Spooky Happenings: Halloween Attractions

Terrifying walk-throughs, haunted hay rides, ghosts and family fun in Rhode Island and Southern New England this Halloween season

A-Mazing Halloween Party, Escobar’s Farm, 255 Middle Rd, Portsmouth. Come in costume and try to find your way through the huge corn maze. Oct 26 11am – 4pm escobarshighlandfarm.com

Boo at the Zoo, Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorne St, New Bedford. A hay maze, wagon rides, arts and crafts, and a “friendly haunted house.” Fri – Sun, Oct 11 – 27; 6 – 9pm bpzoo.org

Charlie the Butler Ghost Party, Gov Sprague Mansion, 1351 Cranston St, Cranston. Mentalist Rory Raven, costumes encouraged. Oct 25, 7pm Icranstonhistoricalsociety.org

In Factory of Terror, 33 Pearl St, Fall River. Bloodworth, 4D Blackout, and Phobia Mayhem; you may leave crying. Thurs – Sun, 6:30 – 10pm factoryofterror.com

Field of Screams, Big John Leyden’s, 179 Plain Meeting House Rd, West Greenwich. The Haunted Insane Asylum, Dead River Haunted Hayride, Cirque du Souls 4D haunted maze. Sun 6:30 – 9pm, Fri & Sat 6:30 – 10pm hauntedhayride.net

Fortress of Nightmares, Fort Adams State Park, 90 Fort Adams Drive, Newport. Tunnels of Terror, Apocalypse Airsoft and a Fortress Ghost Hunt. Fri – Sat. Oct 11 – 27, 7 – 10pm fortressofnightmares.com

Fright Fest, Six Flags, Agawam, Mass. 27 frights around the park from haunted mazes to spooky shows. Plus your favorite thrill rides with a halloween twist. Fri 6 – 10pm, Sat 12 – 10pm, Sun 12 – 9pm frightfest.sixflags.com

The Haunted Graveyard, Lake Compounce, 186 Enterprise Drive, Bristol, Conn. Ride the amusement park’s many thrill rides and head over to the graveyard maze for spooks well worth the drive. Fri – Sun, 5 – 11pm lakecompounce.com

Haunted Hill, Diamond Hill Park, 4092 Diamond Hill Rd, Cumberland. Don’t get lost on this wooded trail– you might never come back. Fri – Sat 7 – 10pm hauntedhill.net Haunted Labyrinth, CYO Center, 804 Dyer Ave, Cranston. The longest running haunted house walkthrough in New England. Fri – Sun 7-10pm hauntedlabyrinth.com

Haunted Rail Yard, Old Colony and River Railroad Museum, 2 Water St, Fall River. Fri – Sat, 6 – 10pm, Sun 6 – 9pm facebook.com/HauntedRailYardFundraiser

Haunted Tunnel, Slater Park, 401 Newport Ave, Pawtucket. A 200ft concrete tunnel is host to nine rooms along with an industrial corn maze, pumpkin patch and more. Fri – Sat 6:30 – 9pm facebook.com/hauntedtunnelri

The Haunts of Little Rest Hill, The Old Washington County Jail, 2636 Kingstown Rd, Kingstown. Hear the darker side of history on this 75 minute walking tour. Thurs – Fri, 8:30pm; Sat, 7:30 & 9:30 pm washingtoncountyhistory.com

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence. This year’s theme, “Pumpkinville USA,” includes several hundred illuminated pumpkins. Nightly, 6 – 11pm rwpzoo.org

Providence Ghost Tours, East Side of Prov, Tours leave from Prospect Park, 60 Congdon St, Providence.

Scary Acres, Confreda Farms, 2150 Scituate Ave, Cranston. Haunted Hayride and Haunted Corn Maze. Fri – Sun dusk – 10pm scaryacresri.com

Sights and Frights, Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic. A haunted schooner, “The Curse of the Demeter,” and halloween fun for kids too. Oct 19, 25, 26; 6 – 9:30 pm mysticseaport.org

Slater Mill Ghost Tours, 67 Roosevelt Ave, Pawtucket. Visit Slater Mill for a paranormal investigation through three historic buildings. Fridays 8pm; Sat, Oct 19 – 25 8pm slatermill.org

Terror in Rhode Island, Mulligan’s Island, 1000 New London Ave, Cranston. Festival of Fear, a 3-D adventure, Devils Playground, and Darkness Falls, a house of darkness. Fri & Sat 6 – 11pm, Thurs and Sun 6 – 10pm terrorinrhodeisland.com

Trails to Terror, Highland Farm, 4235 Tower Hill Rd, Wakefield. Delemorte’s Haunted Hayride and the Forest of Fear. Fri – Sun 6:30 – 10pm trailstoterror.com

Jabba Speaks out about RI Comic Con New England’s largest comic convention is heading to Rhode Island

RI ComicCon is returning for its second year at the RI Convention Center this November 2 and 3. Last year’s event drew an unexpected 22,000 attendees. “We had a great time last year,” says organizer Steve Perry. “The fan response was even greater than we had hoped. It’s enabled us to grow, too – this year we’ll be the biggest show in New England.” Full creature cantina band Jabba palace.

This year will feature a new crop of legendary and obscurely cultish actors and characters, reunions of Power Rangers, the Weird Science boys (no longer boys), most of the bad guys from the Karate Kid, and many more. Along with the artist alley, numerous vendors, lots of gaming, panels by the attending celebs, cosplay, costumes and chaos, one of the featured attendees will also be Jabba the Hutt. We connected with Jabba by satellite phone to ask about the upcoming event, and he shared some details exclusively with Motif.

Motif: Are you excited about this year’s Comic Con? What are you looking forward to most?

Jabba: Achuta. Oto smak tellia Jeedai scum yafulkee

Motif: That’s … interesting. I doubt you’ll have the chance to devour Mr. Jett Lucas – but it’s good to have goals.

