It was a perfect evening at the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown Friday, July 8 when the “Summer Outdoor Concert Series” continued with singer-songwriters Mark Erelli and Rachel Sumner. The series, co-sponsored by Newport Live (formerly Common Fence Music), presents diverse artists performing in an outdoor setting at the Sanctuary. Sumner, winner of the 2021 […]
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
Backstage at Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL – Playing Dunkin’ Donuts Center July 7-10
Cirque du Soleil is known for creating a spectacle. The Montreal-based theater company has presented groundbreaking performances for over 180 million fans since 1984. They’ve produced over 40 different shows in over 450 cities in 60 countries. One of those spectacles, “Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL,” is making a stop in Providence this weekend with performances […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks: The best in local music this weekend (July 8-10)
Friday: Boston-based singer-songwriter Mark Erelli plays the Norman Bird Sanctuary Friday for an outdoor concert co-sponsored by Newport Live (formerly Common Fence Music). Erelli is known for his colaboration with artists including Josh Ritter, Rosanne Cash & Sheryl Crow. Music begins at 7PM with opener Rachel Sumner. Click here for details. All Weekend: The annual […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (July 8-10)
Another beautiful summer weekend beckons. From spectable to sport, food to the arts, we’ve got a few good ideas for the upcoming weekend. Check out “Six Picks Events” below. All Weekend: Cirque du Soleil Crystal is a unique performance running at the Dunkin Donuts Center July 7-10. Known for their aerial acrobatics, CRYSTAL is one […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Providence Restaurant Weeks returns July 10-23
Foodie alert! “Providence Restaurant Weeks” is returning beginning Sunday, July 10. And it’s not just Providence restaurants participating, many deals can be found throughout the metro area. The event takes place over a two-week period from July 10-23 and includes all kinds of specials on the menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some restaurants are serving […]
Posted inThings To Do
Wickford Art Festival to return this weekend – we catch up with Festival Director Brian O’Malley
Another Rhode Island summer tradition, the Wickford Art Festival returns to full strength this weekend. Although impacted by the pandemic, the festival was able to proceed last summer, at a new socially distanced location, however, with fewer than usual exhibitors. “2020 was canceled… last year was the first festival not held downtown in the village,” […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Jim Boggia, bringing ‘Bruce Off Broadway’ to the Greenwich Odeum July 16
A one-of-a-kind show is coming to the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich, RI on Saturday, July 16 when ukulele extraordinaire Jim Boggia brings “Bruce off Broadway” to town. No, it’s not a tribute show per se, and there’s no E Street Band, just one man, playing Springsteen songs remarkably well on ukulele. I spoke the […]
Posted inNews
Concert Recap and Photos: Dead & Company take the field at Gillette Stadium
The present incarnation of the legendary jam band The Grateful Dead came to town Saturday, July 2 for another in a series of great concerts. Dead & Company played a rousing show before thousands of dedicated fans at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA. Although everyone missed percussionist Bill Kreutzmann, on the DL due to […]
Posted inNews
Concert Review and Photos: James Taylor brings good vibes to the Dunk (July 1, 2022)
Is there anyone who doesn’t love James Taylor? The legendary singer-songwriter was greeted enthusiastically by fans young and old at the Dunkin Donuts Center in a holiday weekend concert Friday, July 1. The six-time Grammy Award winner and his band were strong throughout the two-set show full of familiar hits, warm banter, and a couple […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks Music: The best in local music this weekend (July 1-3)
Happy 4th of July weekend! Every week, we pick six of the best concerts in the area, and we’ve got some great picks this weekend. Tickets are still available for all of these shows. Be patient, be nice, be safe and have fun! Friday: Throw it back to the 1970s … ” Lose your load/Leave […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Victoria Wasylak, presenting ‘Pitch Like A Pro: Grab the Attention of Music Journalists’ at Passim July 9
It’s an unfortunate reality in the music business… professional musicians can hire the best publicist in the world and still not attract much attention. With over 60,000 songs uploaded to Spotify daily, the odds often appear stacked against aspiring musicians. It can be discouraging for an artist who pours their heart and soul into their […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Free Summer Concert of the Day: Grace Pettis at the Levitt Amp in Woonsocket (July 1)
There’s nothing like live music on a warm summer evening… especially when it’s free! We’re celebrating summer with a new feature called “Concert of the Day.” We’ll be showcasing music events around the region daily through August. We’ve done the research … there are dozens of community-based concerts in Rhode Island and beyond happening this […]
Posted inThings To Do
Six Picks Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (July 1-4)
