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 […]
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 inThings To Do
Six Picks: Best Beaches in Rhode Island – From Watch Hill to Little Compton
When it comes to residents of the Ocean State, everyone has a favorite beach. With dozens to choose from, you can always find a family-friendly beach, a quiet spot for reading a book, or a busy shoreline with loud music, globs of tanning oil, and over-scented hairspray to help set the mood… we digress. Here […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Singer-Songwriter Pete Francis playing Ragged Island Brewery Saturday, June 24
Another in a great series of free concerts comes to Ragged Island this weekend when singer-songwriter Pete Francis, formerly of Dispatch, brings his band to the Portsmouth brewery on Saturday, June 24. I caught up with Francis earlier this week as he was preparing for a few shows in support of his new album PTRN […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (June 16-18)
This is one of those weekends where there are just too many shows and not enough time! Indeed, there’s something for everyone in our weekly column “Six Picks Music” – have a great weekend! Friday: Outdoor concerts return to the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown Friday when Newport Live presents South African jazz with the […]
Posted inThings To Do
‘Six Picks’ Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (June 16-18)
We know it’s still technically spring, but June weekends offer a lot to do in Rhode Island, with festivals, concerts, and the best food and drink anywhere in the world. Check out a few options below in our weekly roundup, “Six Picks Events.” All Weekend: The newest official RI state holiday (the law passed this […]
Posted inThings To Do
‘Six Picks’ 2023 Pride Events in Rhode Island
Pride celebrations in Rhode Island have come a long way since the first RI Pride parade in 1976 which saw fewer than 100 courageous participants. For 2023, pride events statewide will welcome over 150,000 guests to festivals, parades, rides, concerts and other events around the region. Here are a few ideas to support Pride this […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Rus Anderson, star of ‘The Rocket Man Show’ at PPAC Friday, June 16
The Providence Performing Arts Center’s “Cool Summer Nights” concert series continues Friday, June 16, with the Elton John tribute band “The Rocket Man Show.” I spoke with Rus Anderson, star of the show last week, as he was preparing for an East Coast swing ahead of a tour of the UK. “I’m very grateful that […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Concert review and photos: John Mellencamp firing on all cylinders at PPAC
Rock icon John Mellencamp made an impressive return to the Providence Performing Arts Center on Sunday, June 11, playing his heart out to a sold-out house. The Indiana-born Rock and Roll Hall of Famer last played in the capital city in 2015. Mellencamp is a master storyteller, whether he’s singing “a little diddy about ‘Jack […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (June 9-11)
“Hey Hey My My, Rock and Roll will never die.” So said Neil Young, who is about to announce a new tour, his first since 2018. Indeed, it’s a weekend to rock out around RI as we feature classic rock acts and new bands in our weekly column “Six Picks Music.” Friday: 70’s power rock […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Food & Drink, Music & Entertainment, Things To Do
‘Six Picks’ Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (June 9-11)
Here’s hoping the smoke clears this weekend, and we can all get out and enjoy some late Spring fun. Check out “Six Picks Events,” our weekly listing of six top events around the state below. Friday: The Friday Night Flea – Pride Edition is an opportunity to showcase LGBTQ+ vendors and allies at the weekly […]
Posted inThings To Do
Ticket Giveaway: Newport Live and Norman Bird Sanctuary to present McCoy Mrubata Quartet Friday, June 16
Newport Live and Norman Bird Sanctuary present South African jazz legend McCoy Mrubata, in a performance with his Quartet, on their last date in the US before returning to South Africa. The show will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, June 16th at Norman Bird Sanctuary as part of the Third Annual Summer Outdoor Series at 583 Third Beach Avenue in Middletown. […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Celebrating Local Music and Community – Providence Porchfest debuts Saturday, June 10
On June 10th, 2023, the East Side of Providence will come alive with the sound of music when the inaugural Providence Porchfest debuts in the city. This year’s festival promises to be a celebration of local music and community, featuring some of the region’s most talented and beloved musicians. With dozens of musical performances spread across […]
Posted inNews
‘Six Picks’ best strawberry picking in Rhode Island 2023
Early June kicks off the strawberry picking season in and around Rhode Island. Most locations offer a “pick your own” (PYO) option and pre-picked berries by the pint at the farm store. Reminder: Check with your favorite farm before heading out. Arrive early – the best days for picking vary across the state, and many […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (June 2-4)
