Category

entertainment

What’s Happening: Winters in Rhode Island

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The Winter season is in full swing here in Rhode Island! Check out these fun activities you can experience with family or friends.

Yawgoo Valley Ski Area and Water Park

Address: 160 Yawgoo Valley Rd, Exeter, RI 02822
Phone: (401) 294-3802
Appointments: yawgoo.com
Number of trails: 12

Spend your day at Rhode Island’s only skiing resort! Yawgoo provides adventurous winter sports and activities. Shred the hills of the ski and snowboard area, or slide down the slopes of the tubing park.

Festive Igloo Pop-Up

Address: 1 Goat Island, Newport, RI 02840, Newport County
October 29, 2021 – March 31, 2022

Cozy up in the heated igloos of The Lounge & Firepit Deck at Gurney’s Newport Resort. Enjoy a delicate meal with up to four people per igloo. When you are done, mosey over to their rink for ice skating fun!

Book a reservation: https://bit.ly/35MisrH

RISD Museum

Address: 20 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 454-6500

Bring out your creativity at the RISD Museum! Explore the exquisite exhibitions and collections, or attend our events to show off your inner artists.

Purchase your tickets: https://risdmuseum.org/

The Providence Rink

It’s ice skating season! Skate the day away with family and friends at The Providence Rink. Ice Bumper Cars are also available for some high-speed group fun!

Address: 2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 680-7390
Appointments: theprovidencerink.com

Don’t Miss These Upcoming Rhode Island Family Events!

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Keep busy this winter season with events you and your family will not want to miss out on!

Providence Bruins

There’s nothing like the excitement of a Providence Bruin’s hockey game! The team is playing through the end of April with special fan event nights throughout.

Get your tickets quick! https://www.providencebruins.com/games

Providence Children’s Film Festival

Join your family from February 18th through the 27th for the 13th Annual Providence Children’s Film Festival. Whether the event will be in person is still being determined, but all programming will be fully available via their online portal.

For full information and updates, visit https://providencechildrensfilmfestival.org/

S’more Than Just a Hayride!

Join the Simmons Farm family on Saturday afternoons for a winter wonderland hayride. Upon arrival, you will receive a rich cup of hot chocolate for a historic hayride through the farm. S’mores kits will also be provided to roast at our fire-pits.

Check it out: https://bit.ly/3rjIHOp

St. Patrick’s Day Parades

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner! Mark your calendars for the festive annual parades taking place in both Providence and Newport.

Providence St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 19th, 2022
Smith Street, Providence
12:00 pm start time
http://providencestpatricksparade.org/

Newport’s 66th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 12th, 2022
Newport City Hall, Newport
11:00 am start time
http://www.newportirish.com/parade.html

Celebrate the Holidays!

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Rhode Island knows how to celebrate the holidays right! Whether it be light shows, theater performances of holiday favorites, or ice skating, there is always a fun activity to experience with your loved ones. Here is a list of fun ideas happening in Rhode Island this holiday season!

Visit Trinity Rep for A Christmas Carol

Rhode Island’s family holiday tradition brings Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Tiny Tim, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future to the stage in a glorious retelling of the classic story that has delighted and inspired millions. The show is running from December 15- January 2nd, so grab your tickets now! To do so, visit their website at www.trinityrep.com! Act fast before you miss out on this opportunity!

Enjoy hours of family fun at the ALEX AND ANI City Center Ice Rink

Dust off your ice skates or rent a pair and show off your skating skills as you glide around the 14,000 square-foot rink. Is skating not your thing? Take a lesson – or better yet, try the bumper cars! You won’t be able to stop smiling as you slide, glide & bump your way across the ice in brightly colored round cars. Walk-ups are first come, first serve. Visit theprovidencerink.com to make reservations!

Experience the Magical Bristol Christmas Festival Celebration

Check out the Magical Bristol Christmas Festival Celebration, running from December 11-12 12-6 pm. Celebrating their 35th year, the Bristol Christmas Festival Committee is hosting a European-style Christmas market. Enjoy holiday music by carolers and other entertainers, and watch live wood carving demonstrations. Maybe even take a photo with Santa Claus. Find that perfect gift for yourself or others at the Vendor tables or make a creative present for someone at the crafts table! Don’t miss out on this special holiday event!

Visit the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo from now until January 2nd!

Experience this event featuring festive, larger-than-life dazzling displays with 1.5 million illuminated lights! It’s a must-see event that should be on everyone’s holiday to-do list. Not only this, but take your kids to see Santa!He’s coming to town on December 9, 16, and 23 from 5-7 pm. Tickets for Holiday Lights must be purchased in advance online. To do so, visit their website https://www.rwpzoo.org/holidaylights

Celebrate Mansion-Style at the Blithewold Mansion in Bristol

What sounds better than taking a stroll through beautifully-lit paths on the grounds of a mansion, including custom light displays, and handmade bamboo ornaments? Sunday, December 12at 05:00 pm to 07:00 pm, experience all the beauty that Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol has to offer. Not only that, but RI Cruisin’ Cocktails will be serving non-alcoholic cider, hot chocolate, hot coffee, and some hot drinks with a kick!

