<![CDATA[New Articles on The Providence Life]]> http://www.theprovidencelife.com/feed/blog en-us http://www.theprovidencelife.com <![CDATA[The Tim Mayer Quartet at Cuban Revolution]]> DINNER & A SHOW.
The Cuban Revolution Restaurant and Bar continues its Soul/Jazz Series with The Tim Mayer Quartet this Friday. This Event is FREE and Begins at 8PM at our 60 Valley Street Location.


READ MORE ABOUT TIM MAYER:

I live in Boston, right in town, and have found my niches making music for a living. I do some teaching too, but the focus of my life is still the music.

I basically knew I wanted to play music for a living since I was 13. I was fascinated by jazz going back to the age of 4, when I learned to work my parents’ record player. My favorite albums were Ahmad Jamal Live At the Pershing Lounge, Bill Evans’ Moonbeams, a Wes Montgomery album, and Martin Denny’s Quiet Village.

The most formative experience I had in 1980, when I attended Florida State University’s Summer Music Camp. It was a fantastic program, 2 weeks of jazz, and a week of classical. The level of musicianship was amazing to me. All the best high school musicians from Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and some from as far away as Arkansas. In that part of the country, football was the sport, and in some areas, it was just the filler between the sets by the marching bands, which were phenomenal. The arrangements, the steps; many of those schools fed into such highly regarded bands such as FAMU (Florida A&M University). Among the attendees that year, a pianist whose abilities left me bewildered and inspired: a 16 year old named Marcus Roberts. He was in two of my classes; the big band, and improv lab. In the big band, the director would call out the chord changes to him while the rest of the band read the chart down. He only had to do that once, and not even that, if there was a braille chart for him to read. He was one of the highlights of the closing concert, which included Nat Adderly and Rich Matteson

By the time I got to high school in San Luis Obispo, CA, I had just enough knowledge and ability to participate in the Cuesta College Big Band, as the lead tenor, in conjunction with the SLO High School big band. I learned the basics of section playing, and developed an appreciation for the likes of Basie, Maynard, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Louis Bellson, all of whom I saw on several occasions, as well as Ellington and Kenton. All of this has served me well in my endeavors today, needless to say.

After high school, I went to college at Occidental, in Los Angeles. While I ended up majoring in Russian Language and Soviet Political Studies, a program of my own devising, I grew more and more active on the music scene of Los Angeles, and made many lasting friendships through music.

A friend told me about a place near USC that had jam sessions on the weekends, and the house had an organ, a Hammond B-3, instead of a piano. The place was Vina’s Jazz Corner, and the music was the real deal. I had many formative experiences there, and met many people who shaped my future, including Riney Bryson, who became one of my teachers. What I learned from Riney came to him from Harold Land, and from his own experience and research. Riney was quite a unique character, the only black man living in Chinatown in LA. He managed an apartment building, and lived there with the dog that adopted him, whom he called “Bebop.” He drove a ’68 Cadillac El Dorado, red, with working AC and power windows. We met at Vina’s. He said that I had a lot of potential, and that he could show me a lot of useful things about the horn and the music. I was a little suspicious at first, but after a couple of lessons, I began to see that he was on to something. In a nutshell, Riney was all about the spiritual and esoteric facets of the horn and the music, and himself attempted to follow the same path that Coltrane and Parker found, which led them to the sounds that made them unique. I stayed in touch with Riney, even after moving back to Portland, OR, and the last time I saw him was on may way out here, Boston, to study at Berklee. At that time, he had cancer of the esophagus, and was rather gaunt, no longer able to play the tenor, and only on some occasions, the soprano. I never recieved any further contact from him once the Summer of ’94 came, finding me in Spain. I had to assume he passed then, and the link that is attached to his name above is the first confirmation I found of his death. I still use many of the concepts I learned from him.

