Fathers Are People Too!

We all bring our gifts to parenthood and dad’s gifts are what we should be celebrating on Father’s Day, as opposed to some misconceived notion that his parenting feats don’t need to be acknowledged

I feel rather guilty. Last month I spent my time and energy writing an entire article about taking back Mother’s Day. This month, I gave nary a thought to the male version of the holiday. When I first contemplated writing a Father’s Day article, I joked with my husband that it would be woefully short and read something like this: Give him what he really wants: sex and bacon. He smirked and admitted that he’d be happy with either one. The article went to the back burner.

As Father’s Day gets closer, however, I realize I’ve missed the mark. Men actually do have feelings about their competency as parents and the way the world views their involvement. Lately they’ve been talking about these issues in the news and in the blogosphere. Men are tired of being praised for engaging in the most mundane parenting acts like doing their daughter’s hair while wearing a baby in a front carrier. Then they’re belittled for their seeming inability to do other tasks like dress a baby in matching clothes.

I get it. I have a friend who’s a stay-at-home dad. He takes care of his four young children while his wife, the breadwinner, goes to work. I have, on several occasions, told him how impressed I am at what he does. Why haven’t I said the same to the woman around the corner from him who stays home with her four kids? It’s because I’m a reverse sexist. The fact that I think all men want sex and bacon for Father’s Day proves my case.

It’s so easy to stereotype men as unfeeling lugs who care only about beer and boobies. “But we are,” my brother told me one night over a beer, as he recalled his bachelor party at The Foxy Lady. While this might be true for some, it’s certainly not for all, my brother included. I’ve seen him, the father of two young boys, reenacting G.I. Joe battles and explaining to them why the original Star Wars is so much better than the digital remake (they’re only 3 and 9 months old, by the way). These are things I could never do, nor would I want to do them, and I think his wife feels the same way. We all bring our gifts to parenthood and dad’s gifts are what we should be celebrating on Father’s Day, as opposed to some misconceived notion that his parenting feats don’t need to be acknowledged.

On Sunday I’ll take my husband kayaking with the kids, per his request. We’ll grill a steak or two and the kids will shower him with homemade cards. I will tell him that I appreciate what a wonderful father he is, not because he changes diapers or reads them bedtime stories, but rather for the gifts he brings to our family, that he’s revered because he can defeat the gargantuan level on Plants vs. Zombies and never misses a baseball game.

On Monday, however, I’m back to reminding him how he has no ability to multi-task and can’t dress our kids for shit. I know I’m stereotyping, but let’s be real: those stereotypes exist for a reason.

Enjoy your day, dads!

The Taste of Block Island: Gluttony by the Sea

Whether it is Aldo’s ice cream, Wine Tasting, Rhode Island clam chowder or the Bacon Fest, Block Island has the food you’re craving. Lured by the idea of free chowder, cheap drinks, and a festival devoted to bacon, I asked an all-too-willing friend to accompany me to the Taste of Block Island over the May 30 weekend. We made a day trip on Saturday, arriving with an itinerary that would keep us busy from the moment we landed on BI until the moment the last ferry departed. The weather forecast did not seem promising — morning showers followed by mostly cloudy skies and a peak temperature of 63 degrees — so I dressed in layers and assumed the worst.

I was, for the first time, happily proven wrong. The sun was shining and it turned out to be a beautiful day. This allowed the first item on my agenda, making a sundae at Aldo’s Bakery, more inviting. (Eating dessert before lunch seemed like a wise choice.) For $4 we got to choose two flavors of ice cream and add as many toppings as we wanted. My plan was nearly dismantled when I realized Aldo’s also sells gelato, but my friend convinced me to embrace the ice cream sundae, and after several samples of flavors, we decided on a scoop of Mud Pie and one of Maple Walnut, topped with hot fudge, chopped nuts, Oreos, and whipped cream. It was the perfect boost of energy for the next item on the agenda: looking for a glass orb.

The Glass Float Project began three years ago and speaks to the scavenger hunt inside every human being. This summer, 550 uniquely numbered glass orbs will be hidden along the Greenway Trails, and I had my heart set on finding one. But the island isn’t so small when one is looking into every crevice for a grapefruit-sized transparent object, and having only an hour to do so proved to be unsuccessful. We did, however, discover a hidden garden. Behind Ballard’s, up on a hill, a stone staircase leads to a gazebo with birdfeeders, benches that overlook the ocean, and a walkway that ascends through a mini- Irish-looking countryside. It was a charming accidental find.

From 1:30 to 3pm I was slave to Bacon Fest. Hosted by The Poor People’s Pub, the outdoor patio was teeming with chefs, beer drinkers and bacon lovers. After purchasing an entry ticket, we took our complementary PBR, grabbed a plate and visited the contestants, one of whom was dressed in a bacon suit. (It was his co-worker’s Halloween costume — affixed with a “Kevin” nametag. Get it? Kevin Bacon.) There were a total of nine dishes, each with varying amounts of creatively used bacon. The promised chocolate-covered bacon did not disappoint, but it also appealed to me because it tasted predominately of gourmet chocolate. There were two sushi entries, one of which tasted like a sweet BLT — bacon surrounded with peanut butter, herb goat cheese, figs, red pepper, and rice paper topped with an apple slice. The National Hotel was the first to run out of its dish: a made-while-you-watch bacon, scallop, and shrimp crab cake topped with a bacon sriracha aioli. One of my favorites that I should not have eaten seconds of (but did) was The Poor People Pub’s maple beignets: powdered-sugar coated fried rolls of dough layered with a sweet cream that had undetectable, but delectable, bacon bits. They were dangerously good.

The winner in my mind, however, was a simply made, bite-sized sample of awesomeness: a perfectly cooked smoked pork belly topped with corn relish, bacon cornbread crumble and pickled mustard seeds. It was difficult to hold — a little flimsy — but that delicate nature allowed it to melt in your mouth with a mix of flavors that made one think, “This is the essence of Bacon Fest.” Not surprisingly, Eli’s won the contest and earned a flaming pig trophy.

From there we walked to The Beachhead for our preregistered event, a $10 wine tasting with $1 oysters. I didn’t realize that in addition to the five wines, we’d also get snacks. I was still full from my second round of “tie-breaker” bacon samples, but I found room to sample their richly flavored crab cake and bruschetta, a refreshing burst of tomato and balsamic vinegar atop a crostini. Our first bartender, Michael, was the best. With his warm welcome, friendly demeanor and generous pour size, we relaxed before a picturesque ocean view and discussed baby names for Michael’s soon-to-be son. The white wines paired best with the oysters, but my favorite was the red Cabernet Sauvignon with hints of espresso and chocolate.

The day progressed from borderline indulgence to completely sinful gluttony. We hopped around, beginning with live music at The Old Island Pub and Rhode Island clam chowder (I had no idea there was such a thing!), $5 Bloody Marys and jalapeño margaritas from the Yellow Kittens, and a delicious chocolate banana mudslide to chase down not one, but two (because it was so delicious), New England clam chowders from The National Hotel. There may have also been a gelato thrown in there, too.