Satisfy Your Appetite With Twisted Pizza

By | entertainment, food, Inside Rhody, Whats Happening | No Comments

Craving a crunchy, cheesy pizza loaded with your favorite toppings? Twisted Pizza is sure to satisfy any appetite with a wide variety of tasty pizzas, calzones, burgers, appetizers, and more! With six locations around Rhode Island, we are always right around the corner and ready to serve you.

With exciting updates and new announcements, Twisted Pizza welcomes you to come and enjoy a delicious bite!

East Greenwich Is Getting A Facelift!
Come experience our brand new bar ready to pour your favorite cocktails, wines, draft beers, and IPA’s! Want to fill your appetite? Enjoy your Twisted Pizza favorites in the comfort of our new booths and tables.

Live Music Is Back And Better Than Ever
Book your weekend night out with Twisted Pizza! Listen to our favorite local bands perform on Fridays while dining-in at our Coventry location or Saturdays outside on the East Greenwich heated patio.

Tasty New Menu Items
THIS JUST IN: must-try new wing flavors and desserts!

  • Mac and Cheese Wings: Who doesn’t love mac and cheese and wings? We’ve combined these fan-favorites to create the ultimate appetizer!
  • Salt and Vinegar Wings: Craving savory? Try our new salt and vinegar rub for finger-licking flavor!
  • Pizza Chocolate Chip Cookie & Pizza Fudge Brownie: Dessert the size of a pizza? Yes please! Try our chocolate chip cookie and fudge brownie pizzas to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Come join the Twisted Pizza family! Our dining rooms and bars are fully open and our staff is ready to serve you. Having a night in? We also offer takeout and no-contact delivery options for all of our customers. Sign up for our loyalty program and get rewarded for eating your Twisted favorites!

Twisted Pizza wants to thank our community for your continuous support of our restaurants during this difficult year. We are forever grateful and wouldn’t have been able to do it without you!

Locations

Warwick Twisted
1690 West Shore Road, Warwick, RI 02889
401-773-7810

Coventry Twisted
915 Tiogue Avenue, Coventry, RI 02816
401-615-3684

East Greenwich Twisted
450 Main St, East Greenwich, RI 02818
401-885-5652

Exeter Twisted
567 S County Trail, Exeter, RI 02822
401-294-9767

Wakefield Twisted
28 Old Tower Hill Rd, Wakefield, RI 02879
401-782-8800

West Warwick Twisted
568 Providence St, West Warwick, RI 02893
401-825-7405

Billiard Bar & Bistro

By | entertainment, Inside Rhody

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD GAMING INSTITUTION

If you are looking for the perfect Providence restaurant where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a game (or 2) of pool, Rhode Island Billiard, Bar & Bistro is the spot. Not only is it the best billiard hall in Rhode Island, with its large and well maintained pool tables, but it is a great restaurant if you are looking for some delicious Italian eats and a place to meet up with new people and spend time with old friends!

Rhode Island Billiard, Bar & Bistro was founded by Phyllis and Tony Costanzo in 1982 when pool started making it’s appearance into American culture. Over the years, both men have worked to always improve the facility from new bars to an updated kitchen and everything in between. They make it a point to stay present with the trends people love. The restaurant reflects their culture and is a vital part of who they are. They have made it into a desirable low-lit atmosphere where you feel right at home.

In addition to the excellent food and full bar, the venue itself couldn’t be more perfect for a party or event. It is very spacious and can hold hundreds of people, while also giving them the option to mingle with each other when competing in a game of pool. It is a fun, laid back atmosphere which also has arcade games, darts and juke boxes. Nothing like your favorite oldies! Whether it is a corporate gathering, birthday party, after-party, charity, engagement or going-away celebration you know you can count on RI Billiard, Bar & Bistro to throw you a great party for a very affordable price. There is a reason that it has been in business for over 100

years, people love going there! If you would like to schedule an event, visit their website at www.ribbb.com and fill out the form or give them a call at 401-232-1330!

Be on the look out for upcoming events going on at RI Billiard Bar & Bistro. In a way to help out the community, there are monthly events taking place to get the community together and network with one another.You never know which special people you will come across! There is also live music throughout the week, so keep your eyes open for your favorite local bands!

If you have yet to visit, make it your next date night out or after work pit stop. You will be glad you did! You may even have a tough time choosing from their 108 beer menu! They are open daily from 10 am – 1 am and offer both lunch and dinner.

Billiard Bar & Bistro

By | entertainment, Inside Rhody

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD GAMING INSTITUTION

If you are looking for the perfect Providence restaurant where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a game (or 2) of pool, Rhode Island Billiard, Bar & Bistro is the spot. Not only is it the best billiard hall in Rhode Island, with its large and well maintained pool tables, but it is a great restaurant if you are looking for some delicious Italian eats and a place to meet up with new people and spend time with old friends!

Rhode Island Billiard, Bar & Bistro was founded by Phyllis and Tony Costanzo in 1982 when pool started making it’s appearance into American culture. Over the years, both men have worked to always improve the facility from new bars to an updated kitchen and everything in between. They make it a point to stay present with the trends people love. The restaurant reflects their culture and is a vital part of who they are. They have made it into a desirable low-lit atmosphere where you feel right at home.

