Organizers in Providence today announced the PVDFest is returning to the capital city June 10-12, 2022. The free outdoor arts festival was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Artists and performers from “around the corner and around the globe” are expected to be a part of Providence’s world-renowned art and culture community […]
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 inFood & Drink
What’s Up Interview: Jamie Buscher, co-founder of RI Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Action Committee
When the #metoo movement swept across the country in 2017, women everywhere recognized their shared experience of discrimination, harassment, and abuse in the workplace. With female actors and musicians leading the way, many women in other fields began to share their stories. In 2021, the craft beverage industry faced its moment of reflection. It was […]
Posted inNews
Concert Review and Photos: Dropkick Murphys bring the heat to Roadrunner in Boston (March 20, 2022)
The newest concert venue in the region stood up to the test of Dropkick Murphys Sunday, March 20, in a show that concluded the band’s St. Patrick’s Day run through Boston. The band was firing on all cylinders throughout their 28-song two-hour set, solidifying their status as one of Boston’s greatest live bands ever. Dropkick […]
Posted inNews
Just Announced: James Taylor and his All-Star Band coming to the Dunkin Donuts Center July 1
Legendary singer-songwriter James Taylor has announced a concert scheduled for July 1, 2022 at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence. Billed “An Evening With James Taylor and his All-Star Band,” the event is his first show in Providence since March 2019, when he co-headlined with Bonnie Raitt. Taylor is best known for timeless classics like […]
Posted inThings To Do
Six Picks Music: The best in local music this weekend (March 18-20)
From rock to indie, Americana to classical, there’s some great music around RI this weekend. Read the deets in our weekly column “Six Picks Music.” Friday: Head to Boston to check out Newport Folk/Jazz favorites Khruangbin, one of the coolest bands on the planet. They’re playing the new venue Roadrunner Friday at 8PM. Click here […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Guthrie Trapp, playing Jane Pickens with John Oates Saturday March 26
A talented musical duo you won’t want to miss is coming to Newport’s JPT Film and Events Center later this month. You’re probably familiar with half of the duo, but the other artist performing that night may not be a household name. John Oates is well-known as the co-founder of Hall and Oates; Guthrie Trapp […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend – March 18-20
Welcome to the March Madness edition of “Six Picks Events.” As always, it’s a busy weekend around RI, with theater, music, art, and of course, basketball taking center stage for many. Have a great weekend! Friday: The Jamestown Arts Center has an Opening Night reception for RAW, a new exhibition from curator Danielle Ogden. Learn […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
Brewery of the Month: We visit The Guild in Warren
So the Spring-like weather has you thinking about watching the sunset on the water with a cold one? We hear you … and we’ve got you covered. There’s a new spot to add to your list for 2022… the Guild in Warren, which is poised to become one of the top destination breweries in the […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: RI guitar great Duke Robillard releasing new album ‘They Called It Rhythm & Blues’ Friday March 18
Legendary guitarist and RI native Duke Robillard is not one to slow down. He’s been celebrated for his skills and has played with many of the all-time greats over the course of his 50+ year career, recording around 100 albums as leader and sideman. Robillard’s talents were recognized when he won the coveted W.C. Handy […]
Posted inNews
The High Kings coming to Jane Pickens Saturday, March 19
Irish folk superstars The High Kings are heading to Newport for a celebration of traditional Irish music at the Jane Pickens Film and Event Center. The High Kings will perform in Newport, just after St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Tickets are on sale now at the Pickens web site here. The High Kings are […]
Posted inFood & Drink
‘Six Picks’ Newport Breweries – Celebrate RI Craft Beer Week
Aquidneck Island is home to a number of craft breweries that lead the state in style and substance. As Rhode Island Craft Beer Week concludes, check out some of our favorites around town. Taproot Brewing Taproot Brewing, located in Newport Vineyards at 909 E Main Rd. in Middletown brews beer from farm to table to […]
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What’s Up Event Photos: St. Patrick’s Parade Day Eve Celebration at Midtown
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! It was great to see everyone at the What’sUpNewp St. Patrick’s Parade Day Eve Celebration, featuring the AOH Pipes & Drums & Men’s Singers Friday afternoon March 13. It was a warm welcome back to the Midtown Oyster Bar after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The highlight was certainly […]
Posted inThings To Do
Six Picks Music: The best in local music this weekend (March 11-13)
