Good morning, Springfield.

Charlie’s Diner in West Springfield reopened after a fire nearly destroyed its building in August 2024—owner Michael Alfano said local staff and regulars welcomed the return with praise for its refreshed design that keeps the diner’s classic style.

For Love! For Liberty! is a Revolutionary War musical featuring local children + it toured Lexington on April 11 and will return to 52 Sumner at 7 p.m. on April 18 for an encore celebrating Patriot’s Day weekend.

Grammy-nominated blues guitarist Corey Harris led a two-day residency at the Springfield Conservatory of the Arts on Thursday, teaching 29 students to blend traditional blues with their own language and cultural roots.

The workshop allowed students to perform original songs and connect with the history of the blues.

Massachusetts residents can access free AI training and career certificate programs as part of a new statewide partnership announced by Gov. Maura Healey and Google officials.

The Massachusetts AI Hub will lead the initiative offering courses in cybersecurity, digital marketing, and IT support (among others).

High school students from Springfield and Ludlow can apply for a paid, seven-week summer internship by the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission that offers hands-on training at Cobble Mountain Reservoir and Bondi’s Island (including a state-certified course for water operator licensing); applications end April 2nd.

Mayor Sarno criticized John Doleva of the Basketball Hall of Fame for secretly discussing moving the Hoophall tournaments to Boston over concerns of limited local hotel rooms and courts — the tournaments remain scheduled at Springfield College’s Blake Arena through 2031.

The West Springfield Fire Department fixed its business phone lines Thursday after a problem at its fire alert center on Van Deene Avenue disrupted non-emergency calls on Wednesday — 911 services were not affected as local IT and Verizon restored the lines quickly.

Maple Corner Farm in Granville is enjoying its best cross-country ski season since 2020 as heavy snow keeps 20 miles of trails in prime condition — offering beginner and advanced trails, ski lessons, rental gear and weekend breakfast options through spring.

UMass women's basketball beat Kent State 66-56 on Saturday at Mullins Center.

Chinenye Odenigbo recorded her first double-double (11 points and 12 rebounds) as the Minutewomen outpaced the Golden Flashes and will face Kalamazoo's Broncos tomorrow.

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.

Matthew Broussard Comedy Show

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique humor of a former financial analyst turned comedian with a flair for the educational.

Comedy Night with Matthew Broussard

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the clever and self-deprecating humor of a financial analyst turned comedian.