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One ticket. Two days of live music in Springfield. Page D2

One ticket. Two days of live music at 52

Sumner.

413SKA

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

Aaron Griffin first heard ska music when a friend who used to drive him to high school would play the music in her car.

“I thought it sounded awesome,” said Griffin, who was a member of his school’s marching band at the time.

“It was fast and energetic and included horns, and I immediately connected with that music after hearing it in the car,” Griffin added. Now, his ska band PWRUP will be performing at this weekend’s Pioneer Valley Ska Fest.

The two-day festival, which begins on Friday night, is being held for the second year at 52 Sumner in Springfield, the performing arts venue born out of the former Faith United Church.

The all-ages ska and punk festival is presented by 413ska founder Eric Coles, who produces ska/punk shows in Western Massachusetts and beyond.

reason I connect with music is that it has been inherently human. And, unlike this weekend’s festival at 52 Sumner, you are not going to find any major venues promoting the genre other than independent promoters working with independent venues,” he said.

Headliners on Friday night include Thumper, Skarmy of Darkness, Voluntary Hazing, The Agonizers, So Many Dangers, and Skaleton Crew on the Church Stage. Codename Rocky, Ghost Tones, The Skluttz, Do It With Malice, and Green Street Fiends will perform on the Gym Stage. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

our festival extra special for those who will be attending,” Coles said.

PWRUP, who call themselves “Western Mass Working Class Ska Punk & Thrash,” is a hardcore ska band.

“We’re a bunch of old friends and musicians from high school who went our separate ways to college, then ended up back in Western Massachusetts only to start PWRUP in 2018,” Griffin, who resides in Ludlow, said.

Distinguished by its lively and upbeat tempo, ska, considered Jamaica’s first indigenous urban pop style, began there during the 1950s prior to rocksteady and reggae styles. It incorporates Caribbean mento, calypso, American jazz and rhythm and blues.

Ska has transformed over the years from its early Jamaican roots to the 2 Tone ska revival in the United Kingdom, and finally, the punk-infused third wave of ska in the United States. Think of Madness, The Specials, Reel Big Fish, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Skatalites — then you have heard ska.

Both Coles and Griffin have their own views on ska music.

“Personally, ska really makes me happy. It’s upbeat, but at the same time the lyrics can deal with heavy issues today. But hearing the horns, the cheeriness of the music and its upbeat sound make the lyrics more palatable. No

one at the festival is going to have a bad time, the vibes are good,” Coles said.

“While the technical definition points to its origins as Jamaican dance music with an upbeat sound, ska has grown to take on its own modern American spin. The current scene is very political, very inclusive of all backgrounds, while revolutionary in its lyrics for most bands today. Many people try to define ska by its horns, but I feel it is more about the rhythms, the guitars, bass and drumbeats,” Griffin added.

While Coles noted there has been an uptick in the interest

in ska over the past five to six years, “it still isn’t what it once was during the ’90’s boom, but it is slowly coming back.”

He added that “ska never died” on the west coast, especially in Los Angeles, and remains very big and vibrant in Mexico, Latin America, Japan and Europe.

Griffin credits Coles with putting together ska festivals like the one coming up in the 413.

“Today it is all about online streaming and with all the AI that is happening it is incredibly important to support real humans making art. The

On Saturday, doors open at noon. The music kicks off with headliners Buck-O-Nine, Girth Control, The Phensic, Threat Level Burgundy, Joker’s Republic, Futon Lasagna, The New Limits, The Valley Moonstompers, The Going Rate, and Analog Daydream on the Church Stage. PWRUP, Sgt. Scag, Horizon Point, The Selectmen, Pink Slip, The Maka Sticks, Sabon, Jersey Calling, and Structure Sounds will perform on the Gym Stage.

“Several of these bands are coming from California and it is rare for them to perform on the East Coast, which makes

In addition to all the music, there will be two food trucks outside — one serving gourmet pizza and the other offering chicken fingers, hamburgers, French fries and more — and two bars inside serving alcoholic and nonalcoholic beers, as well as other beverages such as soda and kombucha.

Parking is free and available on the side streets surrounding 52 Sumner or directly across the street in the old Friendly’s parking lot.

General admission tickets, good for use on both days, are available through eventbrite. com or 52sumner.com, are $35. Day-of tickets at the door are $45. Kids 13 and under are admitted free.

For more information, visit 52sumner.com.

