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Barbara Meek has died at age 81


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BarbaraMeek1Stage and television actress Barbara Meek, most recently seen in the Trinity Rep production of JULIUS CAESAR, has passed away.

Born in 1934 in Detroit, Meek worked at Trinity beginning in 1968. Her starring role in THE VISIT was a historic first for a woman of color. It was one of the first instances of color-blind casting in American theater history and broke barriers for all. Over the span of her career, she would also appear in television shows such as ARCHIE BUNKER’S PLACE, a spin-off of ALL IN THE FAMILY, and television films such as Robert Penn Warren’s BROTHER TO DRAGONS, Edith Wharton’s THE HOUSE OF MIRTH, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s LIFE AMONG THE LOWLY, MELBA, BIG BROTHER JAKE, SEE HOW SHE RUNS, and JIMMY B. AND ANDRE.

She earned the Elliot Norton Award for Sustained Excellence, the R.I. Pell Award, an Honorary Doctor of Arts from URI, the Foundation for Repertory Theatre Award, the Wayne State University Arts Achievement Award in Theatre, the Norton Prize for Sustained Excellence, and the Edward Bannister and Christiana Bannister History Makers Award from the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society over the span of her long career. She also performed at at Vienna’s English Theatre, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the Hilberry Repertory Theatre, the Dallas Theater Center, the Cleveland Play House, The Repertory Theater of St. Louis, the Hampton Playhouse, The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center and the Brandeis University Theatre. A fan of jazz and opera, she leaves one child. She said that her favorite production was LESLIE MOLSON.

As news broke of her passing, figures from around the state expressed their feelings of loss.

I have known Barbara Meek for 35 years. We are both former Detroiters and grew up in a wonderful city that collapsed. 35 years ago Barbara and I went to the Biltmore Hotel for a get to know each other drink. She had one or two drinks and I drink four diet cokes trying to keep up. She could not understand why an ex-Detroiter did not need a good strong drink. We talked from 3 to 6pm and off she went to Trinity Rep to perform in a play. I went to that play later in the week and had been a Trinity Rep and big Barbara Meek fan every sense. Once or twice a year we would talk. I mean ready talk about Detroit or Trinity or Ed Hall or life. Ten days ago she and I had a drink over the phone. She had a good strong drink that a former Detroiter would have and I had ice tea. We talked 30 minutes about her start at Trinity Rep and how wonderful her career had been in Providence. She said it was a great opportunity to work all of the time with the most interesting people on a regional playhouse stage. We were preparing for a roundtable that she was to be a part of at Brown University later this month. She will be missed. On Tuesday I called her to make final plans for her involvement in the Stages of Freedom Roundtable. Her voice was strong and she told me to have Robb [Dimmick, a collaborator on the project] put everything in writing because it had been a rough day. But she expected to return to her role at Trinity Rep the next day. So I thought that this was just one of my many conversations not the last one. Great actresses don’t die they just live in our memory. May God bless Barbara. – Ray Rickman, Executive director of the Stages of Freedom: Black Performing Arts in Rhode Island, a cultural nonprofit, and president of the Rickman Group.

 

I knew Ms. Meek only through her outstanding reputation. The NAACP Providence Branch is deeply saddened by her passing and wish to express our condolences to her family and friends. – Jim Vincent, NAACP Providence President

 

It is with deep sadness that we announce that long-time company member Barbara Meek has passed away. Barbara joined the company in 1968 with her husband, Martin Molson (1928-1980) and in that time, performed in over 100 productions on our stages.

She had a long and varied performing career, from her well-known role as Ellen Canby on Archie Bunker’s Place, to world premieres at Vienna’s English Theater and Alabama Shakespeare Festival, to the Broadway production of Wilson in the Promised Land. Fiercely intelligent, intensely funny and a brilliant and dedicated actress, Barbara will be deeply missed. Tonight, we raise a glass of her favorite spirit, Akvavit, in her honor. A complete obituary and information about services will be forthcoming.

Posted by Trinity Repertory Company on Saturday, October 3, 2015

 

This beautiful, funny, brilliantly talented woman, Ms Barbara Meek, has left us, and left us the poorer. My heart aches that I will not see her again. She left a legacy of wonderful work, but an even greater one of outrageous comments and observations that endeared her to all of us. Age could not wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety. – Bob Colona, Rhode Island College Theater Department

RIP, Barbara Meek, a great actress and wonderful human being. I did some work for the ACLU with her and thought the world of the woman.

Posted by Bruce McCrae on Saturday, October 3, 2015

Such sad news to hear of the passing of the incomparable Barbara Meek. My condolences to her family and many, many…

Posted by Marilyn Busch on Saturday, October 3, 2015

Rest in Power Ms. Barbara Meek.

Posted by Mike Araujo on Saturday, October 3, 2015

A legend has left our midst. Mixed Magic Theatre offers a final farewell and ovation to the incomparable Barbara Meek. An inspiration to so many, hers is a light that will be sorely missed.

Posted by Mixed Magic Theatre on Saturday, October 3, 2015

I grew up on Barbara Meek. Was in awe of her as a kid in the Trinity Rep audience, completely scared of her as an…

Posted by Carrie Azano on Saturday, October 3, 2015

Shocked to learn of Barbara Meek’s passing moments ago. Her presence at Trinity Rep was foundational and the manner with…

Posted by Algernon D’Ammassa on Saturday, October 3, 2015

Counter-Productions Theatre Company would like to send our deepest condolences to everyone at Trinity Repertory. Dr. Barbara Meek was an inspiration to us all.”Flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

Posted by Counter-Productions Theatre Company on Saturday, October 3, 2015

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What to make of Trevor Noah?


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daily-show-trevor-noahTrevor Noah’s premiere on THE DAILY SHOW, taking the place of Jon Stewart, was a nice opening. His discussion of the papal visit to America was funny, his take on Speaker of the House John Boehner’s resignation went over well, and his coverage of the discovery of water on Mars, which included the introduction of a new correspondent, Roy Wood, Jr., made me laugh out loud.

However, there remains a certain gap in the show that keeps me from rolling on the floor. Part of it may have to do with the absence of Tim Carvell, the Mad magazine writer who worked on the show from 2004 to 2014 before following John Oliver over to HBO. The Daily Show has had some brilliant moments in the past few years, including its takes on race, gender, and sexuality issues, but it does not have the same zing it did in 2004, when the Bush administration was providing plenty of material. It is also not out of line to notice that the show has been muted in comparison when dealing directly with the Obama administration, a criticism that also can be leveled at the late, great Colbert Report.

But I feel that only scrapes the surface. Noah says he will bring to the show a more internationalized focus, perhaps taking more material from the Global Edition of the show that has been in production since 2002 and broadcast on CNN International. Can we expect future episodes where correspondents cover political conventions of not just the Republicans and Democrats but also the British Tories or the Irish Sinn Fein? Will there be dispatches from the headquarters of Christian fundamentalists in Switzerland?

The fact is that those potentialities fail to address just how bizarre America is. On September 27, The New Yorker magazine carried a story worth remembering, WHY ARE REPUBLICANS THE ONLY CLIMATE-SCIENCE-DENYING PARTY IN THE WORLD? With the help of a survey of the worldwide right-wing parties by the University of Bergen’s Sondre Båtstrand, the periodical points out that every other conservative (read: Tories) to right wing party (read: European neo-Nazis like Greece’s Golden Dawn) on earth has climate change action as part of their campaign platform. The idea that Adolf Hitler fanboys have better policies than Gina Raimondo and Sheldon Whitehouse is simply disturbing. Now, there is a lot to say for these parties in terms of the implications of their policy statements, some of them demonize refugee immigrants from the Middle East and blame them directly for climate change because they were involved in the production of fossil fuels. But the point is clear, Båtstrand says that the GOP is “not representative of conservative parties as a party family” and our culture has become simply insane.

Does Trevor Noah have the intention or hope to take on this paradigm and try to shift it? Can he?

I do not believe so. Jon Stewart said in interviews leading up to his departure that he was exhausted by the specter of going through another election season. He was on the air for just over sixteen years, having replaced the terminally unfunny (and reportedly piggishly sexist) Craig Kilborn. After four presidential elections, several published books, and the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear, co-hosted with Stephen Colbert, American politics are essentially the same as when Stewart’s first episode lampooning the Lewinski scandal aired. Indeed, we are in the midst of yet another Clinton scandal and about to crown Hillary in a farcical primary that would be called bad government, if not outright treasonous, by any other population on earth!

When we look at the last year of Stewart’s work, we see material terminally lacking in real value. For instance, he barely had the nerve to take on the murderous behavior of the IDF in Gaza during 2014’s Operation Protective Edge. The farthest he could bother going was spoofing Israel’s policy of dropping a mortar on the roofs of houses they intendeded to bomb in the next few minutes. Meanwhile, the equally-Jewish Max Blumenthal is able to write this in his recent book THE 51 DAY WAR: RUIN AND RESISTANCE IN GAZA:

The Gaza Strip is a ghetto of children. Of its 1.8 million residents, a majority are under the age of 18. Most have never left the 360 square kilometers where they were born, raised and confined. There is no discernible future for them beyond the Israeli military occupation that has endured nearly 50 years and a siege that was officially proclaimed in 2007. The formative years of these young people have been marked by three major military assaults. These are their rites of passage. The Palestinians of Gaza have no reason or experience to believe that a fourth war will not arrive soon.

There are certain places where Mr. Blumenthal and I have differences about advocacy of Palestinian rights, but if the son of Sidney Blumenthal, who wrote for the Boston Phoenix and became an aid in the Clinton White House, can be this honest, why can we not see that same treatment from Jon Stewart?

Perhaps the answer is to be gleaned from the ownership. Comedy Central is owned by Doug Herzog’s Viacom, who has a history of donating to both the Obama Victory Fund 2012 and McConnell Senate Committee ’14, helping to keep Kentucky’s favorite Foghorn Leghorn impersonator in the Congress.

Crowing_pains-PD_Looney_Tunes-_sylvester_+_foghornThis kind of ownership, despite being palpable to liberals with support of abortion and gay rights, has no interest in the essential element of any critique of society, discussion of class. Of course, Marxism itself is not fully capable of such a critique of our neoliberal capitalist system, post-structural and post-colonial studies have shown us the gaps regarding the intersectionality of identity, as in the case of racism, gender bias, or homophobia. One cannot look to the Labor Theory of Value and hold DAS KAPITAL with the same level of surety that defines the religious fanatic. But in our cultural deficit in this area is so pronounced that just the cover of one of Gramsci’s Prison Notebooks would seem like an oasis in our desert of the real, where our celebration of Labor Day is one of mourning a return to the grind of work and our holiday praising the democratic socialist Martin Luther King, Jr., a holiday signed into law by Ronald Reagan, dares not even mention the words ‘Vietnam War’, let alone King’s evolution towards a united front with labor union against capital in his final year.

We need comedy that skewers our pathetic news media. We need comedians who are willing to speak truth to power about the abuses of the mighty. But it remains to be seen if Trevor Noah or any other televised personality dependent on ad revenues or cable subscription profits will have the bravery to tell the truth, that America is not the greatest country in the sum total of human existence, that our so-called progressive President is in fact a deeply conservative politician, and that our hyper-bloviating notions of patriotism are seen as buffoonish, reactionary, and ecologically dangerous by people in Europe who enjoy reading MEIN KAMPF.

Until then, the joke is really on us.

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Trinity Rep strikes gold with JULIUS CAESAR


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JC-art-for-webA triumphant female politician, returning from a recent major victory, enters the city to mass adulation, eliciting both respect and anger from her male contemporaries in the halls of power. Is this the latest episode in the Clinton saga or a slice of life in the Raimondo administration? No, it’s Trinity Rep’s latest staging of Shakespeare’s JULIUS CAESAR, directed by Tyler Dobrowsky and now playing through October 11 in Providence.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS!

