In March of 2018 we heard about the opening of a new music venue on Chestnut Street and we couldn’t wait to share the good news. At that time, owner Windsong Hadley had big plans for serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, booking music, comedy, and variety shows, all while running an art gallery featuring local artists. I thought that this sounded like a lot — and I was not wrong — but Hadley and partner John DiFruscio had plenty of experience and they just forged ahead. These were two energetic people doing what they loved. The profile in Motif Magazine by Kirsten Logan says it all:
To those who frequented Askew, Windsong and John were more than proprietors; they were family. They created a home for the ‘lost artists’ of Providence, where judgment was left at the door and creativity flourished. The relationships forged within those walls went beyond mere acquaintances; they were bonds strengthened by shared experiences and mutual appreciation for every artistic endeavor. Askew’s closing leaves a palpable void, not just for the events it hosted, but for the community it fostered.
Happily, their sister venue, Alchemy, will remain open.
They will still be hosting their famous, free, Thanksgiving buffet Thursday, November 28, from 6pm to 8pm. They promise to keep this tradition going across the street at Alchemy.
Big thanks to Windsong and John!
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Windsong’s message on Facebook:
It is with an extremely heavy heart that I must announce after 7 long, wonderful years, Askew will be Closing Dec 1st. I want to thank each and every one of you who supported my Dream by attending all my crazy events and shows! We couldn’t have done it without you!!! I always want to thank my fabulous Askew Crew who work passionately to bring these nights to you! I thank all the incredible musicians, comedians, artists, and performers who shared their craft with our room!!! Don’t worry though, the Askew Crew and events aren’t going far – We will be combining all our artistic & musical creativity with our sister venue, Alchemy! You’ll find all the amazing Crew running the events…. and stick around, we have big things on the horizon!!! And we want you all along for the ride!!!! So please come celebrate the last month of events at Askew!!!
Thanks for the memories.
I often respond here with sarcastic comments but this is just a shame. Known Windsong for many many years and she is just the best and her spot was unique to PVD.
Remember the days when you could schlep around the city and see bands, and sit at dive bars and pop into a strippie and have a Cuban sandwich? Now downtown is crudo and wine bars and $8 coffees and it’s incredibly sterile. I miss the 90s. yeah…