Now thru September 3

Fruit Bats to play Northampton

ERIC D. JOHNSON

has a very practical reason why he started recording his music in 1997 under the name Fruit Bats and has (mostly) kept it ever since.

“I have an extremely ordinary name, for one thing. There already was a recording artist named Eric Johnson and then I think I was too painfully modest to change my name, like David Bowie or something,” Johnson said in a recent interview with the Republican. “And then that was the era of bands like Guided by Voices, or Cat

Academy of Music on Sunday, July 26, at 8 p.m. Johnson actually discontinued using the Fruit Bats name for a brief period around 2013, a decision he now calls “a dumb move.”

“At that point, I had been doing it for 10-plus years. I kind of felt like I had new things to say. But I didn’t really realize that people wouldn’t like that I changed it,” he said. “I thought that it would be sort of a turning of the page in some ways. And it was, because there is really two eras that are me as a writer and an

“I have an extremely ordinary name, for one thing. There already was a recording artist named Eric Johnson and then I think I was too painfully modest to change my name.”

Eric

D. Johnson of Fruit Bats

Power, or Smog, where it’s like, it’s a band name, but it really is just one person. But it was essentially that I have a very boring name.”

Johnson started playing with other musicians for his first major release in 2001, but remains the only constant member of Fruit Bats both in the studio and on tour. He brings his current band to Northampton’s

album-maker. They’re both pretty different. So bringing back the name in some ways was pragmatic.”

One longtime collaborator who has produced several of his albums will be familiar to some readers: New England native Thom Monaghan. Monaghan, of course, worked with The Pernice Brothers, which

NIGHT CLUBS & OUTINGS

THURSDAY

Northampton Brewery: Bands on Brewster: Floyd Mercantile (featuring Peter Mulvey & Jenna Nichols). 11 Brewster Court, Northampton

Theodores’: Christie Huff. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

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

White Lion Pridelands: Local DJ, cold beer on tap. Tower Square Park, Downtown Springfield.

Lawn Party @ The Landing: La Era Del Mambo (Latin/Salsa/ Mambo). The Landing at the MassMutual Center, Downtown Springfield.

FRIDAY

Delaney House: New System. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke

MGM Springfield: MGM Free Music Friday: Malado. 1 MGM Way, Springfield

The Drake: West 22nd: Places to Be. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst

Theodores’: Johnny Rawls. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

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

West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Baird Souls. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield

Wyckoff Country Club: Brown

Trio. Heritage Greens, 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke.

SATURDAY

Delaney House: Peter Newland Trio. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke

MGM Springfield: MGM Roar

Comedy Club: Dr. Kojo Sarfo. 1 MGM Way, Springfield

Theodores’: Brother Sal’s Blues. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

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

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

Wyckoff Country Club: Dawn Bourbeau. 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

The Republican is not responsible for unannounced schedule changes. Listings must be received two weeks before the date of the event. Items should be mailed to: Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329, emailed to pmastriano@repub.com or submitted to www.masslive.com/myevent

July 1-26

presented by ClockJack Productions Witness the role New Englanders played in the fight for freedom.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Celebrating 4-H

Hampden County 4-H & Youth Fair returns this weekend

The 73rd Hampden County 4-H & Youth Fair returns to the Eastern States Exposition’s Mallary Complex on Saturday.

The one-day event showcases participating 4-H students’ accomplishments from the past year, ranging from animal projects to handmade crafts, gardening, photography, robotics and more. The show, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., is free and open to the public.

The Pedal Thru Youth Bike Rodeo is also back this year. The event, hosted by the nonprofit Pedal Thru Youth, teaches children the rules of the road and helps instills in them the rules of safe bicycling.

Participation in the Hampden County 4-H & Youth Fair is open to all youth ages 5 to 18 years old from Hampden County and registered 4-H members from all other counties. The purpose of the fair is to recognize youth for their achievements on projects that they have made, grown or raised. Members of the public are encouraged to attend, learn more about the program, and applaud the successes of participants.

The Hampden County 4-H & Youth program, established in 1953, is a branch of the University of Massachusetts Extension 4-H Youth Development Program.

The Hampden County 4-H & Youth program, established in 1953, is a branch of the University of Massachusetts Extension 4-H Youth Development Program.

