Motif

Tag: Things to do in RI

  • Roots Report: October 15 to 31, 2023

    Roots Report: October 15 to 31, 2023

    Matt Andersen. (Photo: courtesy of the artist)

    Okee dokee folks… Today I was thinking about contests. Songwriting contests to be more specific. I have a lot of Facebook friends from all over the world and a good deal of them are songwriters. Occasionally one of them will announce that they have won a prize in a song contest and will post a clip of the winning song. Reluctantly, I will check out the song and more times than not I cannot listen past the first 30 seconds. I just don’t get it. Now, I am not elevating myself above anyone by not liking these songs but I do know good music. I look for clever lyrics and good melodies and frequently these winning songs are devoid of these essential ingredients. I cannot understand how these songs could have earned any prizes.

    I receive emails daily about contests but I just move them to the trash. I have never really been much of a fan of contests involving music: It is far too subjective. Judges like different things – different songs, genres, and artists. Honestly, I find the best meter of a song is playing it for lots of people, over and over again, and gauging their responses. Some songwriters write in a bubble and never get this kind of judgment. A good way to have a song assessed is by attending song critiques such as the ones offered by The Rhode Island Songwriters Association (RISA).

    At RISA, fellow songwriters listen and comment on the song you present. There are no prizes awarded at critiques, just suggestions that you can take or leave. Anyway, I am off on another rambling tangent. I guess what I am basically trying to say is that just because a song wins a prize doesn’t make it a great song. We all like what we like and to us that is all we need to determine a song is great. No contest needed. Read on…

    Powerhouse performer Matt Andersen will bring his soulful live show to the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River on October 26. After numerous sold-out shows in his native Canada, the acclaimed singer/songwriter is embarking on a US headliner tour to perform his latest album, The Big Bottle of Joy, a collection of blues, rock, Americana, and gospel styles. The Big Bottle of Joy is Andersen’s tenth studio album and follows 2022’s acclaimed House to House.

    For more, just “Let It Slide” over to narrowscenter.org.

    If you like guitar music then don’t miss this FREE concert by finger-style guitarist Claude Bourbon. He will be performing at the Tiverton Public Library on November 8 at 6:30pm. Claude’s last Tiverton performance was to a packed house in 2019.

    Bourbon is known throughout Europe and America for his blues, Spanish, and classical guitar style. He incorporates all five digits on each hand independently but in unison, plucking, picking, and strumming with speed and precision. Registration is not required for the event.

    For more, turn the page to tivertonlibrary.org.

    At Providence Performing Arts Center, the preeminent horn band, Tower of Power, blows into the majestic theater on October 28 when they join forces with The Rhode Island Philharmonic. For over 55 years, Tower of Power has delivered the best in funk and soul music. The band has traveled the world, recording hit singles on their own and backing artists including Otis Redding, Elton John, Santana, the Grateful Dead, John Lee Hooker, Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, and countless others.

    For more, “Get Yo’ Feet Back on the Ground” and get to ppacri.org.

    The Greenwich Odeum has two shows this month that you should check out. On October 20, SNL Alum Colin Quinn brings his “Small Talk” show to East Greenwich. If you are familiar with his work then you know why you want to be at this show. If not, go watch his Netflix specials, I’ll wait. His work is clever, funny, and thought-provoking.

    The other show is Richie Furay on October 26. Richie was one of the singer-songwriter-guitarists in the legendary band Buffalo Springfield. His 60-year career in music also includes Poco, the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, and induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His newest album, In The Country, focuses on his love of country music and songs that Furay has been listening to for decades. Opening the show is Chris Berado, Westerly singersongwriter Marc Douglas Berado‘s brother.

    Don’t have a “Sad Memory” from missing these great shows, just get over to greenwichodeum.com for more. Listen to my podcasts at motifri.com. Thanks for reading and listening.

  • Oktoberfest Concert at Dusk: A Night of Music, Support, and Resilience

    Oktoberfest Concert at Dusk: A Night of Music, Support, and Resilience

    Photo by Dusk.

    The spirit of Oktoberfest is set to take center stage on October 7 at the renowned venue, Dusk, located in the heart of our vibrant community. This much-anticipated concert promises an unforgettable experience, featuring 13 bands that will rock your world. While the music promises to be electric, the event holds a deeper significance this year as the community rallies together to support the venue and its owner, Rick Sunderland, who has been an unwavering champion of the independent music scene for many years. Rick has been a stalwart pillar of support for emerging artists and musicians. For decades, he has provided a platform for countless talents to showcase their skills and share their passion with a diverse and dedicated audience. Rick’s commitment to the independent music scene has not only enriched our cultural landscape but also transformed Dusk into a haven for music enthusiasts.

    Recent Challenges: A Call for Unity

    In recent weeks, Dusk has faced unexpected challenges in the form of two break-ins that resulted in theft and property damage. These unfortunate incidents have shaken the community and the establishment to its core. However, in the true spirit of resilience and community support, concertgoers are coming together to show our solidarity with Rick Sunderland and the entire Dusk family.