Jabba: Gee Batman fofo koochoo holo

Motif: Yes, Adam West and Burt Ward will be there.

Jabba: Con goo. Crispo! D’emperiolo Blastoh! Giff! Bam! Zowie!

Motif: I understand you’ll be “life sized” – but I’ve seen all the movies. You come in a lot of different sizes. Which size will we be seeing?

Jabba: Huttuk inkabunga je nal hutta

Motif: Yes, 12×10 feet is very impressive

Jabba: Porko, mo gootu lorda kickeeyuna dee bonkee Motif: No, I’m pretty sure Cthulhu is still larger.

Jabba: Koochoo. [Laughs]

Motif: Really – and that’s a Motif exclusive? Not only a bounty hunter reunion, but the complete Cantina band? And a full reenactment of your palace, with music and a 17-foot-tall, 700-pound Rancor?

Jabba: Tagwa.

Motif: That’s the creature that lived in your basement, right?

Jabba: Tagwa, hees ree kyfoundo

Motif: I’m sure there will be plenty of delicious fans. And I look forward to meeting you at the event.

Jabba: Shapa-keesay ovv sleemo poy

Motif: No. I will not be wearing a gold bikini. Get over it already.

Mike D’s Top Five Can’t Miss Shows of October

# 1 Friday, October 11: Bonnie Prince Billy. $20. 8 pm doors / 9 pm show. All ages. Columbus Theatre, Providence, RI. It’s been 11 or so years and 12 releases since Bonnie Prince Billy (aka Will Oldham) performed in Providence. The best part of the Will Oldham collection is it collectively is so all over the place there is an album for every car riding occasion. When in a bad mood with the collective people around me, “Another Day Of Dread” or “Death To Everyone” from the album I See A Darkness does just fine. His more recent efforts, such as Wolfroy Goes To Town, aren’t nearly as morose, but instead more like Americana Books on Tape tales of everyday rural life, love, loss, and are perfect for long car rides. It’s an evening with, which means just Bonnie Prince Billy all night. Looking forward to it.

#2 Friday, October 18: Coheed and Cambria, Balance And Composure, I The Mighty. $26.50 advance / $30 day of. 7 pm doors / 8 pm show. All ages. Lupo’s, 79 Washington St., Providence, RI. For me, this show is all about Balance And Composure. I have been following them pretty much only through live performances and have always been impressed. At first, it seemed that they were channeling their inner Jawbreaker, and for a young band that age, killing it. Fast forward a few years and they shed their pop punk shreds for channeling their inner Nirvana, reminiscent of Cave In circa Jupiter. Great songs – powerful guitar melodies always win me over live. Their second album Things We Think We Were Missing is out now and shows a ton of promise and confidence, and hopefully many great things to come.

#3 Saturday, October 20: Man Man, Xenia Rubinos. $17.50 advance. 8 pm. 18+ only. Paradise, Boston, MA. Man Man remind me of Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem but on acid (more acid?). I think that the best bands sometimes are the bands you recommend to see live, but not buy any of their albums. Man Man is one of them. I do love their songs, but something about the live performances really makes them pop. Check out their new ballad single “Head On (Hold On To your Heart),” which sounds like an outtake from singer Honus Honus’ side project, Mister Heavenly. Mister Heavenly’s self titled album is a masterpiece and should be in your record collection, just sayin’.

#4 Tuesday, October 22: “The Bright Futures Tour” with Fitz & The Tantrums, Capital Cities, Beat Club. $20 advance / $25 day of. 6:30 pm doors / 7:30 pm show. All ages. Lupo’s, 79 Washington St., Providence, RI. This is an interesting co-headlining bill of 2013’s break out alt rock bands. Fitz & The Tantrums’ very sold out April show at The Met was a standout performance of the year for me. Having never seen them before, I didn’t quite know what to expect. A big band performance blending rock & roll and R&B flawlessly, in the way that The Afghan Whigs or even The Rolling Stones do without it seeming corny or forced. From seeing photos and artwork, it certainly wasn’t what I expected. Quite a dance party. Co-headliner, Capital Cities, bring with them what will likely be the number one alt rock single of 2013, “Safe And Sound,” a song I can’t seem to escape lately and don’t mind.

#5 Wednesday, October 23: FIDLAR, The Orwells. $13 advance / $15 day of. 8 pm. All ages. The Sinclair, Cambridge, MA. When I was young, punk, to me, was a way out of normal boring life in Cumberland. Angry Samoans and Descendants cassettes about fucking up and smashing stuff were great soundtracks to smashing shopping carriages at Ann and Hope, nothing glamorous, and a whole lot of stupid behavior. At 33, new punkish bands are a tough sell as I am not seeking oblivion, a distraction or way out. But the adolescent noise that FIDLAR makes still resonates with me like Wavves and before that Jay Reatard could. With songs like “Chinese Weed,” “Cheep Beer” and “The Punks Are Finally Taking Acid,” the cheap thrills aren’t going last, but are a fun listen. Check out the very, very not suitable for work video for “Cocaine,” starring Nick Offerman. Don’t, however, take up the “buy Cocaine on iTunes” offer. Opening act is The Orwells. I am not super familiar with them, but their “Mallrats (LaLaLa)” track gets stuck in my head for days every time I hear it. Either they could be a great Crypt Records meet garage pop band, or they could be Jet and I have a totally bad read from one song. Only one way to find out? Fall Roots Report

Roots and folk music coming to Southern New England this autumn

Okee dokee folks…Summer has unofficially ended. A couple more weeks and we officially move into autumn. The summer was full of great music and listening opportunities. The fall will be no different. There are still plenty of indoor and outdoor events to catch your ears. I will write about them if my computer cooperates and I don’t toss it out the window! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr… Read on.

