Newport, Rhode Island is at the center of the music world again this weekend when the “City by the Sea” welcomes the Newport Jazz Festival to town. Founded in 1954, the original outdoor music festival returns with a stellar lineup, which includes jazz legends, rising stars, and local heroes. Here are “Six Picks” not-to-be-missed this […]
Ken Abrams
Lifestyle Editor Ken Abrams writes about music, the arts and more for What'sUpNewp. He is also an Editor and Writer for Hey Rhody Media. 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.
He is 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 inArts & Culture
Newport Jazz Festival announces late substitution – Branford Marsalis to perform Friday, August 4
The Newport Jazz Festival today announced a late replacement for the opening day of the Festival, this Friday, August 4. Saxophonist Branford Marsalis will replace Kamasi Washington, who is unable to attend. Festival officials provided this update on Tuesday afternoon: ARTIST UPDATE: Something unforeseen has come up that will prevent Kamasi Washington from performing his […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Ticket Giveaway: Sarah Borges Band to play Norman Bird Sanctuary Friday, August 4
Boston-based Americana rocker Sarah Borges headlines the next Newport Live summer series concert at the Norman Bird Sanctuary this Friday August 4. Thanks to Newport Live, we’ve got a pair of tickets to the show – just e-mail Ken Abrams at mrabrams11@gmail.com by 9PM on Thursday August 3 for your chance to win. MORE ABOUT […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
2023 Newport Folk Festival Day 3 – Billy, Lana, Folk Family, and Muppets
The 2023 Newport Folk Festival wrapped up on Sunday, July 30th, fulfilling the newly revised mission of the Newport Festivals Foundation “to create moments of hope through the power of music and community.” Of course, the festival has always been about bringing folks together; that idea is in focus now more than ever. It played […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
2023 Newport Folk Festival Day 2: Diverse lineup shines bright at Fort Adams
The second of three days at the 2023 Newport Folk Festival showcased what the annual event does best – exposing fans to world-class performances in a variety of genres with familiar and new artists. There was something for everyone. Highlights included traditional folk tales from “new to the festival” singer-songwriter Willi Carlisle and a set […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
2023 Newport Folk Festival: James Taylor makes surprise appearance on Day 1
The 2023 Newport Folk Festival kicked off in grand style on Friday, July 28. Friends old and new performed at the sold-out festival, the start of two weekends of musical magic at Fort Adams State Park. No doubt it was hot, literally and figuratively! From headliners including My Morning Jacket, Maggie Rogers, and Nickel Creek […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Interview: John Oates, playing Newport Folk Festival Satuday, July 29
John Oates has many stories to tell. The legendary singer-songwriter/guitarist, best known for his duo work with Daryl Hall, is also an accomplished solo artist who mines the roots of rock and roll. In a special set with fellow guitar great Guthrie Trapp, Oates is playing Newport Folk Saturday, July 29, at 3:45 on the […]
Posted inThings To Do
‘Six Picks’ Special: Six not-to-be-missed artists at the 2023 Newport Folk Festival
The biggest challenge fans face at the Newport Folk Festival is deciding which bands to see especially when set times for three main stages and a pair of side stages overlap. The fact is, you just can’t get to every act. Still, with three days and over 50 carefully curated sets this weekend, attendees will […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
‘Six Picks’ top Newport Folk Festival moments from the past decade
With the Newport Folk Festival arriving at Fort Adams State Park this weekend, we thought it would be a good time to look back at recent festival history. The past decade has seen numerous memorable performances; Jay Sweet and his team at NFF have made history year after year. Here are a few of our […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Rising star Bella White, playing the Newport Folk Festival July 28
Playing the Newport Folk Festival is a lifelong dream for many musicians. Some wait decades for the opportunity to perform; others are fortunate to be invited to the prestigious festival early in their career. 22-year-old Canadian singer-songwriter Bella White, scheduled to appear at the festival on Friday, July 28, is one of those getting the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (July 21-23)
This week’s “Six Picks” include some old friends, some new acquaintances, a Springsteen tribute, and a southeastern Massachusetts festival making its debut. Preview the weekend in music in our weekly feature below. Friday: There’s a strong lineup at the Newport Playhouse Friday for a Folkin’ Fundraiser, a benefit for the Rhode Island Folk Festival happening […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Concert Recap and Photos: Counting Crows and Dashboard Confessional rock PPAC
Longtime fans were on their feet for a high-energy show at the Providence Performing Arts Center on a warm Tuesday night in mid-July when 90s rockers Counting Crows and openers Dashboard Confessional took the PVD stage. Both bands rocked the house with their hits and more and shared the stage for a pair of encores, […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Dan Blakeslee, playing Newport Folk Sunday, July 30
If you’re a Newport Folk Festival regular, you’ve probably seen Dan Blakeslee on your way in or your way out of Fort Adams State Park. The Festival favorite and former Rhode Island resident is returning this year, kicking off the festivities on Sunday, July 30 from the Fort Stage, making it the first main stage […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (July 14-16)
Another busy summer weekend on the local music scene is here! Check out our weekly column with a few favorites playing around town. Friday: One of the great soul singers of all time, Bettye LaVette, plays the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River Friday. Blues Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated singer Lavette has had […]
Posted inThings To Do
Umbrella Sky Newport at Brick Market to host ribbon-cutting ceremony with Providence Drum Troupe Saturday, July 22
Umbrella Sky Newport @ Brick Market, the outdoor art installation that has taken social media by storm, announces its official ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for July 22, 2023, at 2 pm. This international art phenomenon, which has captivated audiences worldwide, will now enchant visitors in New England for the first time after its successful journey from […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Concert Recap and Photos: Damn, Sophie B. Hawkins is great!