    Oktoberfest: A Celebration of Music and Community

    Originally planned as an indoor and outdoor extravaganza, Oktoberfest at Dusk is now embracing a new plan due to the unpredictable weather forecast. All the action will be happening indoors, where the atmosphere will be cozy and electric.

    The festivities will kick off at 2:30pm, with doors opening at 2pm, ensuring you have ample time to settle in and get ready for an unforgettable musical journey. With 13 bands set to perform, you can expect a diverse range of genres and a symphony of sounds that will keep you grooving all night long

    The Unsung Heroes of Dusk: Incredible Staff

    One of the many aspects that make Dusk special is its exceptional staff. From award-winning bartenders who craft the finest cocktails to super-talented sound engineers who ensure the music sounds just right, Dusk’s team is the unsung hero of every event. Danielle, Kayla, Danny, Dan, Sammy, Joe, Chelsea, and Dylan. Their dedication to creating a memorable experience for all patrons is truly commendable and adds to the magic of Dusk.

    A Personal Connection: My Experience at Dusk

    From a more personal point of view, Mike Ryan and I spent two remarkable years showing movies at this very venue. It was a transformative experience, one filled with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the power of music and community. Now, it’s time to give back to the place that has given so much to us.

    Oktoberfest at Dusk on October 7, is more than just a concert. It’s a testament to the resilience of a community that stands by its own in times of adversity. It’s a celebration of music, a tribute to Rick Sunderland’s unwavering support for independent artists, and a recognition of the incredible staff that makes Dusk a second home for music lovers.

    So, mark your calendars, gather your friends, and come join us at Dusk for Oktoberfest—a day that promises great music, unforgettable memories, and a chance to give back to a place that has given us so much. Together, we can make this event a resounding success and show our support for the heart and soul of our local music scene.

    For more information about Oktoberfest and more upcoming events, visit Dusk’s Facebook page or find them on Instagram @dusk_providence.

  • Put On Your Lederhosen: Oktoberfest Rhodey Roundup

    It’s time to put on your lederhosen for Oktoberfest because the beer has been tapped! Here are a few beer fests happening this year. Please note, some events overlap. Whatever event you attend is sure to quench your thirst for delicious beer. Prost!

    German American Cultural Society of Rhode Island

    • Sat, Sep 30, 1 – 11pm
    • Sun, Oct 1, noon – 5pm

    Food: Ratskeller Kitchen and Cake Stand, Burgundian Waffles, JaJu Pierogi

    Beer: Draft and bottle served in upstairs bierhalle, Ratskeller downstairs, and outsider biergarten with Rolling Stogies cigars

    Live music: Vagabonds and Bavarian Brothers

    Tickets available for pre-purchase and at the door. 78 Carter Ave, Pawtucket. gacsri.org/oktoberfest

    Narragansett Brewery Oktoberfest

    • Fri, Sep 29, noon – 4pm & 5 – 10pm
    • Sat, Sep 30, noon – 4pm & 5 – 9pm
    • Sun, Oct 1, noon – 5pm

    Multiple weekend sessions to choose from. Tickets include glass stein, beer token, a VIP authentic German meal (included) or a buffet menu (purchase). Pig Roast add-on ticket available for purchase. Limited DD tickets are also available.

    Live music: TubaFrau and Bavarian Bros

    Contests: Stein holding and best dressed in modern and traditional German fest attire

    Tickets available via link below. 271 Tockwotton St, PVD.

    Beervana Fest 2023: Rhode Island’s Ultimate Craft Beer Fest

    • Sat, Sep 30, 2 – 5pm

    45 tables with over 150 world class craft beers (listed below)

    Only one session this year, limited tickets available. 

    GA tickets include a tasting glass and unlimited 2 oz pours. VIP tickets include one hour early entry, tasting glass, VIP lanyard, $10 food voucher, and unlimited 2 oz pours.

    See below for list of breweries (subject to change)

    GA and VIP tickets available via link below. Waterfire Arts Center, 475 Valley St, PVD.

    3 Floyds Brewing Company

    3 Fonteinen Brewery

    Allagash Brewing Company

    Amory’s Tomb Brewing Company

    Beer’d Brewing Company

    Belleflower Brewing Company

    Bissell Brothers Brewing Company

    Branch and Blade Brewing Company

    Burlington Beer Company

    Buttonwoods Brewery

    Drekker Brewing
    Equilibrium Brewery

    Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Company

    Finback Brewery

    Forest & Main Brewing Company

    Grey Sail Brewing Of RI

    Grimm Artisanal Ales

    Hive Beer

    Kings County Brewers Collective

    Little Willow Brewing Company

    Long Live Beerworks

    Mast Landing Brewing Company

    		Moniker Brewery

    Narragansett Brewing Company

    New England Brewing Company

    Nikki’s Liquors Vintage Cellar

    Origin Beer Project

    Proclamation Ale Company

    Ragged Island Brewing Company

    Revival Brewing Company

    River Styx Brewing Company

    Second Wind Brewing Company    		Shaidzon Beer Company

    Spanish Marie Brewery

    Tilted Barn Brewery

    Tributary Brewing Company

    Tripping Animals Brewing Company

    Twelve Percent Beer Project

    Upper Pass Beer Company

    Vigilant Brewing Company

    Vitamin Sea Brewing Company

    Widowmaker Brewing Company
    (Look at that list of breweries! This is truly the event for craft beer lovers!)
  • Subterranean Jungle

    Subterranean Jungle

    Last Place Chaim Ringing the Oktober Chimes
    The Red Sox limp to another last place finish like a scolded dog. It’s kind of amazing how ownership and general manager Chaim Bloom have managed to burn the once fervent passion for the Sox like a Canadian wildfire. The Patriots are wallowing in a mudpack of mediocrity trying to win like it’s 1994, with predictable results. On the positive side, it’s not an election year and there are a ton of great shows coming to town this fall. So get out there and I’ll see you in the pit!


