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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

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

Dragon Boat Festival returns to Springfield, Page D2

12th annual Dragon Boat Festival sets sail on Connecticut River

Waking the Dragon

By Keith O’Connor

Special to The Republican

The 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

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.

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

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

July 1-26 presented by ClockJack Productions Witness the role New Englanders played in the fight for freedom.

30 YEARS OF METAL

Shadows Fall celebrates 30th anniversary with hometown concert in Springfield

By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com

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

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

“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

Wendell to play host to banjo residency this month

BANJOS 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,

NIGHT CLUBS & OUTINGS

THURSDAY

Northampton Brewery: Bands on Brewster: King Radio, Simple Friend & More. 11 Brewster Court, Northampton

Theodores’: Other Brother Darryl. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

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

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY

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

MGM Springfield: MGM Roar

Comedy Club: Claude Stewart. 1 MGM Way, Springfield

Theodores’: Chris Fitz. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield West Springfield’s Irish House

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.

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

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

Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and 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

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.

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

Welcome to Glasgow Celebrate Scottish culture, food, games at Look Park on Saturday

How 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

TUESDAY

Chicopee Elks #1849

431 Granby Road, Chicopee 413-592-1849

Bingo Tuesday

Doors Open at 4PM

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

Min. Entry Package $15 Open Seating

2 Halls for Players Handicap Restroom 1st Floor

WEDNESDAY

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

Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm

Doors Open at 4pm. Minimum Admission $50

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

2 - $500 Cover Alls

3 - $400 Special Games All

games $100 with 80

or More.

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

SPRINGFIELD

Unity House Players stage

‘Robot Nature’

Unity House Players is stag ing 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

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.

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.

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

North Riverfront Park in Springfield.

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 STARRING: THE FAB FAUX

Beatles tribute band bringing

‘mixed’

show to Academy of Music

By K eith O ’C onnor

Special to The Republican

‘TQ.

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.

Founder Will Lee left the band last year after 27 years. That is three times as long as The Beatles played together. I image his departure would be something like one of The Beatles leaving their band. Tell me about that and how you are moving on with Jim Boggia?

A. I am so grateful for Will. He was the spark for The Fab Faux. It was his idea and he set the parameters for how deep we were going to get into the music of The Beatles and the level of replication unlike any tribute band had attempted. He is the greatest and I am so fortunate to have performed with him for over 20 years. Will decided to live most of the year in the south of France and the expense of traveling back and forth for gigs with us wasn’t feasible. We thought the only person who could be part of the new lineup would be Jim Boggia, who we already considered the ‘sixth member of the band’ who would play with us when we took on larger shows like “The White Album” and “Solo Years” themes and Will gave us his blessing. Jim brings a different energy to the group. He’s a bit more rock and roll. We’ve become a little

more progressive with Jim and are now playing some of The Beatles deeper cuts, like a jamming play on “Things We Said Today.” Will didn’t want to venture much away from The Beatles. But Jim really loves the solo years, so now you are hearing us do things like “It Don’t Come Easy,” “Jet” and “I’m Losing You.” Our audiences are key and it’s gratifying to see them rocking in their chairs when we go into the solo years.

Q. Your age left you out of experiencing the early days of Beatlemania. What was your first introduction to The Beatles?

A. My earliest memory was sitting in a doctor’s office when I was about 6 years old and seeing a picture of The Beatles on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” It was years after, but somehow the article had that early photograph, and I just loved looking at their suits and hair. My mother always had the radio on in the kitchen, WABC in New York City, as we were getting ready for school. And I remember hearing The Beatles and asking her, ‘Who is this group?’

“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.’”

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.

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.

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.

‘White Space’

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)

Calendar

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

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 St., Easthampton.

Jacob’s Pillow presents Michela Marino Lerman: 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”: 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.

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.

Young Singers in Harmony — A Summer Vocal Music Exploration Program: See Thursday listing

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.

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.

But it wasn’t until “Abbey Road” in 1969 when I saw an advertisement for the album, and I remember going to my father and saying, “I love the look of this cover, and I think I know who this band is. Can you buy me this record?” And that was life changing. My father had this giant Lafayette stereo that we couldn’t touch, and so he dropped the needle on the record and when “Come Together” played, 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.”

Q. Let’s catch up to the current Beatles world. What do you think of Paul’s new album, “The Boys of Dungeon Lane” and Ringo going country again with “Long Long Road” like he

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?

A. I’ve listened to bits and pieces of Paul’s new record, and I like what I’m hearing. It has some of his best lyrics ever. He’s letting us in, which he has done on some past records, but with this one I really feel him saying, “I’m an old man and I’m going to look back on my life.” As for Ringo, I think it’s great that he is still so vital, and touring, and we all know his love for country music and bringing back that genre in his style. He’s such an inspiration on so many levels besides his drumming, just the way he conducts his life, his spirituality. I’m sure with a Beatlemani-

ac like you, you have the bootlegs of those three songs, they’ve been around for years. I love the new mix of “Free As A Bird” and thanks to AI John’s voice sounds more natural. As for “Real Love,“ I prefer the demo, but I do like the finished product for ”Now and Then.“ I’m not a big fan of most of the remixes that have been released. I do think ”Let It Be” came out great as did parts of the “White Album,” and “Abbey Road” is just terrible. Looking ahead with AI, I feel it is a great tool for sonic surgery and used as a color in a musical palette, yet as it begins to create full songs, I struggle with it on that level.

