Grab Your Spooks at the Providence Ghost Tours

By Jeffrey Folker

The Providence Ghost Tour: where orbs, shadows, specters, poltergeists and other things go bump in the night. You do not need any special equipment or ritualistic knowledge – no EMF recorder, night vision goggles, séances, Ouija boards or extra-sensory perception are necessary. All that is required is a pair of comfortable walking shoes, an open mind and a date to share a night on the town in Providence. Not interested in the supernatural? That’s ok too – with knowledgeable tour guides, the tour is a wonderful way for visitors to learn about the oft-violent, dark history of Providence.

Though I have never personally heard Marley’s chains rattling (that’s a reference to Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, in case you missed it) I admit I am a bit of a skeptic when it comes to supernatural entities residing in our world – if I do not see it, I do not believe it happened. While my family jokingly refers to our friendly household poltergeist (which we have affectionately named Harold, apparently Casper was too obvious of a name), I have never encountered anything that leads me to believe ghosts and spirits actually exist. Then again, neither have I seen anything that definitively proves they do not exist, either. Either they do exist and I just have never seen them, or they do not exist and I have been correct all along. Whatever the truth may be, it does not matter what I believe.

The tour begins at Prospect Terrace Park on Congdon Street at dusk (College Hill, Providence) ‘neath the statue of Roger Williams and the epigraph that reads “Here reposes dust from the grave of Roger Williams.” Why dust from the grave of Roger Williams and not the body of Rhode Island’s founding father, you ask? My question to the tour guide was not allowed to hang in the air very long: in the first of a series of frightening tales about Providence’s dark past, we learn that his grave and casket – originally located in Swan Point Cemetery off Blackpoint Boulevard – had been invaded by an apple tree looking for decaying flesh to use as fertilizer. Talk about a way to capture the interest of your audience.

Over the next hour and a half, the tour makes stops at the homes of famed Rhode Island Horror/Sci- Fi/Fantasy writer H.P. Lovecraft (think Seinfeld’s half-man, half-bear-pig, only substitute man-half-bear- pig for a man-half-octopus-dragon) and the site of one of Rhode Island’s unsolved murders; the Woods- Gerry house and its camera battery-sucking patio; Brown’s John Hay Library (I’ll leave this gory surprise for the tour guides); and Brown’s University Hall, which acted as a hospital (read: amputation ward) during the American Revolutionary War. Walking down Benefit Street, we stop at the Providence Athenaeum. Standing across the intersection from the oldest family house in Rhode Island, we search for the ghost of the drunkard and “goth before it was goth,” (to quote our wonderful tour guide Elise), Edgar Allen Poe. The climax of the tour centers on the corner of Benefit Street and Angell Street and the dangers of “furious riding” – you will have to take the tour to find out exactly what that is.

Providence Ghost Tours run every night from July 1 through November 16.

For more information and tickets, visit their website at www.ProvidenceGhostTours.com. Let the Good Times Roll at the Providence Artisans Market

By Jeffrey Folker

With something for everyone, it is really hard not to have a good time at the Providence Artisans Market. Bring the kids, bring the picnic blankets, and bring the family dog. If you are bold, even bring the ol’ guitar and earn a few bucks on the side.

From the best organic beef, local scallops, City Farm produce and herbs, honey from Pharmacy Herbs, pastries from Seven Stars Bakery, samples from Narragansett Creamery, produce from Arcadian Fields, to some of the best locally made crafts from Upcycled Glass (focused on making vases, cups, and jars from recycled glass), natural soaps from the Stella Marie Soap Company (“natural soap with a quirky flair”). Tack on some stalls selling one of a kind jewelry, paintings, photographs, and furniture, and you get the Providence Artisans Market.

Perhaps the most interesting crafts came from Conanicut Sheepworks, who was selling fashionable anchor-shaped necklaces from sliced walnuts. Check them out on facebook for more information

There was even a hairiest dog competition… Ok, not really, but here is a picture of some REALLY hairy dogs that were at the park, drinking in all the attention.

Seriously, those dogs look like bears.

