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CONTEN TS Providence Monthly • June 2017
23
Governor Raimondo talks jobs, education and the key to Rhode Island’s continued recovery
41
Eight Seas is hosting tiki pop-ups all over the city
This Month 20 41 Years of Pride
23 The Raimondo Report
28 Summer in the City
Celebrating four decades of giving voice to the LGBTQ community
We catch up with the Governor just over halfway through her first term
20 ways to own the season without leaving Providence
Every Month 6 Editor’s Note
41 Feast
8 Online Exclusives
A taste of Syria in Rolfe Square
13 Providence Pulse
42 Review 44 On the Menu 47 In the Kitchen 48 In the Drink 50 Dining Guide
Photography (L) by James Jones, (R) Meghan H. Follett
PVDFest is bigger than ever 14 City 17 Scene in PVD
35 City Style A home designed for domestic bliss 35 At Home 37 The Look 39 Get Fit
55 Get Out A new room for comedy is seriously funny 56 Calendar 57 Art 58 Music 59 On Stage
60 Hidden PVD Preserving moments in global history on Benefit Street
On the Cover: Rue Sakayama, Matt Cavallo and their pup Kix take in the outdoors at India Point Park. Photography by James Jones.
EDITOR’S NOTE
PROVIDENCE MONTHLY
Summer in the City Providence gets a bad rap when it comes to Rhode Island’s best season. In the summer, we’re all, “Rhode Island is the best place! We have the best beaches! The best seafood! The best waterfront dining!” Yes, all of that is true. No real Rhode Islander books a vacation away from here in the summer because we already live in a travel-worthy summer destination. But the thing is: summer in Providence itself is also awesome. It’s different than “roll into the Ocean Mist in your bathing suit” awesome, but still. You stand in the middle of a happy crowd of music lovers at the WBRU Summer Concert Series in Waterplace Park, on a warm summer night, and tell me that the city isn’t an amazing place to be in
any season. This month is all about summer in the city, from the aforementioned outdoor concerts, to boating and biking adventures, to waterfront cocktails. Sure, you should definitely still go to Narragansett on a Saturday. But the other six days? Those are just for PVD.
Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell
Media Director Jeanette St. Pierre @JeanetteSTP
Creative Director Julie Tremaine @JulieTremaine
Managing Editor Tony Pacitti @TonyPacitti Editor Sophie Hagen
Art Director Meghan H. Follett
Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas
Assistant Art Director Nick DelGiudice
Graphic Designer Chad Bauerle
Marketing Coordinator Kim Tingle Account Managers Shelley Cavoli: Shelley@ProvidenceOnline.com Louann DiMuccio-Darwich: Louann@ProvidenceOnline.com Ann Gallagher: Ann@ProvidenceOnline.com Kristine Mangan: Kristine@ProvidenceOnline.com Elizabeth Riel: Liz@ProvidenceOnline.com Dan Schwartz: DanS@ProvidenceOnline.com Stephanie Oster Wilmarth: Stephanie@ProvidenceOnline.com
Contributor Stephanie Obodda Writer
Contributing Photographers Ian Travis Barnard Mike Braca Brian DeMello Stacy Doyle
Restaurant reviewer Stephanie Obodda points our readers – and their appetites – in the direction of a new and exciting dining experience. This month, she’s digging into the authentic Syrian dishes at Mosaic in Cranston’s Rolfe Square. “I moved to Providence 15 years ago and the amazing restaurant scene was a strong reason to stay,” Stephanie says. By day she works for Brown’s IT department (“I joke that I’m a tech-to-English translator,” she says) and while it’s easy to assume that she spends her nights working her way through Providence’s amazing restaurants, she’s actually not a bad chef in her own right. “When I’m in my kitchen, I like to explore local produce through a year-round vegetable share. I’m open-minded about food and have never met a food I wouldn’t try once.”
James Jones Grace Lentini Tim Siekeira Brad Smith
Contributing Illustrators Alison Blackwell Contributing Writers Erin Balsa
Molly Lederer
Jessica Bryant
Grace Lentini @Gracie_NomNom
Alastair Cairns Bob Curley
Stephanie Obodda @StephanieDoes
Emily Dietsch
Jim Pierce
Amanda Grosvenor
Jen Senecal @JenSenecal
Tori Hitchiner Adam Hogue @hoguie
John Taraborelli @JohnnyTabs Chip Young
Interns Marla Gagne Olivia Perreault
Jacob Turpin
Members Of:
This Issue By The Numbers 20+
41
75 ,0 0 0
Ways to get outside and enjoy art, film, food, music and recreational, swan-shaped watercraft in the city this summer (p. 28).
Years that Rhode Island Pride has been celebrating and empowering our local LGBTQ community with its annual PrideFest (p. 20).
Spectators expected to turn out for PVDFest (p. 13). It’s probably best that the fest is expanding its footprint this year.
Facebook.com/PVDMonthly
6
PROVIDENCE MONTHLY | June 2017
@PVDMonthly
@HeyRhody
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER. PAPER CONTAINS 20-25% POST-CONSUMER CONTENT Providence Monthly 1070 Main Street, Suite 302 Pawtucket RI 02860 • Fax: 401-305-3392 ProvidenceOnline.com Mail@ProvidenceOnline.com @PVDMonthly For advertising rates call: 401-305-3391 We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission. Copyright ©2017 by Providence Monthly. All rights reserved.
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BROWSE OUR STATEWIDE SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Find locations, activities, sessions and more on summer camps throughout RI this season. From pottery to water polo, find the perfect camp for your little yogi, rock climber, engineer or whatever their interest is.
TOUR GALLERY NIGHT PROVIDENCE Experience our rich artistic community with a free, guided Art Bus tour of
50 Ann Mary Street, Pawtucket • 401-365-6278 • PhoHorns.com On Providence/Pawtucket line behind LA Fitness
galleries around the city, offered the third Thursday of each month through November.
FO L LOW U S Because we’re awesome on social, too
Facebook.com/PVDMonthly
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HeyRhody
DINE WELL Our statewide dining guide will keep you informed and well fed
HeyRhody.com
REGENCY PLAZA APARTMENTS One Regency Plaza • Providence • 861-0400
8
PROVIDENCE MONTHLY | June 2017
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Summer on J U LY 1 4 & 1 5 A N N UA L S I D E WA L K S A L E !
Enjoy al fresco dining, great shops and more! DINE
SHOP
L’Artisan Cafe & Bakery Freshly-made breakfast, lunch and dinner • 9 Wayland Sq
Clad In Women’s designer clothing, shoes and accessories • 210 Wayland Ave
McBride’s Pub Irish pub, classic menu and patio seating • 161 Wayland Ave
Dorothy Williams Fashion forward women’s boutique • 200 Wayland Ave
Pasta Beach Authentic Italian pastas and pizzas • 195 Wayland Ave
Mrs. Robinson Fine Lingerie Beautiful lingerie, nightwear, bridal and gifts • 180 Wayland Ave
The Salted Slate Locally-sourced food, globally-influenced menu • 186 Wayland Ave
Reliable Gold Heirloom and one-of-akind jewelry • 9 Wayland Sq
The Olive Tap Olive oils, balsamic vinegars and gourmet foods • 485 Angell St Wendy Brown Home Everything for bed, bath, table and baby • 190 Wayland Ave
MORE Angell Nails Expert nail care and wax services • 15 South Angell St Edward Jones/Jonathan Pearl Making sense of investing • 469 Angell St, Suite 203
East Side of Providence • WaylandSquareRI.com @WaylandSquareRI
the perfect spot for GRADUATION DINNERS, WATERFIRE AND OUTSIDE DINING
Parkside Rotisserie and Bar | 76 South Main Street | Providence, RI 02903 | (401) 331-0003
www.parksideprovidence.com
June 2017 | PROVIDENCE MONTHLY
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PROVIDENCE MONTHLY | June 2017
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Pawtuxet Village & Edgewood Shop, Dine and Be Charmed by this Historic Cranston Neighborhood
The Classic Man Barber Shop This truly classic style barbershop provides elite service for all of their clients for every age, from classic shaves to trendy cuts and everything in between. Their services include hot towel shaves, scissor cuts, fades, tapers, designs and traditional shaves. Priding themselves on the smoothest cuts and shaves, you can be confident that your hairstyle and fresh shave will leave you looking classic. Walk-in appointments are welcome. 2216 Broad Street, Cranston. 781-2389 TheClassicManRI@gmail.com
The Imperial Room Located in the historic Pawtuxet/Edgewood area, this event space can comfortably seat 180 guests with a dance floor or 200 guests without dancing. This beautiful room is the perfect setting for a wedding reception, corporate dinner, community gathering, holiday party, fundraiser, banquet, a birthday or an anniversary celebration. When hosting an important event, why not make it Imperial? One Rhodes Place, Cranston. 467-7102 RIShriners.com
Save The Date: June 10
Gaspee Days Parade Celebrate Rhode Island’s revolutionary history at the Gaspee Days Parade. Enjoy the marching drump corps, fife players, firetrucks, miniature cars and fun for the whole family along a two-mile stretch of Narragansett Parkway.
Gaspee Day Arts and Crafts Festival Celebrate Memorial Day weekend at this outdoor festival hosting over sixty craft vendors and fine artisans. Shop for a wide array of handmade gifts and Gaspee gear, sample local foods like homemade kettle corn and enjoy live music plus entertainment for all members of the family. Prepare for three full days of fun taking place Saturday 5/27, Sunday 5/28 and Monday 5/29. Narragansett Parkway, Warwick. Gaspee.Com/Events/Arts.
Noon Designs
Salon KG
Part shop, part artisan studio, Noon Designs features a curated selection of handmade jewelry, letterpress greeting cards, home goods, body products and more. Their thoughtful design aesthetic makes this one-of-a-kind business fun to browse. Each piece in in their collection is handmade with integrity using the highest quality materials, created by masters of their craft from around the country. Visit their storefront or shop online for their playful designs. 18 Post Road, Warwick. 455-1222, NoonDesignShop.com
The beautifully restored 19th century manor that houses this salon provides a fitting backdrop to beautify yourself. Staffed with ten hand-picked trusted professionals, this salon boasts a range of hairstyling services, including cuts, colors and foils, as well as a host of facials, nail, waxing, eyelash extensions, and makeup application. They also offer bridal party services at the salon as well as on location, making your special day even more spectacular. 2144 Broad Street, Cranston. 785-2144, SalonKG.com
Twice Told Tales Celebrating over 30 years, this unique shop is a must visit in Pawtuxet. They feature an eclectic array of clothing, including Habitat Clothes’ newest line, as well as jewelry and accessories to match. The boutique also offers books by local authors, plus cards and gifts crafted by local artisans. With popular brands such Trollbeads and Crabtree & Evelyn, there’s something for every shopper. An independently owned business offering locally crafted wares makes shopping here twice as nice. 2145 Broad Street, Cranston. 785-9599, TwiceToldTalesRI.com
Village Nail and Spa Whether you have lackluster nails or just need a little glam, you’re in good hands here. This full service nail spa offers full sets, white tips, full and gel manicures and pedicures, shellac and spa pedicures. In addition to their vast array of affordable nail services, this sparkling salon prides itself on precision, giving you plenty of time to shop and stroll the area for the rest of the day. They also offer gift certificates, as well as convenient parking. Walkin appointments are welcome. 2197 Broad Street, Cranston. 781-4347
NOW YOU’RE COOKING
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The Perfect Spot For Lunch Or Cocktails After Work!
SPECIALIZING IN HOT POT COOKING! FULL BAR • PLENTY OF PARKING 256 Broadway, Providence (401) 831-7555 • lameihotpot.com 12
PROVIDENCE MONTHLY | June 2017
Open To The Public May 12-June 3 – 11:30am-6pm Daily June 4-Sept 4 – 11:30am-10pm Daily
AQUAPROVIDENCE.COM (401) 272-2400 Operated by Meyer Jabara Hotels under license from Marriott International, Inc. or one of its affiliates Mention this ad and receive 10% OFF food purchase or event
PROV I DEN CE P U LS E City / Scene in PVD
COME SAIL AWAY One of the runaway (or should we say sailaway?) successes of last summer was the Providence-to-Newport Ferry, which gave locals and visitors the best of the state’s two favorite destinations without any of the pesky traffic or tolls that bookend a trip to the city by the sea. After 2016’s successful run, it would be crazy for the ferry not to come back to India Point Park, and the
announcement of lane closures on the Pell Bridge just in time for summer makes it all the more appealing. Trips between the two cities resume on June 16 and this season will extend operations until October 1, presumably so you can watch the leaves and the seaweed change color. It’s a short cruise (an hour each way) but we’re calling it a cruise nonetheless. Seastreak.com The ferry is running all summer from Providence to Newport
PUL SE
City
Laugh Out Local
The Ocean State Follies are Back and Ready to Roast Sometimes the best way to show the world you love something is to make fun of it in front of a live audience. For 20 years, the Ocean State Follies made a loving mockery out of Rhode Island’s scandalous headlines, quirky characters and idiosyncrasies. Now, after a five-year hiatus, the Follies have returned and the pickings are far from slim. Led by veteran Rhody comic Charlie Hall, the musical revue roasts several of our current news bites, including legalizing marijuana (swapping Frozen’s “Let It Go” for “Let It Grow”) and the state’s UHIP debacle (to the tune of Billy Joel’s “The Longest Time”) and features a solo from Providence’s favorite empty skyscraper. While Charlie and his cast are at it, they give a
better-late-than-never ribbing to some of the news they missed while they were away, like last year’s “Cooler and Warmer” tourism campaign and Barrington’s Yoga Pants Parade. Mr. Rhody makes his return to give us all a crash course in speaking Rhode Isle-ish (“Jeet?”) and, since all roads lead to Washington these days, the gang takes a crack at our sociopath-in-chief’s ill-advised Twitter habit. Catch the new Ocean State Follies at B. Pinelli’s in East Providence on Saturdays this month. In a year in which each day’s headlines have been more ridiculous than the last, the Follies couldn’t have come back at a better time. 736 Broadway, East Providence. Facebook: Ocean State Follies –Tony Pacitti
The Ocean State Follies take aim at the failed state slogan and other Rhody goofs
PVDFest Is Taking Over the City There’s nothing quite like
a festival and once again, PVDFest is looking like the standard bearer for the season. Over the last couple of years, PVDFest has brought exciting national and international artists, performers and musicians to share downtown stages with Rhode Island’s deep pool of homegrown talent. Art from the very first year still punctuates downtown, like the Seen/Unseen portraits by Providence photographer Mary Beth Meehan and the murals painted by European artists Nicholas Platzer, Etam Cru and Natalia Rak.
