The Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame (RIMHOF) held a press conference earlier today announcing its 2018 inductees. The press conference took place in the RIMHOF Museum located at Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket. Members of the RIMHOF Board of Directors, several past inductees, and fans and family were on hand for the naming of the eight […]
Ryan Belmore
Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020).
He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide.
Ryan is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Online News Association, and Local Independent Online News Publishers. He is committed to the codes of ethics of these organizations: accuracy, independence, accountability, and transparency.
In Newport, Ryan served on the boards of the Fort Adams Trust and Potter League for Animals, and hosted a daily radio talk show for four years.
In 2021, Ryan moved to Alexandria, Virginia, to support his wife Jen's career. He launched The Alexandria Brief in 2025, applying what he learned in Newport to a new community. With the help of some talented on-the-ground contributors, he still runs What's Up Newp — and always will.
Contact: ryan@whatsupnewp.com.
Friday’s Illuminated Garden at Ballard Park has been cancelled due to wet weather
Weather is not on Ballard Park’s side this week. For the second day in a row, Ballard Park has been forced to cancel their 13th Annual Illuminated Garden due to the wet weather. Friends of Ballard Park hopes to run the event on Saturday, February 24th, 2018 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm if the weather cooperates. The free event […]
Extensions Dance Company will present annual spring concert, ‘Here/Now’, March 1 – 3
Extensions Dance Company, Salve Regina University’s select group of dancers, will be presenting their annual spring concert, “Here/Now,” with public performances March 1-3 at the Casino Theatre, 9 Freebody St. Performances will be held at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3, with an additional matinee on Saturday at 2 p.m. General admission tickets ($15 general admission, $10 military and […]
Podcast: Rhode Island Music Hall Of Fame, James Montgomery, and Jenn Vix
Ken Abrams, the music writer for What’sUpNewp, joined me on What’sUpNewp Radio Edition on AM 1540 WADK today to chat about all things music! Russell Gusetti and James Montgomery phoned into the program live from the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame 2018 inductee announcement in Pawtucket. Ken and I were also joined by special guest […]
Newport Symposium will present ‘Great Collectors’ with new weekend schedule and venue, April 26-29
The 26th annual Newport Symposium, Great Collectors: Taste, Passion & Patronage, will be held Thursday, April 26 to Sunday, April 29, 2018, debuting a new weekend schedule, new venue and, for the first time, a one-day registration option. The Newport Symposium, presented by The Preservation Society of Newport County, is New England’s preeminent convening of national and international […]
KC & the Sunshine Band will perform at 21st Annual IYRS Summer Gala in July
Newport, RI – There will be quite a celebration in July on Lower Thames Street in Newport when KC & the Sunshine Band take the main stage at International Yacht Restoration School’s 21st Annual IYRS Summer Gala. “The Summer Gala is the biggest and most important fundraiser of the year for IYRS. As one of […]
Historian and author Glenn Knoblock will discuss ‘Hidden Presence: God’s Little Acre and Beyond’ on March 8th
Evidence of the history of African Americans in New England from the 18th and 19th centuries is found in many historic burial grounds and cemeteries in the region, with the most significant and extensive of these sites being God’s Little Acre in Newport. On Thursday, March 8, 2018, at 5:30 pm, historian and author Glenn Knoblock will discuss […]
Common Fence Music to host ‘Traditions Festival’ on March 10th
COMMON FENCE MUSIC has announced that it will present its first-ever TRADITIONS FESTIVAL, an evening of traditional music from New England to Ireland, on Saturday, March 10, 2018, 8pm. Doors will open at 7pm. The concert will take place at Common Fence Point Hall, 933 Anthony Road, Portsmouth, RI. Tickets to the show are $20 in advance, $22 at the door. Tickets and […]
Podcast: A conversation with Hank Lawler
For almost 30 years, that friendly face behind the counter at Dunkin’ Donuts in Newport was more than likely Hank Lawler. Hank has become a Newport icon with his memory, kindness, and love for what he does. Today, on his birthday, Hank joined Ryan on What’sUpNewp Radio Edition on AM 1540 WADK to chat all […]
Now Hiring: 88 jobs available right now in and around Newport
Time for a new part-time gig, new full-time job or a new career? Start your job search right here, there are more than 80 businesses hiring right now in and around Newport. All job listings have been posted within the last 7 days and are located within 5 miles of Newport. 22 Bowen’s – Bartender- 22 […]
The Kennel Cottage at Gray Craig in Middletown sells for $1.75 million
Lila Delman Real Estate has announced the sale of The Kennel Cottage at Gray Craig, located at 330 Gray Craig Road in Middletown. The property recently sold for $1.75 million. Lila Delman Real Estate International was both the listing and the selling company in this transaction. Annie Becker, Broker Associate, represented the seller. Tracey Moore, […]
Newport Tour Guides & Greeters News #8: Newport Guides Deliver Memorable Experiences
Just going out for a meal or traveling to a place are not enough anymore. People want memorable experiences. As Mark Harmon, Chairman of Auberge Resorts, says, “Experiences are the luxuries that customers today – customers of all ages – are seeking.” He is right. Therefore, each of us has the honor and the opportunity […]
