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

1. Saturday, November 15: Deerhoof, Lightning Bolt, Priests; $10 advance / $12 day of; 8pm doors / 9pm show; All ages; The Met, 1005 Main St., Pawtucket. Great month for indie rock. Deerhoof return to Providence supporting their new album La Isla Bonita. The band crossed noise with indie pop for a result that leads to all songs getting stuck in my head for days after listening. The song “Mirror Monster” off their new record shows a more mellow, almost ambient approach for the band. Make sure to catch them when they make it this way, playing smaller venues for low prices with big indie support acts (Trans Am and Cibo Matto elsewhere for example). This show features Providence noise rock icons Lightning Bolt, whose live shows surpass memorable every single time. Brian Chippendale, drummer / vocalist, once told me got his classic mic sound from stealing them from pay phone recievers. No clue where he can find them now. D.C.’s Priests open the bill; not too familiar with them, but upon first listen they remind me a lot of Red Aunts.

2. Wednesday, November 19: 95.5 WBRU Presents Joywave, Jetty; $7.95 advance / $10 day of; 8pm doors / 9pm show; All ages; The Met, 1005 Main St., Pawtucket. We might finally be out of the radio days of “Eat A Banjo” movement. Rochester, NY’s Joywave has been killing the airwaves lately. First getting heavy play featured on electronic music project Big Data’s “Dangerous” and is now getting heavy play with their hit single “Tongues.” Tongues is a blast, a mix of ’80s disco and more current electronica for a refreshing, not-a-banjo-on-the-radio sound. Make sure to check out their not suitable for work music video for “Tongues,” which looks like a Whole Foods employees meets National Geographic special. Opening up are Providence’s own Jetty, who have been drawing crowds and cashing checks lately. Check out their site thisisjetty.com to hear their ready-for-radio indie dance songs.

3. Tuesday, November 18: Atmosphere (“North Of Hell” Tour) with special guests Prof & Dem Atlas; $22.50 advance / $25 day of; 7:30pm doors / 8:30pm show; All ages; Lupo’s, 79 Washington St., Providence. I wrote about how great Atmosphere’s new album Southsiders is earlier this year in this column for their Boston show, and MC Slug and producer Ant’s eighth record still not only stands up high in their catalog but also as one the year’s top 5 albums for me. There is no diminishing return on this record and it lives in my car until I lose it. This marks the first return to Providence for Atmosphere since 2008. Much like the old DIY days of punk and hardcore, every time out, Atmosphere takes with them local to them but not as well known acts from the Minneapolis area (and often releases the act’s albums on their label Rhymesayers to a bigger audience). Rather than getting buzz acts that might generate a few more tickets in different places, they tend to bring a curated local Minneapolis show each time and I find that refreshing. It exposed me to acts I now love like P.O.S. and Eyedea and Abilities. This tour is no different and features two Minneapolis upstarts, Prof and Dem Atlas. Make sure to get there early to check out the whole show. 4. Saturday, November 15: J Robbins, Onelinedrawing, Bill Keough; $10; 6:30pm; 21+ only; The Parlour, 1119 North Main St., Providence. One time early in high school life my best friend growing up, Brian Jannarelli, and I tried our best to fit in the Punk DIY scene and wrote several issues of a punk ‘zine in which we made fun of bands and interviewed and reviewed the ones we revered. I sent out a letter (this is back in the days of postage mail) with the same questions to both bands Jawbreaker and Jawbox. They were esoteric and mostly stupid, and Adam from Jawbreaker gave answers that were pretty short and generally not amused. But J Robbins from Jawbox took meticulous time and showed great humor in each response. My favorite? How many licks to the center of a Tootsie Pop? Adam “17”. J. Robbins “The answer must remain a mystery. That’s why after three licks I bury them around the lawn of my house in the shape of a pentagram to ward off evil.” Perfect. Word on the streets is J. is playing songs from his past (Jawbox, Burning Airlines, Channels). Also performing is Onelindrawing (Jonah from Far) and local heavyweight Bill Keough from Galvanize. This show is EARLY, so take note.

