A Sample Strategy for Crave RI
Crave RI is coming back to Providence on June 21 and 22, and it is jam-packed with good food and drinks provided by more than 100 of RI’s finest establishments! Anyone will tell you to pace yourself when attending an event with so much deliciousness. Here is my plan:
Being a beer girl, I reached out to Jennifer Brinton to see what Grey Sail Brewery would be featuring. It’s no surprise that they will be offering a killer selection of Hazy Day Belgian Wit, Captain’s Daughter DIPA, Dave’s Coffee Stout and Pour Judgement IPA. Jen pointed out to me that the last two are examples of great RI collaborations. When I asked her why she participated in Crave RI this year, she made it clear that Grey Sail Brewery is committed to supporting the goals CVS has set forth with this event. She added that “they really know how to run a show the right way.”
Now that I have a beer, time to head off for the perfect pairing. Bayberry Beer Hall, located at 381 W Fountain Street, is the new kid — it’s only been in business for nine months. Owners Natalie and Tom Dennen are treating us to a local spent grain cracker featuring Chef David Johnson’s house made beer cheese with bacon and scallions.
You thirsty? New England IPA from Revival Brewing Co is next up and what better to way to wash down an IPA with three times the hops than a classic from Tallulah’s Taqueria, Coctel the Camarones served with Tostsdas. When I asked owner Jake Rojas about why Tallulah’s is participating he summed up what I heard from others, “When Tallulahs can help make change within our community it’s a no-brainer. Being able to help support over 80 nonprofits focused on health, education and support for children and families at risk and in transition is the first step in making change!”
You know what else is a no-brainer? Attending Crave RI. See you there and remember be choosy, pace yourself and enjoy. To plan your own strategy, check out the list of attendees at cvscaremarkcharityclassic.com/about-crave-ri.html
The Crave RI food festival takes place Thu, Jun 21 and Fri, Jun 22 at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. All proceeds from Crave RI will support charitable organizations across Southern New England. Tickets to Crave RI can be purchased at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center box office, at ticketmaster.com/charityclassic or over the phone at 800-745-3000. Also, keep an eye on Motif’s social media — Crave gave us a bunch of passes to give away, and we’ll have more than a few fun ways to do that in June. Hint – be ready to describe what your taste buds crave.
Top 5 Fun Things To Do: June 13 – June 19
WED 13
Womens Fund Hosts Gubernatorial Debate: Free event moderated by Maureen Moakley and Kelly Nevins promises open debate among the leading candidates for RI Governor, except Raimondo and Fung, who don’t seem to enter debates. Online RSVP encouraged. 5:30pm. Gaige Hall, RI College, Library Rd, North Providence. wfri.org
SAT 16
PRIDE Fest Illuminated Night Parade: RI Pride launches its 43 official outing onto the streets of PVD, to the theme “Louder & Prouder.” 11am – 9:30pm. South Water St, PVD. prideri.org Queer/Trans Zinefest 2018: Second annual fair of small artworks celebrating the creations of non- gender conforming artists. 11am – 4pm. AS220, 115 Empire St, PVD. fb.com/qtzfest
SUN 17
Father’s Day at Ironworks Tavern: You could get him a tie, or get him what he really wants and take him to the bar. 3pm, Ironworks Tavern, 697 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick. theironworkstavern.com
MON 18
2018 Rhode Island Food Truck Awards: Our own annual bash for the rolling mobile cuisine of the state. Vote ASAP at motifri.com/ftawards. 5:30pm. Skyline, 1 Finance Way, PVD. motifri.com/fta2018
A Night of Comedy with Barry Rothbart and Greg Barris
Greg Barris
On Wednesday, June 13, two comedians will bring their unique brand of humor to The Comedy Connection in East Providence.
Your headliner for the evening, Barry Rothbart, has performed his stand-up on “The Tonight Show,” “Conan,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” and his own Comedy Central Presents Special. Currently, he can be seen on the new Showtime series “Kidding with Jim Carrey” and in the upcoming Melissa McCarthy movie, Happytime Murders. He was named a “New Face” and “Best of the Fest” performer at the Just For Laughs Montreal Comedy Fest, and as one of Variety Magazine’s 10 Comics to Watch. He has also co-starred in the ABC series “Downward Dog,” as well as making appearances in The Wolf of Wall Street, on MTV’s “Punk’d” and in Demetri Martin’s indie feature, Dean.
The other featured comedian is Greg Barris. Greg is a staple in New York’s downtown stand-up scene and is the creator of Heart Of Darkness, ‘The World’s Most Important Live Event” — a psychedelic showcase of comedy, live music and fringe scientists, which has been a frequent Time Out New York Critic’s Pick, much loved by BrooklynVegan, and hailed as “excellent” by The New Yorker. PAPER describes Greg as “the perfect combination of very good looking, hilarious and super-weird.” Greg’s comedic shorts have been featured on “Funny or Die,” “College Humor” and “Jay Leno’s Laugh Squad,” to name a few, and his debut comedy album Shame Wave is available on aspecialthing Records.
Barry Rothbart
Now that we’ve gotten introductions out of the way, I had a chance to sit down and chat with the boys through the wonders of technology.
Dan Martin (Motif): Hey guys, how are you?
The Guys: Great. We just shared a peach. It was super ripe.
DM: Do you mind if I ask you a couple of questions?
TG: I’m going to mind soon, but not yet.
DM: How long have you guys been performing respectively/together?
TG: Separately around 15 years. Together we did one tour a few years back. We didn’t argue once.
DM: Is this your first tour together?
TG: Yes. DM: Greg, have you always been good looking?
TG: Yes. Barry has never been though.
DM: Is this your first time in Providence?
TG: No, Passed through for a reason I can’t remember.
DM: Do you have any favorite facts about RI?
TG: Yes, I just heard its the home of the fifth longest orgasm ever recorded. Amazing.
DM: Barry, you were named a “new face,” what was your old face like?
TG: Riddled with eczema.
DM: Do you have any other stops in New England?
TG: Boston and Chicopee, MA and Brooklyn, NY.
And there we have it — the unflappable Barry Rothbart and Greg Barris. Inspiring us all to pursue our dreams. I’m glad they could find the time in their hearts and busy schedules to teach us the values of eating healthy and sharing. Joke’s on them, however, as I asked way more than a couple of questions! Greg gives me a sense that he is not only modest about his looks, but honest about Barry’s appearance as well. Which, of course, is probably why they get along so well. The key to a lasting friendship, after all, is honesty. So, please come on out to the Comedy Connection and put a former rash-covered face to a name. If all else fails, maybe we can try for Sixth Longest Orgasm ever recorded. And, if that fails, we can string seven together and lie about it.
