We are exciting to have a working schedule to share with you for Sound Session! We do hope that you’ll stay the whole day as everything will be fabulous. Come see acts you know and love from past Speakeasy events, and check out some exciting new talent as well!

SCHEDULE

12:00:00 Torch Songs by Whitney
1:00:00 The Bourbon Boys
1:45:00 Finnegan’s 10 in 1 Side Show
2:00:00 The Dirge Carolers
2:30:00 Finnegan’s 10 in 1 Side Show
3:00:00 Niki Luparelli and the Gold Diggers
4:00:00 Kristen Minsky and the Tropigals
4:15:00 The Grasshopper Collective
4:30:00 The Risky Businessmen
5:00:00 Tempest
5:10:00 Ameena
5:20:00 Finnegan’s 10 in 1 Side Show
5:40:00 Tempest
5:45:00 The Grasshopper Collective
6:00:00 Miss Wensday and the New Medicinals
7:00:00 Waltz by Mikey Winward
7:15:00 Baroness Blitzen Von Schtupp
7:25:00 Billy Boston’s Sideshow
7:45:00 The Headcutters
8:30:00 Ginger B. Goode
8:45:00 Johnny Carlevale and the Rollin’ Pins
10:00:00 DJ
10:30:00 Sound Session Parade
11:30:00 Narragansett Beer Miss Hi Neighbor Pageant
11:45:00  Sparkles McTitsy
11:50:00  Grasshopper Collective
12:00:00 Legs La’mour of the Dazzling Dames
12:05:00 Baroness Blitzen Von Schtupp
12:10:00 Grasshopper Collective
12:20:00 Bettysioux Tailor
12:30:00 Extraordinary Rendition Band
1:30:00 DJ

Read more below about our amazing performers!

BAND BIOS:

Whitney Sanchez – This talented Blues and Jazz singer got her start at the ripe old age of eleven, and has a background in Gospel and Cabaret.

The Dirge Carolers – From steampunk to postpunk, the Dirge Carolers have graced New England’s music scene since 1995. Join them for a truly unique spin on some cabaret classics, twistedly raucous sing-a-longs, and original material.

The Bourbon Boys -Created in High Hat, Kentucky, in 1964 and transplanted to Rhode Island by their love of fried dough and baseball, the Bourbon Boys now form a unique and somewhat incongruent feature on New England’s musical landscape. Winners of Motif’s Best Bluegrass Band two-years running and featuring Lou Bourbon on banjo, Louis Bourbon on guitar, Moe Bourbon on mandolin, Les Bourbon on upright bass, and Lucinda Bourbon on the fiddle, this bluegrass family puts a country spin on American classics and 60′s rock anthems.

Niki Luparelli and the Gold Diggers – “Chanteuse, comedienne, and bleach aficionado” Niki Luparelli puts a classic lounge and cabaret spin on modern hits. Nikki is also one half of the comedic duo the Steamy Bohemians, hosts of the infamous Jerkus Circus event in Boston and Providence.

Miss Wensday and the New Medicinals – Original music and cabaret classics with “a saucy twist.” As a singer Wensday is inextricably drawn to the torch songs of the past. Lauded for her vocal skills and dynamic performances, her critically acclaimed album “Torch Rock” (2007) was on the 2007 Grammy Ballot in nine categories including “Best Pop Vocal”, “Best Blues Vocal” and “Record of the Year.” Voted “Best Jazz Act 2010” by the Motif Magazine.

The Headcutters – Named after an obscure blues song by Kokomo Arnold called “Headcuttin’ Blues,” these six Rhode Islanders play an updated version of Blues/R&B with heavy guitars, loud bass, pounding drums, screamin’ saxophone and rollicking piano. The Headcutters mix together old school blues, obscure rockabilly nuggets, Stax/Volt R&B, and a dash of Motown soul to create their own distinctive sound.
Johnny Carlevale and the Rollin’ Pins – This raw rockabilly racket hails from New England, USA! The band performs original material mixed with covers from the New England area rockabilly legends from the 1950′s.
Extraordinary Rendition Band – They are the “right kind of band geeks” who put a raucous spin on marching band tunes! The nearly 20 members of this bawdy brass outfit are what might result if your high school marching band listened to too much Sex Pistols and started painting on their instruments.