5. Tuesday, November 25: Bleachers; The Paradise in Boston / Quintron and Miss Pussycat; Great Scott in Boston. The double header road trip that likely only I would be interested in. First up, shooting over for Bleachers at Paradise. Bleachers is the indie pop act from Jack Antonoff of Steel Train and Fun. Since their last play at The Met before the record came out, they released Strange Desire and have worked the summer festival circuit. Much like Joywave, they are also on the airwaves and not playing banjos, which is refreshing. “Rollercoaster” is currently heavily in play, but “I Wanna Get Better” is the official summer jam of 2014. The best part of going to my favorite Boston venue, The Paradise, is that my second favorite venue in Boston, Great Scott, is a 5-minute walk down the street and goes later than the ‘dise shows. There is a very good chance I can make it out in time to catch New Orleans husband and wife duo Quintron and Miss Pussycat. They are hard to describe — lo-fi cable access dance party? I don’t know. Check it our for yourself and you tell me.

GET OUT NOVEMBER: Start Your Holiday Shopping

Ongoing 110 Annual Little Pictures Show & Sale: The oldest exhibition of its kind in the nation, Little Pictures features original artworks sized below 16” x 16” for prices at $300 or less. All sales of original fine art in the State of RI are also tax free. All are welcome to attend the opening reception from noon-4pm on Sunday, November 16th, for this century-old tradition. Providence Art Club, 11 Thomas St., Providence. providenceartclub.org Saturday 8 Cornucopia Fine Arts and Crafts Show: Sixty-one artisans will display, for sale, their works of art including woodworking, jewelry, clothing, pottery, photography, home decor and other fine crafts. Cornucopia is a juried show and artisans are selected based on the quality and uniqueness of their art. 9am – 4pm, Sandy Point Ave., Portsmouth. pennfield.org Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 Unique Boutique Artisans Craft Fair: A gathering of local professional crafters who offer hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind items including children’s/adult clothing, jewelry, pottery, hand bags/totes, knitting, vintage linens, stained glass, wooden items and home décor. 10am – 4pm, Rotunda at Easton’s Beach, 175 Memorial Blvd., Newport. visitri.com Fri 14 – Sun 16 Holidays in Arnold Mills Country Fair: Homemade foods and handmade crafts, Country Cafe with coffee, muffins and lunch, stained glass candy, baked or frozen apple pies, fudge, baked beans, dried soup mixes, baked goods, packaged cheeses, holiday decorations, placemats, teacher gifts, pet items, stocking stuffers, books, plants, CDs and DVDs, a treasure table and more. 8am – 3pm, Arnold Mills United Methodist Church, 690 Nate Whipple Highway, Cumberland. amumc.org Saturday 15 Holiday Spectacular Artisan Craft Fair: An indoor holiday shopping spectacular, featuring upscale New England artisans. Included will be home and holiday decor, handmade jewelry, pottery, children’s apparel and much more. 10am – 4pm, Newport Elks Lodge, 141 Pelham St., Newport. cherishTheMoments.net Sunday 16 Craftopia: A twice yearly, curated, day of art, crafts, food and fun. Known for its festive atmosphere and the quality of its 60+ juried vendors from around New England, the event makes available a varied collection of high-quality handmade goods including jewelry, clothing, handbags and bath products. 