Have you ever traveled to Europe and explored the city squares of Italy or France? Dotted along St. Mark’s Square, around the Trevi Fountain in Rome, and in small groups peering up at the grandiose Eiffel Tower in Paris, you'll find a communal gathering of people leisurely strolling for a daytime or evening promenade. Whether you stroll along the banks of the waterfront in Europe or in downtown Providence’s Waterplace Park with new acquaintances, close friends, or visitors to the Renaissance City in search of a way to slow down, to saunter or to take pleasure in the streets lined with people, a feeling of tranquility surrounds you.

Barnaby Evans, artist and creator of WaterFire, presents the four elements of nature; water, fire, earth, and air along the riverbanks of three rivers merged together in the city of Providence. A one of a kind work of art, WaterFire, has generated a unique meaning to downtown Providence, similar to our European counterparts.

WaterFire premiered in 1994 by Evans as First Fire. Commencing with 11 braziers aglow, the event was commissioned to celebrate the tenth anniversary of First Night. It represents Mr. Evans spiritual, emotional, and artistic talents. The complexity of this enormous artistic piece of art is difficult to absorb with just one visit.

WaterFire clearly represents two of the elements, water and fire, two opposing similarly ferocious fundamentals. Water has the capability to nourish, to care for and in some cases, to destroy us with her furious rains and storms; as fire warms us, and cooks our food, and provides light; it too can be just as lethal. Experience the breathtaking incorporation of the contradictory forces of water and fire.

With each step, your senses capture the invigorating and matchless display of nature’s elements. Watch the sleek Gondolas slide past you in a river glowing with fire while the black-clad fire tenders stoke each brazier. Inhale the perfumed scented air of incense, pine, and cedar, as the flame from the wood in the metal basins anchored atop the rivers sparkle through the air as dancing embers, as if in flight, only to amplify the warmth of the 100 lit braziers.

As you step back into an arena of ancient times, the pure pleasure of understanding the one of a kind rebirth of downtown Providence and Evans’ masterpiece, allows you to survey your senses.

Not only is WaterFire a multi-sensory event, it mirrors its founding European counterparts. According to Tim Ray, Director of Public Affairs at WaterFire, “Waterfire is to Providence what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris.”

Today, in the Renaissance City a new transformation of the artistic talent and understanding so noted by Evans emerges as a trio of innovative venues and at the same time showcasing Evans popular WaterFire.

Step along the riverbank towards the New Rivers Restaurant to listen to some of the finest local and international Jazz musicians as they transmit their music at the Steeple Street Stage. The Verizon Stage performers blast their tunes into the air in a melodic wave of resonance, fulfilling those who came to enjoy the sounds of the trumpets echo in unison.

Walk further along the banks of the river to an amazing event about to take place. Enter the trio of scarlet curtains draped behind the keystones on the Turks Head Building located in the financial district; include a raised dance floor donned with colorful lights, and an elevated stage for performers and musicians. Add the audience waiting in anticipation of an event about to take place at the Sovereign Plaza Ballroom.

The Plaza is one of the finest arenas of hundreds of people in a public space. As you interact on stage during dance lessons from 7-8pm or relax in the chairs lined up in front of the stage just to listen to the music, -a transformation takes place. The lessons depend on the type of music for that particular WaterFire; waltz, foxtrot, swing, tango or salsa.

The Cape Verde music of Maria de Barros, Danca Ma Mi, Dance with Me touches you as you sense togetherness from the crowd According to Maria, when asked what she liked the most about performing, she stated, “the most exciting thing is when people respond to my music even though a lot don’t understand the words.” And to explore the third venue, stroll along the banks to the Dyer Street dock.

Lastly, the newest of the venues, the WaterFire Access Boat, a pontoon-style boat specially equipped to offer those with wheelchairs or disabilities to partake in the festivities along the river. The disabled and companions are provided free tours along the Woonaquatucket and Providence Rivers. Located at the Dyer Street dock across from Heminway’s and Capriccio’s, the waiting area at the Gazebo has a cutout to make wheelchair access a cinch, enabling those with disabilities to participate in the collective get-together.

As Tim Ray states, “The whole essence of WaterFire is built on a communal gathering.”

WaterFire continues along the famed riverfront of downtown Providence until late October. Log on to www.waterfire.org for a complete schedule and join in the sharing of heightened emotions, feelings, and thoughts.

About the author, Linda S. Manning: Linda S. Manning is the definition of a take charge person, continually seeking new avenues to expand her creative talents. In addition to a quarter of a century as a real estate broker, former elementary teacher and current Bed and Breakfast owner in Newport, Linda is also a licensed Captain, PADI Dive certified, artist and has written travel articles and short stories about life in Newport and beyond. A former runner up for Miss Rhode Island World, she was born in Providence has resided in Newport for 8 years with her husband Paul.

The Kitt Shepley House 23 Division Street Newport, RI 02840 877.362.8664 Kitt1932@aol.com www.kittshepleyhouse.com

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