From rock and roll to bluegrass, there’s a lot of great music locally on this last official weekend of summer. We’re previewing a few good ones here – get out there and enjoy some live music before sweater weather arrives. Friday: Wille Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival rolls into Mansfield’s Xfinity Center this weekend with a […]
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’ Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (September 16-18)
Boats, dogs, witches, food, and wine. Just a few ideas for the upcoming weekend, the last official weekend of summer. Check out six events you might enjoy – and have a great weekend! Friday: Providence Flea and Witches’ Night Out Market presents the Enchanted Equinox Market, where the popular Readers’ Row and Mini-Lecture Series take […]
Posted inFood & Drink
‘Six Picks’ Oktoberfests in Newport County and beyond – Fall celebrations commence
Beer lovers, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! (OK, there are actually numerous times during the year that are equally thrilling.) Oktoberfest celebrations are happening everywhere and many local breweries are introducing new “Fest” style brews this season. We’ve done the research, and now present to you, “Six Picks Oktoberfest” Edition. Enjoy and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Bristol Porchfest returning Sunday, September 18
A popular concert event is returning to Bristol this Sunday, September 18. That’s when “Bristol Porchfest” takes over nine front porches on lower High Street from 3-6PM in the historic town. The afternoon features a wide variety of music, all performed on porches in the seaside community. Artists this year include Vudu Sister, Allysen Callery, […]
Posted inWeather
Weather Alert: Flash Flood Warning Issued for Newport County
A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for Newport County and southern Bristol County, MA for Tuesday, September 13. Heavy thunderstorms this morning have caused flooded roadways throughout the region. Drivers are cautioned not to drive through flooded areas. Read the full text of the warning from the National Weather Service below: Flash Flood Warning […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Ticket Giveaway: Newport Live and Norman Bird Sanctuary present The Suitcase Junket Friday Sept. 16
One of the most innovative singer-songwriters anywhere is playing the Norman Bird Sanctuary on Friday September 16. The Suitcase Junket is Matt Lorenz, a critically acclaimed Massachusetts-based artist who builds his own instruments and performs as a one-man band. To win a pair of tickets for Friday, just email Ken Abrams at mrabrams11@gmail.com by Wednesday, […]
Posted inHistory
This Day in RI History: September 12, 1830 – William Sprague IV is born in Cranston
William Sprague IV, former Governor and U.S. Senator from Rhode Island was born on September 12, 1830 in Cranston. Sprague was Governor from 1860-1863 and served in the U.S. Senate from 1863-1875. Sprague was born in the Governor William Sprague Mansion in Cranston, the youngest son of Amasa and Fanny Morgan Sprague. His Uncle, William […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Singer/Guitarist/Songwriter Mike Kaufman to play Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church Oct. 8
A special concert to benefit Ovarian Cancer research is coming to Newport’s St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on October 8. Singer-songwriter Mike Kaufman, a South Carolina resident and lifelong musician, will play Newport performing songs from his new album “Old Guy, New Songs” and more. More about Mike Kaufman: Mike lives in the low country […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (September 9-11)
With fall festivals and other seasonal events ramping up, local musicians continue to be as busy as ever. We’ve got a few top picks below, along with a couple of national tours you may want to check out. Saturday: The 2022 River Bend East Song Festival is a free event happening Saturday outside Slater Mill […]
Posted inCity & Government
Amica Newport Marathon debuts An updated course for 2022
Newport, RI – Each October, runners come from near and far to compete in the annual Amica Newport Marathon and Half Marathon. The event, held each year on the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend and produced by local business Gray Matter Marketing, draws competitors from across the sport, from those running their first half marathon to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Six Picks’ Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (September 9-11)
Although it’s still technically summer, fall festivals and more are in the air. Check out some fun activities to do around the state this weekend. Saturday: The twelfth annual Rhode Island Seafood Festival takes place this weekend at Providence’s India Point Park. The event features delicious seafood from around RI with vendors including Melville Grille […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
UPDATE – POSTPONED: Singer-Songwriters Kerri Powers and Lauren King to play Blackstone River Theatre Sept. 17
September 13: UPDATE: This show has been postponed due to illness. Blackstone River Theatre will present a split concert featuring Kerri Powers and Lauren King on Saturday, September 17, 8:00 p.m., at the Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad St., Cumberland, RI. Admission is $15.00 advance and $18.00 day of show. For reservations or information call Blackstone River Theatre at (401) […]
Posted inOpinion
Op-Ed: It’s everyone’s duty to report child abuse, neglect