This show was simply a fantastic offering that was worth every minute. Like several other recent renditions of The Bard’s work, this piece is set in contemporary times and features costuming that seems like it just walked off Smith Hill.

The play opens with a scene ripped right from the headlines. The Cobbler and Carpenter walk the streets and cover the walls with posters of the victorious Caesar that resembles Shepard Fairey’s HOPE poster for Barack Obama. When the Flavius and Marullus stop them with the opening lines of the play, they are truncheon-carrying police officers in full combat gear that interrogate the commoners by throwing them on the ground and pinning them, staging that is hauntingly reminiscent of police brutality that led to the death of Eric Garner. The famed Soothsayer that bids Caesar “Beware the Ides of March” has become a mentally ill homeless man that intones his lines in a Gollum-like snarl.

Anne Scurria plays the title role in a gender-bending change that brought out new motifs in the play never seen before. She is powerful, cunning, and knows how to maintain control of her grip on power. The hubris that leads to her death is a tenable and real emotion that is not uncommon in our own political world these days. The fear and loathing of her growing power expressed by Cassius and others takes on a misogynist tone that is both disturbing and familiar. When Brutus conspiratorially speaks of Caesar’s “falling sickness,” it is in a tone strangely akin to whispered conspiracy theories about Obama being a secret Muslim or perhaps recent comments about a woman president having PMS.

Brutus, played by Stephen Thorne, is a compelling and fascinating character. By nature, he is a loyal and civically-engaged citizen, looking to create a better world for the next generation. His angst about the plot to halt Caesar’s ascent is able to be expressed without being hammy or overwrought, a tough balance in some situations. Cassius, played by Brian McEleney, is a crafty tactician looking to not only restore the balance to Roman governance, he wants to cement his own hold on affairs. My only wish for this character is that he might have included a bit more of the subtle homoeroticism that has always intrigued me when reading his lines. Casca, played by Fred Sullivan, Jr., is a not-so-closeted political gadfly, the ultimate wheeler-dealer with his own agenda. Special mention should also be given to Barbara Meek’s performance as Cicero, the elder stateswoman who is dignified and reserved, horrified by the violence of assassination yet able to continue on with the duties of state.

Joe-Wilson-Anne-Scurria

Joe Wilson, Jr. plays Marc Antony in a performance that is something special. A well-spoken, younger black politician playing against an elder white woman brought to my mind the complex relationship that has defined how Obama and Hillary Clinton interact. This is a great achievement that shows promise for a young actor. His ability to emote and speak regally is a great asset Trinity should utilize often in future plays.

I thought that this play was well-staged, mixing audio-visual elements such as mock newscasts projected on the walls and live action camera people shooting angles on speeches being delivered at that very moment. The designers know how to play with this kind of inter-textuality and create a motif that keys in to how removed we as outsiders are from the political process. In the lobby outside the theater, there are posters featuring news headlines that play on popular internet sites like The Onion or Fox News, a great touch. My only qualm was with the insistence on using knives and swords, when Baz Luhrman adapted ROMEO AND JULIET in the 1990’s, he created a line of firearms called ‘Sword’ and ‘Blade’ that made things seem less anachronistic. It also might have been interesting to see the Battle of Phillipi set in the historic Levant and making reference to the American Empire’s expansion. Yet these are just minor critiques as compared to the overwhelming success.

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I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with the show’s star, Annie Scurria, about a wide range of topics, including contemporary politics, feminism, and various ideological strains, which I post below.

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Tuesday to Tuesday arts and entertainment calendar


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Proudhon-childrenRIFuture is a fine institution that has made important contributions to the Rhode Island news culture. It is our hope that this new feature – the ‘Tuesday to Tuesday Arts and Entertainment Calendar’ will bring a lighter side to the fare. As we move into the fall, I’m open to tips and press releases regarding the events you or someone you know may be holding in the next few weeks. Feel free to e-mail data to me at andrew.james.stewart.rhode.island@gmail.com.

MY PICKS
Here is my selection of events that you should definitely consider checking out this week.

  • 9/29
    Artist-in-Residence: Leenda Bonilla Presents “Tostones: Urban Folkloric” at AS220 Black Box Theater, 6 PM, Free
    Come check out the newest exhibit at AS220.
  • 9/30
    Windmill Wednesday at Prescott Farm, 3:30 pm, Free
    An olde-tyme New England festival featuring Johnny Cakes and more!
  • 10/1
    Vincent-A Play by Leonard Nimoy at Courthouse Center for the Arts, 7 pm
    The late Mr. Spock himself gives us a one-man show telling the life story of Vincent Van Gogh.
  • 10/2
    The Lion and the Clown: A Rumi Lovesong for Beauty and the Beast Presented by Real Live Theatre at AS220 Black Box, 7 pm, $15
    A mature play dealing with romance and based on the poetry of Rumi.
  • 10/3
    Play On!: A Night Out For Big Kids at Providence Children’s Museum, 7 pm, $15, $20 & $25 (21+)
    And adults-only night time jaunt through one of Rhode Island’s most beloved museums, with activities especially for the grown ups and refreshments to go along with them.
  • 10/4
    Music of India – Mumbai Masala at URI Kingston Campus – Fine Arts Recital Hall, 4 pm, Free
    Head down to South County to sample the rich musical stylings of one of the oldest civilizations in the world.
  • 10/5
    Folks, we need you to send in tips to make this work.
  • 10/6
    Sonny Vincent, Zin Vetro, M.O.T.O, and The Worried at AS220 Main Stage, 9:30 pm, $6
    Support the good folks at AS220 and their efforts to bring you quality live music at a price you can afford.

9/29
Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 12-1 pm, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm-8:30, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm-8:45 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Artist-in-Residence: Leenda Bonilla Presents “Tostones: Urban Folkloric” at AS220 Black Box Theater, 6 PM, Free

Leiko, Eric and the Nothing, Jaazz, Mauricio Bellerephone at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $6

Wolf Alice, Drenge, and Made Violent at The Met, 8 pm, $9.55

9/30
Vinyasa Yoga with Julie Shore at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, Noon-1 pm, $5

Open Level Modern Dance at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:30-8 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Windmill Wednesday at Prescott Farm, 3:30 pm, Free

Artist-in-Residence: Leenda Bonilla Presents “Tostones: Urban Folkloric” (Performance and artist talk) at AS220 Black Box Theater, 7:30 PM, Free

improper dosage, vagora, jezebel, beacon, at AS220 Main Stage, 9:30 pm, $6

The Parkwoods, The Furies, and PALS at The Met, 8 pm, $8

10/1
Evening Yoga at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:15 pm, $13 per class; $60 for 6 classes

From Maiolica to Modern at Rough Point, 5:30, $10

Vincent-A Play by Leonard Nimoy at Courthouse Center for the Arts, 7 pm

Gretchen Dow Simpson – Oil Painting/Print Edition Unveiling Reception at AS220 Main Gallery, 5 pm, Free

Free Speech Thursdays Presents: Providence Poetry Slam at AS220 Main Stage, 8 pm, $2

Pentagram, Electric Citizen, Satan’s Satyrs, and Extinction Machine at The Met, 7 pm, $20 adv/$23 day of

10/2
Wake Up Narcolepsy Comedy Show at Theatre One Revere Hotel, 6 pm, $50- Student, $75- General Admission, $125- VIP

Vincent-A Play by Leonard Nimoy at Courthouse Center for the Arts, 7 pm

The Lion and the Clown: A Rumi Lovesong for Beauty and the Beast Presented by Real Live Theatre at AS220 Black Box, 7 pm, $15

Is This Jazz? The John Funkhouser Quartet + Leland Baker and Zack Feigenbaum duo at AS220 Main Stage, 8:30 pm, $10

War Games, Zero Holds, Brian Marquis, and The Varsity Club at The Met, 7 pm, $10 adv/$12 day of

10/3
Traditional Irish Music Session at AS220 Bar & FOO(D), 4 pm, Free

Play On!: A Night Out For Big Kids at Providence Children’s Museum, 7 pm, $15, $20 & $25 (21+)

Vincent-A Play by Leonard Nimoy at Courthouse Center for the Arts, 2 & 7 pm

Live Bait: Spin at 95 Empire Black Box, 10 pm, $7

The Lion and the Clown: A Rumi Lovesong for Beauty and the Beast Presented by Real Live Theatre at AS220 Black Box, 2 pm, $15

Thought Broadcasting: Images of Psychosis in Media at AS220 Media Arts, 7 pm, Free

MISSING EARTH (PA), LAIKA’S ORBIT, HEY HALLWAYS (CA), LONGINGS (MA) and CARB ON CARB (NZ) at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $8

Improv Jones at AS220 Black Box, 10 pm, $5

WBRU Craft Brew Fest at Lupo’s, Noon to 3 and 4:30 to 7:30 (2 Sessions), $35 (21+)

Gang of Four and The New Regime at The Met, 8 pm, $17 adv/$20 day of

10/4
Core Workout with Daniel Shea at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 9 am, $5

Beginner Ballet at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 10:30, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Intermediate Ballet w/ Stephanie Albanese at 95 Empire Dance Studio, Noon, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Music of India – Mumbai Masala at URI Kingston Campus – Fine Arts Recital Hall, 4 pm, Free

Vincent-A Play by Leonard Nimoy at Courthouse Center for the Arts, 2 pm

Counter-Productions Theatre Company presents a staged reading of Le Dernier Repas(A Love Story) by David Eliet at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, Free

The Empire Revue Presents: The Surprise Show! at AS220 Main Stage, 8 pm, $10

10/5
Intermediate/Advanced Modern Dance at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:30 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

10/6
Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, Noon, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

NV Concepts Zedd at The Ryan Center, 7:30 pm, VIP Seats- $129, GA Floor Seats- $55, GA Concourse Seats- $30

Sonny Vincent, Zin Vetro, M.O.T.O, and The Worried at AS220 Main Stage, 9:30 pm, $6

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Tuesday to Tuesday arts and entertainment calendar

Forest_in_AutumnRIFuture is a fine institution that has made important contributions to the Rhode Island news culture. It is our hope that this new feature – the ‘Tuesday to Tuesday Arts and Entertainment Calendar’ will bring a lighter side to the fare. As we begin the autumn, I’m open to tips and press releases regarding the events you or someone you know may be holding in the next few weeks. Feel free to e-mail data to me at andrew.james.stewart.rhode.island@gmail.com.

MY PICKS
Here is my selection of events that you should definitely consider checking out this week.

  • 9/15
    Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 12-1 pm, $5
    Limber up with the folks at AS220.
  • 9/16
    The Work of 19th Century Architect Russell Warren at Linden Place Mansion, 7 pm, $5
    This is a fascinating period that is worth learning about. Warren’s architecture can be seen across the state and includes impressive sites like The Arcade and Manning Hall at Brown.
  • 9/17
    Movies on the Block: THE ROYAL TENNENBAUMS at Grants Block, 7:30 pm, Free
    Released a few months after 9/11, this one has a special place in my heart as my favorite Wes Anderson film and includes hilarious performances by an all-star cast like Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelica Huston, Bill Murray, and Gene Hackman, whose performance here is arguably going to be remembered as his best.
  • 9/18
    Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off Celebration at Providence Children’s Museum, 6 pm, Free
    After a summer loaded with racism due to that idiotic narcissist Donald Trump, the Latino community deserves some celebration.
  • 9/19
    Ocean State Oyster Fest at Riverwalk Park, Noon, $25
    I may be a vegetarian now, but I know how good a fresh-shucked oyster is.
  • 9/20
    Rose Weaver In Hope Street Fall Festival at Hope Street Between Rochambeau Ave & 5th Street, 2:45 pm, Free
    A great performance by a talented African American woman behind the hit show MENOPAUSE MAMA!
  • 9/21
    Voices from the Back Stairs: Domestic Service in 19th and 20th Century at Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum, 7 pm, $5 Member/$10 Nonmember
    The history of domestic service is a little-known yet very important part of our history, especially for those interested in Rhode Island black heritage issues.
  • 9/22
    Everett Open House at Everett Stage, Noon, Free
    An open house tour with free workshops at the great venue.

