STRING-DRIVEN Carolina Chocolate Drops. |
You're back from the holiday break and are ready to fill in the social calendar that stretches from here to the end of the semester. Check out these entries and get ready to get busy.
MUSIC
On Saturday, January 29, there are two outstanding benefit shows on tap: AS220 (401.831.9327) presents a truly eclectic gathering featuring nine of Rhody's finest acts for only $9. Catch headliners OLNEYVILLE SOUND SYSTEM (!), ALLYSEN CALLERY, ALEC K. REDFEARN, and more; the dough goes to the Providence Public Library. And Billy Goode's in Newport (401.848.5013) will host the Janes Family Benefit featuring COMA COMA, SIX STAR GENERAL, THE DIEPODS, WE OWN LAND, and special guests, with proceeds devoted to funeral expenses for the father of diePods singer Mark Janes.
It looks like the Met (401.729.1005) has claimed the throne for hip-hop shows since Jerky's went under. On February 2, catch a locally-harvested rap lineup featuring METAPHYSICS, BIG RUSH, SENSE ONE, DJ STERBY ROCK, BOOMBOX SAINTZ, 8TH WUNDAH, and more ($10 at the door).
Attention Salve Regina (and nearby RWU) students looking to work up a sweaty lather on the dance floor: on Saturday, February 5, check out RI's resident Latin-funk-fusion-sexpot crew SANTA MAMBA when they return to the intimate Newport Blues Cafe (401.841.5510). They're guaranteed to defrost your frozen buns. It's 21+ and only $7 at the door.
On Sunday February 6, the celebrated string trio CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS will visit Bryant University's Janikies Theater. Their latest album, Genuine Negro Jig, is up for a Grammy. General admission is $20 ($10 for Smithfield residents and Bryant alumni when purchased in advance), call 401.531.6661.
What better way to warm up for Valentine's Day than a bile-churning massacre on Friday, February 11 at AS220 featuring TINSEL TEETH, I, DESTROYER, PARTY PIGS, and WOOZY, all for only a fin at the door.
Also on February 11, Lupo's (401.331.5876) will host the DIPLOMATS/DIPSET reunion (Cam'ron, Jeulz Santana, and Jim Jones), further proof that cash money can get just about anyone to get together again. This one could be a total disaster (no-show) or the best national rap tour Providence will see this year; tix are $25 in advance
On Saturday, February 12, the Met is the only place to be when esteemed local labels Strange Famous Records and Anchor Brain unleash their respective big guns, teaming SFR wordsmith B.DOLAN and marching band-from-hell WHAT CHEER? BRIGADE. This is one of only four stops on the Church of Love & Ruin Tour, and this collabo should be pretty crazy (as heard on Dolan's "Border Crossing"). It's only $10 in advance.
Local indie label Tor Johnson Records kicks off the WEAK TEETH/ROUT tour at AS220 on Friday, February 18, with Provy thrash/trash rock specialists SHE RIDES co-headlining. Or kick back a few blocks over at the 201 (401.454.4581) with some finely-crafted acoustic blues courtesy of (ex-Kilgore guitarist) BRIAN MCKENZIE with guests JEFF BYRD & DIRTY FINCH.
East Bay trio SIX STAR GENERAL expertly cull from our favorite indie rock bands (Archers of Loaf, Hum, the Minutemen, etc). On Friday, February 25, catch Kyle, Slick, and Dan in action at the Apartment (formerly Jake's) with fellow 75orLess Records reps SUICIDE BILL and electro-rock duo THE INCLINED. Most shows at the Apartment are FREE OF CHARGE (and there's a great brew selection too). No excuses. Do it.
