Busy Saturday night? If not, there’s a really cool concert happening, and we’ve got a pair of tickets to the show to give away. Folk/Roots singer-songwriter S.G. Goodman is playing the Casino Theatre at the Tennis Hall of Fame Saturday, October 30th at 8PM. The show is part of the Fall Music Series from Common […]
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 inNews
Nor’easter Update: National Grid responding to power outages
As predicted, the October Nor’easter dealt quite a blow to most of Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts and the Islands. As of Noon Wednesday, National Grid was reporting nearly 500,000 customers in Massachusetts and over 80,000 customers in Rhode Island without power. Over 2,400 field personal are responding to the outages as the storm begins to […]
Posted inWeather
Got storm photos? Send us your pics by 9PM Wednesday
As storm conditions improve, we’re putting together a gallery of photos of the Fall Nor’easter. Share your storm-related pictures and we’ll add them to our photo gallery later today. E-mail photos to mrabrams11@gmail.com. Be sure to include your first name, last initial, and location of the photo (city or town). Reminder: Wait until stormy conditions […]
Posted inWeather
Weather Alert: Conditions expected to worsen this evening, power outages possible
Rhode Island coastal areas including Newport are under a High Wind Warning as the Fall nor’easter intensifies. The worst of the storm is expected to impact the region overnight Tuesday, with conditions improving by Wednesday afternoon. In addition to heavy rain and possible flooding, high winds are expected to lead to power outages. Customers who […]
Posted inNews
Elvis Costello and the Imposters playing PPAC Thursday, October 28
PPAC will be rocking Thursday, October 28th when Elvis Costello and the Imposters bring their “Hello Again” tour to the revered Providence theater. It’s a return visit for the once upstart punk-rocker, who’s career has spanned over 45 years. Side-lined by the pandemic like most touring musicians, Costello will present a show of past favorites […]
Posted inWeather
Weather Alert: High Wind Warning issued for the region – Storm arrives Tuesday
A major nor’easter is heading to Rhode Island Tuesday with heavy rain and high winds expected to impact the region. Power losses and property damage may occur, especially along the coast. The brunt of the storm should affect the region beginning Tuesday afternoon. A High Wind Warning has been issued for all of Rhode Island […]
Posted inNews
Concert Recap and Photos: The Minks rock Askew (October 21, 2021)
A Thursday night rock show shook things up in downtown Providence on October 21 where The Minks headlined a high-energy show at Askew. Led by guitar/vocalist Nikki Barber, the road-tested indie band rocked hard, with RI native and fan favorite Dylan Sevey keeping the beat on sticks. The band ripped through a set of high-powered […]
Posted inNews
Six Picks: The best in live music this weekend – Sarah Potenza, Elvis Costello and more
Another busy fall weekend in local music awaits with national stars and local legends appearing. Get out there and support live music! Friday: See why the ’70s rocked best! The Linda Rondstadt Experience rolls into The Met in Pawtucket with American Idol Star Tristan McIntosh. Details here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I7GkHy5iOA Friday: A pair of leading singer-songwriters drop […]
Posted inFood & Drink
“Six Picks” Pumpkin Ale – It’s the time of the season
After years of avoiding the celebrated seasonal favorite, I recently discovered that apparently, I enjoy pumpkin spice… or at least pumpkin ale. Who knew! So to celebrate, I decided to sample a few local varieties, some of which can be found at RI-area breweries or in your favorite liquor store. I’ve managed to taste test […]
Posted inNews
The Minks coming to Askew Thursday, October 21
One of the most talked-about young bands in Nashville is headed to Askew in Providence Thursday, October 21. Led by guitarist/vocalist Nikki Barber, The Minks formed in 2015 around the idea that “if you don’t create, you’ll combust.” They’ve since done a really fine job of creating. Influenced by legends as diverse as Patti Smith, […]
Posted inNews
Concert Recap and Photos: Jake Blount at Common Fence Music (October 16, 2021)
The first concert in over 18 months was held Saturday, October 16th at the Common Fence Point Community Center in Portsmouth. 2021 Newport Folk Festival artist Jake Blount and his band provided a clinic in traditional American music, thoroughly impressing those in attendance at the intimate venue. The show was even more impressive knowing that […]
Posted inNews
The Beach Boys To play Mohegan Sun Arena on New Year’s Eve
UNCASVILLE, CT (October 18, 2021) – As The Beach Boys mark more than a half-century of making music, the group continues to ride the crest of a wave unequaled in America’s musical history. The Beach Boys have become synonymous with the California lifestyle and have become an American icon to fans around the world. The Beach Boys will […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
FirstWorks to present “Women Trailblazers in Music” in November
A new project from Rhode Island College Artist-In-Residence Judith Lynn Stillman will be presented live and virtually next month. “Women Trailblazers in Music” will premiere in person at Sapinsley Hall on the RIC campus on November 4th and will be live-streamed on November 5th at 8PM. “Women Trailblazers in Music” takes us on a journey […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Six Picks: The best in local music this weekend – Popovic, Nelson, and a Legend