PERFORMER BIOS

Finnegan’s 10 in 1 Side Show- Side show acts to shock and amaze!

The Grasshopper Collective – This New England based fire and circus arts performance troupe aims to advance the viability, awareness, and reputation of the fire arts by creating captivating theatrical experiences.

The Risky Businessmen – This dance troupe incorporates campy and theatrical elements to create a unique, high energy show.

Tempest- Bellydance superstar Tempest aims to create dance that crosses the boundaries of time and culture. Since 2000 she has traveled the country to study traditional, folkloric, and fusion forms of bellydance, and her extensive work in the genre has helped to define and develop the movement across the world. Her compelling performances exemplify her distinctively theatrical and expressive style, and are rooted in oriental dance technique with a transcendent approach.

Ameena/Baroness Blitzen Von Schtupp – This talented dancer will demonstrate two distinctive styles: bellydance and comedic burlesque. Drawing from a diverse dance background, her rhythmic styles are sure to enchant and delight.

Kristen Minsky and the Tropigals: These glittery gals revive the showgirl tradition with dance routines that evoke vintage glamour! Straight from the stages of New York City, Ms. Minsky and her entourage are sure to tap and flap their way into the hearts of Providence audiences.

Billy Boston – A veteran of the Coney Island sideshow circuit, Bob Boston’s many talents include a blockhead act, glass eating, and creating “naughty” balloon animals.

Ginger B. Goode – From the midway to the country fair, Ginger B. Goode blazes her own path, with her acts that combine the tease of burlesque with the thrill of rope and knife tricks!

Sparkles McTitsy – A founding member of Thru the Keyhole burlesque, Miss McTitsy was the resident dancer at Speakeasy until she left to pursue studies in Library Science in New York City. She is happy to return to the Providence stage with her special brand of sassy, sparkly tease.

Legs L’amour – Founder of the Dazzling Dames, an eclectic neo-burlesque troupe from Providence, RI, Swing-era darling Legs L’amour uses clever costuming to put a modern twist on the saucy art of burlesque.

Bettysioux Tailor – This blue haired beauty combines her love of dance with her skills as a singer and fashion designer to create costumes and performances that tell a story. A true “jill of all trades” she is a master of the stage, and with her commanding height and bright blue tresses, she is hard to miss!

Speakeasy is proud and excited to announce that we will have a FREE, ALL AGES stage at this year’s Sound Session festival!

Official press release:
Step right up, as the sensational spectacle that is Speakeasy partners with Sound Session for a full day of fabulous entertainment!

Join Speakeasy at our outdoor stage as part of Providence’s premier genre defying music festival, Sound Session! From noon until late night we will be reviving the grand tradition of VAUDEVILLE – come see acts that you know and love from past Speakeasies as well as some new surprises! Best of all, entertainment is FREE all day and night!

From 12 noon onwards, enjoy a range of variety acts, from live music to dancers to side show and circus performers! Be mesmerized by the mysterious enchantment of belly dance performed by Tempest and Ameena. Come see flappin’ and tappin’ by vintage showgirls Kristen Minsky and the Tropigals, and campy dance theatrics by the Risky Businessmen! Enjoy circus arts by the Grasshopper Collective and side show stunts by Billy Boston as well as the Finnegan’s 10 in 1 Side Show! Ginger B. Goode performs whip and knife tricks to thrill and amaze with a saucy burlesque inspired twist, and Baroness Blitzen Von Schtupp will also grace the stage with a PG-13 comedic burlesque preview (come see the “adult” version after the parade)!

