Judy Collins returned to Newport for one more visit to the Jane Pickens Theater, taking the stage in strong voice as she prepares to launch her “Sweet Judy Blue Eyes” farewell tour, which officially kicks off July 4 in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. The tour will run through the winter of 2027. While it marks her […]
Jack Casey
Jack Casey has always loved music. Whether listening, playing solo or with friends these experiences over the decades have informed his photography. The passion to photographically preserve the pinnacle moment of a musicians’ performance is what fuels him. He has shot a diverse range of thousands of world class artists, dating back to the early 70s. Casey has photographed the Newport Festivals, the Philadelphia Folk Festival and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festivals. It’s not uncommon to see him shooting at many local theaters, clubs and performance venues.
Casey’s work has appeared on CD covers and in publications, physical and online media as well as being included by Joan Baez in the book, Musicians As Artists. After being retired for a decade from a career in social work, Casey is working on a photo-story book reflecting upon his life on the stage, backstage and in the photo pit.
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Newport, ‘America’s first resort,’ offers a picture-perfect holiday embrace
With the holidays fast upon us, seemingly more quickly than usual given the late Thanksgiving, Newport offers a depth of grandeur that is truly magnificent. The Preservation Society of Newport County has offered residents of Newport County free admission to its National Historic Landmarks. A recent visit afforded some rich memories most worthy of sharing. […]
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Newport embraced Jim Belushi as he celebrated ‘Home For The Holidays’ at The JPT
Let it be known that the Holiday Season is now officially in full swing with the annual musical celebration that kicked off Friday night at The JPT Film & Event Center. Newport resident and Grammy nominee James Montgomery is Home For The Holidays and invited his dear friend and world-renowned actor, musician, comedian, and farmer […]
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Broadway Street Fair celebrates 10th anniversary with record crowds and community spirit
The 2025 Broadway Street Fair, which originated in 2016 following years of major construction up and down the main thoroughfare, was a massive success on its 10th calendar Anniversary. This free event is family-friendly and stretches from Equality Park down to Washington Square with six stages along the way serving up a broad array of […]
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In Photos: 2025 Newport Concours d’Elegance
The 7th Annual Audrain Newport Concours d’Elegance has come to a close. The weather for the whole affair over the past 5 days has been perfect, and the field of distinguished and rare motorcars was beyond description. The 180 vehicles are separated into 26 classes and judged within each class with a runner-up, second place, […]
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Photos: Jay Leno, supercars shine on Friday at Audrain Motor Week
The Audrain Newport Concours and Motor Week event returns for its 7th year, having debuted in 2019, celebrating Newport’s historical role in American motorsport and luxury. This grand event showcases motorcars from around the world, allowing them to be viewed up close and personally. The schedule of events begins on Tuesday of this week and […]
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Newport native Tanya Donelly and Belly deliver sold-out performance at Greenwich Odeum
Newport native Tanya Donelly demonstrated that musical dreams can come true as her alternative rock band Belly thrilled a sold-out crowd at the Greenwich Odeum on Sept. 18, performing their 1993 album “King” in its entirety for the first time. While attending Rogers High School, Donelly and step-sister Kristin Hersh wrote poetry and added melodies […]
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Grammy Winner Lori McKenna delivers intimate performance at sold-out JPT Film & Event Center
Lori McKenna has been quietly creating song stories from her kitchen for decades. Her songs resonate with all and touch the heart with their vivid, easily identifiable characters, often found within ourselves. She has a true gift which has been recognized by many in the industry, and who have recorded her work, launching the Stoughton […]
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Tree of Life yacht offers luxury sailing charters from Newport Harbor
The 33-year-old sailing yacht Tree of Life operates luxury charter services from Newport Harbor, offering an alternative to larger commercial tour boats on Narragansett Bay. Built in 1991 at Covey Island Boatworks in Nova Scotia, the vessel has been based in Newport for several years under the operation of Capt. Josh Jacques and his wife, […]
Posted inCity & Government
Photo Gallery: Newport Pell Bridge shines in patriotic display
