Gary Glassman,So, You Want a Real Party? These Summer Powwow
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Samantha Cullen-Fry Educator, activist and mother, Samantha Cullen-Fry of the Narragansett tribe works tirelessly advocating for her people and the Indigenous community as a whole. In her role at Tomaquag Museum in Exeter, Fry organizes civic engagements, communicates important issues with the press and ensures that the state’s original inhabitants have the equity they deserve in the conversations that matter. Recently, this URI graduate worked with Motif magazine and Emmy Award-winning Cree singer- songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie on a film project at the Smithsonian. “Samantha’s humble passion and willingness to offer an educated firsthand voice is instrumental for the preservation of our past and a platform for our youth to carry out for the next seven generations,” explains Maija Hill, also of the Narragansett. “Her genuine desire to ensure Indigenous truth flood and remain flowing throughout all nations will ensure our culture is not muted, diluted or deleted!” You can visit Fry and learn more her work, and the work of the Narragansett community as a whole by going to the Tomaquag Museum at 390 Summit Rd, Exeter, on Wednesdays from 10am to 5pm, and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm. Gary Glassman Behind every piece of monumental filmmaking lurks a creative genius quietly spurring the vision along. In the case of internationally acclaimed documentarian Gary Glassman’s work, it is a humble, unassuming genius who gives everything and takes nothing in return. Add to that an eye for a shot and a knack for storytelling, and you’ve got a modern-day virtuoso. This recipe for success has led Glassman all over the world, equipping him to undertake all manner of investigative reporting. His most recent work, the widely lauded PBS series “Native America,” is soon to return for a second run. He has also assisted and mentored numerous RI filmmakers and documentarians. Massachusetts-based filmmaker Dennis Allen is a contemporary of Glassman’s who, over the years, has risen to similar giddy heights. Looking across the water from the Bay State, Allen commented, “Gary is one of those gifted television producers who can blend revealing insight and engaging information with the kind of entertaining style and sensibility that brings great stories to life. It’s the reason his work has received rave reviews and is seen on the most respected television networks like PBS, History Channel and Discovery Channel.” Luckily for us, Glassman is right here in the Ocean State and operates out of his studio, Providence Pictures. So, You Want a Real Party? These summer powwow events should be on your calendar Looking for an authentic New England experience this summer? The warm months are powwow season in Indian Country, and with open-to-the-public Indigenous events happening across the southern part of the region, there’s never been a better time to get in touch with the cultures of the country’s Native people. But finding the right event can be tricky; here are the ones you want to attend. 98th Annual Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow July 5 – 7 You can choose yet another red, white and blue hot dogs and firework fest this July 4 weekend, or you could do something interesting. With dancers and singers from across the continent, food from myriad vendors and fireball after sunset (imagine rugby … but on fire), this is the only place to be during the Independence Day celebrations. You won’t have a better experience this summer. Arrive after 1pm. Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow Grounds, 483 Great Neck Road South Mashpee, Mass 344th Narragansett Indian Tribe’s August Meeting and Powwow, August 10 – 11 The oldest recorded powwow in North America, this one has special meaning and the importance can be felt in every aspect of the occasion. Visitors can enjoy traditional Narragansett cuisine, browse Native jewelry, and be entertained by music and traditional dancing, particularly from the Eastern Woodlands. A distinctly Rhode Island Indigenous affair. Arrive after 1pm Indian Church Grounds (off Rt. 2) in Charlestown 2019 Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Schemitzun, August 24 – 25 Schemitzun, the Feast of Green Corn and Dance, honors Mantoo (Creator), by celebrating the harvest, family, ancestors and veterans. Attracting artists, singers and dancers from all over North America, Schmeitzun is one of the biggest powwows in the country. Arrive after 1pm. Mashantucket Reservation 110 Pequot Trail Mashantucket, Conn Sealed with a Kiss: Introducing Ninny Nothin’, the Lips of Providence Even as a child, Johnny stood out as the goofy one who took chances, always wanting to entertain, to make people laugh and smile. When this flamboyant young performer discovered the world of drag at the age of 26, it was clear that this was the platform upon which Johnny could entertain on a broader scale. From this revelation was born Ninny Nothin’, a tireless and selfless giver of joy whose scatterbrained yet quick-witted personality has been loved by audiences as diverse as Newport brunches, the Dark Lady and Amazon Prime. I met with Ninny on the set of her latest movie, Strapped for Danger 2 to learn what it means to be the “Lips of Providence” and what’s next for this cherished daughter of Rhode Island. Amadeus Finlay (Motif): From Newport to the heart of Providence, how does it feel to be one of Rhode Island’s most celebrated drag artists? Ninny Nothin’: To be recognized at all is an honor! I’ve found that throughout my years performing as Ninny and really making her a fully conceptualized character, the key is to have fun and do what makes you happy. I like to make people happy! For me, I think a lot of my success has stemmed from being kind to people. Knowing that it wasn’t just my talents or a crazy look that got me where I am humbled me. So basically, this fool is humbled to be where I am and recognized for what I do. AF: Let’s dig a little deeper. There’s a lot going on in the name Ninny Nothin’. What sentiments does her name encapsulate? NN: When I first wanted to try out drag, I knew I had to have a name, but picking the name was the hardest for me because I wanted it to represent the character I wanted to create. I love a good brand. And every strong brand has a name that’ll reflect what the brand stands for. I remember I was on set for the feature film Accidental Incest and my good friend and director playfully called me a “ninny.” Now I had heard the term before, but upon further pondering about the word and what it meant to be called a “ninny,” I jumped on it. The word brought me to the recurring character type of the clown/fool from Shakespeare’s work, portrayed as less than intelligent but always the ones with the most knowledge and the sharpest tongues and usually the most likable. Also, I wanted to reclaim a word that I know others would use in a derogatory way. By calling myself Ninny, I was making it a powerful thing and it was used in a way to remind myself that being a fool isn’t a bad thing. For a little bit I was just referred to as Ninny without a last name. I wanted to be like Cher haha — in my own world where I was cool enough to not require one. So, people kept asking me my last name and I would always reply with a laugh, “It’s Nothin!” And that’s how the name Ninny Nothin’ came to be. AF: You’re known as the Lips of Providence. Why did you focus on that particular element of Ninny’s personality? NN: All my life I’ve been involved in acting. I started off in plays then quickly went to film and then found a happy medium of both. My strongest points are always performing and emotion. When I first started doing drag, I knew those were my strong points as well. Now makeup was a whole different story … I will say that while I don’t consider myself a makeup artist, my makeup game has improved considerably! But starting out I was a makeup mess and lips were always something that scared me. When I started drawing on lips, I kept on trying to play with different shapes. The problem was that every time I tried, I would mess up my lips. So, I just kept on making my lips bigger every time to hide the mistakes. I didn’t see anything wrong with my crazy big lips — if anything I loved them because I felt different than everyone else. I remember some people would poke fun about the size or tell me that the size was unrealistic and I should make them smaller. It was until an established queen, Pulp, current reigning Miss Gay RI, looked at me one day and said, “I love your look. Your lips especially. Never change.” This was such a moment for me. For those of you who don’t know Pulp, she is Providence’s bearded queen. Now, I am so happy they became a signature for Ninny, because I wanted to stand for something with my drag. And a mouth is made up of lips and lips allow words to flow … so why not be known for a big set of lips ready to verbally stand for something? AF: When we first met, you were working with the star-studded Trailer Park Girls. What are the rest of the gang up to, and when will we see you all together again? NN: My girls! I can tell you right now I would not be where I am today with those queens! The Trailer Park Girls (consisting of Neoki Feytal, Kelly Square, Ally P.