Yachtley Crew’s Tommy Buoy Talks New Album, Hometown Vibes, and Carrying Jimmy Buffett’s Torch
By Hank Stolz | Radio Worcester
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WORCESTER, MASS.-Tommy Buoy, the lead guitarist of the band Yachtley Crew, called into the Talk of the Commonwealth about their new album “Seas the Day” which was recently released. Filled with traditional covers such as Africa by Toto, Tommy tells us that the album is designed to capture the high-energy, modern feel of their live performances, which he describes as an interactive party rather than a traditional soft rock concert. The album does feature an original song, “Pain of Losing You,” written especially for Yachtley Crew by the legendary Diane Warren. The band recently played Indian Ranch in Webster and Tommy says he loves seeing that spot on the tour schedule because he grew up in Warwick and it’s like playing for a hometown crowd. Hank had been at the show and remarked on the tailgating and people dressing up with captain’s hats and more. “It really reminds me though of Jimmy Buffett’s parrot heads. He had the parrot heads, we have the groupies, but it’s the same kind of vibe… we’re happy to be carrying that torch from Jimmy.” says Tommy.
Mechanics Hall’s New Leader Looks to the Future While Honoring Its Past
Mechanics Hall Executive Director Meghan Montaner shares what drew her to the historic venue, her vision to revive its educational mission, and a preview of the exciting holiday lineup including pops concerts, The Nutcracker, and Candlelight performances. She joined Talk of the Commonwealth with Marketing Director Amy Sklar to discuss her first months on the job.
Worcester At-Large Race Comes Down to 23 Votes; ICE Arrest Sparks Debate
Mark and Tom joined Hank and Ben to discuss the tight 23-vote margin in the Worcester City Council at-large race and the controversy over a potential recount. The group also examined the national attention surrounding a Fitchburg woman’s ICE arrest and the broader debate over immigration enforcement in Massachusetts.
The Rundown: Polar Park Payment Shortfall and Controversy Over Heather Prunier Story
The Rundown with Mark Henderson and Tom Marino examines Worcester’s ongoing Polar Park bond shortfall and the controversy surrounding Marino’s article about Heather Prunier’s abuse allegations — a discussion blending accountability, politics, and the role of local journalism.
Disney on Ice Skater Cassandra Ablack Brings Moana’s World to Life in Worcester
Disney on Ice skater Cassandra Ablack joins Talk of the Commonwealth to preview Disney on Ice presents Jump In, opening this weekend at Worcester’s DCU Center. The show debuts brand-new numbers from Moana 2, Inside Out 2, and Zootopia—plus returning favorites like Frozen and Mickey Mouse.
Worcester Report Calls for Civilian Oversight Amid Skepticism Over Implementation
The Worcester Regional Research Bureau’s latest report recommends creating a civilian police oversight board. In this week’s Radio Worcester Roundtable, Tom Marino, Mark Henderson, Ben White, and Hank Stolz weigh in on whether the city will act—or if the plan will be diluted by politics.
Tom Marino and Mark Henderson Raise Concerns Over Worcester Police Drone Expansion
In this week’s Talk of the Commonwealth, Tom Marino (This Week in Worcester) and Mark Henderson (The016.com) tackled the question: does Worcester need more police drones? Both expressed skepticism, pointing to the cost and effectiveness of existing technology like ShotSpotter, which lacks independent, peer-reviewed research proving its success. Marino cited Chula Vista, California, where a drone pilot ballooned from $2,500 to a $1.5 million annual expense within three years. The pair also raised concerns about expanded surveillance and potential civil liberties issues. As longtime “City Hall Watchers,” they believe this proposal may signal the early stages of a larger, pre-planned rollout.
Worcester Council’s ICE Vote and Drone Proposal Raise Questions on Policy, Politics, and Privacy
On Talk of the Commonwealth, Tom Marino of ThisWeekInWorcester.com and Mark Henderson of The016.com examined two major issues before the Worcester City Council. The council voted 8–2 to bar police from entering a task force agreement with ICE, sparking debate over whether it was a principled, preemptive policy decision or election-year theater. They also discussed a proposal to use drones as “first responders” for 911 calls, raising concerns about privacy, potential misuse, and high costs. Marino argued that Worcester’s costly experience with ShotSpotter should guide caution with new policing technologies, stressing the need for independent data and accountability.
One Live KISS Opens Cannery Music Hall with Paul Stanley Tribute in Southbridge
Billy May brings his Paul Stanley tribute, One Live KISS, to the grand reopening of The Cannery Music Hall in Southbridge on Friday, October 3rd. The show recreates Stanley’s rare solo tours, offering KISS fans a unique experience they won’t want to miss.
Spike in Worcester Citizen Petition Denials Raises Concerns Over Accessibility and Transparency
On The Rundown, Tom Marino revealed that Worcester denied 133 citizen petitions in just eight months of 2024—more than double the total from the prior two-and-a-half years. Marino argued the city solicitor is using weak legal justifications to shield the City Council from politically uncomfortable issues. Mark Henderson countered that the City Clerk was following council directives, while also noting that increased citizen activism has complicated petition rules. Both agreed controversial past petitions, including one tied to Israel and Gaza, set precedents that now shape the process.
Starship with Mickey Thomas and Foghat Rock the Hanover Theatre Oct. 3
The Hanover Theatre hosts a night of classic rock as Starship with Mickey Thomas and Foghat take the stage. Hank Stolz interviews Mickey Thomas about the band’s timeless hits and Foghat’s Roger Earl about their new 50th anniversary release.
Political Roundtable Tackles First Amendment Questions After Jimmy Kimmel Suspension
On the Political Roundtable, Hank and Ben were joined by Randy Feldman and Robert Amorello to examine the First Amendment issues raised by the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel. The panel discussed comments from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who suggested Kimmel’s case could be just the beginning, as well as the President’s assertion that the federal government should be able to revoke broadcast licenses of networks deemed “unfair.” Callers also weighed in, offering their perspectives on the limits of free speech and government oversight of the media.
Cannery Music Hall Reopens in Southbridge with New Owners Josh and Julie Fitzgerald
The Cannery Music Hall in Southbridge is reopening under new owners Josh and Julie Fitzgerald. The venue will host tribute bands, jazz nights, comedy, dinner theater, and more, beginning with an October 3rd KISS tribute show.
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