Category: Things to do in Providence
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Red Bandana Fund to Recognize Henry Shelton and Providence Student Union
On June 8, look for the gathering of friends, Rhode Island College educators, progressives, folkies and family members of the late Richard J. Walton, who come to the Red Bandana Award to pay homage and remember him. With his prominent, long white beard and red bandana, decked out in blue jean overalls and wearing a baseball cap, Walton was a dedicated advocate of worker rights and committed to the nurturing of young people as a college professor at Rhode Island College. He gave hundreds of hours of service every month to organizations including Amos House, the George Wiley Center, Providence Niquinhomo Sister City Project, the Green Party and Stone Soup Folk Arts Foundation.The Red Bandana Fund was also created to be a legacy to help sustain Rhode Island’s community of individuals and organizations that embody the lifelong peace and justice ideas of Walton. Through the Red Bandana Fund, an annual financial award will be made to an organization or individual whose work best represents the ideals of peace and social justice that exemplify Walton’s life work.Stephen Graham, a member of the committee organizing the fundraiser, a very close friend of Walton’s and a retired community activist, noted that 12 nominations were received. “There were many deserving nominations, all of which one could make an excellent argument for the award,” he said. “After much deliberation and agonizing, the Red Bandana Fund decided to give not one, but two awards,” continued Graham. “Awards will be given to longtime community activist and hell-raiser, Henry Shelton, and the other to the passionate, unrelenting organizing workers called the Providence Student Union (PSU),” he says, noting that their work embodies the spirit and work of Walton, a well-known social activist in the Rhode Island area who died in 2012. “Richard would have loved the choices.”The Red Bandana Fund celebration takes place on Sunday, June 8 at Nick-a-Nees, 75 South St. in Providence from 4 to 7pm. The event is open to the public and donations are accepted.Shelton, a former Catholic priest and long-time director of the Pawtucket-based George Wiley Center, is known throughout the region for his steadfast commitment to bettering the lives of all Rhode Islanders, especially the poor and disadvantaged. As a longtime advocate for the needy, he has been a fixture on the streets and at the statehouse for decades, advocating for fairness in housing, public transportation and medical care.“It is not an understatement to say that Shelton is the conscience of this state and has been for a long, long time,” says Graham, noting that there was no way Shelton could be ignored.The committee also honored a new generation of young people working to make a better world, added Graham. So, the Red Bandana Fund also recognizes the PSU for its groundbreaking work done in addressing important issues of education in creative and powerful ways. The PSU is an important voice in the debate over the value of high-stakes testing, challenging the NECAP tests as a requirement for graduation, and has forced officials and politicians to address their concerns, he said.“It is their commitment to grass-roots organizing and social change, at such a young age, that has earned them the recognition and thanks of the Red Bandana Fund and for all those fighting for justice in today’s society,” says Graham.Coming up with a name for Walton’s fundraiser was tied to his unique fashion sense and was the idea of his daughter Cathy Barnard and Richard, her brother. Like most people, Richard had a vivid, visual image of his father, who had long white hair and beard, being known for wearing his trademark worn blue jean overalls, a red bandana and Stone Soup baseball cap. After Walton died his close friends came over to his house and wanted one of his red bandanas to remember him. Thus, the red bandana became the perfect moniker and recognition for the annual fundraiser.Says Bill Harley, also on the organizing committee, The Red Bandana Fund is a continuation of Walton’s tradition of having an annual birthday bash – usually held the first Sunday in June, to raise money for Amos House & the Providence-Niquinohomo Sister City Project and other progressive causes.Over 24 years, Walton had raised over $40,000 for these favorite charities, attracting hundreds of people each year including the state’s powerful political and media elite to his family compound located at Pawtuxet Cove in Warwick.“We hope all the people who attended Richard’s parties in the past [1988 to 2011] will show up for the event and you can bring your favorite dish for the potluck,” said Bill Harley, a member of the selection committee.