My other teacher in LA was Marty Krystall.
I met Marty through another friend from Oxy, Hugh Schick, a trumpet/piano player who played in a group called “Thelonious,” led by bassist Buell Neidlinger. This group played all Monk tunes, and really captured the spirit of them, rather than playing them like fake book tunes. Yet it didn’t sound like anyone else’s versions of these tunes either. Marty had such command of the instrument, and such spirit, and come to find out, doubled on everything but bassoon. He worked as a session musician for the film and TV studios, appearing on countless soundtrack recordings every year, and instilled in me the values of doubling at a very high level, reading anything put in front of me, knowing styles completely, and above all, sound. He always said, “don’t worry about playing a lot of notes. Everything comes from the sound you make.” In other words, if you have no sound, your imagination won’t give you ideas. These are words to live by, if you ask me. I try to teach them, as well.


FRIDAY March 12 8PM
No Cover
Plenty of parking and a great menu
Directions to Cuban: (http://schmap.me/fd8rjv/)

For more information on Tim Mayer go to: http://timmayermusic.com/

An Ed Morabito and King Communications Group Production.

]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:01:59 -0600 http://www.theprovidencelife.com/blog/the-tim-mayer-quartet-at-cuban-revolution-providence http://www.theprovidencelife.com/blog/the-tim-mayer-quartet-at-cuban-revolution-providence#19841 <![CDATA[Mike Rollins and Company at Cuban Revolution]]> DINNER & A SHOW.

The Cuban Revolution Restaurant and Bar continues its Soul/Jazz Series with Mike Rollins & Company this Saturday.

This Event is FREE and Begins at 8PM at our 60 Valley Street Location.


READ MORE ABOUT Mike Rollins & Company:



Mike Rollins & Co is a project that is making a splash into the New England area playing a mix of jazz, neo-soul, R&B, hip hop, rock, reggae and african dance. The Founder Mike Rollins, originally from Indiana wanted to bring a new sound to the area. A show that would take you on a journey in your seats or on your feet. This show is guaranteed to give you chills and take you deeper into the root of the music and sound.

Band Members include but are not limited to:
Mike Rollins-Sax
Colleen Zaller-Bass
Michael Cordeiro-Keys
Glenn Alexander-Drums

Also: joining the band for guest appearances are:
Gemelya Barros-Female Vocals
Sidy Miga-Drums
Nick Sanfilippo-Keys

For more info on Mike Rollins & Company: http://www.myspace.com/mikerollins2

Directions to Cuban Revolution: http://schmap.me/fd8rjv/

We look forward to seeing you all there.


An Ed Morabito & King Communications Group Production.

]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:59:29 -0600 http://www.theprovidencelife.com/blog/mike-rollins-and-company-providence http://www.theprovidencelife.com/blog/mike-rollins-and-company-providence#19840 <![CDATA[AFROSONIC JUMP at State Lounge]]> 10-2 AM $5 Cover 21+

Your very own AfroSonic Collective DJs come all together for the first time as a collective since Sound Session to all throw don thier music for this Jump Party @ State, bringing a unique night of deep afro-soul musik!

We will be jamming all together this time around, celebrating over 2 years of our collective uniting and contributing to bring Providence the only night of underground soulful music.


Vibes will be provided by all 5 Collective DJ's

BLACKDOVE
MIKEDELICK
DUBLIN
NICK DEPARIS
DJ DUPE


This is a night of House Music, Future Soul, Afrobeat, all wound up, mixed up and brought to you the way only the ASC knows how.If you have been to ANY of our past events you know what to expect... Come join us for an evening of dancefloor bliss, an evening for all you spiritual dancers.

LAST EVENT SOLD OUT BY MIDNIGHT... PLEASE COME EARLY!

State Ultra Lounge
1 Throop Alley
Providence, RI
(Directions: http://schmap.me/zz98fn)

See you all there.

 

FACEBOOK INVITE: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=10150092111260615&index=1

]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:56:56 -0600 http://www.theprovidencelife.com/blog/afrosonic-jump-at-state-lounge-providence http://www.theprovidencelife.com/blog/afrosonic-jump-at-state-lounge-providence#19839 <![CDATA[Review Your Favorite Businesses, Win a $50 Gift Certificate at 1149 Restaurant!]]> March is reviews month on TheProvidenceLife.com and we have teamed up with Eleven Forty Nine Restaurant to offer a $50 gift certificate to one lucky review writer this month. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entering the drawing is simple—just write a review of one of your favorite Providence Businesses listed on the ProvidenceLife.com.  Each qualifying review equals one entry into the drawing which will be done at the end of the month. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


To find the business you want to review either use our onsite search bar in the upper right hand corner or the handy Shop, Dine, Stay navigation buttons on the top of every page.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Named after its popular address on Division Street, the road that divides the charming towns of East Greenwich and Warwick, Eleven Forty Nine is a conveniently situated, western-metropolitan-inspired restaurant that creates the perfect venue for brunches, business lunches, pre- and post- theater gatherings, after work get-togethers and intimate dinners.   The winner may use the gift certificate at either the Warwick or Seekonk, MA locations. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rules

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All reviews mus be at least 30 words long and reflect an actual experience at the business.    A good example is what Jenn had to say about the Hudson Street Deli here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An individual may review as many places as they like but you can only submit one review per business.  Each 30 word review counts as one entry in the drawing. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to write a review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To write a review you must  first join the site via the button in the upper right hand corner (existing members please log in) .  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once logged in navigate to any business you’d like to review either via the on site search or the pull down menus on the Shop Dine Stay buttons.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once at the business click on the “write a review” button.   Be sure to hit submit when you are done. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Still have questions?  Check out our share page. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And remember, the best reviews are constructive recommendations for other users. 

]]> Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:54:27 -0600 http://www.theprovidencelife.com/blog/enter-to-win-50-gift-certificate-at-eleven-forty-nine-restaurant-providence http://www.theprovidencelife.com/blog/enter-to-win-50-gift-certificate-at-eleven-forty-nine-restaurant-providence#19384 <![CDATA[Glass Menagerie at the Gamm Theatre]]> From March 4- April 4th, the Gamm Theatre will be putting on Tennessee William’s classic, The Glass Menagerie. Winner of the1945 New York Drama Critics Circle Award, The Glass Menagerie continues to capture the imagination and hearts of American audiences.

(GAMM THEATRE PRESS RELEASE)  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gail Hulbert, Communications & Marketing Director

(401) 723-4266 or gail@gammtheatre.org

The Gamm Theatre Stages Tennessee Williams’ Powerful, Poignant Glass Menagerie

PAWTUCKET, RI (February 8, 2010) —The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre (The Gamm) presents Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie, a semi-autobiographical retelling of the author’s early years in Depression-era St. Louis. The play that established Williams as one of the preeminent playwrights of the 20th century is an unforgettable and heartbreaking portrait of a family desperate to break free from dysfunction and society’s constraints.

 Gamm Resident Director Fred Sullivan, Jr. (Much Ado About Nothing, Awake and Sing!) pairs Gamm Resident Actor Sam Babbitt as the elder narrator character, Tom Wingfield, and Marc Dante Mancini (Ralphie in Awake and Sing!) as his younger self. Gamm Resident Actor Wendy Overly plays the iconic role of Tom’s aging mother, Amanda Wingfield, long abandoned by her husband. Rounding out the cast are Diana Buirski (Hennie in Awake and Sing!) as Tom’s unmarried and introverted sister, Laura, and Kelby T. Akin (Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet) as her Gentleman Caller.

The Glass Menagerie runs from March 4 through April 4 at The Gamm Theatre, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket, RI. Tickets are $24, $28 and $40 (depending on day/time), preview and press performances (Mar. 4-8) only $24. Discounts for subscribers, groups of 10 or more, seniors and students. For tickets call 401-723-4266 or go to gammtheatre.org.

The Glass Menagerie Synopsis

In a rundown apartment in a St. Louis ghetto, erstwhile Southern belle Amanda Wingfield, her painfully shy daughter, Laura, and her aspiring writer son, Tom, form a triangle of quiet desperation. Amanda, an overbearing single mother, lives on memories of her glorious flower-scented youth, while her children bear the weight of her unrealistic dreams for their future until hope arrives in the form of a gentleman caller for Laura.

Winner of the 1945 New York Drama Critics Circle Award and the literary masterpiece that launched Williams’ career, The Glass Menagerie continues to capture the imagination and hearts of American audiences.

Director Sullivan notes, “Tennessee Williams said about his writing that it was a plea for the understanding of the delicate people—the delicate, complex, broken people we all know, are, or have within our families of origin or choice. Tom, the author’s birth name, says in the play: ‘I give you truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion.’ Williams uses the memory play to exorcise his family’s demons with great love and startling detail and, by doing so, hopefully gets closer to understanding and forgiveness. “This play is filled with unforgettable characters and the beautiful human complexities of denial, shame, unconditional love, abandonment, identity and survival,” Sullivan added. “Written in Williams’ uniquely gorgeous poetic Southern syntax, The Glass Menagerie surprisingly contains more laugh-out-loud humor and bold brash drama than easy sentiment.”

The Gamm’s production of The Glass Menagerie is underwritten by Citizens Bank Foundation.

"The Citizens Bank Foundation is pleased to support The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre and its production of The Glass Menagerie,” said Ned Handy, President, Citizens Bank, Rhode Island. “We believe community arts initiatives such as this production enrich the lives of those in our community, while providing a look back into our history." The Glass Menagerie is made possible in part by a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts “American Masterpieces” program.

About The Gamm Theatre

Founded in 1984 as Alias Stage, the non-profit Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre creates the finest of live theater, engaging the audience intensely in current and recurrent issues of consequence. The Gamm further serves the public with educational outreach programming designed to support the theatrical experience, and help sustain and enhance the intellectual and cultural life of its community. The Gamm is a member of New England Area Theatre (NEAT), a bargaining unit of the Actors Equity Association.

-About this Production of The Glass Menagerie

By Tennessee Williams

Directed by Fred Sullivan, Jr.

Set Design by Patrick Lynch

Costume Design Marilyn Salvatore

Lighting Design by Matthew Terry

Technical Direction by Dade Veron

Stage Management by Kate Ferdinandi*

CAST

Tom Sam Babbitt*

Young Tom Marc Dante Mancini

Amanda Wendy Overly*

Laura Diana Buirski*

Gentleman Caller Kelby T. Akin*

Violin David Tessier

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Props Master, Katryne Hecht; Sound & Music Design, Kerry Callery; Dramaturge, Jennifer Madden; Production

Assistant/Wardrobe Assistant, Helen Brennan; Production Assistant, Arik Beatty

CALENDAR OF PERFORMANCES

March

Thursday, March 4, preview performance at 8 p.m.

Friday, March 5, preview performance at 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 6, preview performance at 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 7, preview performance at 7 p.m.

Monday, March 8, press performance at 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 11, regular performance at 8 p.m.

Friday, March 12, regular performance at 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 13, regular performance at 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 14, matinee performance at 2 p.m.*

Sunday, March 14, regular performance at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 17, regular performance at 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 18, regular performance at 8 p.m.

Friday, March 19, regular performance at 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 20, regular performance at 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 21, matinee performance at 2 p.m.

Sunday, March 21, regular performance at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 24, regular performance at 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 25, regular performance at 8 p.m.

Friday, March 26, regular performance at 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 27, regular performance at 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 28, matinee performance at 2 p.m.

Sunday, March 28, regular performance at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 31, regular performance at 7 p.m.

April

Thursday, April 1, regular performance at 8 p.m.

Friday, April 2, regular performance at 8 p.m.

Saturday, April 3, regular performance at 8 p.m.

Sunday, April 4, matinee performance at 2 p.m.

Sunday, April 4, regular performance at 7 p.m.

*Followed by Shared Sundays discussion with artists & scholars. Show attendance not required. Open to the public at no charge.

]]> Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:33:18 -0600 http://www.theprovidencelife.com/blog/glass-menagerie-at-the-gamm-theatre-providence http://www.theprovidencelife.com/blog/glass-menagerie-at-the-gamm-theatre-providence#19301 <![CDATA["Dead Man's Cell Phone" at the Trinity Rep]]> Dead Man’s Cell Phone, an original work by Sarah Ruhl, is playing in Trinity Rep's Dowling Theater now until March 28.

(From the Trinityrep website)

In the Dowling Theater

Runtime: 2 hours with one intermission

Why doesn’t he answer that phone?! Jean picks it up, and finds herself holding his legacy in her hand, along with the phone. Think about it: when we leave our bodies, do we live on in our cell phones, iPods, GPSs, and PDAs? Do these indispensable tools, these grown-up toys, hold the secrets to the afterlife? From the author of The Clean House, another whimsical comedy about life, death, and love in these modern times – and the connections, real and virtual, holding them together.

NEW!!

For more information please visit: http://www.trinityrep.com/on_stage/current_season/DM_cast.php

]]> Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:32:18 -0600 http://www.theprovidencelife.com/blog/dead-man-s-cell-phone-at-the-trinity-rep-providence http://www.theprovidencelife.com/blog/dead-man-s-cell-phone-at-the-trinity-rep-providence#19249 <![CDATA[Events in Providence April 2010]]> Check out these great events in Providence in April.   For a full list see our event calendar

 

April

 

 

 

Every Friday this Month

 

Dance Under the Stars in a classic Providence setting at Walter’s Restaurant on Federal Hill. Need to brush up on your steps? Dance lessons are offered, free of charge, and after you have worked up an appetite, enjoy a delicious Italian meal. Dancing starts at 7:45. providencefederalhill.com

 

 

 

April 8

 

The Boston Red Sox’ AAA-affiliate the Pawtucket Red Sox suit up for opening day against the Rochester Red Wings. A special pre-game ceremony will be held and the first 4000 fans to enter the stadium will receive a complimentary baseball with the 2010 team’s photo on it. pawsox.com

 

 

 

April 10

 

Brown University hosts their annual Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Invitational. Watch the Bears race their way to the finish line in a day full of running and field events. brownbears.com

 

 

 

April 16-18

 

The Providence Performing Arts Center presents A Bronx Tale, the one-man stage show that inspired the 1993 movie of the same name. Travel back in time to the 1960s, in a play about a boy who struggles with his childhood, but meets unforgettable people along the way. ppacri.org

 

 

 

April 17-18

 

Going green isn’t just a fad. Head over to the Rhode Island Greenfest at the Convention Center to get expert advice about organic foods, green transportation and sustainability – and maybe pick up some tips you can take home with you. riconvention.com

 

 

 

April 18

 

If the Vancouver Olympics didn’t provide enough skating action for you, then visit the Dunkin’ Donuts Centers for Smucker’s Stars on Ice, featuring top names like Olympians Sasha Cohen, Even Lysacek and Tanith Belbin. dunkindonutscenter.com

 

 

 

April 19-25

 

Celebrate Earth Day at the zoo! Join the Roger Williams Park Zoo as they dedicate an entire week to living green and conserving our planet during their Party for the Planet. Participate in fun arts activities and meet some green organizations. rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org

 

 

 

April 28

 

Federal Hill’s famed Blue Grotto hosts Women of Wine. For $30, enjoy an evening of fun, laughs, a four-course meal, and of course, wine. It’s the most popular event at Blue Grotto, so make your reservations soon! bluegrottorestaurant.com

 

 

 

April 29-May 30

 

Like the sounds of Pink Floyd, the Stones, the Grateful Dead? Join the Gamm Theatre as they present Rock ‘n’ Roll, by award-winning playwright Tom Stoppard. In story about two war-torn countries, music and love are the only things that bring people together. gammtheatre.org

 

 

 

April 30

 

Enjoy an afternoon at the ballet, as Festival Ballet presents the classic performance of Cinderella at the beautiful Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Watch as she fights off her evil step-sisters and finds romance with Prince Charming. festivalballet.com

]]> Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:03:08 -0600 http://www.theprovidencelife.com/blog/events-in-providence-april-2010 http://www.theprovidencelife.com/blog/events-in-providence-april-2010#19248 <![CDATA[Events in Providence this May]]> Here is a sampling of some of the great events taking place in Providence in May.  


 

Through May 9

 

Catch the beauty of the butterfly in Queen of Insects: The Art of the Butterfly, in its final days at the world famous RISD Museum. See some of the museum’s costume and textile collection, as well as pottery, jewelry and paintings. risdmuseum.org

 

 

 

May 1-2

 

Re-embrace your childhood fantasies of being a real American hero at the Hasbro International G.I. Joe Collectors Convention at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Now you know – and knowing is half the battle. gijoecon.com

 

 

 

May 6-9

 

Brown University will host its Festival of Dance by bringing student pieces together for a three-day event at the Stuart Theatre. Presented by the school’s top notch Theatre Arts and Performance Studies department, it’s always “a moving experience.” brown.edu

 

 

 

May 9

 

Give mom a break from the zoo at home and take her to the Rogers Williams Park Zoo, where she’ll enjoy free admission and be able to participate in a Mother’s Day Spa Experience, with mini-manicures, hairstyling and yummy spa-inspired snacks. rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org

 

 

 

Every Saturday starting May 15

 

It may be five months until Halloween, but you can still catch a good scare on the Providence Ghost Tours. Starting at the Roger Williams statue at Prospect Terrace overlooking the city, expert guides take you on a spooky walking tour of the historic East Side. providenceghosttour.com

 

 

 

May 15

 

Travel from Providence to Woonsocket and relive history as Abraham Lincoln Visits the Blackstone Valley. Hear his historic Cooper Union speech at Harris Hall and even have the chance to win an original painting of Lincoln by Peter Campbell – all part of the president’s 150th Anniversary Celebration. visitrhodeisland.com

 

 

 

May 22

 

Ladies, put on your ball gowns, and men, dust off those penguin suits for the majestic Providence Performing Arts Center 2010 Annual Gala. It’s a night of food and entertainment, featuring some of the city’s top restaurants and the hit show Jersey Boys. ppacri.org

]]> Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:48:13 -0600 http://www.theprovidencelife.com/blog/events-in-providence-this-may http://www.theprovidencelife.com/blog/events-in-providence-this-may#19247 <![CDATA[Providence Nightlife & Entertainment]]> Light up the night in the Renaissance City by experiencing its thriving nightlife.

 

 

 

Downtown is the nerve center of music and entertainment, offering a lot of choices in an easily walkable area. Occupying the busy corner of Westminster and Union Streets, Tazza Caffe mixes it up with live jazz, open mic nights, DJs, dance nights, cabarets and much more. Local 121’s upstairs Tap Room is a self-proclaimed “dance party seven nights a week,” with a wide variety of DJs spinning all week long. The downstairs Speakeasy hosts special events and the occasional live act. For locally brewed craft beer, check out nearby Trinity Brewhouse and Union Station Brewery. Both feature an ever-changing selection of seasonally inspired brews. Just on the other side of downtown, State is a swanky lounge with unique cocktails. Waterplace Restaurant, and its second floor View Lounge, spice up the nightlife with a variety of creative theme parties and events to accompany beautiful views of the city.

 

 

 

Heading up Federal Hill, Caffe Dolce Vita is a little taste of Italian café culture right in the heart of picturesque DePasquale Plaza. The nearby Smoke Lounge provides a smoker’s oasis in a non-smoking city. Sona Lounge features live DJs in sleek, cosmopolitan setting, and 295 is one of Atwells Avenue’s newest hotspots.

 

 

 

The nightclub crowd should head toward Roxy, one of downtown’s main attractions with hip-hop, top 40 and international nights. Friday nights at Club Elements are hosted by Hot 106, the city’s main hip-hop and R&B station. In the Jewelry District, Lot 401 mixes several weekly and monthly nights for an eclectic program.

 

 

 

The Hi-Hat at Davol Square is a popular after-work hangout that heats up at night with an eclectic selection of jazz and blues. It’s a great place to take in a show over dinner.

 

 

 

For a great place to catch the big game – in a historic firehouse setting, no less – check out Ladder 133. For another game time option or to rack up some balls for a game of pool, check out Snookers, just around the corner from the Marriott. Another sports fan’s favorite, McFadden’s boasts two spacious bars and a lively scene.

 

 

 

Just over the border in next-door Pawtucket, The Blackstone is a rock fan’s rock club, with a broad selection of local, regional and national acts passing through.

 

 

 

Finally, we would be naïve to ignore Providence’s more adult side, with its heavy concentration of “gentleman’s clubs.” The Foxy Lady is the most upscale of the bunch, and features its famous “Legs and Eggs” breakfast buffet on Friday mornings.

]]> Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:38:53 -0600 http://www.theprovidencelife.com/blog/providence-nightlife-entertainment http://www.theprovidencelife.com/blog/providence-nightlife-entertainment#19246 <![CDATA[Shopping In Providence]]> From high fashion to fun and funky, Providence is brimming with boutiques, galleries and retail destinations.

 

 

 

Downtown and Downcity

 

Providence Place mall is downtown shopping, with three floors of department stores (Nordstrom, Macy’s), designer stores (Coach, Brooks Brothers), electronics (Sony Style, Apple) and your typical mall storefronts (Victoria’s Secret, Banana Republic). The street level has a handful of restaurants like Fire & Ice and the Melting Pot. Paid parking is available in the adjoining garage.

 

 

 

Downcity is the lively center of downtown, and its main thoroughfare, Westminster Street, is the shopping hub. Lovely home furnishing stores and trendy boutiques dot the street. Home Style is an exquisite shop with a fantastic mix of home decor, jewelry, and kids items. Queen of Hearts is a funky boutique that carries clothing, accessories and jewelry by emerging local designers. Craftland is a veritable showcase for local artists and craftspeople, and even offers classes.

 

 

 

RISD/Works, located inside the RISD Museum, on the North Main Street side, is a vibrant store with all kinds of stuff – books, jewelry, and clothing – made by crafty alumni.

 

 

 

Hope Street

 

Located in a diverse East Side community, Hope Street Village is hopping with young families that live nearby. The shops on Hope Street are sophisticated yet eclectic, with a mixed selection of children’s boutiques, designer consignment and artsy gift shops. J. Marcel, a discount designer shoe boutique, is a new addition that has a quickly become a local favorite. Studio Hop is a gallery/boutique, and has an interesting display of locally made jewelry and art.

 

 

 

Thayer Street

 

Thayer Street, in the heart of College Hill, is a vibrant collection of trendy boutiques, global goods and vintage shops. Most weekends you’ll find street vendors and musicians who set up shop right on the sidewalk. The Brown Bookstore has a great selection of titles and magazines, and also houses a gift department and coffee shop. Facing Thayer, on the other end of the street, is a beauty boutique where you’ll find rare and specialty skin care products and services.

 

 

 

Wayland Square

 

Wayland Square, an upscale retail and dining area on the East Side, is an ideal spot for shopping and strolling. The streets are dotted with boutiques that offer designer clothes for women, men and children, home accessories and jewelry. Books on the Square, a great little independent bookstore, is a readers’ delight. Farmstead, the much-celebrated cheese shop on the Square, recently expanded and added a custom-built aging room for some really unique cheeses. What Cheer Antiques offers everything from vintage clothing to used records.

 

 

 

West Side

 

The city’s West End, particularly on Westminster and Broadway, has emerged into a hip spot for vintage shopping, rising art galleries and music shops. Ada Books is a quaint used bookstore not to be missed. Rocket to Mars is a retro fabulous second-hand store where you can find unusual trinkets and vintage furs. The Piñata Center sells more than just piñatas; they have a unique selection of handmade crafts from Guatemala, and the sales benefit artists and craftspeople in that country.

 

 

 

Wickenden Street

 

Art galleries, whimsical shops and antiques line the colorful sidewalks on Wickenden. The Curatorium has a well-selected array of offbeat gifts and home accessories. Picture This, a custom-framing store, carries a large selection of vintage Rhode Island maps and prints of renowned local photographer Richard Benjamin.

 

 

 

Insider’s Tip

 

Save your change! Street parking throughout

For an even more complete listing of Shopping options in Providence check out our Providence Shopping guide. 

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