The Newport Jazz Festival arrives this weekend. 31 of the 50+ bands performing are new to the Festival this year, and many of them further expand the boundaries of jazz music. “America’s original art form” has had a home in Newport since 1954 and the tradition continues with an impressive line-up this year. With respect […]
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
WhatsUpRI Interview: Mike Love and Beach Boys to Open Bold Point August 9th
Excitement is building in East Providence as a new concert venue prepares to open. Even better, the kick off show is sure to be one of the highlights of the summer. Bold Point Park, a new outdoor pavilion, is ready to go, and on Wednesday August 9, the Beach Boys are coming to christen the […]
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Newport Folk First Timers – Young Bands Make the Scene
In addition to headliners like John Prine, Fleet Foxes and Wilco, Newport Folk 2017 was a moment for new artists to shine. WhatsUpNewp sat down with three bands who were making waves at Newport – The Seratones, L.A. Salami, and Mt. Joy. Their enthusiasm was palpable. Seratones A.J. Hayes of the Seratones (Photo: Ken Abrams) […]
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Folk Fest Interview: Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers
The Drive-By Truckers pull into the Newport Folk Festival Saturday with some great music and a pointed message. The band, originally from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, arrives in Newport with songs that are raw, political, and often about folks living on the margins. Political and Personal The Drive-By Truckers formed in the mid-90’s as a bar […]
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Six Picks – The Newport Folk Edition
The Newport Folk Festival arrives tomorrow and we’ve got “Six Picks,” our list of bands you just can’t miss at the Festival. Of course, it’s impossible to narrow it down to just six, so we’ll fudge a little on the numbers. Whatever your personal favorites, remember that part of the fun of attending a festival […]
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Folk Festival Sponsors – Spindrift and Late July Head to Newport
It’s late July, and although the temperature outside feels like early November, things are heating up at Late July. That’s because the Boston based snack company will be supplying 37,000 bags of free chips to Newport Folk Festival concertgoers this weekend. WhatsUpNewp spoke with Late July CEO Nicole Dawes earlier this week, as well as […]
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Interview: Grammy Winning Artist Rhiannon Giddens Coming to Newport Folk and Jazz Festival
Next weekend, Rhiannon Giddens joins a select group of musicians who have played both the Newport Folk and Newport Jazz Festival in the same year. She follows Norah Jones who accomplished the feat last year, and bandleader Jon Batiste who played both events in 2015. Rhiannon Giddens Plays Newport Folk Sunday (Photo: John Peets) Needless […]
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Folk Festival Set to Begin Next Week – Behind the Scenes at Fort Adams
With just a week to go until 10,000 eager folks show up at the gate, Fort Adams State Park is getting all dressed up for festival season. The Newport Folk Festival arrives Friday July 28th, and WhatsUpNewp got a behind the scenes look at some of the preparations. We found stages partially built, a handful […]
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Six Picks:The Best in Local Music This Week (July 20-July 26)
Six Picks is our weekly column that features some of the best in local music. We’ve got you covered for the next few days with shows all around RI. Check out “picks” below. (Pictured: Elvis Costello at the 2016 Newport Folk Festival, Photo: Ken Abrams) Jillian Jensen Appears at Newport Vineyards Tonight Jillian Jensen Tonight […]
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Interview: Zach Tenorio-Miller of Arc Iris – Band to Play Joni Mitchell’s “Blue” This Weekend
There are a handful of rock stars who are commonly identified by their first name – Elvis, Janis, Bob and of course, Joni. Arc Iris Plays Joni Mitchell’s Blue This Weekend Arc Iris Plays Joni Mitchell’s Blue This Weekend Joni Mitchell is one of the most influential artists in modern music – her impact as […]
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Six Picks:The Best in Local Music This Week (July 13-July 19)
It’s a classic rock week on “Six Picks,” with some great music coming to town. We’ll mix in some singer-songwriters, both local and national, and round it out with a new folk festival in Providence. Check out our picks for some of the best in area music this weekend. Newport to Nashville Tonight at Newport […]
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Beethoven’s Wig Coming to Newport Friday
Ever wondered how Beethoven’s music would sound if lyrics were added? Well, you can hear one man’s take on the celebrated composer’s 5th Symphony (and a lot more) this Friday as part of the Newport Music Festival. Richard Perlmutter Brings Beethoven’s Wig to Newport Friday Richard Perlmutter Brings Beethoven’s Wig to Newport Friday Beethoven’s Wig […]
