Interview with The Menzingers

Chatting with Tom Way

On May 29 at The Met, you have the opportunity to check out one of the most exciting punk bands out there today — The Menzingers. Hailing from The City Of Brotherly Love, they have a new album out called Rented World and have been electrifying crowds on both sides of the pond. I chatted with co- guitarist and vocalist Tom Way about the band’s current tour, working with Epitaph Records and what it’s like for a punk band in 2014.

Rob Duguay: The Menzingers are currently on tour with Buffalo punks Lemuria, fellow Philadelphia rock act Cayetana and PUP from Toronto. Last time I saw you guys at The Met you opened for Hot Water Music last January and it was a hell of a time. What is it about The Met that makes The Menzingers want to come back?

Tom Way: New England has always been a special place for us. When we first started playing out of state in high school bands, New England was on the edge of our charted territory. You can always count on a good show and a good diner. There’s something inherently comfortable about the area.

We first played The Met a few years back with Anti-Flag and it was such a great time. A very dear friend of mine went to RISD and we ended up having one of the most memorable nights of tour yet. It’s just a great venue in an interesting place.

RD: Last month, The Menzingers came out with their fourth studio album, Rented World, off of the legendary label Epitaph Records. Being your second release off of Epitaph, how is it working with Bad Religion’s Brett Gurewitz and the organization as a whole?

TW: Working with Epitaph is nothing short of fantastic. It is the label I have aspired to be on since I was a kid. Actually signing to the label and coming full circle is a lot like some kid from south Philly throwing around a baseball his whole life and signing to the Phillies. While we were starry eyed at first, we’re now a lot more comfortable with our working relationship with Epitaph. The people who work there are stand up individuals. Brett Gurewitz is Brett Gurewitz. I mean c’mon — how cool is that? RD: Whenever I interview a punk act, I ask this question: In your opinion, what’s the state of punk in the 21st century? Do you think it’s fallen off from being out of the mainstream or do you think it’s right where it belongs with people having to look for punk albums rather than having it shoved in their faces?

TW: Ahh, to quantify the unquantifiable and label the nameless. What is punk? I have no idea, but I know whole heartedly that the idea of “mainstream” is so much different than what it was that it’s difficult to even call it “mainstream” anymore. People don’t buy records and people are leaving the radio in droves. Warped Tour may not have punk bands on it anymore, and bands that were huge punk bands in the ’90s can oftentimes barely draw anyone to shows. But why shouldn’t it be that way? That was 20 years ago. TWENTY YEARS. Twenty years before those punk bands peaked in the ’90s, punk didn’t even exist.

Has particular pigeonholed styles of aggressive rock & roll fallen off? Sure. However, the ethics of accomplishing things on your own and starting your own bands, and your own venues, and throwing your own shows are as strong as ever. Things are certainly weirder now, and the music itself has changed, but the part of “having to look for punk albums” has gotten even easier than it was when it was more mainstream. The days of the internet are here.

I’m sure that there will always be some shitkicker in a Casualties t-shirt walking around the mall causing trouble. At least I hope so.

RD: After this tour in support of Rented World, what does the rest of 2014 have in store for The Menzingers?

TW: Lots of touring! Heading to Europe in the fall with our dear friends in The Holy Mess and The Smith Street Band. We’re so excited!

It should be one hell of a show with The Menzingers, so I highly suggest you go. Tickets and showtimes available on The Met’s website at themetri.com. I’ll see you there!

The Menzingers’ website: themenzingers.com

Block (Island) Party — Come Get a Taste Food, Drinks, and Events for Everyone!

Everyone — from the outdoor enthusiast to the Baggo playing beer lover — will find something to enjoy at this year’s Taste of Block Island from paddleboarding lessons to wine tastings, book signings to lighthouse tours, discounted items to the absolutely free (and who can say no to free?). During the May 30 – June 1 weekend, you’ll be able to choose from 67 events and activities around the island, and that’s in addition to the 24 participating restaurants, 40 retailers giving discounts and 13 hotels offering weekend deals. I can barely create an itinerary worthy of all that I want to do (including weaving my own potholder and building my own ice cream sundae), but here is just a taste of the Taste of Block Island.

Five Reasons To Jump On Board (the Ferry)

1. Beer and wine, hooray!

For the past six years, the biggest draw has been — not surprisingly — the beer and wine tastings. As such, these events require pre-registration (see below for details) and spots fill up quickly. For an aphrodisiacal good time, check out The Beachhead Restaurant where the wine tasting comes with sensual $1 oysters. If beer sounds more your style, check out The Mohegan Café and Brewery. Ten lucky people will get a behind-the-scenes tour with the Brew Master himself, Dave Sniffen, and enjoy a flight of beer, light snacks and a 16 oz. freshly poured draft to end the session (only $12!).

