Alt-Nation: Beyond Wrestling Presents “Party Animals”

Photo credit: Jon Washer

I’ve exhausted all my desire to write about music for one year, so figured I’d move the conversation along to the next most rocking thing going down in the Providence this week: wrestling. I’ve always been a casual fan of wrestling. I caught one of Beyond Wrestling’s event a few months ago at Aurora and found the up-close, in-your-face experience to be thrilling. I prefer it to an arena show for the same reasons that I prefer club shows to arena rock concerts. The wrestlers will go outside the ring and brawl right in the middle of the crowd with no barriers. The whole performance is just a rush. And that brings us to Beyond Wrestling’s last show of the year at Aurora.

The event, billed as “Party Animals,” is notable for a couple of matches. David Starr will be defending his wXw Shotgun Championship against Jonathan Gresham. There is what promises to be a heavyweight slugfest between two giants (both over six and a half feet tall and over 300 pounds apiece) as Keith Lee takes on Chris Hero. The main story will be the final Beyond Wrestling appearance for Kimber Lee who is going to be jumping to the big time of the WWE starting in January. A trailblazer in women’s wrestling and certified bad ass, Lee has taken on both women and men and has not lost at a Beyond Wrestling house show in over a year. If I had Lee’s outstanding run of success and a WWE contract in hand, I’d ask for a jobber for my last match to ensure a dominant final victory. That isn’t Lee’s style, however, as not only is she fighting a male, she’s taking on Donovan Dijak, who also has not lost at a Beyond Wrestling live event in over a year. How can you beat an inter-gender battle of two combatants who have been undefeated for over a year? Plus it will be your last chance to see Kimber Lee before she graduates to the cavernous arenas that host WWE shows!

Beyond Wrestling presents “Party Animals” this Thursday at Aurora in Providence on 29.

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Motif Event Picks for December 21 – December 27

WED 21

Mills & Mysteries: Paranormal investigation with the renowned Carl Johnson for an after dark investigation of the 1793 Old Slater Mill, Wilkinson Mill and more. 7:30 – 10pm. Slater Mill, 67 Roosevelt Ave, Pawtucket. slatermill.org.

FRI 23

National Lampoon’s Vacation: The classic film of Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) trying to have the perfect family Christmas. 8pm. Jane Pickens Theater, 49 Touro St, Newport.

Sasquatch CD Release Show: Celebrating their latest album Enjoy The Blood with a 2-hour set and a couple of special guests. 8pm. Firehouse 13. 41 Central St, PVD. fh13.com

SAT 24

Feast of the Seven Fishes: “La Vigilia” is an Italian tradition on . Christmas Eve in Italy was a day for fasting followed by a feast of fish at night. Embraced by Italian-Americans, the Feast of the Seven Fishes has been elevated to an evening-long parade of dishes in which at least seven types of seafood are served, representing the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church. 8pm. Providence Oyster Bar, 283 Atwells Ave, PVD. provoysterbar.com

MON 26

‘Tis the Day After Christmas Children’s Tea: Are you or the kids still hooked on Christmas even though it’s over? Lie to yourself one more day and have some tea and baked goods. 4pm, Blithewold Mansion, 101 Ferry Road, Bristol.

Madcap Presents: “What Madders Most” at Firehouse 13 on December 22

While most of us are full of cheer and good tidings during the holiday season, the less fortunate often are left behind. It’s a time of year where the ones in need could use the most help, whether it’s a home-cooked meal or even a new winter coat to assist in braving the elements. On Thursday, December 22, at Firehouse 13 on 41 Central Street in Providence, the people behind the venue’s weekly Madcap Monday will put on a holiday celebration and a clothing drive they’re calling “What Madders Most.” It’s a perfect opportunity to help the less fortunate while ringing in the holidays with great vibes and a stellar atmosphere. There’s a stacked bill of music that’ll be taking the stage as well.

