip cookie a pizza? It is in this case. 12) Pickle Pizza From Angela’s Pizza (And other vendors)
The Big E has a habit of inviting pickles into foods where they normally don’t From Sugar Shakers, on New England Avenue belong. But this is one of those instances where the Ever have a deep-fried Oreo and think, “Boy, I wish briny flavor works to create this was way, way bigger?” a unique bite.
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D8 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
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Theater, 52 Sumner to stage knock-’em dead musical comedy music & more at 52 Sumner
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he stage is set for a busy fall at 52 Sumner as a diverse lineup of live entertainment promises to bring everything from theater to live music Springfield. Upcoming performances include: • “Forever Plaid,” Sept. 25-27: A nostalgic musical comedy filled with tight harmonies, humor, and classic hits, “Forever Plaid” follows four talented young singers who are given one final opportunity to take the stage together. Featuring memorable music from the 1950s, the beloved production combines comedy and heart for an entertaining theatrical experience that has delighted audiences for decades. • The Weight Band, Oct. 16: Rooted in the rich musical tradition of The Band, The Weight Band brings an acclaimed catalog of Americana, roots rock, and classic American music to 52 Sumner. Featuring musicians with connections to The Band and The Levon Helm Band, the group delivers an evening of exceptional musicianship while celebrating the sound and spirit that helped shape generations of American music. • Forever Young: A Tribute to Bob Dylan, Oct. 24: The songs and storytelling of Bob Dylan take center stage with Forever Young, a tribute celebrating one of the most influential
SEE SUMNER, PAGE D9
‘Forever Plaid’
The four-person cast of the musical comedy “Forever Plaid,” being staged at 52 Sumner in Springfield this weekend. (ASHLEY POTTER / THE REPUBLICAN)
we started restaging the show, we were just falling into old habits of knowing where to catch each other when we fall and how to feed off of each other.” New to the cast is Ashley Greene, who plays Jinx. But, according to Duda, she fit right in with the group when they started rehearsing. “You could have four talented singers in this show, but if they don’t work together well, if they don’t click well, it’s not going to be a good show,” By Ashley Potter I’ve done maybe about 20 of the songs in the show. Duda said. “The songs will be apotter@repub.com shows,” Rousseau said. “Forever Plaid” has a small fine, but the comedy that’s beneath it, the emotion beneath “Forever Plaid” opens with cast of five characters, and What happens when four young singers — Sparky, four of the cast members it of people coming back from all four members of a Smudge, Jinx and Frankie — are reprising the same roles the dead, won’t be there.” that they previously played “Forever Plaid” will be 1950s boy band die in who form a harmony group staged at 52 Sumner, the enterwith the hope of making it under Rousseau’s direction a bus crash? big. On the way to their first in Somers. Ashton Greene tainment venue born out of the In the musical comedy “For- big gig, they are killed in a bus will be back as Smudge, Billy former Faith United Church in crash, but they are given the Ray Poli as Francis, and Craig the city’s Forest Park neighever Plaid,” which director opportunity to return to Earth Duda as Sparky. Gus Rousseau described as borhood. Showtimes are to perform one final show. a combination of “glorious Sept. 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. “It’s like we never left,” Duda told The Republican. “It and Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. Tickets, “It’s all songs from the harmonies and hilarious comedy,” they come back from the ’60s,” Rousseau said. “If you took us maybe all of 10 minwhich range in price from $19 dead to put on one final show. listen to old-time radio,” he utes to remember each other’s to $26, can be purchased on added, you’ll recognize a lot “I think the message really humor and mannerisms. Once Eventbrite. is that you always will have some type of opportunity,” Rousseau, director of this weekend’s production of “Forever Plaid” at 52 Sumner in Springfield, told The Republican. “You know, unfortunately for these guys, they come back after they’re dead. But how they make that opportunity work for them is really great.” This is Rousseau’s second time directing “Forever Plaid.” He previously directed the show for the Somers Village Players in Connecticut in 2024. “I was on stage a couple of times, but I didn’t really like it. I ended up directing, and
