As we wrap up 2020, we’ll usher in 2021 musically at home and online. We’ve put together this list of streaming concerts for you to consider over the next few days. Happy New Year! Dec. 30: Patti Smith is celebrating her birthday with a live performance at 9PM from London. Details here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Z9G8BdnFGs Dec. 30: […]
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.
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Last Minute Shopping? Check our RI Gift Card Round-Up of Local Entertainment Venues
Still looking for that perfect Christmas gift? Time is running short, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the regions best performance and entertainment venues. Dunkin Donuts Center – Click here. Providence Performing Arts Center – Click here. The Gamm Theatre – Click here. Greenwich Odeum – Click here. The Vets – Click here. […]
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What’s Up Interview – Al Gomes: A Look Back at Bandwagon
The mid-1980’s are remembered as a time of big hair and synthesizers. Cassette tapes and Members Only… we could go on … Here in “the biggest little state in the Union,” (another 80’s thing, kids), there was a special musical moment in 1986 that brought together musicians, politicians, media personalities and even the Catholic Bishop […]
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PPAC Presents “Holiday Magic on the Mighty Wurlitzer” with House Organist Peter Edwin Krasinski
Providence, RI – The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) is giving the community a FREE holiday gift! PPAC House Organist Peter Edwin Krasinski has pre-recorded a holiday concert called “Holiday Magic on the Mighty Wurlitzer” for all to enjoy; this concert can be viewed via PPAC’s YouTube Channel at https://youtu.be/-xxjnbms4Ac. Mr. Krasinski’s festive concert repertoire includes […]
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“Six Picks” Music: The Best Streaming Music This Weekend: Billy Gilman, Sarah Potenza and Jose Feliciano
We’re bringing back our popular column “Six Picks” for the holiday season. Check out some of the best local and national concerts this weekend. Saturday: Rhode Island native Billy Gilman is back with his holiday show with Mike Renzi streaming live from the Greenwich Odeum. Details here. Saturday: Another RI native, Sarah Potenza, presents a […]
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What’s Up at the Movies: We Review “The Library That Dolly Built”
With all the trials 2020 has dealt, one bright spot was (and always has been) Dolly Parton. The legendary country singer, actor, philanthropist and entrepreneur released a top selling Christmas album, donated a million dollars to help fund a COVID vaccine, and produced a new documentary which tells the story of her charitable initiative “Dolly […]
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Lori McKenna Band to Stream Live from Club Passim Friday, Dec. 18
Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter Lori McKenna will perform a special full-band live stream concert on Friday, December 18 at 7:00PM ET from Club Passim in Cambridge, Massachusetts. McKenna got her start at Passim and considers it a second home. The performance will benefit Club Passim and will be available on the Passim Facebook and YouTube […]
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Amazon Music Announces New Family Amazon Original Songs from Dawes, Nicole Atkins, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, and More
Amazon Music has announced the release of four new Amazon Original tracks from Dawes, Nicole Atkins, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, and Strand of Oaks. These family music tracks can be found on the Amazon Originals – Family playlist and are available to stream and purchase on Amazon Music. Listeners can also view music […]
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PPAC Announces Virtual Programming “Arts Showcase” and “Experience PPAC”
Providence, RI – J.L. “Lynn” Singleton, President and CEO of the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), is pleased to announce that PPAC will be offering virtual programming for 2021 for two of the Theatre’s Community Outreach and Engagement programs: Arts Showcase and Experience PPAC. These programs are FREE and open to all Rhode Island elementary, […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
“Stand With Teachers” Virtual Concert Dec. 21 with Steve Van Zandt, Margo Price and Eddie Vedder
With a founding Board of Directors that includes Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Jackson Browne and Martin Scorsese, TeachRock was an non-profit organization with strong credentials from the get-go. The organization’s mission is “to empower teachers and engage students by using popular music to create interdisciplinary, culturally responsive education materials for 21st century classrooms.” The web site […]
Posted inNews, Weather
Nor’easter to impact region Saturday – Up to 6 Inches of Snow Expected in Northern RI
High winds, cold rain and snow will impact the area Saturday. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for much of Rhode Island with up to 6 inches expected in the northern suburbs. Please use caution when traveling. Winter Weather Advisory from SAT 1:00 PM EST until SUN 1:00 AM EST (Issued […]
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Fans Invited to Upload Videos of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” for Global Singalong
Ever wanted to join Neil Diamond fans from around the world in a massive sing-a-long? Well, you’ve got a chance to do just that in a unique “Global Sweet Caroline Singalong” happening later this month. Indeed, “good times never seemed so good…” Diamond’s label, Capitol Records is running the contest to promote the release of […]
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IATSE Local 23 and CCRI Partner for Henry Bear Park’s “It Takes a Village” Toy Drive to Benefit CCRI Families
