Category: Things to do in Providence

Taste Trekker’s 2014: The Culinary Tourist’s Delight

Do you want to learn about the best wine pairings in Spain? Experience the flavors of Miami? Explore the geography of Greek food — all while savoring delectable samples and listening to international experts share their knowledge (in lovely foreign accents)? Then you won’t want to miss Taste Trekkers 2014 Food Expo coming to Providence October 3 – 5. It will be the chef’s, the foodie’s, the culinary tourist’s weekend delight.

I’d never heard of a “culinary tourist” until I spoke with Seth Resler, the mastermind behind Taste Trekkers 2014 and creator of the nation’s first food tourism conference, and realized I AM one. I’ll illustrate with an example.

The other day I was talking to my supervisor after work, and the topic of gelato came up. Without hesitation, I started recounting my all-time favorite flavors, beginning with Rhode Island hotspots and moving to international bests: Amarena Cherry in London on the West End; Hokey Pokey (a Kiwi original) from a place called Lick in New Zealand; and Panna Semifreddo from a tiny shop in Bassano del Grappa, Italy. After a moment’s pause, my supervisor said, “How do you remember all of this? I can barely remember what I ate last week.”

This obsession I have with food (and gelato) and traveling the world to eat it is what defines the culinary tourist. Apparently there are other people in this world who plan their vacations around where they want to eat — a special breed of foodies. But every foodie has his way. As Resler pointed out, “There are two types of foodies: those who cook, and those who dine.” This conference will satiate every foodie’s appetite, and anyone who’s interested in preparing food, eating food, or traveling to eat food won’t want to miss it.

Here’s the line-up:

October 3: Industry Day (sold out). This is for professionals (e.g., beer brewers, culinary students, food tour operators, chefs, food bloggers) to learn the ins and outs of the food tourism industry. Panel discussion and mini-talks fill the afternoon, and a networking cocktail reception follows at The Dorrance (a great choice for cocktails, if I might add).

October 4: Foodie Day! This is the day to remember! Log it into your calendars right now. There will be food. There will be passion. There will be wine. This main event takes place at the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Providence and is open to the public. The morning is divided into three rounds of “Edible Sessions,” where experts will guide you on specialty cuisines, and you’ll get to sample them while learning about the history and traditions that surround them. And there are SO. MANY. OPTIONS. New Zealand, Peru, Greece, Spain, Cape Cod, Vermont, Maine, honeys, wines, lamb, ham, breads, pizza, cheese. To reserve a spot in your preferred session, purchase tickets in advance ($50; $65 at the door).

Following the sessions, everyone will reconvene to feast on dozens of food and drink samples from local restaurants. And if you’re anything like me (that person who insists on snapping pictures of her food), photos are encouraged! Tweet your favorites using #2014TTExpo. The day ends with extended hours at JWU’s Culinary Arts Museum.

Oct 5: Downcity Scavenger Hunt: Snap selfies at all the correct locations to win hundreds of dollars worth of prizes. Meet at noon at the Providence Arcade and grab a list, a group of friends and a camera to try to be the first to win. Prizes will be announced after a special showing of Farm-City, State at the Cable Car Cinema.

If you’re wondering, “Why Providence?” one good reason was that it was voted the #1 City for Food/Drink/Restaurants in America by Travel + Leisure in 2012. I also learned some history surrounding the event from Resler, whose name and voice you might recognize from his days at 95.5 WBRU. He’s a 1999 Brown graduate who created the social dining group, “Mystery Meet,” in Boston four years ago. It began as a flash-mob-meets-dinner-party and turned into a nationwide social gathering for adventurous foodies. (Strangers who share a love of food sign up to dine, but they aren’t given the location until 24 hours in advance, hence the “mystery” of the “meet.”) From there, Seth started the “Find Dining Podcast,” an interview series featuring chefs and food bloggers from St. Louis to Greece, helping listeners find the best places to experience local culture through local cuisine. He believes there’s an importance to understanding food within a place, and how that place shapes and informs food. This concept is evident in his execution of Taste Trekkers, which combines eating with informative, expert-led sessions.