Roots and Rythm

I spent the past weekend at the Rhythm and Roots Festival. It certainly was the BEST fest of the entire summer. It ALWAYS is. If you wanted to hear real Nashville songwriters, R&R had it on the new Heritage Stage. It also had some of the finest Zydeco, Cajun, Americana, R&B and Folk. R&R Fest caters to EVERYONE, not just some skinny-jean wearing hipster crowd. Families and friends make this an annual event. I usually write about this festival beforehand but didn’t get to this year. If you missed it, you missed GREAT sets by Steve Earl, Texas Guitar Women, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Bill Kirchen, Taj Mahal, Albert Lee, Briga, and Holly Williams-just to name a few. Mark it on your calendar for next year. It is always Labor Day Weekend and is the always best “summer wrapper upper show”! For more, zyde-GO to: www.rhythmandroots.com

Malone Coming to Visit

I am excited! One of my favorite performers, Michelle Malone, is coming back to Rhode Island. It has been about five years since Malone has performed in the OceanState. My friend, Anne from NYC, originally turned me onto Malone back in the 90’s. Anne had good taste in music and she also gave me my dog, Zoey, so how could she be wrong? The first few times I was able to see a Michelle Malone show I had to travel to NYC. It was well worth the trip. If you are not familiar with Michelle Malone, you should be. Over the course of her 20 year career, she has won numerous awards and her albums Sugar Foot and Debris, were both on the Grammy Award ballot for best Contemporary Blues and Best Americana Albums. Her songs have appeared in films and television programs such as True Blood, Dawson’s Creek, Felicity, Brooklyn South, and have been recorded by Indigo Girls (for which she received both gold and platinum records) and Antigone Rising. Malone has collaborated in the studio and on stage with such artists as Elton John, John Mayer, SugarLand members Jennifer Nettles, Kristen Hall, and Kristian Bush; Indigo Girls, Shawn Mullins, Little Feat, Albert King, Charlie Musselwhite, Johnny Winter, ZZ Top, Robert Cray, Steve Earle, KT Tunstall, Shawn Colvin, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Joan Osborne, and Ellen DeGeneres.

Malone has played every state in the Union and toured all over the world and she is currently out playing shows in support of her latest studio album, Day 2. The songs for this release were all written at her own green kitchen table, coffee mug in hand, every morning for nearly a year. She even wrote them on an old Alvarez acoustic guitar that never gets played out on gigs – it never even leaves the house.

The CD was produced by longtime friend of Malone, Grammy Nominee Shawn Mullins. “Day 2 is an eclectic roots record with its feet firmly planted in the Southern Americana and blues traditions, and its head in the lyrical sphere of luminaries like Patti Smith and Nashville era Bob Dylan.” says Mullins. If you are in need of drawing comparisons to figure out if you would indeed like Malone, then imagine the voices of Sheryl Crow and Linda Rondstat combined with the songwriting of Lucinda Williams and the guitar abilities of Bonnie Raitt. How’s that? Better yet, just get out to hear her. She will be taking the stage at Indigo Lounge in Coventry on Wednesday, September 18th at 8pm. For more, moan your way to www.MichelleMalone.com.

Queen

Back in the days of arena rock nobody could command a crowd better than Freddie Mercury. He was the king, err, Queen. If you miss Mercury or never had the opportunity to see Queen live, you can catch the next best thing – “The Queen Extravaganza.” The Queen Extravaganza is a spectacular touring concert show designed to take the music and live experience of legendary rock band Queen and bring it back to the live stage. Two of Queen’s original members and songwriters- drummer Roger Taylor and guitarist Brian May, are the masterminds behind the show. Taylor personally has taken on the role of producer with long time Queen keyboardist, Spike Edney, as global music director.

Together, Taylor and Edney have created the ultimate Queen concert experience in an electrifying road show, which celebrates the band’s music and legacy as performed by a new generation of musical talent. The Queen Extravaganza band includes musicians selected by Taylor in a unique online talent search. The 90-minute show features more than 20 Queen classics: “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “Under Pressure,” “We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions,” “A Kind of Magic,” “Radio Ga Ga,” “Somebody to Love,” and “Killer Queen” as well as other fan favorites. The production will be enhanced visually with rare video footage. You can experience the extravaganza at the Zeiterion Theater in New Bedford on Sunday, September 15th. The “Z” is the perfect place to see a show. There are really no bad seats, it is very easy to get to and there is plenty of parking. I saw Three Dog Night at the “Z” last month. Great show! You should put the “Z” on your venue radar. There are lots of other good shows coming up as well. For more, Seaside Rendezvous to: www.zeiterion.org

Nash-ing

Legendary singer-songwriter Graham Nash, a founding member of the iconic bands The Hollies and Crosby, Stills & Nash, is coming to Rhode Island to perform at the Park Theatre in Cranston on Thursday, September 12th. For Nash’s solo U.S. tour, which kicks-off in early September during a break in the Crosby, Stills & Nash 2013 tour, he will perform a special series of “An Evening With Graham Nash” concerts across the east coast. During the tour, Nash will perform as a trio, accompanied by James Raymond on keyboards and Shane Fontayne on guitar – who are also part of the Crosby, Stills & Nash touring band. Nash does not often tour as a solo performer, so this is a wonderful opportunity for people to see him in an intimate venue. Graham Nash is one of few musicians to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of multiple groups. He is also a member of the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame. Nash is also an internationally renowned photographer and visual artist whose work has been shown in galleries and museums worldwide, including the Smithsonian. Later this fall, he will release his memoir, Wild Tales: A Rock & Roll Life, chronicling his more than 50-years in music. Throughout his tour, Nash will continue his long-time tradition of raising money for charity through the Guacamole Fund’s special benefit seats; in addition, he will donate $1 per ticket sold to charity. For more, Marrakesh Express your way to: www.ParkTheatreRI.com.

