Encore: The Must-See Performances and Shows in Rhode Island This Season
Pull up your calendar: You won't want to miss these visual and performing arts shows.
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January
January 4 thru Feb. 19
Artists’ Exchange Winter Art Classes
Cozy up and learn a new hobby this winter! Art classes in ceramics, stop motion animation, quilting, painting, photography and much more. Sign up for seven weeks, in person or virtual, one-time workshops, or take home art kits, each designed to suit every learner’s comfort level.
All ages welcome. 4 p.m. Artists’ Exchange, Cranston, artists-exchange.org
January 7
Jill Sobule
Jill Sobule’s recording career began in 1990 with the album Things Here Are Different (MCA), produced by Todd Rundgren. Radio took notice thanks to the single “Too Cool to Fall In Love.” Her 1995 self-titled album (Atlantic) brought her mainstream commercial and critical success with two hit singles: the satirical gem “Supermodel” from the movie Clueless and “I Kissed a Girl” (the original), the first ever openly Queer-themed Billboard Top 20 record. 8 p.m.
Greenwich Odeum, East Greenwich, greenwichodeum.com
January 13 thru Feb. 12
Tiny Beautiful Things
A celebration of the simple beauty of being human, this funny, deeply touching and uplifting play is an exploration of resilience, based on Cheryl Strayed’s journey as the beloved anonymous advice columnist for “Dear Sugar.” 7:30 p.m.
Dowling Theater at Trinity Rep, Providence, trinityrep.com/beautiful
January 27 thru Feb. 20
An Octoroon (By Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, directed by Joe Wilson, Jr.)
From the author of Gloria (Gamm 2018) and Appropriate, this raucous, irreverent retelling of a hit nineteenth-century melodrama is “this decade’s most eloquent statement on race in America today” (New York Times). See website times.
The Gamm Theatre, Warwick, gammtheatre.org
January 28
The Greatest Love of All — A Tribute to Whitney Houston
This critically acclaimed concert honors Whitney Houston with the breath-taking vocals of Belinda Davids accompanied by a six-piece band and dancers. Journey through Whitney’s greatest hits including: “I Will Always Love You,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” “I Have Nothing,” “I’m Every Woman” and more. 8 p.m.
Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Centre and Conservatory, Woonsocket, stadiumtheatre.com
February
February 3
In the Spirit: A Concert of Traditional Spirituals
Performance by Dr. Frank Ward, Jr. (baritone) and Melody Ruffin Ward (dancer). 7:30 p.m.
URI Feinstein Providence Campus first and second floor lobby gallery, Providence, uri.edu/ceps/prov/arts
February 5
Todd Barry
He’s appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Conan” and “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” and his acting credits include the Wrestler, Road Trip, “Flight of the Concords,” “Chappelle’s Show,” “Spin City” and “Sex and the City.” 8 p.m.
Greenwich Odeum, East Greenwich, greenwichodeum.com
February 24 thru March 27
August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean
A masterpiece from the legendary play-wright. Set in 1904 Pittsburgh where slavery was still living memory, Gem of the Ocean offers a searing and mystical exploration of freedom, justice, and reclamation. Racked with secret guilt, a desperate Citizen Barlow seeks refuge at the home of ancient Aunt Ester. 7:30 p.m.
Chace Theater at Trinity Rep, Providence, trinityrep.com/gem
March
March 1–31
“Women’s Artists Speaking Their Truth”
A group exhibit featuring area female artists sharing their views and inspirations in all media. The Gallery Night reception will take place on March 17 from 5 to 9 p.m.
URI Feinstein Providence Campus first and second floor lobby gallery, Providence, uri.edu/ceps/prov/arts
March 6
Music of Scotland with Talisk
One of Scotland’s most popular folk-based groups to emerge in the last decade, chart-toppers Talisk have toured the world stacking up major awards for their explosively energetic yet artfully woven sound, including Folk Band of the Year at the BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards, and a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award. 7 p.m.
Blackstone River Theatre, Cumberland, riverfolk.org
March 6
Winter Concert
The Narragansett Bay Symphony Community Orchestra presents its annual South County concert at St. Peter’s-by-the-Sea. The program includes Beethoven Coriolan Overture, Boulanger D’un soir triste and D’un matin de printemps and Brahms Double Concerto. 3 p.m.
St. Peter’s-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Narragansett, nabsco.org
March 17 thru April 3
AntigonX by SheyRivera Ríos
A magical realism project, AntigonX explores themes of latinidad and gender in the classic play by Sophocles about power, morality and fate. 7:30 p.m.
The Wilbury Theatre Group at the WaterFire Arts Center, Providence, thewilburygroup.org
March 17 thru Apr. 10
Ironbound (by Martyna Majok, directed by Rachel Walshe)
Over twenty-two years and three relationships, Polish immigrant Darja negotiates her future with men who can offer her love or security, but never both. A darkly funny, heartbreaking portrait of a tough woman for whom love is a luxury and a liability — and survival is the only measure of success. See website for times.
The Gamm Theatre, Warwick, gammtheatre.org
March 24
Frission Ensemble
Hailing from New York City, Frisson features the best and brightest of classical music’s rising stars. The ensemble showcases a myriad of rarely performed masterworks, and the group expands and contracts into a variety of ensembles, including quintets, sextets, nonets, and a small chamber orchestra. 7:30 p.m.
McVinney Auditorium, Providence, ricmc.org
March 26
Dennis DeYoung: The Grand Illusion 40th Anniversary Album Tour
In 1977, history was made upon the release of the Grand Illusion album. Dennis DeYoung celebrates that history by performing the album in its entirety, plus top hits like “Lady,” “Babe,” “Come Sail Away,” “Too Much Time on My Hands,” “Best of Times,” “Mr. Roboto” and many more. 8 p.m.
Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Centre and Conservatory, Woonsocket, stadiumtheatre.com
April
April 2
Music from Sweden with Jaerv
Jaerv is a Swedish quintet playing an extroverted, vigorous and heartfelt folk music with influences from both jazz and pop music. Rooted in several different musical traditions, Jaerv offers a varied concert where five-voiced songs blend in with energetic instrumental dance tunes and free improvisations. 8 p.m.
Blackstone River Theatre, Cumberland, riverfolk.org
April 7 thru May 8
Sueño
A humorous and haunting metaphysical story peppered with intentional anachronisms, Sueño is a contemporary reimagining of Life is a Dream, considered one of the jewels of the Spanish Golden Age. 7:30 p.m.
Dowling Theater at Trinity Rep, Providence, trinityrep.com/sueno
April 8
Tommy Emmanuel
Anytime you talk to any of Tommy Emmanuel’s fans, whether musicians or civilians, invariably they will speak of not one but two qualities that define his greatness. The first, predictably, is his extraordinary guitar playing. 8 p.m.
Greenwich Odeum, East Greenwich, greenwichodeum.com
April 9
Artists’ Exchange’s Spring Open House
Come find out what Artists’ Exchange is all about. Meet the teachers, enjoy free crafts, demonstrations, and have your hand in a community art installation. Take advantage of the final day for early bird Summer Camp pricing or bring a friend for bogo discounts on Spring classes. 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Artists’ Exchange, Cranston, artists-exchange.org
April 10
Chamber Music Recital
Each year, members of the Narragansett Bay Symphony showcase their talents in a variety of small-ensemble performances. 3 p.m.
St. Columba’s Chapel, Middletown, nabsco.org
