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Into the

WOODS Folk festival returns to Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Page D2

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Concertgoers listen to artists perform during a past year’s Arcadia Folk Festival in Easthampton (LEON NGUYEN PHOTO)

This music festival invites you into the woods

Arcadia Folk Festival

By Keith O’Connor

Special to The Republican

he birds will be singing and so will performers like Lisa Bastoni when she takes the stage on Saturday at the eighth annual Arcadia Folk Festival. “I have attended the festival in the past, but this is the first time I will be performing on stage there. It is so beautiful at Arcadia and I am really excited to be a part of this year’s lineup. It’s just a lovely setting and I love the thought they put into planning the festival and the collaboration between Mass Audubon and Signature Sounds,” Bastoni told The Republican. Describing her music as “rootsy folk,” Bastoni was given a guitar by her grandmother and listened to folk artists such as Joan Baez and Aviva Jotzke and Niko Gessner, of Easthampton, dance to the music during a past year’s Arcadia Folk Festival in Easthampton. Inset is artist Lisa Bastoni, who will play the festival this year. (LEON NGUYEN PHOTO; THOMAS LINGNER PHOTO)

SEE ARCADIA, PAGE D3

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“The entire event is solar powered, and the food is plant-based, demonstrating how you can lean into a sustainable food system and still have a great event.” Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary manager MJ Rappaport

Zora and Scott Kelly, of Little Neck, put a paper hat on their daughter, Tula, with the help of volunteer Caryl Isenburg at a past year’s Arcadia Folk Festival in Easthampton. (LEON NGUYEN PHOTO)

Arcadia CONTINUES FROM PAGE D2

Joni Michell while learning to play. A 2019 and 2020 Boston Music Award nominee in folk music and winner of the 2019 Kerrville New Folk Contest, Bastoni has recorded four albums, some with producer Sean Staples, and several digital tracks available on her website, including “No Kings in America.” While she uses a full band to record, for the festival, it will be only her on guitar and Staples on mandolin. In addition to her music, Bastoni is also an accomplished artist with a master’s degree in art and regularly facilitates classes and workshops for artists of all ages. She brings her art for display at performances and will have some pieces for sale at Arcadia, including watercolor works featuring birds. Asked if her music influences her art or vice versa, Bastoni said that she “writes songs that tend to be pretty autobiographical and I care a lot about storytelling, so I use a lot of visual imagery in my songs.” Held to celebrate and support the work at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Arcadia Folk Festival gates open at

Caitlin Canty will play this weekend’s Arcadia Folk Festival in Easthampton. (PHOTO BY LAURA PARTAIN)

10:30 a.m. on Saturday, with the first concert taking the stage at 11 a.m. The day ends at 7:30 p.m. This year’s lineup on the Main Stage features Caitlin Canty, John Craige, Fantastic Cat, Milk Carton Kids, and Allison Russell. Over at The Pavilion, Little Roots, Hilltown Ham Hocks, Lisa Bastoni with Sean Staples, Lexi Weege and the Hubby Jenkins Trio will perform. And performances In the Woods — the stage is quite literally in the woods — include additional performances by the Hubby Jenkins Trio, Caitlin Canty and Fantastic Cat, preceded at 11 a.m. by a songwriter workshop. “We have a beautiful sanctuary for gathering and the event was created with the hope of creating a new tradition revolving around music while promoting sustaining practices,” Sanctuary manager MJ Rappaport told The Republican. “The entire event is solar powered, and the food is plant-based, demonstrating how you can lean into a sustainable food system and still have a great event.” Among the food options to choose from at the festival will be La Veracruzana, SEE ARCADIA, PAGE D6

Now thru September 3 1477 Main Street

ARCADIA SPOTLIGHT

Fantastic Cat Fantastic Cat will play this weekend’s Arcadia Folk Festival on both the Main Stage and the In the Woods stage. The indie rock/folk supergroup features Anthony D’Amato, Brian Dunne, Don DiLego and Mike Montali — but it might be hard to tell who is who because they trade off lead vocals, swap instruments they play, and embrace a playful cat motif — including wearing cat masks. The group has earned critical acclaim from the likes of the Rolling Stone, who called them “the Harlem Globetrotters of Americana,” and The Village Voice, which dubbed the group “The Wu-Tang Clan of folk rock.” 3224386-01