“This is our second year giving the award,” adds Harley. “We chose the awardees from a great list of nominations, and decided to acknowledge both young organizers, and one of our long-time heroes. Too often, the people who are in the trenches working for us don’t get recognized. We hope the Award begins to address that shortcoming.”According to Graham, “Last year’s event was more of a concert and tribute to Walton.” Over 300 people attended the inaugural Red Bandana fundraising event in 2013 at Shea High School, raising more than $11,000 from ticket sales, a silent auction and raffle. At this event, the first recipient, Amos House, received $1,000, he said.Graham says the well-known nonprofit was chosen because of its very long relationship with Walton. He was a founding board member, serving for over 30 years, and board chair for a number of years. For almost three decades, the homeless advocate spent an overnight shift with the men who lived in the 90-Day Shelter Program each Thursday bringing them milk and cookies. Each Friday morning he would make pancakes and eggs in the soup kitchen for hundreds of men and women who came to eat a hot meal.As to getting this year’s Red Bandana Fund off the ground, Harley says, “It’s been a year of fits and starts to make this thing work. I believe that the establishment of this award, and the honoring of people on a yearly basis, will help us build a community here that can transform our culture. It’s a little thing, but down the road, I can envision this award meaning more and more to recipients, and to the community those recipients come from.”Walton touched people’s lives, said Rick Wahlberg, one of the organizers. “Everyone had such an interesting story to tell about Richard,” he stated, noting that the Warwick resident, known as a social activist, educator, humanitarian, very prolific writer, and a co-founder of Pawtucket’s Stone Soup Coffee House “made everyone feel that they had a very special, close relationship with him.”Like last year’s inaugural event, Wahlberg expects to see many of Walton’s friends at the upcoming June 8 fundraiser. He and others attending will view this event as a “gathering of the clan” since those attending will be Walton’s extended Rhode Island family.So, block out some time on your busy Sunday. Come to the Red Bandana Fund event to remember our good old friend Richard Walton, and support his legacy and positive impact in making Rhode Island a better place to live and work. Enjoy the gathering of caring people who come to recognize the advocacy efforts of Shelton and the PSU to carry on Walton’s work.Core participants in organizing this year’s Red Bandana Fund include Bill Harley, Stephen Graham, Jane Falvey, and Barbara and Rick Wahlberg. Other participants include Jane Murphy, Jodi Glass, Cathy Barnard and Richard Walton, Jr.For more information about donating to The Red Bandana Fund, go to soup.org/page1/RedBandana.html. -
Freddie, Jason and Chucky, oh my! — Miss Terror Con Talks RI’s First Horror Convention
Sarah Michelle is Miss Terror Con 2014
Hide under the stairs, no wait … don’t! Don’t have sex in a haunted house! And most of all, don’t go to sleep! Why? Because Terror Con is coming to the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence Saturday and Sunday June 7 and 8. This epic 2-day convention is the inaugural event of the state’s first horror genre gathering brought to you by the same man who heads Rhode Island Comic Con, Steven Perry.
If you’re a fan of this ghoulish flavor of pop culture, then you’re gonna love Terror Con. I know one person who certainly does: Miss Terror Con herself, Sarah Michelle.
I caught up with Sarah, a native Rhode Islander, as she prepares to represent the maiden voyage of this horrific (in a good way!) event and asked her how she got to be Miss Terror Con.
“I love horror!” she tells me. “When I heard that there was going to be a Terror Con in Rhode Island, I contacted Steven and told him how much I would love to be a part of it. I told him about my acting and modeling experience, and fetish clips, which include sexy/gory pics. He then asked me if I wanted to be Miss Terror Con. Of course I said, ‘Yes!’”
Growing up in a conservative Catholic family, Sarah was prohibited from watching horror movies, which made her all the more interested in them. Over the years, she sought ways to combine her traditional sultry modeling with her horror/genre cosplay such as vampires, bondage, pantyhose, zombies and even superheroine getups. She loves horror and geek culture, so the upcoming Terror Con is the perfect venue for her creative expression.
Not only will Sarah be the official Miss Terror Con, she also has a special performance planned. “It’s kind of a burlesque show, but I can’t really say much about it. It’s a surprise!”
