Our weekly music column “Six Picks” searches around the state seeking the best in local music. Two-part harmony seem to be the theme this week as we catch up with several shows that feature duo’s singing in perfect accord. That, plus a rock and roll legend who’s still going strong in her late 70’s. Read […]
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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Book Review: Astral Weeks: A Secret History of 1968
“If I ventured in the slipstream/Between the viaducts of your dream Where immobile steel rims crack/And the ditch in the back roads stop Could you find me? Would you kiss-a my eyes?” (“Astral Weeks,” Van Morrison) With apologies to Dylan and Mitchell, better lyrics may never have been written. Nor has a particular album been […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (May 10-May 16)
Thursday means it’s time for “Six Picks,” our weekly roundup of some of the top concerts coming to the RI area. This week, we focus on the singer-songwriters including a trio of nationally known local artists playing tonight at Newport’s finest listening room. Newport to Nashville Thursday at Newport Playhouse (Newport) The Newport to Nashville […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (May 3-May 9)
Some big names in music are coming to the area over the next few days. We’ve got your preview here along with some smaller names with big talent. Check out this week’s “Six Picks,” beginning with shows at two of RI’s premiere concert venues. (Pictured: Jackson Browne, Photo: Danny Clinch) Michael McDonald Sunday at The […]
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RI Music Hall of Fame Inducts Class of 2018
Music royalty was in the house Sunday April 29th as the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame inducted the Class of 2018. Several artists along with technical experts were introduced into the Hall in ceremonies that included three nights of concerts showcasing their work. Jazz at Chan’s The weekend-long event began Thursday April 26th at […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (April 26-May 2)
Big happenings around the state this week starting with a trio of Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame concerts. Get out and celebrate the achievements of RI artists! RI Music Hall Concerts All Weekend The 6th annual Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame concerts and induction ceremony will be held around the state this weekend. […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (April 19-25)
Our weekly music round-up “Six Picks” will focus on some music legends this week along with a pair of classic duos that have dates around the state. Our mantra this week – nothing before the 90’s! Don’t forget to click on our carefully curated videos for a preview. Carl Palmer Thursday at Greenwich Odeum (East […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (April 12-April 18)
Our weekly column “Six Picks” begins in Newport tonight (Thursday) and takes us around the state this weekend. We’ve got some jammin’ local gigs and a couple of national touring acts in town – read on for all the details. Newport to Nashville Thursday at (Newport) The Newport Playhouse and Cabaret runs an excellent series […]
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Concert Review: Phil Madeira at the Columbus Theatre
OK, pay attention Rhode Island music fans. Phil Madeira has just released the definitive home state musical narrative. In a charming and musically dazzling show at the Columbus Theatre Friday night (April 6th), Madeira showcased songs from that album, affectionately titled Providence. Madeira, who grew up in Barrington, is a respected Nashville-based session musician and […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (April 5-April 11)
This week, “Six Picks” digs deep into the roots of rock and country as we feature several well-known national acts playing around the state this weekend. Read on for all the details. Phil Madeira Friday at Columbus Theatre (Providence) We interviewed Nashville based Phil Madeira here last week and learned about his time on the […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (March 29-April 4)
The music doesn’t stop for the holiday weekend as we find several local shows well worth checking out. As the weather warms, its time to head back out and enjoy some tunes! Read on for our “Six Picks” this weekend. (Pictured: Low Lilly) Ali McGuirk Friday at Columbus Theatre (Providence) Ali McGuirk is a Boston […]
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Red Dirt Boy: Interview with Nashville Musician RI Native Phil Madeira
You may not know his name, but you’ve likely heard him before. Phil Madeira is a highly respected Nashville musician who has led Emmylou Harris’ band, the Red Dirt Boys since 2008. He’s also written songs, performed with and played on numerous albums from artists as widespread as Alison Krauss, Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, The […]
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Newport Music Festival Announces 50th Anniversary Season