10am – 4pm, Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main St., Pawtucket. rhodycraft.com Saturday 22 Mariner Marketplace Holiday Craft Fair: Shop the market to pick up crafty gifts from a wide variety of area artisans and enjoy some savory samplings from local gourmet shops and restaurants. Including handmade crafts and jewelry, arts and crafts, botanical skin care and health and wellness products, cards and stationery and more. 10am – 4pm, Narragansett High School, 245 South Pier Rd. Narragansett. narragansettpto.blogspot.com Holiday Extravaganza Craft Fair: Holiday shopping with unique creations and products. Eat, shop and drink all in one place with something for everyone on your list. 10am – 4pm, 1418 Plainfield Pike, Cranston. cherishthemoments.net 25th Annual Christmas Shopping Stroll: Visit all of your favorite Block Island retail shops, take advantage of incredible sales, and possibly win one of the many fabulous raffle prizes. The Stroll begins Friday and goes through Sunday with local retailers opening their shops from 10am – 5pm to offer discounts for all strollers. On Saturday, the 10th Annual 5K Turkey Trot will begin at the Fred Benson Town Beach. For more information, contact the Block Island Chamber of Commerce at 401-466-2474. Sat 22 – Sun 23 Bazaar on Broadway: A holiday sale featuring a wide variety of upcycled crafts, creative holiday greenery, fine knitted fashions, cozy afghans, unique accessories, home and hostess gifts, handcrafted jewelry, a kiddie boutique, personalized ornaments, homemade baked goods, a penny social, used books and an encore performance of gently used Christmas decorations. Santa will make a special visit on Saturday. There will be children’s grab bags and a holiday craft area to keep the kids entertained. An International Café will feature coffee, pastry and lunch items including Korean specialties prepared by parishioners. All proceeds to benefit the ministries of the Church of St. Mary. Sat 9am – 5pm, Sun 9am – 2pm, Church of St. Mary, 538 Broadway, Providence. stmaryonbroadway.org Fri 28- Sat 29 Ocean State Holiday Craft Festival: Featuring affordable, unique, handmade gifts from over 100 local artisans and crafters. Begin a tradition of making high quality, locally crafted gifts the first stop in your holiday shopping. All proceeds donated to local charities. Fri 10am – 5pm, Sat 9am – 4pm. Knight Campus, CCRI, 400 East Ave., Warwick. oceanstateartisans.com Fri 28- Sun 30 Christmas in the Valley: A juried holiday arts and crafts show known for unique handcrafted items and fine art. The three-day event features live music, a Sunday visit from Santa, restaurant specials and a raffle. Proceeds support Swamp Meadow Community Theatre. Fri 5 – 9pm. Sat 10am – 6pm, Sun 10am – 4pm. Foster Country Club, 67 Johnston Rd., Foster. christmasinthevalleyri.com Fri 11/28 – Wed 12/31 Craftland Show: Thousands of gifts for everyone on your list! Featuring products from 170 artists from around New England and the entire country. The show is filled-to-the-brim with thousands of thoughtfully made items from handmade housewares and masterfully crafted handbags, to adorable stuffed animals, cozy crocheted and knitted goods, one-of-a-kind art pieces, beautiful books, clothing, and a “now-famous” print wall, featuring dozens of screen printed pieces in a variety of prices and sizes. 235 Westminster St., Providence. craftlandshow.com Thurs 12/4 – Sun 12/14 Foundry Artists Holiday Sale: A collective of individual artisans and craftspeople offering a wide array of original works of fine art and functional crafts in every type of medium. A unique blend of creatively designed items linking the arts and crafts to the RI area public. Next door, you’ll find the affiliated Mad Dog Artist Studios & Gallery Holiday Sale, which also serves as a tour of the working spaces of numerous Pawtucket artists. that opens with a wine and cheese event on the 4th at Mad Dog Gallery, 65 Blackstone Ave. Pawtucket. The Pawtucket Armory, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket. foundryshow.com Saturday 12/13 The RISD Alumni and Student Holiday Art Sale: Thousands of items designed and created by current students and alumni from all over the country. Including prints, photographs, apparel, ceramics, glass, textiles and more. RI Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence. risdalumnisales.wordpress.com

