The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is returning to Roger Williams Park in Providence beginning September 30th and running through the month of October. Over 5,000 intricately carved pumpkins can be found on the walking trail, making it one of the state’s top Fall attractions. The theme for the popular annual event is music from the past 150 […]
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: Matthew Stubbs of GA-20 playing the Narrows Center Saturday, Oct. 2
A couple of great bands are headed to the Narrows Center Saturday night October 2nd for an old-fashioned blues show. Boston-born GA-20, named after a revered Gibson guitar amp, will be joined by Nashville-based but Chicago-born, J.D. Simo for what will certainly be a high-energy gig. I spoke to GA-20 co-founder Matthew Stubbs earlier this […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Bob Dylan announces Fall tour – Coming to PPAC November 26th
Nobel Prize winner, singer-songwriter, author, painter, DJ, and distiller Bob Dylan has announced a Fall 2021 tour that includes stops in Providence and Boston. Dylan’s Providence show is scheduled for Friday, November 26th (Black Friday) at the Providence Performing Arts Center at 8PM. Tickets are on sale Friday, October 1 here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8yU8wk67gY Dylan last played […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
URI Guitar Festival returning as hybrid event October 14-17
The University of Rhode Island Guitar Festival is returning with a hybrid format October 14-17 after an online-only version was held last year. The format offers in-person and online access for those attending the 6th annual event. Featuring some of the world’s best classical guitarists and more, the Festival is the brainchild of guitarist and […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Food & Drink
Concert Recap and Photos: Farm Aid returns to Hartford, CT (September 25, 2021)
Saturday, September 25th saw the triumphant return of the annual Farm Aid concert, this year held in nearby Hartford, CT. The sold-out event was a major success, for the artists who played it as well as for the organization it benefits. Founded in 1985, the longest-running live concert benefit was missing one of its founders […]
Posted inFood & Drink
What’s Up Interview: Martin Beck of Cloverbud Ranch on sustainable beef farming, climate change
Farm Aid returns to Hartford, CT this weekend, with the annual concert scheduled for Saturday, September 25th. We’ll be there to cover the concert, and other activities during the day including events at the “Homegrown Village,” designed to support local farmers. I spoke to a local farmer who will be there earlier this week. He […]
Posted inNews
Six Picks Music: The best in local music this weekend – Ben Folds, Wolff Sisters and Walden
It’s a particularly busy weekend in music so we’ll get right to our top picks. Friday: The multi-talented Ben Folds is playing a solo show at The Vets in Providence on his “In Actual Person Live for Real” tour. For more, check out my interview with Folds that published earlier this week here. Tickets still […]
Posted inThings To Do
Get Lost! “Six Picks” Corn Mazes in Newport County and Beyond
Last week we shared some of the best apple picking spots in the region … this week, it’s all about escaping the corn maze. Here are six of our favorites in the area – be sure to stop at the farm stand on your way out. Salisbury Farm in Johnston introduced the first corn maze […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Ben Folds coming to The Vets Friday, Sept. 24
One of rock music’s most engaging artists is making a stop at The Vets in Providence on Friday, September 24th. Musician Ben Folds, known for his eclectic resume, keyboard riffs and brutally honest lyrics will be in town for a solo show at the Providence concert house. I caught up with Folds by phone last […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Ticket Giveaway – Walden playing at Narragansett Brewery Friday, Sept. 24
Walden, a rising Nashville-based modern rock band is playing the new Narragansett Brewery in Providence this Friday, September 24th at 7PM. Walden The band is on a one-of-a-kind tour “50 States on 50 dollars,” and has partnered with Narragansett on a special release IPA, the “Where’s Walden” labeled “Music Express.” This show is a great […]
Posted inNews
Six Picks: The best in live music this weekend – Bristol Porchfest, Los Lobos and the Rascals
Here’s our weekly rundown of the best in live music – Have a great weekend! Saturday: Miss those #1 AM hits like “Groovin’,” “Good Lovin’?” Well, your wait is over …Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals will be playing the Greenwich Odeum Saturday. Music begins at 8PM. Details here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUNJbVFW5Pw Friday: Grammy winner Blues legend Luther “Guitar Junior” […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Pop-Punk band Another One Down! releases single + video “Headspace”
Rhode Island pop-punk 5-piece Another One Down! has dropped a new single and video titled “Headspace” and has announced plans to release the debut full-length ‘A Bitter Descent’ on November 5th. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymye4H7Zmqk Of the new single, the band says, “Headspace” is about trying to cope with a mentally overwhelming situation that consumes every fiber of your being. Specifically, it is a reflection […]
Posted inNews
What’sUp Interview: Sean Oshima of Oshima Brothers coming to Norman Bird Sanctuary September 24th
