So Jonathan knows Vo Dilun and proves it with some classic images from 20 to 30 years ago. Vinny Paz, Susan Farmer, Ed DiPrete and, shockingly, your superior correspondents are among the subject matter for J. Stevens, artiste. You should definitely make a date to go to Little Falls, catch the photographs and, not coincidentally, have a cup of coffee or tea with a muffin or bagel. Little Falls is a Pawtuxet institution and one of the friendliest, most comfortable hangouts in the Village — it's in the Cranston part, right in the middle of the Village, across the street from the gas station on Broad Street.
SO LONG, JEN
Our good pal (and frequent Phoenix contributor) Mary Ann Sorrentino tells us there's a big benefit being planned for October 22, a sendoff for Brown University political science professor Jen Lawless, who is leaving town to take over as the new director of the Women & Politics Institute in Washington, DC.
Ms. Lawless, who was the co-author (with Richard L. Fox) of the book It Takes a Candidate: Why Women Don't Run for Office, proved that her passion for the subject of women in politics was not just theoretical when she challenged incumbent US Representative James Langevin for the 2nd District seat in 2006 in a spirited campaign. The event will be benefit the Women's Fund of Rhode Island. We'll let you know more about the bash, which is still in the planning stages (we believe that it will be at the Radisson, but that is not yet confirmed), in a few weeks.
P&J have been asked to say a few words, so we're suggesting that this might be one of those events where one can expect the unexpected. Your superior correspondents are not exactly people you put on the program if you're trying to "play it safe." So, progressives and supporters of more women in elected offices everywhere (and P&J fit both categories), keep October 22 in mind. Jen Lawless stepped up to the plate when all odds were against her, thereby qualifying as a Vo Dilun hero. She deserves our appreciation.
EXCITEMENT BUILDING IN THE BUCKET
We know that Mayor Doyle hates it when we call the great city of Pawtucket "The Bucket," but we say, "Mayor, embrace the Bucket." It is said with real affection and appreciation for the creative juggernaut that Pawtucket has become. The annual Pawtucket Arts Festival, now in its 11th year, is exhibit A in showcasing the transformation of the city.
While the festival doesn't actually kick off until August, the pre-festival event is on Tuesday, July 21, at McCoy Stadium, sponsored by the greatest organization in professional baseball, the Pawtucket Red Sox. The PawSox are bringing back Bob Dylan, this time with John Mellencamp and Willie Nelson in tow. We don't have to tell you what anyone who cares about the American music of the last half-century knows — the chance to see these three iconic performers in Pawtucket is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and you should be there. Jorge is still kicking himself for missing Bob Dylan at the Rhode Island Auditorium in 1965 so, you know, he's planning to be there.
Send duct tape and Pulitzer-grade tips to p&j@phx.com.