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Six Picks:The Best in Local Music This Week (July 6-July 12)
It’s a busy summer weekend of local shows and stadium concerts ahead in the region. We begin at the … New Bedford Folk All Weekend Patty Larkin Headlines the New Bedford Folk Festival This Weekend The New Bedford Folk Festival is a bit of a hidden jewel. It doesn’t always get the attention of another […]
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Wheels of Soul Tour Coming to PPAC Friday – Interview with Oliver Wood
Tedeschi Trucks Band Lead the Wheels of Soul Tour in Providence Friday A rock show is coming to Providence Friday night and this is one of those concerts where the opening bands are just as stellar as the main act. The Tedeschi-Trucks Band headline the “Wheels of Soul 2017” show that also includes the Wood […]
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Six Picks:The Best in Local Music This Week (June 29-July 5)
There’s a delightful mix of pre-4th of July shows around the state this weekend. We’ve got R&B, Jazz, Alternative, and a serving or two of Folk in our weekly column “Six Picks.” Read on for all the details. Aimee Mann Plays the Columbus Theatre in Providence Thursday Aimee Mann Thursday Aimee Mann began her career […]
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New Contemporary Classical Series Coming to Newport
Summer in Newport means lots of live music, and this year, a new Classical series arrives with a splash. The Newport Contemporary Music Series begins Saturday July 1 with some big names kicking off the festivities. Saturday’s highlight is a world premiere with living legend Andre Previn, titled “Almost an Overture.” The opening performance also […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week(June 22-June 28)
It’s the first weekend of summer and it’s time to rock out on “Six Picks,” our weekly column highlighting some of the best music around RI. We’ve picked shows in local dive bars and big stadiums this week, so get out and enjoy some tunes! Zach Schmidt Thursday Zach Schmidt Plays Nick-a-Nees in Providence Thursday […]
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Concert Review: Joan Osborne Charms With the Dylan Songbook
Joan Osborne was clicking on all cylinders Friday night at the cozy Greenwich Odeum as she waltzed through a set Bob Dylan covers in a special show. Of course, Osborne made her name as a cereal box philosopher asking the question “What if God was ‘One of Us’,” the Eric Bazilian penned chart topper from […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week(June 15-June 21)
Welcome to a (mainly) classic rock weekend on “Six Picks,” our weekly column highlighting Rhode Island’s best music. This week, we’ve got the original Jam Band, a woman who asked a famous question, and a top selling Jazz chanteuse kicking off a big month at PPAC. Details below. Joan Osborne at Greenwich Odeum Friday Superstar […]
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Jazz Great Diana Krall Coming to PPAC June 18th
Multiple Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist and world-renowned singer Diana Krall, will return to the Providence Performing Arts Center on Sunday, June 18. The concert is part of her 2017/2018 World Tour in support of her new album Turn Up The Quiet, just released on Verve Records. Krall’s new album celebrates a return to jazz and […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week(June 8-June 15)
A couple of young bands with a lot of talent and a little distortion make the cut this week in “Six Picks,” our new column featuring some of the best in local music. We’ve got two Diamonds, Twin Peaks, SCOTS and more this weekend. Check out What’s Up below, and send suggestions for future Picks […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week(June 1-June 7)
Welcome to “Six Picks,” a weekly column that lets you know “What’s Up” in local music. Our picks include shows at large stadiums, small theaters, and dive bars in and around Rhode Island. Local artists and venues are encouraged to e-mail suggestions to Ken Abrams. Check back weekly! (Pictured: Las Cafeteras) PVD Fest Downtown All […]
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Six Picks: The Best in Rhode Island Music, Performances This Week (May 25 – 31)
Welcome to “Six Picks,” a weekly column that lets you know “What’s Up” in local music. Our picks will include shows at large stadiums, small theaters, and the best dive bars in and around Rhode Island. We’ll feature a variety of bands and genres, from punk to jazz and everything in between. Local artists and […]
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REVIEW: I Got a Song – A History of the Newport Folk Festival
A new book on the history of the Newport Folk Festival is a treasure trove for music fans. Former Providence Journal reporter Rick Massimo has written the first complete account of the legendary festival, describing its many successes and occasional blunders. Massimo interviewed many of the major organizers the festival, as well as musicians, attendees, and […]