On March 4 from 7-9pm the Rochambeau Library presents Dear Diorama, an after-hours book and art contest where local bibliophiles are invited to create and present dioramas based on their favorite literary scenes. (For those of you living under a rock at the bottom of the ocean, a diorama is a three-dimensional model that’s built to depict a historical or fictional scene. Remember those creepy crime scene dioramas that were constructed by the Miniature Killer on CSI? Well these will be sort of like those, minus the blood and the psychopath.)
Matthew Lawrence of Not About the Buildings will emcee the event; some of you may know him as the host of the annual spelling bee at AS220. A panel of judges will select their favorite dioramas and winners will go home with prizes from Craftland, Frog and Toad and Books on the Square. Once the winners have been decided, the dioramas will move to the gallery at Craftland for all the world to see. Sponsors include Foolproof Brewing and Whole Foods so expect lots of delicious local beer and food to enhance this already awesome evening. 272-3780.
It might not technically be winter anymore, but that isn’t stopping PPS from hosting its annual Winter Bash on March 29, the huge, highly anticipated fete that’s regularly touted as the party of the year in Providence. This isn’t your average (and if we’re being honest, usually boring) fundraiser. Hundreds of partygoers gather for an evening of dancing and general revels – without all of those tiresome asks for support and silent auctions. Just come (in your finest prom attire), have a drink and dance the night away.
This year’s theme is Enchantment Under the Sea. Expect the ALCO building on Valley Street to become a 1950s prom-inspired wonderland, complete with a balloon waterfall, bubble machines and a signature cocktail. “This year the Bash will once again have a prom theme. We are encouraging people to dig out their dated formalwear and join us for an evening that will include lots of balloons, spiked punch and awkward photos,” says event co-chair Caitlin Amirault. And, in true Rhode Island style, the king and queen of the prom will be crowned the old fashioned way... by purchasing votes. “The Winter Bash is always the party of the year,” she continues. “It feels like the entire city comes out to celebrate the Providence Preservation Society.” Don’t miss it. $30 before March 8, $35 from March 10-27, $40 at door. VIP “Chaperone Party” 6:30- 8pm. 8pm-midnight. ALCO, 555 Valley Street.
The lovely Runcible Spoon store on Wayland Square will be moving on, we’re sad to report. Despite her store being a fixture at the Square for almost a decade, owner Joan Thompson laments that she was given very little notice from her landlord and hasn’t had time to decide where she might relocate. (We of course hope she stays in the neighborhood). As we go to press, exact plans for the space remain unclear. Rumors are that the store will be divided into two sections, one for an athletic running shoe store, the other for a restaurant. We’ll share more facts as we get them. Meanwhile we also understand that a new coffee shop will be coming to South Main Street in the space that was formerly a cigar shop.
The Wurst Kitchen, located within Chez Pascal, is now offering their renowned hot dogs and sausages for sale. Past sausage selections have included Cheddarwurst (smoked jalapeño and cheddar cheese), Knackwurst (smoked coriander and black pepper), Chorizo (smoked sausage, pork loin, spanish pimenton and paprika) and Beer Bratwurst (unsmoked, with caraway, oregano and Bucket Pail Ale beer). Selections change weekly. $10 per pack of 6 hot dogs. $8 per pack of 4 sausages. 960 Hope Street. 421-4422.
Are you still bummed that your Hogwarts letter got lost in the mail? Turn that frown upside-down, because Brown has you covered. Brown University kicks off the year with some fascinating new exhibits and one of them taps into the realm of magic.
The latest exhibit is called The Art of Illusion: Selections from the H. Adrian Smith Collection of Conjuring and Magicana. Over his lifetime, Smith built up a private collection of books, manuscripts and other objects concerning magic and illusions. His extensive collection was passed along to Brown and now has its own exhibit in the John D. Rockefeller Library. Admission is free for and the general public is welcome to view these fascinating pieces from now until March 26. Visitors must check in with the service desk or call 401-863-2165. More
Valentine’s Day is creeping up like a one-date clinger, but sparkling rosé is not just for lovers; it’s very much an equal opportunity alcohol. Whether you are looking for a certain bottle to set the mood, or seeking some pink bubbles to pair with your Sunday brunch eggs benny, take a sip from a few selections that are sure to make you see the world through rose-colored glasses.
Fancy, Shmancy and Delicious
If you are seeking a more, shall we say, “sophisticated,” sparkling rose, then Conti Ducco Franciacorta Brut Rose de Noirs, from Gasbarro’s Wines, is the answer to your champagne-soaked wish. This alternative to Veuve Cliquot or Moet is an Italian sparkler, but not a prosecco, that delivers a superior drinking experience with light, floral notes, a smooth, slightly tart finish and an elegant marriage of delicate flavors. Pop a bottle for the fanciest of occasions. 361 Atwells Avenue, 421-4170.