The Providence Artisans Fair runs every Saturday through October 16 from 10 am to 2pm at Lippett Park, at the intersection of Hope Street and Blackstone Boulevard. For more information or to apply to become a part of next week’s market, search PVDArtisansMarket on Facebook or check www.mikebryceart.com/PVD_Artisans_Market.html

Rail Jam Thursdays at The Avenue Sandwich

By Ali Walsh

Urban culture was in full swing at The Avenue Concept’s latest rail jam on Thursday, June 6. Over 100 graffiti artists, skateboarders, B-boys and DJ’s transformed the skating center at Kennedy Plaza, all at no cost to those who arrived.

People as young as 11 years old grabbed their boards to meet and learn from fellow skaters, without any worry of breaking Providence laws. There is no skate park in the city, which leaves these skateboarders no place to legally do what they love.

Eddie, a Cranston native and local skateboarder, believes events like this are positive for the city. “Having a skate park in Providence would keep kids off the street and out of trouble.”

Above the sounds of wheels grazing a rail or hitting the pavement after landing from a ramp, live music filled the air. DJ’s Jackson and Micah, Kansas natives, grew up together and moved east to pursue a DJ career. Now they teach workshops within the Avenue Project to mentor and help other DJ’s grow.

Next to the DJ booth lay a wooden floor where B-Boys took turns battling: competing, but also encouraging each other.

Across the way, the Avenue Concept contributed free materials for all to use to create a graffiti masterpiece. Both professional street artists and those who wanted to try it for the first time came together to create collaborative art.

Yarrow Thorne, founder of the Avenue Sandwich, created this event so that the youth of Providence had a place to express their “urban culture.” Skateboarding or creating graffiti on buildings are illegal in Providence and most major cities. Thorne explains that instead of shutting down these talents, we should embrace them in a more controlled environment.

“We recognize the problem. Instead of ignoring it, we should come together and turn it into a positive,” Thorne said.

The event was a great success, despite little advertising – primarily word of mouth. Skate parks are so few and far-between in the state that once one skater catches wind of a rail jam, everybody knows (thank you, social media).

The Avenue Sandwich event occurs every other Thursday in Kennedy Plaza, occurring next on Thursday, June 20. Thorne encourages anyone interested in skateboarding, graffiti, breakdancing or music to “come hang out and enjoy.”

Check www.theavenueconcept.com for a full schedule of events

Creative Family Fun at Garden City’s Festival Fete

By Erin Kayata and Lindsey Martin

This past weekend, June 8th and 9th, Festival Fete held its third annual art festival at Garden City Center. Featuring craft artist booths, food stations and local entertainment, the event provided a day full of local, “art, food, and merriment”. There were over 140 artist booths displaying everything from upcycled clothing and handmade jewelry, to mussel shell art.

“It’s not your grandmother’s art festival,” said Danielle Salisbury, the art liason for the event. “It’s for the community and the family.” Salisbury mentioned the show features juried art, meaning artists have to apply by showing their work, as well as an idea for their booth.

Additional entertainment included balloon artists, a rock wall, a photo booth, and Rhode Island’s famous Big Nazo Puppets. The event also featured the Creation Station, where kids were able to make some of their own artwork such as recycled hatmaking, macaroni bracelets, and pennant making.

Families could take a break and grab refreshments provided by Granny Squibb Iced Teas, Providence Potato Company, Holy Cow, and Just Dogs hot dogs, among others. Kettle corn from the Kettle Corn Express seemed to be a crowd favorite.