KT Tunstall

OK, I usually don’t condone trips to Boston to see music but in this case I have to make an exception. One of the downsides to living in RI is that we are often lumped into the Boston market (no, not the chicken place). In most areas of the country, sixty miles isn’t considered far to drive to see a show. Most people drive that distance to go grocery shopping. They obviously don’t know RI’ers which is why we have a Dunkin Donuts on every corner. So, many artists will play the Boston area and bypass RI. Lots of times we may never know they were even that close.

I TRY to keep tabs on who is coming close enough to see, so when I heard that KT Tunstall was in our area I was kind of excited. KT Tunstall will be playing at the Somerville Theatre on Wednesday, September 25th. The Scottish born Tunstall, who spent some of her early days busking on the streets of Burlington, VT, is recognized for her hits “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” and “Suddenly I See”. The latter song has been used in many TV programs and movies and unfortunately, currently is the theme song for greed giant WalMart’s television commercials.

KT is best known for her live performances, in which she combines use of a looping pedal, that she affectionately calls “Wee Bastard”. This use of a looping enables Tunstall to accompany herself with “prerecorded” backing tracks. On this tour, Tunstall is touring to promote the release of her fifth album called Invisible Empire // Crescent Moon. The title is inspired by the two batches of songs from the album, Invisible Empire was recorded in April 2012 and is the melancholic half that deals with her father’s death and the theme of mortality, while the Crescent Moon half, recorded in November 2012 is more ethereal. The fifteen songs on the album are inspired by her divorce from her former drummer/husband Luke Bullen and her father’s passing. If you’re into a road trip, RI style (pack a lunch and an overnight bag), head up to Somerville on September 25th. For more, put your Eye To The Telescope and look up: www.somervilletheatreonline.com

Rorys Galore Here is a tale of two Rorys. One is a sultry blues singer and the other is a bespectacled, bow tied mentalist. One can, with a few simple props – paper and pencil, a pack of playing cards, some paperback books, and the thoughts of some volunteers, involve the audience in highly unusual and unusually entertaining experiences. One left home at fifteen to seek out blues legends Mississippi John Hurt, Rev Gary Davis and Son House and started playing in clubs and coffeehouses. One takes people on Providence Ghost Walks; has released three books, “Haunted Providence: Strange Tales from the SmallestState,” “Wicked Conduct,” and “The Dorr War: Treason, Rebellion and the Fight for Reform in Rhode Island”, and bends spoons with his mind. The other has recorded twenty five albums and received five WC Handy blues awards. One will be appearing at the Blackstone River Theater on Friday, September 13th while the other will be at Sandywoods in Tiverton on Wednesday, September 18th. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to figure out which artist is where and attend the show…should you be caught or captured we will disavow any knowledge of your actions…this article will self destruct in ten seconds. For more, clue your way to: www.sandywoodsmusic.com and www.riverfolk.org

The Cowsills

As usual, I am late writing my column. Today is no exception. Today I am very, very, VERY late. Sometimes it has its benefits -like getting press releases as I am writing. I literally (yes, literally) just received notice that the Cowsills will be performing at SlaterPark on Sunday, September 22nd. Those that read this column may know that I am a HUGE Cowsills fan. The trio of Cowsills- Susan, Paul and Bob will be performing a 75 minute set as part of the Slater Park Fall Festival.

If you are not familiar with the Cowsills then acquaint yourselves with them! They were the inspiration for the Partridge Family, are members of the RI Music Hall of Fame and are one of RI’s own music success stories. The band’s height of fame was in the late sixties and some of the members have since died but the remaining members still record and perform. They are best known for their many TV appearances on shows like Ed Sullivan, Johnny Cash and American Bandstand and their hits, “The Rain, The Park and Other Things”, “Hair”, “IndianLake” and “Love American Style”. In 2010the biopic, “Family Band” was released at the RI International Film Festival and recently aired on Showtime. For more, “Get Happy” and head over to: www.pawtucketartsfestival.org

More

Finally in the “I am running out of room and these are in no particular order” department:

At the East Greenwich Hotel on September 12th at 9pm -Mark Cutler, Harold Ambler & Jim Chapin and on September 19th Paula Ryan from Ardfinnan, Tipperary, Ireland. www.facebook.com/greenwichhotel

Kayla Ringelheim, Rachel Ries and Dylan Lucas Block Harley will be at the Edward Everett Hale House in South Kingstown on September 14th at 7pm musicatlilypads.org.

Common Fence Point gets its season started with Malcom Holcombe on September 14th and Lori McKenna on September 28th www.commonfencemusic.org.

RISA’s Songwriters in the Round Show will happen at AS220 on Sunday, September 15th at 6pm with Andrea LaFazia, Jim Chapin and others, singing about the theme, “Too Late” www.risongwriters.com.

At Fete in Olneyville Sara Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion take the stage on Friday, September 6th and Leftover Salmon and Assembly of Dust are the following Friday, September 13th www.fetemusic.com.

Stone Soup Coffeehouse is again opening the season with a free concert as part of the Pawtucket Arts Festival. The Stone Soup Sampler is on Saturday, September 28th from 2-6pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Performers are Alastair Moock, Danielle Miraglia, Shun Ng, and members of the Rolling Roots Revue www.stonesoupcoffeehouse.com.

The Annual fundaraiser, “Singing Out Against Hunger” takes place at various locations in Tiverton, September 13th-15th, featuring performances by: Ed McGuirl, Heather Rose, Steve Allain, Tracie Potochnik, The Fish and Chip Band, Mark Cutler, Ian Fitzgerald, Kim Lamothe, Chris Moon, Daniel Oullette, Allysen Callery and more. www.singingoutagainsthunger.org

That’s it for now. Thanks for reading! John Fuzek www.johnfuzek.com

Summer Fun Never Dies in Newport

What to do on an island during the autumn

You see the signs ominously creeping in: the sun is setting noticeably earlier, back-to-school anxiety is forming a visible smog over New England, the birds are starting to pack up so they can leave town — along with the tourists. The end of summer is nigh!

