A lazy summer afternoon during the dog days of …Spring … brought me and a friend to Warwick’s Proclamation Ale Co., one of the state’s leading microbreweries, located about a minute from the airport. If you haven’t been yet, “Proc” has a large tasting room, as well as an outdoor area, although those open-air tables […]
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
Concert recap and photos: Sean Rowe impresses at Norman Bird Sanctuary (June 18, 2021)
Indie singer-songwriter Sean Rowe brought good weather and good vibes to a sold-out crowd at the Norman Bird Sanctuary on Friday, June 18th in the first outdoor concert at the venue since the pandemic. Rowe ran through a set of songs from throughout his 10+ year career, including covers and originals. His deep voice boomed […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Six Picks Music: The best in live music this weekend – Rowe, Pride, and the Nakeds
There’s a singer-songwriter vibe on “Six Picks” this weekend, with local and regional performers dominating the picks until touring bands start up again next month. Solstice weekend is a great time to get out and enjoy some live music. Friday: SOLD OUT – A highlight this week would have to be indie-folk artist Sean Rowe […]
Posted inSports
PC – URI Men’s Basketball is back this Fall – Rivalry resumes December 4th
It was announced today that Providence College will be hosting the University of Rhode Island on Saturday, December 4th at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. Providence College announced that season tickets, including this game, are available now. Click here for details.
Posted inArts & Culture
Sax greats Abate and Moretti release new albums in 2021
Two of the state’s leading jazz artists have new albums out this year – both among the best of their respective careers. Greg Abate and Dan Moretti have certainly made their mark in the jazz world. Both have recorded numerous albums over the years, as leaders, and in support of famous stars like Ray Charles, […]
Posted inStyle & Shop, Things To Do
Record Store Day returns Saturday, June 12th
Saturday, June 12th is Record Store Day, a day to support local businesses and celebrate the iconic creation known as the vinyl record. As Covid wanes, there are actually two “drops” this year, with a second Record Store Day planned for July 17th. Check out these local participating record stores this year on Saturday, June […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Ticket Giveaway: Sean Rowe at the Norman Bird Sanctuary June 18th
Critically acclaimed indie-folk artist Sean Rowe is coming to the Norman Bird Sanctuary Friday, June 18th, at 7 PM and WhatsUpNewp has a pair of free tickets to the show, courtesy of Common Fence Music in Portsmouth. To enter the drawing for tickets, first, make sure you’re signed up for our daily newsletter here. Then […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Newp and Newport Playhouse to present “RI Folk Showcase” July 26th
A new “unofficial” after-party is coming to Newport on Monday, July 26th when the Newport Folk Festival’s “Folk On” event is in town. The “Rhode Island Folk Showcase” will be held at the Newport Playhouse and will feature several locally based singer-songwriters performing half-hour sets. (Note: This event is not affiliated with the Newport Folk […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Rhode Island Folk Festival returning to East Providence August 29th
After a COVID hiatus, the Rhode Island Folk Festival is returning to Rose Larisa Park in East Providence, RI on August 29, 2021. The annual event is a free music festival featuring some of the finest folk, acoustic and Americana singer-songwriter acts in the Rhode Island area. The Festival features three music stages, food trucks […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Curt Ramm announces new album “Rogue Island” out July 2nd on Rocktorium Records
(West Kingston, RI) – Curt Ramm is excited to announce his newest album, Rogue Island, due out this July on Rocktorium Records. Born in the throes of 2020’s COVID-19 shutdowns, the new album is a beacon of positivity and uplifting vibes. This instrumental soundscape is set to be the perfect Summer soundtrack, and will be […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Six Picks: The best in local music this weekend – Mark Cutler, Willie Law and the Dick Clarks
This weekend, it’s all about local favorites on the live music scene. Check out some shows around town featuring some of the region’s top performers. Friday: Mark Cutler and the Men of Great Courage return to the Narrows Center for their first live show since the pandemic. Check out RI Music Hall of Famer Cutler […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Gamm Theatre announces 2021-22 season
WARWICK, RI (June 3, 2021) —The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre (The Gamm), today announced its plans to reopen for Season 37 (2021-22) with a five-play lineup beginning at the end of September 2021. The season includes an Obie award-winner, a premiere of a late 19th century classic re-invented for our pandemic year, the regional premiere of a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport String Project to join What’s Up Newp for a live virtual conversation on Thursday
The Newport String Project is a chamber music performance and youth mentoring initiative committed to making inspiring musical experiences accessible for all in Newport, RI. On Saturday, June 5, the Project will present Resounding 2021, a day of micro-concerts for one musician and one listener or pod of listeners. Members of the Newport String Project […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