Daytime live music will be provided by the Dirge Carolers (dark cabaret), Niki Luparelli and the Gold Diggers (lounge/cabaret), The Headcutters (rockabilly), the Bourbon Boys (bluegrass), Johnny Carnevale and the Rollin’ Pins (rockabilly/R&B), and Miss Wensday and the New Medicinals (cabaret/jazz/blues)!

Then at 10:30, come support the Speakeasy gang in the official Sound Session Parade around Kennedy Plaza! There will be performers, glitz, music, pinup ladies, and more and the party doesn’t stop there!

After the parade, Extraordinary Rendition Band will lead the march back to our stage, where we will crown the winner of the Narragansett Beer “Miss Hi Neighbor” pageant! Then join us for a burlesque review with performances by Bettysioux Tailor, Sparkles McTitsy, Legs L’amour of the Dazzling Dames, and Baroness Blitzen Von Schtupp! And if that isn’t hot enough for you, the Grasshopper Collective will demonstrate the art of fire twirling, juggling, and fire breathing! Extraordinary Rendition Band then reclaims the stage and plays their raucous brand of live brass until you can’t dance anymore.

Come beat the economic recession blues the way it was originally done, at the Speakeasy stage at Sound Session!

Saturday July 24th, Grants Block, Union and Westminster St., Providence, RI. 12 noon-2 am. Free, all ages for daytime acts.

Thank you so much to Providence Pinup for providing VIP photo booth services at the Speakeasy Circus! Krista Handfield did an amazing job capturing the wild energy at this event. Check out the gallery here!

Speakeasy is thrilled and honored to be nominated for “Best Cabaret” by the Motif Magazine! Please visit the website to vote for us HERE!

Scroll down to page 34 and click on the page to be linked to the voting form! We are on one of the last pages so keep hitting “continue” until you see it. All you need is a valid email address.

We really feel that all the nominees deserve to win because we are all working towards the same goal, which is preserving the art of the cabaret while adding a distinctly Providence flavor! Kristen Minsky of CHIFFEROBE and Sabrina Blaze are both consummate professionals and we are honored to be considered alongside them.

Step right up, as the sensational spectacle that is Speakeasy takes you to the Circus!

We hope you’ll join us early at 8:30 for our VIP charity cocktail hour, benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. Snag front row seats for not one, but TWO exclusive performances in an intimate setting! Circus acts from the Grasshopper Collective perform beguiling illusions that redefine the act of juggling, along with a burlesque temptress whose twirling tassles might take out an eye! Let our clown make you a naughty balloon animal – remember, this is NOT your childhood circus! Nibble on some appetizers, let the ProvidencePinup.com VIP photo booth make you a star, snag some free swag, and peruse our vendors, all for just $15!

Then at 9:30, enjoy our acrobats and jugglers some more as well as our burlesque beauties, all hosted by LuLu Locks of ProvidencePinup.com! Don’t miss the TASSLE TWIRL OFF as Sparkles McTitsy returns to reclaim the stage, challenging current resident burlesque queen Bettysioux Tailor! See who will win this death defying face-off! Finally, Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band, a 12 piece raucous brass ensemble, plays swing dance versions of their repertoire to get you dancing!

This is not the circus as you remember it – we’ve infused it with drinking, dancing and debauchery to make it something that can only be called the SPEAKEASY CIRCUS!

Saturday May 8th, Club 201, 201 Westminster Street, Providence, RI. Tickets for the 8:30 VIP hour are $15, available here and at University Tattoo at 203 Weybosset Street, Providence, RI. General admission is at 9:30 and cover is $5.

[singlepic id=26 w=320 h=240 float=left]This past Saturday, March 20th, the Speakeasy team had the pleasure of strolling down a bustling Westminster Street! We started our evening at Queen of Hearts who were celebrating their grand opening in their new location. A DJ set the mood while shoppers sipped wine and nibbled on cheese and crackers. Queen of Hearts have expanded their selection of quirky, locally made goods and have lots to offer for those who appreciate unique, vintage inspired items.