A NIGHT OF COMEDY WITH BARRY ROTHBART AND GREG BARRIS. Wednesday, June 13 at The Comedy Connection. 39 Warren Ave, East Providence. Doors 7pm, Show 8pm. Tickets and info available online at ricomedyconnection.com
Don’t Lose Your Head — Kathy Griffin Is Coming to The Vets
Last year I interviewed comedian Kathy Griffin in advance of her show at Veterans Memorial Auditorium. At that time she was just a funny female on the “D” list. In the course of a year she has become an extremely controversial figure. I spoke with her last month about her life now and her upcoming show at Veterans Memorial Auditorium on June 20. If you don’t know, in May 2017, she released a photo of herself holding a replica of the severed head of our less than qualified, vile, Cheeto- faced, misogynistic, racist, bigoted, lying, narcissistic, sociopath, criminal, POS, POTUS, and squatter in the White House. (Did I leave anything out?) I loved the photo but others felt that it went too far. I posted it on my Facebook page in support of Kathy and the photo ignited many arguments in the ensuing thread. Griffin faced far worse and suffered a backlash that sent her reeling. Things have changed a lot for Kathy over the past year and unlike last year’s interview that was more light and general, this one discussed the trials and tribulations of her controversial year. Read on…
Kathy Griffin: Hi, John it’s Kathy, can you hear me on my old timey phone? John Fuzek: Yes. I have an old-timey phone as well! KG: I bought mine a year ago, but it looks like my ’80s phone and that’s all I can tell you. JF: I have a flip phone. KG: Oh, modern! I miss my Side Kick and my Palm Pilot! JF: I had one of those, too. KG: Me, too! With the stylus. Ugh, those were the days! JF: So, we spoke last year around this time when you were going to be in Providence… KG: My whole life has changed since then, John. JF: I know and that’s why I wanted to talk with you again. KG: How much can happen in one year? JF: Evidently a lot! I do have to tell you I was behind you 100% what you did. KG: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I mean this whole North American tour is kind of bizarre, but it’s almost based on like who has an open mind? Who forgives me? Who decided, in retrospect, the photo wasn’t worth the outrage? You know it’s such an interesting thing, I’ve never done a tour, I don’t want to say based on a single incident, but let’s cut the shit, it’s beyond the elephant in the room. The idea that I would do a tour and not tell the entire story-the good, the bad, the ugly, the actual interrogation, the two month federal investigation, the death threats, all the stuff. I am just honestly so grateful to be out there, and it’s odd to me that the American audience are the last ones to come around. It’s almost like I had to remind them, it’s just me, it’s just Kathy, it’s just me from “Suddenly Susan,” and from “My Life on the D List” and from comedy specials and my talk show…it’s just me! So, it’s been quite a journey! JF: So you went to Europe to tour after this happened? KG: Oh, not just Europe, honey. First of all I called my stand-up agent, who was the only one who stuck around out of the bunch, and I said this may be an unusual way to tour, but can you specifically send me to countries and cities where they can’t stand Trump? And that was very helpful! So, three weeks later he had 15 countries and 23 cities. So, the picture that almost decimated me, as Don Jr said on Good Morning America, “We are just going to ruin Kathy Griffin’s career, we want to decimate her.” Alright, Eddie Munster, shut the fuck up and I will do my job and by the way, what’s yours, besides being a criminal? They’re all going to jail! Anyway, I started in Auckland, New Zealand, ended up in Reykjavik, Iceland, by the way, you should know you are talking to the darling of Iceland! Besides Bjork, of course, I’m not crazy! And, yes, I am on the Interpol list and I was detained at all 15 airports, London Heathrow, Singapore, every single time, my new thing is to figure out if I will ever know in my lifetime exactly what came up on the screen every time I was detained, and how do I get off those freaking lists? I am going to resume the North American tour in Canada, I’m not nuts, the whole time the Canadians have been saying what you said, “We get it, no big deal,” and then my first American show is in San Francisco, and they added a second night by popular demand! JF: So San Francisco will be the first American show since this happened? KG: YES! The first North American show will be Ottawa, which is already sold out, I am very excited, and I have five shows in Canada, and then I start in San Francisco, and you’re going to laugh, and this is what Granny Griffin just fucking figured out after all these years, after the overseas tour, like I said, not just Europe, it was all over Australia. Oh, by the way, in my current show I have the best story about having a little gab fest backstage with Stevie Nicks and Chrissie Hynde because Stevie was very supportive during this whole thing with me, which was super sweet. And we were in Australia and she was at a giant stadium and I was at the Sydney Opera House, perhaps you have heard of it, so, I went to her (Stevie’s) sound check and some really funny stuff happened backstage, which I will share with the audience. I want your readers to know it’s not like a whole show where I am giving a first amendment lecture, there’s a lot of funny crazy shit going on.
Hold on, can I stop? I am watching Rudy Giuliani.
OK, I am going to be honest. My show started in New Zealand for two hours, and by the time I got to Reykjavik it was three hours! So tell your readers to bring a colostomy bag. I don’t have an opener because I don’t have time for one, I have a fucking lot to say! And a lot of crazy shit happened! Oh my God, you want to get this? You’re not going to believe who sent me his fucking box set, that piece of shit Tony Robbins. OK, John, start writing this down: Google Tony Robbins “me, too” woman or Tony Robbins pokes woman’s chest. So this is my life, this is what I fucking love about touring, I got my little Trump story, and you may think that you know it, but there’s other elements, like I get this box set from Tony Robbins, and I’m not like into that sort of thing. He’s got a hologram, I mean go fuck yourself. I’m a real person. You’re never going to see a Kathy Griffin hologram. I’m an old fashioned work horse, I am actually going to be standing on stage at The Vets. Don’t worry, it’s not going to be a hologram.
But anyway, he’s got one of those and he’s got more money than God, and whatever, and so he sends me this box set like this will change your life, and then next thing you know he’s one of the guys in the me too movement. So like I said, my act is changing. Just so you know, when I got that box set I didn’t pay that much attention to it because the things that people were sending to my home, like the death threats, and the um, I don’t know if your audience will think this is funny but I do, but people keep sending me Bibles, to my house. These religious people think if they send me a bible I’m going to become less vulgar or whatever. Do they not know or have they not met me?
So, I love telling all that stuff, some of it’s kind of inside baseball and then I get into the stuff that’s relatable. I mean everybody knows that feeling of, where either it really happened or we felt like everyone turned on us, so I tell the whole ugly story, and then, of course, hopefully, the triumph, coming back, being able to play a place like The Vets, which I thought would never happen to me again. I am thrilled to be asked back to The Vets, I’m thrilled to tell the story, I’m proud of the story, and who knows what will happen between now and The Vets’ show, anything? JF: What did you think of Michelle Wolfe’s routine at the Correspondent’s Dinner?