    Coming Attractions:
    Dead Boys
    Dead Boys emerged from the ashes of Rocket From The Tombs in Cleveland in the mid-’70s to give rock & roll a black eye. Their debut album, Young, Loud, and Snotty, is still one of the best punk records ever made. Sadly, time has taken its toll on the Dead Boys. Singer Stiv Bators has been literally dead for 30 years. Two other original members no longer tour. The only original member on this tour, guitarist Cheetah Chrome, still shreds like the boogieman. I highly recommend his autobiography which takes you through the highs and lows of rock & roll and addiction. I caught the Dead Boys last time they were in town, believe it was 2019, and they absolutely slayed. Some cool supporting bands open up the bill including my forever favs, Midnight Creeps! So get there early! I also love that the event page took a blurb from a bio I wrote for the Creeps over 20 years ago – never thought anything I’d write would be in circulation that long.
    Dead Boys, GLiDER, Midnight Creeps, and ONE FALL bring the punk & roll to Alchemy on September 28.

    Dead Boys.

    Rejects Oktoberfest
    Who doesn’t love a weekend of music, brauts, and craft beer? I’ll start: sober, hearing-impaired, vegans. That would be my first guess if this were “Family Feud.” If you don’t fall into all of those camps, head down to Aquidneck Island for Rejects Beer’s Oktoberfest September 30 through October 1. Among the bands playing, I’ve been a fan of We Own Land, She Rides, and The McGunks for years. I also recently caught Salem Wolves; good stuff!

    Rejects Beer Oktoberfest goes down 2 – 7pm on September 30 and 2 – 6pm on October 30 at Rejects Beer in Middletown. On Saturday The Patsy Decline, The Edward Glenn Band, We Own Land, She Rides, and Salem Wolves will be rocking the house. On Sunday catch Los Duderinos, The Roland Highlife, The Smelltones, and The McGunks, reeling and a rockin’ all day long.


    Belly
    Alternative ’90s megastars Belly return home with a special show at Fort Adams to kick off Rocktober! Belly had a megahit in the ’90s with “Feed The Tree” and to this day hold the distinction of being the last RI band to grace the cover of Rolling Stone, for the release of their sophomore album, King. I caught Belly in 2016/2017 when they first reunited at one of their Newport warmup shows and they sounded great! It’s like a roller coaster of nostalgia as Belly breathes new life into the jams from their first two albums. Since reuniting, Belly has released an album of new material (Dove) and a B-side collection (Bees). They are currently working on a new album which hopefully will see the light of day next year.
    Belly, The Parkington Sisters, and The Glare rock Fort Adams in Newport. The show starts at 6pm, Oct 1. I believe this is advance tickets only. bellyofficial.com.

    Oktoberfest (PVD edition)
    If you’re looking for an Oktoberfest in Providence with loud music, Dusk has you covered! There will be 14 bands alternating from playing in- and out-doors all day and all night, as The Kinks once sang. Bands playing here that I’d like to catch include Exploding Zones, All Stars (covering ABBA), and Malice in Chains, among others.
    Oktoberfest goes down on October 7 at Dusk in Providence. The event starts at 2pm and features performances by Tung, Dred Buffalo, Joudy, Exploding Zones, All Stars, Neglected Witches, Fine, Cannibal Ramblers, Dept. of Teleportation, Blaspemaddicts, Right of Revolution, Maidenhead, Malice in Chains, and A Truth Divides.

    Smokey Robinson

    The incomparable Smokey Robinson is still kicking out the jams at the age of 83. The former Miracles frontman and R&B legend doesn’t come around that often, so this is a show not to be missed. Where else are you going to be in a room with a couple thousand people singing along to “Tears of a Clown” without joining a doomsday cult?
    Smokey Robinson brings his Music and Memories tour to the Providence Performing Arts Center on October 7.


    Bob Mould
    Bob Mould has been cranking out bangers for over 40 years with no end in sight. Whether it’s his work in seminal bands like Husker Du and Sugar or his solo career, the one constant in Mould’s songs is that they always feel like the truth. Never afraid to take a stand, I’ve seen him kick out a heckler at the Narrows in Fall River. When I asked Mould about that last year, ever the gentleman, he pointed out he gave the guy double his money back to leave. Mould is performing solo but by no means is this a quiet acoustic affair. Mould will be playing electric and his singing style isn’t exactly subdued. His solo sets generally span his whole career. This show is upstairs at the Columbus which means fewer seats – so don’t snooze because you might lose when it comes to buying tickets. As an added treat, I hear he is road-testing new material for his next album!
    Bob Mould and Jason Narducy will rock you to the rafters at the Columbus Theatre on October 10.

    Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com.

  • RI’S OWN PINBALL WIZARDS: Electromagnetic Pinball Museum and Restoration is your one-stop retro arcade for fun and nostalgia

    RI’S OWN PINBALL WIZARDS: Electromagnetic Pinball Museum and Restoration is your one-stop retro arcade for fun and nostalgia

    Wizard! featuring Ann Margaret and Capt. Fantastic.

    The buzz of a game arcade is simply irresistible! As soon as you enter Electromagnetic Pinball Museum and Restoration, you’re greeted with a friendly smile and offered a free tour. You’ll pass by machines that bling bling, bleep bloop, chime, cheer, and erupt with squealing tires and explosions. Emily Rose, Michael Pare, and Joe Paquin partnered to start this working pinball museum. “It’s classic and modern pinball in a relaxed setting. We have arcade and video games as well,” says Pare. 

    Work on the museum is being done literally every day. They’ve installed all new electricity, and there will be AC by next year. Rose says, “We’ve been open for about two and a half years, but we’ve been collecting for about a decade. Our machines were found on Craigslist and Facebook mostly, and we did a lot of work on them.” Pare adds, “They come from all over the place! Sometimes people donate the machines to us because we’re a nonprofit. We appreciate three in memoriam. We found two on the side of the road. One was found in a tent on Martha’s Vineyard!”

    “Electromagnetic Pinball is the accumulation of several people that have come together and decided to forward the mission of pinball, which is to get people out there playing and get social,” says Pare. “I don’t think you’ll find a friendlier lot of people anywhere on the planet than the pinball community.” 

    Even if you’re playing solo, you’re in a safe and welcoming environment here. Whether you prefer fast action play with nonstop fun, or you like watching a video before the ball drops into play in between action, they’ve got your machine. Arcade favorites such as air hockey, skee ball, driving and shooting games, and classic Pac-Man keep folks coming back. Pare, who is here working every day and night, still hasn’t taken a paycheck, nor have his partners. “We are a 501 nonprofit foundation. Overnight success takes 10 years. We’ve come from 30 machines to 101 in 28 months.” Their hard work has truly paid off, so to speak. “People say, ‘Oh, that’s a lot of money!’ but I see years and years of our time,” says Rose. “There’s been such a good response, so it’s kind of, you get what you give, and we’ve been giving a lot. We’re really trying to give back.” 

    What else makes this place so attractive that repeat customers abound? “Pinball changes from game to game to game,” as Pare points out. “You are never going to have the same game twice, no matter how hard you try!” In all, there are now over 300 machines, most of which are working just fine. Updates are done daily to get the others in working order. Although each machine is worthy in its own right, there are certain favorite standouts. “The Star Trek machine has a unique sound card that no other Star Trek machine has,” says Pare. “Anyone can buy an aftermarket one, but it’s hard to find. What makes it unique is that it’s autographed by (the actors who portray) Kirk, Uhura, and Sulu. It’s also signed by Kevin O’Connor, who did the artwork for the pinball machine.” They recently acquired Bubble Magic, a Smart pad much like bubble wrap, only digital! Think of it as an anti-stressor as you hit the bubbles to make them disappear. Younger kids love it. 

    “We’ve got all sorts of pinball machines from classics like the 1950s wood rails right up to present day and everything in between,” says Paquin. Rose adds, “We started with the Addams Family about ten years ago and the collection has grown steadily ever since. It’s the one that started it all. It’s the one that got the hook in the mouth. Then we got an electromechanical next and it kind of all clicked. So we kept buying pinball. And then I guess a hobby turned into addiction, turned into a disease. You catch the pinball bug, and that’s it.”

    “We just got back from Pintastic,” says Rose, which is an annual game room expo. “We were offered many things but bought one thing—a Rush limited edition pinball machine from 2022, only owned by one owner. We’re very lucky to have it. It’s in free play, which is like putting a pricey piece of art out for everyone to touch. That’s what we do. It’s one of the top-tier you can get. It’s an LE, very few made, Supercircuits edition. Most people don’t put them out.” The Rush machine features video of the iconic rock band performing as you do your thing. There are only one thousand of these Rush machines in the world. 

    My personal favorite is the Led Zeppelin machine, with all the familiar lights, bells, and whistles updated with the latest technology. “Steve Ritchie designed it,” explains Rose. “There are over one thousand in the works. They’re still making them.” For you rock and roll enthusiasts, there’s an impressive Aerosmith machine as well. 

    As for the Pintastic expo, they offer tournaments, bands, and over 300 machines, all open to the public. It’ll be coming up again in April in Marlborough, MA. “Magnificent Danger is a brass band that plays video game themes. They visit the shop often,” says Pare. Also, if you have caught the aforementioned pinball bug yourself, you can join the NE Pinball League. They meet every Tuesday at 7pm. It’s free for first timers, and you don’t have to just participate at this location to be in it. Visit nepl.org for more info on that. 

