5.13 – 5.19 ’10

Thursday 5.13

PPAC

Jersey Boys. 2, 7:30pm

220 Weybosset St. *401.421.2787 www.ppacri.org

As220

BSS Elementary Showcase. 6-9pm $2 Cover

The Network, The Abominable Iron Sloth and Jesuscentric. 9:30pm $6

115 Empire St. *401.861.9190 www.as220.org

Cable Car Cinema

Exit Through the Gift Shop. 6:30, 8:30, 10:30pm

204 S. Main St. *401.272.3970 www.cablecarcinema.com

Perishable Theatre

Hop to the Beat. 7pm

Hedwig and  the Angry Inch. 7:30pm

Improv Jones. 10pm

95 Empire St. *401.331.2696 www.perishable.org

Trinity Rep

The Syringa Tree. 7:30pm

201 Washington St. *401.351.4242 www.trinityrep.com

Local 121

Nightly DJ Series. DJs vary nightly. 11pm

121 Washington St. *401.274.2121 www.local121.com

Friday  5.14

Eno Fine Wine and Beer Tasting

US Northwest: Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Reisling & Vevet Devil Merlot. 4:30-6:30pm

225 Westminster St. *401.521.2000 www.enofinewines.com

Perishable Theatre

Dance Dance Party Party. 5:30pm

Hedwig and the Angry Inch. 7:30pm

95 Empire St. *401.331.2696 www.perishable.org

RISD Museum

Music Friday. Featuring Slippery Sneakers. 5:30-8:30pm

Members $5, non members $8 21+

224 Benefit St. *401.454.6500 www.risdmuseum.org

Cable Car Cinema

Exit Through the Gift Shop. 6:30, 8:30pm

House. 10:30pm

204 S. Main St. *401.272.3970 www.cablecarcinema.com

Trinity Rep

The Syringa Tree. 7:30pm

201 Washington St. *401.351.4242 www.trinityrep.com

PPAC

Jersey Boys. 8pm

220 Weybosset St. *401.421.2787 www.ppacri.org

As220

Sideshow, Doublethink, Infinite Children, and Resistor. 9pm $6

115 Empire St. *401.861.9190 www.as220.org

Local 121

The Speakeasy Music Series Presents The Becky Chace Band. 9pm $5

Nightly DJ Series Featuring FLIPSIDE! DJs vary nightly. 11pm

121 Washington St. *401.274.2121 www.local121.com

Saturday 5.15

Providence Public Library

Starting a Small Business? Learn the Basics to Get Started. 9:30am-12:30pm

L’Esperance Mandolin Ensemble. 1:30-3pm

150 Empire St. *401.455.8000 www.provlib.org

Craftland School of Craft

Reconstructed Tees. 11:30-1:30pm $40

235 Westminster St. *401.272.4285 www.craftland.myshopify.com

As220

Bike Swap. 12-4pm Free

Workshop in the Project Space. 2pm Free

Irish Traditional Music. 4-7pm Free

Tor Johnson Presents: Ruiner, Soul Control, Tabernackle, Weak Teeth, and Convulsions. 9pm $6

115 Empire St. *401.861.9190 www.as220.org

Eno Fine Wine and Beer Tasting

France: Foris Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir. 3-5pm

225 Westminster St. *401.521.2000 www.enofinewines.com

Trinity Rep

The Syringa Tree. 7:30pm

201 Washington St. *401.351.4242 www.trinityrep.com

RISD Museum

Costume Society of America Symposium. 9am-5pm Preregistration is required. Cost is $60 after April 25. Fee includes all sessions and lunch. Contact Jessica Urick at jurick@newportmansions.org

Community Music Works Concert. 7:30-8:30pm Admission is $25, $35 non-members, Benefactor admission

224 Benefit St. *401.454.6500 www.risdmuseum.org

Perishable Theatre

Hedwig and the Angry Inch. 7:30pm

Improv Jones. 10pm

115 Empire St. *401.331.2696 www.perishable.org

Sunday 5.16

Perishable Theatre

Improvisational Tribal Belly Dance with Neylon. 10am $13 to drop in/ $60 for six class punch card. 10am