Friday: Guitar great Ana Popovic will light things up at The Met in Pawtucket, with a blues-rock set beginning around 8:30. Details here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-1_Ev5J79U Saturday: Americana/Rock upstarts Lucas Nelson and the Promise of the Real, who rocked the Farm Aid stage a few weeks back, truck on into Fete in Providence for a long-awaited show. […]
Posted inThings To Do
“Six Picks” Halloween Frights! Scary attractions around RI this season
As we continue to celebrate the Fall season, this week we highlight six of the scariest Halloween attractions around the region. Be warned, some of these are not for the faint of heart. Note: Most of these attractions are not recommended for young children. Check the specific websites for details. Scary Acres in Cranston is […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Ticket Giveaway: Jake Blount at Common Fence Music Saturday, Oct. 16th
Roots musician Jake Blount and his band will be playing the Common Fence Point Hall this Saturday, October 16th and we’ve got a pair of tickets to give away to the show. Just e-mail mrabrams@aol.com by Noon on Friday and we’ll pick a winner from the entries received by the end of the day Friday. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Catching up with Sarah Potenza – Playing The Met Oct. 23
Smithfield, Rhode Island native Sarah Potenza continues her long road to stardom. From humble beginnings singing in the school choir at Smithfield High School, Potenza has shined bright on hit TV shows including “NBC’s The Voice” and most recently, “America’s Got Talent.” I spoke with the Nashville-based singer-songwriter recently by phone as she prepared for […]
Posted inThings To Do
Neil Young tribute band Forever Young plans 15th Anniversary Concert
One of the region’s top tribute bands is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a show at the Greenwich Odeum on Saturday, November 13th. The concert will reunite all past and current members of Forever Young, an award-winning Neil Young tribute. The show will be capping off a busy week at the East Greenwich theater, where […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Natalie Hemby, 2021 Newport Folk artist releases new album
As live music fans continue to process the past 18 months, we’re looking back on concert highlights from this past summer. The Newport Folk Festival’s “Folk On” experience was a whirlwind, full of over-the-top moments, including a triumphant set from first-time artist, Natalie Hemby. She just put out a new album on October 8th, Pins […]
Posted inArts & Culture
“Six Picks” Music: The best in live music this weekend – Women’s Voices, Winehouse Project and Corrine Southern
The holiday weekend means more time to get out and enjoy live music! Here are a few “not to be missed” shows coming up this weekend. [What’s Up This Weekend in Newport County: October 7 – 11] Sunday: Women’s Voices 4 is happening all day at the Knickerbocker Music Center in Westerly starring Christine Olhman […]
Posted inFood & Drink
“Six Picks” Fall treats – The best Apple Cider Donuts in RI
A beautiful Fall weekend means another chance to hit farm stands around the region. This week, we’ve selected a few of the best that offer a most definite seasonal favorite, apple cider donuts. Have a great weekend! Hard-Pressed Cider Co. in Jamestown specializes in apple cider and apple cider donuts. In fact, it’s all they […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Roots Musician Jake Blount playing Common Fence Music October 16th
Award-winning banjoist, fiddler, singer and ethnomusicologist Jake Blount will be performing at Common Fence Music in Portsmouth, RI Saturday, October 16th at 8PM. Click here for tickets to the show. Providence resident Blount has been very busy lately, winning the prestigious Steve Martin Banjo Prize last year and playing Newport’s “Folk On” in 2021. He’s […]
Posted inThings To Do
Blackstone River Theatre to present world music with Cory Pesaturo and Mari Black October 9th
The Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland will present an evening of music from around the world featuring Cory Pesaturo and Mari Black on Saturday, October 9, 8:00 p.m., at Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad St. Acclaimed fiddler Mari Black and Cumberland-based accordionist Cory Pesaturo return to the Theatre for a duo concert of world music. Blackstone River Theatre last […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Surprise beer drop at Narragansett Brewery – “Round 1” released Monday
While an early-season game between the Patriots and Buccaneers was getting top ratings on Sunday Night Football, the team at Narragansett Beer was preparing a special limited release ale for Monday after the game. “Round 1,” a beer designed to memorialize the rivalry between Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, is here. And it might even […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Guitarist Kaki King appearing at URI Guitar Festival Oct. 17th
One of the most innovative guitar players in the world is coming to the University of Rhode Island Guitar Festival October 14th-17th. Kaki King, who in 2006 was declared a “new guitar god,” by Rolling Stone magazine (the only woman on the list at the time), is one of several pioneering artists playing the Festival […]