Benefit for Marriage Equality RI with Catie Curtis @ Local 121 - Wednesday, November 11th

The Speakeasy Music Series at Local 121 Presents:
Benefit for Marriage Equality RI with Catie Curtis

8pm/$25
Click here for more information.

The Bourbon Boys @ Local 121 - Friday, November 6th

The Speakeasy Music Series at Local 121 Presents:
The Bourbon Boys with opener Rank Strangers

9pm/$5
Click here for more information.

Acoustic Romance with opener Emily White @ Local 121 - Wednesday, November 4th

The Speakeasy Music Series at Local 121 Presents:
Acoustic Romance with opener Emily White

8pm/$7
Click here for more information.

FirstWorks Presents: Devil Music Ensemble @ RISD Auditorium - Friday, October 30th

Just in time for Halloween, the Devil Music Ensemble will perform their orginial score, set live to Dracula's silent film debut "Nosferatu", directed by F.W. Murnau in 1922. Versatile and genre spanning, the ensemble explores different sonic territory with every new project they undertake, composing and performing original scores to silent classics of the silver screen.

Click here to watch the film trailer with audio preview of Devil Music Ensemble in action.

RISD Auditorium
8pm/$17
Click here for more information.

Waste Not Want Not: Knit and Natter & Stitch and Bitch - Monday and Thursday Evenings

It's getting colder...so Waste Not Want Not has decided to make our Knit and Natter and Stitch and Bitch events more accessible to you all.
We wanted to try out some alternative venues to see what the response is.

So here it is... Knit and Natter or Stitch and Bitch with WASTE NOT WANT NOT!

Monday evenings 7-10pm at Tealuxe on Thayer Street
http://www.tealuxe.com/

Thursday evenings 7-10pm at Julian's on Broadway
http://www.juliansprovidence.com/

Bring your knitting or stitching projects, bring your mending, bring your crochet, needlepoint or cross stitch pieces or just bring yourself and be inspired by the other thrifty craftsters...

Click here for more information.

Monster Mash-Up @ Firehouse 13 - Saturday, October 31st

Monster Mash-Up
Team Strike Force
featuring DJ Df, DJ Snes & MC Solo

8pm/$7 with costume/$10 without
Click here for more information.

West Side Arts Presents: "Birds of a Feather" @ West Side Arts - November 14th to December 5th

West Side Arts Presents: "Birds of a Feather"
Featuring local artists:
Alli Coate
Jyll Ethier-Mullen
Allison Cole
Lauren Minco

Saturday, November 14th to December 5th
Gallery hours Thursdays 1-4pm, or contact westsideartsgallery@gmail.com for an appt.

Opening reception: 6-10pm
A mini show of handmade crafts will accompany opening night

Click here for more information.

Providence Rock and Roll Yard Sale @ 232 Westminster St., Downtown Providence - Saturday, November 7th & Sunday, November 8th

What Cheer Antiques + Vintage in Wayland Square is about to celebrate their 10th Anniversary. They will be hosting a few events in November and December to commemorate this milestone.

The first one is The Providence Rock & Roll Yard Sale in Downtown Providence
2 day event with local live music and guest DJS spining vinyl records only
Competition to see who has the Most Amazing or Most Absurd Lp Record Cover Contest

Some of the confirmed performers include:

Sleepyhead(Boston, Mass Pop Rock Legends)
Brown Bird ( Providence Americana Folk)
The 'Mericans (Providence Phoenix 2009 Music Poll Best Act Winners)
Tad Overbaugh (formerly of The Kickbacks from Boston, Mass
DJ Cynthia Reed (Spinning who knows what?)
DJ Jennifer Daltry (Spinning 78rpm records only)
DJ Chris Daltry (Revisiting the '90s Providence Indie Years)
Chrisy Gavin (Solo Providence Indie Folk Pop)
DJ Studebaker Hawk (Western Mass DJ Extraordinaire)
The Pommes Frites DJs (Dan & Annie Messier)

Saturday, November 7th: 12-8pm
Sunday, November 8th: 12-6pm
Free

Click here for more information.

RISD Lights up Downcity - October 29th through November 1st

On Thursday, October 29th, shops and restaurants throughout Downcity will be receiving a donation of decorated pumpkins from Rhode Isalnd School of Design students. These pumpkins will be exhibited in the Downcity shop windows through the Halloween weekend.

