A music legend took the stage in Cranston on Sunday, November 17, for a special show commemorating the 100th anniversary of the city’s Park Theatre. Dionne Warwick pulled out all the stops in an impressive performance before a near-sell-out crowd of longtime fans, held spellbound through her 90-minute set. Warwick’s credentials are well-established – she’s […]
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 inMusic & Entertainment
Lucinda Williams in concert at The Vets – Stories and Songs from a remarkable career
Stories and songs took center stage on Friday, November 15 when Grammy Award-winning artist Lucinda Williams and her band took the stage at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence, RI. Williams was in town for a stop on her “Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets” show, a career retrospective, featuring songs, stories, still photos, and video from […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Singing for Shelter ends its run – annual fundraising concert will not return this season
A longtime holiday tradition will not be returning to Newport this year. “Singing for Shelter,” an annual charity concert to raise funds for two local homeless shelters, has reached the end of its run, says organizer and community leader Mark Gorman. “Sadly, after 16 years of hard work, Singing For Shelter will cease to continue. […]
Posted inBusiness
Yacht Club introduces ‘Sour Grapes’ soda based on comic strip from cartoonist Tim Jones
In an unlikely collaboration, a popular comic strip from local cartoonist (and What’s Up Newp contributor) Tim Jones is now a tasty beverage from a local business. Perhaps not so unlikely, when you hear the details. If you haven’t read it here on What’s Up Newp, where Jones’ strip runs weekly, Sour Grapes centers around […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Fall ‘Six Picks’: Top pumpkin ales from local breweries
Fans of craft beer know that there’s nothing better this time of year than a sweet ale to go along with locally harvested pumpkins. Whether you like a little cinnamon sugar on the rim or your brew straight up, you’ll enjoy our roundup of local pumpkin ales available this season. Gourd Reaper Narragansett Brewery offers […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Concert Recap and Photos: ‘Oratorio of a Forgotten Youth’ at the Casino Theatre in Newport
An inspiring performance combining elements of jazz, poetry, and classical soundscapes, alongside a chorus of South African voices, made for a special evening at the Casino Theatre in Newport Saturday, November 2. The show was the U.S. premiere of Oratorio of a Forgotten Youth, a multidisciplinary collaborative performance commemorating the 1976 youth resistance movement in South Africa. […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Grammy winning singer Lucinda Williams, playing The Vets November 15
Singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams is well-known for digging deep in her lyrics, in a Janis Joplin “Take a little piece of my heart now baby” sorta way. Williams, who is still recovering from a serious stroke she suffered in 2021, is a captivating force in roots music, unashamed and unafraid to express herself. The singer is […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Rock and Roll legend John Lodge of The Moody Blues – playing Cranston’s Park Theatre November 14
One of the greatest artists in rock and roll history is stopping by Cranston’s Park Theatre for a show with his band on Thursday, November 14. John Lodge, the longtime bassist for The Moody Blues, will be in town for a show that will feature old favorites and new takes on one of the band’s […]
Posted inNews
‘Six Picks Spooky Events’ for Halloween season in Newport and beyond
Spooky season has officially arrived, and this weekend, “Six Picks” is previewing some fun Halloween-related events happening around Newport and beyond. Be warned: some of these events are not for the faint of heart and are not recommended for young children. Check the websites for details. October 19 -20, 26 – 27: Halloween at the […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Zach Williams of The Lone Bellow, playing Jane Pickens Sunday, October 20
The Lone Bellow certainly know something about playing music in Newport. The Nashville, TN, by way of Brooklyn, NYC, trio has played the Newport Folk Festival several times in the modern era, going back to their first appearance at Fort Adams in 2013. This weekend, they return to the Jane Pickens Film and Events Center […]
Posted inSports
Checking in on construction at Tidewater Landing – WUN visits stadium and meets General Manager Paul Byrne
When the RI FC stadium, known as Tidewater Landing, opens next Spring, fans can certainly expect to see some great soccer. But that’s not all that’s going to be happening. Although nothing has been officially announced, stadium officials envision a variety of sporting events, concerts, and community activities in a stadium that will even encourage […]
Posted inNews
‘Six Picks’ Fall treats – The best Apple Cider Donuts in Rhode Island
A beautiful fall weekend is the perfect time to visit farm stands around the region for apples, cider, pumpkin pie, and other delicious seasonal favorites. This week, we’ve selected a few that offer a popular treat, apple cider donuts. So get out and enjoy some area farms, bakeries, and other spots around the region this […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Academy Players to present ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ in Providence October 10-20