KG: Oh my God, I thought it was great! Remember, I was IN the room, so, don’t tell me she bombed. I was in the room, the whole program was nice until then, they talked about scholarships and whatever … and so Michelle Wolf gets up there, I’m just going to put there, I think there’s a big part of that audience that probably thought she was mixed race, so I’m just going to say I think that was part of it, and I am going to put myself out there and say it in a Kanye West fashion, but we’re dealing people who work for a guy who says there’s two sides to neo-Nazis. So what happened was, she only did 20 minutes, her jokes were so solid you could practically fact check them, so she didn’t go too far, she was saying shit that was true, and I’ve done many events like that where you’re in a ballroom. And what happened was she started her set and the people started giving her a pissy face, like Sarah Huckabee Sanders, of course, to John Karl, who I used to respect, who the president, if you recall, just days prior, told him that’s a stupid question, to John Karl of ABC, who fills in for George Stephanopoulos and Martha Raddatz. They were giving her the stink eye, because they’re so fucking scared of the Repubbies in the room or the Alt Righters or whomever might say something bad about them. I saw the first third of the room started getting a little quiet and I could see people looking around and not even making their own decision to laugh, like uh-oh, is Wilbur Ross laughing? Anyway, what the fuck is he doing in the cabinet? Then the middle section of the room did it and when it got to the back, I was on my feet standing and clapping, and giving Sean Spicer the stink eye like you’re lucky to not be in jail, in my opinion. And having hosted many events like that you can’t have the other people not laughing. But also John Karl kept slapping his hand on his forehead like oh, this is the seventh sign of the Apocalypse, I am just saying, as someone who has lived a year of faux outrage it’s my new favorite thing to point out, because we all have bigger fucking fish to fry for God’s sake.
JF: So, are you still on a watch list?
KG: Yeah, I am actually nervous about going to Canada because if I am detained again it’s the same thing, you know, they take your passport, they take your devices, they put you in a room, they go away, sometimes they come back in a little while, they take however long they want, you’re kind of the mercy at the one or two people who happen to be on shift at that moment. So, don’t even start asking, so did you tape it? NO! I am too fucking scared, I’m not taping shit. I don’t want to get in trouble for like trying like Dateline them, you know?
JF: So, is this call being monitored by the FBI?
KG: They told me that during my two months that my calls were being monitored and so, you want to know my new fantasy? They revealed today that Michael Cohen was wearing a wire so, maybe someone finds out that when my Trump scandal photo dropped on May 30, and on May 31 is when Trump personally tweeted about it and turned my world upside down, what if there’s a record of a fucking call from Sessions to Harvey Levin (TMZ) or some shit like that? Like that would be cool … I think I am accusing the Deep State of actually existing … wait, wait, I don’t believe in the Deep State, but, I also don’t put it past Donald Trump or John Baron or John Miller to put out the call. I don’t know if you remember, a lot of Nixon shit came out, years later, but I have to admit that there’s a piece of me as a comic, because Jim Carrey called me that day, the day of the photo, when I was in a ball sobbing, and he said, “Kathy, you are the most famous comedian in the world today, use it.” And that very day I did start thinking, how can I turn all this fucked up pain, I mean my mom got death threats at her retirement village, you know, shit like that, you know, how can I turn this into funny shit? And that’s one of those things that I have to say would absolutely crack me up, if somehow, years later, we find out, that there’s some record of someone in Trump’s orbit personally calling you know like the Enquirer and saying let’s find a way to get Kathy Griffin or something. JF: Yes, so we are the same age, we are within months of each other… KG: Do you remember how many people actually went to jail for Watergate? JF: I remember seeing it all on TV when I was young. KG: Me, too, oh my God, I loved watching those hearings. I met John Dean, I told him, he’s no longer married to Maureen Dean, but I told him, I said, if you don’t mind, when I was a child, my dream was to have hair like your wife, it was blonde and it was straight, and mine’s red and curly like Bozo, so of course I was jealous, and it was the funniest thing. I never thought I’d meet John Dean in my life, and he turns to me and he says “Well, I’m not with Maureen anymore, but you’d be amazed at how long it took her to do her hair like that everyday, because her hair, in fact, wasn’t blonde, or straight.” That’s not going to make the article right? Ok, fine, i just thought it was interesting. JF: So, you cut all your hair off? KG: Yes, my sister got cancer during all this, so, like I say, quite a year. Oh, by the way, I was also in a four day open court hearing because ironically while my neighbors were Kim Kardashian West and Kayne Kardashian West on one side, on the other side, and you can look this up, it’s all public record, there’s a guy who’s the CEO of a company called KB Homes, there like a tract house development company, he would stand at my wall, like the guy from Home Improvement, and he would yell, after the Trump photo, “Trump put the heat on you fuckin’ bald dike, talk shit, you fuckin’ cunt.” And there’s a tape of it, you can look it up online, that’s what security cameras happen to catch. So yeah, two days after my sister died, and I had shaved my head, because Trump put the heat on me I’m a fucking cunt, bald dike, and of course I’m not going to like shout back at him but yeah. So, during all this my sister got cancer, and I thought, alright, I’m kind of like undercover in a way. I wasn’t going out much very much, obviously, I still don’t, but I’m going to try to make her laugh. So, I shaved my head, I drove to where she was at the moment, and she really, really laughed, and so it’s finally growing back now, but that’s the reason that I did it. My sister didn’t make it I am sorry to say. JF: I’m sorry to hear that, I didn’t know that… KG: But, I’m glad that I did it ’cause while she saw it she would always get a kick out it, it was worth it, it grows back. JF: Someone told me that women cut their hair when some huge change in their life is going on or coming. KG: I know, because even then I had people in the Hollywood community they were so vicious, they’re like, you shouldn’t have done that, people are going to think you’ve lost it like Britney Spears, and I go I’m really not thinking about that right now, I really don’t care, like, I’m going to go see my sister in hospice, and I don’t really care about that, but whatever, you know? So it’s odd for me today when, like, I actually did the Wendy Williams show yesterday, and I like Wendy, she’s a hard working girl, she’s been doing radio, TV, whatever, and she was saying that stuff like everyone thought that you lost your mind, and I was like, AWKWARD! So, I’m trying to figure a way to say it in a very light way that I shaved my head in solidarity for my sister, and she was like, how’s she doing and I’m like, didn’t make it, anyway, so yeah. I do touch on that a little in my show to sort of give context, but I’m not there to like bring the audience down, so once again, I just want to make sure your folks know that it’s not a two hour lecture, they’re going to laugh their heads off. So, I finally decided, screw Cambridge Analytica, I finally decided to start my own mailing list four months ago, can you believe it? JF: Yes, I signed up for it! KG: After decades of touring I have a mailing list that you can sign up from my website and honestly that’s how I’ve been really selling tickets, so like I can’t really blanket advertise in certain cities because I don’t know who in that city, I don’t know if Bostonians think that that I am in fucking ISIS, I mean people thought I was in