Waterfire and The Return to Providence

I was just in Providence 3 months ago, and spent a wonderful 48 hours exploring the RISD Museum, as well as walking around downtown admiring how the city was laid out along the rivers. For the last 20 years or so, an event called "Waterfire" has been taking place, and although I lived in Rhode Island back when it first started, I had never been to the event. I noticed that I had a Saturday off when it was taking place, and jumped at the chance to come back.

I reserved a room at The Dean, which is a very hard to explain hotel. But I'll try....

Many years ago, this Fountain Street building was a mission. Later on, it became a swanky lounge, then a strip club and brothel... and eventually things changed to where we are today.

Not sure what went on in some of these rooms back in the day, but on the first floor in the back, a Karaoke bar now exists - with private performance rooms. and a main room with a bar, where the madness now publicly ensues. People take Karaoke seriously. 

Amy and I are seasoned veterans of the stage, but somehow feel out of our element with folks who sometimes can't even be heard singing... usually off key. Still, its a fun-loving group of people, and they were all pretty impressed with us blasting out duets versions of familiar classic hits by Tom Petty, Styx and REO Speedwagon.

But we came here for Waterfire, and so we arrived early, as people were already gathered, waiting for the boats to show up to light the pyres.

and for Santa to show up and wave at us from a boat.

It was all very surreal, and almost Pagan like with all of the fire torches.

It was all very pretty, with soft music accenting the combination of lights, and the waters that slowly make their way thru the city. Elements of Venice and Chicago come to mind (although I've never been to Italy, the planners wanted to pay tribute to the Italian heritage that Providence still holds).

After the Karaoke madness (and some really fine dining at Providence Coal Fired Pizza). We checked out of The Dean, and went to Fox Point (where we visited the wonderful Silver Star Bakery) and then took in the works of the Providence Art Club, which is housed in a beautiful brick structure near RISD. Most all of the works were on sale, and just walking around the the place was an experience, because of the furnishings, and displays.

  

I didn't think I would stay at the same Providence hotel twice in three months, but The Dean has a vibe that I absolutely connect with... part Hotel Chelsea and part Hotel RISD.