Discover what’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport this weekend! You Might Also Like – Live Music and Entertainment Listings: August 4 – 6 Friday, August 4th 9 am to 10 pm – 19th Annual Helly Hansen Warehouse Sale at Helly Hansen Newport 11 am – 6:15 pm – Newport Jazz Festival at Fort […]
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, Things To Do
Live Music and Entertainment Listings: August 4 – 6
Discover where to find live music, karaoke, comedy, dancing and entertainment this Newport Folk Festival weekend in and around Newport! YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE –Things To Do This Weekend: August 4 – 6 *Unless otherwise noted, venue is located in Newport. Friday, August 4th Buskers: Tim Taylor at 9 pmCeltica: Karaoke at 10 pmClarke Cooke House: DJ & Dancing in the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Questlove Will DJ at The Pineapple Club on Sunday
Following a weekend where several musicians from the Newport Folk Festival popped by for surprise performance, Gurney’s Resort & Marina has announced they have more planned for this weekend. Questlove, best known as the drummer and joint frontman or The Roots, will perform a DJ set at The Pineapple Club at Gurney’s on Sunday, August 6th […]
Posted inBusiness, Environment & Health
Marc Allen Fine Clothiers Named Exclusive America’s Cup Retailer in RI, Portion of Proceeds to Support Sail Newport
Marc Allen Fine Clothiers, with locations in Providence and Newport, has been named the exclusive America’s Cup retailer in Rhode Island. Sold exclusively at their location in Newport at 142 Bellevue Avenue, Marc Allen has announced that they will donate 15% of all America’s Cup merchandise sold through Labor Day to Sail Newport. Each year, […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for David Leys Jr.
David P. Leys, Jr., 59, a life-long resident of Middletown, RI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday August 2, 2017, in his home surrounded by his family, after living courageously for five years as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, gradually destroyed his body but not his spirit. He was an exceptional […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Linda C. Byers
Linda C. Byers, 77, of Blenheim Senior Living Community peacefully went home to the Lord with her family at her bedside on Monday July 31, 2017. Born in Uniontown, PA on December 20, 1939, she was the only daughter of the late Peter and Elvira Susano. After attending St. John’s Catholic High School, Linda attended […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Sally R. (Burt) Ellenwood
Sarah (Sally) Rose Burt Ellenwood aged 86 passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 1, 2017 at St. Elizabeth’s Manor in Bristol RI. Always called Sally by family and friends, she is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Robert A. Ellenwood. Sally is the mother of Kathleen Margaret Rodrigues, husband Richard; Robert […]
Posted inNews
Newport Jazz Festival Will Reunite Several Musicians Who Graduated a Philadelphia High School Together
Philly funk and jazz take a trip to Newport this summer and spark a reunion with a group of special friends and former classmates when Newport Jazz Festival Artistic Director Christian McBride gets together with Questlove and Black Thought from The Roots and Joey DeFrancesco, who all graduated from Philadelphia’s Creative and Performing Arts High […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
Smoke House to Host ‘Oktoberfest’ Newport Storm Beer Dinner
Smoke House has announced that they will host their third and final annual Newport Storm Beer Dinner on Thursday, September 21st. The “Oktoberfest” menu includes an array of passed appetizers including House Made Pastrami Sliders with Russian dressing and grilled coleslaw; Smoked Chicken Breast with tomato-chile sauce and curry seasoning; Weisswurst, “white” sausage, pretzel crackers […]
Posted inNews
Newport Police Department Participates in ‘Rhode Island Night’ at Fenway Park on Tuesday
Before Tuesday night’s game versus the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park, the Boston Red Sox celebrated Rhode Island during the team’s pre-game ceremonies. Special guests included Gully and Gully Jr. from the Newport Gulls and Paws from the Pawtucket Red Sox. During the pre-game ceremonies, the Rhode Island Red Sox Scholars & Impact Award and […]
Posted inArts & Culture, People & Profiles
A Conversation with Victor Wooten, Bassist for Béla Fleck and the Flecktones
In the world of bass players, few can match Victor Wooten’s mastery. He’s well-versed in the stylings of jazz and funk while also dabbling in the realms of progressive rock and metal. Wooten is always on a mission to teach the younger generation while upholding knowledge to a high standard and encouraging artistic self-identity. To […]
