In other Federal Hill news, the former gas station at the corner of Broadway and Courtland may just be reborn. cluck! (399 Broadway) will be a retail shop for urban farmers and gardeners. Whether you’re growing vegetables in a community garden plot, raising chickens or bees in your backyard, canning your own produce or making cheese, cluck! will be able to provide you with the products, materials, expertise and service you need. Owner Drake Patten promises the property will go from “an abandoned gas station to an oasis of green. Asphalt will be replaced with trees, raised beds and unusual planters growing vegetables and herbs.” There’s just one little snag: she needs a zoning variance to open the property for retail use, instead of strictly residential or office use as it is currently zoned. There has been some resistance from at least one local property owner, but Patten has been doing her due diligence, keeping the neighbors informed (as at a December 5 open house) and rallying supporters. If all goes according to plan, cluck! will be open for business on March 15. More
Where else can you see toy soldiers, giant mice and a Sugar Plum Fairy? At PPAC’s performance of The Nutcracker, of course! Come see the beloved ballet about one girl’s magical adventure.
December 20-22: 8pm Friday; 2pm and 7pm Saturday & 1:30pm Sunday. $23-$85.
People of Providence, we’ve got to talk about your driving. It’s atrocious.
Look, I’m not going to get up on my high horse. I make stupid mistakes when driving and at some time or another I’ve been guilty of every offense I’ll enumerate here. But at least I’m trying, which is more than I can say for many of you out there. You need to hear these things, and I come to you as one of your own.
It’s taken me a long time to identify why exactly the driving in Providence is so bad. Of course, there are any number of factors that contribute to the problem, from pothole-riddled roads to the general awfulness of Rhode Island drivers, but there’s something particularly terrible about the driving I see in the city, and I’ve finally figured out what it is: nobody drives like they’re in a city.
City driving requires aggression and precision. You have to drive like you mean it. There are cars and people and obstacles everywhere. The conditions are always shifting. It’s constant start and stop. And people have places to be. New Yorkers, of course, have this mastered: they’re impatient, ruthless, even downright hostile – but they’re g. A good New York driver might just as soon run you over as smile at you, but they’ll never be in the way. They drive with purpose. To be effective while driving in New York City requires you to accept the possibility that somewhere along your way, you may need to intentionally kill someone. You don’t want to, and you’ll do your best to ensure that only those who truly deserve it get hurt, but it might have to happen. That’s driving with purpose.
People in Providence do not drive with purpose. They drift. They hesitate. They rubberneck. They expect others to compensate for their mistakes. Then there’s the infamous Rhode Island Roll-out – oh, lord, the Rhode Island Roll-out. You know the move: you’re trying to pull out into traffic so you gradually nudge your way out in a passive-aggressive attempt … More
Who: Debralee Elizabeth Marianna Iacobucci (aka DEMI)
What: Conceptual artist, painter and illustrator
When: 6pm, Tuesday March 20
Where: Pawtucket Armory, Exchange Street, Pawtucket
Why: This creative spirit isn’t afraid to be “appropriately inappropriate”
As I climbed the spiral stairs to Deb’s new studio space (which is housed inside a turret – or small tower – at the Pawtucket Armory building), I was met by a cool breeze on my face and the sound of global music infused with laughter. She greeted me at the top, barefoot, in flowing white pants, a fitted tank and one long feather earring. Her smile was huge… and contagious. Months of labor had culminated in this event: her DEMI Artistic Studios reveal party.
A small crowd of invited guests nibbled on appetizers and sipped champagne atop the roof, on to which her studio doors open. Although it was only the first day of spring, the sun shone bright and warm: The combination of the unseasonable weather and the breathtaking studio space was intoxicating. Breezy curtains flitted this way and that, tossed by gentle wind; white lights warmed the painted brick; the incandescent sunshine soon transformed to an ambient sunset.
