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 […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
‘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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]