Contributed by Representative Julie A. Casimiro As autumn begins and many families resume busy schedules of learning, work, sports practices and other extra-curricular activities, it is a time of fresh starts and new opportunities. Kids will try new things, learn new skills and make new friends. They will meet new mentors who will help shape […]
Posted inNews
Heavy Rain forces closure of shellfish area in Narragansett Bay
PROVIDENCE, RI: The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is announcing that several shellfish areas in Narragansett Bay are closed due to excessive rain in the Providence metropolitan area Sept. 5-6. Upper Narragansett Bay area A, Upper Narragansett Bay area B, and Lower Providence River area E are closed to shellfishing and are scheduled to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Patton Magee of The Nude Party playing Greenwich Odeum September 11
Be ready to rock out this weekend in East Greenwich, but please keep your clothes on … On Sunday, September 11, The Nude Party will bring their modern garage rock sound to the Greenwich Odeum on Main Street. Yes, there’s a story behind the band’s name but that shouldn’t distract from the music. Fans of […]
Posted inWeather
Flood Watch remains in effect for all of RI until 5PM Tuesday September 6
A Flood Watch remains in effect for all of Rhode Island for Tuesday until 5PM. Moderate to heavy rain is expected to continue throughout the day. Today’s forecast for Newport is for rain with a high near 72 with an east wind 8 to 11 mph. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of […]
Posted inThings To Do
Samuel Slater Experience announces Fall programs
[Webster, MA] – Just six months after opening its doors to the public and a spring season that brought visitors from all over New England to Webster, Mass., Samuel Slater Experience is expanding its program offerings this fall with concerts and conversations that pay homage to the history of the region. Described as “Disney-like,” the museum employs state-of-the-art 4-D […]
Posted inWeather
Weather Alert: Flood Watch issued for the region through Tuesday afternoon
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for all of Rhode Island and parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts from Monday, September 5 through Tuesday afternoon September 6. Heavy rain is expected to begin Monday afternoon and continue overnight through Tuesday. 3-5 inches of rain are expected with localized amounts of 5-7 inches possible […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Concert Photos: Rhythm and Roots weekend begins in Charlestown
The 24th annual Rhythm and Roots Festival kicked off in grand style on Friday, September 2 with music fans returning to Ninigret Park in Charlestown, RI for some of the best in roots, zydeco, blues, and rock and roll. The New Orleans influence was strong on two stages Friday, with attendees in full dance mode. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (September 2-4)
The Labor Day holiday weekend means a ton of live music throughout the region. This is one of those times where you really need to clone yourself to get to all the shows on your events page! Check out a few favorites below. All Weekend: We’ve had a couple of stories on the 22nd annual […]
Posted inNews
RIDOH Recommends No Swimming at Surfer’s Rock area at Second Beach, Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth and two more
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) today announced that it has recommended closing several area beaches due to high levels of bacteria in the water. RIDOH recommends closing Scarborough State Beach-South in Narragansett, Surfer’s Rock Area only at Second Beach in Middletown, Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth and Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick for […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Club Passim Announces Labor Day Weekend’s Campfire Festival Schedule
(Cambridge, MA) Club Passim has announced the lineup for the annual Campfire. Festival over Labor Day Weekend. With more than 70 artists performing over four days at the legendary Harvard Square listening room, Campfire. is a celebration of Boston’s folk music scene and a way for the club to showcase emerging artists including Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen […]
Posted inNews
‘Six Picks’ Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (September 2-4)
Happy Labor Day Weekend! We present “Six Picks Events,” some fun ideas for what to do around the state this weekend. Friday: Head to Rejects Brewery in Middletown Friday night for the best comedy on Aquidneck Island. Held on the first Friday of every month, laugh it up this weekend with Dina Hashem, Max Antonucci, […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
‘Six Picks’ Rhythm and Roots Festival Edition – Festival begins Friday Sept. 2
The annual Rhythm and Roots Festival at Ninigret State Park is a Labor Day Weekend tradition for many Rhode Islanders. Although the festival is under new management, very little has changed, with the musical lineup as strong as ever. The 22nd annual festival runs from 5PM Friday, September 2 until late in the evening on […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Concert Recap and Photos: 2022 Rhode Island Folk Festival a big hit in Riverside
Over 2,000 fans attended the 8th annual Rhode Island Folk Festival at Rose Larisa Park in East Providence Sunday, August 28, enjoying over 40 musical acts on three stages. The state’s musical talent was on full display all day long along with food trucks, crafts vendors, and a “Young Folks” tent where kids were able […]