This traveling festival makes stops around RI year round. Catch the next festival in East Greenwich on August 31st and September 1st. For more information go to www.festivalfete.com Making Place

The City of Providence has high hopes for Kennedy Plaza, and is launching a lot of initiatives intended to scrub out the generally scary reputation clinging to it. We asked Cliff Wood, City Builder with the Providence Foundation, for his thoughts on the future of the space. “Our mission is to create a socially and economically viable set of public spaces – it’s a long-term goal that has gathered a lot of support the last couple of years. The mayor made it one of his top 5 goals for economic impact, and many partner organizations – public and private – have been contributing to the effort.” “If we don’t fill these places with positive activities, they fill themselves with activities that become a drag on the neighborhood,” says Wood. So one tactic for revitalization is programming. You’ll see more music series like the WBRU music series, projects with Trinity Brew House, and more children’s programming like programs on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in the park. “Events that would gather maybe 20 people a couple of years ago now draw over 100,” he explains. “Three years ago, we couldn’t convince any food trucks to come to Kennedy Plaza. Now there’s a waiting list.” Wood agrees that increased law enforcement is also happening as part of the process. “Placemaking, which is really the term for what we’re doing, touches on many disciplines – social services, historic preservation, parks, recreation, urban planning, economic development, public transit and many more.” Within the next year, we’ll see the impact of capital improvements on the Plaza, and we’ll see the dominance of RIPTA buses toning down. For the first time in at least 20 years, RIPTA has commissioned a study of usage patterns that’s leading to rerouting. The new routes will change the tight nest of transfers that only happen at the Plaza, using more “throughrouting.” “It gets pretty nerdy,” says Woods, “but basically there will be less need of dedicated lanes there. Rather than being dominated by transit, there will be a balance of many activities.” Kennedy Plaza is looking for experiments – like some of the skate activities being pioneered in the rink in the summer and live music that uses portable, low-impact staging. New ideas are welcome to try to prove their concepts. Will it work? There was a time no one wanted to go anywhere near the Providence River, either.

CANNABIS COLUMN: The Medical Marijuana Conundrum

Medical marijuana’s an effective treatment for many ailments. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be such a strong movement in so many states to make it legal for patients in need. However, marijuana is still illegal under federal law, which prevents it from being covered under most health insurance policies. Seeking reimbursement for the cost of this medicine also can be difficult. Therefore, what are patients – many of whom are too ill to work or have little to no income – supposed to do? Some states, such as Rhode Island, have taken a proactive strategy to such questions and written a low- income solution into their medical marijuana laws. Such strategies require caregivers and dispensaries to supply medicine to patients in need, leaving the onus on them to seek reimbursement from insurance companies and health care providers. This still doesn’t guarantee that the provider of the medicine will ever receive funds, but it is a patient – first approach that I can respect. This does, however, create a disadvantaged market for those seeking to become caregivers or open dispensaries in which the long- term cost of producing medicinal marijuana ends up costing too much money. First you have to consider the overhead associated with becoming a caregiver or opening a dispensary, which, in states such as Massachusetts, can be close to $1 million[1]. Depending on the state, dispensaries are required to have large escrow accounts, special permits, licenses and monitoring systems. Then there is the cost associated with the growing facility itself, which is relevant to both dispensaries and caregivers. The growing, lighting and ventilation systems themselves can cost more than $10,000, in even a small-scale operation. Nutrients, fertilizer and water are another high priced factor that most lawmakers don’t take into consideration. When you stack all of those costs on top of the time it takes to complete the first growing process, which includes producing healthy mothers, generating clones and raising them through a complete harvest, you end up with a time-consuming and hefty investment. Now consider that the majority of the patients in need of medical marijuana fall into that low-income category. Many are patients who are terminally ill, physically disabled or battling sicknesses that prevent them from being able to function in a work environment. Not only is it inhumane to restrict access of this medicine to those in need, but it is also unjust to place the burden of providing such medicine solely on those who must produce it. So is there an answer to this conundrum? I believe that there is and until the federal government legalizes marijuana as a medical alternative to the “death dealing” drugs of modern day pharmaceuticals, that answer lies in the individual state’s ability to legalize recreational use. In a state where recreational use is legal, caregivers and dispensaries have an alternative market to sell to. In those states, where recreational use is not legal, that market is commonly referred to as the “black market.” It is this recreational market that currently serves as a supplement for those who can’t afford to pay for their medicine. By legalizing recreational use, two things are accomplished. 1) Those currently taking advantage of the medical marijuana laws, who don’t truly need them, will not flood the health system, allowing for more accurate analysis and decision-making by insurance companies and other health agencies. 2) Those who are not in need of marijuana for medicinal purposes will be required to pay the standard excise and sales taxes associated with recreational use, therefore supplying an alternative and legal revenue for those who are giving marijuana away as medicine. As long as regulations for recreational marijuana are handled in a responsible and intelligent manner, there is no need to restrict access to patients or force caregivers to shoulder the burden of cost. Legalization is nothing more than a common sense approach to those in need. 1: Toke Signals, “MA Marijuana Dispensaries May Need $1 Million to Open”, Steve Elliott, April 4, 2013 Other Sources: Medical Marijuana Business Daily, RI Department of Public Health, Anonymous Patients and Caregivers, Maine.gov, Marijuana Policy Project, The Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Go Fly a Kite: And other Fun Things To Do With The Kids This Summer

