Our weekly music column “Six Picks” searches around the state seeking the best in local music. Two-part harmony seem to be the theme this week as we catch up with several shows that feature duo’s singing in perfect accord. That, plus a rock and roll legend who’s still going strong in her late 70’s. Read […]
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.
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Book Review: Astral Weeks: A Secret History of 1968
“If I ventured in the slipstream/Between the viaducts of your dream Where immobile steel rims crack/And the ditch in the back roads stop Could you find me? Would you kiss-a my eyes?” (“Astral Weeks,” Van Morrison) With apologies to Dylan and Mitchell, better lyrics may never have been written. Nor has a particular album been […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (May 10-May 16)
Thursday means it’s time for “Six Picks,” our weekly roundup of some of the top concerts coming to the RI area. This week, we focus on the singer-songwriters including a trio of nationally known local artists playing tonight at Newport’s finest listening room. Newport to Nashville Thursday at Newport Playhouse (Newport) The Newport to Nashville […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (May 3-May 9)
Some big names in music are coming to the area over the next few days. We’ve got your preview here along with some smaller names with big talent. Check out this week’s “Six Picks,” beginning with shows at two of RI’s premiere concert venues. (Pictured: Jackson Browne, Photo: Danny Clinch) Michael McDonald Sunday at The […]
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RI Music Hall of Fame Inducts Class of 2018
Music royalty was in the house Sunday April 29th as the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame inducted the Class of 2018. Several artists along with technical experts were introduced into the Hall in ceremonies that included three nights of concerts showcasing their work. Jazz at Chan’s The weekend-long event began Thursday April 26th at […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (April 26-May 2)
Big happenings around the state this week starting with a trio of Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame concerts. Get out and celebrate the achievements of RI artists! RI Music Hall Concerts All Weekend The 6th annual Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame concerts and induction ceremony will be held around the state this weekend. […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (April 19-25)
Our weekly music round-up “Six Picks” will focus on some music legends this week along with a pair of classic duos that have dates around the state. Our mantra this week – nothing before the 90’s! Don’t forget to click on our carefully curated videos for a preview. Carl Palmer Thursday at Greenwich Odeum (East […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (April 12-April 18)
Our weekly column “Six Picks” begins in Newport tonight (Thursday) and takes us around the state this weekend. We’ve got some jammin’ local gigs and a couple of national touring acts in town – read on for all the details. Newport to Nashville Thursday at (Newport) The Newport Playhouse and Cabaret runs an excellent series […]
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Concert Review: Phil Madeira at the Columbus Theatre
OK, pay attention Rhode Island music fans. Phil Madeira has just released the definitive home state musical narrative. In a charming and musically dazzling show at the Columbus Theatre Friday night (April 6th), Madeira showcased songs from that album, affectionately titled Providence. Madeira, who grew up in Barrington, is a respected Nashville-based session musician and […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (April 5-April 11)
This week, “Six Picks” digs deep into the roots of rock and country as we feature several well-known national acts playing around the state this weekend. Read on for all the details. Phil Madeira Friday at Columbus Theatre (Providence) We interviewed Nashville based Phil Madeira here last week and learned about his time on the […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (March 29-April 4)
The music doesn’t stop for the holiday weekend as we find several local shows well worth checking out. As the weather warms, its time to head back out and enjoy some tunes! Read on for our “Six Picks” this weekend. (Pictured: Low Lilly) Ali McGuirk Friday at Columbus Theatre (Providence) Ali McGuirk is a Boston […]
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Red Dirt Boy: Interview with Nashville Musician RI Native Phil Madeira
You may not know his name, but you’ve likely heard him before. Phil Madeira is a highly respected Nashville musician who has led Emmylou Harris’ band, the Red Dirt Boys since 2008. He’s also written songs, performed with and played on numerous albums from artists as widespread as Alison Krauss, Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, The […]
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Newport Music Festival Announces 50th Anniversary Season
