Okee dokee folks … I am VERY tempted to start off my review with the refrain, “So Good, So Good,” heard many times throughout the jukebox musical, A Beautiful Noise, but I am not that corny, or am I? Well, it was “So good!”
The Story Behind a Beautiful Noise
A Beautiful Noise is the story of Neil Diamond’s rise to fame but is told through a therapy session at the urging of his third wife, Katie.
We experience the recollections of old Neil through young Neil. There is two Neil Diamonds in the show, often on stage at the same time. His therapist has him go through a large book of his song lyrics to help him express himself in the session. As he is going through the book, a horde of dancers appear from behind the big leather chair. Old Neil is seated, and the dancers begin to sing a medley of Diamond’s songs. Then young Neil appears and begins his attempts at becoming a songwriter in the famous Brill Building. He finally gains a hit with his song “I’m a Believer” that was recorded by The Monkees. His wife says to him that if their infant daughter could talk, she would “Brag to her friends that her daddy wrote a song for The Monkees.”
He continues to write more songs. A scene in a recording studio shows groups singing demos of his new songs written for other artists. When one group attempts “Kentucky Woman” Neil corrects them. The “boss lady-songwriter” realizes that he has a great voice, and encourages him to be a performer. He reluctantly takes a gig at The Bitter End one night and makes “nine dollars and a free drink” for his performance. He is invited back to play again by the owner. A woman, Marcia Murphy, is obviously interested in Neil, who is already married with a kid and pregnant wife. The attraction is mutual and Diamond’s career and affair with Murphy both take off.
The show carries on with his divorce from his first wife and the ongoing relationship with Marcia Murphy who becomes his 2nd wife. They often discuss Diamond’s general malaise in life and that performing “keeps the clouds away.” He signs a record deal with the mob owned Bang Records and wants out of it almost immediately. He is told that if he delivers a hit record, they will let him out. “Sweet Caroline” winds up as his ticket to contract freedom. His shows get bigger, and his tours get longer and involve “more sequins.” His endless time on the road takes its toll on his marriage to Marcia Murphy, and they eventually split.
The story continues right up to the point where his 3rd wife Katie, who is not portrayed by anyone in the musical, has him go to therapy. What we see on stage are dramatizations with Diamond’s songs and energetic dance numbers of the discussions in the therapy session. Finally, he makes a breakthrough in the session and the reluctance stops and the session draws to a close. He realizes that he created a “beautiful monster” with his career. Old Neil is dealing with the prospect of never performing again, at his doctor’s insistence, and losing his identity and the rush of performing. The show finishes with all the dancers in black and young Neil performing, “Holly, Holy.”
Review
As soon as Nick Fradiani, who plays young Neil Diamond, opens his mouth and sings you know he was made for this role. His renditions of Diamond’s hits are spot on and his voice is strikingly similar to the real Neil. Fradiani owns this show. Every number that he fronts is spectacular. If you closed your eyes you might even think you were experiencing a Hot August Night live!
Robert Westenberg’s portrayal of old Neil, I felt, was generic, though it propelled the narrative well. He just seemed to be any old man and not specifically old Neil. However, when he eventually did sing at the end of the musical, his singing voice was believable as an older Neil Diamond.
Hannah Jewel Kohn, who plays Marcia Murphy, was enjoyable. She had great dance moves. Her big solo of “Forever in Blue Jeans” allowed her to showcase her dance moves and let her voice shine. The audience loved her.
The set for this musical is very simple in the first half – occasional pieces of furniture or small props and background screens. The second half has the more elaborate staging that showcases the live band on a two-story platform with lots of bright lights.
The audience got involved in the show several times with (encouraged) clapping and singing along and when they began the duet “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” I heard a loud “WOO!” from the back of the room. It is a show where the audience does often sing along because many feel a very strong connection to the music.
You will hear many of Diamond’s hits throughout the evening and most are sung by Nick Fradiani, though occasionally other cast members will take the lead if the song is used for a particular reason, such as a relationship breakup. “Shilo,” “Solitary Man,” “America,” Cherry, Cherry,” “I Am, I Said,” “Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show,” “Red, Red Wine,” “Play Me,” and many of his best-known songs are all part of the musical.
A Beautiful Noise is one of those Broadway musical experiences where if you can score a ticket, you should definitely go. You won’t be sorry.
A Beautiful Noise is at The Providence Performing Arts Center through September 28. For more, “Longfellow Serenade” over to PPACRI.org (they don’t sing that one in the show!).
June may be a great time for smooching (etc. etc.), but a lot of us gays are out here desperately seeking friends! Luckily, Rhode Island has many opportunities for would-be BFFs and for any queer (or queer-friendly) looking to commune with like minds. It’s all about figuring out which piece of the LGBTQ+ fruit salad you are and there you shall find your people (we hope!).
Wood Block Print by L. Horgan.
You are a…
SPORTS GAY
Queers Who Climb (Central Rock Gym, Warwick, Tue 6 - 8pm & Sat 10am - noon) Learn to climb or improve your skills in a small, supportive group. The vibe is casual and informal, but gym membership or drop-in fee is required.
Kickball and Dodgeball (OutLoud Sports PVD) $65 registration fee, 21+. Kickball meets at Tockwotten Field on Wickenden. Dodgeball meets indoors at the YMCA. Word is these gays play hard!
NATURE GIRLIE
Queer Hikes (various locations, RI & MA, IG @queer.hikes) This is a club open to every queer that hosts free, queer-only walks in beautiful places. Register online for either the dog-free or dog-friendly monthly walks and other events. All hikes are marked by their difficulty, so serious hikers and slowpokes alike can participate at their preferred level.
Guided Bug Walk (Osamequin Farm, Seekonk, MA) In addition to this free, etymological excursion, the farm offers paid classes in making nature-based crafts, as well as lots of kid-friendly activities. Not a queer activity per se but is there truly anything gayer than making friends with trees and creepy crawlies?
Wood Block Print by L. Horgan.
ARTSY FARTSY
Drink and Draw (RiffRaff Bookstore in PVD, monthly) Oh the gays you will see doodling away to the sound of lots of happy chatter at this free event. Bring your own art supplies and come early to get a seat at the collaborative drawing table where you just might make a new friend.
Figure Drawing & Three Write (Lost Bag, PVD, monthly, IG @lostbagspace) No one is turned away for lack of funds from either the drop-in session with a live model or the write-and-share creative writing hour. Lost Bag is a decidedly queer space, and there tend to be a lot of queerdos at their events.
FOLK SINGER / PODCASTER / POET
BIPOC Coffee Hour & Write-In (LitArtsRi, PVD, last Sat of the month, 2 - 4pm) A free, community-building and writing block for podcasters, illustrators, and writers of color at LitArtsRI’s cool and comfy studio. Not queer explicit, but LitArts is always a good spot to meet queers.
Queer Open Mic (Lost Bag, PVD), monthly) It’s here, it’s queer, it’s just intimate enough that you can swallow those nerves and haul your ukulele or chapbook up to that comfortable-heighted stage. You got this!
Sweet Little Variety Show (Askew, PVD, monthly) PVD’s elderstatesperson (at 14 years old) of queer-forward entertainment, this variety show has evolved many times through many locations over the years. It currently takes place at Askew on Chestnut St, hosted by Eva Destruction and featuring sketch and stand-up comedy, drag and burlesque, magic and dance, music and, well, variety.
MAGICKAL MONK
Gentle Morning Yoga (Haus of Glitter, AS220, first Sat of the month, 8:30 - 9:30am) Queer- and BIPOC-centric yoga classes that are slow-paced and low-intensity, for those who prefer to make friends with a shy smile in silence. $5 and up.
Tarot, Astrology, & Metaphysical classes (The Veiled Crow, Warwick) You are bound to find friends of Dorothy (and maybe of you!) at one of the many workshops offered by this witchcraft and herbalist store owned by a pair of queer BFFs. Classes start at $20 and go up from there. (Full disclosure — I teach astrology classes here.)
ABOUT THE ARTIST
L. Horgan is a very tired interdisciplinary artist, designer, sts scholar, and adequate cat dad to Mimu. Sometimes they have a website at leahehorgan.com.
After the heartbreaking loss of their dear friend Mike Schiavone, friends Kimi Hallman, Rory Quinn, and Jess Salemi Sinclair embarked on a heartfelt mission to honor their friend by hosting an annual Schiavone Festival. This endeavor began in 2021, shortly after Mike’s passing, and has since evolved into a vibrant celebration of music, community, and giving back. Their nonprofit, the Mike Schiavone Nonprofit, lies at the heart of their efforts, and they are passionate about supporting local schools and students in need. Kimi’s artistic talents, Rory’s band-booking savvy, and Jess’ event management skills form the backbone of their festival operations.
The trio’s fundraising efforts are diverse and grassroots. They host benefit shows, like the recent one featuring Oblivious Fools at The Met on April 27, where proceeds went towards their cause. Local venues like Strange Brew Pub in Norwich CT have generously hosted shows that support their mission — donating more than once. They’ve also received generous donations from musicians like John Ferrara (Mono Means One, Consider the Source), as well as bands that perform at their annual festival in June, which serves as their primary fundraiser.
Jess shared with me how she met Mike: “I met Mike a while back at The Spot Underground. He and Shane Manzi were really into Free Funk Wednesdays at The Spot. We didn’t really become good friends until just before COVID hit. During COVID, I started helping book shows at Platforms, and Mike and I just hit it off because we both love music and our community in Providence. He became my go-to guy for meeting bands and going to shows with friends. My best memories of Mike were when we’d hang out at his place after a show with friends, and he’d be like, ‘Brah, have I shown you this video of me playing with this band on YouTube?’ Before we knew it, we’d spent hours watching loads of great videos of our buddy.”
