John Allen

by | Oct 2, 2008 | Music

The BBB's were born in a former drug-drop biker hangout known as Knightly's Pub in Easthampton. It had been taken over by a jolly giant known as "Big Marty." He had hands the size of pizzas and a big face with a permanent grin. Marty was a generous,...
Lonesomes' Last?

Lonesomes' Last?

by | Oct 2, 2008 | Music

It worked for Streisand. And goodness knows Cher has gotten more than her share of mileage out of a seemingly endless string of "farewell" engagements.But seriously, Lonesome Brothers, is your latest release, The Last CD, truly the proverbial studio swan...

Even Bigger Music

by | Oct 2, 2008 | Music

Last week, we announced your picks for Grand Band Slam winners, and our editor’s picks. It’s a large and well-rounded crop of bands, if only a small portion of the Valley’s near-infinite roster. This week, you can see some 30 of those bands hit the...

Freesport: Their Ship Comes In

by | Oct 2, 2008 | Leisure

I think it’s important to remain as objective as possible when I cover local sports teams, but once in a while that objectivity gets tested by the actions of a certain coach or group of players. In that context, I have no apprehension about saying how happy I am...

Head for the Hills

by | Oct 2, 2008 | Leisure

Two long-running festivals in Western Mass. take place this week: the 47th annual Festival of the Hills and the 74th annual Berkshire Harvest Festival (the number inversion is too interesting not to co-bill them).The festival further north—Berkshire...