The pre-St. Patrick’s Day weekend is a busy one on the local music scene. We’ve got the lowdown of some good shows below. Have a great weekend! Friday: The Amish Outlaws are one of the most unlikely bands ever. Four out of the original six members were born and raised under strict Amish rules in […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend – March 11-14
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, the upcoming weekend should be a lot of fun around Rhode Island. With heavy rain in the forecast for Saturday, plan indoors, unless of course you’re headed to the Newport St. Patrick’s Day parade, which will go on, rain or shine! Have a great weekend. Friday: You won’t want to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Prom arrives at PPAC – Meet the stars with RI connections
The Prom is the latest Tony Award-nominated musical comedy to stop at the Providence Performing Arts Center. The hit show is thrilling audiences at PPAC through Sunday, March 13. (Ticket information here.) We met cast members Olivia-Rose Cece and Emily Borromeo at PPAC Wednesday morning and learned more about their lives in Rhode Island. Cranston […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Women’s History Month: RI’s greatest female musicians
Rhode Island female musicians have contributed significantly to the national music scene over the years. This Women’s History Month, we’re introducing you to a few RI artists who’ve stood out among their peers. For more, check out the videos below and visit the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame website here. Eileen Farrell Eileen Farrell (1920-2002) […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Musician Joe Potenza of roots-jazz band Evening Sky
There’s a special album release party happening Saturday, March 12 at the Parlour in Providence that you won’t want to miss. (Note: This early show begins at 5 PM.) With a quartet of area players steeped in jazz and other genres, the band Evening Sky occupies a unique place in the music world. The band […]
Posted inNews
Concert Review and Photos: Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives deliver at the Odeum
Country legend Marty Stuart and his band The Fabulous Superlatives put on quite a show at the Greenwich Odeum Saturday, March 5, 2022. Behind his sincere country charm, Stuart is no doubt a legendary frontman… and the trio behind him is one of the best in the music business… country or otherwise. The band demonstrated […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Steven Feinberg, Executive Director of RI Film and TV Office
You may have already heard the good news. HBO’s The Gilded Age, partially filmed in Newport, has been renewed for a second season. But that’s not the whole story when it comes to the film industry in Rhode Island. Earlier this week, I spoke to Steve Feinberg, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Film and […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Six Picks Music – The best in local music this weekend: Schemers, Nakeds, Roomful, and country legends
It’s a “Best of RI” weekend on “Six Picks,” along with a country music legend or two. Here’s our weekly column of some of the best live music from around the region. This week, we include several bands who are enshrined in the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame. Happy weekend! Friday: RI’s best straight-ahead […]
Posted inThings To Do
Six Picks: St. Patrick’s Day 2022 – Best parades around Rhode Island
Like parades? Feelin’ a little Irish, are ya? Well, we’ve got a month’s worth of festivities all in one place – check out “Six Picks St. Patrick’s Day Parades” from all around Rhode Island. The first is happening Saturday, March 5 in Pawtucket with events running through the month of March. The granddaddy of them […]
Posted inNews
Six Picks Events – What’s Up in RI this weekend: March 4-6
As Covid continues to retreat, now is a great time to go out and do the things you used to do, pre-pandemic. Like going to the movies, checking out live comedy, or shopping at a vintage market. A quick reminder, many venues and businesses still have vax and/or mask requirements. Check ahead of time and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
On this day in history: March 2, 1956, John Cowsill born in Newport
Newport’s favorite family band added a boy on March 2, 1956 when keyboardist/drummer John Cowsill was born. Jonh played with The Cowsills in their first incarnation in the 1960s and early 1970s, recording hit singles and making frequent television appearances. Based in Newport, The Cowsills achieved national success in the 1960s, behind hits like “The […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Alex MacLeod of Rock Hearts, bluegrass band playing BRT in Cumberland March 12
Here’s your chance to see an up-and-coming RI-based band before they hit it big. Although their name might imply rock and roll, the Rock Hearts are all about classic bluegrass harmony, anchored by veteran musicians at the top of their game. The band is playing the Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland Saturday, March 12 at […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Mirabelle Wines – A business born of the pandemic
As life continues to return to some degree of normalcy, one thing that’s become clear is that the pandemic changed the way many companies do business. With people spending more time at home, new business models were born to serve consumers. One local company that emerged during the pandemic is Mirabelle Selects, a service that […]