Plans are underway for this summer’s 50th anniversary edition of the Newport Music Festival. The upcoming season (July 4-22, 2018) will feature a broadening of the festival’s musical landscape, celebrating the anniversaries of Rossini, Debussy and Bernstein, as well as works by living composers. Joshua Bell Plays the Newport Music Festival July 15th From July […]
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Thousands Attend “March for Our Lives” at RI State House
The mood was festive, but the message was serious Saturday as supporters of safe schools gathered at the Rhode Island State House. The “March for Our Lives” in Providence was one of over 800 events worldwide organized to protest school shootings and call for legislation aimed at stemming school violence. A large crowd estimated at […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (March 22-March 26)
Six Picks is our weekly rounded of some of the best in area music. Indie bands dominate the landscape this week – Read on for details! (Pictured: Anais Mitchell, Photo: Jay Sansone) Salvation #12 Thursday at Salvation Café (Newport) The Salvation music series, faithfully curated by Bob Kendall, continues Thursday at the Salvation Café in […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (March 15-March 21)
With St. Paddy’s weekend on the horizon, we’ve scouted a few good shows in the tradition of the green, as well as some gigs with uniquely talented female performers playing around town. See what we mean below with our “Six Picks” for RI music this week! Anna and Elizabeth Friday at Hope and Main (Warren) […]
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WhatsUpNewp Interview: Betsayda Machado, The Voice of Venezuela, Coming to Providence
FirstWorksRI, one of the state’s premier cultural organizations, is bringing a series of unique events to Providence over the next month. The Frontier Series is a celebration of music and art from around the world. The series began March 11th with a panel talk and will be followed by a performance March 14th from Tibetan […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (March 8-14)
March Madness arrives on the local music scene this weekend and we’ve got your top “Six Picks.” Check out classic rock to classic funk to classic alternative and more. Read on for details. The Zombies Thursday at Greenwich Odeum (East Greenwich) 60’s favorites The Zombies have been re-born in recent years, appearing at festivals and […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (March 1-7)
We’re featuring a wide variety of music this week on “Six Picks,” our weekly guide to some of the best in Rhode Island music. This weekend features everything from traditional blues to modern rock … and Benny’s. Read on to see what it’s all about. Dom Flemmons Dom Flemmons at Harmony Lodge Thursday (Greenville) Dom […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (February 22-28)
We’re splitting time between Providence and Newport this week on “Six Picks” as we preview a number of great indie bands. Add an American legend to the mix and you’ve got at least six reasons to get out and listen to live music! Gershwin Thursday at The Vets (Providence) Musical icon George Gershwin’s legacy will […]
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Beautiful Coming to PPAC – Interview With Cast Member RI Native John Michael Dias
Broadway’s award winning Beautiful – The Carole King Musical arrives at the Providence Performing Arts Center next week and WhatsUpNewp had a chance to speak with cast member and Tiverton, RI native John Michael Dias. The show tells the story of Carole King, the legendary singer-songwriter who arrived in New York City at age 16 […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (February 15-21)
This week “Six Picks” previews several local shows with an emphasis on the singer-songwriter. We’ve also got world music sounds from a favorite spot for folks in Portsmouth and the annual post-Valentines Day Love Hangover to benefit Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Love Hangover Thursday at Parlour (Providence) Big doings tonight in Providence where a horde of […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (February 8-14)
It’s another busy weekend on the area music scene with shows around the state. We focus on the roots this week – click on the videos for previews. Shelby Lynn and Allison Moorer Friday Big doings this weekend at the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich where a couple of major shows are happening. Friday, its […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (February 1-6)
Shake off those winter blues and rock the night away with our top “Six Picks” from Newport and around the state. We’ve got a couple of Grammy winning artists in Providence this weekend and a cool new regular gig for Newport’s own Z-Boys! Read on for all the details… The Z-Boys Play Thursday February 1 […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (January 25-31)
Get ready for another busy weekend on the local music scene. Check out a punk rock legend and some “legends to be” who will be performing around RI and nearby Massachusetts. On to the music … Patti Smith Friday Friday night in New Bedford, don’t miss a rare appearance from Patti Smith, when she presents […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (January 18-24)