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NIGHTCLUBS & OUTINGS

The Lonesome Brothers will play Brewster Court as part of Northampton’s Bands on Brewster summer series tonight. The concert is free and open to the public. (BRANDI EDISS)

THURSDAY Northampton Brewery: Bands on Brewster: Lonesome Brothers. 11 Brewster Court, Northampton Theodores': The Wolves. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

SPRINGFIELD

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

Lawn Party @ The Landing Summer’s not over yet, and the Deep River Ramblers will prove it when they play the MassMutual Center’s Lawn Party @ The Landing concert series tonight at 4:30 p.m. Free for all ages, the outdoor concert will also feature food trucks and drink vendors. Lawn Party @ The Landing takes place at The Landing, the outdoor event space located adjacent to the MassMutual Center. Above, Chris Brashear and Jim Henry, of Deep River Ramblers, perform on stage. (LEON NGUYEN PHOTO)

Laura Jane Grace to play solo show in Northampton

White Lion Pridelands: Live music by local DJ, cold beer on tap. Tower Square Park, downtown Springfield. Lawn Party @ The Landing: Deep River Ramblers. The Landing at the MassMutual Center, Springfield.

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

Holyoke MGM Springfield: MGM Free Music Friday: E Street Shuffle from Asbury Park New Jersey. 1 MGM Way, Springfield Theodores': The Blues Express. 201 Worthington St., Springfield Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield West Springfield's Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Johnny BeBop. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield

SATURDAY Delaney House: Tim Cecchetelli. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Corey O'Brien.

SEE NIGHTCLUBS, PAGE D8

free and open to the public!

George Lenker

T’S HARD TO BELIEVE that next year will mark the 30th anniversary of Laura Jane Grace starting the band Against Me! — and no one is more gobsmacked by that fact than the artist herself. “It really kind of messes with my head when I stop SEE LIVE WIRE, PAGE D8

Music by Bomba de Aqui, Ponce Exhibit tours, book giveaway, Hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, Activities, and more!

413-263-6800 • SpringfieldMuseums.org/latino-arts •

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The founder and frontwoman of the band Against Me! will play the Iron Horse Music Hall on Aug. 27. (PINELOPI GERASIMOU PHOTO)

LIVE WIRE

Friday, Aug 28 5-8 PM

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026 | D5

Celebration of Latino arts & culture Attendees enjoy last year’s free Latino Arts Festival on the grounds of the Springfield Museums. The fourth annual festival, which is free and open to the public, will be held on Friday. (PHOTO COURTESY SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS)

“Cost shouldn’t be a barrier to experiencing art, culture, history or simply spending time together as a community." Lydia Martinez Alvarez, chair of the Mi Museo Committee

Springfield Museums, with help of Mi Museo Committee, plan free family festival for Friday By Ashley Potter

apotter@repub.com

ust two weeks before the official start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Springfield Museums, in partnership with the Mi Museo Committee, are inviting people to celebrate early at the fourth annual Latino Arts Festival on Friday.

As in past years, the festival is free and open to the public. “Making the festival free is really important because we want everyone to feel welcome and have access to this experience. Cost shouldn’t be a barrier to experiencing art, culture, history or simply spending time together as a community,” Lydia Martinez Alvarez, chair of the Mi Museo Committee, which works in

tandem with the Museums to highlight Latino arts, culture and history, told The Republican. The festival will feature a DJ, performances by Afro-Puerto Rican dance group Bomba de Aqui, hands-on artmaking, a cash bar and photo booth on the Quadrangle Green, and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. “For the Latino community, there’s something especially powerful about being able to walk into a space and see your culture, your traditions, your stories, and your experiences reflected and celebrated,” Alvarez said. “And for those who may not be familiar with Latino cultures, it’s an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and experience something new. Our hope is that people leave with a greater appreciation for the diversity within the Latino community and a better understanding that culture tells a story. Whether it’s a piece of artwork, a dance, a song, food or a family tradition, there’s history and meaning behind it.”

