Bar Fly. Contributed photo.

New England Music Organization, in collaboration with North End Entertainment and the City Of Newport, is thrilled to announce Bar Fly as the headlining act at NIMFest this coming Sunday, July 28th. The local rock group has managed to cultivate a devoted group of fans who are passionate about the band as detailed in a recent article by Mark Gorman for Newport This Week.

Bar Fly cofounder Carl Haas told Gorman “We affectionately refer to our [followers] as ‘Bar Fleas’. What sets us apart from the other bands is the simple fact that we have friends, not fans. We have gotten to know most of the people who come out to support us and we’ve become friends. That’s why our gigs feel more like a party, at least to us, because we’re playing for friends.”  

The afternoon starts with an acoustic solo performance by Nate Cozzolino, often seen touring around New England with his original reggae-infused rock group Nate Cozzolino And The Lost Arts. Cozzolino’s original music has been gaining traction lately after a recent appearance on North End Entertainment’s “Garage Mahal Sessions” on YouTube.

Nate Cozzolino. Contributed photo.

NIMFest, short for Newport Independent Music Festival, has become a favorite summer concert series  in Newport, celebrating local and regional artists in a family-friendly atmosphere. The event is free and open to the public, inviting music lovers from across Rhode Island to enjoy an afternoon of live music in one of Newport’s most scenic parks.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to fully enjoy the outdoor concert experience. The public is encouraged to carpool as parking is limited. Alcohol is not permitted in the park. All concerts are scheduled for 3pm to 6pm with the possibility of rain dates in September, if necessary.

For more information about NIMFest and to stay updated on the event schedule, please visit www.NewEnglandMusic.org and www.NorthEndEntertainment.com.

The free outdoor concert series is made possible by the City of Newport, New England Music Organization and North End Entertainment thanks to a generous gift from the Hamilton Family Foundation.

About The New England Music Organization (NEMO): The New England Music Organization is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting musicians and fostering a thriving music community across the New England region. NEMO promotes the cultural richness of music in local communities through advocacy, education, and performance opportunities.

Event Details:
Date:   Sunday, July 28th, 2024
Time:   3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location:   King Park Gazebo, Newport, RI
125 Wellington Ave, Newport, RI 02840

The 2024 NIMFest Concert Series Schedule
July 28th  –  Barfly  &  Nate Cozzolino
August 4th  –   John McKenna Quartet  &  Bill Killian
August 11th  –   The 40  &  Mark T. Small
August 18th  –  The Firehouse Band – The NEE Jam Experience
August 25th  –  Hush Club  &  Contrafact

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...

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