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2008 BRIGHT NIGHT ARTISTS
(in alphabetical order)
Subject to Change without notice.
This page last updated 12/28/2007
Map of sites | Schedule (Alphabetical By Venue) | About the Artists |
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Information

Adam Gertsacov

ADAM G. GERTSACOV, FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
(5 PM, Opening Ceremonies, Bank of America Skating Center)
Adam Gertsacov is the most educated clown in America (barring certain elected officials.) He wears many hats, including those of a professional clown, an author and publisher, a P.T. Barnum impersonator, a flea circus impresario,and the esteemed hat of the Clown Laureate of Greenbelt, Maryland. Adam is the Festival Director for Bright Night Providence.
WEBSITE

Carmine Appice's SLAMM

SLAMM
(PPAC @ 6, 8, & 10 pm)
Our featured act this year is Carmine Appice's SLAMM- an exhilarating, physically combustible drum show that has been called "Stomp on Steroids." Rock drumming icon Carmine Appice (drummer for Vanilla Fudge, Rod Stewart, Jeff Beck, and others) has assembled 5 amazing young drummers, dancers, and musicians who create a high energy music show using garbage cans, trampolines, oil drums, drain pipes, ladders, and all kinds of other items. They can drum on just about anything! This show is the perfect way to start the New Year with a bang!
WEBSITE
CARMINE'S WEBSITE

Alec K. Redfearn

ALEC K. REDFEARN
(8 PM & 9 PM, Perishable Theatre)
Alec K. Redfearn is a composer/songwriter/free improviser/accordionist etc. who has been playing in and around Providence, RI for close to 15 years. He has played in over 30 bands and been involved with dozens of theatre, dance, and film collaborations. He is predominantly self taught and he tends to work with musicians of all calibers. His songs, compositions and accordion playing are fiercely individual and his music has been very difficult to categorize.
WEBSITE

ANNE-MARIE FORER
(1:30 & 2:30 PM, PROVIDENCE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM)
Join Mother Goose in a tune-filled program of songs and stories at the Providence Children's Museum. Children play along on rhythm instruments.
Storyteller/musician Anne-Marie Forer performs for children at schools, day care centers, bookstores, libraries, festivals, and birthday parties. Best known for her portrayal of Mother Goose, Anne-Marie enchants children with lively stories and songs that bring nursery rhymes to life.
WEBSITE

The Banished Fools

BANISHED FOOLS
(4PM- 11:30 PM, STROLLING)
The Banished Fools have been performing on New Year's Eve in Providence since 1985. Amazing antics, crazy costumes, and some of the best parade and party music you ever heard. They'll be travelling around the city, brightening up your night.

Ben Pilgrim

BENJAMIN PILGRIM
(6 PM & 7 PM, Perishable Theatre)

Ben Pilgrim is a veteran of many local bands who took his act solo in 2005. Combining a love for folk and country blues with the punk of his teenage years, Ben has performed throughout the area in bars and coffee houses. In addition to playing solo, Ben plays music wiht the Free Union Band.
WEBSITE

Big Nazo

BIG NAZO
(4 PM, 6PM, 7:30 PM, 9:30 PM, URI Shepard Auditorium)
BIG NAZO is an international performance group of visual artists, puppet performers, and masked musicians who unite to create bizarre and hilarious larger-than-life sized characters, environments, and spectacles.
WEBSITE

BILL HARLEY (RI Convention Center Ballroom, 4 pm)
A Grammy Award winning artist, Bill Harley's vibrant and hilarious songs and stories have the uncanny ability to span the generation gap, remind us of our common humanity and challenge us to be our very best selves. A regular commentator for NPR's All Things Considered and featured on PBS, Bill tours nationwide as an author and performing artist.
WEBSITE

BLACK & WHITE
(PART OF SWING DANCE BLUES BASH,8 PM, RI Convention Center Ballroom)
For over fifteen years, New England's premiere swing-blues / 50's rock & roll trio Black & White have been performing for eager audiences on a seemingly nightly basis. Since their inception in 1990, the trio have released 3 cds, had their original music used in television commercials, have been nominated in the Providence Phoenix Reader's Poll for Best R&B/Blues Act, and have shared billing with Bo Diddley, Eric Burdon, Junior Wells, as well as countless others. The Phoenix's music writer Bob Gulla sums it up by saying "Their name is around the state so much that they've become part of the fabric of Rhode Island's pop culture."

