2014 Motif Theater Awards Nominees: Vote!
CLICK HERE TO VOTE
As we’ve been doing for years, Motif seeks to recognize the excellence in local theater at many different levels. We polled the critics and theater companies themselves– about their own best work and the best work they saw. Here’s who they picked! At our awards show, coming in late August, we’ll have technical and critics’ choice awards– but most of all, we want to know what you, the audience, thought. Please vote for your favorites– for the performances and productions that moved, astonished or touched you.
CLICK HERE TO VOTE
www.surveymonkey.com/s/motiftheater14
Improv / Audience Participation
BYOI (Bring Your Own Improv)
Bit Players
Improv Jones
Live Bait
Micetro Improv (@The Contemporary Theater)
Providence Improv Guild
Youth Production of the Year A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant – The Wilbury Group
Dear Edwina – Jamestown Community Theatre
Little Mermaid Jr. – Academy Players
My Son Pinocchio – Encore Kids
The Addams Family – Uncommon Theatre Company
The Wizard of Oz – Encore Kids
Musical of the Year
A Brief History of The Earth and Everything in It – Elemental Theatre Collective
Assassins – Contemporary Theater Co.
Cabaret – The Wilbury Group
Les Misérables – Ocean State Theatre Co.
Oliver! – Trinity Repertory Co.
Sweet Charity – The Community Players
Male in a Musical
Fred Scheff – Les Misérables – Ocean State Theatre
Fred Sullivan Jr. – A Christmas Carol – Trinity Repertory Co.
Kevin Broccoli – Sweet Charity – The Community Players
Sandy Remington – Fiddler on the Roof – The Community Players
Stephen Berenson – Oliver! – Trinity Repertory Co.
Timothy John Smith – Oliver! – Trinity Repertory Co.
Female in a Musical
Alyssa Gorgone – Les Misérables – Ocean State Theatre
Angela Brazil – A Christmas Carol – Trinity Repertory Co.
Beth Ann Baker – Singin’ in the Rain – New Bedford Festival Theatre
Katie Travers – Cabaret – The Wilbury Group
Lisa Ziniti Palmer – Sweet Charity – The Community Players Rachael Warren – Oliver! – Trinity Repertory Co.
Summer Stock Production
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – The Rhode Island Shakespeare Theater
Annie – Theatre by the Sea
La Cage Aux Folles – Theatre by the Sea
Singin’ in the Rain – New Bedford Festival Theatre
College / University
Male Performance
David Groccia – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – RIC
David Sackal – Chicago – URI
Jeff Ararat – The Last Days of Judas Iscariot – CCRI
Neil Jeronimo – Arsenic and Old Lace – RIC
Tyler Indyck – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – RIC
Female Performance
Aimee-Rose Willet – Arsenic and Old Lace – RIC
Julia Bartoletti – Chicago – URI
Marina Tejada – The Last Days of Judas Iscariot – CCRI
Sarah Pothier – Prelude to a Kiss – RIC
Direction
Bill Wilson – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – RIC
Linda Sutherland – Arsenic and Old Lace – RIC
Paula McGlasson – Chicago – URI
Theodore R. Clement – The Last Days of Judas Iscariot – CCRI
Production
Antigone – Salve Regina
Arsenic and Old Lace – RIC Chicago – URI
Crimes of the Heart – URI
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – RIC
The Last Days of Judas Iscariot – CCRI
Set Design
Cheryl deWardener – Chicago – URI
Katryne Hecht – Arsenic and Old Lace – RIC
Katryne Hecht – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – RIC
Luke Sutherland – Spitfire Grill – CCRI
Costume
Charlotte Dunning Burgess – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – RIC
David T. Howard – Chicago – URI
Leslie Ford and Brandy Lee Silva – The Last Days of Judas Iscariot – CCRI
Michael Dates – Arsenic and Old Lace – RIC
Dance
Production of the Year
Coppelia – The State Ballet of Rhode Island
Cowboys – Cadets & Collaborative Works – The State Ballet of Rhode Island
Orchis (from Boundless Plotnikov) – Festival Ballet Providence
Peter Pan – Festival Ballet Providence
The Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff – Island Moving Co.
Principal Dancer of the Year
Brenna DiFrancesco – Festival Ballet Providence
Brooke DiFrancesco – Island Moving Co.
Peg Chobanian – The State Ballet of Rhode Island
Vilia Putrius – Festival Ballet Providence Professional Theater
Male Lead
Brian McEleney – Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike – Trinity Repertory Co.
Fred Sullivan – Jr. – Laughter on the 23rd Floor – Ocean State Theatre
Jim O’Brien – Blackbird – Gamm Theatre
Stephen Thorne – The Grapes of Wrath – Trinity Repertory Co.
Steve Kidd – The Big Meal – Gamm Theatre
Tony Estrella – Macbeth – Gamm Theatre
Female Lead
Angela Brazil – Veronica Meadows – Trinity Repertory Co.
Anne Scurria – The Grapes of Wrath – Trinity Repertory Co.
Janice Duclos – Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike – Trinity Repertory Co.
Jeanine Kane – Good People – Gamm Theatre –
Karen Carpenter – The Big Meal – Gamm Theatre
Mia Ellis – Intimate Apparel – Trinity Repertory Co.
Supporting Male
Joe Wilson Jr. – A Christmas Carol – Trinity Repertory Co.
Mauro Hantman – Intimate Apparel – Trinity Repertory Co.
Richard Donnelly – The Big Meal – Gamm Theatre
Steve Kidd – Macbeth – Gamm Theatre
Timothy Crowe – A Lie of the Mind – Trinity Repertory Co.
Supporting Female
Britt Faulkner – A Lie of the Mind – Trinity Repertory Co.
Casey Seymour Kim – Good People – Gamm Theatre
Karen Gail Kessler – The Diary of Anne Frank – Ocean State Theatre Co.
Tangela Large – Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike – Trinity Repertory Wendy Overly – Macbeth – Gamm Theatre
Direction
Amiee Turner – Les Misérables – Ocean State Theatre Co.
Brian McEleney – Grapes of Wrath – Trinity Repertory Co.
Fred Sullivan – Jr. – Macbeth – Gamm Theatre
Janice Duclos – Intimate Apparel – Trinity Repertory Co.