The Newport Pell Bridge is currently illuminated with red, white, and blue lights in a patriotic display that will remain visible through the end of July. What’sUpNewp photographer Jack Casey documented the lighting using drone footage last week, capturing how the illumination transforms the nighttime appearance of the bridge that connects Newport and Jamestown across […]
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Drew and Ellie Holcomb embrace their fans at Jane Pickens Theater
The near sold-out crowd at Jane Pickens Theater hung on every word as husband-and-wife duo Drew and Ellie Holcomb delivered two sets of largely original material on Friday, July 18th. After nearly 20 years of performing separately—Drew with his band Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, Ellie as a solo Christian artist—the couple has joined forces […]
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Irish quartet The High Kings captivate Newport in two-night musical journey
The High Kings, a multi-instrumentalist vocal quartet formed in Dublin in 2008, brought their distinctive blend of traditional Irish music to Newport’s Jane Pickens Film & Event Center (The JPT) for two memorable performances this past weekend. The group—comprising Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Darren Holden, and Paul O’Brien—demonstrated an effortless stage presence, with each member […]
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The British Motorcars of New England made a grand display in Bristol
The British Motorcars of New England (BMCNE) made its annual appearance in Bristol this weekend, June 6-7. Ms. Alison DeKleine, a Morgan owner and restorer, talked with WUN about the event. She stated, “the BCMNE first hosted the British Motorcars in Bristol in 2021, thanks to early collaboration with Mike Byrnes and Explore Bristol. As […]
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Belmont Chapel Restoration to receive National Award from Victorian Society in America
Professor Emeritus Richard Guy Wilson, noted architectural historian who is serving in his last year as director of the Victorian Society in America, visited the Belmont Chapel on May 31. Dr. Wilson’s specialty is scholarship involving the architecture, design, and art of the 18th to the 21st centuries in America and abroad. His research, publications, […]
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Rickie Lee Jones captivates sold-out JPT, leaving audience spellbound
Rickie Lee Jones, the two-time Grammy Award winner (from eight nominations), embraced the sold-out audience at The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center (The JPT) on Tuesday (May 6) for a Spectacle Live Production. She battled sniffles between songs, but her voice was unaffected. She delivered powerful vocal deliveries and graceful falsettos while adeptly accompanying […]
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T Bone Burnett mesmerizes an attentive crowd at The JPT
T Bone Burnett, multi-award-winning American record producer, songwriter, and guitarist, made a rare appearance at The JPT on Tuesday, April 1, after not having been on the road for more than two decades. He is touring with remarkable musicians including Dennis Crouch on bass, Colin Linden on guitars, and David Mansfield on fiddle and mandolin. […]
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Community comes together for 7th Annual Broadway Street Fair
The Broadway Street Fair enjoyed beautiful weather for its 7th Anniversary, and the crowds came out in great numbers to enjoy the entertainment, local food vendors, and artisans. The roadway was blocked from Equality Park down to Washington Square as in years previous and every square inch on both sides of Broadway hosted a local […]
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Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, visits Newport and The Great Elephant Migration
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, made a trip to Rhode Island, in part to promote her latest novel A Most Intriguing Lady at the Ocean House in Watch Hill. The duchess made Newport a stop on her itinerary Thursday, July 25, to visit The Great Elephant Migration that has taken over parts of the Cliff […]
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John Pizzarelli celebrates the Great American Songbook at Jane Pickens Theater
Spectacle Live produced another great show at The Jane Pickens Theater on Saturday, July 20, with the John Pizzarelli Trio. Pizzarelli, the wonderful seven-string guitar master, brought along Mike Kern on double bass and the brilliant Isaiah J. Thompson on piano. The trio was sharp as a tack and smooth as butter. Pizzarelli is currently […]
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100 life-sized Indian elephant sculptures embark on symbolic U.S. journey in “The Great Elephant Migration”
Newport is in for a great treat with the arrival of The Great Elephant Migration beginning July 4, 2024. Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) President and Director of Rough Point, Frankie Vagnone welcomes this installation and its exquisite craftsmanship as “symbols of a commitment to sustainability, livability and resiliency, the core components of the work we’re […]
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For the first time in The Breakers’ 129-year history, the third floor will be open for tours