Needless to say, I slept quite well on the ferry ride home.

If you’re interested in experiencing the next Taste of Block Island, plan to attend in the fall, Sept 26 – 28, 2014! Also, mark your calendars for Block Island’s Restaurant Week beginning June 16.

Future Justice: The End of the World and I Feel Fine

Rhode Island director Richard Griffin premiered his new film Future Justice that has the look of a movie with a $10 million dollar budget, despite the real budget being a lot closer to $10,000.

Director Richard Griffin, perhaps Rhode Island’s most enthusiastic devotee of 1970s genre cinema, pays homage to the post-apocalyptic thriller in his most recent Future Justice that premiered at Lincoln Mall Cinemaworld on Sunday, May 18, to a sold-out house.

Striving to be as prolific as Roger Corman – a director with whom he would no doubt be honored to be mentioned in the same sentence – Griffin, under his independent Scorpio Film Releasing company, has directed his own simmering survey of schlock that is more entertaining than any film studies course, ranging from early romps with monsters (Creature from the Hillbilly Lagoon, 2005), thinly disguised political satire imagining a Buddy Cianci-like mayor as a vampire (Pretty Dead Things, 2006), and the “all-singing, all-dancing, all-dead” splatter musical (Splatter Disco, 2007), to more “mature” efforts – if that word can properly be applied to any Griffin film – involving Lovecraftian horror (Beyond the Dunwich Horror, 2008), nun-sploitation (Nun of That, 2009), and a disco-dancing womanizer simultaneously fending off a voodoo curse, nose candy and a lot of topless women (The Disco Exorcist, 2011).

In Future Justice, screenwriter Nat Sylva plays legendary political revolutionary “Python Diamond,” who is being transported back to earth in a military spaceship. Upon arrival, the crew discovers that the reason they were unable to communicate with their base is that a devastating war has occurred, leaving Asia completely uninhabitable and causing enough damage to North America that the few survivors are desperately foraging for food and shelter in a post-apocalyptic society where governments and laws have been wiped away. The fascination with the tropes of violent action-adventure apparently shared by Sylva and Griffin makes Walking Dead seem like a wimpy soap-opera by comparison.

Griffin enlists much of his usual repertory company of actors and regular collaborators, including musician-composer Daniel Hildreth and special-effects wizard John Dusek, to make a very tight drama that has the look of a movie with a $10 million budget, despite the real budget being a lot closer to $10,000. Early scenes of the spaceship in flight, while obviously computer-generated, look as good if not better than any similar scenes laid onto film prior to 2001: A Space Odyssey from 1968. The score is also impressive, evoking the sound of a 1970s view of the future. The film also perfectly nails the sets and props, among the hardest challenges in this kind of genre piece. Much of the film was shot on location in Pawtucket, making extensive use of its old mills and factories.

The commander of the military spaceship (Aaron Andrade) is committed to a life of hierarchical order and cannot understand or accept its disappearance. Diamond, having led a revolutionary force whose allegiance to him was a matter of choice, quickly realizes that he is more suited to the realities of the new situation than the commander. The crew (Dan Mauro, Tiffany Lee Ferris, Ronnie Suraci) begin to realize this as well, especially one of them (Elyssa Baldassarri), as the commander makes increasingly risky and inhumane decisions.

Eventually a crisis is reached as the crew takes refuge with some friendly survivors (Rich Tretheway, Anna Rizzo, Johnny Sederquist, Monica Saviolakis, Michael Thurber, Sean Leser, Sean Carufel, Jamie Lyn Bagley), one of whom has mentally collapsed into a childlike state (Casey Wright). They are threatened by a marauding band (Tobias Wilson, Christian Masters, Kevin Killavey) headed by the strangely named – and strangely spelled – “Gazeebo” (Steven O’Broin), who enlists the aid of an experienced thief and salvager disguised as a bag lady (Patricia Hawkridge). Eventually, yet another threat (Patrick Keeffe) appears who forces the former combatants to cooperate.

In a bit under an hour and a half, Griffin delivers some pretty amazingly solid entertainment that is surprisingly original for the post-apocalyptic genre, essaying neither the overly cerebral (La Jetée and everything influenced by it, from its remake 12 Monkeys to the Terminator series) nor the rehashed Western (the Mad Max series). A tolerably credible plot that avoids deus ex machina conventions of the genre, along with strong characters and a stellar performance from Sylva, turn in an enjoyable film that knows from the outset that it is not in contention for the Best Picture Academy Award, not even from 1979.

Python Diamond is a great character, an ambiguous hero whose intelligence and skills everyone acknowledges despite their own mistrust and hatred of him, and he has the potential to become the basis for a franchise if Sylva and Griffin are inclined to pursue a sequel. It’s technically a spoiler to say that Diamond survives at the end, but if you’re surprised by that single most obvious plot development, then you have no business watching this movie in the first place.

Future Justice pre-orders for DVD/Blu-ray discs, expected ship date June 30, 2014: scorpiofilmreleasing.squarespace.com/dvds/

Album of the Week: Troop of Echoes’ The Longest Year On Record

Listening to a brand new album from a band you haven’t seen play in ages is a lot like running into an old friend. Track by track, you catch up on things while seeing how much they’ve changed over the years. Hopefully, they impress you with every note. This is where the long-awaited new album from Providence experimental alternative jazz-rock act A Troop Of Echoes comes in. The Longest Year On Record shows that this amazing quartet of musical visionaries is back and here to stay after a little hiatus, and the timing couldn’t be better. In Providence the quality of music, art and creativity is at an all-time high, and A Troop Of Echoes’ new album reintroduces them to the local consciousness in the most emphatic way possible.

With the luxury of local sound engineer Graham Mellor (who has worked with the likes of Gov’t Mule and ZZ Top — no big deal) assisting in the recording process, there’s no wonder why the production on The Longest Year On Record is so good. The raw, sonic riffs from Nick Cooper’s guitar give the grit while Peter Gilli makes it smooth on sax and Dan Moriarty exudes sheer power on the drums. Add the solid bass licks from Harrison Hartley and you’ve got one hell of a band. Top it off with a few violins and cellos and you really have something special. The new album from A Troop Of Echoes never ceases to astound me with the depth of each song. Think of it as a trifle — each layer is something different, but all are equally delicious.

I’ve seen a few weird things lately: people wearing boots as hats, a restaurant named after a piece of revealing underwear, and drivers cutting people off without a care in the world. Okay, the cutting off thing isn’t really that weird since people in Providence see it every day, but I think you’d catch my drift. To take a break from the weirdness around you, dive into the top tracks off of my Album of the Week. Even if you like keeping it weird, you should still give it a shot. Anyways, here goes something:

Gilli starts it off with his sax on “Arecibo” and then a wall of sludge comes crashing down from Cooper’s guitar to do some serious brain-melting. The baroque pop of “Kerosene” is magnificently pleasant on a track that includes a xylophone, violin, cello and a full horn section. The starting number on the album, “Manifest and Legion,” can almost make your head cave in when Moriarty unleashes hell on the drums. I only named a few, but don’t you worry; The Longest Year On Record is one of the best albums you’ll ever hear coming out of The Creative Capital.