Rachel Walshe – Good People – Gamm Theatre
Tyler Dobrowsky – The Big Meal – Gamm Theatre
Production of the Year
A Christmas Carol – Trinity Repertory Co.
A Lie of the Mind – Trinity Repertory Co.
Good People – Gamm Theatre
Laughter on the 23rd Floor – Ocean State Theatre Co.
Macbeth – Gamm Theatre
The Grapes of Wrath – Trinity Repertory Co.
New Work
A Brief History of The Earth and Everything in it – Elemental Theatre Co.
Veronica Meadows – Trinity Repertory Co.
Set Design
Eugene Lee – Oliver! – Trinity Repertory Co.
Jessica Hill – Good People – Gamm Theatre
Bert Scott – La Cage Aux Folles – Theatre by the Sea
Patrick Lynch – Veronica Meadows – Trinity Repertory Co.
Costume
Brian Horton – 42nd Street – Ocean State Theatre Co.
Marcia Zammarelli – La Cage Aux Folles – Theatre by the Sea Marilyn Salvatore – Macbeth – Gamm Theatre
William Lane – Grapes of Wrath – Trinity Repertory Co.
Semi-Professional
(Non-union)
Male Lead
Ed Shea – Freud’s Last Session – 2nd Story Theatre
Jeff Church – Orson’s Shadow – Burbage Theatre Co.
Michael Puppi – Angels in America – Epic Theatre Co.
Ricardo Pitts-Wiley – Othello – Mixed Magic Theatre
Rudy Cabrera – Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train – Mixed Magic Theatre
Female Lead
Allison Crews – The Great God Pan – Epic Theatre Co.
Amber Kelly – Blasted – The Wilbury Group
Andrea Flax – Lucy – Daydream Theatre
Emily Lewis – The Other Place – Epic Theatre Co.
Lara Hakeem – Sylvia – 2nd Story Theatre
MJ Daly – For Colored Girls – Mixed Magic Theatre
Supporting Male
Andrew Iacovelli – Dr. Cerberus – Burbage Theater Co.
Bradford J. Greer – The Great God Pan – Epic Theatre Co.
Jo-an Peralta – Blasted – The Wilbury Group
Kevin Broccoli – The Lyons – 2nd Story Theatre
Ted Clement – Picasso at the Lapin Agile – Counter-Productions Theatre Co.
Tom Chace – God of Carnage – Mixed Magic Theatre
Supporting Female
Hannah Lum – Othello – Mixed Magic Theatre Meghan Rose Donnelly – The Great God Pan – Epic Theatre Co.
Melissa Corbett – Lucy – Daydream Theatre Co.
Sharon Carpentier – Sylvia – 2nd Story Theatre
Stephanie Traversa – Cloud Nine – Contemporary Theatre Co.
Valerie Remillard Myette – Picasso at the Lapin Agile – Counter Productions Theatre Co.
Direction
Jonathan Pitts-Wiley – Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train – Mixed Magic Theatre
Josh Short – Blasted – The Wilbury Group
Kevin Broccoli & Jill Jones – Angels in America – Epic Theatre Co.
Lara Hakeem – The Other Place – Epic Theatre Co.
Mark Peckham – The Lyons – 2nd Story Theatre
Ted Clement – Nico was a Fashion Model – Counter-Productions Theatre
Production of the Year
Angels in America – Epic Theatre Co.
Blasted – The Wilbury Group
Orson’s Shadow – Burbage Theatre Co.
Picasso at the Lapin Agile – Counter-Productions Theatre Co.
The Lyons – 2nd Story Theatre
The Other Place – Epic Theatre Co.
Best New Work
Lucy – Daydream Theatre
Nico was a Fashion Model – J. Julian Christopher – Counter-Productions Theatre Co.
The Lyons – 2nd Story Theatre
The One-Acts – The Artists-Exchange
Set Design
Meghan Rose Donnelly- Fuddy Meers – Contemporary Theatre Co. Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train – Mixed Magic Theatre
Monica Shinn – Blasted – The Wilbury Group
Ted Clement – Picasso at the Lapin Agile – Counter-Productions Theatre Co.
Trevor Elliott – Seven Keys to Baldpate – 2nd Story Theatre
Costume
Big Nazo – A Christmas Carol – The Rhode Island Shakespeare Co.
Jessie Darrell – Seven Keys to Baldpate – 2nd Story Theatre
Ron Cesario – The Dupe – 2nd Story Theatre
Sylvi Re – Cabaret – The Wilbury Group
Community Theater
Male Lead
Alex Aponte – Nobody’s Perfect – Theatre Works
Brian Lopes – One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – Little Theatre of Fall River
Derek Laurendo – Come Blow Your Horn – Theatre Co. of RI
John Sheppard – Plaza Suite – Academy Players
Matthey J. Bolles – Three One Acts Plus – Jamestown Community Theatre
Michael Zola – Doubt – The Players at Barker Playhouse
Female Lead
Allie Fasano – Three One Acts Plus – Jamestown Community Theatre
Cathy Fox – Arsenic & Old Lace – The Community Players
Connie Anderson – A Christmas Carmella – Theatre Works – Inc.
Lisa Scotti-Johnson – Plaza Suite – Academy Players
Lisa Ziniti Palmer – Sweet Charity – The Community Players
Supporting Male
Gian DiCostanzo – Hairspray – RI Stage Ensemble
Greg Bonin – Les Misérables – The Encore Repertory Co. James Reilly – Three One Acts Plus – Jamestown Community Theatre
Larry Calabro – Arsenic & Old Lace – The Community Players
Michael Evora – Sweet Charity – The Community Players
Seann Jackson – Plaza Suite – Academy Players
Supporting Female
Elizabeth Hopkins – Come Blow Your Horn – Theatre Co. of RI
Emma Fitzgerald – Hay Fever – RI Stage Ensemble
Karen Kessler – Fiddler on the Roof – The Community Players
Lauren Faith Odenwalder – Woman in Mind – The Players at Barker Playhouse
Nicole Franklin – Les Misérables – The Encore Repertory Co.
Paige Barry – Plaza Suite – Academy Players
Direction
Alfred A. Fortier III – Les Misérables – The Encore Repertory Co.
Greg Geer – Sweet Charity – The Community Players
Lynn Nadrowski – King of the Moon – Theatre Works – Inc.
