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Jazz, Art, and Cocktails Are Calling 🎷
Pawtucket gets a Harlem Renaissance–inspired night, meet the mixologist behind a PVD dive bar, watch the latest Hey Rhody Weekly, + more!
If Rhode Island were a pie, what flavor would it be? I’m leaning toward something like a classic apple pie with a little unexpected spice. Familiar, comforting, but with just enough personality to keep things interesting. And no, I haven’t completely lost my mind (yet). With Pi(e) Day landing this weekend, sweets have simply been on my brain. The good news is today’s newsletter brings its own kind of treat: a Jazz Age–themed soirée headed for Pawtucket, a peek at the personality pouring drinks at a Providence watering hole, a fresh installment of our Hey Rhody Weekly, and a few other local finds worth savoring.
A Harlem Renaissance-Inspired Night Comes to Pawtucket
For one night, Hope Events on Main in Pawtucket trades the everyday for candlelight, jazz, and a touch of vintage glamour when New York duo Acute Inflections takes the stage on April 3. With soulful vocals, upright bass grooves, and playful audience banter, the Harlem Renaissance-inspired performance promises a night that feels part concert, part classy supper club. Read more online.
Crust Worth the Hype at Rhody Slice
At Rhody Slice in North Kingstown, owner Izzy Oner is proving that great pizza starts with great dough. Inspired by his family’s New England pizza legacy and Kurdish roots, the shop serves up standout pies like pepperoni with hot honey and the truffle-topped Funguy, plus baklava and other desserts that make every bite memorable. Read more online.
Presented by Spring Bull Gallery
Discover Local Art and Friendly Faces at Spring Bull Gallery
Step inside the Bellevue Avenue gallery and the mood shifts almost instantly. The pace softens. Colors catch your eye. Somewhere between the walls filled with paintings and the quiet hum of conversation, you begin to feel less like a visitor and more like part of the creative process.
Spring Bull Gallery has been part of Newport’s arts community since 1990, making it the oldest cooperative gallery in Newport County. Artist owned and operated, the gallery brings together 19 core member artists whose work spans a wide range of mediums and styles. Alongside their collections, rotating exhibitions invite local and regional artists to share their work with the community, keeping the gallery fresh and full of discovery year round.
Over the years, the gallery has earned a reputation for both quality and warmth. Voted Rhode Island’s Best Gallery in Newport County three years in a row, Spring Bull Gallery has become a favorite stop for collectors, casual art lovers, and curious passersby alike.
Part of the charm is the atmosphere. Instead of an intimidating gallery experience, visitors are welcomed by one of the working artists themselves. Guests are encouraged to take their time, ask questions, and learn the stories behind the art on the walls. For those new to collecting, the experience feels approachable and refreshingly pressure free.
Regular visitors know they can always expect exceptional fine art, affordable pricing, and a friendly face ready to talk about everything from technique to inspiration.
This spring brings another reason to visit. The gallery’s highly anticipated Abstraction exhibit opens March 14 and runs through April 26, showcasing the dynamic range of abstract artists working throughout the region. An opening reception will take place March 15 from 2-4pm.
Art lovers are invited to stop by Spring Bull Gallery, located at 55 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, to browse the collection and perhaps discover their next favorite piece. Visitors can also enjoy 10% off in store through April 1 by mentioning Hey Rhody at checkout. For hours, updates, and more information, visit SpringBullGallery.com.
Rhody Recs is your weekly roundup of what’s happening across the state, a built-in excuse to rally the crew early instead of scrambling for plans at the last minute. Because let’s be real, life’s too short to leave the fun for last minute.