Providence, RI – The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 23 of RI, in partnership with the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), is hosting its second Annual Toy Drive to benefit families in need, whose parents are attending CCRI as students. This year, in an effort to assist more families, support small […]
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What’s Up Interview: Josh Short of Wilbury Theatre Starring in “Constellations” Dec. 3-19th
It’s no secret that COVID-19 has presented serious setbacks to those who work in the arts. Venues have shuttered, layoffs are widespread, and despair has seized the local arts community. At the same time, many actors, musicians, and artists have developed strategies to adapt to the shifting environment. Many arts venues have pivoted toward outdoor […]
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Blackstone River Theatre Homecoming Concert to go Virtual This Year – Nov. 28
On Nov. 28, Blackstone River Theatre will present its first self-produced virtual event – their annual Homecoming Concert. For 20 years Homecoming has taken place at the theater and along with a Silent Auction, it has served as the nonprofit’s largest fundraiser of the year. Due to the COVID-19 shutdown, this year, the 21st Homecoming Concert will […]
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Six Picks: Music Streaming This Weekend – Rickie Lee Jones, Patty Griffin and The Dirty Knobs
Friday: The Dirty Knobs, led by Mike Campbell (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), present an album release show tonight at 8PM. Celebrate their debut LP, Wreckless Abandon here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhiPOg_Ir9c Friday: The one and only Rickie Lee Jones will be streaming “A Night of Music and Storytelling beginning at 8PM here. Friday: “Save Maine Stages” is […]
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Six Picks: Live and Streaming Concerts This Weekend: Ferrick, Foo Fighters and Forever Young
With another possible lockdown on the way, this weekend may be your last chance to get out and enjoy some socially distant live music. We found a few good live shows around town as well as some big names streaming on line. Check out our picks below. Friday: The Narrows Center for the Arts has […]
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What’s Up Interview: John Fuzek of Forever Young – Playing Greenwich Odeum Nov. 14
An award-winning tribute band that covers Neil Young’s music from the late 60’s to the present will play the Greenwich Odeum before a live audience Saturday, November 14th. Sidelined lately due to Coronavirus, Forever Young is looking forward to returning to the stage for a socially distanced show, with the audience limited to about a […]
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4.0 Earthquake Strikes Region Sunday Morning – Felt in RI and MA
No, you weren’t imagining things – a 4.0 magnitude earthquake did indeed hit the region this morning with shock waves felt as far north as Boston and west to around Hartford, CT. The quake was centered offshore 9 miles Southwest of Bliss Corner, MA, near New Bedford, according to the US Geological Survey. Witnesses throughout […]
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Voter Anxiety: We Talk to First Time Voters Headed to the Polls
In an era of stark political division, what’s it like to vote for the first time? What might seem like a routine task for an experienced voter, no different from going to the bank or the doctor’s office, can be downright intimidating for first-time voters. With concerns swirling nationally about voter suppression and intimidation at […]
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“Six Picks” Music Live and Streaming This Weekend: Beardogz, Dick Clarks, and Petty’s Birthday
Check out some great local bands live along with music streaming online this weekend. Here are some of our favorites – be sure to follow all safety protocols. Have a great weekend! Friday: The Beardogz will be performing new original music live from their upcoming EP Living Room Yellow at the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket […]
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Boch Center’s “Ghost Light Series” Continues Oct. 23 with Grammy Award Winning Songwriter Lori McKenna
(Boston, MA October 19, 2020) The Boch Center’s new television music series, The Ghost Light Series, continues Friday, October 23rd at 7:30 PM on NECN with acclaimed singer songwriter and Stoughton, MA native Lori McKenna filmed live on-stage at the Wang Theatre. This past summer, McKenna released The Balladeer, her most personal album to date featuring songs that reflect […]
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“Six Picks” Music Live and Streaming This Weekend – Steve Forbet, Dan Blakeslee, Leyla McCalla and more
There’s some great live music and big concerts streaming online this weekend. Check out some of our favorites below and be sure to follow all safety protocols in place. Have a great weekend! Friday: Folk Rock troubadour Steve Forbert performs live Friday at 8PM at the Narrows Center for the Arts. The show will also […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up at the Movies: We Review “Harry Chapin: When in Doubt, Do Something”
The phrase “When in doubt, do something,” was a way of life for the legendary musician Harry Chapin. A new film celebrating the life and legacy of the 70’s singer-songwriter is out this weekend in virtual cinemas. The film is a compelling story of a remarkable artist who made his mark equally as a musician […]
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RI Musician Jake Blount Wins 2020 Steve Martin Banjo Prize
Washington DC native and current Providence resident Jake Blount has just won the Steve Martin Banjo Prize, more accurately called the “Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo & Bluegrass.” Hosted by the FreshGrass Foundation, Steve Martin’s Banjo Prize has now expanded to five awardees this year with a total of $50,000 divided between them. Blount is the […]