American Idol Vets Star in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo are starring in the touring company of the smash musical Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which will be performed at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) from November 4 through 9.

Young, who plays the lead role of Joseph, and DeGarmo, who plays the narrator, got their big break on the smash television singing competition, “American Idol.” DeGarmo was the runner-up on the show’s third season. Young was on the fifth season, where he finished seventh.

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice teamed up to bring Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to life. The story is based on the “coat of many colors” story of Joseph from the Book of Genesis. The show is directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Andy Blankenbuehler.

The chance to work on a stage production together had tremendous appeal to DeGarmo and Young, who are married.

“It’s such a rare opportunity in this industry to work on a show that’s family friendly,” DeGarmo told Motif. “It’s a beloved story, a beloved show. I truly believe it’s one of the classics.”

“This is definitely a dream come true (for DeGarmo),” Young said, noting DeGarmo always wanted to play the narrator in the show.

Young is proud to be part of a show that appeals to the “American Idol” fan base, which ranges from young children to senior citizens. “It’s a really great show about second chances and family and the true meaning of friendship,” Young said, noting the show’s high spirits are infectious: “Everyone’s on their feet having a blast with us.”

DeGarmo and Young have been very busy since their days on American Idol. DeGarmo appeared in HAIR (where she met Young), 9 to 5, Brooklyn: The Musical, Hairspray and The Toxic Avenger. DeGarmo also played the role of “Angelina,” a fan favorite on the number one daytime soap “The Young and the Restless.” In 2008, she released an acoustic EP “Unplugged in Nashville,” and recently released a Country EP “Live To Love,” composed of songs co-written with Young.

Young has worked with musical stars ranging from Brian McKnight to Desmond Child. He is a Grammy- nominated songwriter with number one hits in the U.S. and Sweden. Young also pursued a Broadway career, starring first in Grease and then in HAIR.

“I continually enjoy Diana’s first number in the second act (Pharoah’s Story),” Young said. “She just takes it and knocks the roof off.”

“I particularly love ‘Close Every Door,’” DeGarmo said. “We did a new song for this production, the ‘Prologue Reprise.’ We now have it as a duet between Ace and I. It’s an extra special treat and very unique.”

DeGarmo and Young have had a great time performing for audiences all over the country. Sometimes, things don’t always go as planned. “Our first performance the other night, one of the wigs for one of the brothers accidentally got put on sideways and nobody could look at him for the rest of the show. He looked kind of crazy.” DeGarmo recalled.

“People will like you for you,” DeGarmo said. “It’s hard in this entertainment industry to remember that. Especially with what we do now. We’re constantly putting on other characters and sometimes you feel you have to second guess yourself.”

“It’s your true moment to show exactly who you are,” Young adds. “And the world will think you are what they see so make sure that you truly are yourself on that show.”

Tickets are available for purchase online, by phone at 401-421-2787 , or at the PPAC Box Office located at 220 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence.

The Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm; Saturday, 10am to 2pm; and at least two hours prior to all curtain times.

The Diner and Mr. Stone: Secrets Revealed in the Kitchen

The ubiquitous Kevin Broccoli has two original full-length works running at the moment, both at companies that form two of the three legs of The Rhode Island Theater Alliance. Known for his shorter pieces and monologues, Broccoli’s long-form works are increasingly gaining attention and Contemporary Theater Company’s run of his adaptation of The Visit is competing with its own author for attention in Pawtucket as Mixed Magic Theatre presents Broccoli’s tautly written and produced The Diner and Mr. Stone. The two plays could not be more different; The Visit (based on the 1956 German play by Friedrich Dürrenmatt) is a sweeping, absurdist tragicomedy with pleasingly odd musical interludes while Mr. Stone is a far more familiar creature — a two- character play that unfolds gradually as a father and daughter discover the dark underbelly of Providence, their family and the varying definitions of “success.”

The Diner and Mr. Stone centers around the proprietor of a West Side eatery that may or may not be going under. His daughter, Karen, in town for a funeral after a two-year absence, confronts her father with some long-simmering questions as well as the news that Providence Monthly has just listed the diner as a “hot spot.” What ensues is a rapidfire exchange that calls to mind other two-character classics such as Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune. Broccoli’s script ups the ante over the course of two acts and manages to balance sentimentality with a darker edge that keeps Diner from becoming mawkish or predictable. Ricardo Pitts-Wiley and Hannah Lum have a natural chemistry that they sometimes lose at the service of limited staging possibilities in a one chair/one room play, but they have begun to settle into a nicely tuned dynamic that will only become more polished as the run progresses. That set is the kitchen of Mr. Stone’s restaurant, cluttered with newly purchased dry goods and dueling refrigerators. Alexander Toussaint’s tastefully cluttered playing space also features a triptych upstage of a black and white picture of a (the) diner, a touch reminiscent of last year’s Zoo Story park setting, which constantly serves to remind us of the past and the present. As Karen begins the process of painfully extracting information and history from the recalcitrant and wary Mr. Stone (“whenever a woman starts off with ‘I’ve been thinking’…”), the two verbally and literally pace the floor like a couple of caged animals, breaking apart and taking sides only to come back together again in bursts of revelation.