What’sUpNewp and other media were afforded an unprecedented tour of The Breakers Third Floor, the first time the space has been publicly viewed in 129 years. Trudy Cox, The Preservation Society of Newport County CEO greeted press and indicated that the space is largely non-furnished and is an “unbelievable space”. The goal is to tell […]
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Jake Shimabukuro may not be a household name, but he should be
Jake Shimabukuro, the ukulele virtuoso and composer from Hawaii, made an appearance through Spectacle Live before a sold-out crowd at Jane Pickens Theater on Saturday night. His abilities know no bounds and his stylings are unparalleled for any instrument but become even more remarkable when performed on a ukulele. He dazzled the audience with two […]
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Sail Newport honors Cole Brauer as she shares her journey to becoming the first American woman to sail solo nonstop around the world
Brad Read, Executive Director of Sail Newport, introduced Charlie Enright, Skipper, the 2023 winner of the Ocean Race, and 2023 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year. Enright stated, “We worked tirelessly for 10 years to win Ocean Race and became the most recognizable offshore sailors in the town of Newport, but unfortunately for us, it only […]
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Concert Recap & Photo Gallery: Crash Test Dummies rock The JPT
Ari Hest supported the Crash Test Dummies with a half-hour of warm-up original songs on Thursday night. From his website: “Ari is a Grammy nominated singer/songwriter who began his career as an independent artist in 2001. He built a loyal following touring the college circuit extensively between 2000 and 2003, after which he released two […]
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Photo Gallery: Chris Spedding Trio with Anton Fig at Newport Colony House
Chris Spedding and his Trio appeared at the Colony House in Newport, Rhode Island, on March 22, 2024, as a part of Newport LIVE’s concert series, one of several that occur in various venues throughout the year. The straight-ahead power of this fortified rock trio belied their chronological age and shook the very foundation of […]
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Raul Malo: His arresting voice captivates sold-out Jane Pickens Theater
In the second of a dozen-city tour, Raul Malo dropped into the Jane Pickens Theater as part of a Showcase Live Production before a sold-out audience. Malo has been featuring Monica Rizzio as a warm-up act, inviting her for a duet at the show’s close. As the incomparable frontman of genre-defying, GRAMMY Award-winning band The […]
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Concert Photos: Jax Hollow brings hot guitar grooves to the Jamestown Arts Center
Nashville-based singer/songwriter/guitarist Jax Hollow rocked her way through a nice set of original songs (and one notable cover) on Saturday, March 16, at the Jamestown Arts Center in a Newport Live concert. She played several from her debut album Only the Wild Ones, as well as several new songs she plans to record in the […]
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Photo Gallery: Ice Carving Demonstration on Long Wharf Mall
The 2024 Newport Winter Festival festivities came to a close with the annual ice carving demonstration on Long Wharf Mall. Present again this year are two ice carvers. Sean Skelly of Attleboro, MA, formerly from Newport, had been a chef here years ago and has been working with ice for decades. Sean created a pedestal […]
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Newport’s Puddingstone events are a triumphant celebration of the arts
Story by Ruthie Wood, photos by Jack Casey Newport has a secret society dedicated to celebrating the arts. Or at least, that’s how it feels considering how few people discuss the elite monthly artistic showings that occur in various locations around Aquidneck Island, despite the fact there was quite a gathering at the presentation at […]
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Recap & Photo Gallery: 2023 Broadway Street Fair
The big headliner for this year’s Broadway Street Fair was James Montgomery; however, ultimately the weather proved to be the main stage closing act. The day began with beautiful weather and a perfect climate for an event that embraces all of the aspects that make the Newport community great and draws a crowd from near […]
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Concert Recap and Photos: Toad the Wet Sprocket at Jane Pickens Theater
Toad The Wet Sprocket dropped into Newport and played a sold-out Jane Pickens Theater on September 22, 2023. “San Francisco Indie-Rocker nerd” Megan Slankard opened the show with unabashed comfort, fully backed by a vocal talent not often witnessed. With incredible range and power, she entertained the audience with her brilliant self-accompaniment on guitar and […]
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Concert Recap and Photos: John Gorka charms at Norman Bird Sanctuary
