A special space Blackstone River Theatre celebrates its fifth anniversary BY BOB GULLA

This weekend marks the five-year anniversary of the Blackstone River Theatre. Since September 2000, BRT has presented more than 400 events for more than 30,000 audience members. "From the beginning, we wanted to make BRT special, a true community arts center," says Russell Gusetti, a member of Pendragon and one of the engines behind the BRT. "It’s not just a place for music, though that’s so important to our mission, but also a place for dance forms to flourish, for children’s events, visual arts, for classes where audience members could also become participants in the process. We wanted to do many things and do them really well."

Perhaps the thing that differentiates BRT from other venues is that it’s a performing arts venue actually run by performers. "We know what it’s like to be on the other side of things," says Gusetti, "both good and bad, and we have always tried to bring this experience to how we run the theatre. At the same time, the performers are often some of the very best at what they do and we always have and will maintain a stage for the very best of local performers, giving them a truly professional space to perform with what I believe is one of the very best sounding rooms out there."

To commemorate the milestone, they’re featuring a top-notch weekend of performances. On Friday (the 23rd), the Duke Robillard Band will celebrate the release of A Special Evening with Duke Robillard and Friends (Stony Plain), recorded live at the BRT last October. Duke will be joined by Doug James on baritone sax, Mark Teixeira on drums, Matt McCabe on piano, and Marty Ballou on bass, with special guests Billy Novick on clarinet and alto sax, Paul Kolesnikow on guitar, and Al Basile on cornet. On Saturday morning (the 24th), the BRT will present a children’s performance with the Big Nazo Band; the show coincides with an exhibit of drawings by Big Nazo creator Erminio Pinque in the BRT’s art gallery. And on Saturday night the BRT’s "house band," Pendragon, will perform. For reservations or information on any of these events, call 401.725.9272.

KATRINA FUNDRAISING

When Rhythm & Roots Festival producers Chuck Wentworth and Mary Tyler Doub decided they would actively solicit donations for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, one of their sponsors, Budweiser distributor McLaughlin & Moran, immediately stepped up and pledged to match the first $25,000 collected. Many of the festival’s vendors and performers donated part of their earnings, and proceeds from a raffle of a Collings guitar were added to the total. More than $80,000 was raised for the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund. Wentworth, a notable champion of the music of Louisiana, plans another Katrina fundraiser for Sunday, November 13 from 12 to 9 pm at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet. "We are going to present eight bands," he says. "Three have confirmed so far: Marcia Ball, Duke Robillard and Dikki Du & the Zyde-Crew"; there are tentative commitments from three other big-name acts. "We’re looking for help in getting some flights and hotel rooms and transportation costs underwritten at this point," he says. "Maybe folks can reach out and help us in that regard." More info can be found at www.mardigrasri.com.

Chan’s is getting in on the fundraising act next Thursday (the 29th) with something called "Big Noise for the Big Easy: A Blues Benefit for Victims of Hurricane Katrina." Performers include Greg Piccolo, James Montgomery, Robillard, Sugar Ray Norcia, the Bruce Katz Band, Michelle Willson, and Toni Lynn Washington. For information or reservations, call 401.765.1900.

WANDERING EYE

We were sorry but not surprised to hear of the closing of the much-loved Safari Lounge, perhaps the best and certainly the most loyal venue for local acts in the entire state. Owner Jimmy Ilarraza had been getting hassled by his landlord for years and something had to give. At this point, with the closing of so many local venues squeezing the blood out of our music scene, we’re not sure where that leaves us — the fans and musicians who give the nightlife a pulse. That said, the shows must go on, wherever they can: Stereobirds, Tokyo Tramps (the all-Japanese roots rockers), and Lucky 57 play this Friday at the Century Lounge. Vicious Disorder plays Cats on Sunday (the 25th) with Lourds, Ghost Orgy, and Stoned. And the Providence Music Fest goes down at the Living Room on Sunday featuring I, Destroyer (members of Dropdead, As the Sun Sets, and Paindriver), Filthy Souls, Anomalous, Dying Season, and Atomic Season.

Lori Amey, Bill Carleton, and Lisa Martin are at the Coffee Depot on Main Street in Warren on Saturday for an evening of mellow acoustic vibes. Amey and Carlton will also appear next Saturday at Area in Newport.

It’s taken Stone Soup five years to get Catie Curtis to come back, but they did it. The passionate singer-songwriter will perform on Saturday at 8 pm at the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket Arts Center, 210 Main Street, Pawtucket. Tickets are $16; call 401.725.8918.

Becky Chace began a residency with a three-piece band at the Barnsider Mile & A Quarter Restaurant, 375 South Main, Providence. The shows are in the upstairs lounge every Thursday, and there is no cover.

The Wrong Reasons are playing at Jake’s with Brooklyn’s Federale (featuring Jesse Cohen) on Saturday. This event marks the departure of guitarist Dennis Kelly, who will be replaced by Damian Puerini of Revival Preachers. This has knocked the wind out of the promising Preachers, who will play their last show on October 22 at Jake’s.

Another goodbye comes from Miniwatt, who will play their last show on Sunday at AS220 after eight years. Joining them in their farewell will be the Tremula, Kalpana, and TRISTANDACUNHA. Michael Esten is moving to California to make his music while Mike and Dan will remain here and explore new options. "It was a great ride," says Esten, "and I’ll truly miss all of my friends and everyone who has supported us over the years."

E-mail me with your music news: big.daddy1@cox.net.