Inside the Mind of Brian Chippendale: Fort Thunder, Providence & the Power of Local Arts

Share
Inside the Mind of Brian Chippendale: Fort Thunder, Providence & the Power of Local Arts
Copy

Co-founder of the fabled live/work performance space Fort Thunder, Brian Chippendale is a longtime force in the underground art scene in Providence. He’s played around the world as a member of noise rock duo Lightning Bolt and Rolling Stone included him on their list of “100 best drummers of all time”. Chippendale has a lot to say about his adopted hometown of Providence and the value of local arts communities. He spoke recently with Ian Donnis at his work studio in South Providence.

What does the livelihood of the New England fishing industry have to do with the war in Iran? It turns out, quite a lot
Though Mayor Brett Smiley said he plans to veto the Providence Rent Stabilization Act, city councilors appear to be one vote short of a veto-proof supermajority. Councilor John Goncalves, who has not taken a public position on the legislation, is seeking to delay the vote
Mayor Roberto DaSilva points to school investments, new housing projects, and a post-bridge recovery as key to easing costs and reshaping the city’s future
Museum curator Melaine Ferdinand-King says the museum will highlight the cultural and historical contributions of Black Rhode Islanders
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee lauded the bystanders who stopped a mass shooting in Pawtucket and called the team ‘an inspiration for all Rhode Islanders’
A Providence chef and cocktail bar move into the final round of the 2026 James Beard Awards