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What’sUpNewp was voted best “Local News Blog” in Rhode Island by Rhode Island Monthly readers in August 2018!
A quick glance of “Six Picks” this week shows the range of music around Rhode Island you can enjoy this weekend. We’ve got everything from Punk to Reggae, and a whole lot in between. Read on for some of the best music anywhere! Yo La Tengo at Columbus Theatre Tuesday (Providence) Critically acclaimed Yo La
Festival season ain’t over in RI as the Rhythm and Roots Festival returns to Ninigret Park in Charlestown this weekend. We could easily make our “Six Picks” from that festival alone, but want to include a couple of other sweet shows this weekend. Here’s where it’s at… Rhythm and Roots Festival Fri, Sat, Sun at
With only a few summer weekends to go, now is the time to get out and enjoy some live music. We’ve got your “Six Picks” here, including a popular festival in Providence and more. Providence Folk Festival Sunday (PVD) What would Roger Williams think? The 5th annual Providence Folk Festival is back at the Roger
What’s in a name? In 2005, a band innocently casts itself as “Girls, Guns & Glory,” a tribute to the great “singing cowboy” Gene Autry. At the time, the name was catchy and slightly badass, reflecting the true outlaw country spirit that characterized the band’s sound. Over the years however, the name became an issue,
Another busy summer weekend on the RI music scene. We’re highlighting a super mix of national acts, some talented locals and a new festival happening in Cranston. Read all about it on “Six Picks.” RI Blues Festival at All Weekend at Mulligan’s Island (Cranston) Mulligan’s Island, usually a golf range off Reservoir Ave in Cranston,
The Providence Folk Festival returns to the capital city Sunday August 26th with a full line-up of local and national acts on two stages. Headlining the free festival this year will be musician, activist and former Congressman John Hall, who’ll be playing the Roger Williams National Memorial for the first time. Hall is perhaps best
“Six Picks” is our weekly rundown of some of the best music in the area this weekend. We mix it up with national touring acts and outstanding local artists playing the spots you known and love. This week, we focus on some top indie acts, along with a couple of all time great bands …
(Above: Nicole Atkins, Photo: Ken Abrams) The 2018 Newport Folk Festival is in the books. There were numerous highlights – new discoveries along with some revered favorites. While there, I spoke with a several artists backstage to get their thoughts on playing the iconic festival. All were clearly soaked in the moment; they understood the
“Wow… Spectacular… As good as any band at the Festival.” Those were just some of the comments overheard at the Newport Jazz Festival all weekend following sets by high school and college students from across New England and around the world. In addition to the URI Jazz Band led by Joe Parillo, two other acts,
(Pictured: Jazzmeia Horn, Photo: Ken Abrams) With Saturday’s rain seeming like an ancient memory (except for the occasional mud patch), Newport Jazz 2018 concluded on an upbeat note. The performances ranged from traditional jazz to modern funk, with pretty much everything in between. Day 3 highlights included a beautiful set from singer Jazzmeia Horn, the
(Pictured: Grace Kelly, Photo: Ken Abrams) A near-biblical deluge didn’t dampen the spirits of those in attendance at the Newport Jazz Festival on Saturday. From headliners Jose James, Andra Day and Grace Kelly to newcomers like the URI Jazz Orchestra, good vibes rules the day. Check out a few or our favorite pictures below.
The vibes were smooth as the Newport Jazz Festival kicked off another year Friday at Fort Adams. The youth movement in Jazz continued to dominate with stellar performances from artists including Sonnymoom, BADBADNOTGOOD and Cory Henry and the Funk Apostles. Veteran artists showed off their chops as well, with great sets from the Charles Lloyd
The Newport Festivals Foundation continues to expand its educational mission in Rhode Island and neighboring states. The Foundation, established in 2011, oversees charitable programs for the Folk and Jazz Festivals. We spoke with Deborah Ross, Educational Director for the Foundation, who oversees the educational programming. “I found out at the Folk Festival that a lot
(Above: Andra Day) The fabled Newport Jazz Festival returns this weekend. The original outdoor popular music festival has a spectacular line up as always. Old labels do not apply – like the Folk Festival, there is an incredible variety of music. Here are six favorites to start you off… Charles Lloyd All Weekend The heralded
Bill Withers is hot. Everybody seems to be piling well-deserved praise onto the 80-year-old man and his music. A year after the Newport Folk Festival presented a special set dedicated to the legend who wrote “Ain’t No Sunshine,” the Jazz Festival is presenting a set entitled “Lean On Me: José James Celebrates Bill Withers.” It’s
(Above: Warren Haynes and Nels Cline, Photo: Ken Abrams) Warren Haynes is known to many as the former guitarist for The Allman Brothers Band and founder of the popular jam band Gov’t Mule. Haynes made a surprise appearance Sunday at the Newport Folk Festival joining Wilco guitarist Nels Cline in a special set dedicated to
The 2018 Newport Folk Festival provided numerous special moments for fans and artists. The range and quality of performers exceeded expectations – there was everything from Gospel to Rock, Jazz to R&B. And yes, some traditional folk thrown in as well. WhatsUp Music Writer Ken Abrams was there and shares a few photos of some
Well, it’s finally here! The Newport Folk Festival is the highlight of the summer for many music fans and WhatsUpNewp has more Festival coverage than anyone else! This week’s special edition “Six Picks” looks at six fascinating acts scheduled at the festival. Of course, this is not intended to be a comprehensive list – most
The Newport Folk Festival is a lot of different things to a lot of different fans. We asked folks in an online forum for their thoughts on what makes Newport special. Here’s what we heard… “Two words—Folk Family!!!” Linda, MA “If I’m being totally honest, it’s the cheese fries. But if you want an answer
What does it mean to play the Newport Folk Festival? How does a musician approach such a career defining moment? This festival season, WhatsUpNewp is covering “first time” Folk and Jazz Festival performers. We asked a couple of “first-timers” how they felt about playing the legendary festival, and to no one’s surprise, shock and awe
This weekend is one of the biggest of the year on the local music scene. Indeed, there are some tough choices to make, but here are Six Picks for you to consider. (Above: Deer Tick, photo: Laura Partain) Brian Wilson Friday at Twin River (Lincoln) Music royalty is in the house this weekend at Twin
The Autumn Defense, a side project of the acclaimed alt-rock band Wilco, arrive in Providence Friday as part of a brief New England tour that includes an appearance at this year’s Newport Folk Festival. Formed in 1999, the band is known for a sophisticated indie-pop sound with harmonies heavily influenced by 70’s AM radio and
(Pictured: Warren Haynes of Gov’t Mule) A trio of bands shook the rafters at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield Saturday night, a reminder that rock and roll still rules. Openers Magpie Salute, featuring former members of the Black Crowes got the party started. Newport Folk favorites The Avett Brothers were up next, with a full
Lots of cool music out there this weekend starting with some big names at the Xfinity center along with several free shows around the state. Get out and enjoy some live music! (Photo: Avett Brothers) Gov’t Mule and Avett Brothers at Xfinity Center (Mansfield) Rock and Roll will be front and center Saturday night at
Local bands and rock and roll dominate the music scene this week on “Six Picks.” We introduce the “Local Show of the Week,” a new feature which includes a video of a local or regional artist. (Pictured: Tedeschi Trucks Band, Photo: Stuart Levine) LOCAL SHOW OF THE WEEK: Nova One Friday at the Columbus Theatre