But there’s no need to clutch that beach towel in dramatic despair! Fall is a most magical time of year in New England, and in coastal communities like Newport, that sentiment rings loudly. So leave your shorts unpacked because it’s not over yet!

Here are five reasons why it’s all going to be okay.

1. The Weather Is #@*%#@ Spectacular!

September and early October in Newport, RI: the air is still warm, the humidity has nearly died out completely, and the water is still swimmable. It’s a great time to take advantage of those vacation days you need to use up, or that weekend plan you were too busy to follow through on. There’ll be plenty of days left to enjoy one of Newport’s many fantastic beaches — not to mention that it’s far easier to enjoy them when they aren’t packed to the gills. But Newport isn’t just a great beach city; it has all sorts of outdoor attractions to explore. Newport is host to 10 lighthouses and five state parks — many of these are great spots to snap photos or have a picnic. Feeling more adventurous? Take the Cliff Walk — one of the best walking routes in all of New England. It’s a three-and-a- half-mile trek, which will take you through some of the most gorgeous spots in the city. This is easily one of the best ways to see the Newport Mansions, such as the world famous Breakers, and other attractions, like the 40 Steps.

2. The Summer Tourists Are Going, Going …

Simple tasks like driving to the store or getting a seat at your favorite waterfront spot can get utterly mind-numbing in a summer tourist mecca like Newport, so it’s a breath of fresh air when the crowds dissipate. Early fall is the perfect time to have a condensed version of the summer of your dreams — and you can actually navigate comfortably down Thames street! It’s one of the best times of year to walk around and explore all the features that the City By The Sea has to offer.

3. Festivals Abound!

Fall may be the harbinger of winter — but that doesn’t mean it’s time to lock yourself indoors with a couple bowls of soup and a Netflix marathon. Newport is ripe with activities that will remind you — or at least convince you — that the summer lives on in spirit.

The 43rd annual Newport International Boat Show (September 12th – 15th), for example, will leave you locked in a summer mentality. The event offers looks at the latest trends in boating, has live music, food and drink from local vendors, and even provides kid-friendly exhibits like face painting.

Miss the chowder cook-off? Fear not, because the Seafood Festival is in October! The 23rd annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival (October 19th and 20th) is a great way to enjoy the flavors of summer and welcome the tastes of fall.

Another great end-of-summer escape is the Newport Sailing Festival (September 28) — an all-ages public event, where you can get a free high seas outing throughout Newport harbor.

4. The Fall Was Made for Foodies

Amazing food and spectacular cocktails are very much alive and well in Newport all year long. Boasting well over 100 bars and eateries, there will be plenty of places to experience good times and good tastes. Have a relaxing adult beverage at spots like the Red Parrot or The Pier. Or, cozy up for some end-of-the- season ocean-side dining at hot spots like 22 Bowens, The Black Pearl or Castle Hill, among many others.

If you’re a hardcore foodie, the fall harkens the return of Restaurant Week (November 1st – 10th), which everyone knows is the perfect time to try the best food the city has to offer. It’s also one of the most cost-effective times of the year to try something new or indulge in an old favorite.

And what’s fall without Oktoberfest? Newport has you covered, with one of the most spirited celebrations in all of New England (October 12 and 13). Head down to the Yachting Center to enjoy the music and dance the night away, or just fill up on festival-inspired beer and German foods! It’s the perfect send-off for summer and a great way to settle into a fall state of mind. 5. There’s Seriously Always Something To Do

The end of the summer does not have to mean the end of fun. Newport is a living city, home to a rich cultural scene, which includes dozens of museums and galleries, vineyards, farmsteads, the Newport Storm Brewery, and even a casino! Let’s not forget shopping. Newport is loaded with local businesses that are open all year long and offer very competitive, off-season prices. So don’t fret, because whether it’s summer, fall, spring, or (gasp!) winter, Newport has something for everybody.

Lace Up Your Hiking Boots This Fall

Tis the season to explore the hidden gems of Southern New England trails and wild life refuges

That crisp chill in the night air can only mean one thing: fall is on its way! Yes, there will be pie. But there will also be leaves! Of many colors! And manic last ditch attempts to get outdoors before the snow comes and turns us all into shut-ins! Oh, but those darn leaf peepers have booked up every hotel room from the Berkshires to Burlington. That’s all right – you don’t have to drive all the way to Vermont to hike through the woods and enjoy the changing colors. In fact, you don’t even have to leave Rhode Island!

Providence’s Neutaconkanut Hill is my favorite spot for an outdoor stroll close to home, and despite being a mere 10-minute drive from downtown, it remains one of the area’s best kept secrets. In its heyday, Neutaconkanut was a popular spot for both summer and winter recreation, complete with ski slopes and a band stand. Sadly, as Providence gradually fell into decline, so did the park, until it was largely forgotten about. A few years ago local residents banded together and formed the Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy, with the aim of restoring the park to its former glory.

The conservancy has done an outstanding job of constructing an expansive-feeling trail network, making the park feel much larger than its 88 acres. A lot of effort has been made to give the trails an up and down feel, despite the hill’s modest elevation, and they wind around through the woods so that you never feel as if you are in an urban park. When you go, simply head up either of the red trails, and make a loop or figure eight out of the blue and orange trails. The two massive sets of stone stairs built by the WPA in the 1930s that run through the middle of the park will give you a workout – consider yourself warned. At 296 feet, the top of the hill is the highest point in the city; pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the view.

Another option close to the city is the Audubon society’s 200 acre Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, just across the state line in Seekonk. Caratunk also feels like it’s much farther from civilization than it is. The meandering trail network takes you through a variety of terrain, including a meadow, a bog and a pine forest. Parts of the yellow and blue trails can get pretty muddy at certain times of the year, especially near the bog, and the blue trail crosses over itself several times, which can be a little confusing for the unfamiliar. Bring sturdy shoes and definitely download a map from the Audubon’s site before you go. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see wildlife here; on my recent visits I’ve encountered muskrats, wild turkeys, several different songbirds and deer.

[Our Motif intern team visited Caratunk this summer. See their adventures in this video]

All of the Audubon refuges are worth checking out, but my personal favorite is Fisherville Brook in Exeter. While there’s not much elevation change, a nice variety of scenery keeps things interesting, and the 5 miles of looping trails let me tailor my hike to be as long or as short as I want. If you only have a small amount of time, follow the blue trail through the pine forest, past the meadow and around the pond, and then follow either of the orange trails back. The trails here are always well maintained and their undemanding nature makes this a great spot for junior hikers.

If you don’t mind donning a safety orange vest during hunting season, the state management areas, especially Arcadia, have extensive trail networks. Ken Weber’s excellent book, Weekend Walks in Rhode Island, outlines several of them. Mt. Tom and Long Pond and Ell Pond are among the most popular, and both offer great views, especially in the fall.

There are dozens of great spots to hike around the state, but if you want something resembling serious elevation, you have no choice but to head north. If New Hampshire’s well-travelled Mt. Monadnock is a bit too far of a drive, Mt. Wachusett is your best bet. Yes, you can hike WaWa instead of skiing it! An observation platform at the peak will reward your effort with excellent views of the Boston skyline, Mt. Monadnock, and the Berkshires. If you time it right, you will be treated to a rolling carpet of reds, yellows and greens. Hike straight up to the summit and down again via the .9 mile Mountain House trail in one to two hours, or make a small loop hike out of the Mountain House, Bicentennial, and Pine Hill Trails. Whichever route you take up to the summit, don’t forget your hiking shoes! While Wachusett is no Mt. Washington, the trails up to the summit are rocky, steep and slippery in places.

If you’re itching for a longer hike, bring a map and make a day out of it by building your own looped route from the 17 miles of marked trails. I prefer to stick to the southern half of the mountain as it’s away from the ski area and it feels less developed. There are also another 11 miles of trails worth exploring at the nearby Mass Audubon Wachusett Meadow Sanctuary. On the way home, cap off your perfect fall day with a stop at Worcester’s Armsby Abbey for a well-earned post-hike beer.

Audubon trail maps are available for download on their website: www.asri.org

A map of Neutaconkanut hill is available for download at the conservancy’s website: www.nhill.org

Trail maps of Arcadia, and Long and Ell Ponds are published by Great Swamp Press: www.greatswamppress.com

Maps of Wachusett are available on site at the ranger station or for download at www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dcr/parks/trails/wachusett.pdf Dancers Heading Back to the Barre This Fall

Project Ballet Coffee Hour, Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff and more: A preview of the season’s dance

For many, fall serves notice that it’s time to head back to school. But for area dancers, it means it’s time to go back to work. While most dancers savor the summer months and the opportunity to rest tired muscles and heal nagging injuries, come September, the barre once again beckons.

Festival Ballet Providence (FBP), the capital city’s resident professional ballet company, opens their season on October 3 with “Together We Dance.” Now in its third incarnation, this remarkable one-night- only evening of dance features guest artists from some of the world’s leading ballet companies, FBP company dancers, and students from their official ballet school and their acclaimed Adaptive Dance Program.

While the guest artists and FBP’s dancers have wowed audiences, the students from the Adaptive Dance Program are truly inspirational, capturing the hearts and hearty applause of all in attendance. Modeled after Boston Ballet’s groundbreaking program, its primary goal is to foster a love of dance and creative expression in children with Down Syndrome. If you can only see one performance this year, don’t miss this gala “where the ballet world comes together in Providence.”

FBP continues with its critically acclaimed “Up Close On Hope” dance series on consecutive weekends starting October 25 and going through November 9. Presented in the intimate Black Box Theater located in the company’s Hope Street studio, this program includes RI and world premieres from company dancers and both local and internationally recognized choreographers. These performances often sell out, so get your tickets early.

Two weeks before Thanksgiving, FBP presents another installment of chatterBOXtheater with two performances of “Miss McFuzz + More McFun” on November 10. This program, geared toward the company’s youngest fans, has quickly become a favorite, complete with milk and cookies and a chance to meet the dancers after each performance.

And, what would December in Providence be without “The Nutcracker”? From December 20 through 22, dancing mice and Archie the Nutcracker dog invade PPAC. Experience the magic of this timeless classic with stunning choreography, colorful costumes and sparkling Swarovski crystal snowflakes. With a cast of more than 100 dancers, many of them children from local dance schools, this festive performance will surely get you in the Christmas spirit. For more information about FBP, visit: festivalballet.com.

Newport’s Island Moving Company (IMC), they do not take summers off, commence their fall/winter season with “Open for Dancing” from September 18 through 22. This unique event allows members of the community to perform with IMC dancers at various locations throughout Newport in original works created by three NY choreographers.

Then, from November 29 through December 6, IMC presents its annual holiday production of “Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff.” Set in the majestic Rosecliff mansion, this original ballet moves audience members throughout the mansion culminating in a trip to The Land of the Sweets in the grand ballroom. This ballet, featuring local celebrities and politicians in a variety of walk-on roles, sells out every year; reserve your spots early (some of the production does require standing and walking).

For more information about IMC, visit: islandmovingco.org.

The state’s oldest ballet company, The State Ballet of Rhode Island (SBRI), now in its amazing 54th season, also has a busy fall/winter schedule. They continue with their popular “Project Ballet Coffee Hour” on October 19 and November 16. Join Artistic Director Herci Marsden as she explains how a ballet reaches the stage, from setting the choreography to training the dancers. This innovative “insider’s view” features lectures, music, visual performances and coffee with dessert.

In breaking from traditional holiday offerings, SBRI presents its annual production of “Coppelia” on December 20 through 21. Dating back to Ms. Marsden’s friendship with Boston Ballet (BB) founder and Artistic Director Virginia Williams, this ballet was chosen as a way of allowing both companies to present non-competing holiday shows, with BB performing “The Nutcracker.”