A Troop Of Echoes will embark on a tour of the midwest United States and parts of Canada starting with a super-duper secret nine-band show at the band’s practice space in Providence on June 14. They’ll be joining fellow Providence indie act Taperstries at Club K in Baltimore the following night, and will close out the tour at AS220 in Providence with Hannes Buder, Dylan Sevey and The Gentlemen, Bored With Four and Headless Nixon on June 24. If you go to any of these shows, grab a copy of The Longest Year On Record. Once you press play on this bad boy, you’ll never want to stop listening.

A Troop Of Echoes’ Website: atroopofechoes.com

Locale Profiles: The Revolving Door

Newport is known for its history; there are establishments that have been around since the 17th century, and the White Horse Tavern is known as the oldest tavern in America. Many restaurants in the area may be trying to preserve the essence of past centuries, but the Revolving Door, opened this winter, is built around a concept that guarantees to keep the cuisine original and exciting. The Revolving Door is the newest addition to the Bouchard restaurant/hotel group, conveniently located next to the water on Thames Street.

The restaurant employs visiting chefs, and each one brings a brand new menu of their own invention. The chefs are given residencies that last between two weeks and a month. Currently at the helm is Ezra Lewis, a Trinidadian and Tobogian chef whose resume includes positions cooking at the world-famous Augusta National Golf Club and the 41 North resort in Newport. Lewis’ creations for the current Revolving Door menu offer the finest in seafood, including tuna tartar black sesame toast, roasted Cornish hen and lobster, pan roasted scallops and salad, and king crab. To end the meal, Lewis makes a chocolate tart (“chocolate passion”) and a vanilla bean cheesecake with roasted nectarines.

Not everything at the restaurant is unpredictable; house chef Josh Berman, who previously worked in Mario Batali’s restaurant Del Posto, created a menu that’s always available including New York strip steak and shrimp scampi provincial, both with salad.

The Revolving Door will be a refreshing change from the usual old-world steakhouses, and the only thing you can guarantee cuisine-wise is that your meal will probably be awesome. The format of the Revolving Door will give foodies an irrefutable excuse to dine out every month, sometimes even more!

The Revolving Door is located at 509 Thames Street in Newport. If you’re a chef who is interested in participating, visit their website.

Freud’s Last Session Is Brilliant Theater

What would happen if you put two highly intellectual individuals in a room and let them debate the existence of God? Freud’s Last Session, a witty and provocative play by Mark St. Germain, isolates the legendary psychoanalyst Dr. Sigmund Freud and the author C.S. Lewis in Freud’s office for a riveting 60 minutes at Warren’s 2nd Story Theater. The show opened in previews on June 6 and runs through August 3.

Ed Shea, as Freud, and Wayne Kneeland, as Lewis, have electrifying chemistry as they argue over the existence of God, the meaning of the Bible, humor, sexuality and Freud’s plans for his own suicide. St. Germain’s dialogue is brilliant as it displays the different personalities of these two highly articulate and opinionated men. Freud acts on his intellect, not on emotions. Lewis was critical of Freud’s views and is not hesitant to debate him on religion and the nature of God. “I state the truth no matter who it outrages,” Freud says at one point.

Freud’s Last Session takes place in London at the outset of World War II, and air raid sirens frequently sound. Freud and Lewis listen to the radio for news updates, and the anxiety of living in a turbulent era clearly affects both men profoundly. Their essential vulnerabilities are exposed as they seek solace from the violence erupting all around them. But despite this stark drama, there is a great amount of humor in the play.

Director Pat Hegnauer created a fast-paced show that challenges the audience to reconsider their own views toward many subjects, including religion, and there is an effective moment at the end of the play where Freud reveals his chat with Lewis allowed him also to reconsider one of his views. It is just one of many reasons to witness Freud’s Last Session.

For tickets, contact 2nd Story Theatre at 401-247-4200. Red Bandana Fund to Recognize Henry Shelton and Providence Student Union