    Paquin, a former high school physics teacher, says, “I do everything Emily and Michael don’t. Chef, cook, and bottle washer. I make sure the vehicles are running. Michael and Emily are the little angels on my shoulders saying ‘buy this, buy that,’ and I figure out where the money comes from. I handle the logistics, the details.” He adds, “We get a lot of field trips here. We had two groups of 30 third-graders.” One can only imagine the extent of wear and tear with that many youngins pounding on the flippers. “We did a summer camp that was absolutely fabulous. Looking forward to doing that again next year,” says Paquin. “We had four different sessions and they were packed! Very popular. The kids got some history, some physics, mechanics and a lot of playtime and socializing.” They advertised the summer camp sessions a few months in advance, open to kids age 10–15. “We’re thinking of offering memberships, individual and family,” adds Paquin.

    “There were a ton of homemade pinball machines built by high school kids somewhere in MA,” says Paquin of one large acquisition. “We’re going to be donating them soon. I’ve never seen prototypes looking so neat! We were just amazed with the programming, playfield, and aesthetics.” He goes on to explain, “Some are on loan. The students can visit their machine any time they want, and while they’re here, they can play anything they want.” Rose adds, “Many people keep their machines here. Our friend Lin keeps three of his here — the one-of-a-kind Haunted Cruise, Frozen, and The Magic Forest. He builds them by hand pretty much top to bottom. He made the cabinets, and designed the boards, which are called Linball.” Of course these machines can take a lot of abuse with so many people coming in to play. “The wear and tear can be quite consuming, sharing it and caring for it,” says Rose. It’s a labor of love for these partners though. “I’m a pinball fanatic first and foremost. It’s been my life. Everyone here has had their life saved by pinball. I’m the 90s pinhead. Joe is mostly 50s–60s, and Mike is mostly the 80s pinhead. We all have sets we love.” 

    The budding enterprise has won Best Pinball Museum by RI Monthly. That’s not to say there’s a ton of competition; it means they are impressive and doing great things for the state. They’ve also received a commendation from the RI State Legislature. Paquin says, “They like what we’re doing for education. It also helps tourism.” 

    It’s true, you can play all you want for just $10 all day, with no re-entry fee. “The $10 mostly goes into repair, keeping the lights on and expanding,” says Rose. “There is one tech in-house. Some gets outsourced. Group discounts are available, depending on the wear and tear factor.” 

    With over 300 machines to choose from, there’s virtually no waiting. Tuesdays are the best night to go if you really want to stretch out. The museum is even available for private parties with three room options. There is a smaller room called the Wood Room as it is all wooden. There’s also a larger party room, the Blue Room, which is 4,500 sq. ft. with another room within it, which is about 800 sq. ft. (Choose one or the other, unless you want both.)

    Open 10am–9pm, Tue–Sun. Monday open on certain holidays only. Parking behind building. For more info, visit electromagneticpinballmuseum.com, @electromagneticpinball, or call (401) 743-8067.

  • Subterranean Jungle: Getting in the October mindspace

    Subterranean Jungle: Getting in the October mindspace

    Allysen Callery & Mother Bear – Witch’s Hand
    Witch’s Hand is an alluring collaboration between local ghost folk maestro Allysen Callery and German doom rockers Mother Bear. Some tunes like the absolute goth folk banger “I’m Not Scared of the Dark” and the title track have Callery in front on vocals/acoustic guitar with Mother Bear’s Myles Baer accompanying her on electric guitar. “Beautiful Teeth” is Mother Bear covering a Callery original by completely destroying and resurrecting it as fiery doom rock. “Death Skull” hauntingly melds Callery’s folk with Mother Bear’s fuzz to create an eerie soundscape for hollow bones. “Consuming Rite” is straight-out stoner rock with Mother Bear taking the lead accompanied by Callery. Witch’s Hand is the perfect primer to get into the groove for the spooky season ahead!

    Public Image Ltd – End of World (Cargo Records)
    In the eight years since the last record from Public Image Ltd (PiL), more than a few times it seemed like things were on the brink, so aptly titled End of World seems appropriate. This bizarre and mostly interesting record starts off with “Penge” which sounds like a futuristic sea shanty about a nefarious captain who steals children to save them from their parents. “Car Chase” is a rollicking, dancy number in the vein of Metal Box-era PiL as singer John (Johnny Rotten) Lydon sings about someone who escapes an asylum on weekends. “Being Stupid Again” is Lydon firing back at criticism he’s gotten for his Trump leanings and at the shallowness of slogan activism. It’s pretty catchy and probably the only song to mockingly have a chorus of “ban the bomb, save the whale, give peace a chance.” He also ends it by taking a stand against student loan forgiveness – total punk rock, man!? Lydon saves some of his best insults for his former Sex Pistols bandmates and Danny Boyle, the director of mini-series-based guitarist Steve Jones’s autobiography, Pistol. Lydon unsuccessfully sued to try and stop the show which is weird because Lydon came off better than anyone else in the band. The tune in question is “L F C F (Liars Fakers Cheats and Frauds)” where Lydon reaches back for the same vitriol that fueled “Anarchy in the UK,” but this time is directed toward his bandmate selling his book to Disney. It’s kind of awesome, actually. At its best, End of World is a hoot of a dance record with weird narratives.