I asked Seth if he’s always been so fond of food, and his answer involved a different kind of love. “I once dated a foodie. Her family would get together just to talk about food, and I was baffled. I had always been good at eating food, but not talking about it. I realized this is a passion for people, and I’ve always been interested in people who view what they do as an art.”

From master chefs to food bloggers to gelato enthusiasts, passion will meet pleasure at Taste Trekkers 2014.

To purchase tickets and find out more information, visit Tastetrekkers.com.

October 1, 2014
HxC: Midwest Blood on the East Coast

The streets of Providence will run red with Midwest Blood as Expire take over Firehouse 13 on Sunday, October 5. The last time they played Providence was over two years ago, so this is long overdue. With the release of their second full-length studio album, Pretty Low, in June, the band has been touring nonstop.

Currently in Canada with the guys in Every Time I Die and Counterparts, the band has gotten more exposure than ever. Touring with different genres for the first time allows the band to show new fans what hardcore is all about. And if any band knows how to put on a hardcore show, it’s Expire. Kids pile up during each and every song, and throw down for every bass pounding breakdown.

Moving around the East Coast for a short tour with Rude Awakening, Caught In A Crowd, Test of Time, and the locals in Waste of Life, they have yet another opportunity to play with some of the biggest hardcore bands today.

Rude Awakening is sure to bring a crazy following to Firehouse since this is the first time they have played Providence since the drop of their new album, Collateral Damage, a few months ago. Because their hometown is only a short distance away, everyone will come out for this epic line-up.

Caught In A Crowd and Test of Time never disappoint the Providence scene and are sure to play sick sets, as always.

Another band not to miss out on is Waste of Life; these Providence locals are blowing up. Playing with Expire last month in Maine, the band gave it their all and the crowd couldn’t sit still. Everyone was on their feet and showing love to this Rhode Island hardcore band. Being in their hometown, the show should be full of fans from all over RI, Conn. and Mass.

Be sure to grab your tickets early; this show could sell out.

Coming Up:

October 11, Firehouse 13, Agent Orange, The Architecs, Held Hostage, The Evil Streaks, Honest John

October 18, The Met, Transit, Such Gold, Friendly Driver, New City Ghost

October 22, The Funky Jungle, Yautja, Beartrap, TBA

October 1, 2014
Locale Profile: Table – You’ll Definitely Want a Seat at This One

Last week I headed to Barrington to profile the new restaurant Crepelicious. To my dismay (and a product of my clear lack of preparation), Crepelicious is nothing more than a “coming soon” sign and a partially empty building. Disappointed, I drove through the town in search of some good eats. As I passed the fairly new Coastal Commons Plaza, I spotted a sign that read Table. Was this a store selling expensive sporks and holiday linens, or a new dining option in the East Bay? As we pulled into the parking lot I noticed some outdoor seating. Now this looked promising.

From the moment we walked in the door, I knew I stumbled upon something special. The restaurant is quite small, giving it the feeling that you’re eating in someone’s home. In the center of the room is a large table that seats about 10, which is used for either large parties, or smaller parties that don’t mind getting friendly. Around the perimeter is some bench seating, along with a couple of four-tops. Like I said, this place is small.

The décor is rustic-modern with lots of reclaimed wood and retro light fixtures – very homey and comfortable. Our server handed us the lunch menu, which had a handful of thoughtful items. Following the farm to table trend, this restaurant offers only fresh, local ingredients. The menu, therefore, changes often to accommodate the flavors of the seasons and the chef’s whim. We lucked out and got the end of summer menu.

After commenting on the attractiveness of the waiter no less than five times, my dining companion ordered the open-faced chicken salad with cranberries and walnuts on multi-grain bread. I opted for the burger: pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes and greens served on a buttery brioche bun with pomme frittes and homemade ketchup. This was no ordinary lunch. Every item was spectacularly delicious. The burger, though messy, was juicy and flavorful; not at all overshadowed by its condiments. The chicken salad was fresh and delicious, as was the locally made multi-grain bread. For dessert we tried the coconut blueberry pot de crème. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, this probably isn’t be the best choice, as the flavors are subtle. I, however, can’t resist anything with coconut and loved every bite.

