Two Guys on Block Island

We hear it a lot on Block Island. "Geez, I think I'd like to just live on a boat and be a bartender". Sounds like a pretty cool, easy-going lifestyle. Just ask Bill Dunleavy- he'd agree.

The ever affable Bill Dunleavy first set foot on Payne's dock as a visitor to Block Island. Little did he know that dock would serve as his home for a few decades. And what a ride it's been. After a stint at Yellow Kittens Bill took the gig at Mahogany Shoals where he's been behind the stick summer after summer. His status as the oldest working bartender on Block Island is undisputed at this point. And there doesn't seem to be much that could slow Bill down.

Bill divides his time between here and Sullivan's Island, South Carolina where his own establishment, "Dunleavy's Pub", does a fine business all it's own. Bill has been living the boat life for years and his love of sailing is evident. In fact he's so passionate about sailing that in his spare time he gives free sailing lessons to anyone who wants them. After this episode, you'll want to sign up too!

The genesis of the Two Guys On Block Island Podcast began at the door at Captain Nick's. 
One night, after a particularly witty round of banter with some incoming patrons Rich leaned over to Marc and said, "You know...we should do a podcast".

Well, the rest is history.

But look...it's not all laughs and witty anecdotes when it comes to making certain that the patrons of a nightclub are safe, respectful and not being dicks.

In this episode, we discuss the measures that SOME of Block Island's nightlife establishments are taking to ensure that Block Island can still party without being known as a "Party Place".

Rich and Marc also discuss the need for Block Island to recognize en masse that one bad apple shouldn't spoil the bunch. And that if you want to get rid of apples in general...then remember...

...there won't be any more apples.

Jack Lynch is a pretty smart dude. His Block Island story is entwined with so many facets of the island that even though Jack doesn't live here anymore, his presence can still be palpably felt. So when Rich found out that Jack was available during one of his annual forays to the island the Two Guys snapped at the opportunity to sit and chat with this fascinating man.

Just press play...

You probably know Kevin O'Connor as the host of the long-running PBS show, "This Old House". But we know him as the affable guy that you bump into at the occasional backyard barbecue here on Block Island. 

When Kevin met his wife Kathleen Feeks he was working as a banker in Boston. They'd come to the island to visit with Kathleen's family and during these visits Kevin developed a great affinity for Block Island. But things got really interesting when they purchased an old Victorian fixer upper outside of Beantown.

While in the midst of their renovation, a letter was sent to the producers of This Old House looking for advice (as a kid, Kevin  watched the show religiously with his Dad). They were delighted when the show came to their abode and shot an episode with them. But two weeks later another phone call came. And that's where things get interesting...

Block Island was rocked by the news that on Monday August 8th several incidents of violence which began at Ballard's Reggae Fest culminated in a dramatic mid-trip boarding of the Block Island Ferry by armed Coast Guard personnel. On board, the scene was chaotic. Several passengers were involved in a brawl that left some with injuries from either knives or razors. Terrified crew members and passengers not involved in the melee legitimately feared for their lives. 

The next morning Ballard's proprietor Steven Filippi went on air with Providence radio personality Gene Valicenti and claimed that no incidents had occurred at Ballard's and that his reggae festival was peaceful and laid back. But once dozens of videos began circulating on social media, it became apparent that not only was Filippi lying about the events of the day but he also felt that Ballard's itself bore no responsibility whatsoever for the incidents that took place on the ferry that was loaded with patrons who had spent the day at the festival.

The Town Council took no immediate action other than to schedule a meeting for Thursday during which members of the community could voice their opinions on the matter. The meeting was packed with concerned citizens all appalled at what had transpired. At that meeting the council announced that a "show/cause hearing" was scheduled for Monday August 22nd during which evidence will be presented that may or may not end up in penalties for Ballard's.

Meanwhile, it has been business as usual at Ballard's. The bar is open, the private (?) beach is full with customers, the well marketed booze still flows and the registers continue to ring.

The question is...why?