Bartholomewtown

Telling Tales: Performer Naomi Chomsky discusses Drag Queen Story Hour

Naomi Chomsky is a Rhode Island-based activist and performer who recently found themselves in the regional and national media spotlight at the center of what became a “controversial” Drag Queen Story Hour event booked in Fall River, Mass.   Drag Queen Story Hour is exactly what it sounds like: queens in full garb reading children’s books […]

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Thanks, Diane: Gene Valicenti reveals the secret behind how he keeps getting invited in

Gene Valicenti is a RI broadcasting legend who serves as the 6 o’clock newscast anchor on the market’s television leader, NBC10 WJAR, as well as the morning drive host on the region’s leading news/talk radio station, WPRO. During a recent interview, “Mr. 401” reached back to 1992 to describe his experience entering the Providence-New Bedford market […]

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Burning with Love: Barnaby Evans discusses PVD as a beacon

It all goes back to Roger Williams’ original idea of creating Providence as the first sanctuary city. Barnaby Evans is the creator of WaterFire, one of PVD’s signature events and a public art installation that has global appeal and reach. Evans is a graduate of Brown University, and during a multi-decade run of creating, innovating […]

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Abra-Cadabra! Local meat magicians pull weenies out of their hat

Weenie Wizard is a PVD-based artisanal hot dog stand that offers a constantly shifting array of meat, veggie and carrot dogs with highly original and creative toppings. Created by Michele Fryer and Luke Tabor, aka the Fantastical Food Group, The Meat MAGICIANS, as they are known, have expanded from their speakeasy-esque DIY origins in 2014 to being […]

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Art Lesson: Experts discuss access to the arts in RI

Rhode Island has a vast and storied history as a creative mecca and artist hub, dating back to at least Native American times, running full speed through colonial days and early statehood, and once again reinventing itself in the modern era and heading into the future.   However, with the arts trending as a secondary priority […]

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Regulation Conversation: As new industries enter the RI economy, there’s one DBR to rule them all

After policy-makers craft the details, who is the person behind the regulation of new industries? We take a look into the decision-making process of Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation Director Elizabeth Tanner. The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR) oversees many key industries, from real estate appraisal to the state’s medical cannabis program. Recently, DBR […]

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Ironside: Langevin talks about what led him to serve

James Langevin is The United States Representative for Rhode Island’s second Congressional District, a post he has held since 2001. Langevin served in several key roles in state government before his election to Congress, where he is a member of the House Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees. Congressman Langevin is a legacy figure in […]

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Keep on Movin: Penn Sultan’s New Legs: Sultan delivers the first chapter of many

Penn Sultan’s Museum Legs — Traversing the Flat Circle Museum Legs is a new project from Penn Sultan, best known as the frontman for indie folk outfit Last Good Tooth, a live favorite in the area for the better part of a decade. Their first album, Giving the Clock Its Weight, Its Sway, wrestles with […]

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The Source: Jim Taricani discusses the case that led to his home confinement

Jim Taricani is a retired investigative reporter, well known for his work at WJAR NBC 10, where he founded the station’s I-Team. He was sentenced to six months of home confinement for refusing a court order to divulge a source related to his work on the federal investigation into then PVD mayor Buddy Cianci. Throughout his […]

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That’s Inspiring!: Travis Escobar discusses his dreams for the PVD school system

Travis Escobar was recently appointed to The Providence School Board by Mayor Jorge Elorza, is the founder of the award-winning organization Millennial RI and also works for The United Way. Our recent conversation for The Bartholomewtown Podcast focused on Travis’ vision for reshaping Providence’s future through educational practices and new ideas. Bill Bartholomew (Motif): Is there […]

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