Rhode Island
‘We sorely needed this’: In Providence, a dance club for an over-30 crowd – The Boston Globe
Medici is split into two sections: One is certainly a dance club, where young ravers dressed sparely bump to tunes throbbing from a state-of-the-art audio system.
The lounge is completely separate. The lights are brighter, the music is low enough to allow for conversation, and there’s even a small kitchen that serves food. The royal blue carpet with a pattern of hundreds of gold fleurs-de-lis complements cushy velvet couches and chairs, setting an opulent, sophisticated vibe. Portraits of the powerful Medici family, who ruled Florence and Tuscany from the 15th to 18th centuries, welcome you at the door.
It’s an older crowd than your typical club. During Medici’s grand opening in late February, guests ranged in age from 35 to over 65.
“Providence didn’t have a venue like this before,” said Mindy Britto, the owner of consignment boutique Urban Thread, which held a fashion show at Medici its first weekend open. Sporting fur coats, long dresses, and pleather pants, the majority of the crowd was 30 and older, with many women in their 40s and 50s, said Britto. “It’s very refreshing to have something that caters to a more mature audience.”
In 2024, the bar was under construction.
The new bar space inside of Medici.(Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff)
(Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff)
Women over 30 “still got it going on, we want to go out and have a good time, but want to do it in a more refined atmosphere,” said Britto, who is now in her mid-40s. “Professionals, business owners — we sorely needed this.”
Alex Tomasso, 65, who has opened nightclubs and restaurants across the city over the last three decades, has worked for a year to open Medici, a more than $1.3 million project with partners Sue Ashworth, Saje Barwary, and Italia Barwary.
“This is my last big project,” said Tomasso in an exclusive interview. “I don’t think I have to say that I’m 65 years old, but I’m done. I think I’m ending with this one.”
The space has come a long way. During the Globe’s first visit in April 2024 as construction was getting underway, the club was in shambles. There was a strong smell of sewage, a large puddle in the middle of the dance floor, wires hung from the ceiling, and the sound of dripping pervaded seemingly every corner. A year later, those issues have been fixed.
Bathrooms, bar tops, and even flooring have been redone throughout. Round velvet purple and white banquettes line the walls of the nightclub, while a massive mural of Florence, Italy, hangs in the lounge as the backsplash against several crystal chandeliers suspended from the ceiling. The lounge serves Italian wine and craft cocktails.
For years, particularly in the early 2000s, Providence was seen around New England as the go-to city for a fun night out. But the landscape of Providence’s nightlife has changed. While the restaurant scene has surged, nightclubs have closed, for various reasons. Gentrification has led to the redevelopment of many former venues into expensive apartment buildings, and rising housing costs have priced out many artists and musicians. In some cases, clubs were shut down after violent incidents; and new regulations, bureaucratic red tape, and the high cost of doing business in recent years haven’t helped.
The space before the renovation in April, 2024.
The new event space inside of Medici (Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff)
(Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff)
“You watch shows like ‘Sex and The City’ and see them going out, dressing up, and having fun in these super cool lounges and chic nightclubs. But when I turned 21, there was nowhere in Providence like that,” said Scout Lyons, 25, an actress and designer of clothing line “Scouted.” “Medici is unlike anything else in the city.”
In contrast to larger urban settings, like New York or cities across the South, Rhode Island has had a longstanding ban on happy hours, and the public transportation system dwindles after 9 p.m., making it more difficult to keep customers in the city at night.
“Providence’s nightlife scene has been really tired. But now I have a lot of hope for Medici,” said Lyons, who also organized a recent fashion show at the lounge. “I think it’s going to attract a lot of people to Providence, and really re-ignite some excitement around the city’s nightlife scene because it shows something more upscale, but fun.”
Medici offers valet parking, and the lounge typically will be open around 7 to about 11 p.m. most nights. The nightclub side opens at 10 p.m. and closes at 2 a.m.
On its opening night, a corner of the lounge was dedicated to a wine tasting by Rossi Import, which is co-owned by Pamela Parker, who imports wine from Italy. “Frankly, I can’t remember the last time I was caught in a nightclub,” said Parker.
During the lounge’s first few days in operation, Evan Simone celebrated his 21st birthday with his parents, drinking vodka-Red Bulls while blowing out candles on a white and blue cake. In another section of the lounge, a man got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend, who was wearing a floor-length red gown. DAWNNY, a “duck and influencer” that has nearly 10,000 followers on Instagram, and Mayor Brett Smiley, often critiqued for being the “fun police,” even made an appearance.
For some, including Tomasso, this club offers something different.
Tomasso has spent his career in the nightlife space, and in Medici has built out a concept that has been taking off in other cities in recent years. A nightclub in Ann Arbor, Michigan, throws weekly Friday night parties that end by 9 p.m. Many attendees call it “Geezer Happy Hour” because the majority of the crowd is over 65. Retroclubnyc in New York City plays dance hits from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, and doormen favor patrons over 30 in business casual attire. The Earlybirds Club is a roaming dance party that’s coming to cities across the country and specifically targets “middle aged-ish” women, as well as nonbinary and trans people, who want to go out but also be in bed by 11 p.m.
Medici will soon host weekly comedy shows on Thursday nights, and has an upcoming brunch for entrepreneurial-minded women in March.
“It’s like bringing the early 2000s back,” said Lyons. “You can dress up like Carrie Bradshaw, wear your heels, and go out with your besties — no matter what generation you’re in.”