After lunch we chatted with the restaurant’s friendly proprietor, Claude Lochet. Table opened for business almost a year ago and is developing quite a local following (evidenced by the lunch crowd, all of whom seemed to know Claude by name). In addition to serving lunch and dinner, the restaurant occasionally hosts wine dinners and private events. As we perused the full menu, he urged us to return and give dinner a try. I looked around this wonderful place and thought to myself, “Fantastic food, cozy, inviting ambience, and some decent eye candy? Of course I’ll be back!” The unique dining experience that Table offers makes the drive to Barrington worthwhile, even for a Rhode Island native.

Table is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Dinner reservations are highly recommended so make sure to call ahead, especially on the weekends. 8 Anoka Ave., Barrington.

September 23, 2014
Mobile DIY Antifolk Rockers Celebrate 10 Years

Durham, North Carolina based folk rockers Beloved Binge will be stopping in RI on their country wide tour. The couple, who describe their music as, “rubble pop in a punk pot,” have been compared to Olympia, WA indie record label k-records, placing them somewhere in the ranks of indie folkies and shoegaze rockers. Beloved Binge is celebrating 10 years of making music, their 10 year “bandiversary”. Their music spans the rolling sounds of folk, and extends out to the feedback filled backbone of garage rock. The constant that winds through their recent album Pockets is the way the duo’s voices come together, part folk chorus, part rock anthem.

Eleni Vlachos is the self-identified drummer of the multi-instrumentalist duo, which will be gracing the stage at AS220 this Wednesday. She and husband Rob Beloved, quit their jobs and got in an ‘82 camper van with their dog, to tour the United States in celebration of making it 10 years.

Beloved Binge does more than just make music. Both members are vegan and work to raise awareness of the suffering of animals, especially as part of the high production food system. On a trip while touring they were traveling from LA to San Francisco and passed a feedlot for dairy cows, the conditions in which the animals were being kept convinced them to take the step from vegetarianism to veganism.

“One of our interests is reducing suffering in the world,” Vlachos explained. Animals make up a lot of life on the planet, and the members of Beloved Binge believe that with increased awareness of plant-based food options, people can make the switch.

“It’s hard to change,” she acknowledged, “Every meal is choice.”

Vlachos is also interested in film work. She has made two films, one called Seeing through the Fence which focusses on the reasons for switching to vegetarian and vegan diets, and why people are reluctant to do so. She will be giving out free copies at the show. While they are on tour this fall she is working on a new project called Big Talk. She is asking the artists they meet while touring questions off her “big questions” list, such as “What is the hardest part of being alive?”

Vlachos grew up in Seattle, working the cash register at her father’s pizza place. Her mother’s family had many classical musicians. She started playing the drums at age 21.

In 1998, Vlachos traveled to Crete, as part of a trip around Greece to get to know the country and visit her father’s family, there she bought a bouzouki (μπουζούκι, pronounced: boo-ZOO-kee), a Greek instrument resembling a lute.

“My father was embarrassed,” she joked, the instrument is usually played by men.

Vlachos met Rob while they were both still living in Seattle. She was looking to get involved with a new band. After the third member of their group left, they re-located to Durham, North Carolina.

“We were kind of broken-hearted,” Vlachos said. They decided to move somewhere new. They had heard nice things about the weather in North Carolina, so they packed up their stuff and moved.

“When we got there it was like a ghost town,” she remembered. But the town opened itself up and revealed a welcoming arts community that has helped them feel at home.

When planning their tour to celebrate 10 years of music making slotting Rhode Island in was an easy choice. Rob’s father lives in the city.

They have played AS220 before and are fond of its DIY ethos. The DIY movement is a large component of what they do. Their tour is self-organized and they are traveling by camper van with their dog.

Looking back on ten years of writing and performing Vlachos finds that the biggest changes are those of perspective.

“You look for ways to entertain yourself,” she said. Tired of playing gigs the same exact way every time they incorporated a theatrical element. Once, they put on a show of Three’s Company inside their performance.

But touring is a major draw when for Vlachos when it comes to going around the country.

“Playing shows is a way to connect with a community that you don’t get when you’re just traveling.”

Beloved Binge will be playing AS220 Thursday August 14. Check out their music at belovedbinge.bandcamp.com.