Over the years, the festival has grown, attracting more vendors, bands, and volunteers to join the cause. It’s truly about the kids, providing them with opportunities to explore music as a profession or creative outlet. They’ve donated music equipment to schools like The PennfieldSchool in Portsmouth, RI, and The Blackstone Valley Prep in Cumberland, RI, and have contributed to programs at Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, CT, where Mike attended school. Everyone is welcome to join in — vendors, volunteers, supporters of local music and education. All are welcome to participate, just reach out on their nonprofit’s Facebook page to get started. The Schiavone Festival is a family-friendly event, with music and activities for all ages during the day and live music for adults in the evening. Taino Treats will be onsite this year serving up delicious empanadas and treats to add to the festive atmosphere.
Rory, one of Mike’s closest friends and co-founder of the festival, shared his heartfelt testimony about the festival’s origins: “We met at an audition for a band — a buddy from high school. Mike played in his band, and they gave me a shot. Mike ended up living five minutes away from me, and we just clicked. We played in four bands together and became best friends, starting Slurp together. When Mike passed away, I wanted to give back. We talked about donating money to a fund in his honor, but I suggested we start our own thing. We wanted to help the next generation of musicians, inspired by our friend Sheldon who sent instruments to Jamaica. The festival’s dream is to give back, help young musicians, raise money for the community, and showcase local talent — all for Mike and the community. My goal is to keep growing the festival, showcasing local bands, and supporting our community. We contact bands connected to Mike, but we’ve also welcomed bands from Connecticut. I’ve been part of the Rhode Island music scene for 10 years and know everyone. We don’t hold auditions; if musicians reach out, we try to include them. I think Mike would love it, he was my best friend. I know this is exactly what he wanted to do. We want to showcase the kind of person that he was and keep him relevant.”
Kimi met Mike many years ago at The Parlour where people bond over music. They hit it off right away because of their similar tastes in music and humor. “Mike not only accepted my music preferences but also encouraged me to explore more, showing me how awesome musicians can be. Mike was a great friend, giving advice about music and making tough gigs happen. He had a special knack for seeing the talent in people and pushing them to do their best. We want to inspire young people to find what they love to do, something I think Mike would have loved to be a part of. I imagine a summer program where kids can learn about music through fun workshops and classes. To me, the best part of Mike’s love for music is the happiness we share and how it inspires others.”
This year’s Schiavone Festival is set to ignite on June 8 at Platforms (165 Poe St, PVD), promising an unforgettable day filled with music, fun, and a touch of Rhode Island flair. As a special treat, there will be a Nic Cage costume contest, attendees are invited to channel their inner Cage for a chance to win exciting prizes! Get ready to groove to an incredible lineup of bands, including School of Rock, The Office, Kyodie, Grizzly Bear Survivor, The River Provides, Lee Ross, PVD Drum Troupe, Malice in Chains, Guess Method, and Jabbawaukee. These talented musicians are ready to rock the stage and keep the energy high throughout the festival.
The Schiavone Festival is more than a music event; it’s a tribute to Mike’s spirit and a commitment to our community’s future. They envision expanding their reach beyond New England to further support schools in need. Together, we can make a difference, one note at a time. Join us in celebrating Mike’s legacy and empowering the next generation of musicians.
Various Dates Apr – Nov A fixture of Rhode Island summers, WaterFire presents a series of lightings in downtown PVD along the Providence River. For those who have not yet ventured to the famed attraction, the event features fires lit in braziers built to stand above the surface of the PVD river — when lit, it’s as if the fires are floating on water. The first full lighting of the 2024 WaterFire Season takes place on Sat, Jun 1. Lightings take place at sunset and last til as late as 11pm. Each lighting includes onshore programming and food and drink vendors, and special community events, including events held in honor of Rhode Island Educators, Breast Cancer Survivors, and Rhode Island Veterans.
At the time of this writing, the 2024 WaterFire season includes six full lightings and two partial lightings; additional lightings may be added as funding becomes available. waterfire.org
Music on the Hill: Chamber Music Festival
Various Dates May – Jun Music on the Hill began in 1974 and presents an annual, nationally recognized concert series of chamber music. This year, seven concerts bring national talent to the West Bay from May 27 – Jun 8. The May 29 concert will be a piano and percussion performance by Four Hands. The June concerts include performances by Narragansett Brass Quintet, Mendelssohn Octet, String Quartets, and (S)Heroes. Plus, there will be a free community concert playing the sounds of Mozart, Bach, and surprises for violin, viola, cello and bass. The programs are subject to change and will take place in various locations, including Clouds Hill Museum in Warwick, St Luke's Episcopal Church in East Greenwich, and the First Baptist Church in East Greenwich. musiconthehillri.org
Gaspee Days
Sat, Jun 1 – Sun, Jun 9 By the time this issue comes out, the majority of Gaspee Days will have already sailed past. Fortunately, there is still time to catch two weekends! The first day of June features a symphony in the park and at night there’ll be a fireworks display over Narragansett Bay.
Gaspee Days is a near holiday in Pawtuxet Village and Sat, Jun 8, is the big party day. Thousands of people flock to the area to enjoy the parade and the preceding 5k race. Jun 9 brings a Blessing of the Fleet and Sunday in the Park before the recreation of the Burning of the Gaspee. It all commemorates RI’s role in the Revolutionary War. Forget the Boston Tea Party – Dive into Gaspee Days. Dressing in period attire is completely acceptable. gaspee.com – Bobby Forand
Juicy Market PVD
Various Dates Jun – Sep With a focus on small businesses, Juicy Market PVD, a collaborative founded in 2021, hosts a bunch of different events that are both creative outlets for artists and makers and an exciting experience for shoppers. Signature to their events is the concept of “Hosting Local Markets to Support Small,” giving local creators a chance to pop up in different venues and put their work into the local community. Events coming up this summer include: Sip & Shop, held at Proclamation Ale Company on Jun 21 and Aug 16; Spring Fling Sip & Shop, held at Wild Red Salon in Cranston, featuring cocktails, psychic readings, and all female local vendors on Jun 7; Moniker Brewery Market, showcasing local artists in the midst of craft beers and food trucks on Jun 13; and the Shaidzon Brewery Market in West Kingstown on Jun 29, Jul 20, and Sep 28. These are just a few of the events happening with Juicy Market PVD this summer — check out their website for more. juicymarketpvd.com – Maddie Jarvis
Day of Portugal Fall River
Thu, Jun 6 – Sun, Jun 9 Nearly half the people in Fall River have Portuguese heritage — the highest percentage for any city in the country. This festival is world-renowned and celebrates Portuguese culture and heritage like nowhere else (except possibly Portugal). Four days of food, activities, authentic music and dance, costumes and talent shows in a city steeped in fishing and cobblestones.
Providence Porch Fest
Sat, Jun 8, noon – 6pm Following a fantastic first year, Providence Porch Fest is back! Check out live music from Blackstone Blvd to Wayland Square on Saturday, Jun 8 from noon - 6pm. Dozens of musicians will perform on porches across the East Side, making porch-hopping easy. Sets are 30 minutes long and the event is family-friendly. providenceporchfest.com – Jackie Goldman
Tomaquag Museum’s Annual Strawberry Thanksgiving
Sat, Jun 8, noon – 4pm The strawberry holds special significance to many Indigenous peoples, and it’s coming to fruition is a sweet way to celebrate the beginning of warm weather in Rhode Island. Their annual Strawberry festival is a family-friendly, highly interactive exploration of Indigenous culture, dance, and ritual with storytelling, music, and activities. And, of course, strawberries. Wear comfortable clothing and bring your sweet tooth. I still remember attending an event to celebrate this harvest from my childhood over 40 years ago. – Mike Ryan
Grace Note Farm Music Festival
Sat, Jun 8 – Sun, Jun 9 Presented by artistic directors David Bernat and Virginia Sindelar, the third edition of the Grace Note Farm Music Festival will feature some of the major works from the chamber music repertoire over the course of four concerts. On Jun 8, experience the brilliance of Kodaly’s “Duo for Violin and Cello,” and Brahms’ “Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor.” On Jun 9, delight in the sounds of “Vocal Inspirations: Schubert's Death and the Maiden,” with performances of Chausson’s “Chanson pérpetuelle, Op. 37,” and Schubert’s “String Quartet No. 14 in d minor, D 810.” gracenotefarmmusicfestival.com
Looff Arts Festival
Little Compton PRIDE Fest
Sat, Jun 8 A newer tradition, this celebration of all things LGBTQIA+ celebrates its fourth year in one of RI’s most scenic and intimate settings. Featuring the premiere of Newport Sings, an inclusive choir and with music by DJ Pete, ice cream, food, vendors, crafts, and raffles. This rainbow of activities is dedicated to proving that Love can win over any adversity.
Kin’s Juneteenth Block Party
Fri, Jun 14, 5pm – 2am The 4th Annual Juneteenth Block Party hosted by Kin Southern Kitchen + Bar is Fri, Jun 14. Honor freedom, equality, and inclusivity in Downtown Providence with music, dancing, fantastic food, and frozen drinks. Festivities include dancing, games — like giant Jenga, cornhole, and (competitive) card games — with live entertainment provided by DJs LadyRuck, DJ Rukiz, and Fred da Great.
“It's a friendly, laid-back vibe,” reports Kin owner and life-long Rhode Islander, Julia Broome, who custom designed T-shirts for the event. Last year 500 folks rocked the block. “It's such an uplifting event. Plus, there will definitely be chicken wings and mac & cheese on the menu!” Kin Juneteenth Block Party takes place at 71 Washington St, PVD. Tickets: $5 pp at eventbrite.com or kinpvd.com. Kids (12 & under) free. kinpvd.com – Jenifer May
Coastal Wine Trail Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate Festival
Sat, Jun 15, 11am – 7:30pm Haven’t you always wondered what chocolate pairs best with which wine? This is your chance to find out because the world’s best trio is returning to the Westport Fairgrounds this summer for its 11th year! Join the Coastal Wineries of Southeastern New England for any of three exciting sessions: Session 1 from 11am – 1pm, includes a Wine Trail tasting glass, samples of 45+ wines, cheese, chocolate, and local artisan products; Session 2 from 2 – 4:30 pm, includes a Wine Trail tasting glass, samples of over 45 types of wine, cheese, chocolate, and local artisan products, an additional 30 minutes of tasting, and a bonus wine tasting from each winery; Session 3 from 5:30 – 7:30pm, boasts the same great features as Session 1. Tickets for Sessions 1 and 3 sell for $55, and tickets for Session 2 sell for $65. I can’t imagine spending a summery Saturday in a better way – can you? coastalwinetrail.org/events-cwt – Maddie Jarvis
Rhode Island Pride
Sat, Jun 15 Festival Gates: Noon / Parade: 8pm Held in District Park on both sides of the downtown pedestrian footbridge, 2024 PrideFest features vendors of LGBTQ+ and ally-owned businesses, local artisans, and community organizations to provide a shopping experience that celebrates individuality and inclusivity.
The festival main stage will feature performances throughout the day. Adjacent to the main stage, will be eight full service bars staffed by professional bartenders, offering folks 21 and over beer, wine, and spirits for purchase.
The celebratory event concludes with RI Pride’s signature Illuminated Night Parade that literally glows with pride, diversity, love, and acceptance, inspiring robust afterparties throughout the city. prideri.org
RI Pride (Illustration: Sophie Foulkes)
AnimeCon
Sat, Jun 15 – Sun, Jun 16 Held at the RI Convention Center in downtown PVD, AnimeCon draws fans of anime from around New England for a weekend of vendors, celebrity photo and signature ops, artists, entertainment, and more, including anime cars on display.
This year’s event includes cosplayers Avenging.Phoenix, Harley Nox, Blunnderland, Halium Workshop, Lunarnoir, Zimmermanjoe21, and more. Featured guests include Amanda C. Miller (“Sailor Moon”), Amy Birnbaum (“Pokémon”), Black Foster (“Power Rangers”), Cricket Leigh (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”), Dameon Clarke (“Dragon Ball Z), Dante Basco (“Avatar: The Last Airbender,” and Hook’s Rufi-ooh), and a whole lot more. The event includes over 70 anime artists, plus events, contests, and games throughout the weekend. rianimecon.com/awesome-gaming
Newport Flower Show, At Home
Fri, Jun 21 – Sun, Jun 23 Whether you are a flower enthusiast, gardening hobbyist, or just looking for summer inspiration, The Newport Flower Show, Jun 21 – 23, offers a feast for the senses. The 28th annual show returns to its original home, Rosecliff, after the mansion's extensive refurbishment. “We spun the At Home theme into a series of competitions and enchanting displays focused on home comforts and homesteading,” reports Jim Donhaue, curator of historic landscapes & horticulture for The Preservation Society of Newport County, “to showcase the relationship between flowers and the homes they beautify.”
The popular Botanical Arts division includes artists' interpretations of things found in homes, such as dolls, picture frames, even the family dog. Author of The Flower Hunter, Lucy Hunter, will demonstrate how to incorporate natural beauty around you into your living space. The Outdoor Horticulture display includes a pollinator garden, an ornamental chicken coop, organic vegetable garden, and summer cabana tablescapes.
The 28th Annual Newport Flower Show is promoted by the Preservation Society of Newport County. Opening night reception (special ticket required) Fri, Jun 21, 6 - 8pm. Rosecliff, 48 Bellevue Ave, Newport. newportflowershow.org – Jenifer May
Newport Flower Show (Illustration: Sophie Foulkes)
Rhode Island International Film Festival
Tue, Aug 6 – Sun, Aug 11 This annual RI film festival brings together the best in international independent cinema, and is the only festival in New England that is a BAFTA qualifying event and a qualifying festival for the Narrative & Documentary Short Film Academy Award. It includes hundreds of screenings across every genre, with dozens of countries represented and a wide range of talk-backs, networking events, scriptwriting and filmmaking workshops, and celebrity panels at multiple venues around PVD.
At the time of this writing, detailed festival info has yet to be posted, but if you’re a film buff/freak/geek/lover, keep this festival on your radar — you won’t be disappointed.film-festival.org
Looff Arts Festival
Sat, Aug 10, 11 – 5pm A perfect day of local art, live music, and entertainment along the beautiful East Providence waterfront. Established in 2015, this family-friendly summer festival showcases all types of artworks created by talented local artists. Artwork includes paintings, photography, ceramics, sculpture, metal works, fiber, literature, performance art, and more. Admission is free and open to all ages. The Looff takes place at Crescent Park, 701 Bullocks Point Ave, Riverside. eastprovidencearts.com/looff-arts-festival
Dominican Festival
Sun, Aug 11, 10am – 2pm This is one of the big ones, known for bringing in a massive number of celebrants to PVD and growing constantly for the 30 years it’s been taking place. There’s a parade down Broad St that culminates at the Temple to Music in Roger Williams Park, and leaves a rollicking sea of parties in its wake. Dominican music, food, dance, costumes, and live performances abound. Rhode Island has over 53,000 residents of Dominican heritage, second only to New York. This is the weekend to celebrate the DR.
Necronomicon Providence
Thu, Aug 15 – Sun, Aug 18 It’s that time folks. The Lovecraft Arts & Sciences Council’s biennial international festival of weird fiction, art, and academia has arrived. NecronomiCon is a multi-faceted exploration that is part literary and academic conference, part fan festival, and part community reunion as people from around the world come together in the birthplace of weird to celebrate the weird fiction literary genre, which combines elements of horror, science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism. The 4-day event includes panels, talks, films, games, vendors, walking tours, and more, including a Cthulhu Prayer Breakfast and an Eldritch Ball. necronomicon-providence.com
Warren Folks Fest
Sat, Aug 17 Run by Warren’s The Collaborative, the Warren Folks Fest is returning for its eighth annual appearance. Held at the Cutler Mill, it offers people of all ages a number of musical acts and local vendors. Also a staple of Folks Fest is their beer garden, sponsored by Narragansett Beer, with 100% of proceeds going to The Collaborative. Past years have seen lots of people enjoying a number of makers, ranging from artists, authors, designers, and more. Tons of unique musical acts provide enough entertainment to keep people engaged all day, and this year is sure to be just as fun! thecollaborative02885.org – Maddie Jarvis
Rhythm & Roots
Fri, Aug 30 – Sun, Sep 1 With tickets selling almost as fast as a Powerball drawing, music lovers from across New England are setting their sights on the 26th anniversary of the Rhythm and Roots Festival, a celebration of Americana roots music.
If you crave the blues, Cajun, bluegrass, and indie rock be sure you head to Ninigret Park in Charlestown. It’s just a 35-minute ride from Providence and once there you’ll find a glorious, laid-back weekend of music to bid adieu to the dog days of August.
Despite the passing of its founder Chuck Wentworth, an iconic music promoter and musical visionary, this year's festival will feature some incredible musical acts, including: Emmy Lou Harris, Shemika Copeland, Ruthie Foster, and the Old Crow Medicine. rhythmandroots.com
Read more about Wentworth’s legacy and this year’s festival here. – Walt Slattery
Caribbean American Heritage Festival
Sat, Jun 22, noon – 6pm Held at Fête Music Hall in PVD, the annual Rhode Island Caribbean American Heritage Festival showcases the music, food, culture, achievement, heritage and more of the Caribbean American community of Rhode Island. Tickets sales will benefit the Authentic Caribbean Foundation’s programs for children with disabilities.
Narragansett Art Festival
Sat, Jun 22 – Sun, Jun 23 The Rotary Club of Wakefield holds its 41st Narragansett Art Festival, and for the first time, the festival will take place in two locations: the traditional location beside the Towers, and on the Gazebo Field behind the Narragansett Post Office. The festival is a popular, volunteer-managed, outdoor, fine-art-only festival event, presenting artistic pieces in the forms of watercolors, pastels, oils, acrylics, photography, drawings, graphics, sculpture, and other three-dimensional media. Items prohibited from the festival include imported artwork and mass-produced items; art dealers are also not allowed at the festival to emphasize the importance of original and inspired art. Swing by the Narragansett Art Festival to support the Wakefield Rotary Club’s mission to provide local artists with an expertly managed and publicized event! – Maddie Jarvis
Daytrill
Sat, Jun 22 & Sat, Aug 31 All we really know so far is that there will be events on Jun 22 and Aug 31, but DayTrill is an established treat for all the senses with music from the rap, EDM, and R&B sides of the spectrum, and full day, all-in music shows featuring national and local artists, typically at India Point Park. This is a dance fest where you need to hydrate frequently! Keep an eye on their Insta for performers, location confirmations, and to find out when tickets drop – they’re staying silent for now. @daytrill
Daytrill
PPAC’s Cool Summer Nights
Various Dates Jun – Jul Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) is hosting Cool Summer Nights, a series of three affordably priced concerts happening in Jun and Jul. Bruce in the USA performs on Jun 22, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band and openers Steve Smith and the Nakeds play Jul 13 and Yachtly Crew sail into town on Jul 27.
“It’s certainly a thrill to play PPAC and I’m really looking forward to the show,” says Don Culp, drummer of John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band. “Our two bands Steve Smith & the Naked’s and John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band are gonna have people dancing in the aisles. A legendary venue and two local legendary bands, this show should not be missed.” ppacri.org
Read more about PPAC’s Cool Summer Nights here. – Bobby Forand
Newport Jazz Festival (Illustration: Sophie Foulkes)
CulturefestRI’24
Fri, Jun 28 – Sun, Jun 30 This summer, the Rosa Parks Resource Center is holding CULTUREFESTRI’24 at the Southside Cultural Center of Rhode Island. Described by its creators as a “vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, and community,” attendees can expect more of a movement than just another event. CULTUREFESTRI’24 is a “gathering of like-minded souls coming together to celebrate diversity and the rich tapestry of our community.” Featured at the festival will be a number of performances encompassing art, music, and dance by artists from near and far. In between the different showcases of talent, folks can enjoy an eclectic variety of cultural food offerings and vendors, with some vendors showcasing crafts, unique goods, artisanal jewelry, and more. culturefestri.com – Maddie Jarvis
Scurvy Dog Mega Parking Lot Show
Various Dates Summer doesn’t officially start until the Scurvy Dog Mega Parking Lot Show is officially announced. There will be four Sunday shows, each falling on a holiday weekend to give time to recover. They will also be picking up where Dusk (RIP) left off with a show on July 4.
“Somebody has to,” says co-owner James Wolloff of the decision to carry the traditional torch. Like all years, expect an eclectic variety of genres that should satisfy most music fans. While the lineup features mostly local talent, bands from as far as Vancouver, BC will be performing. Though there will be a few favorites that grace the Scurvy pavement annually, there will be a lot of bands that haven’t played in years, if at all.
“Lots of new bands this year,” Wolloff says. “A couple from VT, some from NYC, Menstrual Tramps from Minneapolis, Wait//Less from Vancouver. It's gonna be fun!”
Without giving away too many surprises, Wolloff reveals that he will be performing a Spinal Tap tribute set on Jul 4 with David Tessier and the All-Star Stars.
“I'm also sitting in with another old-school PVD band doing an all-cover band, but that one needs to stay a surprise.” scurvydogbar.com/events – Bobby Forand
Newport Classical Music Festival
Thu, Jul 4 – Sun, Jul 21 Cementing its legacy as a premier RI cultural asset, Newport Classical Music Festival celebrates its 55th anniversary with 27 concerts performed by 120 international musicians in eleven historic venues. The iconic summer festival features a broad-range of composers, formats, artists, and sounds. Featuring artists from acclaimed violinist Anne Akiko Meyers to Tony Award-winner Laura Benanti, the festival kicks off with the Patriot Pops on Jul 4 at King Park and concludes with Lara Downes at The Breakers, Jul 21. The line-up includes Composer Talk (Jul 20, 11 am), featuring Grammy-nominated Brazilian-American musician Clarice Assad, who premieres her newly commissioned work at the festival, performed by PubliQuartet and mezzo-soprano Renée Rapier.
“Regardless of taste – string, brass or something different – we offer an experience unlike any other, performed in magical settings,” explains Gillian Friedman Fox, executive director of Newport Classical. Last year's festival drew sell-out crowds with 40% of patrons first-time attendees. Discover new composers, revisit beloved work, and gain new perspectives from a wide-range of musical experiences and artists shaping the future of classical music. newportclassical.org/music-festival – Jenifer May
Wickford Art Festival
Sat, Jul 13 – Sun, Jul 14 This July, the Wickford Art Association brings back its annual art festival at Wilson Park in North Kingstown’s historic Wickford Village. A local staple since 1962, the Wickford Art Festival features a range of artists, including both national and local New England / Rhode Island artists. Over 200 artists will showcase their work, including ceramics, wood, painting, photography, furniture, drawing, and more. As an added bonus, admission is free, and per RI law, any fine art sales made at the event are tax free! Either before or after attending the festival, consider checking out historic Wickford Village and all it has to offer. wickfordart.org/wickford-art-festival – Maddie Jarvis
St. Mary’s Feast
Wed, Jul 17 – Sun, Jul 21 Parade Sat, Jul 20 There’s a road race, a massive parade, food trucks, lemonade and over 100 years of tradition at the oldest St. Mary’s Feast in the country. There are rides, games, food, and live music including riffs by the CarTunes. Italian in its food and culture, this crowd pleaser celebrates in delicious, family-friendly ways.
Charlestown Seafood Festival
Newport Beer Run
Sat, Jul 20 Fort Adams will be flowing with beer, sweat, and running shoes at the annual Newport Beer Run, happening Jul 20. The event pairs a 5k race with a beer festival that features over 30 breweries.
The course gives a running (or walking) tour around Fort Adams. Runners start at the west side of the fort, and loop around and through the stone walls. The route then heads towards the Eisenhower House and back along the oceanside Bay Walk loop, conveniently ending at the beer festival.
Attendees don’t need to participate in the race to enjoy the beer festival. A lot of the breweries are local and all are intriguing. Food trucks and live music round out this 21+ event, which ends at 4pm, making for a potentially fun nightcap in Newport. newportbeerrun.com – Bobby Forand
Puerto Rican Bay Fest
Sun, Jul 21, noon – 7pm RI Latino Arts coordinates and champions this celebration of Puerto Rican heritage. Food, dances, music, and cocktails at a family-friendly event coordinated with the raising of the Puerto Rican flag over Central Falls.
Blessing of the Fleet
Thu, Jul 25 – Sat, Jul 27 Narragansett Lions Club hosts the 52nd Annual Blessing of the Fleet Celebration at Memorial Square (near the towers). The festival has grown over the years to become a three-day event attracting about 30,000 people to Narragansett annually.
The festival has a carnival vibe with the Narragansett Lions Club and other vendors, slinging food, alongside rides, games, and the “famous” beer (and wine) tent. Felix Brown Band, Heavy Rescue, and Those Guys are slated to provide musical entertainment.
There is a 10-mile road race on Fri, Jul 26. Participants have the choice of running or walking. The race starts by the high school, passes by such landmarks as Scarborough Beach, Ocean Road, and Point Judith Road, and ends at the towers. This is one of the top races of its distance in New England and attracts runners from all across the country. The celebration ends on Sat, Jul 27 with the Blessing of the Fleet boat parade at Salty Brine State Beach. Each watercraft is blessed by a local clergyman while onlookers cheer them on. bit.ly/3KaEjKj – Bobby Forand
AnimeCon (Illustration: Olivia Lunger)
Newport Folk Festival
Fri, Jul 26 – Sun, Jul 28 A quintessential Newport experience has to be Newport Folk Festival — a one-stop shop for all things folky and fun. For over 60 years, the organizers of Folk Fest have been bringing great music to Fort Adams in Newport, uniting a diverse range of artists. This year’s acts include Black Pumas, MUNA, Bertha: Grateful Drag, Billy Bragg, Elle King, Killer Mike, Orville Peck, The War on Drugs, Dropkick Murphys, and many more (with more artists to be announced!). In addition to a host of musical performances, tons of local vendors gather at Folk Fest, often artisan jewelers, music photographers selling photographs, and vintage clothing stores offering special pop-ups. There’s also plenty of food to be found, with a typical assortment of different food trucks and classic-style food vendors. Tickets always sell out instantaneously for Folk Fest, but there’s a waitlist you can join to snag tickets as they become available, which is pretty common. Worse comes to worst, you can always pull up your boat (or your friend’s friend’s dad’s boat) and enjoy the music for free! newportfolk.org – Maddie Jarvis
Newport Jazz Festival
Fri, Aug 2 – Sun, Aug 4 Tickets are selling fast, so now is the time to go online and grab yours before they’re sold out…and they will sell out.
This year's lineup promises to be a primo weekend of amazing jazz stars, including: Samara Joy; the Sun Ra Arkestra; a tribute to Wayne Shorter, a founding member of the Crusaders; along with Stanley Clarke N-Forever, a founding member of fusion jazz and a bass guitar wizard. Another star not to be missed is funkmaster Niles Roger and Chic. Rogers has been a mainstay bandleader and funk music producer for decades. newportjazz.org
Fri, Aug 2 – Sun, Aug 4 Get your bibs ready! The 39th annual, award-winning Charlestown Seafood Festival is upon us! Enjoy a weekend full of Rhode Island’s best seafood, including: lobsters, steamers, chowder, fish & chips, lobster rolls, (hungry yet?), clam cakes, corn on the cob, a raw bar, and more. This 3-day festival includes amusement rides, artisan vendors, a car show, rock wall climbing, raffles and the list goes on. Don’t miss one of New England’s biggest – and tastiest – events of the year. charlestownseafoodfestival.com
RIFF (Illustration : Olivia Lunger)
Pawtucket Greek Festival
Fri, Aug 16 – Sun, Aug 18 Why watch the latest My Big Fat Greek… movie when you can have it all live and in-person right in Pawtucket? Relishing in Greek food, music and culture, you can witness Greek dances by performers in period clothing, and feast on more gyro-ics than a superhero movie. This approachable, enthusiastic festival has been a mainstay for the Pawtucket community of every heritage for over 90 years. Not only are Greek dances especially exciting in the round, but there are vendors of all shapes and sizes for your browsing pleasure, and a spacious meal tent.
Black Ships Festival
Fri, Aug 16 – Sun, Aug 18 This August, the Japan-America Society of Rhode Island returns with the Black Ships Festival for its 41st year. With a number of events happening in both Bristol and Newport, folks can enjoy unique cultural experiences that bring the community together to celebrate Japanese history and culture. One of the biggest components of the festival is the Cultural Marketplace Fair, held in Independence Park in Bristol. The fair holds tons of amazing experiences, including origami folding, martial arts demonstrations, a traditional tea ceremony, and demonstrations of “Ikebana” and “Kokedama,” the Japanese art of flower arranging. In addition to the fair, the weekend of celebration features a free Taiko drum concert, a gala in Newport, a memorial ceremony, and more. jasri.org – Maddie Jarvis
RI Folk Fest
Sun, Aug 25, noon – 6pm Attend the 10th annual Rhode Island Folk Festival and enjoy three stages of live performance at Rose Larisa Park in East Providence. And the best part? The festival is completely free!
The three stages include the Bandshell Stage, which features mostly bands, the Songbird Stage, which features mostly soloists, and the Emerging Songwriters Stage, which is held in the Gazebo between the two main stages and features a juried open mic.
The festival is produced by Hear in Rhode Island, an organization dedicated to putting on free music festivals to promote Rhode Island folk singer-songwriters. Hear in Rhode Island was founded by RI native, musician, Motif contributor and host of the Roots Report podcast, John Fuzek. rhodeislandfolkfestival.com
Would you believe it?! There are even more summer happenings! Too many to print. Although we’d love to, we can’t catch ‘em all. If you have a festival you’d like to see featured in future issues of Motif, please let us know by emailing listings@motifri.com. Now get out there and have the best summer ever!
