Weekend 401: A magical on-stage adventure, local music, curating a healthy news diet, and more

“La Cuesta Mágica” at Teatro ECAS, the Bristol Christmas Festival, and a conversation about news media in the misinformation age. Plus: Concerts by Ocean State Media favorites Nova One, Hawk in the Nest, Jake Blount, and the Vox Hunters

A still from “Chlorine,” the latest video by local dream-pop band Nova One, performing on Saturday at the Providence City Hall tree lighting.
A still from “Chlorine,” the latest video by local dream-pop band Nova One, performing on Saturday at the Providence City Hall tree lighting.
Nova One
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A still from “Chlorine,” the latest video by local dream-pop band Nova One, performing on Saturday at the Providence City Hall tree lighting.
A still from “Chlorine,” the latest video by local dream-pop band Nova One, performing on Saturday at the Providence City Hall tree lighting.
Nova One
Weekend 401: A magical on-stage adventure, local music, curating a healthy news diet, and more
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Looking for some tips on what to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered. Here are a few recommendations from Ocean State Media afternoon host Mareva Lindo and producer James Baumgartner.

‘La Cuesta Mágica’ at Teatro ECAS in Providence, Dec. 5-6

“La Cuesta Mágica,” or “the magic hill,” is a Spanish-language play about five lost little brothers – named Flan, Flen, Flin, Flon, and Flun – who go on an adventure looking for toys to share with all the children of the world. Along the way, they encounter the Three Wise Men, Santa Claus, and La Vieja Belén – a legendary figure from the Dominican Republic.

More information.

Nova One at Providence City Hall, Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Local dream-pop band Nova One is performing at the city’s annual tree lighting ceremony in downtown Providence on Saturday. You might remember bandleader Roz Raskin from an Artscape studio session. Nova One is out with a new song and video called “Chlorine.” The event is one of many things happening over the next few days as part of the PVD Holiday Fest.

More information.

Bristol Christmas Festival at Unity Park, Dec. 6-7

There’s live music, food trucks, a festive outdoor market with holiday gifts, and a tree lighting at 5 p.m. at the Burnside Building on Hope Street.

Full details.

Hawk in The Nest, Jake Blount & The Vox Hunters at Myrtle in East Providence, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.

Sunday at Myrtle, a stellar folk music lineup includes Jake Blount, an award-winning interpreter of Black folk music.
Sunday at Myrtle, a stellar folk music lineup includes Jake Blount, an award-winning interpreter of Black folk music.
Jake Blount

This free show features a stellar lineup of local folk acts. Hawk in the Nest is a project by singer-songwriter Avi Jacob, blending folk, Americana and R&B. Jake Blount is an award-winning interpreter of Black folk music. And The Vox Hunters are known for their lush harmonies and traditional tunes. The event is a fundraiser for the Swell Folk Festival, a new music festival coming in the fall of 2026. And all three artists have been featured in studio sessions on past programs of ours, Artscape and Ocean State Sessions, over the past couple of years.

More details.

Local writer Phil Eil talks about ‘News Media in the Misinformation Age’ at the Blackstone Valley Visitors’ Center in Pawtucket, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Staying informed on local and national events can be overwhelming. On Wednesday, Providence-based journalist Phil Eil will host a conversation about how we arrived at our current chaotic news landscape – and how you can maintain a healthy news diet.

Learn more.

From Warren’s town-wide celebration to artisan markets in Providence, Pawtucket and beyond, here’s where to shop, stroll, sip and support local this holiday season

Got an event you think we should know about? Share it with us.

Prepare for 1-2 feet of snow, low visibility and wind gusts up to 60 mph from Sunday into Tuesday
Trying to make sense of another senseless act, this time in Pawtucket
The suspected shooter worked at a shipyard in Bath, Maine, but often traveled to Rhode Island
Michael Black describes lunging at the gunman inside Pawtucket’s Dennis M. Lynch Arena, helping jam the weapon and subdue the shooter as other bystanders rushed in — actions police say “undoubtedly prevented further injury” in a tragedy that left three dead and three critically wounded
At Trinity Repertory Company, two women at life’s crossroads — played by Kortney Adams and Jackie Davis — discover connection, identity and unexpected spark in a sharply observed two-hander directed by Curt Columbus
Heavy metal on bagpipes, art as activism and hip-hop strings? Yes, please.