Mary S. Wright – Dear Edwina – Jamestown Community Theatre
Mike Landry – Godspell – Shining Light Productions
Peggy Pires – Arsenic and Old Lace – The Community Players
Production of the Year
Come Blow Your Horn – Theater Co.of RI
Nobody’s Perfect – Theatre Works – Inc.
Sweet Charity – The Community Players
The Long Slide Home – The Players at Barker Playhouse
Three One Acts Plus – Jamestown Community Theatre
Set Design
Al Forgione – Shrek – The Encore Repertory Co. Dan Clement – Woman in Mind – The Players at Barker Playhouse
Mike Landry – Godspell – Shining Light Productions
Vic Turenne – Arsenic and Old Lace – The Community Players
Costume
Caroline Tillinghast – Annie – Curtain Call Players
Laurea Osborne – Sweet Charity – The Community Players
Lauren Schmidt – Shrek – The Encore Repertory Co.
Luanne Crimmins – Godspell – Shining Light Productions
CLICK HERE TO VOTE
Best Places to Celebrate the Fourth
Fourth of July Events
Independence Day Beach Ball: Traditional clambake on the beach with live music to keep you grooving through the night. The Ocean House, 1 Bluff Ave., Watch Hill. July 4. oceanhouseevents.com
Fourth of July Clambake: Celebrate the birth of the nation with a traditional New England clambake. Stick around for post-dinner s’mores at the Weekapaug Inn, 25 Spray Rock Rd., Weekapaug. July 4. weekapaugevents.com
Family Fourth of July Celebration: A decades old tradition in South Kingstown featuring live musical entertainment, children’s activities, food vendors and fireworks from 5 – 9pm at Old Mountain Field, Kingstown Rd., Wakefield. July 4. southkingstownri.com
88th Annual Ancient & Horribles Parade: Nothing is sacred as Gloucester locals spoof local and national politics during this famous parade on the Fourth of July. The parade first wound its way down Main Street in Chepachet, in 1926 and has continued to delight Glocester residents (and many others) every year since. July 4, 4pm. glocesterri.org
Arnold Mills Parade: Road race, parade and band concert. The theme for this year’s parade is Proud to be an American. Activities start at 9am, Diamond Hill State Park, Cumberland. July 4. arnoldmillsparade.com
Bluegrass on the Pawtuxet: This first annual event from Angry Lobster Events and the RI Bluegrass Alliance turns Pawtuxet Village and Rhodes on the Pawtuxet into a Bluegrass mecca, featuring camping, master classes, and lots of performances, including the Steeldrivers, Pete & Joan Wernick, Tony Trischka and Blue Highway. July 4 – 6
19th Annual New Bedford Folk Festival: Featuring nearly 50 of the best in contemporary, traditional and Celtic folk music, including Chris Smither, Poor Old Shine, Vance Gilbert, Christine Lavin and Don White, the Celtic group RUNA and Grammy Award winning children’s entertainer Bill Harley. Arts and craft vendors, food and drinks downtown outside of Zeiterion Performing Arts Center and the Whaling National Historical Park in New Bedford. July 5 – 6, 11am – 9pm.
Fireworks
Block Island, Thursday 3, 9pm, Crescent Beach, blockislandinfo.com
Bristol, Thursday 3, 9pm, Independence Park, july4thbristolri.com
Cumberland, Thursday 3, 9pm, Cumberland High School, 2600 Mendon Rd., cumberlandri.org
East Providence, Thursday 3, 9pm, Pierce Memorial Stadium, 201 Mercer St., epheritagedays.com
Fall River, Friday 4, 9:30pm, Battle Ship Cove, 5 Water St., battleshipcove.org
Jamestown, Saturday 5, 9pm, East Ferry Beach, rockethogs.com
Narragansett, Friday 4, 9pm, Narragansett Town Beach, narragansettri.gov
New Bedford, Friday 4, 9pm, Hurricane Barrier, centralrichamber.com/1048/events/fireworks New London, Friday 11-Sunday 13, Sundown, New London Waterfront, sailfestnl.org
Newport, Friday 4, 9pm, Newport Harbor, centralrichamber.com/1048/events/fireworks
Newport, Friday 4, 9pm, Rose Island Lighthouse, 365 Thames St, roseislandlighthouse.org/events.html
North Kingston, Saturday 5, Sundown, North Kingston Town Beach, lafayette-band.com
Warwick, Thursday 3, 9pm, Oakland Beach, warwickri.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1217:annual-fireworks-display-set-for- july-3&catid=192:news-archives-2012&Itemid=207 Motif Celebrates its 10th Anniversary
Happy Birthday Motif!
To celebrate Motif’s 10th birthday, we wanted to get stories and reminiscences from some of the people who helped create or shepherd the magazine over the years. But we didn’t want to be self-indulgent or self-congratulatory about it. So when we asked Motifated people – especially former staff – to write in, we committed to not editing them. We fixed some grammar and had to shorten some things, but we left their stories in tact – requiring us to say: the views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Motif.
Mike Ryan Publisher
For my own part, my story’s pretty simple – I’d been writing the film column for a few years, and I’d worked with Motif from the boards of a number of local non-profits. Motif was always a huge supporter of those organizations, and the best single place to run a theater, music or event ad. So when I was between projects, and (former publisher) Jim Vickers told me he was looking to sell or close down the paper. Well, I didn’t want to see it go. I had no idea what I was getting into, but I did think it would be interesting – and it definitely is! I work with more insane people now than ever before (and I’ve worked in mental health facilities), but it’s mostly a very fun, healthy kind of insanity – and it comes with appreciation for music, beer, food, art, theater and just getting people out of the house. I won’t babble on here about our mission to celebrate all that is local and often goes locally unappreciated. But I will say it’s a worthwhile pursuit, and what I’ve learned about our state in the last year from doing this – it’s amazed me. Here, in their own words, are some other impressions of Motif from the last 10 years.
