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...
The tattoo artist who goes by Mish, of Fall River, MA, created this month’s cover. “I got the nickname when I was younger, and it just kinda stuck,” she says. Also, it stirs a little...
On the “Weekend Update” satirical news segment on Saturday Night Live. anchor Colin Jost displayed a snapshot of an unhinged rant laced with profanity in the form of a Donald Trump post to Truth Social,...
VOTING OPEN NOW! VOTE HERE 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 community. The live celebration,...
VOTE HERE! "May your tattoo ink never run dry," as the ancient Portlandian blessing goes, has rarely been more applicable. Motif is proud to partner again with Narragansett Brewery to bring you the RI Tattoo Awards,...
Dark Star is a documentary that gives us an intimate view of the life and world of acclaimed artist H.R. Giger. We are treated to interviews with those who knew him best as well as given limited, but important background information on his upbringing. The film documents his cluttered home, a trip to an […]
It was the last sunday in April and it was gorgeous outside. After the winter we just had, it seemed unreal that we would ever see another day like this. The temp was in the high 60s, and as usual, I had a loose plan with Jay to venture into the woods. We usually discuss […]
Waxahatchee – Ivy Trip (Merge Records) Indie rockers Waxahatchee released their 3rd album, Ivy Trip, last month. Primarily a vehicle for singer/songwriter Katie Crutchfield, Waxahatchee finish up this leg of their US tour at the Greenwich Odeum this Thursday night, March 14. On Ivy Trip, tunes like “Under a Rock,” which reminds me of the […]
It’s ironic that 2nd Story Theatre chose Mother’s Day weekend, of all holidays, as their press opening night for Joe Orton’s Entertaining Mr. Sloane, a darkly comic puzzle-box of a familial drama that has more than its share of “Mommy” issues. Part psychological thriller, part ferocious family drama, yet often laugh-out-loud funny, Orton’s rarely produced […]
Our recent review of Lenny Schwartz’s Co-Creator posited that the biographical history formula may have run its course at Daydream Theatre, but after seeing the wildly entertaining Marie Antoinette at The Gamm, it seems that all Schwartz and Co. may require is a larger budget. Marie Antoinette’s story, in the hands of playwright David Adjmi […]
Counter-Productions Theatre Company is presenting a haunting version of William Shakespeare’s Richard III at the AS220 Black Box Theatre in Providence. The show opened on May 8 and runs through May 17. Michael Puppi is always mesmerizing to watch as Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, who embarks on a murderous quest for power. Wily and scheming, […]
One of the most uniquely electrifying bands you’ll ever listen to, Providence artsy alternative jazz rock act A Troop Of Echoes will be playing AS220 on May 14 with fellow noise makers Gertrude Atherton, Gondoliers and Snowplows in celebration of the national release of their latest album, The Longest Year On Record. I got to […]
To create a memorable album and harness an excellent sound, it’s vital for a rock band to have a perfect balance of edgy noise and pop aesthetics along with a healthy dose of originality. An amazing example of this flawless mix is Cardiff, Wales’ noise garage pop act Joanna Gruesome and their upcoming release Peanut Butter. […]
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I never fail to surprise people with my enthusiasm for food. When my editors told me I’d be covering Eat Drink RI’s Grand Tasting event, I believe I squealed with joy. I think I even said, “This is the best early birthday present EVER!” (this undoubtedly was not part of their agenda. Not to mention […]