“From its inception, Madcap has endeavored to give back to the community that birthed it by providing an open forum for unbridled creative expression for all to use freely,” says host Nate Cozzolino. “All things must move forward and the time has come for us to do more in the way of tangible philanthropy. As the bitter cold grips the city, we don’t have to look very far to find a pressing need crying for our attention. Partnering with Food Not Bombs, we will be using our holiday celebration, featuring performances by a dazzling array of local talent, as an opportunity to collect as much winter clothing as humanly possible, which Food Not Bombs will then distribute to those most lacking. Please join us in true holiday cheer as we come together as an extended family to provide for our less fortunate brothers and sisters and ensure that their winter is as warm and comfortable as possible.”

The price of admission is discounted if you bring a donation of winter clothing. Among the talented musicians taking the stage are The Stupid Robots, Anthony Contillo from Hot From The Shack, Mike Baker from Sgt. Baker & The Clones, Tammy LaForest, the blue collar samurai Josh Willis, David Begin and Cozzolino himself. For what your ear drums will be getting alone, it’s worth the price of admission. It doesn’t hurt to know that it’s all happening for a great cause. This Thursday, come on down to Firehouse 13 for an experience where the gifted will have their spirits lifted.

Event page for “What Madders Most” @ Firehouse 13 on December 22: .com/events/1849368331998469; Like Madcap on Facebook: facebook.com/madcapmonday New Years Eve 101

New Years Eve Eve | Dec 30

WBRU’s New Years Eve Eve: Gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello rings in the New Year a day early. 8pm, Lupo’s, 79 Washington St, PVD. lupos.com $ Prince Tribute by The Purple Xperience: Prince’s music still lives on. Original member of Prince and the Revolution Matt Fink recreates the music, feel and appearance of Prince in his heyday. 8pm, Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Sq, Woonsocket. $

Holiday Lantern Tour: Got some yearning for the snows of yesteryear? Take a stroll with the Newport Historical Society and learn how early Rhode Islanders recognized and celebrated the holidays. 4pm, Brick Market Museum and Shop, 127 Thames St, Newport. $

NYE with Ben Bailey from Cash Cab: There are hundreds of events going on in RI this season, but only one that stars Cash Cab star Ben Bailey. 7:30 – 9:30pm, Comedy Connection, 39 Warren Ave, East Providence. $

New Years Eve | Dec 31

RESTAURANTS Figidini Wood Fire Eatery: Along with food and libations there will be music and New Year’s Trivia with prizes. Starts at 6:30pm. figidini.com $$$ Southern Style NYE At GPub: Savor a southern BBQ buffet from 7 – 9pm featuring a pig roast, ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken & waffles and more. Then kick off the New Year with a festive DJ, a chance for a grand ski getaway for 2, a midnight toast, a photo booth and games until 2am. 100 Dorrance St, PVD. Tickets at gpub.com $ NYE Under The Stars: See and be seen at a celestial New Year’s Eve celebration on PVD’s only rooftop restaurant and lounge. Sip a glass of complimentary champagne, enjoy wood fired pizzas and gourmet appetizers, a dessert buffet and specialty cocktails. 8pm – 2am. 100 Dorrance St, PVD. Tickets at rooftopattheg.com $$ Old Downcity Glamour: Another event hosted at The Ballroom at the Providence G. Raw bar buffet specialty cocktails and a dessert buffet. 8pm 100 Dorrance St, PVD. Tickets available online. providenceg.com $$ Riviera: Entertainment and more … at the Riviera Restaurant in East Providence. 580 North Broadway, PVD rivierarestaurante.com $$ Malted Barley: Masquerade Party. No cover, DJ all night. Take all the selfies you want with a backdrop and free champagne toast at midnight. 334 Westminister St, PVD. themaltedbarleyri.com Birch: Multi-course meal and paired alcohol experience … yes please! Birch is a modern American cuisine rooted in classical technique, made from the best of New England’s seasonal environment. 5 – 9pm. birchrestaurant.com. $$ New Year’s Eve Dinner and Countdown at Garde de la Mar: American cuisine fuses with French techniques in this four-course prix fixe dinner. Complete with New Year’s cocktails, champagne and wine list. Seatings at 5pm, 7pm, & 9pm. 86 Dorrance St, PVD. $$$ Spend it at Salted Slate: Get the fancy food experience complete with DJ, open bar, and raw bar with hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening. A limited 75 tickets are available for purchase at SaltedSlate.com. 7pm. The Salted Slate, 186 Wayland Ave, PVD. $$$ Monte Cara Restaurant: Various appetizers, live entertainment, a bottle of wine per couple and champagne toast. 532 Lonsdale Ave, Pawtucket. 8pm – 3am, montecararestaurant.com $$ Skyline At Waterplace: Grand Opening! Dinner starts at 8pm. Bands playing all throughout the night and of course some champagne at midnight to end the wonderful night, or in some cases … start the night! 1 Finance Way, PVD fb.com/events/1802696563335714 $$ DownCity at Camilles: DownCity is a dance band featuring male and female lead vocals and a funky horn section. Paired with fine dining for a jazzed up time on the hill. 9pm – 12am. Reservations at camillesonthehill.com $$