On June 8, look for the gathering of friends, Rhode Island College educators, progressives, folkies and family members of the late Richard J. Walton, who come to the Red Bandana Award to pay homage and remember him. With his prominent, long white beard and red bandana, decked out in blue jean overalls and wearing a baseball cap, Walton was a dedicated advocate of worker rights and committed to the nurturing of young people as a college professor at Rhode Island College. He gave hundreds of hours of service every month to organizations including Amos House, the George Wiley Center, Providence Niquinhomo Sister City Project, the Green Party and Stone Soup Folk Arts Foundation. The Red Bandana Fund was also created to be a legacy to help sustain Rhode Island’s community of individuals and organizations that embody the lifelong peace and justice ideas of Walton. Through the Red Bandana Fund, an annual financial award will be made to an organization or individual whose work best represents the ideals of peace and social justice that exemplify Walton’s life work. Stephen Graham, a member of the committee organizing the fundraiser, a very close friend of Walton’s and a retired community activist, noted that 12 nominations were received. “There were many deserving nominations, all of which one could make an excellent argument for the award,” he said. “After much deliberation and agonizing, the Red Bandana Fund decided to give not one, but two awards,” continued Graham. “Awards will be given to longtime community activist and hell-raiser, Henry Shelton, and the other to the passionate, unrelenting organizing workers called the Providence Student Union (PSU),” he says, noting that their work embodies the spirit and work of Walton, a well- known social activist in the Rhode Island area who died in 2012. “Richard would have loved the choices.” The Red Bandana Fund celebration takes place on Sunday, June 8 at Nick-a-Nees, 75 South St. in Providence from 4 to 7pm. The event is open to the public and donations are accepted. Shelton, a former Catholic priest and long-time director of the Pawtucket-based George Wiley Center, is known throughout the region for his steadfast commitment to bettering the lives of all Rhode Islanders, especially the poor and disadvantaged. As a longtime advocate for the needy, he has been a fixture on the streets and at the statehouse for decades, advocating for fairness in housing, public transportation and medical care. “It is not an understatement to say that Shelton is the conscience of this state and has been for a long, long time,” says Graham, noting that there was no way Shelton could be ignored. The committee also honored a new generation of young people working to make a better world, added Graham. So, the Red Bandana Fund also recognizes the PSU for its groundbreaking work done in addressing important issues of education in creative and powerful ways. The PSU is an important voice in the debate over the value of high-stakes testing, challenging the NECAP tests as a requirement for graduation, and has forced officials and politicians to address their concerns, he said. “It is their commitment to grass-roots organizing and social change, at such a young age, that has earned them the recognition and thanks of the Red Bandana Fund and for all those fighting for justice in today’s society,” says Graham. Coming up with a name for Walton’s fundraiser was tied to his unique fashion sense and was the idea of his daughter Cathy Barnard and Richard, her brother. Like most people, Richard had a vivid, visual image of his father, who had long white hair and beard, being known for wearing his trademark worn blue jean overalls, a red bandana and Stone Soup baseball cap. After Walton died his close friends came over to his house and wanted one of his red bandanas to remember him. Thus, the red bandana became the perfect moniker and recognition for the annual fundraiser. Says Bill Harley, also on the organizing committee, The Red Bandana Fund is a continuation of Walton’s tradition of having an annual birthday bash – usually held the first Sunday in June, to raise money for Amos House & the Providence-Niquinohomo Sister City Project and other progressive causes. Over 24 years, Walton had raised over $40,000 for these favorite charities, attracting hundreds of people each year including the state’s powerful political and media elite to his family compound located at Pawtuxet Cove in Warwick. “We hope all the people who attended Richard’s parties in the past [1988 to 2011] will show up for the event and you can bring your favorite dish for the potluck,” said Bill Harley, a member of the selection committee. “This is our second year giving the award,” adds Harley. “We chose the awardees from a great list of nominations, and decided to acknowledge both young organizers, and one of our long-time heroes. Too often, the people who are in the trenches working for us don’t get recognized. We hope the Award begins to address that shortcoming.” According to Graham, “Last year’s event was more of a concert and tribute to Walton.” Over 300 people attended the inaugural Red Bandana fundraising event in 2013 at Shea High School, raising more than $11,000 from ticket sales, a silent auction and raffle. At this event, the first recipient, Amos House, received $1,000, he said. Graham says the well-known nonprofit was chosen because of its very long relationship with Walton. He was a founding board member, serving for over 30 years, and board chair for a number of years. For almost three decades, the homeless advocate spent an overnight shift with the men who lived in the 90- Day Shelter Program each Thursday bringing them milk and cookies. Each Friday morning he would make pancakes and eggs in the soup kitchen for hundreds of men and women who came to eat a hot meal. As to getting this year’s Red Bandana Fund off the ground, Harley says, “It’s been a year of fits and starts to make this thing work. I believe that the establishment of this award, and the honoring of people on a yearly basis, will help us build a community here that can transform our culture. It’s a little thing, but down the road, I can envision this award meaning more and more to recipients, and to the community those recipients come from.” Walton touched people’s lives, said Rick Wahlberg, one of the organizers. “Everyone had such an interesting story to tell about Richard,” he stated, noting that the Warwick resident, known as a social activist, educator, humanitarian, very prolific writer, and a co-founder of Pawtucket’s Stone Soup Coffee House “made everyone feel that they had a very special, close relationship with him.” Like last year’s inaugural event, Wahlberg expects to see many of Walton’s friends at the upcoming June 8 fundraiser. He and others attending will view this event as a “gathering of the clan” since those attending will be Walton’s extended Rhode Island family. So, block out some time on your busy Sunday. Come to the Red Bandana Fund event to remember our good old friend Richard Walton, and support his legacy and positive impact in making Rhode Island a better place to live and work. Enjoy the gathering of caring people who come to recognize the advocacy efforts of Shelton and the PSU to carry on Walton’s work. Core participants in organizing this year’s Red Bandana Fund include Bill Harley, Stephen Graham, Jane Falvey, and Barbara and Rick Wahlberg. Other participants include Jane Murphy, Jodi Glass, Cathy Barnard and Richard Walton, Jr. For more information about donating to The Red Bandana Fund, go to soup.org/page1/- RedBandana.html. Alt Nation: Summer Shows