And surprises there will be! There’s going to be a huge gathering of horror-focused exhibitors and vendors, so be prepared for a lot of fake blood and gore, and tons of evil-dead prosthetics. Also, there will be an international film festival featuring works from many independent filmmakers showcasing their macabre visions. And it doesn’t stop there! Terror Con will feature special guests from all over Hollywood’s darker side and other entertainment platforms such as Michel Biehn (Terminator), Dee Wallace (The Howling), Linda Blair (The Exorcist), Kane (WWE Superstar), Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), Amy Bruni (“Ghosthunters”), Tiffany Rice (“Spiritual Medium”), and Naomi Grossman (“American Horror Story”) — plus many more!
“I love Naomi Grossman!” Sarah remarks. “Her transformation on that show is astounding!”
What’s also astounding is the rising popularity in this type of event. Brad Hodson of the Horror Writers Association tells me that attendance went way up at last year’s World Horror Convention in New Orleans, which is primarily a literary-based con, and the film-based horror cons are attracting even greater numbers.
This year proves to be an unprecedented year in the frightener/fear genre convention business. With the success of last year’s Rock and Shock Convention in Worcester, Mass., it was only a matter of time before The Ocean State had its own house (or convention center) of horrors!
Sarah also says there’ll be other eerie happenings at Terror Con such as the freak and side show, psychic readings, panel discussions, a costume contest and an after party.
Sarah will have prints to sell as well as info on where you can pick up her fetish clips — especially the morbid kind! Go to Facebook.com/ILoveSarahMichelle to learn more about Miss Terror Con or visit her booth at the convention and meet her in person. And visit Motif‘s booth, too!
Cue the Psycho violin screech!
Programming and ticket information available at terrorcon.net.
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The Dean Hotel — This Is Providence
The sweat and vision of Providence people help to define the true meaning of a luxurious hotel
On April 3, 2014, a sunny but brisk Thursday in the early evening, a large, cheerful and impeccably dressed crowd stood in front of 122 Fountain Street in Providence, an address drenched in history of a somewhat sticky nature. No longer a place to walk past quickly with your head down if you found yourself alone after dark, the hungrily anticipated Dean Hotel had come to fruition and citizens gathered excitedly like new parents leaning over a crib to find out what color eyes their baby would have. With the exception of one gentleman who comically carried on a loud cell-phone conversation for the duration of the ceremony, the crowd craned to hear the opening remarks of the hotel’s founders, despite the wind’s best efforts to whisk the words away the moment they were uttered.
Clay Rockefeller, the investor who provided the means for the project to take life, talked of his love for his city and his family and humbly thanked all who had helped transform the space. Rockefeller, beloved founder of the Steelyard and the Monohasset Mill Project, is a longstanding fixture within the Providence arts community. He has worked passionately to transform and rehabilitate neglected patches of Providence and indeed, he gives the impression of nothing so much as a giant tenderly nursing his garden, opportunity and creation blooming up in his footprints wherever he treads. Ari Heckman, the Providence native and real estate developer behind the hotel’s transformation, spoke briefly of his acclaimed work in NYC, but mainly of his Providence roots. In describing the Dean project, he said he wanted to create a hotel “by Providence, of Providence, and for Providence.”
The doors finally opened for the grand opening party, and boy, was it grand. Guests were greeted by lush floral arrangements bowing under the weight of their petals, cordial employees proffering trays laden with glasses of complimentary champagne, and magnificently attired performance artists*. A great basin exploded with velvety clouds of impossibly red roses, set upon a sleek mahogany table that languidly stretched in front of the Bolt Coffee Company counter, where baristas worked furiously to produce glass after tantalizing glass of locally roasted espresso tempered artfully with honey and sea salt. Local DJ Andy Morris provided a beating undercurrent of ambiance while, tucked away in a convergent hallway, snake handler Bwana Iguana lent his six-foot Golden Python to be draped over the shoulders of willing guests for thrilling photographs. Servers walked among the crowd offering delectable hors d’oeuvres — no small feat considering the density of the crowd. The place was packed, and guests continued to arrive in droves, perhaps lured by the Hollywood-style spotlights that lit up the sky, perhaps drawn by the sound of the Extraordinary Rendition Band hammering out marching tunes against the sidewalk. Bronze and marble shone in the newly opened Faust Hofbrauhaus and the Magdalenae cocktail room breathed a rich sensuality, both of them new offerings from local genius Michael Sears. It was an incredibly luxurious affair.
