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Welcome to the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture & Tourism
    
  David  N. Cicilline, Mayor City of Providence, Rhode Island

Event   Presented By  &   Description


Facing Artists: Twentieth-Century Portraits from the Collection


Dates: 02/26 - 08/23/2009
RISD Museum


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Facing Artists: Twentieth-Century Portraits from the Collection
Through Sunday, August 23

This exhibition, intended to give context to the Yousuf Karsh photographs in the adjacent gallery, presents portraits of literary, performing, and visual artists by a broad range of 20th-century artists associated with the genre. Portraits are often collaborations between the maker and the sitter, and when they are the collaboration of two artists, the results can be quite exceptional. Works on view include Marlene Dietrich by Cecil Beaton, Stephen Spender by Lucien Freud, Brassai by Pablo Picasso, and Mick Jagger by Andy Warhol.

Museum of Art
Rhode Island School of Design
224 Benefit Street
Providence, RI

        

Yousuf Karsh: Portraits of Artists


Dates: 02/27 - 08/23/2009
RISD Museum


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Yousuf Karsh: Portraits of Artists
Friday, February 27, through Sunday, August 23

This exhibition celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Yousuf Karsh (Canadian, b. Armenia, 1908-2002), one of the most admired portrait photographers of the 20th century. Throughout his long life, he photographed more than 15,000 individuals, among them such notable figures as Sir Winston Churchill and Albert Einstein. Artists and designers were frequent subjects, and some 20 of these portraits are the focus of the exhibition, which includes celebrated images of Georgia O'Keeffe, Pablo Picasso, and Frank Lloyd Wright. The photographs in Portraits of Artists have been promised as gifts to The RISD Museum by Estrillita Karsh, the artist's widow. Complementing Karsh's works is a selection of portraits of artists drawn from the Museum's distinguished print, drawing, and photography collections, on view in the Buonanno Works on Paper Gallery.

        

The Lure of Ink: Japanese Monochrome Prints and Books


Dates: 03/06 - 07/05/2009
RISD Museum


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The Lure of Ink: Japanese Monochrome Prints and Books
Friday, March 6 - Sunday, July 5

The earliest Japanese woodblock-printed books and single-sheet prints were monochromatic. Even after the technique of color woodblock printing had fully developed in the mid-18th century, artists continued to produce one-color works, some of which were dependent on the Japanese painting tradition. This exhibition examines the variety of printed effects that could be achieved in monochrome printmaking, including book illustration.

Museum of Art
Rhode Island School of Design
224 Benefit Street
Providence, RI

        

Rochambeau Chess Club (Adults)


Dates: 03/21 - 10/03/2009
Providence Public Library


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Why should kids have all the fun?

The Rochambeau Branch has added a Chess Club for adults on Saturday afternoons in the downstairs conference room. Bring your own boards and pieces.



Rochambeau Branch, Providence Public Library
Conference Room
708 Hope Street



Admission: Free          Phone: 401-455-8198
Kid's Chess Club


Dates: 03/21 - 01/30/2010
Providence Public Library


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Come join the Kid's Chess Club every Saturday afternoon. The boards and pieces are supplied. Meet kids your own age and level who you can play with. Get pointers from Graham, the resident chess teacher. Casual, drop-in, no registration required.



Rochambeau Branch, Providence Public Library
Children's Room
708 Hope Street



Admission: Free          Phone: 401-455-8198
Art+History


Dates: 03/31 - 10/02/2009
John Nicholas Brown Center


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April 1-October 2, 2009
Opening Reception March 31, 2009
5:30-7:30 PM

Art+History is an exhibition and community programming series about the processes of interpreting history. The John Nicholas Brown Center for Public Humanities and Cultural Heritage has commissioned Carla Herrera-Prats and Jill Slosberg Ackerman to make new artworks influenced by the physical and historical parameters of the Nightingale-Brown House. Built in 1792 and boasting gardens designed by the Olmstead landscape design firm, it was home to five generations of the Brown family and now houses the JNBC. Art+History is a catalyst for conversation about how historical narrative is crafted and a different model for engaging audiences in historical sites and museums through contemporary artwork.