When Deb took possession of the space in December, the turret was drab and unfinished — worlds away from its chic reincarnation. It’s her second studio, as the first is in her home. “My home studio is much more private,” she explained, as she climbed a tall ladder leading to the tower’s upper roof. I followed. “The turret is a public space for exposure, portfolio meetings and entertaining.” After taking in the view with a few other brave souls, we made our way back down.
Once we completed our (near) death-defying descent, we took time to peruse through myriad paintings and illustrations that were displayed in an antique trunk. “There’s a delicate line between illustration and fine … More
You might have seen the pickets or read the articles in the paper. East Siders are incensed over the firing of the Rochambeau Community Library's well-loved head librarian, Tom O'Donnell. At a meeting on Monday, March 4, the library's community room was packed with residents urging that the library re-hire O'Donnell.
Author Ryder Windam, organizer of the "Friends of Tom O'Donnell" protest movement (and Facebook page), explained that Tom had been out of the building at an early morning meeting on February 15 when library officials came into his office and took his computer. When he returned to Rochambeau, he was told he had been let go. "It's probably legal," said Gil Mason, long-time Friends of Rochambeau Board Member. "But it's one hell of a way to do business at this library."
The reaction to an email and letter circulated by former Rep. Linda Kushner was greeted with dismay. Her assertion that the decision to fire O'Donnell, "was reasoned and made with the best interest of PCL and the Rochambeau library in mind. " set off alarm bells in readers. Was O'Donnell going to get a fair shake?
As the evening went on and segued into the monthly Friends meeting, one after another people spoke on Tom's behalf.
He led a reading group for teens… He programed myriad free arts and cultural events at the library… He worked closely with volunteers… He even read stories to the preschoolers.
The firing was so poorly done that, as Windham pointed out, the next day remaining librarians didn't have the combination to the safe to make change for fines. Even the reservation of the room for the protest was a mystery, because Tom had taken care of that, too.
"Tom hasn't put us up to being here at all," Windham said. "We think he's entitled to his job back."
In addition to the picketing, Friends of Tom is urging concerned residents to contact the Mayor's office's Maria Radcliffe (mradcliffe@providenceri.com or 421-2489). There is also an online … More
You don’t need another reminder that kids, on the whole, are much smarter than you. They understand technology with an intuition that you can only dream of, rattle off facts faster than you can say “hold on a second, let me think,” come up with remarkably inventive ways of getting pretty much everything they want. They can also, more than likely, completely decimate you at Scrabble. This month, hundreds of tiny geniuses descend on Hasbro for the 12th annual National School Scrabble Tournament, April 26-27. Kids from across the United States and Canada will compete for a $10,000 prize. You might not be able to play – and you probably have better ways to spend your weekend than being shamed by a 7th grader – but you can watch the tournament via an innovative live stream.
But, if you are up for a friendly challenge, Julian’s still has their informal Monday night Scrabble league. Just show up with a board, sit down at one of their designated tables, and wait for an opponent to bring his or her best double word score.
It’s the land that we love, so let’s get out and celebrate the Fourth of July with The Bank RI Independence Day Celebration at India Point Park. The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra will kick off the night with a patriotic concert to be followed by a dramatic 25-minute fireworks display, set to music. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and access the park via the walking bridge located at East and Wickenden Streets. Pyrotechnics: the perfect way to commemorate our nation’s birthday. July 4. Free. 7:30-9:40pm. 680-5770. More
Don’t fall into a winter biking slump! Providence Bicycle offers free indoor training classes each Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7:00pm throughout February at its Branch Avenue location. If you don’t want to haul your bike back and forth, the shop will even store and set up your bike and trainer each session for free. If you don’t have a bike trainer, you can rent one for $5.00 per class. 725 Branch Avenue. 331-6610, providencebicycle.com
Hoping to become a better, less injured runner? Sign up for the next RUNstrong class series, a collaboration between Rhode Runner and Foundation Performance Sports Medicine. Class meets every Tuesday at 6pm from February 5 - March 12. RUNstrong is a 55-minute circuit style strengthening class that will utilize only your body, a foam roller, and an elastic band. Sign up for one class or for the whole series. Rhode Runner, 657 North Main Street. 831-6346, rhoderunner.net More
In light of the recent 38 Studios disaster, there is a lot of talk about economic development in this state, and how best to achieve that goal. The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation kind of owes us one now, seeing as how it, along with the governor, former director Keith Stokes, the local media, the Bilderberg Group, George Soros and pretty much everyone other than Curt Schilling, brought about the untimely demise of such a promising and financially viable company. Now that the State of Rhode Island is unlikely to remain in the MMORPGCF (massively multiplayer online role-playing game clusterf**k) business, it will likely be looking for new opportunities to invest the taxpayers’ hard-earned money in dicey, unproven companies with inexperienced chairmen operating in highly competitive markets with huge development costs – and I believe I have the next $75 million idea.
If the EDC will simply hand over a blank check, I will immediately begin the process of relocating my innovative startup with huge growth potential from its current home in my daydreams to some swanky downtown real estate (I’m looking at you, soon-to-be-vacant Superman Building), bringing with it hundreds of (potential) jobs, millions of dollars in (hypothetical) tax revenue, and several (on layaway) air hockey tables. People of Rhode Island, say hello to the next Enron, Worldcom, Pets.com and Bernie Madoff’s hedge fund all rolled into one. Prepare to witness an explosion of growth and investment in the new Knowledge District, a dramatic drop in the unemployment rate, streets paved with gold, pennies from heaven, a chicken in every pot, 40 acres and a mule, free health care for everyone and lotto scratch tickets that are all winners. I’m talking, of course, about VagiTech.
Think about it: what are America’s two most innovative, high-tech, rapidly growing industries? Biotech and porn. VagiTech combines both. By using embryonic stem cells to develop … More
Makes a six-pack
Equipment: Funnel, glass bottles and caps, at-home capper
1 c gin (preferably something neutral like Beefeater or Plymouth)
1 c grapefruit juice (preferably fresh or not-from-concentrate)
1⁄2 c thyme syrup
1⁄2 c fresh lime juice 6 c soda water
Make the thyme syrup: Boil 1 cup each of sugar and water with five sprigs of fresh thyme until sugar dissolves. Let cool. Store excess syrup in the refrigerator for future use.
Make the sodas: Mix together syrup, gin and juices. Pour into bottles using a funnel, then top off with club soda. Cap immediately per capper’s instructions, then refrigerate. Capping as quickly as possible after adding the soda ensures maximum carbonation. More
When same sex marriage was legalized in August, cheers of delight mixed with sighs of relief across the state. That was followed by a run on City Hall for marriage licenses. A month later, Stephen Hartley (better known as Miss Kitty Litter, Providence’s most recognizable drag queen) married Brian Deslauriers at the Beneficent Congregational Church. The cer- emony featured a performance by – who else? – The Providence Gay Men’s Choir, and was followed by a fabulous black and white reception at the Biltmore.
Before Multiverse Comics opened on Broadway in October, Providence was missing what its owner, Brandon Amorin, calls “a neighborhood comic book store.”
“In the ten years or more that I’ve lived here there hasn’t really been a comic book store you could just walk to,” he says. Amorin, who is friendly enough to be the Bizarro-version of The Simpsons’ sarcastic Comic Book Guy, has imagined opening a comic book shop since his days of organizing new release bins in exchange for Snickers bars and a weekly stipend of comics as a kid.
“I’ve always wanted to have my own business, and I’ve always loved comic books. I figured if I’m going to do something for myself it’s gotta be something I love.” Multiverse is small, but has big aims to satisfy a long felt need in the city’s geek community.
“I’m trying to have a spot where I can talk to people who’re into the same sort of stuff that I’m into. We offer a spot where you can hang out when you’re on your way to the café or downtown to work. It gives everyone another reason to interact with other people who are interested in the same sorts of genres.” 265 Broadway. 223-2112
Shoppers on Thayer Street were surprised this week to learn that Tedeschi Food Shop, a fixture on the street for years, has lost their lease and will be closing at the end of October according to a sign posted on their door. Inventory is not being reordered in anticipation of the approaching closing. An official comment is expected from the store shortly to confirm the store’s departure and final dates of operation.
The real estate broker involved in putting the deal together, Peter Scotti and Associates, was unwilling to confirm the specifics of the transaction until the actual closing, which is anticipated “before the end of the year.” He did say the building will likely be part of a future development project, that it sold for a “big number” and that despite rumors to the contrary, Gilbane is not the purchaser. Bob Gilbane has proposed a large four-story apartment building that will encompass the adjoining block bounded by Thayer, Euclid, Brook and Meeting Streets to the north of Tedeschi.
We’ll share details with you as they become available. More
If you haven't seen House and Garden at Trinity Rep, run do not walk to the box office. It closes soon, and you'll want to see both plays. There is a reason that Trinity has survived so long in a video/game world. Its long-standing ensemble troupe is full of top-notch acting and directing, and all they need is an excuse like House and Garden to show off.
These simultaneously twinned plays aren't mind-blowing insightful meta-performances that transform your understanding of the human condition with multimedia extravagance: they're perfectly made pieces of theater and stagecraft.
The short synopsis: House, at the upstairs theater, is a farce about a "manored" English family falling to pieces. Garden, at the downstairs theater, is a more earthly whirl about love and chaos.
The gimmick: both plays happen simultaneously with the same cast running up and down the stairs in real time. And it works.
The dynamic of two plays happening at the same time in the same building gets under your skin. Most of the time at the theater, you don't really think continuously about anything happening offstage. This time, you can't help but wonder.
When someone goes off in House, what are they doing in the Garden?
When someone races into the Garden, what happened in the House to upset them?
The story lines are nested and intertwined romances. Two youngsters hesitate and blush and stutter their way into new love. The older folk have more scars and secrets. One affair is ending, another beginning. Marriages are crumbling. All done with much laughter and melodrama.
A cynic would say that the entire piece is a marketing scam designed to hook you into buying two tickets, but the cynic would miss the fun. On their own, neither piece of writing is particularly remarkable, but taken as a pair you and your companions will have plenty to talk about after. You really can't help but get involved in both stories, and to see only one show does leave out half the equation. The … More
Blending in with Brown and RISD faculty, Providence-based filmmaker Laura Colella is having a preview run for her feature film Breakfast With Curtis. In early December, the Cable Car Cinema will showcase Laura’s third feature film that she edited and directed in Providence. The movie tells the story of an estranged young boy, named Curtis, who moved to an offbeat neighborhood of bohemians. While welcoming him into their world, the heartwarming film captures the warmth of a community that embraced the introverted boy.
Laura has been named one of “Filmmaker Magazine’s 25 New Faces in Independent Film” and has won the 2013 Independent Spirit award for her films. While Breakfast With Curtis had its World Premiere at last year’s Los Angeles Film Festival, Laura says, “I look forward very much to the run at the Cable Car, and hope people will come out to experience the film with an audience, which is the most fun way.”
For more information, check out the Cable Car’s website for screening times during the month of December.
Gourmet Heaven has opened at 205 Meeting Street in the space formerly occupied by Cosa Nostra and, before that, Via Via Pizzeria. This is the chain’s fourth location, having made a splash two years ago when it opened Downtown’s only grocery store. Gourmet Heaven also has an extensive prepared foods section and salad bar, and will be open 24/7.
After 28 years in business, Details is closing its doors at 277 Thayer Street. The store’s inventory is on 30% off clearance until the store closes at the beginning of June.
Method Fitness has closed its Wayland Square location in preparation for a move to a bigger facility in Richmond Square, where owner Amahl Harik plans to offer more of their popular programs like boot camp.
Everyone was surprised to hear that Cuban Revolution’s Aborn Street location unexpectedly closed. While there’s no clear story on what happened, some Facebook posts the restaurant made point to problems with their downtown landlord. Cuban’s Valley Street location is open for business as usual.
The Providence Flea is a new, upscale outdoor market selling upscale crafts, jewelry and novelties. It starts June 2 and happens every Sunday through August in the parking lot of the Wild Colonial on South Water Street. More
Season’s greetings, and a warm, non-denominational wish for a happy holiday season to you, an American, typically between the ages of 25-54, most likely female, Caucasian, with a median household income of $75,549.23, from us, Your Local Neighborhood Boxcorp Omni-martTM.
Here at Your Local Neighborhood Boxcorp Omni-martTM, we’re dedicated to creating a sense of community in (HAVE INTERN FILL IN NAME OF TOWN HERE). That’s why when you walk into our store, you’re greeted by friendly, familiar faces who know you – people like the guy who used to own the town hardware store, the guy who used to run the appliance shop down the street, the former Boy Scout Troop Leader out on work release, and your creepy uncle. It’s just our way of saying, “Howdy, neighbor! Our retinal scanners Inceptioned money saving coupons on your preferred detergent brand directly into your brain the moment you walked in the door. It’s been exactly 52 days since we’ve seen you – the second longest absence in your CardMember® Rewards Lifetime©. Are you mad at us? We hear your daughter’s pregnant... Oh, you didn’t know?”
Our statistics indicate that you want only the best for your family during this non-specific time of seasonal merriment, and that’s why we’re committed to offering the best values on the gifts they really want: smart phones, tablets, phablets, fablettes (like phablets, but faaaab), an entire NFL season beamed directly into your penis, guns, other guns, crossbows, princess beds, a Chinese baby, nondefense aircraft parts and a Boxcorp XxxclusiveTM live double album and soft core porn Blu-Ray by Michael Buble. You’ll find them all in stock and at rock bottom prices this month and YOU DON’T NEED TO SHOP ANYWHERE ELSE.Excuse us.
What we’re trying to say is that we here at Your Local Neighborhood Boxcorp Omni-martTM are truly your neighbors – and not just because our full service parking lot with complimentary shuttle service, amusement park … More
Many new restaurants have not only added more places to eat but have filled food niches that were missing from the Creative Capital. From down home southern cooking to boutique Spanish cider, Providence continues to grow in quantity and quality.
Give a coat, get a coffee – it's that simple!
The 5th Annual Coats for Coffee drive to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Providence kicks off this Monday at all Seven Stars Bakery locations. Bring a gently used kids or adult coat to either Providence (820 Hope St. or 342 Broadway) or Rumford (20 Newman Ave.) Seven Stars between October 22-November 4 and you'll receive a free small coffee. To help kickstart things, on the first day only they will also throw in a free baked good. All coats will be cleaned by Courtesy Cleaners before donation. You can also drop your coats directly at one of their locations and receive a voucher for your free coffee. Over the past four years Coats for Coffee has donated hundreds of badly needed coats to children and families in need during the chilly winter months. Help us reach this year's goal of over 500 coats this year and you're guaranteed to feel warm all over. More
After much hemming and hawing, cluck! is officially open. This woman-owned startup urban farm supply store at 399 Broadway has everything the city boy or girl needs to start their own garden, chicken coop or beehive. They even have a garden startup kit to attract butterflies or bees. How sweet is that?
Finally, someone has moved into the McFadden’s space on 52 Pine Street, and that someone is Hanley’s Ale House & Cigar Shop. This new hangout is great for watching the Bruins ‘Quest for the Cup’ or sitting back and enjoying a nice cigar with a bourbon or scotch. Whatever your poison, Hanley’s Ale House will provide.
Check out Federal Hill’s newest frozen yogurt spot, Snogi. Located at 262 Atwells Ave, it has a popular buffet-style layout, with six different flavors of frozen yogurt and an assortment of fruit and candy toppings. This summer, head to Snogi for a quaint and quick treat.
If you’re looking for modern American cuisine that is accessible and environmentally engaging, birch, at 200 Washington St., is the place for you. The twice nominated Chef Benjamin Sukle (for Food + Wine magazines People’s Best New Chef) creates a menu that follows the seasons and is true to New England. Follow them on Twitter for more updates. More