The day’s schedule of events, subject to change, includes:

• 9 a.m.: Fun Run;

• 9:30 a.m.: Dairy, Goat and Rabbit Shows; Food Booth opens;

• 10 a.m.: Working Steer, Sheep and Dog Shows; Bottle Rocket Launch; Arts and Crafts & the Wheel of Knowledge; raffle tickets go on sale;

• 11 a.m.: Model Horse Show; Pedal Thru Youth Bike Rodeo;

• Noon: Beef Show;

• 1 p.m.: Visual, Public Speaking and Performing Arts/Talent Show presentations; Pedal Tractor Pull;

• 3 p.m.: Fashion Revue;

• 3:30 p.m.: Lead Line and Wool Competition

• 4 p.m.: Closing Events, Awards Presentation

F R I DAYS 1 1 A M TO 3 P M JUNE - AUGUST T

The Landing at MassMutual Center 1277 Main Street, Springfield

WHAT TO STREAM

Charli

xcx, ‘The

Dink,’ ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’ among week’s new offerings

The Associated Press

Charli xcx’s new album and a pickleball movie starring Jake Johnson are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also among the streaming offerings worth your time this week, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: the “Big Bang Theory” spin-off “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,” “72 Hours” and the Nintendo game “Splatoon Raiders.”

New movies to stream this week

• Pickleball is the target of the new Apple TV comedy

“The Dink,” starring Jake Johnson as a tennis pro who “almost beat Andy Roddick” and reluctantly takes up the popular sport while recovering from an injury. The movie, streaming on Friday, co-stars Ben Stiller, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris and Patton Oswalt.

• Kevin Hart goes on a bachelor party trip with some twentysomethings after being accidentally included

Pay It Forward

CitySpace welcomes 2026 program cohort

CitySpace in Easthampton has announced the artists selected for its 2026 Pay It Forward program, a residency and performance initiative that supports creative performers across Western Massachusetts with rehearsal space, stipends, professional development and opportunities to share original performances with new audiences.

The 2026 Pay It Forward awardees are:

• Sable Island Pony, music (Greenfield);

• The Maison of Saint Morta, dance, fashion and performance (Springfield);

• Devi Badea, theater (Chicopee);

• Leo Harrison, music (Easthampton);

• Scott Hsu, music

From August through February 2027, the Blue Room at Old Town Hall will host public performances by the cohort.

in the group chat in the new Netflix comedy “72 Hours,” streaming on Friday. Said twentysomethings are played by “SNL” cast members Marcello Hernández, Kam Patterson and Ben Marshall and Mason Gooding as the groom-to-be.

• “Blue Heron,” now streaming on the Criterion Channel, made The Associated Press’s list for best movies of the year so far. Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote that, “Sophy Romvari’s exquisite and soulful directorial debut

MAKE SUMMER BREAK

Bringing a ‘comic con’ experience close to home FuzionCon

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

For those who daydream of a trip to San Diego Comic Con or New York Comic Con, a new show is offering a similar opportunity much closer to home.

FuzionCon is coming to the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield on Saturday and Sunday.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The show promises to be a celebration of pop culture, comics, anime, gaming, movies, TV, cosplay, sports, collectibles and entertainment.

“We wanted to create a fun, family event for folks in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut that doesn’t just focus on one type of con and brings everything together under one roof in a place they know — the Eastern States Exposition,” said Dwayne Thomas of CDRV Events, LLC, organizers of the event. ”We have a great lineup of celebrities and special guests, and our vendor space is nearly sold out and filled with all kinds of things for collectors to purchase.”

Thomas encouraged everyone to come dressed in their best costume to participate in costume contests, which will be held both days of the convention.

A wide array of celebrity guests will represent the diversity FuzionCon is bringing to Western Massachusetts.

Fans can have their photo -

graphs taken with or get an autograph from more than 20 guests headlining the two-day show, including: Jonathan Papelbon, former professional baseball relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, who will only

ties charge you for their autograph or selfie - prices start at $40 to take a picture with your favorite at this weekend’s FuzionCon.

If you ever contemplate selling your own cherished

ambiguous, and non-partisan characters” from the Star Was universe.

Another of the show’s guests represents the town

“We wanted to create a fun, family event for folks in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut that doesn’t just focus on one type of con and brings everything together under one roof in a place they know — the Eastern States Exposition.”