Nightingale-Brown House
357 Benefit St
Providence

        

Marcel Breuer: Design and Architecture


Dates: 04/17 - 07/19/2009
RISD Museum


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Marcel Breuer:
Design and Architecture
Friday, April 17 - Sunday, July 19

Marcel Breuer: Design and Architecture is the first exhibition to treat all facets of Marcel Breuer's work with equal weight, from the highly innovative furniture he produced as both a student and teacher at the famed Bauhaus, to the modest houses he created after moving to the United States, to the large-scale buildings he designed for major cities. Models, drawings, floorplans, photographs, video projections, and interactive computer terminals shed light on his long and varied architectural career in this exhibition, developed by the Vitra Design Museum in Germany.

Complementing this exhibition we have designed a number of programs, including a Bauhaus-inspired opening party on April 15, an April 30 lecture by Diane Lewis, and an April 16 Gallery Talk by our Assistant Director James Brayton Hall.

Museum of Art
Rhode Island School of Design
224 Benefit Street
Providence, RI

        

Shih Chieh Huang at the RISD Museum


Dates: 05/06 - 10/18/2009
RISD Museum of Art


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Shih Chieh Huang | Connected: Eject before disconnecting
March 6-October 18, 2009

Shih Chieh Huang (Taiwanese, b. 1975) describes his work as an "interchanging process between people and space." The artist's low-tech installations incorporate everyday objects, such as electronic appliances, toys, plastic bags and containers, combined with air, water, light, cables, motion sensors, computer parts and video footage. Because of their numerous kinetic elements, Huang's colorful and playful environments are constantly in flux, with elegant and strange results.

RISD Museum of Art
224 Benefit St.
Providence, RI

        

Flutterby


Dates: 05/21 - 09/07/2009
Roger Williams Park Zoo


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May 9 - September 7, 2009
Daily, 9:30am - 4pm
$3 adults, $2 children ages 3-12
(in a addition to regular Zoo admission)

Come walk a winding garden path and enjoy an enchanting experience among hundreds of nature's most amazing winged wonders- butterflies in bloom.



Roger Williams Park Zoo
1000 Elmwood Avenue


Providence, RI
401-785-3510

        

Market Bazaar Monday


Dates: 05/26 - 10/30/2009
Greater Kennedy Plaza


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The Market Bazaar Monday
takes place each Monday from 11am- 5pm on the sidewalk along the Washington Street side of Burnside Park. Food, antiques, books, records, arts, merchandise and fun! We encourage vendors of all kinds to present their wares in a lively, urban setting

Monday: Providence Roller Derby practice in Bank of Amerika City Center
7- 10pm

Admission: Free and open to the public   Contact: Deb Dormody        Phone: 401.331.5544 ext. 5
Public Square Tuesday


Dates: 05/26 - 10/30/2009
Greater Kennedy Plaza


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Public Square Tuesday
takes place each Tuesday from 11:30am -1:30pm on the sidewalk along the Washington Street side of Burnside Park. Featuring performances by local community groups. We encourage non-profits of all kinds to present their missions with an interactive approach in a fun setting.

Tuesday: Providence Roller Derby practice in Bank of America City Center

Admission: Free and open to the public   Contact: Deb Dormody        Phone: 401.331.5544 ext. 5
Fun and Fit Thursdays


Dates: 05/28 - 10/30/2009
Greater Kennedy Plaza


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Fun and Fit Thursdays
Get outside for fun, free exercise classes in Burnside Park hosted by Boston Sports Clubs. From Yoga and Cardio to Power Walking and Boot Camp, a variety of classes will get you excited to be outside and active. Check out the website for this week's class

Thursday: Skateboarding at the Bank of America City Center $5

Admission: Free and open to the public   Contact: Deb Dormody        Phone: 401.331.5544 ext. 5
Noon Tunes Wednesday


Dates: 06/03 - 10/30/2009
Greater Kennedy Plaza


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Noon Tunes Wednesday
takes place every Wednesday from 12:15- 1:15pm. Grab your lunch and check out a variety of musical genres from jazz and highlife to Celtic and folk. Free! By the fountain at Burnside Park. Check the website for this week's performer!

Wednesday: PRD practice in Bank of Amerika City Center

Admission: Free and open to the public   Contact: Deb Dormody        Phone: 401.331.5544 ext. 5
Movies on the Block


Dates: 06/04 - 09/24/2009



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Movies on the Block
Providence Summer 2009

June
6/4 - Cinderella Man
6/8 - Pirates of the Caribbean
6/18 - The Sting
6/25 - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

July
7/2 - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
7/9 - Walk the Line
7/16 - Ferris Bueller's Day Off
7/23 - North by Northwest
7/30 - The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

August
8/6 - History of the World Part 1
8/13 - Jaws 3D
8/20 - For Your Eyes Only
8/27 -Rainman

September
9/3 - Wayne's World
9/10 - Cannonball Run
9/17 - The Graduate
9/24 - Sixteen Candles

At the corner of Westminster St. and Union St.
Every Thursday at dusk
Free to the public.

