Looking for some free music to kick off the Labor Day Weekend? We’ve got you covered.
The River Bend East Songwriters Festival returns to Slater Mill in Pawtucket from August 30-31, as part of the Pawtucket Arts Festival. Featured performers include Motif music award-winning singer-songwriter Allison Rose, Chris Monti, RI Music Hall of Famer Mark Cutler, and a special tribute to the late Mary Lee Partington, featuring Caroline Vitale and Bob Drouin.
Previously a one-day event, the festival extends to two days this year. “Doing it Friday and Saturday allows us to serve as the kickoff to the Pawtucket Arts Festival,” explained Michael Graham, festival producer and performer. River Bend East is one of several festivals within the larger festival, “which can be a little confusing,” he laughed.
The full Pawtucket Arts Festival is spread out over 10 days, and events are happening at different locations around the city. There’s a downtown block party, an Empanada Fest, and the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, among other happenings. Click here for details.
Although not officially a Labor Day festival, the River Bend Festival certainly incorporates a Labor Day theme. It’s held at Old Slater Mill, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, where women workers organized the first industrial strike in America in the 1820s.
“Years ago, they had the Rhode Island Ethnic and Labor Festival there,” said Graham. “Mary Lee Partington, who passed away tragically from cancer earlier this year, is being honored, and her granddaughter is going to sing a couple of her songs. We’re trying to build on those who came before.”
There’s also a special video presentation Friday evening at 7:45.
“David Lawlor, who operates ‘Run of the Mill,’ is involved with restoration work in the mills, promoting preservation efforts and recognizing the beauty of these structures,” explained Graham. “I asked him to do a montage of his work last year, and play behind the band High Planes.”
“This year, it will be playing behind Jeff Byrd & Dirty Finch, an Americana band. It really creates an amazing artful landscape that allows people to reflect on the history without somebody lecturing them, it’s part of the music.”
Graham will also be debuting a new music video, “Stuck in a House,” a collaboration with Lawlor ahead of a new album he expects to release soon. “David put together an amazing video that we’re going to debut right before Jeff Byrd & Dirty Finch play,” added Graham.
The family-friendly festival has grown from modest beginnings to “well over 600 people,” said Graham. He recommends bringing chairs and blankets.
The 2024 River Bend East Songwriters Festival will occur over Labor Day weekend, from Friday, August 30 to Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark, 67 Roosevelt Ave. in Pawtucket. Click here for further information.
Check the complete schedule below:
Friday, August 30
6:30 PM Chris Monti
7:30 PM J. Michael Graham and Run of the Mill music video debut, “Stuck in a House”
7:45 PM Jeff Byrd & Dirty Finch
Saturday, August 31:
12:00 PM – Mark Cutler
12:50 PM – The Same Thing Project (led by Mark Cutler)
1:00 PM – Allison Rose:
1:45 PM – Tribute to Mary Lee Partington, Caroline Vitale & Bob Drouin
2:10 PM – J. Michael Graham & Kevin Williams
3:00 PM – Christian and Annie from High Planes