‘Tis the season… for a trip to the Little Shop of Horrors. The former Academy Award-nominated musical and popular dark comedy is playing October 10-20 at the James and Gloria Maron Cultural Arts Center in Providence. RI-based actor, comedian, and WUN contributor Frank O’Donnell is producing the show, working with Academy Players, a community theater […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Concert Review and Photos: Tedeschi Trucks Band rock the house at The Vets in Providence
Who said rock and roll is dead? Certainly no one at last night’s Tedeschi Trucks Band show at The Vets in Providence. Fans at the historic theater were rocking out to the sounds of the Grammy Award-winning band, which combines the forces of Boston native Susan Tedeschi and husband Derek Trucks. Founded in 2010, the […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Grammy award-winning guitarist Sharon Isbin, playing URI Guitar and Mandolin Festival October 18
The 9th annual URI Guitar and Mandolin Festival returns to Kingston this month with a dozen concerts scheduled for October 13 and October 16-20. The internationally recognized event was originally established as a classical music festival but has expanded in recent years to include performers in a variety of genres – from gypsy jazz to […]
Posted inNews
‘Six Picks’ Corn Mazes to explore on Aquidneck Island and beyond this Fall
This week, our seasonal “Six Picks” series continues with a look at some of the best corn mazes found in the region. These activities are fun for the whole family, and some even allow four-legged friends. Be sure to check the farm’s websites and social media for updated hours due to weather and other conditions. […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Theater Review: ‘A Beautiful Noise’ indeed – Neil Diamond musical is a hit at PPAC
The hype is real. The Broadway hit A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: The Neil Diamond Musical, which kicks off its national tour this week at the Providence Performing Arts Center, is an entertaining night of song and storytelling packed with the legendary singer’s hits along with a peek into the life of the character who shaped them. […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Meet the cast of ‘A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: The Neil Diamond Musical,’ playing PPAC September 21-28
The National Tour of A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: The Neil Diamond Musical kicks off this weekend at the Providence Performing Arts Center. The show runs Saturday, September 21, through Saturday, September 28, with limited tickets still available. Click here for details. A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is the story of an artist’s rise from struggling songwriter to international […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting, playing Jane Pickens on October 8
Five for Fighting founder John Ondrasik knows a little bit about songwriting. Ondrasik formed Five for Fighting (yes, he’s a hockey fan) as a solo artist in 1995, after music executives found his name too difficult to pronounce… or market. He had modest success with 1997’s Message for Albert, his critically acclaimed debut album, but […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Comedian Tom Cotter on ‘No Apologies’ tour, coming to Jane Pickens Sept. 26 with comics Jim Florentine and Tammy Pescatelli
Comedian Tom Cotter makes no apologies … except for the time he had to apologize for a joke about the Pope. More on that later… The Providence native shared a few laughs earlier this week when I spoke to him on a call from his home in New York. With a career going back to […]
Posted inNews
Six Picks: 2024 Fall Festivals in Newport County and beyond
Whether you’re celebrating calamari, the grape harvest, German beer, or pumpkin spice, fall festivals have officially arrived in southern New England. It’s time for “Six Picks Festivals,” our preview of some of the best in the state over the next few weekends, along with a few honorable mentions. Have a great fall season! September 13-15: […]
Posted inFood & Drink
‘Six Picks’ Apple Orchards 2024 – Top spots in Newport County and beyond
It’s the most wonderful time of year for apple lovers. The fragrance of ripening apples at the orchards, a scent that has been replicated in candles, air fresheners, and more, is back, which means apples at local orchards are ripe for picking. Even better news – returning this year – Peaches! Locally grown peaches return […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
2024 Rhythm & Roots Festival kicks off in grand style
Spirits were high, the weather was perfect, and the joint was shaking — indeed, it was a stellar start to the annual Rhythm and Roots Festival Friday night, August 30, at Ninigret Park in Charlestown, RI. Food trucks and vendors surrounded the three festival stages (only two were in use Friday night) for the 26th […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
What’s Up Interview: ‘Prescription for Pain’ author Philip Eil, appearing at Charter Books on September 10
The opioid epidemic in the United States continues to destroy American lives and families. Over the past 25 years, more Americans have died from opioid abuse (over 750,000) than American soldiers killed in combat since World War I. It’s no longer a dirty little secret – the epidemic has been chronicled in books, articles, and […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Blake Christiana of Yarn, playing the Rhythm & Roots Festival Friday, August 30th
The Rhythm & Roots Festival returns to Rhode Island this weekend! The annual Labor Day Weekend festival begins Friday, August 30th, with a tremendous lineup scheduled to perform this year. The three-day festival at Ninigret Park in Charlestown features headliners Emmylou Harris, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, along with Larkin Poe, […]