Alexa Gagosz can be reached at alexa.gagosz@globe.com. Follow her @alexagagosz and on Instagram @AlexaGagosz.
Bravo cameras will be rolling in Rhode Island once again this summer.
The Real Housewives of Rhode Island has officially been renewed for season two—and honestly, it’s no surprise. The newest addition to the Housewives franchise quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to strong ratings and early award buzz.
READ MORE: RHORI Earned Two Critics’ Choice Award Nominations
Still, not everyone may be celebrating this news.
It didn’t take long for viewers to get hooked on the Ocean State edition, especially with the intense drama that unfolded just a few episodes in.
The Infidelity Allegations That Drove the Season
At the center of it all? The allegations of infidelity involving Rulla Nehme Pontarelli’s husband, Brian—a storyline that quickly became the season’s biggest talking point.
The situation even left Rulla questioning her future on the show, saying she would have to “think very long and hard about” returning for another season.
Will Rulla Return for Season 2?
Now that season two is officially happening, the big question is: will Rulla be back?
Fans certainly hope so. Rulla has been one of the most talked-about cast members on social media, and her storyline has driven much of the conversation around the show.
READ MORE: Fans React to First Look at Real Housewives of Rhode Island Cast
As of now, Rulla is expected to return alongside Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Kelsey Swanson, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi.
Bravo via Facebook
When and Where Filming Will Begin
If production follows last year’s schedule, filming will likely kick off in mid-June and run through mid-September—once again showcasing Rhode Island at its summer best.
For now, fans seem thrilled. The announcement sparked more than 100 excited comments on Facebook, with viewers eager for more drama, more glamour, and more Ocean State moments.
So don’t be surprised if you spot Bravo cameras popping up around Rhode Island again very soon.
40 Photos Of Real Housewives Of Dallas Stars Home For Sale
Built & owned by actress, celebrity chef & Real Housewife, D’Andra Simmons-this stylish & stunning award winning two story,5 bedroom modern is on a corner lot in prestigious Highland Park and its on sale for $5.2 Million.
Gallery Credit: Christine McKenny, Agent/ Allie Beth Allman & Associates
A Real Housewives Star Just Made $7.7M On Her Ridiculous Colorado Home
Kyle Richards, from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, just sold this ridiculously gorgeous home in Aspen, Colorado, for $7.7 Million. You’ve gotta see these pix…
Gallery Credit: Aspen MLS
The Gorga’s of The Real Housewives of New Jersey Put Their Jersey House Up For Sale
It has 7 bedrooms 5 bathrooms and a pool but really it will be better if we show you this celebrity home that is up for sale in the Jersey Shore.
Gallery Credit: EeE
A new era for State Troopers in southern RI
Closing the State Police barracks facilities in Wyoming and Wickford marks the end of an era in community policing
Republican candidate for lieutenant governor John Loughlin wants the office to become the Rhode Island inspector general his party has been seeking in vain for years.
Loughlin, a former state representative, said on May 11 that, if elected, he would staff the underutilized office with people who would help him expose “fraud, waste, abuse, and government corruption.”
“Rhode Islanders are sick and tired of watching their tax dollars disappear into a black hole of inefficiency, cronyism, and outright corruption while the General Assembly talks a big game but delivers nothing − year after year after year,” Loughlin said in a news release. “For more than two decades, the legislature has failed to create a true Inspector General with real investigative power. Enough is enough. If they won’t do it, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office will − starting on day one.”
Why turn the lieutenant governor into an inspector general?
The Rhode Island Constitution gives the lieutenant governor little to no authority beyond being available in case the governor is unable to finish their term. That’s prompted some to call it a “do nothing” office and others to propose abolishing it.
“Frankly, the current workload of the office leaves ample time and resources to do far more for taxpayers than ceremonial appearances and ribbon-cuttings,” Loughlin said in his news release. “Rhode Islanders deserve a Lieutenant Governor’s Office that works every day to protect their money and hold government accountable.”
The lieutenant governor’s office has a budget of $1.4 million, which Loughlin said is enough to staff and run an effective investigative team made up of “certified auditors, investigators, and compliance professionals” to review state agency spending and contracts.
He acknowledged that the lieutenant governor does not have subpoena power, but believes that investigations can be completed utilizing public records requests and gathering publicly-available data.
Loughlin, who ended his talk radio show earlier this year when he announced his campaign for governor, said he would communicate his findings through “RI Report” publications, news briefings and podcasts.
He said he would also make the office’s resources available to city and town leaders.
Republicans have been fighting for an inspector general
Rhode Island Republicans have for years promised to lower state spending by rooting out government waste, fraud and abuse. The last GOP Rhode Island governor, Donald Carcieri, launched a “Fiscal Fitness” program that aimed to save money and find efficiencies.
Democrats criticized Carcieri’s tenure for featuring exorbitant privatization and outsourcing.
Since Carcieri, the idea of creating an independent inspector general similar to those in other states has become a holy grail for Rhode Island Republicans, but the Democratic General Assembly has had little interest in it.
“If our office saves just 1% from Rhode Island’s bloated state budget, the savings would return more than ten times the entire cost of the Lieutenant Governor’s Office to taxpayers – and that’s only the beginning,” Loughlin said in the news release.
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 10, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Numbers numbers from May 10 drawing
Midday: 9-9-9-0
Evening: 5-5-0-9
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from May 10 drawing
01-13-14-16-32, Extra: 02
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 10 drawing
01-03-20-35-46, Bonus: 05
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
- Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
- Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.
When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
- Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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