Trinity Repertory Executive Director Tom Parrish has announced that he is leaving the award-winning theatre company. Read below for more details from Trinity Board of Trustees Chair Lou Giancola: Last year, our Executive Director Tom Parrish got engaged. While we celebrate his happy news, he sadly has decided to leave Trinity Rep this October to […]
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
Black Violin: “Give Thanks” Tour coming to The Vets December 9th
Tickets are now on sale for Black Violin, an inspiring band that will be returning to The Vets in Providence on December 9, 2021 at 7PM. Click here for tickets. Black Violin is lead by classically trained string players Wil B. (viola) and Kev Marcus (violin). Joining them onstage are DJ SPS and drummer Nat […]
Posted inArts & Culture
NFF First-Timers: Singer-Songwriter Andrea von Kampen bringing Nebraska vibe to “Folk On”
Every year, WhatsUpNewp interviews Newport Folk and Jazz Festival artists who are playing Fort Adams for the first time. Our first chat this year was with Andrea von Kampen, a Lincoln, Nebraska-based singer-songwriter who will be playing the Folk Festival’s “Folk On” event Monday, July 26th. “How does it feel?” we wondered. “It feels very […]
Posted inNews
Newport Festivals: Bike Newport ready to assist riders at Fort Adams beginning Friday, July 23
WhatsUpNewp’s Folk and Jazz Festival coverage is brought to you by the Midtown Oyster Bar. If you’ve ever tried to exit the Newport Folk or Jazz Festival by car at the end of a day of music, you know patience is a virtue, and cyclists come first. Although it’s not quite the Tour de France peloton, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
“A Day at Falcon Ridge” planned for July 31st in Goshen, CT
The 33rd Falcon Ridge Folk Festival will make its annual flight, albeit somewhat differently this year; in a new location, one day only, with full pandemic precautions & both in-person and live-stream options on Sat July 31 at the Goshen Fair Grounds in Goshen CT. Marking its usual calendar spot and Brigadoon-like appearance, the fest will be shorter & sweeter yet still brimming […]
Posted inNews
“Folk On” Preview – Top 10 Newport Folk “not to be missed” acts
WhatsUpNewp’s Folk and Jazz Festival coverage is brought to you by the Midtown Oyster Bar. It’s almost impossible to experience every performance at “Folk On,” this year’s model of the Newport Folk Festival. Even with the Festival running only two stages (along with pop-up sets), you can’t quite get to see every act. So, I […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Singer-Songwriter Dan Blakeslee joins “RI Folk Showcase” concert July 26th at the Newport Playhouse
Singer-songwriter, bandleader and celebrated artist Dan Blakeslee has been added to the “Rhode Island Folk Showcase,” a new “unofficial” after-party coming to the Newport Playhouse on Monday, July 26. Blakeslee is a popular musician who often busks at the Newport Folk Festival and plays frequently around the region. In addition to his musical career, he […]
Posted inNews
Concert Recap and Photos – Bacon Brothers Rock the Odeum (July 16, 2021)
It was a rock show from start to finish Friday night at the Greenwich Odeum where the Bacon Brothers played to an enthusiastic crowd. It was a full house at the East Greenwich venue, in fact, it was the largest concert ever held there, where a renovated balcony section was recently completed. The band blasted […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks: The best in local music this weekend – Ayla Brown, Bacon Brothers and Forever Young
Things are really rockin’ all over the state this weekend. Its the best time of year to hear live music and we’ve got a just a few recommendations below. Have a great weekend! Friday: The Bacon Brothers return to the Greenwich Odeum for a sold out show at 8PM. We’ll have pictures and more tomorrow […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Dopey Lopes Up All Night Band to open Lords of 52nd Street concert at Misquamicut Drive-In August 5th
A very special concert is coming to the Misquamicut Drive-In in Westerly August 5th, featuring a world-famous band who you’ve undoubtedly heard before. The Lords of 52nd Street are comprised of leading members of Billy Joel’s band in its heyday – including Richie Cannata (sax), Liberty DeVitto (drums) and Russell Javors (guitar). They’re not a […]
Posted inSports
Happening at the Hall – Gov. McKee visits International Tennis Hall of Fame
A visit from Governor Dan McKee kicked off a busy morning at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport Wednesday. The Governor was there to check out the Hall of Fame Open and flip the ceremonial coin to open the day on the Stadium Court. The Governor spoke briefly about the tournament, the return […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Singer Maggie Rose to play Newport Playhouse outdoor show Friday, July 23
So who do you think has missed live music more than the fans? Answer: the musicians who play the shows. That goes for many artists headed to Newport next week, including singer-songwriter Maggie Rose who I spoke to recently. The Nashville-based performer will lead the charge at the Newport Playhouse on Friday, July 23rd, when […]
Posted inNews
50 years later, Creedence’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” hits #1 in the charts
50 years since Creedence Clearwater Revival delivered a body of work that has inspired and electrified generations of fans, the band has landed their all-time highest chart position with “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Rock Digital Song Sales Chart for two consecutive weeks. Astonishingly—despite releasing a prolific seven studio albums between 1968 and 1972 (two of which went to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks: The best in local music this week (July 9 -15)