The best of alt rock in Rhode Island all summer

I thought this winter was hard, but this stretch of early April-like weather has been just furthering the frustration of waiting for summer to come again. I’ll let someone else worry about climate change because talking to the people that harp on either side of that debate is just painful. Instead I’m going to crank up my summer playlist, which always starts with The Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Summer in the City,” and go through a list of all the shows coming to the area that I’m excited for! So grab your Del’s, iced coffee, sunscreen, crank up the tunes, and get ready to get dirty and gritty! Stanatron mixes video and music for what should be a night of hypnotic ambient music. The music will be performed by a couple of seasoned veterans, Kraig Jordan and Bob Kendall. The performance includes a 49-minute film as well as Jordan and Kendall performing. The music is a departure from the more conventional songwriting of some their other projects. Think pre-Dark Side of The Moon Pink Floyd but more ambient and less structure. There is a 75-minute LP available now at 75orlessrecords.com.Stanatron will perform June 14 at the Jamestown Art Center. The English Beat return to play West Warwick. Geez, never thought I’d write those words. The English Beat had one foot in the ‘80s new wave and the other foot in two tone ska. They had top 10 hits with a cover of “Tears Of a Clown,” “Mirror in The Bathroom,” and“Too Nice to Talk to.” It’s always a risk with older bands that don’t have much as far as original members, but having seen them several times in recent years in both conventional (Lupo’s) and unconventional venues (The Foundry building), I’ll vouch that The English Beat are still money for a good time. Fun fact about The English Beat is their name changes depending what continent they are on. In Europe they are known as The Beat and when in Australia they are The British Beat.The English Beat, The Stone Unturned, The Copacetics, and Rad Thursdays at Manchester 65, West Warwick June 21. Bob Kendall returns with follow up to his last release, Midnight Flower (75orLessRecords). The new record has a decidedly Americana feel. I like the dark atmosphere on the opening track “Stay.” “Pall Mall Days” has kind of a folk feel, which I dig here. “You Can’t Have Everything” has kind of an Irish folk beat that I could see generating some good sing-a-longs at shows. The optimistic “New Day” is probably my favorite on the line, maybe just for the lyric, “If you lose your mind, don’t let it get to you.” Much of the record seems to be bridging ‘60s stuff like The Byrds with more modern influences like Uncle Tupelo and Wilco. This record is also available through the 75orLessRecords website. The CD release show is at one of the best laid back places to catch a show, The Narrows. The venue installed an air conditioning system last year so one no longer has to worry about being trapped in the sweat fest that old factory buildings can become in late June. Bob Kendall Band and Smith&Weeden will rock The Narrows in Fall River on June 20th. Liberty Fest. The big news here is for the first time ever, Liberty Fest will not be in Smith Hill. Liberty Fest simply had outgrown the neighborhood and the last few years it was touch and go as to whether it would even happen. Not this year, Liberty Fest will happen at… Dusk on Harris Ave. in Providence. The music is scheduled to kick off around 2pm on July 4 and will run all night! The organizers secured some sponsorships that will enable them to continue the tradition of having Liberty Fest completely free! Featuring performances by Cannibal Ramblers, Vudu Sister, Boo City, Denver Boot, Tinsel Teeth, Tapestries, Pixels, Jacques Le Coque. Gym Shorts, Reziztanze, Little Foot, Lolita Black, Paraplegics, M.O.T.O. (no later than 9pm), Thee Fabulous Itchies (after 5pm and no later than 9pm), Swan Point, The Quahogs, Way Out, Beneath the Sphinx, Funeral Advantage, Cavetones, The Frenzy of Tongs, Teazer, Yah beautiful, and Olneyville Sound System. Swamp Stomp returns for the 7th year to North Kingston near the entrance of The Great Swamp. For legal reasons, we can’t divulge the exact location in print, but all that information can be attained by contacting the kind folks at The Roots Hoot that run Swamp Stomp. I’ve never had the chance to attend Swamp Stomp for one reason or another, but no other event has turned me on to so many great bands without ever attending. A partial list of some of the bands that have played past Swamp Stomps that I later discovered includes The Bottle Rockets, Lydia Loveless, Patrick Sweany, and Toy Soldiers. This year’s lineup promises more great times with Ha Ha Tonka (Springfield, MO) and J.P. Harris & The Tough Choices (Nashville, TN) on board as the national headliners. The grounds open at 1pm and it’s pretty much a twangy rock ‘n’ roll picnic in a gorgeous setting. It is the ultimate backwoods yard party. Swamp Stomp returns to The Great Swamp of North Kingston on July 12. fb.com/events/670579096314750 Queens of the Stone Age. The French celebrate Bastille Day on July 14, which started essentially as a prison riot. This year Providence will have their own stoner metal riot with the return of Queens of the Stone Age. One of the best live bands out there somehow still manages to get airplay given the sorry state of commercial radio. Their last album …Like Clockwork was one of last year’s best. I caught them a few times over the years, most recently last December in Boston, and it’s just an audio mesmerizing assault of sound and precision. It doesn’t hurt that Josh Homme can write a hook in his unique uneasy style. If you are not at the beach and like loud guitars, you’d be a fool to miss this! Don’t be a fool. Queens of the Stone Age will rock the Providence Performing Arts Center like it’s never been rocked before on July 14. Electric Six have been my favorite band to go see for about the last decade. Mix KISS rocking pomp with disco and throw in some Talking Heads as a chaser. Electric Six exploded onto the scene with their first record, Fire, in 2001 backed by tunes like “Gay Bar” (YouTube the video) and Danger High Voltage (with the infamous “fire in the disco, fire in the Taco Bell” lyrics and Jack White cameo). Since then the world has changed, but Electric Six has stayed the same as far as never gaining or losing popularity. Electric Six continue to release records annually and built up set lists filled with should-have-been-hits like “Down At McDonnelzzz” (celebrating those afterhours takeovers of fast food joints), “Future is in the Future” (commiserating “if money talks then I’m a mime” and celebrating “karaoke all night long, Macarena till the break of dawn”), and “I Buy the Drugs” (where they provide a PO Box address to send your orders). You won’t find a more charismatic front man in rock ‘n roll than Electric Six’s Dick Valentine. You also won’t find a better live band for booty shaking rock ‘n’ roll. Electric Six, Ravi Shavi, VulGarrity, and Satellites Fall bring the fire in the disco to Fête on July 21. Newport Folk Fest and Deer Tick post-Fest Parties. The last weekend in July is forever reserved on my calendar for the Newport Folk Fest. It’s amazing how the Folk Festival has grown to be so much more than a “folk” festival, incorporating all different types of music. Not to mention adding a third day with a full lineup on Friday. This year I’m picking one non-headliner from each day to check out because there is so much great music going on at once that it helps to have a guide. On Friday I recommend reggae legend Jimmy Cliff. My pick for Saturday is the acoustic barnstorming husband and wife tandem, Shovels & Rope. Sunday’s pick is Lucero, who mix Americana whiskey-soaked blues, rock, and soul to stir the heart. If you can get tickets for Deer Tick’s after party at the Newport Blues Café, grab them! Those are some of the best shows of the weekend. Newport Folk Fest returns to Fort Adams State Park July 25th -27th. Deer Tick parties afterward at the Newport Blues Café. Beck must have enjoyed his time in RI last summer for the Folk Festival because he’s back after not playing the state for probably 15 years before last year. Heck, Beck even hung around town for a few days after the festival and practiced at Lupo’s before heading out on tour. Beck’s touring behind a new album, Morning Phase, which is more of an acoustic album. Beck is really so talented that he can do whatever the hell he wants up there and I’d still go. He still plays the old hits like “Loser” and “Where It’s At,” as well as songs from throughout his career. It’s going to make for some tough choices with the Folk Festival and Deer Tick all happening the same day. Beck hits the Providence Performing Arts Center on July 26th. Everlast. Few in music have had a weirder career track than Everlast, who went from rapping as part of House of Pain on the mega hit “Jump Around” to an acoustic singer songwriter winning Grammys for a Carlos Santana collaboration, “Put Your Lights on.” I still think the coolest thing Everlast did was get into a feud with Eminen that had them dissing each other back and forth in song. Expect the acoustic troubadour Everlast at Manchester 65 and the truth is he is pretty good at that. I even own an album or two. Plus, who would have thought when Everlast was winning Grammys that he’d ever be playing West Warwick? Everlast and Kris Hansen & Big Jon Tierney play Manchester 65 on July 27th. Milltown Fest. This has to be the toughest weekend of choices in RI history. Milltown Fest is rolling into Fête and it makes the list only because Nashville Pussy is playing. Their shows at the old Met Café with their old fire breathing Amazon bassist, Corey Parks, were some of the most memorable I’ve attended. Straight up sleazy white trash rock ‘n’ roll performed to perfection. Nashville Pussy’s newest album, Up The Dosage, stands up to anything in their catalogue. In fact, one of the tracks, “The South is Too Fat to Rise Again” may be my favorite Nashville Pussy tune. Milltown Fest featuring performances by Nashville Pussy, Filth on The Floor and much more will go down at Fête on July 27th. Supersuckers. The self proclaimed greatest band in rock ‘n’ roll, Supersuckers return for what promises to be another night of raucous mayhem. The Supersuckers act doesn’t really change much from year to year, but they do the punk meets outlaw country act well. I do miss the days when Eddie Spaghetti and the boys were more of an unknown and there was some element of surprise to their set. That said, they don’t exactly suck either. By the end of the night it is a safe bet that everybody will be smiling and swaying while singing along to “Pretty F***ed Up”. Supersuckers, The McGunks, and The Skinny Millionaires rock Manchester 65 on August 2nd. Email music news to [email protected] Summer Music Festival Therapy

It’s that time again — as the sun spends more time in the sky and the grass comes back to life, so does the world of music festivals. Magic happens in these places, which is apparent when you witness people congregating to celebrate the music they love and creating a bond through the appreciation they share. Life’s about having new experiences and a festival is a pretty easy one to check off the bucket list. Are you feeling a little lost lately? Maybe a festival is just what you need. There’s an opportunity almost every weekend in the summer, so embrace this amazing chance for music, light and love. You might elevate yourself to a new mindset.