PARTIES

2nd Annual One Providence New Year’s Eve Ball: Join Mayor Jorge Elorza for a night of live bands, music and surprise guests. 9pm – 2am, 1 Sabin St, riconvention.com $$ Aurora NYE Party: Music and fine drinking will be happening. 276 Westminster St, PVD. auroraprovidence.com The Empire Revue’s New Year’s Bash: The Party Animal Show: Feeling like a palate cleanser after 2016? The Sparkling Beatniks provide sketch comedy while the Superchief Trio play live music. AS220 Main Stage, 9pm, 115 Empire St, PVD. as220.org $

Dusk’s New Yearz Eve: Ring in the New Year with a smorgasbord of local acts ranging from garage rock to blues/funk rock. 8pm, Dusk, 301 Harris Ave, PVD. $ Champagne and Stars, A New Year’s Eve Celebration: Party like it’s 1927 and you’re a mysterious millionaire. Dress up like Jay Gatsby or Daisy and enjoy live music, entertainment and champagne. Leonardo DiCaprio not included. 9pm, Whiskey Republic, 15 Bridge St, PVD. thewhiskeyrepublic.com $ New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dance Party: World Premier Band at Twin River, mixing music of the ‘90s with today’s funk, dance and originals, plus NYE cliches such as dancing, buffet and the champagne toast. VIP tix available 8pm, 100 Twin River Rd, Lincoln, twinriver.com. $$ Sparkle! New Year’s Eve at the Marriott Downtown: When your typical NYE celebration doesn’t have enough sparkle. Luxury accommodations, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music, comedy, dancing and a three course dinner menu. 7pm, 1 Orms St, PVD. fb.com/events/721389431343469 $$ New Year’s A Night to Remember: Feeling like a more intimate, low-key NYE? Dancing the Dream Productions hosts this homey party, with traditional toast, catering and dancing until 1am. BYOB. 8pm, Common Fence Point Community Hall, 933 Anthony Rd, Portsmouth. $ One Pelham East’s NYE Party: Bump and grind into the New Year with dancing and live DJs, Abby Duren and house band Party Girl. 10pm, 270 Thames St, Newport. $ New Year’s Eve Gala at the Hyatt Regency Newport: Celebrate the end of 2016 in style with live music from Those Guys and a great view of the bay. For tickets call 401-851-3301, 1 Goat Island, Newport. $$$ New Year’s 10th Anniversary Celebration: Live music and dancing by Oscar Champagne. Local 121, 121 Washington St, PVD. local121.com $ Tight Crew and Mutiny Present Retro Rewind NYE: Ring in the New Year by celebrating years past. Three floors of retro games, food, drinks and DJs. 6pm, The Met, 1005 Main St, Pawtucket.$

