With autumn leaves drifting by our windows and winter’s song soon to be heard, Rocktober means there’s a lot of rock and roll around town this weekend. Check out a few ideas for live music below. Friday: Head to the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket Friday for the Rhode Island Music Legends concert with three 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, People & Profiles, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Andrea Gonzalez Caballero, performing at URI Guitar Festival Oct. 21
The 7th annual URI Guitar Festival is returning to the campus of the University of Rhode Island during the weekend of October 20-23. The event brings leading names in the world of classical guitar to the state, as well as musicians who cross over into other musical genres. I spoke with one of those artists, […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Food & Drink, Things To Do
‘Six Picks’ Events: What to do in RI this weekend (Oct. 14-16)
The leaves may be brown and the skies might be grey, but we’ve got some sunny ideas for weekend fun around Rhode Island. Check out “Six Picks Events” before you head out. Friday and Saturday: The SENE Film Festival returns with some of the best independent films from across the country and around the world, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Jake Blount to celebrate the release of ‘The New Faith’ at Columbus Theatre show October 21
RI-based musician Jake Blount is celebrating the release of his critically acclaimed new album The New Faith in a concert at the Columbus Theater in Providence on Friday, October 21. The album, just released on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, is described as a “dystopian Afrofuturistic concept album, featuring ten reimagined and reinterpreted traditional Black spirituals.” Produced […]
Posted inThings To Do
“Six Picks” Halloween Frights! Scary attractions in RI and nearby MA this season
As we continue to celebrate the 2022 Fall season, this week we highlight six of the scariest Halloween attractions around the region. Be warned, some of these events are not for the faint of heart. Note: Most of these attractions are not recommended for young children. Check the websites for details. Scary Acres is a frightening hayride […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: RI children’s author and musician Greg Lato
A Rhode Island based children’s musician and writer is currently ranked in the Top 10 nationally on the iTunes charts. Adults These Days is a new release from Greg Lato, his second children’s album. It follows the summer release of his second book, Everyone Needs Someone, based on a song from the album. We spoke […]
Posted inThings To Do
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (Oct. 7-10)
There’s an extra night to get out and enjoy live music this weekend, so no excuses are needed! Check out a few of our favorites below in our weekly column “Six Picks Music.” Friday: Diva alert … Smithfield, RI native and former contestant on “America’s Got Talent” and “The Voice,” Sarah Potenza is bringing a […]
Posted inThings To Do
‘Six Picks’ Events: What to do in RI this weekend (Oct. 7-10)
The holiday weekend means more time to get out and enjoy outdoor events around the state before the colder weather sets in. From sandcastles to comedy, there’s a lot happening around RI this weekend. All Weekend: The Rogue Island Comedy Festival returns to Aquidneck Island this weekend with shows planned locations throughout Newport including Ragged […]
Posted inThings To Do
Get Lost! ‘Six Picks’ Corn Mazes to explore in Newport County and Beyond
A couple of weeks ago we shared some of the best apple picking spots in the region … this week, it’s all about escaping the corn maze. Here are six of our favorites in the area – be sure to stop at the farm stand on your way out… if you get out … Salisbury […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze, playing Greenwich Odeum Thursday, Oct. 6
Another in a series of great concerts is coming to the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich on Thursday, October 6 when Glenn Tilbrook stops by for a solo show. Tilbrook is best known as a founding member of Squeeze, the much-loved new wave band that rode to the top of the charts in the late […]
Posted inFood & Drink
“Six Picks” Fall treats – The best Apple Cider Donuts in RI
It’s that time of year, time to hit farm stands around the region for the apples, pumpkins and delicious treats. This week, we’ve selected a few that offer a most definite seasonal favorite, apple cider donuts. Have a great weekend! Hard-Pressed Cider Co. in Jamestown specializes in apple cider and apple cider donuts. In fact, it’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (Sept. 30-Oct. 2)
Some cool shows this weekend make the cut on “Six Picks,” our weekly rundown of the best in local music. And this is just the beginning – you can catch great music all over town this time of year. Have a great weekend! Friday: Guitarist and songwriter Pete Francis, founding member of Dispatch, is playing […]
Posted inThings To Do
‘Six Picks’ Events: What to do in RI this weekend (Sept. 30-Oct. 2)
Autumn is here, and traditional fall events dominate “Six Picks” this weekend. We present a few favorites below. Saturday and Sunday: Enjoy a pint or two of Festbier at Rejects Beer Co. in Middletown as the brewery celebrates Oktoberfest this weekend. It’s also the month of Rocktober at the brewery with music all day long […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up interview: Ali McGuirk, releasing new album and playing Askew in Providence Sept. 30