    Gabriela Rassi – Bent
    The first solo album from Gabriela Rassi came about partly due to downtime during COVID when she took a deep dive to pick up the electric guitar and find her voice through it. Already a veteran of the music scene from playing bass with Silverteeth, Rassi started taking lessons on guitar as well as experimenting with new tunings and pedals to find her own sound. The guitar on the infectious “I Know” (my favorite) and the title track sounds somewhere between ’90s shoegaze and ’80s post-punk, without sounding like either. Rassi’s vocals are so lively and rich on tracks like “Diamond” and “Little Moon” that it’s tough to believe this is her first time fronting a band. On “Boa Noite Amor” the rhythm section of Bradford Krieger (bass) and Bill Bartholomew (drums) make the song sound like a stripped down trip-hop hardcore song. I love Bent because it’s got great jams dolled up like striking sonic textures.

    Coming Attractions


    Low Cut Connie
    This may be the show of the fall as this Philly band harnesses the magic of Springsteen bar rock, Motown soul, and the energy of hardcore to deliver mesmerizing performances. Low Cut Connie has a new EP out called King of the Jews featuring the fantastic “Are You Gonna Run,” as well as a new full-length, Art Dealers, due out before this show. Don’t miss this one!
    Low Cut Connie and Fantastic Cat will rock the Met Café in Pawtucket on Sep 14.


    Dinosaur Jr.
    That Dinosaur Jr. is the same night as Low Cut Connie just proves that God just doesn’t like me. I’ve been listening to Dinosaur Jr. for over 30 years – they’re definitely in my top 15 to 20 all-time bands. Singer/Guitarist J. Mascis is like the Gandalf of indie guitar swing in both looks and sonic sorcery, which seems to get louder by the year. Their last album, Sweep It into Space, is one of their best – check it out if you haven’t!
    Dinosaur Jr. will electrify The Strand Theatre in Providence on Sep 14.


    The Silks
    The Silks live is just one big dance party as they hit you with banger after banger. The foundation of their sound is blues but there is a hearty dose of early ’70s rock to get the room boogieing.
    The Silks and Gleason Drift kick out the jams at the Met Café on Sep 15.


    Henry Rollins: Good To See You
    The ex-Black Flag/Rollins Band frontman-turned-oddball standup comic and commentator, Henry Rollins always has some stories to tell. I’ve seen Rollins do his act three or four times and it is completely different, other than maybe expressing his admiration for Iggy Pop, each time. He’s always entertaining and has fresh stories from his travels.
    Henry Rollins brings his ever-entertaining stage show to the Narrows Center for the Performing Arts in Fall River on Sep 26.


    More Rad Incoming


    The Dust Ruffles, The X-Tet, Eclectic Electric bring the tunes to The Parlour in PVD on Sep 16.


    Lita Ford will rock the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich on Sep 17.


    Ancient Death, DNR, DBB, Churchburn, and New Hell get heavy at Dusk, the home for the heaviest rock & roll, on Sep 23.


    Bad Manners, Out of Control Army, and Euphoralites bring the ska to Alchemy on Sep 24.


    Helmet and Soul Blind keep the dream of the nineties rocking at the Met Café on Sep 29.


    Macy Gray & The California Jet Club bring the smooth jams to the Greenwich Odeum on
    Oct 1.     •


    Email Music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com

  • Fall Theater Preview

    Fall Theater Preview

    Photo: mortal/women, OutLoud Theatre.

    Recast the back-to-school anticipatory excitement of your youth into enthusiasm for the start of the 2023-2024 theater season.

    From drama to comedy to the opening of Broadway touring productions, the next few months promise to hit every human emotion while reaffirming the quality of options available to Rhode Islanders seeking live theater.

    When planning your entertainment, consider the following offerings:

    Academy Players (academyplayersri.org). In the vein of a school year start, the company opens its season with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, in which students learn lessons in life and loss, from September 7 – 17. It’s followed by the debut of The Butterfly Boys, an original family drama by former radio morning show host Brian Mulhern, from November 9 – 12.

    Arctic Playhouse (thearcticplayhouse.com). The West Warwick company digs into the new season September 7, with Don’t Dress for Dinner, a comical look at what can go wrong when a man plans a getaway with his mistress. In October is Love, Sex & the IRS, a farcical look at scamming the taxman. From November 2 – 19, catch The Game’s Afoot, a 1930s whodunit in the castle of the stage actor who popularized Sherlock Holmes. 2023 wraps with Miracle on 34th Street, a touching Christmas tale of the power of believing, from November 30 – December 17. 

    Attleboro Community Theater (attleborocommunitytheatre.net) This company will open its season on September 15 with The Viewing Room, a comedic take on reconciliation and family that takes place in a funeral home after the passing of a strong matriarchal figure (running through Oct 1). Next, they will stage the holiday classic A Christmas Carol (December 1 – 17).

    Barker Playhouse (playersri.org). The Players on the East Side offer two shows this fall: the exploration of art and community against the staging of an all-female Shakespeare classic in Into the Breeches from September 22 – October 1; and, from December 1-10, She Loves Me, a romantic musical comedy set in a European perfumery in the 1930s.

