Discover where to find live music, karaoke, comedy, dancing and entertainment this weekend in and around Newport! YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE –20+ things to do this weekend: Sept. 29 – Oct. 1 *Unless otherwise noted, the venue is located in Newport. Friday, September 29 Bowen’s Wharf: Panoramic Steel Drum from 11 am to 2 pmBuskers: Shawn Reilly at 9 […]
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.
Newport Art Museum to present Newport String Project’s Season Opening Concert
Last year, the Newport Art Museum proudly hosted the Newport String Project’s Season Opening and Season Finale Concerts. The Museum is delighted to welcome them back again for their fifth season at the Season Opening Concert in the galleries of the historic N.A. Griswold House on Sunday, October 1, at2pm. Project directors and violinists, EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks and Ealain McMullin promise […]
Representative Carson to moderate Alliance for a Livable Newport forum on ‘Working Future of Newport’
STATE HOUSE – Rep. Lauren H. Carson will moderate a public forum on economic development in Newport presented by the Alliance for a Livable Newport on Oct. 5. The event is titled “The Working Future of Newport,” and will take place Thursday, Oct. 5, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Claiborne Pell Elementary School, 35 Dexter St., Newport. […]
Now Hiring: Pink Pineapple – Boutique Sales Associate
Pink Pineapple Newport is looking for an outgoing individual with prior sales experience available year round to start immediately. Fashion, Design, and/or Social media skills are a plus. The general duties include: greeting and interacting with customers, completing transactions, maintaining cleanliness and organization of the store, sizing merchandise as it comes in, assisting in creating […]
Assembly OKs bill creating flooding and sea rise training requirement for planning boards
STATE HOUSE – Lawmakers have approved a new training requirement for local planning board members to help ensure that they calculate the potential for flooding and its effects when weighing local development proposals. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Lauren H. Carson and Sen. Jeanine Calkin, requires all members of municipal planning boards or commissions in […]
Zagat-rated Chef Simone Ferrara named Chef de Cuisine at Hotel Viking
A new chef has joined the table at Hotel Viking. Two years ago, Chef Simone Ferrara earned accolades as one of Zagat’s 2015 “30 Under 30 – San Francisco” — a prestigious group Zagat dubbed the “next generation of food-and-drink greats.” Now the accomplished young chef brings his culinary expertise to Newport, R.I. A native […]
Home on Easton’s Point in Middletown sells for $3.275 million
Lila Delman Real Estate International announced the sale of 21 Kane Avenue in Middletown on September 27th. The newly constructed home reportedly sold on September 20, 2017, for $3.275 million. This represents the highest single-family home sale in Middletown year-to-date, according to data from the Rhode Island Statewide MLS*. Kristin Parella, Sales Associate, represented the […]
Miantonomi Memorial Park Tower named official ‘WWI Centennial Memorial’
Earlier today, the United States World War One Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library announced that the Miantonomi Memorial Park Tower in Newport was among the first 50 official “WWI Centennial Memorials” from their 100 Cites/100 Memorials program. Under the organization team of the Miantonomi Memorial Park Commission, City of Newport, American […]
Newport Shipyard Pumpkin Regatta will raise money for members of military, hurricane relief in the Caribbean
On Friday, September 29, the yachting community will come together at Newport Shipyard to paddle in the Shipyard’s annual “Pumpkin Regatta” which raised $3,018 for the Gabrielle Dinsmore Heart & Hope Fund in 2016. A different charity is named each year and this year, Shipyard employees chose Warrior Sailing Program which provides maritime education and outreach […]
Op-Ed: Giovanni Feroce – The Cost of Capital
My Open Letter to you all – “The Cost of Capital” One of the things that I am most thankful for is the leadership training and skills that I have received in the military. Developing Courses of Action and understanding how to input information, so that daily you have before you Course of Action 1 […]
3rd business owner arrested for selling counterfeit goods
Another arrest has been made for the sale of counterfeit goods in Newport. As What’sUpNewp previously reported, Sergeant Joseph Carroll confirmed on Wednesday, August 23rd that in June the Newport Police Department received information that several businesses operating in Newport were selling high-end counterfeit goods. Based on this information, the Newport Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division […]
Credit, refunds coming to taxpayers after motor vehicle tax changes
The passage of a law by the Rhode Island General Assembly that will phase out the Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Tax means a refund or credit for many Newport and Rhode Island taxpayers. The RI General Assembly recently passed a law phasing out the motor vehicle tax over a five-year period. The schedule calls for […]