FirstWorks bringing summer concert series to Roger Williams Park
Join FirstWorks for a journey from global Jazz to Americana, from hip-hop to sounds from the mountains and rhythms of the sea. Grab your lawn chair (or blanket) and enjoy extraordinary artists in the park throughout the summer starting Sunday, June 27. Free performances will take place at the Dalrymple Boathouse Lawn and Bandstand. POLYNESIAN […]
Posted inColumns
Six Picks: The best in local music this weekend – Tom Rush, Greg Abate and Charlie Marie
Live music is back this weekend. Check out a few suggestions and get out there and support your favorite local artists! Friday: Rising country star and RI native Charlie Marie returns to Askew in Providence for an album release party. Critics and fans are loving her new album Ramble On – check out her live […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Norman Bird Sanctuary and Common Fence Music partner for Summer Concert Series
Portsmouth, RI, May 27, 2021 – The Norman Bird Sanctuary and Common Fence Music will present an outdoor summer concert series featuring nationally-renowned musicians performing in one of the Newport area’s most scenic outdoor spaces. This summer concert series brings together two Aquidneck Island nonprofit organizations for a diverse lineup of outdoor performances at the Norman […]
Posted inArts & Culture
RI Poet Laureate Tina Cane to read works in Newport June 4th at Rough Point event
Newport, RI, May 26, 2021— Newport Restoration Foundation’s Rough Point Museum will have the pleasure of welcoming Rhode Island’s Poet Laureate Tina Cane to the museum’s Formal Garden for a reading from her recently published works on Friday, June 4, 2021 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. The program is open to the public and will […]
Posted inNews
Mohegan Sun to host Summer hiring events Wednesday, May 26th, Thursday, June 10th & Thursday, June 24th
UNCASVILLE, CT (May 25, 2021) – Mohegan Sun is set to host three summer hiring events on Wednesday, May 26th, Thursday, June 10th and Thursday, June 24th. Employment opportunities are open in Food & Beverage, Event Support, Security, Marketing, VIP, Accounting, Hotel, Retail and more. Culinary positions offer a $2,000 sign-on bonus and housekeeping positions […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Trinity Rep announces Spring programming
The Catastrophist – Ends May 31 Trinity Rep’s presentation of The Catastrophist is coming to an end. This highly-acclaimed cinematic theatrical production closes on May 31. Written by Lauren Gunderson, The Catastrophist is a blazingly intelligent, wryly witty, and warm look at the thrill of discovery, whether it’s a new virus or the treasures of your own family.Tickets are $30 per household for […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Concert Recap and Photos: GA-20 at Nick-A-Nees (May 22, 2021)
Blues-Rock duo GA-20 tore it up Saturday, May 22 at Nick-A-Nees in Providence. The outdoor concert drew a large crowd to the best dive bar in Rhode Island, known for bringing the best live music to the “Creative Capital.” Pat Faherty and Matthew Stubbs formed GA-20 in 2018, naming the band after a legendary Gibson […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Paul Winter’s 26th Annual Summer Solstice Celebration to live stream June 19th
Litchfield, CT – Seven-time Grammy® winner Paul Winter’s 26th annual Summer Solstice Celebration will take place virtually on June 19, 2021 at 4:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time from the cathedralesque loft of Paul Winter’s barn in the hills of northwest Connecticut. The concert will be livestreamed, with on-demand video available following the event. World-renowned cellist Eugene Friesen will be a special guest at this concert. Friesen has […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks Music: The best in live music this weekend
With the state fully re-opening for business this weekend, it’s time to bring back our popular column “Six Picks Music,” which highlights some of the best live music around the state. Check back every week for more live music listings! Friday: Sophie B. Hawkins brings her live show to the Greenwich Odeum Friday night. The […]
Posted inFood & Drink
RI Brewers Guild publishes comprehensive listing of all 32 breweries in RI
RIBG Breweries Craft Beer Hours and Procedures May 21, 2021 Note: This list is subject to change. Please consult social media accounts, websites, or contact the individual breweries to confirm their procedures, & hours. Indoor/Outdoor seating available at designated breweries and brewpubs. Apponaug Brewing Co, 334 Knight St., Warwick 401-681-4321 www.ApponaugBrewing.com Indoor/Outdoor seating available (brewpub) Large […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Common Fence Music to present Dedicated Men of Zion in streaming concert
Common Fence Music will present the Dedicated Men of Zion in their Online Concert on the Common Fence Music virtual stage on May 23, 2021. The Dedicated Men of Zion came up out of this singing land of eastern North Carolina, around the city of Greenville and its small neighboring town of Farmville. Each trained in the […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Sophie B. Hawkins, playing Greenwich Odeum May 21
It’s one of the first major indoor concerts since Covid struck. Singer-Songwriter Sophie B. Hawkins is playing a limited capacity show at the Greenwich Odeum on Friday, May 21st. Hawkins made a splash in the music world almost 30 years ago, behind her hit “Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover,” a spirited pop masterpiece […]