A warm crowd greeted a high-energy performance from Grammy Award-nominated singer Sophie B. Hawkins at the Updike Room in the Greenwich Hotel Sunday evening, July 9. Smiles were everywhere – the event was a major success for the popular Main St. venue in East Greenwich. Hawkins, who had her moment of fame in the 1990s, […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Comedian Kelly MacFarland, playing ‘Mother of a Comedy Show’ at Jane Pickens on July 14
Riddle: What do you get when you put three veteran female comics together in a room? Answer: A “Mother of a Comedy Show,” a fun-filled evening of laughs coming to the Jane Pickens Theater in Newport on Friday, July 14. Click here for tickets. We spoke to Boston-based comedian Kelly MacFarland recently and got the […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (July 7-9)
Summer weekends are made for rock and roll. Check out a pair of cool festivals and more live music favorites this weekend in our weekly column, “Six Picks Music.” All Weekend: The Levitate Music and Arts Festival on the fairgrounds in Marshfield, MA is celebrating its 10th anniversary with all kinds of jams this weekend, […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Sophie B. Hawkins returning to East Greenwich for special show Sunday, July 9
Singer-songwriter Sophie B. Hawkins is returning to East Greenwich this weekend, having last played RI in 2021 when she appeared at the Greenwich Odeum. Hawkins, who recently released a new album, Free Myself, her first in a decade, will play an intimate show in the Updike Room at the Greenwich Hotel. Jen and Casey Minuto […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
‘Six Picks’ 2023 Newport Classical: Summer Concert Series running through July 23
Music festival season has arrived on Aquidneck Island with the Newport Classical concert series kicking things off. With over 25 indoor and outdoor performances scheduled, this series offers something for everyone from the casual listener to the serious classical music fan. Here’s our list of six “not to be missed” performances. For more information and […]
Posted inHistory
On This Day in RI History: July 3, 1878 – Composer George M. Cohan is born
American icon George M. Cohan was born on July 3, 1873. Cohan was a playwright, composer, lyricist, actor, singer, dancer, and producer during his 50+ year career in entertainment. Cohan came from a musical family – his parents were traveling vaudeville performers and Cohan joined them in a family act called “The Four Cohans.” He […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Reading With Robin to host ‘A Summer Soiree’ with leading authors at Newport Art Museum July 13
Reading with Robin, a statewide reading initiative from noted book enthusiast/influencer/promoter Robin Kall is returning to Newport. RWR and Discover Newport Present: A Summer Soiree, a benefit for the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center, is happening Thursday, July 13, at the Newport Art Museum. Click here for details. The event features authors of some […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (June 30-July 2)
This weekend looks busy ahead of the holiday, with many enjoying a mini vacation. Make some space for local music previewed in our weekly column below. Friday and Saturday: Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran arrives at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA, for two long-awaited shows this weekend, his sixth and seventh time playing the venue. […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Catching up with RI music legend James Montgomery
Local music legend and Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame inductee James Montgomery has been busy lately. He and his band are playing a pair of events this weekend, ahead of a busy summer schedule, which includes a stop at King’s Park in Newport on Friday, July 14. First up, he’s part of a fundraiser […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (June 23-25)
A diverse lineup of talent can be found around the state this weekend, with bands playing everything from modern rock to Afro-Carribean music from Belize. So begins a summer of high-voltage tuneage in our little corner of the musicverse. Have a great weekend! Friday: Former American Idol champion Phillip Phillips hit the music scene big […]