Broccoli’s script is paced intelligently enough to not let the issue of race become the main issue first and foremost. Family matters give way to secrets and those secrets eventually bring out the racial tensions that Mr. Stone has had to deal with all these years. Major characters are referred to, but never seen. Some are dead but all loom large over the proceedings as Karen and her father wade through the intricacies of family, prejudice and business. “Nobody’s a racist all the time,” declares Mr. Stone, underlining the conflicts he faced in raising his daughter amid the tensions of keeping a business alive in the heart of a New England mafia stronghold. Lum manages a fine line between a mature, successful woman and a petulant child as Pitts-Wiley betrays the impatience of a father dealing with matters that he thought he had seen to and/or buried long ago. He has let her go off to become successful in her own right, knowing that he may lose her in the process. However, his own righteous pride in his actions is supported by sage experience. Lines such as “I’ve never seen a ladder so high that it could give a child enough perspective to look down on his parents” are delivered not as timeless platitudes, but original nuggets of wisdom from Stone. After a dramatic closure to Act One, Pitts-Wiley opens the second half with a gorgeous monologue that allows us a look at Stone’s internal struggle after an entire act of keeping his interior life closely guarded. The second half escalates and pours revelation on top of revelation until, ultimately, Stone flips the deck and demands to know what Karen has been hiding from him all these years. The Diner and Mr. Stone is part family drama but far too tense and dangerous to be pigeonholed as simply that. Broccoli’s forte is dialogue and what these two characters discuss could fill a week of action-filled drama. Yet, for all of its menace, the theme is still family. “You’re all I need to be proud of” would sound trite if it didn’t come at the tail end of some deeply dark and often disturbing discoveries. Yes, Diner buttons neatly by its final lines, but it does make us question what goes on behind the scenes of every conversation and every greasy spoon meal. As Broccoli writes, “I was happy and I forgot myself.” Often, what we silently sacrifice for our family may feel like the right thing to do, but the scars of those actions are stories that demand to be told eventually.

Mixed Magic Theatre presents The Diner and Mr. Stone, by Kevin Broccoli. Directed by Jonathan Pitts- Wiley. Featuring Ricardo Pitts-Wiley with Hannah Lum. Through November 9, Fri. & Sat. @ 7:30 pm, Sun. @ 3 pm. 560 Mineral Spring Ave. Pawtucket, RI. Contact: Mixed Magic Theatre 401-305-7333 or mmtri.com.

RI Comic Con — So Hot Some Were Left in the Cold

It’s official: Comic Con and the formerly geeky cultural norms attached have gone mainstream. If the blockbuster status of so many recent superhero and sci-fi movies weren’t evidence enough, RI Comic Con this weekend was not only sold out, but closed off due to capacity concerns. The convention center has a capacity of around 14,000 to 17,000 people. Comic Con expected 20,000 to 30,000 total, but at a normal convention, attendees don’t all show up at the same time, or stay the whole day. This Con was an exception. And while two-hour-long waits and strict fire marshals make for a frustrating Con experience, being stuck in a line with a celebrity – or someone in a really cool costume – can be interesting, too. The fact that so many people didn’t leave, but waited it out, says a lot for the tenacity of these fans, and a lot for how the mainstream has embraced this once-obscure niche.

We’ve been told unofficially that RI Comic Con has promised to reimburse the thousands of participants who ended up locked out on Saturday (not coincidentally, shortly before the William Shatner presentation). It’s not something they’re obligated to do according to the fine print – but it also seems appropriate, given the dashed expectations locked out fans will have to recover from. We’ll let you know more as we learn of it.

On the other hand, some things were good and great about RI Comic Con this year. Watch this site for news from our on-the-ground roving reporter Nick Iandolo.

Daryl Sherman Celebrates Her Father at Chan’s See our video interview with Daryl Sherman

Join jazz vocalist/pianist Daryl Sherman at Chan’s in Woonsocket on Saturday, October 25, to celebrate the life of her late father, the jazz trombonist Sammy Sherman. The performance will mark what would have been Sammy’s 100th birthday, and it will be a musical showcase not to be missed.