By Peter Spameni

For the smallest state, Rhode Island has unlimited summer fun potential for kids and parents alike. You could spend a day at any of our amazing parks or beaches, take a ride along some 50 miles of RI bike paths, explore world-class museums and libraries, or take part in the myriad planned events around our state. Inside, outside, fee or for free, there’s so much to do, we couldn’t possibly list it all. But here are a few ideas. Le pique-nique! It’s an age-old family tradition. You could spread the picnic blankets at Lincoln Park, Colt State Park, Goddard Park or, our favorite, Brenton Point. Located on the southern tip of Newport, the Point opens out to the Atlantic with grassy fields, gardens and trails, and boasts some of most spectacular ocean views in the state. But the most exciting sights are often the kites. Sunny days bring out the flyers in force with box kites, delta wings, diamonds, windsocks and some very hi-tech sport kites. In mid-July, the Newport Kite Festival returns with enthusiasts from all around the country. Parking is free; picnic tables are first-come, first-served; and the views are priceless. The Roger Williams Park Zoo is a perennial favorite for good reason. Always-changing yet familiar, the zoo has a full calendar of events designed to amaze and educate young and old. You and your kids can party like animals by attending any of the five scheduled animal birthday parties. So what do you get a Red River Hog for her birthday? We don’t know, but it’ll be fun watching her rip it to shreds. While you’re there, don’t forget to visit Hasbro’s Our Big Backyard. This interactive play-scape that opened in 2012 is a real favorite among kids and parents. It encourages a hands-on exploration of nature, and engages all the senses. It’s wet, wild and a whole lot of fun. And there’s more, like Family Nights and ZooCamp. So check their calendar. For young film aficionados, what’s better than FREE movies? How about FREE movies all summer long? Booyah! That’s right, Scorsese – Cinemaworld in Lincoln announced Summer KidFest 2013. That’s free movies all summer, seven days a week, every day at 10 am. Adults pay just $2, or get in free with the donation of a non-perishable food item to benefit local food banks. Two thumbs up, right? What about the burgeoning artist in your brood? The RISD Museum is the perfect place for kids to indulge their creative impulse. For ages 3 and up, activities include themed interactive tours and read- aloud story time, as well as open studio, where kids can explore, create and discuss the art of their time. Refrigerator magnets not included. If your children have yet to experience Waterfire, this year will see nearly a dozen lightings at the popular event. First created in 1994 by RI artist Barnaby Evans, Waterfire has become RI’s premier public art installation. The spectacle combines 100 brazier fires burning above the waters of Providence’s three rivers with unusual and eclectic musical soundtracks. It is art, festival, ritual … a lingering and transformative experience for all. To plan your family’s trip to Waterfire, and to support this non-profit arts organization, please visit their website. When you think of family amusements, a few places may come to mind. In Narragansett, Adventureland Family Fun Park is the place to be. They’ve got mini golf, batting cages, go karts, bumper boats, an arcade pavilion and a pretty sweet carousel. While you’re there, you may want to order up some Burdick’s Ice Cream. Also sweet! Then there’s Mulligan’s Island in Cranston – a 64-acre golf-themed complex that features mini golf, driving ranges, batting cages, beach volleyball and refreshments. Very sporty! But if the kids want to eat, drink and be noisy, go to Dave and Buster’s at Providence Place Mall. This restaurant/arcade on steroids is known for its cacophonous midway filled with hi-tech games of sport and skill, and endless ticket redemption games and prizes. Apparently, some kids like this sort of thing. But if your kids are the cool kids, they’ll definitely enjoy the Newport Folk Festival. This forerunner of all modern music festivals has a long history, and has hosted some of the best performers in music. Now, in an effort to inspire a new generation of folk fans, the festival (July 26 – 28) will include The Late July Organic Family Tent in a shaded area near the shore. Younger fans will enjoy performances on the Family Stage, including the amazing Elizabeth Mitchell & You Are My Flower. There’ll be crafts and lots of surprise performances by artists from the main stage. So get your tickets early, because this festival always sells out.

