Another in a series of great concerts rocked the Jane Pickens Theater and Events Center Thursday, August 25 when The Weight Band played before a packed house. Led by Jim Weider, former member of The Band and the Levon Helm Band, the Weight Band jammed hard through two sets of rock and roll, playing originals […]
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 (August 26-28)
A couple of big shows at Gillette Stadium this weekend headline “Six Picks” along a free music festival featuring some of the region’s best artists. Check out some of the best music around town in “Six Picks.” Friday: One of the greatest songwriters of the 21st century, Jason Isbell returns to the area for a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Six Picks’ Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (August 26-28)
There’s quite a lot going on this weekend in “Six Picks Events,” our weekly column featuring things to do around the state. Check out some top picks below. Friday: Who knew? Star of the Toy Story movie franchise and best-selling toy since 1952 is turning 70. Why not throw a party for the legendary, heroic, […]
Posted inThings To Do
Mark Cutler’s Same Thing Project announces ‘Community Songwriting for Mental Health’ College Tour
The Same Thing Project, founded in 2016 by Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame inductee Mark Cutler, is taking its innovative community songwriting workshops to college campuses for the 2022-23 academic year in a tour titled Community Songwriting for Mental Health. This first-of-its-kind college tour has been developed with support from the National Museum of […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Samantha Fish, coming to Rhythm & Roots Festival Sunday September 4
Rhode Island’s Rhythm and Roots Festival is known to support diverse musical styles. Genres from rock to blues, folk to zydeco, and more are part of the mix at the annual event in Charlestown over Labor Day Weekend. One 2022 R&R artist who is hard to pin down to a specific genre is singer-guitarist Samantha […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Jim Weider of The Weight Band, playing Jane Pickens Thursday, August 25
You won’t have to “wait” much longer … another in a line of great concerts is coming to Jane Pickens Film and Events Center later this week when The Weight Band arrives in Newport. Fans of classic rock and Americana won’t want to miss this show. The band just released their second studio album, Shines […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Rhode Island Folk Festival returning to Rose Larisa Park in East Providence Sunday, August 28
The Rhode Island Folk Festival returns to Rose Larisa Park in East Providence, RI on Sunday, August 28 from Noon-6 PM. The free music festival includes some of the finest folk, rock, acoustic and Americana acts in Rhode Island and beyond. This year’s Festival features nationally known artists including Jake Blount, Robin Lane, and The […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Concert Recap and Photos: Judy Collins enchanting at Jane Pickens Theater
Singer-Songwriter and American legend Judy Collins returned to Newport for two shows this weekend, thrilling her fans Friday, August 19 on her opening night at the Jane Pickens Film and Events Center. Collins played songs from throughout her 60+ year career, sprinkling in stories and anecdotes about her life and times, her friends and lovers. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Concert Recap and Photos: Jason Bonham Led Zeppelin Evening at Bold Point Park
It was a classic rock show for the ages Thursday. August 18 when Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening played Bold Point Park in East Providence. The band successfuly recreates the classic songs of one of rock and roll’s greatest acts, Led Zeppelin. Tribute bands can be tricky … they need to walk a fine line […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (August 19-21)
Every Friday we survey the best on the local music scene, from stadium shows to dive bars. Check out “Six Picks” for the upcoming weekend below. Friday: After a two-year pandemic delay, Lady Gaga and her Little Monsters invade Fenway Park in Boston for a long-awaited show. The “Chromatica Ball Tour” is part theater, part music, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks Events: What to do in RI this weekend (August 19-21)
Summer’s not even close to over – don’t even think about it. Over a month to go on the calendar with lots of great beach days ahead! Check out a few ideas for what to do this weekend below in “Six Picks Events.” Saturday and Sunday: The Rocky Point Historic Baseball Festival is a unique […]
Posted inArts & Culture
“Six Picks” Washington County Fair, annual event runs August 17-20
A Rhode Island tradition returns to South County beginning Wednesday, August 17 running through Sunday, August 20. The Washington County Fair is back in Richmond, with a full lineup of events including country music stars, friendly competitions, an amusement midway, and delicious treats from around the state. Here are six “not-to-be-missed” attractions to check out! […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Rhythm & Roots Festival on schedule for Labor Day Weekend
As Covid surged last winter, things looked bleak for Rhode Island’s renowned Rhythm and Roots Festival. Facing health issues and uncertainty around vendors, longtime Producer Chuck Wentworth announced in February that he was ending the popular Labor Day Weekend event. Fans were disappointed but understood Wentworth’s position. Simply put, running a music festival is a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
