Oysters, live music and a silent auction are coming together for a cause at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence on Oct. 29, when the American Cancer Society hosts the second annual Shuck Cancer RI from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening is built around a simple trade: a night out for a donation that goes toward the fight against cancer.
A Night of Oysters With a Mission
Shuck Cancer RI is presented by Blount Fine Foods, and organizers describe it as a party with a purpose, according to WJAR. Attendees can expect fresh oysters, a variety of food, wine, beer and craft cocktails, plus live music and auction items, per the event listing on WaterFire Providence. Every dollar raised is intended to go directly toward the American Cancer Society's mission of advocacy, discovery and patient support, the same listing notes.
This marks the event's second year running, and it has moved locations since its debut. Last year's installment was held at Bally's Twin River in Lincoln, where tickets cost $100 and included all food and drinks, as reported by WPRI. That 2025 gathering also featured winery and brewery stations alongside the oysters and music.
Why the Cause Hits Close to Home
The stakes behind the party are laid out in the numbers organizers cite: the American Cancer Society estimates Rhode Island will see 7,480 new cancer cases and 2,110 cancer deaths in the year referenced on the WaterFire event page. At the same time, the organization notes that more people are surviving cancer than ever before, while adding there is still work to be done, according to the Shuck Cancer Rhode Island host committee page.
Leading this year's host committee is Jocelyn Nacci, who was appointed chair for 2026. She works as a commercial banking loan officer at Centreville Bank and serves on several Rhode Island community boards, per the same host committee page.
A Regional Format With New England Flavor
The oyster-and-advocacy format isn't unique to Rhode Island. A similar Shuck Cancer event description from Charles River Associates showcases oysters from New England seafood vendors alongside wine pairings, spirits, local restaurant offerings, music and a silent auction, suggesting the format has resonance beyond Providence. For Rhode Islanders, though, the Oct. 29 gathering at the WaterFire Arts Center offers a local chance to turn an evening of oysters and music into support for cancer research and patients across the state.