9/15
Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 12-1 pm, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm-8:30, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm-8:45 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Hartley C. White Project, CE Schneider Topical, Universal Cell Unlock at Psychic Readings, 9 pm, $6

Vana Mazi, Orion Rigel Dommisse and Wolf Hongos at AS220 Main Stage, 9:30 pm, $6

9/16
Vinyasa Yoga with Julie Shore at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, Noon-1 pm, $5

Open Level Modern Dance at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:30-8 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

The Work of 19th Century Architect Russell Warren at Linden Place Mansion, 7 pm, $5

Intro to the 35mm Camera at AS220 Media Arts, 7 pm, $45

Rich Ferri & The Wealth on the Water, Bent Knee, It’s a Mountain at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $6

9/17
Evening Yoga at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:15 pm, $13 per class; $60 for 6 classes

Movies on the Block: THE ROYAL TENNENBAUMS at Grants Block, 7:30 pm, Free

New Urban Arts presents the Work of Jeanne Risica, The Drawing Room, 7 pm, Free

Old Friends, New Directions at Rough Point, 5:30, $10

Public Art Discussion with Lucas Cowan at Machines With Magnets, 6 pm, Free

Broadcasting Live on the Web at AS220 Media Arts, 6 pm, $80

Providence Improv Fest at AS220 Blackbox, 7 pm, $35

Free Speech Thursdays Presents: Providence Poetry Slam at AS220 Main Stage, 8 pm, $4

9/18
Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off Celebration at Providence Children’s Museum, 6 pm, Free

Providence Improv Fest at AS220 Blackbox, 7 pm, $35

The Donkeys, Tapestries and Detroit Rebellion at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $8

9/19
Traditional Irish Music Session at AS220 Bar & FOO(D), 4 pm, Free

6th Annual Woony River Ride Bike-A-Thon! at Waterplace Park, 8:00 am – 62-mile ride/9:00 am – 42-mile ride, Individual $60/Walk-Up Registration: $80

Ky-Mani Marley at The Met, 9 pm, $20

Mosaics: Parts and Wholes at Providence Children’s Museum, 1 pm, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

Movement Method Workshop w/ Rupert Isaacson at Jamestown Arts Center, 10 am, $75

PeaceFest RI at Burside Park and Kennedy Plaza, 1 pm, Free

Rhode Island Outsider Art Fair at RHD-RI, 10 am, Free

Walking Tour of New Bedford at Linden Place Mansion, 10 am, Lecture $5/Tour $20

Providence Improv Fest at AS220 Blackbox, 7 pm, $35

Providence Improv Fest at AS220 Main Stage, 7 pm, $35

Ocean State Oyster Fest at Riverwalk Park, Noon, $25

9/20
Core Workout with Daniel Shea at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 9 am, $5

Beginner Ballet at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 10:30, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Intermediate Ballet w/ Stephanie Albanese at 95 Empire Dance Studio, Noon, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Rose Weaver In Hope Street Fall Festival at Hope Street Between Rochambeau Ave & 5th Street, 2:45 pm, Free

Russian Grand Ballet presents Swan Lake at Stadium Theater, 6 pm, $56/$46/$36

PsychoTropics, Living Hour, Apples, Two Brothers @ Psychic Readings, 9 pm, $7

9/21
Intermediate/Advanced Modern Dance at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:30 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Aurea: Once Upon a Midnight Dreary at Slater Mill, 7 pm, Free

Voices from the Back Stairs: Domestic Service in 19th and 20th Century at Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum, 7 pm, $5 Member/$10 Nonmember

9/22
Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, Noon, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Adult Coloring at Newport Public Library, 3 pm, Free

Everett Open House at Everett Stage, Noon, Free

Radical Reels at Narragansett Theater at the Pier, 7 pm, $18

Romp of Otters Presents: Rush by Maurice Decaul at AS220’s Blackbox, 7:30 pm, $3 suggested donation/Free with Brown or RISD ID

Bud & Dwyer, The Somebodys, The Johnston Motor Lodge, and Those Manic Seas at AS220 Main Stage, 9:30 pm, $6

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Tuesday to Tuesday arts and entertainment calendar


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Obama_Poster_Marx_24RIFuture is a fine institution that has made important contributions to the Rhode Island news culture. It is our hope that this new feature – the ‘Tuesday to Tuesday Arts and Entertainment Calendar’ will bring a lighter side to the fare. As we move beyond the dog days of summer, I’m open to tips and press releases regarding the events you or someone you know may be holding in the next few weeks. Feel free to e-mail data to me at andrew.james.stewart.rhode.island@gmail.com.

MY PICKS
Here is my selection of events that you should definitely consider checking out this week.

  • 9/8
    Black Wool, Auvn, The Conversation, and Antonio Forte at AS220 Main Stage, 9:30 pm, $6
    Check out some local bands and support one of our favorite venues in Providence.
  • 9/9
    Frequency’s Providence Anthology Release at Providence Public Library Ship Room, 6 pm, Free
    I’m a bibliophile, so something in me is just yearning to see what happens here.
  • 9/10
    Movies on the Block: THE MUPPET MOVIE at Grants Block, 7:30 pm, Free
    This is one of my favorite movies of all time and is certainly one for the whole family.
  • 9/11
    The Diversity Fellows Present “The 9/11 Show!” at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, $5-10 sliding scale
    This is a truly interesting event I highly encourage you to check out, it is intentionally flying in the face of nationalism and faux-sentiment in the name of the unity art gives us.
  • 9/12
    Happy hour book party for Cedric de Leon’s new release “Origins of Right To Work” at AS220, 5 pm, Free
    This is the event not to miss this week, folks, there’s no two ways about it.
  • 9/13
    Free Writer’s Workshop at Annex Room, 4 pm, Free
    Consider brushing up on your skills as we head back in to the school year.
  • 9/14
    Again, this week was light in terms of events, so please send me press releases and event notices as you come across them
  • 9/15
    Hartley C. White Project, CE Schneider Topical, Universal Cell Unlock at Psychic Readings, 9 pm, $6
    Again, let’s send some loving to AS220 and support local music!

9/8
Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 12-1 pm, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm-8:30, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm-8:45 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Brian 4 Ever, Mike Mountain, Invisible Robot Hands at Psychic Readings, 9 pm, $5

Black Wool, Auvn, The Conversation, and Antonio Forte at AS220 Main Stage, 9:30 pm, $6

9/9
Vinyasa Yoga with Julie Shore at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, Noon-1 pm, $5

Open Level Modern Dance at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:30-8 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Frequency’s Providence Anthology Release at Providence Public Library Ship Room, 6 pm, Free

Providence Student Union’s Back to School Bash! at AS220 Main Stage, 5:30, Free

Lulz! Comedy Night at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $6

The Florists, Feng Shui Police, Speechcraft and The Woods at Psychic Readings, 9 pm, $6

9/10
Evening Yoga at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:15 pm, $13 per class; $60 for 6 classes

Movies on the Block: THE MUPPET MOVIE at Grants Block, 7:30 pm, Free

LAST SHOW! 2015 Burnside Music Series: Mark Cutler and Men of Great Courage + DJ LaRochelle at Kennedy Plaza, 4:30 pm, Free

Live@RWU: Quincy Jones Presents the Justin Kauflin Trio at RWU Global Heritage Hall Auditorium, 7:30 pm, Free

newportFILM Outdoors! THE MASK YOU LIVE IN at Great Friends Meeting House Lawn, 7:15 pm, Free

Counter-Productions Theatre Company presents a staged reading of AMERICA’S FAVORITE PASTIME by Dennis A. Allen II at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, Free

Songwriters In The Round @ AS220, 7 pm, $5

Jesse Holstein (violin) and Clara Yang (cello), and Sun Speak at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $6

9/11
ART OPENING! Creative Compassion & The Art of Kindness at New Urban Arts, 5 pm, Free

The Diversity Fellows Present “The 9/11 Show!” at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, $5-10 sliding scale

Pixels, Aloud, Cat Has Claws, and Food Court at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $6

9/12
Traditional Irish Music Session at AS220 Bar & FOO(D), 4 pm, Free

Collage Creators at Providence Children’s Museum, 10 am, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

Blackletter, Leiko, and Seven Hats Parade at Parlor Bar & Kitchen, 10 pm, $5 (21+)

Happy hour book party for Cedric de Leon’s new release “Origins of Right To Work” at AS220, 5 pm, Free

Saturday Switch Series Masterclasses at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 10 am, $15 per class; $60 for 6 class package

AS220 Residents’ Open House at AS220 Empire Fl. 3/Dreyfus Bldg./Mercantile Block, 2:30, Free

AS220 Industries Open House at AS220 Industries, 5 pm, Free

September Gallery Openings at AS220, 5 pm, Free

All About Buttons, Treehouse Live, Rat Ruckus at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $6

9/13
Core Workout with Daniel Shea at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 9 am, $5

Beginner Ballet at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 10:30, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Intermediate Ballet w/ Stephanie Albanese at 95 Empire Dance Studio, Noon, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Happy Grandparents Day! at Providence Children’s Museum, 9 am, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

Stacey Peasley Band at Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum, 3 pm, Free

Hann Cassady, Dan Dodd, Bill Bartholomew, and Alexandra Dutremble at Dusk, 8 pm, $5 (18+)

Arduino For Total Newbies With Mitch Altman at AS220 Labs, 1 pm, $35

Free Writer’s Workshop at Annex Room, 4 pm, Free

Math The Bland The Bland, Slingshot Dakota, Twin Foxes, and Honest Living @ Psychic Readings, 9 pm, $6

9/14
Intermediate/Advanced Modern Dance at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:30 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

9/15
Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, Noon, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Hartley C. White Project, CE Schneider Topical, Universal Cell Unlock at Psychic Readings, 9 pm, $6

Vana Mazi, Orion Rigel Dommisse and Wolf Hongos at AS220 Main Stage, 9:30 pm, $6

kaGh5_patreon_name_and_message

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PawSox Stadium opponents film music video outside McCoy


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2015-06-05 McCoy Sing-a-Long 012On Saturday morning over 75 people assembled outside McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket to sing a slightly altered version of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” for a video planned to protest moving the Pawtucket Red Sox to a proposed new stadium in Providence. Director Murray Scott lead the crowd in singing the song, from cue cards, four times as volunteers stopped traffic. Surprisingly, none of the drivers of any of the cars evidenced anything but support for the effort, despite the inconvenience of being stopped. instead drivers honked horns, waved, or gave thumb’s up to the efforts of the singers.

Despite what appears to be recent victories for stadium opponents in the form of RI Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello‘s admission that a deal with Brown University and the City of Providence seems unlikely, organizers Tim Empkie, Sharon Steele and David Norton all feel that the pressure needs to be kept on.

Murray Scott says that the video made today will be premiered in a couple of weeks on the Motif Magazine and GoLocal Prov news sites. In the meantime, below is a preview.

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Patreon

Posted on

Tuesday to Tuesday arts and entertainment calendar


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marxlennonIt is our hope that this new feature – the ‘Tuesday to Tuesday Arts and Entertainment Calendar’ will bring a lighter side to the fare. As we move into the dog days of summer, I’m open to tips and press releases regarding the events you or someone you know may be holding in the next few weeks. Feel free to e-mail data to me at andrew.james.stewart.rhode.island@gmail.com.

MY PICKS
Here is my selection of events that you should definitely consider checking out this week.

