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 […]
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 (June 24-26)
Friday: Miss seeing the PawSox? So do we! For some family-friendly fun, head to the first-place Newport Gulls game Friday evening when the seabirds face the Keene Swamp Bats. Watch these college kids chase their dream on the diamond. The game begins at 6:30 at Cardines Field in Newport. Click here for details. Saturday: Newport […]
Posted inThings To Do
Free Summer Concert of the Day: Atwater-Donnelly at Rose Larisa Park in Riverside (June 23)
There’s nothing like live music on a warm summer evening… especially when it’s free! We’re celebrating summer by introducing a new daily 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 […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Gillian Friedman Fox, Executive Director of Newport Classical
Its full speed ahead for the staff at the Newport Classical Music Festival, as the critically acclaimed series returns to traditional locations around Newport next week. The festival is run by Newport Classical, a non-profit that re-branded last Fall to distinguish itself from the other popular Newport music festivals. The 54th annual festival runs from […]
Posted inThings To Do
Free Summer Concert of the Day: Timmy May at Aquidneck Growers Market (June 22)
There’s nothing like live music on a warm summer evening… especially when it’s free! We’re celebrating summer by introducing a new daily 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 […]
Posted inThings To Do
Free Summer Concert of the Day: Paul Petit & Double Shot at Independence Park (June 21)
There’s nothing like live music on a warm summer evening… especially when it’s free! We’re celebrating the first day of summer by introducing a new daily feature “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 […]
Posted inNews
Concert Recap and Photos: Trombone Shorty and friends bring good vibes to Bold Point Park
A mid-afternoon thunderstorm ushered in a high-energy evening of New Orleans-influenced rock and soul Friday night June 17 at Bold Point Park in East Providence, RI. Trombone Shorty’s Voodoo Threauxdown was an impressive display featuring several N’Orleans bands. Newport Jazz Festival alum Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue headlined the night that included fellow Louisiana bands Tank […]
Posted inThings To Do
TICKET GIVEAWAY – What’s Up Interview: Rock legend Dave Mason, playing Greenwich Odeum 6/22
UPDATED June 21: We’ve got a pair of tickets to give away to the show courtesy of the Greenwich Odeum. E-mail mrabrams11@gmail.com by 9AM Wednesday, June 22 to win. Please put “Dave Mason Tickets” in the subject line. We’ll select a winner and let you know by Noon Wednesday. He’s got one of the best […]
Posted inNews
Six Picks: The best in local music this weekend (June 17-19)
Some big names in rock and roll make up this week’s “Six Picks,” where we highlight some of the best live music around town. Have a great weekend! Friday: Do the Mardi Gras Mambo! Head to a New Orleans street party Friday night at Bold Point Park in East Providence when Trombone Shorty’s Voodoo Threauxdown […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
SIx Picks Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (June 17-19)
This weekend is a big one for Rhode Island Pride, the states leading LGBTQIA+ advocacy organization. With roots in a 75-person march in 1976, Pridefest has grown into one of the state’s largest events all summer, with over 100,000 expected to attend. All Weekend: RI Pride takes over the streets of Providence this weekend with […]
Posted inNews
Concert Recap and Photos: Frank Turner plays Union Station Brewery
British singer-songwriter Frank Turner pulled into Providence for a quick stop Wednesday, June 15 as part of his “50 States in 50 Days” tour. A talented lyricist, Turner displayed energy and humor in the weekday noon show, something you don’t often see in these parts. Playing solo acoustic guitar, Turner took the sold-out crowd on […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Six Picks: RI’s best locally-owned Ice Cream Shops
Although enjoying ice cream is a 365-day-a-year practice for many, the summer season means it’s officially “game on” for local ice cream shops. We’ve checked out many shops around Rhode Island over the years and present this list of “Six Picks” (with several honorable mentions) for you to consider. Note: We’ve intentionally excluded restaurant chains […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview, Newport Pride’s Sean O’Connor, Pride Weekend arrives June 24
As Pride Month continues, Newport Pride is gearing up for its annual celebration on the weekend of June 24-26. We caught up with event organizer and Managing Director of Newport Pride Sean O’Connor, to learn more about the festivities. “The signature event happens on Saturday, June 25,” says O’Connor. “We’ve got the Newport Pride Festival […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Russell Gusetti, Producer of the Blackstone River Solstice Festival, coming this weekend
