Category: Ignite Providence

Upcoming Events for March 30th to April 5th

This week we have the final performance of Oliver!, a book discussion at Brown, a lecture on women & slavery, the Angels and Outlaws art exhibition, the Lynne Tobin gallery opening, and a Athenaeum discussion on ‘the use of the giraffe.’

This week we have the final performance of Oliver!, a book discussion at Brown, a lecture on women & slavery, the Angels and Outlaws art exhibition, the Lynne Tobin gallery opening, and a Athenaeum discussion on ‘the use of the giraffe.’ As always, if you have any suggestions, please drop us a line!

Sunday, March 30th

Trinity Repertory Company presents Oliver!, 2pm

Kick up your heels and high step along with Trinity Rep’s gritty take on Lionel Bart’s musical, Oliver!, based on the novel “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens. The show brims with familiar songs such as “Food, Glorious Food,” Consider Yourself,” and “I’d Do Anything.”

Monday, March 31st

Stealing the Past by Dr. Richard M. Leventhal, 5:30pm

Stealing the Past: Collectors and Museums of the 21st Century. Dr. Richard Leventhal of the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology will discuss the role of museums as safeguards of cultural heritage, the rightful ownership of heritage symbols and icons, and the appearance of museums and collections going forward into a century even more concerned with national identity than those preceding it.

Wednesday, April 2nd

Pawtucket Wintertime Farmer’s Market, 4pm

The Brown Faculty Club Presents: The Coastal Table, 5:30pm

The Brown Faculty Club and the Brown University Bookstore welcome the author Karen J. Covey to the Faculty Club to discuss her book, The Coastal Table. Covey will also provide tasting samples of some of her recipes, and will be available to sign copies of her book.

Thursday, April 3rd

Gendered Resistance: Women, Slavery, and the Legacy of Margaret Garner, 5:30pm

Professor Delores Walters will place African American women’s escapes from enslavement into historical context, including the story of Margaret Garner and its role in providing another perspective on women and violence. The audience, along with Walters, will consider the story’s impact on people today: in transforming relations between others, including those of different racial, ethnic, class, age, sexual orientation, and religious backgrounds and in addressing domestic violence.

Friday, April 4th

Salon at the Athenaeum: What Use is the Giraffe?, 5pm

Bard Graduate Center Assistant Professor of European and American Textiles, Michelle Majer, will lead the discussion on the giraffe who went to Paris in 1827. What caused Dame Giraffe to become so famous in French society at this time?

Saturday, April 5th

Pawtucket Wintertime Farmer’s Market, 9am

Owls to Athens Presents: Angels and Outlaws, 6pm

Attend this event for a night of art, music and celebration! There will be lots of original artwork on display including installation, sculpture and digital projection art. There will also be prints and beautiful jewelry for sale.

Opening Reception: Lynne Tobin, 6pm

Lynne Tobin’s gallery will be presented by the Krause Gallery at Moses Brown. According to the artist, “My work reflects a fascination with basic organic forms that occur and reoccur in nature. When a subject captures my attention, I explore it over and over again until what is on the surface drops away. I am interested in exploring the continuum between realism and abstraction.”

(featured image source: WPRI 12)

Upcoming Events for March 23rd to March 29th

Upcoming events for the week include performances of Oliver!, a lecture on the past and future of AS220, performances at Rhode Island College, a Athenaeum discussion on music, and as always, the Pawtucket Winter Farmer’s Market!

Upcoming events for the week include performances of Oliver!, a lecture on the past and future of AS220, performances at Rhode Island College, a Athenaeum discussion on music, and as always, the Pawtucket Winter Farmer’s Market! If you have any events to add, be sure to drop us a line.

 

Sunday, March 23rd

Trinity Repertory Company Presents: Oliver!, 2pm

Kick up your heels and high step along with Trinity Rep’s gritty take on Lionel Bart’s musical, Oliver!, based on the novel “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens. The show brims with familiar songs such as “Food, Glorious Food,” Consider Yourself,” and “I’d Do Anything.”

Monday, March 24th

Building AS220: Past. Present. Future., 5:30pm

AS220 seeks community participation as they continue to build to serve for the next thirty years and beyond! AS220 is seeking more art, greater equity, and expanded access. Come to this event to learn more about the history of the organization and find out how you can join in on their vision for the future. Join members of AS220 after the lecture for discussion and refreshments!

Wednesday, March 26th

Trinity Repertory Company Presents: Oliver!, 2pm

Pawtucket Winter Farmer’s Market, 4pm

Thursday, March 27th

Trinity Repertory Company Presents: Oliver!, 2pm

Elm City Dance Collective Presents: Almost Porcelain, 7:30pm

Rhode Island College’s Dance Company is hosting the Elm City Dance Collective as a guest to perform “Almost Porcelain,” a show about struggling with self-perception, choreographed by RIC alumna, Kellie Ann Lynch, ’03.

