Searching through Providence’s Department of Arts, Culture & Tourism’s newsletter, several interesting events are coming up in March.  As always, the city is bustling with activity. Here’s a couple that support good causes.

To start off, how would you like to be treated like the stars?  The Rhode Island International Film Festival is the only officially sanctioned host for an Academy Awards party. It is being held at the VMA on March 7 starting at 6:30pm – complete with the red carpet treatment. The cost is $55 per person, and the proceeds of this “dress to impress” event benefit the RIIFF.

If you are not into the movies, how about live theater? Perishable Theater is having a fundraiser which features internationally-acclaimed mandolinist & bandolimist Marilynn Mair performing choro, samba, bossa nova and some of Marilynn’s original Rio-inspired compositions. This is also on the 7th but starts at 5:00pm and costs $25 per person.

For more detailed information, go to the Providence Arts, Culture and Tourism site.

For the last several decades, there has been a constant flow of people, who upon reaching retirement age, have packed the belongings, called the Realtor, and headed to better locations. Ah, but little did they know that good old Providence is considered a prime spot for retirees.

Paging through SmartMoney.com, I came across a survey of the top 25 places to retire. Providence is ranked number 17th. That doesn’t put our home as the prime destination, but it does put us before places like San Diego, Boston, or Charlotte, who didn’t even make the list. (Though I must say I was surprised by the ranking Philadelphia received – tenth. W. C. Fields would be equally surprised.)

The article did point out several of our great features and benefits. Among the statistics were some interesting ones. For instance, there are 228 golf courses within a 30 mile radius of Providence; the restaurant and bar scene is plentiful with 2413 and 234 establishments, respectfully, within 15 miles of the downtown; and our arts funding is double the average of the top 25 places to retire. That just makes the quality of life in Providence far superior to other cities.

Now, if we could only get nature to cooperate  – only 27% clear days – Providence would be a slice of heaven right here in little Rhode Island.

What’s better during recession time than a free night out?

Gallery Night Providence offers just this.  Every third Thursday from March-November, galleries throughout Providence open their doors to the public.  The event offers free parking at 7 locations, “Art Bus” tours, and a central information booth which recently relocated to Regency Plaza on Greene Street.

Gallery tours cover Downtown, the East Side, West Side and Wickenden Street (home to our Providence office).  The next gallery night is June 12th.  For your first time, catch the Art Bus at Regency Plaza.  The bus runs from 5 to 9 p.m., with the final run at 8:40 p.m.

See you at Gallery Night!

FAM is throwing their inaugural event tonight, featuring a gallery exhibit including various artists, fashion shows at 9 and 11 p.m., a musical guest and DJ throughout the night. The event was created in response to recent budget cuts within the arts, and FAM was formed as a way to support youth programming.

WHO: FAM

WHAT: Art show, fashion shows, music

WHEN: Tonight! Thursday, May 14th at 8 p.m. (7 p.m. patron reception)

WHERE: American Locomotive Works, 555 Valley Street, Providence

COST: $35 patron and VIP; $15 general admission