It’s been a busy summer for music at the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown, and the good times will continue right into the Fall season starting with a visit from the Maine band, Oshima Brothers. The duo is playing the outdoor space in a concert curated by Common Fence Music, on Friday, September 24th at […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Apple Picking Season has arrived! “Six Picks” Orchards in Newport County and beyond
Apple picking season has officially arrived and according to local growers, the crop looks strong this year. And a nice weekend ahead means time to get out there and support local businesses. Check with your favorite orchard for hours and availability. Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown is getting busy on weekends. A favorite on the […]
Posted inBusiness
Band to hit “50 States on 50 Bucks” – Walden to stop at Narragansett Brewery September 24th
A cool tour is coming to town next week – part of a unique partnership between an emerging rock band and a well-established brewery. The brewery you probably know. The band, maybe not. On Friday, September 24th, Narragansett Brewery with be hosting Walden, a rock band from Nashville who have embarked on a 50-state journey […]
Posted inArts & Culture
History in the Making: George Wein, Newport Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement
Note: In 2015, Lifestyle Editor Ken Abrams prepared this piece for the Newport Jazz Festival blog. We’re re-posting an edited version today in honor of the late George Wein. Daily headlines remind us that the nation is still struggling with its legacy of slavery, prejudice, and discrimination. The Newport Jazz Festival (along with its sister […]
Posted inNews
Six Picks: The best in local music this weekend – Kingston Trio, Mavericks, and the Crowes
The forecast calls for beautiful weather and live local music this weekend. Here are some favorites happening from Westerly to Woonsocket. Get out and enjoy the music if you can! Friday: Head down to Knickerbocker in Westerly for the Knickerbocker All-Stars featuring Sugar Ray Norcia and special guest Darcel Wilson. Details here. Friday: Head back […]
Posted inNews
Newport Playhouse closed through October due to Ida flooding
The Newport Playhouse, a popular music and theater venue in the city, sustained water damage recently as a result of Hurricane Ida. As a result, the theater will be closed through at least October 31st. The Playhouse posted the following message on their social media channels Thursday: To All Our Valued Customers, The Newport Playhouse […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Yo La Tengo coming to Columbus Theatre on September 18th
Like your rock and roll indie-style? Well, then don’t miss alt-rock icons Yo La Tengo at the Columbus Theatre Saturday, September 18th. The band was indie/alternative back when the “underground” label was still commonly used. Founded in Hoboken, NJ in 1984, Yo La Tengo has been pushing the boundaries of modern music ever since. Although […]
Posted inNews
Spindle City Fest returning to Fall River September 11th
The Narrows Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the next date for Spindle City Fest – Saturday, September 11, 2021. This FREE event runs from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM and will be held outside and inside the Narrows Center at 16 Anawan Street. Spindle City Fest is a free family-centric event that celebrates art, […]
Posted inThings To Do
Stone Soup Coffeehouse Announces 2021-2022 schedule
The venerable Stone Soup Coffeehouse in Providence returns this season with in-person concerts beginning on September 25th with folk legend Vance Gilbert. A full slate of national and local artists is scheduled through May 2022. All shows will be held at The Music Mansion, 88 Benefit St. in Providence. Stone Soup was founded over 40 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Concert Recap and Photos: Rhythm and Roots Day 3 (September 5, 2021)
Sunday, September 5th saw a beautiful finish to the annual Rhythm and Roots Festival in Charlestown, RI. A little light rain didn’t dampen any spirits – the dance tent was hoppin’ and the bands were rockin! Early highlights Sunday including a rousing opening hour from Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez with the Sin Sisters along […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Concert Recap and Photos: Rhythm and Roots Festival Day 2 (September 4, 2021)
A sold-out crowd welcomed some of their favorite musicians while making a few new friends Saturday, September 4th as the Rhythm and Roots Festival continued at Ninigret Park in Charlestown, RI. The Festival returned for a full day of music with a diverse group of artists after an evening show Friday night. Main stage opener […]
Posted inHistory
This Day in RI History: September 5, 1874 Nap Lajoie born in Woonsocket
Baseball Hall of Famer Napolean Lajoie was born on September 5, 1874 in Woonsocket, RI. His family moved to the area from Canada to work in the mills, first settling in Vermont and later in Woonsocket where Lajoie was born. As a youth, he had very little schooling and worked in a textile mill where […]
Posted inNews
Six Picks: The best in live music this weekend – R&R, Reggae, Drums and Dance!
Labor Day weekend is historically a busy time for live music, and this weekend is no exception. Some great gigs and some cool festivals are among our picks – stay safe, mask up, and enjoy some live music! Friday-Sunday: RI’s homegrown favorite, the Rhythm and Roots Festival is finally here. After a year off due […]