Rhode Island College Performing Arts Series Presents: Tao: Phoenix Rising, 7:30pm

In this new production for North America in the Spring of 2014, athletic bodies and contemporary costumes meet explosive Taiko drumming and innovative choreography in a show that has critics waxing lyrical about TAO’s extraordinary precision, energy, and stamina.

Friday, March 28th

Trinity Repertory Company Presents: Oliver!, 2pm

Salon at the Athenaeum: New Music for a New Century: Providence Premieres, 5pm

Join 23-year old Founder & Artistic Director Julien Touafek, a Juilliard-educated composer and Digital Media Innovation Fellow at New York University, in a conversation about how we define ‘new music’ and how it connects to the future of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship across industries in RI.

Elm City Dance Collective Presents: Almost Porcelain, 7:30pm

Saturday, March 29th

Pawtucket Winter Farmer’s Market, 9am

Providence Skyline via Wikimedia Commons, photo by Will Hart.

Upcoming Events for March 16th to March 22nd

This week’s events include performances of Oliver!, a triple-bill program of Boundless Plotnikov, Gallery Night receptions, a Brain Café on the school-to-prison pipeline dilemma, a Salon series discussion of composer Michael Nyman, the Found Footage Festival, the Schola Cantorum of Boston’s tribute to Bach, a concert by the Manhattan String Quartet, a musical performance by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra.

This week’s events include performances of Oliver!, a triple-bill program of Boundless Plotnikov, Gallery Night receptions, a Brain Café on the school-to-prison pipeline dilemma, a Salon series discussion of composer Michael Nyman, the Found Footage Festival, the Schola Cantorum of Boston’s tribute to Bach, a concert by the Manhattan String Quartet, a musical performance by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, and as always, the Pawtucket Winter Farmers Market. If you have any events to add, be sure to drop us a line!

Sunday, March 16th

Trinity Repertory Company Presents: Oliver!, 2pm/7:30pm

Kick up your heels and high step along with Trinity Rep’s gritty take on Lionel Bart’s musical, Oliver!, based on the novel “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens. The show brims with familiar songs such as “Food, Glorious Food,” Consider Yourself,” and “I’d Do Anything.”

Boundless Plotnikov at Festival Ballet Providence, 2:30pm

Viktor Plotnikov’s choreography is both artistic and scientific, designed to break the boundaries of human emotion and anatomy. In a single evening, Boundless Plotnikov captures the range of Plotnikov’s creativity. In addition to an encore of last season’s hit premiere, ORCHIS, the program features the RI premiere of SURRENDER, as well as a brand new work.

Tuesday, March 18th

Trinity Repertory Company Presents: Oliver!, 7:30pm

Wednesday, March 19th

Pawtucket Winter Farmer’s Market, 4pm

Thursday, March 20th

Gallery Night Reception: RI Women of Distinction, 5pm

The photographic portrait exhibit is created by Munir Mohammed and Erin X. Smithers, with biographical information gathered by Linda A’Vant Deishinni through a collaboration with the International Gallery for Heritage and Culture. The portrait exhibit features images of over 75 women from the area who make a difference in our community.

Gallery Night Reception: RETROPICAL, 6pm

This is Anabel Vázquez Rodríguez’s first solo exhibition at Yellow Peril Gallery. From an autobiographical point of view, “RETROPICAL” explores the subaltern identity of a Caribbean native living in New England. “Tropical scenery cuts into the New England bleakness and the use of color and black and white imagery sets in motion a rhythm that reveals the intermediate spaces that come out of this latitudinal relationship.” – Vázquez

Everett Company Presents: A Boy Named Nothing, 7:30pm

Everett Company will present a short performance featuring original song, dance and drama. Presenters will include parent advocate Osiris Harrell, who will share the story of how his daughter’s arrest in school spurred him to action, and Theresa Fox, an English teacher at Nathan Bishop Middle School, who will share her vision of a school that serves all students. Conversation between the audience and presenters will complete the evening.

Trinity Repertory Company Presents: Oliver!, 7:30pm

Friday, March 21st

Salon at the Athenaeum: Nyman and New Music, 5pm

Community MusicWorks violinist Chase Spruill will lead a discussion on composer Michael Nyman at the Providence Athenaeum. This is the opening event of Community MusicWorks’ Nyman North American Premiere Weekend, which will feature the premiere of Nyman’s String Quartet no. 5.

Found Footage Festival, 7:30pm

The Found Footage Festival  showcases videos found at garage sales and thrift stores and in warehouses and dumpsters throughout North America. From the curiously-produced industrial training video to the forsaken home movie donated to Goodwill, the Found Footage Festival resurrects these forgotten treasures and serves them up in a lively celebration of all things found.

Trinity Repertory Company Presents: Oliver!, 7:30pm

Schola Cantorum of Boston: J.S. Bach, 8pm

To celebrate musician Johann Sebastian Bach’s birthday (March 21, 1685). the Schola Cantorum of Boston will be performing works from  Florilegium Portense, Lasso, Handl & Martin Roth in Sayles Hall at Brown University. The concert will begin at 8 pm.