Jim Vickers Founder and Publisher, 2004 – 2012
The new regime at Motif tasked me with writing 250 “pleasant” words as the publication’s founder. I never intended Motif to be “pleasant,” but rather to ferret out the newest music, take just, rather than popular positions – to be a light in the darkness, to not walk softly and always carry a sword. Other publications were enamored with Boston and New York artists. A couple actually printed the Rhode Island music scene was “dead.” Motif begged to differ. To have a scene, a community needs artists, venues, a newspaper covering them, and a radio station. We provided a newspaper and gave music lovers a map to find great local bands such as Deer Tick, Low Anthem and many others. I personally pursued a journalistic relationship with Jim Hummel and The Hummel Report. Jim investigates government waste and corruption and asked me very simply, would I publish his pieces regardless of who they exposed. I said, “Yes,” without hesitation. He said, “You may lose advertisers.” I said, “I know.” Jim Hummel brought down Central Falls mayor Moreau, exposed the David Cicilline loan scandal, and made elected criminals very uncomfortable. (ed. note: and exposed Speaker Fox) During my tenure, we did what we believed to be right. Motif led to a more defined music scene, and put government thieves in the spotlight. A guy at The Knick in Westerly said to me at a Robert Earl Keen concert that Hummel was like Captain America. I agreed, then asked, “What does that make me?” He said, “You’re Batman.” I can live with that.
Caitlin Ardito Project Manager/Associate Editor
I was the second person in history to complete an internship at Motif under Jim Vickers. And the only one before me was known to vomit out of fear on multiple occasions. Seriously, that happened. Because it was terrifying. To a 19-year old college girl (or a 40-year-old man, or really anybody) Jim was terrifying. On one occasion he told me my denim button down (which was chic as hell, at the time, in 2011) was clothing only field workers would wear, and then something along the lines of, “Get rid of it.” Despite the joy I think he took in rabble-rousing and scaring the crap out of people, Jim remains the best mentor I’ve had. He taught me the ins and outs of the industry on painfully long drives delivering papers twice a month (in the bi-monthly days), to thicken my skin (things usually won’t go your way, get over it or leave), not to take life too seriously, don’t date wussies, and that when you’re in charge, you don’t need to wear shoes in the office. Post college, I’m now an associate editor/project manager/writer/office manager/whatever else at Motif. I asked Jim to submit us something pleasant for our anniversary, explaining the prompt as something father-figurish. Naturally he responded, “Like, go to your room, you’re on timeout?” I could go on about the fantastic growth and achievements our newspaper has made in the past 18 months, but as Anthony Burgess once said, “To remember where you come from is part of where you are going.” It’s been a hell of a ride, Motif.
Erin Botelho Advertising Director
It was just about 6 years ago that I walked into the Motif office at The Hope Artiste Village. I didn’t know what to expect, having done other kinds of sales, but never selling print ads. From trying to sell an ad at a construction site (buzz saws blaring and all), to attending a Beer Fest and greeting customers dressed as Wonder Woman, it’s been a wild and sometimes hilarious ride. Years later, it has become a very interesting and rewarding atmosphere for meeting great people who are passionate about what they are doing. We give a much-needed voice to that community and put it on the front page. Looking back, my favorite thing would be watching the nominees and winners at the music and theater awards, respectively. They’ve worked hard at their crafts and have finally been recognized by their peers and fans. It’s nice to be a part of something every day that celebrates our local talent and happenings the best we can.
Emily Olson Editor
As a RI transplant, I knew little about the state other than that my mother ran screaming from it 30 years before my husband’s job dragged me screaming to it. Before I started working for Motif, I was already making eyes at RI from across the room, but the last year as Motif’s editor made me fall hard. The magazine’s mission is to educate readers on the diverse and rich culture in our state and bring those on the fringe into the light. But the best part of my experience so far is that interacting with artists of all sorts and hearing people’s stories has given me an education instead. The bizarre cast of characters who make up our staff is like a microcosm of RI itself – full of passionate, creative and strange people who want to improve their little corner of the galaxy for those around them. And working for Mike Ryan, who views Motif as a calling rather than a job, values in his team growth over perfection, welcomes my kids to the office and never starts a meeting without playing peek-a-boo with them under the conference table, has been an unparalleled experience. And I thought I was just going to make sure everything was spelled right.
Marc Clarkin Alt-Nation
Nine years ago in a tipsy haze I fired off an email to (then editor/publisher) Jim Vickers informing this man (who I’d never met) that he should hire me as a rock ‘n’ roll columnist. Even nine years later, I’m still stunned this approach worked. Since then I watched the Motif transform from being something people had never heard of into a reputable publication. Along the way I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to cover national and local music, interview my teenage hero, handicap local events like roller derby, and write film and even a play review. I’ve had worse fallout from drunken emails. Thank you to Mr. Vickers for the opportunity and thank you to all my co-workers present and past. Best of luck to Motif Magazine in the future.
Karen Kessler Staff Member, 2004 – 2008
After four seasons with Theatre By The Sea (TBTS), I was heartbroken when FourQuest Entertainment decided to cease operations after their 2003 season. During my tenure at TBTS, I had worked closely with many members of the press, including Jim Vickers, who was The Westerly Sun’s A & E Editor. Knowing that I was no longer employed, Jim asked if I would consider assisting him with the creation of an arts publication, which became Motif Magazine. For the next four years, I was the editor for the theater, dance and comedy sections and assisted with advertising sales. I could also be seen as a presenter at many Motif Awards ceremonies. The most memorable of those ceremonies was when I was a nominee in 2012. Somehow, I ended up presenting for my own category. I jokingly said, “Clearly I didn’t win or Jim wouldn’t have me presenting in this category.” Imagine how stunned I was to find my name in the envelope. I’m not sure if Jim planned it that way, but I wouldn’t be surprised! Russell Gusetti Editor Emeritus
Over the years I’ve been not only a reader of Motif but since I play in a band and run a venue in RI, the publication has always been important to me. I also worked there for two or so years with Jim. And now I’m happy to watch Motif grow under Mike and his great young staff. From the start, Motif was the alternative to the alternative. And in this day of shrinking arts coverage everywhere, Motif is perhaps more needed than ever before. Happy 10th anniversary Motif! Please continue to do what you do best … cover as many types of RI’s performing arts scene as you can and continue to cover ALL kinds of music!
John Fuzek Roots Report
So, 10 years of Motif. I feel fortunate to have been part of it since (almost) the beginning. I never considered myself to be any type of writer other than a songwriter. It was by mere chance that I began to write for Motif. I sent the brand new paper a press release for a show that I was doing in late summer of 2004. Jim Vickers, then owner/editor of Motif, replied to my e-mail and asked if I would like to write for the paper. I told him I had never written nor even considered being a writer, but I would give it a try. For some reason I started my first column with “Okee dokee folks…” and I have used it in every issue since. I figured since 2004 I have written over 200 columns. That’s a lot of words. From the beginning, Motif has been a supporter of the arts in RI. I am very proud to be part of that support and hope that we can continue this long into the future.