Dwayne Thomas of CDRV Events, LLC, organizer of FuzionCon

be there on Saturday for three hours; Ron Rudat, former senior product designer for Hasbro, who was responsible for creating some of the most iconic characters that exist in the G.I. Joe world; Summer Glau, from “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” and “Firefly”; Omid Abtahi, from “The Boys,” “Star Wars: The Mandalorian,” and “Fear the Walking Dead”; Jay Goede, voice actor for “Pokémon: The First Movie”: wrestlers like Kelly Kelly and Spike Dudley; as well as fan favorites from Netflix’s “Love on the Spectrum” series — James B. Jones and Shelley Wolfe, who found happiness together on the show.

If you have attended other cons, then you know celebri-

signed photograph or other autographed pieces, James Spence Authentication also will be onsite to authenticate your items. They will also be accepting for purchase previously signed memorabilia brought from home.

Visitors can also interact, chat with, and take a photograph with the many unique props of the Western Massachusetts Ghostbusters.

An “Ultimate X-Men Fan Experience” will offer guests 13 life-size mutants, interactive props and interchangeable epic backdrops for photo opportunities. Also, the 501st New England Garrison will be on hand to greet Star Wars fans with their screen-accurate costumes that portray the “villainous, morally

where the convention is being held — Mandie Strange, performer and cosplay artist from West Springfield, will be on hand to take photos and chat with guests.

“I’ve been cosplaying and doing creative makeup as a professional makeup artist and cosmetologist for about

2 local pilsners hit the spot for summer

MY TWO BEST beer buddies, Michael and Michael, have joined me in celebrating what I’ve dubbed “the summer of pilsner.”

Of course, every summer could be called that in my book, but the three of us have been getting together every few weeks and sampling various takes on the style. From classics like Pilsner Urquell to new wave takes like Notch Brewing’s French Disko, it’s been a great summer so far.

This week I’m writing about two local pilsners (which I haven’t shared with my friends yet but will soon): Brick & Feather’s In an Analog World Czech-style Pilsner and Little Willow’s Park Street Pils. Let’s start with Turners Falls’ Brick & Feather offering.

The first thing I noted was that the ingredients used for this beer set it up for success. The malt is sourced from a small Czech company and the Saaz hops used are the traditional type for a true Czech pilsner. This is probably why the first sips of this brew are right in line with what you’d expect from the style.

While the beer pours slightly cloudier that traditional Czech pilsners, that is often the case with American takes on the style. It might bother some of the more old-school drinkers who like their beers to adhere to strict standards. The slight haze didn’t bother me. The flavor features some herbal notes and a slight citrus tang that adds to the refreshing quality of the beer. I highly recommend it.

Little Willow in Florence also impressed me with a tasty German-style pilsner. The brewery is usually lauded for its hazy IPAs, but this pilsner shows that the staff knows how to craft a fine lager. Again, like the Brick & Feather pilsner, Park Street Pils pours a cloudy straw color, but the initial mouthful was crisp, although a bit sweeter than traditional German pilsners.

The sweetness dries out, leaving a nice herbal and

bready taste lingering on the palate. I like it a lot, but not as mulch as brick and feather offering. Of course, I usually prefer Czech-style pilsners to German ones. But Park Street Pils is a winner and perfect for upcoming dog days of august.

Beer notes

• Northampton’s Progression Brewing Company just opened a second location last week in Avon, Connecticut. The venue will serve a dozen of Progression’s beers and continue the brewery’s tradition of hosting entertainment nights such as live music and trivia contests.

The Avon pub will also feature a full menu at its 300 Main St. location. Hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 3-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

• On a sad note, Two Weeks Notice Brewing in West Springfield closed its Bosworth Street taproom earlier this month. The brewery started in 2017 and opened the taproom in 2019. While owner Mark Avery said rising costs forced the taproom closure, Two Weeks Notice will continue to brew and distribute its beers. Avery added that the taproom

Above, Northampton’s Progression Brewing Company has opened a second location in Avon, Connecticut. At left, two summer pilsners, from left, Brick & Feather’s In an Analog World Czech-style Pilsner and Little Willow’s Park Street Pils.

(THE

The Avon pub will also feature a full menu at its 300 Main St. location. Hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 3-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

could possibly reopen somewhere down the line. Let’s hope that’s the case.

• But back to good news: Jack’s Abby in Framingham recently earned a Bronze Medal for its Modern IPA in the “Hoppy Lager” category

at the 2026 World Beer Cup. Jack’s Abby is renowned for its lagers and certainly knows how to stretch the boundaries of the style to meet the ongoing public love affair with super hoppy beers. Congratulations to them.