Saturday, March 22nd

Pawtucket Winter Farmer’s Market, 9am

Providence College Presents: The Manhattan String Quartet, 7pm

Hailed by the Boston Globe as “a national treasure,” the Manhattan String Quartet is celebrating its 44th season. Well known for their performances of 20th-century “classics,” the Manhattan Quartet has established a significant international reputation with regular concert appearances throughout North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia.

“Puzzled: Ode (Owed) to Channing” Umberto Crenca Gallery Opening, 7pm

Umberto Crenca will open his latest gallery in Pawtucket called, “Puzzled: Ode (Owed) to Channing.” Umberto Crenca is a Providence-based artist, and the founder and artistic director of AS220. This exhibit is Crenca’s first solo exhibit in several years, and the exhibit will remain open until April 27th.

Rhode Island Philharmonic Classical 6, 8pm

The Rhode Island Philharmonic is at it again! The orchestra’s concert will include Udow’s The Shattered Mirror: Suite, Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 (Pathétique).

Photo Credit: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons

Upcoming Events for March 9th to March 15th

This week brings performances of Oliver!, the RI Food Fights Cupcake Championship, a peformance of Bounless Plotnikov at Festival Ballet Providence, a presentation by Mary Lancaster on the Jumel Northup Collection, and, as always, the Pawtucket Winter Farmers Market. If you have any events to add, be sure to drop us a line!

 

Sunday, March 9th

RI Food Fights: The Great Cupcake Championship, 1pm

Come to this event and sample some of the best cupcakes in the state! Wash all of the delicious cupcakes down with delicious, local soda from Yacht Club Soda, as well as fresh milk and coffee! Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this fun and tasty event.

Trinity Repertory Company Presents: Oliver!, 2pm/7:30pm

Kick up your heels and high step along with Trinity Rep’s gritty take on Lionel Bart’s musical, Oliver!, based on the novel “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens. The show brims with familiar songs such as “Food, Glorious Food,” Consider Yourself,” and “I’d Do Anything.”

Tuesday, March 11th

Trinity Repertory Company Presents: Oliver!, 7:30pm

Wednesday, March 12th

Pawtucket Winter Farmer’s Market, 4pm

Thursday, March 13th

Food, Fortune, and Freedom: The Jumel Northup Collection, 7pm

The Rhode Island Historical Society is hosting this event with special guest speaker, Mary Lancaster. While the recent Oscar winning film for Best Picture, 12 Years a Slave, suggests that that Anne Northup faced hardship in the absence of her husband, her skills as a cook and her connections with Madame Eliza Jumel enabled her to make a living and support her  children.

Trinity Repertory Company Presents: Oliver!, 7:30pm

Friday, March 14th

Salon Series: Jane’s Walk, 5pm

Providence organizer Nate Storring, Brown University Assistant Professor of Urban Studies and American Studies Samuel Zipp, along with others, will discuss Jane’s Walk, a nationwide celebration of the ideas and legacy of urbanist Jane Jacobs. Jane’s walk celebrates people getting to know their own neighborhoods through free walking tours lead by locals.

Trinity Repertory Company Presents: Oliver!, 7:30pm

Boundless Plotnikov at Festival Ballet Providence, 8pm

Viktor Plotnikov’s choreography is both artistic and scientific, designed to break the boundaries of human emotion and anatomy. In a single evening, Boundless Plotnikov captures the range of Plotnikov’s creativity. In addition to an encore of last season’s hit premiere, ORCHIS, the program features the RI premiere of SURRENDER, as well as a brand new work.

Saturday, March 15th

Pawtucket Winter Farmer’s Market, 9am

Boundless Plotnikov at Festival Ballet Providence, 7:30pm

Trinity Repertory Company Presents: Oliver!, 7:30pm

 

Photo Credit: J&C Photo Samples on Flickr

Upcoming Events for March 2nd to March 8th

It’s a new month and we have lots of events coming up! The Providence French Film Festival ends Sunday, and we have a Diorama contest, an off-Broadway show, a performance by the Mark Morris Dance Group, and the Urban Agriculture Kickoff! If you have anything to add, be sure to drop us a line.

 

Sunday, March 2nd

Providence French Film Festival: Blue Is the Warmest Color, 2:15pm

Providence French Film Festival: Ayiti Toma, 6:30pm

 

Tuesday, March 4th

Mottos, Messages, and Gem Lore in Victorian Jewelry, 7:00pm

Historic New England Associate Curator, Laura Johnson will reveal messages, both hidden and overt, in Victorian gems and gem lore. Before and after the lecture, you will be able to view antique jewelry pieces from Providence’s Reliable Gold.

Providence Community Library’s Dear Diorama Contest, 7:00pm

Dear Diorama is an art contest for book lovers, that takes place at Rochambeau Library after hours. Dioramas will be critiqued and judged by a panel of art critics and book lovers, and light refreshments will be served.
The diorama scenes will be on display to the public at Craftland following the contest.