In corporate marketing, the term “luxury” is inescapable. It is a tired, used and abused word that is bandied about so carelessly that it’s a wonder it has enough strength left to be typed. Go to any corporate chain hotel website and you’ll see these words flung about in the copy like applesauce around a toddler’s high chair: Luxury. Values. Atmosphere. Decadent. State-of-the-art. Perfect getaway. Leisure. Eco-friendly. Who are they selling to? Certainly not people who are accustomed to luxury. This is a market that capitalizes on the idea of luxury, reduces it to a sketch of the lowest common denominator, mass produces it for the cheapest production cost possible, wraps it in plastic, and dangles it like a treat in front of whatever poor human needs a place to stay for her business trip, his uncle’s funeral, her high school reunion. More appropriate copy would read: “Chipping away at the charm of your honeymoon, one particleboard slab at a time!” or “Indulge in a weekend escape from your usual debt-crippled, mundane life of indentured servitude and relax in one of our uniformly carpeted cubes for just two-thirds of your paycheck!” or “The grass can’t look greener from the other side when it all looks the same on the inside!” or “Oh, weary travelers, fear not. For though you may be far from home and out of your routine, at least your crappy hotel room will be exactly the same as the last time you stayed in one of our crappy hotel rooms. It’s your home away from home.”
As consumers, we’re used to paying for lies. We know it’s all crap, but crap is the norm. You want something special? Here’s some crap wrapped in tin foil. SHINY.
The Dean Hotel is the real deal. Impossibly beautiful, incredibly thoughtful, meticulously planned, the grand opening party hosted guests from every walk of life and not one person felt out of place. Faces beamed with pride and people who had never set foot in the building walked with surety, confidence and excitement. Why all this fuss, why all this joy, why all this excitement over a little hotel? Because it’s ours. The people who came to celebrate the opening found that they were the ones being celebrated. We have received a gift. The gift is in the transformation of a broken building. It’s in the choice to infuse the hotel with the work and art of the people of this city. The pictures on the walls, the end tables in the rooms, the hand-lettered signs in the hallways and giant steel letters outside, the frames under the beds, the snacks on the end tables. All these things came from the hands, the sweat and the vision of people you have a good chance of walking past on the sidewalk every day. It is by Providence. It is of Providence. It is for Providence. Here we know that smaller is better and here we know why local matters. There have been quite a few complimentary comparisons drawn between the Dean and Brooklyn boutique hotels. Don’t be fooled, the Dean is ours. The Dean is yours. The Dean is Providence.
*Disclaimer: The author was working as one of the “magnificently attired performance artists” through Kristen Minsky’s Chifferobe Events and her perspective is drawn from viewing the event as a fixture of it.
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Valentine’s Day Events 2014
Love it or hate it, Valentine’s and anti-Valentine’s day events are going on all weekend. Grab your sweetheart or your pack of single friends and see what the greater-RI area has in store
Bad Rabbits have been around for a while but this is being touted as their moment to break out internationally, fusing rock and funk. The Met, 999 Main St, Pawtucket, 9pm.
themetri.com Feb 14Be My Ally: The Upstander Play: Written by a collaboration of kids from Manton Avenue Project’s Tag Team Program and performed by adults, tickets are pay-what-you-can at the door in the Media and Arts Center at the Met School 325 Public Street, Providence. mantonavenueproject.org
Feb 14 – 16Black Valentine’s Day Party: Whether you are single or in a relationship, love V-Day or despise the color red, join others in the celebration of Black Valentine’s Day at The Ocean Mist, 895 Matunuck Beach Rd. Wakefield.
oceanmist.net Feb 14Brass Attack: Nine-piece brass dance band on Valentine’s night starting at 9pm The Last Resort, 325 Farnum Pike, Smithfield. Feb 14
Chocolate and Wine Stroll: Stroll to participating restaurants and receive beautiful wine and chocolates tastings. A great way to celebrate Valentine’s week! This event is a benefit for Stand Up for Animals in Westerly. Downtown Westerly at 6pm.