Rush Hour Ballet Class. $13 to drop in/ $60 for six class punch card. 12:30pm

115 Empire St. *401.331.2696 www.perishable.org

PPAC

Jersey Boys. 1, 6pm

220 Weybosset St. *401.421.2787 www.ppacri.org

Providence Public Library

Mindfulness in Relationships with Benjamin Hall, MDiv. 1:30-3pm

150 Empire St. *401.455.8000 www.provlib.org

Cable Car Cinema

Exit Through the Gift Shop. 2, 2, 4, 6:30, 8:30pm

204 S. Main St. *401.272.3970 www.cablecarcinema.com

Trinity Rep

The Syringa Tree. 2 & 7:30pm

201 Washington St. *401.351.4242 www.trinityrep.com

As220

Icarus Project – PVD Meetup. 5:30-8:30pm

Ming Toro, Prizzy Prizzy Please, and Tonic Thief. 9:30pm $6

115 Empire St. *401.861.9190 www.as220.org

Tazza Caffe

Open Mic with Brian Minisce. 7pm

250 Westminster St. *401.421.3300 www.tazzacaffe.com

Local 121

Nightly DJ Series. DJs vary nightly. 10pm

121 Washington St. *401.274.2121 www.local121.com

Monday 5.17

Perishable Theatre

Scene Study/Intermediate Acting. 6:30pm

115 Empire St. *401.331.2696 www.perishable.org

Cable Car Cinema

Exit Through the Gift Shop. 6:30, 8:30

204 S. Main St. *401.272.3970 www.cablecarcinema.com

Tazza Caffe

I Do Like Mondays. 9pm

250 Westminster St. *401.421.3300 www.tazzacaffe.com

Tuesday 5.18

Providence Public Library

Cradle to Crayons. 10:30am-11:45am

150 Empire St. *401.455.8000 www.provlib.org

As220

Life Drawing. 6-8:30pm $6

Avi Jacob, Valencourt, and Matt Hannigan. 9:30pm $6

115 Empire St. *401.861.9190 www.as220.org

RISD Museum

Lecture Series: Curating Contemporary Art with Debra Singer. 6:30-8pm

224 Benefit St. *401.454.6500 www.risdmuseum.org

Cable Car Cinema

Exit Through the Gift Shop. 6:30, 8:30pm

204 S. Main St. *401.272.3970 www.cablecarcinema.com

PPAC

Jersey Boys. 7:30pm

220 Weybosset St. *401.421.2787 www.ppacri.org

Trinity Rep

The Syringa Tree. 7:30pm

201 Washington St. *401.351.4242 www.trinityrep.com

Tazza Caffe

Sit Down Baby! Presents: Poetry Night. 9pm

250 Westminster St. *401.421.3300 www.tazzacaffe.com

Local 121

Screening of Food Design. Presented in conjunction with Farm Fresh RI and ecoRI.

Nightly DJ Series. DJs vary nightly. 10pm

121 Washington St. *401.274.2121 www.local121.com

Wednesday 5.19

Perishable Theatre

Rush Hour – Modern Dance with Nikki Carrara. 5:30pm $13 drop-in/$60 punch card of 6.

115 Empire St. *401.331.2696 www.perishable.org

As220

Colin Matthes Artist In Residence Presentation. 5:30-7pm Free

College Smart, Young Rip, Chris Da Great, and Lunchbagg. 9pm $6

115 Empire St. *401.861.9190 www.as220.org

Cable Car Cinema

Exit Through the Gift Shop. 6:30, 8:30pm

204 S. Main St. *401.272.3970 www.cablecarcinema.com

Trinity Rep

The Syringa Tree. 7:30pm

201 Washington St. *401.351.4242 www.trinityrep.com

PPAC

Jersey Boys. 7:30pm

220 Weybosset St. *401.421.2787 www.ppacri.org

Local 121

The Speakeasy Presents Chris Mohammed Kasim opens. 8pm $6

Nightly DJ Series. DJs vary nightly. 10pm

121 Washington St. *401.274.2121 www.local121.com

Tazza Caffe

Open Mic All-Stars. 9pm

250 Westminster St. *401.421.3300 www.tazzacaffe.com

Local 121

The Speakeasy Series Presents Joe’s Backyard Band. 4pm $5

Nightly DJ Series. DJs vary nightly.  11pm

DirtyDurdie Presents Zodiac Shack DJ Party. 1pm 21+ 45, Taurus free all night

121 Washington St. *401.274.2121 www.local121.com

Rush Hour Fire on Washington Street

by Abby Saunders

A fire broke out at 100 Washington Street in Downtown Providence this afternoon.  What is rumored to be an electrical fire burned the second and third floor units on the East side of the building, leaving the West side seemingly unharmed.

Black smoke poured into the Providence skyline around 4:30pm this afternoon, and eighteen emergency vehicles filled the streets within minutes.  The fire was contained quickly by Providence firefighters, leaving them to sort through the wreckage.