See Story Page 14 The Duke Robillard Band: Bring in the new year with some good old fashioned blues. 8:30pm, The Knickerbocker café, 35 Railroad Ave, Westerly.$ NYE With Ben Bailey from Cash Cab: There are hundreds of events going on in Rhode Island this season but only one that stars Cash Cab star Ben Bailey. 7:30pm-9:30pm, Comedy Connection, 39 Warren Ave, East Providence.$ Turkuaz Presents the Ball Drop: Nine piece powerfunk outfit from Brooklyn rings in the New Year with special guests Moon Hooch on Fri. Saturday they are joined by Kung Fu and West End Blend. Fête, 103 Dike Street, PVD. 8:30pm Fri, 8pm Sat. fetemusic.com $ Party with The Sixties Band: Become absorbed into the authentic feel of the ‘60s – complete with outlandish attire, bell-bottoms, boas and beads. And let’s not forget the tie dye and peace signs too! 9pm – 1am. Sandywoods Music, 43 Muse Way, Tiverton. sandywoodsmusic.com $ Through the Doors: Celebrate NYE with Through the Doors Band as they rock the House of Chan with the classic music of The Doors. Tix include show, dinner buffet, hats, noise makers and champagne toast. 9pm. Chan’s, 267 Main St, Woonsocket. chanseggrollsandjazz.org $$

KIDS

New Year’s Eve Overnight You can’t miss the party of the year at the Y! 7-to 12-year-olds can come on over and enjoy the safe yet fun evening of swimming, playing games and more at their local YMCA $

New Year Noisemakers at Providence Children’s Museum: Get your family ready for NYE by crafting shakers, popsicle stick harmonicas and other noisemakers! 11am – 2pm, Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St, PVD.

New Years Day | Jan 1, 2017 Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert: More celebratory than a glass of champagne…waltz into the New Year with the Rhode Island Philharmonic in this tribute to Austrian classical music. 2pm, The Vets, 1 Ave of the Arts, PVD. salutetovienna.com $$

New Year’s Revival: Detox from closing out 2016 strong, and retox in 2017 with Tap Room Yoga in Revival Brewing’s tasting room. Tickets include the yoga class, led by Giovanni, followed by your choice of one full pour or a tasting of Revival brews. Event begins at 5pm, yoga class starts at 5:30pm. 505 Atwood Ave. Cranston. taproomyoga.com $ Hangover Classic 5 Miler: Regretting that New Year’s resolution to get in shape you made the night before? Follow through with it the morning after with this picturesque race through Bristol! Registration begins at 9am. Guiteras School, 35 Washington St, Bristol. $

Plunge into 2017

It’s five minutes until go-time. The crowd noise is increasing and more and more pale flesh is seeing daylight for the first time in months. Bare feet are going numb in the sand. “Hair of the Dog” in the form of menthol-mint schnapps is coursing through my veins as I attempt to warm myself internally in preparation for what is to come. Any minute now, I will join the rest of the lunatics on the beach in charging at the Rhode Island shoreline and ritualistically plunging ourselves into 40-degree ocean water on January 1 as a tribute to the brand new year.

At 12 o’clock on the dot, the bells ring, the buzzers sound and the starter-pistols fire. The bathing-suit clad masses on the beach run into the surf, hopping over the whitewater and attempting to achieve the necessary full-body submersion required to officially complete the challenge in the eyes of most event veterans. As my turn to enter the icy water approaches, I try not to think too hard about what I’m doing. I keep repeating the mantra, “Just go in, just go in, just go in…” as the frigid wetness hits my toes, then my shins, then my knees, then my thighs. A wave that is certain to hit most of my upper body is quickly approaching, and it is now truly do or die time. I take the plunge and dive under before it breaks. In an instant, my entire body is shocked to the core as the wintry Atlantic Ocean penetrates my entire being faster than I ever imagined it could.

Leaving the water, my skin experiences an exquisite combination of numbness and exhilaration. My feet painfully walk on underwater pebbles as I take the final steps toward dry land. On the shore, less bold (and much warmer) loved ones wait with dry towels, flip-flops and a change of clothes, shaking their heads in a combination of disbelief and amusement. When the towel finally engulfs me, it is (like every other year) the best towel I have ever used IN MY LIFE. I have survived another “Penguin Plunge.”