In addition to the excellent food and full bar, the venue itself couldn’t be more perfect for a party or event. It is very spacious and can hold hundreds of people, while also giving them the option to mingle with each other when competing in a game of pool. It is a fun, laid back atmosphere which also has arcade games, darts and juke boxes. Nothing like your favorite oldies! Whether it is a corporate gathering, birthday party, after-party, charity, engagement or going-away celebration you know you can count on RI Billiard, Bar & Bistro to throw you a great party for a very affordable price. There is a reason that it has been in business for over 100

years, people love going there! If you would like to schedule an event, visit their website at www.ribbb.com and fill out the form or give them a call at 401-232-1330!

Be on the look out for upcoming events going on at RI Billiard Bar & Bistro. In a way to help out the community, there are monthly events taking place to get the community together and network with one another.You never know which special people you will come across! There is also live music throughout the week, so keep your eyes open for your favorite local bands!

If you have yet to visit, make it your next date night out or after work pit stop. You will be glad you did! You may even have a tough time choosing from their 108 beer menu! They are open daily from 10 am – 1 am and offer both lunch and dinner.

The Story of Full Circle Proving That Rock Is Not Dead

By | entertainment, Inside Rhody

For these professional musicians, the rock band circuit has come full circle….literally.

The four members of the band “Full Circle” were playing music back in the pre-internet heyday of the 80s and 90s when big crowds were the norm at local rock clubs Wednesday through Saturday nights, and musicians could make a living playing cover songs to adoring fans.

“We’re seeing people our age coming back out to the clubs, now that their children are all grown up and they’re finding themselves, empty nesters,” states Gary Ross, band founder, and lead guitarist.  “It’s not the same scene as it was in the 1980s but the vibe is still alive. We all have a lot less hair and we don’t wear spandex anymore, but we’re keeping the energy going doing what we love.”

Full Circle is a hard-working rock cover band that’s been performing in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut since 1993.  The four-member band of talented musicians, backed by a professional sound and light system, performs a variety of dance-able rock sets ranging from Adele and Alice in Chains to The Who and Led Zeppelin. The band is known for its versatility in playing virtually any genre of rock and “sounding just like the record.”

Full Circle, which started out as a guitar duo act, used to play out every weekend on both Friday and Saturday nights, with a regular gig on a weeknight also. In 2007, Gary decided to expand it into a four-piece act adding drums and another singer. That year, lead singer and keyboardist Betty Galligan joined the band, bringing outstanding vocal talent, piano skills and 18 years of experience from being in her brother’s rock band. Over the years, band members have come and gone, but Gary and Betty are the mainstays with drummer/vocalist Mick Coste who joined in 2010 after a year’s worth of “fill in” drummers and recently added bassist Dave Plante who has been with the band for the past four months.

“It’s extraordinary to be able to play together all these years with talented musicians who are also your friends,” Betty notes.  “We’re like siblings who all get along, have a great time, and play beautiful music together.  The audience can tell if you’re not feeling it. We feel blessed to be able to do this every weekend.”

Everyone in the band has a demanding day job, and all have spouses who are supportive of their hobby. “If it weren’t for music, we’d go crazy,” Gary comments. “We look forward to doing this on the weekends to relieve stress from the week.”

With thousands of gigs collectively under their belts, the bandmates have seen a lot of change in the rock cover band circuit. Many places they’ve played in the past are no longer in business. The club owners today, however, are keeping the band circuit alive and Full Circle is so grateful for their support of live music.

“The biggest change for me was when smoking was outlawed in bars and clubs – if it weren’t for that, I’d not be playing because the smoke negatively impacted my singing voice and health,” recalls Betty. “But maybe I’d be sounding a lot more like Janis Joplin! We’d see people put their coats on and leave during a gig and thought it was because they didn’t like what we were playing, but they are only going outside to have a cigarette.”

People are generally busier nowadays with a lot more options for entertainment including staying home on their couch with Netflix. How does Full Circle compete?  “In the old days, you had to go out for fun and socialization in order to meet people,” Betty adds.  “In recent years, we have played gigs where you look out into the young crowd and see faces lit up with blue light because they’re looking down at their phones texting their friends standing right next to them.  We’d play a bunch of songs from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm to hardly anyone because everyone would just be getting to the bar at midnight! There was also an era when karaoke was way more popular than live music. We’ve had to keep up with the times, learning new popular non-rock songs along the way like Poker Face and Katy Perry tunes to throw into the mix.”

Full Circle continues to rock night clubs, restaurants, and bars on the local scene including Escada Bar, Lou’s Café, Renegades, Twisted Hop, Broadway Lounge, and The Narragansett Cafe. Gary and Betty have a duo act called “Betty and G” which performs at Quinn’s Irish Pub and the Harmony Café. You can follow them on Facebook to catch their busy schedule.

“We plan to play until we get really old and can’t do it any longer,” jokes Gary. “Rock and roll keeps us alive – just look at Keith Richards.”