The Rockwell captures the riotous color, glamour and sophistication of the Jazz Age: More than 140 original works electrify the galleries
By DON STEWART For the Valley Advocate A century ago, when women could be arrested for smoking in public and the manufacturing and distribution of alcohol was illegal, there was an artistic and social revolution in this country. You can view a wealth of Jazz Age...
Statement pieces: Gallery A3 in Amherst hosts juried show to foster unity through art
By CAROLYN BROWN Staff Writer Painter Robert Rauschenberg once said, “The artist’s job is to be a witness to his time in history.” A new juried art show in Amherst wants to bear witness to the current political moment by promoting unity. Gallery A3 in Amherst will...
20 hours to celebrate 20 years: Valley Free Radio host to broadcast for nearly a day, Aug. 7
By CAROLYN BROWN Staff Writer A local radio host is gearing up for an uninterrupted 20-hour broadcast next week. Yes, that’s right – 20 hours straight. Jack Frisch, who hosts the jazz program “The Downbeat” on Valley Free Radio every Tuesday afternoon, will host a...
Living, breathing, label-free music: Etchings Festival is ‘the natural habitat for something that doesn’t fit any specific mold’
By CAROLYN BROWN Staff Writer Etchings Festival is all about showcasing original contemporary music in a way that transcends boundaries. It’s not exactly a classical festival, though its Ecce Ensemble is made of classical musicians. It’s not exactly a world festival,...
‘I have to be the role model that I wish I had’: In ‘Mirror, Mirror,’ multidisciplinary artist Indë reclaims space for their identity
By CAROLYN BROWN Staff Writer Indë Francis, an “artivist” known professionally as Indë, once felt isolated as a queer Black person growing up in western Massachusetts. Now, they’re reclaiming space for their identity with a new art installation that celebrates queer...
She’d rather entertain: Queer icon Sandra Bernhard brings new show to the Iron Horse next week
By CAROLYN BROWN Staff Writer Through five decades in the entertainment industry, comedian, author, actress, and radio host Sandra Bernhard has done a lot – and, next weekend, she’ll bring that experience and love of performing to Northampton. Bernhard will be...
The mane event: New England Morgan Horse Show to return to Northampton
By CAROLYN BROWN Staff Writer Equestrians will flock to Northampton later this month to celebrate and show off their skills with Morgan horses, the official state horse of Massachusetts. From Monday, July 21, through Saturday, July 26, the New England Morgan Horse...
World of wonder: Walter Wick’s dynamic photographic illustrations at Norman Rockwell Museum
By DON STEWART For the Valley Advocate The dynamic images of photographic illustrator Walter Wick can be viewed through Oct. 26 in four galleries at Stockbridge’s Norman Rockwell Museum. An older generation may not recognize the Miami-based artist’s name, however....
Life’s a drag!: A day in the life of producer and queen, Magnolia Masquerade
By Hannah Bevis For the Valley Advocate On most days, Andrew Curran, better known as his drag persona Magnolia Masquerade, is a whirlwind of activity, brainstorming ideas for future shows, creating the props that will bring them to life, running the rehearsals with...
Brutal? No, beautiful: Holyoke artist Michael Karmody has found beauty — and a decent living — in concrete creations
By Samuel Gelinas Staff Writer Artist Michael Karmody knows a hard truth about concrete — that it is often associated with sidewalks and jails, not attractive things. But, serious question. What does concrete actually look like? For Karmody, the only serious answer...
Monte Belmonte Wines: What’s going on at Table & Vine in West Springfield?: Something fishy is afoot at the Big Y’s flagship location for fine wine
By Monte Belmonte For the Valley Advocate What is going on at Table & Vine in West Springfield? Given that you are reading a wine column, I assume you partake of the grape. Then you probably know that Table & Vine is the wines, beer and spirits branch of the...
Sessions
Check out our most recent performances in the playlist below, or click here to dig into interviews and related material!
O, Cannabis! How to Taste the Nuances of Marijuana Like a Pro
We’re on the road of cannabis no longer being thought of as some seedy contraband in a sandwich bag tossed through a car window to potheads, but a varied, quality — and dare I say, refined — hobby. With the ability to purchase and grow identified strains with known THC and other compound levels, weed smokers can zero-in on the buds they like and sample the best of what’s around.
Can you smell where I’m going with this? Weed tastings, ya’ll!
‘His notes will linger forever’: Remembering Young@Heart accordionist and Springfield College professor Chris Haynes
By CAROLYN BROWN Staff Writer Chris Haynes, longtime accordionist for the Young@Heart Chorus and associate professor emeritus of music at Springfield College, died on Wednesday, March 12. “Chris was somebody who really cared about people, really made sure they were...
V-Spot: I’ve Got Prozac Problems
The interplay between antidepressant medications like Prozac, sex drives, and depression can be tricky because for many people, both feeling depressed lowers their desire for sex as does taking the antidepressants themselves.
Staff Picks: Leafies, Lucy Wainwright Roche, farm stories, and Kimaya Diggs
They are poised to release their first album, Off Off Off Broadway, this weekend on the Flex Stage at 33 Hawley St. in Northampton.
The Beerhunter: Roadtrip to The Hudson Valley
On your own journey, consider stopping in at nearby Chatham Brewing, or at Crossroads Brewing Company in Athens. Wander further south to Hudson Valley Brewery in Beacon, or choose the more northerly route through Rare Form Brewing Company and Brown’s Brewing Company in Troy, or the several brewpubs in Albany. When it comes to road trips, it’s important to choose your own adventure.
Stagestruck: Coming Back to Live – Theaters took to the stage again this year, cautiously and creatively
After the spring, summer, fall and winter of our discontent — not to mention fear, frustration and isolation — this year area theaters tentatively, and often inventively, stepped onstage again. The sense of determination by performers and audiences alike to get back to live-in-person was unmistakable, along with the sheer joy of being back together.