The highlight of the festival will be a lecture at 3:30 p.m. by Ariana A. Curtis, curator of Latinx Studies at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Curtis, a Western Massachusetts native, will discuss how growing up in the Springfield area influences the work she does today in her presentation “From 413 to DC: Springfield’s Influence on Latinx Stories at the Smithsonian.” Alvarez thanked the Springfield Museums’ position as a Smithsonian affiliate with

A LIMITED TIME ONLY EXHIBIT

making a connection with Curtis possible. “We reached out to our colleagues at the Smithsonian when we were looking for someone who could bring a deeper perspective to the Latino Arts Festival, and Dr. Curtis was recommended to us. It was such a wonderful surprise to learn that she was born and raised right here in Western Massachusetts,” she told The Republican. According to her online Smithsonian profile, Curtis is a Fulbright scholar with both

SEE LATINO, PAGE D7

STEPHEN CURRY BEYOND THE ARC The first active NBA superstar to ever have a feature exhibit in the Hall of Fame. See exclusive artifacts from his personal collection not available anywhere else!

EXCLUSIVELY AT THE HALL PLAN YOUR VISIT AT HOOPHALL.COM 3224464-01

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158 years of the

Crooked Stick Pops, Holyoke Hummus, Ginger Love Café and more alongside good things to drink including Dean’s Beans and Abandoned Building Brewery. In-between enjoying the music, festivalgoers can check out 16 vendors selling artisanal crafts such as apparel, handmade guitars, wildlife photography, flower crowns and other unique items. There also will be multiple nature-based activities and arts and crafts to keep the kids busy. For a list of what is allowed, which includes lowseat chairs and bug spray,

and what is not allowed, including no pets other than service animals, visit the festival’s website. Located at 127 Combs Road in Easthampton, Arcadia’s diverse terrain of forest, meadows, grasslands, marsh and wetlands attracts an extraordinary variety of birds and other wildlife. Visitors can explore 4 miles of trails, make art outdoors, take in expansive views from the observation tower, explore the Mill River by canoe, and embark on their own nature adventure in the Connecticut River Valley. Arcadia Folk Festival tickets are $84.99 in advance, with day-of tickets priced at $89.99. There is also a special Songbird Pass for $199 which includes priority check-in, a reserved seating area, and unique keepsakes, including a signed Arcadia Folk Festival poster and tote bag. Passholders will also receive a complimentary beverage at the event, courtesy of Abandoned Building Brewery, and a complimentary adult education program at Arcadia between September and December. For tickets and more information, visit arcadia folkfest.com.

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Chicopee Elks #1849

Polish American Citizens Club

Fairview Knights of Columbus

Cummington Fair

By Keith O’Connor

Special to The Republican

air season is in full swing and you know what that means — plenty of good things to eat, entertainment galore, Midway rides, motorized fun, contests and what every country fair has been built upon since the early days — agriculture.

This year’s 158th Cummington Fair promises all of that and more when it opens its gates today for four days celebrating America250 and the International Year of the Woman Farmer. “We will have American flags and patriotic bunting all around the fairgrounds and on Sunday morning at 11 a.m. on our Main Stage we are going to honor 16 woman farmers as part of the special international celebration,” fair president Albert Judd told The Republican. “We put out the word on social media that we were looking for nominations for woman farmers who have exhibited at the fair and are active within the agricultural community past or present.” One of those farmers recognized on Sunday will be Melissa Griffin of Clessons River Farm in Buckland. “I’ve been farming my whole life. I’m fifth generation, having grown up on a dairy farm,” said Griffin, who this year will be showing her holsteins and brown Swiss dairy cattle at the fair. Griffin said it is important for fairs to maintain their agricultural heritage. “Many people don’t have

A concertgoer cheers on the music during a past Arcadia Folk Festival in Easthampton. (LEON NGUYEN PHOTO)

Arcadia CONTINUES FROM PAGE D3

Above is a scene from a past year’s Cummington Fair. (STEVEN E. NANTON, FILE PHOTO)

the opportunity to visit farms today and see all the animals. The fair is a way to see animals in action and an opportunity for us to tell fairgoers about our farms and how we care for the animals, while at the same time getting the message out about agriculture,” she said. Griffin said she is thankful for being nominated as part of the fair’s celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer. “I am thankful for the women before us who crushed the stereotype and stood up for women,” she said. In addition to live animals the fair will also feature draft horse and ox draws, antique engines and tractor show, an antique tractor parade, an exhibit hall filled with fruits and vegetables on display fresh from the farm and more agriculture-related fun. From one end of the fair to the other, your big decision will be what to eat. A taste of what you will find will be ice cream and soft serve, burgers, barbecue, tater

tots, Mexican food, crispy fair French fries, fresh donuts, kettle corn, turkey legs, chicken pita, apple fritters, fried dough, Japanese treats, baked potatoes, Polish favorites,

