Northampton’s Paul Arslanian receives national honor for his contributions to the jazz scene
By Carolyn Brown For the Valley Advocate Alongtime member of and influential figure in the Valley’s jazz scene recently hit the national spotlight. Paul Arslanian, co-founder of the Northampton Jazz Workshop, has been named one of 33 “Jazz Heroes” by the Jazz...
‘The imagination is endless’: New exhibit at Forbes Library showcases creativity through fiber arts
By Carolyn Brown Staff Writer It is rare to encounter a gigantic stuffed snake in a library, but a new exhibition makes it possible, showcasing the creature alongside other works crafted from scraps and repurposed fiber materials. The Fiberistas’ exhibition, “Bits and...
Monte Belmonte Wines: Rosé by any other name
“That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” I’ll take some poetic license with ol’ Will Shakespeare: “That which we call a rosé by any other name would smell as sweet.” But here’s the thing: rosés aren’t always sweet, either in smell or in...
Academy of Music launches accessibility initiatives, fundraising campaign
By Carolyn Brown For the Valley Advocate The Academy of Music recently launched two initiatives to make performances more accessible to guests with disabilities: a capital campaign to raise money for an assisted listening system, and a partnership with Valley Eye...
Connecting on a different level: Playfighting class in Florence helps participants shed inhibitions and build strength
By Carolyn Brown For the Valley Advocate On a recent Saturday morning in Florence, two friends were arguing over who would be the first to hug the other. “I’m gonna hug you, bro!” said Aaron Cantor. “I’m gonna hug you, bro!” said Joseph Goldin. The friends were...
Director shares how travel restrictions are impacting Green River Festival lineup
By Sheryl Hunter For the Valley Advocate The lineup of the 2026 Green River Festival is evolving in the wake of international travel restrictions implemented by the Trump administration. DSP Shows recently announced that Nigerien band Etran de L’Aïr and Colombian...
‘Like a little side trip to Fantasyland’: Folk-blues singer-songwriter Chris Smither celebrates Oscar win with cast and crew of ‘The Singers’
By Carolyn Brown For the Valley Advocate Acclaimed folk-blues singer-songwriter Chris Smither, who lives in Amherst, never expected to be cast in a Netflix movie — and he certainly never expected to be part of a project that won an Oscar. “It’s pretty special, all the...
‘I have to be my own role model’: Indë Francis launches new album, which explores identity and self-discovery
By Carolyn Brown For the Valley Advocate Growing up in western Massachusetts, local musician and “artivist” Indë Francis, who performs mononymously as Indë, lacked role models who could help them understand their identities. Now, with their new album, they’re honoring...
Back Porch Festival returns with 60-plus performers at 12 Northampton venues
By Carolyn Brown For the Valley Advocate The roots music festival Back Porch Festival will return for its 12th year from Friday, March 27, to Sunday, March 29, with more than 60 performers at 12 venues throughout downtown Northampton. Two of those venues — Haze and...
‘One of indie-rock’s finest’: Cass McCombs takes the stage at The Iron Horse in Northampton
By Carolyn Brown For the Valley Advocate Singer-songwriter Cass McCombs has gotten his fair share of critical acclaim. The Fader, a New York-based music and culture publication, called him “one of the greatest lyricists of our time.” BrooklynVegan, a New York...
Heavy metal meets mutual ownership at new Easthampton venue
By Sam Ferland For the Valley Advocate Most new businesses use scissors at ribbon cuttings to celebrate opening. When that business is a heavy metal music venue and bar combo, now open in the heart of Easthampton, it’s only fitting to use a sword instead. That...
Sessions
Check out our most recent performances in the playlist below, or click here to dig into interviews and related material!
O Cannabis: Support grows for bipartisan weed legislation leaving federal law up to states
“This bipartisan bill will keep the Trump Administration from meddling in Massachusetts and allow us to decide which policies are best for our communities. I’m proud to support it.” -Congressman James McGovern
Academy of Music launches accessibility initiatives, fundraising campaign
By Carolyn Brown For the Valley Advocate The Academy of Music recently launched two initiatives to make performances more accessible to guests with disabilities: a capital campaign to raise money for an assisted listening system, and a partnership with Valley Eye...
The V-Spot with Yana Tallon-Hicks: How do I prepare for first-time sex?
By Yana Tallon-Hicks I recently began a new relationship and am something of a late bloomer (I’m in my mid-20s), so I have very little actual experience when it comes to physical intimacy with a partner. My boyfriend and I have discussed it a bit, and he’s very...
‘You don’t look like a doctor’: Documentary film looks at the biases and challenges Black women physicians face
By STEVE PFARRER Staff Writer Dr. Khama Ennis had come a long way in her medical career. Until 2022, the Amherst resident had spent about two decades in emergency medicine, including a number of years as chief of emergency medicine at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in...
The Beerhunter Abroad: Calling London’s Craft Beer Mile
It really wasn’t until the 2010s that an interest in these craft beer trends really exploded in London.
Stagestruck: A Happenin’ Weekend
Two shows happening in Franklin County this weekend – on an actual happening, the other a comedy about politics that we could wish were actually happening.
