The desert blues sounds of Mdou Moctar and his band were felt deep in the oasis of music known as the Columbus Theatre in Providence Thursday, February 24. An enthused crowd packed the downstairs theater to hear the “Hendrix of the Sahara,” as Moctar, a native of Niger in North Africa is known. The band […]
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, Things To Do
Six Picks Music: The best in local music this weekend February 25-27
It’s a Woonsocket to Westerly weekend on the music scene as some of our favorite local artists play at your favorite spots around town. Check out “Six Picks Music” for the best in local tuneage this weekend. Friday: When the snow ends, head to Nickanees for RI Rockabilly greats The Teledynes who will certainly rock […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Six Picks Events’ this Weekend: Comedy, Trinity, GS Cookies and Beer
With a few more weeks of winter left, we’re highlighting some indoor activities scheduled for the upcoming weekend. Check out “Six Picks Events” around Rhode Island for this weekend, February 25-27. All Weekend: Don’t miss August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean opening Thursday, February 24 at Trinity Repertory in Providence. The play is part of […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Jane Pickens Film and Events Center to present ‘Oscar Shorts’ Feb. 25-March 2
Want to be among the cool kids who actually know what’s going on in the first hour or two of the Academy Awards show? Well here’s your chance… With about a month to go before the televised awards are held, the Jane Pickens Film and Events Center in Newport continues the tradition of presenting “Oscar […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Iconic rocker Bruce Cockburn, coming to Narrows Center March 2
One of rock and roll’s most interesting artists is coming to the Narrows Center in Fall River on Wednesday, March 2. Bruce Cockburn is not an easy musician to classify, with a range of songwriting credits from the folksy “Wonderin’ Where the Lions Are,” to the forceful peace anthem, “If I Had a Rocket Launcher.” […]
Posted inNews
Tuareg musician Mdou Moctar coming to the Columbus Theatre Thursday
If you’re not familiar with the genre often referred to as “desert rock,” you’re in for a treat Thursday night at the Columbus Theatre. Mdou Moctar, a native of the North African nation of Niger, is opening his nationwide tour in Providence. Tickets are available here. Moctar’s guitar style is hypnotic, and the band’s shows […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Concert Preview: Allysen Callery and Avi Jacob headed to Stone Soup Coffeehouse Saturday, February 26
A pair of the region’s top singer-songwriters are coming to the renowned Stone Soup Coffeehouse in Providence Saturday, February 26. Allysen Callery and Avi Jacob are dual headlining a 7PM show at the Music Mansion, the current home of Stone Soup, at 88 Meeting Street on the East Side of Providence. It’s the first show […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Paul McCartney added to Fenway Park Concert Series
Paul McCartney today announced a summer concert swing through the United States with a stop at Fenway Park in Boston on June 7. The show is his first at Fenway since 2016 and will be his fifth show at the historic ballpark. The tour comes on the heels of the enormously successful Disney+ series “Get […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks School Vacation Edition: Go karting, fly a kite, and outdoor skating
Here’s my roundup of some fun family activities to do over the upcoming February vacation. Keep the kids busy… and parents from going crazy … with these ideas for winter break. Add your favorites in the comments below! Go Karting. Take the kids go-karting at RI Indoor Karting in Lincoln which features a 1/3 mile […]
Posted inThings To Do
“Six Picks” Music: The best in local music this weekend – Wild Rivers, Tom Rush, and Big! Boom! Daddies!