    Burbage Theatre (burbagetheatre.org). The Pawtucket company opens the fall season on August 31 with Shakespeare’s tragic love story Romeo & Juliet. Running through September 31, the show includes two free outdoor performances as part of the Pawtucket Arts Festival. Other shows in the company’s 12th season have yet to be announced.

    Community Players (thecommunityplayers.net). Rhode Island’s oldest community theater launches its season with Big: The Musical, based on the 1988 movie starring Tom Hanks as a boy transported into a man’s body and the hijinks he gets into in New York City. The show runs November 10 – 19.

    The Contemporary Theater (contemporarytheatercompany.com) This company begins their season with Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play which will run September 15 – 30. In a post-apocalyptic world, survivors gather around a campfire to recall an episode of The Simpsons. Next, a collaboration with the South Kingstown High School Theater Group, Testing, Testing 1234 (October 12 – 14), followed by Shakespearean comedy Much Ado About Nothing October 27 – November 18). Finally, the season concludes with Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge featuring all the beloved characters of A Christmas Carol, running December 7 – 23.

    Gamm Theatre (gammtheatre.org) The Warwick company kicks off September 7 with Topdog/Underdog, the Pulitzer Prize-winning fable about brothers Lincoln and Booth who battle racism and poverty in pursuit of the American Dream. From November 2 – 26, the company stages Martin McDonagh’s Hangmen, a darkly comedic look at the abolition of the death penalty in England from inside a pub owned by the nation’s second-best hangman. They round out the fall with their annual retelling of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, for a behind-the-scenes look at one man’s revelation about the meaning of life from December 9 – 24.

    Granite Theatre (granitetheatre.org) Continuing their season, this company presents the musical comedy Nunsense, running September 15 – 30 followed by the deeply dramatic The Elephant Man (October 20 – November 4) and holiday treat Miracle on 34th Street (December 1 – 17).

    Little Theater of Fall River (littletheatre.net) This Greater Fall River area company will continue its season with Puffs, a nod to the Harry Potter universe focused on the side characters, running October 12 – 22. They will end the year with Scrooge the Musical, a comedic adaptation of the Dickens classic (December 7 – 17), just in time for the holiday season.

    OutLoud Theatre (outloudtheatre.org) Celebrating its tenth season and new location, this company will continue its season into the fall with mortal/women, an original portrayal of full body transformation, unencumbered by space, reality, and reason. Run dates to be determined for Fall 2023.

    Mixed Magic Theatre (mmtri.org) This theater has an upcoming concert event located in their amphitheater, running September 1 – 3. The Greatness of Gospel XVI: Daybreak, presented by Mixed Magic Theatre Exult Choir, blends gospel classics with contemporary favorites.

    Newport Playhouse (newportplayhouse.com) Opening up their fall offerings, this company will perform Ghost of a Chance from September 13 – October 29, which follows the eccentric story of a woman who visits a cabin with her fiancé and his mother, which happens to be the site of her first husband’s death. When she realizes only she is able to see the ghost of her former husband, hijinks ensue. Miracle on South Division Street, a Christmas comedy, will run November 8 – December 31.

    Providence Performing Arts Center (ppacri.org) The season starts with the launch of the national tour of Funny Girl, from September 9 – 16. Revived last year on Broadway, the show centers on the feisty Fanny Brice, who shocked the world when she became a star. From October 17 – 22, big screen favorite Mrs. Doubtfire opens as a divorced man does anything necessary to be close to his children. December will transport audiences to France with “Moulin Rouge” from December 19 – 31. The Tony Award-winning musical transports you to the space where Bohemians and aristocrats came together for entertainment.

    Spectrum Theatre (stensemble.org) This company, which is committed to empowering neurodivergent theater artists, has events coming up at multiple venues this fall. Catch multiple performances per event at Alchemy (September 8 – 9),  Mirabar (September 7 – 9), and Askew (September 7 – 8).

    Trinity Repertory Company (trinityrep.com). Time-travel again, this time to the Salem witch trials, starting September 7 with The Good John Proctor. The show digs into the hysteria, examining the story through the eyes of the girls making the accusations. It runs in repertory, starting September 28, with Becky Nurse of Salem, a modern look at the trials as a descendant of an accused witch struggles to reverse a spate of bad luck. The calendar year wraps with the annual retelling of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol, from November 9 – December 31.Wilbury Theatre Group (thewilburygroup.org). Enjoy some of the area’s edgier shows, starting with 22/16: The Remix of a Global Experiment in September and October. The immersive experience explores the lives of a diverse ensemble of actors reenacting a new world doctrine unbounded by time. In November and December, the company remounts Indecent by popular demand. Inspired by the controversial 1923 Broadway debut of God of Vengeance, the piece is considered both an important element of Jewish culture, and traitorous.

  • Mountain Bike Trails

    Mountain Bike Trails

    Photo: Drazen Nesic

    The start of a new season can be a time to try something different. Fall is a wonderful time to be outdoors, with the crisp air and changing of the leaves. Mountain biking is a good way to get a good look at the beauty of fall.