Wednesday, March 5th

Pawtucket Winter Farmer’s Market, 4:00pm

The Ten Tenors: On Broadway at The Vets RI, 7:30pm

The producers of The TEN Tenors have put together a special, limited time show for Broadway fans. Audiences can expect to see a collection of Broadway’s greatest hits, sung by ten Australian tenors.

Friday, March 7th

Brown University Alumni Exhibitions: Part 1, 3:00pm

The David Winton Bell Gallery and the Department of Visual Art are hosting two Alumni exhibitions as a part of the celebration of Brown University’s 250th Anniversary. The work of Dawn Clements ’86, Paul Ramirez Jonas ’87, and Kerry Tribe ’97 will be on display. Opening day will feature talks by each artist, as well as a discussion moderated by Wendy Edwards, Chair of the Department of Visual Arts.

Chaise Three Receptions, 6:00pm

Chaise Three is an exhibition of interdisciplinary arts that are not normally seen together in the same context. In response to the changing landscape of art-related media production and distribution, a group of students banded together to create a multimedia publication called CHAISE, ten years ago.

Saturday, March 8th

Pawtucket Farmers Market, 9:00am

Urban Agriculture Kickoff, 1:00pm

Southside Community Land Trust will host the Urban Agriculture Kick of at the Roger Williams Botanical Garden. Come celebrate the start of the new growing season with workshops about Healthy Soil Testing, Seed Saving, Beginner Organic Growing, and Fruit Tree planting.

FirstWorks Presents: Mark Morris Dance Group, 8:00pm

The Mark Morris Dance Group will join up with FirstWorks to present an exhilarating evening of music and dance. Mark Morris is a master choreographer of endless invention, still brilliantly sculpting his legacy.

Photo Credit: Providence Skyline, via Flickr user 2009USCM

Upcoming Events for February 23rd to March 1st

There are many great events to attend this week; the Providence French Film Festival continues, and we have a Ludovico Ensemble concert, screenings and discussions of several movies, a Giambattista Bodoni exhibit, a performance by The Providence Singers, and as always, the Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market. We hope you enjoy this selection of events, and if you have any special events to recommend, be sure to drop us a line.

 

Sunday, February 23rd

Providence French Film Festival: Asphalt Playground 12:00pm

Providence French Film Festival: The Last of the Unjust 2:15pm

Providence French Film Festival: Guilty 6:30pm

Providence French Film Festival: Bowling 9:00pm

 

Monday, February 24th

Providence French Film Festival: Populaire 6:30pm

Ludovico Ensemble Concert 8:00pm

Brown University’s Department of Music will present the Ludovico Ensemble Monday night at 8pm. The Ludovico Ensemble was founded in 2002 by Nicholas Tolle and promotes the music the European and American avant-garde movements. The ensemble will premiere two French works that feature the cimbalom: Mark Andre’s “AB I” and Yan Maresz’s “Sul Segno.” This program was made possible through the generous support of The French-American Fund for Contemporary Music.

Providence French Film Festival: Far from Vietnam 9:00pm

 

Tuesday, February 25th

The Loving Story: Screening and Discussion 6:30pm

“The Loving Story” is the last in a four-part series offered by the Center for Slavery and Justice at Brown. The film series is meant to mark the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington. After a screening of the film, a discussion will be moderated by Africana Studies professor, Francois Hamlin.

 

Wednesday, February 26th

Pawtucket Winter Farmer’s Market 4:00pm

Local food in every season. The chickens are still laying eggs. The salad greens are so leafy and crisp. The onions and garlic are packing spice. The apples and squashes are getting sweeter by the day. Join us for the start of another 365 days of local food. Chefs and eaters, one and all, come enjoy all that grows in Rhode Island year-round!

 

Thursday, February 27th

Opening Lecture: Giambattista Bodoni Exhibit 6:00pm

The Providence Public Library will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the death of Giambattista Bodoni, one of history’s most important typographers and printers with an exhibition and opening lecture by the eminent typographer, Matthew Carter. The exhibition will be on display through mid-April.

“A Place at the Table”: Screening and Discussion 6:00pm

The Garden Grille, Wildflour Bakery, and the Grance present a community screening and discussion of “A Place at the Table,” a film documenting the issue of hunger in the United States, and offering solutions toward ending the hunger struggle of 50 million Americans each year.

 

Saturday, March 1st

Pawtucket Winter Farmer’s Market 9:00am

Providence French Film Festival: Laurence Anyways 2:15pm

The Providence Singers Perform Haydn and Mozart 8:00pm

The Providence Singers present Christine Noel, directing three substantive pieces of the classical era by Joseph Haydn & Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart by a chamber orchestra and soloists. Joining the Providence Singers are soloists soprano Teresa Wakim, mezzo-soprano Emily Marvosh, tenor Greg Zavracky, & baritone Nicholas R. Laroche.

(Photo via: Seaside Stitches, Tina Craig, 2013 )

Upcoming events for the week of February 16th – 22nd

This week we have a play written by Olneyville fifth-graders, movie showings for the Providence French Film Festival, an awards party for the Providence Children’s Film Festival, and as always, the Pawtucket Wintertime Market. We hope you enjoy these events, and of course if you have any recommendations of your own make sure to drop us a line.

