Things to Do in North Providence

The Spot Underground, The Spot's live-music venue, hosts an eclectic mix of bands from a variety of styles, such as funk, jam, reggae, blues, and dance. Savor the upcoming ear candy produced by local, regional, and touring acts including dance-rockers The Indobox on June 17, experimentalists Dopapod on July 16, and Latin-roots prodigies Santa Mamba on July 9. Housed in a former jewelry-making building, The Spot Underground features local artwork and sculptures to punctuate the brick walls, exposed wooden support beams, and grade-school grammar lessons. A full bar and deli dishes up a menu showcasing pizza, flavorful nightly specials, and drinks with hand-painted ice cubes (this Groupon is not valid for food or drinks).

To weather his career as a master sergeant and a decorated Special Forces combat veteran, Shihan Randy McElwee needed a solid grasp on combat maneuvers. Nowadays, the retired McElwee teaches the pragmatic self-defense skills that got him through battle at his martial-arts studio, American Black Belt Academy. The school specializes in the official hand-to-hand combat system of the US military: Gracie Brazilian jujitsu. The system’s standing and ground moves harness leverage to take on larger opponents as well as help participants neutralize surprise attacks. For a broader focus, students can opt for an integrated martial-arts fitness workout, which combines jujitsu with muay thai kickboxing and Japanese shotokan karate. Regardless of their specificity, all of the studio’s classes enhance focus, self-confidence, and courage when the laundry room’s light goes out.