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Sumner
the Northeast’s premier Pink Floyd tribute bands, Retro Floyd recreates the sound, atCONTINUES FROM PAGE D8 mosphere, and emotion of the iconic group through a lineup artists in popular music. The performance takes audiences of talented multi-instrumenthrough Dylan’s extraordinary talists and vocalists. Audienccatalog, bringing beloved es can expect favorites from songs to life while honoring “The Dark Side of the Moon,” the songwriting, musician“Wish You Were Here,” “The ship, and cultural impact that Wall,” “Animals” and more. have made his music endure • Pink Houses: A Tribute to John Mellencamp, Nov. 21: for generations. • Retro Floyd, Nov. 14: 52 The unmistakable heartland rock of John Mellencamp Sumner turns up the volume in November when Retro comes to 52 Sumner with Pink Houses, a tribute celebrating Floyd brings the legendary music of Pink Floyd to Spring- the songs that have become field. Recognized as one of part of the soundtrack of
Jazz CONTINUES FROM PAGE D3
Johnny O’Neal, who will play two shows at Edwards Church, and pianist/vocalist Campian Fulton, who will play two shows at the Unitarian Society. According to Griggs, the intimacy of the city’s venues plays a major role in the Northampton Jazz Festival’s ongoing success. “We have concerts in venues that hold 80 people, and we also have concerts in venues that hold 200, 300 people,” she said. “A lot of them are in churches, so there’s a sense of intimacy with the musicians. That’s not something that you see at many festivals.” Those who might want to get up and dance with the music are encouraged to attend one of the shows at Pulaski Park, where Griggs said the energy is always high each year. “The park is always a fun place to be because we have not only one but two very danceable swing bands that are coming,” Griggs said. Both the Bad News Jazz and Blues Orchestra and the Hot Club of New England are scheduled to play the park, and dancing will be encouraged. “There’s going to be a lot of dancing in the park,” she said. Friday’s Jazz Strut begins with a kickoff celebration at Pulaski Park from 4 to 6 p.m., where musicians from the
Above, Johnny O’Neal will play this weekend’s Northampton Jazz Festival. At right, Samara Gaev and her daughter Mahala enjoy a past year’s Northampton Jazz Festival.
Northampton High School Jazz Band and Smith College Jazz Ensemble will perform. That will be followed by early set performers from 5:308 p.m. including the Alex Tremblay Trio at Spoleto; the Jon Fisher Trio at Northampton Brewery, and the Claire Arenius Mothership Trio at India House. As the sun goes down, late sets from 7:30-10 p.m. will include the Soulfoul Jazz Trio at GOMBO; Joe Belmont and Sean Riddle at Eastside Grill; Jalbert, Hommel, Philippone & Ball at Progression Brewing; and The Cruztet at Haze. A jam session at Toasted Owl, led by Kai Caban with special guest William Hill III,
American music. Audiences can look forward to an evening inspired by Mellencamp’s decades-long career, including fan favorites such as “Jack & Diane,” “Small Town,” “Hurts So Good,” “Pink Houses,” and more. • Creepy Christmas Carols, Nov. 27 and Nov. 28: The holiday season gets a darker twist when Creepy Christmas Carol, produced by FEVER, arrives at 52 Sumner for two performances Thanksgiving weekend. This unique seasonal experience puts a haunting spin on the traditional Christmas season, offering audiences
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 | D9
something decidedly different from the typical holiday show. The production adds an immersive and unexpected experience to 52 Sumner’s growing calendar of live entertainment. “One of our goals at 52 Sumner is to create a calendar that gives audiences a reason to come back again and again,” said executive director Angela Park in a statement. “This fall really showcases the range of experiences we want to bring to Springfield. Whether you’re looking for live theater, legendary music, a great tribute show, or something completely unexpected, there’s an
experience on the calendar for you.” Through its growing calendar of concerts, theatrical productions, festivals, educational programming, and cultural experiences, 52 Sumner and Springfield Performing Arts Ventures, Inc. remain committed to expanding access to high-quality live entertainment while creating more opportunities for people to gather and experience the arts in Springfield. Tickets, show information, and the complete event calendar are available online at 52sumner.com.