TUESDAY

Chicopee Elks #1849

431 Granby Road, Chicopee 413-592-1849

Bingo Tuesday

Doors Open at 4PM

2 Progressive Jackpots

6:15PM Early Bird

6:20PM Start

Min. Entry Package $15

Open Seating

2 Halls for Players Handicap Restroom 1st Floor

WEDNESDAY

Polish American Citizens Club

355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385

Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm

Doors Open at 4pm.

Minimum Admission $50

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

2 - $500 Cover Alls

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

THURSDAY

Fairview Knights of Columbus 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee (413) 532-2011

DOORS OPEN 4:30PM

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

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

Min. Entry Package $15

Summer Glau appears in a scene from 2008’s “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.” Glau will be among the special guests at this weekend’s FuzionCon in West Springfield.

Fuzion

CONTINUES FROM PAGE D7

13 years, and there’s not a lot of people in the area who do that. I usually have to travel outside of the area to participate in cons. So, to be bringing FuzionCon to West Springfield is amazing,” Strange said in an interview with The Republican.

“I’ve discovered there are a lot of people in this area that cosplay and collect comics and pop culture stuff,” she added.

While at FuzionCon, Strange will be offering photo opportunities and guests and talking to other cosplayers, as well as judging the Cosplay Contest — which will recognize those that come best-dressed as their favorite fictional characters.

“I’m going to be looking for creativity and craftsmanship, something that stands out, that’s different. That’s a big part of it. How much of the costume and cosplay did someone create themselves is another part. Also, I want to see how people are in character,” she said.

But, Strange added that most importantly, she just wants people to “enjoy themselves and have fun.”

“I encourage everyone to cosplay and enter the contest. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been doing it for years or this will be your first time. It will be a great opportunity for you to network and showcase your work,” she said.

DJ and musician OD Dabber will keep things lively

with his musical talents and knowledge of pop culture, serving as master of ceremonies both days on the show’s main stage.

“I will be hosting panel discussions and interviewing celebrities, as well as making announcements throughout each day recognizing sponsors and vendors and just letting everyone know what is going on at the time. Pop culture is my thing, and this is my first time hosting a convention like this and I’m very much looking forward to it,” he said.

Shoppers will have more than 200 tables to visit to purchase and bring home new comic books, toys, apparel, games, artwork, all kinds of figurines and Funkolicensed vinyl figures, and other unique merchandise, including many handmade items, from vendors across the region.

If you plan on staying the entire day at FuzionCon, there will be food trucks including Wild Bills Craft Beverage Co., Chocolate Moonshine Co., and New England Smokehouse Jerky, as well as several concessions located inside of the building.

One-day tickets are $25, weekend tickets are $35 and VIP weekend tickets are $80 and include early entry 30 minutes before general admission, VIP line access for celebrity signings, and a special VIP T-shirt.

For more information or to purchase tickets for FuzionCon, go online to fuzioncon. com.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4TH

THURSDAY

BHMA presents Collaborative Saxophone Concert: Thu., 6-7:30 p.m. Berkshire Hills Music Academy, Join for an evening celebrating the versatility and joyful spirit of saxophone music. No tickets or RSVPs are required to attend. There is a suggested donation at the door and free parking. 48 Woodbridge St., South Hadley.

The Comedy Project Open Mic: Thu., 6-8 p.m. LAVA Center, Hosted by Andrea CK, 324 Main St., Greenfield.

Jacob’s Pillow presents Kalindá: Thu., 5:30 p.m. Kalindá presents “Zafra: A Tribute to Afro-Puerto Rican Heritage” on the Henry J. Leir Stage. Choose what you pay; rain-or-shine tickets at $48.50. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413243-0745 or jacobspillow.org.

Jacob’s Pillow presents Circa Contemporary Circus: Thu., 7:30 p.m.; Fri. and Sun., 2 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Circa Contemporary Circus presents “Wolf” in the Ted Shawn Theatre. Tickets start at $71.50. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413-243-0745 or www. jacobspillow.org.

Mt. Holyoke College Summer Theatre presents “The 39 Steps”: Thu.-Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Kendall Sports and Dance Complex. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit mhcsum mertheatre.ludus.com or email MHCSummerTheatre@MtHolyoke.edu. Tickets are $15 general admission. 50 College St., South Hadley. www.mtholyoke.edu.

