Update from Fort Adams: Fire at the Fort has been POSTPONED to tomorrow 11/12 due to expected poor weather. We hope to see you all out here tomorrow, Saturday, November 12th from 5-8 PM. Gather around the fire pits with food and s’mores, listen to live music by The Larry Brown Swinglane Orchestra, and view […]
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
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (Nov. 11-13)
The long weekend means an extra day to get out and enjoy some live local music. Check out some of our favorites below in our weekly column “Six Picks Music.” Friday: Mama might indeed kick off her dancing shoes at this show … Jim Messina is classic rock royalty, a former member of Buffalo Springfield […]
Posted inNews
This Day in Newport History: November 11, 1951 – Paul Cowsill is born
Musician Paul Cowsill was born on November 11, 1951 in Portsmouth, Virginia. His family moved to Newport in the early 1960’s when they formed the popular “family band,” The Cowsills. The band achieved national success in the 1960’s, behind hits like “The Rain, the Park and Other Things,” and “Hair.” They made numerous TV appearances, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Six Picks’ Events: What to do in RI this weekend (Nov. 11-13)
Another fall weekend in New England is upon us. There are various things to do around RI, including seasonal events, movies, comedy, and the symphony. Here are some recommendations in our weekly column “Six Picks Events.” All weekend: A family holiday tradition returns to the Blackstone Valley this weekend when the Polar Express Train Ride […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Then and Now’ exhibit from RI-based music photographers Rick Farrell and Richard McCaffrey opening Nov. 12
A pair of local concert photographers are holding a unique exhibition beginning November 17 at Dryden Galleries in North Providence. Richard McCaffrey, a career photographer who has published in Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Creem magazine since the 1970s will be joined by Rick Farrell, well-known to WUN readers for his exceptional concert photography in recent […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Music & Entertainment
Concert Recap and Photos: ‘What do you want from life?’ The Tubes at the Greenwich Odeum
One of the most outlandish acts in rock and roll returned to the Greenwich Odeum on Thursday, November 3 for a high-energy near-sell-out show. The Tubes, perhaps best known for mainstream ’80s hits “Talk to You Later” and “She’s a Beauty,” were strong all night long, and although their stage act is toned down a […]
Posted inNews
Bold Point Park Groundbreaking – Concert pavilion expected to open in 2024
East Providence town officials including Mayor Bob DaSilva joined Governor Dan McKee and renowned concert promoter Don Law for a groundbreaking ceremony at Bold Point Park Friday morning November 4. The seasonal concert venue is being upgraded to a full-size amphitheater that is expected to be completed in 2024. The new facility will be modeled […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (Nov. 4-6)
The mild weather forecast for the upcoming weekend and an extra hour of sleep mean no excuses! Get out and enjoy some live, local music this weekend. Check out “Six Picks Music” below for some ideas. All Weekend: The Parlour on North Main St. in Providence is celebrating its 10th anniversary this weekend with a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Six Picks’ Events: What to do in RI this weekend (Nov. 4-6)
The most wonderful time of the year has arrived … and we’re not talking about the holiday season… Daylight Savings Time ends this weekend, we fall back, and gain an extra hour of sleep! So get out there and enjoy the upcoming 49-hour weekend! Friday: FirstWorks RI presents Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company: What Problem? […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Tubes to play the Greenwich Odeum Thursday, November 3
One of the more irreverent bands in rock and roll history is making a stop at the Greenwich Odeum on Thursday, November 3. Formed fifty years ago, San Francisco-based The Tubes are bringing the “Outside Inside Tour” to East Greenwich. A few tickets remain for the 8PM show and are available here. Ticket prices start […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Craig O’Keefe of ‘The Sixties Show,’ coming to Jane Pickens November 20
Put on your tie-dye t-shirts, hop in your VW van and plan on heading on down to the Jane Pickens Film and Events Center on November 20. The Sixties Show is coming to town. The Sixties Show is a multimedia theatrical production built around classic songs from the decade that changed everything. The performance features […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Dick Lynn of Newport Live on ‘Women’s Voices’ series coming to Jamestown Arts Center
A unique concert series is coming to the Jamestown Arts Center this Fall. “Women’s Voices” is a program curated by Dick Lynn, Executive Director of Newport Live (formerly Common Fence Music). The series begins with singer-songwriter Dori Freeman who will be playing Saturday, November 5 at 6:30PM. (Tickets are available here.) Shows run every other […]
Posted inArts & Culture
JPT and Discover Newport presenting ‘Foodie Film Festival’ beginning Friday, Nov. 4
