Indecent, a Tony Award-winning play by Paula Vogel, is returning to the Wilbury Theatre in Providence beginning Wednesday, November 30th. The highly acclaimed production has been described as “truly magical and undeniably unforgettable” by Broadway World and “a powerful indictment of oppression and censorship” by Edge Media. For the Wilbury, Indecent has been one of […]
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 inStyle & Shop
Shop Local: Ten book, art, and gift shops in Newport and beyond
The holiday shopping season is upon us. Before heading out to the big box stores or ordering online, check out the dozens of local options for finding great gifts for family and friends. Each week between now and Christmas, we’ll select ten of our favorites in different categories from Aquidneck Island and beyond. This week, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Top ten+ holiday concerts in Rhode Island for 2023
‘Tis the season … for holiday concerts. From classical to classic rock, here’s our list of some of the best in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts this holiday season. November 30: Gary Hoey’s “Ho Ho Hoey Rockin’ Holiday Tour” makes a stop at the Narrows Center in Fall River. Hoey is known for his crunchy […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Ticket Giveaway: Win tickets to see Bush at PPAC on Tuesday, November 21
Grammy-nominated rock band Bush bring their Nowhere To Go But Everywhere Tour to the Providence Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, November 21 and thanks to PPAC, we’ve got a pair of tickets to give away to the show. To enter, email Ken Abrams at mrabrams11@gmail.com by 9AM on Thursday, November 16. Please put “Bush Tickets” […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Ticket Giveaway: Musician Phoebe Hunt playing the Newport Art Museum on Saturday, November 18
On Saturday, November 18th, Newport Live welcomes singer-songwriter/fiddler Phoebe Hunt, premiering her new solo album at the Newport Art Museum at 7PM. Thanks to Newport Live, we are offering a pair of free tickets to the show. To enter, email Ken Abrams at mrabrams11@gmail.com by 5PM on Thursday, November 16. Please put “Phoebe Hunt tickets” […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview and Ticket Giveaway: We speak to Mike Love of the Beach Boys
Only one music group gets the designation of “America’s Band.” That band, of course, is The Beach Boys. Under the leadership of founding member Mike Love, the band tours regularly, averaging about 150 shows a year. They’ll be appearing at the Providence Performing Arts Center on Thursday, November 16, and we’ve got two free pairs […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Steve Smith, playing RI Music Hall of Fame ‘Legends Show’ at Park Theatre Saturday, November 11
An all-star cast of musicians are playing a special concert for a great cause at Cranston’s Park Theatre this weekend, featuring not one, not two, not three… but five iconic Rhode Island-based acts. The Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame Legends Concert will feature five Hall inductees, including Duke Robillard, Sugar Ray, John Cafferty and […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Music & Entertainment, Things To Do
November Picks: Top ten concerts in Rhode Island this month
This week, we’re introducing a new column, “Top 10 Concerts This Month.” The good news – November offers an exceptionally strong lineup of shows in the state, from legends of rock and roll to rising stars. At last check, tickets are still available for all of these shows. November 10: Bob Dylan, who first played […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
WUN Interview and Ticket Giveaway: Marc Roberge of O.A.R., playing Jane Pickens November 8
A rare unplugged-style show is coming to the Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center, and thanks to Spectacle Live, we’ve got a pair of tickets and a “meet and greet” opportunity to the show. To enter to see Marc Roberge, e-mail Ken Abrams at mrabrams11@gmail.com by Friday, November 3 at 5PM. Two sets of winners […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Six Picks’ family Halloween fun this weekend (October 27 – 29)
It’s finally here! Halloween weekend is upon us, and with Americans spending over ten billion dollars on the holiday, there’s a lot more to do than just trick or treating. Here’s our round-up of some of the spookiest events for families this weekend. All Weekend: ‘Tis the season for a Haunted Boat Ride on the Providence River. Join […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Singer-Songwriter Anna Mieke, playing Newport’s Colony House on Friday, November 3
WIN FREE TICKETS TO THE SHOW: Thanks to Newport Live, we have a pair of free tickets to give away. For your chance, e-mail Ken Abrams at mrabrams11@gmail.com by Friday, October 27 at 5PM with “Anna Mieke tickets” in the subject line. You have to give credit to Dick Lynn, Executive Director of Newport Live. […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Ticket Giveaway: Tower of Power to play PPAC with RI Philharmonic October 28
Need a dose of soul power? We’ve got the cure! Legendary Oakland, CA band Tower of Power will join the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra for a special concert at the Providence Performing Arts Center on Saturday, October 28. Thanks to our friends at PPAC, What’sUpNewp has two pairs of tickets to give away to the […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (October 20-22)