Strangecreek in Greenfield, Mass., is the unofficial start of the festivals in New England. Thousands of people have caught on to this phenomenon over the past 12 years and their connection to this place is a strong one. People come from all around with smiles on their faces and proudly call it their home for four days. They set up camping villages in the woods with like-minded music lovers. Also known as Wormtown, the property has multiple stages with over 80 performers throughout the weekend and late night cabins with performances until the sun rises. An array of vendors sell unique clothing, artwork and jewelry. An eternal bonfire burns the duration of the weekend, keeping the music souls attending the festival warm and together. These are just a few elements that make this event special. Many parts of a festival are amazingly indescribable; you must pursue it yourself to learn more.

Festivals hold a unique energy that can help you find meaning in life. Because music is a natural antidepressant, these getaways are equivalent to a happiness retreat. They’re a form of paradise. When people have a few days to decompress and enjoy themselves, their attitudes and perspectives change. Something changes in us when we dance like no one is looking — being at a music festival lets your soul breathe. People express themselves in the most unique of ways. Festival goers wear wild costumes and adorn themselves with body paint, and you can see your friends’ inner personalities express themselves like never before. Many people enjoy this time so much that they skip sleep to embrace the entire experience. And here’s the funny thing: When people are truly happy they tend to be more open and giving. They loosen their judgments and predispositions. If you go, you may find yourself in the middle of a glorious field bonding with new friends in a blow up pool, while listening to the best music. You might even fall in love for the weekend.

Your amazing moment is out there if you’re willing to let go of what you know as yourself and grab onto the bond that music provides. For many of us it starts with Strangecreek, but it does not end there. Let your soul open itself to something new and come to a music festival. I’ll be right there with you.

Roots Report: Find Great Music and Then Look for More

Music Events for the Entire Summer

Okee dokee folks … I leave it to you to decide where to get your entertainment information, but realize that other papers may overlook a lot of great events. I’m going to try to be as inclusive as possible. My friend Melanie Moore, who can often be seen dancing in her gypsy garb to the music of local bands, wrote, “There’s some great music out there waiting to be found. And when you find it, keep looking because there will be more. Find it. Let it find you. Dance to it, sing with it, feel it, soak your weary bones in it. Let it be your drug. Go out and see a live band you’ve never seen before. Fall into their groove. Feed your soul with their art. One of the best feelings in my world is that first hit of new music moving through my body finding its way to my soul.”

I couldn’t have said this better. I will include as much as I can, but there will always be something else out there to find. In the meantime you can start here. Ready? Begin!

Just June If you wanna kick up yer heels, git yer butt to the College Hill Contra Dance at the Community Church of Providence located 372 Wayland Ave. Elwood Donnelly does the callin’ on Friday, June 6 (ProvidenceContra.com). At The Coffee Depot open mic in Warren on Friday, June 6, the feature is Deanna Merchant and Tom Farley. They close out their season with The Rebel Kellys on June 13. One of my biggest musical influences, Aztec Two-Step, will be at The Met on Saturday, June 7. The show will include Aztec fan favorites, selections from their Simon & Garfunkel Songbook show and their tribute to The Everly Brothers. At The Local Brew Coffeehouse on the 7th, Len Cabral joins Bay Spring Folk for a night of expressive storytelling woven with traditional music. Local Brew Coffeehouse happens at the Bay Spring Community Center on 170 Narragansett Ave. in Barrington (facebook.com/LocalBrew). The 7th brings Bluegrass sensations Cold Chocolate to the Wamsutta Club, 427 County St. in New Bedford (wepecket.com). Also on June 7, at 8:30pm, The RI Songwriters Association (RISA) hosts the final Saturday Songwriter Session before the summer break. This session features Lisa Martin, Junko Ogawa and Annalise Emerick. RISA and The Church Street Coffeehouse in Warren present the annual Women of RISA show on June 14 at 8pm. On the bill are host Jan Luby, Kala Farnham, Kayla Ringelheim, and Amy Herrera (RISongwriters.com). At Pearl Restaurant and Lounge on Charles St. in Providence on June 7, Ursula George celebrates the early 20th century jazz and blues of the women of the black vaudeville era.

The Red Bandana Fund is proud to name Henry Shelton and the Providence Student Union as the recipients of the Red Bandana Award for 2014. The Award honors individuals and groups whose work embodies the spirit and work of Richard Walton, a longtime activist in Rhode Island who died in 2012. The awards will be presented on June 8 at Nick-a-Nees, 75 South St. in Providence, from 4 to 7pm. The event is open to the public and is family-friendly. As a longtime director of the George Wiley Center, Henry Shelton is known throughout the region for his steadfast commitment to bettering the lives of all Rhode Islanders, especially the poor and disadvantaged. The committee also recognized the groundbreaking work done by the Providence Student Union in addressing important issues of education in creative and powerful ways. Music will be provided by Mary Ann Rossoni, Bill Harley, Dylan Harley, Phil Edmonds and Chris Thompson (facebook.com/RedBandanaFund).

Melissa Etheridge does her thing, solo, at the Zeiterion in New Bedford on June 9 (zeiterion.org). If you miss Melissa, Sherri Lynne sings the Melissa Etheridge songbook at Deville’s on June 27 (facebook.com/devillescafe). Conquer your trixadexaphobia and get to the Skyline Lounge of Lang’s Bowlarama for Tammy Laforest and The Dust Ruffles, and Justin Davis and Just Express. If you haven’t figured it out, that is Friday the 13th (of June). Tammy is celebrating the release of her brand new CD, Copper. An open mic will follow the show (TammyLaforest.com). Also on the 13th, Voices Under Cover features the songs of Lucinda Williams as sung by the award-winning singer-songwriters Allysen Callery, Heather Rose, Becky Chace, and Tracie Potochnik. This is an encore of last year’s show and will be held at the Courthouse Center for the Arts in West Kingston (HearInRhodeIsland.com). On June 14, Music at Lily Pads presents a special concert featuring the 14-member ensemble Mother Falcon from Austin, The Family Crest from San Francisco, and Brooklyn’s Christopher Paul Stelling. This will be evening of original songs with rich instrumentation and vocals, and bands that bring symphonic orchestration into contemporary music (musicatlilypads.org). Dean Petrella of the Complaints steps out for a rare solo acoustic performance on June 14 at 8pm. The free show will be held at Alibi Café located at 18 Bassett St. in Providence (TheComplaints.com).

If you are looking for a great outdoor music festival without having to travel hours to find it, The Blackstone River Theatre Summer Solstice Festival returns to Diamond Hill Park in Cumberland on Saturday, June 21. Five stages focus on Celtic and world music, dance and culture. Featured performers include Burning Bridget Cleary, Cantrip (from Scotland), Aoife Clancy, Eastern Medicine Singers (Algonquin drum, song and dance), The Gnomes, Matt & Shannon Heaton, Laurel Martin, Mark Roberts & Kieran Jordan, Robbie O’Connell, the Panache Quartet, Pendragon, Harvey Reid & Joyce Andersen, and Torrin Ryan & Mark Oien. There will also be nonstop Irish step dance featuring Tir Na Nog Irish Dance as well as participatory set dancing with Devine’s Diner. Also returning will be the after-festival music session back at the Blackstone River Theatre at 8:30pm (RiverFolk.org).

