So what’s the point of rock and roll? Well, we’re learning the answer this summer. As live concerts return to the region, it’s clear that rock and roll music is nothing if not for its passionate fans. The communal experience of seeing a rock band, singing along, dancing in the aisles, and strumming air guitar […]
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 inArts & Culture
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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Newport Jazz 2021 – Day 2 Recap and Photos (July 31)
Day 2 of the 2021 Newport Jazz Festival was as close to perfect as live music can be. A Covid-required half-capacity gathering saw one of the better days the Festival has produced in several years – the weather was exceptional and good vibes were everywhere. Musical highlights included opener Danielle Ponder who shared a strong […]
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Newport Jazz 2021 – Day 1 Recap and Photos (July 30)
It was a picture-perfect summer day Friday at Fort Adams State Park, where “Newport Jazz Presents,” the 2021 version of the Newport Jazz Festival, kicked off in style. The Festival was downsized this year due to the pandemic – approximately half the usual number of tickets were sold and music was heard on only two […]
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Newport Folk 2021 – “Folk On” Day 2 Recap and Photos
Saturday, July 24th was a perfect day to ‘Folk On” at the Newport Folk Festival at Fort Adams State Park. It was Day 2 of the first of two three-day downsized festivals, with Fort Adams at half its regular capacity. The day featured great music and a visit from RI Governor Dan McKee. The day […]
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Newport Folk 2021 – “Folk On” Day 1 Recap and Photos
With the words “Happy New Year,” Newport Folk Festival Executive Director Jay Sweet kicked off “Folk On,” the 2021 version of the historic Festival. The event was downsized somewhat this year, with about half the normal capacity due to the pandemic. Still, the 5000 or so fans at Fort Adams made up the difference with […]
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Concert Recap and Photos – Bacon Brothers Rock the Odeum (July 16, 2021)
It was a rock show from start to finish Friday night at the Greenwich Odeum where the Bacon Brothers played to an enthusiastic crowd. It was a full house at the East Greenwich venue, in fact, it was the largest concert ever held there, where a renovated balcony section was recently completed. The band blasted […]
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Concert Recap and Photos: Tiffany brings the hits to the Greenwich Odeum (June 25, 2021)
Fans flocked to the Greenwich Odeum Friday, June 25th for an in-person show with pop star Tiffany. No longer just a teen idol, Tiffany rocked her band through a set of covers and originals including her hit “I Think We’re Alone Now.” Due to COVID, it was an intimate show, with about 100 dedicated fans […]
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Concert Photos: Nick-a-Nees celebrates 25 years (June 12-13, 2021)
Over 20 bands helped RI’s favorite dive bar celebrate 25 years in the business over the weekend of June 12-13, 2021. Bands and fans rock and rolled all day and all night to the sounds of some of the best in the region. Our photographer Rick Farrell was there to capture all the action.
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Photo Gallery: “Boots on the Ground” returns to Fort Adams State Park
Operation Stand Down Rhode Island’s “Boots on the Ground” is on display at Fort Adams State Park for Memorial Day weekend. The display honors over 7000 Americans who have given their lives during the ongoing Global War on Terror. The memorial will be open to the public Sunday until 8PM and Monday from 8AM to […]
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Live Concert Recap and Photos: Tish Adams and Evening Sky at Pumphouse Musicworks (4-23-21)
Live music warmed the soul on a chilly evening at the Pumphouse in Wakefield Friday as two RI-based acts came together for a great show. Singer Tish Adams was joined by the jazz/roots band Evening Sky for an outdoor concert under the tent. Evening Sky opened the evening with a set of roots-inspired jazz, including […]
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Concert Photos: Hey Nineteen at the Greenwich Odeum (April 9, 2021)
Live music was back before a limited capacity crowd of about 100 fans Friday night at the Greenwich Odeum when Steely Dan tribute band Hey Nineteen played a great set of Dan classics. The RI-based band featured songs from two legendary albums, Aja and Gaucho. WUN photographer Rick Farrell was there and shares these photos […]
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Concert Photos: Neal and the Vipers at the Narrows Center (2-12-21)