Another fine weekend of great local music is ahead, and we’ve got six top statewide picks for you. Late update: Given the weekend forecast, we’re highlighting mainly indoor events, but don’t worry, the sun will be back, and a summer of great outdoor music awaits. Friday: Perhaps the greatest country-rock song ever will certainly be […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
National Donut Day 2023: ‘Six Picks’ best donut shops in Rhode Island
We present six of our favorite donut shops … we know, there are many more deserving our attention… just give us some time, we’ll get there!Middletown: Ma’s Donuts features more than 42 types of donuts, 15 pastries, 9 bagels, and 10 muffins daily. Founded in May 1993, Ma’s Donuts, located at 78 W. Main Road […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Theater Review: ‘My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra’ at Theatre-by-the-Sea
Let’s get this out of the way right up front. Theatre by the Sea’s “My Way” is a tribute to Frank Sinatra and his music. It does not feature impersonators. Rather, four performers (Christopher Brasfield, Danny Drewes, Alyssa Giannetti and Lucy Horton) sing a selection of Sinatra’s music, some solos, some duets, and some with […]
Posted inThings To Do
‘Six Picks’ Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (June 2-4)
Rhode Island celebrates Pride all month long with educational events, live music, parades and more happening statewide. We’ll kick things off below on “Six Picks Events” with a popular beer festival from the Rhode Island Diversity Equity and Action Committee. Have a great weekend! Saturday: Check out the RIDEA Fest at Isle Brewers Guild in […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Sunny Jain of Red Baraat, playing FirstWorks Summer Beats concert July 23
Get ready to dance, folks. An internationally acclaimed band is returning to Providence for an outdoor show in July. Even better, the concert is free and open to fans of all ages. Red Baraat arrives at the Roger Williams Park Bandstand as part of the FirstWorks Summer Beats Concerts series on Sunday, July 23 at […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Concert Review and Photos: Boston comes Calling at Memorial Day Weekend festival
The region’s biggest music festival took center stage (actually four stages) Memorial Day weekend when Boston Calling paid a visit to the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston. The festival is “an event,” vibing just a bit like those giant West Coast festivals (think Coachella), with leading players rubbing shoulders with rising stars, many from the […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (May 26-29)
The holiday weekend means an extra night to get out and enjoy live music. We’ll shine the light on some of our favorite local bands and some raucous joints this weekend. Friday: Stregalia is described as “a night of witchery” at Askew hosted by one of the region’s most unique and intriguing bands, Vudu Sister. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Boston Calling Festival to showcase emerging New England bands alongside headliners this weekend
UPDATE: Due to illness the Yeah Yeah Yeahs will be unable to perform on Friday. Boston’s own Dropkick Murphys have been added to the schedule. A Memorial Day Weekend tradition returns to Boston this weekend when Boston Calling pays a visit to the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston beginning Friday, May 26. With headliners like […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Six Picks’ Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (May 26-29)
Memorial Day Weekend serves as the unofficial start of the summer season in these parts, and we’re excited to begin that season with a good forecast and some family-friendly events. Check out Memorial Day parades happening throughout the region (check your local listings), and a few more fun events happening this weekend in our column […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Comedian Doug Key of Rogue Island Comedy Festival
Buckle up Newport, and prepare for an invasion of comedians this weekend. The Rogue Island Comedy Festival returns to the region over the next few days with a diverse lineup of local and national talent. The five-night festival includes a dozen shows at locations in and around Aquidneck Island. “Our kickoff is Thursday (May 25) […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Concert Recap and Photos: Sun Ra Arkestra brings cosmic jazz vibes to The Met
The Sun Ra Arkestra landed at The Met in Pawtucket Sunday, May 21, performing a high-energy show before a sold out crowd. For the uninitiated, the band, active since the mid 1950’s, pioneered an afro-futurist sound, incorporating aspects of big band jazz, swing, fusion, and beyond. With numerous albums and videos available online, this band […]
Posted inNews
2023 New England summer music festival guide
Outdoor music festivals featuring some of the top names in the music business are back and better than ever this summer. From Foo Fighters at Boston Calling to Lana Del Rey at Newport Folk, here’s your round-up of festivals in New England through Labor Day Weekend. We’ll update the list throughout the festival season, so […]