Sammy Sherman was a masterful jazz trombonist and bandleader, at one time playing in New York City. Instead of chasing a distinguished career in music, Sammy decided to stay in Rhode Island, where he raised his children, worked in the restaurant business, and continued to head up his own groups. He played around the area, but ultimately his longest-lasting contribution to the music business was his daughter Daryl!

At age 5, Daryl started taking an interest in music, singing along with her father at the piano. Since then, she’s enjoyed a distinguished musical career, including a 14-year residency at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. She’s played with greats like Artie Shaw and Buddy Hackett and toured the world with her music.

Sammy passed away at the age of 89 in 2003. His posthumous album released in 2004, called A Jazz Original Live at Chan’s, is the only real record of his work, and was recorded 1994-1998 when Sammy was in his 80s.

This memorial show will be far from a solo performance; an all-star crew will help honor Sammy in style. The event will feature performances from local legend (and Woonsocket native) Greg Abate on saxophone, Jon Wheatley on guitar, Boots Malson on guitar, and David Sherman on trombone. There will also be a guest appearance by jazz vocalist Jean McKenna O’Donnell.

Even if you’ve never heard of Sammy Sherman, you should check out this show for the pure entertainment value. It will be a great way to celebrate the life of a talented musician by enjoying the music of some local jazz heavyweights, and it’s sure to be a blast for one and all!

Chan’s Oriental Dining is located at 267 Main St. in Woonsocket, RI. Tickets can be purchased through Chan’s website. It’s All About The Little Things With Roz & The Rice Cakes

When it comes to the Providence music scene, few bands can rival the originality, genuity and overall sense of fun that’s abundant in the music of indie-pop act Roz & The Rice Cakes. If you’ve been checking out the band’s Facebook page recently, frontwoman Roz Raskin is on a never-ending quest to find the littlest things on Earth. Whether it’s kangaroos, dragons or dogs, Roz always seems to appreciate the little things in life in a very literal way. With the appreciation of all things small in full force, it’s only fitting that Roz, Justin Foster & Casey Belisle will be putting on “A Little Show” at the Columbus Recording Company in the Columbus Theatre in Providence’s west end on Sunday, October 26.

Everything will be mini on this night. Mini sandwiches, mini cupcakes and mini drinks will be served, followed by mini sets from The Rice Cakes and Erica Sutherland from local dream-pop act Littlefoot. “In an effort to explore the ideas of space, size and experimental instrumentation, ‘A Little Show’ is a unique event in which we will be playing tiny instruments in an alternative space,” says Raskin about the show. “The Columbus Recording Company is generously allowing us to perform in their studio and we will be serving tiny foods, tiny drinks, and other tiny surprises.”

There’s limited space available and you can buy tickets at the link below. Maybe to fit the theme you can make your purchase on the tiniest computer imaginable with a shrunken debit card. Regardless, this show should be a whole lot of fun to attend. Don’t be a square, come on through and I’ll see you there.

Ticket link: https://thericecakes.bandcamp.com/merch/a-little-show-ticket Alt-Nation: Music Meets Politics … and More

One Providence Experience

The race for Mayor of Providence is all the rage. It’s transcended state boundaries becoming a national point of interest. Just last weekend my brother had a conversation about the race with Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen (he’s anti-Buddy in case you were wondering) and Dave Grohl. Local musicians are also doing their part to raise awareness, as the Columbus Collective this Thursday presents a night filled with great local music. In addition, Democratic nominee for Mayor, Jorge Elorza, will be in the house fielding questions from the band. There will be some heavy hitters of the local music scene between Death Vessel, The Low Anthem, Roz Raskin and more. All the bands will pose questions to Elorza. Here’s hoping they open up the floor to some questions because many of these bands have announced their support for Elorza already. It would seem like a missed opportunity for the judge to not take some questions from undecided voters. I’m not sure seeing his supporters lob batting practice fastballs at the judge is going to sway anyone on the fence. Either way, this should be a cool way to see Elorza in a different setting and check out some great local music.

One Providence Experience featuring music by Black Pus, The Low Anthem, Medusah Black, Death Vessel, Roz Raskin, and more TBA will perform at the Columbus Theatre on October 23. The doors are at 7pm with the music starting at 7pm. The event is free.