Happy Independence Day! Whether you like backyard barbeques, a day at the beach or a night of fireworks, there’s something for everyone this holiday weekend. Check out “Six Picks Events” below. All Weekend: The festivities continue this weekend ahead of the nation’s oldest 4th of July parade in Bristol. Check out evening concerts nightly with […]
Posted inThings To Do
Free Summer Concert of the Day: Gooseberry Road at Frederickson Farms in Scituate (June 30)
There’s nothing like live music on a warm summer evening… especially when it’s free! We’re celebrating summer with a new feature called “Concert of the Day.” We’ll be showcasing family-friendly music events around the region daily through August. We’ve done the research … there are dozens of community-based concerts in Rhode Island and beyond happening […]
Posted inThings To Do
Six Picks: RI’s Best Beaches – From Little Compton to Watch Hill
When it comes to residents of the Ocean State, everyone has their favorite beach. With dozens to choose from, you can usually find a quiet spot for reading a book, a family-friendly beach, or a busy shoreline with loud music, globs of tanning oil, and super scented hairspray to help set the mood… we digress. […]
Posted inThings To Do
Singer-Songwriter Mark Erelli playing Norman Bird Sanctuary Friday, July 8
Newport Live (formerly Common Fence Music) and the Norman Bird Sanctuary will present award-winning singer-songwriter Mark Erelli, with special guest Rachel Sumner at the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown on Friday, July 8th at 7 PM. General Admission tickets are $35 and are available through Eventbrite and via Newport Live or Norman Bird Sanctuary websites. […]
Posted inNews
Free Summer Concert of the Day: Avi Jacob with Jess Powers and Tyler-James at ISCO (June 29)
There’s nothing like live music on a warm summer evening… especially when it’s free! We’re celebrating summer with a new feature called “Concert of the Day.” We’ll be showcasing music events around the region daily through August. We’ve done the research … there are dozens of community-based concerts in Rhode Island and beyond happening this […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
Rhode Island Folk Festival Returning to Rose Larisa Park in East Providence Sunday, August 28
The Rhode Island Folk Festival is returning to Rose Larisa Park in East Providence, RI on Sunday August 28, 2022. The free music festival includes some of the finest folk, rock, acoustic and Americana acts in Rhode Island and beyond. The 2022 festival features critically acclaimed artists like Jake Blount, Robin Lane, and The Fools. […]
Posted inThings To Do
Free Summer Concert of the Day: The Silks at Watch Hill Sunset Concerts (June 28)
There’s nothing like live music on a warm summer evening… especially when it’s free! We’re celebrating summer with a new feature called “Concert of the Day.” We’ll be showcasing family-friendly music events around the region daily through August. We’ve done the research … there are dozens of community-based concerts in Rhode Island and beyond happening […]
Posted inThings To Do
Free Summer Concert of the Day: Patterson Smith Trio at Independence Park in Bristol (June 27)
There’s nothing like live music on a warm summer evening… especially when it’s free! We’re celebrating summer with a new feature called “Concert of the Day.” We’ll be showcasing family-friendly music events around the region daily through August. We’ve done the research … there are dozens of community-based concerts in Rhode Island and beyond happening […]
Posted inNews
Concert Recap and Photos: The Doobie Brothers rock it down the highway at the Xfinity Center
One of classic rock’s most enduring bands, the Doobie Brothers finally got to play in front of an enthused crowd at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA Saturday, June 25. The band had previously scheduled their “50th Anniversary Tour” for the summer of 2020 – it was canceled twice due to the pandemic. What made […]
Posted inThings To Do
Free Summer Concert of the Day: Changes in Latitude at Independence Park in Bristol (June 26)
There’s nothing like live music on a warm summer evening… especially when it’s free! We’re celebrating summer by introducing a new feature called “Concert of the Day.” We’ll be showcasing family-friendly music events around the region daily through August. We’ve done the research … there are dozens of community-based concerts in Rhode Island and beyond […]
Posted inNews
Newport Celebrates Pride with Festival and “Ride for Pride”
Pride returned to the streets of downtown Newport Saturday afternoon June 25. The celebration included the Newport Pride Festival and Marketplace, held at the Newport Friends Meeting House along with a colorful bike “ride for pride” that drew support from allies and onlookers. Dozens of community agencies and vendors took part in the festivities which […]
Posted inThings To Do
Free Summer Concert of the Day: Stu Krous at Shops at Long Wharf in Newport (June 25)
There’s nothing like live music on a warm summer afternoon… especially when it’s free! We’re celebrating summer by introducing a new feature called “Concert of the Day.” We’ll be showcasing family-friendly music events around the region daily through August. We’ve done the research … there are dozens of community-based concerts in Rhode Island and beyond […]
Posted inThings To Do
Six Picks Music: The best in local music this weekend (June 24-26)
Welcome to our weekly guide to the best in live music around the region. “Six Picks” has music options in a variety of genres every week. Some under-the-radar acts are highlighted this weekend – have a good one! Friday: The “princess of boogie-woogie piano,” 19-year-old Veronica Lewis brings her high-energy show to Chan’s in Woonsocket […]