The 39th Annual RI PrideFest and Illuminated Night Parade takes place Saturday June 21. Starting at noon on South Water St. in Providence, catch performances that include Poppy Champlin, Heather Rose In Clover, Aiden James, drag queens and more (PrideRI.com). Other Pride-related events will take place at Deville’s in Providence on June 20 with Karyn Oliver, and on the 21st there will be a block party with Sister Funk.

If you want some fun for once in your life, you are in luck. The Schemers will play a reunion show on June 27 at The Met (TheMetRI.com). The 100 Watt Suns and Longshot Voodoo are at the Courthouse Center for the Arts, Saturday, June 28 at 8pm (CourthouseArts.org).

Just July On July 3, check out East Providence’s fireworks and the music of Kicking Hole and Crushed Velvet at Pierce Memorial Field. The 1st annual Bluegrass on the Pawtuxet Festival happens July 4 – 6 at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston. Some of the scheduled performers are Blues Highway, Steeldrivers, Tony Trischka & Great Big World, Pete and Joan Wernick, the Carter Brothers, Suzahn Fiering, The Kropp Dusters, and George Harper. Master class workshops, indoor and outdoor jams, and a farmer’s market are all part of it (AngryLobsterEvents.com). One of your best “bang for the buck” folk festivals around is the The New Bedford Folk Festival. The 2014 festival will feature top contemporary, traditional and Celtic folk music on seven stages from Saturday July 5 through Sunday July 6. Featured among the nearly 50 musical acts are Barbo, Beaucoup Blue, Craig Bickhardt, Benoit Bourque, Kate Campbell, Ronny Cox, Joe Crookston, Chrissy Crowley, Cliff Eberhardt, Jonathan Edwards, Marina Evans, Gail Finnie, Bob Franke, Vance Gilbert, John Gorka, Grace and the RSO, Bill Harley, Matt and Shannon Heaton, Anne Hills, Pete and Maura Kennedy, Mike Laureanno, Christine Lavin, Zoë Lewis, The Murphy Beds, New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Chorus, Chris Pahud, Poor Old Shine, Hayley Reardon, RUNA, Chris Smither, Devon Sproule, Spuyten Duyvil, Art Tebbetts, Steve Tilston, Jeff Warner, and Don White. The festival is located in the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center and the Whaling National Historical Park in New Bedford (NewBedfordFolkFestival.com). Swamp Stomp 7 takes place on Saturday, July 12 in the swampy, back woods of West Kingston with performances by Ha Ha Tonka, JP Harris & the Tough Choices; Girls, Guns & Glory; and Smith & Weeden (brownpapertickets.com/event/666795). Set aside your beach blankets and coolers this summer at the North Kingstown Town Beach and enjoy the Family Summer Concert Series. All shows start at 6:30pm. July 10 is Ben Rudnick and Friends, July 17 is Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys, July 24 is Stacey Peasley, July 31 is Toe Jam Puppet Band (NKArtsCouncil.org). Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche pop into Music At Lily Pads on July 20 (musicatlilypads.org). If you’re into a road trip (3 hours), some camping, and a who’s who of Bluegrass in the Catskill Mountains, then get away to the Grey Fox Bluegrass festival on July 17 – 20 at the Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, NY for Nickel Creek, Del McCoury Band,Carolina Chocolate Drops, Gibson Brothers, Tim O’Brien & Darrell Scott, Keller Williams w/Travelin’ McCourys and more (greyfoxbluegrass.com). From July 25 – 27 it’s the Newport Folk Festival with acts such as Band of Horses, Jimmy Cliff, Nickel Creek, Mavis Staples, and Jeff Tweedy (newportfolk.org). The sixth Annual Newport BridgeFest happens July 28 – 31. BridgeFest is a four-night celebration of local music and musical events at various local venues throughout Newport County “bridging” the world famous Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals (NewportBridgeFest.com).

Just August August 1 – 3 brings back the Newport Jazz Festival with Wynton Marsalis, Trombone Shorty, Bobby McFerrin, Dr. John, David Sanborn and more (newportjazzfest.org). A Blues Barbecue Bash at the Salon Concert Series takes place at the Wamsutta Club in New Bedford on August 2. Featured is Mississippi Bluesman Sherman Lee Dillon (wepecket.com). The AS220 FOO FEST takes place in Providence on August 9 (AS220.org). The best festival (party) of the year is the Rhythm and Roots Festival at Ninigret Park in Charlestown, August 29 – 31. This year’s festival includes Steve Riley and the Mamu Playboys, The Duhks, Sarah and the Tallboys, The Travelin’ McCourys, CJ Chenier, Donna the Buffalo and more (RhythmandRoots.com). There are also some sporadic free outdoor concerts at Ninigret Park. On July 13 at 5:30 it’s David Gerald and on August 24 it’s Forever Young (charlestownri.org).

Just September The first annual Providence Folk Festival will take place at Roger Williams Memorial in PVD on September 7. Catch two stages of music by some of the best local and regional performers (HearInRhodeIsland.com). The 6th annual Sidy Maiga’s West African drum and dance festival, Afrika Nyaga, is bringing musicians and artists from across New England and West Africa to perform. On September 20, Sidy Maiga’s West African drum and dance festival includes a daytime drum circle and African dance that is great for both children and adults. AfriManding and Oumou Sangare will also be performing (afrikanyaga.com).

Summer Series The Downtown Sundown Series is now in its fourth year and gains steam with every show. Performances are free, start at 7pm and run until 9:30pm at Roger Williams National Memorial on North Main St. in Providence. Experience an outdoor coffeehouse! This year’s schedule: In the event of rain, the concerts will be held in the visitor center. On Saturday, June 21 will be Steve Allain, Emma Joy Galvin, Tracie Potochnik, Lisa Couto and Ray Cooke. On Saturday, July 12 will be Kala Farnham, Heather Rose, Kristen and J, and Rank Strangers. On Saturday, July 26 will be Jesse and Jack Gauthier, Dan Lilley and Scatman, Lisa Markovich, and Bethel Steele. On Saturday, August 9 will be Michelle Cruz, Lily Faith Milne, Dylan Sevey, and Vudu Sister. On Saturday, August 23 will be Marc Douglas Berardo, Allysen Callery, Bob Kendall and Ed McGuirl (HearInRhodeIsland.com).