“Coppelia” tells the heartwarming story of Swanhilda, a girl who pretends to be a doll in order to win back the affection of her boyfriend Franz. Set to the energetic music of Leo Delibes, this fun and playful ballet nicely captures the gaiety of traditional European dance with a very lively and colorful Czardas and Mazurka.

For more information about SBRI, visit: stateballet.com.

For those who prefer something a bit more modern, Lincoln-based Fusionworks has a couple of options. On September 21, they present “Fusion Fest,” an afternoon of food, beer, wine, music and dance at Blount Seafood in Warren. Their annual Fall Concert Series follows on November 22 and 23 at Rhode Island College. A collection of original works, this series always features special guest performers and choreographers.

For more information about Fusionworks, visit: fusionworksdance.org.

Also, Heather Ahern, a very familiar name in the modern dance community, returns with RI’s newest modern dance company Aerplaye. Ms. Ahern was a founding member and co-artistic director of Grounwerx Dance Theatre of Providence. For nearly 15 years, they were a local staple and enjoyed a wonderful reputation when touring nationally. Aerplaye’s debut performance called, appropriately enough, “Return” premieres September 28 and 29 at the RISD Auditorium.

For more information about Aerplaye, visit: aerplaye.com. Other noteworthy fall/winter performances:

Heritage Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” December 20 through 22. For more information, visit: heritageballet.com.

Providence Ballet Theatre’s “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” For more information visit: providenceballet.org.

Limbo Street

Monster Haiku The Roots Report: Beat the Heat with Cool Shows

Okee dokee folks … It’s summer. I would be remiss if I didn’t reiterate my feelings about it. I hate summer. I am sorry. I know many of you folks like summer. I am not a fan of the heat and humidity. Fortunately, we are more than halfway through. Music makes the summer easier to deal with – for me anyway. There are still a lot of summer shows to catch while the weather is warm, though sometimes “warm” can be a bit of an understatement. Onward.

The Downtown Sundown Series

The Downtown Sundown Series has been steadily gaining a solid audience, mostly by word of mouth. Every show brings more folks who are amazed by the talent of the performers and the beauty of Roger Williams National Memorial. Now in its third year, this music series brings free music into downtown Providence two Saturdays per month. Already this season, performers such as WS Monroe, Billy Mitchell, Malyssa Bellarosa, Kala Farnham, Mark Cutler, Heather Rose, Tracie Potochnik, Bob Kendall, Jesse Liam and Jack Gauthier, and others have graced the park stage with their wonderful music. The middle lawn at the Memorial is the perfect spot for a sundown show. The music starts at 7 pm and continues until 9:30 pm, and four performers are featured at each show. The audience members sit back in lawn chairs, lie on blankets or directly on the grass and enjoy some of the best singer- songwriters from the area. Picnickers are welcomed and encouraged. It could be a great start to a night out in Providence or as a complete evening activity. It’s a friendly and safe environment where children and well-behaved dogs can join in. This season’s last two shows are August 10 and 17, both Saturday nights. Emma Joy Galvin, Steve Allain, Aoife Clancy, Ed McGuirl, WS Monroe, Dylan Sevey, Mary Ann Rossoni and the Rank Strangers are scheduled. For more about the series, twilight to hearinrhodeisland.com

Three Dog Night

Back when I was in fifth or sixth grade, I had a French teacher who taught us how to sing “Joy to the World” in French for a school assembly. No, it wasn’t the Christmas song. It was the song by Three Dog Night. At the time this song was a pretty big hit. Yup, do the math, it was quite a while ago. I heard their songs on AM radio and loved their sound. I also loved the band name. It was taken from an Australian expression that basically means that a “three dog night” is a really cold night. The colder the night, the more dogs the bushmen would sleep with. Being a dog person all of my life, I actually have had three dog nights! It hasn’t been cold here in months, but it’s the perfect time for a Three Dog Night. The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center (The Z) in New Bedford will present the legendary Three Dog Night on Friday, August 9. Three Dog Night songs have become part of pop culture with hits including “Joy to the World,” “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” “Black and White” and many more. Since forming in 1968, they’ve charted 21 Top 40 hits, seven of which went gold. Their well-loved songs, delivered in their unmistakable style, are still performed for audiences spanning generations by founding members Cory Wells and Danny Hutton on lead vocals, original keyboardist Jimmy Greenspoon and guitarist Michael Allsup, Paul Kingery on bass and vocals, and drummer Pat Bautz. Tickets for the Three Dog Night show are $35 to $59 and are available by phone, online or in person at the Z box office. For more information, howl over to zeiterion.org.

Cherish the Ladies

The Blackstone River Theatre will present a rare summer concert featuring Cherish the Ladies on Saturday, August 3. The “Ladies” have grown from a one-time concert concept to an Irish traditional music sensation, literally the most successful and sought-after Irish-American group in Celtic music. Organized by folklorist/musician Mick Moloney and sponsored by the Ethnic Folk Arts Center and the National Endowment for the Arts, Cherish the Ladies began as a concert series featuring the brightest lights in Irish traditional music. Taking their name from the name of a traditional Irish jig, the group initially won recognition as the first and only all-women traditional Irish band. In a relatively short time, they soon established themselves as musicians and performers without peer and have won many thousands of listeners and fans of their music. With their spectacular blend of virtuosic instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements and stunning step dancing, this powerhouse group combines all the facets of Irish traditional culture and puts it forth in an immensely humorous and entertaining package. For more, jiggle over to riverfolk.org.

The Small Axe Cafe

Nestled past the Fantastic Umbrella Factory gardens, attached to the Small Axe shop, is the one of the best-kept secrets around, The Small Axe Café. Every Sunday from 2 to 4 pm you can hear live acoustic music by local performers out on the patio (weather permitting). The Fantastic Umbrella Factory is just off Route 1 in Charlestown, a little past Ninigret Park. Head down and grab a bite to eat before or after shopping or beach-going and take a stroll through the garden near the Small Axe. Don’t forget to say hello to the animals, especially the emus! The Fantastic Umbrella Factory is located at 4820 Old Post Road in Charlestown. For more about this series; chop, chop, chop over to facebook.com/smallaxeproductions.