Tucked inland and surrounded by the city of Providence, the Peace and Plenty Community Garden lives up to its name. While it is a sanctuary for the peace-seekers, it is also a pollinator corridor that supports native bees, butterflies, lady bugs, and other creatures that complete a more wholistic garden system. There is also an outdoor gallery and bountiful food for all.
However, even the most thoughtfully balanced garden can face challenges when pollinators begin settling a little too close for comfort. When bees establish hives near walkways, seating areas, or frequently used plots, the risk of accidental stings increases—particularly for children or individuals with sensitivities. At that point, the focus shifts from simple coexistence to careful management, ensuring the space remains safe without disrupting the delicate ecological balance that makes the garden flourish.
This is where experienced removal experts become an important part of the equation. Working with AA Beekeeper allows colonies to be relocated responsibly, keeping people protected while preserving the role bees play in the wider environment. By addressing these situations early and thoughtfully, community gardens can remain welcoming places where nature and people continue to share space with mutual respect.
The community garden is recognized through the state of Rhode Island and the Providence Preservation Society. Its oldest tree was named by a member of the RI Green Team: Seymore the Sycamore, who is quite likely the second oldest Sycamore tree in Providence. This garden is well over 30 years old and is officially overseen by the Southside Community Land Trust. Inside the garden, there are 50 plots of land which are rented at a nominal fee. Priority is given to people who live close to this historical neighborhood landmark, and the garden aims to be as inclusive as possible.
The signage on the Peace Street side of the garden, as well as for the Peace and Plenty Park across the street, catch the eye. Visitors to the garden include passers-by, families using the playground, those en route to Dorcas International, and often folks from West Bay RI who are there to volunteer. Some visitors stop by to partake in the free stand, built by a Met High School senior. As of May 20 of this year, the free stand contains fresh mint, and there’s free firewood just a few feet away. If you swing high enough on a swing at the Peace and Plenty Park (and use a bit of imagination), your aerial vantage point will give you a view of the invertebrate species lounging in the mulch corridor.
Ka Xiong and Doug Victor in the garden.
“What it takes to make it successful,” says Garden leader Doug Victor, “is that it’s not a passive endeavor.” To talk of the Peace and Plenty Garden is to draw from over three decades as a community garden, and then over a hundred years for Seymore the Sycamore Tree, its surrounding stories, plenty of perspectives, and a promising future. The artwork by Jim Chapin on both the inside and outside of the safely enclosed oasis helps to tell the story of the neighborhood. And the Talking Tree initiative collects more stories, two of which have already been published. This project, like the other initiatives, is inviting community members to participate, to listen to trees’ stories, and to share those stories.
Whether it’s trees or bees, inside the fence or outside the fence, there is much to do at the Peace and Plenty Garden. Plus, there are many other community gardens to visit, support, appreciate, and partake in. The mulch corridor, the bird baths, the food corridor, the outdoor gallery, the land, the inventory of plant life, the removal of invasive plant life, the smells, the sounds, and the peace are plenty to remind us that there is always more to learn. To learn more, contact doug.crimewatch@gmail. com. Also check out 15 Minute Field Trips, the Young Farmers’ Group, Coalition Center 4 Environmental Sustainability (CC4ES), and connect with Representative Grace Diaz.
Everything has become way too expensive lately, including travel. Beside the cost, airports are a hassle and the potential of flight cancellations or getting stuck at an airport creates an aura of anxiety that takes away from the fun of travel. We here at Motif suggest staying local while doing all of the touristy activities this state has to offer. This will alleviate your travel worries, support the local economy, and you’ll realize all the beauty Rhode Island possesses.
This may take a bit of research and planning, but it shouldn’t be too hard to get a full Rhode Island experience in about a week. You can also make plans to “come back” and partake in anything you didn’t get to.
Here is a list to get the planning started:
Bally’s Twin River:
Tourists love to gamble, so RI’s longest-running casino is worth a visit. It’s not designed for families, but staycations make it easier to leave the kids somewhere. There’s a plethora of slots and table games to kill a few hours. Like all casinos, there are restaurants (seven and a food court), bars (three), and live entertainment. The Sports Book, located where people used to watch the Greyhound Races, is a must-see. casinos.ballys.com/lincoln
The Beach:
Our state has 400 miles of coastline, providing plenty of beach choices throughout the state, though mostly Washington County (usually referred to as South County). There are many beaches to choose from, all roughly offering the same amenities (sand, ocean, snack bar, bathroom). Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Block Island:
Listen to the commercial and “sail away on the Block Island ferry.” Once there, enjoy the art galleries, specialty shops, and a diverse shopping experience. There are options to travel by bike or moped to enjoy the scenery. The beaches are stunning and there is a bar scene. This is a good day trip. blockislandinfo.com
Cliff Walks:
There is a lot to do in Newport and the Cliff Walks provide a view to some of them. Walking high against the shoreline gives inspiring water views along with The Breakers mansion, Salve Regina University, and other fabulous-looking homes and sites. The relatively easy 3.5-mile trek features QR code trail markers that provide facts and information.cliffwalk.com
Jerimoth Hill:
The highest point in RI sits in Foster at an elevation of a mere 811 feet. It’s located along Route 101, making it easy enough to drive over so it can be checked off the list. There is a 0.3mile trail that takes about five minutes to complete to get the full experience.
Restaurants:
This state is well-known for its food options. There’s a favorite restaurant for every style of food. Use this staycation to step out of your comfort zone and try something a little different. Need help deciding? Check out these date-worthy restaurants: motifri.com/dateworthyrestaurants.
RIFC:
The newest local professional sports team has had a good turnout through a cold and rainy April and May. The warm summer nights promise to build upon the already great fan experience they have provided. Beime Stadium (located at Bryant University) is easy to get to (not far from the highway) and the traffic in and out moves surprisingly quickly. Food Truck Village has a good amount of eating options. The Fan Fest has enough activities to keep everyone distracted until game time (or if you need to keep the kids occupied). The match itself is wildly entertaining with a crowd that is truly into the game. rhodeislandfc.com
Sit in Traffic:
Vacation traffic hits differently than home traffic, so use this time as a tourist to enjoy the experience, assuming you’re in no real rush. RI has been gifted with a soon-to-be-legendary traffic nightmare by the sudden closure of the Washington Bridge, so here’s your chance to sit through history. dot.ri.gov
Washington County Fair:
RI’s largest midway and agricultural event provides five days of rural fun that attract people from all over. This event requires some planning as it takes place the second week of August. Each day has a packed calendar of special events in addition to the usual carnival and farm fare. washingtoncountyfair-ri.com
WaterFire:
This seems to be the state’s most famous attraction, so it’s worth checking their calendar for dates and themes. There is a big sense of community and a lot to look at and partake in. The fires themselves would almost be forgotten about if not for that trickle of burnt wood smell. waterfire.org
The flowers are blooming almost violently outside. The chaos of drivers impatiently beeping fills the air. I pass through a heavy red door off Broadway in Providence and walk up the stairs to Angels Collective tattoo studio. The chaotic beeping deadens once inside. Light filters in through a green-paned, stained glass window at the top of the stairwell. I wonder how old it is and think about the everyday art made before I was even a thought in my mother’s head, and what will outlive me when I’m gone. Fluffy clouds hang from the ceiling over crocheted, granny-squared pillows. The titular name glows on the wall in the waiting area (courtesy of local bender Nick McKnight). Angels hangs in lowercase script, white neon. Amen.
Angels Tattoo describes itself on its website as “a multidisciplinary collective of queer & non-binary artists making magic in Providence, RI,” continuing on to say that it is “a licensed tattoo shop” that “hopes to bring inclusivity and community care to the forefront of the local tattoo scene.”
Mimi in their studio.
Upon ascending, I am met by one of the Angels, Mimi Chrzanowski (@bbypokes). They are an artist who has been tattooing since 2010, describing their style as illustrative, folk arty, playful and “always applied one dot at a time, by hand.” They continue telling me about their start into the world of tattoo, saying, “It was initially a very casual pastime with friends, and I’m eternally grateful for being surrounded by these down-to-clown punks in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and later, Providence.” Mimi shares a studio space with Blue Wallick (@puppygoblin), and together, they have adorned the walls with adorable blue and green murals of a friendly snail and caterpillar.
A kewpie doll keeps watch on a bookshelf in the corner. Blue tells me over email that he draws inspiration from “the whimsy of childhood” as well as “forest critters, 2000s video game nostalgia, storytelling, and magic.” In the studio, Mimi begins to give me a tour of the rest of the rooms.
I am led into the shared studio space of Kiki Shu (@shuuin) and Jessa Cabral (@twoconestattoo). The space is gorgeously decorated but comfortable, like an especially cool Virgo friend’s house. Shu agrees with this assessment, describing the atmosphere as a “living room vibe” that is “divided up into cozy rooms with one to two artists in each.” Aside from the cozy atmosphere, Shu explains that their “goal is always to prioritize clients’ comfort, and I really value being transparent with the process, expectations, and having informed consent.”
Getting inked. (Stencil by Kiki Shu.)
I’m lucky to witness a bit of Shu’s process with a client, as Shu places a stencil for a tattoo that reads Angel Baby in a modernized gothic font and deep red ink. The client contemplates the placement on the front of their thigh in the mirror while Shu hangs back respectfully, then laughs as I snap a picture. “I guess my thigh will live in Motif forever,” they say.
Eternity looks good in a place like this. In the next room over, I chat with Jeanine (@xj9.tattoos) who shares a studio space with fellow angel Lilly (@lilatattoos). Lilly’s side of the room features flash sheets and a holographic wall hanging of Zelda. They tell me that they specialize in black and white tattooing, with styles ranging “from high contrast, dark and spooky, to delicate, light, and soft handed.” Lilly tells me that they often draw inspiration from their love of video games, specifically The Legend of Zelda, and that their dream tattoo would be “a full video game sleeve or back piece.”
