Arts and Recreation
Acclaimed Ozzy Osbourne Tribute Band Returns To Jaffrey's Park Theatre This Friday
"Crazy Train" performs a one-night-only concert at The Park on Friday, February 28
Vinny Cormier as Ozzy Osbourne
Photo courtesy of The Park Theatre
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (February 24, 2025) They are back because the public demanded it. Crazy Train is the renowned Ozzy Osbourne tribute show, and they return to Jaffrey, New Hampshire's Park Theatre, this Friday, February 28, at 7:30 pm.
Crazy Train, led by the dynamic Vinny Cormier, stands out as one of the most acclaimed Ozzy Osbourne tribute bands, bringing the wild spirit of the Prince of Darkness to stages across North America. Based in New England, the band is fronted by Cormier, widely regarded as the continent's premier Ozzy impersonator, whose eerie resemblance and vocal mastery electrify every performance. Supported by a talented lineup, including his son Dylan on guitar, Crazy Train delivers a high-octane show packed with special effects, capturing the essence of Osbourne's storied career from Black Sabbath to his solo hits like "Patient Number 9." Cormier, a seasoned musician since 1977, infuses the act with decades of touring experience, having shared stages with legends like Molly Hatchet and Blue Öyster Cult, making Crazy Train a tribute that transcends mere imitation.
The band's accolades reflect their exceptional dedication, with standout moments like their electrifying set at Zakk Wylde's Berzerkus Festival in September 2024, where they earned a personal thank-you note from Wylde himself--a nod from one of Ozzy's closest collaborators. While specific awards are not extensively cataloged, their reputation as "North America's #1 Ozzy Osbourne Tribute Show" is a title they've proudly claimed through consistent praise and packed venues. Their commitment to musical precision and visual spectacle has turned heads at festivals and theaters, establishing Crazy Train as a benchmark for tribute acts. For fans, it's not just a concert--it's a pilgrimage to relive Ozzy's golden era, delivered with unrelenting passion.
Press coverage has been glowing, with critics and insiders alike showering Vinny Cormier and Crazy Train with accolades. Mark Strigl, host on SiriusXM's Ozzy's Boneyard, raved about their Berzerkus performance, saying, "Their performance was electric, capturing the true spirit of the Prince of Darkness himself. If you ever get the chance, don't miss out on this incredible tribute band--they're absolutely phenomenal!" Meanwhile, the band's mission statement, "Prepare to be amazed," is backed by their website's promise of "a visually exciting and musically accurate tribute to Ozzy with a dream set list covering every era of the great man's career." These quotes underscore Crazy Train's ability to channel Osbourne's chaotic brilliance, making them a beloved fixture for metal fans craving a taste of the madman's legacy.
CRAZY TRAIN tickets are all $25. Seating is reserved. To purchase, go to theparktheatre.org or call the box office (603) 532-8888. The Lounge at The Park will be open at 6 pm, with Brian Castiglioni performing free of charge. The bar will be open as well (ID required).
The Park Theatre performing arts center is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire, just 90 minutes from Boston & 60 minutes from Worcester, MA.
Nominated Oscar® Shorts Return To Park Theatre in Jaffrey
All 2025 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films will be screened on Oscar Weekend, March 1 & 2
Three categories of Oscar-nominated short films
Photo courtesy of The Park Theatre
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (February 24, 2025) The Academy Awards began recognizing short films almost from the very start, with the first short film Oscars handed out in 1932, just a few years after the awards were established in 1929. Back then, short films were a big deal--consider them the appetizers to the main course of feature films in theaters. They were often shown alongside bigger movies, and studios like MGM and Warner Bros. pumped them out regularly, especially comedies and cartoons. They have evolved over the years and earned more and more respect worldwide. The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, will screen all of the 2025 Oscar-nominated shorts on Saturday, March 1, and Sunday, March 2 (Oscar broadcast day). This will be the 8th time the Jaffrey performing arts center has screened the Oscar shorts.
The ShortsTV 2025 Oscar Shorts program marks its 20th consecutive year of bringing the Academy Award-nominated short films to cinemas across the United States, offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience these cinematic gems on the big screen before the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025. Since its inception in 2006, ShortsTV has transformed the visibility of short films by curating and presenting the nominated works in three distinct categories--Animated, Live Action, and Documentary--as feature-length compilations. What began as a niche initiative has grown into the world's largest commercial release of short films, screening in over 700 theaters nationwide and earning acclaim from major outlets like The New York Times and Variety. This year's program continues to captivate audiences with its diverse storytelling, ranging from whimsical animation to hard-hitting documentaries, giving film lovers a chance to predict the Oscar winners and engage with some of the most innovative works of the year.
In the Animated Shorts category, the 2025 nominees showcase a rich variety of styles and themes. "Beautiful Men," directed by Nicolas Keppens, is a stop-motion tale from Belgium, France, and the Netherlands about three bald brothers seeking hair transplants in Istanbul, blending humor with poignant self-reflection. "In the Shadow of the Cypress," an Iranian 2D short by Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani, explores a former captain's struggle with PTSD as he tries to connect with his daughter, told without dialogue for a hauntingly universal effect. "Magic Candies," a Japanese CG creation from Daisuke Nishio and Toei Animation, follows a boy discovering a magical perspective through enchanted sweets, offering a charming, lighthearted journey. "Wander to Wonder," Nina Gantz's stop-motion standout from the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and the UK, depicts tiny TV characters facing existential decay after their creator's death, earning buzz as a frontrunner for its nostalgic yet dark originality. Finally, "Yuck!" by Loïc Espuche from France uses vibrant animation to capture kids' mixed feelings about kissing, balancing disgust and curiosity with playful energy. The Animated Shorts will be screened on Saturday, March 1 at 6 pm and Sunday, March 2 at 10 am.
The Live Action and Documentary Shorts categories tackle heavier themes with gripping narratives.
In Live Action, "A Lien" by David and Sam Cutler-Kreutz portrays a family's frantic encounter with ICE during a green card interview, delivering a tense, politically charged horror. "Anuja," an Indian short produced by Mindy Kaling and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, follows a young girl weighing escape from child labor against loyalty to her sister, blending hope with stark reality. "I'm Not a Robot," a Dutch sci-fi comedy by Victoria Warmerdam, explores identity through a woman's eerie ordeal with CAPTCHA technology. "The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent," a Croatian frontrunner by Nebojša Slijepčević, recreates a heroic act during the 1993 Bosnian massacre with masterful tension. The Live Action Shorts will be screened on Saturday, March 1 at 10 am and Sunday, March 2 at 2 pm.
In Documentary, "Incident" by Bill Morrison uses raw police footage to dissect a Chicago shooting, while "Instruments of a Beating Heart" by Ema Ryan Yamazaki follows Tokyo first-graders forming an orchestra, offering a tender counterpoint to the category's weightier entries like ethnic cleansing and poaching explored in others, making this year's program a powerful tapestry of global stories. The Documentary Shorts will be screened on Saturday, March 1 at 2 pm and on Sunday, March 2 at 6 pm.
Tickets for each category screening are $10 for adults and $9 for children 12 and under, seniors 62 and above, students, teachers, and active military. To purchase tickets and read more info, go to theparktheatre.org or call the box office at (603) 532-8888. Note: Some short film titles are not appropriate for children. See theater's website or contact the box office for details.
The Park Theatre performing arts center is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire, just 90 minutes from Boston & 60 minutes from Worcester, MA.