For many years, my friends and I rang in the New Year by plunging at various Rhode Island locales, adding a few new members to our core group each time. Some people understand the appeal right away, and others just think it’s silly. To me, it has always been a fairly even mix of catharsis, masochism, an excuse to drink in the morning and just plain fun with a bunch of strangers who are all doing the same thing.

At the end of the day, I think everyone should try it at least once. This New Year’s Day, find yourself a local participating beach/event, make yourself a pre-game beverage or three, get your bathing suit on and see if you are destined to be a penguin!

Looking for a Polar Plunge?

Newport Polar Bear Plunge: If midnight partying really isn’t your thing, then come have fun and let out your wild side at the Newport Polar Bear Plunge. Ring in the new year while you.. or others… can jump into the freezing cold waters of Easton Bay. Starts at Noon! Be there! Easton’s Beach, 1775 Memorial Blvd, Newport. discovernewport.org

Freezin for a Reason: 11th Annual Penguin Plunge, These plunges aren’t just for polar bears anymore! Pledges benefit Westerly Area Rest Meals, Inc. Registration 10:30am, Misquamicut Beach, 257 Atlantic Ave, Westerly. warmcenter.org

41st Annual Penguin Plunge: Waddle to the water, winter warriors! Registration 10am, plunge Noon. Roger Wheeler State Beach, Narragansett. specialolympicsri.org

Barrington Polar Plunge: Neighborhood plunging tradition takes place at the beach end of Annawamscutt Road. townplanner.com/barrington/ri

First Day Walk & Polar Plunge: Chill out with a casual wintertime swim. 11am – Noon, Hope Brown Center, Farnham Farm, Prudence Island. prudencebayislandtransport.com

The RI CAN Polar Plunge: Dive into the new year and the freezing ocean to benefit the RI Center for Assisting those in Need. Post-plunge festivities at the Breachway Grill include pizza and music. Charlestown Beach, Noon. 560 E Beach Rd.

Jamestown 1st Day Plunge: East Ferry, 47 Conanicus Ave # A, Jamestown. Time TBA. jamestown1stdayplunge.com

Frozen Clam Dip & Obstaplunge: Looking for a more intensive plunge to cure that hangover? The RI Mentoring Partnership and Laid-back Fitness host a fundraiser that includes a quarter-mile obstacle course preceding that jump into the bay. 11am-1pm, Goddard Memorial State Park Beach, 1095 Ives Rd, East Greenwich. mentorri.org/clam

6th Annual Pit Bull Plunge: Hosted by the Little Rhodie Bully Breed Club: Challenge yourself and your favorite canine for an icily good cause. 10am, Warwick City Park, Beach Area, Warwick. dynamicdogtraining.webs.com

Sandy Beach Polar Plunge to Benefit Forever Paws: Do you tell yourself or loved ones you’re going to do one of these plunges every New Year’s Day? Guilt yourself into the water with this plunge that raises money for the Forever Paws Animal Shelter! Sandy Beach, Fall River.

11th Annual Penguin Plunge: These plunges aren’t just for polar bears anymore! Pledges benefit Westerly Area Rest Meals, Inc. Registration 10:30am, plunge at Noon. Misquamicut Beach, 89 Atlantic Ave, Westerly. Sandy Beach Polar Plunge to Benefit Forever Paws: Do you tell yourself or loved ones you’re going to do one of these plunges every New Year’s Day? Guilt yourself into the water with this plunge that raises money for the Forever Paws Animal Shelter! Sandy Beach, Fall River.

Block Island Polar Plunge: Dip your toe into the New Year, Block Island style. The local Lion’s Club hosts the annual Polar Plunge at Fred Benson Town Beach at high Noon on New Year’s Day, with participants racing in and out of the water (and saner family members looking on).Whether you’re taking the plunge or not, you’ll get a warm reception from the hundreds of people who typically gather. Fred Benson Town Beach, blockislandinfo.com

Tight Crew’s New Year’s Eve Retro Bash

On New Year’s Eve, Tight Crew will be throwing a “Retro Rewind” Party, taking up three floors at the Hope Artiste Village. For those who like to rave all night and bask in the glow of the black light, their events are the local gold standard.