Jeanine’s side of the room, by contrast, is romantic and homey — a kind of slightly gothic, cottagecore vibe. The juxtaposition of decor isn’t lost on Jeanine, who says, “People have described our setup like grandma (my side) and grandkid (theirs)…. There’s a little something for everyone!”
Jeanine setting up for a client.
After checking out Jeanine’s setup for a client who is coming in for a tattoo later that afternoon – a gorgeous, fineline, reticulated snake from Jeanine’s flash sheet — I follow Mimi into the staff room. On the opposite wall as I enter is a negative space mural painted by former Angels tattooer Mary (@crescentwretch), featuring beetles, snakes, flowers, wings, and heavenly, disembodied hands. I can’t walk two feet in this place without being bowled over by artistic talent and it makes me a little shy. I accidentally bump into their microwave on a cart by the door, knocking some paint brushes off the top.
Straightening out the paintbrush situation, I am introduced to another Angel, Laura (@poopy.pokes). I ask them where they draw inspiration for flash designs. They reply, “Usually something will catch my eye while browsing through folk art, textile art, paintings, etc. and I will make a note of a shape or figure or element that speaks to me… I enjoy the idea of using small motifs, be it the brow on a face, a small sun in the corner of a landscape, or the curve of a floral, in cultivating a kind of stylistic through line.” This is super evident in their flash sheet, which features repeating dancers in a line, similarly sloped petals, and an eye drawn the same for a bird as for a leaping horse — an oblong dot that creates continuity throughout some of the creatures that Laura tattoos.
I am struck by the energy of radical acceptance, collaboration, creativity, and care at Angels, which is not something I have always experienced in other more traditional tattoo shops, to say the least. I asked each of the angels how they think the culture of tattooing has changed in recent years, and if it is more or less inclusive for queer and nonbinary artists. Blue answers, “I would say tattoo culture has become a lot more inclusive. Most of my tattoos are by queer people. But of course with visibility comes the criticism. There is a huge divide between ‘oldheads’ and greener tattooers, and I think part of it is the fear of change. But there’s room, and clients, for everyone.”
Laura echoes this, but underscores, “While I think there has been increased visibility through social media in promoting tattooers who identify as queer and nonbinary, I think it’s important to recognize that queer and nonbinary artists have always been present in tattoo spaces, and have made essential contributions to tattoo history and ‘traditional’ tattooing as we understand it.”
I stumble back onto the sidewalk, back to Earth. The next time you are thinking about adorning your mortal coil, check out the work of the talented artists at Angels Collective.
For full interviews with the artists, continue reading.
Blue’s flashLaura’s flashLilly’s flashKiki’s flashJeanine’s flashMimi’s flashPolaroids of Angels Collective members via their website.
CHATTING WITH ANGELS COLLECTIVE
Dana Schneider (Motif): How long have you been tattooing for? How would you describe your style of tattoo? Kiki: I’ve technically been tattooing for ~8 years, but I’ve been tattooing consistently/full time for a little over three3 years. My tattoo style at the moment is mainly illustrative organic imagery and hand drawn calligraphy, but I feel open to anything! I like to work in a mix of linework and dotwork.
Mimi: I started tattooing in 2010. It was initially a very casual pastime with friends, and I'm eternally grateful for being surrounded by these down-to-clown punks in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and later Providence, Rhode Island! I'd say 2018 was the turning point year where I started cultivating my tattoo practice more seriously so it could grow further. I'd describe my style as illustrative, folk arty, playful, and always applied one dot at a time by hand.
Blue: I’ve been tattooing on and off for five years — unless you count a sewing needle tattoo I gave myself at 16, then I’d say 10 ;) but have been full-time for just over 3 years. My style is very illustrative, I love to tattoo characters and nature scenes. Laura: I've been tattooing for just shy of four years. I'm a hand-poke tattoo artist primarily interested in re-interpreting folk imagery, textile patterns, and landscapes among other things, while emphasizing bright colors, high contrast, and whimsicality.
Lilly: I have been tattooing for three to four years specializing in black and white. Some pops of color to anyone who likes it! From high contrast, dark and spooky, to delicate light and soft shaded! I like to try and do the most with just some black ink.
Jeanine: I've been tattooing for six years! My style can be described as fineline illustrative, both color and black and gray.
DS: How did you come to join Angels Collective? Kiki: I was fortunate enough to be invited to be a part of the original crew that started Angels Collective (as we know it today) in December of 2020. It still feels like one of the luckiest flukes of my life, haha! I had never met any of the other members in person until we started looking at spots to rent together. I was pretty fresh out of college and feeling a lot of nerves from imposter syndrome and general shyness, but the opportunity to be in a collective with cool & talented peers like Angels felt like everything I could have ever hoped for as a baby tatter still getting their feet on the ground.
Mimi: It was in December 2020 that Angels Collective as we know it was born on Broadway in Providence. For months prior to that a number of us were online discussing what renting a space together could ideally look like. At the time some of us barely knew each other outside of having traded a tattoo here and there. Reflecting on that fact always makes me overflow with gratitude for how much I love, trust, and admire my studio family, past and present <3
Blue: I was invited to join as a founding member by Jessa, which was great because I was newer to Rhode Island. It was nice that someone I had traded with invited me to participate, and in turn changed the course of my career.
Laura: I had cultivated relationships with several Angels Collective members over the course of my tattoo journey; when I expressed interest in moving to Providence / working out of the Angels' space, the collective was incredibly supportive and agreed to have me on as a part-time guest artist, then eventually as a full-time resident.
Lilly: Angels has always been a place I had looked up to when starting my tattoo journey. I guested here one summer and grew to love it. Luckily the studio had put out an advertisement for a new artist and I had applied thanks to the encouragement from my partner.
Jeanine: Angels came into my life at the perfect time. A client of mine while tattooing in Brooklyn, NY recommended I look into Angels Collective and Providence as a possible home, right as I was looking to move closer to my hometown in MA. That week, Angels posted they were hiring, and everything fell into place! Truly heaven sent. I feel so lucky to be here.
DS: What is the shared vision of Angels Collective and how does that align with your own art practice? Kiki: Angels Collective values joy, aid & support, inclusivity, comfort, and collaboration, whether it be with our members, clients, and/or larger Providence (and beyond) community. We learn from and support each other, and strive to give back whenever we can. I’ve been inspired by each and every one of my studio mates at Angels, past and present, in so many ways! I am seeking to make a positive impact and to never stop learning new skills/ways to do so in my work and my life. I’m 100% a better person and artist because of my time & company at Angels.
Mimi: The seven of us at Angels strive to create a space that prioritizes communication, consent, and the joy of asserting bodily autonomy through tattoo transformation. One of the things I love about tattooing as part of my art practice is its inherently collaborative nature. Using my creativity and practical skill in this craft is wonderful, but equally so is the feeling of being in service to someone walking through our door and providing them with a sanitary and chill environment.
Blue: I believe the vision of Angels is to be a space for growth and non-judgment in both tattooing and the arts. Angels has taught me that it’s okay to do your own thing, and following a more traditional path isn’t for everyone. So in my own practice, I try to embody that feeling of empathy and gratitude for my own unique perspective.
Laura: The Angels Collective aims to create a space inclusive and accessible to the surrounding community through its operation as a collective, collaborative entity. I maintain that my tattoo practice is inherently one of collaboration, shared trust, and relationship-building with each client, and I'm grateful to be surrounded by peers and collective members who share a dedication to this emphasis on a collaborative, dynamic process.
Lilly: The people here at Angels are so guiding, understanding, helpful, and open. I am so thankful to have found a group of people who are willing to give and help out our community. I am thankful to share my art here at Angels.
DS:How has the culture of tattooing changed in recent years? Is it more or less inclusive for queer and nonbinary artists? Kiki: I think the culture has shifted a lot in the last decade. I also acknowledge that I have not been in industry for a very significant amount of time. Nontraditional styles of running tattoo businesses (such as private studios like Angels Collective) have become much more prevalent in the past decade, and can feel a lot more accessible and inclusive for people with marginalized identities who may face a lot more hardship in entering industry compared to cis/het/white/rich/etc. counterparts. Social media has also changed everything. From the clients’ side, browsing for and finding new artists has never been easier and more accessible. I remember when I was a teen, all I was really privy to were the couple of street shops I would drive by in my hometown every now and then. Now, there is a huge range of shops, private studios, and independent artists at your fingertips. I think in this way the playing field has leveled a lot, especially for marginalized artists. I know I’m grateful, as a queer & nonwhite artist, to have started tattooing when I did!
Mimi: Looking around it's easy to see how much tattooing culture has exploded in terms of experimentation and acceptance in recent years. The internet made information about safely tattooing more accessible to a wider range of people, and social media made it feasible for artists to work in specialized styles or in alternative environments and still be found online by clients seeking their unique qualities. I chose to enter tattooing through the DIY back door because I wasn't sure there would be a place for me to be me when I started stick and poking long ago. Little did I know at the time the extent to which queer people have always been a part of tattooing culture. We're just more visible now.
Blue: I would say tattoo culture has become a lot more inclusive. Most of my tattoos are by queer people. But of course with visibility comes the criticism. There is a huge divide between “oldheads” and greener tattooers, and I think part of it is the fear of change. But there’s room, and clients, for everyone. Laura: I think we have seen tattooing expand as an artform across both imagery and technical application, and with this we've also seen an increase in tattoo interest and acceptance within the general public. While I think there has been increased visibility through social media in promoting tattooers who identify as queer and nonbinary, I think it's important to recognize that queer and nonbinary artists have always been present in tattoo spaces, and have made essential contributions to tattoo history and "traditional" tattooing as we understand it.
Lilly: I believe yes it has become more inclusive! You will find your community wherever you are. When I started tattooing I was pleasantly surprised to find out how many queer and nonbinary tattooers there are. We are everywhere, it’s lovely and comforting to see.