This week we have a play written by Olneyville fifth-graders, movie showings for the Providence French Film Festival, an awards party for the Providence Children’s Film Festival, and as always, the Pawtucket Wintertime Market. We hope you enjoy these events, and of course if you have any recommendations of your own make sure to drop us a line.

Sunday, February 16th

The Manton Avenue Project Presents “Be My Ally: The Upstander Play”

See the last performance of “Be My Ally: The Upstander Play” at 3pm. Written by fifth-graders from the Olneyville neighborhood, this play is about how kindness can turn bullying situations around. The performance is located in the Media & Arts Center at the Met School at 325 Public Street in Providence. Tickets are Pay What You Can, but reservations are encouraged. Call the box office to RSVP: 401-331-7007. Programs are free for Olneyville kids. Donations are appreciated.

Wednesday, February 19th

Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market

Local food in every season. The chickens are still laying eggs. The salad greens are so leafy and crisp. The onions and garlic are packing spice. The apples and squashes are getting sweeter by the day. Join us for the start of another 365 days of local food. Chefs and eaters, one and all, come enjoy all that grows in Rhode Island year-round! The farmer’s market is open on Wednesdays starting at 4:00pm and also on Saturdays beginning at 9:00am.

Thursday, February 20th

Providence French Film Festival: Young and Beautiful 6:30 PM

Providence French Film Festival: The Meteor 9:00 PM

Friday, February 21st

Providence French Film Festival: Queen of Montreuil 4:00 PM

Providence French Film Festival: Rebellion 9:00 PM

Saturday, February 22nd

Awards Party: Providence Children’s Film Festival

Head over to the RISD Museum Metcalf Auditorium and enjoy a screening of Once in a Lullaby at 3:30pm, followed by a party at 5:30pm announcing the award winners of this year’s festival. Tickets are $10 for children and students and $15 for adults.

Providence French Film Festival: Aya of Yop City 12:00 PM

Providence French Film Festival: Haute Cuisine 2:00 PM

Providence French Film Festival: Far from Anywhere 4:00 PM

Providence French Film Festival: Cycling with Moliere 6:30 PM

Providence French Film Festival: Calm at Sea 9:00 PM

(Photo via: Flickr: Taco Inc., Marianne Lee, 2010)

Upcoming events for the week of February 9th – 15th

This week you can look forward to the Providence Children’s Film Festival’s opening night, a unique show by the Martha Redbone Roots Project, a spoken word performance, an inspiring play written by fifth-graders, and of course the Pawtucket wintertime farmers market.

This week you can look forward to the Providence Children’s Film Festival’s opening night,  a unique show by the Martha Redbone Roots Project, a spoken word performance, an inspiring play written by fifth-graders, and of course the Pawtucket wintertime farmers market. We hope you enjoy these events, and if you have any recommendations of your own make sure to drop us a line.

Wednesday, February 12th

Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market

Local food in every season. The chickens are still laying eggs. The salad greens are so leafy and crisp. The onions and garlic are packing spice. The apples and squashes are getting sweeter by the day. Join us for the start of another 365 days of local food. Chefs and eaters, one and all, come enjoy all that grows in Rhode Island year-round! The farmer’s market is open on Wednesdays starting at 4:00pm and also on Saturdays beginning at 9:00am.

Thursday, February 13th

Opening Night: Providence Children’s Film Festival

Join us in celebrating the 5th Annual Providence Children’s Film Festival! Help us kick off this year’s festival with food and festivities followed by a screening of The Zigzag Kid at the RISD Museum Metcalf Auditorium. The party begins at 6pm followed by screening of The Zigzag Kid at 7pm. Tickets are $10 for children and students and $15 for adults.

Martha Redbone Roots Project at Aurora

Hailed as “Americana’s next superstar”, Martha Redbone soulfully fuses her Cherokee, Choctaw and African-American heritage in a vibrant gumbo of funk and R&B. With her latest album, Garden of Love—Songs of William Blake, Redbone plunges her hands into both the fertile soil of timeless Appalachian roots music and the mystical and romantic poetry of the seminal, late-18th century British bard. The result, produced by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band founder John McEuen, is brilliant and startlingly fresh. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Andrea Gibson Spoken Word

Andrea Gibson is not gentle with her truths. It is this raw fearlessness that has led her to the forefront of the spoken word movement– the first winner of the Women’s World Poetry Slam –Gibson has headlined prestigious performance venues coast to coast with powerful readings on war, class, gender, bullying, white privilege, sexuality, love, and spirituality. Her work has been featured on the BBC, Air America, C-SPAN, Free Speech TV and in 2010 was read by a state representative in lieu of morning prayer at the Utah State Legislature. See her perform live at Providence’s Columbus Theatre at 9pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $17 the day of the show.

