Outdoor summer concerts continue to dominate the music scene this weekend with top shows in and around the Providence area. Check out the Reggae Festival at a fine new venue, Bold Point, or head downcity to AS220’s Foo Fest, an annual event with music and more. That, and more than enough punk to keep you alive this weekend!
Retro Futura Tour – 80’s Show Tonight
Tonight’s the night 80’s fans! Head to the Dunkin Donuts Center to re-live all those tunes that kept you dancing day after day, night after night. It’s a pretty stacked line up with Howard Jones, The English Beat, Men Without Hats, Modern English, Paul Young and Katrina… we promise you’ll be “Walking on Sunshine,” cause it’s time to feel good! Details here.
Waterfront Reggae Festival Saturday
Saturday August 12th brings the annual “Waterfront Reggae Festival” to the East Providence waterfront. The show will happen at RI’s newest concert venue, Bold Point Park, and a great line up awaits. Reggae legend Freddie McGregor headlines a bill that also includes Junior B, Anthony Kelly, Kabaka Pyramid, Taj Weekes & Adowa, and Natural Element. Ten hours of music await – details here.
WBRU Concert Series Friday
Here’s hoping the WBRU Summer Concert Series survives the demise of the on-air component of WBRU, rumored to be sold any day now. A night of penetrating modern rock awaits Friday August 11th with a double line up featuring SWMRS along with RI Music Hall of Fame members, Neutral Nation. The free show begins at 7PM – details here.
Downtown Boys at Aurora Friday
A lot has been written about Providence’s Downtown Boys, including a national story in Rolling Stone. Behind the soaring vocals of singer/lyricist Victoria Ruiz, they make a jarring political and musical statement on their new album Cost of Living, which is being released tomorrow. Check out their album release party at Aurora Friday before they embark on a national tour. What Cheer Duo and Milkmaid II open – details here.
Foo Fest Downtown Saturday
A day of music, arts, and more comes to downtown Providence Saturday for the annual AS220 Foo Fest. There’s music on two stages, with local and national artists including Hot Boyz, Funk Underground and NEUTRINOS. Click here for the complete schedule.
Marshall Crenshaw and Los Straitjackets
Two remarkable, if somewhat differently styled acts come together next Wednesday August 16th at Fall River’s Narrows Center. Singer-songwriter Marshall Crenshaw is joined by surf rockers Los Straitjackets, complete with their trademark Mexican wrestling masks. Each band is scheduled to play their own set and then join forces. All hell should prevail at this one – tickets still available here.