At the time of this writing, it is 60 degrees and cloudy with the promise of summer’s arrival in the next few days. Like many of us, I am very much looking forward to warmer days to get out and do things, one of which is the annual Concert in the Park series coordinated by […]
Artist of the Year: Favorite Song: Favorite Music Video: NOVA ONE; “chlorine” by NOVA ONE; “chlorine” – NOVA ONE (Dir. Frankie Ferrari) nova one: “nova won!” Providence’s own nova one won (!!) four 2026 Motif Music Awards: “artist of the year,” “favorite song,” “favorite video” (for “Chlorine” — a must watch!), and “runner up for […]
Check out extensive listings for every show we could find this season. But some are bigger or just fundamentally represent summer in our eclectic, hyperactive, tiny-yet-overachieving state. Here’s a selection of special events to keep an eye out for. MUSIC AT THE FARM: GRACE NOTE FARM A series of outdoor concerts at the farm! Hosted […]
Okee dokee folks… For nearly 70 years, the musical The Music Man has been entertaining audiences with its story and songs about a musical instrument sales conman. On May 16th, I was thoroughly entertained by the production of The Music Man at The Hanover Theatre in Worcester. The Music Man is a classic Broadway Musical […]
Okee dokee folks… Tonight I attended a performance of the Bat Out Of Hell musical at The Hanover Theatre in Worcester, MA. Usually, I do not like to know too much about a show before I see it because I prefer to enjoy it fresh and to see if it stands on its own without […]
When Steve DelMonico (vocals/guitar) approached John Faraone (drums) with an impossibly unique band name, there was no way of knowing that 10 years later they’d be sitting at Nolan’s with their bandmates, Damian Puerini (vocals/guitar) and Joe Principe (bass), talking about how their band, ‘92 Winona, came to be. In essence, “Steve’s 4am” melody and […]
John Faraone: a man of many bands, many instruments, and one poetic voice. While John wouldn’t call himself a poet, I certainly believe that his lyrics are simply stanzas waiting to be printed. After working on his sophomore solo project The Waves for almost five years, he’s finally ready to release this new music and […]
Okee dokee folks… I have referenced the Jethro Tull song, “Too Old to Rock & Roll, Too Young to Die,” A few times in my 22 years of writing for Motif, and I am going to do it again. This time, it is probably more pertinent than ever. I turned 65. Shit, I am old! […]
After nearly a decade of songwriting in a gothic-folk tradition often tinged with early ’90s grunge, Keith J.G. McCurdy drew from a deeper well in crafting Vudu Sister’s 2021 EP, Burnt Offerings. As a Classics and English double major with a minor in Medieval Studies at the University of Rhode Island, he empathized with the […]
Okee dokee folks… Tonight at the Garde Theatre in New London, CT, it felt like 1969-space travel, with socially conscious songs and a Woodstock alumnus appearing. Projected onto the big screen behind the stage, astronauts descended from space and splashed down in the ocean. That moment was met with a wave of applause and cheers […]