WEBSITE

BRIGHT NIGHT POETRY SLAM
(6 PM & 7 PM, AS220) Spoken word to ignite Bright Night. Part poetry reading, part theater, and part game show, Slam is the lyrical Survivor of performance poetry. Providence Poet Laureate and Slammaster Emeritus Ray Davey will emcee this invitational demo slam featuring some of the best performance poets around. Round 1 at 6. Round 2 at 7. Get there early and you might get to be a judge!

WEBSITE

Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio

CAROLYN DUTRA DANCE STUDIO
(2 PM, RISD Auditorium)
The Carolyn Dutra Dancers, ages 7-18, perform upbeat, diverse shows throughout the US and Europe through Dance For Art Inc., a non-profit organization that provides performance opportunities for young dancers. Fundraisers and generous donations have allowed our dancers the chance to perform at amazing venues, such as Epcot Center, Magic Kingdom, Carnegie Hall and now Bright Night!
WEBSITE

Carolyn Martino

CAROLYN MARTINO
(6 PM, Beneficent Roundtop Center)
Called one of Rhode Island's most influential artists by the Providence Phoenix, storyteller Carolyn Martino happily tells her tales and presents storytelling workshops for all ages at schools, libraries, festivals, and special events throughout New England. Her fun, lively, and interactive repertoire consists of world folktales, literary and original stories, humorous tales of wit and wisdom, and songs and jokes. All of her work is designed to help children use their imaginations.

Cecile Grobe

CECILE CLEMENT GROBE
(6 PM, MATHEWSON ST. CHURCH SANCTUARY)
Award-winning classical pianist and composer Cecile Clement Grobe will be performing her new critically acclaimed CD 'Christmasland' in its entirety at Bright Night. Cecile received her formal training at the Juilliard School of Music, where she was a student of Lonny Epstein, Mozart specialist, and Carl Friedberg, the last surviving student of Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms. She has toured the world extensively performing her works including Carnegie Hall..
WEBSITE

Chinese Folk Art Society

CHINESE FOLK ART SOCIETY
(6 PM, RISD AUDITORIUM)
The Chinese Folk Art Workshop is a non-profit youth organization to promote interaction with and understanding of Chinese culture in the community. Members of the group have performed at over 30 events a year around the New England area. All are welcome to join us for Neon Dragon, Lion Dance, Drums, Chinese Yoyo and Folk Dances performance all in one night. The purpose of the Chinese Folk Art Workshop is to highlight the beauty of Chinese Folk Art and to help a new generation of American-born Chinese to showcase their talents and gifts.
WEBSITE

Traditional Chinese Dance Troupe

TRADITIONAL CHINESE DANCE TROUPE
(4PM, RISD AUDITORIUM)
The Traditional Chinese Dance Troupe is a very popular group sponsored by the American Chinese Art Society. Members are selected through an audition. Over the last 21 years, the Troupe has built up quite a reputation. Frequent appearances on a variety of occasion and social gatherings have made the Troupe a major contributor to Chinese culture in the New England area, and have received a lot of awards. The Troupe was invited to perform in Shanghai, Hawaii, Taiwan, Disney World, Disneyland, Rhode Island, Philadelphia, and on cruise Carnival-Victory.
WEBSITE

Chris Carbone

CHRIS CARBONE
(12:30 & 8:30 PM, Mathewson Church Hall)
Chris Carbone is a professional magician and entertainer, specializing in sleight of hand and close-up magic. He also performs curriculum-based shows for schools.
WEBSITE

CLARE VADEBONCOEUR/ THE SNOW QUEEN
(3 PM-5 PM, RI Convention Center)
Clare Vadeboncoeur is founder and artistic director of Good Heart Productions where she creates and performs storytelling programs for children, families and adults for schools,libraries and special events throughout New England and beyond. An encounter with Clare as the Snow Queen is said to be "a time to treasure and remember always."
WEBSITE

DAVEY THE CLOWN
(2:30-3:30 PM, Roving, RI Convention Center, 4:30 PM, Mathewson Church Hall)
Stellar, but silly, juggling, amazing magic, incredible unicycling (on a 6-foot unicycle!) wacky antics, balloon sculpture, audience participation, and a rubber chicken! Plus accordion music, and a parade with volunteers from the audience! 50 minutes of entertainment that will keep kids (and adults) convulsed - with laughter!
WEBSITE

