Art as protest, Black Violin, Ally the Piper, and more | Weekend 401: What’s happening in Rhode Island

Heavy metal on bagpipes, art as activism and hip-hop strings? Yes, please.

Wil Baptise and Kev Marcus of Black Violin.
Wil Baptise and Kev Marcus of Black Violin.
Mark Clennon
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Wil Baptise and Kev Marcus of Black Violin.
Wil Baptise and Kev Marcus of Black Violin.
Mark Clennon
Art as protest, Black Violin, Ally the Piper, and more | Weekend 401: What’s happening in Rhode Island
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Looking for some tips on what to do this weekend and beyond? We’ve got you covered. Here are a few recommendations from Ocean State Media afternoon host Mareva Lindo.

Provided

Bagpipes like you’ve never heard them: Ally the Piper

Maybe you’ve seen her viral TikTok videos. Maybe you heard her on Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! If you haven’t: You’re in for a night of classic rock and heavy metal covers on the Scottish bagpipes. Surprisingly fitting!

  • Where: Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River

Art as protest in the Trump era: ‘When in the Course of Human Events…’

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the U.S., this national juried exhibition features a wide range of visual art that reflects on the personal, political, and cultural moments that shape our collective story as a country – from painting to printmaking to photography, and beyond. There’s work from 65 artists from across the U.S., with a spotlight on Rhode Island artist Susan Hardy-Twaddell. The exhibit will be on view for several weeks, but Sunday’s opening reception is your opportunity to meet some of the artists.

Classical meets hip-hop: Black Violin

Wil Baptise and Kev Marcus of Black Violin.
Wil Baptise and Kev Marcus of Black Violin.
Mark Clennon

This Grammy-nominated violin duo challenges expectations of what defines classical and hip-hop music. The two high school friends, Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus, have been bringing their music to thousands of BIPOC youth for years, through their Black Violin Foundation. We talked with the group back in 2024.

Lunch & Learn: The Revolutionary Resistance in the Stealing of America

This is part of the Tomaquag Museum’s Lunch & Learn Series, on the theme of “Revolution: Asserting Sovereignty” in recognition of the United States’ Semiquincentennial. It’s a free virtual presentation on Indigenous history and culture, this time featuring Linford D. Fisher, who will talk about this upcoming book “Stealing America: The Hidden Story of Indigenous Slavery in the US.”

A Celebration of Lunar New Year & Women’s History Month: ‘The Spirit of the Place and the People’

"Old & Rusty Tricycle" by Hongbing Tang
“Old & Rusty Tricycle” by Hongbing Tang

An exhibit of paintings by Chinese-born artist Hongbing Tang, a teaching professor of landscape architecture at URI. She describes her watercolors as acts of remembrance, attempting to preserve cherished memories, scenes and loved ones,

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Start your morning on a lucky note with these simple, wholesome pancakes. Made with blended oats and a few everyday ingredients, they cook up fluffy, golden, and perfect for piling high with your favorite toppings
This Green Goddess dip is bright, creamy, and packed with fresh herbs. Blended with avocado and tofu for a smooth, satisfying texture, it’s a flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with crunchy veggies, crackers, or even as a drizzle for salads and grain bowls
This build-your-own grain bowl is all about mixing and matching what you have on hand. With wholesome grains, colorful veggies, and your choice of protein and toppings, it’s an easy way to create a fresh, nourishing meal any day of the week
Mango sticky rice is a simple dessert that feels like pure sunshine in a bowl. Sweet coconut-infused rice paired with fresh, juicy mango creates a creamy, tropical treat that’s both comforting and refreshing
Simple ingredients, big flavor. These Tuna Tomato Melts layer creamy tuna salad and melty cheese onto toasted bread, finished with fresh tomato for a bright, satisfying bite