Singer-songwriter Ali McGuirk has certainly paid her dues over the years, playing clubs, dive bars, and house shows, while frequently opening for more established artists around New England and beyond. This weekend, McGuirk takes center stage as part of a national tour with a stop at Askew in Providence. The show celebrates the release of […]
Posted inArts & Culture
UPDATED – Ticket Giveaway: Singer-songwriter Dar Williams, playing Greenwich Odeum Oct. 1
Thanks to the Greenwich Odeum, we’ve got a pair of tickets to give away to this show Saturday, October 1. Just e-mail Ken Abrams at mrabrams11@gmail.com by 5PM Thursday, Sept. 29 to enter. Please put “Dar Williams” in the subject line. Read on for out interview with Dar… Songwriters, this one is for you. One […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Concert Recap and Photos: Sound on Sound Festival Day 2, a success for fans and musicians
The Sound on Sound Festival heard your concerns. Festival-goers experienced some serious problems on the first day of the weekend festival, from overcrowding to sound issues, all well documented on social media and here in our story yesterday. And although Day 2 wasn’t perfect, organizers made significant improvements to provide a far better festival experience. […]
Posted inNews
Concert Recap: Sound on Sound Festival, good music, poor fan experience
A promising new music festival in Bridgeport, CT was marred by issues Saturday, September 24 when the Sound on Sound Festival got off to a bumpy start. Festival organizers seemed underprepared for the 30,000 fans who attended, with many expressing their frustration on social media. The daylong festival held at Seaside Park featured headliners Stevie […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (September 23-25)
Every week, we bring you “Six Picks,” highlighting big concerts and dive bar gigs from around the region. This week, we’ve got a good variety, from modern country to deep blues. Have a great weekend! Friday: Sweater weather has officially arrived and that means it’s time to close out the season at Bold Point Park. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Concert Review and Photos: Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band bring joy to Providence
After three unsuccessful attempts going back to 2020, Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band finally made a triumphant return to the Providence Performing Arts Center on Thursday, September 22. Starr and the band played for over two hours, in a concert that included light banter, Beatles hits, some deep cuts from Ringo’s catalog, and […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Food & Drink, Things To Do
‘Six Picks’ Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (September 23-25)
Autumn officially arrives this weekend and the events calendar is busy with Fall festivals, Oktoberfest celebrations, and more throughout the region. Check out the all-outdoor edition of “Six Picks Events” for fun things to do around RI this weekend! Saturday: The Franklin Farm Harvest Festival and Tractor Pull in Cumberland is an annual fundraiser supporting […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Apple Picking Season is here! ‘Six Picks’ Orchards in Newport County and beyond
Apple picking season has officially arrived and recent rains have strengthened this year’s crop. Local orchards are ready for crowds over the next few weekends, and many have a full slate of activities including hay rides, nature trails, and pumpkin picking. Check with your favorite orchard for hours and availability. Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown is […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Singer-Songwriter Drew Angus, playing Sound on Sound Festival in CT on Sept. 24
This Saturday, Connecticut singer-songwriter Drew Angus has an intimate little hometown gig … in front of 30,000+ fans! Angus is opening the inaugural “Sound on Sound Festival” which begins at Noon on Saturday, September 24 at Bridgeport’s historic Seaside Park. The festival features several familiar names, music superstars and indie heroes like Stevie Nicks, Dave […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Ringo Starr, coming to PPAC Thursday Sept. 22
(Editor’s Note: Portions of this story were originally published on May 31, 2022, prior to Starr’s canceled June show at PPAC. The rescheduled show is Thursday, September 22.) When you get an opportunity to interview a Beatle, you don’t miss the chance. Even when it’s shared with dozens of other journalists, some on location at […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Michael Timmins of The Cowboy Junkies, playing Narrows Center Sept. 22
One of the more innovative bands in alt-rock history returns to the Narrows Center on Thursday, September 22, when the Cowboy Junkies visit the Fall River venue. Comprised of Alan Anton (bass) and siblings Michael Timmins (songwriter, guitarist), Peter Timmins (drums), and Margo Timmins (vocalist), the band formed in Toronto, Canada in 1985. From the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Concert Review: Good vibes at Xfinity Center at Outlaw Music Festival with Willie Nelson and friends
Summer music festivals are not quite over yet … a fact made clear in the parking lot (where many tailgated), and inside the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA (where many rocked), when the “Outlaw Music Festival” pulled into town on Friday, September 16. Outlaw Country, a sub-genre of country music, was first referenced in the […]