2. Bacon-Fest

Ah, what a glorious hyphenated sentiment. In addition to being surrounded by heavenly aromas, you can help decide which chef will be crowned Winner of Bacon Fest 2014! Hosted by the Poor People’s Pub and Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR), this will be the first-ever BI Bacon Fest. Eight local chefs will put their best bacon dish forward (including Block’s of Fudge’s chocolate-covered bacon) and YOU can sample all of the delectable dishes and cast a vote. There will be giveaways, and the champion will earn a pig trophy. And if that doesn’t convince you, come for the free PBR (each person gets two) and the knowledge that proceeds from the entrance fee are benefiting a great cause, the Sloviken Project. This event does not require pre-registration, but you must purchase a $16 Bacon-fest Bracelet.

The Sloviken Project is a restoration project started by the BI Conservancy. They purchased the old, dilapidated ocean-front property and hope to create a public park where people can picnic, watch surfers and drink PBR.

3. Fire Pits and a Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar

The National Hotel is hard to miss when exiting the ferry — a big white monument of a building — and it’s a great place to begin or end your day. For early(ish) risers who come for breakfast, you’ll get to experience a free round of the Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar with the purchase of an entrée (a previous night’s hangover is not required). Late risers can stop by for lunch or dinner and get a free cup o’ chowdah with their meal, an award-winning recipe that took first place in last year’s chowder contest. Meanwhile, for those who only cross the threshold when the sun goes down, check out the National’s fire pit out back. This year they’ll be chewing the (bacon?) fat while roasting s’mores, and you’ll get a complimentary s’more when you order any cocktail. Accommodation discounts are also available for those who wouldn’t mind waking up to a Bloody Mary Bar every day.

4. Free Souvenirs

The Glass Float Project is now in its third year, and it’s a summer-long event in which tennis-ball-sized glass orbs, uniquely numbered and stamped with the year and a Block Island logo, are hidden across the island. This year they’ve upped the ante to 500 glass orbs, which will be dispersed sporadically in waves of 100 between May and September. Keep your eyes open because it’s finders keepers (but please take only one; the greedy have a special circle in Dante’s hell).

5. The Library is a Hot Attraction

Book nerds, rejoice! The library is a hotspot this year, particularly for free and awesome events. Check out Block Island’s debut Film Festival, featuring five short films starting at 8pm, and pick up your Scavenger Hunt list during the day. But be prepared to cross paths with me as I dart around the island and dominate the competition. (Ahem. Kidding.) For those whose competitive spirit is amplified (or nullified) by a cocktail, check out the free Baggo Tournament at The Oar Restaurant — grab a bean bag and play or cheer on the contestants.

Some very important information: In order to participate in the events and receive discounts, you’ll need to purchase a Taste of Block Island button ($5), which can be found on the BI Ferry or at the Block Island Chamber of Commerce. For events that are restricted to a small number of people, reserve a spot by calling 1-800-383-2474 or sign up in person at the Chamber. And most importantly, check out all of the events! Family friendly activities, such as Abram’s Animal Farm Tour, are great for young’uns, there’s kayaking and yoga for the exercise gurus, and museum tours and twilight walks for the deep thinkers. Find the complete list and peruse participating restaurants, retail stores and hotels at the Chamber’s website: blockislandchamber.com/taste-block-island.

Don’t miss out! 401 Counterculture Hangs Out with Mister Sister

An Interview with Devin Mayim-Daviau

I have been in my fair share of sex toy shops and porn stores in my 30 years on this planet. Some were amazing, some were terrifying and some I’d rather not discuss. Experiences will always vary when you choose to patronize the wonderful world of sleaze for sale.

On a recent beautiful morning, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Devioune Mayim-Daviau, the owner of Mister Sister Erotica, the popular local favorite erotic boutique in Fox Point. We sat on two chairs outside her storefront, her bulldog curled at her feet, enjoying the long awaited warmth of the New England spring sun. Devioune, Devin to her friends, invited me to sit with her and discuss just what it means to be a “Queer owned boutique that understands the need to not only celebrate the diversity of all sexualities and sexual expressions, but also to actively honor and cultivate them.”

Adam J Schirling: Tell me a bit about yourself. How did you end up running a high-end sex toy boutique on Wickenden Street?

