According to forecasters, it’s gonna be a chilly weekend, but don’t fret, “the sun will come out tomorrow,” especially at the Providence Performing Arts Center where the classic musical Annie is playing all weekend. That and more, in this week’s “Six Picks Events.” All Weekend: It’s a hard knock life indeed. The uplifting story of […]
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
What’s Up Interview: RI’s The Benji’s to release new album ‘Kitty Pills’ on February 14
A band that’s been percolating on the local scene over the past several years is especially excited to be releasing their new EP later this month. The Benji’s, who first played together in LA in 2014 and were Motif Magazine’s “Favorite Breakthrough Rock Act” in 2019, will release Kitty Pills, on February 14. I learned […]
Posted inNews
RI Brew Fest brings regional brewers and beer lovers to Waterfire Arts Center
The Rhode Island Brewfest returned to the WaterFire Arts Center for two sold-out sessions on Saturday, January 28. Dozens of regional beer vendors were there providing samples of their products and more. Newport-area breweries were well represented at the Fest among them Ragged Island Brewing in Portsmouth, Reject’s Beer Co. in Middletown, as well as […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Six Picks’ Music: What’s Up in local music this weekend (January 27-29)
With good weather in the forecast, this weekend is a great one to get out and enjoy some local music at the state’s clubs and bars. Here are a few top picks around the region, featuring bands that are mostly new to “Six Picks.” Have a great weekend! Friday: Vudu Sister has a unique and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
RI Music Hall of Fame members RIZZZ playing The Met Sunday, Feb. 5
Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame inductees Rizzz are reuniting for a rare show Sunday, February 5 at The Met in Pawtucket. The show will feature original members Dave Tanury and Jim Tait on guitar, pianist Jerry Xavier, organist Paul Sauvageau, drummer Rick Couto, and saxophonists Bob Weisberger and Klem Klimek. Local legend, and fellow […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Greenwich Odeum to celebrate Ken Shane with screening of ‘The Last Waltz’ Feb. 3
Ken Shane, who passed away in November 2022 was a talented musician, DJ, writer, promoter and champion of great music. To celebrate his life, the Greenwich Odeum is presenting one of Ken’s favorite movies, The Last Waltz, the legendary final concert from Martin Scorsese and The Band that was held on Thanksgiving eve, November 25, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Concert Recap and Photos: Chris Spedding Trio rocks Newport’s Casino Theatre
Three legendary musicians came together for a special show at the Casino Theatre in Newport, RI Friday night January 20 before a near-sellout crowd. The power trio of Chris Spedding, Tony Garnier, and Anton Fig rocked hard through a 90+ minute set of Spedding’s original music along with a few covers. Highlights included Spedding’s #1 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Boston’s The Gravel Project playing Askew Saturday Jan. 21
The Gravel Project, a band comprised of veteran musicians from the Boston area, is headed down Route 95 Saturday night for a show at Askew in Providence. The ensemble is an all-star band including brothers Andrew and Jordan Gravel, Dave Fox, Eguie Castrillo, and Sarah Seminski. The Project’s sound blends rock, world music, and jazz […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Theater Review: ‘Jagged Little Pill’ resonates at PPAC
“Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you.” Another in a series of popular jukebox musicals is playing at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) through Sunday, January 22. Jagged Little Pill is a compelling story inspired by the groundbreaking 1995 Alanis Morissette album of the same name. The Tony and Grammy-award-winning production […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Hope and Main opens Downtown Makers Marketplace in Providence
A ribbon-cutting ceremony formally opened the Hope and Main Downtown Makers Marketplace at 100 Westminster Street in Providence on Wednesday. The marketplace is a combination eatery/retail outlet featuring food products launched from Hope and Main in Warren, a local food incubator. State and local officials, including Governor McKee and members of the RI Congressional delegation, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘We’re Gonna Die’ opening January 19 at Wilbury Theatre, we speak to Director Marcel A. Mascaro
It’s one of two things in life that are certain. And we’re not talking about taxes. We’re Gonna Die. That disheartening subject is the theme of the Rhode Island premiere of the award-winning play We’re Gonna Die, which opens later this week at Wilbury Theater Group’s performance space, the Waterfire Arts Center in Providence. The […]
Posted inNews
Reflections on Martin Luther King Day 2023
“The time is always right to do what is right.” I began Kindergarten in the Fall of 1968 at what was then the newly renamed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, a school that continues to educate a diverse population in the Mount Hope neighborhood in Providence. King had been assassinated the previous Spring, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (Jan. 13-15)