Halloween-themed concert events are the focus of this weekend’s “Six Picks,” our weekly round-up of concerts around the region. Check out some spooky shows and more around the state. Friday: We interviewed singer-songwriter Troy Ramey earlier this week and learned more about the former Newporter’s new album, and his time on NBC’s The Voice. He’ll […]
Posted inFood & Drink
‘Six Picks’ Fall Treats – The best apple cider donuts in Newport County and beyond
Cooler temps mean it’s time to hit those farm stands around the region this weekend for apples, pumpkins, and other seasonal treats. This week, we’re highlighting a few farm stands that offer a seasonal favorite in southern New England that seems to be everywhere, apple cider donuts. Here are a few of our favorites. Hard-Pressed […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Troy Ramey, singer from ‘The Voice,’ playing Newport Playhouse Friday, October 20
Singer-songwriter Troy Ramey spent his teen years in Newport and is best for his 2017 run on NBC’s The Voice. Ramey is headlining a show on Friday, October 20, at the Newport Playhouse, appearing “in the round” with Lee Rogers and King Kyote as part of the venue’s ‘Newport to Nashville’ concert series. Click here […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Nicolo Spera, playing URI Guitar Festival Friday, October 20
A world-class music event returns to the region this weekend when the URI Guitar Festival takes over the Kingston campus and nearby venues. The festival continues to grow and expand under the leadership of Artistic Director and guitarist Adam Levin, who founded the festival in 2015. Click here for the full list of concerts and tickets. […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Music & Entertainment, Things To Do
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (October 13-15)
The local music scene is as busy as always this weekend – we’ll focus on local singer-songwriters performing around the state. Check out a few top picks below. Saturday: Ladies of Folk, a concert series highlighting local female artists, is an ongoing project of singer-songwriter Beth Barron. This weekend, the Stone Soup Coffeehouse opens their […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
‘Six Picks’ Halloween Frights – Scary attractions around RI and nearby MA this season
As we continue to celebrate the fall season, this week, we highlight six of the scariest Halloween attractions around the region. Be warned, some of these events are not for the faint of heart. Note: Most of these attractions are not recommended for young children. Check the websites for details. Scary Acres features three frightening hayrides through haunted […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Movie Preview: Joan Baez biopic ‘I am a Noise’ coming to Jane Pickens October 13-18
A new film about legendary folk singer Joan Baez tells her remarkable story, an intimate portrayal of her “public, private and secret life.” Joan Baez, I am a Noise, directed by Karen O’Connor, Miri Navasky, and Maeve O’Boyle, is playing at the Jane Pickens Film and Events Center October 13-16. Advance tickets are available here. […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (October 6-9)
The holiday weekend features all kinds of live music happening from fall festivals to dive bar jams. Check out a few top picks below in our weekly column “Six Picks Music.” Friday: Recently nominated for Emerging Artist of the Year at the Americana Awards, Adeem the Artist is a courageous indie folk/country singer-songwriter. They’ve been […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Juliana Hatfield, playing POP Emporium October 14
Juliana Hatfield is best known as a Boston-based singer-songwriter/musician, formerly of indie rock bands Blake Babies, Some Girls, and The Lemonheads, and leader of her own band, The Juliana Hatfield Three. In the early 1990s, she came to prominence as part of a wave of female alternative rock artists like P.J. Harvey, Liz Phair, Tanya […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Concert Recap and Photos: Belly fills Fort Adams with good vibes in homecoming show
Fort Adams State Park rocked hard Sunday evening, October 1, when one of the greatest bands to ever emerge from Newport, RI woke up some old ghosts in the 200-year-old Fort. The sell-out show, a benefit for Fort Adams Trust, was strong from the get-go; the band played with vigor and purpose, knocking it out […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (Sept. 29-Oct. 1)
Although the weather has had difficulty cooperating this summer, Sunday looks great for several outdoor concerts scheduled around the state. Read all about them and more in our weekly column “Six Picks Music.” Friday: RI-based singer/steel drum extraordinaire Becky Bass is playing an intimate show at White Dog Distilling in Pawtucket. Groove to the beat […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Macy Gray, coming to the Greenwich Odeum Sunday, October 1
Like many people around the country, singer-songwriter Macy Gray made a slight pivot during the pandemic. She’s still singing and acting, roles she has been successful at for over a quarter of a century, but musically she decided to “reset” somewhat over the last couple of years. Gray, who is playing the Greenwich Odeum in […]
Posted inHistory
This Day in Newport History: September 23, 1971 – Sean Spicer is born
Sean Spicer, best known as the embattled Press Secretary for President Donald Trump was born on September 23, 1971. Born in Manhasset, New York, Spicer grew up on the East Bay where his parents worked. He attended Portsmouth Abbey School and later graduated from Connecticut College in New London, CT. After graduating college, Spicer worked […]