Friday, February 14th

The Manton Avenue Project Presents “Be My Ally: The Upstander Play”

Nine young playwrights from the Olneyville neighborhood, each in the 5th grade, have collaboratively written a full-length play around the theme of acts of kindness, and turning bystanders into upstanders in bullying situations. Presented by the Manton Avenue Project, performances will take place at 7pm on Friday, and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday, in the Media and Arts Center at the Met School at 325 Public St. in Providence. Tickets are Pay What You Can, but reservations are encouraged.  As always, our programs are free to Olneyville kids. Donations are appreciated.

(Photo via: Pete DeSimas Photography)

Upcoming events for the week of February 2nd – 8th

We’ve got a poetry reading, classical music, funk music, a great photographic story-telling exhibition about life in Olneyville, an experimental lighting installation in the Grace Cemetery on Broad Street, and of course the Pawtucket wintertime farmers market.

We’ve got a poetry reading, classical music, funk music, a great photographic story-telling exhibition about life in Olneyville, an experimental lighting installation in the Grace Cemetery on Broad Street, and of course the Pawtucket wintertime farmers market. We hope you enjoy them and of course if you have any recommendations of your own make sure to drop us a line.

Sunday, February 2nd

Annual Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading

Stop by the Metcalf Auditorium and the RISD Museum’s Chace Center at 1:0pm to hear the poems of Langston Hughes read aloud by members of the community and leaders of diverse backgrounds, including educators, corporate executives, writers, musicians and artists, accompanied by the Daniel Ian Smith Jazz Trio. A reception will be held after the reading.

Wednesday, February 5th

Community In Focus: Photographs & Stories Of Olneyville

An oral history and photo exhibit showcasing the diverse culture and history of the Olneyville community. Undertaken as part of Olneyville Housing Corporation’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, the exhibit celebrates life in Olneyville by pairing 25 striking portraits of Olneyville residents with the residents’ own real-life stories of the neighborhood. The opening reception is at the gallery in the City Hall beginning at 4:00pm. The show runs through March 24th.

Wolfgang Holzmair at the Granoff Center for the Arts

Quite possibly the leading Lied baritone of his generation, Austrian Wolfgang Holzmair is an artist of rare communicative gifts. Performing Franz Schubert’s posthumous collection of songs Schwanengesang (“Swan Song”), Holzmair will be joined by his long-time recital partner Russell Ryan.

Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market

Local food in every season. The chickens are still laying eggs. The salad greens are so leafy and crisp. The onions and garlic are packing spice. The apples and squashes are getting sweeter by the day. Join us for the start of another 365 days of local food. Chefs and eaters, one and all, come enjoy all that grows in Rhode Island year-round! The farmer’s market is open on Wednesdays starting at 4:00pm and also on Saturdays beginning at 9:00am.

Thursday, February 6th

SouthLight Community Lighting Event

SouthLight is a lighting installation project by students at the Rhode Island School of Design in collaboration with Social Light Movement. Social Light Movement, a philanthropic organization, was founded to improve lighting for people – particularly those who are unlikely to have access to good quality illumination within their environment. Event opens at 6pm at Grace Church Cemetery on the corner of Broad Street & Elmwood Avenue in Trinity Square. Bring your friends and family for a night of lights, music, and complimentary refreshments! The lighting will continue on Friday, February 7th at 6:00pm.

Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaires

Most artists appreciate their audiences, just as many are grateful for them, but few artists love their fans as much and as sincerely as Charles Bradley. “I want them to know how much they have helped me grow,” notes Bradley when discussing Victim of Love, the follow up to his widely praised debut album No Time For Dreaming. The “Screaming Eagle Of Soul” is set to release the 11-track set April 2 on Daptone Records imprint Dunham Records.

Saturday, February 8th

WaterFire: From Art Installation to Global Phenomenon

The Cora Lee Gibbs Honorary Lecture at the Newport Art Museum by WaterFire creator Barnaby Evans.

This lecture will provide guests with an overview of the history of WaterFire in Providence and an exciting look into the future of WaterFire projects around the world.

WaterFire, the award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans has been praised as a powerful work of art and a moving symbol of Providence’s renaissance, and a demonstration of the power of art to unite a community. WaterFire has been discussed in hundreds of articles and included in symposia around the world. Evans has created installations of WaterFire in Singapore and Houston, and is currently exploring art installations for a number of other cities.

Upcoming events for the week of January 12th – 18th

Welcome to a new year. This will be the first of our new series of weekly recommendations of arts, culture and foodie events happening around town.

Welcome to a new year. This will be the first of our new series of weekly recommendations of arts, culture and foodie events happening around town. We hope you enjoy them and of course if you have any recommendations of your own make sure to drop us a line.

Sunday, January 12th

Chopin Club at the Mary K. Hail Music Mansion

If you are in the mood for a little classical entertainment then we know you will love this performance by pianists Ann Sears and Linda Papatopoli, contralto Susan Allen, violist Paulinka de Rochemont, and violinist Sebastian Ruth perform works of Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, Brahms and J.S. Bach.  This free concert is open to the public.