Every summer for decades, Ninigret Park in Charlestown has been host to one of the best traditional circuses in the country. New York’s Big Apple Circus once again calls RI its home from June 22 – July 7. Touring circuses come through the Dunkin Donuts Center regularly, but there is truly nothing like walking up to a massive red and white striped old school circus tent surrounded by elephants and cotton candy. This year’s show, Legendarium, celebrates the circus’s 35th anniversary with vintage- inspired trapeze, clowns, and everything in between that will bring you back to your first time at the circus as a child. Even better? The tent is air conditioned. bigapplecircus.org

With so many fun things to do with the kids this summer, the hard part is picking something that everybody will enjoy. Have fun!

Two Sides of Kennedy Plaza: If You Rebuild it, Will They Come? For most non-Rhode Islanders, the name Kennedy Plaza probably conjures up images of the spot where President Kennedy was shot in 1963. That’s not entirely off the mark – Kennedy Plaza has long been a good place to get shot. Or propositioned. Or started down a path toward recreational or hardcore drug use. In any event, it’s not a place you want to find yourself after nightfall. Scratch that – historically, it’s not a place you want to find yourself at all. But hang on a minute. Providence isn’t about to let Kennedy Plaza swirl down the drain or be amputated like a gangrenous limb. There are plans afoot. Big plans! Impressive plans! Expensive plans! Now only two questions remain – what exactly are they going to do with Kennedy Plaza? And if they build it, will they come? Y’know, people? The plan, which has been gestating for six years – six years! – calls for an infusion of $1.7 million to rework the plaza into a grand pedestrian thoroughfare, with trees and plants and parks and outdoor cafes. The belief is that a leaner, greener, cleaner plaza will draw in families, young professionals, and maybe mimes. Will it? Consider other renovation projects that were undertaken in major cities. In New York, Times Square was a filthy, crime-ridden cesspool filled with XXX-rated theaters, crack pipes and rats so big you could saddle them up and ride to Bayonne. In the ‘90s, then-mayor Giuliani took a broom and bleach to the area, closing down the peepshows and bringing in Elmo. It certainly helped, but it took a while for the stigma of Times Square as a hellhole to wear off. And the rats are still there. Similar story for Boston’s infamous Combat Zone. Once a magnet for drug dealers, pimps and military boys looking for a little shore leave – wink, wink – the Combat Zone was slowly but surely edged out by urban renewal projects and an increased police presence. Thankfully, all the drug dealers and prostitutes moved into neighboring Chinatown, so you only need to cross over a few blocks to get your fix, whatever that may be. Still, the grime of the Combat Zone’s long shadows was not so easily scrubbed from the streets. So what of Kennedy Plaza? The first announced steps toward gentrification are a reconfiguration of bus stops (which may or may not finally clear out the noxious fog that permeates the area) and improvements in front of City Hall, both slated for 2014. Of course 2014, in government speak, means that babies born today may actually see it in their lifetimes. The rest of the improvements have no set timeline. And back to the main point – how long before the common folk will speak of Kennedy Plaza with anything but disdain? It depends. How quickly can the changes be implemented? How soon will locals come down and have a sniff around? And can an improved area remain an improved area? We shall see. In the meantime, if you don’t want to wait for the improved bus service, the rats are saddled and ready.

