WALKING ON ‘SUNSHINE’: Jonathan Edwards is at Stone Soup on Saturday.

Two weeks ago, the Citizens Bank Foundation made a pretty sweet announcement: a grant of $25,000 to support the Providence Black Repertory Company. The cash couldn’t have come at a better time. The room, run by Donald King, was closed after Christmas for a couple of weeks when a section of its ceiling collapsed, ruining some gear in the process. Thankfully no one was hurt. PBR spent time and money undergoing reconstruction to ensure the continued safety of its customers. Still, the unexpected closure resulted in significant losses. TBR set up a “Save the Ceiling Fund.” That’s when the bank, a notable patron of Rhode Island arts, responded to the call. In a prepared statement issued by PBR, Joseph J. MarcAurele, president of Citizens, said, “Black Rep has contributed to the development of artists, the education of youth, and the cultural expansion of our community by offering widely accessible, free and low-cost programming. We are proud to assist during its time of need.” There couldn’t be a more deserving venue.

Stone Soup success
We’re happy to report that, thanks to the generosity of many — maybe even you — Stone Soup has successfully averted a looming financial crisis. We’re not sure of the details, but we received a joyful note from the gang that their immediate problems had been solved. This is great news — all aspects of the local music scene are interlocked in such a small community, and each is integral to the scene as a whole. When one goes down, the foundation wobbles. The Soup tightened things up and is prepared to continue through another exciting season. Next up: Jonathan Edwards on February 2. Go to stonesoupcoffeehouse.com for all of your acoustic music info.

Wandering eye
The Nat Porter Restaurant in downtown Warren is beginning to feature more live music. This Saturday, February 2, it’s the rockin’ pop of PATRICK MCALOON, which will make for a lively night of entertaining tunes. Call 401.289.0373. At the Blackstone in the Bucket on Thursday, January 31, it’s WHITEY, BANGER, and SEALED FATE in a free show. Incidentally, a box full of ultra-rare and highly sought-after Glazed Baby CDs on Atomic Action!/Fidel Bastro (Germany) resurfaced recently. Recorded back in 1996, by Whitey’s Andy Newman with Dale Cunningham, Dave Anderson, and Scott Miller after the band’s dalliance with the majors, it still peels paint, and comes with its own Chinese restaurant menu. Fans of early AmRep, Skin Graft, Touch & Go noize take note. On Friday, February 1, at the Blackstone, DOX from Poorly Drawn People spins some rekkids. Call 401.726.2181. On Friday at Brooklyn Coffee & Tea House, 209 Douglas Avenue, Providence, it’s MARK CUTLER and MARY ANN ROSSONI in a free, pass-the-hat gig, also starring a player to be named later. The show starts at 8 pm, no booze is served, and the patrons are gentle. Call 401.575.2284. At the Narragansett Café in Jamestown on Friday it’s SMOKESTACK LIGHTNING. Call 401.423.2150.
 
THE ATTIC plays a big all-ages show on Saturday at AS220, fresh off a gig a few weeks ago at the Bitter End in the Village. The band’s breezy, Phish-meets-Zappa vibe goes over well with the jam crowd and they’re really beginning to turn some heads. Their new album, In the Red, is a frisky hunk of sparkling funk, extended solos, and tie-dye tendencies. PEN-EPIC, another hippied-out bunch out of Glocester, and NOVEMBER HOTEL, whose post-Cobain sound is less ephemeral and more rock, will also hit the stage. On Wednesday, February 6 at AS220, the WHAT CHEER? BRIGADE turns out in numbers to help BEAT CIRCUS, a Boston band, celebrate the release of its new Cuneiform recording. If you haven’t heard What Cheer? yet, you owe it to yourself to catch them. It’s a spectacle to witness all those marchers comin’ at you, not to mention their Sousa-gone-wrong brass band vibe, which combines New Orleans, Eastern European, and Bollywood strains. Call 401.831.9327.

Send music news my way: bobgulla@verizon.net .