Glam Metal band Winger took the stage at The Vault in New Bedford, MA Thursday, May 5 before an enthusiastic crowd. The band powered through their high energy set, which included hits “Seventeen,” “Miles Away,” and “Headed for a Heartbreak.” Worcester-based Iron Tiger opened the show with a crowd-pleasing set of covers and originals. WUN […]
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.
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The Sailing Museum opens in Newport
The mood was upbeat Friday, May 6 as The Newport Sailing Museum opened its doors following a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Rhode Island Lt. Governor Sabina Matos. The new attraction is housed in the historic Armory Building, located on the waterfront in downtown Newport. Created as an educational and cultural non-profit organization, The Sailing Museum […]
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Six Picks Music: The best in local music this weekend (May 6-May 8)
This week’s “Six Picks Music” features artists from blues to punk, house to rock. Check out some of the best local music this weekend below. Friday: Marky Ramone, one of the original members of the seminal punk band The Ramones will be at the Greenwich Odeum presenting “My Life as a Ramone,” a multimedia event […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Six Picks Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (May 6-8)
It’s a busy Spring weekend around Rhode Island – here are some ideas for things to do! Friday: It’s Comedy Night Friday at Rejects Brewery in Middletown. This weekend features host Monica Carroll with guests Sam Ike, Tim Ciampa and Sam Buck. Don’t forget to check out Reject’s new Mexican Lager while you’re there. The […]
Posted inNews
Ticket Giveaway: Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room to play Courthouse Center Friday, May 6
Some familiar voices in rock and roll are coming to the Courthouse Center for the Arts in West Kingston Friday, May 6. Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room featuring Barry Goudreau, formerly of the legendary band Boston, will be joined by Brian Maes and Tim Archibald (formerly of Peter Wolf Band), Tony DiPietro, Mary Beth Maes, Joanie […]
Posted inThings To Do
“Taking the Reigns” on Homelessness Kentucky Derby Party to be held Saturday, May 7 at Wyndham Newport
Time to dust off those Kentucky Derby hats. “Taking the Reins” on Homelessness is a benefit coming Saturday, May 7th to the Wyndham Newport at the Atlantic Resort in Middletown. The first annual Kentucky Derby style event is a fundraiser for the MAE Organization For The Homeless, which provides services for the unhoused throughout Rhode […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Concert Review and Photos: The Zombies rock the Narrows Center
The Zombies, one of the original British Invasion bands, dropped by the Narrows Center Sunday, May 1 for a high-energy show on the last night of their “Life is a Merry-Go-Round” US tour. The concert was full of musical highlights, sprinkled with stories going back to their days spent recording at Abbey Road Studios in […]
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This Day in RI History: May 2, 2013 – Same-Sex marriage legalized in Rhode Island
On May 2, 2013, Governor Lincoln Chafee signed two bills legalizing same-sex marriage in Rhode Island. The signing came after months of debate in the Rhode Island legislature, and a final vote of 56-15 supporting the bills in the RI House of Representatives. With public opinion at the time favoring same-sex marriage by a 2-1 […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Photo Gallery: 2022 Newport Beer Festival Saturday at Fort Adams
The Newport Beer Festival was held at Fort Adams State Park Saturday, April 30, with 40 breweries and over a thousand beer devotees in attendance. It was a perfect Spring day, full of sunshine, with a cool breeze off the water. Newport band Los Duderinos kept the good vibes going all afternoon. Brewers from around […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Musings from Newport Jazz Festival artists on the past, present, and future of jazz on International Jazz Day
Happy International Jazz Day! Established by the United Nations in 2011 at the initiative of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, International Jazz Day brings together communities around the world every April 30th. This year’s theme for International Jazz Day is “A Call for Global Peace and Unity.” The day is recognized in over 180 countries […]
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Six Picks Music: The best in local music this weekend (April 29-May 1)
Saturday: Saturday night’s all right for … rock and roll. We’re focusing our attention on some local shows this weekend and the music couldn’t be better. That, plus a legendary band from the UK is in town. Check out our “Six Picks” for live music below. Saturday: If you’re in the mood to rock out, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
This Day in RI History: April 29, 1902 Composer and Music Critic Theodore Chanler born in Newport
Theodore Chanler was born in Newport on April 29, 1902. He was the son of Major Winthrop Astor Chanler and Margaret Ward Chanler, an author and musician. His godfather was President Theodore Roosevelt, who attended his christening in Newport. After attending the Cleveland Institute of Music, he began a career as a composer. He is […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (April 29-May 1)