  • 9/1
    Open Sewing Circle at AS220, 9 pm, Free
    Why not? It is a skill that helps bring people together and form bonds well beyond the thread.
  • 9/2
    Paper Theatre by Great Small Works and Facto Teatro at AS220’s Blackbox, 7:30 pm, $15
    It may be a bit costly, but a paper-doll puppet show is worth your time.
  • 9/3
    Movies on the Block: GANGS OF NEW YORK at Grants Block, 7:30 pm, Free
    It’s not the best of Scorsese’s work, but it is still an amazing work.
  • 9/4
    SwapDrobe: Co-Ed Wardrobe & Accessories Swap at Green Envy Eco Boutique, 5 pm, $5
    A great opportunity to engage in the ethics of green living, something we all need to be taught about.
  • 9/5
    Grungy Garage – a DIY Trunk Sale Event at Jimmy’s Saloon, 2 pm, $10 (21+)
    The adventures that can be found just beg for you to attend.
  • 9/6
    From Scratch: A Works in Process Night at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, $7
    Come out to see some of the exciting work coming soon to a venue near you!
  • 9/7
    Romp of Otters’ Season Launch Party at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, Free
    It’s a holiday, sorry folks. Please send some tips my way so we can get this calendar to grow!
  • 9/8
    Cross-Armed Calculator (PVD), Incircles (NY) and Tape-Eater (MA) at Dusk, 9 pm, $6 (18+)
    Come see a gathering of bands from three states together at a great venue!

9/1
Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 12-1 pm, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm-8:30, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm-8:45 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

“I Do, I Do” Exhibit at Linden Place Mansion, 10 am, $8/$6 seniors

Songs to Drive Cars, Baggie Rajwah, Valley Reverse and Mic P at AS220 Main Stage, 9:30 PM, $6

Open Sewing Circle at AS220, 9 pm, Free

9/2
Vinyasa Yoga with Julie Shore at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, Noon-1 pm, $5

Open Level Modern Dance at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:30-8 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Clothing Optional: A Figurative Show at ArtProv, 11 am, Free

Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition (RI BIKE) Speaker Series at AS220 Main Stage, 6 pm, Free

Paper Theatre by Great Small Works and Facto Teatro at AS220’s Blackbox, 7:30 pm, $15

Voodoo Cuisine, Deceiving Texture, Hombres Del Mar, and ThunderBug at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $6

9/3
Evening Yoga at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:15 pm, $13 per class; $60 for 6 classes

Movies on the Block: GANGS OF NEW YORK at Grants Block, 7:30 pm, Free

2015 Burnside Music Series: Javelin + Preshow sounds by Analog Underground! at Kennedy Plaza, 4:30 pm, Free

LAST SHOW! ALEX AND ANI Summer Concert Series at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard, 6 pm, $10 per car

And then That Happened….Again! featuring Christopher Johnson at AS220’s Blackbox, 7:30 pm, $10 (Free for Brown/RISD Students)

Free Speech Thursdays Presents: Providence Poetry Slam at AS220 Main Stage, 8 pm, $4

Sayings, Actor Observer, In Depths and Tides, This Side of Paradise, and Patrick Cowley at The Met, 7 pm, $10 Adv/$12 Day Of

9/4
Friday Night Live, Open Stage, and Lemonade at Everett Stage, 6:30 pm, $5

Opening Reception for Inspiration at Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly, 5 pm, Free

SwapDrobe: Co-Ed Wardrobe & Accessories Swap at Green Envy Eco Boutique, 5 pm, $5

Encaustic paintings by Anne Marie Rossi at Imago August, Noon, Free

And then That Happened….Again! featuring Christopher Johnson at AS220’s Blackbox, 7:30 pm, $10 (Free for Brown/RISD Students)

Spitehouse, Kyoty, Land Of Fires and Casino Hunks @ AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $6

Live Bait: Race at 95 Empire Black Box, 10 pm, $7

Natur and Balam at The Parlor, 9 pm, $5 (21+)

Color Me Badd, Rob Base, The Original and TKA at Lupo’s, 8 pm, $60/$50/$30/$25

The Dead LA, Truth In Soul, and Brother Moon Music at Lupo’s, 8 pm, $8

9/5
Grungy Garage – a DIY Trunk Sale Event at Jimmy’s Saloon, 2 pm, $10 (21+)

Traditional Irish Music Session at AS220 Bar & FOO(D), 4 pm, Free

Hoop-la! at Providence Children’s Museum, 9 am, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

LAST DAY! Summer Work at Hera Gallery, 10 am, Free

And then That Happened….Again! featuring Christopher Johnson at AS220’s Blackbox, 7:30 pm, $10 (Free for Brown/RISD Students)

Whenskiesaregray, Terror Eyes, There is Nothing Wrong With Your Television Set and Ember Wreath at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $6

Improv Jones at AS220 Black Box, 10 pm, $5

The Wishing, The Wolf Hongos, Steve Donovan & The IRS, and Warbler Roost at The Parlour, 9 pm, $5 (21+)

Where The Wild Things Are Julians & Allagash Beer Dinner at the Steel Yard, 6:30 pm, $99

The J. Geils Band at India Point Park, 6:30 pm, $69

The Wishing, The Wolf Hongos, Steve Donovan & The IRS and Warbler Roost @ The Parlour, 9 pm, $5 (21+)

9/6
Core Workout with Daniel Shea at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 9 am, $5

Beginner Ballet at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 10:30, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Intermediate Ballet w/ Stephanie Albanese at 95 Empire Dance Studio, Noon, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

2nd Annual Live Happy Live Healthy Live Green Expo at River Island Park, 10 am, Free

Hoop-la! at Providence Children’s Museum, 9 am, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

LAST DAY! “Island Time” at the Bristol Art Museum, 1 pm, $2

From Scratch: A Works in Process Night at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, $7

The Empire Revue Presents: The Surprise Show! at AS220 Main Stage, 8 pm, $10

Rager In A Box: Headband (Blt) Charles Dube (Blt) Multinerango Sun (Oak) Gyna Bootleg, Time-Based Corrector Thorn at AS220’s Blackbox, 10 pm, $5

Scurvy Dog Parking Lot Mega Show at The Scurvy Dog, 2 pm, Free

G-Eazy at Lupo’s, 6 pm, $38/$42

9/7
Romp of Otters’ Season Launch Party at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, Free

9/8
Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, Noon, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm-8:45 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Brian 4 Ever, Mike Mountain, Invisible Robot Hands at Psychic Readings, 9 pm, $5

Black Wool, Auvn, The Conversation, and Antonio Forte at AS220 Main Stage, 9:30 pm, $6

Cross-Armed Calculator (PVD), Incircles (NY) and Tape-Eater (MA) at Dusk, 9 pm, $6 (18+)

Posted on

Stadium opponents hold a concert in future public park


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2015-08-31 Stadium 015On Monday evening more than 100 people, including families with children, came to the publicly owned site desired by the Pawtucket Red Sox behind 200 Dyer St in Providence to fly kites, enjoy a concert, listen to storytellers and generally act like they “own the place.” This was the second time members of the community have descended on the parcel of land to treat the space, a mass of scrubby vegetation, dirt and pavement, like the park it was originally promised to be. Back in July the PawSox owners brought minor league baseball player Matt Spring and PawSox mascot Paws in an apparent attempt to use the event as an opportunity to sell the stadium.

This time the PawSox owners didn’t make any attempt at countering the event. This time the media showed up in force, with Channel 10 doing a live remote. The What Cheer! Brigade played four rousing selections and storytellers Len Cabral and Mark Binder (who has contributed to RI Future) entertained the crowd with stories. Kites were flown, games were played, children danced and the promise of a public park was glimpsed, if imperfectly.

The only elected official I noticed at the event was State Representative Aaron Regunburg, House District 4, on the East Side of Providence. He is opposed to building the stadium on that land.

Below are four videos of the What Cheer? Brigade, and photos from the event by Andrew Stewart and myself.

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Len Cabral
Len Cabral

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What Cheer? Brigade
What Cheer? Brigade

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Tim Empkie

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Mark Binder

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Lovecraft’s racism a tough issue at NecronomiCon Providence


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Robert Price
Robert Price

At the opening ceremonies of this year’s NecronomiCon Providence, held at the First Baptist Church, Biblical scholar and Lovecraft expert Robert Price ended his talk with a reference to the H.P. Lovecraft story “The Horror at Red Hook,” exposing the difficulty if not impossibility of celebrating Lovecraft, the writer of weird fiction, while distancing oneself from Lovecraft, racist.

In his short talk Price noted Lovecraft’s role as metaphorical prophet, claiming that Lovecraft accurately foresaw the modern rise of atheism and the rejection of religion in the West. Price praised this rise of rationalism but warned, “as rationalism ascends here, it declines there. And Lovecraft foresaw that too and very clearly.”

Price continued:

If we can manage to look past [Lovecraft’s] racism, we will manage to see something deeper and quite valid. Lovecraft envisioned not only the threat that science posed to our anthropomorphic smugness, but also the ineluctable advance of the hordes on non-western anti-rationalism to consume a decadent, euro-centric west.

“Superstition, barbarism and fanaticism would sooner or later devour us. It appears now that we’re in the midst of this very assault. The blood lust of jihadists threatens Western Civilization and the effete senescent West seems all too eager to go gently into that endless night. Our centers of learning have converted to power politics and an affirmative action epistemology cynically redefining truth as ideology. Logic is undermined by the new axiom of the ad hominem. If white males formulated logic, then logic must be regarded as an instrument of oppression.

“Lovecraft was wrong about many things, but not, I think, this one. It’s the real life horror of Red Hook.”

Putting aside the problematic idea that white males are under threat from a new age of political correctness that rejects logic and his irrelevant attack on affirmative action, Price alarmingly used one of Lovecraft’s most potent and vituperative pieces of racist writing, “The Horror at Red Hook” to make his points about jihadist Islam.

“The Horror at Red Hook” was written by Lovecraft during one of the lowest periods of his life, during his brief marriage to Sonia Greene and his three year stay in New York. Lovecraft hated New York, because it was filled with non-white people. “Whenever we found ourselves in the racially mixed crowds which characterize New York, Howard would become livid with rage,” his wife wrote, “He seemed almost to lose his mind.”

In his story, Lovecraft describes one character as, and I apologize in advance, “an Arab with a hatefully negroid mouth.” This is simply the most obvious example of the racism in the story, since the entire piece is obsessed with the idea of miscegenation and steeped in white supremacy.

I wrote to Robert Price to ask him about his comments. Price seemed to think the problem was a politically correct reaction to his criticism of Jihadism.

“I still don’t know what was so controversial about what I said,” wrote Price, “and no one who found it controversial told me why they did. What is controversial about lamenting the outrages of Jihadism? Is someone accusing me of ‘Islamophobia’? I didn’t even use the word ‘Islam.’ Islam and Jihadism are not the same thing. To criticize Jihad is not to criticize Islam, and it is the one who clucks about ‘Islamophobia’ who is conflating the two, not me. I do not blame all Muslims for Jihadism, but some refuse to condemn Jihad because they think that would implicate all Muslims. Not me.”

Niels Hobbs, the organizer of NecronomiCon Providence, spoke eloquently about difficulties of holding an event celebrating Lovecraft the writer of weird fiction as separate from Lovecraft, the writer of racist rants. At the panel discussion, “Racism and Lovecraft,” Hobbs stated the problem in stark terms, saying, “If there’s ever going to be another NecronomiCon, if there’s going to be a good, positive future for weird fiction… we need to embrace these things and talk about them and move forward, see how we can use these things to grow and make a positive, diverse and active community that still acknowledges Lovecraft as one of the people that started it.”

Regarding Price’s Red Hook reference, Hobbs said, “I’ve kind of been bombarded all day from the blow back from the things that happened at the First Baptist Church on Thursday night, which, for those of you who were there I actually really want to personally apologize to you for some of the things that were said that I am deeply hurt by, actually, myself. And they are not things that we believe as organizers, by any means. And it’s not the kind of community that we want to have as people that want to be an entrance point for everybody that’s interested in weird fiction and people that enjoy Lovecraft of all backgrounds…   If I can thank Bob Price for one thing, I will thank him for this, for laying it out there that this still an issue in this country. I don’t think any of us, if we even remotely watch the news, can avoid the fact that racism is a problem in this country right now.”