Newport nonprofits win grants to reach out to African-American youth
To mark Black History Month, the Rhode Island Foundation announced on Wednesday that they have awarded grants to two local nonprofit organizations to fund programs for local African-American children. “Providing the Black community with the resources to thrive goes to the core of commitment to equity and our vision for ensuring that the future is […]
Grand Summer Cottage on Shoreby Hill in Jamestown sells for $1.5 million
Lila Delman Real Estate has announced that 36 Whittier Road in Jamestown has sold for $1.5 million. Bob Bailey, Manager of Lila Delman’s Jamestown office, and Benjamin Thomas, Sales Associate, represented the seller. “The sale of 36 Whittier Road in the Shoreby Hill neighborhood of Jamestown shows continued demand for classic design details of the […]
Military Spouses of Newport are offering three scholarship opportunities
The Military Spouses of Newport announced on Tuesday that they will offer merit-based scholarships for Rhode Island area, military dependents seeking post-secondary education. We offer three separate scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors, dependent children currently enrolled in a post-secondary school, and spouses of active duty members. Full eligibility and requirements are listed on […]
Newport Jazz Festival announces ‘Second Wave’ of artists
The excitement continues as the Second Wave of artists are announced for the 2018 Newport Jazz Festival® presented by Natixis Investment Managers, which takes place at Fort Adams State Park and the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport CasinoAugust 3 – 5. Tickets are on sale now at www.newportjazz.org. “This Second Wave of artists […]
Seacliff Cottage sells for $1.24 million
Lila Delman Real Estate announced on Monday that Seacliff Cottage, located at 9 Cliff Avenue in Newport, has sold for $1.24 million. Pila Pexton, Sales Associate, and Alison Gainor, Sales Associate, represented the seller. “This charming and updated cottage residence is located in a highly desirable location and steps away from Newport’s Cliff Walk and […]
Podcast: Peter Martin on 41st Annual Newport Irish Heritage Month, The Wolfe Tones, and more…
Former State Representative Peter Martin joined us on What’sUpNewp Radio Edition on AM 1540 WADK on Monday to chat about what he’s been up to since retiring from politics, the calendar for the 41st Annual Newport Irish Heritage Month, the Wolfe Tones final show in Newport, Newport Irish History, and much more. For more details […]
25+ things to do in and around Newport this week: Feb 19. – 24
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, RI this week. Monday, February 19th Feb. 16 – 25 – Newport Winter Festival Feb. 16 – 25 – Newport Burger Bender 10 am to 9 pm – Newport Skating Center Open 2 pm & 7:30 pm – I Tonya at Jane Pickens Theater 4:45 […]
Live music and entertainment listings: Feb. 19 – 24
Our Newport Live Music and Entertainment Guide is Newport County’s premier and most comprehensive source for live music and entertainment in our area. Here’s a look at all the live music and entertainment that’s worth seeing, hearing, doing, or knowing about in Newport County this week. Monday, February 19th Diego’s: Trivia at 9:30 pmFastnet Pub: […]
Archaeology Study of Historic Newport Town Spring site to be conducted in March
As a result the recent discovery of a significant underground stone structure at the Newport Spring site (the former Coffey’s gas station), the Historic Newport Town Spring Committee is pleased to announce that an archaeology study of the structure and surrounding area will be conducted this March. Formed in 2014, the Newport Spring Committee’s goals […]
Tall Ship Oliver Hazard Perry begins journey south with Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy students
The 200-foot Tall Ship SSV Oliver Hazard Perry is beginning a two-week journey to Florida via Charleston, S.C. that will serve as an internship at sea for six students from the Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy (MAMA) of Norfolk, Va. The students recently completed a four-week MAMA “Mariner Boot Camp” training course designed to give them international credentials for securing an […]
EFC North, and its new staff, readies for March 10th Grand Opening
Delivery vans, painting crews and new outdoor signage are clear signs that the new EFC Newport campus launch at 14 Potomac Street, Portsmouth, EFC North, is fast approaching. With Saturday, March 10 as the official Grand Opening launch date, the new staff is working tirelessly to prepare for a successful and celebratory event. “We have […]
Newport Area Career and Technical Center: CyberPatriot Teams win Rhode Island Silver 1st & 3rd Place Awards
Teams of students from the Newport Area Career and Technical Center (NACTC) in Newport, RI recently concluded an exceptional round of competition in the tenth season of CyberPatriot – the Air Force Association’s National Youth Cyber Defense Competition. Established by AFA in 2009, CyberPatriot is designed to excite, educate, and motivate students toward careers in […]
Podcast: A conversation with Niko Merritt – Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’ movie and Sankofa Community Connection
Marvel’s “Black Panther” movie, a film featuring an almost all-black cast, black director, about a black superhero, is “something black people have never seen before … in an age when black people are seeing wrongs done against them in ways that extend beyond film every day, a moment to see blackness as a strength,” said […]