Jim Hummel Investigative Reporter
A month after we launched The Hummel Report in October of 2009 I got a call from Jim Vickers, the founder and then-editor at Motif. He explained that part of his five-year plan for the magazine was to introduce hard news as a supplement to the other great features Motif had developed. And he thought our stories were a perfect fit. “No offense,’’ Vickers said, “but none of my staff knows who you are.’’ “Perfect!’’ I said, not offended at all. I already had a following at the State House and in local government through my nearly three decades of reporting for the Providence Journal and ABC6 TV. But part of growing a media outlet is reaching those who may not be your viewer or reader – and Motif fit that bill. And what a partnership it has been. I continually run into people who say, “I really enjoyed reading your piece’’ – a signal to me they saw it in Motif, since our main format is online video. I’ve received dozens of tips from readers over these past five years that have led to some great stories and I look forward to a great partnership in the years to come.
Pete Larrivee Beer Nerd
When I first started writing for Motif, I was a young, fresh-faced 26-year-old with a few beer fests under my belt and a talent for using ludicrous metaphors to describe how I felt about beer. Since then, I’ve watched Motif grow from ‘That other magazine like the Phoenix,’ to a real, legitimate arts and entertainment magazine that, for some reason, still keeps a lunatic like me around. I love hearing the comments and compliments from readers and fans who love the new direction and tone of Motif. Here’s to another decade of growing and evolving! Cheers!
Mark Morin Dance Writer
I have been writing dance reviews for Motif since its inception. When founder, fellow graduate and friend Jim Vickers asked me if I wanted to join him as one of his writers, I jumped at the opportunity. I worked previously with Jim when he was the Arts and Entertainment editor at The Westerly Sun. As one who has long been involved with local dance, I have always been troubled by the lack of coverage other publications devoted to dance. This concern reached a crescendo during my tenure as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Festival Ballet Providence. For me, Motif became the sole voice in speaking about and promoting dance here in RI, either through some constructive criticism, or, more often than not, by pointing out the exceptional talent we have here locally. Motif serves the very noble role of giving a voice to the many extremely talented artists – both professional and nonprofessional – who call RI home. I look forward to contributing to Motif for many more years! Happy anniversary.
Erminio pinque
Monster says, “Blargh, Motif!”
Terry Shea Theater Writer
It was 2010 and the Motif Theater Awards were underway at the old Hi Hat Club on Point Street. It occurred to me and my partner in crime that we had not been able to see most of the nominated shows that year due to finances and time and we wondered how anyone could have managed to do so except, perhaps, for the critics. At this point, Motif was established, but still seemingly in the shadows, and most of the process surrounding awards and reviews seemed murky at best. In a fit of pique, martinis notwithstanding, we declared that we could write reviews at least as well as what was out there, establish our own review website, get to see all of these great shows and hold our own awards ceremony that would be far more inclusive and transparent. Moreteeth was born and an arrogant, slightly inebriated decision turned a bad pun into an alternate source for theatrical criticism in RI. Moreteeth had a good couple of years and (maybe) helped raise the bar a little, but soon became too much work and eventually went dormant. Soon afterwards, new publisher Mike Ryan (who served with me on the board of Perishable Theatre) approached me and asked, “Have you ever done any writing?” Thinking I was being set up, I directed him to the Moreteeth website and Mike asked, in all genuineness, if I would consider joining the Motif staff. Mike is one of the most openhearted and giving people I know and he had no idea that we had been poking fun at his magazine for years. I started writing for Mike in the fall of 2012 and it has been an intensely rewarding experience. Motif has the heart and the guts and the talent to be the best (free) magazine on the stands and I’m proud to be a named member of the staff. If you don’t know Motif, you don’t know RI.
MotifTV Top 5 Things to do this Weekend | June 19 – 22
Your Definitive Guide to Pride
All of the events and times you need to know for the RI Pride Celebration On June 21 will be the 39th annual RI Pride Celebration, with a theme of Triumph and Transformation. This year Pride celebrates the triumph of marriage equality sweeping through our country and the transformation that comes with greater acceptance of the LGBTQ community as hearts and minds are transformed. Here’s what you can expect from this weekend’s celebration. Don’t miss it!
PrideFest kicks off at noon on South Water Street, and attendees can expect a KidsZone, and a beer, wine and spirits garden in addition to a fantastic line-up of performers:
12pm Welcome with Poppy Champlin 12:05pm King Pride Ocean State 12:15pm Existenz N’Chance 12:40pm Queen Pride Ocean State 12:50pm Joe Cat 1:15pm Imperial Court of RI 1:25pm Ms.Lesbian RI 2014 1:40pm Hannah & Maggie 2:05pm Mr. Gay RI 2014 2:25pm Carrie Ashton 3pm Vi’Let 3:15pm Derek Capobianco 3:45pm Miss Gay RI 2014 4pm Heather Rose In Clover 4:35pm National Anthem and Pride Rally 5pm Jackie Collins 5:20pm Aiden James 5:50pm Xelle 6:20pm Sabrina Blaze 6:30pm David Hernandez 7pm Niki Haris 7:30pm DJ Andy Morris At 8:30pm, the Illuminated Night Parade will leave from The Biltmore Hotel (11 Dorrance St) and head down Washington, Weybosset and Empire Streets. With plenty of viewing space, spectators will witness floats, performing artists and marching groups as they take part in the only illuminated night parade in New England. Parties will continue late into the night, including a dance party at Club Ego, and a Hangover Drag Brunch at Aspire Restaurant will take place at 12:30 on Sunday afternoon. Or really late Saturday night, depending how your weekend goes. Happy Pride!
June Pinup: Samantha Arredondo What’s your favorite quote? “Everything in the universe has rhythm, everything dances.” – Maya Angelou What’s your favorite book? Tuck Everlasting. It’s a story about living forever. Do you have a favorite movie? Transformers. I like the action and effects, but it also has a great story.
What’s your favorite/least favorite thing about summer? My favorite thing about summer is the warm sunshine, the songs of chirping birds and of course, the beach. My least favorite is mosquitoes. What’s your favorite RI summer spot? Newport, for sure! Is there a song that says warm weather and sunshine to you? Anything from The Dirty Heads. They have a great reggae fusion sound that screams summer. Do you have a favorite summer beverage? I love an ice cold glass of sweet tea. It’s a southern thing that hasn’t really caught on in New England. Do you like your s’mores classic or with a twist? Classic s’mores remind me of my childhood. Of course, the more chocolate the better!
