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 […]
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."
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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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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 […]
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Concert Photos: Low Cut Connie at the Narrows Center
Low Cut Connie stormed into the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River Thursday, May 19 for a crowd-pleasing high-energy show. Led by frontman, pianist, and songwriter Adam Weiner, the band is known for their unique brand of over-the-top indie rock. They played a critically acclaimed set at the Newport Folk Festival in 2018 […]
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Concert Photos: Tori Amos impressive at The Vets
It was a party in Providence Monday night when Tori Amos brought her tour to The Vets on May 16. The alt-rock artist, whose career goes back to the early 1990s, is celebrating the 30th anniversary of her groundbreaking debut album Little Earthquakes. Amos covered material from throughout her career, including some of her biggest […]
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Concert Photos: The American Band inducted into the RI Music Hall of Fame
After a two-year wait, The American Band was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame at ceremonies at the University of Rhode Island Sunday, May 15. At 185 years old, the historic ensemble is the oldest continually operating brass band in the United States. The afternoon event “Connecting, Adapting, & Working Together to […]
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Concert Review and Photos: The Zombies rock the Narrows Center
The Zombies, one of the original British Invasion bands, dropped by the Narrows Center Sunday, May 1 for a high-energy show on the last night of their “Life is a Merry-Go-Round” US tour. The concert was full of musical highlights, sprinkled with stories going back to their days spent recording at Abbey Road Studios in […]
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Concert Photos: Blind Boys of Alabama and Amadou & Mariam at The Vets
An enthusiastic crowd was on hand when two legendary bands came together at The Vets in Providence April 27, 2022 for a night of inspiring music. The Blind Boys of Alabama were joined by Malian Afro-blues duo Amadou & Mariam in a concert sponsored by FirstWorks, one of the state’s leading arts organizations. The bands […]
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Concert Recap and Photos: The English Beat at the Narrows Center
Fans were dancing in the aisles to the ska sounds of the English Beat Friday, April 1 in a sold-out show at the Narrows Center in Fall River, MA. Founded in Birmingham, England in 1978, the band was a hit on college radio before gaining mainstream success behind their blend of ska, pop, reggae, and […]
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Concert Photos: Melissa Manchester at the Greenwich Odeum (March 25, 2022)
Singer, songwriter, and actress Melissa Manchester thrilled her fans Friday, March 25, 2022 at the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich, RI. Manchester and her band shined in a show that featured covers and originals including her chart-topping hits “Midnight Blue” and “Don’t Cry Out Loud.” She sang a sweet version of the Ronettes “Be My […]
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Concert Review and Photos: Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives deliver at the Odeum
Country legend Marty Stuart and his band The Fabulous Superlatives put on quite a show at the Greenwich Odeum Saturday, March 5, 2022. Behind his sincere country charm, Stuart is no doubt a legendary frontman… and the trio behind him is one of the best in the music business… country or otherwise. The band demonstrated […]
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Concert Photos: Don Felder soars at the Narrows Center
Guitarist and former member of The Eagles Don Felder brought his band and a set of legendary songs to Fall River’s Narrows Center for the Arts on Tuesday, March 1. It was a special night for the near-capacity crowd who heard timeless Eagles classics in the confines of one of the best music venues in […]
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Concert Photos: Doug Woolverton and Groove Merchants at Greenwich Hotel
RI native Doug Woolverton brought his A-game to the Miles Davis tribute show at the Updike Room at the Greenwich Hotel February 12-13, in a pair of Valentine’s weekend performances. His band, consisting of Mike Tucker on Tenor Sax, Chase Ceglie on Alto Sax, Rusty Scott on piano, Keala Kaumeheiwa on bass, and Chris Rivelli […]
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Concert Recap and Photos: Daughtry rocks Mohegan Sun
Rock and roll was the order of the day at the Mohegan Sun Arena Saturday night, February 12. Two bands, openers Plush and Grammy-nominated Daughtry played their hearts out before a near-capacity crowd. Plush, an all-female band on their way up, set the tone for the more well-established Daughtry, who worked through a setlist of […]
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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 Photos: Keb Mo sings the blues at the Greenwich Odeum
Veteran blues musician Keb Mo was greeted warmly by an enthusiastic crowd Thursday, February 3, at the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich, RI. Before a sold-out crowd, the five-time Grammy Awards winner shared old favorites and new songs from his album, Good to Be, released in late January. Concert Photographer Rick Farrell was there and […]
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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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Top 10 in 2021: Best Concert Photos from What’s Up Newp’s Rick Farrell
2021 started off slowly for local music fans, with smaller concerts held in the Spring, and large-scale shows returning by mid-summer. The return of Folk and Jazz to Fort Adams in July signaled live music was back, with Covid restrictions in place of course. We were there all year covering more live music than any […]
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‘Thank You,’ Leno tells cops at sold-out comedy show
At a time when laughter seems elusive and policing is often under siege – Jay Leno, the one-time king of late-night tv, brought laughter to this 90-seat Newport theater and an appreciative audience of primarily local policemen. [ Dec. 24 – ‘5 Nights of Leno’ raises $18,000 for Newport Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #8 […]
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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: Marie Osmond at Mohegan Sun Arena
Legendary singer, actress, author, and philanthropist Marie Osmond paid a visit to the Mohegan Sun Arena Wednesday, December 8, on her “2021 Holiday Tour.” Osmond was having a busy week, releasing a new album Unexpected Friday, and starring in a new movie “A Fiancé for Christmas,” coming out on Lifetime. Her concert, “A Symphonic Christmas” […]