Jeanine: There are so many more options these days compared to when I entered the business in 2017 for queer artists. It certainly depends who you surround yourself with; I chose to move to Brooklyn, NY in 2020 to be able to work in a queer owned shop. I was so thrilled to come across Angels Collective which consists completely of queer and nonbinary artists, it feels more welcoming than I ever imagined a tattoo space could feel.
DS: Do you have a favorite tattoo that you have done recently? (Or is that like a teacher admitting to having a favorite student?) Kiki: I have been really enjoying tattooing lettering in color lately! There are always certain types of projects that I feel extra excited for, but my interests and fixations are always changing month by month.
Mimi: They're indeed all my children! I will say, I really enjoy combining solid linework with dotty detailing, whether it's a flash design or a custom request.
Blue: I love any tattoo I make of dogs! I have a repeatable design of a trotting dog with a collar and chain that just makes me happy any time I do it.
Laura: I'm incredibly proud of a piece I was able to do for a studiomate recently-- it is a sort of warrior holding a severed head and was made on the ribcage. The imagery itself is more macabre than is typical for me, but there is something almost coy in the quality of expression, and both myself and my studio mate agreed to think of it as a kind of talisman / protector set to ward off any ~bad vibes~.
Lilly: I love all my tattoos I do, I can’t call any of the babies ugly. I do have a favorite tattoo though. I did a Wolf Link and Midna leg piece. I’ve always wanted to do a piece with them and I was so thankful. Shoutout to you Aaron!
Jeanine: I am the worst at picking favorites! However anytime I get to take on a large scale piece like a back piece or sleeve, I am particularly stoked.
DS: What can someone expect when they sit in your chair to be tattooed? What’s the atmosphere like? Kiki: We definitely have a “living room” vibe at Angels, our space is currently divided up into several cozy rooms with 1-2 artists in each. My goal is always to prioritize clients’ comfort, and I really value being transparent with the process, expectations, and having informed consent. I ask clients if they have any sensory or accessibility needs during booking intake, and during the appointment the client is in control the entire time–from placement, snack breaks, session length, music volume, privacy screening etc. I’m down to be quiet or chatty, and clients are free to nap, listen to music, or watch movies with headphones if they want, and I make sure to check in with how the client is feeling every so often during the session. I currently do exclusively handpoked tattoos, so the tattooing itself is pretty quiet (no loud buzzing of a machine).
Mimi: Upon your arrival we'll settle in together and review what you're seeking that day and what you'll need to be as comfy as possible during the process. Chances are good I'll have Cocteau Twins radio on the speaker yet again. I do handpoke, which makes the room pretty quiet so things can be as chatty or as zoned-out as you're feeling. The giant snail painted on the wall next to my tattoo station will watch over us as we commence hehe :)
Blue: I really want my client to feel empowered, so I am as collaborative as I can be. Quiet or chatty, I’m happy to follow their lead on that! Surrounding talks about placement, size, and colors, I’m always there to offer a perspective. I’ve been told almost weekly that my space is “cute!” Laura: I always work with music playing — clients can expect to hear just about any and every genre under the sun. I'm always eager to discuss the process and answer any questions clients have. Folks have often described the process of being hand-poked as a meditative experience — I think something about the rhythmic, light-handed nature of hand-poke lends itself to a kind of relaxation. Sometimes people even feel sleepy!
Lilly: I can be chatty! I love to learn new things about people and what they do. There are so many different worlds people live in and it’s nice to live in them for a moment during our tattoo.
Jeanine: I strive to make the environment as comfortable as you can be while getting poked! I always encourage clients to bring comfort items with them and offer conversation and music throughout the session, but ultimately I try to let the client determine the vibe. My station is very homey and I share a small room with my fellow Angel Lilly. People have described our setup like grandma (my side) and grandkid (theirs) with our decor — antique, romantic feel on my side, video games on theirs. There's a little something for everyone!
DS:How do you come up with ideas for flash? What are your sources of inspiration, loosely defined? (I.e. an artist you like, a TV show, a place?) Kiki: I’ve always been inspired by flora and fauna. In my teen years I was really enmeshed in the online furry community, and was super focused on honing my nature drawing skills and capturing expressions and actions of animal subjects. I still carry so much of that drive and inspiration with me in my present day work! I’m also inspired by just taking things in through my everyday life. If I’m super into a video game, show, or hobby it will totally have an affect on my art ideas. Additionally, clients’ custom tattoo proposals inspire me all the time, and I’m grateful to have gotten to collaborate with peoples’ visions and draw a bunch of concepts that I would have never drawn on my own.
Mimi: This is an annoying answer, but I truly am inspired by everything I see around me. Be it colorful packaging at the grocery store, a funny face in the clouds, a trip to the library to pour over art books and comics, or a cute animal video sent to me by a sweetie.
Blue: I’m really inspired by the whimsy of childhood. I love forest critters, 2000s video game nostalgia, storytelling, and magic. Laura: I try not to adhere too strictly to any reference — usually something will catch my eye while browsing through folk art, textile art, paintings, etc. and I will make a note of a shape or figure or element that speaks to me. From there I try my best to draw from a place of not really knowing what the outcome — intended or otherwise — will be. As someone new to a kind of visual artistic practice this has definitely taken some getting used to. I enjoy the idea of using small motifs, be it the brow on a face, a small sun in the corner of a landscape, or the curve of a floral, in cultivating a kind of stylistic thru line.
Lilly: For the clients who have come into my studio , they can see I know what I like: Zelda. It is no secret! I get a lot of my inspiration from that as well as many other games. Different genres and gameplay bring new experiences and a lot of that gives great flash ideas.
Jeanine: I honestly don't usually go in with much of a plan, I tend to start drawing what aesthetically feels right in the moment. Oftentimes I end up with a flash sheet of pieces I'd get tattooed on myself if they weren't mine!
DS: A dream tattoo that you haven’t gotten to do yet? Kiki: Nothing in particular, but I am always fantasizing about doing more large scale work like full back pieces/sleeves/bodysuits/etc. It definitely takes a certain type of person to commit to big handpoked work though ;-)
Mimi: I'd love to take on larger scale work! Big ol' back piece of a mysterious creature, anyone?!
Blue: I would love to plan a full sleeve with someone. I have gotten pretty close, but I’m talking shoulder to wrist, all the way around. As for the content, I’d love some animals in there, but I’m flexible! Laura: Larger compositions! I'm currently in the process of synthesizing pieces for the back, stomach and chest. The idea of being able to cover a large area of someone's "canvas" is a very new but very exciting way of thinking about space and composition.
Lilly: My dream tattoo is a full video game sleeve or back piece. I would be so happy to do my Zelda or Luigi's Mansion piece I have on my Instagram ready for anyone!
DS: Favorite RI summer activity/antic? Kiki: I love camping, playing tennis, going to the beach, eating frozen treats, and just enjoying the long days.
Mimi: Going to the beach, preferably during vampire hours, Like No Udder's vegan ice cream, and roller skating outside!
Blue: Like No Udder for ice creams, and I’ve been playing tennis!
Laura: I've yet to experience a Rhode Island summer and am so excited! Current plans include bike riding everywhere, visiting as many beaches as possible, lots of ice cream, and patio seating.
Lilly: I love to go out to eat. Although I have my set and specific palette I choose from, I like to try many places with that!
Jeanine: I'm such a sucker for yard sales and art markets! You can always find me supporting the local art scene or grabbing an ice cream from Kow Kow.
DS: Social media handle? Anything cool that you want to shout out? Kiki: @shuuinn (tattoo) and @beckishu (art) Angels Collective has a Patreon/bi-monthly sticker club!
Mimi: @bbypokes I'm always accepting inquiries about making your art/tat dreams a reality so don't be shy about sending me a proposal!
Blue: I’m @puppygoblin on instagram! Just want to say that aside from tattoos, I also make games and am open for illustration commissions, so you can visit my site for any of that stuff, or just to say hi! bluewallick.dog
Laura: Instagram is @poopy.pokes; I will be releasing brand new flash and booking for the summer months soon, so folks are encouraged to subscribe to my newsletter in order to get that information (linked on the Angels' website). <3
Lilly: @lilatattoos I am currently booking for June!
Jeanine: @xj9.tattoos! My custom and flash books are open, I'm always looking to do more large-scale and color work on all skin tones.
A few of the PBC worker-members from L to R: Rosy, Jimmy DeSantis, Denise Ramirez, Chris Perez-Lopes, and Ronald Yuan. (Photo: PBC)
The sun is on your face and the wind blows through your hair (under your helmet, of course) as you coast down one of Providence’s rolling hills. You feel alive; a strong sense of freedom rising in your chest. Biking is amazing!
As you near the bottom of the hill, you start pumping the brakes. Squeeeeeeeeaaaaak. Wait — what’s that sound? Once you’re off the road and onto the sidewalk, you pull your phone out to query bicycle brake sound help! It could be a number of things: gunk on a wheel rim, brake pad misalignment, or maybe you need new brake pads entirely. The free and light feeling in your chest becomes heavier as you wonder what to do. You love biking, but are lost on how to care for your bike.
Luckily, there’s a place you can go to learn — the PVD Bike Collective. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist in need of a few tools and tips for machine maintenance or you are brand new to biking and need someone to swap your brake pads, you can do it all at PBC. Since spring 2021, PBC has been open to the public. The group describes themselves as “a community bike shop maintaining a space for teaching, learning, repair, redistribution, and joy — where everyone can belong.”
So you hop back on your squeaky-brakes bike and ride over to 50 Sims Ave, right next to Farm Fresh RI. Every Thursday from 6 – 8pm are PBC’s “Open Shop” hours, where you can receive assistance from experienced mechanics, as well as the tools and parts you need for regular maintenance and repairs. “Volunteer Night” takes place on Tuesdays from 6 – 8pm for anyone wanting to pitch in with shop tasks. No experience needed.