will close out the night from 10 p.m. to midnight. And that’s just day one. Jazz Fest Day will begin with an interactive “Ask Me About Jazz!” workshop led by Hartford-based pianist Mary DiPaola at the Northampton Center for the Arts at 11 a.m. The opportunity, billed as an interactive concert for young people, is open to elementary school-aged children and older, accompanied by an adult. At noon, the Expandable Brass Band will lead a parade of live music from the Northampton Center for the
Arts to Pulaski Park. Concerts will be held at various times throughout the day and include jazz pianist William Hill III at Click Workspace; the Sarah Hanahan Quartet at the Iron Horse Music Hall; Pasquale Grasso at the Parlor Room; Champian Fulton at the Unitarian Society; Johnny O’Neal Trio at Edwards Church; and the Bad News Jazz & Blues Orchestra and Hot Club of New England, both at Pulaski Park. “People enjoy walking around Northampton,” Griggs said. “The festival is a great excuse to come down to the city. It’s accessible, it’s friendly, it’s just an eclectic, creative, fun place to spend time.” Behind the successful two-day festival is a team of dedicated board members and volunteers who Griggs described as being like one “really huge band.” “It’s all about how we are going to produce this thing so that it runs smoothly and that the musicians are cared for and that everybody knows what their role is and where they need to be,” Griggs said. “We really want to make sure that we represent the festival and make the audience members feel relaxed, comfortable, and at home, as well as the musicians.” For more information about the Northampton Jazz Festival, including a list of scheduled concerts, locations and times, go online to northamptonjazzfest.org
D10 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
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CALENDAR Street, Turners Falls.
THURSDAY
Northampton Jazz Fest 2026: See Friday listing
The Big E 2026: Thu.-Sun., Eastern States Exposition. Attendees can enjoy hours of free entertainment and attractions, terrific food, plus the best that New England — and beyond — has to offer. Highlights include authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras in the Big Parade, an immersive Ireland adventure in the international Dingle Peninsula Showcase, the North American Midway, as well as countless educational opportunities from the Avenue of States to Storrowton Village Museum, Farm-A-Rama and more. Fairtime hours: Gates open 8 a.m.; The Big E Bakery, 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; buildings and Craft Common: 10 a.m.–10p.m.; Avenue of States: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Storrowton Village Museum & Shops: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; New England Center: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Midway: Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.–11 p.m., For admission information, visit www. thebige.com. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, or 413-737-2443.
Re-Art Workshops: Sat., noon-2 p.m. LAVA Center. The first of six sessions offered on alternate Saturdays encourages people of all ages and artists from novice to professional to come to play with a variety of found and reclaimed materials. An Inspiration Station will feature video clips of artists who do amazing work with reclaimed materials and of artists who demonstrate specific techniques. The full schedule of workshops is as follows: Sept. 26: Dylan Bertucco. Yarn scraps to art and jewelry. Oct. 10: Ash Goverman Plarn: turning plastic bags into baskets and more. Oct. 24: Allen Fowler. Paper, acrylic, magazines. By contrast, registering for artist-led workshops is strongly encouraged. There is no charge, though donations are always accepted and very much appreciated to help defray the programming costs. For more information, contact info@thelavacenter.org. To register for one or more artist-led workshops, go to http://bit.ly/4fEmdQa, 324 Main St., Greenfield.
FRIDAY The Big E 2026: See Thursday listing History Bites Lecture Series: Fri., 1:30 p.m. Bangs Community Center, Room 101. Fall lecture series kicks off with a lecture from Robert Comeau on the burial grounds of Amherst. This presentation will discuss the properties and history of the many burial sites used by the people of Amherst through the centuries. The four cemeteries within Amherst will be stressed but also the Catholic, Jewish, and Native Americans burial sites in nearby communities which were used by the residents of Amherst will be discussed. Free. 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, 413-259-3065 or www. amherstma.gov. Northampton Jazz Fest 2026: Fri.-Sat. The Northampton Jazz Festival will bring 80 musicians to 17 downtown venues on Friday, Sept. 25 and Saturday, Sept. 26 for its 15th annual festival. The weekend’s events begin with the Jazz Strut on Friday at 4 p.m. in Pulaski Park when two student bands will kick-off the two-day festival. Free performances will continue at seven locations on Jazz Fest Day, Saturday, Sept. 26. The headliner for this year’s festival is alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, performing at the Academy of Music on Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit northampton jazzfest.org, 240 Main St., Northampton.