ISIS, and so, if not they were people who thought that I’m supposed to be in jail because they think that I actually did break the law, so, umm, so believe it or not my little mailing list and my little text list is getting me the people that know a little harmless, waif-like, because my hair is so short, little redhead with a very big mouth. JF: Did your boyfriend stick with you through all of this? KG: Yes, he absolutely did! He’s 18 years my junior, take that, gay community, that’s why I’m your queen, dammit! I also talk about in my show that I don’t like it when the younger gays want to call me a fruit fly, and I feel that at my age I would rather stick with the term hag, and some women may not like it but dammit I feel I’ve earned it! So my activism goes on, and yeah, the boyfriend stuck with me. He’s also my tour manager. Don’t even start. I’m in no mood, John, don’t start. But here’s what you will like: I actually poached him from the LA Times, the first year that we dated he was working at the Times and I was touring so it was almost like a long distance relationship. So I poached him, so I want you know that I’m actually part of the problem, and I I personally think that it’s my fault that they changed their name to fucking Tronc or whatever it is. Hey, is your paper a real paper or is it one of those papers that Sinclair bought? JF: No, no, it’s not. KG: Don’t fall for it, John, don’t you do it! JF: I would quit before I would write for them. KG: I know this is like Inside Baseball, but you do know the LA Weekly was like the Bible for decades and some conservative single party bought it out and they fired the whole staff except one person and now it’s like basically a blog, which is probably going to become right wing, The LA Weekly, I know. JF: So, will there be high security at your show? KG: Yes, but I can’t tell you what kind, I can’t discuss the details, but it’s kind a kill list where they say you’re on a kill list but you can’t say what agency because it’s an active investigation, so yes, there is security. JF: That’s good! That’s good! I just have a couple more questions, we’re running out of time… KG: Can we just take a minute and acknowledge that that is now where we are as a country? JF: Yeah, it’s disgusting, that it is that way. KG: I don’t consider myself to be a primarily political comedian at all but I have been entered into the zeitgeist and yeah I now have to have security at my shows and in freaking Providence and Boston, it’s insane. JF: It’s crazy! I mean if someone can shoot up a high school or elementary school then no one is really safe these days. KG: Right, being a stand up comic isn’t supposed to be life threatening, you’re supposed to live on the edge verbally, but yeah, I know, I commend folks who come to my shows and I promise to give them one of a kind stories and I will tell you some other things that Jim Carrey said that was honestly inspiring. He said most comedians would give their right arm for this story, and I was like yeah, that’s true, like nothing else, the good, the bad, the ugly, you know, it’s definitely unique. JF: So, who, I mean other comics, came out in support of you? KG: God, not many, that’s been the hard thing. I always kind of make the point, it wasn’t like the Dixie Chicks where the left wing and the artistic community really threw their arms around them and put them on the cover of Entertainment Weekly and Time Magazine. I really lost everybody, left, right, and center. So, I had to just honestly hunker down, several celebrities supported me that don’t want me to say that they supported me, and I had famous people call me and literally just say that I can’t be associated with you anymore. I got many e-mails from famous people saying what were you thinking? And one thing that I talk about in the show is several people, this is the part that’s sort of funny, you know I actually called like five different crisis managers? Right? And even though I didn’t break the law, it offended people. I mean I’m a comic, every single one of them, the reason that I didn’t hire one is I was like fuck their advice, one of them told me that I had to go away for eight years and another one said five and another one said three. I’m sitting there negotiating with crisis managers, who have never met me and don’t know a thing about me, so I thought, let me just weather the storm the only way that I know how, get back to basics, and honestly pretty much from two days after the photo I just started writing. I wrote a pilot, I made a bunch of funny videos, I took some meetings, I would kill to do a series kind of like the Leah Remini Scientology series, like season one I tell my story and season two you talk about other people because you know, this is a new thing. Just everyday Americans being arrested like never before for protests and things like that and who is going to stand up for them with this administration and stuff like that? And I can insert the funny, no matter how, because I always say “funny first”, so, the way to get a message across I think is with comedy. At least that’s my choice, but things are different, you know, what I want to say is trust me, if you’ve come to see me before, I don’t care if you came to see me ten years ago, five years ago, or two years ago, you are going to see all new material, cause I’ve got a hell of a story to tell! JF: Well, like I said I am totally with you. KG: You have to, it’s a first amendment thing whether you like it or not. At the end of the day I got to stand by it, at first I wanted to distance myself from it because of the fall out but I came to realize pretty quickly I have to stand by it because it truly is a first amendment issue. JF: I stood by you and I got in arguments with people about it because I was very supportive of that photograph because I believed that you had the right to do that. I believed that you could have your opinion about that, and I shared your opinion with that photograph because I would love to see a Game of Thrones ending to this mess. KG: I am sure that you took some hits on your timeline for supporting me, every now and then you’ll see me post something on social media, just again I want to apologize to anyone who writes something supportive, you’re going to get a flood of, troll bots, so, thank you for being brave enough to even say anything. Thank you so much for being on the RIGHT side of history! Dammit! I hope that I was more gracious than Ivanka Trump would ever be. JF: I am sure you were, are… anyway, thanks so much for your time and I enjoyed speaking with you again! KG: Thank you, John, I’ll see you at Vets in June. Bye!
Kathy Griffin will be at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence on Wednesday, June 20 at 7:30pm as part of her “Laugh Your Head Off” world tour 2018. For more, Ned Stark over to thevetsri.com
Top 5 Fun Things To Do: June 6 – June 12
A Furtive Movement: The Use of Farce: Incubated last year, Vatic Kuumba and his collaborators introduce you to a dystopian near-future and asks, “Is there therapy for society?” 7pm. Pell-Chafee Performance Center, 58 Empire St, PVD. as220.org
THU 7 – SUN 10
PVDFest: All over the city, various times. FRI 8
Comedy Craft Beer Night: Some of New England’s best comics and some of the area’s finest craft beers. Your first beer is free! Featuring Motif contributor Chuck Staton. 7:30pm. Foolproof Brewing Company, 241 Grotto Ave, Pawtucket. visitrhodeisland.com
SAT 9
Gaspee Days Parade: Preserving and promoting RI’s revolutionary history with the community. 10am. Narragansett Pkwy, Warwick. trumba.com
SUN 10
A Matter of Pride: A pro-wrestling performance for LGTBQ wrestlers and allies. 7pm, AS220, 115 Empire St. PVD. as220.org
Summer at The Steel Yard
On a searing, sun-soaked day, Sally Turner is organizing the final details of The Steel Yard’s 2018 summer courses with a vibrant attitude and a warm vibe. The development director’s passion for The Steel Yard is palpable; she revels in showcasing each department of the community industrial arts stalwart and clearly treasures the labor and history bound to these grounds. On this day, with the ceramics class kick-off looming, people are prepping and focused. Turner is beaming with intense admiration for the Yard’s past and its future.