This week “Six Picks” is on a budget. We’re covering a bunch of shows that are cheap or have free admission. Of course don’t forget to support the venue and artist through beverage, CD and merch purchases if you can. Here’s some great local music this weekend with a shout out to shows in PVD’s […]
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Newport Jazz Festival Announces 2018 Artist-in-Residence Charles Lloyd
WIth the first wave of artist announcements expected next week, an e-mail earlier today from Newport Jazz Festival Producer George Wein introduced this year’s Artist-in-Residence, Charles Lloyd. The saxophonist will appear all three days at the festival, with a different act each day. Read Wein’s e-mail below for further details. “It was late one summer […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (January 11-17)
Allysen Callery and Ryan Lee Crosby Friday Two of the top folk performers in the region play the Pump House Music Works Friday. Allysen Callery has brought her soothing ghost folk sound to Europe and the South by Southwest Festival, as well as numerous venues around RI. Ryan Lee Crosby is a master of the […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (January 4-10)
We welcome you to the first “Six Picks” of 2018. This week, we’ve got a now-legendary alt-country group and a bunch of cover bands, because cover bands know how to keep things warm and cozy in sub-zero weather! Check back throughout the weekend to make sure these shows are still on … Old 97’s Friday […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (December 28 – January 3)
Happy New Year! This week, “Six Picks” is all about some of our favorite Rhode Island artists, homecoming shows and a couple of RI ex-pats – back to show us what they’ve learned out on the road. Deer Tick Times Two Deer Tick at Blues Café Thursday and Friday In recent years, they’ve basically become […]
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“Six Picks” Holiday Music Edition
Looking for a unique Christmas gift? Well, it’s never a better time to check some local musicians. We’ve got a special “6 Picks” this week – some recent releases and classics for you to consider this holiday season. Here are a few of our favorites. To purchase, check with your favorite record store or click […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (December 7 – December 13)
Singing for Shelter Thursday “Singing for Shelter” returns to the Channing Church in Newport tonight when a group of the city’s finest join forces for a night to fight homelessness. The 10th annual night of music benefits Lucy’s Hearth and The McKinney Shelter. Performers include Jack Casey, Ed McGuirl, Mike Fischman, Tom Perrotti, Joe Lambiase, […]
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Album Review: RI Rocker Mark Cutler Delivers a Classic “Travel Light”
Cranston native and RI Music Hall of Famer Mark Cutler is out with an impressive new release Travel Light, an album that sees him continuing a spiritual ride down the road to the roots of rock and roll. Released on the RI indie label 75 or Less Records, the album displays Cutler’s astute songwriting and […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (November 30-December 6)
Holiday themed live music is breaking out all over this month and “Six Picks” will have highlights throughout the season. Send us links to holiday shows and we’ll be happy to include them here. Meanwhile … Melissa Etheridge Saturday The Park Theatre in Cranston kicks things off this weekend with Melissa Etheridge performing her “Merry […]
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Cyber Monday “Six Picks” – Upcoming Concerts – Ticket Discounts Available
Tired of the malls? Amazon too big? Want to find a unique holiday gift this year? Look no further. We’ve got a bonus “Six Picks” this cyber Monday. The winter concert season provides a great gift-giving opportunity and there are a number of special shows coming soon. Michael Andrew of the Gershwin Big Band The […]
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Six Picks: Thanksgiving Weekend Edition
Thanksgiving weekend is always a big one for local music. The tradition of the “homecoming” show has nationally known local bands playing shows at hometown venues. This weekend is special – most of our “Six Picks” are well-known RI rock bands and members of the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame. Get out and rock! […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (November 16-November 23)
“Six Picks” is our weekly rundown of the best in local music. This week, we feature women in rock and roll, R&B, folk and country. Scroll down to see What’sUp. Caroline Rose Saturday Vermont native Caroline Rose (pictured) is a country/rock singer-songwriter who has been building a fan base and gaining critical acclaim over the […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (November 9-November 15)
Classic sounds dominate the musical landscape this week on “Six Picks” as we check out some of the best in area music. Tonight, Thursday November 9, brings a mountain of rock and roll to town. Joey Molland of Badfinger Badfinger Thursday First in East Greenwich, Badfinger Starring Joey Molland plays the Greenwich Odeum. The band […]
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WhatsUpNewp Interview Arlo Guthrie – Re:Generation Tour Coming to Cranston Saturday
