MotifTV June 19 – 26 95.5 WBRU Summer Concert Series: Torn Shorts By Jeffrey Folker June nights: not too hot for a stroll in the park, not too cold for an Awful Awful from Newport Creamery. Growing up in New Jersey, three miles from the Atlantic Ocean, summer has always been the time of year to relax, hit the beach for a tan, and grab an ice cold beer at the local establishment. Now living in Providence, summer has a new meaning: 95.5 WBRU’s Free Summer Concert Series. In the heart of downtown Providence, catchy beach-y, blues-inspired, indie rock (that’s a mouthful) tones filled the scenic Waterplace Park on June 14th, as over 1,000 spectators sat, laid, or danced – enthralled by the musical talents of local band Torn Shorts and a night of good, clean fun. Lead by front man Josh Grabert, Torn Shorts has taken the New England music scene by storm after winning WBRU’s 2013 Rock Hunt. According to Michael Christofaro, (Marketing Coordinator and Photographer for the City of Providence), early June has a reputation among city event planners for rather unpredictable weather– in past years, rainouts have pushed the concert series indoors (to Lupo’s). After a rainy morning on Friday, by mid-afternoon, the weather had cleared enough to keep the concert outside. If nothing else, people-watching entertained many, as venders sold the usual Waterfire wares, kids as young as 1 sat with families, punks, grandparents, and even a handful of dogs, PVD Pudding Pops sold their… well, pudding pops, Dunkin Donuts handed out free samples of their newest coffee line (which was phenomenal!), and kayakers floated lazily down the Providence River, drinking in the sounds of the city. WBRU’s Free Summer Concert Series continues this Friday, June 21 with The 1975, and runs every Friday night, concluding with Cold War Kids on July 12th. Stay tuned for video! RI Pride Celebrates 37th Anniversary On Saturday, June 15, Rhode Island’s LGBT community held their 37th annual Pride celebration in Providence. The day featured sunny skies, lots of heat and passionate performances from several local entertainers. This year’s theme, “Love Forward,” signifies the freedom for people to love whom they want. The recent passage of marriage equality legislation in the Ocean State, as well as in Delaware and Minnesota, are proof of a society moving forward and becoming inclusive of same-sex couples. Thousands of people flooded the streets of Providence to cheer on the marchers and floats featured in the Nighttime Illuminated Parade (see video). Parade Grand Marshals were State Rep. Frank Ferri (D-Warwick) and his husband Tony Caparco, who have been together for over 31 years and have been married for the last seven. Ferri has been a leader in the fight for marriage equality and was a former co-chair of Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI). The other Grand Marshal was attorney Mary Bonauto of Boston-based Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD). Bonauto represented same-sex couples in Massachusetts, which paved the way for gay marriage to become legal in that state. Many of the floats at this year’s parade featured wedding themes. Popular drag queen Sabrina Blaze wore a wedding cake hat topped with two grooms, which delighted the onlookers. P-FLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), the Providence Gay Men’s Chorus, and Youth Pride, Inc. (YPI) were among the organizations participating in the parade. This year’s festival was held for the third year in a row on South Water Street, alongside the Providence River. In past years the event was held at Station Park, across from the State House. Belle Pellegrino, a veteran of the first RI Pride celebration in 1976, reflected on how Pride has changed through the years. “I think I can safely speak for the ’76’ers’ when I say we are so awed to see the growth in what we began and are humbled to have been a part of this all,” Pellegrino said. “Knowing we were able to help start RI off on this journey to equality is a memory we will carry with us always.” This year’s headliner was Thea Austin, lead singer of the pop group Snap. Pride also featured special performances by Alexis Mateo from RuPaul’s Drag Race, Jackie Collins, Nova Starr, Ursula and the Glitterati, the Imperial Court of RI, and the Becky Chase Band. Emcees included Miss Kitty Litter, Jacqueline DiMera, Vi’Let, Ellen Moschetto, Haley Star, and Genesis. Vendors manned booths all along South Water Street selling Pride merchandise, including clothing, jewelry and other trinkets. AIDS Care Ocean State, AIDS Project Rhode Island, and Human Rights Campaign all were on hand to gather support for their services. The festivities continued well into the night, with block parties and special events being held all over the city. See video 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 2013 Newport Comedy Series The tent at the Newport Yachting Center is a great place to see a show in the summertime, and this summer’s line-up for the Newport Summer Comedy Series offers something for every type of funny bone. Motif gives you the low down on what’s right for you. July 13 – The Tenderloins Who: The improv guys from truTV’s Impractical Jokers. Who will love it: Folks who love improv video segments similar to the show. July 14 – Bill Burr Who: A comedian’s comedian who came up in the Boston comedy scene. Who will love it: People who like their laughs with local flavor. Burr is one of the funniest guys touring today. July 18 – Brian Regan Who: A perfect combination of sophisticated writing and physicality, Regan’s comedy covers a wide variety of topics. Who will love it: People who prefer their jokes family-friendly. Regan is very funny and mostly keeps it clean. July 26 – Lily Tomlin Who: The long-time Emmy and Tony award winner is practically an American comedy institution. Who will love it: People who want to witness a living legend live on stage and prefer to get their laughs Broadway show style. July 28 – Bill Maher Who: The brash mind behind HBO’s “Real Time.” Who will love it: Anyone who wants to get guffaws that are smart, topical and mostly political in nature. August 1 – Rodney Carrington Who: Country singer and actor whose eight albums have sold 3 million copies. Who will love it: Good ole boys and gals who enjoy their jokes a lil’ country and their comedians to sing songs with titles like “Titties and Beer.” August 2 – Lisa Lampanelli Who: Comedy’s Lovable Queen of Mean, Lampanelli is a cross between Don Rickles, Archie Bunker and a vial of estrogen. Who will love it: Folks who enjoy insult jokes and outrageous and sometimes vulgar stories. August 11 – Jeff Dunham Who: The master of puppets whose world tours sell out arenas and Vegas alike. Who will love it: If you like ventriloquism, witty banter and multiple character shows, you’ll love Dunham. August 18 – Ron White Who: Ron “Tatar Salad” White is best known as the cigar smoking, scotch drinking, hilarious comedian from the “Blue Collar Comedy” phenomenon. Who will love it: A man’s man and a master storyteller, White appeals to almost anyone who likes to laugh. August 25 – Dr. Drew and Adam Carolla Who: The co-hosts of the wildly popular “Loveline” radio show. Who will love it: Fans of the show who want the inside scoop or folks looking for some advice about crazy love life questions. August 30 – Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally Who: The married stars of “Park and Rec” and “Will and Grace” take the stage together. Who will love it: Fans of the show who enjoy variety show type comedy, as this offering promises to include singing, dancing and some sketches. September 1 – John Pinette Who: Former stand-up comedian of the year and Gemini award winner. Who will love it: Pinette famously jokes about his weight, and his stories will leave everyone rolling in the aisles. TJ Curran is a local comedian who will be performing at the Comedy Connection with Robby Printz on June 28 and 29.