The Narrows Center for the Arts Livestream series continued Friday, February 12th with a high-energy show from the always rockin’ Neal and the Vipers. While we wait patiently for venues to reopen, be sure to check in with your favorite bands online. Meanwhile, check out some photos from Concert Photographer Rick Farrell, who was there […]
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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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What’s Up Concert Photos: Top Pics of 2020
It wasn’t easy to hear live music this year. As concert venues closed in March due to COVID-19, musicians were forced to get creative. Outdoor pop-up shows and drive-in concerts partially filled the void. What’sUpNewp Concert Photographer Rick Farrell was there to cover what he could. Here’s hoping for the return of live music in […]
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Farm Fresh RI Opens New Facility in Providence
Big things are happening in the Providence Valley Arts District these days. Farm Fresh RI officially opened its long-awaited new facility in Providence last weekend. Located at 10 Sims Street, the purpose-designed 60,000 sq. ft. facility sits on a 3.2 acre parcel of land. Half of the space will house Farm Fresh RI’s programs and […]
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Concert Photos: Tom Rush Plays Greenwich Odeum (11-06-20)
Legendary singer-songwriter Tom Rush returned to the Greenwich Odeum Friday night, delighting his loyal fans with stories and songs in a socially distant show in the East Greenwich concert hall. He was accompanied by keyboardist Matt Nokoa, who also opened the show. Our photographer Rick Farrell was there to capture the moment. Check out his […]
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Concert Recap and Photos: moe. at the Yarmouth Drive-In (Oct. 23, 2020)
A near capacity crowd from around New England and beyond cheered on jam band heroes moe. Friday night at the Yarmouth Drive-In. The band was on Cape Cod for the final weekend of music at the concert venue, which was set up this summer in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. Our photographer Rick Farrell […]
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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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Concert Recap and Photos: Steve Forbert at the Narrows Center (October 16, 2020)
Folk Rock troubadour Steve Forbert was in the house for a live show at the Narrows Center for the Arts Friday, October 16th. Forbert played an intimate set for the 100 or so socially distant, mask wearing fans in the audience. The Narrows continues to provide streaming and live concerts every Friday night – go […]
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Concert Photos: Wynton Marsalis Septet at Yarmouth Drive-In (October 8, 2020)
A chilly fall evening on the Cape didn’t deter jazz fans from heading out for a great night of music with jazz legend Wynton Marsalis. Marsalis and his Septet, members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, were at the Yarmouth Drive-In Thursday October 8th. The band swung through a set of music around the […]
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Concert Recap and Photos: Neal & the Vipers Rock Askew
RI music royalty hit the streets outside Askew Saturday night when Neal & the Vipers tore through a blues-rock set in front of around a hundred socially distant, but decidedly satisfied fans. The band was cookin’ on a chilly late summer evening, on the sidewalk on Chestnut Street, where sounds of screaming guitars usually spill […]
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Concert Photos: Grace Potter at the Yarmouth Drive-In (8-21-20)
Grace Potter wowed her fans Friday night at the Yarmouth Drive-In on Cape Cod. The solo concert featured songs from her band, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, including fan favorites “Stop the Bus,” “Turntable,” and “Paris (Ooh La La).” Properly masked fans of all ages enjoyed the socially distanced show in pickups, convertibles, and lawn […]
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Concert Photos: Allman Betts Band at the Yarmouth Drive-In (8-20-20)
The Allman Betts Band rocked the Cape Thursday, August 20th, playing to carloads of fans at the Yarmouth Drive-In on Cape Cod. It was a perfect night at the venue as folks gathered in safe spaces around their vehicles for the socially distanced show. The band played several tunes from their upcoming album Bless Your […]
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Concert Photos: Gary Hoey Live Stream at the Narrows Center (8-7-20)
The Narrows Center for the Arts continues to stream live music every Friday night. Last night, guitarist Gary Hoey rocked the house and our photographer Rick Farrell was there to capture the magic. Next Friday, August 14, check out the Jim Robitaille Trio w/ special guest Dino Govoni, and on Friday, August 21, tune in […]