By Olivia Lunger By Lillian MK Photography ...
Favorite Color Tattoo Evan Olin, Powerline Tattoo Runner-up: Luis Bold, Unicorn Ink Favorite Black & Gray Ryan Dowden, Dark Ritual Runner-up: Luis Bold, Unicorn Ink Favorite Black & Gray with Color Steven McDonough, Secret Safe Tattoo Runner-up: Rachel WS, Rachel WS Fine Art...
By Lillian MK Photography By Olivia Lunger ...
Photo by Lillian MK Photography. Favorite Free Verse Spoken Word Ashley HosaRunner-up: Jeff Daniellian Favorite Social Justice Spoken Word Erik AndradeRunner-up: Mx Asher Favorite Youth Poet Angel CruzRunner-up: (by one vote) Josselyn Wolf Favorite Poetry Event Apothica's Monthly Poetry NightRunner-up: Afroverse Favorite...
Congratulations, you survived the record-breaking Blizzard of 2026. With the anticipated arrival of clear skies and warm temps, how will you be spending your well-earned, much-needed downtime this summer? If you’re adventurous, you could explore some of...
Artwork by Bob Eggleton. Godzilla has been a cinematic icon for over 70 years. However, there are important themes around the monster that have gotten lost with international audiences. There is no gigantic monster that has had...
Tie-dye by Spun Laundry. BEACHES Atlantic Beach Park: Family beach, amusements, kiddy rides, snack bars, antique 1915 carousel, batting cages, bumper boats, go-carts, mini golf, game room, waterslides, gift shop, beachware and an ocean-view cocktail lounge. 321...
Photos by Lillian Karboski. Every time you listen to a song, there is always something more than the words or catchy melody. On Friday, May 1, right in the heart of downtown Providence, an extraordinary group...
Okee dokee folks… Rising costs of everything is what’s on my mind this month. It really should be on everyone’s mind. The main things I will talk about here are gasoline and concert tickets. One...
Photo: Christopher Mongeau. Ravi Shavi, a band that has been around since 2011 and started as a moniker for Rafay Rashid’s music project, has evolved and become more rooted in its creative approach and performance, as...
“Can I go to X?” is the question 2 Feet 2 Bucks has answered with “Yes” dozens of times, where X = place worth going out of your way to, to take a walk, short...
Artist of the Year: Favorite Song: Favorite Music Video: NOVA ONE; "chlorine" by NOVA ONE; "chlorine" - NOVA ONE (Dir. Frankie Ferrari) nova one: “nova won!” Providence’s own nova one won (!!) four 2026 Motif Music Awards: “artist...
Photo by Matthew Murphy. The North American tour of Disney’s The Lion King last played the Providence Performing Arts Center in 2017. After nearly ten years, The Lion King is back astounding Providence for a limited...
“Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). This is the core theme behind William Shakespeare's darkest comedy, Measure for Measure, one of Shakespeare’s most exciting, underperformed and underappreciated plays, currently presented by Burbage...
Smithfield, RI: A town known for its forests, trails, ponds, and well, wealth. An unlikely location for a potential AI-Data Center, one may think. Yet, this rural community, despite data center construction being illegal under...
This is the story of visiting Providence’s newest Rotisserie and Bistro, Thermia, and being so intrigued by its menu and feeling so welcomed by the staff, that I went twice in one week! To give...
Check out extensive listings for every show we could find this season. But some are bigger or just fundamentally represent summer in our eclectic, hyperactive, tiny-yet-overachieving state. Here’s a selection of special events to keep...
“Industry wants us to believe the sky will fall if there’s reform," said Council President Rachel Miller. "But for working families, the sky is already falling..." Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13) “In front of you is...
The eggplant piece featured on the cover of Motif is the first completed work in Chenlu Hou’s Garden series, making it a perfect fit for this issue’s theme of Summer. A low-fire terracotta sculpture, airbrushed and...
[See prior update: motifri.com/iran-war-update-01] The Iran war cannot continue as it is for much longer, and this is a result of simple math. Time is running out for energy and food supply US Consumer Price Index for All...
Voting is now closed -- Join us to see who was selected Wednesday, May 276 – 10pmMyrtle, East Providence Join us for the 4th annual Motif Spoken Awards! We are excited to be returning to Myrtle to celebrate RI’s spoken word...
Ann Morrison and Marcus Phillips in the National Tour of KIMBERLY AKIMBO. Photo by Joan Marcus KIMBERLY AKIMBO is a musical with a lot of heart, a lot of wit, and a lot of rave reviews...