Devin Mayim-Daviau: Well, prior to this store, I had two stores in Provincetown. I guess what originally got me into this was that there wasn’t really anything out there for women. There were probably, like, a dozen women-owned erotica stores across the United States and I think we have a different hit on sexuality. I really wanted a comfortable place for women to come and it surprised me how uncomfortable men are going to one of the big chains. So I wanted a place where gay people could go and it not be “gay friendly” and just be gay. I carry a lot of stuff geared toward our community, but also for heterosexuals, trans… That was the main reason though, because I personally couldn’t go somewhere and be comfortable.

AJS: What made you make the move from Provincetown to Providence? DM: The economy, really. In Provincetown, you’ve got five months to make your money. The trickle down effect took a while to hit there, and the rent just kept going up. You see the writing on the wall eventually.

AJS: How was your reception on Wickenden Street when you first arrived?

DM: Ah, I loved it. I mean, immediately, folks up from all up, down, and across the street came over and introduced themselves. The shopkeepers here are really tight with each other and with the neighborhood.

AJS: Did you have any negative experiences?

DM: Just from one person and she’s no longer on the street.

AJS: How do you feel about the modern day reception of erotica, considering how much more mainstream it is compared to the past?

DM: Everybody has sex, you know? I don’t think I’m seeing more customers, but people are much more willing to explore their sexuality now. There are gynecologists and sex therapists who send people to my stores and it’s really surprising. Sometimes there is a woman or a gentleman in their ’70s and they come here to get educated. It makes me feel like I’m giving back to my community. I think what really differentiates us is that none of us consider ourselves sales people. We want to help figure out what works for you, rather than sell you the next best thing. It’s a blessing to be able to help someone who’s never had an orgasm.

AJS: And how is business doing?

DM: It’s good. We have a great reputation. Five years in a row we’ve received the highest customer satisfaction rating online and two years ago, the best erotic boutique in the United States (independent) at the AVN Awards. I’m always asking how people hear about us and it’s either from word of mouth or they find us online.

AJS: People will always have misconceptions about different groups of people and different sexualities. One of the points of my column is to help dispel these. What would you want people to know about either you personally or as a business owner?

DM: I would think that the biggest misconception that people have is that you are a sex whore or something.

AJS: Just by being in the erotic industry?

DM: Yes, I’m actually fairly conservative in my private life. I get hit on a lot by women and sometimes men, though that’s rare. I think it’s worse for the gay men who work here. Everyone who works here is gay, which is nice for our community. It provides a sense of comfort to our customers.

AJS: In what ways are you active in the gay community in Providence?

DM: We are yearly sponsors of gay bingo, they raise funds monthly for AIDS and supporting families living with HIV. We do tons of donations for gay pride and auction baskets for fundraisers in the community. And if the students from Brown or RISD or wherever have fundraisers, we always help out. After our chat, Devin gave me a tour of her wonderful store and we discussed the ins and outs, no pun intended, of the vast assortment of toys and clothing for almost any and all sexual identification, fetish and appetite. She happily greets customers as they come in, quick to put them at ease and ensure them she is there for all their questions. I purchased a wonderful book of erotic photography from local artist Greg Easton, said goodbye to Devin and headed back into the midday bustle of the street. My last glimpse through the front windows saw Devin happily perched behind the counter, surrounded by products made for the sole purpose of increasing someone’s happiness, and customers looking to make their sex lives just that much happier. We are living in dark times; open and free sexuality is one of the last redeeming features of humanity. We should value this industry of happiness, and the merchants of happiness like Devin who strive to make Rhode Island a place where more people are getting their rocks off in more wonderful ways.

Burbage Brings the Laughs Through Orson’s Shadow

Satirical Comedy Comes to the Artist’s Exchange

There truly is a wonderful gaggle of talented actors in Rhode Island. And they’re not just at the “professional” venues; they are everywhere. Orson’s Shadow, by Austin Pendleton, is currently playing at the Artists’ Exchange on Rolfe Street in Cranston and it provides a vehicle to showcase the character and comedic talents of some of these fine actors. Presented by the Burbage Theater Company, Orson’s Shadow is chock full of silly delights.

Jeff Church and Alex Duckworth, co-founders of the Burbage Theater Company, star in the play as Sir Lawrence Olivier and Orson Welles, respectively. Orson’s Shadow is loosely based on real events, set in 1960 London at the Royal Court Theater, and pits the two giant talents, with even larger egos, against each other. Welles attempts to direct Olivier in Eugene Ionesco’s absurdist play, Rhinoceros. The plan is for this collaboration to be a brilliant come back for both men, instigated by Welles’s dear friend, New York critic Kenneth Tynan. Tynan is played by Nathaniel Lee, who gives a fine, understated performance. However, their situation plays more like a comedy of errors.