Foodie film fans … this one’s for you. And it’s also pretty much for everyone else who eats food. Jane Pickens Film and Events Center is holding its first “Foodie Film Festival” beginning Friday, November 4. The festival features a dozen food-related films over eight nights running through Sunday, November 13. For the event, Pickens […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Newp best Halloween photo contest – Enter to win tickets to Newport Live
Trick or Treat! Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen some of your fantastic costumes on Instagram and Facebook. Now it’s time to share them here on WhatsUpNewp. Send us your pictures by the end of Halloween night and we’ll post the best on Tuesday. Dogs, cats, kids, and grown-up kids’ pictures are welcome. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
RI Vegan Restaurant Week running Oct. 28 – Nov. 6
Attention Foodies: A statewide celebration of vegan cuisine begins Friday, October 28, and continues through Sunday, November 6 across Rhode Island. Vegan Restaurant Week began in 2019 and features over 25 restaurants throughout the state. Sprout and Lentil and Plant City are among Aquidneck Island restaurants participating. The event runs over two weekends this year. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (October 28-30)
Spooky sounds will fill local clubs, bars, and restaurants this weekend with costumed revelers celebrating the season. Check out some pre-Halloween live music, with a focus on local performers this week, previewed below in “Six Picks Music.” Friday: Don’t miss An Evening of Rhode Island Folk Music at the John Hay Library on the campus […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Lily Meola, singer-songwriter opening for Ray LaMontagne at PPAC Nov. 1
A rising star in the music world will be at the Providence Performing Arts Center next week. That’s when singer-songwriter Lily Meola, fresh off receiving a golden buzzer on America’s Got Talent, opens for Ray LaMontagne as part of his MONOVISION Tour. Although she didn’t win the million-dollar prize on the popular talent show, Meola […]
Posted inThings To Do
‘Six Picks’ Family Halloween Fun: Best holiday events around RI this weekend (Oct. 28-31)
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. Here’s our round up of some of the spookiest events for families this weekend. All Weekend: ‘Tis the season for a Haunted Boat Ride on […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Matt Stubbs of GA-20, playing Narrows Center on Friday Oct. 28
You may not have noticed, but a Providence-based band is at the top of the music charts. (No, we’re not speaking of that part-time Westerly resident named Taylor.) We’re talking about the hard-driving Blues trio GA-20. I spoke to Matt Stubbs, lead guitarist and co-founder of the band last week as he was on his […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (Oct. 21-23)
We’re focusing on the roots this weekend, another busy one on the local music scene. Check out a few of our favorites in “Six Picks Music” below. Friday: County music fans … don’t miss this one. The Newport Playhouse welcomes the traditional country duo Malpass Brothers on Friday. The band is as authentic as they […]
Posted inThings To Do
‘Six Picks’ Events: What’s up in RI this weekend (Oct. 20-23)
Each weekend we bring you some of the best events around the state in “Six Picks Events.” This week features ballet, comedy, a classical guitar extravaganza, and a beer festival. Details below. Friday: Head to the Providence Performing Arts Center Friday night at 7:30 for whats certain to be a good time with Randy Rainbow […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Pamela Means to present “The Power of the Protest Song: Our Shared History & Present Day” Oct. 22
Easthampton, MA singer-songwriter and activist Pamela Means will present a free program “The Power of the Protest Song: Our Shared History & Present Day” at the Narrows Center for the Arts on Saturday, October 22 at 2PM. More about the concert: The family-friendly concert is part performance and part presentation. The program explores the origin […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
TICKET GIVEAWAY-What’s Up Interview: Marc Ribot, playing Newport’s Casino Theater Oct. 21
This Friday, October 21, the guitar-based duo of Marc Ribot and Sam Amidon will be performing at the Newport Casino in a show produced by Newport Live (formerly Common Fence Music). Both artists are highly regarded session players who tour regularly in a variety of musical settings. (We have a pair of free tickets to […]
Posted inArts & Culture, People & Profiles, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Tim Brennan of Dropkick Murphys, playing The Vets Friday, Oct. 21
Known for hard-driving Celtic punk-rock, the Dropkick Murphy’s are shipping on down to the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence Friday, October 21. But don’t expect a typical Dropkick Murphys concert – instead of the usual highly-charged show, the Boston-based band will be playing a full night of acoustic music highlighting songs from their new album […]
Posted inThings To Do
UPDATED – What’s Up Interview: Jen Kearney, Boston singer-songwriter releases new album ‘Atlantic’
There are many professional musicians out there who defy categorization. Some boldly refuse to be corralled into a certain genre, an approach that undoubtedly has artistic merit, but sometimes has consequences on the commercial side of the business. Jen Kearney is one of those artists … highly talented, but difficult to classify. Her sound blends […]