Processed with VSCO with 6 preset When Steve DelMonico (vocals/guitar) approached John Faraone (drums) with an impossibly unique band name, there was no way of knowing that 10 years later they’d be sitting at Nolan’s with...
Photo: Dave Rezendes. John Faraone: a man of many bands, many instruments, and one poetic voice. While John wouldn’t call himself a poet, I certainly believe that his lyrics are simply stanzas waiting to be printed....
Photo by James Brooks. Okee dokee folks… I have referenced the Jethro Tull song, “Too Old to Rock & Roll, Too Young to Die,” A few times in my 22 years of writing for Motif, and...
(Photo credit: Keith J.G. McCurdy, from the cover art of Vudu Sister’s Adynata; photograph of the art installation LO SGUARDO - Humanitas - Physis by sculptor Igor Mitoraj at the Neopolis Archaeological Park of Siracusa...
Mount Pleasant. Elmhurst. The Valley Arts District. These are all neighborhoods whose offerings I thought I knew well, having worked in and around Providence over the last few years. But you can certainly miss a...
Buddy Mott. Once upon a time, if you wanted a tattoo, one of the things you could do was traipse to Newport from any of the four corners of the world and get yourself a tattoo...
The actual declaration of Independence was first proclaimed to the people of Newport from this building in July 1776. (Photo by Maureen O'Gorman) It doesn't take long for a person new to Rhode Island to find...
The RI Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced a major initiative to repair potholes caused by a harsh winter. A new Pothole Service Requests Dashboard site on the web – https://www.dot.ri.gov/travel/potholes.php – allows the public to...
Dear C; I used to drink coffee – until my boyfriend started getting on my case about it because of all the news about how coffee gives you the jitters, raises your blood pressure and causes anxiety disorders. So, goodbye coffee. But recently, I’ve been hearing that coffee isn’t bad for you after all – […]
The Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant is known for a few things, including a quality buffet, an intimate theater and (surprise surprise) a cabaret. They’re looking to expand their repertoire to include showcasing some of the best stand-up comedians in the area for a continuing monthly series called “The Cabaret Comedy Club.” Rob Greene is […]
One of America’s top-rated musical entertainers today hails from Westerly, Rhode Island. Nicolas King, who is 26, began crooning at age 8. He quickly developed a style touching cabaret and jazz-swing — his famous grandmother, Angela Bacari, worked with his special skills, and another one of his mentors was Liza Minnelli. As he advanced, people began comparing […]
Rhode Island is a music hub filled with a wide range of musical talent, so I’m kicking off a new series that will highlight some of the best songs from around the state. Hip-hop, R&B, pop, and more, all genres will be considered. Here’s volume 1: Nino – “Vibes” After premiering a four-week series that […]
WED 11 Stranger Stories: Local essayists and humor writers read their true stories aloud in this new recurring gathering. This episode’s theme: “Hot/Bothered.” 7pm. Ada Books, 717 Westminster St, PVD. fb.com/strangerstoriespvd THU 12 Guided Sunset Paddles: Kayak through Providence while taking in the views of the sun setting over the Providence skyline. 6pm. Providence Kayak […]
The sheer number of theaters and theater companies in our small state is staggering. But like weiners on a vendor’s arm, there’s always room for one more. Watch this space for information on West Bay Community Theater, JDP Theater Co., WomensWork and more.
FRI 6 – SAT 7 3rd Annual Ocean State BBQ Fest: Celebrate all that’s locally smoked & grilled with RI based BBQ joints, enthusiasts and backyarders. Emphasis on local smokers, local brews and local music! Starts at 5pm on Friday and Noon on Saturday. The Steel Yard, 27 Sims Ave, PVD. fb.com/OSBBQFest SAT 7 – […]
Last week, I had a conversation with Peter Neronha, fourth generation Jamestown native, graduate of North Kingstown High School and US Attorney for Rhode Island as recommended by Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse. He’s also the only candidate running to replace Peter Kilmartin, our current (and term-limited) attorney general. Our interview lasted 40 minutes, and […]
Trump has finally signed the executive order that ended the separation of immigrant families and children at the borders, but the families in question seem to still be in limbo As of June 27, more than 2,000 children remain separated from their parents. In the six days that have elapsed since the order was signed, only […]
Beyond Button Hole Golf Course at 180 Button Hole Drive in Providence lies an unassuming strip of buildings. For years, the Academy Players have called the tiny black box theater inside home. However, this season, past visitors will notice that things look a little different … okay, a lot different. Thanks to the efforts and […]