Participating shops include Design Within Reach, OOP!, Symposium Books, Tazza Caffe, Eno Fine WInes, Farmstead Lunch, Clover, Queen of Hearts, Heir Antiques, Elsa Arms, Homestyle, Craftland, and more!

Stroll down Westminster St., Eddy St., Unioin St., and Washington St. to see the student work on display. There are no lines, there is no waiting, and the event is FREE to the public. And why not get some shopping down and a bite to eat while you're at. Two hours of complimentary parking is available for shoppers at the lot on the corner of Westminster St. and Clemence St.

Click here for more information.

Boobstock '09 @ Firehouse 13 - Saturday, November 14th

Boobstock '09

Hosted by Doreen Collins
with performances by
Chris Hansen
Tony Jones & the Creten 3
Dog Slut (former members of Kanerko)
Roz Raskin & the Ricecakes

All proceeds to benefit the Breast Cancer Society
Sponsored by 990WBOB

Doors 8pm/Show 9pm/ Donations at the door
Click here for more information.

401HipHop.com Presents: Elevation Return of the Open Mic - Friday, November 13th

401HipHop.com Presents Elevation Return of the Open Mic

Elevation is a monthly Open Mic/Hip Hop Showcase. It's also a monthly podcast, 401HipHop.com are proud to debut the first official Elevation Podcast. William Javier recorded the open mic, emcee battles, our features performers, and the cypher. He edited it down to one hour and nineteen minutes of pure RI hip hop audio goodness. Check it out at www.401hiphop.com.

9pm/$7/All Ages
Click here for more information.

Zulu Lulu @ Firehouse 13 - Sunday, November 6th

Zulu Lulu with
2 Ton Bug
The Propellers

9pm/$5
Click here for more information.

For Tha Glory @ Firehouse 13 - Satuday, November 5th

For Tha Glory Comeback Show!
with
Can't Heal
Reckless
AAWS
World in Arms

Doors 7pm/ Show 7:30pm/ $5
Click here for more information.

String Whirled

Sunday, November 8, 5:00 PM
String -Whirled with composers Will Ayton & Robert N. Martel

Live/Whirled 2009-10
The Interactive Music Series @ Perishable Theatre
95 Empire Street, Downtown Providence
401-331-2695 x 101 www.perishable.org

Tickets $10 / $8 students & seniors
available in advance from ArtTix @ www.arttixri.com,
or by calling 401-621-6123, or at the door.

Acclaimed composers from Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts, Will Ayton and Robert N. Martel create original music that has been performed and recorded all over the world. The octet, Enigmatica, the composers themselves, and other musical guests will present a set of their distinctive compositions on mandolins, viola da gamba and guitars.

“Act 2” will include a play-along of Will's English folksongs, and a composer-led spontaneous sound sculpture created by all the performers, composers, and audience together. So bring your instrument, your voice, and your imagination.

Turkey Dance @ Firehouse 13 - Friday, November 20th

Street Smarts Newspaper is throwing a dance party for kids ages 14-18yrs old featuring:

DJ Dynamic
A dance battle between teams for young dancers for a cash price
Raffles and other prizes as well...

8pm
$4/ $3 with canned food item

Click here for more information.

Procycle 2009 Art @ Machines with Magnets - November 3rd to November 29th

Procycle 2009 Art
20 Artists from CT, MA and RI have contributed 75 pieces to celebrate bicycling.

Live/recorded music. Runs throughout month.
Thousands are expected to attend; school outings welcome.
All media are represented at this free event suitable for all ages

Opening reception November 5th.
Free. No cover except during musical events.
Click here for more information.

Lisa Perez & Peter Owen Opening at 5 Traverse Gallery - Friday, Oct. 23rd

Two Solo Shows Opening Today at 5 Traverse Gallery:
Liz Perez: still even now & Peter Owen: Collected Stories

On view until Sunday, November 22nd
Thurs-Sun, 12-6pm, & Wednesdays by appointment
Opening Reception: Friday, October 23rd - 6 to 8pm

Click here for more information.

Vagina Dentata: Romantic Greeting Cards

Click to enlarge.
Find more ways to collect restraining orders against you at Love in the Time of VD.

