Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band are going back on tour and the Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont Street in Boston, MA is celebrating their sold-out June 2nd engagement with a very special exhibition and sale featuring hand-signed, limited-edition artworks created by Ringo Starr, Tuesday, May 31 through Thursday, June 2. (Note: Starr is also appearing at PPAC in Providence […]
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
What’s Up Interview: Ringo Starr, coming to PPAC on June 12 with his All-Starr Band
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 a casino near Toronto and others over Zoom where the chance of your question being selected is unlikely. Last Thursday, May 26, Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band […]
Posted inNews
Solid Sound Festival: Friends of Wilco take charge – Day 3 photos
Day 3 of the Solid Sound Festival in North Adams, MA on May 29, was a chance to explore new ideas in music and engage with performers who are pushing their sound forward. The day featured stellar sets from Eleventh Day Dream, Daughter of Swords, and the Sun Ra Arkestra. It was also day for […]
Posted inThings To Do
Concert Photos: Solid Sound Festival brings an indie vibe to N. Adams
The Solid Sound Festival returned to N. Adams, MA this weekend with a full slate of music, comedy, food trucks, and more. The Festival features some of the best indie bands in the country, in genres ranging from punk to free jazz. We caught some great acts and are sharing some photos below. We’ll have […]
Posted inThings To Do
Six Picks Music: The best in local music this weekend (May 27- 30)
Memorial Day weekend gives us all an extra day to enjoy live music around the region. Be patient, especially at those festivals, as everything is moving a little slower these days. Here are a few top picks … All Weekend: Boston is calling you to Boston Calling beginning Friday and running through Sunday. Headliners include […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival sets to be live-streamed on Flymachine Friday – Sunday
Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival is this weekend, May 27-29 at MASS MoCA in North Adams, MA. For the first time, Solid Sound Festival sets from Wilco and Jeff Tweedy will be available to livestream via Flymachine, and sponsored by Bose. Additionally, the band will perform Cruel Country live for the first time at the festival. May 27 & […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: John Stirratt of Wilco, Autumn Defense – Playing Solid Sound Festival this weekend
One of the most innovative music festivals anywhere is coming to MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts this weekend. And while the lineup might not compete for name recognition with headline acts at Boston Calling (also this weekend), the Solid Sound Festival is the place to see groundbreaking music, comedy, performance art and more. The […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Six Picks Events: What’s Up this weekend in RI (May 27-30)
Happy Memorial Day! Here are six fun events happening around the state to check out this weekend. All Weekend: Have a laugh or two this weekend when the Rogue Island Comedy Festival returns to Newport. Rhode Island’s only stand-up comedy festival, the event is produced by native Rhode Islanders Doug Key and Katie Latimer. There […]
Posted inThings To Do
Indie Rock ahead – A pair of album release shows coming Memorial Day weekend
Make plans to rock out this Memorial Day weekend with a couple of notable record release shows on the way… Friday night, May 27, head to Reject’s Brewery in Middletown and check out Today is Tomorrow, a band comprised of former high school bandmates Jarrod Pimentel (guitar and vocals), Chris Catalan (guitar), Bill Medeiros (bass), […]
Posted inNews
WUN Ticket Giveaway: Bob Mould, playing the Greenwich Odeum Thursday, May 26
Want a pair of tickets to see punk rock innovator Bob Mould? Just e-mail Ken Abrams at mrabrams11@gmail.com by Monday, May 23 at 5PM. Just put “Mould tickets” in the subject line. We’ll pick two sets of winners to the concert at the Greenwich Odeum Thursday, May 26. In the meantime, read our interview with […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
Rhythm & Roots announces partial lineup for 2022 Festival – Little Feat to headline
In an e-mail to supporters this morning, RI’s Rhythm & Roots Festival announced the first round of performers playing the Charlestown event Labor Day Weekend. More artists are expected to be announced at a later date. Headliners Little Feat will be there as part of the “Waiting for Columbus” tour, celebrating the popular 1977 live […]
Posted inThings To Do
Six Picks Music: The best in live music this weekend (May 20-22)
Here’s our weekly preview of some of the best music around the region. We’re focusing on a few local stars this weekend, time to get out there and support live music! Friday: Quinn Sullivan, once a child guitar prodigy and apprentice to blues great Buddy Guy, returns to the Narrows Center for a hometown show […]
Posted inNews
Concert Review and Photos: The Who rock TD Garden
Leading up to Wednesday’s Who concert at TD Garden, I wondered what kind of show we’d get. Like many, I felt a sense of declining energy from the band on recent tours. It’s somewhat understandable of course, with original members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend well into their 70’s. Well, I’m happy to report, “The […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (May 20-22)