TICKET GIVEAWAY: What’s Up Interview – Jon Pousette Dart, playing Narrows Center Friday, August 19
For a time in the 1970’s, the Pousette-Dart Band ranked among every New England college kid’s favorite live act. With singalong lyrics, tight harmonies, and a soft rock vibe that sounded as good in the dorm room as it did in the arena, the Pousette-Dart Band seemed to be everywhere. They disbanded in the 1980’s, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Concert Recap and Photos: Backroads Blues Festival at Bold Point Park
A near-capacity crowd greeted three blues greats Saturday, August 13 at Bold Point Park in East Providence for the Backroads Blues Festival’s inaugural concert. Grammy-award-winning artists Buddy Guy, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd put on a great show all around, which saw each artist pushing the limits of modern blues. At age 86, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Cowsills announce first new album in 30 Years “Rhythm of The World” out September 30
Newport natives The Cowsills today announced a new album is on the way, their first in over 30 years. Rhythm of the World will be released on September 30 on Omnivore Recordings. The band is scheduled to make a stop in Rhode Island at the Park Theatre in Cranston, February 11, 2023 when they join […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (August 12-14)
Another busy weekend on the local music scene … here are my “Six Picks” for the upcoming weekend! Saturday: He is music and he writes the songs … legendary performer Barry Manilow returns to the Civic Center, ahh, The Dunk, perhaps soon to be … the “AMP” in Providence (if Amica Insurance obtains naming rights […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (Aug. 12-14)
We’ve got another perfect forecast for fun around Rhode Island this weekend. Check out a few ideas below in our weekly column “Six Picks Events.” Friday: The Boston-based family theater ensemble The Gottabees bring their live production of Go Home Tiny Monster to the Theater-by-the-Sea Friday with early shows at 10AM and Noon. The popular children’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Award-winning RI hip-hop artist Chachi Carvalho, playing Waterfire August 13
A special Waterfire this weekend celebrating communities of color is coming to downtown Providence on Saturday, August 13. Sponsored by Papitto Opportunity Connection (POC), the event is described as “an immersive cultural experience filled with exciting performance artists and locally renowned musicians and singers representing Black, Hispanic, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Latino cultures.” Musical […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Kenny Wayne Shepherd, playing Bold Point with Buddy Guy Saturday August 13
An all-star lineup of blues greats is coming to Bold Point Park Saturday, August 13 when the Backroads Blue Festival rolls into East Providence. Leading the charge is Kenny Wayne Shepherd, who organized the tour featuring blues legend Buddy Guy and recent Grammy Award winner Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, who, at age 21, has taken the […]
Posted inArts & Culture, History
This Day in RI History: August 9, 1918 – Director Robert Aldrich born in Cranston
Award-winning Director, Producer, and Screenwriter Robert Aldrich was born on August 9, 1918 in Cranston, RI. Aldrich is best known for his films including Vera Cruz, The Dirty Dozen and The Longest Yard. Aldrich grew up in Cranston and attended the Moses Brown School and later the University of Virginia. Coming from a wealthy family […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Concert Recap and Photos: Lisa Morales brings warm vibes to the Norman Bird Sanctuary
A near sell-out crowd greeted Texas-based singer Lisa Morales at the Norman Bird Sanctuary Friday evening August 5 in a concert co-produced by Newport Live. Morales charmed those assembled with stories of love, loss, and redemption. It was the first time seeing her live for many in the crowd. Morales played several from her upcoming […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (August 5-7)
Mid-summer weekends means live music, crowded dive bars, and more. Check out “Six Picks Music,” our weekly rundown of some of the best shows in the region. Sunday: UPDATE: Location changed to The Strand in Providence. Fresh off their debut appearance at the Newport Folk Festival a couple of weeks ago, Ukrainian traditional folk band […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: William Cepeda Afro-Rican Jazz Band playing free concert in Providence Sunday Aug. 14
Another in a series of outstanding concerts is coming to Roger Williams Park in Providence on Sunday, August 14 at 6PM when FirstWorks Summer Beats presents William Cepeda’s Afro-Rican Jazz. Cepeda, a cultural icon in Puerto Rico, was born and raised in Loiza, the heart of San Juan’s “Little Africa.” The trombonist has recorded several […]
Posted inNews
Six Picks Events: What to do in RI this weekend (August 5-7)
With another heat wave expected, here’s our weekly preview of some cool events happening around RI this weekend. There’s something for everyone this weekend – check out “Six Picks Events” for August 5-7, 2022. All weekend: The Charlestown Seaford Festival returns to Ninigret Park for a weekend of fun and delicious food. The festival is […]