    “Fall riding is my favorite because of the cooler temps and the dirt seems better at the parks,” said Chris Nichols of Urban Assault.

    Nichols shared his favorite local mountain biking locations, which he said are all great for biking and peeping at the leaves.

    Arcadia: 260 Arcadia Rd, Hope Valley, RI 02823

    Big River: Nooseneck Hill Rd West Greenwich, RI 02817

    Snake Den: 2321 Hartford Avenue Johnston, RI 02919  

    George Washington Management: 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814

    Polaski Park: 151 Pulaski Rd, Chepachet, RI 02814

  • McCoy Stadium Farewell

    McCoy Stadium Farewell

    The long standing McCoy Stadium is circling the bases one last time. After multiple rain delays in July, the stadium will have one more at-bat with its last ever event “McCoy’s Final Inning” on Sunday, September 3, before its demolition.

    McCoy Stadium has had an odd past that goes back over 70 years. The stadium opened on July 4, 1942. Exhibition games and a few teams like the Pawtucket Slaters and the Pawtucket Indians called the stadium home but both teams left within five years. In 1970, the Pittsfield Red Sox moved to Pawtucket to be closer to Boston (now they’re closer still) and the PawSox were born.

    The biggest claim to fame that the stadium holds is that it was the site of the longest professional baseball game in history. On April 18, 1981 (the day before Easter) the PawSox hosted the Rochester Red Wings for a record 8 hour, 25 minute, 33-inning marathon. The PawSox tied the game 1-1 in the bottom of the ninth and it took another 12 innings of baseball for either team to score a run. In the 21st inning, around approximately 1 am, both teams scored a run. Red Sox legend Wade Boggs, who drove in that tying run, said:  “I didn’t know if the guys on the team wanted to hug me or slug me.” The game went on through the night until the end of the 32nd inning. With players delirious from exhaustion, at 4:07 am, the president of the league decided to have the teams finish the game at a later date. On June 23, play resumed. Because people knew it was history, almost 6,000 people came to watch the 33rd inning. PawSox first baseman Dave Koza hit a single to drive in the winning run. The 33rd inning took 18 minutes… a bit faster pace of play from the 8 hours and 7 minutes prior.

    By 2015, McCoy was certainly showing its age. The Red Sox wanted to build a new stadium in Pawtucket to replace McCoy rather than try and renovate. Due to the inability to strike a deal with the city of Pawtucket on building that new stadium, Fenway Sports Group (ownership of the Boston Red Sox) reached a deal to move the PawSox to Worcester in 2021. Without a team to play at the stadium, the city started hosting events such as pro wrestling and concerts. But with the exciting promise of the Tidewater Project, there was no need for McCoy anymore.

    On a personal note, I loved going to McCoy Stadium. My first game there I caught a foul ball hit by Brian Daubach, who ended up becoming one of my favorite Red Sox players growing up. I remember going with my dad and my brother to watch games there. It felt like home to walk up the third base side steps and lean on the rail and watch. I’m sure many of you have good memories of McCoy as well. Maybe you remember watching one of the many Red Sox legends that passed through there either progressing through the franchise or on a rehab assignment. Make your way to McCoy Stadium on September 3 to give it a proper sendoff.

  • Air and Silk: A Chapbook of Poetry

    Air and Silk: A Chapbook of Poetry

    Air and Silk is a family trio of circus artists based in Providence, RI. Once a year, they bring the circus into their own backyard. 

    The idea began in 2020 during the COVID pandemic lockdown. Simone Jogl and her daughters Skye and Anneken, created a story in movement as a gift for a friend who had become isolated in NYC. It was so well received that they decided to develop the idea into a gift for a much larger audience.

    Their productions involve intricate aerial rigging and magical effects – the first invitational show, Rise Like A Phoenix, began at dusk and as it continued into the dark, twinkling lights on the performer’s costumes spun into their aerial dances. The most amazing part is that they do everything themselves; talent runs in the family. You might even say it soars.

    Simone and her husband, Gerwald, were both competitive amateur ballroom dancers in Austria. Their daughter Anneken began aerial silks when she was nine, then added training in contortion to the mix. Two years ago, she started as a Trouper at Circus Smirkus camp in Vermont, with a dream to make it her professional career someday. This year that dream is coming true – Anneken, now 19, is in full-time circus school and she has completed her first year in the ProTrack program at New England Center for Circus Arts.

    In Rise Like A Phoenix, Skye, then 14, played a mischievous barking puppy. Today, at 16, she is a Circus Smirkus Trouper and just returned from a 10-week tour.

    For their newest performance, A Chapbook of Poetry, the trio has created a series of skits that promise to play with poems old and new, funny and serious. The stage scenery includes a very unusual large prop built especially for the occasion. Air and Silk has been creating impressive multi-act circus shows for four years now as Lafayette Backyard Productions and will perform for parties and site specific events. 

    Weather permitting, there will be two performances this year – Thursday, August 31 at 6pm and Friday, September 1 at 5:30pm. A Chapbook of Poetry was created for friends, neighbors and invited guests. To receive your invitation, please email simone@rolfing-providence.com and visit simone0023.wixsite.com/website/blog to see pics from previous shows.