When in the course of human events it becomes necessary to look back on the semiquincentennial anniversary of certain events — and perchance to celebrate said events in order to pursue happiness — ...

Writing a book about the deeply painful and complex history of the n-word is a significant undertaking, as is writing a memoir about a complicated relationship with one’s father. For Smith College ...

Singer-songwriter Jake Manzi isn’t the star of his new music video — the city of Northampton is. The track, “It’s Northampton,” marks the first single from his upcoming album “Getting Somewhere.” The ...

I’ve heard the advice that sometimes couples should “schedule sex” when it’s fallen off the priorities list. I brought this up to my partner and he wants sex to feel more spontaneous and “natural.” He ...

As a nimble alternative weekly newspaper with an eager and talented staff, we invest time developing stories about people, places and topics that the mainstream media doesn’t have the time or, in some ...

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 ...

Brooklyn-based artist Finnegan Shannon, who is disabled, has often wondered what it would be like to experience art without limitations. Shannon, who has trouble standing and walking and experiences ...

A dream came true last year for Jamie Manning when he spent two days recording an original song in England after winning a competition that garnered 5,500 entries from — one could say — here, there ...

“Raphaella – Queen of Healing,” by Martha May, a member of The Fiberistas, on display at the Hosmer Gallery at Forbes Library in Northampton, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. DANIEL JACOBI II / Staff Photo ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...