Rhody Weekend Must-Do's: January 25-28

Interrupt the winter blues of late January by bundling up for great theater, music, and spirits! It’s the perfect weekend to catch can’t-miss plays, finesse your knowledge of craft cocktails, listen to local bands and jazz, design a bonsai, and spot shorebirds on the bay. Winter may not be over yet, but there’s still plenty of good times to be had!

In case of weather delays or last-minute cancellations, always call the venue or check online for updates before you go.

ALL WEEKEND

University professor George and his wife Martha invite campus newcomers Nick and Honey over for drinks, but playful banter escalates into a night of marital warfare during Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at The Gamm. Opens this weekend, Warwick

The new smash-hit musical Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations is coming to PPAC. The play follows the band’s journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (read more for an exclusive interview!). Thursday through Sunday, Providence

THURSDAY, January 25

Surprise and delight your guests with your new bartending skills from White Dog Distilling’s Kitchen Cocktail Class. Learn about the classic Old Fashioned and make two drinks in this semi-private class while grazing on light bites. Tickets online, Pawtucket   

Say goodbye to the dark days of January with the Industrious Spirit Company’s Winter-Blues-Be-Gone Party. Sample the new tasting room-only spirit Aquavit, enjoy house-made and locally catered nibbles, and warm up in a mobile sauna. 5-9pm, Providence

Join the Norman Bird Sanctuary in kicking off their 75th anniversary lecture series, Sightlines. Executive director Kaity Ryan discusses the historical and cultural overview of Middletown’s Paradise Valley, and its importance in modern conservation efforts. Tickets online, Middletown 

FRIDAY, January 26

A fundraiser for the Friends of Newport Skatepark, Art for the Park invites folks to visit the DeBlois Gallery original hand-painted skateboards and then head over to Rejects Beer Co to kick back with a beer and live music from three bands. 6-10pm, Middletown 

Listen to the internationally renowned jazz musician Greg Abate at Linden Place. A saxophonist, flutist, and composer, Abate has played at jazz festivals and clubs from Canada to Moscow and he was inducted to the RI Music Hall of Fame. Tickets online, Bristol  

SATURDAY, January 27

Join Audubon Society naturalists and the Providence Parks Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership for Providence Birding, a free guided walk meeting at the Save the Bay Center to observe winter waterfowl at the top of the Narragansett Bay. 9:30-10:30am, Providence

SUNDAY, January 28

Celebrate the Jewish New Year of the Trees with Tu B’Shevat Bonsai Bar at Rhodium Spirits and Distillery. Grab your friends and a drink to pot, prune, and design your own mini tree while learning the core concepts of bonsai. Tickets online, Pawtucket 

Food and good company is in abundance during Pump House Music Works’ Potluck Open Mic Night. Bring a dish and trade recipes with other folks sharing their home cooking while witnessing local talent at the mic. 5:30-10:30pm, Wakefield