In Pendelton’s entertaining script, Kane has already faced the question of what to do after great success, since Citizen Kane was the zenith of his career at the age of 26. He is now 45. The young stage hand Sean (Andrew Iacovelli) is a sore reminder that a younger generation may already have forgotten Welles’s achievements. Olivier realizes his performing days are numbered, underlined by a wretched, nearly slapstick attempt at remembering his lines. To assuage his ego, Olivier has taken up with an ingénue, Joan Plowright, played with sweet charm by Allison Crews. However, Olivier’s wife, the great Vivian Leigh of Gone with the Wind fame, keeps close tabs on him. Valerie Westgate is marvelous as the aging, admittedly mentally unstable, seductress.

Church and Duckworth bring amazing energy and humor to the geniuses they portray, sparing and jabbing at each other and anyone else who moves. Orson’s Shadow is a laugh-a-minute, satiric take on the foibles, insecurities, superstitions and admitted frailties of those in the performing arts. Film and theater folks both will see themselves, or someone they know well, mirrored on stage.

The only distracting item is the fat suit worn by Duckworth as Welles. I did see an early preview, and perhaps more attention will be paid to smoothing out the awkwardness. For those who have never carried extra pounds, it is difficult to appreciate the effort it takes to move. But the comedy comes fast and furious with expert timing and pauses in the just the right places.

Orson’s Shadow continues at the Artists’ Exchange, 50 Rolfe Street in the Black Box Theater. Performances are May 29 through 31 at 8pm and June 5 through 7 at 8pm. Call 401-490-9475 for tickets. For more information about the show or the Burbage Theater company, please visit btctheater.webs.com or check them out on Facebook.

MotifTV Top 5 RI events May 8 – 13: Mother’s Day Edition

CORRECTION! The URI East Farm Spring Fest is on SATURDAY!! Not Tuesday

Skip the Easter Ham and Hop into Julians for a Vintage Beer Dinner

Dinner, but more importantly drinks

Providence’s acclaimed restaurant, Julians, previously featured on Food Network’s “Rachel’s Vacation,” is hosting their Vintage Beer Dinner celebrating their 20th anniversary, on April 20 at 6pm. Located in the heart of Providence, they are known for serving creative comfort foods and on Sunday night, they will not disappoint.

It will certainly be a special evening, featuring rare and unique selections from their cellar. They will offer deliciously paired courses served with top-notch drinks. Their featured drinks include 2008 St. Feuillien Tripel (Belgian tripel), 2005 Schneider Aventinus Weizenbock (wheat doopelbock) and 2008 Southern Tier Cuvee 1 and 2 (oak aged American strong ale). In addition to those, they will serve 2009 Dogfish Head Black and Blue (Belgian-style golden ale fermented with black raspberries and blueberries), 2009 & 2012 North Coast Old Stock Ale (English style old ale), 2012 Brooklyn Black Ops (barrel aged imperial stout spiked with champagne yeast), and Firestone Walker 14,15 and 16.

Their combination of a laid-back atmosphere and unique beers on draft will make for a memorable celebration. Reservations are a must and space is limited, so reserve your spot today! Reservations can be made over the phone or in person at the restaurant. Julians, April 20th, 213 Broadway, Providence 401-861-1770 Know Your Mom and Pop: Record Store Day Edition

They may be out-dated technology, but records are not ancient artifacts

Record shopping used to be a favorite pasttime of mine. I loved searching stores to discover a band I would love for years to come, picking out albums based on the feeling I got from looking at the cover, song titles and record label. Adult responsibilities have made this hobby much less feasible, but I still get excited to look through record stores when I have a few extra bucks in my pocket.

Record Store Day, taking place on Saturday, April 19, started in 2007 with the hope of promoting the record collecting culture and giving a boost to more than 1,000 independent record stores. It has since taken off and become quite the phenomenon. The third Saturday of April has become almost a holiday for music lovers. Fans eagerly await the list of collectible records being released specifically for Record Store Day. Stores have limited copies and people line up hours before stores open their doors hoping to get at least a few items on their list. There are usually giveaways, contests and live music to help celebrate this special day. Most importantly, it gives a sense of community, as this holiday targets a unique audience: music lovers. Everyone is there for the same purpose and everyone understands each other’s obsession.

Rhode Island is the smallest state, but the music scene is impressive. This state is chock full of great music stores all over the state that can help cure the record buying fix. I was able to speak with a few of them to discuss the art of running a small business as well as getting a glimpse into their Record Store Day plans. I asked each owner the same questions: 1. How long has your store been open? 2. What made you decide to open a record store? 3. What are some of the rewards and challenges? 4. What makes your store special? 5. How can record stores remain relevant in this day and age? 6. What are your thoughts on Record Store Day? 7. What are your plans for Record Store Day?