FRIDAY

”Amchitka” by Mark St. Germain: Fri.-Sun, Chester Town Hall, For times and tickets, visit www. chestertheatre.org. Single tickets are $58; Special Event tickets are $30; Chester and Middlefield resident tickets are $10 (with proof of residency). 15 Middlefield Road #16, Chester.

Amherst Business Improvement District 2026 Summer Concert Series: Fri., 5-8 p.m. Amherst Town Common, “UMass Jazz in July Program: All Stars Concert.” Free and open to all. Main Street, Amherst.

Jacob’s Pillow presents Circa Contemporary Circus: See Thursday listing

Jacob’s Pillow presents Ogemi Ude: Fri., 5:30 p.m. Ogemdi Ude presents “MAJOR” on the Henry J. Leir Stage. Choose what you pay; rain-or-shine tickets at $48.50. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413-243-0745 or www.jacobspillow.org.

CALENDAR

AT THE PILLOW Circa Contemporary Circus

Circa Contemporary Circus returns to the Jacob’s Pillow stage after six years away with the thrilling, acrobatic performanc “Wolf.” Director Yaron Lifschitz created “Wolf” with the thought that “the wolf is a symbol of our untamable selves: liberating, anarchic, and savage,” according to the Pillow’s website. In two contrasting acts, the “wolves” — 10 performers clad in form-hugging costumes — mix intense choreography, primal rhythms and raw energy. “Wolf” will be staged in the Ted Shawn Theatre this weekend. Tickets, starting at $65 plus fees, are available online at jacobspillow.org. (ANDY PHILLIPSON PHOTO)

Mt. Holyoke College Summer Theatre presents “The 39 Steps”: See Thursday listing

SATURDAY

African Drumming Workshop: Sat., 3 p.m. Munson Memorial Library. Jafar Manselle and the Wendell Warriors will begin the session by playing a short set of West African rhythms and discuss the origins and meanings of the songs. Participants will then be shown basic hand placements to create the drum sounds and given drums to practice the basic sounds. The group will then explore a couple of songs together, playing main rhythms and supporting parts. This program is for participants ages 14+. All instruments will be provided, but if you have a drum, you are welcome to bring it. Space is limited and registration required. Vsit the reference desk at the Jones Library, call 413-259-3096, or email programs@joneslibrary.org to register. Free. 1046 South East

Street, Amherst.

”Amchitka” by Mark St. Germain: See Friday listing

Amherst Community Band Concert: Sat, 6:30 p.m. Sweetser Park. Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, friends, and family to enjoy a variety of live music performances under the summer sky. Rain location: St. Brigid’s Parish Hall at 43 North Prospect St., Amherst, Free and open to all. Lessey Street, Amherst.

Jacob’s Pillow presents Circa Contemporary Circus: See Thursday listing

Jacob’s Pillow presents Benjamin Akio Kimitch: Sat., 5:30 p.m. Benjamin Akio Kimitch presents “Tiger Hands” on the Henry J. Leir Stage. Choose what you pay; rain-or-shine tickets at $48.50. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413-243-0745 or www. jacobspillow.org.

Mt. Holyoke College Summer Theatre presents “The 39

Jacob’s Pillow presents Circa Contemporary Circus: See Thursday listing Sevenars welcomes the Champlain Trio: Sun., 4 p.m. Sevenars Academy, “In Her Voice” featuring three extraordinary piano trios by female composers Dora Pejačević, Amy Beach, and Charlotte Sohy. $20 suggested donation at the door. Ireland Street at Route 112, Worthington. 413-238-5854 or www.sevenars.org.

Quadrangle

Springfield Science Museum: Permanent exhibits include dinosaurs, African wildlife, interactive STEM labs, Earth’s ecosystems, and immersive planetarium shows. Current special exhibition: “Game On!,” through Sept. 13.

Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: Permanent exhibitions include American and European prints, paintings, drawings, and sculpture. Current special exhibition: “Book of Wonder, Cover to Cover: A Hands-on Journey with Donna Castellanos,” through Sept 6. 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,” through Sept 27.

Steps”: See Thursday listing Salsa in the Park: Sat., 6-9:30 p.m. Mill River Recreation Area Pavilion. Outdoor dancing, great music, and food. Rain or shine. Hosted by Salsa con Tacos Dance and sponsored by Amherst Recreation. Free and open to the public. 95 Montague Road, Amherst.

