Newport’s Jane Pickens Theatre welcomed legendary Canadian alt-country rockers The Cowboy Junkies to town for a sold-out concert on Friday, February 23. The band warmed hearts and souls with a two-and-a-half-hour show before a friendly audience of long-time fans alongside a few newbies. The opening set featured mainly songs from the band’s critically acclaimed 2023 […]
Rick Farrell
Rick Farrell of Mojo Photography has been drawn to music his entire life. Maybe it was growing up in Newport, RI, host to the venerable Newport Jazz and Folk festivals. Or maybe it was the countless hours listening to his older siblings' classic LP's and 45's on the stereo in the 1960's. Whatever the reason, there has always been a strong connection.
He had originally taken up photography as a hobby, eventually gravitating towards shooting professionally in 2007. Never knowing what his true passion or niche was, proved to be very frustrating to say the least. Then in 2009 he shot a concert, and everything seemed to click. He had discovered his passion! Concert photography!
He considers himself fortunate to have photographed shows at some of the premier venues in New England, including Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium. He has literally photographed hundreds of shows, including some of the biggest acts in today’s music industry. He has photographed many esteemed festivals including the New Orleans Jazz Festival, Newport Folk Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, and Farm Aid. His work has been published in numerous outlets locally, regionally, and nationally.
Musically, he loves everything from rock to country, jazz, R&B, pop, and classical. There is no greater feeling for him than capturing a moment on stage for others to enjoy for posterity. Whatever your taste, his goal is to provide "music for your eyes."
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Concert Photos: Bush rocks Providence Performing Arts Center in high-energy show
A capacity crowd was on its feet all night long as rock stalwarts Bush brought a high-energy show to the Providence Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, November 21. Thirty years after they broke out of the London rock scene, the band brought hits from throughout their career, including “Everything Zen,” “Glycerine,” and “Comedown.” Next up […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Concert Photos: The Beach Boys bring ‘Fun, Fun, Fun’ to PPAC
An enthusiastic crowd greeted “America’s Band,” when the Beach Boys brought some “Good Vibrations” to the Providence Performing Arts Center on Thursday, November 16. The iconic band rocked two solid sets of classic hits, including “Surfin’ USA,” “I Get Around,” “God Only Knows,” and “California Girls.” The Beach Boys at PPAC (Photo: Rick Farrell)The Beach […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Concert Photos: Macy Gray cool as ever at the Greenwich Odeum
Singer Macy Gray was a hit Sunday, October 1, on a tour stop at the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich. Gray covered several from her new album Reset, along with other crowd favorites, including #1 hit “I Try” throughout the evening. Check out some photos of the concert below from WUN photographer Rick Farrell. Macy […]
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Concert Recap and Photos: Van Morrison as good as ever at the Providence Performing Arts Center
Van Morrison thrilled fans in the first of two shows at the Providence Performing Arts Center on Friday, September 22. The legendary artist, known for hits like “Have I Told You Lately,” “Brown-Eyed Girl,” and “Moondance,” was particularly strong Friday night, driving his band through a high-energy set of rock, country, and skiffle classics along […]
Posted inArts & Culture
2022 Newport Jazz Festival: Shift in direction – Day 3 recap and photos
Sunday, July 31 concluded three days of fun in the sun at the historic Newport Jazz Festival at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI. Post pandemic, the full return of the festival was well attended, selling out on Saturday with near sell-outs Friday and Sunday. Whether intended or not, the theme of this year’s […]
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2022 Newport Jazz Festival – Day 2 recap and photos
A sell-out crowd squeezed into Fort Adams State Park Saturday, July 30 for Day 2 of the 2022 Newport Jazz Festival. Once again it was a day for youth to shine, as well as one that saw women artists taking charge. There was more energy in the line-up than ever before behind bands like Sons […]
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2022 Newport Jazz Festival off to a great start – Day 1 recap and photos
Jazz is back at Fort Adams. The 2022 Newport Folk Festival kicked off on Friday, July 29 with a diverse lineup that included some new names along with some familiar artists. In recent years, the Friday program has introduced younger artists to the festival crowd – this year’s program was no different. A series of […]
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2022 Newport Folk Festival Day 3: Joni Mitchell appears for historic set
In Saturday’s Newport Folk recap, I wondered how the Festival could outdo itself after welcoming music legend Paul Simon to the Fort Adams stage. There were rumors of a “big name” coming on the third day of the 2022 festival, but there are always rumors at Newport that fail to develop, so most festival-goers were […]
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2022 Newport Folk Festival: Surprise Appearance by Paul Simon – Day 2 Recap and Photos
Saturday, July 23 at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival was a day to be remembered. The festival was overdue for a big surprise performance, and Saturday’s appearance by Paul Simon certainly fit the bill. There were some hints earlier in the year when Nathaniel Rateliff announced the “American Tune Review,” as a planned festival set. […]
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2022 Newport Folk Festival: Day 1 Recap and Photos
If there was a theme to the first day of the 2022 Newport Folk Festival on Friday, July 22, it was variety and diversity. A wide range of sound was represented, including several genre-defying bands and artists. No doubt, the focus was simply all about great music. The festival was more or less back to […]
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Concert Photos: Little River Band at Indian Ranch