Armageddon Shop is located at 436 Broadway Providence. Hours of operation are Monday – Saturday 12 – 8pm and Sunday 12 – 6pm. You can call Armageddon Shop at 401-521-6667 or check them out online at armageddonshop.com.

1. We opened in 2001, so we hit 13 years in business this past January.

2. The idea to open Armageddon Shop was conceived in spring of 1999 by Ben and Anne. Providence had no truly independent shop left dedicated to underground music, especially one focusing on vinyl. While working and saving money, we were also scouring flea markets, yard sales and other shops for records, tapes, CDs and anything else we thought would be good to have in the shop. A space was located and leased in September 2000, and work began. The space was cleaned, painted and improved. All the fixtures were built by us, except the magazine racks, which we acquired from a closed bookstore. Inventory was moved in in December and it was cleaned, organized, priced and stocked. Ben and Laura (Load Records), Lars, Damien and the two of us spent many nights and more than a few beers and pots of coffee getting things together (Thanks, you maniacs!). A pre-opening party on January 12, 2001 was a great time — friends from NY, NJ, MA and RI came down to hang out, eat, drink and fight to the death for rare LPs. The doors opened the next day, January 13, 2001. We haven’t looked back since. In July 2005, Chris Andries stepped in as a new partner in the shop as Anne left to travel and move on in life. The shop has continued to grow, and we’re hoping to keep it growing and improving as much as possible. Our goal is to be the best record shop possible within our means, with our own touch. The idea was to create a shop that we as music hounds and record collectors would enjoy shopping in. We have a very serious focus on vinyl. We like records and we run a record shop, unlike other shops that have “Records” as part of their name and yet have none. We also stock CDs, cassettes, videos, magazines (both current and back issues), t-shirts and a few books.

3. The best days are when you turn people onto new sounds they haven’t heard, when someone finds something they’ve been hunting for forever, when people meet and start talking in the shop, and when folks let us know that our being here means something to them. Challenges are just the basic daily issues of running a small business.

4. We care a lot about what we do, and we strive to constantly improve the shop and take care of our customers.

5. Dedication and love of the music, art and community they are a part of.

6. Record Store Day has its pros and cons. On the good side, it gets people to come in a check out the shop who otherwise might not.

7. We will put out a ton of newly priced used records, like we do every year, plus stocking the Record Store Day titles we feel made the cut. We will also be giving our Record Store Day customers free releases donated by local bands and labels like we did last year.

In Your Ear is located at 462 Main St in Warren. It is open Monday – Saturday from 11am – 6pm and Sunday 10am – 3pm. You can call In Your Ear at 401-245-9840 or check them out online at iye.com.

1. Except for a hiatus between moves in the early ’00s (from College Hill in Providence to Main Street in Warren), In Your Ear has been in business in RI since 1985 (29 years). 2. We had been selling records on various campuses, visited Brown University and decided that Providence was a great location.

3. The reward is the same that it was when we started — being able to turn people on to music that they might not have heard before. Now that we’re located in Warren, the primary challenge is getting people to drive from Providence to shop with us!

4. We have a huge collection of new, used and rare music. Currently, we are expanding our vinyl selection every week. If we don’t already carry a particular title on vinyl or CD, we will do our best to find it for you. We haven’t changed our focus over the last three decades; we are exclusively dedicated to music and music fans.

5. We stay relevant by providing the human touch and by being an oasis for the hungry, inquisitive music fan. And as music buyers are trending back to owning a physical representation of music, not just an mp3, we are becoming more relevant every day!

6. Record Store Day is a great celebration that provides us with an opportunity to give a little bit back to our customers, with exclusive releases and giveaways. It’s a great day to hang out with your friends.

7. In addition to stocking limited edition Record Store Day releases, we’ll have a storewide sale on CDs and LPs. We’ll also feature several local DJs who will present music from a wide spectrum of artists and genres. DJs Will I. Is and Kellan both have an open-minded approach to spinning: their only requirement that a song must have to be played is that it’s GOOD.

Looney Tunes is located at 562 Kingstown Rd in Wakefield. It is open Monday – Saturday 10am – 6pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm. You can call Looney Tunes at 401-782-9860 or check them out online at facebook.com/looneytunes.