Date | Event |
|---|---|
Friday 3/13 | From Bottle to Bar: A White Dog Distilling Cocktail Workshop Shake up your bartending skills at From Bottle to Bar, an interactive cocktail workshop at White Dog Distilling in Pawtucket, where guests can sample spirits, explore flavor variations, and craft their own cocktail during this hands-on class. Learn more online ⸻ Piano Concertos with Ana Glig & James Rosenblum Experience an evening of dazzling piano classics as husband-and-wife duo Ana Glig and James Rosenblum perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 and Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor from 5–6:30pm at Music Mansion in Providence. Learn more online ⸻ A Tribute to Cape Verde Photography Exhibition Celebrate Cape Verdean culture at the Cape Verdean Museum from 1-5pm in Pawtucket, where this photography exhibition by Sonya Tanae Fort runs March 13–15 and highlights powerful images of Cape Verdean people and heritage, with a special artist conversation and cultural program on Sunday. Learn more online ⸻ Celtic Whiskey Tasting Raise a glass at Hope Events on Main at 6:30pm in Pawtucket, where this Celtic whiskey tasting pairs Irish and Scotch pours with a thoughtfully crafted multi course menu for a cozy evening of flavor and storytelling. Learn more online ⸻ Trivia Night with Ashley & Jared Put your knowledge to the test at Audrey’s Coffee House & Lounge from 8-10pm in South Kingstown, where Trivia Night with Jared and Ashley brings friendly competition, laughs, and plenty of bragging rights. Learn more online ⸻ Ladies Night Make Your Own Stemless Wine Glass Round up your friends and head to Blackstone River Glass Center from 8–9:30pm in Cumberland, where this hands-on Ladies Night lets guests design their own custom stemless wine glass during a fun and creative evening out. Learn more online ⸻ Music Bingo + Li’l Rhody Pizza Party Kick off the weekend at ISCO Spirits from 6–8pm in Providence, where Music Bingo swaps numbers for songs and every cocktail comes with a complimentary slice from the Li’l Rhody Pizza Party. Learn more online |
Saturday 3/14 | Lucky Leprechaun Brunch Families are invited to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with crafts, games, and a visit from a mischievous leprechaun during the Lucky Leprechaun Brunch at Artisan Bites Charcuterie + Cafe in Cranston, with festive seatings at 9am and 11:30am. Learn more online ⸻ Sip & Sculpt Pottery Workshop Get your hands a little muddy (in the best way) during the Sip & Sculpt Pottery Workshop from 1-3pm at Bravo Brewing Company in Burrillville, where guests can shape their own clay creations while sipping craft brews. Learn more online ⸻ Barn Session – DELA & Steady Rock Easy Settle in for an evening of reggae and jazz-infused grooves during Barn Session – DELA & Steady Rock Easy from 6:30-9pm at Ragged Island Brewing Company in Portsmouth, where top-tier musicians will take the stage in the cozy Barn Brewery space. Learn more online ⸻ The Lucky Link Social Sip, socialize, and add a little sparkle at The Lucky Link Social from 10am-2pm in East Providence, where guests can design their own charm bracelet or get a custom-fit permanent piece welded on during this festive St. Paddy’s-inspired jewelry event. Learn more online ⸻ Pi(e) Day Apple Pie Special Celebrate Pi(e) Day with a slice of Ten Prime’s house-made apple pie, crafted from a cherished family recipe passed from John Elkhay’s grandmother to his mother and now to him, for just $3.14 at Ten Prime Steak & Sushi from 4–10pm. Learn more online ⸻ Women’s Write to Heal: Reclaiming Your Narrative Tap into the healing power of storytelling during Women’s Write to Heal: Reclaiming Your Narrative, a reflective writing circle blending creative prompts and feminist literature from 12–2:30pm at Soul Sanctuary in Coventry. Learn more online ⸻ Celtic Knot Mandala with Beth Goulet Unwind with a little creativity at MoonStone Art Studio from 6-8pm in Warwick, where this beginner friendly class invites guests to create a colorful Celtic triquetra mandala while learning the meaning behind the ancient symbol. Learn more online ⸻ Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Head to downtown Newport at 11am for the Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, where festive floats, marching bands, and plenty of green gear bring the city streets to life for one of Rhode Island’s favorite St. Patrick’s Day traditions. Learn more online ⸻ St. Patrick’s Day Zero K Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the easy way at White Dog Distilling from 1–7pm in Pawtucket, where this playful “Zero K” race includes Irish cocktail specials, a build your own Irish coffee bar, live Celtic music, and plenty of festive fun. Learn more online ⸻ Wine and Cheese Tasting Class Settle in for a delicious tasting at Newport Vineyards from 2–4pm in Middletown, where wine educators guide guests through five local cheeses paired perfectly with estate grown wines. Learn more online ⸻ Tiny Bits of Joy Workshop Tap into your cra thfty side at The Hope Collective from 4–6pm in Hope, where this Tiny Bits of Joy workshop invites guests to create whimsical miniature vignettes with playful materials and plenty of creative inspiration. Learn more online ⸻ Mary Beth Barone Live Laugh the night away at Uptown Theater at 7pm in Providence, where comedian Mary Beth Barone brings her sharp, self-aware standup to the stage for one unforgettable evening. Learn more online |
