By Gary Santos – RILiveMusic
What do the month of February and the East Providence live music venue Myrtle have in common? They both have 28 things to talk about—and Myrtle fills every single one of them with sound, color, and community.
Owned and operated by Natalie Vanlandingham and Tommy Allen, Myrtle reflects their vision for a space where creativity, craft, and community come together. Few venues in the region pack as much inventive programming into a single month. While many rooms book only weekends, Myrtle treats the calendar like a canvas—nearly every night brings something different, unexpected, and delightfully off-center. The result is a venue that doesn’t just host live music—it curates experiences.
Step through Myrtle’s doors and it’s clear this isn’t a place chasing trends or relying on the usual bar-band formulas. From a high-energy tribute to The Monkees featuring Zilch!, to the anything-goes chaos of Clown Karaoke, to the brassy swagger of the Anchors Away Brass Band, Myrtle thrives on the wonderfully unconventional. Add in a monthly residency by the always-impressive Evening Sky band and a fun and entertaining One Gay at a Time cabaret show, and the throughline is clear: originality comes first. Myrtle proudly marches to the offbeat of its own drummer—and everyone is invited to follow along.
Equally important is the sense of community Myrtle has built. This isn’t just a venue you pass through—it’s a place people return to, week after week, because they trust the room. Trust that the show will be worth their time. Trust that the artists will bring something real. Trust that, no matter who they are or how they identify, everyone can feel safe, welcome, and completely themselves.
That trust extends to the musicians as well. Myrtle has become a home for artists who want to stretch out, try new material, or present work that might not fit elsewhere. Residencies like Evening Sky’s aren’t just gigs—they’re ongoing conversations between band, room, and audience, growing richer with each appearance.
In a time when many live music spaces play it safe, Myrtle does the opposite—and thrives because of it. By embracing variety, celebrating individuality, and filling its calendar with intention, Myrtle has turned February’s 28 days into 28 distinct shows—but that doesn’t mean one per day. Some days feature multiple performances, Mondays are a day of rest in February, and on rare occasions the venue may be closed for a private event.
RILiveMusic invites everyone within reach to experience Myrtle—if you haven’t already—and discover what makes this venue a true gem for both artists and audiences alike. New for 2026, Myrtle has added a Sunday brunch prepared by Little Vittles, featuring a prix fixe menu from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There’s no better way to start your week than with great food, refreshing drinks, and lively entertainment!
Myrtle is located at 134 Waterman Ave, East Providence, RI.
To see Myrtle’s full events calendar for this February and beyond, visit www.givemyrtle.com/upcoming-events