We’ve got a variety of activities in mind for the upcoming weekend. Check out some fun things to do around RI in “Six Picks Events” below. Friday: The Jamestown Arts Center will be screening the film To Which We Belong, an award-winning documentary about improving the health of our soil and sea. The screening will be followed […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Jesse Lynn Madera playing the Narrows Center Sunday May 1
So what’s it like to be the opening act for a legendary British Invasion band who once had the 2nd #1 single behind The Beatles? I asked Nashville-based singer-songwriter Jesse Lynn Madera that question when we spoke earlier this week. Madera, on tour in Concord, NH with The Zombies, told me she was thrilled to […]
Posted inBusiness, Things To Do
Independent Bookstore Day returns Saturday, April 30
Bookworms, your time has come. Saturday, April 30th is Independent Bookstore Day, a day to celebrate and shop at your local independently owned bookstore. IBD is a one-day national party that takes place at indie bookstores across the country every year. Bookstores large and small around the region have special events planned for Saturday. We […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Trinity Rep Announces New Executive Director
Trinity Repertory Company announces today that Kate Liberman will join its leadership team as Executive Director in September 2022. Liberman is a proven leader whose work has focused on strong financial management, organizational growth and transformation, and a continued commitment to building community focused on belonging, inclusion, diversity, equity, and anti-racism. The national executive search process was […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Brewery of the Month: We visit Pivotal Brewing Co. in Bristol
One of the newest kids on the (craft brewery) block in RI is definitely one of the coolest. I recently visited Pivotal Brewing Co. in Bristol and found it to be a welcome addition to the region’s craft brewery scene. The location might be a bit out of the way for some, but the building […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Blue Man Group returning to the Providence Performing Arts Center MAY 20 – 22, 2022
Providence, RI — More than 50 million people around the world have experienced the smash hit phenomenon that is BLUE MAN GROUP and now it’s your turn! BLUE MAN GROUP returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) for a limited engagement on their newNorth American tour, May 20 – 22, 2022. It’s everything you know and love about BLUE MAN GROUP—signature […]
Posted inThings To Do
Six Picks Music: The best music around RI this weekend (April 22-24)
Friday: Rock legend Melissa Etheridge is playing the Twin River Events Center Friday night. The show will feature songs from One Way Out, released in 2021, a 9 track collection of songs Etheridge wrote in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s that were never officially released. Hear those tunes and classics like “I’m the Only […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (April 22-24)
Friday: Newport Classical has a special program with 29-year-old Italian-born pianist Rodolfo Leone Friday at 7:30PM at Emmanuel Church in Newport. Leone was first-prize winner of the 2017 International Beethoven Piano Competition Vienna, and has been described as “a true sound philosopher” with “impeccable style” and “absolute technical control.” The solo piano program includes two […]
Posted inStyle & Shop, Things To Do
Record Store Day coming Saturday, April 23
Don’t worry if you see long lines in odd places Saturday morning. You’ll be witnessing music fans lining up early for the annual event known as Record Store Day. RSD returns Saturday, April 23rd at record stores across RI to the delight of serious vinyl collectors and everyday fans. The first Record Store Day took […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Rhythm & Roots Festival announces return to Charlestown for Labor Day Weekend 2022
It’s Official … Rhythm & Roots is back! An e-mail to patrons this afternoon announced the good news. The Festival will be managed by Connecticut-based Goodworks Entertainment, while founder Chuck Wentworth and his family will continue to be involved in planning the Festival as consultants. Read the text of the e-mail below for more details. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
PPAC announces children’s casting call for 2022-23 tour of Annie
Know a child actor who’s ready to make it on Broadway? Well, here’s their chance to shine. The all-new tour of ANNIE, one of the best-loved musicals of all time, is now accepting casting submissions on its website. Actors must submit a performance video along with an application at the site below. Hurry – the […]
Posted inNews
Providence Pizza Week serves up great pies and more April 17-30
Good news pizza lovers – your time has come! “Providence Pizza Weeks,” a new restaurant industry initiative, arrives this week running from April 17-30. During “Pizza Weeks,” you’ll find specials at restaurants all over the Providence area. Dozens of restaurants are participating from small pizzerias to larger establishments. There’s a pizza for everyone on this […]
Posted inThings To Do
‘Six Picks’ for School Vacation Week (April 18-22)
April vacation week is upon us, and we’ve got some great ideas on how to get the kids off TikTok. Here are a few suggestions for outdoor fun and more for the week ahead. All Week: The Museum of Natural History at Roger Williams Park is always a great destination, but this vacation week, some […]