Smooth and Sassy
Craving a more traditional bottle of bubbly? Head over to Bottles for their Gruet Brut Rosé, a true rose champagne produced in France. Celebrate your triumphs (or drown your sorrows) with this super smooth, yet bright, crisp wine. One whiff tickles the nose with hints of citrus and pear, and a tart - but not overpowering - finish imparts a little sass on the senses. Perfect to pair with a special dinner or a casual brunch. 141 Pitman Street, 372-2030.
Rich and Ripe
Notes of yeast, cheese and brioche characterize the scrumptious sparkling rose that is Domaine de Martinolles Crémant de Limoux Brut Rosé, from ENO Fine Wines in Downtown PVD. This medium bodied wine is fruit-forward and has sweetness, yet is still considered dry, and a citrusy, almost bitter finish leaves the tongue lusting for more. This wine would couple well with a rich dessert, like chocolate cake or custard. 225 Westminster Street, 521-2000.
Cheap and Cheerful
Yellowtail, aka the wine with the kangaroo on the label, produces a fine … More
The City Planning Commission will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, January 28 at 4:45pm to discuss plans for a McDonald's and a Family Dollar in Olneyville. The meeting will be in the first floor conference room at 444 Westminster Street. The heart of the matter is a developer's plan for the currently vacant parcel at 48 Plainfield Street. The plan has aroused criticism and controversy because the developer is asking for zoning relief that would allow for the buildings to be set back further from the street than is currently allowed, and for the McDonald's to have a drive-through. Critics argue that this is suburban-style development being shoehorned into a dense urban area. With lower rates of car ownership by Olneyville residents than in most of the rest of the city, the question becomes whether this car-friendly development is serving the neighborhood, or excluding the people who actually live in it. The full plans can be seen here, and Greater City Providence has been following the story pretty closely. If you're interested in learning more, or voicing your opinion on the plan, be sure to attend what should be a lively meeting. More
Uber, the uber-popular car service app, will be offering up to three free rides, at a maximum of $20 per ride, to any and everyone in Rhode Island between now and 6pm on Saturday. Yes, you read that right. Free rides. For everyone.
The company recently expanded into Rhode Island, and it's been known for making a big splash when it enters a new market. They once offered free rides to all of Brooklyn for the weekend. For those who aren't familiar, the service uses a mobile app to connect people in need of a ride with Uber drivers in their area. You can request a ride anytime from anywhere, and you don't need any cash – you pay for the ride through your Uber account. Needless to say it's become very popular very quickly with young urban dwellers and professionals.
Now the #RILOVESUBER promotion is on. Just sign up for Uber or download the app, request a ride, and the rest is on them. Of course, they expect high demand, so if you already know what you're doing this weekend you might want to start booking your rides now. And if you need somewhere to go with your free ride, your Uber receipt will get you discounts and bonuses at over a dozen Providence bars and restaurants, including The Avery, The Eddy, Hot Club, Vanity and even StyleWeek.
Find more info here, and get your free ride. More
Have you ever looked at the design of our magazines and thought, I would love to do that? Are you an experienced graphic designer looking for a fun and exciting workplace? Then join our team!
Providence Media is currently seeking both a full-time and a freelance graphic designer to work with our top-notch Art Department. This is a fast-paced, challenging environment in which you will enjoy a level of responsibility and artistic input that is rare in this industry. Some of the qualifications we're looking for include:
• Strong grasp of graphic and digital design for magazine publication
• Proficiency in Adobe CS4 and up
• Ability to work well in a fast paced environment
• Ability to work well as part of a closeknit team
• Strong organizational skills and high level of self-motivation
• Ability to multitask and prioritize multiple projects in multiple phases of design
• Photography and web experience a plus
Responsibilities include, but aren't limited to: ad design, editorial layout, photo retouching, collateral design, email campaign design, logo development and more. If interested, send your resume, salary requirements and a link to your work to resumes@providenceonline.com. More
Over at AS220, a group of individuals calling themselves 3D Printing Providence (3DPPVD) are proving that the future is in fact now - and it’s all thanks to burgeoning 3D printer technology, which, according to 3DPPVD, may revolutionize how goods are crafted and distributed.
But let’s slow down a minute. What is 3D printing? And why does it matter?
In a nutshell, 3D printing is the process of manufacturing a 3-dimensional object from a digital model. Houses, toys, power tools - hell, even this very magazine you’re holding - can all be created via a 3D printer, so long as the printer is technologically capable and the digital model exact. (Which means, yes, you could in fact download a car. So take that, Motion Picture Association.)
As for 3DPPVD, these passionate individuals meet twice per month to utilize 3D printers and learn about this ever-expanding field. “When I first started [four years ago], 3D printing wasn’t a big deal,” says James Rutter, AS220’s lab manager. “You had to work on your own machine, fix your own drives and pulleys. It was a clumsy technology.”
As with anything technology-related, though, the industry quickly exploded. Soon the machines were more automated and less intimidating for the average individual. People grew more proficient, and thus printed products grew in popularity.
“The club meets the first Tuesday of every month, and it’s informal. What we say is, all members can come down and work, and we’ll have about ten members working on different projects. They’re socializing, just hanging out, no agenda, printing things.”
In addition, the club meets the second Wednesday of every month, and these, says, James, are the “formal meetings.” Each one focuses on a specific topic, pre- sentation or invited speaker, and the meetings are intended to teach members about the latest in 3D printing technology.
“These meetings … More
By the end of last year, the political landscape of the 2014 elections in Rhode Island was already looking like a pretty crowded field, with high profile candidates announcing early and often. As we gear up for a long election season, there are still a lot of prospective candidates lingering on the margins, playing a “will they or won’t they?” game with the electorate. So, as the depths of winter set in and we have nothing better to pass the time than idle speculation, let’s take a look at who might yet jump into the fray.
Buddy Cianci: Mayor of Providence
People continue to wonder if the man who still routinely goes by “Mayor” will make one last run at City Hall, and Cianci, ever the showman, seems all too happy to entertain the discussion. What most people don’t realize is that it doesn’t matter whether he chooses to launch an official campaign: a little remembered City ordinance from Buddy’s ‘90s heyday dictates that his name must legally appear on the ballot as a candidate in every mayoral election until 25 years after his death.
Chris Young: Mayor of Providence, General Treasurer, Secretary of State, Senior Class President, Secretary General of the Model UN, Wikipedia Administrator, Chancellor of the Galactic Senate
Ever the wild card, this perennial candidate has not been shy in the past about throwing his hat into the ring – or even throwing multiple hats into multiple rings. Young has been quiet thus far into the election cycle, but if recent history proves correct, voters are soon to see him flop-sweating his way through the fringes of a debate, flanked by his inexplicably attractive girlfriend. While the field might be too crowded for him in the Providence mayoral race, GoLocalProv’s Dan Lawlor seems to think he’s got an outside shot at Chancellor of the Galactic Senate.
Carolyn Rafaelian: Governor
Word on the street is that Cranston’s number one jewelry and lifestyle impresario is currently channeling energy … More
Looking to get in a quickie at lunch? Eyes of the World offers a 45-minute Short Form Vinyasa class on Wednesdays at 12:15pm. All of a sudden the rest of the workday won’t look so daunting after some grounding in tree pose. 1 Park Row. 499-4942.
There is no shortcut to enlightenment, but Transformation yoga at Breathing Time Yoga will start you on the way. This class focuses on calming the nervous system and teaching yourself to be more mindful through stretch. Various classes throughout the week. 541 Pawtucket Avenue, Pawtucket. 421-9876.
When a hot yoga studio promises you’re going to SWEAT, you’d better believe them. Now Yoga and Fitness offers this class for devotees of heated yoga who are looking for more of a challenge. 286 Thayer Street. 273-3100.
The Heart Spot offers Rainbow Vinyasa Shanti yoga, a challenging practice meant to detoxify the body and relieve stress... probably through sweat. Check it out every Wednesday. 700 Greenville Avenue, Johnston. 231-008. More
Get a worldly workout with one of the international-inspired dance classes at The Rhody Center for World Music and Dance. From Belly Dancing, African Dancing and Bollywood Dancing classes, you’ll add some multicultural kick to your exercise routine. 172 Exchange Street, Unit 201, Pawtucket. 475-5955.
If you march to the beat of your own drum, The Movement Exchange’s contemporary classes might be just your style. From live music accompanying their improvisational dancing classes, breakdancing sessions with the Project 401 crew, modern dance that explores the link between movement, memory and meditation and options for all ages and even couples, the classes all celebrate creativity and individual expression. 545 Pawtucket Avenue, Pawtucket.
What do you get when you add some serious cardio kick to your salsa moves? You’ll be on the stopwatch at Krissy’s Dance and Fitness Studio’s special Zumba classes, mixed with spurts of circuit training. The Latin American inspired dance class will keep your heart rate up and your hips moving while the circuits target and tone key areas. 834 Admiral Street. 369-9092.
Are you a fan of the stage? Tapper, flapper and founder of Providence’s own Chifferobe cabaret, Kristen Minsky’s Theatrical Dance class at AS220 will not only bring out your inner star, it will bring your skinny jeans back out too. Minsky’s Tuesday night classes run the gamut of decades and dance styles, keeping each week fresh and fun. 95 Empire Street. 831-9327.
If you fancy yourself more of a ballerina, but want to reap the benefits of dance-fitness fusion, Barre classes may be your best bet, mixing arm toning moves with ballet inspired legwork and core strengthening. At Momentum Fitness you’ll be in good hands as co-owner, trainer and dancer Michelle Struckholz shows you the steps to a dancer’s physique. 222 South Water Street. 272-8900. More
Method Fitness instructor Brandon Dupont leads a weekly boxing and conditioning class that includes the fundamentals of the “sweet science,” including punching, footwork and body mechanics. The calorie-burning class includes work on the heavy bag, pads and shadow boxing. 755 Westminster Street. 274-6384.
Gold’s Gym offers Group Kick classes inspired by mixed martial arts (MMA), including high-energy routines incorporating boxing, kicking and karate. 550 Pawtucket Avenue, Pawtucket. 722-6600.
SYNRGY Health & Fitness features interval-training based INSANITY classes plus boot camp and circuit training Revolution sessions. 3 Davol Square. 519-6555.
The Body Complete Fitness Center for Women offers Booty Barre, Sculpt Barre and a variety of TRX-based training classes designed for women. 1375 Park Avenue, Cranston. 946-0378.
American Health Fitness Center has plyometric classes utilizing the mini trampoline as well as TRX, kickboxing and boot camp sessions. 555 Quaker Lane, West Warwick. 828-3458. More
Voted RI’s best party, Providence Preservation Society’s Winter Bash is the event of the year. Staged at a new location each year, this fabulously fun event brings attention to new preservation projects and gathers young preservationists from across the city to network and celebrateThis year’s theme is a retro prom. Dress up and party the night away.
When: Saturday, March 29
Where: American Locomotive Works (ALCO), 555 Valley Street, Providence.
For more information: call PPS offices at 831-7440 or visit their website. More
Broad Street Synagogue, 688 Broad Street, South Providence
Cathedral of St. John, 275 North Main Street, College Hill
Westminster Congregational Church, 126 Adelaide Street, South Providence
United Presbyterian Church, 619 Chalkstone Avenue, Smith Hill
St. Teresa of Avila Church, 275 Manton Avenue, Olneyville
Bomes Theater, 1017 Broad Street, South Providence
Ward Baking Company Administration Building, 145 Globe Street, Jewelry District
RIDOT Headquarters and Garage, 30 Arline Street, Valley
Grace Church Cemetery & Cottage, 10 Elmwood Avenue, South Providence
Industrial Trust Tower, 111 Westminster Street, Downtown
Atlantic Mills, 100 Manton Avenue, Olneyville
57 Federal Street, 57 Federal Street, Federal Hill
State House Lawn, 90 Smith Street, Capitol Center
Doyle Avenue Historic District, East Side
There’s good news on Thayer Street. The long vacant Adesso restaurant space is now finally officially occupied. The Flatbread Company, a small chain that has already proven quite popular in college-oriented towns and specializes in delicious wood-fired pizza among other things, just opened for business. As nature abhors a vacuum, the East Side hates an empty store. For this large vacant spot on Thayer Street, is no more.
For years, the venerable Wayland Toy Store occupied the large space at the heart of the square on the corner of Wayland and Medway. Most recently it housed the Pow! Science store. Then suddenly it was empty. But as of this month, there is good news. Dixon & McAllister, a casual clothing retailer for men and women based in Newport, has just opened up in this very visible location. With the women’s retailer F. Bianco relocating from Garden City soon to Angell Street, the Square has gone full circle to virtually fully occupied. Good news all around.
If the ice and snow are doing you in, this month the Providence Convention Center thankfully offers you a glimpse of what’s only a few months away. First it’s boats (February 1-2); then it’s cars (February 6-9); and finally flowers and gardens (February 20-23). Just thinking about these kinds of things will lop ten degrees off the wind chill. Promise.
Former East Side resident Andrew Gernt will be leaving his job as the deputy Press Secretary for Senator Jack Reed in Washington and will take over as the new Communications Director for Representative David Cicilline. The 28-year-old Gernt had been with the Senator for the past four years and will remain based in DC. His father Wallace (Wally) Gernt is the President of the Bradford Group – a marketing, public relations and lobbying firm here in Providence.