The Must List

10 essential events this month

Inspired by urban activist Jane Jacobs, Jane’s Walk is a global festival led by local residents and community activists who share stories intended to get people thinking, talking, connecting, and of course, walking. DoorsOpenRI.org/janeswalk

May 6:

InDowncity and the Rock and Roll Yard Sale come together for a free, family-friendly event featuring food trucks and beverages; over 25 vinyl, vintage, and DIY craft vendors; and music from Studebaker Hawk. InDowncity.com

May 6-7:

WaterFire Arts Center will be transformed into a celebration of spring for the May Day Market, with artisan-made gifts, home goods, sweet treats, food trucks, and more. FineFurnishingsShows.com

May 19:

Legendary Motown bands The Temptations and The Four Tops make a stop at The Vets. Sing along to classics like “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Can’t Help Myself” and more. TheVetsRI.com

May 20:

For

The fun-for-all-ages Spring Block Party returns to Hope Street with live music from some of RI’s best bands, food trucks, beer and cocktails, local makers, and pop-up vendors o ering vintage and artisan items. HopeStreetPVD.com

May 20:

Stone Soup Co eehouse, a mainstay on the folk music scene – having hosted legends like Pete Seeger, Dar Williams, and Anais Mitchell – welcomes Tennessee singer-songwriter Kate Prascher for the final show of the season. StoneSoupCo eehouse.org

May 21:

Don’t miss a rare local appearance of the Sun Ra Arkestra , one of the most eccentric acts in music history, combining big band swing, outer-space jazz, dancing, singing, chanting, and Afro-pageantry. Pawtucket, TheMetRI.com

May 23:

If you’re looking for a band that defines the Americana sound, check out the sweet harmonies of the Avett Brothers, subject of the 2017 documentary May It Last: A Portrait of The Avett Brothers PPACRI.org

May 25 - June 8:

Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight brings award-winning playwright Darcie Dennigan and Wilbury director Josh Short together for a brand new musical about the rape and revenge of painter Artemisia Gentileschi. TheWilburyGroup.org

May 25 - June 25:

Trinity Repertory closes out its current season with the popular Stephen Sondheim musical Sweeney Todd. Settle in for the darkly humorous antics of the “demon barber of Fleet Street.” TrinityRep.com