MotifTV Top 5 Things to do this Weekend | May 22 – 25
That are you doing this weekend? Rhode Island is waiting for you!
Dirty Deeds with Custard Pie https://www.facebook.com/events/1479689732244083/?fref=ts
Blackstone Riverboat Tours http://www.rivertourblackstone.com/
Gaspee Days Arts and Crafts Festival http://www.gaspee.com/ArtsandCrafts.htm
New England Lobster Days http://www.mysticseaport.org/event/lobster-days-2/
Waterfire http://waterfire.org/
MotifTV Top 5 Thigs to do this Weekend | May 15 – 18
2014 Award winners
AMERICANA Best Bluegrass Band — Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Blackstone Valley Bluegrass is Dave Dick on banjo, his brother Bob Dick on guitar, Dan Nowlan on mandolin and Ken Taylor on upright bass. This original lineup has been together for 15 years. They’re all multi-instrumentalists and play a wide range of bluegrass styles — breakdowns, gospel, fiddle tunes and waltz. These four longtime friends comprise a bluegrass band with excellent musicianship, fine harmonies, high energy and a true love for the music. “Yes, there really is a Blackstone Valley and we all lived there when we started the band. Located in the heart of central Massachusetts, exposure to the heavy metal content of the Blackstone River has produced a copious amount of fine bluegrass pickers.” Best Open Mic Night — The Spot Ungerground The Spot Underground on Richmond Street in Providence is a club “where art, music and vibe come together.” They have changed locations a few times, but the atmosphere stays the same. The open mic at The Spot is called Re-Creation Tuesday and happens from 7 to 9:30pm and is followed by an open jam until closing. “Weekly Jam Leaders explore multiple genres of music with participants. If you sign up, you will play.” Breakthrough Americana Act — Consuelo’s Revenge
They list their musical style as soul-folk. Band members Alexandra Gibbons on vocals and violin; Nicholas Smyth on vocals, guitar and piano; Ian Lacombe on vocals, bass and dreidl; Amanda Salemi on vocals; Matt Nilsson on drums and Kirk Anderson on accordion and electric guitar make the music. They cite their influences as Tom Waits, Sam Cooke, Hank Williams, Ray Charles, Nina Simone and Bruce Springsteen. The band’s bio says, “We are the sound that the midnight storm makes outside your door when you’re alone and you’ve had one too many glasses of bourbon. Consuelo is the invisible cog in the machine, the water in the well, the last one left after the lights have gone out and the first one to see the sunrise. And these are her songs.”
Best Blues Act — Roomful of Blues For more than 45 years, New England’s Roomful of Blues has played the music of the horn-powered golden era of the late 1940s and early 1950s. Roomful doesn’t simply recreate the famous and obscure 78s and 45s of those years; they’ve breathed new life into vintage songs, infusing them with boundless energy and fiery, swinging solos and vocals. For the last two decades, Roomful has been led by Chris Vachon, one of the best guitarists in the blues. For 40 years, their hard-charging horn section has been sparked by Rich Lataille on tenor and alto sax. Even though Roomful of Blues’ lineup has changed over the years, the band has always been one of the tightest, most joyful blues ensembles in the world. Their winning combination of jump, swing, blues, R&B and soul remains their calling card, as does their ability to fill the dance floor.
Best Choral Act — Providence Gay Men’s Chorus Their tag line is Harmonizing Diversity In Song. Started in 1995, the multi-award winning chorus has been ambassadors of sorts for the LGTB community, breaking down barriers and gaining acceptance with their music. They strive to produce professional-quality shows, combining the best of musical theater, cabaret and traditional choral performance. Their struggle for equality has been an uphill battle, but as times change and minds open, some day it will all just be about the music.
Best Folk Act — Atwater-Donnelly
In one form or another, Atwater-Donnelly have won a Motif Award just about every year. In every one of their musical configurations, Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly are the mainstays. Aubrey plays mountain dulcimer, banjo, tin whistle, mandolin and guitar. Elwood plays guitar, harmonica, bones, spoons, and limberjacks. When the group is called The Atwater-Donnelly Band, additional musicians are Cathy Clasper-Torch on fiddle and cello, Kevin Doyle on percussion — including Irish Step Dance — John Cerrigione on stand-up bass, and Heidi Cerrigione on autoharp. An occasional formation of these same folks makes up the old-time gospel band, Jerimoth Hill. Atwater~Donnelly have been performing around the United States, and occasionally beyond to Ireland, England and Canada for over 25 years.
Best Americana Female Vocalist — Becky Chace “Roots rocker Becky Chace will knock you over with her voice, and her longtime sidekick Brian Minisce will help you get back up and stand at attention.” Becky Chace believes in the power of music. Currently performing as a duo with Brian, a trio when Brian’s brother Mark Minisce joins on bass, and with her full band with Eric Hastings on drums, Becky can be found most weekends in New England playing concerts in every kind of venue imaginable, from clubs to outdoor festivals to house concerts and parties, with her eclectic mix of originals and covers. Becky has been performing at least 200 shows per year since she began promoting her first release in 1998. She’s tough to pin down in terms of style; she’s that kind of musician who can’t help but go in different directions. Chace has won so many awards that she will have to make an addition on her home to display them!
Best Jazz Act — Greg Abate Greg Abate is a jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer and international jazz recording artist who tours the globe. He is also an adjunct professor of jazz studies at Rhode Island College and is also a very active jazz clinician with sponsorship from the Conn-Selmer Instrument Co., conducting workshops and master classes through the US and abroad. To date, Abate has released more than 15 recordings and was Grammy nominated in four categories for his 2004 CD, Evolution. Jim Merod of New Jazz Recordings writes, “Greg Abate is one of the most appealing saxophonists on the scene today. He is mature with an abundance of gentle self-confidence. The result is that he plays music with sweetness and daring.”
Best Celtic Act — Pendragon Most people would say that Pendragon winning in this category is a no brainer. They have won this award so many times in RI that I don’t even know what the total is now! The heart and soul core of the band — Mary Lee, Bob and Russell — have been doing the Celtic thing since the mid-’80s. Great original and traditional tunes, talent and a little luck o’ the Irish keeps ‘em winning. In addition to the music, the members of Pendragon have been the driving force behind the Blackstone River Theatre, bringing more traditional and ethnic performers to the Blackstone Valley since 1995.
Best Americana Album — A Tribute To Providence by the ‘Mericans The ‘Mericans are an experimental Americana roots folk rock band led by former Purple Ivy Shadows singer and guitarist Chris Daltry. In addition to Daltry, the band consists of members Michael Moore on guitar and vocals, Matt Rozzero on drums and Paul Williamson on bass and vocals. Their 20-track album, A Tribute To Providence, features songs performed by the ‘Mericans and written by notable Rhode Island area performers such as Allysen Callery, Small Factory, Roz Raskin and The Rice Cakes, Throwing Muses, Miracle Legion, Death Vessel, The Figgs, Ben Pilgrim, The Raindogs, Fern Knight and others. The band interprets each song and presents them in the unique style of the ‘Mericans. Currently you can get the album as a free download.
Best Americana Act — Mark Cutler & The Men of Great Courage Best Americana Singer/Songwriter — Mark Cutler Best Americana Male Vocalist — Mark Cutler
He may have an army — really, he does, The Men Of Great Courage Army — but his music is what keeps him winning. Mark Cutler leads a variety of roots-rock bands and combines powerful lyrics with memorable melodies and driving rhythm. From the Schemers, The Raindogs, The Dino Club, The Men of Great Courage, The Tiny String Band, Forever Young and other musical incarnations, Mark Cutler is the hardest working RI musician. In his 35-plus year career, he has played just about everywhere in RI and toured extensively, sharing the stage with the likes of Bob Dylan, Don Henley, Warren Zevon and many others. He has taken home just about every area musical award, and his music just keeps getting better. He will play anytime and anywhere and sometimes he’ll show up alone with his guitar and he’ll sing whether you want him to or not.
ALTERNATIVE
Best Rock Band – Viking Jesus Viking Jesus enjoyed a banner year, playing all over the area showcasing their top-notch chops. Viking Jesus is singer/songwriter Kris Hansen, guitarist George Dussault, drummer Nick Iddon, Uriah Donnelly, and Evan Gilroy. Viking Jesus is a bit of a departure from Hansen’s previous work. Viking Jesus adds an element of electronica to give Hansen’s tunes a bit of a trip hop feel. Their debut self- titled album channels the likes of The Beatles, Flaming Lips, Brit pop and funk. Between Hanson’s classic pop songwriting, Dussault’s shredding and Iddon providing the back beat, Viking Jesus has been thrilling audiences all over the state. Be on the lookout for more shows in the future, and check out Hansen’s Dropout Night every Monday at The Spot with Big Jon Tierney.
Best Live Act – The Silks All The Silks did in the last year was put out a 7 inch with Paul Westerberg from The Replacements singing the B side, put out a Westerberg produced full-length debut titled The Last American Band, do a tour that had them make their SXSW debut in Austin, TX, opening for Roky Erickson, and play their hearts out regardless of whether it was in an intimate Sunday night at Local 121 or a packed sweaty club every show. The Silks kick it live with a brand of muddy southern rock & roll steeped in the blues. Singer/Guitarist Tyler-James Kelly can shred and sing with the best of them while the rhythm section of Matt Donnelly on drums and Jonas Parmelee on bass anchors things like a rock. Not bad for a bunch of Yankee boys.
Best Reggae/Ska Act – The Copacetics In the battle of reggae versus ska, chalk up a win for speed as ska is essentially sped-up reggae. The Copacetics bring booty shaking grooves to the table by channeling the likes of The Skatalites, The Slackers and The Pietasters, among others. The Copacetics are the real deal with a full horn section and are money for good night out on the town getting down. The Copacetics are currently working on their debut album, which should be something special judging by the recordings they have on the line. Catch the buzz for yourself when The Copacetics rock the house at Fete on May 18.
Best Jam Band – Fungus Amungus I have no idea how many Best Jam Band Motif Awards Fungus Amungus have won, but somewhere there is a stack of them on a shelf probably bookended on each end by a bong. Seriously, I remember them winning this award way back in the day when we used to have the music awards combined with the theater awards. Usually the band wouldn’t show, but they would send someone to pick up the award who would explain their absence by inserting a stoner reference. Fungus Amungus continue to win this award by being the best in town in stretching jams out using funk, reggae, rock and improvisation. They can play for hours, which not many local bands can pull off while keeping their audience engaged. I’ll never be much of a fan of the jam band genre, but I respect excellence in anything, which is what Fungus Amungus brings to what they do.
Punk Act – Gymshorts In a bit of a changing of the guard, Gymshorts takes top honors for Best Punk Act. Gymshorts bring it in dirty garage/punk fashion that has been generating quite the buzz for a band that hasn’t been around all that long. Gymshorts released their debut album in February, titled No Backsies. Like the Atlantic Thrills, Gymshorts borrow heavily from garage rock, but when they’re going good, it feels like an out-of- control locomotive teetering back and forth, but somehow managing to stay on the tracks. Throw in some surf guitar leads on top and you pretty much have the Gymshorts’ formula. Gymshorts have a couple of shows coming up this month, including May 3 at Dusk and May 13 at AS220. Check them out!
Best Hardcore Act – Lolita Black Lolita Black have been on a bit of a hiatus the past few months, but their thunder still reverberates judging by the results of this poll. In their last run, they released a scorched earth sophomore album titled Flesh, Bone, and Blood, played AS220’s annual Foo Fest, and made the finals of the 2013 WBRU Rock Hunt. Lolita Black attacked with a bone jarring blend of metallic punk highlighted by Bob Otis’ chainsaw shredding on guitar, Kaleigh Crass’ earth shuddering drumming and Scarlett Delgado’s haunt-you-from-beyond-the-grave vocals. I don’t know whether we’ll ever see Lolita Black back in action, but I hope we do!