I wrote to Hobbs about Price’s comments. Hobbs replied, “I tried really hard to look past what Price said and give it the very best light I could, but given his unnecessary (at best) comments on affirmative action, etc… to have it end with his Red Hook comment – a VERY clear reference to anyone who’s familiar with Lovecraft – more than washed away any hopes I’d had for this merely being an oddly and unfortunately placed commentary on violent Islamic extremism.” (ellipse included)

Writers and fans of weird fiction and science fiction have been grappling in recent years with an influx of diversity, including women, LGBTQ and people of color venturing into genres traditionally dominated by white males. Two recent controversies are of note.

First are the recent discussions surrounding the “Howies,” the World Fantasy Award statuette given every year for achievements in weird fiction. Because of Lovecraft’s racism, many feel the award, modeled after Lovecraft’s likeness, should be changed, especially since it puts writers and creators of color in the unfortunate position of receiving an award in the likeness of a man who lived his entire life believing he was genetically and culturally their superior. An online petition sought to have Lovecraft’s likeness replaced with Octavia Butler’s, a pioneering black woman science fiction writer. (For more on this read HP Lovecraft’s Madness by Phenderson Djèlí Clark)

The second recent controversy concerns the Hugo Awards, given by fans for excellence in science fiction writing. This year a group of mostly white, mostly male fans called the Sad Puppies tried to counter the recent trends that seems to favor giving the coveted science fiction awards to “women, gays and lesbians, and people of color” by stacking the nomination slate. The efforts of the Sad Puppies failed spectacularly, as all their nominees lost to, “No Award.”

Lovecraft once famously asserted, “I am Providence” and after his death a group of fans raised the money to put these words on his tombstone, but Lovecraft is not the Providence I know and love.

The Providence I love is filled with all kinds of people, representing a spectrum of beauty that was unknown to Lovecraft, whose imagination, praised as being so expansive and creative, was curiously and tragically constrained when it came to his views on race and sex.

Weird fiction and Providence will forever be associated with Lovecraft, but the future of the genre and the city need not be constrained by this man or his racism, antisemitism and misogyny. The world is changing, for the better. This is not a white male world anymore, its a human world, and white males are just a small part of it.

I look forward to the next iteration of NecronomiCon Providence, (if that’s what the organizers decide to call it), as it becomes ever more diverse and sets the tone and the standard for all such literary events in the future.

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Tuesday to Tuesday arts and entertainment calendar


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roy3It is our hope that this new feature – the ‘Tuesday to Tuesday Arts and Entertainment Calendar’ will bring a lighter side to the fare. As we move into the dog days of summer, I’m open to tips and press releases regarding the events you or someone you know may be holding in the next few weeks. Feel free to e-mail data to me at andrew.james.stewart.rhode.island@gmail.com.

MY PICKS
Here is my selection of events that you should definitely consider checking out this week.

  • 8/25
    Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm-8:30, $6
    Take the time to learn a skill. Art is a way to free the soul from the doldrums of daily life.
  • 8/26
    MOVIES ON THE ROCKS: Breakfast Club at Ballard Park Quarry Meadow, Dusk (8:15-8:30), Free
    The classic of high school angst and Saturday detention. After three decades, the hairstyles and music are simply hilarious, but the message remains the same.
  • 8/27
    Songwriters in the Round at AS220 Main Stage, 7 pm, $5
    The opportunity to see some of the finest talents of the RI independent music scene.
  • 8/28
    Gallery Talk With Mara Metcalf at AS220 Project Space, 5:30 pm, Free
    The ability to have a free gallery talk is worth your time, trust me.
  • 8/29
    Film Screening: (IT’S A) COMPLEX WORLD at Slater Mill, 8 pm, Free
    The cult classic! This film is a bad caper picture, filmed at the -original- Lupo’s, and featuring the music of the Young Adults.
  • 8/30
    Jay Brunelle, Bobby B. Keyes, “Sax” Gordon Beadle, The Young Adults at Slater Mill, 11 am, Free
    Rudy Cheeks, saxophonist in the Young Adults, was one of this writer’s mentors and deserves your patronage.
  • 8/31
    I admit it is a hard week and today was pretty rare. This is why I need people to e-mail me events!
  • 9/1
    Open Sewing Circle at AS220, 9 pm, Free
    Why not? It is a skill that helps bring people together and form bonds well beyond the thread.

8/25
Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 12-1 pm, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm-8:30, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm-8:45 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Single Lash, Future Museums, Pixels, and Twenty Four Hours at Psychic Readings, 9 pm, $5

Boot Leg Soul, John Paul Colasante, Not For Coltrane at AS220 Main Stage, 9:30 pm, $6

Beach House at Lupo’s, 9 pm, $27 adv/$30 day of

8/26
MOVIES ON THE ROCKS: Breakfast Club at Ballard Park Quarry Meadow, Dusk (8:15-8:30), Free

Vinyasa Yoga with Julie Shore at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, Noon-1 pm, $5

Open Level Modern Dance at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:30-8 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Music at Sunset – Super Chief Trio at Blithewold Mansion Gardens & Arboretum, 6 pm, Member $7, Non-Member $10

Arkham Film Society presents: THE NORTHVILLE CEMETERY MASSACRE at 95 Empire, 9 pm, $5

Jeff Lavender (Valencourt), Rich Ferri, Travis Alexander (Ghost Thrower), Ava Callery at AS220 Main Stage, $6

Earl Sweatshirt at Lupo’s, 9 pm, $22.50 adv/$25 day of

Shark Rock at The Met, 9 pm, $8

8/27
Musette Explosion at The Towers, 7 pm, $15

Evening Yoga at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:15 pm, $13 per class; $60 for 6 classes

Movies on the Block: BADLANDS at Grants Block, 7:30 pm, Free

2015 Burnside Music Series: Dirt Pony + DJ LaRochelle at Kennedy Plaza, 4:30 pm, Free

Songwriters in the Round at AS220 Main Stage, 7 pm, $5

Top 5 Fiend Presents: Seven Hats Parade, Debcaster, Hwuevo, Feng Shui Police at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $7

Debcaster, Two Brothers, Feng Shui Police, The Novi Giants at AS220, 9 pm, $7

8/28
Gallery Talk With Mara Metcalf at AS220 Project Space, 5:30 pm, Free

Lulz! Comedy Open Mic Night at Psychic Readings, 9 pm, Free

Triangle Forest, Home Body, House Red at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $6

8/29
Newport Stamp Act Protest Re-Enactment at Colony House, 1 pm, Free (Afterparty $25)

Traditional Irish Music Session at AS220 Bar & FOO(D), 4 pm, Free

Chalk the Walk at Providence Children’s Museum, All Day, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

Field of Artisans at South Kingstown Town Beach, 11 am, Free

Slater’s Art and Manufacture Festival at Slater Mill, 11 am, Free

Film Screening: (IT’S A) COMPLEX WORLD at Slater Mill, 8 pm, Free

Morals, She Said That, Twin Foxes, Otp, and Forrest Fires at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $6

Mike Mave, Nostalgia, Beth Killian, Sun of Sound, Big Scythe and SOL, and Aubrey Mable at The Met, $10 adv, $12 day of

8/30
Core Workout with Daniel Shea at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 9 am, $5

Beginner Ballet at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 10:30, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Intermediate Ballet w/ Stephanie Albanese at 95 Empire Dance Studio, Noon, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Jay Brunelle, Bobby B. Keyes, “Sax” Gordon Beadle, The Young Adults at Slater Mill, 11 am, Free

The Wankys (Uk), Who Killed Spikey Jacket?, Cabbageheads (Mi), and Funeral Cone at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $6

8/31
Intermediate/Advanced Modern Dance at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:30 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

9/1
Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, Noon, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm-8:45 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Open Sewing Circle at AS220, 9 pm, Free

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Movie Review: BEST OF ENEMIES


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MV5BMjA0MzA1ODA5NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMDc3OTU5NTE@._V1_SX214_AL_The new documentary BEST OF ENEMIES (dirs. Morgan Neville, Robert Gordon) is one of those films that is both intellectually stimulating and wickedly entertaining, a picture that makes one laugh out loud multiple times while also causing serious thought. Rarely do we see such fare, which is why I highly recommend it.

BEST OF ENEMIES is now playing at the Cable Car Cinema & Cafe.

The film is set in 1968, a year remembered by those who lived it as the beginning of the end of so many great things. Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy were both gunned down, there were riots and protests in the streets, and Lyndon Johnson had scuttled his administration with a Vietnam policy that was described as genocidal by those who knew the truth about our actions in Southeast Asia. And all the while, ABC, the third-place network on television, had decided to try something different in their coverage of the Republican and Democratic National Conventions.

Instead of following the lead of NBC and CBS, with their gavel-to-gavel coverage of the proceedings, they decided to bring in two of the leading intellectuals of the day to engage in a series of brief debates following a montage of highlights from the day’s events. On the left was author Gore Vidal, scion of a populist Democratic senator, the creator of such scandalous works as Myra Breckinridge and the screenplay of the X-rated CALIGULA, he was open about his love affairs with men and espoused a libertine worldview combined with liberal politics that generated some of the best American political prose of his generation. To the right was William F. Buckley, Jr., the editor and founder of the hard-right magazine National Review, a man who had taken up conservative politics and transformed a movement of crotchety kooks and racists into the political force that elevated Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan to the heights of power while consolidating the Grand Old Party by hacking off the left wing of that political body. Both men were well-spoken, well-born, well-educated intellectuals at the peak of their powers. What followed was an epic, multi-evening intellectual wrestling match, the likes of which had never been seen before on television.

The film is excellent because it functions on two levels. On the first, it is a stellar narrative, retelling one of the most important moments in twentieth century American politics. The 1968 election was the first instance when Americans began to vote based on identity politics issues as opposed to class solidarity, as seen by the successful implementation of Richard Nixon’s Southern Strategy that year. It was the first time that dog-whistle politicking took on any sort of real force in the voting booth, with Nixon’s repeated harping on about ‘law and order’ really serving as code for white animus towards the newly-desegregated black population. It was the first election since World War II that the contest for the executive office served as a referendum on an ongoing conflict, a wasteful and stupid war that had none of the support at home or abroad that the Greatest Generation had found two decades before.

And it was also the first time that the political conventions were broadcast in color, bringing me to my second point. Not only is the film a history lesson, it is a love poem to the days of rabbit ear antennas, switching the channel by touching an actual dial, and having only three networks and PBS to watch, within a decade HBO and Ted Turner would begin to develop the early stirrings of what became cable television. This is a film about the way that Americans are told about the news of the day, how it is delivered, and why we think the way we do about these events. It has all the wisdom of a communications class about newsroom production and makes clear what we have lost with the ability to choose from multiple networks that cater to our socio-political whims. As I have said elsewhere, this was perhaps the last election that had some legitimacy to it, now all we have are stage-managed rock concerts with primaries that function in a fashion closer to American Idol.

The film’s thesis is an admirable one where the filmmakers argue, rightly, in my view, that this was the place that gave birth, perhaps accidentally, to the yelling-and-screaming format of television news we deal with today, populated by the O’Reillys, the Maddows, and the other hucksters who serve up saccharine-flavored slop we are expected to take for socio-political analysis. I say accidentally because it is quite clear from the start that Buckley was totally oblivious about what to expect from Vidal, who rehearsed his lines backstage, did enormous research on his opponent beforehand, and carried himself as a television star as opposed to a political scientist while in the ring. And I also say accidentally because, had Vidal known what kind of monster he was creating by stage acting the way he did, he might very well have never accepted the invitation to appear. For the rest of his life, Vidal would return again and again to the theme of how ridiculous the American political process had become. He decided to become an expatriate and work from his home in Italy in part because he had no stomach for the crassness, the shallowness, and the buffoonery that essentially defined American politics from 1968 onwards. But he never was able to come to the conclusion that he was partly to blame for getting our civic dialogue to that point.

