Jump for joy: The Lindy League of Western Massachusetts makes swing dance accessible and fun
By MELISSA KAREN SANCES For the Advocate As snow mingles with rain this Tuesday evening, the door to Spare Time Northampton is cool to the touch. But inside the bowling alley’s City Sports Grille, the cracks of falling pins fade into the warm pulse of swing music. The...
In training
Armed with an aptly-named recipe book, “Pot Culture,” Chrissy Rivera, one of thousands of budding experts in the fast-growing marijuana industry, can often be found in her kitchen experimenting with different dishes. One afternoon last month, for example, the...
Stagestruck: Treading Water – Theaters strive to stay afloat, as two go under
A year ago, theaters closed their doors and shows were postponed or scrapped as Covid swept in. Since then, we’ve all been treading water, waiting for the time when it’s safe to dive back into the current. And two Valley fixtures have been swept away.
Stagestruck: “Stagehand” Redux
One of the most adventurous endeavors in this Year of Zoom has been Stagehand, a live immersive piece from Eggtooth Productions first seen last fall. Another iteration launches this weekend and next, with a new framing concept and novel ticketing options.
Stagestruck: Unseen, but Audible
When the pandemic shut down the theaters last summer, Williamstown Theatre Festival announced that the shows would go on – in audio versions, partnering with the audiobook provider Audible.
Moving forward: How to leave the Trump-era behind and forge a new future
We must ensure that Democrats — the one remaining party to adhere to democracy — win unified control of government. That means control of the presidency along with both houses of Congress.
A crisis hits the home: What’s being done to help those facing eviction in a pandemic
After nine-plus months of dealing with the tumultuous life upheaval caused by the pandemic – on-again, off-again jobs, opening and closing of public schools and the overall anxiety posed by COVID-19 – Paige Spaulding and her husband, Jordan Jones, are now facing an even scarier prospect: eviction.
Home grown: Individuals getting into the marijuana-growing game, but stigma remains
But things aren’t all rosy for these backyard marijuana growers, many of whom would not speak about their efforts for this story because of the stigmatizim that’s still attached to the once illegal drug. Societal perceptions of home cultivation have far from faded into the background, they say.
Monte Belmonte Wines: The wines that have gotten us this far
My decision, early-pandemic, to only drink during the latter half of each week and to not spend the pandemic in my cups, was a good one.
The V-Spot: What do I do with this dick pic?
A dick pic is not just a picture of a body part. It’s a larger culture of sexual domination, entitlement, and violation all wrapped up into one, easily-photographable object.
Letter from Our Publisher: We’re coming back bi monthly in 2021
Dear Readers, The Valley Advocate has always been, and will continue to be, a voice for our community. We are committed to make a conscious effort to spotlight voices that are marginalized and provide a platform to say what needs to be said. I believe we understand...
Sessions
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Lush Honey on the Valley Advocate Sessions stage
Funky soul and progressive rock ‘n’ roll
The V-Spot: Why Can’t I Have Sex Without Drinking?
When someone has experienced sexual trauma as you have, our brains and bodies can put up barricades to potentially triggering situations like sex to protect us. But sometimes these barriers can also block up other things we would like to enjoy — like sex with our partners!
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Stagestruck: New Kid on the Block
There’s a new theater company in the Valley, with a kick-ass name and no less a purpose than helping to “undo established hierarchical structures and their attendant damage.” It’s called Strident Theatre, and its vociferous founder is actor/director/playwright Susanna Apgar.











