Indecent, a Tony Award-winning play by Paula Vogel, is returning to the Wilbury Theatre in Providence beginning Wednesday, November 30th. The highly acclaimed production has been described as “truly magical […]
Ken Abrams
Lifestyle Editor Ken Abrams writes about music, the arts and more for What'sUpNewp. He is also a contributor to Providence Monthly, SO RI, Hey Rhody and The Bay magazines.
Ken DJ's "The Kingston Coffeehouse," a roots/folk/rock radio show every Tuesday, 6-9 PM on WRIU 90.3 FM. He is a former educator in the Scituate, RI school system where he taught Social Studies for over 30 years.
Ken is presently on the board of the Rhode Island Folk Festival and Newport Live (formerly Common Fence Music), a non-profit that brings diverse musical acts to the Newport area.
Posted inStyle & Shop
Shop Local: Ten book, art, and gift shops in Newport and beyond
The holiday shopping season is upon us. Before heading out to the big box stores or ordering online, check out the dozens of local options for finding great gifts for […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Top ten+ holiday concerts in Rhode Island for 2023
‘Tis the season … for holiday concerts. From classical to classic rock, here’s our list of some of the best in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts this holiday season. November […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Ticket Giveaway: Win tickets to see Bush at PPAC on Tuesday, November 21
Grammy-nominated rock band Bush bring their Nowhere To Go But Everywhere Tour to the Providence Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, November 21 and thanks to PPAC, we’ve got a pair […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Ticket Giveaway: Musician Phoebe Hunt playing the Newport Art Museum on Saturday, November 18
On Saturday, November 18th, Newport Live welcomes singer-songwriter/fiddler Phoebe Hunt, premiering her new solo album at the Newport Art Museum at 7PM. Thanks to Newport Live, we are offering a […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview and Ticket Giveaway: We speak to Mike Love of the Beach Boys
Only one music group gets the designation of “America’s Band.” That band, of course, is The Beach Boys. Under the leadership of founding member Mike Love, the band tours regularly, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Steve Smith, playing RI Music Hall of Fame ‘Legends Show’ at Park Theatre Saturday, November 11
An all-star cast of musicians are playing a special concert for a great cause at Cranston’s Park Theatre this weekend, featuring not one, not two, not three… but five iconic […]
Posted inNew England
November Picks: Top ten concerts in Rhode Island this month
This week, we’re introducing a new column, “Top 10 Concerts This Month.” The good news – November offers an exceptionally strong lineup of shows in the state, from legends of […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
WUN Interview and Ticket Giveaway: Marc Roberge of O.A.R., playing Jane Pickens November 8
A rare unplugged-style show is coming to the Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center, and thanks to Spectacle Live, we’ve got a pair of tickets and a “meet and greet” […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Six Picks’ family Halloween fun this weekend (October 27 – 29)
It’s finally here! Halloween weekend is upon us, and with Americans spending over ten billion dollars on the holiday, there’s a lot more to do than just trick or treating. […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Singer-Songwriter Anna Mieke, playing Newport’s Colony House on Friday, November 3
WIN FREE TICKETS TO THE SHOW: Thanks to Newport Live, we have a pair of free tickets to give away. For your chance, e-mail Ken Abrams at mrabrams11@gmail.com by Friday, […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Ticket Giveaway: Tower of Power to play PPAC with RI Philharmonic October 28
Need a dose of soul power? We’ve got the cure! Legendary Oakland, CA band Tower of Power will join the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra for a special concert at the […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (October 20-22)
Halloween-themed concert events are the focus of this weekend’s “Six Picks,” our weekly round-up of concerts around the region. Check out some spooky shows and more around the state. Friday: […]
Posted inFood & Drink
‘Six Picks’ Fall Treats – The best apple cider donuts in Newport County and beyond
Cooler temps mean it’s time to hit those farm stands around the region this weekend for apples, pumpkins, and other seasonal treats. This week, we’re highlighting a few farm stands […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Troy Ramey, singer from ‘The Voice,’ playing Newport Playhouse Friday, October 20
Singer-songwriter Troy Ramey spent his teen years in Newport and is best for his 2017 run on NBC’s The Voice. Ramey is headlining a show on Friday, October 20, at […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Nicolo Spera, playing URI Guitar Festival Friday, October 20
A world-class music event returns to the region this weekend when the URI Guitar Festival takes over the Kingston campus and nearby venues. The festival continues to grow and expand […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Music & Entertainment, Things To Do
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (October 13-15)
The local music scene is as busy as always this weekend – we’ll focus on local singer-songwriters performing around the state. Check out a few top picks below. Saturday: Ladies […]
Posted inRhode Island
‘Six Picks’ Halloween Frights – Scary attractions around RI and nearby MA this season
As we continue to celebrate the fall season, this week, we highlight six of the scariest Halloween attractions around the region. Be warned, some of these events are not for […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Movie Preview: Joan Baez biopic ‘I am a Noise’ coming to Jane Pickens October 13-18
A new film about legendary folk singer Joan Baez tells her remarkable story, an intimate portrayal of her “public, private and secret life.” Joan Baez, I am a Noise, directed […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (October 6-9)
The holiday weekend features all kinds of live music happening from fall festivals to dive bar jams. Check out a few top picks below in our weekly column “Six Picks […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Juliana Hatfield, playing POP Emporium October 14
Juliana Hatfield is best known as a Boston-based singer-songwriter/musician, formerly of indie rock bands Blake Babies, Some Girls, and The Lemonheads, and leader of her own band, The Juliana Hatfield […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Concert Recap and Photos: Belly fills Fort Adams with good vibes in homecoming show
Fort Adams State Park rocked hard Sunday evening, October 1, when one of the greatest bands to ever emerge from Newport, RI woke up some old ghosts in the 200-year-old […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (Sept. 29-Oct. 1)
Although the weather has had difficulty cooperating this summer, Sunday looks great for several outdoor concerts scheduled around the state. Read all about them and more in our weekly column […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Macy Gray, coming to the Greenwich Odeum Sunday, October 1
Like many people around the country, singer-songwriter Macy Gray made a slight pivot during the pandemic. She’s still singing and acting, roles she has been successful at for over a […]
Posted inHistory
This Day in Newport History: September 23, 1971 – Sean Spicer is born
Sean Spicer, best known as the embattled Press Secretary for President Donald Trump was born on September 23, 1971. Born in Manhasset, New York, Spicer grew up on the East […]