With another election upon us, it is clear that the electorate is as divided as it was in 1968, if not more so. On the one hand, we have a Republican primary loaded with certified lunatics who are getting upstaged by, of all people, a blithering idiot land developer whose entire career has been based around making financial failure look profitable. The Democrats are no better, insistent on crowning Queen Hillary despite the fact that people would rather vote for a box of cereal than her. The film concludes that Vidal won the battle with Buckley, which is not giving away anything surprising. But what is surprising is that it was Buckley who, in the long term, won the war. We now live in a state of affairs where the Democrats behave like Richard Nixon, pro-choice, pro-union, pro-war, and environmentally-mindful to a degree. By contrast, Vidal, whose politics were populist New Deal Democratic stances, seems like a card-carrying Communist next to an Obama or Clinton. That kind of dramatic irony is something you could describe as made for television.

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Art, activism intertwined at Mission Gallery


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Organizers Em Jaye, Sherrie Anne Andre and Mattie Loyce

Mission Gallery is hosting a fascinating show entitled “Art As Activism // Activism As Art” at CityArts through August 28. Working in collaboration with FANG (Fighting Against Natural Gas), the objective is to “engage the inherently connected worlds of art and activism; recognizing art as an essential form of liberatory struggle, and activism as a creative human project.”

20150821_173302Work was collected “from artists that identify as women, trans*, and youth artists with the second goal of supporting and acknowledging these unique voices.” I recognized some art from specific acts of protest, such as the paintings of women of color killed by police from PrYSM and the tree stand Sherrie Anne Andre used in Burrillville for her tree-sit to protest the Spectra fracked gas pipeline expansion in May.

“By exploring the myriad forms of activist practices, we aim to make accessible new modes of movement participation,” said show organizers, “We strive to create a space to delve into the joys and pains of collective struggle; a space to explore the way we relate to the concept of activism; a space for revolutionary imagination to show us what new power structures can look like.”

Mission Gallery is “a traveling gallery that focuses on creating community based art shows and events” with a mission “to highlight both established and emerging local artists as well as create diverse art experiences that make the art and the audiences experience of it more impactful.” Mattie Loyce is the curator.

The show is located at 891 Broad St in Providence through August 28th. You can donate to FANG here.

Tree Stand
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Movie Review: ANITA


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anita posterFreida Lee Mock’s ANITA (2013) is a trip back in time to one of the most important moments in the advancement of feminist issues in that past quarter century and a memento of that time the Culture Wars came to the Senate. After years of the name ‘Anita Hill’ being a tagline, we get the inside story of a woman who dared to buck a tremendously powerful trend and ended up sparking a dialogue that continues to this day.

THURSDAY: RINOW SCREENS ‘ANITA’ AT CABLE CAR CINEMA

Today Clarence Thomas is that strange man on the Supreme Court who has remained almost totally mute for his entire career, never asking questions of either lawyer arguing a case before him and delivering opinions that seem to be in competition with Scalia for the most outrageous. Whether it has been helping get George W. Bush into the White House or opposing gay marriage, Thomas is a monolith whose status as a black man has befuddled most African Americans disadvantaged by his rulings.

However, back when he was nominated by George H.W. Bush to replace Thurgood Marshall, the first black Justice to sit on the Court, the media storm that erupted over his selection was intense. Towards the end of Thomas’s confirmation hearings, an FBI interview with Prof. Anita Hill was leaked. Hill, then a law professor at University of Oklahoma College of Law, alleged that he had sexually harassed her multiple times in his capacity as her boss at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the government body that is responsible for law regarding equity in the workplace, including gender/sex discrimination and harassment.

In October 1991, Hill went before the Senate Judiciary Committee and testified to what happened. The Committee, made up of all white men who had no idea how to handle issues around sexual harassment, fell all over each other and made complete fools of themselves. Joe Biden, the chairman, failed to call other women to testify about Thomas’s similar behavior towards them, resulting in a case of he said/she said instead of the exposure of a pattern of misconduct. Orrin Hatch took his chance to speak as an opportunity to grill the witness and try to impugn her testimony. Ted Kennedy, who had previously scuttled the nomination of Robert Bork with great aplomb, looked like a deer caught in headlights in a time when he was still featured in the tabloids for boozing and womanizing. And as the finishing touch, they let Thomas’s rebuttal descend into a self-important instance of pulling the race card unto the point they simply had to confirm him. As a result, we have been stuck with him ever since.

But the film does not end there. Instead, it follows Hill back to Oklahoma, where she was continually harassed by right wing nuts. At one point they tried to get her fired despite the fact she was tenured, then they turned around and went after first her dean and then the law school itself. Eventually she moved on to Brandeis, where she has been teaching ever since, while the unwanted 15 minutes of fame ended up becoming Hill’s second calling, leading her to become a longtime speaker and advocate for women’s rights and workplace discrimination.

Ultimately, this film is a good one. The first half, based around Hill’s memories of the two decades passed Culture War event, is well-developed and has moments not unlike the classic Emile de Antonio film about the Army-McCarthy hearings POINT OF ORDER. However, the final segment, having to do with her modern life, is just a tad too much of a happy ending for me. Ever since Michael Moore hit it big with BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE and FAHRENHEIT 9/11, documentaries have become a major force in the film market. But part of that has entailed the institutionalization of a type of three act structure, concluding with a neat bow and a happy ending, that I simply don’t like.

Sexual violence against women and girls is a serious topic that continues to affect our culture, which itself is called ‘rape culture’ for a reason. In many ways, life for professional women has improved tremendously, including in the realm of sexual harassment policies. But for poor and underprivileged women, things are far from ideal. Just this month we have found ourselves yet again dealing with another cheap attempt by the anti-choice contingent to defund Planned Parenthood. A woman’s access to abortion and low-cost obstetric services are severely hindered by the legacy of two Bush terms.

This is a serious problem, one that we need to be concerned about, and I don’t like happy endings being propped up despite those facts. When Emile de Antonio made his film about Vietnam, IN THE YEAR OF THE PIG (1968), he didn’t close it out with a smile and a nod, he left an open, hanging question for the audience that practically dared them to do something about our policies in Southeast Asia. With this movie, the viewer can walk out of the theater feeling like this is a finished problem, which it is not.

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Tuesday to Tuesday Arts and entertainment calendar: Aug 18


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calvary_bigIt is our hope that this new feature – the ‘Tuesday to Tuesday Arts and Entertainment Calendar’ will bring a lighter side to the fare. As we move into the dog days of summer, I’m open to tips and press releases regarding the events you or someone you know may be holding in the next few weeks. Feel free to e-mail data to me at andrew.james.stewart.rhode.island@gmail.com.

MY PICKS
Here is my selection of events that you should definitely consider checking out this week.

  • 8/18
    Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm-8:30, $6
    It’s an odd choice, yes, but why not learn a skill that has some value and can make your soul perk?
  • 8/19
    MOVIES ON THE ROCKS: Star Trek Generations at Ballard Park Quarry Meadow, Dusk (8:15-8:30), Free
    This was the first film featuring the cast of THE NEXT GENERATION and it was not exactly great. However, watching it projected in a quarry can’t be awful.
  • 8/20
    Free Speech Thursdays Presents: Providence Poetry Slam at AS220 Main Stage, 8 pm, $4
    I love AS220 poets, they never fail to amaze.
  • 8/21
    Sometimes You Just Need A Friend: A Suicide Prevention Benefit (NAMI) at Firehouse 13, 8 pm, $10
    I’m an advocate of mental healthcare issues by default and would urge people to get involved in this sort of work.
  • 8/22
    2015 WBRU Rock Hunt Winner Public Alley With Special Guests Kooked Out & Seven Hats Parade at the Met, 8 pm, $8 Advance/$10 Day Of
    With such an award-winning act, what explanation do you need?
  • 8/23
    Benefit For Chris Marks: Black Oil Incinerator, The Worried, and Tenafly Vipers at Dusk, 5 pm, $5 Sugg. Donation
    I also have a special spot for these types of crowd-funding for helping those in need and think this is worth some time.
  • 8/24
    An Evening With Neil Degrasse Tyson at PPAC, 7:30 pm, $55-$80
    I love this guy’s work and think it is a worthwhile time. Science is an amazing thing and will continue to play an important part in our life as we face the challenges of climate change.
  • 8/25
    Boot Leg Soul, John Paul Colasante, Not for Coltrane at AS220 Main Stage, 9:30 pm, $6
    I’m closing out the week with this random concert because I believe in the value AS220 has to the community.

8/18
Pianos Become The Teeth, The World Is A Beautiful Place & I am No Longer Afraid To Die, Turnover, Take One Car at The Met, Doors 7 pm/Show 8 pm, $15 Advance/$17 Day Of

Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 12-1 pm, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm-8:30, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm-8:45 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Volcano Kings, Trigger, Wei Zhongle, + New Bliss at Psychic Readings, 9 pm, $6 (Free with RISD/Brown ID)

S. Wolcott, No Time, Wasted, Decent Souls + a surprise appearance! at AS220 Main Stage, 9:30 pm, $6

8/19
MOVIES ON THE ROCKS: Star Trek Generations at Ballard Park Quarry Meadow, Dusk (8:15-8:30), Free

Music at Sunset – Panoramic View at Blithewold Mansion Gardens & Arboretum, 6 pm, Member $7, Non-Member $10

Vinyasa Yoga with Julie Shore at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, Noon-1 pm, $5

Open Level Modern Dance at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:30-8 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Intro to the Darkroom at AS220 Media Arts, 7 pm, $120

The Vox Hunters, Lindsay Straw, Russ Connors, and The Quahogs at AS220 Main Stage, 8:30, $8

Ad.Ul.T, I Eat Rocks, Trashbirds, Xr-Tabs At Dusk, 9 pm,

8/20
RI NOW, The National Coalition of 100 Black Women –RI Chapter, and the PVD Lady Project Present:ANITA at Cable Car, 6:30, $5-$10 Sugg. Donation

Matuto at The Towers, 7 pm, $15

Project Beta: NY to Newport Public Art Exhibition at Long’s Yoga Room, 7 pm, Free

newportFILM Outdoors + Green Screen! RACING EXTINCTION at Belle Mer, 8 pm, Free (Suggested Donation $5)

Intro to Letterpress at AS220 Printshop, 6 pm, $175

Evening Yoga at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:15 pm, $13 per class; $60 for 6 classes

Free Speech Thursdays Presents: Providence Poetry Slam at AS220 Main Stage, 8 pm, $4

Movies on the Block: BLOOD SIMPLE at Grants Block, 7:30 pm, Free

2015 Burnside Music Series! Up Next: Vio/Mire + DJ Analog Underground, Greater Kennedy Plaza, Free

Ars Necronomica & Rhode Island Eerie Openings at Providence Art Club, 6:30 pm, Free

NecronomiCon Providence at a variety of locations, Multi-Day, $75 (http://necronomicon-providence.com/welcome/)

Lovecraft’s 125th Birthday – Outdoor concert and film screening at 35 Weybosset St, 7 pm, Free

8/21
LGBT Elders Cafe at Church of the Transfiguration, Noon, $3 60+, $6 Under 60 (RSVP with Pauline at 401-351-6700)

Family Fun Friday – Karen K and the Jitterbugs at Blithewold Mansion Gardens & Arboretum, Noon, Included with admission. Free for members

Jodi Jolt & The Volt, GrandEvolution, Nymphidels, Jamie Craighead, Ben Tirrell at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $6

Sometimes You Just Need A Friend: A Suicide Prevention Benefit (NAMI) at Firehouse 13, 8 pm, $10

8/22
The Looff: East Providence Art Festival at 700 Bullocks Point Ave, 10 am-8 pm, Free

Field of Artisans at Marina Park, 11 am-4 pm, Free

Introduction to the Laser Cutter at AS220 Labs, 10 am, $80

Introduction to the CNC Router at AS220 Labs, 2 pm, $100

Traditional Irish Music Session at AS220 Bar & FOO(D), 4 pm, Free

2015 WBRU Rock Hunt Winner Public Alley With Special Guests Kooked Out & Seven Hats Parade at the Met, 8 pm, $8 Advance/$10 Day Of

The Sweet Release/Neutral Nation/The Z-Boys at The Parlour, 9 pm, $5

8/23
Core Workout with Daniel Shea at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 9 am, $5

Beginner Ballet at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 10:30, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Intermediate Ballet w/ Stephanie Albanese at 95 Empire Dance Studio, Noon, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Benefit For Chris Marks: Black Oil Incinerator, The Worried, and Tenafly Vipers at Dusk, 5 pm, $5 Sugg. Donation

Mis(S)Invader, Nervous System, Polluter, and Tomb And Thirst at Firehouse 13, 8 pm, $6

8/24
Intermediate/Advanced Modern Dance at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:30 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Over the Top, a reading of a performed memorial by David Higgins and Vanessa Gilbert at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, Free but donations accepted

An Evening With Neil Degrasse Tyson at PPAC, 7:30 pm, $55-$80

8/25
Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 12-1 pm, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm-8:30, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm-8:45 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Single Lash, Future Museums, Pixels, + Twenty Four Hours at Psychic Readings, 9 pm, $5

Boot Leg Soul, John Paul Colasante, Not for Coltrane at AS220 Main Stage, 9:30 pm, $6

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The Harlem Strut jazzes up Providence


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Beehive-Jazz-ClubJazz is the music that my soul turns to as a default. I went through a classic rock phase, did the whole punk/ska thing, I even enjoy some classical/orchestral on the side, but my heart explodes whenever I listen to some old time jazz. When I hear the opening notes of John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme or journey through the labyrinth of Dave Brubeck’s Time Out!, something inside me bursts like a firecracker in the night.

On August 8 at 2 PM, local youth ages 12-18 will be holding a free jazz concert, “The Harlem Strut, at the Providence Public Library Main Branch at 150 Empire Street. Under the musical direction of  Lynne Jackson and Michael Palter and the artistic direction of Robb Dimmick, these twelve musicians come from a variety of backgrounds and include students Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts (TAPA), having spent six hours a day rehearsing in anticipation of the event.

For more information, interested parties can contact Ray Rickman at Rickman@RickmanGroup.com or 401-421-0606.

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Tuesday to Tuesday: RI Future’s arts and entertainment calendar

grafitti-1RIFuture is a fine institution that has made important contributions to the Rhode Island news culture as the ProJo has shrunk in both scope and talent while the news channels have become more corporatized. It is our hope that this new feature – the ‘Tuesday to Tuesday Arts and Entertainment Calendar’ will bring a lighter side to the fare. As we move into the dog days of summer, I’m open to tips and press releases regarding the events you or someone you know may be holding in the next few weeks. Feel free to e-mail data to me at andrew.james.stewart.rhode.island@gmail.com.

MY PICKS
Here is my selection of events that you should definitely consider checking out this week.

  • 7/28
    Get Out! Cardboard Rockets at Providence Children’s Museum, 1-3 pm, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person
    Something fun to do with the kids and probably a minor refresher on the basic physics of aviation.
  • 7/29
    Vinyasa Yoga with Julie Shore at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, Noon-1 pm, $5
    Why not try out something new and help a working-class instructor at the same time. I do not subscribe to the theology underlying yoga itself, but the exercises and poses are helping me overcome some back issues and are worth checking out.
  • 7/30
    CAPOTE at Warwick Public Library, 7 pm, Free -or- Movies on the Block: BLADE RUNNER at Grants Block, 7:30 pm, Free
    This one is a tough call, so I will advise both, it depends on where you located in the state. CAPOTE is a fantastic retelling of how the true crime novel In Cold Blood was composed by the titular author, whereas BLADE RUNNER remains one of the greatest visions of the future in the past three decades, a film I rank with STAR WARS as the best science fiction pictures in American history.
  • 7/31
    RI Peoples Assembly: Emancipation Day Festival at Temple of Music Roger Williams Park, 12:25, Free -and- Food Truck Fridays at Carousel Village in Roger Williams Park, 5 pm, Free admission
    Take a trip over to Roger Williams Park and help some local businessmen by sampling their great food along with celebrating the end of American slavery. The two are located essentially next to each other, so it is an easy task.
  • 8/1
    August Gallery Reception at AS220 Galleries, 5 pm, Free
    AS220 continues to be one of the great centers of art in the Providence area and this is a great opportunity to take in some of their new works.
  • 8/2
    THE EMPIRE REVUE PRESENTS “THE OCEAN SHOW” at AS220 Main Stage, 8 pm, $10
    A comedy-music spectacular about the ocean blue, including a selection of seafaring tunes. What’s to dislike?
  • 8/3
    “THE SOCIAL AVENGER” A reading written and directed by LENNY SCHWARTZ at Arctic Playhouse, 8 pm, $10
    Lenny Schwartz is a prolific and versatile writer who has put his talent to work in a variety of genres and this should be a great night.
  • 8/4
    Rhode Island International Festival Opening Night at PPAC, 7 pm, $15/$50 for Gala Event also
    The weeklong RIIFF is a mainstay of RI film culture and opening night is usually a great event to attend.  Tickets can be purchased here.

7/28
Get Out! Cardboard Rockets at Providence Children’s Museum, 1-3 pm, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

Newport BridgeFest at Queen Anne Square, 8 am-Midnight, Free

Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 12-1 pm, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm-8:30, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm-8:45 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Native Giant, Neutrinos, Eric and the Nothing, Pyramid at Psychic Readings, 9 pm-1 am, $6

Armageddon Shop Presents: Windhand, Pilgram, and Second Grave at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm-1 am, $10

Newport BridgeFest at Queen Anne Square, 8 am-Midnight, Free

7/29
Blithewold’s Summer Concert Series: Music at Sunset at Blithewold Mansion Gardens & Arboretum, 5 pm, Member $7, Non-Member $10

Wheels at Work: Ambulance at Providence Children’s Museum, 10 am, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

Newport BridgeFest at Queen Anne Square, 8 am-Midnight, Free

Vinyasa Yoga with Julie Shore at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, Noon-1 pm, $5

Open Level Modern Dance at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:30-8 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Empty Vessels – La Luna – Terror Eyes – Take Nothing, Leave Everything at AS220 Main Stage, 9pm, $7

7/30
CAPOTE at Warwick Public Library, 7 pm, Free

Summer Concert Series presented by ALEX AND ANI at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard, 6 pm, $10

newportFILM Outdoors! WHAT HAPPENED, MISS SIMONE? at Doris Duke’s Rough Point, 8:30 pm (sunset), Free (Sugg. donation $5)

Newport BridgeFest at Queen Anne Square, 8 am-Midnight, Free

Yoga in the Garden at Blithewold Mansion Gardens & Arboretum, 11 am, $10 member, $15 non-member Pre-paid 1-month unlimited pass

Introduction to Mat Cutting at AS220 Media Arts, 6 pm, $65

Evening Yoga at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:15 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Manton Avenue Project Presents “Go Team!: The Sports Plays” at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, Pay what you can

Holiday Music, No Hands, Worst Gift, 14 Foot 1 at Psychic Readings, 9:30 pm, $6

Movies on the Block: BLADE RUNNER at Grants Block, 7:30 pm, Free

7/31
Family Fun Friday: Rolie Polie Guacamole at Blithewold Mansion Gardens & Arboretum, 11 am, Included with admission

Food Truck Fridays at Carousel Village in Roger Williams Park, 5 pm, Free admission

Manton Avenue Project Presents “Go Team!: The Sports Plays” at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, Pay what you can

Sun Bears, Prism, Skunk Jesus, and Hungry Freaks at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $6

8/1
Stars and Night Sky at Providence Children’s Museum, 10 am, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

ALEX AND ANI Sunday Jazz Series at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vinyard, 1 pm, $10 per car

Manton Avenue Project Presents “Go Team!: The Sports Plays” at AS220’s Blackbox, 2 pm, Pay what you can

Traditional Irish Music Session at AS220 Bar & FOO(D), 4 pm, Free

August Gallery Reception at AS220 Galleries, 5 pm, Free
AS220 Main Gallery at 115 Empire St.: Sonny With a Chance of Clouds: New Photographs by James “Sonny” Walker & BITTER/SWEET: New Photographs by Brittany Marcoux
OPEN WINDOW: Girl Talk: New Paintings by Sarah Samways
CABINET OF CURIOSITIES: Embroidered Stories: New Work by Chloe Cooper
AS220 Project Space at 93 Mathewson St.: Bird’s Eye View: New Work by Mara Metcalf
AS220 Reading Room: FAB ACADEMY Year End Review
Resident’s Gallery @131 Washington St.: Upcycled Life: new work by Steve Duque

Top 5 Fiend Presents: Morris & The East Coast, The Quins, Wild Sun at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $6

Improv Jones at AS220 Black Box, 10 pm, $5

RI Peoples Assembly: Emancipation Day Festival at Temple of Music Roger Williams Park, 12:25, Free

8/2
Core Workout with Daniel Shea at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 9 am, $5

Beginner Ballet at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 10:30, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Intermediate Ballet w/ Stephanie Albanese at 95 Empire Dance Studio, Noon, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

THE EMPIRE REVUE PRESENTS “THE OCEAN SHOW” at AS220 Main Stage, 8 pm, $10

I Eat Rocks / Mis(s)invader / Sauna Heat / Vanilla Function at Aurora, 9 pm, $5 (18+)

8/3
Intermediate/Advanced Modern Dance at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:30 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

TOP 5 FIEND PRESENTS: Warbler Roost, Accidental Seabirds, Community Center, John Faraone at Psychic Readings, 9 pm, $7

“THE SOCIAL AVENGER” A reading written and directed by LENNY SCHWARTZ at Arctic Playhouse, 8 pm, $10

8/4
Rhode Island International Festival Opening Night at PPAC, 7 pm, $15/$50 for Gala Event also

Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 12-1 pm, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm-8:30, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm-8:45 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

OPEN Sewing Circle * a night of making things * at Psychic Readings, 9 pm, Free

wichita, small talk, he heard footsteps at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $6

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Post Office dedicated to Sister Ann Keefe


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DSC_6687Sister Ann Keefe “was not a saint, she was better than that. She was human,” said her sister Kathy Keefe to an impressive crowd of 200 people at the newly christened Sister Ann Keefe Post Office at 820 Elmwood in Providence. Sister Ann, a community activist who started or helped to start nearly two dozen organizations in the service of social justice, including the Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence, ¡City Arts! for Youth and AIDS Care Ocean State died earlier this year from brain cancer. She was 62. The post office, located in South Providence, a community that Sister Ann served so passionately during her lifetime, was named in her honor.

US Representative David Cicilline introduced the legislation that began the process of renaming the building in Sister Ann’s honor in February. In the present political climate, said Cicilline, even getting a bill like this passed presented difficulties. Representative James Langevin cosponsored the bill, and Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed pursued the legislation in the Senate. Ultimately, President Barrack Obama signed H.R. 651 into law in May. Thus, the Sister Ann Keefe Post Office became the first US Post Office named for a nun.

Senators Whitehouse and Reed were not at the dedication ceremony, having been called back to Washington to vote on a transportation/infrastructure bill, but Cicilline and Langevin, along with other many elected officials, were eager to put in an appearance at the event, a tribute to Sister Ann’s influence.

The best parts of the dedication ceremony were the tributes from Sister Ann’s family and the community she served. Her biological sister, Mary Blanchet, read a letter to Sister Ann, recalling memories from their lives. Another sister, Kathy Keefe, read a poem from A.A. Milne.

Elijah Matthews read an award winning poem written by his sister, Victoria Matthews about Sister Ann. Elijah was introduced by his mother, Pamela Matthews. Victoria Matthews was at a sorority event out of town. Elijah’s reading of the poem earned a well deserved standing ovation.

The ¡City Arts! Bucket Drummers and the Saint Michael’s Community Choir provided the music.

