The University of Rhode Island will bring the Volvo Ocean Race to campus on March 20 through a live video broadcast with sailors as they race across the Pacific Ocean between New Zealand and South America. The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 7 pm in Edwards Auditorium on […]
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.
Posted inArts & Culture
Ballerina to hang up pointe shoes after 11 years
Island Moving Company, Newport’s contemporary ballet company, announced on Monday the upcoming retirement of locally beloved ballerina Christine Sandofi. Sandorfi retires after 11 years dancing with the company, an extraordinary achievement considering the physical rigor ballerinas endure through their work. Her final performances will be held at Rosecliff Mansion on two nights only Friday, March […]
Posted inBusiness
KVH provides a part for the inner workings of the robot that participated in the torch relay to PyeongChang
When a humanoid participated in the PyeongChang torch relay for the Winter Games, it was one more first for robotics, and one more instance of an inertial navigation product made by KVH Industries, Inc., keeping a humanoid on track. KVH’s DSP-1760 fiber optic gyro (FOG) is part of the inner workings of Hubo, a humanoid […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
25+ things to do, calendar of events for this week: Feb. 26 – Mar. 3
Discover all that’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport this week. (scroll down for This Week in Newport Government) Monday, February 26th 4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – Call Me By Your Name at Jane Pickens Theater 5 pm – Last Skate of the Season! at Newport Skating Center Tuesday, February 27th 10:30 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Live music and entertainment listings: Feb. 26 – Mar. 3
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 26th Diego’s: Trivia at 9:30 pmFastnet Pub: […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
30+ things to do this weekend: Feb. 23 – 25
Discover all that’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport this weekend! Friday, February 23rd Feb. 16 – 25 – Newport Winter Festival Feb. 16 – 25 – Newport Burger Bender 3 pm to 9 pm – Polar Pineapples at Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina 3 pm to 11 pm – Newport Skating Center Open 4 pm & […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Live music and entertainment listings: Feb. 23 – 25
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 weekend. You Might Also Want To Check Out: 30+ things to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
James Montgomery, Mike Renzi among eight to be inducted into Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame’s Class of 2018
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
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 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
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 […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
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 […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
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 […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
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 […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inJobs
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 […]
Posted inNews
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, […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]