SEE FAIR, PAGE D10

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026 | D7

A double dose of double IPAs

HERE’S STILL nearly a month left of summer but come the end of August, people start doing the math and worry that it’s nearly over. With that in mind, we’re going to do our own calculations and double down — literally — on the season today to make sure it goes out with a bang. That means looking at two local double IPAs, which I recently drank. The first is my inaugural quaffing of Head in the Sky, a double IPA from Incandescent Brewing in Bernardston. I had high expectations for this beer, as head brewer Nathan Perry formerly brewed my all-time favorite double IPA, The Double, from the now closed Building 8 Brewing. But we’ll get to that later. Head in the Sky pours a cloudy orange hue with a decent head, there’s some delicious bitterness right up front, while there’s a chewiness to the mouthfeel,

it dovetails with the body nicely. The citrus notes are prominent right away, but they’re not overbearing or cloying. This beer does not taste like a sticky grapefruit soda — which is a good thing and an aspect that too many other New England-style IPAs suffer from. This is a sturdy grown-up beer. It finishes fairly dry but leaves a bit of chalkiness on the palate. But this is true of a lot of New England-style IPAs. No points taken off for this feature; it’s just something I like to note. What’s surprising is that this 8% ABV beer is how easily it goes down. Therefore, the booze can sneak up on you pretty quickly if you’re not paying attention. Now, as I said, Perry made one of my favorite double IPAs ever with Building 8, and while I’m not sure anything will ever compare to that in my mind, this Incandescent one is certainly a

George Lenker Beer Nut

I had high expectations for this beer, as head brewer Nathan Perry formerly brewed my all-time favorite double IPA, The Double, from the now closed Building 8 Brewing.

Two of the IPAs recommended by columnist George Lenker this month. (PHOTO COURTESY GEORGE LENKER)

also has always been one of my favorites. It pours a hazy, light marigold color with a restrained head. The carbonation is smooth and consistent and provides a great partner to the medium mouthfeel. The aroma is a two-step dance between some assergreat beer to seek out. (And tive pine notes and gentler to be fair, Building 8’s The citrus aspects. The flavor Double was a West Coastfollows suit, but with the style IPA, which is by far my preference when it comes to grapefruit facets becoming more aggressive. the IPA style). It finishes with more juice Today’s other double IPA than you might expect, but is Mean Green from the Northampton Brewery. It just that taste lingering just makes you want more. But came back on tap there and

“There isn’t one Latino culture. We represent so many countries, traditions, histories and experiences.”

like Head in the Sky, it’s 8% ABV, so proceed with caution. Beer note In other beer news, Lawson’s Finest Liquids in Vermont — makers of Sip of Sunshine and others in its family tree — just came out with a nonalcoholic beer, Sip’N. Sip’N is described as a hop-forward beer that “delivers the bright, balanced, juicy tropical hop character” that Lawson’s is known for. While I’ll be sticking with Lawson’s classic brews, it’s good to see those who don’t or can’t drink have another regional option. Cheers.