As pandemic conditions continue to improve, live music is slowly returning to the region. Check out a few of our favorites this weekend in our column “Sic Picks Music.” Note: Many bands/venues still have restrictions in place, so when in doubt, it’s a good idea to bring vaccine cards and masks. Have a great weekend! […]
Posted inWeather
UPDATED: Weather Alert – High Wind Warning in effect for all of Rhode Island beginning at 11PM Thursday
A High Wind Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for all of Rhode Island for late tonight. Heavy rain and wind are expected to arrive Thursday evening with the Warning in effect from 11PM Thursday until 9AM Friday. Winds are expected to gust up to 65 MPH overnight, with the strongest winds […]
Posted inArts & Culture
“Six Picks” Events: What to do in RI this weekend – Trolls, Burgers and Bruins
It’s another busy winter weekend out there with lots to do in and around RI. Check out a few happenings around the state in our weekly feature “Six Picks Events.” All Weekend: Don’t miss An Officer and a Gentleman at the Providence Performing Arts Center this weekend. The producers of the 1982 Richard Gere, Deborah […]
Posted inArts & Culture, People & Profiles, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Jazz pianist Greg Murphy coming to the Narrows Center Saturday Feb. 19
When it comes to jazz music, Chicago native Greg Murphy isn’t too concerned about being constrained by genre. He’s perfectly comfortable leading his band on classics like the Coltrane-inspired “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” while also adept at jazz takes on popular hits from his youth, like Seals and Croft’s “Summer Breeze.” Murphy’s trio, including bassist Paul […]
Posted inWeather
Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Sunday, 3-6″ of snow expected in RI
Hope you enjoyed the beautiful day Saturday – it’s time for a reality check. It’s February, and things are changing. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory all of Rhode Island and parts of eastern Massachusetts including Cape Cod and the Islands for Sunday, February 13. Sunday’s storm is expected to produce […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Black History Month: RI’s Greatest African American Musicians
From Opera to Doo-Wop to Jazz, African-American artists have contributed enormously to Rhode Island’s musical heritage. To celebrate Black History Month, we’re introducing you to a few Rhode Islanders who paved the way. For more, check out the videos in the story below and visit the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame web site here. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
“Six Picks” Music: The best in local music this weekend – Atwater-Donnell, Ali McGuirk and Daughtry
There’s a lot more than football going on this weekend. Who needs lip-synched halftime shows bound to stir controversy anyway? We’ve got a few music picks below of some of the best in local music this weekend. Friday: A twin bill of Pure Prarie League and the Atlanta Rhythm Section rolls into the Stadium Theatre […]
Posted inArts & Culture
“Six Picks” Events: What to do this weekend – Woof You be Mine, Vegfest and Anti-Valentine’s Day comedy
A good forecast means it’s time to get out and enjoy live events around Rhode Island this weekend. Read on for a few of our favorites. Friday: What Puppy Bowl? In what could potentially be the cutest event ever held in the state, “Woof You Be Mine,” a puppy adoption event is being held Friday […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Breaking: Rhythm & Roots Festival canceled – Shutting down operations permanently
Rhode Island’s homegrown music festival, the Rhythm and Roots Festival announced today that it is ceasing operations and ending the annual Festival. In a letter to Festival patrons, owner and long-time Producer Chuck Wentworth announced that due to health issues, he is stepping away from the popular event. Read the text of Wentworth’s e-mail below: […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
What’s Up Interview: Mike Reilly of Pure Prairie League
One of FM radio’s most iconic songs is one that was almost never a hit. “Amie” was first released in 1972 on Pure Prairie League’s second album Bustin’ Out. Other albums followed as the song became a favorite “album cut” on the radio, until it was finally released as a single in 1975. It became […]
Posted inArts & Culture, People & Profiles, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Stephane Wrembel Playing the Knickerbocker Friday Feb. 11
“Winter is when nature dreams, it’s like nature is asleep and dreaming,” muses guitarist Stephane Wrembel. “I always found that winter is very romantic in a very subconscious way. Everything is bare and we need to be reborn. I think dreams are fabricated then.” Deep thoughts from one of the world’s great guitarists, Stephane Wrembel, […]
Posted inNews
RI native Phil Madeira releasing new album “Bliss” February 18
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 2, 2022) — As a musician, songwriter and human being, Phil Madeira continuously shows you what’s on his mind and on his heart, be it pain or joy and all the colors in between. It shows up in his conversation, be it about a new piece of vintage gear he’s acquired or the general state […]
Posted inFood & Drink
What’s Up around town: Good times Saturday at the Rhode Island Brew Fest
The annual Rhode Island Brew Fest filled the hall of the Waterfire Arts Center in Providence Saturday, February 5. The event drew over 50 local and regional breweries and hundreds of beer-loving friends. Rhode Island breweries were well represented with larger companies like Narragansett and Newport Craft attending along with upstarts like “Rejects” in Newport […]
Posted inHistory
Celebrate Black History Month with virtual learning opportunities
The Southern Poverty Law Center’s Black Affinity Group has prepared a special calendar of virtual events and resources in celebration of Black History Month. These events include virtual sessions that share Black history, achievements and perseverance in various contexts. Although it is common to focus on slavery, segregation and other forms of oppression during Black […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
“Six Picks” Music – The best in local music this weekend – The Naticks, EWF and River Bend East
If you’re going out Friday night, use caution! This week, we’ll turn our attention to some of the best local music around RI and beyond. Have a great weekend! Friday: R&B/Funk legends Earth Wind and Fire will play a rescheduled show at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The band ruled the charts in the 1970’s and […]
Posted inWeather
UPDATED: Winter Weather Advisory in effect from 10AM – 7PM – Flash Freeze likely this afternoon
A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for all of Rhode Island for Friday, February 4. The storm is expected to bring sleet and freezing rain to all of Rhode Island by mid-day Friday. Although temperatures are in the low 50’s Friday morning, the forecast is for temps to fall […]