Alt-Nation Presents: Nightmare on Knight Street

Once a month I take over the tunes at the E & O Tap on Knight Street in Providence, playing everything from Motown to Motorhead. Obscurities, local tunes, cult classics and the hits for a period not to exceed two hours and fifty-seven minutes at the best damn dive bar on Knight Street. There will be a Halloween theme to this month’s tunes. The music will start around 9pm and go to midnight.

Thurston Moore

Sonic Youth axe lord Thurston Moore comes to Providence on the heels of his new release, The Best Day (Matador Records). Moore’s band includes an indie all-star rhythm section with Sonic Youth drummer Steve Shelley and My Bloody Valentine bassist Deb George. I’ve heard the first single, “Speak to the Wild,” which is full Moore’s trademark guitar sorcery groove. With little hope of a Sonic Youth reunion anytime soon, this is likely your only chance to catch one of indie guitar swing gods shredding in your face.

The Thurston Moore Band and PCPC (members of Parquet Courts and PC Worship) come to The Met Café on October 24. Chuck Ragan

Hot Water Music front man and Revival Tour founder Chuck Ragan is a busy man who has managed to make stops in these parts several times in the last few years. This time around, it’s just Ragan slinging it alone with his guitar and harmonica. The man has got the soul to pull it off without the battering backing locomotive of Hot Water Music. This will be a night of punk rock spirit presented through the stripped-down singer/songwriter medium.

Chuck Ragan and The Varsity Club come to Manchester 65 in West Warwick on October 24.

Six Star General

Six Star General are one my favorites in these parts and it’s great to see them back playing out after a series maladies. Six Star General bring it with combination of squalls of post-punk fuzz and Firehose style bass lines. Weld Square is another straight-out rocker. I remember loving them the first time I saw them because they reminded me of the Stooges and everyone else on that bill sucked. Should be another rockin’ night at Dusk!

Six Star General, Weld Square, Bad Motherfucker, and We’re Traveled will rock the night at Dusk on October 24.

Beta Motel

Beta Motel are Providence’s newest electro-sexual rock ‘n’ roll band. Beta Motel remind me of the twisted stepchild of new wave. Fun booty shaking jams that will make you want to tear it up on the dance floor. Beta Motel have some similarities to singer Josh Kemp’s old band Mahi Mahi, but on the whole, I like them better. Feel the funk for yourself at AS220!

Beta Motel, Ssleaze, Yerri, and Krokodil Dundee hit AS220 on October 24.

Goddamn Gallows

Goddamn Gallows will be returning to town to spit their own brand of punk, psychobilly, and brimstone. Goddamn Gallows are one of the most intense live acts you’re going to see anywhere. One tune will have elements of bluegrass and the next will work in some metal. Goddamn Gallows’ real weapon is the intensity of their live performances. Sasquatch & The Sick-A-Billys are a good match here, as they’ve been to know to belt out some of the same influences. This show is going feature some old fashion rock ‘n’ roll mayhem!

Goddamn Gallows, Sasquatch & The Sick-A-Billys, Dog Day Afternoon, Spitshiner rock Firehouse 13 on October 25.

Ask The Dead/ Neutral Nation

This shows spans the generation of local punk rock between young guns Ask The Dead and local legends Neutral Nation. Ask The Dead are progressive punk/heavy rock whose album, The Leans, is worth checking out. There isn’t much I could say about Neutral Nation that hasn’t been said, there is even a movie if you really need a crash course. For those who grew up in the ’80s who were into punk rock and skate boarding, Neutral Nation were and still are an institution. Think classic old school punk rock/hardcore to the max with a smile. Professor Roots add some roots rockin’ reggae to mellow things out.

Ask The Dead, Neutral Nation, and Professor Roots bring the punk and reggae to the Parlour on October 25.

Cass McCombs/Meat Puppets

Cass McCombs and Meat Puppets are coming to town on a co-headlining tour. I’m stoked to see country punks the Meat Puppets who haven’t been in these parts in eons. Meat Puppets are unfairly most famous for Nirvana covering three singles off their classic sophomore album II. The tribute was well deserved, but I wonder how many people only know say “Lake of Fire” from Nirvana’s Unplugged in New York. The whole album was genius and I prefer the originals. As for Cass McCombs, his most recent release, 2013’s Big Wheel and Others, gave us a portrait of an artist at his most devastatingly powerful. Brimming with pain and passion, truth and beauty, desperation and humor, the 22-song collection is McCombs going off the rails down roadsides of rock ‘n’ roll, blues, jazz, country and more on its nomadic quest for truth and understanding. For the tour, McCombs and Meat Puppets have released a split 7” that will be available at the show and on 10/28 via Domino Records.