August 12, 2014
I Pity the Foo Who Misses Foo Fest

Taking over Providence and AS220 is the 18th annual Foo Fest. Saturday August 9, Empire Street will be turned into a summer block party with 12 hours of music, alternative art, performances, kid-friendly activities and plenty of food and drinks. Foo Fest highlights the creative and cultural scene that Providence has to offer, showcasing DIY technology with local artists and vendors.

Headlining this year’s Foo Fest is Psychic TV. Formed in 1979, the group is still led by original member Genesis Breyer P-Orridge. Psychic TV’s punk, psychedelic, electronic experimental twist is the kind of high-energy artistic style that Foo-goers have come to expect from the fest’s headliners. Genesis, alongside local screen print artist and mentor Ian Cozzens, is a recipient of Foo’s annual Free Culture Award. These winners are chosen based on the work they do that incorporates freedom of expression — they embody the organization’s uncensored and unjuried missions. The Free Culture recipients break boundaries in the cultural arts, paving the way for new art and artists.

Along with 22 other local and national musical acts on the main stage all day, there will be interactive activities for all ages. Hands-on arts and crafts for children, like jewelry making out of paper beads, will be available from 1pm until dusk. Some highlights for the big kids? Live screen printing, 3D printing from the staff of Make Magazine and info about October’s RI Mini Maker Faire, RPG game character compatibility testing, ceramic demos with kickwheel and handbuilding from The Steel Yard, and new this year, The Dream Reliquary. This participatory art installation incorporates audience members’ dreams and includes an animate GIF photobooth where you can experience an original polaroid shoot or take a few digital shots that will be turned into a GIF file that you can take home. Theatrical arts also get some love with a special performance from members of YASI Shakes at 87 Empire at 2pm. Join them to see pieces of Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Food trucks and vendors will be sticking around for the day and evening, giving a chance for vegans, vegetarians and carnivores to grub on items from Julians Omni Bus, Like No Udder, AS220 FOO(D) and many more.

August 6, 2014
Making the Stage: Local open mic picks up

There is a stage in Providence looking for performers. Join the PVD Hoot for a chance to perform or sit in the audience for an opportunity to cheer on local musicians of all types.

The PVD Hoot is an open mic that makes its home at Anchor, a work-exhibition space on Rice Street in Providence.

Started by Josh Aromin and Sarah Mead in October of last year, the Hoot has embarked on a year-long venture to bring a performance space for all to the city. The performance stage has gone walkabout in an effort to become more of a “mobile mic” bringing the stage to the people who want to perform on it, and to audiences in the heart of downtown. The Hoot is using Grant’s Block to get outside, but this past Sunday, the rain moved them inside to the Providence Polaroid Project (the old Craftland location), across the street.

This collaboration between the PVD Hoot and Providence Polaroid is the only the first of many, or so hope Hoot co-founders Aromin and Mead.

“People keeping saying, ‘we need to work together,’” said Aromin. They have been looking to work with more of the projects that are part of Popup Providence initiative.

A rainy Sunday didn’t see the turn out that the Hoot usually gets. Only four people performed, two of whom are involved with the Hoot, including Aromin. When the stage is set at The Anchor, between 30 and 40 people usually show up. When the performance has been hosted at Grant’s Block they’ve drawn crowds of up to 100 people.

“We got rubberneckers,” Mead said with a smile.

The Hoot started when Aromin’s cousin, Armand Aromin, a violin-maker, moved his workspace into the Anchor. The Anchor provides free performance and exhibition space to its residents. Armand asked Josh for ideas of events to host.

“I said, ‘An open mic would be great,’” Aromin recounted. Cafes and restaurants often will host open mics, but inviting people in to perform or to watch people perform does not necessarily turn a profit, and the open mic remains secondary to the goal of establishment, namely selling food and beverages.

Aromin wanted to re-create the vibe that the erstwhile Tazza Cafe had at their open mics.

When they’re at home at The Anchor, they serve free beer and coffee, donated by Narragansett brewery, and New Harvest, respectively.

“We wanted to be an open mic that just happens to have free coffee and beer,” Aromin explained.

When Aromin was set to make the open mic happen, he invited friend and co-worker Mead to help him put it on. Mead has a degree in marketing, and had experience putting on events.