David Clyle Morse

DAVID CLYLE MORSE
(7 PM & 8 PM, Mathewson St. Church Sanctuary)
For 41 years, David Clyle Morse has been delighting and dazzling audiences with his excitement and enthusiasm for the organ, known as the King of Instruments. David has performed all over the country, sometimes along with a surprising friend, who may just put in an appearance at Bright Night! Performed on one of the largest digital organs in the world, David will bring the instrument alive with his performance of familiar classical music
WEBSITE

Ebu Gogo

EBU GOGO
(AS220, 11PM-2AM)
Celebrate New Year's Eve at AS220 with Ebu Gogo, Rhode Island's action/adventure band. They will be celebrating with the release of their new album "Denim Venom" Ebu Gogo is comprised of three members of the futurock group Gruvis Malt. They play complex rock/electronica, and the stated mission of the band is to "enjoy itself, reference movies more than music, and embrace its inner nerd."
WEBSITE

Figure Skating Club

FIGURE SKATING SPECTACULAR
(4 PM, Bank of America Skating Center)

Interpretive and athletic freeskating performances by local competitive skaters. This year's exhibition will feature Music of the Season and programs set to popular music. Be prepared to be entranced!

Fusionworks Dance Co

FUSIONWORKS DANCE CO.
(7:30 PM, RISD Auditorium)
Fusionworks is a modern dance repertory company based in Lincoln, Rhode Island, founded in 1987 by its Artistic Director, Deb Meunier. The company members are known for their gutsy, striking and provocative interpretations of works by an impressive line-up of contemporary choreographers.
WEBSITE

Candles

GRACE CHURCH NEW YEAR'S EVE WORSHIP SERVICE
(11 PM, Grace Church)
Come celebrate the new year at a candlelight service of Holy Communion that is open to all regardless of denomination . The service will end promptly by 11:55 PM so that we can go out side to see the fireworks. Handicapped accessible. For more information contact the Reverend Bob Brooks at 331-3225.

Greg Abate

GREG ABATE
(10 PM & 11  PM, BENEFICENT CHURCH SANCTUARY)
Greg is widely considered among jazz writers and aficionados to be one of the "best post bebop alto players" performing today. He tours nationally and internationally, and has been featured on many CD's and recordings.
WEBSITE

Greg Frisbee

GREG FRISBEE
(1:30 PM & 3:30 PM, Mathewson Street Church Hall)
Greg Frisbee grew up in a small town in Massachusetts and began to learn his performing skills at a young age. In his early 20's he worked as a street performer in Boston and surrounding areas. He currently lives in San Francisco, CA, and performs his one man show around the world. He's glad to be back in New England for Bright Night.
WEBSITE

THE GNOMES
(4 PM, Mathewson Street Sanctuary)
The Gnomes feature some of the top musicians in Rhode Island playing a lively mixture of Celtic and World Music. The evening will feature Cathy Clasper Torch on fiddle, Phil Edmonds on button accordion and whistles, Otis Read on guitar and vocals, Peter Breen on bass and vocals, and Ron Schmitt on percussion.

Incao Son

INCA SON
(6 & 7 PM, Beneficent Church Sanctuary)
Voted "Best World Music Act" by the Boston Music Awards, this group plays, sings and dances traditional Peruvian and Latin American songs. Dressed as either their Inca forebears, with feathers and gold earrings, or in the resplendent wool ponchos still worn in the Andes Mountains, Inca Son is, in the words of Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart, "the indispensable bearer of a nearly lost South American tradition." Their music) is both traditional and contemporary, and is characterized by the haunting panpipes and the lively charango (Andean four-stringed guitar) Great for all ages!
WEBSITE

Improv Jones

IMPROV JONES
(9 PM, RISD Auditorium)
Improvisational comedy by New England's premier improv comedy troupe. Using rules, games, random comments from the audience, an occasional audience member, and a healthy dose of sheer bravado, Improv Jones makes it up as they go along (and that's a good thing!) You'll never see the same show twice!
WEBSITE

