Comedy Connection and The Black Duck Tavern are businesses located in the Waterfront Commission’s Bold Point Harbor subdistrict. The East Providence Waterfront Commission is the permitting authority for 300 acres of the East Providence Waterfront. The goal of the commission is to support the revitalization of vacant derelict structures and buildings and underutilized land to attract new businesses, jobs, housing, recreation, civic and cultural opportunities.

What is the Comedy Connection?

The Comedy Connection is Rhode Island’s premiere comedy club. The Comedy Connection, located in the Bold Point Harbor subdistrict of the East Providence Waterfront, brings a variety of comics to perform here in East Providence. The club has been around since 1989 and switched ownership in 2010. Cory Brailsford and David Fiorillo, Rhode Island natives, bought and updated the Comedy Connection to what we know it to be today: a cozy dive known for big laughs and great food. It draws large crowds from the state, eastern Massachusetts, and Boston for headlining names including Kevin Hart and Chelsea Handler.

What’s in store this summer at the Comedy Connection?

As the indoor space works its way back to full capacity, all shows in July will be held outdoors in the parking lot behind the club under a tent. Shows for July have already been booked up– check out the Comedy Connection website for tickets. The Comedy Connection also runs fundraisers for local organizations, such as sports teams– a unique and effective alternative to a bake sale!

Is the Comedy Connection related to its neighbor, the Black Duck Tavern?

Cory, David, and Michael Brockner are co-owners of The Black Duck. Previously a bar and diner, the trio turned it into the locally loved spot three years ago. It’s open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday and brunch on Sunday. Situated right on the corner of Warren Avenue and First Street, it’s hard to miss to anyone entering East Providence from I-195 or cycling towards the start of the East Bay Bike Path.

     

What does the name mean?

The backstory of the unforgettable rubber duck silhouette logo derives from a fascinating backstory. Looking to create a gastropub, speak-easy environment, the namesake gives the restaurant a hidden meaning. During prohibition, rumrunners would sneak whiskey into the state from international ships in the water. The fastest boat in New England was named the Black Duck, outrunning even coast guard ships. Eventually, the coast guard opened fire onto the Black Duck, the ultimate event that sparked the repeal of prohibition. Pictures of the wreckage of the Black Duck are hanging on the walls in the restaurant.

The Black Duck Tavern: a neighborhood favorite

Since the Black Duck opened its doors just three years ago, the restaurant has become a popular spot. East Providence residents enjoy the food and ambiance regularly, and those coming from far to the Comedy Connection stop by for food or a drink from their large selection of beverages. The outdoor patio is yet another reason to visit the Black Duck this summer. It was renovated from a small parking lot, and with new AstroTurf flooring, the green is always green at the Black Duck Tavern.

 

 For information and tickets on upcoming shows at the Comedy Connection, visit https://www.ricomedyconnection.com/

For a look at the Black Duck Tavern menu and hours, visit https://www.blackducktavern.com/