“Sarah had never done an open mic before,” Aromin laughed.

But Mead took on the planning and they’ve been successfully drawing a crowd since.

“Once you’ve done the first event, you figure out what to do. Every time we do it it’s tiring, but definitely worth it,” Mead said.

Sunday’s Hoot was also a send off party, because Mead is moving back to her home state, Connecticut. Aromin sang her a song he wrote, I hope when you pass through Providence it still feels like home.

One goal of the Hoot is to expand the project to other cities, so Mead’s move signals a future for the Hoot outside Providence. Until then, the Hoot will be continuing at The Anchor until this October.

Aromin recited the Hoot’s unofficial motto, “Our stage is your stage. I don’t care what your talent level is.”

For more information visit their website at http://pvdhoot.com

You can head out (and perform) 2PM performances at Grant’s block, 5PM at The Anchor:
Aug. 10 – Grant’s Block
Aug. 20 – The Anchor
Aug. 24 – Grant’s Block
Sep. 7 – Grant’s Block
Sep. 17 – The Anchor
Sep. 28 – Grant’s Block

July 28, 2014
Boat Tours Offer a New View of Providence

By: Josh Estrella

Whether you have grown up in Providence or it is your first time visiting the Ocean State, the Providence River Boat Company will give you a chance to view Rhode Island’s historic capitol from a whole new perspective. Starting at 10am the tour guides, led by Captain Tom, give riders the opportunity to traverse down the Providence River in a comfortable pontoon boat for a 45 minute tour of the city’s history. Even if you don’t care about history all that much the ride can still be a great experience. The tour also offers private charters for groups of 2-14 people, sunset and sunrise cruises, and even rides during Waterfire.

Once you make reservations for a tour, Don Fleck and Captain Tom will be waiting to greet you at the dock outside of the Hot Club where the boat tour will begin. From there the two are very helpful and welcoming, able to answer any questions as they guide you down the river. Starting at the docks, the boat ride travels down the Providence River to Waterplace Park and then even all the way past the Hurricane Barrier at the northern end of the Providence River

During the tour Captain Tom describes the picturesque waterfront scenery around the river as you pass by the iconic landmarks of Providence, pointing out historical facts that many locals may not even know about. Tom was able to describe the history of all of the bridges we passed and even describe to us exactly how Providence looked throughout the many changes of the 20th century. If you were ever curious about your capitol’s history, or even just have questions about the waterfront and modern architecture around the river, this is the boat tour you need to be on.

The boat travels at a slow pace so that it is comfortable, relaxing and can accommodate for any occasion from birthday parties to bachelor parties and more. The tour is very versatile and can accommodate anyone whether you’re an early riser, history buff, or you just want to relax and see Providence. If you’re 21 or older you can even grab a drink from the Hot Club and get on the boat for a fun ride with friends.

The chance to view Providence from a new perspective while floating down the river combined with exceptionally friendly staff make the Providence River Boat Company a great stop for anyone looking for a way to spend their day off.

July 11, 2014
Summer in the City

What to do when the Rhode Island heat gets you down

For the average Rhode Islander, summer generally consists of longingly staring out the window at work, braving beach traffic (has this term been recognized by the dictionary yet?), or hiding from the heat wherever air conditioning exists. I understand — the heat mirage that radiates off of the Providence skyline is a bit disconcerting. Breathe, we’re here to help.

For the Summer Vacation Warriors

If you’re a parent, nanny or a poor soul who gets stuck with some

one else’s child for no monetary compensation, chances are that by July you’re running out of cheap things to do with the kids on summer vacation, likely getting a little weepy at the thought of hauling children, two coolers and 10 pounds of sand toys to the beach (I’m starting to sound like Kim Kinzie). Don’t let the Xbox tempt you. Bring the gang over to the India Point Park playground.

Nestled under shady trees alongside the breezy bay, this maritime-themed playground has the classic swings and slides accompanied by one small, one rather large and one massive set of geometric climbing ropes and nets. These interactive pieces of architecture are home to a series of obstacles, bridges and hammocks suitable for small children or energetic 12-year-olds.

