Posted inArts & Culture

Newport Jazz Festival closes out with Herbie Hancock, Thundercat, Celeste, and a weekend to remember

The 2026 Newport Jazz Festival wrapped up Sunday at Fort Adams State Park with Herbie Hancock headlining a closing day full of standout performances, a last-minute cancellation, and one of the weekend’s most spontaneous moments. Sienna Spiro, scheduled to perform on the Quad Stage, cancelled due to a throat infection. Newport Jazz Festival Artistic Director […]

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Newport Jazz Festival Day 2: Jonathan Batiste, “Sonny Miles on a Trane” headline a standout Saturday at Fort Adams

Day 2 of the sold-out 2026 Newport Jazz Festival delivered another full and memorable Saturday at Fort Adams State Park, with Jonathan Batiste Trios and the closing “Sonny Miles on a Trane” set featuring Kamasi Washington and Chief Adjuah drawing some of the weekend’s biggest reactions from the crowd. Batiste’s Trios set on the Quad […]

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Newport Jazz Festival opens with Vulfpeck, Robert Glasper, Little Simz, and more in packed Friday debut

The 2026 Newport Jazz Festival got underway Friday at Fort Adams State Park, delivering a full day of music across four stages from morning through evening. The day opened with a Local Jam on the Fort Stage and Braxton Cook on the Quad Stage, with Concurrence kicking off the Harbor Stage at 11 a.m. The […]

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Newport Folk Festival closes out with Nathaniel Rateliff, Dave Matthews, Joan Baez, and Mavis Staples in unforgettable Sunday finale

The 2026 Newport Folk Festival went out in style Sunday at Fort Adams State Park, closing its sold-out three-day run with a finale that few in attendance will soon forget. Nathaniel Rateliff & Friends headlined the Fort Stage to close the weekend, but it was the surprise guests that sent the crowd into a frenzy. […]

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Newport Folk Festival Day 2: The Lumineers close out a packed Saturday at Fort Adams

NEWPORT — Day 2 of the sold-out 2026 Newport Folk Festival delivered another full slate of music Saturday at Fort Adams State Park, with The Lumineers closing out the Fort Stage to cap an afternoon and evening that built steadily toward one of the weekend’s most anticipated headliners. Gillian Welch & David Rawlings turned heads […]

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Newport Folk Festival opens with Hayley Williams, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Courtney Barnett and more

The 2026 Newport Folk Festival kicked off Friday at the sold-out Fort Adams State Park, delivering a full day of music across more than three stages from morning through evening. The Fort Stage headliners set the tone for the weekend, with Courtney Barnett, Lucy Dacus, and Hayley Williams & Friends closing out the night. Ms. […]

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Concert Recap and Photos: Cowboy Junkies bring warm vibes to Newport on a chilly winter evening

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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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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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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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: 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 […]

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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: 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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What’s Up around town: Good times Saturday at the Rhode Island Brew Fest

The annual Rhode Island Brew Fest filled the hall of the Waterfire Arts Center in Providence Saturday, February 5. The event drew over 50 local and regional breweries and hundreds of beer-loving friends. Rhode Island breweries were well represented with larger companies like Narragansett and Newport Craft attending along with upstarts like “Rejects” in Newport […]

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Concert Recap and Photos: Lost Dog Street Band at The Strand

Nashville’s Lost Dog Street Band warmed up a friendly crowd on an ice cold evening Wednesday, January 26 at The Strand in downtown Providence. Openers Lenny Lashley’s Gang of One (actually a band of two), and singer-songwriter Matt Heckler impressed with brief, but memorable sets. Presenting an original set of country blues, Heckler demonstrated his […]

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Brewery of the Month – We visit the Providence Brewing Company

Things are certainly brewing in Providence … The Providence Brewing Company, a welcome addition to the region’s growing line-up of micro-breweries, recently opened at the Farm Fresh RI hub on Sims Avenue in the Valley neighborhood. The state’s newest micro-brewery isn’t really brand new. The original Providence Brewing Company opened in the 1800’s and closed […]

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Concert Recap and Photos: Lindsey Stirling at the Providence Performing Arts Center

Multi-talented entertainer Lindsey Stirling dazzled her fans Tuesday, December 14 at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Stirling delivered what she is best known for – a high-energy performance showcasing her top-notch violin skills, with dance, acrobatics, and spectacle. Stirling’s Christmas show was a big hit before a near sell-out crowd. The mood was festive and […]

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Concert Recap and Photos: Joe Bonamassa rocks PPAC (November 20, 2021)

Blues-rock guitar great Joe Bonamassa and his band thrilled a packed house at the Providence Performing Arts Center in a great show Saturday, November 20th. The band powered through classic hits including show opener”Evil Mama,” “Midnight Blues,” and the encore “Sloe Gin.” Check out some fine photos of the evening from WhatsUpNewp’s Rick Farrell. Slideshow

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Photo Gallery: Dave Bromberg Quintet at the Greenwich Odeum

Multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter David Bromberg and his quintet took to the stage at the Greenwich Odeum on Friday night. Bromberg’s band is filled with ace musicians and is anchored by Mark Cosgrove (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Nate Grower (fiddle, mandolin, guitar, vocals), Josh Kanusky (drums, vocals) and newest member, Suavek Zaniesienko (bass, vocals). What’s Up Newp […]

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Concert Recap and Photos: John Waite at the Greenwich Odeum (November 11, 2021)

English musician John Waite brought his long-awaited acoustic show to the Greenwich Odeum Thursday, November 11th, before a half-capacity crowd of dedicated fans. Waite sang his originals including the top-selling 1984 hit “Missing You” as well as a few covers including the Dylan/Hendrix classic “All Along the Watchtower.” He also threw in a few songs […]

