Best things to do in R.I. this week: April 15-22 – The Boston Globe

MARC MARON

Grasp Podcaster Marc Maron — host of the insanely common “WTF with Marc Maron” — brings the LOL to Windfall’s Columbus Theater April 15. From $45. Doorways 6 p.m., present 7 p.m. 270 Broadway, Windfall. Particulars right here.

JUST MY IMAGINATION

Nope, I’m not imagining this. There is certainly nonetheless time to see Tony-winner “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Occasions of the Temptations” at PPAC. Although April 17. Tickets from $20. 220 Weybosset St., Windfall. 401-421-2787. Particulars right here.

THIS MAGIC MOMENT

This actually is a magic musical second. On April 16, whereas the music of The Temptations performs the Windfall, The Drifters will likely be in East Greenwich. From “Up on the Roof” to “Beneath the Boardwalk” these legends have hits in all places. Tickets from $45, doorways 7 p.m., present 8 p.m. 59 Primary St., East Greenwich. 401-885-4000. Particulars right here.

ALPACAS IN LITTLE COMPTON

The spherical head. The loopy bangs. The little smile! There’s simply one thing about alpacas. Hope Alpaca Farm in Little Compton opens its gates to the general public April 16. Meet Huacaya alpacas, donkey and geese, store within the farm retailer and tour the farm. #BecauseAlpacas. Free. 11 a.m to three p.m. 134 Maple Ave. Particulars right here.

TIME TO DYE

No, it’s not a James Bond spoof, however an Easter Eve celebration. Study to dye Easter eggs with pure dyes and textures “utilizing objects discovered across the house” at Bristol’s Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum. Free. April 16. 10 a.m. to midday. 101 Ferry Highway. Particulars right here.

JULIE RHODES

Do your self a favor and take heed to powerhouse singer Julie Rhodes’ cowl of Etta James’s “I’d Fairly Go Blind.” Thoughts-blowing. The Woburn, Mass.-native blues-belter advised me beforehand that she didn’t uncover her large expertise till a home present in Windfall. “Earlier than the home celebration, I used to be not singing in entrance of anybody, ever,” she mentioned. Now Julie Rhodes & The Electrical Firm take stage in Windfall for Askew’s 4th Anniversary Occasion April 16. $12. Doorways 8 p.m., present 9 p.m. 150 Chestnut St., Windfall. Particulars right here and right here.

EARTH WEEK

We’ve solely received one Rhode Island. Earth Day is April 22, and Aquidneck Island Earth Week is peppered with occasions April 16-25. Norman Chook Sanctuary hosts fairly just a few:

• That is your spring to start out birding. Be a part of naturalists for a bird-watching seashore stroll alongside Third Seaside “to look at for visiting uncommon spring birds.” BYOB (binoculars, that’s) and scout the shore for sandpipers, eiders, buffleheads, and extra. Free. 875 third Seaside Highway, Middletown. Particulars right here.
• Additionally they host “Newbie Birding: Spring Migration Celebration” April 17. Study songbirds and be part of a naturalist on a warbler stroll on the paths. Refuel with donuts and low. 12:30-2:30 p.m. 583 third Seaside Highway, Middletown. Particulars right here.
• On April 20, be part of hikers on the Sanctuary for a free guided stroll by the character trails. Free. No registration wanted, meet in car parking zone by 3:20 p.m.
• The courageous would possibly attempt an evening stroll and study Rhody’s nocturnal creatures. And I don’t imply Windfall pub-crawlers. April 21, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets from $5. Particulars right here.

On April 19 and 20, Newport Vineyards hosts a Sustainability Tour of their agriculture farm — studying in regards to the rising, culinary philosophy, composting, photo voltaic power and extra — adopted by a wine-tasting. As a result of Farms = Meals (and wine.) 11 a.m. tour, midday tasting. Tour is free; tasting $17. 909 East Primary Highway, Middletown. Particulars right here.

SCHOOL VACATION FIELD TRIPS

That is faculty trip week, and (breathe, mothers and dads) three must-stops:

• Take a household area journey to the Windfall Youngsters’s Museum. Their hands-on packages and areas, geared towards youngsters ages 1 to 11, are “devoted to the concept that youngsters be taught by play and that play is sweet for kids and their households.” There are some distinctive reveals.” In “Innovation Lab,” youngsters can work with actual instruments. “Thinkspace” is all about puzzles; whereas “Play Energy” lets youngsters ship objects by air tubes, and assemble magnetic mazes. $14 for adults and youngsters, 100 South St., Windfall. 401-273-5437. Particulars right here.
• Roger Williams Park Zoo hosts an “Asian Lantern Spectacular” Wednesday by Sunday evenings, from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Kiddos can “journey by a wonderland of larger-than-life illuminated lanterns” and take a look at Asian-inspired delicacies, in accordance with their web site. $25 per grownup, $23 per baby. Rain or shine. Register on-line for a particular time slot. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Windfall, R.I. 401-785-3510. Particulars right here.
• For barely older youngsters, The RISD Museum is a gem. (I might spend an hour in on the Egyptian artifacts alone.) 20 North Primary St., Windfall. 401-454-6500. Particulars right here.

I SPEAK FOR THE TREES

Head to Salve Regina’s Arboretum to get your Lorax vibes on and study our oxygen-giving mates April 20. Plus; snag a reusable meals bag, and nosh lemonade and cookies, earlier than the Annual Arboretum tree-planting at 2:15 p.m. #LoraxVibes. Free. 1 p.m. Misto Gatehouse Entrance Garden, Salve Regina College, 100 Ochre Level Ave., Newport. Particulars.

SMITHFIELD’S STORM KING

Artwork and nature followers, that is for you: Taking inspiration from Andy Goldsworthy — who makes use of site-specific sculptures and land artwork utilizing solely pure supplies — Smithfield hosts “Earth Day Artwork Making.” Goldsworthy has made unbelievable installations all over the world, together with famous Storm King Artwork Heart.

After studying about Goldsworthy’s work, Rhode Islanders will construct their very own sculptures to both set up within the pine forest, add to a big set up, or hold. Forage for discovered supplies or convey supplies of your individual so as to add to the set up. I really like all of this. 374 Farnum Pike, Smithfield. Particulars right here.

SWAMP WALK, BARBECUE & BEER

Welp, this sounds superior. On Earth Day correct, you may stroll by a swamp, then get pleasure from barbecue, beer and stay music. The Nature Conservancy hosts “one our favourite hikes — by forest, fields and sure, some swamp,” whereas guides “level out birds, flowers and different fascinating stuff alongside the best way,” in accordance with occasion data.

After the hike, you’ll head to Shaidzon Beer Firm for an Earth Day celebration — with barbecue and stay music. Hikers get a free beer. (Sure, please.) Advance registration required. Free to register. April 22, 2 p.m. Meet at Nice Swamp Administration Space, 277 Nice Neck Highway, South Kingstown. Full particulars right here.

Till subsequent week, Rhody: Hold rockin’.

Lauren Daley will be reached at ldaley33@gmail.com. Observe her on Twiiter @laurendaley1.