Comedy, Cheese & Red Carpet Dreams! ✨

Rhode Island: where dreams aren't just made, they’re served on a plate. Don’t believe me? Even the big-name brands are sneaking peeks at our playbook for inspiration! Today’s newsletter is here to prove we’re onto something special. Whether you're craving the perfect drink to pair with your pizza or gearing up for a night full of laughs, we’ve got all your dreams (and plans) covered!

Paul Mecurio Brings Unscripted Comedy to Westerly

Emmy and Peabody Award-winning comedian Paul Mecurio returns to Rhode Island with Permission to Speak, an unpredictable mix of stand-up comedy, audience interaction, and raw storytelling. Catch the one-night-only performance at the United Theatre in Westerly on March 8 for an evening of laughter, surprises, and shared experiences. Read more on our blog at HeyRhody.com.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Paul Mecurio}

Raise a Glass to the Real Pizza Wine Pioneers

Domino’s is rolling out a pizza-pairing red, but Rhode Island’s Pizza Wine pioneered the trend. Created by the team behind Pizza Marvin, this lightly carbonated red became a New England sensation, making wine as fun and approachable as pizza. While chains chase trends, Pizza Wine stays true to its craft: quality, integrity, and the perfect sip-and-slice combo. Read more on our blog at HeyRhody.com.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Pizza Wine}

^{Presented by Rhode Island International Film Festival}

The Red Carpet Rolls Out in Providence for RIIFF

If you look forward to the world-renowned Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) every August, save the date for their annual fundraiser on the night of the Oscars. In partnership with ABC 6, The Red Carpet Experience at the Graduate Hotel in Providence is a can’t-miss event for film lovers to be a part of Hollywood’s biggest night during the live tele-cast. A cocktail hour, plated dinner, and dessert add to the glamor of the night.

It’s only fitting that RIIFF would provide this exclusive experience to fans, having seen 93 Oscar Nominations since its founding in 1997, and a total of 14 wins, with six films up for awards this year. RIIFF brings a legacy of discovering new and innovative voices in independent film, having featured the works of notable names like Denis Villeneuve, Brian Cranston, Terry Gilliam, Julia Louis Dreyfus, and more, as well as offering a foot in the door for international filmmakers.

“RIIFF is a lynchpin event for the global film industry,” says executive director Shawn Quirk, who has been involved with the festival for over a decade. Last year alone, RIIFF screened 286 titles representing 62 countries. “RIIFF's goal has always been to highlight a dynamic program of filmmaking that provokes, engages, and entertains all walks of life. Children's animations, thrillers, genre films, international dramas, LGBTQ cinema, TV pilots, webseries, feature films and documentaries – we have it all!”

An engaging night of cinema, the Red Carpet Experience on March 2 at 4:30pm highlights RIIFF’s ongoing ties to the Academy Awards, and the festival’s commitment to being a meeting ground between filmmakers and fans. The evening will also feature the Producers Circle Awards in partnership with Steven Feinberg and the Rhode Island Film and Television Office. Reserve tickets online. Learn more about the festival at RIFilmFest.org.

^{• By Abbie Lahmers, photo courtesy for RIIFF}

The Gathering Table Brings Art, Cheese, and Community Together

A Wakefield cafe and specialty shop, The Gathering Table blends artisan cheese, curated decor, and an enchanting atmosphere to foster meaningful connections. Founded by Katrina and Kevin Momenee, the space offers a unique selection of international cheeses, locally crafted goods, and, this month, dozens of red roses filling the space, with a vision of transforming everyday moments into memorable celebrations. Read more online at HeyRhody.com.

^{• By Abbie Lahmers, photo courtesy of The Gathering Table}

Bestselling Author Anna Sophia McLoughlin Comes to Inkfish Books

Rhode Island’s literary scene heats up as bestselling author Anna Sophia McLoughlin visits Ink Fish Books in Warren this Thursday, February 13 to discuss her new locked-room thriller, A Girl Like Us, with local author Vanessa Lillie. Attendees will enjoy a night of suspenseful storytelling, light refreshments, and an exclusive book signing. Read more online at HeyRhody.com.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Inkfish Books}

#HeyRhodyPhotos

From Jamestown with love – salty air and stunning views! 💙

Photo by: @brigittefoto__

^{Use #HeyRhodyPhotos to share your Rhody views, and it might be featured here!}