!!!TH TH TH!!! - Local 121 10.22.09

Love ♥ Death ♠ Disco ♣

Download Heart Spade Club mix by Damian David

Heart♥ Spade♠ Club♣ mix by cellardoves

Thursday October 22nd 2009

RSVP / ♥ ♠ ♣ / C e l l a r D o v e s

Vagina Dentata: Police State

Click to enlarge.No, seriously, click to "enlarge."

Having a dull day? As always, you can find more dirty goodness at Love in the Time of Vagina Dentata.

Call for Volunteers: The Wonder That's India

The Wonder That's India: A Day of Celebration is a family day of celebration, education and awareness about child slavery. Proceeds will benefit Bachpan bachao Andolan ("Save the Childhood Movement").

Saturday, November 7
Noon - 8 pm
Jewish Community Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave, Providence

We are looking for volunteers to help out at the event!
-henna painting
-running the food tables with other voluteers
-being responsible for the tech
-running the Indian Arts and crafts table with the children
-Face painting for the children
-A coordinator for the performers
-We are also looking for people who can perform Indian dance/theatre/music

The event will have:
-Food
-Raffle with gift certificates and gift items from local businesses
-Games/facepainting for children
-Sari tying, henna painting and rangoli
-An art auction
-Opportunities for youth to get involved in making a difference for children in Inida
-Performances
-A presentation on the organization BBA on Child Slavery and the work they do in India and around the world.
-Bhangra, Bollywood, and folk music from India
-Circus Yoga

If you'd like to volunteer, please email Camilla by Sunday: camilla.hawthorne@gmail.com

Check out our Facebook event page for more info!

Symmetry and Ryan Lewis Record Release Show @ Firehouse 13 - Thursday, November 12th

Symmetry and Ryan Lewis Record Release Show

Symmetry is a local hip-hop artist/ vocalist and Ryan Lewis is a Seattle based producer. They blend elements of hip-hop, electro, indie, soul, and rap, the duo have crafted a sound that will appeal largely to audiences of Gnarls Barkley.

Also performing:
DJ
Roz Raskin and the Ricecakes
Symmetry

Doors 8:30/Show 9:30/ $10
Click here for more information.

Brown Bird "The Devil Dancing" CD Release Show @ Firehouse 13 - Sunday, November 8th

photographer caressingwhisper.blogspot.com

Brown Bird "The Devil Dancing" CD Release Show
with

The Wrong Reasons
Alec K. Redfearn
Tiny Fires

Click here for more information.

Straight Mixed Culture Gallery Exhibition @ Firehouse 13 - November 3rd to 7th

Straight Mixed Culture Gallery Exhibition
Featuring:

Melanie Donato
Moon
Sidney Tillet
Michelle Hurley
Brian McNeil
Christine Hajjar

Gallery Reception: Saturday, November 7th - 6-8pm
Free, $10 cover and live music after 9pm
Featuring:

Tevellus
Chris Rosenquest
Christopher Johnson
Swift Characters B-boy Crew
Shane Lee R&B King of R.I.

On exhibit from November 3rd to November 7th
Click here for more information.

How to Survive in a Dysfunctional Family: Defense Mechanisms That Work

If you are an American, you probably have at least a vague, hazy idea of what defense mechanisms are—the same way you sort of know your constitutional rights, sort of know where Cuba is, and sort of know that the economy is headed for a long slide down to hell (unless you are John McCain, that is.) If you watch Dr. Phil or Oprah—and you most probably do if you’re reading this, don’t lie—you can probably even identify all the defense mechanisms of your spouse and your parents, even if you’re totally clueless about your own!

(Hint hint: Why do you think you married your spouse? Can you say, “Lowering of Expectations So as to Avoid Disappointment”?

Also, look up “masochism” in Appendix B.)

In this book, I would like to share my story of redemption and teach you how to become a Dysfunctional Family Survivor® as well. Do as I did, and you, too, can survive a dysfunctional family! So throw away that bottle of sleeping pills (make sure to flush it down the toilet instead of throwing it out with the garbage—wouldn’t want some dumpster-diving homeless to get high off of Ambien, would you?) turn off the oven (you know the smell of burning meat and hair doesn’t go well with chocolate chip cookies. What would mother say?) and plop down on the couch with your favorite microwaved TV dinner. (You probably learned those nasty eating habits from your mother. If you read this book, though, you can avoid turning into a fat cow like her!)