Cass McCombs and Meat Puppets come to The Met Café on October 28.

I’d like to wish a speedy recovery to my friend Mary Gooding.

Email music news to [email protected]

Fun at the Putnam County Spelling Bee

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, being presented by the Community Players, is a silly and upbeat musical that’s a lot of fun.

The six contestants in the Putnam County Spelling Bee – Olive Ostrovsky (Aubrie Bagdasarian), William Barfee (Michael Campbell), Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (Nicole Cayer), Marcy Park (Courtney Contente), Chip Tolentino (Ryan Leverone), and Leaf Coneybear (Joe Spirito) – are a batch of quirky oddballs with their hopes and dreams of winning the spelling bee expressed in song. Highlights include “Magic Foot,” “Pandemonium,” “The I Love You Song,” and “I Speak Six Languages.”

Director Christopher Margadonna assembled a talented cast, especially Campbell, who has an endearing gawky charm as Barfee, and Lisa Ziniti Palmer as former spelling bee champion Rona Lisa Peretti. Palmer, who previously starred in Sweet Charity, is a dynamic performer with a magnificent voice. Comedian Frank O’Donnell earned some laughs as Douglas Panch, the lead pronouncer at the spelling bee.

What makes the show unique is the participation of the guest spellers. Four audience members are selected at each show to sit on stage along with the actors. Alison Bologna from WJAR was a celebrity guest speller on the night I attended. Bologna handled the high-spirited antics with grace and seemed to have a good time.

The musical accompaniment by Joseph Carvalho, Brenda Young Runner, and Ken Dibiasio, nicely accentuated the action.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee contains no deep messages or insights about the human condition. However, it is a cheerful and lighthearted entertainment for all ages to enjoy.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee runs through November 2 at Jenks Auditorium, Division St., Pawtucket. For reservations, call 401-726-6860.

ArtBeat Held to Help AIDS Care Ocean State

ArtBeat, one of the major fundraising events for AIDS Care Ocean State, features the contributions of several local artists and businesses.

On Friday, October 24, the live and silent auction will be held at 5pm in the Grand Ballroom of the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Providence. Items up for bid include art and antiques, vacations and travel packages, jewelry, home goods and gift certificates for various restaurants.

Kim Zandy of Pro FM and popular drag queen Miss Kitty Litter will serve as celebrity auctioneers for the live auction.

This year’s featured artists are Rhode Island-based designer Kent Stetson and the internationally renowned Havi Schanz. “Marilyn Providence,” by Schanz, is valued at $6,500. “Providence I-Way Bridge” trio of designs, by Stetson, is valued at $1,000.

Stetson is best known for his sleek and ultra-modern handbags, which are high in demand. After studying at Brown University, Stetson took an interest in new media and hybrid digital/traditional fine art. In 2003, as a framing experiment, he presented one of his digital paintings as a handbag, and has since made bags for collectors throughout the world. As of summer 2013, his work has been sold in 75 stores and was featured in many of the nation’s top juried fine craft shows. Stetson also has been featured in RI Monthly, Providence Journal, Providence Phoenix and Providence Monthly.

Argentina native Schanz now lives in Miami Beach, and has almost 30 years of combined experience as an artist, architect and interior and graphic designer. His art has been widely exhibited in several solo and group exhibitions in Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Spain, Check Republic, Germany, Greece, Australia, Mexico and the United States. His background in architecture is evident in his celebrity portraits, which feature Impressionistic, Romantic, and Baroque influences. Schanz has donated his art to benefit such noteworthy charitable organizations as Children’s Autism Foundation, Human Rights Campaign, Lions Club, Make a Wish Foundation, and Unicorn Children’s Foundation.

Tickets to the live and silent auction are available for purchase at aidscareos.org.