Five Great Things to Do in Rhode Island This Weekend -- November 19, 2021

Friday Night Jazz

Feel like a chill Friday night at home to end the week? 

FirstWorks presents a stunning live performance film created by Taiwanese jazz artist Vincent Hsu (徐崇育) and his ensemble, Soy La Ley Afro-Cuban Jazz Band (古巴爵士樂團). Born in Changhua, Taiwan, Hsu is an award-winning bassist and composer who fuses jazz and Afro-Cuban music with his Taiwanese roots.

Act fast — your last chance to catch it online —on-demand — is on Friday.

Get your free tickets here.

“How has jazz changed the world? How is it changing the world? How has jazz itself changed?” Reflecting on these questions, Hsu’s film is a thrilling tribute to a uniquely African American art form, and an acknowledgment of the indelible impact jazz has left on people and societies around the world.

Featuring impeccable sound and spectacular settings unique to this island nation, the performance film reflects both the everyday and traditional life in Taiwan, while showing that jazz is alive and well beyond its birthplace. Interview clips with prominent musicians and scholars are also featured, including with Hsu's mentor, the legendary bassist Cecil McBee, historian Loren Schoenberg, drummer and educator Jerome Jennings, and poet and writer Naomi Extra.

This engagement of ”Jazz Changed, Jazz Changes, Jazz Changin’” is made possible by Taipei Cultural Center in New York.

PHOTO: First Works promotion

Grab a Holiday Brew

Head on over to the new Narragansett Brewery at India Point in Providence and get in the holiday spirit.

Bundle up and sit on the Adirondack chairs and take in the water views — and seasonal brews.

Narragansett’s “Holiday Spiced Ale” is on tap with notes of sweet orange and coriander. 

Go here to see which beers are also currently available. 

While you’re at it, pick up some beer to bring to Thanksgiving dinner — or offer guests if your’re hosting!

PHOTO: Narragansett FB

See The December Rabbi

Oy to the world!

In a special one-night only engagement, a semi-staged reading of a Rhode Island comedy classic, written and directed by Lenny Schwartz, will take place in Woonsocket at 142 Clinton Street. 

The production stars Nat Sylva, Katherine Cook, Michael Thurber, Ryan Bedisee, Jaliyah Joseph, Kerstyn Desjardin, Daniel Martin, Sheri Lee, Geoff White, Derek Laurendeau, Andrea Wilmot, Rain Blair Jolicoeur, Bailey Duarte, & Ashley Harmon.

Featuring a special curtain speech by Aaron Andrade.

Tickets: $10 at the door or online at www.ristage.org

Take a Fall Cruise

Join the crew aboard the Coastal Queen for a fun-filled afternoon adventure, where guides will share their knowledge of many of the historic sites that surround the beautiful Newport Harbor and Jamestown shoreline. 

On the tour you will see historic church steeples, Bowen’s and Banisters Wharves, the International Yacht Restoration School, four historic lighthouses, two historic forts, offshore lobster and fishing vessels, mega yachts, and so much more. Maybe see a seal or two!

The Coastal Queen's main salon is warm and features a teak wood center bar with your favorite fall beverages. Coastal Queen is warm, covered and weatherproof for all seasons. 

Price: Adults: $35, Children: $30, Young Children: $20

Time: Starting: 1:00 PM

Recurring weekly Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through December 19

Coastal Queen Cruises, from Jamestown 1 East Ferry Wharf, Jamestown, Rhode Island

(401) 423-9900 x3208

Sorghum Music Festival

On Sunday, the Sorghum Fest at the Southside Cultural Center of Rhode Island features local artists Triangle Forest and Boo City Acoustic.

The event starts at 7 PM at 393 Broad Street, and doors open at 6:00 PM

Tickets and more info area available here.