Jackson Gillman

JACKSON GILLMAN
(7 PM Beneficent Roundtop Center)
Sparkling with energy, wit and whimsy, the "Stand-Up Chameleon" magically transforms into a wide array of colorful characters. Song, dance, mime and/or sign language might be incorporated into his interactive comedy and stories -- whatever works best to bring any age audience along for a rollicking ride into his wildly imaginative worlds of creativity and fun. Shining through Jackson's wit and extraordinary versatility is his bemused, warm-hearted honesty in his perceptions of life, astute and askew.
WEBSITE

Keith Munslow

KEITH MUNSLOW
(3 PM, RI Convention Center Ballroom)
A veteran performer with more than fifteen years experience, Keith Munslow has entertained thousands of children at shows and festivals throughout New England - and beyond. He has performed with Bill Harley, Big Nazo, and numerous bands in Providence. He is also a composer for the Perishable Theatre.
WEBSITE

L'Esperance

L'ESPERANCE MANDOLIN ENSEMBLE
(3 PM, Mathewson Street Sanctuary)
L'Esperance is a band of musicians of different backgrounds and ages who come together to enjoy the pleasure of making music with each other. Since 1994, l'Esperance has been sharing that joy with audiences around New England. The L'Esperance Mandolin Ensemble will present a lively program of world music arranged for mandolin ensemble. The program will feature music from Brazil, France, England, China, and Germany.
WEBSITE

Mark Binder

The Wippets

MARK BINDER & THE WIPPETS
(8 PM, 9 PM, 10 PM, Beneficent Roundtop Center)
Mark Binder is an award-winning storyteller and the author of four books and four audio recordings for adults and families. He is the founder of the American Story Theater, and has written articles about gourmet food, the business of pizza, computers, and excellent beer. He has served as the Acting Director for the East Bay Coalition for the Homeless. He tells stories and leads workshops like Tales for Peace and Eureka! Inspirational Math in schools, churches and synagogues, and adult education programs. He has told original and traditional stories to broad audiences at festivals from Virginia to Massachusetts, in parking lots in Roxbury and Dorchester, and at WaterFire. He has served on the adjunct faculty of the Rhode Island School of Design, where he teaches "Telling Lies.".

Mark will be performing with the Wippets,an eclectic group of local artists who play music from the familiar to the obscure, but always with the intention to keep the fun going.
WEBSITE

MARK CARTER (PERISHABLE THEATRE 10 & 11 PM)
Mark Carter has been involved in theatrics since the Fourth Grade. He has been in a number of local shows, earning him the sobriquet of the "Hardest Working Man In Rhode Island Show Business." Mark's work is part music, part comedy, and all original.

MARVIN NOVOGRODSKI (1 PM, RI Convention Center Ballroom)
A performer for over 20 years, Marvin's wealth as an entertainer ranges from inspiring thousands of school children as Marvelous Marvin to dancing at Lincoln Center with the Everett Dance Theatre, revealing his own personal demons in "Out of My Mind," and tackling acting roles such as Lenny in "Of Mice and Men".
WEBSITE

MARY KING & THE SIDEWALK STOMPERS (3:30 PM & 4:30 PM, Providence Children's Museum )
The Sidewalk Stompers are an acoustic trio that play lively,interactive children's songs & tunes. Instruments include guitar,fiddle,banjo & stand-up bass. Come & enjoy a spirited musical program that's fun for children of all ages.

East West Karate

MASTERY MARTIAL ARTS DEMO (3 PM, RISD Auditorium )
Mastery Martial Arts (formerly East West Karate) honors martial arts traditions that go back centuries, but are are also dynamic and are constantly seeking new and innovative ways to enthuse and excite our students. They have several academies in the area, and their demonstration of various martial arts skills is sure to get you interested in the mysterious blend between the old and the new.
WEBSITE

Matt the Knife

MATT THE KNIFE
(8:30 PM & 9:30 PM, AS220 CAFE)
MATT THE KNIFE is a Professional Magician, Mentalist, Escape Artist, Sideshow Entertainer, lecturer, consultant,.  His start came as a Card Sharp, the head of a Pick-Pocketing ring, and a Grifter some years ago but he's since reformed(?) and now uses his powers for good!  Just a few of his credits include NBC, The BBC (UK), The History Channel, Guinness World Records, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, CNN, CCTV (China), and The Discovery Channel.  And in 2006 he became one of the youngest performers to ever receive The Sideshow Preservation Award and has been nominated as the "Best Novelty Performer" by the Association for the Promotion of College Activities!  To date he's performed in 9 countries across 3 continents and has broken a total of 11 world records!
WEBSITE