India St., Providence

Cool Off … Locally

There comes a point in the summer when you start saying to yourself, “To hell with fun in the sun, I’m damn hot.” I know what you’re thinking. But please … say no to the mall. And please, for the love of all that is sane, don’t spend any more money on another Transformers movie. Get your air-conditioned cinematic kicks at The Avon on Thayer or The Cable Car on South Main Street. Both of these Providence staples screen award-winning indie flicks seven days a week. Keep an eye on The Cable Car’s schedule for special events and screenings of local films.

The Avon, 270 Thayer St., Providence, avoncinema.com

The Cable Car, 204 South Main St., Providence, cablecarcinema.com

Go Culture Yourself

It’s not any sort of best kept secret in town — Providence is home to the RISD Museum. You’ve seen billboards, you know it’s got the giant Buddha statue, and it likely never comes up as an option on the Saturday morning, “I don’t know, what do you want to do today,” conversation, but when was the last time you actually went? The summer’s feature exhibit focuses on the freakish glamour of the 19th and early 20th century circuses. Bask in yet more air conditioning and get lost (possibly literally, but there are maps) in visual stimulation.

If you 1) have a short attention span, 2) want to peep some locally grown art, or 3) prefer your art with a side of wine and cheese, Providence Gallery Night is for you. Hop on the free gallery shuttle and cruise to a set of participating studios and galleries around the city. Choose between six different guided tours or visit any of the 26 participating galleries by foot on your own.

RISD Museum, 224 Benefit St., Providence, risdmuseum.org

Gallery Night shuttle stop, 1 Regency Plaza, Providence, gallerynight.org

Boozing, Cruising

My go-to summertime weekend, “I’m bored, it’s 3pm, there’s no way I’m actually going to the gym today,” activity is heading to a bar with a deck on the water and grabbing a cocktail in the sun. And if said bar has a boat docked outside, and if you can take said cocktail onto this boat and take a scenic tour of the Providence River. does it get much better? This exists. The Providence Riverboat Company is the only one of its kind on the river and leaves from The Hot Club daily. The riverboat tour is a slow cruise from the storm barriers to the basin of the Providence river and back again for a perspective most locals have never seen before. And the mini history lesson is interesting regardless of whether you’ve finished your drink. Hang on the Hot Club’s newly renovated deck with a drink, and bring it onto the boat when it’s time to set sail. Bon Voyage.

Tours leave from The Hot Club, 575 South Water St., Providence, providenceriverboat.com

Go For a Posh Dip

Lounge on a plush chair beside the pool and cabana bar surrounded by greenery, escaping the harsh city concrete. This isn’t a scene out of “Sex and the City.” Actually, I’m fairly certain this exact scene did occur in “Sex and the City.” This could be you. This really exists downtown. AQUA Marriott is the city’s only poolside lounge. Stop by for a drink or get real elegant with it for the afternoon in a private cabana, perusing the cigar and cognac menu. PS: Salsa dance party every Thursday night. Andale!

AQUA at the Providence Marriott, 1 Orms St., Providence, marriottprovidence.com/aqua

July 2, 2014
IMBIBE: The City of Compton

Clean, Simple, and Delicious

Perhaps one day this July you’ll find yourself rollin’ down Broadway on the West Side in search of something green. Perhaps green’s on your mind because it’s 80 degrees. Or because your mind’s on green. Whichever. You need a cocktail, stat.

Luckily you see a D-O-G in the distance. What? Cocktail drinker, please. Follow the star and sit. At the bar of Broadway Bistro. If you’re lucky you’ll meet the talented and lovely Emily Costa. Now this bartender knows what she’s doin’.

Sit back and relax. Something verdantly refreshing is about to come your way.

When asked about her pale green,

quenching concoction, Emily grins and says, “I was looking for something clean, simple and delicious.” But. She tops it with a crack of black pepper. Sounds odd. Looks intriguing. Tastes even better. “Like a summer salad, but in a drink.”

So raise your cup like this and like that to July’s cocktail.

What: The City of Compton

Found Where: Broadway Bistro

Go Get:
3 slices of cucumber
A small dash of simple syrup
2-3 oz. Death’s Door Gin
1 oz. grapefruit juice
Freshly ground black pepper

Make:
Muddle the cucumber with that dash of simple syrup in a shaker. Add ice and pour over the rest of the ingredients. Clos’er up and shake it like you mean it.