Aerial dance troupe Bandaloop will turn the Providence skyline into a vertical stage
14
PROVIDENCE MONTHLY | June 2017
Other moments, like when the Superman Building was turned into a harp or concerts were staged at the Ruins next to the Arcade, have defined our expectations. This year, with a focus on highlighting local talent and expanding beyond the borders of Downcity, PVDFest is looking to be bigger than ever. The headlining piece of PVDFest (June 1-4) will be #PVDPublicCanvas, a community-driven performance curated by poet and storyteller Christopher Johnson. Along with other Providence-based artists, he will be working in collaboration with Bandaloop, an internationally renowned vertical dance troupe. The 15-person team will turn one of downtown’s buildings into a stage for high-flying choreography set to live music and spoken word from local performers. In addition to art and music, food will share the spotlight through a pop-up version of the Ocean State Oyster Festival and the Providence Cultural Equity Initiative’s Global Food Village. If you’re looking to go full Inception, The Dean Hotel will be throwing a festival within a festival at its Moon Market block party, featuring a craft market and art displays. One of the most exciting things about this year’s PVDFest is its expansion into other parts of the city. This year, AS220 will be participating by hosting a Maker Faire for a family-friendly demonstration of STEAM at work. A tour will take guests to the Woonasquatucket River Corridor to share some insight into the area’s
PVDFest is bringing a weekend of art and music back to the heart of city growing innovation district, and the West Side will close out the weekend with Cranston Street Armory Animated by Art, the first in a series of music and art pop-ups in the neighborhood. PVDFest.com –Tony Pacitti
Photography (top) by Tony Pacitti, photography (bottom left) by Erin Smithers, photography (bottom right) by Ania Szemiot
Bigger and Better
PUL PULSE SE
City
This Old House
A Walking Tour Through Time
Historic homes in the Upper Elmwood neighborhood are opening their doors for this year’s Festival of Historic Houses
There are a lot of stories behind Providence’s diverse and grand architecture. For 38 years, the Providence Preservation Society has been telling those stories with its annual Festival of Historic Houses. This year they’re showcasing the historically significant and visually intricate homes in the Upper Elmwood Historic District. The festival kicks off June 2 with a preview party at the Webster Knight House and self-guided tours begin on June 3, allowing visitors to explore more than a dozen historic properties. “PPS chose Upper Elmwood for this year’s festival… [because] the architecture holds its own against the best in the country,” says Sarah Santos, director of advancement at the Providence Preservation Society. “Most homes there were built during Providence’s industrial heyday as comfortable ‘suburban’ homes, as the city’s population boomed and expanded southward.” One of the festival’s highlights will be the Webster Knight House. Built around 1896, the house’s namesake was the son of Robert Knight, who, along with his brother Benjamin, founded the Fruit of the Loom brand. With its elaborate,
ornate design features, the house is the largest and oldest example of Colonial Revival architecture in the neighborhood. Among the many beautiful works of architecture on the tour is the eye-catching Henry Ballou House, built in 1894 and originally owned by a dealer in woodenware, crockery and glassware. The house’s current owners live on the first floor and rent out two units on Airbnb, giving guests a chance to experience the building’s ornate architecture firsthand. “Upper Elmwood residents have been beyond gracious and enthusiastic about welcoming the PPS Festival to their neighborhood and opening their homes,” says Sarah. The owners and occupants, she reports, want to preserve and maintain these pieces of history and the community they love. “The homes on the tour are prime examples of how grassroots preservation efforts on the part of residents can revive a neighborhood and begin a rebirth.” Festival proceeds will go to PPS’s preservation work and to restoring the Knight Memorial Library. ProvidenceHouseTour. com –Tori Hitchiner
Photo (top) courtesy of The Providence Preservation Society, (bottom) courtesy of The Cardiff Brothers
Brothers in Beats
Hitting the Road with Rhode Island’s Own Just a few years ago, two brothers from Warwick found themselves handing out their mixtape to anyone who would listen. Now they’re headlining shows in Los Angeles. The Cardiff Brothers, Jake and John, always knew they would pursue a career in music, and in 2014, they released an EP entitled The Beginning. In 2015, they dropped their first album, All From Home – a fitting title for the record, since it was recorded in the kitchen of their apartment. To their surprise, the album hit #28 on the iTunes charts. The Cardiff Brothers’ catalog is diverse. Although some songs are rap-based “turn-up” tunes, others have a pop beat or an R&B sound. John wouldn’t categorize their music as belonging to a certain genre, claiming, “We’re Cardiff Brothers. That’s the genre. That’s it. We make what we feel.” Following the release of All From Home, they played some local shows, but mainly took time to focus on growth. “Our immediate mindset wasn’t ‘We gotta follow this album up,’ it was ‘I want to get better,’” John says. After listening to the record and newly released singles like “Brown Eyes” and “Call Me,” John can see his progression. He says that on the first album, he was softly mumbling,
but now he’s belting out lyrics. “It’s maturity,” John says. “We just sound like we belong now. We’re not nervous or hesitant or timid. We’ve really grown up and solidified our sound.” Right now, they are living the stories that could be featured on their new album. “It’s taken a lot longer than we expected or hoped to finish, but the outcome of this one is just like, I can’t help but smile thinking about it because of the growth of us as people,” Jake says. That growth has been personal and professional. For the first time, the Rhode Island natives are crossing the country to support their music, hitting states like Minnesota, Washington and California while on tour. “It’s something you dream of,” John says. “Like these people really want to see us perform. It’s pretty crazy to think about.” Just in 2016 alone, the duo gained thousands of new listeners. After their tour in May, they’re aiming to finish the new album, then kick off their summer tour at Fete on June 23. The Cardiff Brothers may be the “Same Ol Kids,” but they’re making some serious noise in the music scene. CardiffBrothers. com –Olivia Perrault
The Cardiff Brothers have gone from cutting a record in their Warwick basement to selling out shows in LA
June 2017 | PROVIDENCE MONTHLY
15
19 Sanderson Road, Smithfield 949.4849 @FLAUNTRI www.FlauntRI.com 16
PROVIDENCE MONTHLY | June 2017
PUL PULSE SE
Scene in PVD
On April 30, Providence hosted the Running of the Bulls… sort of. The skaters of Providence Roller Derby put on bullhorns for Get Gored for Good, a race through downtown where runners had to outpace a stampede on roller skates. The annual fundraiser earned more than $100,000 for Amos House and its mission to provide food and shelter for Rhode Islanders in need. GetGoredForGood.org Photography by Mike Braca
Mark Ellis and Shique Lillie
The “PK Bullies” team from Parsons Kellogg
DINNER’S CALLING.
401 861 1770 June 2017 | PROVIDENCE MONTHLY
17
SUMMER Go to ProvidenceOnline.com for our camp directory
rtists’ e XCHANGe
redshed@wrwc.org
Summer Camp university of rhode island
Alton Jones 2017
Pack a summer of adventure into each week!
U N YO WHE ISTER BY G E R L 30
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An exceptional camp experience for boys and girls of all ages and skill levels, led by Brown University’s varsity coaches, their staff and current Brown athletes. Baseball • Basketball • Fencing Field Hockey • Football • Ice Hockey Lacrosse • Rowing • Rugby • Soccer Squash • Swimming • Tennis Volleyball • Water Polo • Wrestling
U N YO WHE ISTER BY G E R 31
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PROVIDENCE MONTHLY | June 2017
Sponsored by the Brown University Department of Athletics and Brown University Pre-College Programs. BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS CAMPS ARE OPEN TO ANY AND ALL ENTRANTS.
CAMPS Go to ProvidenceOnline.com for our camp directory
Summer J-Camp 25, 2017
Dwares Rhode Island
A welcoming place for all !
June 26 - August
For children ages 3-15!
David C. Isenberg Family
Early Childhood Center
401 Elmgrove Avenue | Providence, RI 02906 | 401.421.4111 | jewishallianceri.org/summer-j-camp
Learn To Sail! In Providence
KIDS & TEENS AGES 6 TO 17
SUMMER CAMPS & COURSES 2D, 3D, AND DIGITAL ART & DESIGN STEAM OFFERINGS, TOO! Full-day camps and half-day courses
Youth Summer Sailing Camp Adult Evening Lessons Too! NEW - Kayaks!
ce.risd.edu RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN Division of Continuing Education
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Cost: $210 (Family and 2 and 3 week discounts available) (Separate instruction for girls)
www.besthoopsbasketballcamp.com • 463-6490 • besthoops@email.com
Camp Directors: Coach Steve Ceseretti & Coach Jamal Gomes
Call 401.722.8840 or visit www.bgcpawt.org to learn more! Use code PM when registering and be entered to win one of 10 free sessions at Camp Ramsbottom (entry deadline 7/1/17).
June 2017 | PROVIDENCE MONTHLY
19
41 YEARS OF PRIDE
A look at the history and future of the city’s most spirited celebration
by Amanda M. Grosvenor
Each June, Rhode Island Pride hosts its annual PrideFest to recognize and celebrate our local LGBTQ communities. Now in its 41st year, the event has changed significantly from its sparse early roots, reflecting major shifts in national cultural perception and acceptance of non-heterosexual/non-cis individuals. Last year’s celebration drew more than 75,000 attendees, including many non-LGBTQ people. Although it has experienced growing pains and its share of criticism, RI Pride is finding its way as it adapts to challenges and changes, all while promoting a message of solidarity and unity for a continually diversifying community.
PrideFest’s core programming includes a Saturday daytime event of music, drag shows, stand-up comedy and more than 200 vendor booths alongside a kid’s zone, youth center, and beer, wine and spirits garden for the adults starting around noon. The daytime portion will be followed by New England’s only Illuminated Night Parade, beginning at 8pm on Dorrance Street and continuing to Washington, Empire and Weybosset. Colorful floats, spirited performers and upbeat music will entertain the crowds during the parade, which then filters into block parties around the city. Myriad satellite events join the “countdown to Pride,” including a flag raising at City Hall, live performances, parties, and health and wellness activities. The theme for 2017 is R.I.S.E.: Rhode Islanders Standing for Equality. “The energy in the city is electric, and we send an open invitation to everyone to participate in weekend events that transform the city into a Gay Disney World,” says former RI Pride president and current volunteer/event producer Alex Gorriaran.
LOOKING BACK: A RETROSPECTIVE Her Serene Highness (H.S.H.) The Princess Pearl of Providence – or simply “Pearl” – has been locally known and performing since graduating high
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school in 1983. “Just before my 18th birthday, a friend in the community approached me about being in the gay pride parade downtown,” Pearl recalls. “We met up in Cathedral Square; there were about 150 to 200 people, and they were pinning daisies to everyone’s lapels.” It was on a weekend afternoon, back when downtown Providence felt like a ghost town. “I was asked to help carry a banner saying, ‘We Are Everywhere,’ and I wore sunglasses because I was so afraid my picture would be in the paper. It was scary, but it was good.” Pearl remembers a few old men on the sidewalk making rotten comments, but the parade was designed to show that gay people were a part of society, and there was a strong feeling of family and camaraderie. Picnics and gatherings followed, and “everyone did go out later on; we have always been able to party like the best of them, but in those days, the events were always during the day. It was also a way to see people who were gay that you might not run into in a bar.” But Pearl recounts that since then, Pride “has changed so much. I don’t like the fact that the parade is at night now. The whole point of it originally was to make ourselves visible to the greater community.” She describes recent parades as “definitely provocative” and “more of a Mardi Gras experience” that may give a limited impression of
the community to outsiders. Although she did not participate in Pride’s earliest years, “Those were thin parades. I’ve seen some pictures. It was dangerous to be openly gay at times.” Pearl admits that she has butted heads with Pride leadership over the years, debating what she thinks has become a commercialized and vendorcentric event rather than one focused on the local community. Big-name performers have been brought in to attract large crowds, she says, rather than making the most of the local talent pool.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS RI Pride Entertainment Coordinator Jeana DeLaire shares the opinion that bringing the spotlight back to local talent is necessary, and it’s reflected in 2017’s performance lineup. Pride shouldn’t be centered around or perceived as “young men partying in speedos,” in the words of Jeana’s partner Tammy Laforest, a winner of the 2017 Mx Bisexual title. Jeana and Tammy are both musicians who play original songs and pop acoustic covers. Under Jeana’s leadership, PrideFest 2017’s main stage
PrideFest has evolved significantly from its early days
Photos courtesy of Rhode Island Pride
THE SCOPE OF PRIDEFEST 2017
Photos courtesy of Rhode Island Pride
RI Pride has sought to encourage a more age- and racially diverse crowd to attend Pride events
will showcase mostly locals, such as Providence celebrity hosts Lulu Locks and drag performer Annie B. Frank, comedian John Kelley, DJ Ephraim Adamz and headliners Downtown Boys, as well as Jodi Jolt and the Volt. A brand new secondary acoustic stage will feature emerging local artists. “It’s a really interesting year for us,” says Jeana. An entertainment budget chopped in half from last year also helped to propel the changes. “It was daunting at first, but we realized it was also an awesome opportunity to be creative and showcase more local acts.” Tammy, who will march in the parade alongside her two children, envisions PrideFest as a family-friendly event; LGBTQ families with children are not represented enough publicly, she feels. 2015’s introduction of a youth tent, a sober space for younger Pride attendees to hang out and make buttons, was well received. Tammy’s personal goal is to host earlier and more age- and racially diverse Pride events, and to create more space for women and trans folks. Jeana notes, “Pride has been white male dominated, but the organization has done a great job responding to criticism, and serious efforts have been made to become more inclusive.” After gay marriage was legalized in 2015, national and local conversations around gender and sexual identity have focused more on trans rights and gender nonconformity. Even as definitions of gender and sexuality have expanded, “Rhode Island Pride and our events in June have always been inclusive to our entire community,” says Alex, former RI Pride president. “Events always include a political advocacy for LGBTQ equality, and we will be having rallies at our flag raising and during PrideFest – a gathering of our community and our allies to stand together.”
MOVING FORWARD: NEW CHALLENGES After decades of major, hard-fought strides, the LGBTQ community continues to face new challenges. The
election of Donald Trump poses a potential threat for the LGBTQ community nationwide, and the administration has already moved to repeal protections for trans students. On the other hand, here in Rhode Island lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban conversion therapy treatment for minors, while on the national level congressional Democrats recently put forward a bill that would ban it outright. In light of these developments, the RI LGBTQ community strives for solidarity, encompassing a diverse array of voices and identities under its umbrella of advocacy. As Pride’s interim board president Davide Gnoato puts it, “We are excited to welcome thousands of visitors to the city to celebrate the diversity of our LGBTQ community. As part of our theme this year, we not only rise to celebrate, but also to reignite the fight against discrimination and equality for all.” PrideRI.com
COUNTDOWN TO PRIDE June 2-4: The Providence Gay Men’s Chorus “The Rat Pack Is Back” seasonal performances at the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich, ProvGMC.org June 3: Family Tennis Day held by the U.S. Tennis Association New England chapter June 11: Options Magazine Gay 5K run/walk at Roger Williams Park, RunTheGay5k.com June 13: Pride Yoga held at the site of PrideFest on the greenway at South Water Street June 16-17: Live entertainment block parties at Club EGO, Dark Lady/Alley Cat, Stable and The Village June 18: Drag brunch and afternoon T-Dance party “RISE” at the Rooftop at the Providence G
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Innovating
Rhode Island’s
Future
Can Governor Raimondo’s tech-minded solutions fix the state’s problems? The key to Rhode Island’s future, according to Governor Raimondo, is a population that’s educated, computer literate and able to think creatively
by Sophie Hagen Photography by James Jones
Governor Gina Raimondo speaks in paragraphs. She advances an opinion for five sentences or so, then carefully considers its opposite for five more. “Innovation” comes up often. So does “upskilling” and “unbundling.” Close your eyes and you might think she’s a tech CEO giving a TED talk.
T
his is partly a side effect of her time in startups; post law school, Raimondo worked in venture capital and co-founded her own firm. “I spent my career working with entrepreneurs and I loved it, so I’m just inclined toward innovation and change,” she says. But she notes, returning to the steady “jobs” line of her first two years in office, that her technophilia is also about getting Rhode Islanders to work: in order to join the “new economy,” as she calls it, “you have to be computer literate, you have to have a degree past high school, you have to embrace technology to a certain degree, you have to be able to think creatively and do problem solving… You know the old phrase,” she says. “Change or die.” Tech’s accelerating presence in cities across the country has kicked off difficult conversations around land, housing and whether its utopian, egalitarian promises can be made good. The way you feel about Raimondo’s leadership will have a lot to do with whether you think corporations, tech and otherwise, can remold
a place for the better. “I want Rhode Islanders to get what they deserve,” Raimondo tells me, “which is an opportunity in this new economy.” Of course Rhode Islanders will say that yes, we want what we deserve. But the question is what this new economy is going to look like, and how much we’re willing to give to fit into it.
B
efore squeezing into the governor’s office with a 42 percent share of the three-way vote, State Treasurer Raimondo had just enacted a round of controversial changes to the state pension fund involving a raise to the minimum retirement age and removal of cost-of-living increases. The teachers were furious, the firefighters incensed. Rhode Island’s unemployment rate was 6.8 percent, the worst in New England and fourth worst in the country. Raimondo asserted, in her inaugural address, that three things were needed to “spark Rhode Island’s comeback”: build workers’
skills, attract investments and innovate, “including in our state government.” The fourth action item might as well have been “disrupt.” These goals have played out, most visibly, in deals that have convinced companies to come to and stay in Rhode Island – 16 job growth or relocation deals and 24 real estate deals to date. General Electric Digital, Johnson & Johnson and Virgin Pulse have all agreed to create jobs in the state, lured by incentive packages that include the promise of connections to the area’s college students. This is evident in the Real Jobs RI Training program – “one of my favorite things that I’ve done since being governor,” Raimondo says. “It’s industry-based job training where we go to the companies and we say, tell us what skills you need people trained in, we develop the training criteria, and then they hire the people.” The Commerce Corporation has worked, often with the governor’s help, to pair companies with Rhode Island’s colleges to undertake curriculum development, molding students before they graduate for the jobs that await them.
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degree programs in four years. So why are these guidelines in place? “We know that people who go full-time are much more likely to graduate,” Raimondo explains. “The whole point of this is to crank up the graduation rate.” Then the tech mind kicks in: “Now, I think you’re going to start to see almost an unbundling of the four-year degree. Not everyone needs the four-year degree to get a good job. So you can imagine going to college for two years, picking up a credential, going to work for five or ten years, going back to college. I could see over time, as the model changes, the scholarship changing.” She pauses and neatly wraps up the train of thought: “But I think that’s down the road.”
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While some see the governor’s signature Rhode Island Promise Scholarship as a win, others are concerned that it won’t help Rhode Islanders across the entire economic spectrum
R
aimondo’s initiatives have received a mixed reception. The governor has been lauded nationally for Rhode Island’s economic recovery (including, most recently, a dip in the unemployment rate to 4.3 percent), with the New York Times listing the “string of successes” in her “frenzy of economic and job development” and the Chicago Tribune applauding her role in setting the state on “a path to economic stability and success.” The specter of pension reform, however, along with the disastrous attempt to brand the state using an out-of-state marketing agency, continues to hover over the governor’s initiatives, casting her actions, for some, in a negative light. The problematic roll-out of the Unified Health Infrastructure Project (UHIP) benefits system, approved before it was functional, has kept thousands of families waiting for food stamps, emergency cash assistance and health benefits. A reduction in the rate of increase for Medicaid reimbursements, along with a new set of incentive programs that allow both hospitals and nursing homes to earn money back if their quality is good – with good quality tied, in part, to reducing readmissions – has also come across, to some, as callous. This ambivalence around Raimondo’s motives may be the main drag on her approval ratings, which, though they’ve increased since last year, now hover just under 50 percent. Why the low numbers? “I don’t know,” she says quietly. “I’m not really a political prognosticator. I think it’s probably on the upswing because more people
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are working and I generally think these things are tied to how people feel about their economic security. And I think that as people feel more and more secure economically, they’re inclined to be more positive about their public leaders, especially the governor.”
R
aimondo’s newest project, the $30-million Rhode Island Promise Scholarship, is designed to inspire just that sense of security. The scholarship would provide free tuition for the last two years of college at CCRI, URI and RIC – a “lastdollar scholarship” intended for students who have received federal funding or other scholarships and need an extra allotment to meet tuition costs and other fees. Students must be full-time and on track to graduate in four years. These aspects of the program, in addition to its availability to families across the economic spectrum, have incited debate. As Bob DeRobbio, former school superintendent in Providence and Lincoln, puts it, “I think that this is going to benefit the middle and the upper class,” who can afford to attend full-time and are much more likely than working-class students to complete their
amilo Viveiros is coordinator for the George Wiley Center, a group that lobbies for social and economic justice through changes to public policy. The group has been laser-focused on utilities and their affordability for low-income people, and specifically on appointments to the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission. Such administrative issues “might seem not as important as legislative policies” (like free college or jobs training), says Viveiros, “but for low-income Rhode Islanders, there’s a significant amount of agency that’s executed through different agencies.” Raimondo has, to some extent, responded to the group’s concerns: she appointed Macky McCleary as administrator for the RI Division of Public Utilities, the first person of color to hold the position. This, Viveiros says, has changed the dialogue “considerably” – McCleary has been “open-minded and interested in policy,” had not worked for the utility industry before taking the position, and helped settle a lawsuit filed by the George Wiley Center against National Grid and the Division regarding their treatment of utility customers with medical conditions. But “there needs to be a higher level of dialogue around some of the other agencies, including what we’ve seen at DHS” where layoffs have resulted in a “hard-hitting crisis for our members,” Viveiros says. The Center’s focus on these most basic services begs the question: Beyond free college, what is the governor doing to provide for those who are concentrated solely on keeping the lights on? “Well you know that’s why we’re working so hard to create jobs. The way to keep the lights on is to have a good job,” Raimondo says. “That’s why we’re working hard to make sure people can have better wages. The path to better wages is more skills.” This “up skilling,” she says, means that “the economy does better, and then we have more money to put into social services and this, that and the other.” (A different strategy for better wages – raising the minimum wage from $9.60 to $15 an hour – is currently working its way through the General Assembly.)
I spent my career “working with entrepreneurs so I’m just inclined toward innovation and change.
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mid this flurry of innovation and up skilling, Viveiros, the community organizer, notes that “there’s still a significant digital divide” between people of different socioeconomic backgrounds. “It’s tempting for legislators to try and take shortcuts to minimize staffing and have technological fixes for social problems but some of these problems, there isn’t any shortcut other than face-to-face, phone-to-phone connections.” He’s heard, he says, “from some of the governor’s staff that she cares about data, but I would say data includes community engagement, not speaking just to experts with a bookish understanding of statistics. We’re talking about real people.” In an era when Mark Zuckerberg is touring the country in what many have speculated is a presidential precampaign, and when billionaire investor Peter Thiel has the president’s ear, and when tech leaders are invited en masse to the White House to discuss jobs, this particular group of business leaders is likely to see their stake in government increase, regardless of the industry’s traditionally libertarian leanings. Raimondo will be running again (“I haven’t announced and I won’t for a while but I do plan to”), and whether or not she winds up on the national stage, such connections cannot help but benefit her. “If we don’t innovate, we’re going to be left behind,” she says. “And I don’t want that for Rhode Island.” The question now May is whether moving forward will benefit all of us.
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Morgan. “My problem with them is that they’re not big winners. They’re tiny: 100 jobs here and 100 jobs there, at enormous cost.” “It adds up, you know,” Raimondo counters. “It’s more than 15,000 jobs that have been created since I’ve been governor. I also think it’s dangerous to just go whale-hunting.” Start small and invite companies to “plant the flag in Rhode Island,” she says.
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he governor’s goal is not to fundamentally alter the structure of society: The events of Ferguson, she said in her inaugural address, remind us that “the challenge of our time is to simply get along a little better and to respect one another.” The answers she gives to questions about the financial insecurities of Rhode Island’s workers would not be out of place in a pitch to companies looking to invest in Rhode Island. Might we include a provision, in those incentive packages to companies, that they hire Rhode Island residents? No, she says, “because in general, you don’t want to limit the options of companies.” She points to the Wavemaker Fellowship, “which companies love – that was a huge part of the reason Johnson & Johnson came to Rhode Island, for example.” The program “says, if you graduate from any Rhode Island college with a STEAM degree and you take a STEAM job in Rhode Island, we’ll pay back your student loans for up to four years. So, that’s an incentive to hire people coming out of our colleges.” The key is to “upskill our talent supply,” she says, so that companies “want to hire people.” These incentive packages, a central strategy in Raimondo’s job creation efforts, have received particular scrutiny, cast by some as savvy economic stimuli and by others as capitulation to big business. Companies are paid an amount equal to the state income tax generated by each new job created, and not until that tax is paid (a year after the job is created) and certain benchmarks are met (e.g., 50 jobs). The job must be located in Rhode Island, though again, the person occupying it does not need to be a Rhode Island resident. The salary must be greater than the median state wage ($39,042), and companies must keep the jobs in place for 20 percent longer than the tax incentive lasts (10-year tax credit deals require jobs that last at least 12). “Honestly, you know, tax incentives, tax credits, grants, all these things that they’re working on, they have a place,” says House Minority Leader Patricia
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SUMMER IT’S
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Own the season, without leaving Providence by Tony Pacitti
Providence may lack the sandy destinations of South County, but that’s no excuse not to get out and enjoy the best that the season has to offer without any of those nogood walls and ceilings getting in the way. You can play inside when you’re dead, so chase down a food truck, post up for an outdoor concert and get summering.
GET ON THE WATER
Photography by Mike Braca
Providence Riverboat Company tours offer a chance to work “I’m on a boat!” back into your repertoire
The Providence River Boat Company (ProvidenceRiverBoat.com) has been offering unique views of the city for 26 years. Take a sunset cruise, get up close to WaterFire (but not too close) or watch the Fourth of July fireworks without having to muscle through a sweaty crowd. The best part? All boats leave from the Hot Club deck, so grab a drink before or after, and take one aboard too.
June 2017 | PROVIDENCE MONTHLY
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If you prefer to be more hands-on with your high-seas adventures, the Community Boating Center (CommunityBoating.com) might be more up your alley.* Their fleet of kayaks, dinghies and catamarans offer all kinds of options for leaving the life of a landlubber behind (for a while anyway). *We don’t know what the water version of an alley is. Let’s just call it a walley.
If you want to impress that new special someone in your life or surprise your partner with something nice (or win your way out of the doghouse), spring for a wicked romantic trip on the Providence River courtesy of La Gondola (GondolaRI.com). Each of the 36-foot Venetian gondolas is piloted by a gondolier, complete with striped shirt and legit gondolier hat. An accordion player is optional, but how awesome is the fact that it’s an actual option?
Kayak you a question? Canoe resist the joys of paddling around the Providence River this summer?
C ATC H AN OUTDOOR MOVIE
Downtown’s Movies on the Block (MoviesOnTheBlock.com) is back at Grant’s Block, and this season they’re definitely making a statement about our political climate, showing Dr. Strangelove (June 29), All the President’s Men (July 6) and Do the Right Thing (August 17). Hell, the first line in The Godfather (July 27) is “I believe in America” and is spoken by an immigrant. Dumb and Dumber (August 10) is fairly apolitical, but we’ll go ahead and interpret the choice as commentary based on the title alone.
For an old-school movie experience, the Rustic Tri-View Drive-In (YourNeighborhoodTheatre.com) on 146 might be one of the coolest ways to see a movie during the summer months. Admission is a flat, per-car fee and gets you two first run flicks, so cram in as many friends and snacks as you can and see a couple of the latest blockbusters for peanuts. The best part is, if the movie totally sucks, you’re not bothering anyone by riffing on it in your car.
THE ZOO CREW
Movies in the Park offers a more kid-friendly alternative every other Friday in Roger Williams Park, beginning July 14 with the animated animals-doing-karaoke movie Sing, followed by The Secret Life of Pets, A League of Their Own and our favorite punch in the feels, E.T. No public screening of E.T. is complete unless some little kid asks, “Mommy, why is that man crying?”
The Roger Williams Park Zoo (RWPZoo.org) is a great way to get up close with wildlife. Like really close. Where else in the city can you ride a camel (legally) or feed a giraffe? It’s also a great place to cut loose near animals – Zoobilee: Feast With the Beast (June 24) and Brew at the Zoo (August 26) are both 21+ events.
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PROVIDENCE MONTHLY | June 2017
Photo (top) courtesy of the Community Boating Center
Movies on the Block gets political this season with screenings of Moonlight, Dr. Strangelove and, uh, Mean Girls
June 2017 | PROVIDENCE MONTHLY
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FESTIVAL YOUR HEART OUT
PVDFest (PVDFest.com) is bringing world-renowned artists and performers back to Providence from June 1-4, and mixing them up with our own impressive roster of homegrown talent. Example: Providence poet and storyteller Christopher Johnson will be working with Bandaloop, a troupe of aerial dancers, to combine music and poetry with high-flying feats. If last year was any indication, expect plenty of great music, art and food as the fest takes over the city.
PVDFest is too big to be contained as it expands out from downtown into the West End
Normally a long line of vehicles in the summer would be cause for concern, but when the vehicles are food trucks and they’re lined up along India Point Park, everybody wins. The Third Annual Providence Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival (FoodTruckFestivalsOfAmerica.com) is putting it in park on August 3 and will have over 20 local food trucks lined up bumper to bumper. This is the kind of midday gridlock we can get behind.
Foo Fest (AS220.org) just gets bigger and weirder each year. For their signature summer block party on August 12, AS220 spills out of its gallery, overrunning Empire Street with some of the most exciting art and music being made in our city.
The Fourth Annual Thayer Street Art Festival is setting up tents up and down the street on June 11 with more than 100 artisans, live entertainment and a rock climbing wall. College kids, we love you, but it’s nice having Thayer to ourselves for a little while.
Get to East Providence’s Crescent Park for the Looff Festival (EastProvidenceArts.org) on August 12. Live music and local art vendors are the name of the game, plus there’s a beautiful historic carousel to take selfies on. Big Nazo and an Elvis impersonator have appeared at previous Looff Festivals. We assume they carpooled in the same flying saucer.
Take yourself out to a ballgame before the PawSox do something crazy like move to Burrillville
With ever-increasing talk of a new location, let’s just play it safe and get to McCoy Stadium (PawSox.com) while we can. Theme nights abound all summer long (Star Wars! The Beatles! Superheroes!) complete with fireworks. Plus, you know, there’s that whole baseball thing that the PawSox do there.
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PROVIDENCE MONTHLY | June 2017
Photo (top) by Scott Lapham, (bottom) courtesy of The PawSox
SPEND A DAY AT THE PARK
When you’ve finished gliding over the water in a swan boat – the most graceful AF of all boats – explore the other aspects of Roger Williams Park (RWPConservancy.org) through guided tours on Thursdays throughout June, like the Architectural Elements in Roger Williams Park tour (June 1) and the Notable Art and Sculptures tour (June 29). They’re also teaming up with Trinity Rep for Shakespeare in the Park at the Temple to Music on July 20.
The East Bay Bike Path is the best of both worlds – exercise with the option of clam cakes
The East Bay Bike Path is the only way to guarantee that you’re going to enjoy yourself while getting some exercise. Can you get a Del’s or an order of clam cakes or ride a carousel while getting swole at the gym? Can you, bro?!? A day on the bike path is like going to the gym while also allowing for plenty of opportunities to indulge in all the reasons you think you should be going to the gym.
Sunday mornings are for sleeping in late, recalibrating your brain with morning-appropriate cocktails and digging for cool stuff at the Providence Flea (ProvidenceFlea.com). Beautiful handcrafted jewelry and drinking glasses made from old Rolling Rock bottles? Check. Records and vintage t-shirts? Yes please. Add food trucks and sweet goose watching along the river and you’ve pretty much got a perfect Sunday.
VEG OUT
The outdoor farmers markets are back for the season, with locations including, but not limited to, Kennedy Plaza (Tuesdays), Armory Park (Thursdays) and Lippitt Park (Saturday). Expect the usual rainbow of fresh local produce, meats, cheese and fish, as well as food trucks, artists’ markets and music. For the record, hops and French fries don’t count as vegetables, so...
ROC K OUT AT OUTDOOR C ON CERTS Catch some shade (the good kind) at the Rhode Island Historical Society’s Concerts Under the Elms
Photography (top) by Michael Cevoli, (bottom) photo by Stewart Martin
The Rhode Island Historical Society’s Concert Under the Elms (RIHS.org) brings an eclectic lineup of performers to the John Brown House lawn on the East Side, starting with the symphonic concert band The American Band on June 29. Expect the genres to shift gears week to week, with Steve Smith and the Nakeds bringing rhythm and blues on July 6, the Becky Chace Band rocking out on July 20, and the Cajun Hobos, who, we assume, will be cooking crawfish in an abandoned railcar on July 27.
The best kind of gardening is beer gardening, and it’s even better when there’s live music. The Burnside Music Series (ProvParksConservancy. org) brings both to Burnside Park every Thursday starting July 13. The fun starts at 4:30, so if you’re looking for an excuse to cut out of the office a little early we don’t know what you’re talking about *wink wink.*
The WBRU Summer Concert Series (WBRU.com) returns to Waterplace Park for free weekly shows starting on July 21 with Unlikely Candidates. Dreamers, Marian Hill and SWMRS headline the following weeks and will be joined by local openers. If those names don’t ring a bell, surprise! You’re old now.
East Providence is getting into the concert game this summer. Waterfront Events is packing up and bringing their concert series to Bold Point Park. The Beach Boys (yes, the honestto-goodness “Sloop John B” Beach Boys) will be kicking things off on August 9, followed by the Reggae Festival (August 12) and the Blues and BBQ Festival (August 26).
June 2017 | PROVIDENCE MONTHLY
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PROVIDENCE MONTHLY | June 2017
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C I T Y ST Y L E At Home / Shop Talk / The Look / Beauty / Get Fit
Lofty Marriage Goals After their children were grown, Allison Paschke and John Danskin wanted to make an unusual change: move to a Jewelry District loft, but split up their living spaces so they each could have their own. Allison is a visual artist and John is vice president of architecture for a company in Silicon Valley. “We’re both there during the day,” Allison says, “and we can visit each other whenever we want, which is awesome.”
Allison and John designed their space with 3six0 Architects. “I had always dreamed of a loft space,” she says. The decision to split up their spaces “had to do with lifestyle management. My work is sometimes noisy, and since John manages a team of 100 remotely, he needs quiet while he’s on the phone. John loves to cook, but he doesn’t like to be too crowded in his kitchen.”
This view is of Allison’s kitchen and sitting area, where she cultivates a feeling of “peace and calm” with small-scale appliances and lots of plants. “I have small trees and plants all around my apartment. John has three plants - he’s great with orchids. That’s one major difference.”
Photo by John Horner
“The inspiration came from the movie Frida,” Allison says. “Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera each had their own house connected by a catwalk, and I thought ‘Eureka! That would be so great.’ We’ve been together a long time and love each other very much. We just realized that this would be ideal. It might be a little bit extravagant, but it’s just great.”
“I chose the architects, and wanted the modern design that 3six0 did,” Allison says. “[John] had a lot of fun picking out his much more extensive kitchen appliances. His are very grand and mine are very small. We each got to have our fantasy spaces. Even though we live apart, we actually spend more time together than we ever have, and it’s more special. This is the happiest time we’ve ever had together.”
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CITY STY LE
The Look
by Kim Tingle
Barbara Materna Handbag Designer
I draw inspiration from textures, colors and patterns when designing each handbag. After discovering felted bags at a local supplies store I was inspired to create handmade bags out of wool, which became a hobby to balance out my creative side with my technical writing career. It quickly became a passion, growing into what is now BABS handmade bags. Today, my inspiration varies for each line. The color and texture of wool felt inspires me to create a sophisticated architectural design, such as the Jack + Cookie Line. I like to create my own unique textures by combining different types of wool such as merino, alpaca and occasionally silk. The Sheeply Chic bags are knitted and felted, for example. Color is also a strong inspiration. The fabulous art of Barbara Ottmar is the inspiration for the Color Pop bags. Additionally, I love finding unique leather components and giving them a fresh, on-trend design. For the Coastal and City Cruisers I’m newly inspired by historic topographic maps. Hand-drawn maps are simply stunning.
Photography by Ian Travis Barnard
My personal style is a mix of J. Crew and Anthropologie, with a little Eileen Fisher. I love combining different aspects of color, pattern and texture, like stripes and plaids. I love anything bright and rarely wear gray or black. I especially love denim. Colorful pointy-toe pumps and scarves are some signature items of my daily style. I’ve loved scarves since childhood and typically wear them everyday. I once found a pair of plaid pointy-toe pumps and a scarf to match. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven! I’ve found that when I feel good about what I’m wearing, I’ll look good. My perfect outfit would be boyfriend jeans, a cool shirt, a scarf, pointytoe pumps and pearls. It’s “my uniform.” If I force myself into an outfit that isn’t me, it never works. I used to be consumed with having the latest, greatest brand; anything with a “name.” Nowadays I love just my uniform, whether it’s in style or not. BABSEtc.com
June 2017 | PROVIDENCE MONTHLY
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CITY STY LE
Get Fit
by John Taraborelli
Experience. Integrity.
Feel the Afterburn
Results.
Orangetheory Fitness flexes a new, long-lasting approach to interval training
Photo courtesy of Orangetheory Fitness
“Work for one hour.
Burn for 36.” That’s the bold claim at the center of Orangetheory Fitness’ pitch. The national chain, which recently opened a location in Cranston’s Chapel View complex, offers interval training classes intended to bring your heart rate into a target zone that will not only burn 500 to 1,000 calories while you work out, but continue burning them for up to 36 hours afterward. They call it the “afterburn.” It’s all based on something called “Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption.” It’s a unique selling point based on science that I don’t pretend to be able to evaluate. I’m no expert on this stuff; I’m just a guy who’s willing to try out whatever my editor throws at me. What I can say is that Orangetheory’s classes are as unique as its pitch. Their one-hour workouts are fast, varied and work up quite a shvitz. If you’re looking to burn the maximum number of calories in an hour, I can’t definitively say that this is the place for you. However, if you’re the type of person – like me – who loathes monotony at the gym, I can say with some confidence that you will not be bored at Orangetheory. I arrived at the studio and after a brief questionnaire about my fitness habits and goals, I was equipped with a heart rate monitor for my wrist. This is the idea behind the name: Your heart rate is measured throughout the class and displayed on TV screens according to a color scale that progresses from blue to green to orange to red, based on your intensity level. The theory is that the orange zone is the optimal place to be, and the more time you spend there, the longer your “afterburn” will last. Each class is presided over by a coach who breaks the small group into two: half the class begins on treadmills and the other half on rowing machines. Over the course of an hour, our coach, Romina, rotated us through a series of intervals at three
A workout at Orangetheory Fitness will have you burning calories even after you've hit the showers different stations: the treadmill, the rower and the “weight room.” The work on the two cardio stations is divided into three types of intervals: base, push and all-out. Base is the level of intensity at which you are comfortable. Push takes things up a notch to the point at which you’re challenging yourself, but still able to handle it. All-out is pretty self-explanatory: hold nothing back; leave it all on the floor. The classes all vary slightly by day and coach, but mine broke down like this: My half of the group began on the rower, where we worked at a base pace for a solid warm-up. (The other half were on the treadmills.) Then Romina brought us over to the weight room and demonstrated the series of six exercises we would be doing – things like single-arm dumbbell snatches, push-ups and V-ups, all 12 reps each. What followed was a rotating series of intervals: rowing a series of increasing distances, then jaunting over to the weight room to work through as many of the exercises as possible in the
allotted time. After completing that part of the circuit, the rowers and the runners switched. Again, we were assigned a series of increasing distances on the treadmill – all done at push pace – and alternated quickly between running and the weight room. Our next phase focused exclusively on the treadmill. Romina called out a series of intervals – 90-second push, 30-second all-out, one-minute base, etc. – over the course of 10 to 15 minutes. Finally, we returned to the rowing machines for a similar set of intervals, followed by a brief cooldown and some light stretching. It’s an intense hour, but the structure of the class allows each participant to approach it at their own comfort level – assuming your comfort level involves a lot of sweating and panting. Afterward, I received an email with my personal performance summary: 745 calories burned and 12 minutes spent in the orange zone, which meant I would continue to burn calories for 12 hours after. Not bad for 60 minutes of work.
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June 2017 | PROVIDENCE MONTHLY
39
Take Your Tastebuds to Tuscany at Siena
T
he authentic Tuscan cuisine of Siena
Bolognese is a must-try. Delicious pasta
Restaurant brings the flavors of Italy
is tossed in a true Bolognese sauce of
right to the heart of Federal Hill. Guests
pork, pancetta, sirloin, diced vegetables,
have been enjoying delicious Sienese dishes
tomatoes and a touch of cream, finished
in their warm and lively atmosphere since
with Parmigiano-Reggiano. Or, savor their
2005. The Tarro brothers welcome you to
Brasato, a boneless beef short rib braised
travel by way of your palette to the beautiful
in a hearty stock of wine, vegetables,
Italian city their restaurant is named after.
tomato and garlic then ladled over creamy
With a menu that caters to all tastes, guests
Parmigiano-Reggiano risotto.
can enjoy a delicious variety of dishes native
By this coming fall, guests dining at their
to the rich culinary region of Tuscany. Start
Providence location can enjoy a newly
your meal off right with the Calamari all’
dedicated bar and lounge area, special
Aceto Balsamico, fried calamari rings tossed
accommodations for private dining and
with hot cherry peppers, accompanied by
events, plus a full kitchen expansion. Be
diced tomatoes and a balsamic reduction. A
sure to visit Siena during the new Federal
dish that boasts big flavor as well as size is
Hill Summer Festival, June 23-25. Although
the Polpette Grande; their signature extra-
the street will be closed to cars, their doors
large meatball. This deliciously shareable
will be open - welcoming you to grab a bite,
dish is a mix of sirloin, veal and pork that
enjoy the music and old world charm of this
is topped with San Marzano marinara, a
historic neighborhood. 238 Atwells Avenue,
large scoop of Ricotta cheese, Parmigiano-
Providence, 521-3311. 5600 Post Road, East
Reggiano and fresh basil.
Greenwich, 885-8850 400 Putnam Pike,
For pasta lovers, the Tagliatelle alla
Smithfield, 349-4111. SienaRI.com.
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FEA ST
Photography by Meghan H. Follett
In the Kitchen / On the Menu / Review / In the Drink / Dining Guide
TIKI PARTIES, NO BEACH REQUIRED If you think a tiki drink is something that you order to go with your beef and broccoli and that tastes like Hawaiian Punch, then you don’t know tiki. Might we suggest a trip to a tiki pop-up to taste the real deal? Founded by bartender and tiki drink aficionado Catherine Hood, Eight Seas offers these craft Polynesian cocktails at monthly events in bars throughout the city. Inspired by vintage recipes like those by the legendary
Donn Beach and made with delicious ingredients like aged rums, fresh juices and a seemingly ever-present dose of 151, these cocktails are meant to be savored, not slurped. Try one yourself at their next big event; they’ll be running the outdoor bar at The Dean for PVDFest, June 2-3. Check them out on Facebook for the latest list of events and where to find them popping up near you. Mahalo, indeed. Facebook: EightSeasTiki
FEAST
Review
by Stephanie Obodda
A Taste of the Middle East Mosaic adds traditional Syrian dishes to Cranston’s eclectic Rolfe Square food scene
transplant, and one of my favorite secrets of the city is Rolfe Square. This quiet street has authentic and diverse grocery stores and restaurants, including Middle Eastern, Chinese and Russian cuisine. Whether I’m eating dim sum or buying ground lamb, I love this hidden food destination. Two Syrian brothers opened Rolfe Square’s newest addition, Mosaic, about six months ago. We enjoyed a meal there shortly after it opened, and this time returned with friends. Our party of six had no problem finding a seat, even on a weekend. Meals at Mosaic start with several complimentary appetizers and pita bread. The beet cubes, mixed olives and pickled vegetables (radish, carrot, scallion and cucumber) added a burst of color to the table. Sharing isn’t mandatory at Mosaic, but the menu works well if you like to pass dishes around. Our group decided to order several appetizers and mains to share. We started with two classic dips: labneh and mutabbal.
Labneh, yogurt strained until it is almost as thick as cream cheese, has a tart creamy flavor. Mutabbal is an eggplant dip made with garlic and tahini. The first surprise is its light beige color (I always expect it to be darker); the second is its deep, smoky flavor. I’ve had many good variations of Middle Eastern eggplant dips, but this is my favorite. Both dips are drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with ground sumac, a red spice with a tart flavor. The Cheese Borak’s five golden-fried triangles of dough are filled with white cheese and herbs. Our table kept raving about the Foul Mudammas, a mixture of fava beans, tomatoes and onions in a lemony garlic dressing. The bright flavor woke up our taste buds. Mosaic is BYOB, but we opted to explore the menu’s non-alcoholic drinks. On an earlier visit I’d enjoyed the licorice iced tea; natural licorice tastes earthy, not like black jelly beans. This time I had the hot Lemon and Cumin drink, an unusual savory tea. Two of us ordered Vimto, a drink made with various fruits, including black currants and
Mixed Kebab – beef, kofta and chicken
raspberries. After appetizers, we shared three platters and a falafel sandwich. I
Qatayef topped with pistachio and glazed with honey
THE SCOOP 42
CUISINE: Syrian PRICES: Appetizers: $6.99-$14.99; Entrees: $7.49-$22.99; Desserts: $5.99-$8.99 ATMOSPHERE: Casual
PROVIDENCE MONTHLY | June 2017
wasn’t worried about bringing a vegetarian friend because there are plenty of bean- and cheese-based appetizers, but it’s too bad there are no meatless options among the larger platters. Falafel is already available as an appetizer and sandwich, so adding a falafel platter to the menu would be a nice addition for hungry vegetarians. Our Mosaic Kofta platter had both beef and chicken kofta, grilled oblong patties of flavorful ground meat. The Kabsseh with lamb (you can also opt for chicken) had a sweet, flavorful tomato sauce. We were worried about the logistics of sharing a lamb shank, but the slowcooked meat fell easily off the bone. Both platters came with a dome of aromatic saffron rice. You should definitely order kibbeh when you eat at Mosaic, if for no other reason than that it’s Syria’s national dish. We ordered the Mixed Kibbeh Platter so we could try three types.
Photography by Stacey Doyle
I’m a recent Cranston
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Mixed Kibbeh Platter
All three have the same basic ingredients - bulgur (cracked wheat), ground meat and spices - but they have different characters. The kibbeh is served with a creamy lentil soup for dipping. The Syrian kibbeh has a football-like shape and is fried. The mishwiyeh kibbeh is rounder and is grilled instead of fried. The platter comes with three of each, plus the kibbeh bil seniyeh, which is like a kibbeh pie slice, cut into diamond shapes. It was fun to discover and discuss the nuances of flavor and texture among the kibbeh. I can’t leave Mosaic without something sweet. The restaurant’s pastry chef makes the desserts from authentic Syrian recipes. Qatayef are
fried half-moon dumplings filled with your choice of walnuts or cream. They come two to an order, so we requested one of each. The Date Tarte was a thin, sweet date cheesecake with a graham cracker crust. The Halawet Aljeben is my favorite, and it comes six slices to an order, great for our group. The outside of this sweet roll-up is made of cheese and semolina; the inside is filled with cream. It’s topped with pistachios and served with syrup that’s lightly scented with rose water. Hospitality is a fixture of Syrian culture, and I always feel welcomed by the staff here. If you are looking for a new experience in Rhode Island, put Mosaic on your list.
"Our Bakery Offers Only What I Would Feed My Own Family"
39 Greenville Avenue, Johnston • 437-6735 sansglutenbakery.com
Mo sa i c 91 Rolfe Square, Cranston • 808-6512 • MosaicRestaurantRI.com June 2017 | PROVIDENCE MONTHLY
43
FEAST
On the Menu by Grace Lentini
The Feel-Good Bakery Augusta Street Kitchen whips up sweet treats with alternative diets in mind
Insomnia Cookies is satisfying late-night cravings on Thayer Street
Late-Night Cookie Cravings
Shanel Sinclair of Augusta Street Kitchen bakes up all manner of GMOfree, organic, gluten-free and other allergen-free treats. Shanel is a celiac sufferer herself, and a holistic and integrative nutritionist, so her recipes are unlike many others currently on the market. Organic coconut oil, sustainable and organic palm oil and organic almond flour are a few ingredients in her curated arsenal. Her cake bombs take quinoa to sweet heights and her banana bread incorporates loads of pureed bananas, ensuring that each bite is rich and moist. Some other sweet items on the menu include chocolate gummies and baked blueberry and chocolate donuts. She also sells savory items like grass-fed beef buns, organic salads and organic turkey sandwiches. After years of living and working in Manhattan, Shanel had some trouble finding places in Rhode Island where she could eat, given her food sensitivities – another impetus for her to open up shop. Recognizing, however, that the food scene here is much different than New York, she continues to make adjustments to the menu. “What worked in Manhattan doesn’t 44
PROVIDENCE MONTHLY | June 2017
work here,” she explains. “I originally wanted to be more strict with some of the items I brought into the cafe. But I’m meeting people halfway, and educating them along the way.” Most of the items are free of refined sugar, but Shanel has conceded to offer a few that contain cane sugar. Shanel started her food career as a caterer and sold prepared items at various farmers markets, but she’s expanded into a storefront just this past month. She plans to offer both organic coffee and coffee-free turmeric lattes. “Turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory for joints and for those with Lyme disease,” Shanel says. “There’s been a lot of studies done on turmeric for its benefits for Alzheimer’s and dementia.” An extension of her own interests and tastes, Augusta Street Kitchen allows Shanel to share her nutritional expertise with folks who struggle with their diets. “I feel very strongly about helping people,” she says. “It’s a great way to educate people and have people incorporate [allergenfree, organic food] into their lifestyle.” 361 Academy Avenue. 339-2027, AugustaStreetKitchen.com
This Was About the Dough When Nice Slice announced that it would be closing its doors on April 15, both the foodie and small business communities were impacted. From a foodie standpoint, the beloved resNice Slice is moving to the West taurant was a stalwart. Side and yes, they’re bringing the Shepard Fairey with them From a small business point of view, this was yet another of their cohort to leave Thayer Street. This time, the doors closed after the business was priced out of the space. The parking meters didn’t help, but in the end, high rent was the culprit. Nice Slice had been working on opening a second location on the West Side, which will now be its only location. Given that the West Side continues to grow and make its mark on the city, adding Nice Slice to the area only ups its culinary cred. 767 Westminster Street. 453-6423, NiceSlice.com
Photography (L) by Grace Lentini, photo (Top R) courtesy of Insomnia Cookies
Augusta Street Kitchen’s gluten-free donuts let those with dietary restrictions join in on the city’s donut obsession
Insomnia Cookies opened its doors this past March on Thayer Street, much to the delight of anyone with a sweet tooth. But unlike a traditional bakery, it delivers fresh-baked, warm cookies until 3am. Nine flavors (including M&M, white chocolate macadamia nut and double chocolate mint) are available year round and seasonal flavors pop up from time to time. All of these can be mixed and matched into a cookie sandwich, or Cookiewich, filled with chocolate or vanilla ice cream. Power up to the next-sized cookie, the Jumbo Deluxe, which comes in three flavors (chocolate peanut butter, triple chocolate and s’mores). These can also be turned into a larger sandwich, the Deluxe Cookiewich, and cookie cakes are available as well. No cookie would be complete without a tall glass of milk. Currently 1 percent, whole, chocolate and strawberry milk are available. This writer is hoping that coffee milk makes it onto the menu – you know, for a local spin. 307 Thayer Street. 877-632-6654, InsomniaCookies.com
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PROVIDENCE MONTHLY | June 2017
F E A ST
In the Kitchen by Holly Vine
Portuguese Staycation
Blake's Tavern… Where Everyone Feels At Home!
Family service and traditional dishes make O Dinis a dining getaway Home to a bustling Portuguese community, East Providence is a hub of family-style European flavor right here in New England. If you need proof, look no further than O Dinis. Chef and manager Natalia PaivaNeves is the woman behind the welcoming atmosphere and menu that remind Portuguese natives of home and transports culinary adventurers across the ocean.
Photography by Brian DeMello
Tell me why everyone, those who’ve been dining here for years and firsttime visitors alike, loves O Dinis? We are known for our down-to-earth, family-style dining. The restaurant’s name itself is probably a pretty good example of why we’ve been such a feature of the Portuguese dining scene here in East Providence for over two decades. O Dinis means “Dinis’ Place” in Portuguese; Dinis is my father’s name. He originally named his first restaurant in East Providence “Estrela Do Mar,” meaning “Star of the Sea,” but everyone just referred to it as Dinis’ place! He created such a warm and welcoming atmosphere with family dining at the center of the experience that his name became one with the restaurant. When he opened this location he gave the people what they wanted and simply called it “Dinis’ Place.” The restaurant has unique decor with European charm. Most people speak Portuguese and greet each other with a kiss. It’s like stepping over the Portuguese border when you cross the threshold. You’re known for serving truly authentic cuisine, rather than a pastiche of Portuguese food. How do you choose dishes to put on the menu? We try to come up with a menu that uses seasonal ingredients, especially when it comes to our fresh fish, which we get delivered four times a week. We get a lot of our fish locally from Boston, New Bedford and Narragansett, as there are so many options for fresh fish from the boats coming into the harbors here. We are so fortunate to live in the Ocean State; we do our best to reflect that privilege on our menu by using as much local seafood and fish as we can.
New Beautiful Banquet Room Private Parties & Events Up To 120 Guests 2 Bars & Dining Rooms Open 7 Days • Online Ordering Natalia Paiva-Neves wants guests to feel like they’ve traveled over the ocean when they step into O Dinis
With family being so central to Portuguese culture, how does family dining and enjoyment of food feed into your recipes? My family is from the Azores, a cluster of islands off the Portuguese coast. Our cooking is highly influenced by our culture. Azorean food is all about rich, wholesome flavors in simple, honest recipes. We use a lot of meat and fish in spicy stews and sauces, but love to finish meals with sweet dairy-based desserts. I was born in São Miguel and came to America when I was seven years old, but it was my father who came here first to open one of the first Portuguese restaurants in the area. My father also has a very successful music career as a singer. He often performs here in the restaurant, another example of how food and family are so entwined in our culture. What would you recommend to someone who is new to a Portuguese restaurant? One of the best-known and most loved dishes on any Portuguese menu is bacalhau, a dish made with dried and salted cod. Our version is grilled on the bone, which gives it
a richer flavor and a much meatier texture. It’s then topped with onions and garlic and sautéed in olive oil. It’s a must-try dish for anyone new to a Portuguese menu. My favorite recipe on our menu is Amêijoas a Bulhao Pato, which is clams steamed in white wine and garlic sauce. It’s a traditional dish that originates from Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, and was named in honor of Bulhão Pato, a 19th-century Portuguese poet; of course we have the great privilege of using Rhode Island littlenecks in our version. It’s not just the food you offer that transports guests across the Atlantic – tell me about your musical events. We have music performances of some kind every Monday night. It’s such a wonderful atmosphere, we often only have one seating at dinner because no one wants to leave! Fado is the traditional music of Portugal; it’s somber and soulful and there’s a lot of emotion behind the music. We’ve hosted some amazing singers, some visiting all the way from Lisbon to perform, and of course my father takes the stage as well.
122 Washington Street Providence • 274-1230
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CALL OR TEXT 401-585-5007
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579 Warren Avenue, East Providence 401-438-3769 • Facebook: O Dinis Restaurant
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BABS
FEA S T
In the Drink by Emily Dietsch
handbags
Inspired Spirits An innovative West Side bakery has the bar program to match
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PROVIDENCE MONTHLY | June 2017
North Bakery applies its creative baking philosophy to cocktails like the rhubarb-flavored Small Axe
The Small Axe Serves one • • • • • • •
1 oz silver tequila 1 oz silver rum 1.5 oz fresh rhubarb juice Vanilla bean-infused local honey, to taste (1/2 oz recommended) Splash of warm water Ice Optional Thai basil to garnish
Start with the honey infusion. Andrew uses vanilla beans (scraped from a fresh pod) and infuses the honey for about a week before using it. He recommends vanilla paste as an alternative, but not vanilla extract. Next, juice the rhubarb. Once both that and the honey infusion are prepped, pour all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Strain or even double-strain into a cocktail glass. If you’re using Thai basil to garnish, smack the herb in your palms first to release the essential oils.
North Bakery 70 Battey Street • 421-4062 • NorthBakery.com
Photography by Meghan H. Follett
Coastal Cruisers
in cocktail culture. That isn’t to say that trends don’t flame up and fizzle nearly every day. (They do.) It’s just that genuine originality, minus the smoke and mirror shtick, is hard to come by. Well, dear readers, genuine originality is happening at North Bakery. Many know it as an offshoot of North, one of the West Side’s most consistently modish and bold restaurants. “We cook food and pour drinks that go in a lot of different directions”, North’s mission statement promises, “with combinations that may be untraditional, but hopefully are always delicious.” Similarly, North Bakery is billed as a “non-traditional American bakery and bar,” which seems about right. Certainly there isn’t a blueprint for serving up well-crafted cocktails alongside, say, brown butter miso cookies and chicken potpie hand pies. Bill Murray’s classic Ghostbusters line comes to mind: “Dogs and cats, living together – mass hysteria!” In the most beautiful and buzz-inducing way, of course. Andrew Kientz leads the bar program at North Bakery, although he’s quick to credit the larger North team and a collaborative atmosphere with the innovative menu. “I’m surrounded by some pretty wonderful minds,” he said. “It’s an open forum for experimentation.” When we asked for something fit to sip this June, Andrew offered up The Small Axe, a blush-toned concoction that toes the thin line between late spring and summer. It’s simple, locally minded, and a little offbeat, much like North Bakery’s general ethos. Named for the Small Axe Cafe in Charlestown’s hippie-chic Fantastic Umbrella Factory, the cocktail proves that rhubarb belongs in a glass (and not just in a pie shell). Andrew advises that the spirits should shine most, with the rhubarb and honey as supporting players. It’s easy enough to DIY if you have a juicer at home. And, psst, it’s even easier to snag one at the source.
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DINING GUIDE I N YO U R N E I G H B O R H O O D
Haruki The name Haruki is synonymous with outstanding and authentic Japanese sushi in Rhode Island. An industry leader for nearly 20 years, the much-loved restaurant has three bustling locations in the state. Haruki Cranston, the original location on the Cranston/Warwick line, has a large dining room, sushi bar and a cocktail lounge. Haruki East presents a modern and sleek dining room, sidewalk seating, a lounge area and a sushi bar on Wayland Square. Haruki Express, right off of Thayer Street in Providence, is a busy spot for take-out and Japanese groceries. All three offer handcrafted sushi that is renowned throughout the state and beyond.
172 Wayland Avenue, Providence 112 Waterman Avenue, Providence 1210 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston HarukiSushi.com
PROVIDENCE COUNTY 10 Prime Steak & Sushi Fashionable prime steakhouse with award-winning sushi. 55 Pine St, Providence, 4532333. LD $$$ Blake’s Tavern Premier Irish pub with two event rooms in the heart of downtown Providence. 122 Washington St, Providence. 274-1230 LD $$
Haruki offers fresh, delicious sushi at all three of its locations
228-6802. BLD $$$ Chapel Grille Gourmet food overlooking the Providence skyline. 3000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, 944-4900. BrLD $$$ Character’s Cafe & Theatre 82 Hybrid art space with all-day breakfast, coffee and theatre-inspired entrees. 82 Rolfe Sq, Cranston, 490-9475. BL $
Cafe di Panni Italian American dining with an available banquet facility. 187 Pocasset Ave, Providence, 944-0840. LD $-$$
Cucina Rustica Rustic, Italian-style dining combining comfort food and sophistication. 555 Atwood Ave, Cranston, 944-2500. LD $-$$
Capri Swedish-influenced Mediterranean cuisine. 58 De Pasquale Ave, Providence, 274-2107. LD $$-$$$
Flatbread Company Artisanal pizza, local ingredients. 161 Cushing St, Providence, 273-2737. LD $-$$
Catering Gourmet Premiere catering company providing food made from scratch. 333 Strawberry Field Rd, Warwick, 773-7925. $-$$$
Fresco Italian American comfort food with international inspirations. 301 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-0027; 140 Comstock Pkwy, Cranston, 228-3901. D $-$$
CAV Eclectic cuisine and art in a historic setting. 14 Imperial Pl, Providence, 7519164. BrLD $$-$$$ Centro Restaurant & Lounge Contemporary cuisine and cocktails. 1 West Exchange St, Providence,
Harry’s Bar & Burger Called the “Best Burger in America” by CNN. Over 50 craft beers. 121 N Main St. Providence, 228-7437; 301 Atwells Ave, 228-3336 LD $-$$ Haruki
Japanese
cuisine
and
a
la
carte selections with casual ambience. Locations in Cranston and Providence. HarukiSushi.com LD $-$$ Iron Works Tavern A wide variety of signature American dishes in the historic Thomas Jefferson Hill Mill. 697 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, 739-5111. LD $-$$$ Jacky’s Galaxie Local Pan-Asian chain offering sushi and classic entrees in a modern atmosphere. Locations in Providence, North Providence, Bristol and Cumberland, JackysGalaxie.com. LD $-$$$ Julian’s A must-taste Providence staple celebrating more than 20 years. 318 Broadway, Providence, 861-1770. BBrLD $$ LaMei Hot Pot Authentic Chinese cuisine in a unique, casual setting. 256 Broadway, Providence. 831-7555. LD $$ Luxe Burger Bar Build Your Own Burger: You dream it, we build it! 5 Memorial Blvd, Providence, 621-5893. LD $ McBride’s Pub Traditional Irish pub fare in Wayland Square. 161 Wayland Ave, Providence, 751-3000. LD $$
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steak Mixed grill selections and signature fish dishes sourced locally and seasonally. 11 Dorrance St, Providence, 351-4500. BLD $$-$$$ Meeting Street Cafe BYOB eatery with large menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner served all day. 220 Meeting St, Providence, 273-1066. BLD $-$$ Mill’s Tavern Historic setting for New American gourmet. 101 N Main St, Providence, 272-3331. D $$$ Momo Dessert restaurant with crepes, home-made stir fry ice cream and bubble tea. 100 Washington St, Providence, 5216666. BLD $ Mosaic Restaurant Syrian cuisine served in an intimate setting. 91 Rolfe Sq, Cranston, 808-6512. BLD $-$$$ Napolitano’s Brooklyn Pizza Classic Italian fare and traditional New York-style pizzas. 100 East St, Cranston, 383-7722; 380 Atwells Ave, Providence, 273-2400. LD $-$$ Ocean State Sandwich Company Craft sandwiches and hearty sides. 1345
Key: B breakfast Br brunch L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
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PROVIDENCE MONTHLY | June 2017
DINING GUIDE
N Nickle Creek C V I N E YA R D
Hartford Ave, Johnston. 155 Westminster St, Providence, 282-6772. BL $-$$
76 South Main St, Providence, 3310003. LD $-$$
Opa the Phoenician Authentic Lebanese food served in a fun atmosphere with hookahs. 230 Atwells Ave, Providence, 351-8282. D $-$$$
Pat’s Italian Fine Italian favorites, natural steaks and handcrafted cocktails. 1200 Hartford Ave, Johnston, 273-1444. LD $-$$$
Parkside Rotisserie & Bar American bistro specializing in rotisserie meats.
Pizza J A fun, upbeat atmosphere with thin-crust pizza, pub fare and glutenfree options. 967 Westminster St,
Providence, 632-0555. LD $-$$ Public Kitchen & Bar American food with changing daily specials. 120 Francis St, Providence, 919-5050. BrLD $-$$ Red Ginger Traditional Chinese restaurant and bar with a relaxed environment. 560 Killingly St, Johnston, 861-7878; 1852 Smith St, North Providence, 353-6688. LD $-$$
12 King Road, Foster, RI 401•369•3694 Fri. 12-5pm, Sat. & Sun. 11-5pm www.NickleCreekVineyard.com
Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 4376950; 455 Main St, East Greenwich, 3982900. BrLD $$ Rick’s Roadhouse Honest, authentic BBQ with a large selection of whiskey. 370 Richmond St, Providence, 272-7675. LD $-$$ Rocco’s Pub & Grub Five-star menu in an intimate, pub-like atmosphere. 55 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, 349-2250. LD $-$$ Rosmarin at Hotel Providence Bar and restaurant serving Swiss-inspired small plates, craft cocktails and an eclectic wine list. 311 Westminster Street, Providence, 521-3333. BLD $$$
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Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. Locations in Providence, East Greenwich and Smithfield, 521-3311. D $$-$$$ The house specialty is lobster with a view of the water at The Wharf Tavern in Warren
WO RT H T H E D R I V E
The Wharf Tavern With an updated look
and a mission to serve fresh and local seafood, The Wharf Tavern continues to be a family-friendly favorite. Built directly on the Warren River, the sprawling restaurant offers gorgeous waterfront views from nearly every table. Simply prepared seafood such as oysters, clams, swordfish, salmon, steamers and lobster is the house specialty here, always priced reasonably and served with a choice of soup or salad and fresh-made bread. The large family-friendly menu also includes flatbread pizzas, slow roasted prime rib, chops, ribs, homemade chowder and much more.
215 Water Street, Warren 401-289-2524, TheWharfTavernRI.com
Spirito’s Restaurant & Catering Classic Italian fare served in a stately Victorian home. 477 Broadway, Providence, 4344435. LD $-$$$
the guide to visual arts in providence
Starbucks Coffee, tea, bakery items and lunch options. Multiple locations. Starbucks.com BL$-$$ T’s Restaurant Plentiful breakfast and lunch. Locations in Cranston, East Greenwich and Narragansett, TsRestaurantRI.com. BL $ Tavolo Wine Bar and Tuscan Grille Classic Italian cuisine with an extensive wine and beer list. 970 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, 349-4979. LD $-$$ The Crossings New American favorites in a chic, urban setting. 801 Greenwich Ave, Warwick, 732-6000. BLD $-$$$ The Dorrance Fine dining with exquisite cocktails. 60 Dorrance St, Providence, 521-6000. D $$$
A fun and FREE event 5-9 pm every 3rd Thursday of the month March - November experience gallery night on these dates
May 18 & June 15 find out more at
For full restaurant profiles, go to ProvidenceOnline.com
gallerynight.org June 2017 | PROVIDENCE MONTHLY
51
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Black Bass Grille Classic seafood, historic waterfront setting. 3 Water St, South Dartmouth, 508-999-6975. LD $$
The Pizza Gourmet/ The Catering Gourmet Scratch wood-grilled pizzas and Italian American favorites. 357 Hope St, Providence, 751-0355. LD $-$$$
Bluewater Bar and Grill Casual restaurant with modern seafood dishes, patio seating and live music. 32 Barton Ave, Barrington, 247-0017. LD $$-$$$
The Rosendale Bar and grill with welcoming atmosphere and creative menu. 55 Union St, Providence, 4213253. LD $-$$
DeWolf Tavern Gourmet American/ Indian fusion. 259 Thames St, Bristol, 254-2005. BLD $$-$$$
The Salted Slate An agri-driven American restaurant with global influences. 186 Wayland Ave, Providence, 270-3737. BrLD $$-$$$ The Villa Restaurant & Banquet Facility Family Italian restaurant with live music and entertainment. 272 Cowesett Ave, West Warwick, 821-0060. D $-$$
Jacky’s Galaxie Local Pan-Asian chain offering sushi and classic entrees in a modern atmosphere. Locations in Providence, North Providence, Bristol and Cumberland, JackysGalaxie.com. LD $-$$$ Starbucks Coffee, tea, bakery items and lunch options. Multiple locations. Starbucks.com BL$-$$
Tortilla Flats Fresh Mexican, Cajun and Southwestern fare, cocktails and over 70 tequilas. 355 Hope St, Providence, 751-6777. LD $-$$
The Old Grist Mill Tavern Fine dining located over the Runnins River. 390 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, 508-336-8460. LD $-$$$
Trinity Brewhouse Rhode Island’s original brewpub. 186 Fountain St, Providence, 453-2337. LD $-$$
The Wharf Tavern Serves fresh seafood and steak with bay views from almost every table. 215 Water St, Warren, 2892524. BrLD $-$$$
Tony’s Colonial Specialty store offering the finest imported and domestic Italian foods. 311 Atwells Ave, Providence, 6218675. $-$$$ Twin Oaks Family restaurant serving an extensive selection of Italian and American staples. 100 Sabra St, Cranston, 781-9693. LD $-$$$ The Vig Contemporary sports bar with craft tavern fare. 21 Atwells Ave, Providence, 709-0347. LD $-$$
Borrelli’s Bakery
Ichigo Ichie Traditional Japanese cuisine, creative sushi and hibachi. 5 Catamore Blvd, East Providence, 4355511. LD $-$$$
The Village Lively bar and grill with comfort fare, bar bites and beer. 373 Richmond St, Providence, 228-7222. BrLD $-$$
� � � � � � � � �
Pastries • Breads • Party Pizzas & Prepared Foods
EAST BAY / NEWPORT
The Grange Vegetarian restaurant serving seasonal dishes with a juice bar, vegan bakery and cocktail bar. 166 Broadway, Providence, 831-0600. BrLD $-$$
SOUTHERN RI Besos Kitchen & Cocktails Tapas and eclectic cuisine and cocktails. 378 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-8855. BrLD $$$ Blu On The Water Home to Rhode Island’s largest waterfront deck and three outdoor bars, with a wide menu and full raw bar. 20 Water St, East Greenwich, 885-3700. LD $-$$$
Vinya Test Kitchen Vegan cuisine accompanied by creative mocktails (BYOB). 225A Westminster St, Providence, 500-5189. D $-$$
Breachway Grill Classic New England fare, plus NY-style pizza. 1 Charlestown Beach Rd, Charlestown, 213-6615. LD $$
XO Cafe Acclaimed farm-to-table cuisine with a fantastic Sunday #PajamaBrunch. 125 N Main St, Providence, 273-9090. BrD $$
Chair 5 Locally sourced and seasonally inspired menus with a main restaurant and rooftop lounge. 1208 Ocean Rd, Narragansett, 363-9820. BrLD $-$$$
Serving Classic, Italian Favorites For Generations
1551 Plainfield Pike, Johnston • 946-0001 52
PROVIDENCE MONTHLY | June 2017
For full restaurant profiles, go to ProvidenceOnline.com
DINING GUIDE Champlin’s Seafood Dockside fresh seafood serving easy breezy cocktails. 256 Great Island Rd, Narragansett, 7833152. LD $-$$
elegant dishes that highlight the best in seasonal, local produce. 1 Bluff Ave, Watch Hill, 584-7000; 25 Spray Rock Rd, Westerly, 637-7600. BLD $-$$$
Coast Guard House A new American menu with a seafood emphasis and extensive wine list, open seven days a week. 40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett, 7890700. BrLD $$$
Pasquale’s Pizzeria Napoletana Authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza with exclusive ingredients imported from Naples. 60 S County Commons Way, South Kingstown, 783-2900. LD $-$$
Dante’s Kitchen American food with Southern flair. 315 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-7798. BL $-$$
Phil’s Main Street Grille Classic comfort food with a great rooftop patio. 323 Main St, Wakefield, 783-4073. BBrLD $
Dragon Palace Chinese cuisine, sushi and bar. 577 Tiogue Ave, Coventry, 8280100; 733 Kingstown Rd, Wakefield, 789-2300; 1210 Main St, Wyoming, 5391102. LD $-$$
Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 4376950; 455 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-2900. BrLD $$
Eleven Forty Nine City sophistication in the suburbs. 1149 Division St, Warwick, 884-1149. LD $$$
Sa-Tang Fine Thai and Asian fusion cuisine with gluten-free selections. 402 Main St, Wakefield, 284-4220. LD $-$$
Frankie’s Italian Bistro Fine dining with imported wines from around the world. 1051 Ten Rod Rd, North Kingstown, 2952500. D $-$$$
Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. Locations in Providence, East Greenwich and Smithfield, 521-3311. D $$-$$$
Fresco Italian American comfort food with international inspirations. 301 Main St, East Greenwich, 3980027; 140 Comstock Pkwy, Cranston, 228-3901. D $-$$ George’s of Galilee Fresh caught seafood in an upscale pub atmosphere. 250 Sand Hill Cove Rd, Narragansett, 783-2306. LD $-$$ Jigger’s Diner Classic ‘50s diner serving breakfast all day. 145 Main St, East Greenwich, 884-6060. BL $-$$ La Masseria Upscale Italian cuisine served in a chic setting with a rustic, countryside vibe. 223 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-0693. LD $$-$$$ Maharaja Indian Restaurant Indian cuisine and traditional curries in a warm setting. 1 Beach St, Narragansett, 3639988. LD $-$$ Matunuck Oyster Bar Destination dining enhanced by a raw bar sourced onsite and a water view. 629 Succotash Rd, South Kingstown, 783-4202. LD $-$$$ Ocean House/Weekapaug Inn Multiple dining room options offer comfortably
Starbucks Coffee, tea, bakery items and lunch options. Multiple locations. Starbucks.com BL$-$$
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T’s Restaurant Plentiful breakfast and lunch. Locations in Cranston, East Greenwich, Narragansett, TsRestaurantRI.com. BL $ Tavern by the Sea Waterfront European/American bistro. 16 W Main St, Wickford, 294-5771. LD $$ The Nordic Surf and turf buffet selections perfect for family gatherings. 178 E Pasquisett Trl, Charlestown, 7834515. LD $$$ Twin Willows Fresh seafood and water views in a family-friendly atmosphere. 865 Boston Neck Rd, Narragansett, 789-8153. LD $-$$ Tong-D Fine Thai cuisine in a casual setting. 156 County Rd, Barrington, 289-2998; 50 South County Common Way, South Kingstown, 783-4445. LD $-$$ TwoTen Oyster Bar and Grill Local oysters and upmarket seafood dishes with a full bar menu. 210 Salt Pond Rd, South Kingstown, 782-0100. BrLD $-$$$
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PROVIDENCE MONTHLY | June 2017
G ET OU T Events / Art / Music / On Stage
THE OG TEA PARTY Long before the Boston Tea Party swooped in and took credit for starting the Revolutionary War, there was a drunken band of colonists in Rhode Island who’d had quite enough (beer) thankyouverymuch, and decided to show their dissatisfaction with Mother England in a big way. A big, flaming way: They set fire to the HMS Gaspee, a British customs schooner in Pawtuxet Cove. The event is widely credited – by everyone who isn’t in Boston – as the real event that brought tensions between Britain and the colonies to their boiling point, and spurred the
start of the war that would make us forever feel slightly superior to our brethren across the pond. Every year, Pawtuxet Village celebrates the Gaspee Affair with Gaspee Days (Gaspee. com). On June 3, the Warwick Symphony Orchestra performs Philharmonic in Pawtuxet Park, followed by fireworks. The main event, June 10-11, includes a 5k, a huge parade, a colonial encampment, live music in the park and the main event: a ceremonial burning of the Gaspee at Gaspee Point. Take that, taxation without representation.
Pawtuxet Village celebrates Gaspee Days, June 10-11
GET OU T
Calendar
by Julie Tremaine
THE MUST LIST 10 essential events happening in June
3.
June 3: Now that chokers and Doc Martens are back in a big way, it was only a matter of time before a ‘90s Bar Crawl (90sBarCrawl.com) became a thing. Dig out the grunge clothes you left in your parents’ basement and tipple your way through Providence’s finest watering holes, which will be offering drink specials and all the Nirvana and Nine Inch Nails you can handle.
2.
June 3-4: PVDFest (PVDFest.com) is coming back for a third year, and this time it’s taking over the whole city. In addition to the massive artsinfused block party downtown on Saturday, where people will literally be dancing on the sides of our tallest buildings, there are city tours on Friday and a street fair with food and live music at the Cranston Street Armory on Sunday.
June 2-4: Riverdance, the global Irish dancing sensation, comes to PPAC (PPACRI.org) for its 20th Anniversary Tour. Admit it, you’ve always wondered: Does Irish dancing require perfectly still hands so the dancers don’t spill their Guinness? Just don’t try to recreate the incredible feats of Celtic footwork at home – at least, not after a few pints.
4.
Get some tasty summer produce and enjoy live entertainment at the Hope Street Farmers Market on Saturday mornings
5.
June 3, 10, 17, 24: Saturday mornings are for one thing – the Hope Street Farmers Market (HopeStreetMarket. com). Think tables of fresh produce, locally raised meats and shellfish, fresh flowers and herbs, all interspersed with treats to enjoy right there, plus live music, kids’ entertainment and a bicycle valet. The adjacent Providence Artisans Market (Facebook: Providence Artisans Market)
offers up RI-made art, furniture, crafts and more.
6.
June 10: If you’ve always been curious about the apartment buildings downtown, but not quite curious enough to plunk down a bunch of security deposits, The Downtown Living Tour (DowntownProvidence. com) is for you. The Providence Foundation’s annual exploration gives you insider access to exclusive living spaces like the Providence G, the Arcade and the Westminster Lofts, with shuttle service in between.
7.
June 16: The RISD Museum’s (RISDMuseum.org) annual dance party is back. Luminous, held in partnership with The Dean Hotel, will light up the night with cocktails, snacks, two DJs and some seriously cool balloon art installations by Float.
Enjoy the zoo while satisfying your grownup appetite for fancy food and drink at Feast With the Beasts on June 24
56
PROVIDENCE MONTHLY | June 2017
8.
June 17: The Bacon and Beer Festival (Facebook: Bacon and Beer Fest RI), a new event from the Beervana crew, is popping off at the
Steel Yard. Twenty-five local restaurants – like Durk’s BarB-Q, Julians and New Rivers – are pairing their best bacon-inspired dishes with 25 brews from Rhode Island and beyond. Finally, two underappreciated food items are getting their day in the sun.
9.
June 23-25: Federal Hill already owns Columbus Day, but this year, they’re coming after June, too. The Federal Hill Summer Festival (FederalHillProv.com) will have everything you love about the Columbus Day Festival: great Italian food, music, arts and shopping – with the added bonus of not having to wait until October to enjoy them.
10.
June 24: Enjoy Roger Williams Park Zoo under ideal conditions – read: without any kids around – at Zoobilee! Feast with the Beasts (RWPZoo.org). The afterhours, adults-only event brings together delicious local restaurants and cocktails. Add music, surprises and the ability to pet baby goats and you’ve got one wild evening.
Photography by (top) Alexander Gim-Fain, (bottom) Mike Braca
1.
Through June 11: Little known fact: Shakespeare’s The Tempest was inspired by England’s early explorations of America – so in a very long stretch of the imagination, it has some Rhode Island ties. See the Bard’s most magical comedy, performed by The Rhode Island Shakespeare Theater (Facebook: TRIST) for this summer’s Shakespeare in the Park, happening at the Roger Williams National Memorial downtown.
GE T OUT
Art
by Amanda M. Grosvenor
Electric Youth
Photos courtesy of New Urban Arts
New Urban Arts celebrates 20 years of outside-the-box artistic education for city teens When you step into New Urban Arts’ sunny, open space on Westminster Street during programming hours, the first clear impression is its upbeat, active vibe. Cheerful chatter fills the air as young people take part in myriad activities; some are stretching in yoga poses, others are drawing with colored pencils; two are painting an old sidewalk container that used to dispense The Phoenix and have gathered what appear to be materials for some type of collage. A youthful, creative, joyful feeling is all-permeating and infectious. Each day from 3-7pm, students from local high schools are invited to New Urban Arts to pursue whatever artistic activities they wish to explore in eight core mediums, including visual arts, fashion design, music performance and recording, darkroom photography, filmmaking and printmaking. All supplies are free to use and available without asking, and volunteer artist mentors are on hand to guide the process as needed and to answer questions. “We’ve filled up a building with as many creative tools as possible and artists who know how to use them,” says President Daniel Scheifer, who estimates about a 10 to 1 ratio of students to artists on any given day. An average of 70 students will show up (it varies seasonally), mainly coming from Classical, Central and Providence Career and Technical Schools thanks to proximity, but almost entirely from Providence. Daniel confides that the true goal of the program is much less about art than it is about relationship building: “If students want to just come and socialize, we’re fine with that. We affirm the agency of young people.” To the casual observer, it appears to be working beautifully. Collaboration, teamwork and innovation sprout up organically in every corner of the building despite – or perhaps thanks to – the lack of structured activities. When we toured the newly finished downstairs level, kids were cutting out pieces of fabric to create tiedyed outfits, which they then modeled or draped onto mannequins. A group sat crowded in a little recording studio with one of the mentors, cheering on the performance of their
For 20 years, city teens have been expressing their creativity at New Urban Arts friend who had just laid down a new track. A couple of students were by themselves, playing with graphic design software and computer games. Some were sitting on a circle of couches, chatting as they thumbed through books. NUA also provides after-school snacks, bus passes and homework assistance. Daniel started volunteering there in 2007 as a Studio Study Buddy, joined the staff in 2010 and moved into the president role about two and a half years ago. In 2011, the organization relocated from a smaller space a couple of buildings down, and is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary. When students are ready, NUA provides support for the college application process and assistance in putting together portfolios and planning for the next stage of life – whatever that entails. “Life After School
Coordinator” Mara O’Day spearheaded the recent fourth annual “Not College Fair,” with 12 local vendors on hand to talk about apprenticeships, certifications, internships, licensing and other options for students who will not immediately pursue a college degree. Because NUA gears all of its fundraising efforts towards keeping programming free for participants and relies on federal funding for 20 percent of its budget, potential federal cuts to arts organizations are concerning. Adults who participated in NUA programming as high schoolers recall that it made an often pivotal difference in their lives at a critical developmental stage, providing a safe haven and space for their creativity to flourish. Individual support will help ensure that this sunny, vibrant space is available for generations to come.
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705 Westminster Street • NewUrbanArts.org June 2017 | PROVIDENCE MONTHLY
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Alt-rock trio Silverteeth bring their updated take on jangly ‘90s sound to the Columbus Theatre on June 30
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Spirit of the ‘90s Silverteeth channels the best of alt-rock’s heyday on their self-titled EP Bill Bartholomew and Gabriela Rassi relocated their band Silverteeth from Brooklyn to Rhode Island for access to all the things a band needs – on a smaller scale. “I think in terms of logistics and creative freedom,” Bill says, “it’s a better place to be. I mean, NYC is NYC, and I love it there. I guess our perspective is that, having been in Brooklyn for a decade and establishing community, Rhode Island is currently a better place to be in terms of accessing what is really most valuable in New York City – rather than being in the outskirts of Brooklyn and Queens, where most artists live, somewhat scattered from each other, and bogged down with endless odd jobs and hustles to survive.” Silverteeth’s noisy and rounded self-titled release has found a welcome home in Bill’s home state; over the past year, they have used those five songs as a basis to reimagine, recreate and grow as a band. “We really love to spend time letting a song develop through demoing, trying it live, breaking it down and rebuilding,” Bill says. Along with drummer Tom Berglund, Silverteeth sticks with the classic alt-rock trio structure that Bill sees as a secure foundation for
the band. “As tempting as it is to add additional guitars, keyboards and whatnot, there is something special about the clarity of a traditional three-piece, and as we continue to forge our sound, it makes communicating our ideas much more straightforward than a larger ensemble would be,” Bill says. “Not to mention, touring and other logistical elements benefit from a smaller scale operation.” With a rambunctious and almost chaotic live show, the complementary songwriting and performance styles of Bill and bassist Gabriela make the songs on the Silverteeth EP feel cohesive and resonant. With the lead off tracks “Burning Planet” and “Camden” setting the tone for the EP, Silverteeth establishes themselves firmly in a jangly, fuzz-heavy, catchy “Oooh’s” world that smells like the 1990s but takes the best elements of the decade and reorganizes them into the new, wholly original order. “We were all early middle schoolers,
but the ‘90s alternative music movement was a major entry point for all of us. For me, the stuff on stations like WBRU and WRIU, in the recommended section at Newbury Comics, the Lupo’s shows listed on the back page of The Phoenix – that world, and all of the shows during that time, from VFW halls to well-known acts – it was an exciting movement and a portal to something beyond my rural upbringing,” Bill says. “And although we each actively listen to a great deal of different artists, there is an element of ‘90s rock – the distinct expression and willingness to engage - that is embedded in our hearts.” Silverteeth will be playing June 30 at The Columbus Theatre; aside from that performance and a handful of dates in NYC and the Northeast, Silverteeth is mostly focused on writing new songs. For now, though, I don’t think I have heard five songs go such a satisfyingly long way in a long time. It’s the kind of EP you immediately replay once it’s done.
Silverteeth June 30 at the Columbus Theatre 270 Broadway • Silverteeth4Eva.Bandcamp.com
Photography by Tim Siekiera
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GE T OUT
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by Tony Pacitti
Wage House is bringing big laughs to its small stage in Pawtucket with shows every Friday night
Laugh It Up
Photography by Brad Smith
Wage House brings inspired weirdness to the Providence comedy scene Certain cities are known for comedy. Providence may not have the brand recognition that other cities have, but we’ve got more than our fair share of talented comedians and improv groups cutting their teeth on any stage they can find. Wage House, which opened in the Lorraine Mills in Pawtucket earlier this year, is the latest addition to that community. “You always hear people talking about how if you want to do comedy you have to go to New York or LA. We both love Rhode Island, so we’re not really interested in making that big move,” explains Casey Regan who, along with Kate Teichman, opened Wage House in February with the debut of their improv show Kate and Casey. “We love hearing people say, ‘We didn’t know you could see this here.’ That’s our vision – putting stuff on stage that we’re really proud of and excited to share with people.” “I think we were looking to challenge ourselves, our audience and our students,” Kate says of opening Wage House. “We’re trying to cultivate a stage that is at a higher bar for us and for our audience. We want to have this be a really fun, thoughtful night.” In many ways, Kate and Casey was the pilot episode of Wage House, a way to set the tone for the space. It was a hilarious hour of long-form improv that ran the gamut of a husband and wife who couldn’t be farther from on the same page about sex and family (she had a firm one-and-done view on conception; he believed the key to true love
was a perfect croissant) to two WASPy women on their first trip to a waffle house (one sat in a booth, the other at the counter, so they could compare notes). All of this was inspired by an audience member who suggested they take the word “kitchen” and run with it. One sketch flowed seamlessly into the next, with neither performer missing a beat. Following Kate and Casey was Jarg Barfman’s Psychedelic Wee-Wa, a oneman sketch show that ratcheted up the weird factor in a big way. Comedian Jake Goldman shared short stories and sketches about the Goo Goo Dolls and a disappointing son who just wants gills (“We’re tail men,” his father reminds him). The sketch I liked best described Jake’s favorite game show: Existential Despair, a program that plays “on a 24hour loop on the Deep Web.” If these are the standard bearers for what’s coming down the pike at Wage House, you should probably clear your Friday nights. Inspired weirdness, sustained absurdity and honest, thoughtful comedy, not to mention big laughs, have been hallmarks of Wage House productions so far and are a sign that the state of comedy in Rhode Island is strong. “Improv to us has always been really accessible,” says Casey. “We’ve tried to create what we would want if we were going out for a show. What would get us excited and make us want to go back? Cheap, short and sweet.” “And hopefully funny,” Kate adds.
Wage House Shows every Friday night 560 Mineral Spring Avenue, Pawtucket • WageHouse.com
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HID D EN P V D
Armed With History Two centuries of war stories are preserved in the Benefit Street Arsenal Words and photography by Tony Pacitti
The Benefit Street Arsenal stands like a sleeping giant on the East Side, its intimidating architecture and heavy doors hiding a rich history that spans continents and centuries. Built in the 1830s, the Arsenal has long been the home to the 103rd Field Artillery Regiment – a.k.a. the Providence Marine Corps of Artillery. What started as a cannon crew meant to arm and defend merchant vessels near the turn of 60
PROVIDENCE MONTHLY | June 2017
the 19th century has gone on to send soldiers to every major US conflict, from the Civil War to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Arsenal doesn’t arm artillerymen anymore, but it preserves the history of its members. The first floor, where veterans’ organizations hold regular meetings, is lined with portraits of former leaders of the 103rd and plaques memorializing the regiment’s battles
and deployments. The second floor houses an immense collection of memorabilia – uniforms, artillery shells, photos and items that soldiers brought home with them from various theatres of duty. Though occasionally open to the public, the Arsenal is hoping to make itself and its history more readily available in the future and will be participating in the Doors Open RI Festival in September. 176 Benefit Street.
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