        

Burnside Park Music Series Thursdays


Dates: 06/04 - 10/30/2009
Greater Kennedy Plaza


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Burnside Park Music Series Thursdays
Wind down after work with bands and DJs from all over New England before you head to dinner and outdoor movies! Plus - beer garden hosted by Trinity Brewhouse!


Admission: Free and open to the public   Contact: Deb Dormody        Phone: 401.331.5544 ext. 5
Menopause the Musical


Dates: 06/05 - 08/02/2009
Trinity Repertory Company


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Menopause the Musical
June 5 through August 2, 2009

A special engagement at The Lederer Theater Center, home of Trinity Rep

Set in a department store, where four women with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra meet by chance, the musical pokes fun at things such as hot flashes, memory loss, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and eating binges.

Menopause The Musical® is a 90-minute production which includes 25 re-lyricized tunes from the ‘60s and ‘70s and culminates with a salute to women who are experiencing The Change. Come see what nearly 11 million fans all over the world are laughing about!

Single tickets are priced at $45 and can be purchased by calling 401-351-4242, visiting the Trinity Rep box office at 201 Washington St. in Providence, or online.

        

Farmers' Market Fridays


Dates: 06/12 - 10/30/2009
Greater Kennedy Plaza


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Farmers' Market Fridays

Farmers' markets are one of the easiest places to find the tasty harvests of Rhode Island farms. Shop for tasty harvests from Rhode Island farms here on the sidewalk along Burnside Park every Friday from 11am- 2pm. Brought to you by Farm Fresh RI. Plus, every dollar paid directly to a local grower is a dollar reinvested into Rhode Island communities.


Admission: Free and open to the public   Contact: Deb Dormody        Phone: 401.331.5544 ext. 5
Rhode Island Historical Society “Concert under the Elms” 2009 Summer Series


Dates: 06/25 - 08/06/2009
Rhode Island Historical Society


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This summer, beginning June 25th at 6:30 pm, the Rhode Island Historical Society will kick-off its “Concerts under the Elms” outdoor summer concert series with the patriotic music and “pop” repertoire by The American Band.
We are delighted to welcome back the Duke Robillard Band, performing classic blues, R&B, and swing. Pendragon returns with Celtic-inspired music and Magnolia with the lively sounds of Cajun music. We are also featuring two well-renowned jazz artists; The Carlos de Leon Latin Jazz Band and the Greg Abate Jazz Quartet.

Concerts are held Thursday evenings through August 6th on the sweeping lawn of the Society’s historical John Brown House in Providence, located on Benefit Street between Power and Charlesfield Streets. Shaded by a canopy of elms – the John Brown House’s broad lawn is a delightful venue for a summer evening’s entertainment. Adult admission is $8.00 per person, with Rhode Island Historical Society members and children under twelve entering free. Concert goers can enjoy their own picnic, or purchase food and beverages on site.

Please be advised that in the event of inclement weather, decisions regarding concert cancellations will be made at mid-day on the day of the concert. For more information about the concert series, please check the Rhode Island Historical Society’s website at www.rihs.org, or call 401-331-8575 ext. 33.

June 25 The American Band

July 2 Rain date for American Band

July 9 Duke Robillard Band

July 16 Pendragon

July 23 Magnolia

July 30 The Carlos de Leon Latin Jazz Band

August 6 Greg Abate Jazz Quartet

On the Lawn of the John Brown House Museum
52 Power Street,
Providence, RI

Our 2009 season sponsors are Presenting Sponsor Capital Properties, Inc., Lite Fare & Beverage Sponsor Eastside Marketplace, Bank of America, Brown University, Coldmasters, Esten & Richard Insurance, Hinckley Allen & Snyder LLP, Joukowsky Family Foundation, Mandel & Tracy, LLC, Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP, Pratt Radiation Oncology Associates, Santoro Oil Company, Inc., The Washington Trust Company, Wealth Management, Dr. and Mrs. George Goodwin, and Dr. Russell and Mrs. Carla Ricci.