(If you’re already past the point of no-return, however, I would suggest liposuction or gastric-bypass surgery: Look up the Advertisement section in Appendix C to find qualified surgeons in Tijuana. Your mother may have been a cold, frigid bitch, destructive and overly critical, but she was right on one count:

Those extra pounds really don’t look good on you.)

I mean, who would want to go out on a Friday night instead of learning how to cope with their dysfunctional family? Well, for starters, me! Unfortunately I, like you, come from a dysfunctional family, and I never learned how to interact with people properly. The last time I tried to get laid, she/he (I couldn’t decide whether it was a hermaphrodite or a she-male) called the police and I got to sit around in a cold jail and get friendly with the squabbling mice family. I tried to give them counseling but they threatened to scratch my eyeballs out if I didn’t shut up. Fortunately I got pneumonia, sued the police department and ended up with a windfall which allowed me to sit on my ass for three months and write this book. And now I get to make more money off of sad, gullible self-help junkies like you! Isn’t that grand?
Hah! Just kidding! Got you, didn’t I? As I will explain later, inappropriate, grain-of-truth, barely masked hostile humor is one of the cornerstones of the Defense Mechanisms That Work™ program.

But, as my father liked to say, “You goddamned chatterbox of a child, if you don’t get to the point right away I’m gwoin’ get my belt and whip ya bloody.”

So, without further ado, I hereby present to you the hard-earned secrets of a Dysfunctional Family Survivor™.

What is a Dysfunctional Family?
Some prime examples of a dysfunctional family in popular media are the Sopranos, of “The Sopranos,” the Simpsons, of “The Simpsons,” the Tennenbaums, of “The Royal Tennenbaums.” Further examples include “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” in the movies, starring Johnny Depp (what a hunk with those miserable, anguished brown eyes of his!) And of course there is "Romeo and Juliet," a true classic.

Fine works of art, all of them! As a matter of fact, there would be no literature without dysfunctional families, and the entertainment industry would simply collapse! If you follow this line of thought far enough down the line, the whole economy would collapse without us. (Although it will do so pretty soon without our help, anyways.) Let me spell it out for you: First Hollywood will go bankrupt, causing plastic surgeons to go out of business. The sharp decline in silicone breast implants will rob Silicone Valley of its main source of income, (FYI, the computer chip thing is just a front) causing a chain reaction that will result in the second, real YIIK in the year of 2012. In short, without us, there would be no art, there would be no economy, and the world would end.

(Reliable sources have confirmed that the concentric circles with dark centers sighted in Mayan end-of-the-world prophecies are not, in fact, falling comets as some have claimed, but Pamela Anderson’s breasts, the last bastion of artificial chesty-ness.)

In his unparalleled masterpiece of erotic tragicomedy, “Balls in Lederhoden,” the 19th century French playwright Philp K. Dick wrote that “All happy families are alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” Not so! In fact, let me go so far as to say, Bullshit!

Dysfunctional families are a dime a dozen, and in all ways that matter, they’re completely the same. You could even go so far as to say that there actually are no fully functional families—just look at the First Family, consisting of Adam, Even, Cain and Abel, and the unnamed bloody squealing critters that followed. There’s marital conflicts—“If it hadn’t been for you, your slithering belly-crawler and your apple, we’d still be in Paradise!.” “Oh yeah? Who told you to eat it, huh? Did I force feed it to you? Did I, Adam?!” There’s incest—who do you think Cain had kids with? What, immaculate conception? Ha, ha, ha! You’ve got to be kidding me! Then there’s fratricide—“Am I my brother’s keeper?”

Every which way you count it, the first created family is the picture of classic dysfunction. In short, human families weren’t meant to be functional and happy! God doesn't want you to be happy! Instead, families are meant to be endured. Just look it up in the Bible.

So, without further ado, let me give you brief examples of the Ten Steps of Defense Mechanisms That Work™, which I will go into greater detail in the later chapters:

Examples of the Ten Steps of Defense Mechanisms That Work™

1. Avoidance
“I’m so sorry, but my cat has a codependency problem and threatened suicide if I don’t bring her along for the holidays. I know how allergic to cats you are, and I thought, well, if I don’t bring Cathy, she’ll bake her head in the oven, and if I do, Jason will die a slow and painful death of asphyxiation! Which is fine, but imagine how awful you’d look with all swollen and blue inside your coffin! Have you picked one out yet, by the way? I mean, what with your diabetes—”

2. Passive Aggressiveness
“Oh! Your wife’s name is Cathy? I forgot! I thought it was Rebecca!

Oh, no, that was the secretary you had an affair with… How did that go, anyways? Fired from the company? Oh, well, you’re doing well now. Frankly, I’m surprised Cathy hasn’t divorced you. Completely unrelated, but have you seen a urologist about your erectile dysfunction yet?