SUNDAY The Big E 2026: See Thursday listing Good Neighbor Week Program: Sun., 4-6 p.m. LAVA Center, To begin to meet the need that low-income and disabled seniors have for support to stay in their homes, the Collin Knapp, of Thomaston, Connecticut, is decked out for City of Greenfield has established the Alice Cooper concert at The Big E Arena this past weeka fund that allows taxpayers to end. The Big E is in full swing, and there are still many bigvoluntarily donate an amount of name acts coming through West Springfield to play the Big E money toward an elderly and disabled taxation fund to help defray Arena. Among the acts performing this weekend at the West the real estate taxes of low-income Springfield fairgrounds are Brad Paisley and Gayle on Friday, elderly and disabled persons. Dodeadmau5 on Saturday and All Time Low on Sunday. For more information about this weekend's concerts, and to purchase tick- nations are deposited into a special account in the Town’s treasury to ets, visit thebige.com/events/entertainment/concerts. (STEVEN be disbursed to qualifying appliE. NANTON PHOTO) cants. In conjunction with Good Neighbor Week, The LAVA Center the fundamentals of using a Gel SATURDAY Pad printing. Fall classes have been is pleased to support this program scheduled through November. The by hosting the City’s Elderly and The Big E 2026: See Thursday Disabled Tax Fund Committee cost of each class is $30. You can listing benefit to raise awareness and to www. sign up for a class by visiting Agawam Community Artists and encourage donations. The program Artisans Fall Art Classes: Classes agawamarts.com, 568 College kicks off with refreshments and Highway, Southwick. are designed to welcome the betime to meet and greet neighbors, ginner artist but also challenge the Montague Community Fair: Sat., and with music provided by The more seasoned artist. They are held 2-5 p.m. Unity Park & Skatepark. Farley String Band. City Councilor Celebrate Good Neighbor Day at the Daily Grind in Southwick. Patricia Williams will share details with an afternoon of free family All classes are on Saturdays from about the program and how people activities and learn about local 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Instructors can donate if they are able. There are members of ACAA who experi- community organizations. Join is no charge at the door; the event Great Falls Discovery Center DCR enced artists and artisans are and is open to all Greenfield residents. staff at the fair to learn all about who enjoy sharing their expertise. Enjoy music and refreshments and the region’s animal neighbors. The On Sat. Sept. 26, join the artists say hello to Greenfield neighbors fair has light refreshments, music, to learn how to make gelli prints old and new. The LAVA Center is and fun activities for all ages, in with botanicals. Using acrylic located at 324 Main St. in Greencollaboration with Montague Public paint and foliage, you will create field. For more information on how Libraries. Admission is free. 56 1st beautiful designs, while learning to donate or apply for funds, visit
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Big concerts at The Big E
greenfield-ma.gov/departments/ assessor/elderly_and_disabled_ tax_relief.php.
Quadrangle Springfield Science Museum: Permanent exhibits include dinosaurs, African wildlife, interactive STEM labs, Earth’s ecosystems, and immersive planetarium shows. Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: Permanent exhibitions include American and European prints, paintings, drawings, and sculpture. Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: Permanent exhibits include vintage automobiles, Indian motorcycles, historic firearms, Hasbro GameLand, and other industrial and cultural artifacts. Current special exhibition: “Declaration of Innovation: Springfield’s Revolutionary Ideas,” extended through Oct. 25. The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibits include immersive, hands-on stations that explore the author’s whimsical characters and stories and childhood influences; and displays of his original studio, art, and family memorabilia. Visit springfieldmuseums.org for more information. Admission (includes all 5 museums) — $27.50 for adults, $18 for seniors and college students, $15 for ages 5-17, free to children under 5, museum members, and Springfield residents. On the first Wed. of every month through the end of 2026, admission is free for all visitors. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am-5 pm; Sunday, 11 am-5 pm; closed on Mondays.