Wednesday, January 15th

The Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market at the Hope Artiste Village

Looking for savory delights and fresh produce? Look no further. The Wintertime Farmers Market has fresh veggies, cheese, eggs and whole lot more brought to you from a variety local farms. The market is open weekly on Wednesdays from 4 – 7pm and Saturdays from 9 – 11am.

Friday, January 17th

Opening reception for the Group Show at the Chazan Gallery at the Wheeler School

Including two and three dimensional works by seven local artists this show at The Wheeler School on Providence’s East Side is an excellent opportunity see some of the area’s local artist talent. Artists included in the gallery show are: Hannah Antalek, Harrison Bucy, Jenn Houle, Anne Rogers, Margaret Rogers and Jodi Stevens. The show runs through January 30th, 2014.

Emotional Release by Rubens Fogacci at Just Art Gallery in The Plant

Head on over to the West Side of Providence to see new paintings by Italian artist Rubens Fogacci, presented for the first time in the United States by Just Art Gallery in The Plant buildings on Valley Street from 5 – 8pm. Fogacci’s subjects range from human figures to surrealist portraits of historically famous people as well as mythological figures such as, the famous Neptune or Giuseppe Garibaldi. In most recent years, his figures favor everyday scenes as well as, still life environments while maintaing the infamous characteristics of his creations; that of the strongly marked lines, bright and lively colors.

Saturday, January 18th

Beethoven’s Second Performed by the RI Philharmonic Orchestra

The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, Larry Rachleff conducting, presents an evening of stunning nineteenth and twentieth century music. Performances will include, Beethoven’s Second Symphony; Ravel’s Piano Concerto for the Left Hand featuring the Philharmonic debut of Jean-Phillip Collard; and the Orchestra will perform Hindemith’s Mathis Der Maler.

‘Mericans Tribute to Providence Record Release Show

Local rockers, The ‘Mericans, will be celebrating the release of their new album A Tribute to Providence in true rock-star style be performing all 20 songs live at the Parlour in Providence. The ‘Mericans are an Experimental Americana Roots Rock band from Rhode Island led by former Purple Ivy Shadows singer/guitarist Chris Daltry who has been called a “visionary founding father of the rootsy rockers” by the Providence Phoenix.

As always be sure to check out our event calendar for details about all of these events and more.

WaterFire’s Recommendations for December 12th-14th

WaterFire and the Providence Rescue Mission to bring you a very special Christmas WaterFire. Thanks to an anonymous donor as a gift to the City, the 41 braziers in Waterplace Park Basin to Steeple Street will burn brightly, turning downtown into a winter wonderland on Friday, December 13th and Saturday, December 14th.

WaterFire has worked with Providence Rescue Mission to bring you a very special Christmas WaterFire, now in its third year. Thanks to an anonymous donor as a gift to the City, the 41 braziers in Waterplace Park Basin to Steeple Street will burn brightly, turning downtown into a winter wonderland for both Friday, December 13th and Saturday, December 14th.  With the holiday spirit of inspiring people and bringing people together, as well as to showcase the incredible work of Providence Rescue Mission, we have planned a memorable event including a festival of trees along the Basin at WaterPlace park, a Holiday Arts Festival Plaza held inside the tunnel at Waterplace/Union Plaza, special musical highlights throughout the night, and more. We hope you will join us on one or both nights!

 

Thursday, December 12

Pawtucket Winter Wonderland at Slater Park

Held in Slater Park, this annual festival of lights also includes fun events for the family.

Trinity Rep presents: Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike

Check out the New England premiere of the newest play from the outrageous comic mind of Christopher Durang. 

 

Highlights of the Holidays Tours

Located in Bristol, Blithewold mansion is a beautiful historic mansion that offers experienced tour guides to explore not only the history of the house and the family throughout the year. Decked out in holiday garb, the tour includes insight in how family stories interweave with the decorations and ornaments and ribbons and greenery.

Friday, December 13

31st Annual Foundry Artists Association Holiday Show and Sale

This annual showcase brings together over 65 local and region artists to offer unique, hand crafted wares that offers something for everyone on your holiday gift list.

 

Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra

Visit Providence Performing Arts Center for a special night of holiday-inspired classics featuring the Boston Pops.

 

WaterFire Christmas 

Begin your weekend with us at WaterFire! Festivities begin at the close of the workday at 5pm.  Throughout the night enjoy the festival of trees sponsored and decorated by local businesses to benefit Providence Rescue Mission, enjoy the handmade wares from local artists at the Arts Festival Plaza, and enjoy holiday music from many local caroling ensembles and choral groups. This annual event, now extended for two nights, will be a fun for the whole family event that we hope will become an annual tradition for everyone.

Saturday, December 14

Home For The Holidays

Visit the John Brown House Museum on historic Benefit Street in Providence, to explore what kind of Christmas merriment (or lack thereof) John Brown and his immediate family would have witnessed in Providence during their lifetime.

 

Federal Hill Christmas Stroll

Peruse Atwell’s Avenue on Federal Hill for an early evening featuring carolers, holiday treats, and family friendly events to celebrate the holiday’s.