Providence has bred this fertile, 3.8-acre National Historic Site over the past 17 years, and Turner’s prominent goal is to propagate community. She boasts of paying fair wages to the employees — teachers and trainees alike. The Steel Yard teaches classes for three seasons (no heat, no winter classes) to neighborhood and outside residents (they’re currently creating fence medallions with Bristol residents), and they have a division dedicated to public projects working with community partners, such as Lifespan who is getting superb and sturdy steel benches for their campus. She cultivates a sense of guidance and camaraderie in these fellowships and classes, and instructors often are past Steel Yard artists who have a desire to replicate their experience for others.
At The Steel Yard are independent artists devoted to their craft who represent many stages in a career, and Turner acknowledges the Yard’s role in being the impetus for many artists’ small businesses. Providing for up to 12 trainees or students in each class, the Yard is an open shared studio for anyone willing to pay attention and put in some hard work. The ideal community member taking a course “has an open mind,” states Turner. Besides being over the age of 15, no other requirements exist — the Providence residents who have taken courses through the years tick every demographic box possible.
The space is massive – vast and dripping with history. Faculty at The Steel Yard saved every bit of the past by recycling, repurposing and redefining. Imposing gantries run the width of the Yard – daunting in their authority, reminding guests of the massive steel loads that the gantries relieved from incoming trains.
The Steel Yard will offer courses in blacksmithing, welding, jewelry and ceramics this summer. “It is craft and art and trade,” offers Turner as she point out the tools that she proudly lauds as “very analog. We intend to remain that way.” As we traverse the main foundry, she points out the sections designed for welding, blacksmithing, jewelry and ceramics. She warns me not to look at the active welding occurring. She explains the coal-fired blacksmithing stations, including a cast iron press that just celebrated its 105th birthday by pressing a cupcake after being serenaded. This summer, blacksmithing workshops are aimed at beginners with projects such as forging a knife or a bottle opener. Summer welding workshops are offered on six summer weekends with additional two-day courses – laced with intriguing names such as Welding with Dad and Camp Metal head — taught during weekdays.
The sun is driving through the 20-foot, ceiling-high window panes into the un-air-conditioned space (wear sunblock to this place — seriously). Turner shows me the jewelry den with eight desks ready for patient and steady-handed crews to attend. Copper classes, silvercasting and introduction courses will be offered, along with ones focused on handmade chains and rings.
As we move through ceramics, the airy and vast section at the end of the building, Jane Dillion exchanges memories with Turner. Dillion, a fellow here, is preparing the area for the inaugural class of summer 2018. Turner explains that ceramics is the most popular class here. I wondered if it’s the least intimidating with its malleable media. But Dillion says that students in ceramics — school teachers to physicians — comment on the soothing and calming impact of the ceramics process and the focus on individual space. “The hive mind,” Dillion calls it.
Turner shows me the firing room. While proud of two new electric/digital kilns, supplementing the other older one, Turner loves in the wood fire kiln on the other side of the campus. It appears as a brick cave designed for forced perspective, and looks like the hull of a ship below deck. Sally explains that the fire requires constant feeding of wood, and fire feeders have to stay in the space for 72 hours straight. Sally describes the dedication required to feed the fire for three days. “They bring their family, their dogs. They bring food,” Sally states as we pass a conveniently positioned gas grill. “They camp out.” The wood kiln gives the glaze a unique look, which makes the extra effort so worth it. Turner expands on the idea, “A wood fire gives a very different – a very natural – process than the computerized kiln to the glass. It looks more natural, grainier.” She comments that the unpredictable variations are due to the wild flames.
Using these analog, archaic, proven methods is a good allegory for The Steel Yard and its ethos. No one is allowed to have private studio space. Everyone must interact and learn from the community. People stay and continue to give into The Steel Yard because they find fulfillment there. The summer courses will continue to create that same sense of gratitude.
BLACKSMITHING:
Fundamentals of Blacksmithing: Instructor, Willow Zietman; Jun 4 – Jul 23; 6:30 – 9:30pm
Forge Your Own Bottle Opener: A Beginners Workshop: Instructor, John Harvey; Aug 7; 6:30 – 9:30pm
Blacksmithing A Simple Knife: Instructor, Willow Zietman; Aug 11 – 12; 10am – 4:30pm
WELDING: Introduction to Welding: Thinking 3D: Instructor, Nora Rabins; Jun 20 – Aug 15; 6:30 – 9:30pm
Weekend Welding Workshop: Instructor, Elliot Berry; Jun 2 – 3; 10am – 4:30pm
Weekend Welding Workshop: Instructor, Nora Rabins; Jun 9 – 10; 10am – 4:30pm
Welding With Dad: Instructor, Max Van Pelt; Jun 16 – 17; 10am – 4:30pm
TIG Welding Workshop: Instructor, Elliot Berry; Jun 30 – Jul 1; 10am – 4:30pm
Weekend Welding Workshop: Instructor, Mike White; Jul 7 – 8; 10am – 4:30pm
TIG Welding Workshop: Instructor, Elliot Berry; Jul 14 – 15; 10am – 4:30pm
Weekend Welding Workshop: Instructor, Nora Rabins; Jul 21 – 22; 10am – 4:30pm
Weekend Welding Workshop: Instructor, Mike White; Aug 4 – 5; 10am – 4:30pm
Weekend Welding Workshop: Instructor, Geoff Hawley; Aug 11 – 12; 10am – 4:30pm
Camp Metalhead: Instructor, Mike White; Jul 16 – 20; 10am – 3:30pm
JEWELRY:
Crafting Organic Jewelry: Instructor, Amie Plante; Jul 14 – 15; 10am – 4:30pm
Intro to Wax Casting: Instructor, Amie Plante; Jul 17 – Aug 7; 6:30 – 9:30pm
Intro to Silversmithing: Raising Vessels and Cups: Instructor, Patrick McMillan; Aug 4 – 5; 10am – 4:30pm
Introduction to Jewelry: Instructor, Alison Bruun; Jul 18 – Aug 13; 6:30 – 9:30pm
Creating a Set of Jewelry: Instructor, Brijette Stamp; Jul 20 – Aug 15; 6:30 – 9:30pm
Handmade Chains: Instructor, Amie Plante; Jun 9 – 10; 10am – 4:30pm
Ring Making Workshop: Instructor, Amie Plante; Jun 16 – 17; 10am – 4:30pm
Camp Copperhead: Instructor, Heather Guidero; Jul 16 – 20; 10am – 3:30pm
CERAMICS:
Surface Design for the Ceramic Form: Instructor, Fredric Gorman; Jun 14 – Aug 2; 6:30 – 9:30pm
Wheel Generated Form: Instructor, Danika Notar; Jun 19 – Aug 7; 6:30 – 9:30pm
Handbuilding: Coil Techniques and Round Shapes: Instructor, Patti Barnatt; Jun 25 – Jul 30; 6:30 – 9:30pm
Ceramics II: Tips, Tricks, and Open Studios: Instructor, Jane Dillon; Jun 20 – Aug 1; 6:30 – 9:30pm
Camp Clayhead: Jul 16 – 20; 10am – 3:30pm
Fill Your Weekends with Festivals
Sun’s out, festival’s out. In Li’l Rhody, there’s always something to do outside, and this time of year that means festivals. Big, medium, small, we like ‘em all. Here’s a quick rundown on some of our favorite ones to check out:
The British are coming! Once if by land, twice if by sea, or … maybe by car? The British Motorcar Festival opens to the public on a Friday night, when roughly 80 classic British vehicles will be tooling about Colt State Park (watch out – they may not all stay on the correct side of the road). Saturday will further the excitement with contests for best vehicle, best British attire, and a ladies hat contest among many others. A perfect occasion to channel your inner Bond. Jun 8 -9. britishmotorcarfestival.com
Kick off your foray into summer food fests with the Bacon and Beer Fest, a new idea that has grown with remarkable speed. Held at the Steel Yard, which can probably hold millions of people, this is half beerfest, half celebration of porcine goodies, and all tasty. Their creative pairings should definitely have you oinking for more. The Steel Yard, 27 Sims Ave, PVD, Jun 10.