Your small business is floundering? Oh, no!… Don’t worry, you always were a smart one— you always knew how to extract the last penny from your customers, from the time you were selling overpriced sugar water calling it lemonade, to when you took nude photographs of me and my boyfriend and blackmailed me… Good times, good times.

Anyways. How ironic! I named a bad-tempered, neutered and habitually codependent cat after your wife! Ha, ha, ha! Isn’t that a riot?

No?”

3. Denial
“What? No, of course I’m not trying to get on your nerves. Why would you say that?”

4. Pre-emptive Accusations
“You’re saying that because you think I have an anger problem, don’t you? I knew it. I knew it all along, I always did. What else? You think I’m fat, don’t you? Oh, yeah, I know what you’ve been saying about me behind my back. Oh? You don’t remember? Well, let me remind you.”

5. Dredging Up the Past

(If you want to read the rest, pay me. I'm poor. It's always been my dream to make money off of suckers browsing in the self-help aisles and masturbating to Dr. Phil.

Also, if you feel pity for me, come read more at Land of the Silver Rain, my writing blog, and consider throwing a dollar my way, or marrying me if you're rich. (Well, actually, it doesn't have to be monetary compensation... I mean, if you're hot...) I'm going to graduate from college with a degree in English and Visual Arts and this ensures a future in which I will construct beautiful but drafty cardboard box homes in Central Park, reading poetry for change.

Good luck living! :-) )

Vagina Dentata: Walden Pond

Click to enlarge.Come to the land of Vagina Dentata for more intelligent despair.

Also, this may be obvious but tissue tends to be cheaper if you go get it in bulk at Costco... Just sayin'.

Vagina Dentata: Tiny

Click to enlarge.Welcome to the world of Vagina Dentata, otherwise affectionately known as VD.

Comics With a Bite. Come and get it, boys and girls.

Grand Opening: Rhody Craft 100 @ Hope Artiste Village - Saturday, November 7th

Grand Opening of Rhody Craft 100!

A seasonal shop, Rhody Craft 100 is a collection of local artists and crafters creating one-of-a kindshopping opportunity. All of the fine products at RC100 are 100 percent original, 100 percent hand-made, 100 percent local and 100 percent delightful. RC100 supports the local economy by selling only locally, independently produced {and fabulous} items ranging from handbags and jewelry to fine art.

Rhody Craft 100 members are:

Darlene Belisle - geekery
Karissa Chase - ceramics
Kim T. Clark - art jewelry & decor
Kim Gonzaga - soap and lotions
Christine Guanipa - textiles
Deb Hickey - fine art
Pam Laurenzo - vintage bead jewelry
Karen Miller- fine art
Jan Willett - stuffed toys

Open every Saturday in November, December and January @ Hope Artiste Village
10am to 3pm

Click here for more information.

String -Whirled with composers Will Ayton & Robert N. Martel

Sunday, November 8, 5:00 PM

String -Whirled with composers Will Ayton & Robert N. Martel

Live/Whirled 2009-10

The Interactive Music Series @ Perishable Theatre

95 Empire Street, Downtown Providence

402-331-2695 x 101 www.perishable.org

Tickets $10 / $8 students & seniors

available in advance from ArtTix @ www.arttixri.com,

or by calling 401-621-6123, or at the door.

Acclaimed composers from Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts, Will Ayton and Robert N. Martel create original music that has been performed and recorded all over the world. The octet, Enigmatica, the composers themselves, and other musical guests will present a set of their distinctive compositions on mandolins, viola da gamba and guitars.

“Act 2” will include a play-along of Will’s English folksongs, and a composer-led spontaneous sound sculpture created by all the performers, composers, and audience together. So bring your instrument, your voice, and your imagination.

Waste Not Want Not Costume Party and Birthday EXTRAVAGANZA!!! - Saturday, October 17th

Waste Not Want Not Costume Party and Birthday EXTRAVAGANZA!!!