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Concert Recap and Photos: Tom Rush at Jane Pickens Theater (November 4, 2021)

A near-capacity crowd filled the Jane Pickens Theatre Thursday night November 4th when folk legend Tom Rush played an intimate show with accompanist Matt Nokoa. Rush, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, was strong as always, moving through originals and covers, interspersed with stories about the songs and his role in the folk revival of […]

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Concert Recap and Photos: S.G. Goodman brings wit, wisdom, and good vibes to the Casino Theatre

Another in a fine series of concerts from Common Fence Music came to Newport Saturday, October 30th when S.G. Goodman and her band headlined a formidable show. Goodman, who played the Newport Festivals “Folk On” this summer, brought penetrating lyrics, wide-ranging vocals, a tight backing band and a large does of Kentucky wit to the […]

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Concert Recap and Photos: Farm Aid returns to Hartford, CT (September 25, 2021)

Saturday, September 25th saw the triumphant return of the annual Farm Aid concert, this year held in nearby Hartford, CT. The sold-out event was a major success, for the artists who played it as well as for the organization it benefits. Founded in 1985, the longest-running live concert benefit was missing one of its founders […]

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Concert Recap and Photos: Alice Cooper and Ace Frehley at Leader Bank Pavilion (September 21, 2021)

It was an all-out assault on the senses Wednesday, September 21 at the Leader Bank Pavilion where Alice Cooper and Ace Frehley rocked the house … and the city around it. Kiss co-founder Frehley ran through a number of his former band’s hits including “Shock Me,” “Rocket Ride,” and “Parasite.” He led his band on […]

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Concert Recap and Photos: Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals at the Greenwich Odeum (September 18, 2021)

It was a high-energy trip down memory lane at the Greenwich Odeum Saturday night September 18th, when one of classic rock’s greatest acts, Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals, paid a visit to the East Greenwich theatre. Cavaliere was the original keyboardist in the popular band, known for hits like “Good Lovin’,” “People got to be Free,” and […]

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Concert Recap and Photos: The Motels Rock the Odeum (September 16, 2021)

80’s chart-toppers The Motels paid a visit to the Greenwich Odeum Thursday, September 16th for a high-energy show before a crowd of dedicated fans. Led by lead singer/guitarist Martha Davis, the band powered through their hits and more including “So LA,” “Only the Lonely,” and “Suddenly Last Summer.” What’sUpNewp photographer Rick Farrell was there and […]

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Concert Recap and Photos: Leann Rimes at the Greenwich Odeum (Sept. 9, 2021)

Country star Leann Rimes took center stage before a sold-out crowd at the Greenwich Odeum Thursday, September 9th, playing a show full of hits along with a few surprises. Rimes thrilled her fans with favorites including “Blue,” “Love is Love” and “Can’t Fight the Moonlight.” She brought the house down with her encore, the Elton […]

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Concert Recap and Photos: Rhythm and Roots Day 3 (September 5, 2021)

Sunday, September 5th saw a beautiful finish to the annual Rhythm and Roots Festival in Charlestown, RI. A little light rain didn’t dampen any spirits – the dance tent was hoppin’ and the bands were rockin! Early highlights Sunday including a rousing opening hour from Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez with the Sin Sisters along […]

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Concert Recap and Photos: Rhythm and Roots Festival Day 2 (September 4, 2021)

A sold-out crowd welcomed some of their favorite musicians while making a few new friends Saturday, September 4th as the Rhythm and Roots Festival continued at Ninigret Park in Charlestown, RI. The Festival returned for a full day of music with a diverse group of artists after an evening show Friday night. Main stage opener […]

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Concert Recap and Photos: Rhythm & Roots Festival gets underway in Charlestown (September 3, 2021)

As they say in New Orleans, “Laissez les bon temps rouler…” Indeed, that vibe, “Let the good times roll,” was everywhere Friday night, September 3rd at the Rhythm & Roots Festival in Charlestown, RI. The Festival is finally back, as strong as ever, after a year off due to Covid. Fans couldn’t be happier. The […]

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Concert Photos and Recap: Hundreds enjoy Rhode Island Folk Festival in East Providence (August 29, 2021)

It was a beautiful day for music Sunday, August 29th at Rose Larissa Park in East Providence where over 40 bands and artists played the 7th annual Rhode Island Folk Festival. Over 1,000 fans attended the free event, which featured craft vendors and food trucks, along with a variety of local musicians performing folk to […]

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Newport Jazz 2021 – Day 3 Recap and Photos (August 1)

Newport Jazz wrapped up a sold-out weekend on Sunday. The day included performances from Brandee Younger, Charles Lloyd, Robert Glasper, Kenny Barron, Andra Day, and several groups. Before introducing Brandee Younger and her beautiful gold harp to kick things off on the Lawn Stage, Artistic Director Christian McBride said, “The beautiful thing about this festival […]

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Concert Photos: Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez at the Narrows Center (1-29-21)

The Friday Night Concert series at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River continued January 29th with a superb streaming show from Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez. Known for her mile-high platinum-blonde hairdo, Ohlman is the current, long-time vocalist with NBC’s Saturday Night Live Band and a popular national performer. Concert Photographer Rick […]

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Concert Recap and Photos: Dr. Gasp and Ian O’Neil at Askew (October 17, 2020)

It was a festive atmosphere outside Askew in Providence Saturday night as a pair of local favorites took over the outdoor stage for an evening of great music. Dr. Gasp (Dan Blakeslee’s Halloween incarnation) and Ian O’Neil played upbeat sets before an enthused crowd. What’sUpNewp Concert Photographer Rick Farrell was there to capture the good […]

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