Whether you come to the festival for the art, music, or community, Alvarez urges people to “Come experience it for yourself.” “This is truly a celebration LYDIA MARTINEZ ALVAREZ, CHAIR OF THE MI MUSEO COMMITTEE for everyone,” she said. “We want people to leave not only Rican markets and mountain- having had a great time, but of Springfield and Western Award from the National Asside plantations. Massachusetts can have an having learned something, sociation of Latino Fraternal Both exhibits from the impact far beyond our region,” experienced something new, Organizations. CONTINUES FROM PAGE D5 Museo de Arte de Ponce are Alvarez said. and hopefully feeling a little She is the first person to be a doctorate in anthropology named curator of Latinx Studbilingual and available in Inside of the Museums, more connected to the comand a master’s in public an- ies at the Smithsonian, and docents will lead guided tours both English and Spanish and munity around them.” provide a glimpse into the of two exhibits on loan from The Latino Arts Festival is in her role, has helped lead a thropology from American diversity of Latino culture. free and open to the public. number of major Smithsonian the Museo de Arte de Ponce University. She has received numerous awards, including “There isn’t one Latino in Puerto Rico: “Legacies of It is funded in large part by a initiatives. culture. We represent so many state earmark sponsored by Surrealism” and “Markets, But, when Curtis speaks at the 2022 Museum Leadership Foodways and the Essence of countries, traditions, histories state Rep. Carlos González, the Springfield Museums on Award from the Association of African American Museand experiences. Through Place.” Sen. Adam Gomez and the Aug. 28, what Alvarez think ums, the DC Mayor’s Office music, dance, food, art, sto“Legacies of Surrealism” Springfield Legislative delepeople will find most inspiring rytelling and the exhibitions, highlights the lasting influgation. The festival has also of all is her journey. 2020 Somos Award for Art we’re able to show that diver- received support from El Sol ence of surrealism on Latin “Having her return home and Creative Economy, the 2016 Community Sustainabil- and share her first public talk American painters, while sity while also highlighting the Latino, Full Power Radio, ity Award from Afro-Latino ways Latino culture continues MassLive Media, Masshere is incredibly meaningful. “Markets, Foodways and the Mutual and New England to evolve here in Western Essence of Place” features It shows that the stories and Fest NYC, and the 2016 and Massachusetts,” Alvarez said. Public Media. colorful paintings of Puerto 2020 Professional of the Year experiences that come out

Latino

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WHAT TO STREAM

Alabama Shakes, ‘The Whisper Man,’ ‘Leanne’ among new offerings The Associated Press

“The Whisper Man” film adaptation and a new album from the Alabama Shakes 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 Netflix adaptation of “The Whisper Man” and Season 2 of the comedy series “Leanne.” New movies to stream • Based on Alex North’s bestselling novel, “The Whisper Man” (Netflix, Friday) stars Adam Scott as a widowed crime writer whose 8-year-old son is SEE STREAM, PAGE D12

Nightclubs CONTINUES FROM PAGE D4 1 MGM Way, Springfield Theodores': Darrell Nulisch. 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

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

Live Wire

“On one hand, it doesn’t seem that long. Some things seem like they were just yesterday. But other things seem like they were from a different universe.”

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and think about it,” she told The Republican during a recent interview. “On one hand, it doesn’t seem that long. Some things seem like they were just yesterday. But other things seem like they were from a different universe.” Fans will get a rare treat when Grace plays a solo show at the Iron Horse Music Hall tonight at 8 p.m. Brendan Kelly opens the show. Grace started Against Me! as a solo project in 1997 and within a few years formed an actual band. She said that she chose the name randomly, not envisioning it turning into a national act. “I didn’t put much thought into it. I didn’t think it would be anything other than like a bedroom project, doing a couple of songs on a four-track,” she said. “I wasn’t thinking like, ‘Oh, this is going to have to be a name that I’m going to live with for a while’ or whatever.” The name itself came from a line in a sketch by the comedy troupe Kids in the Hall but also spoke to her alienation as a teenager. “I was a big fan of that TV show, and there was a particular skit where someone in the office steals one worker’s pencil, and he goes through everyone one by one, thinking it’s this person or that person, and then at the end, he’s like, ‘They’re all against me,’” Grace said. “And looking back, it’s kind of like painfully obvious in ways to see that I was 17 years old, and felt like all that teenage angst, like the world’s against you, right?” While Grace is known for a punk ethos and anarchy-charged lyrics, she didn’t start out to play with that political agenda. “I started playing guitar when I was 8 years old. So, I would definitely say I cared about just the music first. And I went through many different phases of being into different genres and different bands,” she said. “I didn’t really get into the political side of things until my mid-teens, getting into punk and stuff.”

Laura Jane Grace

The Iron Horse Music Hall is located in Northampton. (DOUGLAS HOOK / THE REPUBLICAN)

Not surprisingly, Grace usually starts with the lyrics when writing songs and has an interesting metaphor for how she approaches her craft. “I tend to do lyrics first. But it’s not a science and every song’s different,” she said. “But my theory behind it is that I would rather set up all the furniture first and then build the house around it, rather than build the house and then set up the furniture.” One of the most identifiable aspects of her music is her voice, which at times can explode into a scream that seems to emanate from the depths of her soul. Singing like that could certainly take a toll

on her vocal cords, but Grace has learned to take care of her instrument. “It’s funny because starting out, I didn’t know how to sing at all. And like when you’re starting out, you play really short sets. So being in a punk band and playing like a 20-minute set, that’s a little easier — especially when you’re in your 20s,” she said. “But being in your 40s and doing like an hour and a half set, you definitely got to take care of your throat. And so, I’ve used the same app on my phone. It’s a 15-minute vocal warm up, and then I know all the tricks as far as that, like raw ginger tea.”