The Unreconciled Project presents “UNRECONCILED”: Sat, 7 p.m. Academy of Music Theatre. Show will be followed by a discussion on healing trauma through theatre with Bessel van der Kolk (bestselling author of “The Body Keeps the Score”) and Licia Sky (co-founder of the Trauma Research Foundation), $25-$50. 274 Main St., Northampton; 413-584-9032 or www.aomtheatre.com

SUNDAY

”Amchitka” by Mark St. Germain: See Friday listing

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. Ongoing programs: “Summer at the Museums,” featuring hands-on art and science, live performances, guest appearance, and more. Presented free with museum admission, through Aug. 14.

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. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

melds documentary and fiction, past and present. It’s based on her own childhood, when her Hungarian parents moved their family of six to Vancouver Island in British Columbia. … It’s an aching, probing memory piece.”

• Another movie that made our list, “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie,” has a quite different tone. This silly, lo-fi indie about two slacker buddies (Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol) who concoct crackpot schemes to land a gig at the Toronto music venue, the Rivoli, is a gem that begins streaming on Hulu on Friday. I wrote that I’m proof that no prior knowledge is needed to get on their goofy wavelength and enjoy the ride — and all the “Back to the Future” references.

— AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr

New music to stream

• “BRAT” summer came and stayed and eventually went — and what would be built in its absence? Charli xcx

claims the dance floor is dead on her latest album, “Music, Fashion, Film,” out Friday. She’s making “Rock Music” this time around, at least, her version of it: a bit troll-y, a bit sincere, full of distorted guitars and processed vocals. But her pop heart remains intact, like on the depressed and dreamy “SS26.” If that’s not enough to inspire curiosity, perhaps this is: The album’s sole feature credit is Canadian auteur and beloved horror filmmaker David Cronenberg on its closer, “No One Lasts

Forever.”

• Grammy winning South African artist Tyla burst onto the mainstream with her 2023 global hit “Water.” It married R&B, pop and amapiano — a style of music which translates to “the pianos” in the Zulu language, a fusion of Kwaito house music and jazz, often driven by log drums. And it did so at a time where hunger and curiosity for African music was at an all-time high. Afrobeats have only continued to skyrocket in the time since, and Tyla has proven to

be no one-hit wonder. She’s paved her own path. On Friday, she will release her sophomore album, “A(asterisks) POP.” It’s the next evolution of her sound, which features a dancehall collaboration with Zara Larsson, “She Did It Again,” the amapiano-pop “Chanel” and so much more.

— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman

New TV series to stream

• The socially awkward comic bookstore owner Stuart from “The Big Bang Theory” leads a new spinoff called “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.” Played by Kevin Sussman, Stuart fumbles a physics project created by “Big Bang” OG characters Sheldon and Leonard that leads to chaos he must undo. Other cast members Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn and John Ross Bowie reprise their roles from the original series. It premieres July 28 on HBO Max.

• Minka Kelly and Josh Duhamel return for Season 2 of Netflix’s “Ransom Canyon.” The romantic drama follows two longtime friends, Quinn O’Grady and Staten Kirkland,

who finally got together in Season 1 after years of teetering on a relationship. The happy couple is challenged as Kelly’s Quinn questions whether small town life is enough for her. This, while Duhamel’s Staten is trying to stake his claim in the family ranch. The new season premieres July 28.

— AP Writer Alicia Rancilio

New video games to play

• Nintendo’s Splatoon franchise brought a vivid twist to the multiplayer combat arena, mostly by replacing bullets with multicolored ink. “Splatoon Raiders” takes you out of the arena entirely with a treasure hunt across an exotic archipelago. Don’t expect a mellow vacation, though — these islands are filled with hostile wildlife known as Salmonids. Naturally, collecting more treasure lets you beef up the gear you need to defeat the monsters. “Raiders” aims to provide a satisfying solo experience for Splatologists, but you can also play co-op with up to three friends. Start squirting this week on Switch 2.

— Lou Kesten

(Amherst);

• Kate Ciolkowski-Winters, theater (Northampton);

• Ken Harris, theater (Springfield);

• Bella Levavi and Ang Buxton, theater (Greenfield/ Springfield)

Now in its fifth year, Pay It Forward provides artists from Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties with free access to CitySpace’s Blue Room, along with stipends, rehearsal time and professional development through peer learning, mentorship and coaching.

The program supports artists as they develop new work and share it with audiences in an accessible, community-centered performance space.