If you really — and we mean really — like ice cream, RI Food Fights’ Incredible Ice Cream Throwdown is the place to be. Featuring sample after sample of sweet creamy delights — from plain ol’ vanilla to some pretty crazy concoctions — this Sunday afternoon ice cream fest is quite a treat. Wash it all down with Yacht Club Soda and New Harvest Coffee Roasters’ iced coffee while you vote for your fave. Jun 15. 150 E Manning St, PVD. Advance ticket purchase recommended. Whether you have a sweet tooth or a sweet spot for wine, the Coastal Wine Trail has you covered with their annual Wine, Cheese and Chocolate tour, which will have something for every taste bud and a blitz on 14 New England wineries. Jun 16 and 17. coastalwinetrail.com/events/festival
For more food-centered fare, Crave RI promises to be one of the biggest food-oriented events all year, kicking off CVS’ annual Charity Classic. The Dunkin Donut Center (there will be donuts too), PVD. Jun 21 -22. See separate article on page XXX.
India Point BBQ and Blues Fest returns to the PVD waterfront to help you feel like you’re in the south, with two days of music and lots of ribbing. Jun 23 – 24. indiapointbbqblues.com
If you’re from RI you know about the Bristol 4th of July Parade. Purportedly the longest running (er – marching) parade celebrating our independence from monarchy in the country, you likely either flock early to stake out a spot on the route and enjoy the spectacle, or you hightail it in the opposite direction to avoid traffic and crowd-based trauma. This year features not only a parade along brightly colored medians, but also a carnival, performance of Cinderella and many related events throughout Bristol. Jul 4. fourthofjulybristolri.com
Wickford Art Festival: This local creative favorite returns with a vengeance! More than 200 artists display their work for you to admire and purchase if you like (tax free, of course). For 56 years, the town of Wickford has hosted this outdoor event celebrating fine art, and boasts a juried selection from over 200 artists — from near and from around the world. Painting, photography, sculpture, fiber and almost any meduium you can imagine is represented. 36 Beach St, North Kingstown. Jul 7 – 8. wickfordart.org
Heritagefest in East Providence will offer visitors a wide range of local music, anchored by Kiss and Beatles tribute bands and featuring many Motif music award winners as well as Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Terry Sylvester, Katie Kleyla, David Tessier All-Star Stars and many more. Food, an art show curated by HeARTs fieldspot Gallery and more entertainment will keep East Providence hopping all weekend. Pierce Field, 201 Mercer St, East Providence. Jul 13 – 15. fb.com/epheritage
South County Balloon Festival: Up, up, and awaaaay! Balloon rides are early mornings or early evenings. In between, the URI campus fields host an all-day festival with inflatables, fishing ponds, a kid’s train, carnival rides, BBQ vendors, rock climbing, crafts and far more. Jul 20 – 22. URI Athletic Fields, Rte 138, Kingston. southcountyballoonfest.org
Warren Quahog Festival: Chowders, clams, quahogs! There are also vendors, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. Jul 21 – 22. Burrs Hill Park, S. Water St, Warren. portal.clubrunner.ca/4790
Newport Flower Show: For all aficionados of flowers, horticulture and Martha Stewart (yes, that one will be attending). There’s also a special feature on tiny/cottage living straight out of the Gilded Age. Jun 22 – 24. newportmansions.org
There will be a festival to accompany the Blessing of the Fleet harborside in Narragansett. You don’t need to be a nautical fan to enjoy this – though you’ll certainly have plenty of company if you are – as food, drink and general sidewalk entertainment will enliven Narragansett. Jul 26 – 28, with champagne bottles shattering on Jul 26, amid a procession of ships vying for “best decorated.” Seafood, alcohol, live music, a carnival and a road race (not against the ships – just against other runners) round out the festivities. Jul 26 – 28. narragansettlionsclub.org 34th Annual Charlestown Seafood Festival: Featuring all things edible under the sea, with crafts, adventures, activities, rides and fireworks. Aug 3 – 5. charlestownrichamber.com/seafoodfestival.html
Rhode Island International Film Festival: Going strong into its third decade, RIIFF nominates short films for Oscar contention, features celebrity guests and has screenings, among many other things with a cinema verite flavor. Aug 7 – 12. film-festival.org
27th Annual CumberlandFest: A classic summer festival with rides, live music, a car show, fried food and fun for everyone in your family. Diamond Hill Park, 4097 Diamond Hill Rd, Cumberland, Aug 10 – 12. cumberlandfest.org
A relatively new entry in the festival field, The Looff Fest has taken off with mustachioed impertinence and playful enthusiasm the last couple of years. It’s a giant art show, with all of the food and entertainment amenities that come with it, at the old carousel in EP. 11am – 6pm, Crescent Park, 700 Bullocks Point Ave, Riverside. Aug 11. eastprovidencearts.org
Farm Fresh RI, the non-profit bastion of local produce, holds an annual fest spiced with wine, mixed drinks and breathtaking Newportant ocean views, making it a feast for all the senses: both a giant farmers market and a tasting of what chefs can do with those ingredients. On the lawn of Castle Hill Inn, 590 Ocean Ave, Newport. 5 – 8pm, Aug 14. farmfreshri.org
Washington County Fair: The big “rural” carnival fair in South County. 4-H, adult games, rides, prizes, live music and so much more. 78 Richmond Townhouse Rd, Richmond. Aug 15 – 19. washingtoncountyfair-ri.com
New England Quahog Festival and Sea Creature Parade: Starting with a parade of creatures from Narragansett Bay, this beachside festival/fundraiser will have food trucks, live music (including The Copacetics and Superchief Trio), kayaking and a beer garden. Noon, North Kingstown Town Beach, 10 Beach St, North Kingstown. Aug 26. newenglandquahogfestival.com
Cultural Fests
Li’l Rhody’s a tiny state, but much like Epcot — during the course of the summer you can tour (and drink) your way around the globe. Are you feeling blue after St Patty’s Day? June 23 marks the James McNally Wilson Irish Festival at the Guild in Pawtucket. Starting at noon, it features an array of Irish/Celtic music, dance and food if you’re one of those people who enjoys corned beef and cabbage all year round.