Museums Amelia Park Children’s Museum: Permanent exhibits include spaceship, construction site, library, grocery store, and weekday activities. Visit ameliaparkmuseum.org for information. Hours: Tue.-Tue., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Open for groups Wed. Admission is $8 adults; $8 children (12 months and older); $4 grandparents/seniors (60+); and free members/infants. Military personnel and teachers receive a 10% discount off the price of regular admission. 29 South Broad St., Westfield or www.ameliapark museum.org. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: “Soul, Sound, And Voice: The Art of Jerry Pinkney,” through Jan. 3. “Eric Carle’s Modernist Inspirations,” through Sept.
SEE CALENDAR, PAGE D11
WEEKEND
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 | D11
CALENDAR WHAT TO STREAM
‘A Different World,’ ‘Toy Story 5’ & Kenny Chesney Associated Press
New movies to stream this week • It might be great or terrible news for parents, depending on their views about screen time, but “Toy Story 5” is finally making its way to Disney+ this week. Appropriately, the film, co-written and directed by Andrew Stanton, pits toys against tech in the battle for Bonnie’s attention. In his review for The Associated Press, film writer Jake Coyle said: “It may fall shy of the first three and probably ranks as the fifth best of these movies. But ‘Toy Story’ has
Calendar CONTINUES FROM PAGE D10 5, in the West Gallery. “Under the Cork Tree: The Story of Ferdinand,” through Nov. 8. Exhibits included with museum admisison. 125 West Bay Road, Amherst or www.carle museum.org. Mead Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: Various American and European paintings, Mexican ceramics, Tibetan scroll paintings and more. Museum hours: Tues.Thurs. and Sun. 9 a.m.-midnight; Fri. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 220 South Pleasant St., Amherst or www.amherst.edu. Norman Rockwell Museum: Online exhibit: “Imagining Freedom.” Exhibition highlights the important role of Norman Rockwell and other artists in advancing and communicating these ideals, envisioned as core human rights for all people. The fee for accessing “Imagining freedom” is $5 for the general public, available on the museum’s website at NRM.org. “Norman Rockwell’s Historic Stockbridge Studio Guided Tours,” through Nov. 8. Tour dates and times available online. Reservations required. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or www. nrm.org. Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum: Open for the 2026 season. Guided tours through Oct. 15. Tours are offered Sat., Sun. and Mon. from 1-4 p.m. 130 River Drive, Hadley or www.pphmuseum.org. Smith College Museum of Art: “Composing Color: Paintings by
a high bar and the quality and thoughtfulness that have long distinguished Pixar is very much present here in the film.” • Even if you didn’t catch “Backrooms” in theaters this summer, you probably heard something about its box-office success and the then-20-year-old YouTuber-turned-filmmaker Kane Parsons behind it. It’ll be on HBO Max starting Sept. 25. • Leo Woodall plays a piano tuner who gets caught up in the criminal underworld, using his unique ears to crack
safes in “Tuner,” a whipsmart, original thriller from Daniel Roher, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind “Navalny.”It’s now streaming on Paramount+.
Alma Thomas” from the Smithsonian American Art Museum. through Jan. 10. This landmark traveling exhibition offers an intimate view of the groundbreaking abstract painter’s most prolific period, from 1959 to 1978, and creates a rare opportunity to experience SCMA’s own painting by Thomas in dialogue with major works from the Smithsonian’s world-leading collection. Elm Street at Bedford Terrace, Northampton or www. scma.smith.edu.
gildedage.org.
The New England Visionary Artists Museum: The New England Visionary Artists Museum in Northampton has five exhibition showrooms hosting N.E. artists’ work in all media and is home to Anchor House of Artists, the region’s subsidized studio and representation support to artists living with neurodiverse conditions. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 2-6 p.m., with regular free public receptions on the second Friday of the month, from 5-8 p.m. Find them at 518 Pleasant St. There is a $10 suggested day admission asked at the door. Pleasant St., Northampton Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum: Permanent exhibit: Guided tours of the first and second floors weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Self-guided tours are on the hour with the last self-guided tour weekdays at 2 p.m. Call to reserve at 413-637-3206. Admission is $18 adults, $17 seniors (65+), $10 students with ID, $7 children 5-17, and free for children 4 and younger. 104 Walker St., Lenox or www.