Oscar® Telecast Viewing Party Returns To Park Theatre This Sunday
Special free event in Jaffrey with Oscar® awards shown on The Park's giant screen
Photo courtesy of The Park Theatre
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (February 24, 202) The 97th Annual Academy Awards are again coming to Jaffrey, New Hampshire, with "Oscar® Night at The Park Theatre." The ABC network telecast and pre-show will be shown on the theater's giant 27' wide screen with 17-speaker surround sound. The "red carpet" open house event starts at 6 pm on Sunday, March 2. Admission is free (a donation to the theatre is suggested).
There will be special food and drink for sale, including hot & cold appetizers, soup, sweets as well as champagne. This is in addition to the theatre's regular concession and bar offerings.
A red carpet entrance with paparazzi photographers will get patrons in the Oscar® mood. ParkTV will be interviewing guests live on Facebook. Diane Ammons will be playing memorable movie music and more on the Steinway piano in the theatre's Lounge.
Raffles will be conducted with various prizes, including official Oscar® merchandise, books, and movie posters.
No tickets are required. Any questions about the event can be answered by calling the box office (603) 532-8888 or emailing boxoffice@theparktheatre.org.
The Park Theatre performing arts center is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire, just 90 minutes from Boston.
Gardening
Celebrate the Year of the Asclepias by Planting Milkweed
Milkweed (Asclepias) supports monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com
Grow milkweed (Asclepias) to support monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees while adding color, fragrance, and beauty to your landscape. You'll find native milkweeds throughout North and South America. In recognition of this garden star's attributes, 2025 has been deemed the Year of the Asclepias by the National Garden Bureau.
With so many to choose from, select the milkweed that is best suited to the growing conditions, your landscape design, and garden maintenance. Some milkweeds are very aggressive and can quickly take over garden beds and large areas in the landscape, requiring time and effort to maintain their spread.
Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) is one of the tamer milkweeds with lots of ornamental appeal. This adaptable milkweed is hardy in zones three to ten and was named the 2017 Perennial Plant of the Year.
Grow butterfly milkweed in full sun with well-drained soil. You'll appreciate its drought tolerance once it's established. If you are gardening in clay soil, consider growing Asclepias tuberosa var. clay, a natural variant found growing on clay soil. Mark the location of any butterfly milkweed in the garden or plant some spring flowering bulbs nearby to avoid accidentally digging up this late-to-emerge perennial.
You'll enjoy the orange blossoms in meadow, prairie, and even semi-formal gardens. Combine this beauty with yellow, purple, and blue flowers. Deadhead faded flowers to extend bloom time and prevent reseeding if this is a concern.
When looking for a bit larger plant that tolerates moist to wet and occasionally dry soils, check out red milkweed (Syriaca incarnata), also known as pink and swamp milkweed. You'll enjoy the fragrant reddish-pink flowers and the butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds that visit the flowers.
It's hardy in zones three to nine plus red milkweed grows three to five feet tall in upright clumps. The flowers are followed by narrow pods that release silky-haired seeds like other milkweeds. It grows best in full sun with moist soil and is less aggressive than common milkweed. Grow this milkweed in sunny mixed borders, natural gardens, rain gardens, and alongside ponds. And best of all, the deer and rabbits tend to leave it, and other milkweeds, be.
Common milkweed Asclepias syriaca is a favorite of monarchs, hardy in zones three to eight, but very aggressive, spreading by deep rhizomes and seeds. The purple-pink flowers are fragrant at night, and you will find a variety of butterflies stopping by for a visit. Keep it contained by persistently removing unwanted suckers and seedpods before they open to prevent reseeding.
Sullivant's milkweed Asclepias sullivantii is similar but a bit less aggressive. It has the same great butterfly appeal and is hardy in zones four to seven.
These are just a few of the more than 100 native milkweed species, many of which you may want to add to your gardens. You can find out more about the species native to your region in the Milkweed Regional Guides located on the Xerces Society website. You are sure to find one or more to add to your garden beds.
Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including The Midwest Gardener's Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses "How to Grow Anything" DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers' web site is www.MelindaMyers.com.