43rd Harvest Fair will bring old-fashioned fun to Norman Bird Sanctuary this weekend
Norman Bird Sanctuary will host their 43rd Annual Harvest Fair this weekend, September 30th and October 1st. In an autumn tradition that has spanned generations of families across Rhode Island and southern New England, kids of all ages are invited to play old-fashioned games, including traditional midway games for prizes, battle in the mud […]
The Alliance Francaise of Newport will present a Harp Concert on October 12th
The Alliance Française of Newport will present a Harp Concert of classical French music favorites featuring acclaimed area harpist, Arilyn Mitchell, on Thursday, October 12, 2017, at The Redwood Library. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. The Concert is from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and is free for […]
Volvo Ocean Race: Volvo reconsiders schedule for future Races, CEO steps down
Following discussions with key stakeholders it has been determined that additional planning time is required to implement the recently announced changes to the race schedule. As a result, the proposed 2019-20 race in new boats will not take place as planned. A revised schedule for future Volvo Ocean Races will be announced as soon as […]
Now Hiring: 105+ local companies (Sept. 25)
Time for a new part-time gig, new full-time job or a new career? Start your job search right here, there are nearly 100 businesses hiring right now in Newport. Featured Jobs 12 Meter Charters – Crew Member Position For 70 Foot Charter Sailing YachtAdmiral Fitzroy Inn – Now Hiring: Admiral Fitzroy Inn – Overnight InnsitterClassic Cruises of Newport – Front […]
RI General Assembly creates panel to attract more sailing events to The Ocean State
A new permanent state commission will be created to help the state attract national and international sailing events, according to a press release from the State of Rhode Island General Assembly. The legislation has been sponsored by Rep. Kenneth A. Marshall and Sen. Walter S. Felag Jr. and approved by the General Assembly last week. […]
Live music and entertainment listings: Sept. 25 – 29
A look at where to find live music, comedy, movies, karaoke and more this week. Monday, September 25 5 pm – Menashe at Jane Pickens Theater6 pm to 9 pm – Julio Amaro at Perro Salado7 pm to 10 pm – The Groove Merchants at Fifth Element7:30 pm – Columbus at Jane Pickens Theater9 pm – Yacht Club Rejects at Midtown Oyster […]
15+ things to do this week: Sept. 25 – 29
Discover what’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport this week. Monday, September 25th 5 pm – Menashe at Jane Pickens Theater 7:30 pm – Columbus at Jane Pickens Theater Tuesday, September 26th 3 pm – Sails and Ales with Newport Storm at Sightsailing of Newport 5 pm – Menashe at Jane Pickens Theater […]
12 Metre North American Championship: Abbreviated Regatta One of Most Competitive in Recent History
Wind effects of Hurricane Jose shaved a day off the front end of the three-day 12 Metre North American Championship that started Friday, Sept. 22, while no breeze at all stole the last day. In the end, three races on Saturday told the story of a very competitive fleet wrapping up its season and looking long-term to the 12 […]
Eight to be inducted into National Sailing Hall of Fame in Newport today
For the first time, Newport is hosting the National Sailing Hall of Fame Induction. Today, eight (five living and three posthumous) Inductees will be celebrated for their impact on the sport. The National Sailing Hall of Fame, headquartered in Annapolis, Md., has previously recognized 57 Inductees, including Newport locals Harry Anderson Jr., Betsy Alison […]
25+ things to do this weekend: Sept. 22 – 24
Discover all that’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport this first weekend of fall. You Might Also Like – Live music and entertainment listings: Sept. 22 – 24 Friday, September 22nd Island Moving Company’s Open For Dancing 2017 Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival 5 pm – Menashe at Jane Pickens Theater 7 pm […]
Love oysters? Ocean State Oyster Festival is worth the trip to Providence this weekend
Despite being the smallest state in the union, Rhode Island has an awful lot to brag about. The fantastic beaches, a stellar music and art community, some of the best restaurants in New England (which tasted alot like the food in the restaurants in Bozeman MT) and you can’t forget the pizza. Another thing that […]
What To Watch For: September 27th Newport City Council Meeting
The Newport City Council will next meet on Wednesday, September 27th at 6:30 pm in the Council Chamber at Newport City Hall, here’s what they will review, vote on and discuss. The meeting is open to the general public and there is an opportunity for the public to speak (on a topic not already on […]
RI General Assembly approves bill to bring 5G wireless to RI
STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly this week gave its approval to legislation sponsored by Rep. Stephen R. Ucci and Sen. Louis P. DiPalma to pave the way for Rhode Island to become an early adopter of 5th generation mobile networks (5G) – the next generation of wireless networks, the Legislative Press and Public Information Burea […]