Although next year is a significant career milestone for Grace, this year is the 15th anniversary of another notable event: her coming out as transgender, which she famously did in 2011. As maybe the most well-known rocker to ever do so, she maintains an evenkeeled perspective on her responsibility to the transgender community. “I mean, you can say it’s responsibility, but it’s more like pressure sometimes,” she said. “Because you can come out really publicly, but just because you come out doesn’t mean you know everything about it or that you’re an expert and should be telling people exactly what to do,” she said. ”You’re very much figuring it out yourself, you know? This is who I am. I’m just saying who I am.”

FRIDAYS FRIDA DAY DA AYS AY YS 11AM TO 3PM JUNE - AUGUST

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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

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026 | D9

CALENDAR on the museum’s website at NRM. org. “Norman Rockwell’s Historic Stockbridge Studio Guided Tours,” through Nov. 8. Tour dates and times available at NRM.org/Visit. Reservations required. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge.

THURSDAY West Springfield Summer Concert Series: Thu., 7 p.m. Morgan Road Pavilion, Bad News Jazz and Blues. Free. 459 Morgan Road, West Springfield.

Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum: Open for the 2026 season. Guided tours through Aug. 30, Sat.-Wed., 1-4 p.m. During the fall, from Sept. 1-Oct. 15, tours are offered Sat., Sun. and Mon. between 1-4 p.m. 130 River Drive, Hadley or www.pphmuseum.org.

FRIDAY Food Truck Friday Series: Fri, 4-7 p.m., West Springfield Town Common, featuring food and local vendors. Park Avenue, West Springfield.

SATURDAY 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 work with reclaimed materials and of artists who demonstrate specific techniques. The full schedule of workshops is as follows: Aug. 29: Alyson Arnold. Creations from cardboard packaging and other found materials; Sept. 12: Daniel Hales. Multi-media collage; 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.

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

SPRINGFIELD

The wonder of books “Book of Wonder, Cover to Cover: A Hands-on Journey with Donna Castellanos,” on view at the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, closes Sept. 6. Be sure to stop by the Springfield Museums to see Castellanos’ creations made entirely out of old, discarded books, like the one shown above. Some of the exhibits are also interactive. (DOUGLAS HOOK / THE REPUBLICAN) 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. 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. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Starting Aug. 31, the Museums return to the following hours: 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 members/infants free. Military personnel and teachers receive a 10% discount off the price of regular admission. 29 South Broad St., Westfield or www.ameliaparkmuseum.org. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: “Sunset Thursdays,” Aug. 20, 27, 4-8 p.m. Free with Museum admission. “Under the Cork Tree: The Story of Ferdinand,” through Nov. 8. Included with museum admisison. “Soul, Sound, And Voice: The Art of Jerry Pinkney,” through Jan. 3. Included with museum admisison. 125 West Bay Road, Amherst or www.carlemuseum.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. Free. 220 South Pleasant St., Amherst or www.amherst.edu. Norman Rockwell Museum: Online exhibit: “Imagining Freedom.” The 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

Smith College Museum of Art: “Composing Color: Paintings by 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. 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. For more information, sign up for the newsletter at the website at NEVA-museum.org or call 413-588-4337. There is a $10 suggested day admission donation asked at the door. 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 413-6373206. Admission is $18 adults, $17 seniors (65+), $10 students with ID, $7 children 5-17 and free for children 4 and younger. “Prima Music Foundation: Opera Night,” Aug. 27, 5:30 p.m. Internationally-acclaimed tenor Viktor Antipenko and pianist Anastasia Dedik present an evening of opera and romantic masterworks, $47.70. “Light Tea Service,” Sat. through Aug. 29, 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Light Tea Service will be offered

for guests and members. Seating is limited to 30. To reserve your teacup, visit Gildedage.org. $20, “Ghost Tours with Robert Oakes,” Aug. 29, 7 p.m. This is not an active investigation. Reservations are strongly recommended as tickets are limited. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows. Admission is $30 and minimum age to attend is age 12. 104 Walker St., Lenox or www.gildedage.org. 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. 96 Palisade Ave., Windsor or www. windsorhistoricalsociety.org. Wistariahurst Museum: Permanent exhibit: Gardens and grounds open daily 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. Standard admission is $7 Holyoke residents; $5 seniors; $5 youth (under 18); free museum members, active military and family members. Free. 238 Cabot St., Holyoke or www. wistariahurst.org. Yiddish Book Center: Permanent exhibit, “A Velt mit veltelekh: The Worlds of Jewish Culture.” The center will be open to the public 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. 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

