This week “Six Picks” is on a budget. We’re covering a bunch of shows that are cheap or have free admission. Of course don’t forget to support the venue and artist through beverage, CD and merch purchases if you can. Here’s some great local music this weekend with a shout out to shows in PVD’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.
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Newport Jazz Festival Announces 2018 Artist-in-Residence Charles Lloyd
WIth the first wave of artist announcements expected next week, an e-mail earlier today from Newport Jazz Festival Producer George Wein introduced this year’s Artist-in-Residence, Charles Lloyd. The saxophonist will appear all three days at the festival, with a different act each day. Read Wein’s e-mail below for further details. “It was late one summer […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (January 11-17)
Allysen Callery and Ryan Lee Crosby Friday Two of the top folk performers in the region play the Pump House Music Works Friday. Allysen Callery has brought her soothing ghost folk sound to Europe and the South by Southwest Festival, as well as numerous venues around RI. Ryan Lee Crosby is a master of the […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (January 4-10)
We welcome you to the first “Six Picks” of 2018. This week, we’ve got a now-legendary alt-country group and a bunch of cover bands, because cover bands know how to keep things warm and cozy in sub-zero weather! Check back throughout the weekend to make sure these shows are still on … Old 97’s Friday […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (December 28 – January 3)
Happy New Year! This week, “Six Picks” is all about some of our favorite Rhode Island artists, homecoming shows and a couple of RI ex-pats – back to show us what they’ve learned out on the road. Deer Tick Times Two Deer Tick at Blues Café Thursday and Friday In recent years, they’ve basically become […]
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“Six Picks” Holiday Music Edition
Looking for a unique Christmas gift? Well, it’s never a better time to check some local musicians. We’ve got a special “6 Picks” this week – some recent releases and classics for you to consider this holiday season. Here are a few of our favorites. To purchase, check with your favorite record store or click […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (December 7 – December 13)
Singing for Shelter Thursday “Singing for Shelter” returns to the Channing Church in Newport tonight when a group of the city’s finest join forces for a night to fight homelessness. The 10th annual night of music benefits Lucy’s Hearth and The McKinney Shelter. Performers include Jack Casey, Ed McGuirl, Mike Fischman, Tom Perrotti, Joe Lambiase, […]
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Album Review: RI Rocker Mark Cutler Delivers a Classic “Travel Light”
Cranston native and RI Music Hall of Famer Mark Cutler is out with an impressive new release Travel Light, an album that sees him continuing a spiritual ride down the road to the roots of rock and roll. Released on the RI indie label 75 or Less Records, the album displays Cutler’s astute songwriting and […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (November 30-December 6)
Holiday themed live music is breaking out all over this month and “Six Picks” will have highlights throughout the season. Send us links to holiday shows and we’ll be happy to include them here. Meanwhile … Melissa Etheridge Saturday The Park Theatre in Cranston kicks things off this weekend with Melissa Etheridge performing her “Merry […]
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Cyber Monday “Six Picks” – Upcoming Concerts – Ticket Discounts Available
Tired of the malls? Amazon too big? Want to find a unique holiday gift this year? Look no further. We’ve got a bonus “Six Picks” this cyber Monday. The winter concert season provides a great gift-giving opportunity and there are a number of special shows coming soon. Michael Andrew of the Gershwin Big Band The […]
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Six Picks: Thanksgiving Weekend Edition
Thanksgiving weekend is always a big one for local music. The tradition of the “homecoming” show has nationally known local bands playing shows at hometown venues. This weekend is special – most of our “Six Picks” are well-known RI rock bands and members of the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame. Get out and rock! […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (November 16-November 23)
“Six Picks” is our weekly rundown of the best in local music. This week, we feature women in rock and roll, R&B, folk and country. Scroll down to see What’sUp. Caroline Rose Saturday Vermont native Caroline Rose (pictured) is a country/rock singer-songwriter who has been building a fan base and gaining critical acclaim over the […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (November 9-November 15)
Classic sounds dominate the musical landscape this week on “Six Picks” as we check out some of the best in area music. Tonight, Thursday November 9, brings a mountain of rock and roll to town. Joey Molland of Badfinger Badfinger Thursday First in East Greenwich, Badfinger Starring Joey Molland plays the Greenwich Odeum. The band […]
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WhatsUpNewp Interview Arlo Guthrie – Re:Generation Tour Coming to Cranston Saturday
