Spocka Summa and The Extraordinary Rendition Band return as performers and curators for the festival’s fifth year
Thursday, April 18, 2019
PROVIDENCE, RI – As Providence’s signature arts festival marks its fifth year of bringing the community together and elevating local talent, a number of artists will also mark their fifth year of participation. Known for bringing together artists from around the corner and across the globe, this festival has also helped local artists develop their art forms, expand their portfolio, and perform their passion for all to see. Providence-based artists Spocka Summa and The Extraordinary Rendition Band (ERB) are a part of this tradition, joining this year’s festival as well-known PVDFest performers and first-time curators.
Born and raised in Providence, Spocka Summa is a coordinator, painter, and designer who shares his passion for music with his home city and beyond. He has participated in the past three editions of PVDFest, bringing animation to the music industry by focusing on a sci-fi feel in mixes of hip-hop and rap. His talents have led him to open for renowned artists such as Method Man and Redman. In true Spocka Summa fashion, this year’s curation will present up to 30 of Providence’s most promising talent- featuring live bands, rappers, singers, producers, and DJs- in his third edition of the “Stage 88” showcase. Once an artist on the rise himself, Spocka encourages viewers to participate in the all-day experience at The Dean Hotel stage and discover the sounds of Providence.
Celebrating their 10 year anniversary as a group, The Extraordinary Rendition Band (ERB) returns to this year’s festival with their annual parade down Washington Street and two newly-curated sets. For 2019, ERB is planning a participatory pre-parade performance near the start of the parade that will infuse the PVDFest Parade, an event that has grown to be a festival staple, with new energies and have visitors dancing in the streets. ERB’s performance pieces will bring together Providence artists of all stripes- from poets to dancers to activists- for a bold, community collaboration with performances by Christopher Johnson, Halima Ibrahim and students from Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts along with other local talents.
Participating in PVDFest has proven to be more than an artist showcase—artists explore new audiences, meet peers from Providence and around the world, and are inspired by new collaborations. Artists are challenged to perform for large, diverse audiences, and festival-goers have the unique opportunity to experience hundreds of performances of different mediums and disciplines, all in one space. For emerging artists, master tradesmen, amateurs, professionals, locals or international touring artists- PVDFest elevates talent and encourages craft development.
Learning more about PVDFest by visiting www.pvdfest.com or following the festival on social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.