New music to stream • He’s one of the most consistent giants in country music for a reason. Kenny Chesney will release his 21st studio album — you read that correctly — on Friday, titled “Silver Sands Marina.” It’s full-throated stadium country, with big hooks and bigger heart. You know, like all the great Chesney records.
Volleyball Hall of Fame: Permanent exhibit. Open Tues.-Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Mon. Last admission is 30 minutes prior to close. Admission is $8 adults; $5 seniors 65 and older; $5 students, active and retired military; and free for children 12 and under. Group rates also available online. 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or www. volleyhall.org. Windsor Historical Society: Permanent exhibit: Explore the people, places and events that have shaped Windsor for over four centuries. Hours: Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. with house tours at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. General admission to the library and historic houses is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for students and free to children under 12 and WHS members. Visitors are free to browse the museum store and exhibit galleries at no charge. “Growing Hunger Crisis Program,” Sept. 24, 6-7:30 p.m. at Windsor Historical Society, learn what you can do to help your neighbors amid the growing hunger crisis. This lively community discussion led by representatives from Windsor Food and Fuel Bank, Connecticut Foodshare, Connecticut Department of Social Services, and Faces of Homelessness, will focus on what hunger looks like in Windsor, how it affects everyday life, and what actions individuals can take. 96 Palisado Ave., Windsor or www. windsorhistoricalsociety.org.
New series to stream • Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson play exaggerated versions of themselves in “Brothers,” an eight-episode comedy from “The Office” alum Lee Eisenberg. After Harrelson’s daughter’s wedding falls apart, he moves his family to McConaughey’s Austin ranch — only for McConaughey’s mother (played by Holland Taylor) to reveal a secret suggesting the lifelong buddies might be brothers. The first two episodes are now on Apple TV. • Nearly 40 years after the original premiered, Netflix revives the beloved HBCU sitcom “A Different World” on Thursday. Maleah Joi Moon
plays Deborah Wayne, the daughter of Whitley (Jasmine Guy) and Dwayne (Kadeem Hardison), who is starting her freshman year at their alma mater, Hillman College. Guy, Hardison, Jada Pinkett Smith and other original cast members return for the first season. • In “S.W.A.T.: Exiles,”Shemar Moore returns as Sgt. Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson in a spinoff of the CBS procedural, which ended its eight-season run in 2025. Pulled from forced retirement after a mission goes wrong, Hondo takes charge of an experimental S.W.A.T. unit made up of young recruits. Starz has already renewed it for a second season. It premieres Friday, Sept. 25.
from dawn to dusk. Carriage House and Gift shop open Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For information about house tours, group tours and upcoming events visit www. wistariahurst.org. Admission: $7 Holyoke residents; $5 seniors; $5 youth (under 18); free museum members, active military and family members. 238 Cabot St., Holyoke or www.wistariahurst.org.
Montague Road, Leverett, or 413548-9070.
Yiddish Book Center: Permanent exhibit, “A Velt mit veltelekh: The Worlds of Jewish Culture.” The center is open on Thu., Fri., Sun. and Mon. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Shabbos (Saturday) and Jewish and legal holidays. Admission is $8 adults, $6 seniors, and free for members, students and children. 1021 West St., Amherst or www.yiddishbookcenter.org.
Galleries A.P.E. Gallery: “After Eden/My Berlin Wall Work” by Sandra Cavanagh & Mariana Cicerchia, through Oct. 4. Gallery hours: Wed.-Sun., noon-5 p.m. & Fri. 1-8 p.m. Closed Mon. & Tues. On Wed. & Sat., noon-5 p.m., A.P.E. will host special Masked Gallery hours. All visitors will be asked to wear masks while visiting the exhibition. KN95 masks will be available at the door, along with community care cards. Free. 126 Main St., Northampton or www.apearts.org.