Next stop was Heir + Calico, a collaborative boutique specializing in antique oddities and modern vintage clothing. We were surrounded by snazzy decor and even snazzier people, while the DJ spun early 90s rap that brought us right back to our younger years. We won’t date ourselves by telling you when those were. Regardless, it was a festive time in a fabulously unique setting. If you need a sharp looking hat, a vintage anatomical diagram, or the perfect dress to wear on your picnic, you can find all of it at Heir + Calico.

[singlepic id=25 w=320 h=240 float=right]Continuing down Westminster led us to AS220 on Empire Street for the Providence installment of the Jerkus Circus. Those of you who braved the monsoon to attend BAWDY BROADS surely remember the saucy blond Niki Luparelli – well she and her partner in crime Laney host the show, which is a neo-vaudeville comedy adventure. We were sickly serenaded by “Titler” (who looks exactly how the name suggests), shocked by the naked comedian, floored by the Human Floor – who also served as Human Dartboard, and reveled in the sexual inappropriateness of “86 years young” comedian Mary Dolan. Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys roused the rabble to end a show that was so wrong it’s right.

The night concluded with a classic late night outing for deep dish pizza at Cecilia’s on Federal Hill. It was an evening that reminded us why we love Providence, and in particular why we are so excited to be part of the artistic resurgence on Westminster Street.

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Mosey on down to the SPEAKEASY SALOON for a night of old time entertainment at Providence’s premier swing, cabaret and vintage event! Burlesque sensation Bettysioux Tailor will be back with more than just her guns ablazin’ for this one, and Miss Lulu Locks of ProvidencePinup.com shows you who’s the real sheriff in town! RI sensations The Headcutters, and one-man band King Sickabilly might just start a brawl with their rowdy rockabilly tunes! Our resident DJs spin the best in cabaret, swing and vintage and a special guest DJ spins primitive rockabilly obscurities for your listening pleasure. So polish up your six shooter, park your horse out front and come help us remind the world why there are two “wilds” in “wild wild west!”

Doors are at 9:30 and general admission is $7, or $5 in vintage attire.

If you haven’t already, check out this writeup and accompanying photos on the Narragansett Beer Weekend Recap blog:

Speakeasy at the 201

If you didn’t get a chance to grab some free ‘Gansett gear at the last Speakeasy, no worries – they’ll be back on March 13th for your local beer drinking pleasure.

The next Speakeasy event will be Bawdy Broads, a night of feisty females, at Club 201! This event is part of the VDay Rhode Island Festival which fights to end violence against women. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Crossroads RI Women’s Shelter. Advance tickets for the 8:30 VIP cocktail hour are available on ArtTixRI.com.

Returning as host is the lovely LuLu Locks of ProvidencePinup.com, fresh off her performance in the Vagina Monologues earlier that day! Bettysioux Tailor returns to tantalize with burlesque, and Niki Luparelli and the Gold Diggers play live. Further musical musings are provided by local favorites Miss Wensday and the New Medicinals, performing jazz and cabaret classics with a saucy twist!

Join us at 8:30 for our VIP cocktail hour and have an exclusive photo taken at the ProvidencePinup.com VIP photo booth! Bettysioux Tailor will delight with Burlesque Bingo – this is NOT your grandmother’s bingo! Win the game and get a fabulous treat! Enjoy some tasty nibbles and an exclusive first pass at our fabulous vendors – hurry, tickets are going fast!

Into the Wardrobe returns vending the perfect piece to top off your look. Sex educator Megan Andelloux will have an information booth for all your most pressing questions of any and all salacious manner, and the ‘Gansett Girls return with all your favorite local beer related free stuff!

Advance VIP tickets are $15 on ArtTixRI.com, General admission tickets will be sold at the door at 9:30 for $7. The event is 21+ and the dress code is “vintage fabulous or evening wear encouraged.”

Join us as we raise funds and awareness to end violence against women and girls with a night of incredible entertainment!