westerlychamber.org Feb 12Chocolate and Wine Tasting Party at the Contemporary Theatre. 7- 9pm thecontemporarytheater.com Feb 15…
Cupid Ball: A Pink Tie Affair: The Center by The Blackstone will be hosting the Cupid Ball to benefit their annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Music, raffles and prizes from 5pm – midnight. 175 Main Street, Pawtucket. centerbytheblackstone.com Feb 14
The Dancin’ Feelin’ Valentine’s Day Ballroom Dance Party: Couples and singles welcome – all levels of dance. Wear red and be in a drawing for prizes. 8pm at the Dillon Council, 1675 Douglas Ave, North Providence. kathyandrandydance.com Feb 14
Flowers as the Perfect Gift: Nothing says Valentine’s Day like a thoughtfully chosen bouquet. You can make any celebration—whether a dinner, dance, or concert—feel extra special by surprising your sweetheart with flowers. With reliable Pennsylvania flower delivery, ordering online is simple, and your blooms can arrive just in time to wow them at the event. It’s a classic gesture that never goes out of style and pairs perfectly with a night out in the greater-RI area.
Dining at Aldrich Mansion: Spend a romantic evening over a four-course meal along with live music, in the historic Aldrich Mansion, 836 Warwick Neck Ave. Warwick, RI. RSVP at aldrichmansion.com Feb 14
Hotel Providence Valentine’s Weekend Package: A charming room in downtown Providence, breakfast for two, and valet parking as a nice getaway for you and your Valentine. Package deals are available at Hotel Providence. hotelprovidence.com Feb 13 – 15
Jazzy Valentine: Join Roy Scott and the Big Band for a show at Lake Pearl Lucciano’s. Playing hits from the swing-era, the concert venue will also include a cash bar and a dinner option at 6:30pm. The show starts at 7:30pm at Lake Pearl Lucciano’s, 299 Creek Street Wrentham. sharonbands.org Feb 15
Kool & the Gang: Spend your Valentine’s Day listening to R&B and funky sounds at Twin River Casino’s Lighthouse Bar 8pm at 100 Twin River Rd, Lincoln. twinrivercasio.com Feb 14
Lantern Tour in Colonial Newport: Looking for a little less romance and a little more history this Valentine’s Day? Join Newport History tours and be led through the streets of downtown Newport by a guide dressed in historical colonial attire. The tour will begin at 4:30pm at Brick Market Museum & Shop 127 Thames Street, Newport. newporthistorytours.org Feb 14
Laughter & Love Valentine’s Day Show: The Bit Players will be playing two improv shows this Valentine’s Day at the Firehouse Theater in Newport. The first show will be at 8:00pm and the second will start at 9:30pm. 4 Equality Park PI Newport. firehousetheater.org Feb 14Love Is In The Air III is a Valentine’s Day show of Broadway love songs with a twist of jazz. 8pm at the Greenwich Odeum, 59 Main St, East Greenwich. theodeum.org Feb 14
LuLz! Comedy Night with Leslie and the Lys, Randy Bush, and Boone County Comedy Troupe: Leslie and the Lys began as an internet sensation for her website gemsweater.com. Leslie and the Lys is touring over the next couple months with Boone County Comedy Troupe and Dean & the Delilah’s. If you are looking for laughs this Valentine’s Day Head to AS220 at 9pm, 115 Empire Street, Providence. as220.org Feb 14 & 15
Martha Redbone Roots Project – Garden of Love: FirstWorks presents Martha Redbone performing sounds of funk and R&B at the Aurora (formerly Roots), 276 Westminster St., Providence, 7:30pm. first-works.org Feb 13
My Funny Valentine: After performances of Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Ocean State Theatre Co’s lobby will be transformed into a piano lounge equipped with drinks and late night appetizers. Attendance at the performance preceding the cabaret is not required. The lobby doors will open for the cabaret at 9:30 pm. The theater is located at 1245 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick. oceanstatetheatre.org Feb 14 & 15
Narragansett Towers Valentine Dance Bash: A night of dancing to R&B, rock n’ roll, and swing with Roger Ceresi and his All Starz at The Narragansett Towers. 7:30pm, 35 Ocean Road Narragansett. thetowersri.com Feb 14
Ocean House Dinner: Celebrate with a 5-star dinner in Seasons at the Ocean House. Ocean House chefs will take you through five palate-enticing courses, each highlighting the best of the New England bounty. 5:30pm Ocean House, Watch Hill.