One of Australia’s all time most popular bands stopped by Indian Ranch in Webster, MA Sunday, July 17 for an entertaining show. The band played several familiar hits including “Happy Anniversary,” “Reminiscing,” and the #1 hit “Help is on the Way.” Longtime fans harmonized along with the band at the near-sell-out concert. WUN photographer Rick […]
Posted inThings To Do
Concert Photos: Rock legend Todd Rundgren plays the hits and more at the Greenwich Odeum
Rock legend Todd Rundgren thrilled his fans in a sold-out show at the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich Friday, July 15. The 74-year-old music innovator, known for his production credits as well as his music, was strong throughout the set, which included well-known hits and a few deeper tracks. Highlights of the evening included classics […]
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Concert Photos: New Kids on the Block and friends bring the party to Mohegan Sun Arena
New Kids on the Block headlined a high-energy concert at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT Friday July 1. Special guests Rick Astley, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue were there as well, playing separate sets and joining the Kids for several tunes. The artists were spread out over two stages for much of the evening, with the center stage creating […]
Posted inNews
Concert Recap and Photos: The Doobie Brothers rock it down the highway at the Xfinity Center
One of classic rock’s most enduring bands, the Doobie Brothers finally got to play in front of an enthused crowd at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA Saturday, June 25. The band had previously scheduled their “50th Anniversary Tour” for the summer of 2020 – it was canceled twice due to the pandemic. What made […]
Posted inNews
Newport Celebrates Pride with Festival and “Ride for Pride”
Pride returned to the streets of downtown Newport Saturday afternoon June 25. The celebration included the Newport Pride Festival and Marketplace, held at the Newport Friends Meeting House along with a colorful bike “ride for pride” that drew support from allies and onlookers. Dozens of community agencies and vendors took part in the festivities which […]
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Photo Gallery: Patti LaBelle at Mohegan Sun Arena
After being rescheduled twice due to COVID-19, Patti LaBelle finally returned to the Mohegan Sun Arena on Sunday, June 19. Quite a full house was on hand as Patti belted out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets, including her hits “New Attitude” and “Lady Marmalade”. What’sUpNewp’s Rick Farrell was there to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Photo Gallery: Rhode Island PrideFest returns to Providence
The 46th Annual Rhode Island PrideFest Celebration was held in downtown Providence on Saturday, June 18, 2022. More than 250 nonprofit organizations, businesses, and food vendors were on hand for the event at the Providence Innovation District Park, which also included entertainment for festival-goers from a variety of local and regional acts. What’sUpNewp’s Rick Farrell […]
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Concert Recap and Photos: Trombone Shorty and friends bring good vibes to Bold Point Park
A mid-afternoon thunderstorm ushered in a high-energy evening of New Orleans-influenced rock and soul Friday night June 17 at Bold Point Park in East Providence, RI. Trombone Shorty’s Voodoo Threauxdown was an impressive display featuring several N’Orleans bands. Newport Jazz Festival alum Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue headlined the night that included fellow Louisiana bands Tank […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Photo Gallery: PVD Fest returns to the streets of Providence
After a two-year pandemic hiatus, the capital city’s signature event, PVD Fest returned to Providence over the weekend of July 10-12. The free festival features hundreds of artists on stages throughout downtown Providence. Celebrations continue Sunday from 12PM-6PM. Click here for a full schedule of events. WUN photographer Rick Farrell stopped by Saturday and shares […]
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Concert Photos: Train, Jewel, and Blues Traveler play Xfinity Center
Enthused fans rocked out to a triple bill at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA on Wednesday, June 8. Award-winning bands Train, Blues Traveler, and singer-songwriter Jewel brought their high-energy tour to the outdoor amphitheater. WUN photographer Rick Farrell was there to capture the fun. Check out some great concert photography below. (All photos: Rick […]
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Concert Photos: D’Vottes, Western Stars, and Tabers play benefit show to support Cystinosis Research
It was a beautiful day for rock and roll Sunday, June 5 when the East Warren Rod and Gun Club hosted a benefit concert in support of Cystinosis research. The fourth annual fundraiser for the Cystinosis Research Foundation featured music from RI mainstays D’Vottes, Western Stars & Mark & Sam Taber. An enthusiastic crowd greeted […]
Posted inThings To Do
Photos: ‘Boots on the Ground’ commemorate Memorial Day at Fort Adams
Fort Adams State Park continues an annual Memorial Day tradition this weekend with “Boots on the Ground,” a tribute to soldiers lost since 9/11 in the war against terrorism. Approximately 7,000 boots and placards are spread throughout the fort. The exhibition is open through Monday, May 30th. Admission is free. For details, click here. WUN […]
Posted inNews
Concert Photos: The Wallflowers rock Jane Pickens
A sell-out concert from The Wallflowers kicked off Memorial Day Weekend on Thursday, May 26 at the Jane Pickens Theater and Events Center in Newport. Led by founder Jakob Dylan, the band rock through a set of favorites from throughout their 30+ year career. The 21-song set included Wallflowers favorites “6th Avenue Heartache” “The Passenger,” […]
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Concert Recap and Photos: Fans and bands support Brian Hien at The Met
A warm Spring afternoon brought a friendly crowd and some legendary bands together for a benefit show Sunday, May 22. The concert at The Met was organized to support longtime music promoter Brian Hien, who ran the Living Room for many years with his brother Randy. Hein was recently diagnosed with cancer and is facing […]