A couple of leading summer music venues in nearby Massachusetts re-open this weekend, a sure sign of a gradual return to normalcy. The Xfinity Center in Mansfield and Indian Ranch in Webster have a full summer of music scheduled. We’re highlighting a couple of shows in each venue this week on “Six Picks.” Saturday: Country […]
Posted inNews
Weather Alert: Tropical Storm Warning issued for Newport County
The National Weather Service has upgraded the Tropic Storm Watch to a Tropical Storm Warning for Newport and Washington Counties for the approaching storm expected Friday. We’ll be updating this story frequently as Elsa approaches. Tropical Storm Warning Elsa Local Watch/Warning Statement/Advisory Number 37 National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA AL052021 448 AM EDT Fri Jul […]
Posted inThings To Do
Roger Williams Park Zoo announces new additions
It’s been a busy summer at the Roger Williams Park Zoo where the residents recently welcomed some new friends. Elsa, a white alligator, has made her home in the Zoo’s newest temporary exhibit, Shades of Nature, located in the freshly renovated greenhouse. Elsa and a few more reptile friends will be in their new habitat open […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Providence Restaurant Weeks returning July 11-24
Foodie alert! “Providence Restaurant Weeks” is returning beginning Sunday, July 11th. And its not just Providence restaurants participating, many deals can be found throughout the metro area. The event takes place over a two-week period from July 11th-24th, and includes all kinds of specials on the menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some restaurants are serving […]
Posted inThings To Do
Garth Brooks Coming to Gillette Stadium October 9th
Country superstar Garth Brooks announced a tour today that includes a stop at Foxboro’s Gillette Stadium on Saturday, October 9, 2021. It’s the first time Brooks has played Gillette, and the show is scheduled to be the first concert at the Stadium in two years. Seven-time CMA Entertainer of the Year and the top-selling solo […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News, Things To Do
RI Music Photographer Richard McCaffrey releasing new book “Richard’s Rock & Roll Alphabet”
Renowned music photographer Richard McCaffrey is releasing a new book this week, one that can serve as a children’s ABC primer and will also look great on the coffee table. “Richard’s Rock & Roll Alphabet” includes photos of famous musicians arranged A-Z, taken from throughout McCaffrey’s illustrious career. Here’s more from the press release… A […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks Music: The best local music July 4th weekend
Happy Independence Day weekend! Along with parades and fireworks, there’s a lot of live music busting out all over. Check out some local favorites around town this weekend! Friday: Rising country star and RI native Charlie Marie is playing the Bristol 4th of July concert series at Roger Williams University at 5:30PM. Details here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfyYFDGQe0I […]
Posted inThings To Do
Where to watch July 4th fireworks around Rhode Island
Here’s our listing of fireworks scheduled around the state for the upcoming July 4th weekend. Many of these events listed have other attractions planned including live music, food trucks, children’s activities, and more! Our advice: after a year off due to the pandemic, expect large crowds – plan ahead and arrive early! Happy Independence Day! […]
Posted inNews
Columbus Theatre in Providence announces re-opening plans
The Columbus Theatre in Providence announced Friday that they plan to re-open in August. The venue, known for its support of independent bands and artists, is putting together a full slate of concerts, film, and comedy. Upcoming events include indie-rock legends Yo La Tenga on September 18th, Buck Meek (of Big Thief) on November 3rd, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks: The best in local music this weekend – Vinyl Years, Melissa Chapin and Tiffany
Friday: Tonight, 80’s/90’s pop star Tiffany plays the Greenwich Odeum in a low capacity show. Known for #1 hits “I Think We’re Alone Now” and “Could’ve Been,” the show promises to be a lot of fun! Details here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6Q3mHyzn78 Friday: The Melissa Chaplin Family, a Newport-based folk group, plays a free outdoor show. Also performing, […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Elton John to launch “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour with stop in Foxboro July 2022
NEW YORK, NY (June 23, 2021) – It is with great excitement that Elton John announces the final dates for his award-winning Elton John Farewell Yellow Brick Road: The Final Tour in North America and Europe. Elton will conclude his world-famous tour at major stadiums which will kick off on May 27, 2022 in Frankfurt. The Final Tour will make stops in Europe in […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
RI musician Mark Cutler to present free songwriting workshops in July and August
Want to learn how to write a song in a supportive, communal environment? Well, here’s your chance… Two free classes, each four weeks long, are planned for this summer, thanks to RI music legend Mark Cutler. “Healing Arts in the Park” is a new initiative from Cutler, modeled after the Same Thing Project, a program […]