Barnes Gallery of Leverett Crafts Wistariahurst Museum: Permaand Arts: Susan Valentine solo nent exhibit: Gardens and Grounds. exhibit, through Sept. 27. Gallery Gardens and Grounds open daily hours: Fri.-Sun. 1-6 p.m. Free. 13
Cooper’s Common: Agawam Community Artists & Artisans Collection of Art, through Nov. This new exhibit brings together a collection of fine art oil paintings, watercolor, acrylic, color pencil, alcohol ink and mixed media. There are 45 pieces of art on display, and all are for sale. The art is exhibited on two floors of the building across four galleries. 159 Main St., Agawam. Gallery A3 Amherst Art Alliance: “Common Thread” by Martha Braun and Matthew Simons, through Sept. 26. 28 Amity St., Amherst, 413-256-4250. Hope and Feathers Framing and Gallery: “Antiquities” by Isabel Margolin, through Sept. 29. Gallery Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 238 Bridge St., Northampton or www. hopeandfeathersframing.com. Indian Orchard Mills Dane Gallery: All new exhibits every month featuring the artists at Indian Orchard Mills. Hours: Sat. noon-4 p.m. or by appointment. 34 Front St., Indian Orchard, or 413-5433321. LAVA Center: “Christine Mirabal: Escape!” through Sept. 30. Free. 324 Main St., Greenfield Trinity United Methodist Church: “Looking Up” by eight Trinity artists, through Sept. 30. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 413-218-7391 for more information. 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield.
D12 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
WEEKEND
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
“I will say the common thread between all of my creative pursuits is that I tend to be pretty disciplined, but I’m also pretty playful as I explore new projects.” Kimaya Diggs
Live Wire CONTINUES FROM PAGE D4
South Hadley native Kimaya Diggs. (CARA TOTMAN PHOTO)
Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, Club Passim, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council in support of her work. For Diggs, all of her various creative outlets are different in her mind, but she does see a point of connection. “I will say the common thread between all of my creative pursuits is that I tend to be pretty disciplined, but I’m also pretty playful as I explore new projects,” she said. Of course, all of the above vocations leave out maybe the most playful of all her creative work: sewing. “I sew a lot of my stage outfits,” she said. “And I made a bunch of music videos for this album, and so I was able to be creative in some of those. So, I just try to be disciplined, but also playful as I approach a new project.” Kimaya Diggs will host an album release party for her forthcoming album, “Green,” on Oct. 10 at the Academy of Music in Northampton. She will be joined by special guest Alisa Amador. Tickets are available online in advance ranging from $30.83 to $41.42 (after fees) at aom theatre.com/aom_event/ kimaya-diggs-albumrelease-show/
THE ONE POUND MEATBALL IS BACK!
September through October 1st. Frigo’s mouthwatering homemade 1 pound meatball will be available at both locations.
ww.frigofoods.com 90 William Street, Springfield • 732-5428 159 Shaker Rd, East Longmeadow • 525-9400
3225521-01
or simply singing — definitely runs in her family, she said. She started out playing piano as a child, took up cello at age 12 and learned guitar in her early 20s. While piano and guitar are standard-issue instruments for singer-songwriters, cello might seem to be an odd choice, but Diggs felt a connection with the instrument. “I’ve heard people say cello is the closest instrument to a human voice, and singing is really everything to me,” she said. “So, it felt like another way to connect with singing.” Diggs has shared the stage with plenty of notables, from Mavis Staples to Emily King to Trombone Shorty, and her musical influences also run the gamut from legends such as Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and Lauryn Hill, and more, but if she’s pressed to narrow down her main influences, Diggs has two choices. “Well, I would say it would be two. I would say Corinne Bailey Rae is one of them, and India Arie is the other one,” she said. “They are both great and came into my life at such formative moments. And so much of their artistry is what I remember really aspiring to as a young musician.” Although singing and music are clearly Diggs’ main passions, she also has other artistic pursuits that she takes seriously. She holds a degree in creative writing from Swarthmore College, where she studied short fiction. She was a 2017 Callaloo Fellow in poetry, and a Pushcart nominee in both 2022 and 2025. She has also received grants from the