Dress up, get down and shop 'till you drop!!!
at WASTE NOT WANT NOT
232 Westminster Street, downtown Providence.

BARGAINS BARGAINS BARGAINS galore!!!
Freak Zone!
Computer Games, Magic and Pin Ball!
DJ Damien David!
Joan Wyand Trunk Sale!
Kafe Lila and Peter's Espresso Machine!
Unkle Thirsty Drink Cart!
Free Narragansett! (ID required of course...)

It's a COSTUME PARTY to celebrate 3 marvelous months of Waste Not Want Not in downtown Providence and 25 fabulous years of London's life!

Big blow out sale and outrageous festivities! How could you possibly say no.... ???

Low Anthem, Death Vessel, & Brown Bird @ Avon Theatre - Thursday, October 15th

The Low Anthem will be returning to their hometown of Providence, RI after a month long tour of Europe to play a show at the historic Avon Theater on Thayer Street a week from today, on October 15th.

The concert will also feature two other local RI folk bands on the bill, Death Vessel and Brown Bird. The Avon Theater, usually known as the Avon Cinema, has not held a concert in over a decade. This show will not only mark the return of music to the Avon, but also will be the return of live music to Thayer Street, a hot-spot of Providence culture. The show will kick-off another month long tour for the Low Anthem, starting in Seattle, WA two days later. As a gesture of kindness, Waterfire will be donating the sound and lights for the show, and Trinity Brewhouse will be selling their beers at a discounted price. Doors will open at 8:45 PM, after the early movie at the Avon Cinema. Brown Bird and Death Vessel will open the night shortly thereafter. Tickets are $12 in advance and can be purchased at the Avon's Box Office or at www.lowanthem.com. The Avon Theater is located at 260 Thayer Street, Providence, RI 02906.

Anna Bella Eema

ANNA BELLA EEMA by Lisa D’Amour
a ghost story spoken and sung in 3 voices

by Lisa D'Amour
Directed by Kym Moore
October 16-November 7
Tickets $15 - $20

Perishable opens its 2009-2010 season with the regional premiere of Anna Bella Eema by Lisa D’Amour. Lisa D’Amour’s work was last seen on the Perishable stage with her critically acclaimed production of The Cataract. Lisa D’Amour’s richly imagined tale of a fierce mother/daughter bond, Anna Bella Eema is spoken and sung by three women and is being performed at Perishable Theatre Oct. 16-Nov. 7.

Ten-year-old Anna Bella and her hermetic mother Irene live in a ratty trailer on the edge of town. When their trailer park is slated for demolition because of interstate highway expansion, Irene refuses to leave. In this moment of crisis, her ten-year-old daughter Anna Bella creates a new girl out of the mud behind their trailer home. This mud-girl helps Anna Bella and Irene channel the supernatural and face the life they must live in the world outside their trailer home. A spoken-and-sung three-character gothic, Anna Bella Eema asks us to listen, and listen carefully.

''To be more than another set of bones wandering across the earth is to realize that you are just another set of bones wandering across the earth.''

Lisa D'Amour-(Playwright)writes plays and creates collaborative, often site-specific theater. Recent projects include Nita and Zita, created with Katie Pearl and Kathy Randels (for which they received a 2003 OBIE Award); 16 Spells to Charm the Beast, produced by Salvage Vanguard Theater (Austin); and LIMO, a performance installation commissioned by the Whitney Museum of Art. Ms. D'Amour has received funding from the Jerome and McKnight foundations, the Minnesota and Louisiana State Arts Boards, and the MacDowell Colony, and has received commissions from Children's Theater Company, The Guthrie Theater, and Playwrights' Horizons. She is a core member of the Playwrights' Center and a member of New Dramatists. Ms. D'Amour received her M.F.A. in playwriting from the University of Texas at Austin, where she was a James A. Michener Playwriting Fellow. She currently teaches playwriting in the Brown University Theatre Arts and Performance Studies department.

Kym Moore-(Director)is a multidisciplinary stage director, writer and producer. She is currently the Gerard Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre, speech and Dance at Brown University where she teaches acting and directing. She has taught at various colleges and universities across the US including Swarthmore, Hampshire and Sarah Lawrence Colleges.

“Skillfully Stylized…Ms. D’Amour’s inspiration make(s) for a wise comment on identity…”

—The New York Times

“It’s beauty and depth are almost beyond language other than its own.”