From August through February 2027, the Blue Room at

Old Town Hall will host public performances by the cohort, with projects spanning music, theater, dance, storytelling, puppetry and multimedia performance. Many of the works will be presented as part of an ongoing creative process developed during each artist’s residency.

The first performance in this year’s Pay It Forward Series will be by artist Sable Island Pony. In a statement, she said: “As I prepare to release my first single and work toward my first album, this opportunity feels like a meaningful vote of confidence in the work. I’m especially excited to collaborate with other artists to transform the room into an immersive space where the songs, paintings, stories, and community that have grown together over the years can all exist side by side.”

Performance highlights from the 2026 Pay It Forward series include:

Aug. 22 — Sable Island Pony

A live presentation of Sable Island Pony’s upcoming album, blending lo-fi folk, indie rock, poetry, distorted guitar and immersive visual elements designed with local artist Makoto Chi. Hosted by poet and writer Terran Rainer.

Oct. 17 — The Maison of Saint Morta

A performance by the Springfield-based ballroom house led by House Head London Saint, featuring dance, runway and performance rooted in ballroom traditions of artistry, confidence and self-expression.

Nov. 20-21 — Devi Badea, Quarters in the Water

A theater-art hybrid one-woman show that invites audiences into Devi Badea’s fifth “birthday” of transition through music, stand-up, sketches and story-

telling about her relationship with her late mother.

Dec. 11 & Feb. 5, 2027 — Leo Harrison

Jazz vocalist Leo Harrison returns to performance with music that blends jazz, hiphop, Black American blues and modern folktales, voicing ancestral connections, forgotten legends and stories rarely heard.

Dec. 12 — Scott Hsu

A release show by Taiwanese-American rock/pop/ electronica artist Scott Hsu, featuring a three-piece band, English and Mandarin lyrics, storytelling, lights and an opening act.

Dec. 18-19 — Kate Ciolkowski-Winters

Jan. 8-9, 2027 — Ken Harris, Foes of a Minimum Wage Guard

An original one-man theatrical performance in which Ken Harris portrays twelve characters in a story about an aging retail worker facing workplace pressure, discrimination, economic insecurity and the fight for dignity.

Jan. 29-30, 2027 — Bella Levavi and Ang Buxton

A short collaborative play using puppetry, human actors, video art, shadow puppets, crankies and other forms to explore memory, belonging and playfulness.

A talent show in the form of a late-night talk show, featuring characters from the public domain and shaped by Bella Levavi and Ang Buxton’s work in comedy, puppetry and performance.

For more information about the Pay It Forward program and performance schedule, go online to cityspace easthampton.org/pif.

“I have just spare lines and thoughts. It usually sort of starts with just one line and then maybe it’s one little piece of music. And often it’s just like an image, like a metaphor.”

Eric

grew out of Northampton’s Scud Mountain Boys. Monaghan produced the two most recent Fruit Bats albums, 2025’s “Baby Man” and “The Landfill,” which just came out last month.

“He and I not only work together, but we’re very close friends. But he’s the guy I call when I’m like, what microphone should I get? He just knows and his knowledge of audio is amazing,” Johnson said.

Although the pair hadn’t worked together in a while, when Johnson started recording “Baby Man,” he had a phone conversation with Monaghan exactly about the aforementioned microphone choice.

“And by end of the phone conversation, I was like, ‘You’re hired,’” Johnson said

For “The Landfill,” Johnson produced the recording sessions himself, but had Monaghan come in at the end.

“So, we’ve kind of developed this working relationship where sometimes I can strike off on my own and do things, but then bring him

in to sort of finesse it. So basically for “Baby Man,” just he and I were together the whole time, and for “The Landfill,” it was a little bit of both. But if I don’t have him, I feel like — I don’t even really know. He’s a bit of a magician.”

When it comes to writing the songs, Johnson constructs his tunes from bits and bobs that come to him and which he records on his iPhone Notes app.

“I have just spare lines and thoughts. It usually sort of starts with just one line and then maybe it’s one little piece of music. And often it’s just like an image, like a metaphor,” he said. “Like ‘The Landfill,’ for example. I have a few songs like that where I just like the image, but I didn’t really know what I meant by it. So it’s all like a collage, I guess.”

While Johnson said he probably starts with lyrics a lot of the time, a musical idea also sometimes inspires a song.

“I certainly do think about lyrics more, I would say, but because I have the iPhone, I also have the voice memos, so my voice memo app is chock full [of musical ideas]. So, it’s not a chicken-or-the-egg thing with them.”