Looney Tunes has been open in Wakefield since the mid 1970s; I have owned and run it for 22 years. I was the store’s best customer, and looking for a career change when it went up for sale. I spent much of my early youth exploring and hanging out in record stores, so it seemed right. Turning people on to music is a great reward. The CD business is the greatest challenge; the invention of the iPod ruined CD sales, along with free downloading, a bad economy and a lack of interest from the buying public. The record companies all but abandoned the retail stores, and continue to hinder our growth, or existence, by raising prices on new vinyl because it is currently popular and deleting CD titles from the catalog so that we cannot return product to them. Looney Tunes is special because our staff is very knowledgeable about various forms of music, and our stock remains very deep! In the last few years, we have increased our vinyl selection very much, which keeps us relevant, as records are more popular than ever, certainly more than CDs. Record Store Day is a wonderful thing! It has shined the light on independent record retailing, away from the big box and corporate stores. It has created an interest in reissuing crucial tunes by classic artists on vinyl, as well as new releases by current artists. We always stock many of the limited edition titles on vinyl, and have a big sale on CDs, which this year will be 25% off all titles, new and used! Hopefully, some new customers will come in this Saturday and check us out for the first time, and our loyal fans will continue to shop here for their favorite music!

Olympic Records is located at 580 Wickenden St in Providence. Hours of operation are Monday – Saturday 10am – 7pm and Sunday 10am – 1pm. You can call Olympic Records at 401-301-9266 or check them out online at olympicvinyl.tumblr.com/. 1. Olympic Records opened in July of 2011, which will make three years this July.

2. Olympic Records was born out of a love for records and music and an out-of-control personal record collection. My wife Erika and I decided to go for it and open a store. Providence’s East Side hadn’t had a record store that carried new music since Tom’s Tracks closed in early 2008 and that was a hole that I hoped we could fill. As luck would have it, I drove by the Wickenden Street location and within a month signed a lease. It really came together super quickly. A handful of friends and I turned what was a former personal trainer type gym into a record store in a month and a half and the store has been open seven days a week ever since.

3. Customer service has always been a high priority and I really enjoy hunting down things or special ordering records customers have been looking for. New or used, I try to bring in the best quality records that I can find. You won’t find any dollar bins full of scratched up classics or mint condition filler; I try to curate what I put out on the floor leaning more toward the oddball and off-the-beaten-path stuff within any one genre of music. I only sell vinyl (LPs and 45s) and a small amount of local cassettes. All used vinyl is inspected, machine cleaned and bagged before hitting the bins. The focus of Olympic Record’s new vinyl is on indie rock, local music, and anything else interesting that I come across or customers recommend to me. I hope to create a clean, comfortable environment for people and their friends to shop and hang out in. I have two pinball machines and chairs and books for people who might not have a record player yet or can’t browse as long as their friends.

4. Remaining relevant is always a challenge. Record labels including digital downloads with new vinyl was a huge step to get people to stop stealing music and start collecting again.

5. Record Store Day has helped to bring vinyl a bit more into the mainstream, and it does a great job in getting people excited to go record shopping.

6. For Record Store Day 2014, in addition to the highlights from all our favorite artists and labels off the Record Store Day list, we will run a big sale and have tons of goodies for everyone while supplies last.

7. The shop is seconds from I-95 with ample parking out front, easy on easy off. Buy / Sell / Trade / Want Lists Accepted. Cats, Dogs, kids and ?’s are OK by me. Record Store Day is every day.

What Cheer Records + Vintage is located at 180 Angel St in Providence. They are open Monday – Thursday 11am – 7pm, Friday – Saturday from 11am – 8pm and Sunday from 12 – 5pm. You can call What Cheer Records + Vintage at 401-861-4244 or check them out online at whatcheerprovience.com.

1 + 2. First of all, a formality: our store name is now officially What Cheer Records + Vintage. We started our business in 1998 as What Cheer Antiques, but have become more and more of a record shop over the years, especially after relocating our shop to Thayer Street two years ago. My wife Jennifer and I grew up in the ’70s and ’80s when vinyl was how people listened to music, and it stuck with us. Neither of us really made the switch to CDs and have never stopped collecting and listening to vinyl records, so buying and selling them naturally became part of our business. About 10 years ago we also started organizing and promoting events, which we call the Providence Rock And Roll Yard Sale. We get together large numbers of DIY local vendors who sell vinyl records, DIY handmade and vintage goods. The next Providence Rock + Roll Yard Sale is part of a big Cinco de Mayo Block Party in downtown Providence on May 3rd on Westminster St. The rain date is May 4th.

3. For Jennifer and me, there’s nothing cooler than running a record store, constantly discovering and listening to music, and doing our best to turn other people on to things we think are great. I’m also a musician — I sing and play guitar in a band called the ‘Mericans — and music has always been a huge part of my life.

4. Like many small businesses, it’s hardly a way to get rich, but we get by and are doing something we both like very much. The biggest challenge is to stay relevant, and also to have as many irons in the fire as possible. Besides our store and events, we also sell records and vintage stuff online. This helps us when one or the other part of our business is slow. People have always been into records, but like all things, trends come and go, so being able to anticipate changes has also helped us stay in business for 16 years now.