One of the friendly faces you’ll likely encounter at PBC is John “Rosy” Rosenwinkel. Rosy tells me how he got into working on bikes 15 years ago through Bikes Not Bombs Boston. “That was really a transformative thing for me — getting exposed to a bunch of bicycle things, but also how to teach and work with young people. How to be in a space like that; that’s trying to act out a certain set of values. It’s one thing to have those values, and another thing to put them into action in the world.”
Rosy working on a bike frame. (Photos: Gina Lerman)
After years of teaching and “pulling bikes out of the trash, fixing them up, and riding them everywhere,” another opportunity arose for putting those collective, justice-focused values into action. This time, the seed was planted at a meeting of like-minded people in Dexter Park. Rosy recalls, “There was a desire to make a community bike shop run by the people spending time there, that would be aligned with a shared political vision, democratic decision-making, and redistribution of materials, knowledge, and skills.”
He adds, “In March 2021, we ran a bike drive and started fixing up and redistributing bikes. So we [PBC] just had our third anniversary. From the beginning, our main commitments have been to provide a space for people to work on their bikes, fix their own stuff, and we are available to teach how to do it. Everything is free. People can make a donation, but everything’s free.”
Since then, PBC has run all kinds of sliding-scale workshops in addition to the Open Shop hours. Their six-week “Mechanic Fundamentals” class has run 10 times, producing about 85 alumni. In the winter, they offer classes that aren’t bike-related. Everything from starting seeds, computer-aided design, residential electrical wiring, web development, how to tie knots, car maintenance, how tires work, and even how to play Texas Hold’em.
When you enter PBC, among the myriad of bike parts, tools, and art, including a Collaborative Union of Providence Service-Workers (CUPS) print by local artist Dean Sudarsky, you will see a huge volunteer-painted diagram with labels of all the different parts of a bike. There is a “Hall of Fame” featuring uniquely messed-up bike parts and a poster of PBC’s “Community Agreements.” In my conversation with Rosy, he emphasizes the last of these: We recognize that bikes are great tools, but it’s people that are at the center of what we do. People are the most important part.
Visit PVD Bike Collective at 50 Sims Ave, PVD. Follow along for classes, events, and updates at @pvdbikecollective on IG and pvdbikecollective.org.
Check out our interview last year with PBC member and co-founder Shelby Mack.
The folks of PVD Bike Collective. Back, L to R: Shelby Mack, Zane Silva, Danny Cordova, Jon Stogner, Bekah Moon, Steve Ward. Front, L to R: Ira Coolidge, Eli Kauffman, Ronald Yuan, Denise Ramirez, John (Rosy) Rosenwinkel. Center: Chris Cervantes.
Rebel’s Rations is the brainchild of chef Daniel Brown and best friend Alec Labine. It came about as a way to build community and provide kick-ass, late-night dining experiences. Brown’s extensive culinary background and passion for the arts, combined with Labine’s experience in IT and nonprofit leadership, paved the way for Rebel’s Rations to become a reality. In January, Brown and Labine set up a grill at Scurvy Dog in PVD and have gone on to provide a variety of comfort food and late-night snacks every Friday and Saturday from 6 pm to 1 am.
“The desire to create something unique, meaningful, and from the heart, coupled with the opportunity presented by the supportive community at Scurvy Dog, led to the realization of Rebel’s Rations,” Brown says.
Brown’s love of cooking started when he was a child. He would prepare meals for his mother, sister, and friends. At 14, he took a dishwashing and meal-prep job at Coast Guard House and steadily moved up the ladder, eventually becoming a chef in well-respected restaurants in Rhode Island and Florida.
“I just loved creating tasty flavors and new takes on old traditions,” Brown says of his passion. “I personally love creating dishes and having people try them and getting instant feedback.”
Brown is a local musician (singer/guitarist for Brown Apples) and loyal Scurvy Dog customer. Labine is a bartender at Scurvy, so the two pitched Rebel’s Rations to bar owners Jamie Wolloff and Terry Linehan. They were on board with the idea, which set the wheels in motion.
“The support and collaboration between Rebel’s Rations and Scurvy Dog have been mutually beneficial, fostering a dynamic and engaging dining experience for our friends, family and guests,” Brown says of working with Scurvy Dog. “Owners Jamie and Terry have been super supportive and I appreciate them immensely.”
Rebel’s Rations had a soft opening in January. There was buzz from the get-go. Brown states opening night was their most memorable moment thus far. It was an incredibly busy night and the community embraced them with an overwhelming and encouraging reception. Brown and Labine hope the warmer months bring many similarly successful nights.
They decided to open during the winter to give them time to hash out any issues and grow steadily. They plan to expand their hours in the summer to include weekdays and earlier start times. They are also looking into catering and pop-up events, as well as getting a food truck so they may reach new locations and grow their clientele.
“The future is always full of change but we know for certain it will have new menu items, maybe a pizza oven, and who knows what else we can summon up,” Brown muses.
Rebel’s Rations options consist of burgers, grilled cheese, steak and chicken sandwiches, along with veggie and gluten-free options. They put their own spin on comfort food classics with fresh toppings and cleverly named sandwiches. Brown says their menu is dynamic and constantly evolving based on various factors.
“We take into account culinary trends, personal interests and customer feedback when making menu decisions,” Brown says of their process, which included test runs at other local locations, including The Parlour in Providence. “Customer feedback plays a significant role in shaping our menu, as we value the input and preferences of our patrons. It has led to adjustments and additions that have enhanced the overall dining experience and ensured that our offerings align with the tastes and expectations of our customers.”
Brown has been operating Rebel’s Rations while going through personal turmoil. Nico, his 14-year-old son, lost all of his possessions in a house fire back in February. Brown has been raising money through benefit shows and Venmo in hopes of helping his son rebuild his collection of Star Wars action figures, gaming systems, and clothes.
“I do all this work for him,” Brown says proudly. “He’s the only reason I live, basically. I hope to have him slinging burgers in the future.”
Brown is loving the start of this new endeavor. It has been a success thus far and he has plenty of exciting ideas and plans to grow Rebel’s Rations. He especially loves working with so many of his passions. “My passion and artistic flair is evident in every dish at Rebel’s Rations, where I combine traditional flavors with innovative twists to create memorable dining experiences. I cook in a punk bar and I just love it.”
Rebel’s Rations operates at Scurvy Dog Bar on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 6pm. Donations to help Dan Brown’s son can be made on Venmo @Daniel-Brown-1351.
As a recent college graduate who is always looking to save a pretty penny, I’m frequently looking for budget-friendly things to do. I was in luck this month, as Gallery Night Providence started back up with its free guided tours. On the third Thursday of every month from March to November, Gallery Night Providence offers free guided trolley and mini-coach bus tours to museums, galleries, and studios throughout the city and surrounding areas. I consider myself someone who likes and appreciates art, but rarely looks for “the deeper meaning.” So I hopped on the bus on opening night to see what they had to offer a novice art enthusiast such as myself, and was not disappointed.
Gallery Night offers a variety of tours, which leave between 5 and 7pm, and each tour offers four stops. Depending on the tour you choose, you’ll either catch your ride at the Graduate Hotel or the WaterFire Arts Center, where you’ll be met by friendly and informative staff and while you wait, you can take in the absolutely stunning architecture of the Graduate Hotel or the current show at WaterFire.
My tour’s first stop was at the AS220 Aborn Gallery on Empire Street. AS220 is an artist-run non-profit that offers rotating galleries and is an unjuried and uncensored space for artists to create, perform, and exhibit their work. The current show on display is “Dear You” by Ruby T. Lopez Rios. Rios was at the gallery as our tour arrived and gave us the rundown on what inspired her.
She said she was inspired by the composition notebooks she journals in and as you walk into the gallery, you walk into her inner thoughts that she collected in those notebooks. Paintings, textiles, and poems adorned the room. Journal entries embroidered onto fabric that looked like notebook pages caught my eye, as well as black and white paintings of her family members from important life events. She was more than happy to talk with the gallery patrons and answer questions about the art. I found the work to have something that everyone in our group could appreciate.
The next stop at the David Winton Bell Gallery, located on College Street, was by far my favorite. Running through June 2, the “Barbara T. Smith: Proof” survey exhibition is on display. I had never heard of her before this, but a very knowledgeable curator filled us in upon arrival. Smith, who is still with us at a young and spry 93 years of age, is for a lack of better terms, pretty freaking cool. Smith is a performance artist who also works with mixed media as well as integrating a lot of technology into her work, which, considering her heyday was in the ‘70s is quite impressive for what she accomplished with it. I would highly recommend reading more about her. The exhibition featured everything from her early work with xerox, mixed media installations such as “trunk piece,” to videos of her performance art and microchip panels she used in her work. My favorite piece by far was “Field Piece” which was an immersive installation that exhibited from 1969-1972. While the piece has been damaged over time, videos and pictures remain to tell the story. In brief, it consisted of 180 translucent 9.5-foot-tall flexible fiberglass blades, representing grass to make up a field. Each of these blades was activated by foot pressure which then would light up the blade that was interacted with. The use of technology here is insanely impressive to me and it’s definitely worth a deeper dive.
As a break from the gallery-style stops, we headed to Studio Hop, a local studio and art shop. They showcase art from many local artists, as well as artists from around the globe. On display they have unique jewelry, vintage clothing and accessories, pottery, hand-crafted plushies, furniture and more. A small shop, but packed with so much to look at. Their backroom offers a few more unexpected pieces and overall the shop had good variety. The staff there was very attentive and was happy to let you poke around or answer questions if you had them.
Last but not least we headed over to the Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts on North Main Street. This gallery was the ‘10th International Juried Exhibition’ and featured photographs from many different artists from all over the states. There was a friendly communal environment, and some of the photographers were there with their work. There was no singular theme and everyone in the group was able to find something that they found interesting.
I found that there was a good amount of time spent at each stop and I was able to fully enjoy what each had to offer. Each stop was different enough that it didn’t feel repetitive or that I was getting sick of a certain style or medium. I would absolutely recommend making it to the next Gallery Night to see what hidden gems you can find.