Sunday 3/15 | Candle Making Healing Retreat™ Slow down and spark your creativity during the Candle Making Healing Retreat™, a relaxing self-care experience at Querída in North Providence, where guests can craft a custom candle, enjoy a calming sound bowl meditation, and reflect through guided activities. Learn more online ⸻ Maple Sap Boil on the Greenway Watch sap transform into syrup at the Maple Sap Boil on the Greenway, hosted by the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council from 9am-3pm. along the Woonasquatucket River Greenway in Providence, where visitors are invited to stop by and welcome spring with this time-honored tradition. Learn more online ⸻ Phantom Farms Brewing St. Patrick’s Celebration Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a little early with live music, brews, and festive outdoor vibes at the Second Annual St. Patrick’s Celebration hosted by Phantom Farms Brewing from 12–6pm. Learn more online ⸻ Relaxing Salt Cave Gong Bath Event Unwind with a meditative sound healing experience during the Relaxing Salt Cave Gong Bath at Tranquil Touch Mind & Body Spa in Warwick, where guests can soak in the calming vibrations of gongs inside the spa’s tranquil salt cave. Learn more online ⸻ Hands-On Bonsai Workshop Slow down and get creative at the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center from 10:30am–12:30pm in Providence, where this hands-on bonsai workshop teaches the basics of pruning, styling, and caring for your own miniature tree. Learn more online ⸻ St. Patrick’s Day Brunch Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Gooseneck Vineyards from 10am–1pm in North Kingstown, where green mimosas, Guinness, and festive brunch bites set the scene for a laid back holiday gathering with friends. Learn more online ⸻ St. Patrick’s Day Tea and Luncheon Skip the pub scene and enjoy a cozy afternoon at Mapleville Farm at 2:30pm in Mapleville, where this St. Patrick’s Day tea and luncheon serves classic holiday bites, bottomless tea, and plenty of sweet desserts in a charming greenhouse setting. Learn more online ⸻ PVD Flea Market Shop local makers at Farm Fresh Market Hall in Providence from 11am to 3pm, where a lively mix of local artisans, vintage treasures, and sweet treats come together for the perfect winter wander. Learn more online |
Our Rhody Rec list is refreshed with every newsletter, so be sure to check back for the latest events!
Providence Bartender Max Karlin Shakes Up Nostalgia at Esther’s High Dive
At Esther’s High Dive, bartender Max Karlin is blending culinary technique with a sense of nostalgia, crafting cocktails that are both inventive and inviting. From a fizzy, passionfruit-topped highball to a brown butter and peanut butter–washed bourbon creation, his drinks prove that serious craftsmanship and playful flavors can happily share the same glass. Read more online.
This Week on Hey Rhody Weekly: Fix Dry Winter Skin with Skincare Tips from Brenda Brock
By the time March rolls around in Rhode Island, most of us are ready for spring — but our skin usually isn’t. After months of cold air outside and dry heat indoors, winter can leave skin feeling tight, dull, and completely dried out. In this week’s Hey Rhody Weekly, we visit Newport to talk with Brenda Brock, founder of the herbal skincare brand Farmaesthetics, about the simple routine she says can help bring winter-weary skin back into balance.
Resilience Rising Brings Art and Purpose to Providence
Art lovers and community supporters alike are invited to Jala Studio Yoga & Art for Resilience Rising, a benefit exhibition featuring 50 paintings by Southern artist Douglas Lee Brooks. The show pairs powerful storytelling with purpose, donating 100 percent of proceeds to Sojourner House and its mission to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking across Rhode Island. Read more online.
⭐ Need to get your pet’s rabies shot without the hefty vet bill? Low-cost rabies vaccine clinics hosted by the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association are popping up across the state this March and April, with locations from North Kingstown to Glocester and prices ranging from about $10 to $20. Bring your pet, bring cash, and keep an eye out for the clinic at Animal Rescue Rhode Island in South Kingstown on April 19.
⭐ Looking for an excuse to celebrate a little early this St. Patrick’s Day weekend? The Thirsty Beaver is turning 13 and throwing a party to match, complete with DJ Nova spinning starting at 9pm on Saturday, March 14. Expect a packed dance floor, plenty of green, and the kind of festive energy that makes you forget it’s still technically winter.
⭐Sometimes the biggest impact comes from someone who never wanted the spotlight. A GoFundMe has been launched to support “John,” the anonymous Brown graduate who helped investigators identify the suspect in the Brown University shooting but has remained out of public view. Organized by Providence business owner Chris Hofmann, the effort is a way for the community to say thank you and help him find stable housing..