—The Austin Chronicle

Tickets available at www.arttixri.com or 401-621-6123

Or for more information go to www.perishable.org

Special group rates make this a VERY affordable, exciting theatrical experience for your group. Groups of 6 or more, tickets $15 each, student groups only $12 each.

Call 401-331-2695 X 103.

*There is adult language in this production.

Perishable Theatre, 95 Empire St., Providence, RI

My Etsification

So, I broke down and started an Etsy shop. And now I'm hooked. It really is an addiction: the thrilling endorphin rush when you've made a sale, the constant checking to see who "hearts" my shop, the shakes that come from too many hours spent away from the Internet, and the crushing downers of a week with no sales.

I crochet constantly: between classes, in bed, on the bus. It's a positive feedback cycle. Etsy creates an outlet for my love of crochet, and the fact that I'm now selling my work and managing a shop drives me to crochet even more. At this rate, statistics predict that I'll have gnarled evil witch hands by January 1, 2010.

I'm far from an expert, and I'm certainly not a seasoned seller with 2,000 sales under my belt. But I can offer some advice from my few months in the Etsy "biz." Take these ten points as the crazed cat-lady rantings of someone who is now, perhaps, a bit too obsessed with Etsy and spends waaay too much time on the site. For the record, I've learned most of this stuff the hard way...and the rest from other sellers who've learned it the hard way, and shared their tales in the forums. For the most part, the joke's on me.

1. Take cool pictures.
Seems obvious, right? Don't take a picture of your pretty scarf in front of a cluttered background. It doesn't look so great when a prospective buyer sees your product displayed proudly in front of a pile of dirty dishes and a stained ashtray. Don't upload fuzzy pictures (the macro function is your best friend!). Natural light is gorgeous. Show a live model using whatever it is you're selling (and be sure to mark it "mature" if you're selling hand-sculpted wooden dildos, ok?). Create a nifty avatar and shop banner-- even if you have to recruit a friend who's skilled in the art of Photoshop.

2. Market yourself.
When I first opened my shop, I had a two-sentence shop description and pretty boring descriptions of all of my items. I went about two months with no sales. Then one day, I decided to flesh out my shop's description: my background, my aesthetic inspirations, and my philosophy. I emphasized my use of recycled and vintage materials. And in my individual item descriptions, I went into greater detail about materials, my inspiration for creating the item, and potential uses. I added sections to my shop (scarves, accessories, etc.). Later that day, I made my first two sales. Now, the sales may not have been related to the changes I made in my shop. But the coincidence is striking, no?

3. Tag wisely.
Make full use of the 14 tags you can give every item. Color, texture, style, use, aesthetic (steampunk, rave, gothic lolita, etc.), gender/unisex, etc. If you sell a lot of knitted items, mix up the first ("category") tag you apply to your products. For some of your items, categorize them under "knitting"; for others, use things like "accessories."

4. Advertise.
Build a following for your work. Start a Facebook page, link to Twitter. If you keep a blog, connect it to your shop. Use the Etsy showcase to publicize the items you're most proud of.

5. Offer deals.
Free shipping, package deals... Especially around the holidays, these will draw people to your store and hook them in!

6. Keep a budget.
Keep track of your supplies, shipping, packaging, shop upkeep fees, Paypal fees, sales, etc. It's super-easy to do with Excel, and it will help you plan ahead.

7. Don't price yourself too low.
I really screwed up on this one at first. I think that as a new seller, you often assume that you need to under-price your products. Maybe it's insecurity, maybe it's out of a desire to build a following. But make sure that your price takes into account both materials and labor. Besides, low prices often imply low quality, and higher prices suggest just the opposite!

8. Connect with customers.
Follow up with people who make purchases from your shop. Say thank you; add extra things to your packages to show that you care (a thank-you note, a little trinket, a business card, a hand drawing). The great thing about Etsy is that it connects to you to artisans around the world. It's more personal than shopping at a department store. So capitalize what makes Etsy special and build connections. Make sure to get feedback on your sales and your purchases: potential buyers are more willing to make a purchase when they see that you have a good feedback record.

9. Custom work, etc.
Offer custom designs. If someone you know wants a project on commission, ask them to go through Alchemy on Etsy. That way, even special projects will show up in your sales.