Admission: Adults: $8
RIHS members and children under 12 entering for free
  Contact: Mary Lou Upham        Phone: 401-331-8575 ext. 33
Echo of the Dreamer Jewelry show


Dates: 07/01 - 07/15/2009
OOP!


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Echo of the Dreamer Jewelry show July 1-15 at the Westminster store

Echo of the Dreamer Jewelry is inspired by the cultures of the world, with pieces reflecting a celebration of nature and the elements. The jewelry is unique and contemporary, incorporating a variety of stunning natural gems, pearls and other treasures of the earth. www.echoofthedreamer.com

Admission: Free and open to the public   Contact: Jennifer Neuguth        Phone: 401.397.5036
Cirque du Soleil Alegría


Dates: 07/02 - 07/05/2009
Dunkin’ Donuts Center


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PROVIDENCE SLATED AS FIRST U.S. CITY FOR CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S NEW ARENA TOUR ALEGRÍA

Cirque du Soleil is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2009. From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque is now a major Quebec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has more than 4,000 employees from over 40 different countries, including 1,000 performing artists.
Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to almost 90 million spectators in over 200 cities on five continents. In 2009, Cirque du Soleil will present 20 shows simultaneously throughout the world. The company has received such prestigious awards as the Emmy, Drama Desk, Bambi, ACE, Gémeaux, Félix and the Rose d’Or de Montreux. Cirque du Soleil’s International Headquarters are in Montreal, Canada.

Alegría in Providence, RI
Performances July 2 to 5, 2009 At Dunkin Donuts Center
PERFORMANCE TIMES
Thursday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 5 at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

TICKET PRICES
Adults from $40 to $95 Children (12 and under)from $32 to $76
Tickets for Providence can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000.
For more information please go to http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/alegria.

        
Gallery at City Hall


Dates: 07/03 - 07/31/2009



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The Gallery at Providence City Hall is featuring an exhibit by Maestro Balam. The hours for the Gallery are 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.!

Maestro combines the ancient with the modern in an artistic and technological exploration of mythology.This new combination of materials has allowed for innovative exploration and expression of her fascination with mythology. Patrons can now interact with my creations and become part of the creative process as Maestro combines virtual reality with human reality. The process of merging the old mythological stories and images with new technological capacities encourages us to preserve the older beauty and wisdom of our origins while developing its expression within our modern experience.

The Opening is July, 21st from 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.



Admission: Free and open to the public         
Providence Sound Session 2009


Dates: 07/05 - 07/11/2009
Providence Sound Session


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Providence Sound Session 2009
July 5 - 11

New England's most exciting music festival is almost upon us! Stay tuned for web site updates, new additions and a full line-up all coming very soon! Visit www.providencesoundsession.com for more information.

Over 30 Venues
Downtown Providence
Prices Vary By Event

        

Gospel Brunch


Dates: 07/05 - 07/05/2009
Providence Sound Session '09


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WBRU's 360 EXPERIENCE IN SOUND hosts the kick off to SOUND SESSION '09
GOSPEL BRUNCH
Sunday, July 5, 2009
The Providence Black Repertory Company
276 Westminster Street
Downcity Providence

$25 per Person
Seating is limited
Seatings @ 10.30 AM or 2.00 PM

Enjoy a concert presentation by The RPM Voices of Rhode Island representing the diversity of Rhode Island Voices

Traditional Soul Food Brunch Buffet provided by FOOD FOR THE SOUL
For tickets and information check out: www.rpmvoices.com

Admission: $25          Phone: 401-351 0353 ext.104
Great Speeches


Dates: 07/08 - 07/29/2009
Hamilton House


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Hamilton House is conducting a four-week session on Wednesdays at 10:30 AM to discuss the following speeches:
"Give me Liberty or Give me Death" by Patrick Henry on July 8, 2009,
"We Shall Fight on the Beaches" by Winston Churchill, on July 15, 2009,
" A Tryst with Destiny" by Jawahar Nehru, on July 22, 2009 and
"I Have a Dream" by Martin Luther King on July 29, 2009.
Neel Odedara a recent Brown University graduate with a major in International Relations moderates the discussion group.