Best Alt Female Vocalist – Roz Raskin (Roz & The Rice Cakes) Roz Raskin can do a bit of everything, from playing keyboards to bass to the drums while fronting the local darlings of indie rock, The Rice Cakes. Roz Raskin the vocalist gets the award here, and while I can’t think of anyone to compare her to, this only speaks to the uniqueness that has in turn gathered The Rice Cakes a large following. In the last year, The Rice Cakes have toured, put out a 7 inch, and recently released a full length titled Need To Feed. Roz and The Rice Cakes play anywhere, whether it is a packed club, house party or a warehouse party, they are always game to throw down. Best Alt Male Vocalist – John McCauley (Deer Tick) This nomination generated some internal discussions at the Motif headquarters as I personally did not approve of this nomination. Deer Tick’s success is great for the local music community, I love the band and John McCauley like a brother. That said, there is nothing wrong for a band to graduate out of the “local” category and become a national, or in this case international, success story, which is what Deer Tick has done. That said, in the last year McCauley with Deer Tick has released, in my opinion, their best album to date with Negativity (Partisan Records), recorded a second, yet-to-be-released record with Diamond Rugs, and toured relentlessly, including a stretch of dates happening right now with The Hold Steady. Oh yeah, he also was one a few selected guest vocalists/guitarists who played an post-Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame induction show with a little band called Nirvana a few weeks ago filling in for Kurt Cobain. Media reports of the show even had McCauley showing bassist Krist Novoselic how to play Nirvana’s songs. Deer Tick will play the main stage this year for the first time at this year’s Newport Folk Festival at the end of July, along with continuing their tradition of having raucous rock & roll after parties at the Newport Blues Cafe. I caught Deer Tick two weeks ago in Boston where they debuted a new hard-charging song called “Shitty Music Festival.” My brother currently has the only video of it posted on YouTube.
Alt Breakthrough Act – Littlefoot Littlefoot play kind of ethereal indie pop and garnered a buzz in the area big enough to win them Breakthrough Act honors. They recently released their debut EP at the end of last year, and it featured a mix of jangled guitars and ’60s girl group harmonies. Littlefoot’s hypnotic grooves have been gathering a following around town. Littlefoot vocalist/guitarist Erica Sutherland may be tiny in stature, but her tunes are big sculptures of noise and harmonies.
Best Alt Album – Atlantic Thrills Atlantic Thrills I always have problems picking my year-end favorite albums because what I listen to in February isn’t usually played in November. The self titled from Atlantic Thrills debut, I suspect, is going to be the exception to the mix with a heavy doses of ’60s garage psychedelic rock spruced up by some surf guitar leads. I’ve had one of the tunes, “Foreign Lands,” stuck in my head all day and that was from listening to the record two days ago. My problem with garage bands is often that all of it sounds the same. This can be said of Atlantic Thrills to some degree, but they manage to get away with it by not being afraid to take some risks with near a capella choruses on “Blind Leading The Blind,” while “Light Shines” reminds me of the Yardbirds. The whole record sounds a little like they picked a different ’60s garage tune off the Nuggets compilation and tried to write a song like it while adding their own touch. The Atlantic Thrills recently completed a 45-day US tour that included playing the SXSW Festival in Austin and some crazy west coast shows where despite being an unknown, they played to capacity crowds. Plans are currently being discussed for another tour that would take the band farther from home in the fall. Till then, I can’t wait for summer to get its ass here so I can listen to Atlantic Thrills’ tune “Day at the Beach” while actually heading to a beach!
Best Tribute Band – Dirty Deeds (AC/DC) The recent news that Malcolm Young may have to retire from AC/DC has put the future of the band in peril. I saw AC/DC’s last tour and those stadium anthems still sound as great as ever. Whatever happens with AC/DC, it’s good to know that a band like Dirty Deeds will still be around keeping those tunes alive. One can turn on WHJY every day and hear AC/DC, but it just doesn’t compare to the experience of seeing live music. Dirty Deeds have been around for years, thrilling audiences by blasting out AC/DC classics and here’s hoping they are around for a long time to come. So for Dirty Deeds and all the people going to their shows, we here at Motif salute you… as Best Tribute Band! Best Hip-Hop Act — Dirty Ice & Durdie Furbie aka DirtyDurdie
This duo is focused on forging a countercultural library of raw music for fans of a sound that’s not saturated with commercialism. DirtyDurdie commands quite a presence when performing on stage. They use unrefined energy, well-developed rhyme skill, and professionalism to engage their audience in spite of their lyrical content. All of the beats have an emotionally charged pulse that becomes the perfect platform for these artists to “dump” their thoughts. The conceptual chemistry between these two is rare. The goal of the group is to prove that originality overpowers the regular “follow the leader” method of entering into the hip-hop/rap industry.
Best EDM DJ — DJ Venom
This guy really does inject poison on the dance floor, leaving his iconic mark across the East cost and everywhere in between. Known for his hard hitting unique house sounds, Venom is no stranger to the ’90s rave era. His Hard Dance Nation CD on Morlock Musik is still the best-selling CD in the hard house category. With a hefty DJ schedule, Venom is a household name to the hard house scene across the globe.
Best Club DJ — DJ Primitive
One of New England’s best kept secrets is no stranger to Providence’s nightlife industry. He’s held his residence at Smoke Lounge for many years, which is proof of what this guy can do behind the decks. DJ Primitive is a household name to many when it comes to the party rocking hip-hop, R&B, top 40-EDM influenced genre. Prim bought his first pair of turntables in ’97 to listen to records and play music for his friends in his attic. What started off as a hobby quickly evolved into something that Prim wanted to take to the next level. Influenced by other local DJs and attending weekly hip-hop shows made Primitive want to sharpen his skills and display them for others. Now Prim is rocking clubs all over Rhode Island and holds down the #1 hip-hop radio show on 90.3 WRIU every Monday from 3 to 6pm.
Pin-up of the Month: Malady L’Amour Old Money Honeys #11
What do you never leave home without? Mascara and an attitude!
What’s your favorite book? Anything by Anne Rice, totally disregarding all that S&M stuff she wrote under a pen name and those books about the life of Jesus.
What’s your favorite movie? I say The Royal Tenenbaums, but my husband says it’s The Hunt for Red October.
What’s your biggest pet peeve? Roller derby folk using their real names. Nobody wants to cheer your boring-ass real name.
What got you into roller derby? My husband said it would be hot. And I have a background as an amateur figure skater (roller not ice). I could already skate – I just needed some new boutfits!.
What do you like best about roller derby? I like that all the ladies I know can take a hit, and ask for it.
Do you play any other sports? I run, but I don’t consider that a sport. I consider it torture
Tell us a secret! I’m still scared of the dark.