5. What Cheer is unique in that we sell more than just records. We have a large inventory of vintage clothing, ephemera, books, antiques, art and more. But what also makes us unique as a record shop is that we focus only on vinyl (we do carry some used CDs and tapes, but vinyl is our focus). We’re also the only record shop on Thayer Street these days, which is a huge change from years past, when there were as many as five record shops on the street.

6. Record Store Day has become incredibly popular, and we love it. We’ve participated from its beginnings in 2008 and it’s become one of our best days of business. Every year we celebrate Record Store Day by having a sale, and we also carry many of the special limited edition record store day releases. We also try to have live music at What Cheer on Record Store Day and this year we’re having five different acts play live in-store : Arc Iris (Providence / former Low Anthem), the Brother Kite (Providence), Cotton Candy (Boston / featuring Mark Robinson of Teenbeat Records + the band Unrest), plus solo performances by Joey Sweeney and Heyward Howkins of Philadelphia.

7. Last year we had one of my favorite bands of all-time play live in-store on RSD — the Feelies. They were in town for a show at The Met, and somehow we talked them into stopping by to perform for us — this was incredible. We’ve also hosted several local acts to celebrate their new album releases, including Death Vessel and Allysen Callery, and we’re working on a date to have Roz Razkin And the Rice Cakes play later on this spring.

Other stores participating in Record Store Day:

Armageddon Shop, 436 Broadway, Providence

Blast From the Past, 1287 Main St., West Warwick

Kangaroo CDs & Tapes, 1759 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence

Music Box, 160 Thames St., Newport

Newbury Comics, Providence Place Mall

Newbury Comics, The Silks will be performing at 3pm, 1500 Bald Hill Rd., Warwick

The Time Capsule, 537 Pontiac Ave., Cranston

Record Store Day takes place all over the country on Saturday, April 19, 2014. Times and locations vary. Please check out www.recordstoreday.com for more information. For a list of releases exclusively being released on Record Store Day, go here: recordstoreday.com/SpecialReleases. BTC Resurrects Doctor Cerberus for Bloody Good Fun

The Burbage Theatre Company shows that the teenage years of our lives are truly the horror years in their production of Doctor Cerebrus

After a brief absence from the local theater scene, the Burbage Theater Company returns with great fanfare in the form of Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s play, Doctor Cerberus. Dr. Cerberus (Rico Lanni) is the television late night horror movie host of “Nightmare Theater.” Tortured teenager Franklin Robertson (Steven Dionne) worships the over-the-top character, and hopes to one day write sci-fi/horror fiction. But the world of Dr. Cerberus doesn’t just provide an escape for Franklin; it completely takes over his life. The play begins with the house set on fire, accidentally. What was Franklin watching? Firestarter, of course.

So, you thought your teenage years were a horror show? That’s exactly the point by Aguirre-Sacasa, but the message is delivered with creativity. It’s not difficult to identify with the struggles of teenage Franklin. Played with appropriate angst and intelligence by Dionne, Franklin has hopes and dreams far beyond his parents’ expectations. He also harbors a secret, and the only person who gives him any insight is quickly sent away. Franklin is teased unmercifully by his older jock-brother, Rodney (Andrew Iacovelli). Iacovelli is enthusiastically obnoxious and foul-mouthed. And then there’s the ongoing threat of nuclear annihilation as presented in the 1983 film, The Day After.

Aguirre-Sacasa and director, Alex Duckworth, give the story a very different incarnation with asides to the audience, creepy music, special lighting and marvelous performances by the cast. Erin Olson, as the over-bearing, overly-dramatic mom, gets the plumb part of dispatching the spine-chilling, maniacal laugh at the end of Act 1. Her performance is explosive.

Sean Carufel plays Franklin’s dad, who tries his best to keep the family on solid ground. Carufel is keenly comic as he drags his family to his Holy Grail of history, the King Tutankamen exhibit. Dad (Carufel) recites facts ad nauseum that don’t interest anyone else. It gives us a glimpse into what Franklin’s dad may have aspired to when he was young.

Director Duckworth says, “Some audiences are uncomfortable with music used to underscore.” But the music in this production is clearly an enhancement. The theme of horror movies is primary, so it seems logical since music is such an important part of a movie’s atmosphere.

Special kudos goes to Rico Lanni as the namesake Doctor Cerberus. Lanni emotes the right amount of camp as the late night movie host, both in and out of costume, so to speak. Lanni also plays several other characters who are only seen briefly, but are vital. Lanni presents a unique persona for each character.