Ocean State Children's Choir

OCEAN STATE CHILDREN'S CHOIR
(7 PM, GRACE CHURCH)
The Ocean State Children's Choir, under the direction of Paul Mancini, Sr, is one of the top children's choirs in the state. They will present a program of seasonal music from the newly release CD recording "Christmas 'Round the Castle". The forty-seven singers represent 15 Rhode Island and Massachusetts public, home, private, and parochial schools and range in age from eight to seventeen. WEBSITE

PEN EPIC
(8 PM & 9 PM, BENEFICENT CHURCH SANCTUARY)
A 5 man band from Glocester, RI, Pen Epic plays an intriguing mix of jazz, funk, and rock and roll. They were formed in 2004, and have appeared at many clubs and outdoor events, most recently the Scituate Art Festival. They have won at least one Battle of the Bands, and look forward to winning more. WEBSITE

PENDRAGON
(10 PM & 11 PM, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH)
Pendragon performs traditional roots music with an unmistakable contemporary edge. Pendragon's music celebrates the lives and lore of generations of New Englanders who brought traditions from Ireland, Scotland, England, French Canada and other distant shores to the banks of the Blackstone River.
WEBSITE

Peter Gross

PETER GROSS
(6:30 & 7:30 PM)
Magic & Other Suspect Activities. Peter Gross has been making people laugh professionally ever since he graduated from college with a degree in Philosophy. Since then, Peter has performed across the world, including Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Austria, and many other places all over the globe. Peter's shows combine classic magic illusions with stand-up comedy improvisation and a good dose of audience participation..
WEBSITE

PC Friars

P.C. FRIARS
(2 PM, DUNKIN' DONUTS CENTER)
Providence's own basketball favorites the Friars will take on St. Pete's at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in a New Year's classic. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the P.C. Friars, the first 3000 Bright Night wristband wearers will get in to see the game for free!  Get your free ticket by showing your wristband at a special Bright Night table set up in the Dunkin' Donuts Center up to two hours before the game.  One ticket per wristband!  Cheer on our hometeam favorites and see basketball the way it was meant to be played.
WEBSITE

RI Children's Chorus

RI CHILDREN'S CHORUS
(6 PM, GRACE CHURCH)
The RI Children's Chorus, an award-winning group of 70 singers aged 8-16 represents 22 cities and towns in RI and MA. The children look forward to this Bright Night performance and their beautiful voices will delight audiences of all ages as they offer a selection of seasonal holiday favorites. The group has recently appeared with the RI Philharmonic, the Providence Singers and the Boston University Chorus at Marsh Chapel. The RI Children's Chorus is under the direction of its founding conductor, Christine Noel,MM.
WEBSITE

RIPY Jazz

RIPYJazz
(4-5 PM, Beneficent Church Sanctuary)
The Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Jazz Ensemble (formerly known as the RI Youth Jazz Ensemble) brings it's energetic big band sound to Bright Night Providence.
These talented high school musicians from RI and Mass come together at The Music School of the RI Philharmonic to play big band jazz. Some of the best young players in the area are guaranteed.

RIPYJazz is conducted by Ms. Wendy Klein.
WEBSITE

Rory Raven

RORY RAVEN
(8 PM & 9 PM, AS220 CAFE)
In Rory Raven's performances, theater, psychology, and parapsychology all come together to involve the audience in a highly unusual -- and unusually entertaining! -- experience. Thoughts are read, predictions come true, and perhaps even the spirits are summoned...
WEBSITE

Sappy the CowPoke

SAPPY THE COWPOKE
(2:30 PM, Mathewson Streeth Hall)
Come take a ride back to the Old West with Michael Bresler's irascible character Sappy. Lively stories and songs about life in the Old West.