 

WaterFire Christmas 

Lighting begins at 5pm though you can come down early to walk around Providence and to visit the Arts Festival Plaza in WaterPlace/Union Plaza Tunnel which will open at 3pm. Throughout the night enjoy the festival of trees sponsored and decorated by local businesses to benefit Providence Rescue Mission, enjoy the handmade wares from local artists at the Arts Festival Plaza, and enjoy holiday music from many local caroling ensembles and choral groups.   

 

Sunday, December 14

The Providence Flea

The Flea, featuring vintage vendors of all sorts, goes indoors to Hope High School.

 

Festival Fete’s Holiday Market Held at Rhode’s on the Pawtuxet, this holiday market includes more than 150 contemporary American art and craft artisans.

 

We hope that you enjoy your time in Providence,  the Creative Capitol, by touring the many museums,  local stores and culinary delights. Head over to our main page to get around the city easier with maps, our dining out guide, hotel suggestions, parking recommendations, and more.

WaterFire’s recommendations for November 7th through November 10th

Thank you to Alex and Ani & the RI Broadcasters Association for sponsoring this event! The fires will be lit shortly after sunset (4:31PM) and remain lit until midnight.

This weekend we salute our Veteran’s at a very special WaterFire as well as host a national conference to discuss the ways in which the arts contribute to the transformation of a city–something WaterFire holds as a core mission. We hope that you enjoy your time in Providence,  the Creative Capitol, by touring the many museums, historic walking tours (or how about a ghost tour), local stores, and culinary delights. Head over to our main page to get around the city easier with maps, our dining out guide, hotel suggestions, parking recommendations, and more.

Thursday, November 7

The Art of Placemaking Conference

Presented by WaterFire Providence, placemakers, artists, urban planners, community developers and researchers are invited to attend this two-day conference to discuss the impacts of using art to build and transform community. Leading practitioners in the field are participating in what is sure to be an informative and thought-provoking exploration into creative placemaking.

Friday, November 8

Kronos Quartet World Premier

Featuring the work of composer Kareem Roustom, FirstWorks and Community MusicWorks join in a bold collaboration to commission a new work for one of the most innovative ensembles in the world today. This event will likely sell out so be sure to purchase your tickets today!

Festival Ballet Providence Presents: Up Close On Hope

Providence is lucky to have such a spectacular professional dance company and Up Close on Hope presents the perfect opportunity to experience the full range of the dance company in an intimate setting. Offering a program that will appeal to contemporary and classical dance patrons, Up Close on Hope presents something for everyone.

Weekly Salon at Providence Athenaeum

The Providence Athenaeum is a unique library and cultural center located on historic Benefit Street that was founded as “The Athenaeum” in 1836. It is an independent, member-su pported library open to the public  that welcomes and enriches the educational and cultural pursuits of its members and the community and encourages a diverse public to engage in spirited conversation such as their weekly salons on Friday evenings. This weeks salon, which is free and open to the public, features Brown University Assistant Professor of Archaeology and Egyptology & Ancient Western Asian Studies Laurel Bestock on “The Lure of the Exotic: Egyptomania in the wake of the Napoleonic expedition.” Ever a fascinating discussion at the Athenaeum Salons, check out this event.  

Saturday, November 9

WaterFire Full Lighting

In a very special Salute to Veteran’s and we have a lot planned to celebrate the service of so many men and women. With an early sunset we have events starting as early as 3pm. Stop by the WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza on Washington Street where you can view and purchase locally made glassware, jewelry, paintings, photography, clothing and more.  Inca Son, the internationally acclaimed, award winning music and dance group, will be performing at Union Plaza, performing enchanting melodies on their Andean pan-flutes. Be mesmerized The Gargoyles and the Oracles from Ten31 Productions at the World War Memorial in Memorial Park.  Share a dedication with the world in honor or remembrance of a loved one and light a Luminaria Candle Lantern.   This WaterFire lighting is made possible by our Sponsor:  Alex and Ani & RI Broadcasters Association

Hop on/Hop Off Shuttle helps you get around Providence easier!

No need to worry about finding a parking spot on a busy night! The folks over at Experience RI  have introduced a “hop on, hop off” shuttle that travels throughout Providence from 4:00pm to 12:00am every Saturday night.  Tickets will entitle you to unlimited hop on/hop off service all night long from 5pm – 1am at locations throughout the city. This is a great way to get around Providence and experience all that our charming city has to offer plus a portion of the proceeds benefit WaterFire.

Sunday, November 10

The Providence Singers season premier

Check out The Providence Singers, Rhode Island’s renowned choral organization, in their season kickoff presentation of Benjamin Britten’s most beloved choral works. This 100-voice auditioned chorus presents an annual concert series and frequently makes guest appearances throughout the region. This will be a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

CRAFTOPIA Holiday Show

It’s that time of the year and for those who like to get an early(ish) start on the shopping madness here is an opportunity to direct your hard earned dollars to support local and regional artists with handmade goods and crafts.

Other Events Around Town: