James Montgomery Band Lights Up Slater Mill Grande Fete In June

(Pawtucket, R.I.) On one evening in June, Old Slater Mill throws opens its industrial doors for the annual candlelit Grande Fete by the River, an exclusive event offering access to a bedazzled historic factory while supporting the charitable efforts of the Old Slater Mill Association.
And this year, the James Montgomery Blues Band comes to town to turn up the heat on this fifth annual mill-spun gala.
On Saturday, June 2, party-goers will be greeted by the luminaria-dotted riverside mill grounds under the glimmer of the moon’s waning gibbous, and welcomed inside the beloved centuries-old historic factory bathed elegantly in low-lit sparkling lights.
“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Program Director Erika Davis “We put a lot of energy into creating a memorable setting and atmosphere for our patrons, without losing sight of the event’s beneficiaries, our visiting students.”
Proceeds from the Grande Fete support the Slater Mill Student Admissions Fund, established more than a decade ago as a focused fund that subsidizes student admissions. According to Lori Urso, Slater Mill executive director, the basic school admission rate reflects only half of the mill’s actual cost to host each student. The fund underwrites the balance, and in many cases, covers an even higher percentage of the cost, up to 100 percent, based on individual and district needs.
“That’s at the heart of it,” said Urso. “Our sponsors and patrons help us make the annual Slater Mill field trip a staple of the Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts elementary school experience.
We all remember our field trip to Slater Mill,” she adds with a smile.
With James Montgomery on the bill, organizers hope to double the ticket sales this year.
No stranger to supporting good causes, the Grammy-nominated Montgomery appears fresh off his induction into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame, cementing the Rhode Island musical legacy of this Detroit-born musician.
“We’re grateful to James Montgomery for his willingness to appear, and we really hope it brings a crowd, because James is an incredible entertainer,” said Urso. “There are a number of great events for worthy charities in our area, so to motivate people to come we need to produce an amazing night.”
Aside of fiery music and ambiance, guests are treated to an international tapas table that represents the multi-cultural flavors of Pawtucket and Central Falls.
A silent auction showcases the bounty of the region, with prizes including Paw Sox Fireworks Night tickets, hotel stays at the Hampton Inn, the Omni, and the Dean Hotel, original works by regional artists, a private Tarot reading by Arlene Nicholson, a Slater Mill private party rental, drum lessons, go-kart riding, theater and museum tickets, restaurant certificates, Swedish massage, a month of Yoga, an Athenaeum membership, and much more.
Tickets start at $50 per person, and are available at grandefete2018.brownpapertickets.com, or by calling 401-725-8638 x.100. The event runs from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on June 2, at the Old Slater Mill, 67 Roosevelt Avenue, downtown Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Sponsors of the Grande Fete by the River as of this writing include Pawtucket Credit Union, Public Archaeology Laboratory, Chatterton Insurance, Dr. Peter Baziotis, Medical Knitted Structures, the Pawtucket Red Sox, and Shri Yoga.