The building contains four units on the second and third floor, and several businesses on the ground floor, including Downtown Liquors.

Local Photographer Shoots the Sky

by Abby Saunders

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Peter Green! Green, a Providence photographer, has made a name for himself with his Downcity Hawk exhibit, picturing the Red-Tailed Hawk that hunts in Burnside Park most winters and perches high on the State House.

This fall, Green announces his newest exhibit Providence Falcons, featuring a pairing of Peregrine falcons and their offspring, set against the Providence skyline.

Creperie – Best European Cuisine

Since its opening in 1996, Creperie off of Thayer Street has built up what the owner, Leslie Albuquerque, calls somewhat of a “cult following.”  Because of its proximity to Brown University’s campus, Creperie is a student favorite with alumni returning long after they graduate to get their fix of crepes, smoothies and wraps.  Most of the crepes have girls’ names, like Betty, Connie, Nori, Jeanne, and combine classic favorites, such as nutella and strawberries or scrambled egg, baked ham and swiss;  with brave daily specials, such as the Jess a.k.a. “French s’more” with marshmallow, chocolate & graham cracker.

Kabob and Curry – Best Asian Cuisine

by Abby Saunders

Atop College Hill on famed Thayer Street in Providence, is Kabob and Curry.  This Indian cuisine favorite has been a staple of the area for twenty-two years, and word on the street is that they ‘never disappoint.’

Tucked neatly next to Nice Slice and across from the Avon movie theatre, Kabob and Curry has a reputation as a favorite among locals and students, leaving it buzzing with activity most times of day.

Don Jose Tequilas – Best ‘South of the Border’

Nestled in the foodie hotspot of Federal Hill is Don Jose’ Tequilas, a Mexican cuisine gem, bursting with quaint character, traditional dishes and a deep appreciation for a drink steeped with the flavors of history, Tequila.

Welcomed out of the misty summer drizzle by Don Jose Tequilas’ staff, I was seated amongst the warm decor, wooden accents and lantern light.  The brick exterior, that on nicer evenings seats several tables, gives little clue to the transformation you will experience when walking in.  Once inside, the atmosphere is cozy and filled with the faint aromas of spice.  A definite versatile style, both classy and comfortable, gave me the feeling that had I brought a date, or family visiting the city, business dinner, or even just a friend for a casual after-work drink, this would have been a good choice.

BSC Works it Out Downcity

The Boston Sports Club may be part of one of the top three corporate fitness companies in the nation, but their focus on Downcity’s growing community has made them into the neighborhood gym we never had. For those of us who live and work Downcity, excuses for not eating our veggies and going to the gym are becoming slimmer. With Downcity’s only food market, Gourmet Heaven, opening up on Weybossett last month and the Boston Sports Club, opening this past January several blocks away on Dorrance, Downcity folks can now have a more convenient and healthier lifestyle without leaving the area code.

RI World of Flavors Ticket Winner Announced!

Congratulations to Concetta Archer, the winner of 2 tickets to this Sunday’s World of Flavors Restaurant Competition!

RI WORLD OF FLAVORS
This Sunday, 1-6pm
Providence Skating Center

Last Chance to Buy Tickets Online and Get $10 Off! Just type in the code “Downcity” when ordering. www.riworldofflavors.com

World of Flavors Spices up Downcity

QuickWhatsUp.com is proud to launch the first multicultural culinary competition in Rhode Island this Sunday from 1-6pm at the Bank of America Skating Center. The World of Flavors Competition will showcase a broad cross-section of Rhode Island restaurants as they compete a $15,000 prize package. Restaurants from around the state will sample their food to up to 1,000 voters who will pick the winner in each category: Americana, South of the Border, European & Mediterranean, and Asian & Indian. The event, hosted by Shawn Tempesta of the Rhode Show on Fox Providence and featuring music by Spogga, will kick off Providence Restaurant Weeks (July 12-25).

Live Downcity readers use the code “Downcity” to get $10 off tickets! Visit www.riworldofflavors.com

WIN 2 FREE TICKETS! Just tell us what your favorite thing is about Downcity Providence. Post  your answer in a comment on this blog post or on twitter at www.twitter.com/livedowncity.  The winners will be announced via twitter and livedowncity.com Friday, July 10th at noon.

Sound Session is Upon Us.

For a complete Sound Session Schedule, visit www.providencesoundsession.com

New Movies on the Block Schedule Announced!

