Bradly VanDerStad

Big Trouble in Little Rhody: RI’s classic rivalry never tasted so good

Chip Samson, owner of Shaidzon Beer Co., is a huge fan of the URI Rams. Mike Delehanty, Operating Partner at Union Station Brewing, loves all things Providence, including the PC Friars. The two college basketball fans decided that they’d make a collaboration brew in whichever town hosted the matchup, and this year, on 12/4, the […]

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Give the Gift of the Green Stuff: Jordan’s Jungle has great gifts for plant enthusiasts

Plant parents have one thing in common: They always get excited about adding more greenery to their collection. In a time when saving the environment is a top priority for so many Earth-conscious individuals, a plant is often the perfect gift.  Jordan’s Jungle in Pawtucket describes itself as a 10,000-square-foot “tropical oasis for all plant […]

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Molly Brenner’s “The Pleasure is Mine” is Coming to Kismet Improv

Molly Brenner used to be shy.  When Motif caught up with Brenner, though, it was to discuss her upcoming comedy special, The Pleasure’s Mine, which chronicles her long journey to her first orgasm, among other things.  “After college, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life,” Brenner said. “I was in a […]

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Creepy Cabaret For A Cause: Healing Arrows at Askew

Healing Arrows has teamed up with Askew to host a “Creepy Cabaret” on Thursday, October 28th at 8 pm. The event features Boston comedian Kendra Dawsey, Queer Drag Bobby Fresh-King, Indigenous guitarist The Real Chris Kaz, and several other acts. Healing Arrows for Indigenous Social Justice and Wellness is a Rhode Island grassroots group dedicated […]

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Granite Theatre’s “Hill House” is Sure to Spook: Theater Review

An old house with a tragic backstory. A doctor studying supernatural phenomena. A pair of psychically receptive research assistants.  What could go wrong?  John Cillino’s immersive theatrical production The Haunting of Hill House is certain to impress. Attendees are first captured by Katherine Kimmel’s Mrs. Dudley, who is quite specific about what she will and […]

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Pretty Woman Review: Do We Really Need Cinderella Retold?

The play Pretty Woman is at Providence Performing Arts Center through Oct 16. And while it’s a pretty production, it’s a pretty awful story.  Pretty Woman (the film) was released in 1990 – four years before I was born – and the narrative has grown completely stale. Perhaps older theater-goers attended because of rose-tinted memories […]

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Revival Brewing: Motif Overall Favorite Brewing Award

When we caught up with Revival’s General Manager Paul Baptista, we asked him what drove the brewery’s success. He answered succinctly: Master Brewer Sean Larkin.  “Sean is a community driven person,” Baptista said. “He pays it forward, and he has a lot of good ideas to bring people into the community.” Sean Larkin has made […]

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Poppy’s Waffles: All Weather Warrior

Steve Gilman, the Owner of Poppy’s Waffles, went home with the Motif Food Truck All Weather Warrior Award for his dedication to the food truck trade. No matter the month—even in the dead of winter—fans of Poppy’s Waffles have enjoyed his gourmet treats.  Gilman’s menu items—his favorite being the banana nut waffle with caramel whipped […]

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