ConserFest

If you are into a bit of a bop across the bay, then you should get on board one of the Block Island ferries and get to New Shoreham for August 3 and 4. This is when ConserFest will take place on “The Block.” You can hear local and regional performers at Poor Peoples Pub, Club Soda, Captain Nick’s, The Fred Benson Town Beach Pavilion and Yellow Kittens Tavern. Scheduled for the fest are Brandon Morris, Homeslice featuring Travis Greenlee, The Max Balmforth Band, Bonfire Bandit, Kristin Plater, The Shades, Viennagram, Alex Brady, Mr. Kowalsky, Christina Holmes, Phil and David Turano, Frank Viele, The Johnny Lingo Trio, Cooper Rivers, Cheers Elephant, The Booze Beggars, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad and more. ConserFest’s mission is to raise consciousness for environmental conservation on Block Island through the celebration of music and art. The proceeds and donations from ConserFest events help support and fund non-profit organizations dedicated to protecting the natural environment. Through this annual music and art festival, ConserFest raises finances and awareness for land conservation and for the preservation of local heritage and culture. For a schedule and more info, float on over to conserfest.org.

The Towers

It may be cooler by the ocean, but The Towers in Narragansett makes the temperature rise every Thursday night with great music and dancing. Towers music coordinator, Kate Vivian, has a passion for good music and dance and presents weekly shows to share the love. Thursday, August 15, experience a unique combination of two-fisted piano, red hot trombone, blazing guitar, rock solid bass, powerful vocals and frenzied percussion antics when the Superchief Trio bring in their jump blues and boogie- woogie. Slippery Sneakers slides in on August 22 with Southwest Louisiana Cajun and Zydeco roots music. The annual season closer for The Towers Series is the Grammy Award winning Steve Riley and The Mamou Playboys on Thursday, August 29. Riley and his Playboys have delighted audiences with Cajun, zydeco and swampgrass for more than 25 years. For a complete schedule and more about the shows, two-step over to thetowersri.com. The Narrows

The Narrows in Fall River is moving into the ice age. Well, not really, but sort of. Their state-of-the-art air conditioning system should be completed by the first week of August and it will be an even cooler place to catch live music, especially during the dog days of summer. Coming up on August 17 is Nick Lowe. Please go and tell me how it was; I would love to get to it but unfortunately, I can’t. It has been many, many, MANY years since I have seen Lowe in concert. I was very excited when I saw him on the Narrows’ schedule but, alas, I have my own gig that night. Nick Lowe has made his mark as a producer (Elvis Costello, Graham Parker, The Pretenders, The Damned), songwriter (“(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding,” “Cruel to be Kind,” “So it Goes”), a short-lived career as a pop star, and a lengthy term as a musicians’ musician. But in his current second act as a silver-haired, tender- hearted, but sharp-tongued singer-songwriter, he has no equal. Do yourself a favor and go! On Friday, August 23, The Pousette-Dart Band hits the Narrows’ stage. Led by Jon Pousette-Dart, The Pousette- Dart Band carved a place in the landscape of American music in the 1970s. They were a mainstay of album radio, a favorite on the college circuit, and became one of the busiest touring groups in the US. If you remember hits such as “Amnesia” or “County Line,” you’ll definitely want to see them. Now this is where the idea of a Narrows’ bed and breakfast would be awesome. The following night, Saturday, August 24, the man who used to float around in commercials selling laundry detergent, but is best known for his flapper-era radio ditties, Depression-spawned ragtime and World War II folk-jazz Leon Redbone will be “tuning up” The Narrows’ stage. You can round out the month with a performance by one of the best banjo couples around. Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn have mastered the deceptively intricate art of the duet and the banjo. Their performances embrace a diversity almost unthinkable coming from just two banjos and one voice. Washburn’s beguiling composing, playing and singing blend with Fleck’s riveting and virtuosic musicianship to create unique music. For more about these shows and more, claw-hammer your way to narrowscenter.org.

Summit Music Festival

For East-Siders and beyond, the 4th Annual Summit Music Festival will be held on Saturday, August 24 from 1 to 6 pm at Lippitt Park. This will be a fun-filled day of music, food and local crafts. Entertainment will be provided by The Stooges Brass Band, Marco Benevento, The Sugar Honey Iced Tea, Roz Raskin and the Rice Cakes, Extraordinary Rendition Band, and Emeline Easton. There will be activities for the children, a beer garden (don’t mix the two), food and craft vendors and much more. Admission to the fest is free and the rain date is August 25. If you want to find out more, climb over to sna.providence.ri.us/smf/

Becky Chace CD Release

The multi-award winning singer-songwriter Becky Chace will be celebrating the release of her latest musical offering, Rise and Fall, her tenth or so, on Friday, August 30, at Sandywoods in Tiverton. Chace told me, “Basically, we produced ourselves in our own studio in an attempt to use all of our knowledge to get our own sound and not something that a studio would influence; we feel as though what we got was honest and different.” Her long-time musical partner, Brian Minisce, was her co-conspirator on this project. Appearances by local musical luminaries such as Doug Woolverton from Roomful of Blues, The Complaints, Tom Petteruti of Brass Attack, Steve Allain, Sean Kennedy, Tom Hall, Jennifer Minuto all add spice to mix. Her own “new-ish” band members also contribute to some tracks with Eric Hastings on drums and Mark Minisce on bass. Sandywoods is a nice place for this show. You can BYOB and bring your own food and enjoy the show your way! For more about the CD and show, head “Downstream” to beckychace.com.

That’s it for now. Come on autumn!!!

John Fuzek www.johnfuzek.com