The incessant rainfal so far this summer has really shaken up the MOTB schedule, but to keep it fresh and exciting, they’ve announced a few changes. The newest additions include, Anchorman, Outside Providence, Ghostbusters, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Fifth Element, and more.  Hope for sunnier days and milder nights, and we’ll see you every Thursday for Movies on the Block.

You asked for it. Now what do you saaaay? “Thank you Craftland.”

An Interview with Deb Dormody of Craftland

by Abby Saunders

One thing we look forward to each holiday season is Craftland, the shiny, sparkly, amazing collective craft sale that is only here for one month. And, the thing we’ve realized is that one month…is not nearly long enough. So, Craftland heard our cries for hand-made items at our fingertips all year.  It’s better than Etsy…It’s better than cake…It’s a year-round Craftland Store!

And chatting with us about their new store to open in August at 235 Westminster Street is Deb Dormody, one of the lovely and talented coordinators behind Craftland:

Visit us at the Downtown Providence Living Tour

This Saturday, June 27th, Live Downcity will be setting up camp in Grant’s Block, on the corner of Union and Westminster Streets during the first Downtown Providence Living Tour from noon-5pm. The tour is free, and takes you on an open tour of 7 residential properties around Downtown, including lofts, apartments and condos.  You can sign up at www.providencedowntown.com or just drop in.  Be sure to stop by the Live Downcity tent in order to pick up info on what’s happening around Downcity, as well as a special print edition just for the occasion.

RI World of Flavors Announces Participating Restaurants

The World of Flavors Competition, coming to the Bank of America Skating Center on July 12th has announced its list of participating restaurants.  Restaurants compete for a winner in each category, including Americana, Asian, European/Mediterranean, and South of the Border.  Winners receive a $15,000 prize package, and are chosen by over 1,000 voters.

QuickWhatsUp.com brings you this multicultural culinary competition.  The event, hosted by Shawn Tempesta of the Rhode Show on Fox Providence and featuring music by Spogga, will kick off Providence Restaurant Weeks (July 12-25) on Sunday July 12th at the Providence Skating Center. For tickets and the chance to sample some of Rhode Island’s best restaurants, visit www.riworldofflavors.com

Market Grand Opening Thursday, June 18th!

by Abby Saunders

We waited patiently as New Haven-based grocer Gourmet Heaven readied to open their doors as the only market in Downcity. Residents have shopped for their groceries creatively until now, and with the opening of this market comes the beginning of a new era of living more comfortably Downcity.

CVS Pharmacy Opens Downcity

C VS Pharmacy opened its doors and now serves as Downcity’s only pharmacy. Residents have been waiting for this conveniently located CVS store/pharmacy to open for the good part of this past year.

With a street-level location, the public is able to easily access the store via the skybridge, connected to the RI Convention Center and the Westin Hotel, via the sidewalk in front of Providence Place or through the Providence Place Mall. With plenty of parking in the mall’s parking garage and close proximity to many of Downcity’s residential properties and office buildings, the pharmacy is a convenient and necessary new addition to Downcity living.

A Good Sign

by Abby Saunders

Vintage sign outside Providence Optical on Weybosset Street.

Let’s face it. If you’re not a local, finding your way around Providence can be a character building experience. Local shops, boutiques, businesses and landlords are solving this problem the good old-fashioned way, with signage.

On a recent stroll through Downcity, I was excited to see some new, fun signage adorning local shops. One sign in particular caught my eye, no pun intended. Providence Optical, located at 75 Weybosset Street, has recently hung an eye-catching sign from their historic storefront. Found at an antique store, the vintage sign looks as if it was made for the ecclectic optical store, that often houses sculptures in its windows and carries an assortment of wild frames.

Tour 7 Downtown Properties in One Afternoon…

Are you thinking of leaving behind the sprawl, packing up your belongings and moving from the burbs to the city?  Or, maybe, you’ve just always wanted to live in lovely Downtown Providence.  Either way, now is your chance.  The Providence Foundation, Live Downcity and the Downtown Neighborhood Alliance are collaborating with seven Downtown and surrounding properties to bring you a comprehensive tour of available residential space.

Providence Art Festival this Saturday

Come Downcity for the Providence Art Festival this Saturday, June 13th from 10:30am-5:30pm.  With food, drink, live local bands, and over 100 local artisans, the Providence Art Fest promises to be a sweet Saturday afternoon find.  Providence will be hopping with the Mayor’s conference and Waterfire, so come early!  Westminster Street, from Eddy to Mathewson Streets will be closed for the event.  For more info, visit shopdowncity.com.