Tim Blankenship

I work on websites.

Shop Small in The Valley!

Shop Small at Markets in the Main Hall at the WaterFire Arts Center

See our event calendar!

As the holiday season approaches there are several unique markets that will be hosted at the WaterFire Arts Center. Small businesses, local artists and makers will gather together to showcase and sell their work to you! Come, shop + support.

Also check out all the other Shop Small opportunities on the other side of the river. The Providence Daily Dose has the write up – Shop Locally In The Valley.

Continue reading “Shop Small in The Valley!”

TroopTop Deck Brings Hoppy Vibes to the WaterFire Arts Center

NEW! #ArtonTap at the Troop-Top Deck on Thursday Nights at the WaterFire Arts Center.

Starting Thursday, April 1, 2021, visitors are invited to join us on the Troop-Top Deck for beer and wine from our neighbors at Troop PVD.

Each Thursday night the WaterFire Arts Center is open late until 8:00 p.m. Experience the current exhibit as the sun sets and head to the Troop-Top Deck starting at 5:00 p.m. (rain-or-shine, we’ll move inside if it rains) for beer and wine. Non-alcoholic beverages and an assortment of candy bars are also available in The Store at the WaterFire Arts Center.

Continue reading “TroopTop Deck Brings Hoppy Vibes to the WaterFire Arts Center”

Our Recommendations for the Weekend of 9/22-9/24

Events going on in and around Providence this weekend.

 WaterFire – Full Lighting

September 23rd, 2017 – Full Lighting

Sunset time: 6:41 p.m.

Sponsored by the University of Rhode Island: Celebrating 125 years of Thinking Big

History and Architecture
Doors Open RI Festival

Want to experience the Victorian splendor of Barnaby’s Castle and the attic of City Hall? Would you like to see the the recording studios of Rhode Island Public Radio and climb up inside of the dome of Beneficent Church, and more?

We’re giving you the keys to Providence! For one day the Doors Open RI Festival will provide you with free, special access to 20+ one-of-a-kind places across Providence on Saturday, September 23.

Continue reading “Our Recommendations for the Weekend of 9/22-9/24”

Roger Williams In Context Arts Program

Come early to this coming Sunday’s September 4th WaterFire lighting to attend two theatrical performances as part of WaterFire’s Roger Williams in Context arts program.  The event is part of a series of performances at the Roger Williams National Memorial presented prior to WaterFire on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.  The program reexamines Roger Williams’ promises and philosophy and asks how successfully his Lively Experiment fulfilled his vision for establishing a just society based on freedom, equality and liberty.

Roger Williams’ Vision of Justice and Equality
Sunday, September 4th – Roger Williams National Memorial
5:30pm to 7:15pm  –  Free admission
[WaterFire will be lit at 7:30pm and burn until 12:30am]

Continue reading “Roger Williams In Context Arts Program”

Upcoming events for September 8th – 14th

September 21st is the International Day of Peace and the RI Peace Flag Project is celebrating with events all month long. The Pawtucket Arts Festival is also going on this month and this weekend they are presenting the the Slater Mill Fall Festival a family friendly event featuring music, magic, and more. This will also be the last weekend to check out the Providence Flea at their Summer location on South Water Street in Providence and while some of the of the summertime farmers markets are winding down there are plenty to choose from.

September 21st is the International Day of Peace and the RI Peace Flag Project is celebrating with  events all month long. The Pawtucket Arts Festival is also going on this month and this weekend they are presenting the the Slater Mill Fall Festival a family friendly event featuring music, magic, and more. This will also be the last weekend to check out the Providence Flea at their Summer location on South Water Street in Providence and while some of the of the summertime farmers markets are winding down there are plenty to choose from. As always if you know of or are planning an event in the greater Providence Metro area please drop us a line. Also, don’t forget to vote on Tuesday!

Wednesday, September 10th

Providence Art Club – Artist Talk with Alice Benvie Gebhart
(6:00 – 8:00 p.m.)

The Providence Art Club will be hosting an artist talk by glass artist Alice Benvie Gebhart at their Dodge House Gallery

Thursday, September 11th

Walk Across RI for Peace and Justice
(8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Join the RI Peace Flag Project as they walk from Westerly to Providence!

Gather in Wilcox Park across from the Episcopal Church at 9am on September 11. There will be a minute of silence to recognize the importance of the day and honor all the lives that have been lost in 13 years.  The walk will be a visible call to our community to work for the justice that peace requires.

Friday, September 12th

The Peace Flag Project’s Peace Art Exhibit
(5:00 – 6:30 p.m.)

Join The Peach Flag Project for Gallery Opening of the Peace Art Exhibit. For the past four years, the Atrium Gallery of the First Unitarian Church has hosted special Peace Art Exhibits, as a part of the September Month of Peace in Rhode Island. The Exhibits are part of this Peace Month and draw attention to art work that focuses on peace.

Saturday, September 13th

Slater Park Fall Festival
(11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

The Slater Park Fall Festival will be a weekend that celebrates the beauty of the park – from the Daggett Farm to Looff Carousel, the Rhode Island Watercolor Society and historic Daggett House. This ‘open air market’ features food, craft, exhibitions and performances.

Sunday, September 14th

Slater Park Fall Festival
(11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Providence Flea
(10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

This will the last Providence Flea of the Summer! Join them on the Greenway on South Water Street.The Flea has a vintage theme. Antiques, collectibles, vintage wares, vintage jewelry or clothing, upcycled or recycled items can be found at The Flea.

This week’s farmers markets:

Featured image by Erin Cuddigan via WaterFire Providence Flickr.

Upcoming Events for September 1st – 7th

Enjoy the wonderful weather as Summer winds down in Rhode Island. The summer time farmers markets are still going strong (see below for a full listing). Spamalot continues all week at the Theatre By the Sea, as do the Audible Spaces sound art installations at Brown University’s David Winton Bell Gallery. On Wednesday there will be a Mini Maker Faire Town Hall meeting at AS220. Tuesday and Thursday you can go on a Guided Architectural tour hosted by the Providence Public Library. This weekend you can enjoy the second to last Providence Flea; visit Grant’s Block for a open air, open mic with Providence Hoot; or check out a gallery opening reception at the Providence Art Club.

Enjoy the wonderful weather as Summer winds down in Rhode Island. The summer time farmers markets are still going strong (see below for a full listing).  Spamalot continues all week at the Theatre By the Sea, as do the Audible Spaces sound art installations at Brown University’s David Winton Bell Gallery. On Wednesday there will be a Mini Maker Faire Town Hall meeting at AS220. Tuesday and Thursday you can go on a Guided Architectural tour hosted by the Providence Public Library. This weekend you can enjoy the second to last Providence Flea; visit Grant’s Block for a open air, open mic with Providence Hoot; or check out a gallery opening reception at the Providence Art Club. Also on Saturday and Sunday check out the 4th Annual RI Seafood Festival and India Point Park.

All week:

Audible Spaces: Tristan Perich, Zarouhie Abdalian, [The User]
(11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m)

Audible Spaces presents three sound installations that encourage participants to explore the subtleties of listening. Tristan Perich, Zarouhie Abdalian, and [The User] have each created immersive environments using seemingly uniform sounds that dissolve into tonal, tactile, and temporal variations as participants engage with them.

Theatre by the Sea Presents: Monty Python’s Spamalot
(8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)

The funniest show on earth is coming to spread laughter and merriment throughout the kingdom of Matunuck! Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, the outrageous musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail, tells the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few of the reasons audiences are eating up SPAMALOT.

Wednesday, September 3rd

Mini Maker Faire 2014 Town Hall
(6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)

Rhode Island Maker Faire will be hold a Town Hall info session in advance of their October Mini Maker Faire. Please join RI Maker Faire at AS220 on Wednesday, September 3rd for the Mini Maker Faire 2014 Town Hall Info Session!

Thursday, September 4th

Guided Architectural Library Building Tour
(10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)

Join the Providence Public Library every first and third Tuesday of each month for a free guided tour of the historic building.

The Library opened this classic Venetian Renaissance building in March 1900. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the Library is a prime example of turn-of-the-century American architecture.

WaterFire Providence – Partial Lighting
(7:15 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.)

Join us in the Waterplace Park Basin for an intimate lighting of WaterFire Providence. The fires will be lit shortly after sunset (7:14pm) and will remain lit until 11:00pm. The WaterFire Lighting Ceremony will take place at sunset along with a 100 torch Ring of Fire surrounding the basin. Sponsored in part by the Federal Bar Association: Rhode Island Chapter.

Saturday, September 6th

4th Annual Rhode Island Seafood Festival
(11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

Rhode Island’s premiere seafood festival hosting the best seafood in all of Rhode Island and southern New England. Restaurants, food distributors, breweries, wineries, local companies, artists and non-profit organizations will be present at the event to promote their products, service or cause and celebrate the end of the summer. There will be live music playing at “The Pier Stage” throughout the event.

Make sure to head over to India Point Park in Providence, Rhode Island for the 4th Annual Rhode Island Seafood Festival. FREE ATTENDANCE! Make sure to come down and enjoy some of the states freshest and finest seafood along with some great live music on the pier stage! Continues on Sunday, September 7th from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 7th

The Providence Flea
(10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Join us on the Greenway every Sunday through September 14th from 10 am – 4 pm on South Water Street. The Providence Flea  has a vintage theme. Antiques, collectibles, vintage wares, vintage jewelry or clothing, upcycled or recycled items can be found at The Flea. A small and carefully selected group of local artists’ and artisans’ wares, and local, independent service providers can also be found at The Flea.

Providence Hoot: Open Air, Open Mic
(2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.)

On September 7th, Providence Hoot and InDowncity will be hosting an open air and open mic night at Grant’s Block. At each event they’ll be joined by Bolt Coffee Company, serving excellent iced coffee and Macaron Millie, the mobile trike of Ellie’s Bakery who’ll have delicious French macaron ice cream sandwiches. Seating is limited at Grant’s Block so make sure to bring your favorite picnic blanket or camping/beach/kitchen chair.

Opening Reception at the Providence Art Club
(2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.)

Please Join The Providence Art Club for Their Next Reception. Featuring the works of: Peter Michael Miller, Michael Manni, and Alice Benvie Gebhart.

This week’s farmers markets:

Featured image by Jeffrey Stolzber, via WaterFire Providence on Flickr.

Upcoming Events for August 25th-31st

There are a lot a great activities and live music happening around Providence this week. From musical theatre by the sea to Columbus Theatre performances and gospel choirs, there’s a lot to choose from.

Monday, August 25th

Theatre by the Sea Presents: Monty Python’s Spamalot -8:00pm

The funniest show on earth is coming to spread laughter and merriment throughout the kingdom of Matunuck! Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, the outrageous musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail, tells the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few of the reasons audiences are eating up SPAMALOT.

Wednesday, August 27th

Columbus Theatre Presents Les Claypool’s Duo de Twang -8:00pm

The Columbus Theatre proudly presents Les Claypool’s Duo de Twang with special guests Reformed Whores. The concert will be on Wednesday, August 27th at The Columbus Theatre. Doors will open at 8pm, show will start at 9pm. General Admission $25 advance tickets on sale Friday, May 2nd at http://duodetwang.brownpapertickets.com

Friday, August 29th

The Greatness of Gospel: Our Roots Runs Deep -7:30pm

This year music director Kim Morrison Pitts-Wiley has chosen a variety of songs that cover the full spectrum of gospel music as well as several contemporary songs with a spiritual flare. And as usual, the show will feature several special guest gospel singers from Rhode Island. Donald Gerola is a renown sculptor whose work has appeared in museums and public places around the world. He has created an outdoor sculpture garden featuring colorful and elegant metal sculptures, some of them more than twenty feet tall. The sculptor garden will be a backdrop for an exciting evening of beautiful and powerful music.

Saturday, August 30th

Audible Spaces: Tristan Perich, Zarouhie Abdalian, [The User] -1:00pm

Audible Spaces presents three sound installations that encourage participants to explore the subtleties of listening. Tristan Perich, Zarouhie Abdalian, and [The User] have each created immersive environments using seemingly uniform sounds that dissolve into tonal, tactile, and temporal variations as participants engage with them.

Sunday, August 31st

The Providence Flea -10:00am

The Providence Flea is back for the summer, and the team wants you to be a part of it! Join us on the Greenway every Sunday through September 14th from 10 am – 4 pm on South Water Street.The Flea has a vintage theme. Antiques, collectibles, vintage wares, vintage jewelry or clothing, upcycled or recycled items can be found at The Flea. A small and carefully selected group of local artists’ and artisans’ wares, and local, independent service providers can also be found at The Flea.

Upcoming Events for August 18th – 24th

There are a lot of great things going on around town the week. A plethora of H. P. Lovecraft themed events; a night of synth rock and a night of dreamy pop music at the Columbus Theatre; it’s a circus at the RISD Museum; a guided architectural library tour; a Providence Roller Derby bout; and more farmers market that you shake an organic, gluten-free stick at. On top of all that there is a fun-filled lighting of WaterFire on Saturday, featuring: capoeira performances; a welcoming of new Teach for America RI teachers; and the Clear Currents: Paddle WaterFire illuminated koi fish return to showcase the majesty and natural beauty of Providence’s waterways.

There are a lot of great things going on around town the week. A plethora of H. P. Lovecraft themed events; a night of synth rock and a night of dreamy pop music at the Columbus Theatre; it’s a circus at the RISD Museum; a guided architectural library tour; a Providence Roller Derby bout; and more farmers market that you shake an organic, gluten-free stick at. On top of all that there is a fun-filled lighting of WaterFire Providence on Saturday, featuring: capoeira performances; a welcoming of new Teach for America RI teachers; and the Clear Currents: Paddle WaterFire illuminated koi fish return to showcase the majesty and natural beauty of Providence’s waterways.

Tuesday, August 19th

Guided Architectural Library Building Tour – 10:30am

Join the Providence Public Library every first and third Tuesday of each month for a free guided tour of the historic building.

Wednesday, August 20th

Columbus Theatre presents Kishi Bashi – 8:00pm

The Columbus Cooperative proudly presents KISHI BASHI (Athens, GA). Kishi Bashi is the pseudonym of singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Kaoru Ishibashi (born November 4, 1975). Born in Seattle, Washington, Ishibashi grew up in Norfolk, Virginia where both of his parents were professors at Old Dominion University. As a 1994 graduate of Matthew Fontaine Maury High School, he went on to study classical music becoming a renowned violinist.[citation needed] Ishibashi has recorded and toured internationally as a violinist with diverse artists such as Regina Spektor, Sondre Lerche, and most recently, the Athens, Georgia based indie rock group of Montreal.

Thursday, August 21st

Lovecraft Film Festival: Double Feature! – 5:00pm

Providence Public Library will be hosting double feature screenings for the upcoming Lovecraft Readathon on Thursday, August 21st. Don’t miss this series of Lovecraft film adaptations of Call of Cthulhu and The Whisperer in Darkness

Trrrip Opening Reception at GRIN Gallery – 5:00pm

GRIN is pleased to present tttrip., a group exhibition of installation and sculpture by artists Claudia O’Steen, Garret Gould, and Sophia Sobers.

Design the Night: It’s a Circus – 5:00pm

Join RISD for an evening of merriment as they celebrate the new exhibition Circus. Be entertained by a variety of performers, create a wearable circus artwork, and enjoy a short tour focused on leisure time pursuits.

Free. 5 – 9 pm, Museum Galleries.

Saturday, August 23rd

Summit Music Festival 2014 – 1:00pm

Come see live performances, taste Trinity Brewhouse beer and wine garden, and enjoy other activities for kids at Lippitt Memorial Park. The event is free and will be hosted by the Summit Neighborhood Association.

Providence Roller Derby presents: Old Money Honey’s vs. The Mob Squad – 6:30pm

Looking for action before WaterFire begins? Look not further that the Bank of America Skating and the Providence Roll Derby. That’s right folks, Providence Roller Derby is back OUTSIDE! The Old Money Honey’s and The Mob Squad will be participating in this event. Buy tickets here.

Lovecraft Read-a-thon – 7:00pm

The Providence Public Library will be holding a Lovecraft Read-a-thon. Come listen to the works of one of Providence’s most celebrated people, H.P. Lovecraft.

This multimedia, interactive event is a collaboration between the Providence Public Library and the Rhode Island Historical Society, designed in the spirit of the Moby-Dick Marathon at the New Bedford Whaling Museum – though a good deal shorter!

Downtown Sundown Concert Series – 7:00pm

Hear In Rhode Island and Roger Williams National Memorial will present several evenings of music featuring local singer-songwriters as part of the Downtown Sundown Series. Experience an “outdoor coffeehouse”. Performers on August 23rd Marc Douglas Berardo, Allysen Callery, Bob Kendall, and Ed McGuirl.

Columbus Theatre Presents Wild Ones – 8:00pm

The Columbus Cooperative proudly presents WILD ONES (PDX) with special guest. Wild Ones are a dreamy pop band from Portland, OR. Their debut album, Keep It Safe, came out this year on Party Damage Records. Tickets available at http://wildones.brownpapertickets.com

WaterFire Providence – Sunset

Thanks to our evening sponsors Amica Insurance and Cox Business we have a wonderful evening planned for you.  Here are just some of the highlights!
  • 6:00 – 8:00pm at the WaterPlace Stage will be a spectacular demonstration of Capoeira, the exciting Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines acrobatics, dancing, music and fighting into a “game” that is as breath-taking to watch as it is to play.
  • 7:40 – 8:00pm the Teach For America torch procession will start at Starry, Starry Night and travel through the park to arrive for the Circle of Fire lighting ceremony in WaterPlace Park at 7:50.  Get there early for a host of surprises.
  • 8:00pm  the launch of the one hundred illuminated Koi fish who will swim the river of fire all night.  They will arrive swimming downstream into Waterplace Basin just as the fires are lit.  They will be lead by the Gendo Taiko drummers of Brown University with the drums mounted on a boat.  WaterFire’s Clear Currents program celebrates the improving water quality on the Woonasquatucket River which is bringing more and more fish back to the river.
  • 7:00 – 11:30 the WaterFire Stage on Steeple Street will be featuring Tony Cerbo singing favorites all night long, with a special appearance of Mixed Magic Theatre’s Exult Choir. The Exult Choir will be previewing their upcoming Gospel Festival taking place on August 29th at Mixed Magic Theatre – The Greatness of Gospel Our Roots Run Deep.  The WaterFire Stage on Steeple Street is sponsored by Geico and Fat Belly’s Pub.
Featured image via WaterFire Providence, photo by Jennifer Bedford.

Upcoming Events for August 11th to August 16th

This week is filled with children’s theatre, family fun, and local music! As always, if you have any upcoming events to suggest, feel free to drop us a line.

This week’s farmers markets:

Tuesday, August 12th

Poncili Creacion presents: Pink Panic @ 95 Empire Black Box, 8:00pm

BALTIMORE–Poncili Creacion, surrealist puppetry and performance group from Puerto Rico, joins forces with artists from Baltimore to tour the US for the fourth time and the second time in Canada. Pink Panic, a 21-city tour, follows up on Poncili Creacion’s recent artist residency in Baltimore at multi-arts venue Holy Underground.

Wednesday, August 13th

Hampstead Stage Company – The Legend of King Arthur, 3:00pm

Come to East Smithfield Public Library to see Hampstead Stage Company perform The Legend of King Arthur! Join King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table in this legendary story of the sword and the stone. Merlin and Arthur battle their adversaries for the rights to the sword called Excalibur and the Kingdom of Camelot. The legend comes to life in this historic tale of medieval adventure and magical spells! Through our play, we hope to encourage children to stand up for what is right and overcome their fears.

Friday, August 15th

Family Fun Friday – Kaleidoscope Theater, 11:00am

Aside from a day at the beach, Blithewold’s Family Fun Fridays are the ultimate family-friendly way to enjoy an early summer afternoon. Bring a picnic, a blanket to sit on, and enjoy the show! Each week, dance and sing along with the kids to a variety of educational and interactive musical performances.

Saturday, August 16th

Columbus Theatre Presents An Evening with Ravi Shavi, 9:00pm

The Columbus Cooperative proudly presents An Evening with Ravi Shavi (Dual EP Release Show!). Ravi Shavi invites you to celebrate the dual release of “COURAGE” and “INDEPENDENT”, two EPs recorded since the release of the self-titled full-length last year.

Featured image from Gustl on Panoramio. 

Recommendations for August 7th to August 10th

August 9th’s full WaterFire lighting is on its way! Lighting will occur shortly after sunset and the event will continue until just past midnight. If you’re looking for other things to do during your stay in Providence, you’re in luck! In addition to being a WaterFire weekend (with the return of the WaterFire Ballroom for the first time in two years), this week is the week of the Rhode Island International Film Festival, providing Providence with a sense of global culture and art. Mixed between fantastic film showings are farmers markets, flea markets, family storytime, opera, and an event you’ve been waiting all summer for: Foo Fest!

August 9th’s full WaterFire lighting is on its way! Lighting will occur shortly after sunset and the event will continue until just past midnight. If you’re looking for other things to do during your stay in Providence, you’re in luck!  In addition to being a WaterFire weekend (with the return of the WaterFire Ballroom for the first time in two years), this week is the week of the Rhode Island International Film Festival, providing Providence with a sense of global culture and art. Mixed between fantastic film showings are farmers markets, flea markets, family storytime, opera, and an event you’ve been waiting all summer for: Foo Fest! As always, if you have any upcoming events to suggest, feel free to drop us a line.

This week’s farmers markets:

Rhode Island International Film Festival Showings

Now in its 18th year, FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival™ (RIIFF) will take place August 5-10, 2014. The Festival has become a leading juried competition showcase for international independent filmmakers and their work. In 2013, Flickers screened 216 cinematic works in six days to large and appreciative crowds.

The films screened came from 65 countries, and 36 states in the United States. During the 2013 Festival, there were 55 World and US/North American Premieres. A total of 21 Narrative Feature, 43 Feature/Documentaries and 152 Short Films were screened. Following months of adjudication and review, Festival films were selected from over 5,114 submissions.

Thursday, August 7th

Storytime and Art in the Park: Jen Corace & Alison Paul, 10:30am

Come to Storytime and Art in the Park: Jen Corace & Alison Paul this Thursday, August 7th and enjoy child-centered art from local performers and artists! Then, join Ricky Katowicz for “Art in the Park: Maurice Sendak’s Wild World!” free face painting, a mobile playground, and the free green grass of the park keep kids of all ages entertained. Grab lunch from the food truck market for a picnic in the park!

Music Series & Beer Garden: Death Vessel, 4:30pm

This Thursday, August 7th, join the Burnside Music Series & Beer Garden for Death Vessel. Come hear the ethereal momentum of the elements contained in something like Folk.

The Music Lab presents bluesman Mark Milloff, 6:00pm

The Music Lab presents Mark Milloff: We’re in for a wild, unpredictable–but exciting–evening featuring Mark Milloff, local blues guitarist and frontman of Cannibal Ramblers.

Friday, August 8th

Opera Providence’s The Mikado, 8:00pm

Opera Providence’s The Mikado by Gilbert & Sullivan will feature: Michael DiMucci, Allison Pohl, Andy Papas, Jason Shealy, Ian Pomerantz, Arielle Rogers, Christopher Davey, Roselin Osser, and Aimee-Rose Willett. Costumes will be done Everett Hoag.

Saturday, August 9th

AS220 Foo Fest, 1:00pm

As220 Foo Fest: AS220 is extremely pleased to announce that the legendary PSYCHIC TV will be headlining the 2014 edition of our annual Foo Fest, taking place on August 9th of this year.

The WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza, 6:00pm

WaterFire Providence and Bryce Studio are pleased to announce that the Arts Festival Plaza will return for the 2014 WaterFire Providence season. Located on Washington Street in the heart of the WaterFire installation, the Arts Festival Plaza is a showcase for local artists and crafts-people. From photography and sculpture, paintings and hand-crafted ceramics, to jewelry and specialty textiles, the WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza features a wide range of locally crafted artisan wares to exhibit for sale to WaterFire’s visitors.

Downtown Sundown Concert Series: August 9th, 7:00pm

Hear In Rhode Island and Roger Williams National Memorial will present several evenings of music featuring local singer-songwriters as part of the Downtown Sundown Series. Experience an “outdoor coffeehouse”. Performers on August 9th include Michelle Cruz, Lily Faith Milne, Dylan Sevey, and Vudu Sister.

WaterFire Full Lighting: National Grid, 8:00pm

National Grid is sponsoring WaterFire on Saturday, August 9th 2014. The lighting begins at sunset around 7:55 PM. The event usually ends close to midnight.

Sunday, August 10th

The Providence Flea, 10:00am

The Providence Flea is back for the summer, and the team wants you to be a part of it! Join us on the Greenway every Sunday through September 14th from 10 am – 4 pm on South Water Street.The Flea has a vintage theme. Antiques, collectibles, vintage wares, vintage jewelry or clothing, upcycled or recycled items can be found at The Flea. A small and carefully selected group of local artists’ and artisans’ wares, and local, independent service providers can also be found at The Flea.

Featured image from Emily Gauvin.

Upcoming Events for July 28th to August 2nd

This week is filled with community exercise, music, parks, picnics, story time, and more! As always, if you have any upcoming events to suggest, feel free to drop us a line.

This week is filled with community exercise, music, parks, picnics, story time, and more! As always, if you have any upcoming events to suggest, feel free to drop us a line.

This week’s farmers markets:

Wednesday, July 30th

Yoga in the Park, 12:00pm

Please join the yoga lessons and find your center in the center of the beautiful urban oasis that is Roger Williams National Memorial. These classes will go every Wednesday from 12:00pm-1:00pm until June 30th. Yoga is known to keep you fit, and what better way to benefit from that than with your entire community on a lovely summer day in the park?

Thursday, July 31st

Storytime and Art in the Park: Anika & Chris Denise, 10:00am

Come to Storytime and Art in the Park: Anika & Chris Denise this Thursday, July 31st and enjoy child-centered art from local performers and artists! Then, join Ricky Katowicz for “Art in the Park: Maurice Sendak’s Wild World!” free face painting, a mobile playground, and the free green grass of the park keep kids of all ages entertained. Grab lunch from the food truck market for a picnic in the park!

Music Series & Beer Garden: Debo Band, 4:30pm

This Thursday, July 31st move to the music stylings of Debo Band from 4:30-7:30pm. Check out their Ethiopian funk infused with Eastern European tonality. This is music to move to!

The Bread Lab presents The Music Lab with Sidy Maiga, 6:00pm

This week, The Bread Lab presents Afro-beat percutionist Sidy Maiga. Join them this Thursday, July 31st for an after work celebration of food, music, and cocktails! Live music will be playing from 6-8pm, plus $5 cocktails and food specials. All ages, kid-friendly, no cover!

Book Talk and Signing: Ten Million Steps on Route 6, 6:30pm

Joe Hurley will be hosting a book talk and signing on Thursday, July 31st. Joe Hurley is a retired newspaper reporter who spent most of his career at The News-Times in Danbury Conn., where, among other things, he wrote the consumer-humor column “Shallow Pockets”.

Concert Under the Elms, 6:30pm

Join us for the Concerts under the Elms, an annual outdoor summer concert series held Thursdays under the canopy of elms at the John Brown House Museum. Tickets are $10, free for RIHS members and children under 12.

Columbus Theatre Presents CHK CHK CHK, 8:00pm

CHK CHK CHK comes to the Columbus Theatre! The Columbus Cooperative proudly presents !!! (CHK CHK CHK) with an opening act to be announced. This concert will be on Thursday, July 31st at The Columbus Theatre. Doors will open at 8pm, the show will start at 9pm. Tickets are $13 advance, $15 day of show. This event is open to all ages, 21+ with ID to drink

Saturday, August 2nd

RI Independent Publishing EXPO 2014, 12:00pm

Providence Public Library is proud to sponsor and host the Rhode Island Independent Publishing Expo (RIPExpo), a summer weekend devoted to small-press and self-published comics, zines and books. Artists and writers from all over North America will join local creators to share work and generate discussion. RIPExpo is committed to giving voice to those underrepresented in mainstream media. This event will run through August 2nd and August 3rd, from noon to 6:00pm both days.

Providence Roller Derby’s 10 Year Anniversary, 7:00pm

This year marks a huge anniversary milestone for Providence Roller Derby. It is their 10 year anniversary and it is time to celebrate! On August 2nd they will be throwing an epic Reunion / Derbytaunt party at The Spot Underground. There will be food, dancing, karoake, a photobooth, and more. The event’s purpose is to celebrate all the people past and present that worked so hard to make Providence Roller Derby what it is today!!

Featured image from Brenda Lee Troia Photography.

Upcoming Events for July 24th to July 27th

This week is filled with lots of live musical performances as well as storytime for the kids. Sit back, relax, and enjoy what the local music scene has to offer!

This week is filled with  lots of live musical performances as well as storytime for the kids. Sit back, relax, and enjoy what the local music scene has to offer! As always, if you have any upcoming events to suggest, feel free to drop us a line.

This week’s farmers markets:

Wednesday, July 23rd-Saruday, July 26th

FRINGEPVD: Providence Fringe Festival, 4:01pm

Presented by The Wilbury Theatre Group, FRINGEPVD is Providence’s 1st Annual Fringe Festival, bringing over 50 performing and visual artists from Providence, Boston, New York, and beyond together in over 30 performances in 5 venues from July 23-26.

Thursday, July 24th

Storytime and Art in the Park: BIG NAZO, 10:30am

Come to Storytime and Art in the Park: BIG NAZO this Thursday, July 24th and enjoy child-centered art from local performers and artists! Then, join Ricky Katowicz for “Art in the Park: Maurice Sendak’s Wild World!” free face painting, a mobile playground, and the free green grass of the park keep kids of all ages entertained. Grab lunch from the food truck market for a picnic in the park!

Music Series & Beer Garden: An Afternoon with Girls Rock! Rhode Island, 4:30pm

This Thursday, July 24th, come to an afternoon performance of Girls Rock! Rhode Island from 4:30-7:30pm. Featuring special guests Glttrghost and Neon Boots. Join the Burnside Park Music Series for an awesome showcase of Girl’s Rock! Rhode Island’s participants, as well as the world debuts of Glttrghost and Neon Boots.

The Music Lab Presents: Travis Colby and Special Guests, 6:00pm

This week, The Bread Lab presents jazz pianist Travis Colby. Join them this Thursday, July 24th for an after work celebration of food, music, and cocktails! Live music will be playing from 6-8pm, plus $5 cocktails and food specials. All ages, kid-friendly, no cover!

Concert Under the Elms, 6:30pm

Join us for the Concerts under the Elms, an annual outdoor summer concert series held Thursdays under the canopy of elms at the John Brown House Museum. Tickets are $10, free for RIHS members and children under 12.

Saturday, July 26th

The WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza, 6:00pm

Located on Washington Street in the heart of the WaterFire installation, the Arts Festival Plaza is a showcase for local artists and crafts-people. From photography and sculpture, paintings and hand-crafted ceramics, to jewelry and specialty textiles, the WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza features a wide range of locally crafted artisan wares to exhibit for sale to WaterFire’s visitors.

Downtown Sundown Concert Series, 7:00pm

Bring a lawn chair, a blanket, and maybe even a picnic dinner and sit on the lawn at the beautiful Roger Williams National Memorial and enjoy FREE concerts by some of the best songwriters Rhode Island has to offer. Check out performances by Jesse and Jack Gauthier, Dan Lilley and Scatman, Lisa Markovich, and Bethel Steele.

WaterFire Full Lighting: Gilead Sciences, 8:11pm

On Saturday, July 26th 2014, Gilead Sciences will sponsor a WaterFire Providence full lighting. The lighting will begin at sunset, around 8:11pm. We will have resource fairs and screening tents for Hepatitis C located on College Street, in collaboration with RI Defeats Hepatitis C.

Sunday, July 27th

The Providence Flea, 10:00am

Join us on the Greenway every Sunday through September 14th from 10 am – 4 pm on South Water Street.The Flea has a vintage theme. Antiques, collectibles, vintage wares, vintage jewelry or clothing, upcycled or recycled items can be found at The Flea. A small and carefully selected group of local artists’ and artisans’ wares, and local, independent service providers can also be found at The Flea.

Bike Providence: Cyclovía, 12:00pm

Join Mayor Angel Taveras and the City of Providence for a car-free event that will open up Broadway for walking, skating, running, cycling and exercise. Free and open to the public! Featuring Zumba, bike activities, street vendors and more!

Opera Providence’s Opera in the Park, 5:00pm

The Sunday “Opera in the Park” series will be held at Hopkins Park at the intersection of Branch Avenue & Charles Street in Providence, RI. Hopkins Park provides a great venue with plenty of room for families to enjoy a free concert. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the music! Sure to be a great, fun-filled event for the whole family.

Providence Skyline at Night by Marianne Lee, via Associations Now.