Actor, writer, comedian, and producer Charlie Day was born on February 9, 1976, in New York City. His family moved to Middletown, RI where Day’s father worked as a Professor of Music History at Salve Regina University and his mother was a piano teacher at The Pennfield School. Day graduated from Portsmouth Abbey and later […]
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
Interview: We speak to actors Richard Thomas and Jacqueline Williams, stars of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD at PPAC
You’ve got a few more days to get to the Providence Performing Arts Center to see TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, one of the best productions to come to the Providence theater in some time. (Read our review here.) Based on the 1961 novel by Harper Lee, the play revolves around the trial of an African-American […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Theater Review: ‘TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD’ soars at PPAC
When a legendary Hollywood actor headlines a play, there’s always a risk they could steal its thunder. No doubt, many theatergoers buy tickets to see one of their favorite actors on stage. In the case of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, running at the Providence Performing Arts Center through Sunday, February 11, the appearance of Richard […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Comedian Kathy Griffin on her career, women in comedy, and ‘Life on the PTSD List’
Kathy Griffin’s career has been a never-ending story of resistance, determination, and resilience. One might think that almost losing her career after a spat with the former President would be enough – but overcoming cancer and addiction in the past couple of years was perhaps a more significant challenge. The Emmy and Grammy Award-winning comic […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: We speak with Billy May, Starchild in KISSNATION tribute band
KISS fans, here’s your opportunity to “rock and roll all night” … with KISSNATION, a leading KISS tribute band coming to The Strand Ballroom & Theatre in Providence on Saturday, February 3. The show, originally scheduled for the Park Theatre, was moved to Providence when the Cranston venue closed. Tickets to the show are available […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
The Mystique of Newport Folk
Music fans, it’s that time of year again. Newport Folk Festival tickets go on sale Thursday, February 1 at 1:00 PM. For those not in the know, the 10,000 or so tickets available daily will sell out in seconds even though no performer has yet to be announced for the festival. This has been the […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: A.J. Croce on ‘Croce Plays Croce’ concert coming to The Vets February 17
If you grew up in the 1970s, you’ll certainly recall how Jim Croce’s songs ruled the AM radio airwaves. Folk-rock tunes like “Operator,” “Time in a Bottle,” and “Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown” are timeless classics, and remain in regular rotation on classic rock radio. Croce’s career was just beginning when he was tragically killed in […]
Posted inFood & Drink
‘Six Picks’ Special: Dark beers for the dark season from RI breweries
With another chilly weekend upon us and Spring still at least a couple of months away, we thought it would be a good time to indulge in a seasonal favorite: dark beer. By dark, we mean stouts, porters, black, brown, and red ales; beers specifically made and marketed for the winter months. With dozens of […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Interview: Michael Timmins of the Cowboy Junkies, playing Jane Pickens on February 23
One of the more innovative bands in rock and roll is headed back to Newport. The Cowboy Junkies last played the “City by the Sea” in 2022, a follow-up to a remarkable performance at the 2008 Newport Folk Festival. The Junkies have been making critically acclaimed music since the late 1980s, never veering far from […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Reflections on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2024
“The time is always right to do what is right.” I entered kindergarten in the Fall of 1968 at what was then the newly rechristened Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, a school that continues to educate a diverse population in the Mount Hope neighborhood in Providence. King was assassinated the previous Spring, and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Meet cast members of Wilbury Theatre’s HIR, opening January 18
It’s been a busy holiday season packed with rehearsals for the cast of the latest production at Providence’s Wilbury Theatre Group. Later this month, the Company begins the new year with a performance of Taylor Mac’s HIR, a play the New York Times declared “a remarkable, audacious, uproarious black comedy with a daring combination of […]
Posted inNews
This Day in History: January 9, 1948 – Bill Cowsill born in Middletown
Singer, songwriter, and producer William Joseph Cowsill Jr. was born on January 9, 1948 in Middletown, RI. Bill Cowsill was the eldest of seven siblings from the Newport-based family band The Cowsills, and also performed as a solo artist and produced several Canadian bands over the course of his career. Based in Newport, The Cowsills […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Six Picks: Best Hot Chocolate in Newport and beyond