10. Chill the f*** out and enjoy yourself!
It's fun to run an Etsy shop. Have fun experimenting with new, quirky designs. Don't freak out if you haven't made a sale-- everything takes time. And don't forget why you went into business in the first place: because you love to create.

===

I sell handmade crochet and felted accessories. Check out my shop, Risque Crochet! For more info, visit my blog: The Vintage Glue.

Follow me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter

Downcity Fusion Fest @ Westminster & Union - Saturday, October 17th

Fusionworks Dance Company with WBRU and
Shop Downcity Presents: Downcity Fusion Fest!


A local brew Beer Garden right on Westminster St! Huge sidewalk sale, lots of fun (and free) activities for the kids, pumpkin painting, face painting, live music, dance, and great bbq from Tazza. If your looking for the Beer Garden, it will be on Grant’s Block, at the corner of Union and Westminster. Kids crafts will be along Union St. and the sidewalk sales will be throughout the neighborhood!

The Beer Garden will also feature music from:
Bixit
Alva
Emily Smith with Synergy

1-6pm/Free
Click here for more information.

The Hive Archive - Openings! Art-Making! Discussions! Happy Hours!

Thursday, October 8th: Hive artist Karen Philippi with Peter Roux Open Studio from 6-10pm @ Studios 203+204 at 560 Mineral Spring Avenue in Pawtucket. Karen will be donating a portion of her proceeds to The Hive!

Saturday, October 10th: Pitch in for a one-hour grounds clean-up at The Hive from 10-11am @ 150 Manton Avenue in Providence. Please respond to this email if you would like to help.

Saturday, October 17th: The Hive will be at The Olneyville Fall Festival from 12-4pm @ Riverside Park in Olneyville. Stop by our table and make some art with Jori Ketten and Alyssa Holland Short.

Tuesday, October 20th: The Hive O'Clock Happy Hour at Rick's Roadhouse, 5:30- 7pm @Richmond Street in Providence. End you day with art! This time we're making books with Hayley Ferber. $10 = workshop + appetizers.

Tuesday, October 27th: Women's College Panel from 4-5:30pm @ Providence Public Library, 150 Empire Street. Did you or someone you know attend a women's college? If so, please respond to this email to learn more about serving on this exciting panel geared toward college-bound women.

...and coming in November!
SubText Feminist Discussion Group (11/5) and the Self Portrait Show( 11-19). Look for the call for artists this week.

Click here for more information.

Chrome Tongues & Step Brothers @ The Blackstone - Thursday, October 29th

Chrome Tongues and Step Brothers is a 100% improvised electronic group. Members are from Providence/Boston/Philly, and are influenced by Kraftwerk, Black Mother Super Rainbow, Miles Davis, Sun Ra, hip hop beats. Check them out at the Blackstone on Thursday, October 29th.

8pm
Click here for more information.

Monday Eclectic Grooves with Tim O'Keefe @ Nara Lounge - Every Monday Night

Enjoy Eclectic Grooves mixed by Tim O'Keefe of Cozy Music, Swiss Chemistry Club, Bloodless Coup, & tfo.

A mix of electronic, lounge, downtempo, Arabian, Bollywood music.

Hookahs, Cocktails, Food, and Music.

Every Monday night, 9:30pm - 1:00am

Come this Monday, ) October 5th!

Located at Nara Lounge

Free

"Sound Session '10 Year Long Genre Defying Live Music Series" featuring Phosphorescent and Alberta Cross @ Black Rep- Friday, October 16th

The Providence Black Rep. is pleased to announce that it will be hosting Alternative Country Rock heroes PHOSPHORESCENT and British roots-rockers ALBERTA CROSS at the Black Rep. Friday, October 16, 2009 as part of it’s new yearlong genre defying live music series.

The show opens with Providence's roots-rock favorites Wrong Reasons.

Doors 7pm/ Show 8pm/ $10
Visit www.arttixri.com to purchase tickets. Click here for more information.

Stitch and Bitch at Waste Not Want Not with Special Performance by The Coathangers - Thursday, October 1st

Tonight's 'Stitch and Bitch' at Waste Not Want Not will have an added perk: a live performance by Atlanta's sassy punk rock ladies The Coathangers!

Stitch and Bitch starts at 6pm; The Coathangers go on at 7:30pm.

Come to our early show/craft evening!
Click here for more information.