Actually, the book P+J are interested in reading is Going Rouge, a compendium of less than flattering articles about Ms. Palin. While that may be good for a laugh, what is anything less than humorous is the idea that Sarah Palin is even given a second's attention as a possible presidential candidate. She's the only person in the universe who could make Dubya Bush look intelligent.
Sleep tight, Founding Fathers.
BEST-KEPT MUSICAL TREASURE
If you haven't been to the Blackstone, the roomy and comfortable nightclub at 1005 Main Street in Pawtucket (in the old factory complex that once housed Hope Webbing and Schoolhouse Candy), you've been missing out on one of the best music joints in the Biggest Little. Since the Blackstone moved from its original home in the Valley Falls/Cumberland area, the enterprise has evolved in a very positive direction.
In fact, it's not just the Blackstone at the Main Street location but the Hope Artiste Village, with small shops and features like an excellent farmers' market. The only problem with the Hope Artiste Village/Blackstone enterprise is that it occurs largely below the radar — too few people are familiar with what's going on in a spot nearly equidistant from the downtowns of Providence and Pawtucket.
But what's really criminal to P&J is that so few people know that every Tuesday night at the Blackstone, you'll find probably the best ongoing weekly jazz jam in the entire state and there is no cover charge! This is first-rate, high-quality FREE music and it can't be beat.
The gig takes place under the aegis of Mike Tanaka, the veteran guitarist whose first love is jazz but who can also play some pretty mean Dick Dale-esque surf licks and knows his way around all manner of popular music and rock (he's been part of Mark Cutler's circle for years). Add to this the fact that Tanaka is also a television producer and executive (Good Morning America, Oprah) and prepare to hear some quality sounds that might just be a bit off-center — jazz excursions into the mysteries of the themes from The Odd Couple and The Flintstones, for instance.
While the bandleader himself is a fine and spirited player, some of Rhode Island's finest musicians show up regularly at Mike's Tuesday gig. The tenor sax master Rich Lataille (a founding member of Roomful of Blues), bassist John DeBossu, trombonist Carl Querfurth, keyboard player Travis Colby, the trumpet player and vocalist Al Basile, drummer George Correa, the saxophonist Klem, drummer Rick Couto, and many other equally well-known local players frequently appear on the bandstand.
You really should make an effort to check out Tuesday nights at the Blackstone with Mike Tanaka and friends. You will not be disappointed and you'll be supporting very good local music at a very good music joint.
LUCIA O'REILLY AT AS220
P&J are never shy to promote a friend's latest project, especially when that friend is as talented as the artist and veteran Casa Diablo regular, Lucia O'Reilly. Lucia had a successful show of her latest paintings earlier this year in Newport, and her most recent work will be up at the AS220 Project Space (93 Mathewson Street, downtown Providence) with an opening on Sunday, December 6 from 4 to 7 pm. Since you're already there, you might as well stop at the Local 121, one of the most attractive and comfortable bars in the city, for a sip or two.