Hamilton House
276 Angell Street,
Providence, RI 02906
401-831-1800

http://www.historichamilton.com

Admission: Free and open to the public   Contact: Beth Stamm        Phone: 401 421-9219
Family Snore and Roars


Dates: 07/11 - 08/08/2009
Roger Willliams Park Zoo


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Family Snore and Roars
(ages 7 - adult)

Back by popular demand, our two summer Family Snore and Roars offer two unique overnight experiences. Sign up for just one or join us for both! Fee includes a night hike, activities, a make-your-own ice cream sundae, animal encounters and a light breakfast.

AMAZING ANIMALS, SUPER SENSES
Some see in the dark. Others will smell you from miles away. You may even be detected by your body heat alone. Animal senses rival those of comic book superheroes. Join us for a night of discovering amazing animals with super senses!

Date: July 11, 2009
Code: 01

MOVERS AND SHAKERS
They slither, they soar, they scoot and they scuttle. Animals move in many different ways. Find out how and why in a night at the zoo you're sure to remember.

Date: August 8, 2009
Code: 02

Time: 7:00pm - 9:00am
Members: $80 per parent/child pair; $40 per additional participant
Non-members: $980 per parent/child pair; $45 per additional participant
Note: There must be at least a 1:3 parent: child ratio.

For more information, call Jen at (401) 785-3510 ext. 352 or e-mail at jkarow@rwpzoo.org.

        

Rhode Island’s World of Flavors Competition


Dates: 07/12 - 07/12/2009



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QuickWhatsUp.com is proud to launch a multicultural culinary competition in Providence, Rhode Island. The World of Flavors Competition will showcase a broad cross-section of Rhode Island restaurants as they compete for the top prize in their world region: Americana, South of the Border, European and Asian. Dozens of restaurants from the state will sample their food for up to 1,000 voters who will pick the winner in each category. The event, hosted by Shawn Tempesta of Fox Providence’s Rhode Show and featuring music by Spogga, will kick off Providence Restaurant Weeks.

Providence Skating Center
2 Kennedy Plaza
Providence
RI 02903

http://www.riworldofflavors.com

Admission: Tickets: $50          Phone: 401.226.7987
Hamilton House Gallery


Dates: 07/13 - 08/31/2009
Hamilton House


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Pastels and Oil Paintings by local artist, John Riedel
Still life and Landscapes
Monday through Friday
9:00am – 4:00pm

Hamilton House
276 Angell Street,
Providence,RI 02906
401-831-1800
http://www.historichamilton.com/

Admission: Free and open to the public   Contact: Mary Beth Stamm        Phone: 401 421-9219
Gallery Night with Printmaker Mary Harmen


Dates: 07/16 - 07/16/2009
OOP!


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Gallery Night with Printmaker Mary Harmen July 16th at the Westminster store

Mary creates Prints called rants to laugh, cry, love more, wonder and feel alive and rooted. Unbearable losses in her 20’s launched years of wandering.Too much school, travel, moving and more led me to simple truths: don’t run from those you love, or from what is your life! Mary's studio and home in South Dartmouth, MA is near the wondrous light and fog of Padanaram harbor. It is filled with the loving energy of her husband Matt and her two dogs Lainie and Clark.

Admission: Free and open to the public   Contact: Jennifer Neuguth        Phone: 401.397.5036
Circus Smirkus


Dates: 07/21 - 07/22/2009
OOP!


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Circus Smirkus

Meadowbrook Waldorf School presents two days of exciting family entertainment when Circus Smirkus, Vermont’s award-winning, international youth circus rolls into town Tuesday, July 21st and Wednesday, July 22nd with shows at 2pm and 7pm daily at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Richmond, Rhode Island.
This year, Circus Smirkus turns the pages on Aesop and the Brothers Grimm, bringing fractured fables and treasured tales to life, circus-style. The 2009 Big Top Tour continues the tradition of theme-based shows with a Circus Ever After: A Big Top Fairytale!

Tickets are $15 for children 2-12yrs (under 2 yrs- free) and $19 for adults. Tickets are available June 22 at Lickety Splits, 1922 Kingstown Rd. in South Kingston, Rhode Island. (cash or checks only please) and at the gate starting one hour before show time, or by phone.

For more information, call [1-877-SMIRKUS] or visit www.smirkus.org. Organized and co-Sponsored by OOP!
Circus Smirkus at Washington County Fairgrounds 7/21 and 7/22 www.smirkus.org

Admission: $15 for children 2-12yrs (under 2 yrs- free) and $19 for adults   Contact: Jennifer Neuguth        Phone: 401.397.5036