Good morning, Springfield.

This Saturday, Feb. 28, the Hope Center for the Arts in Springfield will host the Ashes to Ashes event — a multimedia presentation and film screening that honors over 4,000 lynching victims with work by artist Shirley Jackson Whitaker and musician Avery Sharpe.

MassDevelopment announced nearly $1.85 million in grants from the Biz-M-Power Grant Program to help 48 small businesses grow, including Las Kangris Food Truck Inc. in Springfield.

The grants, ranging from $6,720 to $50,000, will fund equipment, facility expansion, or other business needs.

Overnight on Monday, tow crews towed between 150 and 200 cars in Chicopee as drivers ignored a parking ban (required for snowplows and emergency vehicles), and officials said the ban will remain in effect for at least another 24 hours.

Social worker Lisa Green helps defendants facing low-level charges in Springfield District Court connect to housing and treatment services through Project Hope 2.0 (grant-funded), coordinating efforts with police and the Behavioral Health Network since her role began this fall.

During Monday's snow, American Medical Response crews had difficulty reaching patients because snow and parked vehicles blocked pathways; Kim D’Angelo advises residents to clear a path to their front door & move vehicles when possible so ambulances can reach emergencies faster.

Transformation Fitness WMA recently launched in Williamsburg, offering inclusive personal training for residents in Western Mass.

The locally owned business (founded by J Oien, a NASM-certified trainer and RN) provides in-person sessions in Haydenville, small group classes, and virtual coaching to support fitness goals.

Today, the MIAA released state basketball tournament brackets for high school winter sports, setting up matchups in five divisions for boys and girls across local venues.

Springfield Central, the only Division 1 team from the region, is among the favorites for its upcoming home game in Hampden County.

Massachusetts high school basketball coaches have shared their top forward picks for the 2025-26 season.

The survey spotlights players like Devin Berry from Revere (averaging 12.5 points and seven rebounds) and freshman Conner Bergeron from Greenfield as rising stars.

Joe Bonamassa Live in Concert

8-10 p.m. — Symphony Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa performing live with unmatched energy.

Ray Lau Comedy Show

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with unique and relatable humor from Ray Lau, a rising star in standup comedy.

Providence Bruins vs Springfield Thunderbirds

6:05-7:05 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Stream available — Catch the exciting clash between the Bruins and Thunderbirds live on FloHockey.

Big Irish Jay's Comedy Night

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticketed event — Experience the charm of stand-up comedy with Big Irish Jay, a favorite among comedy enthusiasts.

Run To End Homelessness 5K10K Walk/Run

10 AM – 12 PM — Old Monkey House — Registration fee applies — Participate in a 5K or 10K walk/run to support efforts to end homelessness.

Foundations of a City: The Institutions that Built Springfield

12:15-1:30 p.m. — Springfield Museums — $4, Members free — Explore the architectural and social history of Springfield's civic institutions.

MercyMe Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Luxury suite experience — Watch MercyMe perform in the comfort of your exclusive box.