Rhode Island’s longest-running premiere sketch-comedy showcase, the Empire Revue, is a curation of original sketches and songs, with the music of the Empire Revue House Band featuring special guest comedians, […] The post Empire Review: The Escape Show! appeared first on Motif ..read more

Okee dokee folks … Music venues seem to be an ever changing landscape in Rhode Island. They come and they go. Some open with big promises of support and shows, […] The post Roots Report appeared first on Motif ..read more

It’s sad news that Wes’ Rib House and The Boiler Room will be closing after only seven months of operations. I’ve heard some say, as they always do when a […] The post Subterranean Jungle: Providence Music Scene’s Deep Karma Canyon appeared first on Motif ..read more

Say hello to a new edition of Stop, Rock n Roll! Here are five fire tunes to match the late summer weather: THE BITTER JOY – “WALLOWS” Joyously crunchy guitars […] The post Stop, Rock and Roll appeared first on Motif ..read more

Okee dokee folks… I am a Boomer. When I was young, I was taught the proper response to “thank you,” was “you’re welcome.” I always try to be as polite […] The post Roots Report appeared first on Motif ..read more

At the Motif headquarters there is a corner full of white boxes. Their sides are emblazoned with dates, months, years, scribbled in different shades of marker. Some are crossed out […] The post From the Archives appeared first on Motif ..read more

It doesn’t feel real that the Motif is turning 20. Sometimes, it feels like I’ve been writing for Motif for a hundred years. Other times, it seems like I started […] The post Subterranean Jungle: Cheers to 20 years of mayhem appeared first on Motif ..read more

What can be said about Neil Gaiman that hasn’t already been said? A beloved, award-winning author who has seemingly conquered the worlds of literature and film, Gaiman has become an institution for lovers of all things fantasy. From his groundbreaking work in comics and graphic novels to his actual novels, Gaiman has captured the imagination of millions of readers, and deservedly so. In April 2023, Gaiman released an album with the Fourplay String Quartet. It debuted at the top of Billboard’s classical crossover chart. However, save for superfans of Gaiman and quirky classical music, most peo ..read more

Okee dokee folks… I recently performed in Pettaquamscutt Lake Shores Clubhouse At The River-Summer Concert Series, produced by singer-songwriter Mary Pierce Hurwitz. I was amazed by the packed room. The series has been going on for only a year but already has a dedicated and growing audience. As a songwriter, I appreciate a show teeming with people who listen to the songs and want to discuss them with you after the show. These shows are what make being a singer-songwriter worth it. The next show in the series will be on August 8 and features Women Folk (Mary and her sister Margi Gianquinto, w ..read more

Stray Love is RI native Stacey Caputi Liakos’ compelling and candid memoir in which she recounts her decade-long relationship with Ray-Ray, a charismatic bad-boy and drug hustler, and wrestles with her realization that life – and the pull of the heart – is not always within her control. In a conversational tone akin to swapping gossip with close friends, Stacey recounts the couple’s initial meeting, flirting, and partying. Through their evolution to love letters, courtship, and magnetic sexual attraction, Ray’s life was amped from the glamor, thrill, power, and money of hustling drugs. There ..read more