Mosey on over to the Main Street Arts District in Pawtucket for the Feast of St. Jean Baptiste at 6pm on June 28, a festival highlighting the centuries-long history of one of its tiny but mighty towns.
Meanwhile, on July 21 at noon in Higginson Park in Central Falls, celebrate the Colombian Independence Day Festival with food, music and fun straight from South America. Don’t forget to check out the Colombian flag raising at 6pm on July 20 at Central Falls City Hall.
On August 12 is the 30th Annual Dominican Music and Cultural Festival at Roger Williams Park at noon. The Dominican Parade of RI starts 10am at the corner of Thurbers and Broad Streets in PVD. Over the August 11 weekend is the Annual Bolivian Festival at the Alex & Ani Skating Rink, with a procession starting at 2pm from St Patty’s Cathedral on Smith Street, for added flavor. And although they don’t have festivals attached to them, there are the following flag raisings: July 6 will be the Venezuelan Independence Day flag raising, 6pm at the State House. On August 9 at 5pm at the State House is the Ecuadorian Independence Day Flag raising. There’s a Puerto Rican Flag raising on August 14 at 10am at the State House. Quick reminder: Puerto Rico still doesn’t have power.
The Southeast Asian Cultural Festival takes place in Fall River Heritage State Park at 10am on July 28, uniting the various cultures of southeastern Asia (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia) into one festival with food, drink, crafts, music and plenty of stuff for the kids.
Head on down to Newport’s Independence Park on July 13 – 15 for the Black Ships Festival. Don’t let the name fool you, it’s not something pirate-related. Commemorating the end of two centuries of Japanese isolationism and the opening of trade, this cultural fest emphasizes Japanese art and culture. On June 9 and 10, downtown PVD hosts the annual Day of Portugal Festival, celebrating all things Luso, featuring food, dance and a WaterFire night. In similar spirit, perhaps the biggest traditional Day of Portugal event in the country takes place in Fall River from June 7 – 10. Documentaries exist about the heritage of this event, with strong ties to the sea and the fishing traditions of the Portuguese community (fb.com/diadeportugalfallriver)
On June 9 at 10am, the RI Scottish Heritage Society puts on their annual Rhode Island Scottish Highlands Festival at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Richmond. There will be food, dancing, bagpipe playing and heavy athletics.
And for our more Mediterranean readers out there, St Anthony’s Feast has been going strong for 40 years. This year it’s June 7 through 10 at St Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, 1413 Mineral Spring Ave, N. Providence. Also keep an eye out for Cranston’s traditional St. Mary’s Feast, with date and details TBA.
And lastly, the 91st Annual Greek Festival returns to Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Pawtucket Sep 7 – 9. Expect Greek food, dancing, kafenio and an agora marketplace.
If that isn’t Greek enough for you, check out the Hellenic Fest in Newport. Take in the culture, food, pastries (oh, the pastries), wine, music and dancing and be Greek for a day. Opa! Jul 20 – 22. St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, Newport.
Local Cuisine and Local Charities RI Will Crave
The CVS Health Charity Classic Event Series is celebrating its 20th iteration, and for the second year in a row, it will be kicked off with the two-day Crave RI food festival.
Festival attendees will be able to sample food from more than 100 local restaurants and check out some top-notch beer and wine vendors. And those who want to bring their experience home can learn a few tips from live demonstrations by local chefs. Essentially, it’s part open kitchen, part what would happen if 100 of RI’s top chefs opened an all-you-can-eat buffet together (for $20, plus fees, per ticket). Oh, and with a really big bar.
Faith Weiner, director of the CVS Health Charity Classic, said of the event, “Crave RI has been a great addition to the CVS Health Charity Classic event series. It expands our event and allows us to showcase the culinary talents across the state and come together as a community raising money for countless Southern New England non-profits.”
It was no easy feat to select merely 100 participants from the huge culinary talent that exists in RI. Weiner said, “This year’s planning was all about ensuring that we had diversity in our participants and enough samples to satisfy the audience. Rhode Island has an amazing culinary community and they really enjoy giving back – our goal has been to work with the many food and beverage providers across the state to showcase their talents and support the goals of the CVS Health Charity Classic.”
Some of last year’s participants who are returning this year include Matunuck Oyster Bar, Evelyn’s Drive-In, The Salted Slate, Red Fin Crudo + Kitchen, Narragansett Beer, Sam Adams, Newport Storm and Newport Vineyards. New participants to Crave RI include Tallulah’s Taqueria, Bayberry Beer Hall and Waffle.
But there are a lot more involved than that – among the beverages there will be Angry Orchard, Bootblack Brand, Crooked Current Brewery, Dave’s Coffee, Farmer Willie’s Ginger Beer, Granny Squibb’s Tea, Grey Sail Brewery, Luluna Kombucha, Narragansett Beer, New Harvest Coffee, Newport Storm, Newport Vineyards, Revival Brewing, Sam Adams, Sons of Liberty Spirits, Truly Spiked and Sparkling, Union Station Brewery, Whaler’s Brewing, Wise Mouth Tea, Yacht Club Soda and more.
Now let your eyeballs take a deep breath – other food vendors will include Anchor Toffee, Bacaro, Basta, Bayberry Beer Hall, Bon Me, Boru BBQ Company, Brass Monkey, Brix, Brutopia, Bucktown, Carina e Dolce, Crazy Burger, Evelyn’s Drive In, Fancheezical, Farm & Coast, Gastros 401, Gotta Q Smoke House, Jaswell’s Farm, Los Andes, McBride’s Pub, Mill’s Tavern, Open Season, Providence Bagel, Red Fin Crudo + Kitchen, Sarcastic Sweets, Saugy Hotdogs, Seriously Good Ice Cream, Shri Bark Snacks, Snookers, Sydney PVD, Tallulah’s Taqueria, Tavolo Wine Bar, The Aviary, The Backyard Food Company, The Burgundian Coffee & Waffles, The District, The Hungry Goat’s Kitchen, The Incred-a-Bowl Food Truck, The Pizza Gourmet, The Provisioner NY Deli & Cafe, The Rosendale, The Woods Tavern, Tom’s Bao Bao, Trattoria Romana, Two Ten Oyster Bar, Warwick Ice Cream, Wow Barbecue and, you guessed it, more… We challenge you not to find something your most finicky friend will want to eat in that smorgasbord.