Water Brothers Surf Fest 3 Drops In at The International Tennis Hall Of Fame

By Jonathon Clancy

Surfing has evolved over time with thanks, in great part, to advancements in board design. Celebrate the history of the surfboard and its shapers during the 2013 Water Brothers Surf Fest 3, an exhibit curated by surf legend Sid Abruzzi. Rhode Island’s quintessential summer surf social will converge on the courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum on Saturday, July 20, from 2 – 7 pm. A special screening of the epic surf film Searching For Tom Curren will be presented by Sid and the film’s director, Sonny Miller, at the amazing Casino Theater at 8 pm. “We’re honored to be at the International Tennis Hall of Fame this year,” said Water Brothers Surf and Skate Shop Owner, Sid Abruzzi, who added, “We’re excited about the surfboard and shaper lineup.” Abruzzi also noted the dedicated New England surfers who make Surf Fest possible, some driving excessive hours with many surfboards in tow. Over 250 boards ranging from Tom Blake’s 1938 Redwood Paddleboard to recent designs created by local shapers will lie over the lush green courts, a timeline of surfboard design. The final display will showcase boards from personal collections that represent early surf design, like classic 1950s longboards, shapes from the 1960s shortboard revolution, big wave guns, retro fishes, modern marvels and even hand planes for body surfing.

Generations of surfers have grown up riding the rocky reefs and beaches that characterize the southern reaches of our little state. And, who better to shape your next stick than the craftsmen who understand the area’s intricacies? Local Rhode Island shapers will be on hand to display their variations of wave riding craftsmanship and to answer questions about custom boards. Newport’s Neil Toracinta, one of the state’s youngest shapers, will bring his highly acclaimed Tora Surfboards to the show. In a very short amount of time, Neil’s surfboards have been popping up more often than not throughout local lineups. Providence Purveyor of the pure, Kevin Cunningham of Spirare Surfboards, will tap into the knowledge of the bees with his lightweight, all-wood honeycomb boards, along with his environmentally friendly recycled EPS foam boards. Cunningham’s clean artistic style showcases the beauty of the wood with which he wraps his creations, whereas his handmade fins display the abstract beauty of found treasure, otherwise known as marine debris. Also in the wood department, Bill Shockley of Gray Suit Productions in Charlestown will showcase his stunning sticks and fins. Dave Levy of Levy Surf Designs wants to know, “What are you on?” Dave has been shaping, glassing and sanding boards in Narragansett for over 25 years. His trademark LSD van is a staple of South County surf culture, and Dave is always happy to share his unique take on Rhode Island design. Surf Fest is also about community. Visit the Clean Ocean Access table where members from the group will help tune you into the local activist scene. The grassroots organization runs year-round water quality testing, adopts public access points to ensure the preservation of beautiful coastline and organizes a slew of beach cleanups each year. The Newport Woman’s Surf Club will also host a table. This all-female surf club has been promoting the lifestyle of ocean-minded women in Newport for over two years. On site to keep your taste buds right will be food trucks from popular local eateries. Middletown’s Flat Waves will dish out their take on the Hawaiian plate lunch with fresh chicken, beef, shrimp or pulled pork served over a bed of rice. Tallulah on Thames of Newport will serve chef-inspired street food, including their famed tacos and burritos. Empire Tea and Coffee will keep the party rolling with caffeinated liquid treats and teas from across the globe, while Del’s Frozen Lemonade assists those looking to beat the heat. Beer and wine will be available at the cash bar at the La Forge Casino Restaurant. What’s a party without tunes and prizes? Local DJs will provide music throughout the day, and be sure to buy some $1 raffle tickets for chances to win great prizes like surfboards, skateboards, wetsuits and other swag. A portion of the raffle proceeds will go toward the Water Brothers Fund, which helps those in need within the Aquidneck Island Community. Tickets for Surf Fest 3 are only $15. Children under 12 are free. A separate ticket for the screening of Searching For Tom Curren is available for $20. Both can be purchased at Water Brothers Surf and Skate Shop at 23 Memorial Boulevard in Newport, Rhode Island (cash or check only), or by credit card at tennisfame.com/SurfFest. Do you have an interesting board to display? E-mail Sid at [email protected] with a photo and description to see about a spot in the show. Top 13 Things To Do This Summer