So what is a folk singer anyway? It’s not always an easy question to answer. (Ask anyone who’s been to the Newport Folk Festival lately.) “We’re just links in a long chain,” offered singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie (quoting Pete Seeger) as he reflected on his 50+ year career in music. Guthrie is a particularly strong link in that […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (November 2-November 8)
“Six Picks.” our weekly column highlighting the best in area music returns this week. From Woonsocket to Westerly, North Smithfield to Newport, we cover Rhode Island and beyond. This week, we’ve got a pop superstar, a jazz legend and whole lotta’ rock and roll. McLaughlin/Herring Sunday John McLaughlin is one of the greatest guitarists of […]
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WhatsUp Interview: Badfinger Starring Joey Molland Coming to Greenwich Odeum November 9th
Rock and Roll trivia question… Who was the first band signed to the Beatles iconic Apple Records label? Your answer … British rockers Badfinger of course. Badfinger is known for AM/FM radio classics like “No Matter What,” “Baby Blue,” and “Day After Day.” Their hit “Come and Get It,” was written by Paul McCartney and […]
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WhatsUpNewp Interview: Rising Star Whitney Rose Coming to Parlor Newport Thursday
Rising roots-country star Whitney Rose arrives at the Parlor in Newport this Thursday October 26th along with a lot of well deserved hype. Rose is part a wave of female roots/country artists who are keeping the tradition alive, while updating the style of artists like Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells, and Loretta Lynn. Behind clever songwriting and […]
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WhatsUp Interview: The Wailers – Coming to Park Theatre Friday
Bob Marley was one of the 20th century’s most iconic figures. His music and his Rastafarian ideals connected with people on every continent. Over 35 years since his untimely death from brain cancer, his original band, The Wailers, continue to play to large audiences worldwide. They’ll be making a stop at Cranston’s Park Theatre this […]
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WhatsUp Interview: Jazz Legend Chick Corea – Coming to The Vets Sunday
Award winning jazz pianist Chick Corea and renowned session drummer Steve Gadd are bringing their band to Providence Sunday for a special show kicking off the FirstWorks Artistic Icons 2017-18 season. The show at The Vets in Providence is a rare chance to see 22-Time Grammy-Winning Jazz legend Corea, who has performed with everyone from […]
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Concert Review: Stills and Collins Charm at Park Theatre
It felt like a warm evening with old friends Saturday at the Park Theatre in Cranston as Stephen Stills and Judy Collins played a memorable show of originals, covers and few new ones before a sold-out crowd. The warmth from the legendary performers was evident, on stage together and among those assembled fans, many of […]
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WhatsUp Interview: Chris Hillman – Byrds Founder Coming to Narrows Center September 23
A genuine country-rock icon is coming to the Narrows Center for the Arts next Saturday night, September 23rd. Chris Hillman, original bass player and later guitarist in the pioneering 60’s band The Byrds, will be performing along with his longtime touring partners Herb Pedersen and John Jorgenson. He’ll arrive in town a day after the […]
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Six Picks:The Best in Local Music This Week (August 10-August 16)
Outdoor summer concerts continue to dominate the music scene this weekend with top shows in and around the Providence area. Check out the Reggae Festival at a fine new venue, Bold Point, or head downcity to AS220’s Foo Fest, an annual event with music and more. That, and more than enough punk to keep you […]
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Photo Gallery: Day 3 of the 2017 Newport Jazz Festival
Newport Jazz 2017 is in the books. Day 3 at the Newport Jazz Festival Presented by Natixis Global Asset Management featured perfect weather, a near sell-out crowd, and an international presence on stage. From the gypsy guitar influenced sounds of French singer Cyrille Aimée to the Creole vibe of Bokante, Sunday’s sets explored the mainstream […]
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Photo Gallery: Day 2 of the 2017 Newport Jazz Festival (Pictured: George Wein)
Mother Nature tried but failed to dampen spirits of Jazz fans Saturday in Newport. The revered Newport Jazz Festival was in full gear despite a few early rain showers. The music went on with no interruptions and featured fine performances all around. America’s first outdoor popular music festival was back for Day 2 with original […]
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Photo Gallery: Day 1 of the 2017 Newport Jazz Festival
The Newport Jazz Festival kicked off its 2017 festivities with a full day of music at Fort Adams State Park, followed by an evening concert with Rhiannon Giddens and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at the International Tennis Hall Of Fame. Although Friday is the lightest attended day of the three-day annual festival, those who […]