Providence punches above its weight when it comes to New Year’s Eve festivities, and Tight Crew’s Retro Rewind will be no exception. This is not watching your cousin DJ in your aunt’s basement; it’s a huge production, complete with immersive lights and video (check out the photos from their website if you need proof). There will be music featuring DJ Venom, Sneaker & The Dryer, Jimni Cricket and tons more. Judging by past events, there’s a slim to none chance that this thing won’t sell out, so get your tickets ASAP.

To find out more, I spoke to Tight Crew’s Shane Burke, who operates Supreme Sound & Lighting, responsible for the sound and lighting at the event.

Jake Bissaro: What are you most excited about?

Shane Burke: We’re pumped about the retro theme; we’re going to have vintage video games set up, and old-school bowling (from Breaktime Bowl and Bar) comes with the ticket price. We’ve also made a pretty epic lite bright board. And The Met is always great.

JB: It seems like there are a lot of moving parts; what does it take to put together?

SB: All our sets are custom built, so it’s a big job. The crew has around 30 active members, and we have even more than that who help out. If we’ve done the theme before, sometimes it’s just a matter of putting fresh paint on some of the props, but for this one, everything is from scratch.

JB: Does the retro theme mean people should dress for a particular period?

SB: The things we’ve set up reflect the vintage video game era of Pac Man and Space Invaders. But I think generally, “retro” means different things to different people, and we like to have people be creative with the theme. I expect we’re going to see things from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.

JB: It’s pretty cool that you guys have been able to consistently sell out these huge spaces.

SB: Yeah, our last two events sold out a week in advance. We’ve been able to build an amazing community of supporters. On the other side of it, it’s unfortunate that some people who want to can’t come, but our fans have been able to set up ticket swaps online that have worked out well.

JB: After the NYE event, what’s next for Tight Crew?

SB: We generally take a winter break, and we’ll be back for our Toy Story event at Fete in April. We’ll also be getting ready for our annual beach party that takes place at the WindJammer in Westerly.

Tight Crew’s Retro Rewind happens on Dec 31 at The Met, 1005 Main St, Pawtucket from 6pm to 3am. The event is all ages, 21+ to drink. Get your tickets here.

Motif Event Picks for December 14 – December 20

THU 15 SantaCon 2016: RI’s largest Santa gathering! Santa costumes, ugly sweaters and other holiday attire are strongly recommended but not required. A portion of every ticket sold will be going to the Toys for Tots Foundation & Crossroads RI. 10pm. Rebel Lounge, 50 Exchange Terrace, PVD. fb.com/events/1175430402539514

Sabrina Blaze: Ring in the new year with Sabrina Blaze! The drag diva, comedian, actor and former Miss Gay RI brings her flaming flair, wit and charm to the Stadium for a spectacular celebration. Sabrina’s musical comedy with live vocals will have you doubled over in fits of laughter. Adult content. A Marquee Room event. 7:30pm, 28 Monument Sq, Woonsocket. stadiumtheatre.com

FRI 16

It’s A Wonderful Life: Large screen showing of this Frank Capra holiday classic. 8pm. Greenwich Odeum, 59 Main St, East Greenwich. greenwichodeum.com

A Magical Experience Allison Messier, Jono Babbit & Len Cabral: A perfect winter evening of stories and music. The beautiful voices of Allison Messier and Jono Babbitt will combine with the exquisite storytelling by Len Cabral for a peaceful, communal experience, enhanced by Christmas Caroling. BYOB, 7:30pm, 43 Muse Way, Tiverton. sandywoodsmusic.com

SUN 18

Food Truck Sunday Funday: Each Sunday, the Hot Club parking lot will be transformed into a food truck spot crawling with tons of local favorites. Eat outside or inside the newly renovated Hot Club. 12-30pm. Hot Club, 757 S. Water St, PVD. Foodtrucksin.com

Motif Event Picks for December 1 – December 7

THRU DEC 18

American Buffalo, The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre, 172 Exchange St, Pawtucket. A small- scale tragedy about coin collecting, con artistry and the American dream. gammtheatre.org