Serve up in a martini glass and top with a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper.

July 2, 2014
Growing Awareness: The Story of Seeds

How a RI Whole Foods Market and an independent director are shedding light on the seed crisis

by Despina Durand

The upcoming July screenings of Open Sesame: The Story of Seeds are the end result of a serendipitous ambition sparked by the film itself. Bonnie Combs, Marketing team leader at the University Heights Whole Foods Market, saw the film when it screened at the Cable Car Cinema & Cafe this past April after a friend of hers in the bakery at Whole Foods told her about how she had contributed to the Kickstarter that funded the film.

Open Sesame is a documentary that looks at the struggle between seed farmers and big agri businesses, such as Monsanto, over who has the rights to seeds. Seeds, the film argues, are the source of all life, and the basis of civilization. Without them, none of the things that we have today would exist. The move to patent seeds has gravely endangered biodiversity and farming.

Open Sesame director Sean Kaminsky, based out of Brooklyn, did not intend to make a full length film about seeds. The project started as an idea for a short film when he realized that the things he had been reading about seed patenting had a lot in common with the conversations happening around proprietary formats in digital media. (Proprietary formats are processes of encoding files that mean that they can be only opened with a specific program. For example, .doc, .ppt, and other Microsoft file formats.)

“I felt like they were turning seeds more into information than food,” Kaminsky explained.

But he discovered as he set off to his interviews that it was a very emotional topic. Sophia Maravell of the Brickyard Education Farm, one of his subjects, told him that 95% of the vegetable biodiversity has disappeared in the last 100 years. Each interviewee prompted him to speak with another on the subject, snowballing the project to a new level.

“It crept up on me.”

Combs originally approached the RISD Metcalf auditorium to screen the film, but while she awaited a response, she learned that the Cranston Public Library had started a seed library of their own, and they quickly agreed to host a screening of Open Sesame. Combs still wanted a screening in Providence, and ultimately Metcalf got back to her with an affirmative.

Kaminsky will be at the screening at the William Hall Library in Cranston, on July 30, to talk with the audience about the film. The following day representatives from the Seed Savers Exchange will lead a workshop on saving and sharing seeds.

“What I felt was that I wanted to leave people feeling inspired and hopeful, rather than in a place of anger and sadness,” Kaminsky explained of Open Sesame’s contrast with the trend of food documentaries to leave viewers drained or frustrated by the actions and indifference of big business. Kaminsky’s hope is that the film will inspire people to engage in learning more about seeds, advocating for them, and even saving them.

And from the way Combs has reacted, it seems he has already succeeded. Combs described how the film left her wanting to bring people together to educate them about seeds. And she has already thrown herself head first into the issue; she is using ad earnings from her plinko crypto casinos affiliate page to cover travel costs and is going on a retreat to Decorah, Iowa for a summer conference hosted by the Seed Savers Exchange.

“It takes so much to make a film– you want to believe it will make a difference, and to know that it impacted someone so much. It’s been really inspiring,” Kaminsky said of Combs.

But Kaminsky does not want to tell people how they should engage with what they learn, and realizes that not everyone will in the same way.

“If there is only one thing you can do, plant a seed,” he said. The experience of planting a seed is powerful, he explained. Putting it into the earth and watching it grow connects us to our ancestors who created civilization through the millions of seeds they planted and cultivated.

Combs’ journey has mirrored Kaminsky’s. From that first screening, she has tapped into the local seed saving culture. She learned that the person who requested that first screening of the film at the Cable Car was Bill Braun who runs the Ivory Silo Seed Project in Westport. He will be one of the speakers at the Providence screening of Open Sesame. The issue has swept her up. She wants to make it a priority for people to know about the importance of seeds. And she has high hopes.

“Bringing people together with an interest in a topic is the greatest thing. It’s so rewarding,” Combs said.

Open Sesame: the Story of Seeds will be screening July 24 at 7pm at Metcalf Auditorium. And July 30 at 6pm at William Hall Library. The seed saving workshop will be July 31 at 6:30pm. For more on the film visit www.opensesamemovie.com.

June 23, 2014