A warm and sunny weekend is forecast for the region – no excuses not to get out and safely have some fun. Here are “Six Picks” for the upcoming weekend around Rhode Island. All Weekend: Blue Man Group returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center for what promises to be a high-energy show full of […]
Posted inNews
Common Fence Music renamed ‘Newport Live’ – Summer concert series begins June 10 with Kyshona
Common Fence Music, a longstanding non-profit arts organization on the East Bay whose mission is to celebrate diverse music traditions by offering access to vibrant performances, has been renamed “NEWPORT LIVE.” Executive Director Dick Lynn announced the 2022 Summer Season will begin on June 10, with Kyshona performing at the Norman Bird Sanctuary. For tickets, click here Dick Lynn stated, “We’re excited to open the summer […]
Posted inNews
Kristin Hersh to play City Winery Boston May 30
Kristin Hersh, co-founder and frontwoman of Throwing Muses is headed to City Winery in Boston on Monday, May 30 for a Memorial Day show. Described as “one of indie rock’s most fascinating figures,” Hersh will be joined onstage by her longtime collaborator drummer/bassist Fred Abong for an intimate acoustic show. Click here for tickets. One […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Bob Mould, playing the Greenwich Odeum Thursday, May 26
Bob Mould may not be an everyday name in popular music, however, he is frequently cited as a major influence on several well-known bands. In his case, acts like Nirvana, Soul Asylum, Foo Fighters and countless others have referenced Mould as a fundamental influence on their sound. We’ll call him a punk “influencer,” if there […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News, Things To Do
Concert to benefit Jamestown Ukraine Relief Project coming to Central Baptist Church May 20
A concert to benefit the Jamestown Ukraine Relief Project is coming to the Central Baptist Church Friday May 20 at 7PM. “Let’s Get Together: A Coffeehouse Concert for Ukraine” will feature performers Home Brew, Ed McGuirl, and Jesse Humphrey. There is no admission fee for the event, however, donations are encouraged, with all proceeds going […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: We speak to MY FAIR LADY stars Shereen Ahmed and RI native Kevin Pariseau
The Lincoln Center Theater Production of Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY has arrived at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Nominated for six Tony Awards in 2018, PPAC’s latest Broadway hit is running through Sunday, May 15. Earlier this week, we spoke to two of the show’s stars, Shereen Ahmed, who plays Eliza Doolittle, and […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Six Picks Music: The best in local music this weekend and beyond (May 13-15)
A beautiful Spring weekend means its time to get out and enjoy some live music! Our weekly column “Six Picks” highlights just some of the best music ahead in Rhode Island and beyond. Check out our picks below… Sunday: Music legend Sting returns to Mohegan Sun with his band Sunday night. The Rock and Roll […]
Posted inThings To Do
Six Picks Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (May 13-15)
Finally, some warm weather is on the way. If forecasters get it right, you’ll be wanting to turn on the AC by Saturday! Here are some cool events happening statewide … have a great weekend! Friday: That said … It will be a perfect night for a Waterfire in downtown Providence. This weekend, its a […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Pete Silva – playing Stone Soup Coffeehouse with Paula Clare May 21
Rhode Island native Pete Silva knows his way around the local music scene. He was a DJ at WHJY for almost three decades, played guitar and sang in cover bands, and is a voiceover artist. He even announced races at Seekonk Speedway for a time. Silva is also a songwriter and recently became a published […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Newp and Jane Pickens to screen Blues documentary ‘The Torch’ Saturday May 14
What’s Up Newp and Jane Pickens Film and Events Center will present a special screening of the acclaimed documentary/concert film The Torch on Saturday, May 14 at 7:30 PM. The film tells the story of guitar legend Buddy Guy and his role in nurturing new talent in blues music. The Torch Director Jim Farrell and […]
Posted inNews
GoFundMe campaign to support Pump House Music established
A fire at Pump House MusicWorks Friday damaged the popular South County music venue forcing the cancellation of several upcoming events. There were no injuries reported, but damage to the facility was significant. A GoFundMe campaign to help The Pump House rebuild has been established. Follow the link here to donate: Fundraiser by Daniel Collins […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Legendary artist and producer Peter Asher on The Beatles, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt and more
A real-life music legend who witnessed the birth of the British Invasion is coming to town. Artist/Producer/Music Executive Peter Asher has one of the greatest resumes in rock and roll. He’s bringing his songs and stories to Boston’s City Winery Wednesday, May 11, and the United Theatre in Westerly, RI Thursday, May 12. Asher first […]