Its another busy weekend on the local music scene, and we’re featuring free or inexpensive local shows sure to beat the winter blues! Read more in “Six Picks Music.” Friday: The Berger Boys, the father/son duo Jimmy (Schemers, Men of Great Courage) and Louie Berger, bring their two-part harmonies to covers and originals at the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Ticket Giveaway: We interview Chris Spedding, coming to Newport’s Casino Theater Friday, January 20
A rock and roll mainstay will be headlining a rare live show at the Casino Theater in Newport on Friday, January 20. Guitarist Chris Spedding, best known for his studio work supporting just about every major artist to pass through the UK music scene since the late 1960s, will lead a trio of equally talented […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Providence Restaurant Weeks returning January 8-23
Foodie alert! “Providence Restaurant Weeks” begins Sunday, January 8. The event takes place over a two-week period from January 8-23, and includes dozens of specials on the menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at restaurants around the city. Many popular spots are serving up signature cocktails, family-sized entrees, specialty products, and more. Several new establishments […]
Posted inThings To Do
Brewery of the Month: Winter brews at Narragansett
With winter settling back in, and many long nights still to come, it’s time to dig into some winter-ready beers around the region. A good place to start is at the state’s leading brewery, Narragansett, where my party and I enjoyed several selections on a recent evening. The tasting room at the Fox Point […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks Music: The best in local music this weekend (January 6-8)
Happy New Year! Its January, typically a slow month for national touring acts in these parts. Have no fear, music fans, the local scene is as happening as ever. Check out a few ideas for live music this weekend in our weekly column “Six Picks Music.” Friday: “Put your helmet on.” David Bowie was a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Kara McKee, awarded Passim Iguana Award, to record first album
A year and a half ago, Kara McKee quit her job in the corporate world to chase down her dream of being a full-time musician. After years of gigging at small clubs around New England, the daughter of RI Governor Dan McKee finally received some national attention when she appeared on NBC’s The Voice last […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks NYE: Local bands playing around RI on New Year’s Eve 2022
It won’t be just another New Year’s Eve at local music venues this year. For many party-goers, it will be the first NYE out since the pandemic began. We’ve put together a special list of shows featuring some of the best local bands around. Check out our “Six Picks New Years Eve 2022” edition. Happy […]
Posted inNews
Ocean Effect snowstorm to impact parts of Cape Cod, Islands, and coastal RI Saturday afternoon into Sunday
A rare ocean effect snow storm is expected to dump several inches of snow over Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Block Island Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning. The storm may also impact the southern Rhode Island coast with some light snow, where less than an inch is expected. Read the text of the National Weather Service […]
Posted inNews, Weather
Rhode Island Energy warns of possible power outages Friday
Rhode Island Energy has issued an alert in advance of the winter storm expected to impact the state Thursday night into Friday. Read the text of the alert below. The forecast is calling for heavy rain, potentially damaging winds and the possibility of coastal flooding to impact Rhode Island early Friday morning, continuing into the […]
Posted inStyle & Shop
Shop Local – Last minute holiday gift ideas for 2022
As online shipping deadlines approach, your options for gift-buying for the holiday season are becoming more limited. Never fear, local businesses are here to answer the call. Here’s an updated list of stores with all kinds of gifts available for last-minute shoppers. For the Home Kristen Coates – Shop curated holiday gifts in the online shop here or […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks: The best in local music this weekend (December 16-18)
With 2022 winding down, there are only a couple of weekends left to get out and support live music. We’re previewing a few shows below … have a great weekend! Friday: The Friday Songwriter Series at Foolproof Brewery in Pawtucket is back this weekend with a trio of Rhode Island’s best – Allysen Callery and […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Style & Shop
‘Six Picks’ local music for gifting this holiday season
Here’s a holiday gift idea for the music fan in your life. Buy local music! “Six Picks Local Music, Holiday edition” includes some of our favorite new releases from RI-based artists, plus a few honorable mentions. Tell us your favorites in comments below. Various Artists – Fire Escape Want to get to know some of […]
Posted inArts & Culture, People & Profiles, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Jazz Guitarist John Pizzarelli playing Jane Pickens on Dec. 16
John Pizzarelli will forever be associated with “The Wonder of it All,” that unforgettable jingle from the Foxwoods ad that ran on TV and radio heavily in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. Of course, the Grammy Award-winning guitarist’s career has been about a lot more. He’s most recognized as a leading interpreter of songs […]