Saturday, June 18 marks the return of a highly regarded local music event, the 10th annual Blackstone River Theatre Summer Solstice Festival at Diamond Hill Park in Cumberland. I spoke to festival Producer, Russell Gusetti last week and got the scoop on this year’s event. The Celtic-themed festival has earned a great reputation for high-quality […]
Posted inNews
Ringo Starr show at PPAC POSTPONED due to band members testing positive for COVID
Well, it looks like Ringo fans will have to wait a little longer. Legendary musician Ringo Starr announced Saturday that two members of his All Starr Band have tested positive for COVID. As a result, the remaining dates on his current tour, including a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center Sunday, are postponed until […]
Posted inNews
Concert Recap and Photos: Kyshona opens the season at Norman Bird Sanctuary
Live music returned to the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown Friday evening June 10 when singer-songwriter Kyshona performed an inspiring show on the outdoor stage. The show was the first in a series of summer concerts co-sponsored by Newport Live (formerly Common Fence Music). The series features a diverse group of artists who will be […]
Posted inThings To Do
Six Picks Music: The best local music this weekend (June 10-12)
“Peace and love.” It’s a folk-fueled week on “Six Picks” with local and nationally known indie-folk artists playing various spots around town. That, plus a couple of fundraisers to support local music organizations. Read the details on “Six Picks,” the best in local music this weekend! Friday: Wanna change the world? “Listen …” (see below). […]
Posted inThings To Do
Six Picks Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (June 10-12)
Festival season is here and we’ve a few big ones previewed this week in “Six Picks Events.” Check out some fun weekend activities below. All Weekend: The Japan-America Society and Black Ships Festival of Rhode Island will host the 39th Annual Black Ships Festival this weekend at various sites in Bristol. Don’t miss the arts […]
Posted inFood & Drink
‘Six Picks’ best strawberry picking in Rhode Island 2022
The upcoming weekend kicks off seasonal strawberry picking around Rhode Island. Most locations offer a “pick your own” (PYO) option as well as pre-picked berries by the pint at the farm store. Reminder: Check with your favorite farm before heading out. Arrive early – best days for picking vary across the state and many locations […]
Posted inThings To Do
TICKET GIVEAWAY – What’s Up Interview: Peter Holsapple of the dB’s, playing Creative Options Center Thursday, June 9
TICKET GIVEAWAY – If you would like a chance to win a free pair of tickets to see Peter Holsapple Thursday, June 9, email Ken Abrams at mrabrams11@gmail.com before 1PM on Thursday. We’ll let you know if you’re the winner by 3PM! Music visionary Peter Holsapple is heading to the area for a special show […]
Posted inThings To Do
Ticket Giveaway -Singer-Songwriter Kyshona, coming to Norman Bird Sanctuary Friday, June 10
Thanks to Newport Live and the Norman Bird Sanctuary, we have a pair of tickets to giveaway to the show happening this Friday at 7PM. Just e-mail mrabrams11@gmail.com by 5PM Tuesday, June 7 to enter – please put “Kyshona tickets” in the subject line. The first in a series of outdoor concerts at the Norman […]
Posted inNews
R.I. Philharmonic Wind Ensemble: Opportunity for top high school and middle school musicians
The Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble (RIPYWE) is currently adding more of the finest student musicians in grades 7 through 12 for its upcoming 2022-23 performance season. RIPYWE is part of the R.I. Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School. Directed by Dr. David Neves, a nationally recognized music educator and conductor, and coordinator of Music […]
Posted inThings To Do
Six Picks Music: The best in local music this weekend (June 3-5)
We’ve got something for everyone this weekend in “Six Picks Music.” From R&B to rock, indie to jazz, there’s no excuse not to get out and enjoy some live music. Read on for details. Friday: Legendary singer Chaka Khan brings her show to the Ballys Twin River Casino in Lincoln Friday night. A ten-time Grammy […]
Posted inFood & Drink
National Donut Day: ‘Six Picks’ best donut shops in Rhode Island
Rhode Islanders love their donuts. In fact, according to a recent survey on bestplaces.net, Providence ranks #1 in donut shops per capita in the United States. Seriously. With a Dunkin’ on every corner, and specialty shops throughout the state, there’s something for everyone. We present six of our favorite donut shops … we know, there […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Six Picks Events: What’s Up this weekend in RI (June 3-5)
Although it’s technically still Spring, the first weekend in June means it feels like summer is really here! A good weekend to get out on the water and more – check out “Six Picks Events” for some fun this weekend and beyond. All Weekend: Here’s an idea if you still aren’t sure of the difference […]