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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Judge Patti Saris ruled in favor of a coalition of state attorneys general from 17 states and Washington, D.C. that challenged Trump’s Day One order that paused leasing and permitting for wind energy projects
Free programs across nine library branches bring holiday fun, hands-on crafts and thoughtful conversations — including a gingerbread house build-off, winter workshops and discussions on menopause and media
This cabbage roll soup has all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls — tender cabbage, hearty turkey, warm spices, and rich tomato broth — but without the fuss. It’s a one-pot, simmer-until-cozy kind of meal that makes the whole kitchen smell incredible.
This sweet potato casserole is classic comfort made wonderfully simple. With pantry staples and just a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a creamy, cinnamon-spiced dish that bakes up beautifully and fills the kitchen with the smell of maple and vanilla. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Meet the quesadilla you didn’t know you needed: turkey, cheese, and bright cranberries folded into a warm tortilla and cooked until perfectly crisp. It’s a cozy, kid-friendly recipe that feels both comforting and unexpected.
Meet your new brunch hero: a sweet-and-savory plantain breakfast hash topped with fresh chimichurri. It’s easy to make, packed with bold flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping a few breakfasts ahead of time.