WEEKEND

D10 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

“I’m really an old-time fiddler and with America250 right now I’ll be performing some patriotic music.” Sarah the Fiddler, who will provide entertainment at the Cummington Fair

Fair

Above and below are scenes from a past year’s Cummington Fair. (STEVEN E. NANTON, FILE PHOTO)

CONTINUES FROM PAGE D6

grinders, soda and lemonade, and more to tempt your tastebuds — but no alcoholic beverages. Kevin Holister, who is on the fair’s board of directors, books all the talent. “I feel good about this year’s entertainment lineup. It takes me a year to put it together and I’m already working on next year. I go to other fairs with my wife to check out the entertainment. We were at the Spencer Fair and saw Robert Black who is an Elvis impersonator, and I booked him on the spot. We also saw the Raptor Project at Spencer Fair and we are bringing it to this year’s fair,” he told The Republican. Other shows coming to the Cummington Fair include Rosie Porter, who Holister described as a “great oldtime country music singer and songwriter.” This year’s lineup also features the magic of Conjuring Carroll, comedy juggler Bryson Lang, and the Silver Circus, a one-man show starring Andrew Silver, as well as Sarah the Fiddler. The fiddler, whose last name is Michel, noted that performing at fairs brings her back to her childhood when she took part in fiddling contest at fairs throughout New Hampshire, Vermont, New York and

Sarah the Fiddler. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Discount tickets are available online before 4 p.m. on Thursday, priced at $12 for adults ages 16-64 and $10 for seniors 65 and over. Veterans and active military are $10 with valid ID. Youth ages 10-15 are $5. beyond. “I’ll be playing some oldtime music, world music, Irish fiddle music, but I’m really an old-time fiddler and with America250 right now I’ll be performing some patriotic music,” she said. The fiddler will be accompanied on stage by her band including piano, drums, and accordion. “So, you might even hear a polka thrown in,” she said. And, while at the fair, Sarah

said she will be “taking it all in.” “I’ll be indulging in fried dough and other sweets and looking at the local vendors and supporting them. It’s a beautiful thing that happens when people come together at a fair,” she told The Republican. Live music on the fair’s two stages begins Thursday night at 7 p.m. with Shelburne Falls Military Band on the Main Stage followed on Friday at

6:30 p.m. by Sarah the Fiddler in the Pavilion. Saturday features Elvis impersonator Robert Black on the Main Stage at 3 and 6 p.m., followed at 7 p.m. with square dancing in the Pavilion with Doug Wilkens & Fall String Band The music comes to an end on Sunday with classic country singer/songwriter Rose Porter at 2:45 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on the Main Stage. Kids also have their own events schedule at the fair’s Kids Fun Corner. There is a scavenger hunt around the fairgrounds on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with a map at the Kids Corner, and a Kids Pedal Tractor Pull at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday in front of the Main Stage. There also will be a bicycle giveaway for two lucky youngsters at 6:30 p.m. on Friday night. All performances, concerts, truck pulls and more are free with admission. Fair hours are Thursday and Friday from 4 to 9:30 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9:30

p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Discount tickets are available online before 4 p.m. on Thursday, priced at $12 for adults ages 16-64 and $10 for seniors 65 and over. Veterans and active military are $10 with valid ID. Youth ages 1015 are $5. Tickets online or at the gate after 4 p.m. on Thursday are $15 for adults ages 16-64, $12 for seniors 65 and over, $12 for veterans and active military with valid ID, and $7 for children ages 10-15. Kids under 10 are free. The fair also offers the option for an adult 4-pack for $48 and family 4-pack for $36, online only. All veterans and active military with ID are free on Saturday. Only cash is accepted at the gate. Fair parking at 94 Fairgrounds Road is $10, cash only. For a full list of events planned for this weekend’s fair, visit cummingtonfair. com.

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