Plans are underway for this summer’s 50th anniversary edition of the Newport Music Festival. The upcoming season (July 4-22, 2018) will feature a broadening of the festival’s musical landscape, celebrating the anniversaries of Rossini, Debussy and Bernstein, as well as works by living composers. Joshua Bell Plays the Newport Music Festival July 15th From July […]
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Thousands Attend “March for Our Lives” at RI State House
The mood was festive, but the message was serious Saturday as supporters of safe schools gathered at the Rhode Island State House. The “March for Our Lives” in Providence was one of over 800 events worldwide organized to protest school shootings and call for legislation aimed at stemming school violence. A large crowd estimated at […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (March 22-March 26)
Six Picks is our weekly rounded of some of the best in area music. Indie bands dominate the landscape this week – Read on for details! (Pictured: Anais Mitchell, Photo: Jay Sansone) Salvation #12 Thursday at Salvation Café (Newport) The Salvation music series, faithfully curated by Bob Kendall, continues Thursday at the Salvation Café in […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (March 15-March 21)
With St. Paddy’s weekend on the horizon, we’ve scouted a few good shows in the tradition of the green, as well as some gigs with uniquely talented female performers playing around town. See what we mean below with our “Six Picks” for RI music this week! Anna and Elizabeth Friday at Hope and Main (Warren) […]
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WhatsUpNewp Interview: Betsayda Machado, The Voice of Venezuela, Coming to Providence
FirstWorksRI, one of the state’s premier cultural organizations, is bringing a series of unique events to Providence over the next month. The Frontier Series is a celebration of music and art from around the world. The series began March 11th with a panel talk and will be followed by a performance March 14th from Tibetan […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (March 8-14)
March Madness arrives on the local music scene this weekend and we’ve got your top “Six Picks.” Check out classic rock to classic funk to classic alternative and more. Read on for details. The Zombies Thursday at Greenwich Odeum (East Greenwich) 60’s favorites The Zombies have been re-born in recent years, appearing at festivals and […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (March 1-7)
We’re featuring a wide variety of music this week on “Six Picks,” our weekly guide to some of the best in Rhode Island music. This weekend features everything from traditional blues to modern rock … and Benny’s. Read on to see what it’s all about. Dom Flemmons Dom Flemmons at Harmony Lodge Thursday (Greenville) Dom […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (February 22-28)
We’re splitting time between Providence and Newport this week on “Six Picks” as we preview a number of great indie bands. Add an American legend to the mix and you’ve got at least six reasons to get out and listen to live music! Gershwin Thursday at The Vets (Providence) Musical icon George Gershwin’s legacy will […]
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Beautiful Coming to PPAC – Interview With Cast Member RI Native John Michael Dias
Broadway’s award winning Beautiful – The Carole King Musical arrives at the Providence Performing Arts Center next week and WhatsUpNewp had a chance to speak with cast member and Tiverton, RI native John Michael Dias. The show tells the story of Carole King, the legendary singer-songwriter who arrived in New York City at age 16 […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (February 15-21)
This week “Six Picks” previews several local shows with an emphasis on the singer-songwriter. We’ve also got world music sounds from a favorite spot for folks in Portsmouth and the annual post-Valentines Day Love Hangover to benefit Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Love Hangover Thursday at Parlour (Providence) Big doings tonight in Providence where a horde of […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (February 8-14)
It’s another busy weekend on the area music scene with shows around the state. We focus on the roots this week – click on the videos for previews. Shelby Lynn and Allison Moorer Friday Big doings this weekend at the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich where a couple of major shows are happening. Friday, its […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (February 1-6)
Shake off those winter blues and rock the night away with our top “Six Picks” from Newport and around the state. We’ve got a couple of Grammy winning artists in Providence this weekend and a cool new regular gig for Newport’s own Z-Boys! Read on for all the details… The Z-Boys Play Thursday February 1 […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (January 25-31)
Get ready for another busy weekend on the local music scene. Check out a punk rock legend and some “legends to be” who will be performing around RI and nearby Massachusetts. On to the music … Patti Smith Friday Friday night in New Bedford, don’t miss a rare appearance from Patti Smith, when she presents […]