As the dead of winter sets in, we all know the best way to cheer up these dreary days is a mug full of hot chocolate at a local café or restaurant. Here area few of our favorite spots for cocoa and other sweetened winter beverages in Newport and beyond. First, don’t forget to mark […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Todd Park Mohr of Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Blues-rock veterans Big Head Todd and the Monsters, known for their passionate fanbase, return to Rhode Island next month for a nearly sold-out show at the Greenwich Odeum on February 7. The Colorado quartet, who began as a trio in high school, includes Todd Park Mohr on vocals, guitar, keys, sax, and harmonica, Brian Nevin […]
Posted inArts & Culture
WUN Concert Photography: A Look back at 2023
2023 was an outstanding year for live music in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts. As the number of concerts returned to pre-pandemic levels, WUN photographers were there to capture many special moments. We hope you enjoy the photos below from Rick Farrell, Jack Casey, Gary Alpert, and Ken Abrams. Look for more great regional concert […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
‘Six Picks’ New Year’s Eve: Music around RI to ring in the New Year
Not interested in spending a car payment on a night out this New Year’s Eve? Then check out some affordable options for celebrating NYE with some of the best bar bands around. Here’s a sampling of some great music happening in bars and music venues on Sunday night. Have fun, designate a driver, and welcome […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Family fun awaits at the Providence Children’s Museum on “Noon Year’s Eve”
Looking for something special to do with the kids on New Year’s Eve day? Look no further than “Noon Year’s Eve,” an annual celebration at the Providence Children’s Museum happening on Sunday, December 31. We learned more about the exciting program in a recent chat with Victoria Picinich, the Museum’s Director of Development and External […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Meet the cast of Moulin Rouge! – Playing PPAC through December 31
Looking for some vacation week fun or a last-minute Christmas gift? Look no further than the Tony Award-winning musical Moulin Rouge!, playing at the Providence Performing Arts Center through December 31. Tickets are still available here for most performances of the stage show, based on Baz Luhrmann’s iconic 2001 film which starred Nicole Kidman and […]
Posted inNews
Shop Local! Last-minute gift ideas in and around Newport for 2023
As online shipping deadlines approach, your options for gift-buying for the holiday season become more limited. Never fear – local businesses are here to answer the call. Here’s an updated list of stores with all kinds of gifts available for last-minute shoppers. FOR THE HOME Kristen Coates – Shop curated holiday gifts in the online shop here or […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Jingle, Jazz and Opera’ coming to the Columbus Theatre Friday, December 22
Update (December 21): This event has been canceled due to an illness. They may not typically be associated with each other, but on Friday, December 22, at 7PM, they’ll come together in harmony at the Columbus Theatre in Providence. We’re talking about jazz and opera, two musical forms with diverse traditions that are not usually […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Sweetback Sisters ‘Country Christmas Spectacular’ coming to the Jamestown Arts Center on Saturday, December 16
Get your holidays on when Newport Live presents The Sweetback Sisters “Country Christmas Sing-along Spectacular” at the Jamestown Arts Center on Saturday, December 16th at 7 PM at the Jamestown Arts Center; 18 Valley Street, Jamestown, RI. Tickets are available on EventBrite or at the Newport Live website. Technically speaking, The Sweetback Sisters come from Brooklyn, NY but philosophically, they hail from a […]
Posted inStyle & Shop
‘Six Picks’ holiday book shopping: Books about Newport
With the holiday shopping season reaching its peak over the next couple of weekends, now is the time to shop. Here are a few ideas for the book lover in your life; Newport-themed books curated by Charter Books owner Steve Iwanski, for you to add to your collection. Happy shopping! Newport Cottages 1835-1890: The Summer […]
Posted inArts & Culture
43 Years Later, We Remember John Lennon
Today marks the 43rd anniversary of the death of John Lennon. The legendary artist was killed by a lone gunman on the night of December 8th, 1980, at the age of 40. His murder was an outrage – and ironic – that one who spoke so loudly against societal violence became a victim of a […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Sadie Dupuis of Speedy Ortiz, playing Union Station in Providence on Dec. 15
“The goal is not to become a bigger font on the festival poster,” says Sadie Dupuis of Speedy Ortiz. “It’s to make things that we care about, play with people we care about, and find art that moves us.” That’s the mantra of Speedy Ortiz, who are playing Union Station Brewery in Providence on Friday, […]
Posted inStyle & Shop
Shop Local: Ten stylish apparel shops for holiday shopping in Newport
Looking for a unique apparel gift this holiday season? Why not support Newport-area merchants by shopping for clothing locally? Here are a few ideas to get you started. Michael Hayes Newport features a curated selection of designer brands like Coppley, Eton, Veronica Beard, and Canali, from casual to elegant evening wear for men and women. […]