The event is family-friendly and kids under 12 enter free with an adult. They do not, of course, get to take part of the samples in the beer pavilion though. All the food and drink samples are included in the ticket price.
Of the participants, Weiner said, “We have spent lots of time educating our returning partners and planning with our 50 new partners so they could successfully showcase their amazing food.”
For those of you who look up menus online before hitting a restaurant, we asked Weiner for a sneak preview of what Crave RI attendees can expect to salivate over. “I’ve heard rumors of house-made duck pastrami from Brix, a Mexican shrimp cocktail from Tallulah’s Taqueria and coconut-citrus grilled swordfish from The Aviary.” Attendees would do well to remember to treat Crave RI like a marathon rather than a sprint. Weiner advises people who want to try everything, “Get there early and pace yourself!” And if you get full and have to skip a couple of booths? “Come out to Rhode Island Country Club on Monday, June 25 … some of our Crave RI partners will be participating in Crave Trail, an upgraded food and beverage experience during the professional tournament.”
The Crave RI food festival takes place Thu, Jun 21 and Fri, Jun 22 at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. All proceeds from Crave RI will support charitable organizations across Southern New England. Tickets to Crave RI can be purchased at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center box office, at ticketmaster.com/charityclassic or over the phone at 800-745-3000. Also, keep an eye on Motif’s social media — Crave gave us a bunch of passes to give away, and we’ll have more than a few fun ways to that in June. Hint – be ready to describe what your taste buds crave.
WaterFire: Avoid the Crowds, Not the Magic
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 10 years, you know that Providence is home to the world’s first and finest WaterFire. If you’ve never been, what the hell is wrong with you? Go now, because it’s as good as everyone says it is. If you’ve have been but haven’t returned in a while because you can’t face the crowds, I have two simple solutions for you: Go early or go late.
It might sound obvious, and I feel almost a little foolish suggesting this, but clearly it needs to be said, because WaterFire is always insanely crowded at peak times, meaning most people either don’t know about these solutions or aren’t interested. I’m here to inform and/or convince you otherwise.
My favorite WaterFire was the first one I ever attended, when WaterFire was a new “thing” and no one was there. The hazy glow of the fire, the cool night air, the scent of burning wood, the music — all of it made the night transcendent, and I thought I’d been transplanted to a different planet or state of consciousness. As time passed, they made the event even better by adding food, wine (WINE!!!), vendors, artists – the event became an international phenomenon … and so came the crowds. This is when I took a long hiatus from WaterFire, as crowds have top billing in my list of least favorite things, along with rats, heights, Donald Trump and trifles. Yes, trifles (gag).
Jump ahead a number of years. The night of a full lighting in June, my husband and I took our then young children to Providence for dinner at Harry’s burgers a little before 6pm. Because WaterFire starts at sunset, and in June, sunset is after 8pm, we easily scored parking on-street as the crowds had not yet begun to descend. We enjoyed our sliders and Moscow Mules while the kids drank milkshakes. Then we hit the streets. Not all vendors were out yet, but there was enough going on to make things interesting.
We landed at the auditorium area where all the action happens; something I’d yet to experience. Nothing had started, but our kids made friends and we grabbed a glass of wine so we didn’t mind waiting around. Eventually the festivities started. There was plenty of fanfare: a chorus of singers, a dance troupe, the Rhode Show – lots to see. Eventually the ethereal music began and the first set of boats carried the firelighters into the arena. It was a spectacle for sure. Once the fires were lit, we walked slowly back to our car and got out of there before the crowds arrived. Perfection.
Jump ahead another few years when my preference on a Saturday night was to get a sitter. A leisurely dinner at Kebab and Curry on the East Side kept us occupied until after 10pm. We found out there was a WaterFire and decided to stop by. By the time we parked (and parking was easy), it was 10:30. The crowds had thinned out significantly, but the action didn’t dissipate. The artists, the vendors, the music – all of it was still going strong. Okay, not that strong, but it was enough for me. We walked around till almost midnight as the vendors packed up their wares and the fires burned down to embers. Magic achieved, once again.
If you’re like me and detest crowds, don’t avoid WaterFire. Just go early, or go late. Other than parking stresses, traffic and bumping into strangers in the dark, you won’t miss a thing.
Check out this year’s WaterFire schedule here: waterfire.org/schedule/2018-waterfire-providence-event- schedule
Paddling Through Providence
It’s kayak season again, and time to hit the waters with one of Providence’s several kayaking tours that will give you the opportunity to see our beautiful city from the river route throughout Providence. But which tour to take? Here are your options for a fun summer adventure.
Providence Kayak, located at Waterplace Park, promises a fun time for kayak pros and newbies alike. They offer single and tandem kayak rides through the urban epicenter of Rhode Island’s capital. This is Providence Kayak’s second season, and while they’re new, they have gotten many outstanding reviews.
Their sit-on-top kayaks provide a beautiful scenic view, with morning guided tours offered every Saturday. This tour takes you through the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, Riverwalk, Waterplace Park and the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier. The last Thursday evenings of the month also promise food truck events outside Skyline at Waterplace, followed by a 45-minute sunset paddle throughout the city’s waterways. Even if you’ve lived in Providence your whole life, you’ll see a side of the city you’ve never experienced before.
Single kayaks and tandem kayaks are available for 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. They are open Sat and Sun until Jun 17, then Fri through Mon starting from Jun 22 until Sep 3. Hours are 10am to 6pm, with the final paddle of the day scheduled for 4pm. Another Providence kayak tour comes to us from Eastern Mountain Sports Schools. This tour promises views of everything from the new 195 suspension bridge to outdoor sculptures created by RISD art students. It launches from Bold Point Park in East Providence and goes through India Point Park. The climax of this tour begins when entering the fire grates used to create Providence’s acclaimed WaterFire and ends in Waterplace Park downtown.
The three-hour downtown Providence tour launches from 500 Waterfront Dr in East Providence. Tours are available on Jun 19 and Jul 16, from 10am to 1pm.
Last up is Community Boating Center (CBC), located in India Point Park. This is a nonprofit and public access sailing program, seeking to make boating affordable and accessible to all. Many family kayaking sessions are offered throughout the summer, available with membership to CBC. If you’re someone who loves kayaking and wants to make it a staple activity for you and your family this summer, this is probably the kayak rental for you.
The RiverRomp family tour teaches the basics to those new to paddling, featuring both single and tandem sit-on-top kayaks. Summer sessions are offered Jun 22, Jul 6, Jul 20, Aug 7, Aug 18 and Aug 24 from 4pm to 6pm. There is no fee to members — trial and student memberships are available. Go to communityboating.com for membership information.