SHEHERAZADE'S SISTERS
(10 PM, AS220 CAFE)
Bellydancers under the direction of Kristie Speck, these sirens will seduce you with their scintillating gyrations. Come and witness the delectable delights of American bellydance.
WEBSITE

Speed of Thought Players

SPEED OF THOUGHT PLAYERS
(10 PM, RISD Auditorium)
Your Speed Of Thought Players have been performing for crowds of all ages all around New England and New York over the past 6 years and are ready to help you ring in the New Year with the best improv comedy anywhere ever! Your SOTP make it bigger, louder, faster and funnier than you've ever had it by combining your wildest ideas with our own twisted brains and shameless personalities.
WEBSITE

Sam Hill Trio

SAM HILL
(6 & 7 PM, First Baptist Church)
Featuring musicians:
Cathy Clasper Torch, violin and chinese fiddle
Steve Jobe, viola and hurdy-gurdy
Sharon Key, cello and vocals

with Catherine Hawkes, recorder and harp.
The group performs French and English traditional melodies arranged by Steve Jobe. The players alternate the sounds of violin, viola and cello with the exotic colors of the chinese fiddle and hurdy-gurdy creating unusually expressive effects. Early music specialist Catherine Hawkes enriches the textures with harp and recorder. The group's repertoire also features several original compositions by Jobe, including a song, Edgewise, sung by Sam Hill cellist, Sharon Key.
WEBSITE

SUPERCHIEF TRIO
(PART OF SWING DANCE BLUES BASH,9:30 PM, RI Convention Center Ballroom)
The Superchief Trio is one of the hottest jazz/blues band around. Winner of the Providence Phoenix Best Music Poll for best jazz act, they defy genres with an eclectic blend of blues. Think New Orleans roots with Lonnie Johnson and Dr. John riding shotgun to get a feel for them. Drummer Johnny Cote, pianist Keith Munslow, and trombonist Pam Murray, formerly affiliated with the Smoking Jackets, the Big Nazo Band, and the Neo-'90s Dance Band, have combined forces to get your toes tapping. And they will succeed! WEBSITE

The Trinity Zoo

THE TRINITY ZOO
(8:30 PM, RISD Auditorium)
The Trinity Zoo is a teen improv troupe from Providence. The Zoo performs longform and freestyle improv, easily creating and exploring realities based on the idea that the funniest stuff is also the most truthful.

Started by Trinity Rep actor Mauro Hantman, the Zoo is a collection of some of Southern New England's most talented teenage performers. The Zoo has played at various venues around Providence, at Improv Boston, and at this year's Providence Improv Fest, to the amazement and delight of all who see them.
WEBSITE

Trouz Bras

TROUZ BRAS
(8 PM & 9PM, First Baptist Church)
Trouz Bras (pronounced "True Brazz") means "Great Sound" in the Celtic language of Brittany, the ancient country that now finds itself in the northwestern region of France. It also translates as "Big Noise" - a reference to the loud Breton bagpipes that fuel the band's driving sound. Catapulting traditional Breton dance tunes into the 21st century, Trouz Bras combines swirling bagpipes and soaring fiddle with a rocking rhythm section. The band is led by bagpiper and vocalist Ray Price, a native Welshman who has expanded his Celtic roots to become a global ambassador of Breton music and dance. Joining Ray in creating Trouz Bras' "big sound" are some adventurous lads who aren't afraid to let their diverse roots drive the band's powerful sound. With impressive pedigrees in Irish, rock, blues, jazz, zydeco and medieval music, they pump new energy and vitality into the ancient Breton repertoire. Since its formation in 2005, Trouz Bras has played at many diverse venues, from the floors of intimate dance halls to the stages of major Celtic festivals. Audiences have enthusiastically embraced Trouz Bras' unique style of traditional Celtic music that honors the past while giving it a swift kick into the present.
WEBSITE

Unexpected Company

UNEXPECTED COMPANY
(11 PM, RISD Auditorium)
Rhode Island's most acclaimed long form improvisation company. Unexpected Company performs "The Morris", a loosely structured, fast paced long form comedy piece connected by monologues. Based out of Warwick, Rhode Island, Unexpected Company is the only group in the state strictly dedicated to long form improvisation. Called "a breath of fresh air" by the Providence Phoenix, this young company has been performing weekly since March of 2003, and has introduced hundreds to a form of improvisation rarely seen in Rhode Island.
WEBSITE

Val Tutson

VAL TUTSON
(2 PM, RI Convention Center Ballroom)
Valerie Tutson has performed across Europe, Africa, and the United States. She draws her stories from around the world with an emphasis on African Traditions.  Her repertoire includes myths, folk tales and historical pieces and stories that she learned in her travels to South Africa.
WEBSITE

VersaTones

THE VERSATONES
(6 PM-9PM, Strolling)
Look out for this strolling a cappella chorus from Moses Brown High School. These talented young singers will wow you with their great sound and theatrics. And who knows where you'll find them singing next?