oceanhouseevents.com Feb 14Opera Providence Valentine’s Day Concert: As part of Blithewold Mansion’s Winter Concert Series, Opera Providence presents 2 special shows. 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol. operaprovidence.org Feb 14 & 16
Pete Seeger Memorial Concert: He spearheaded an American folk revival and spent a long career championing folk music as both a vital heritage and a catalyst for social change. Join John Fuzek, Bill Harley, Atwater Donnelly and others for a musical tribute at Sandywoods, 42 Muse Way, Tiverton. Sandywoodsmusic.com Feb 14
Stargazing: Every Friday night (weather permitting) the Frosty Drew opens their dome and telescopes. What’s more romantic than a night under the stars? 61 Park Ln, Charlestown.
frostydrew.org Feb 14Sweetheart Dance at Mount Hope Farm: A night of dancing, cupcakes, and a cash bar for you and your sweetheart. 8-11pm, 250 Metacom Ave. Bristol. mounthopefarm.org Feb 15
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Mike D’s Top Five — Can’t Miss Shows of February
1. Friday, February 14: Bad Rabbits, Seasick Mama, Young Pandas; $15; 8 pm doors / 9 pm show; all ages; The Met, 1005 Main St., Pawtucket, RI. Bad Rabbits finally seem to be on the verge of the stardom they rightfully deserve. A righteous blend of rock, funk and R&B, the Boston-based band finally made some serious in-roads with the release of the album American Love. From appearing on “The Jimmy Kimmel Show” to sitting at the top of the Hufffington Post‘s “20 Artists To Start Listening To In 2014,” the best live act in New England seems to be about to break into mainstream success. Opening act Seasick Mama also has local roots and are also knocking on the verge of success. While based out of New York City, the singer / songwriter was raised here in Rhode Island. Her sound is hard to describe, but well worth a listen. In my head I want to say it’s as if she was riding along with The Clash when they came to New York City and became obsessed with both the new hip-hop sounds of the city and all things Jamaica to record “Sandinista…” and then went her own way to make a pop record. Then again, that might only make sense in my head (happens a lot). Go over to YouTube and play “Man Overboard” and you make the call. Providence’s soul and indie upstarts Young Pandas open.2. Friday, February 21: Northern Lands (final show), Smith & Weeden, Dan Dodd; $10; 9 pm; 21+ only; The Ocean Mist, 895 Matunuck Beach Rd., Wakefield, RI. “Everything dies baby that’s a fact,” a wise New Jersey man once sang. A Rhode Island band borrowed that song and is now looking at the end of the road themselves. Northern Lands has accomplished a lot in the last few years, but they will be calling it a day as frontman Josh Cournoyer moves on to rejoin Rhode Island-born / Nashville-based major label act The Invite. There’s no better bon voyage than right on the Atlantic at The Ocean Mist, one of the most beautiful surroundings of any club in all of the New England. Hopefully the ocean isn’t frozen by then. Rookies of the 2013 year Smith & Weeden and Dan Dodd open.3. Friday, February 21: Kanye West; $99 and $79; 8 pm; All ages; Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville, CT. The most difficult part of being a Kanye West fan is the fact that it instantly makes me an apologist for him as well. Kanye is just as polarizing as he is talented. He wants to be left alone by the paparazzi, then goes and marries a Kardashian. Like him or hate him, true fans of hip-hop cannot argue with his midcareer output. While his 2013 record Yeezus seemed rushed and maybe finished too soon, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is a masterpiece. In a period where hip-hop and pop musicians are giving up more and more on albums to focus on singles downloads, Kanye is cranking out album after album where the entire record is listenable and enjoyable. He should get a pass on whatever he says based on that alone. I have never seen him live and hope to cross this off my bucket list at Mohegan Sun, a perfect venue to see a show like this. A small arena for a large arena scale act and production like Kanye, his first solo tour in five years.4. Saturday, February 22: 95.5 WBRU Presents Bear Hands, Tapestries, Herra Terra; $9.95 advance / $12 day of; 8 pm doors / 9 pm show; All ages; The Met, 1005 Main St., Pawtucket, RI. Brooklyn’s Bear Hands are great on record, but amazing live. They stole the show for me at WBRU’s Birthday Bash in December with Grouplove. Their new album, Distraction, drops the same week as the show and if the early singles “Giants” and “Agora” are any indication of what the record sounds like, it should be in my car stereo til at least the summer. Providence’s indie rock standouts Tapestries, and Massachusetts indie dance act Herra Terra share the bill5. Thursday, February 25: Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, Disappears; $20 advance; 8pm; 18+ only; The Paradise, 967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA. Stephen Malkums recently released his sixth record with the Jicks, Way Out at Jagbags. Stephen has always been one of my favorite guitarists and lyricists, but while I instantly took to Pavement, it’s taken time for The Jicks to grow on me. I didn’t really care for how jam band the early records were. I can’t tell if he’s listening to less Grateful Dead lately or if I am becoming more open to jam, but this latest record is my favorite of the Jicks records. It has some ’90s moments and definitely has some nods to the Allman Brothers and other jam rock too, but I enjoyed it. Regardless, I’m sure attending this concert will be worth it if for nothing more than Stephen’s smartest-guy-in-the-room banter. -
Let Run the Ink
Tattoos have spread like wild fire throughout our culture as an artistic expression of the person who bears the ink as well as the tattooer. The 1st Annual Anchors of Hope Body Art Expo will look to expose the talents of local tattoo artists.
Long has it been since a tattoo symbolized irresponsibility and a lack of respect for society. These days — for the most part, anyway — tattoos have moved into the mainstream spotlight for artistic appreciation. From CEOs to social workers, lawyers to laypeople, the sweet, sweet sight of inked flesh has transcended its muddy past, to become as respected as it is revered.
A fact, mind you, made all the more obvious by the building hype for the upcoming First Annual Anchors of Hope Body Art Expo, a three-day tattoo bonanza (February 28 through March 2) at Fete bringing together the best in the industry.
At the heart of the expo is a “tattoo style competition,” says Chops Gray, director of Marks of Identity, the local tattoo shop behind the expo. Tattoo artists attending the expo are given a certain amount of time each day to create at least two tattoos based on daily-changing categories. At the end of the time slot, industry professionals judge the creations, and winners have a chance of being published in Tattoo’d Lifestyle Magazine.
“So on Friday, for example, the competition runs from 2 to 9 pm, and they have to start the piece and finish in the time slot,” says Chops. “Categories that day include horror, realistic, food, floral, small color, and small black and grey.”
And remember, a tattoo requires skin. Which means that all of these creations must be permanently inked onto someone’s arm, leg, thigh, wherever. For this reason, the expo becomes an interactive experience with audience members, as willing participants for the tattoos are needed.
“If walk-ins want to come get inked, they definitely can come,” says Chops. “They can go to our Facebook page to see little collages of contact info created for the artists who are in the show. Contact the artists through that, so they can predetermine who wants to come in and get a piece.”
Since the expo runs until 2 am, Chops admits that artists can legally tattoo long after the competition time slots end. “If [the artists] really want to work and get their name out there, they can do it until then.”
Starting at 9 pm, after the tattoo competitions end, there will be live musical acts, along with a competition for body paint artistry. “If girls want to be painted –” says Chops, quickly adding that “anyone” can participate, “– they can contact me at Marks of Identity.” First place winners will be published in Tattoo’d Lifestyle Magazine.
All of this exposure is exactly why Chops created Anchors of Hope. He believes the tattoo world has exploded with popularity, and the number of participants at larger tattoo festivals can make it nearly impossible for an individual artist to make a name for him/herself.
“The bigger shows, if you put the time and money into getting a booth, it’s hard to get noticed. There are so many special guest artists, and in a huge show like that, you don’t get the opportunity to be noticed. In this show, we’re giving artists that opportunity.”
Although the show is already filled to the brim with tattoo artists, Chops is happy to hear from individuals looking to participate in the festival’s future expos. “I already have more festivals planned out, so artists should start contacting me today.”