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¡City Arts! Bucket Drummers

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Elijah & Pamela Matthews
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Mary Blanchet and Kathy Keefe
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Jorge Elorza

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James Langevin
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David Cicilline

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‘Birth Of A Grammar With Noam Chomsky’ and summer blockbuster culture


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YOUTUBE PICWe are now through July and, to that extent, the almost done with entire summer movie season.  With releases like ‘Mad Max’ and ‘Jurassic World,’ we have seen a plethora of by-the-numbers blockbusters that all seem strangely familiar.  This is not an accident; rather, there is a basic grammar and vocabulary that defines the programming of any and all action films.  As early as the works of Abel Gance, it was understood that editorial tricks could be used to manipulate viewers and generate reactions on a psychological level.  This was later codified by the Soviet film makers Lev Kuleshov and Sergei Eisenstein, whose work remains extremely tenable despite the collapse of the USSR.  Kuleshov’s experiments demonstrated the way audiences react and insinuate their own interpretations into viewing materials when they have no real reason to do so, whereas Eisenstein formulated his theory of the montage using the Hegelian-Marxist dialectic to describe film in the context of historical materialism.

The first true American blockbuster was without any doubt the DW Griffith film ‘Birth of a Nation.’  Released in May 1915, it was the first multi-reel epic film that broke every previous convention, going beyond the usual length and breadth of the 15-minute short films and tackling one of the greatest blood baths in American history, the Civil War.  But Griffith also created a picture that would do great harm to our society for decades.  The second half of the picture retells the story of Reconstruction as a debacle, featuring black men as imbeciles, mixed-ethnicity ‘mulattoes’ as sexual beasts, and the Ku Klux Klan as heroic defenders of Southern female virtue.  As a result of the film’s release, the Klan saw its ranks explode and the civil rights movement’s gains were set back decades.

Several months ago, I had the opportunity to sit down with MIT linguist Dr. Noam Chomsky.  Based off the work of Warren Buckland, Michel Colin, and others, there is now a veritable sub-branch of cinema studies that has taken prior work dealing with the semiotics of cinema and re-written the genre using the Chomskyan theories of transformative generative grammar.  The resulting conversation is quite instructive to our own dialogue about race and racism in America as well as our thought process regarding what we would now call the summer blockbuster.

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Tuesday to Tuesday: RI Future’s arts and entertainment calendar (UPDATED 7/22)

006Klimt-TheVirginRIFuture is a fine institution that has made important contributions to the Rhode Island news culture as the ProJo has shrunk in both scope and talent while the news channels have become more corporatized.  It is our hope that this new feature – the ‘Tuesday to Tuesday Arts and Entertainment Calendar’ will bring a lighter side to the fare.  As we move into the dog days of summer, I’m open to tips and press releases regarding the events you or someone you know may be holding in the next few weeks.  Feel free to e-mail data to me at andrew.james.stewart.rhode.island@gmail.com.

MY PICKS
Here is my selection of events that you should definitely consider checking out this week.

  • 7/21
    HOME/RUN: A Play at Matthewson Street Church Black Box, 8 pm, $5-10
    It would be a conflict of interest if I did not mention I know one of the writers here from my film festival days. But I honestly do think that this sort of interactive theatre is important, it helps generate a dialogue about our society and how it operates. And with Providence in the midst of all sorts of lunatic plots to gentrify the neighborhoods while bailing out billionaires so they can build baseball stadiums, we need these sorts of dialogues that democratize our understanding of home more than ever.
  • 7/22
    The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, 7:30 pm, Pay What You Decide
    The author of this play previous was nominated for a 2014 Pulitzer but returned to the drawing board for a second draft.  This should be impressive.
  • 7/23
    Movies on the Block: THE SHINING at Grants Block, 7:30 pm, Free
    Kubrick’s classic horror film remains chilling after 35 years because he was making a truly amazing film.  Having studied him in college, I can also say that this is much deeper than you think and that the recent ROOM 237 was closer to the mark than you might think in terms of the subtext about genocide.
  • 7/24
    FringePVD: “WRITER’S BLOCK” BY RADIOACTIVE THEATRE COMPANY at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, $5-$10
    To be honest, I have no idea what this play is about but, since I know very well what writer’s block is, I imagine it might appeal to anyone inclined to epistolary.
  • 7/25
    Cultural Survival Bazaar at Tiverton Four Corners Art Center, 10 am-5 pm, Free
    This is a arts and crafts festival featuring works from the so-called Third World, something that intrigues me to no end.
  • 7/26
    Outdoor Summer Concerts: French Roast at Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, 6-8 pm, $10 General Admission/$5 Children 12 and under/$5 Botanical Center Conservancy members
    This is a Franco-American band that does especially Canadian and Bayou music, plus it’s located in one of my favorite parks in the state.  What’s not to love?
  • 7/27
    VIOLET / RRLEW / VALISE / MUYASSAR KURDI / GYNA BOOTLEG at Psychic Readings, 9 pm-1 am, $6
    Six dollars for five bands at one of the best locations in Providence, why not?
  • 7/28
    Get Out! Cardboard Rockets at Providence Children’s Museum, 1-3 pm, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person
    Something fun to do with the kids and probably a minor refresher on the basic physics of aviation.

7/21
Get Out! Sundials at Providence Children’s Museum, 1-3 pm, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

The Newport Music Festival at Blithewold Mansion Gardens & Arboretum, 11 am, To purchase tickets, call Newport Festival Box Office at 401-849-0700

Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 12-1 pm, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm-8:30, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm-8:45 pm, $13 per class, $60 for 6 classes

FringePVD: THE ROAD TO HIGH STREET: A BUSKER’S DIGITAL ROCK & ROLL STORY by Andrew Potter at AS220’s Blackbox, 7-1:15 pm, $5-$10

Kid Fame, Jaz Marley, Adrenaline the Rapper, and Project Five Star at AS220 Main Stage, 9:30 pm-1 am, $6

Slouch + Noway + Disipline + The Daffy and Daisy Chain at Psychic Readings, 9:30 pm-1 am, $6

HOME/RUN: A Play at Matthewson Street Church Black Box, 8 pm, $5-10

Tuesday Night Film Series: THEY WILL OUTLIVE US ALL (RI Premiere) at The Arctic Playhouse, 7 pm, $10.00/$7.00 seniors/$5.00 children under 12

7/22
Vinyasa Yoga with Julie Shore at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, Noon-1 pm, $5

Open Level Modern Dance at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:30-8 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Jenkins Construction presents A Concert by The Toe Jam Puppet Band at Ballard Park Quarry Meadow, 10-11 am, Free

Jenkins Construction presents A Concert by Meehan Krous at Ballard Park Quarry Meadow, 7-8 pm, Free

Wheels at Work: Backhoe Loader at Providence Children’s Museum, 10-Noon, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, 7:30 pm, Pay What You Decide

FringePVD: “EN-SEM-BLE” BY FREQUENCY WRITERS at AS220’s Blackbox, 7:30 pm, $5-$10

FringePVD: “a.vanishing.point” by PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE NOVELTY COMPANY at AS220’s Blackbox, 8:30 pm, $5-$10

SURVIVORS OF THE KRAKEN // GELATINUS CUBE // GREGORY MCKILLOP // RYAN PRATT at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm-1 am, $6

7/23
Best of Rhode Island Party 2015 at Providence Performing Arts Center, 5:30-9:30 pm, $55-$65

Hank West and the Smokin’ Hots at The Towers, 7-10 pm, $15

Summer Concert Series presented by ALEX AND ANI at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard, 6-9 pm, $10

newportFILM Outdoors! THE DIPLOMAT – presented by Lila Delman Real Estate I at Redwood Library & Athenaeum, 8:30 pm (sunset), Free

The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, 7:30 pm, Pay What You Decide

Evening Yoga at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:15-7:30 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

FringePVD: THE ROAD TO HIGH STREET: A BUSKER’S DIGITAL ROCK & ROLL STORY at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, $5-$10

FringePVD: “WRITER’S BLOCK” BY RADIOACTIVE THEATRE COMPANY @ AS220’s Blackbox, 8:30 pm, $5-$10

Mmere Dane Group and Four Agreements at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $5

FringePVD: “TOUCHSTONE/SALMON/FROSTING” BY THE ERGOT PLAYERS at AS220’s Blackbox, 9:30 pm, $5-$10

Movies on the Block: THE SHINING at Grants Block, 7:30 pm, Free

VERONICA GUERIN at Warwick Public Library, 7 pm, Free

Fringe PVD: TRANS* at Paff Auditorium in the URI Feinstein Providence Campus, 8 pm, $5-$10

7/24
Family Fun Friday: Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys at Blithewold Mansion Gardens & Arboretum, 11 am-1 pm, Free

The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, 7:30 pm, Pay What You Decide

FringePVD: “WRITER’S BLOCK” BY RADIOACTIVE THEATRE COMPANY at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, $5-$10

FringePVD: “OXYPROBLEM” BY MCQUADE8PRODUCTIONS at AS220’s Blackbox, 8 pm, $5-$10

FringePVD: “a.vanishing.point” by PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE NOVELTY COMPANY at AS220’s Blackbox, 9 pm, $5-$10

Toad and the Stooligans, True Blue, and Bored with Four at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm-1 am, $6

7/25
Cultural Survival Bazaar at Tiverton Four Corners Art Center, 10 am-5 pm, Free

Stars and Night Sky at Providence Children’s Museum, 10 am-3 pm, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, 7:30 pm, Pay What You Decide

Introduction to the Laser Cutter at AS220 Labs, 10 am-1 pm, $80

Traditional Irish Music Session at AS220 Bar & FOO(D), 4-7 pm, No cover

FringePVD: “SEARCH FOR THE FORBIDDEN BLANK: AN IMPROVISED CHOOSE-YOUR-OWN-ADVENTURE WITH PUPPETS” BY THE IMPROVISED PUPPET PROJECT at AS220’s Blackbox, 8 pm, $5-$10

Rampant Decay, Deathface and Timecop Beach Party at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm-1 am, $6

WHITE MYSTERY (CHI), DIRTY FENCES (NYC), ATLANTIC THRILLS (PVD) at Psychic Readings, 10 pm-1 am, $10

Saturday Night Leftovers 2.0 PART III at The Parlour, 7 pm, $5

Halfway Home / Sic Vita / Shore City / SPC / Bears Bears Bears at The Met, 8 pm-1 am, $8 adv/$10 day of

Fringe PVD: TRANS* at Paff Auditorium in the URI Feinstein Providence Campus, 7 pm, $5-$10

7/26
Cultural Survival Bazaar at Tiverton Four Corners Art Center, 10 am-5 pm, Free

Stars and Night Sky at Providence Children’s Museum, 10 am-3 pm, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

Core Workout with Daniel Shea at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 9-10 am, $5

Beginner Ballet at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 10:30-11:30 am, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Intermediate Ballet Class at 95 Empire Studio, Noon-1:30 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Spiritual Recess, Great News and Bukkake Moms at Psychic Readings, 9 pm-1 am, $6

Outdoor Summer Concerts: French Roast at Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, 6-8 pm, $10 General Admission/$5 Children 12 and under/$5 Botanical Center Conservancy members

7/27
BridgeFest Sunset Soiree at Sanford-Covell Villa Marina, 6-8:30 pm, $30

Newport BridgeFest at Queen Anne Square, 8 am-Midnight, Free

Intermediate/Advanced Modern Dance at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:30-8 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

VIOLET / RRLEW / VALISE / MUYASSAR KURDI / GYNA BOOTLEG at Psychic Readings, 9 pm-1 am, $6

7/28
Get Out! Cardboard Rockets at Providence Children’s Museum, 1-3 pm, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

Newport BridgeFest at Queen Anne Square, 8 am-Midnight, Free

Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 12-1 pm, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm-8:30, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm-8:45 pm, $13 per class, $60 for 6 classes

Native Giant, Neutrinos, Eric and the Nothing, Pyramid at Psychic Readings, 9 pm-1 am, $6

Armageddon Shop Presents: Windhand, Pilgram, and Second Grave at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm-1 am, $10

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