Q. Explain what a “MIXED” concert is all about?

A. I used to prefer performing full albums as part of our concerts. Now I love playing a mixed set because we can cover every era, and especially now that we’re doing the

early ’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.”

Q. This July marked the five-year anniversary of your son Nic’s accidental death due to fentanyl poisoning after having been sober for six months. How have your lives changed as grieving parents dealing with such a tragedy?

A. Two weeks before his death, Nic told us he wanted to go back to school to get his social worker’s license and specialize in intake for people in his community. He was gay and out. We could not have been prouder because when he was sober, Nic was a welcoming presence at sober houses and treatment cen-

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+ Foundation to provide scholarships for recovery. It touched us significantly and today some 30 brave souls have benefited from the scholarship. I now do a concert every year in New York City to raise money for the Foundation. Also, I went back to school and became a certified Sober Coach to help other parents dealing with a child with a substance use disorder. That is a big component in my life today, helping the sober community. And my wife, Karen, dedicates part of her week volunteering at a New York City soup kitchen in an effort to preserve the lives of others.

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-

ly music based in the folk tradition. Festival organizers boast filling their Ceilidh Tent with “high-energy Celtic music” from 9:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The main stage will come alive with Albannach, returning to the festival with its signature tribal rhythms during two sets at 1:30 and 3:45 p.m. Not your father’s Celtic band Seven Nations will take the stage at 2:45 and 4:45 p.m. The day ends with Haggis X-1 from 7 p.m. to closing, whose music creates a balance between innovation and tradition. Pipe Dream with Corey Walden will bring their mix of bagpipes, rock anthems and high energy to the stage at 9:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. before and after the opening ceremonies.

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 open for splashing around. Guests of all ages can weave alongside members of the Spinners and Weaver’s Guild of Springfield in the Mini Shelter.

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

Peter Langmore, festival chairman, Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival

Additional musical treats include pop-up music from Young Folk, a Celtic focused acoustic duo made up of brothers Tom and Andew Fakem. Still more music can be heard in the Pioneer Valley Harpers Guild Tent featuring the soothing sounds of harp music by Rosemary Caine and Friends. Although not musical, but good for plenty of laughs, the Harper’s Tent also is home to the Bonnie Knees Contest.

For a cooling pint or two, as

For a taste of Scotland, vendors will serve meat pies, bridies, sausage rolls, homemade Scottish shortbread, haggis and Scottish Nachos alongside hamburgers, hot dogs, fish and chips, soft serve, Filipino street food, thirst-quenching fruit slushies, lemonade and other treats.

Other vendors will be selling reminders of Scotland to add to your collection including tartan items, antique Scottish jewelry, hand sewn kilts, bagpipes, handmade leather goods and pottery, and other authentic Scottish and Irish products.

Held rain or shine, Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival opens its gates at 9 a.m., with most vendors leaving the event around 5 p.m. However, the festival activities continue with closing ceremonies at 6 p.m. and entertainment in the Celtic Pub continues until 8:30 p.m.

Tickets at the gate are $32 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Kids under age 6 are free. Advance tickets online at glasgowlands.org are $31.04 for adults and $6.20 for children 6-12. Parking is free on the Look Park grounds.

Live Wire

teacher, I am always giving my students permission to think creatively and outside the established way of doing things right off the bat.

My take on the playing of music is that the average banjo player may actually be the person to come up with a new technique, sound, texture or use for the banjo. Anyone can be an innovator if they soak up what has been done in the past and use their imagination to integrate these ideas in their vision for their own music. It might take years to develop the vision into a style, but the spark can come from those who give people the opportunity to think differently and support that way of looking at music.

Q. What will you be playing during the concert on July 25?

A. I will be playing a solo concert on three or four different banjos: Two seven-strings, a five-string, a six-string, and possibly a

reproduction of Minstrel Era gourd banjo.

The repertoire will include several of the commissioned works and compositions from “Aperçu” and some pieces from the folk and bluegrass repertoire played on the Banjar. It’s a wide range of styles from “Koromanti,” based on the earliest transcriptions of Black banjo playing to Thai melodies I have arranged, reworked for Banjar, to my poem and instrumental “Barton Cove” — my most requested piece.

There’s an early 20th century novelty piece, “Ghost Dance,” by Fred J. Bacon that reminds me of dancing skeletons and creatures from the old black-and-white cartoons we watched as children. “Spanish Fandango” is a piece popularized by Mother Maybelle Carter and is still played by folk and banjo performers. “Overcome” by composer Jim Dalton is a modern take on “We Shall Overcome,” and is inspired by the inscription on Pete Seeger’s banjo: This instrument surrounds hate and causes it to surrender.

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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.