With such avid, passionate tattoo artists as Chops Gray around, it’s exciting to think about where the tattoo industry will continue to go. This writer certainly finds himself already addicted to the touch of ink, and can only hope that it grows all the more accepted with each passing Anchors of Hope festival.
“We’re trying to be the Anchors of Hope for what real body art and tattoos are,” says Chops. “For the artists who are painting, drawing, tattooing, we’re doing this for them.”
Hosted at Fete (103 Dike St, Prov) from Feb 28-Mar 2. Tickets cost $13 per day, $5 for kids under 18, or $30 for all three days. For more information, find Anchors of Hope on Facebook or call Marks of Identity at 401-273-3200.
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Providence Children’s Film Festival: A Great Alternative to “The Nut Job” This February Vacation
Discover the future filmmaker in your children while attending one of the many wonderful independent films at the Providence Children’s Film Festival.
With school vacation fast approaching, the demand to go the movies will surely be forthcoming. This demand can be a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, your kids sit quietly for 90-plus minutes. On the other hand, you might be forced to sit through an atrocity like The Nut Job. This school vacation, I will not be seeing The Nut Job. Instead, I’ll be at the Providence Children’s Film Festival.
As a lover of independent films, I was immediately intrigued when I first heard of this festival, but then I wondered: Would I be watching movies made by children? If so, am I in for a series of YouTube videos where young girls dressed as princesses belt out Disney tunes, or boys reenact epic battles with LEGO versions of Luke and Darth Vader? These thoughts held my excitement at bay.
As it turns out, the films screened at this festival are not made by children; they’re not even made exclusively for children. They’re simply wonderful films made for people of all ages.
The 5th Annual Providence Children’s Film Festival will feature a variety of full-length and short films from filmmakers all around the globe. A full schedule of events can be found at pcffri.org. The films range from sophisticated productions with serious credentials to those made by amateurs on shoestring budgets. The one thing in common: independence. You won’t see these films on a Happy Meal box, nor will you be asked for the accompanying toy on your next trip to Target.
At first glance, the selection overwhelmed me. Which movies would we see and when? Fortunately the films are grouped by age appropriateness, with trailers available for each to help narrow your choices. My boys are 7 and 4, so right there we’re limited to the “all ages” category. After viewing the trailers, a clear favorite emerged: Moon Man, based on the best-selling novel by Tomi Ungerer. I was personally drawn to Academy Award nominated Ernest et Celestine – a French film about an unlikely friendship between a bear and a mouse. My boys, however, couldn’t handle the subtitles (ditto for My Neighbor Totoro).
Later, on my own, I watched all the trailers. Aside from the animated films, there was a generous selection of live action and documentaries. Themes range from loss of a parent to bullying and mental illness. I couldn’t get through the trailer of the documentary Gold Star Children – directed by Rhode Island’s own Mitty Griffis Mirrer – without shedding a tear or two. Every film sucked me in. I’m actually considering getting a sitter so I can see them all myself.
Aside from the films, the festival offers so much more – a true home for film lovers and would-be filmmakers. Family-friendly discussions take place after many screenings. Hands-on workshops are available to children ages 6 through 14 where young filmmakers get first-hand experience creating animation and learning about the green screen. Then there are the parties. The week begins on opening night, where The Zig Zag Kid will be shown, followed by a reception. The awards ceremony, which takes place on the last Saturday night of the festival, features a screening of Once in a Lullaby, after which the Rhode Island Children’s Chorus will perform songs from the movies.
This festival offers an incredible opportunity to young lovers of film, as well as would-be filmmakers. My brother is an amateur filmmaker – something he knew he’d be at the tender of age of 3. As a child, he had zero resources available to him. It wasn’t until he reached adulthood that he discovered a community of people equally passionate about film. How fantastic that kids like my brother have these incredible resources available to them at such a young age.
The Providence Children’s Film Festival takes place February 13 through 23 at three separate locations: The Cable Car Cinema, the Metcalf Auditorium in the RISD museum and the RISD Auditorium. Get your tickets now, as the smaller venues often sell out. I’ll be getting mine for the Monday screening of Moon Man. Maybe I’ll see you there.