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Six Picks – Newport Jazz Edition
The Newport Jazz Festival arrives this weekend. 31 of the 50+ bands performing are new to the Festival this year, and many of them further expand the boundaries of jazz music. “America’s original art form” has had a home in Newport since 1954 and the tradition continues with an impressive line-up this year. With respect […]
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WhatsUpRI Interview: Mike Love and Beach Boys to Open Bold Point August 9th
Excitement is building in East Providence as a new concert venue prepares to open. Even better, the kick off show is sure to be one of the highlights of the summer. Bold Point Park, a new outdoor pavilion, is ready to go, and on Wednesday August 9, the Beach Boys are coming to christen the […]
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Newport Folk First Timers – Young Bands Make the Scene
In addition to headliners like John Prine, Fleet Foxes and Wilco, Newport Folk 2017 was a moment for new artists to shine. WhatsUpNewp sat down with three bands who were making waves at Newport – The Seratones, L.A. Salami, and Mt. Joy. Their enthusiasm was palpable. Seratones A.J. Hayes of the Seratones (Photo: Ken Abrams) […]
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Folk Fest Interview: Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers
The Drive-By Truckers pull into the Newport Folk Festival Saturday with some great music and a pointed message. The band, originally from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, arrives in Newport with songs that are raw, political, and often about folks living on the margins. Political and Personal The Drive-By Truckers formed in the mid-90’s as a bar […]
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Six Picks – The Newport Folk Edition
The Newport Folk Festival arrives tomorrow and we’ve got “Six Picks,” our list of bands you just can’t miss at the Festival. Of course, it’s impossible to narrow it down to just six, so we’ll fudge a little on the numbers. Whatever your personal favorites, remember that part of the fun of attending a festival […]
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Folk Festival Sponsors – Spindrift and Late July Head to Newport
It’s late July, and although the temperature outside feels like early November, things are heating up at Late July. That’s because the Boston based snack company will be supplying 37,000 bags of free chips to Newport Folk Festival concertgoers this weekend. WhatsUpNewp spoke with Late July CEO Nicole Dawes earlier this week, as well as […]
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Interview: Grammy Winning Artist Rhiannon Giddens Coming to Newport Folk and Jazz Festival
Next weekend, Rhiannon Giddens joins a select group of musicians who have played both the Newport Folk and Newport Jazz Festival in the same year. She follows Norah Jones who accomplished the feat last year, and bandleader Jon Batiste who played both events in 2015. Rhiannon Giddens Plays Newport Folk Sunday (Photo: John Peets) Needless […]
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Folk Festival Set to Begin Next Week – Behind the Scenes at Fort Adams
With just a week to go until 10,000 eager folks show up at the gate, Fort Adams State Park is getting all dressed up for festival season. The Newport Folk Festival arrives Friday July 28th, and WhatsUpNewp got a behind the scenes look at some of the preparations. We found stages partially built, a handful […]
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Six Picks:The Best in Local Music This Week (July 20-July 26)
Six Picks is our weekly column that features some of the best in local music. We’ve got you covered for the next few days with shows all around RI. Check out “picks” below. (Pictured: Elvis Costello at the 2016 Newport Folk Festival, Photo: Ken Abrams) Jillian Jensen Appears at Newport Vineyards Tonight Jillian Jensen Tonight […]
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Interview: Zach Tenorio-Miller of Arc Iris – Band to Play Joni Mitchell’s “Blue” This Weekend
There are a handful of rock stars who are commonly identified by their first name – Elvis, Janis, Bob and of course, Joni. Arc Iris Plays Joni Mitchell’s Blue This Weekend Arc Iris Plays Joni Mitchell’s Blue This Weekend Joni Mitchell is one of the most influential artists in modern music – her impact as […]
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Six Picks:The Best in Local Music This Week (July 13-July 19)
It’s a classic rock week on “Six Picks,” with some great music coming to town. We’ll mix in some singer-songwriters, both local and national, and round it out with a new folk festival in Providence. Check out our picks for some of the best in area music this weekend. Newport to Nashville Tonight at Newport […]
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Beethoven’s Wig Coming to Newport Friday