John Gorka is a wonderfully gifted American singer-songwriter who appeared at a Newport Live production as the season closer at the Norman Bird Sanctuary. In 1991, Rolling Stone magazine called him “the preeminent male singer-songwriter of what has been dubbed the New Folk Movement.” Gorka has a committed following of those familiar with his work, and the sold-out crowd […]
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‘All Hands on Deck’ at Jane Pickens
Earlier this week, the folks at Charter Books collaborated with IRYS for a showing of Master and Commander: The Far Side of The World at the Jane Pickens Theater. Will Sofrin, author of his new book, All Hands On Deck, was present and signed copies of the thrilling account of their restoration and sailing of […]
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Concert Recap and Photos: McCoy Mrubata Quartet at Norman Bird Sanctuary
McCoy Mrubata is considered a legend in South Africa and has won every accolade and award there is for his musical accomplishments. Highly regarded in the international jazz community, Mrubata brought his quartet to Newport for the first installment of the Newport Live Norman Bird Sanctuary Summer Outdoor Series. As the group was setting up […]
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Ocean Race Stopover in Newport – Photos and more
Newport, RI has been distinguished as the only North American stop for The Ocean Race with a layover slated from May 13-21, 2023. The layover site features an opportunity to view the race boats and learn about their technology. There are many activities for people of all ages and lots of music. Originally named the […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Concert Recap and Photos: Lone Bellow enchanting at Jane Pickens
I shouldn’t have been surprised when I heard The Lone Bellow drew a full house, many of whom are Newport Folk Festival frenzied followers, to Newport. That was the scene Saturday, May 13, when the band played Jane Pickens Film and Events Center. The crowd was electric and hung on every note from this stellar […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Music & Entertainment
Concert Photos: Cary Morin Duo warms hearts and minds at Jamestown Arts Center
A friendly audience welcomed the Cary Morin Duo to the Jamestown Arts Center on May 12 for a night of great music. The duo, Morin on guitar/vocals, and his life partner, Celeste Di Iorio on vocals, played songs from Morin’s catalog along with a couple of popular covers. The Friday evening show was part of […]
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Photo Gallery: 38th Aquidneck Island National Police Parade held in Newport Sunday
The 38th Aquidneck Island National Police Parade was held on Sunday, May 7, starting just before noon at Howard Johnsons in Middletown, heading south on Broadway, and ending in Washington Square, Newport, at a review stand. There were awards for the best honor guard, uniform, and cruiser. This year’s parade honored the 245 officers that […]
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Concert Recap and Photos: Lisa O’Neill at the Colony House
Lisa O’Neill of County Cavan, Ireland, arrived at The Colony House Saturday April 29 with her band, Mic Geraghty on harmonium and Joe Doyle on bass for a Newport Live concert. O’Neill plays guitar, banjo, harmonium, and shruti box to accompany her voice. She is a unique presence using fascinating storytelling to introduce each piece […]
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Concert Review and Photos: Suzanne Vega sparkles at Jane Pickens
Back in the mid-1980s, when the idea of acoustic guitar-based music on commercial radio was about as far-fetched as, well, the idea of acoustic guitar-based music on commercial radio today, Suzanne Vega emerged. The singer-songwriter of classics “Luka,” “Tom’s Diner,” and “Marlene on the Wall,” returned to Newport Sunday, April 16, for a charming and […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport stripes Broadway, Thames Street green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day
Mayor Xay and Third Ward Councilor David Carlin were joined by Fire Chief and Parade Grand Marshal Harp Donnelly IV (and his wife Tricia), and Newport-Kinsale Committee Member Rick O’Neill to paint the ceremonial green stripe on Broadway earlier today. Newport City Hall marks the official starting point for the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day […]
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Concert Recap and Photos: Teddy Thompson at La Farge Arts Center
Singer-Songwriter Teddy Thompson made an appearance at the LaFarge Arts Center, also known as the Newport Congregational Church, in a show sponsored by Newport Live, formerly Common Fence Music on February 24. As is known to happen in churches that are approaching 275 years, the heating system acted up before the program but was functioning […]
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Recap and Photos: Broadway Street Fair returns to Newport
(Story by Jack Casey) The Broadway Street Fair in Newport swung into full glory Saturday, October 8 after a couple of years off due to the pandemic. The weather was a perfect blend of sun and slight autumnal cool as the main artery in town was closed to automobile traffic and people came to enjoy […]