The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center has announced the lineup for its annual “Live from the Loading Dock — Parkside” summer concert series, which begins Wednesday, June 17.
The free, family-friendly concerts will be held on the third Wednesday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Pocket Park across from the Edward Street entrance to the center. Food will be provided, and guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs, according to the center. Performances will move inside the MLK Community Center in the event of inclement weather.
The 2026 lineup is:
- June 17: Your Favorite Color, a Rhode Island group performing covers of classics and oldies
- July 15: Chelley Knight and the Dope Things, a Newport-based jazz and blues group
- Aug. 19: The Ravers, a Newport reggae band that has performed in the city since 1988
- Sept. 16: Camelia Latin Dance Band, a trio led by Berklee College of Music graduate Roderick Camelia specializing in Latin dance music
The series is sponsored by Teri Degnan Real Estate & Consulting.
“Live from the Loading Dock — Parkside is one of our favorite seasonal programs,” said Heather Hole Strout, the center’s executive director. “Live music is a staple for a classic Newport Summer, but the experience is out of reach for some of the friends and neighbors in our community. We’re grateful to Teri Degnan Real Estate and Consulting for making this summer concert series accessible to Newport County.”
Teri Degnan, the firm’s owner, said the series reflects her company’s community focus. “The MLK Summer Concert series embodies our dedication to supporting Newport County by bringing everyone together through music and celebration,” she said.
The MLK Community Center is at 20 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd. in Newport. More information is available at MLKCCenter.org or by calling 401-846-4828.