Ever wondered how Beethoven’s music would sound if lyrics were added? Well, you can hear one man’s take on the celebrated composer’s 5th Symphony (and a lot more) this Friday as part of the Newport Music Festival. Richard Perlmutter Brings Beethoven’s Wig to Newport Friday Richard Perlmutter Brings Beethoven’s Wig to Newport Friday Beethoven’s Wig […]
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Six Picks:The Best in Local Music This Week (July 6-July 12)
It’s a busy summer weekend of local shows and stadium concerts ahead in the region. We begin at the … New Bedford Folk All Weekend Patty Larkin Headlines the New Bedford Folk Festival This Weekend The New Bedford Folk Festival is a bit of a hidden jewel. It doesn’t always get the attention of another […]
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Wheels of Soul Tour Coming to PPAC Friday – Interview with Oliver Wood
Tedeschi Trucks Band Lead the Wheels of Soul Tour in Providence Friday A rock show is coming to Providence Friday night and this is one of those concerts where the opening bands are just as stellar as the main act. The Tedeschi-Trucks Band headline the “Wheels of Soul 2017” show that also includes the Wood […]
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Six Picks:The Best in Local Music This Week (June 29-July 5)
There’s a delightful mix of pre-4th of July shows around the state this weekend. We’ve got R&B, Jazz, Alternative, and a serving or two of Folk in our weekly column “Six Picks.” Read on for all the details. Aimee Mann Plays the Columbus Theatre in Providence Thursday Aimee Mann Thursday Aimee Mann began her career […]
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New Contemporary Classical Series Coming to Newport
Summer in Newport means lots of live music, and this year, a new Classical series arrives with a splash. The Newport Contemporary Music Series begins Saturday July 1 with some big names kicking off the festivities. Saturday’s highlight is a world premiere with living legend Andre Previn, titled “Almost an Overture.” The opening performance also […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week(June 22-June 28)
It’s the first weekend of summer and it’s time to rock out on “Six Picks,” our weekly column highlighting some of the best music around RI. We’ve picked shows in local dive bars and big stadiums this week, so get out and enjoy some tunes! Zach Schmidt Thursday Zach Schmidt Plays Nick-a-Nees in Providence Thursday […]
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Concert Review: Joan Osborne Charms With the Dylan Songbook
Joan Osborne was clicking on all cylinders Friday night at the cozy Greenwich Odeum as she waltzed through a set Bob Dylan covers in a special show. Of course, Osborne made her name as a cereal box philosopher asking the question “What if God was ‘One of Us’,” the Eric Bazilian penned chart topper from […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week(June 15-June 21)
Welcome to a (mainly) classic rock weekend on “Six Picks,” our weekly column highlighting Rhode Island’s best music. This week, we’ve got the original Jam Band, a woman who asked a famous question, and a top selling Jazz chanteuse kicking off a big month at PPAC. Details below. Joan Osborne at Greenwich Odeum Friday Superstar […]
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Jazz Great Diana Krall Coming to PPAC June 18th
Multiple Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist and world-renowned singer Diana Krall, will return to the Providence Performing Arts Center on Sunday, June 18. The concert is part of her 2017/2018 World Tour in support of her new album Turn Up The Quiet, just released on Verve Records. Krall’s new album celebrates a return to jazz and […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week(June 8-June 15)
A couple of young bands with a lot of talent and a little distortion make the cut this week in “Six Picks,” our new column featuring some of the best in local music. We’ve got two Diamonds, Twin Peaks, SCOTS and more this weekend. Check out What’s Up below, and send suggestions for future Picks […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week(June 1-June 7)
Welcome to “Six Picks,” a weekly column that lets you know “What’s Up” in local music. Our picks include shows at large stadiums, small theaters, and dive bars in and around Rhode Island. Local artists and venues are encouraged to e-mail suggestions to Ken Abrams. Check back weekly! (Pictured: Las Cafeteras) PVD Fest Downtown All […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Rhode Island Music, Performances This Week (May 25 – 31)
Welcome to “Six Picks,” a weekly column that lets you know “What’s Up” in local music. Our picks will include shows at large stadiums, small theaters, and the best dive bars in and around Rhode Island. We’ll feature a variety of bands and genres, from punk to jazz and everything in between. Local artists and […]
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REVIEW: I Got a Song – A History of the Newport Folk Festival
A new book on the history of the Newport Folk Festival is a treasure trove for music fans. Former Providence Journal reporter Rick Massimo has written the first complete account of the legendary festival, describing its many successes and occasional blunders. Massimo interviewed many of the major organizers the festival, as well as musicians, attendees, and […]