Aurora Providence |
Thursday Night Venue
Similar to 2013, Thursday night at RKO Con will be a big night for those making it. We thank Dave & Buster’s for a great time last time out. However, with an increased vision for the night, we found Aurora to offer even more. In 2016, we have the opportunity to show you a bit more of what is uniquely Providence by hosting at Aurora. Located right in downtown Providence, it is a 5 minute walk from the Omni and the other nearby hotels. Aurora offers double the stage, a great AV system, a slightly larger seating area, and just as large a mingling area in the back (where the bar is). We also can operate later into the night (1 AM vs. 11:30 PM). We’re excited that (similar to 2013) everyone will find a place inside there that works for them, whether that be performing on the stage, watching the performances, dancing later in the night, mingling and catching up with each other in the large lounge area, or stepping outside to enjoy a Providence summer night. |
Fete Music Hall103 Dike St, Providence, RI 02909
www.fetemusic.com/ |
Friday & Saturday Venue
RKO Con will be held at the beautiful Fete Music Hall all day on Friday and on Saturday afternoon. In 2013, Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel served us well, but in 2016 this recently renovated club offers what we consider to be the best facility for the programming we are planning for the convention. As with our Thursday night venue, Aurora, Fete Music Hall is another growing business unique to Providence. The Fete is a perfect hybrid between spacious and intimate, whether you prefer standing or sitting. As you will see from the video, they really thought it through in designing the layout. Sight-lines are ideal throughout: whether sitting up close, hanging out at the bar, or watching from up in the mezzanine. No matter where you are, it's guaranteed to thrill you, chill you, and fulfill you! And, just in time for RKO Con, they have built a new pizza cafe. I could sure go for a SLICE! When looking at venues for any of our events - be it a local show or a national convention - we don't solely look for a rental. Rather, we look to form partnerships with like-minded people. We found that here. |
Columbus Theater |
Saturday Venue
“a beloved space for unique and inspired musicmakers, from mega-string bands (Mother Falcon) to deep-voiced savants (Bill Callahan) to soul shouters (Charles Bradley).” – Providence Phoenix, “Best Folk Venue 2014” “The Columbus Cooperative sure knows what it’s doing. Charged last year with keeping the upstairs space at the historic Columbus Theatre booked and rocking, the Cooperative has made very, very good on that promise. It lures national indie artists to the stage, but also keeps local musicians in rotation and up on the marquee. And for the folks who are there to truly see, hear and experience the music, the 200-seat venue is about as intimate as it gets.” – Rhode Island Monthly, “Best New Music Hotspot 2013” The Columbus Theatre was designed by architect Oreste DiSaia and built by realtor Domenic Annotti in 1926. The Theatre originally featured vaudeville and silent films before being leased by RKO Albee Theater, who renamed the building the Uptown Theater and operated it as one of Providence’s premier cinemas for the next 25 years. With the advent of television the Theatre fell on hard times, but builder Misak Berberian, whose love of architecture drew him to the Theatre, purchased it in the summer of 1962. He revived the Theater’s original name and installed his son Jon at the helm. After extensive repairs, the Berberians reopened the Theatre on November 1, 1962 – the 36th anniversary of the building’s original opening. After more than four decades of operation—which included music, film, and theatre presentations, as well as serving community groups from throughout Rhode Island with a beautiful venue for their programs—the Theatre was forced to close again in 2009 because of fire code updates. Since that time, Jon Berberian has worked tirelessly to meet those requirements for the Theatre, which reopened its doors November 17, 2012 and has once again become a beautiful and valued asset to the community. |