So what is a folk singer anyway? It’s not always an easy question to answer. (Ask anyone who’s been to the Newport Folk Festival lately.) “We’re just links in a long chain,” offered singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie (quoting Pete Seeger) as he reflected on his 50+ year career in music. Guthrie is a particularly strong link in that […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (November 2-November 8)
“Six Picks.” our weekly column highlighting the best in area music returns this week. From Woonsocket to Westerly, North Smithfield to Newport, we cover Rhode Island and beyond. This week, we’ve got a pop superstar, a jazz legend and whole lotta’ rock and roll. McLaughlin/Herring Sunday John McLaughlin is one of the greatest guitarists of […]
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WhatsUp Interview: Badfinger Starring Joey Molland Coming to Greenwich Odeum November 9th
Rock and Roll trivia question… Who was the first band signed to the Beatles iconic Apple Records label? Your answer … British rockers Badfinger of course. Badfinger is known for AM/FM radio classics like “No Matter What,” “Baby Blue,” and “Day After Day.” Their hit “Come and Get It,” was written by Paul McCartney and […]
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WhatsUpNewp Interview: Rising Star Whitney Rose Coming to Parlor Newport Thursday
Rising roots-country star Whitney Rose arrives at the Parlor in Newport this Thursday October 26th along with a lot of well deserved hype. Rose is part a wave of female roots/country artists who are keeping the tradition alive, while updating the style of artists like Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells, and Loretta Lynn. Behind clever songwriting and […]
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WhatsUp Interview: The Wailers – Coming to Park Theatre Friday
Bob Marley was one of the 20th century’s most iconic figures. His music and his Rastafarian ideals connected with people on every continent. Over 35 years since his untimely death from brain cancer, his original band, The Wailers, continue to play to large audiences worldwide. They’ll be making a stop at Cranston’s Park Theatre this […]
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WhatsUp Interview: Jazz Legend Chick Corea – Coming to The Vets Sunday
Award winning jazz pianist Chick Corea and renowned session drummer Steve Gadd are bringing their band to Providence Sunday for a special show kicking off the FirstWorks Artistic Icons 2017-18 season. The show at The Vets in Providence is a rare chance to see 22-Time Grammy-Winning Jazz legend Corea, who has performed with everyone from […]
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Concert Review: Stills and Collins Charm at Park Theatre
It felt like a warm evening with old friends Saturday at the Park Theatre in Cranston as Stephen Stills and Judy Collins played a memorable show of originals, covers and few new ones before a sold-out crowd. The warmth from the legendary performers was evident, on stage together and among those assembled fans, many of […]
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WhatsUp Interview: Chris Hillman – Byrds Founder Coming to Narrows Center September 23
A genuine country-rock icon is coming to the Narrows Center for the Arts next Saturday night, September 23rd. Chris Hillman, original bass player and later guitarist in the pioneering 60’s band The Byrds, will be performing along with his longtime touring partners Herb Pedersen and John Jorgenson. He’ll arrive in town a day after the […]
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Six Picks:The Best in Local Music This Week (August 10-August 16)
Outdoor summer concerts continue to dominate the music scene this weekend with top shows in and around the Providence area. Check out the Reggae Festival at a fine new venue, Bold Point, or head downcity to AS220’s Foo Fest, an annual event with music and more. That, and more than enough punk to keep you […]
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Photo Gallery: Day 3 of the 2017 Newport Jazz Festival
Newport Jazz 2017 is in the books. Day 3 at the Newport Jazz Festival Presented by Natixis Global Asset Management featured perfect weather, a near sell-out crowd, and an international presence on stage. From the gypsy guitar influenced sounds of French singer Cyrille Aimée to the Creole vibe of Bokante, Sunday’s sets explored the mainstream […]
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Photo Gallery: Day 2 of the 2017 Newport Jazz Festival (Pictured: George Wein)
Mother Nature tried but failed to dampen spirits of Jazz fans Saturday in Newport. The revered Newport Jazz Festival was in full gear despite a few early rain showers. The music went on with no interruptions and featured fine performances all around. America’s first outdoor popular music festival was back for Day 2 with original […]
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Photo Gallery: Day 1 of the 2017 Newport Jazz Festival
The Newport Jazz Festival kicked off its 2017 festivities with a full day of music at Fort Adams State Park, followed by an evening concert with Rhiannon Giddens and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at the International Tennis Hall Of Fame. Although Friday is the lightest attended day of the three-day annual festival, those who […]