Cerberus is the name of the three-headed dog that guards the entrance to the underworld in Greek mythology. He resides by the edge of the River Styx. But Cerberus doesn’t have to guide Franklin and his family into Hades. They’re already there.

Doctor Cerberus continues at the Artists’ Exchange at 50 Rolfe Square, Cranston, RI, April 17, 18, 19 and April 24, 25, 26. All performances at 8pm. For tickets and information please call 401-490-9475 or visit their website at artists-exchange.org.

Locale Profile: Boru Noodle Bar

Back to the basics

Most people think of ramen as the salty noodle packets favored by college students, but all over the country, a number of restaurants are proving that ramen isn’t just for cash-strapped undergrads. In the past few years, food professionals began realizing ramen’s potential, much to the delight of the hungry masses. Noodle bars have been popping up in food hubs all over the country, and the once low-brow fare has become a full-blown foodie trend.

Boru Noodle Bar on lower Broadway in Newport brings the movement to Aquidneck Island. Started in 2013, Boru is the brainchild of local chefs Casey Shea and Steve Lucier, former co-workers who decided to team up. They were inspired to open a ramen restaurant from a colleague in the New York food scene. Ramen noodles are a staple in Japanese cuisine, but the noodles themselves are actually Chinese. Until about 1950, ramen was called shina shoba (‘shina’ is a phonetic spelling of China). Instant ramen was invented in 1958 and made its way to the U.S. in the 1970s.

Newport’s take on the food fad is a tiny place tucked between a smoke shop and a bar. The dining area doesn’t exceed 20 feet square, and my eye was immediately drawn to the colorful menu board. Bare walls and minimal décor keep the focus on the food, and there are three small tables and about 16 bar seats spread across three walls. Boru has an open kitchen so patrons can watch the noodle artists cooking their meals behind the scenes. It’s a no-frills, order-at-the-counter kind of place and probably not the best choice for a big celebration, but it’s a welcome addition for noodle enthusiasts.

The menu is also small and focuses on the basics. Each of the five varieties of ramen bowls features a different meat with complementary vegetables and sauces. The menu also features a dry ramen dish with spicy cashews. The Alentejana Ramen combines little necks, kale and chili oil, while the Spicy Miso has pork, corn and bean sprouts. The restaurant may not be a great option for vegetarians, as aside from the dry ramen, their only vegetable dish was not available on the dinner menu. Boru also has five appetizers that include Kimchee (spicy pickled vegetables) and spicy kale salad.

I can personally vouch for the crispy Brussels sprouts appetizer, served with a Kimchee puree and a soy caramel sauce. For an entrée, I ordered the house ramen, which features the noodles, two healthy slabs of pork, napa (Chinese cabbage) and half a hard-boiled egg in a savory, salty broth. I was amazed at how well the broth and noodles soaked up the flavor of the pork. Each bowl comes with a Chinese soup spoon and chopsticks, and eating the noodles can be pretty arduous (and potentially embarrassing). The biggest challenge of the night was trying to eat the egg with chopsticks (I gave up and scarfed it down with the spoon). This isn’t the ramen you buy in 50-packs from Sam’s Club; the noodles at Boru are the real deal, and the staff clearly knows what they’re doing. By the time I left the restaurant, there was scarcely a seat to be had and there was a substantial line of eager customers waiting, both good signs for a new restaurant. Do yourself a favor and stop by, but remember to hit the ATM and the liquor store before you go because Boru is cash only and BYOB (they do have their own ATM inside).

Boru Noodle Bar is located at 36 Broadway, Newport, RI. Their hours are 5 – 10pm Tuesday – Thursday and 11:30am – 10pm Friday – Sunday (Closed Mondays). RI Pride Celebrates Outgoing President Rodney Davis and Board Member Brian Mills

On March 21, 2014, Rodney Davis and Brian Mills will be celebrated in what RI Pride describes as a small token recognizing the vast contributions these men have made to the organization and to the RI LGBT community as a whole.

Rodney Davis, outgoing president, and Brian Mills, board member, have helped to build one of the premier LGBT Pride organizations in New England. Under their leadership, art exhibitions, political rallies, literary programs, the Goddess Show, the Triple Crown Pageant, the Pride Festival and the illuminated Night Parade were developed to raise awareness and bring the community together.

The lasting impact these men have had on their community will be celebrated at The Providence Biltmore’s Grand Ballroom on March 21 with dignitaries, live entertainment, music by DJ Andy Morris and hors d’ouvres. The doors will open at 7:30pm with a cocktail reception, and the speaking and entertainment program will begin at 8:15pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $15 at PrideRI.com or at the door for $25.