Summer breezes in and out like a thief in the night, so you’ve got to make the most of each and every fleeting day. From beer gardens in Providence to outdoor concerts on the Newport waterfront, this is the one fun-in-the-sun list you can’t live without. #1 “I’ve always loved yard sales and flea markets – the thrill of the hunt,” says Providence Flea founder Maria Tocco. After traveling the world and gaining inspiration from Marche Vernaison and the Brooklyn Flea, she decided to rain a little sunshine on Rhode Island via her upscale urban flea market. With food trucks on site, live music and a wide variety of vendors like Recovered Relics and House of Findings, this one’s a no-brainer. “Providence is the perfect location for a flea with all of the creativity, innovation and industriousness,” she says. “It just made sense.” Read about Caitlins Motif visit to this event on page 35 providenceflea.com. Sundays through August 25, 10 am-4 pm. South Water Street (across from the Wild Colonial), Providence. #2 If you’re looking to get tipsy this summer, Fall River is the place to be. The Tipsy Seagull, everyone’s favorite dock-bar, is open for the season, serving up “Johnny Style” drinks (heavy on the booze, light on the mixer and served in a 16-ounce mason jar) and chilled out live music. “The Tipsy is one of our favorite places to play because although it’s a social atmosphere, the patrons really show an appreciation for the music,” says Jerilyn Karam-Kozak, lead singer of Deja Blue. “The vibe is very laid back and friendly. The folks who run it treat us like family… It feels a lot like we’re entertaining friends at a summer get-together!” One Ferry Street, Fall River, MA. thetipsyseagull.com. #3 Kick your game up a few notches by impressing that special someone with an afternoon of wine tasting and smooth jazz. Oh yeah. Every Saturday throughout the summer, Portsmouth’s Greenvale Vineyards hosts Jazz Tasting events where you can sample wine by the glass and chill out in the grass. Feel free to bring along some food: chocolate truffles and bacon-wrapped figs are sure to be icing on the cake. $15. 1-4 pm. 847-3777,greenvale.com #4 Whether you live on the West Side of Providence or not, you’re invited to the West Broadway Neighborhood Association’s 4th Annual Block Party, which is scheduled for June 29. This chill, family- friendly celebration features a great lineup of live music, performances by local artists, food, beer, sangria and a plethora of activities for you, your kids and even your furry four-legged friend. (Yes, your dog. We all know cats can’t be bothered to mingle with neighbors.) You can even screen print your own tee with the help of the folks from RiverzEdge Arts. Free.12-5 pm. Hollywood Road, Providence. wbna.org. #5 Warren’s Second Story Theatre presents Murder In Rep, two thrillers running concurrently throughout July and August. First up is Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, featuring Dame Agatha and the eight strangers whom she’s stranded in her isolated, snowed-in guesthouse. The Murder Room is a spoof of crime thrillers with some insanely bright repartee. File this away for a day when you’re nursing a sunburn and need to stay indoors. The Mousetrap runs July 5-August 30. $25. 3 pm, 7 pm & 8 pm show times. The Murder Room runs July 12-September 1. $25. 7 pm & 8 pm show times. 28 Market Street, Warren. 2ndstorytheatre.com. #6 There’s nothing sexier than a greased up hot rod. The Steel Yard’s 8th Annual Cruise Night promises polished chrome, unbridled horsepower and a chance to do some good. (The event is part of their Works in Progress fundraising event series.) Bring a bib because you’ll be drooling over more than 70 custom and classic cars and motorcycles. You should also take advantage of the studio tours where you can be the first to find out about all the latest course offerings. Food, raffle prizes and music round out the bill. $5. July 12 (rain date July 13), 5-9 pm. The Steel Yard, 27 Sims Avenue, Providence. thesteelyard.org. #7 Get all of your holiday gift buying out of the way by shopping ‘til you drop at the 51st Annual Wickford Art Festival on July 13 and 14. More than 250 artists come from around the states to hock their paintings, photographs, ceramics, sculptures and other fine arts. Once you’ve had your share of art, cool off with an ice cream on the dock or a cold beer at one of the many air-conditioned eateries. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a kayak and take it for a spin. Just don’t drink and row. It’s only fun until someone loses an eye. Free. 10 am-6 pm. Wickford Village, North Kingstown. 294-6840, wickfordart.org. #8 We will all float on at the 35th Annual South County Hot Air Balloon Festival down at the URI Athletic Fields on July 19. Sit back and relax as a parade of rainbow-colored balloons – including the High At Last – decorate the bright blue sky. Bring the kids – there will be carnival rides, games and inflatables for them to jump away their energy upon, plus a car show, animal show, cannon lady and more. It’s the perfect marriage between freak and geek. $10 adults; $5 kids. 6 am-6 pm. 3 Keany Road, Kingston. 789-1120, southcountyballoonfest.com. #9 Beer, blues and barbeque. Sounds pretty awesome, right? Head to Newport on July 20 for the Newport Blues & BBQ Festival, a pack-on-the-pounds feast for the stomach and ears. You’ll enjoy wolfing down food from BBQ Alley and then washing it down with lots of ice-cold beer. Live blues music from bands including Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes and James Cotton Blues Band will cap off the day. $45 advance; $55 day of. 12 pm. 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport. 846-1600, newportwaterfrontevents.com. #10 If you haven’t yet cultivated your inner green thumb, just try a different type of garden. Every Thursday afternoon from July through August, downtown Providence is transformed by the Burnside Park Music Series and Beer Garden. It’s the perfect way to spend a lazy day off or to unwind after work. Food trucks are on site and (duh) draft beer is for sale, so be sure to come with cash in hand. Live bands are always diverse, ranging from soul to blues to funk. Check online for an updated schedule or just come every week and be pleasantly surprised. Free. Thursdays, 4:30-7 pm. Kennedy Plaza, Providence. kennedyplaza.org. #11 Newport Storm is best known for its delicious beer, but they’ve also got a sweet little distillery operation going on. Join Al from the Newport Distilling Co. in Newport at the Hotel Viking’s Top of Newport roof deck bar on July 24 for the Thomas Tew Rum and Cigar Night, your chance to class it up a bit for the evening and rub elbows with people who love to drink and smoke … just like you. If you haven’t yet feasted your tongue on this authentic pot still dark rum (made in a pot to replicate the way it was done in the past), run, don’t walk, to this event. 6-9 pm. One Bellevue Avenue, Newport. 847-3300, newportstorm.com. #12 Ninigret Park is home to the Annual Charlestown Seafood Festival where you can eat as much seafood, lobsters, steamers, chowder, fish and chips, clam cakes, corn on the cob and raw bar as you (and your stomach) can stand. There will also be other types of food for the picky eaters in the group as well as continuous entertainment and events like rock wall climbing, a car show, amusement rides, bungee jumping, kayaking, children’s shows, a petting zoo and more. $8 adults, free for kids under 10. August 2, 12-11 pm, August 3, 11 am-11 pm, August 4, 11 am-11 pm. Old Post Road/Route 1A, Charlestown. 364-4031, charlestownrichamber.com. #13 AS220 celebrates its annual Foo Fest fundraiser on August 10 in Providence. “Foo Fest is always an adventure,” says 2013 Artist in Residence Xander Marro. “Last year, I was not expecting to be so incredibly inspired and moved by Guillermo Gomez Pena’s reading or blown away by Big Freida … It’s not just a chance for the city to celebrate art, let loose and see a ton of great performances in one day, but it’s an opportunity to help AS220 do the work it does year round.” 1 pm-1 am. 115 Empire Street, Providence. As220.org/foofest2013.