The Newport Concert Series (formerly the Newport Sunset Festival) keeps upping the ante and bringing in more great shows! Every year local performers play the Point Stage (PS) as the opening, opening act. Get there early to check them out. On June 19 will be Dierks Bentley with Lisa Martin at PS, on June 20 will be Ziggy Marley with Louis Leeman at PS, on July 6 will be KC and the Sunshine Band with Heather Rose at PS, on July 12 will be John Hiatt and Robert Cray with Ed McGuirl at PS, on July 13 will be Yes with Steve Allain on PS, on July 18 will be Barenaked Ladies with Bob Kendall on PS, on July 25 will be The Machine (Pink Floyd tribute w/ laser show) with Joe Auger at PS, on August 1 will be Three Doors Down with Emma Joy Galvin at PS, on August 6 will be Boz Scaggs with Lisa Couto & Ray Cooke at PS, on August 10 will be Gregg Allman with Dean DePalma at PS, on August 14 will be Josh Turner with Tracie Potochnik at PS, on August 16 will be the Beach Boys with Joe Silva at PS, on September 20 will be Chris Young with Michelle Lewis at PS. More shows will be added (newportwaterfrontevents.com).

Newport Rocks the Fort at Sundown. On Thursdays there are free concerts on the north lawn at Fort Adams in Newport. Starting at 6pm and ending shortly after sunset, talented musicians and other performers from Newport and beyond will share their talent. On June 19 is Red Eye Flight and Peter Warburton; on June 26 is The Steamahs; on July 3 is The Conversation and Sundown Big Cat Blues; on July 10 is James Ragland, Anne Marie and Rich Davis; on July 17 is We Own Land and friends; on August 7 is Andy & Judy, Matt Bruneau & Leslie Grimes; on August 14 is Acoustik Nyte and Black Jade; on August 21 is Lisa Couto & Ray Cooke, Ed McGuirl and company; on August 28 is Triple Threat Blues Crusade; and on September 4 is The Merge & Friends. Each evening will be hosted by local comedians and other talents. The concerts will include casual food from local vendors as well as alcohol service ([email protected].)

Summer Mash On the first Tuesday of every month, from 7 to 10pm, an open mic is held at Sandywoods Center for the Arts in Tiverton. Other highlights at Sandywoods this summer include on June 7 – The Tarbox Ramblers; on June 21 – Allysen Callery, Ryan Lee, and Lys Guillorn; on June 27 – Debra Mann Quintet; on July 4 – Laurel Casey; on July 5 – Little Compton Band and Four Bridges; on July 23 – Village Harmony; on July 26 – Session Americana; on August 2 – Aine Minogue; and on August 22 – Jen Chapin (sandywoodsmusic.com).

The Mediator Stage keeps going all summer with host Don Tassone. Features are as follows: June 5 – Jim Tata; June 12 – Joel Greene and Deep Waters; June 19 – Bill Nottage; June 26 — Bob Fitzgerald; July 10 – Charlie Cover; July 17 – Fred FJ Round Two Meltzer; July 24 – Kari Tieger; July 31 – Tammy Laforest; August 7 –TBA; August 14 – Athan Phynix; August 21 – RISING Student Songwriters; and August 28 – Rick & Hannah Mariotti (facebook.com/mediatorstage). The Greenwich Odeum presents Kind of Blue – A Tribute to Miles Davis on July 12 and Jim Carpenter with the Hoolios on July 19. The Odeum is located at 59 Main St. in East Greenwich (TheOdeum.org).

The Towers in Narragansett keeps a summer tradition of dancing near the ocean alive every Thursday night until September. It starts June 12 with Eight to the Bar, on June 19 is The Revelers, on June 26 is The Superchief Trio, on July 10 is Reminisce, on July 17 is James Montgomery, on July 24 is Li’l Anne and the Hot Cayenne, on August 7 is Roger Ceresi, and on August 21 is Firecracker Jazz Band. Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys will do their annual show at the Towers. Check website for the date (TheTowersRI.com).

Every Sunday till someone tells them to stop it’s the Return Of The Son of the Classic Open Mic with Host Joe Auger. It happens Sundays at 7:30pm in the Fatt Squirrel (formerly The Century Lounge and The Roi) at 150 Chestnut St., Providence. The Northwest Farmers Market at the Peterson Farm (just past Stick’s Tavern) on Route 44 in Chepachet will host music performances during the market hours of 11am – 2pm. Artists such as Dan Lilley, Malyssa Bellarosa, Jacob Haller and more can be heard among the fruits and veggies. The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) has some great shows to lure you inside on a hot summer night. The legendary Ringo Starr brings his all-star band to PVD on June 15, Crosby, Stills and Nash are back on July 15, Beck odelays in on July 26, and Jackson Browne plays a solo, acoustic show on August 20 (ppacri.org). On the lawn at the Meeting House of Tiverton Four Corners Arts, it’s their Concert and Food Truck Summer Shows. On June 29 is Smith and Weeden with The Little Compton Band, on July 27 is Kate Grana & Friends and on August 3 is WindSync (FourCornersArts.org). Also, the 27th annual Tiverton Four Corners Arts & Artisan Festival takes place at The Mill Pond location on Saturday, July 19 with music by Gary Fish, the Little Compton Band and other local favorites (ArtsandArtisanFestival.com).

At Manchester 65 in W. Warwick on June 13 is Melissa Ferrick and Mary Ann Rossoni; on June 14 is The Toasters, w/ Oshun Roots, Bad Larry, Sweet Babylon; on June 15 is Simone Felice w/ Able Thought, Brian Recupero; on June 21 is The English Beat, w/ The Copacetics, Rad, The Stone Unturned; on June 22 is Mary Day Band, Jury; on June 26 is Jamestown Revival, The Wind & The Wave, Kris Orlowski; on July 13 is Maggie Rose, Michelle Cruz; on July 27 is Everlast; on August 1 is Tyler Ward w/ Gary Palumbo, Christina Holmes, Como Brothers; on August 9 is Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad; and on August 15 is Bobby Carlson & Stones River (Manchester65.com).

At Chan’s in Woonsocket: June 7 is Popa Chubby, June 13 is New Orleans Trombonist Glen David Andrews, June 14 is Jon Butcher Axis Celebrating the Music of Jimi Hendrix, June 19 is Curtis Salgado, June 20 is Chris Thomas King, June 21 is Dennis Gruenling & Doug Deming Band, June 27 is Brian Maes Band, June 28 is Joe Moss, July 11 is Jimmy Thackery & the Drivers, July 12 is Sue Foley & Peter Karp, July 18 is Commander Cody, July 19 is Fat City, July 26 is Duke Robillard, August 1 is Chris Cain & Debbie Davies, August 7 is Tinsley Ellis, August 8 is Roomful of Blues, August 15 is Matt Schofield, August 29 is Reverend Raven & The Chain Smoking Altar Boys, and August 30 is Coco Montoya (ChansEggRollsandJazz.com). Every Sunday afternoon at Small Axe Café, located on the grounds among the emus, chickens and goats at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory, you can catch live music performed by local artists such as Ed McGuirl, Dan Lilley and others (facebook.com/smallaxeproductions). The Empire Revue at AS220 keeps you laughing all summer long with great music and comedy skits every first Sunday of the month. On July 6 they celebrate their 8th anniversary (AS220.org).

If I missed anything, it was not intentional. I will keep you updated over the summer. If you would like me to consider something for my column, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. That’s it for now. Thanks for reading!

John Fuzek www.johnfuzek.com