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 and Executive Producer of Audio Innovation James Baumgartner.
Balliamo Dance Collective
After teaching dance choreography at Brown University, Annamaura Silverblatt wanted to start a different kind of dance company. “I realized that the artistic community was very separated, and I thought if I ever have a company, I’m going to include artists from the community to join my company to promote them and to build an audience. Therefore, collective implies that in my concerts I always feature other artists, musicians, poets, visual artists, and different forms of dance.” The dance concerts this weekend will feature local dance group Buoy Band as well as hip-hop dancer NAN0 accompanied by violinist Big Lux. Balliamo includes formerly professional dancers in their late 50s to early 80s. As Annamaura puts it, “We may not be able to do cartwheels or handstands, but we do everything [else].”
- Where: Westminster Unitarian Church, East Greenwich
- When: Saturday, Jan. 31 & Sunday, Feb. 1, 3:00 p.m.
- Website: balliamodancecollective.org
Community Speakers & Authors
Dr. Keisha N. Blain is a professor of History and Africana Studies at Brown University. She’s talking about her new non-fiction book “Without Fear: Black Women and the Making of Human Rights” which tells the stories of Black women who were at the center of struggles for freedom and human rights both in the U.S. and around the world.
- Where: Colony House, Newport
- When: Thursday, Jan. 28. Reception at 5:00 p.m. Event at 6:00 p.m.
- Website: Newporthistory.org
Dr. Chanda Womack is an organizer, educator, mother, and founding executive director of ARISE, the Alliance for Rhode Island Southeast Asians for Education. Born in a refugee camp in Thailand and raised in Providence, Dr. Womack will share her story and talk about her community-rooted work, followed by a Q&A.
- Where: The Alcove, Providence
- When: Thursday, Jan. 28. 5:30 p.m.
- Website: alcoveri.org
Providence Restaurant Weeks
Nearly 100 different restaurants in the Providence area have deals and specials for lunch and dinner and even prix fixe menus so you can find your new favorite place.
- Where: Multiple locations
- When: Jan. 25 - Feb. 7
- Website: goprovidence.com
Rhode Island Brew Fest
More than 50 breweries from around the region are bringing more than 200 styles of beer to the WaterFire Arts Center.
- WaterFire Arts Center, Providence
- When: Saturday, Jan. 31, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
- Website: ribrewfest.com