THU 1

Cardboard Ox, The Horse Eyed Men, Westeryear: Three bands, all duos with super interesting backgrounds. Ox was nominated for a Motif Music Award. Aurora, 276 Westminster St, PVD. auroraprovidence.com

SAT 3

Krampus Walk: Read all about the event here — motifri.com/krampuswalk2016 Holiday Cover Show: First of three of these this month! Bands such as bloodpheasent, CCRI Jazz Program and others come together to cover Weezer, Pearl Jam and My Chemical Romance. Includes raffles from Ogie’s and New Harvest. All proceeds go to RI Community Food Bank. 9pm, Aurora, 276 Westminster St, PVD. auroraprovidence.com

MON 5

Cloverton Hallelujah Christmas Tour: Memorable and moving Christmas concert to set your holiday season off to a joyous beginning! 7 – 9pm, Christian Hill Community Church, 56 Tiogue Ave, West Warwick. thelighthouseevents.com

Motif Event Picks for November 23 – November 30

FRI 25

Buy Nothing Day Coat Exchange — Trade in that old coat for the good of someone who needs it. Multiple locations.

SAT 26

Short Short Story Film Festival — Find out how much a great filmmaker can do with your head and emotions in fewer than 6 minutes. “Headtrip” and “Heartstrings” programs alternate throughout the day. 2pm – 8:30pm, AS220 Blackbox Theatre, 95 Empire St, PVD.

TUE 29

He Named Me Malala — Support girls’ education around the globe on Giving Tuesday with this documentary. 7pm, Greenwich Odeum, 59 Main St, East Greenwich. greenwichodeum.com

Slim Cessna’s Auto Club — There comes a moment in every Slim Cessna’s Auto Club show when you realize you’re seeing something you’ll never see anywhere else. 8pm, The Met, 1005 Main St, Pawtucket. themetri.com

WED 30

Andrew WK — A speaking tour devoted to the never-ending search for truth through partying. 8pm, The Columbus Theatre, 270 Broadway, PVD. columbustheatre.com Sightings on the Rise!

Between the spectacle of crazed shoppers on and the celebrations on Christmas Day, St. Nick’s opposite is coming to RI. Krampus and his goaty friends are coming — not to put children in sacks, but to welcome them and their families on a terrifyingly merry stroll through Providence. Saturday, December 3 will mark the first annual Krampus Walk Rhode Island.

Though you might be familiar with the 2015 horror-comedy of the same name, the Krampus legend goes back hundreds of years. Predating European Christian customs, the Krampus visited the naughty children during Krampusnacht, Krampus Night, on December 5 before the Feast of St. Nicholas, handing out ruten (bundles of birch) and coal. The ruten would be kept in homes all year as a reminder for all the children to be on their best behavior. However, the Rhode Island group of horned monsters covered in fur and chains are quite the friendly bunch.

Rich Sheridan, head of the nearly 200-member Krampus Society of New England (KSNE), has put together a “fun way to celebrate the holidays” by encouraging all to take part in the walk with the devilish looking creatures of Austrian-German folklore. Instead of swinging bundles of birch wood to frighten children, the event will act as a fun break during the holidays and that will help children as a drive for the popular Toys For Tots.

When he started the society four years ago, Sheridan was inspired by the Krampus walks in the US, in particular those in Texas. This year’s walk will start at 7pm at Prospect Terrace Park on Congdon Street and travel through College Hill passing landmarks and attending local establishments, such as the English Cellar Alehouse. “We’ll go in, sit down, have some costume contests, have some food, have some drinks, and then we’ll go onto the next place,” said Sheridan about the family-friendly event.

Costume contests? Yes, it’s not just open to the KSNE members, but all those attending are encouraged to dress up as their own Krampus, “scary , angry elves, neurotic snowmen,” or something even more sinister. So feel free to come as you are or as something much more fiendish. Children are welcome, but make sure they don’t bring any new pet goats home with them.

For information on the Krampus walk, check out the Facebook event at facebook.com/events/661891260632873. To learn more about the Krampus Society of New England, go to facebook.com/krampusnewengland.