Posted inBusiness
Natixis Global Asset Management Awards Seventh Annual George Wein Jazz Ambassador Scholarship to R.I. and Mass. Students
Natixis Global Asset Management announced earlier today the winners of this year’s George Wein Jazz Ambassador Scholarships, they are Elena Serrano of Providence, R.I., and Jeffrey Pinsker-Smith of Wellesley, M.A. Since 2011, Natixis has provided scholarships to students who have shown tremendous musical ability, strong academic achievement, and a commitment to giving back to their […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Wet Paint: Public Invited to Make or Buy Art at Newport Art Museum’s 24th Annual Event
The Newport Art Museum, along with event co-chairs Rupert Nesbitt, Victoria Rios and Brooke Roberts, invites artists and the general public to participate in its annual public art making and auction weekend, Wet Paint, Saturday, August 12 and Sunday, August 13. Hundreds of artworks created by regional artists of all ages on Saturday will be sold “still wet” in silent and […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Local Soprano to Give Back to Senior Community Through ‘First Look’ Recital
On Friday, August 11, 2017, Tiernan Chase will perform a “first look” recital of classic music at the Edward King House. The concert will benefit the Edward King House Senior Center with a goodwill offering. TIERNAN CHASE is a rising senior at Providence College, in Providence R.I., Tiernan Chase recently made her New York debut with […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Putting the ‘New’ in Newport: 31 Bands to Make Newport Jazz Festival Debut This Weekend
Following in the footsteps of the Newport Folk Festival and Newport Bridgefest, the Newport Jazz Festival will keep the music rolling this weekend when they kickoff things on Friday morning at Fort Adams State Park. More than 300 established and emerging jazz artists will take over Aquidneck Island when the annual Newport Jazz Festival® presented […]
Posted inNews
Congressman Cicilline to Visit Edward King House Senior Center
On Wednesday, August 16th at 11 am, US Congressman David Cicilline will visit the Edward King House Senior Center. Those who attend the event, which is open to the public, will have the opportunity to share their senior issue concerns with the Congressman. Congressman Cicilline will also update those in attendance on the current climate in […]
Posted inBusiness
People’s Credit Union Donates to Kiwanis Club of Aquidneck Island
People’s Credit Union recently donated close to $700 to the Kiwanis Club of Aquidneck Island. The funds were raised through an employee dress down day, called Casual for a Cause, as well as bake sales throughout the month of June in People’s Credit Union’s Middletown and Newport branches. The Kiwanis Club is a thriving organization […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Newport Opera House to Host Free Public Performance for Children and Families on August 6th
The Newport Opera House Theater & Performing Arts Center continues the expansion of its youth and educational mission with a very special Kid’s “Swah-Ray” performance for children and families on Sunday, August 6th from 4pm to 6pm at St. Michael’s Country Day School Lawn, featuring Tim Johnson, Storyteller and Puppeteer. This special event features the talented Mr. Johnson performing the heartwarming story of “The Rainbow Fish” […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring In Newport: Kristen Coates- Experienced Gallery Assistant
Newport art and home store, Kristen Coates, seeks experienced gallery assistant for year round sales position. Role responsible for opening and closing, strengthening client relations and must have a can-do attitude with a no job too big or too small approach. Gallery assistant must have a presence while working in the busy store with the […]
Posted inNews
Newport Man Wins $100,000 on Lottery Ticket
A Newport man claimed a $100,000 “Pyramid of Gold” Instant Ticket top prize. The man, whose identity wasn’t shared by Rhode Island Lottery, told lottery officials that he plans to pay a few years’ worth of rent and save the remainder. In “Pyramid of Gold”, a $10 instant ticket, players are challenged to match YOUR NUMBERS […]
Posted inCity & Government, History
Representative Carson to host Constituent Meeting at Artillery Company on August 8th
Representative Lauren Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport) has announced that she will hold her summer constituent meeting on Tuesday, August 8th at 6:30 p.m. at the Artillery Company of Newport. “I enjoy holding constituent meetings throughout the year as a means for gathering ideas for my work at the State House, and as a way to inform myself […]
Posted inCity & Government
Lower Thames Street Will Be Closed on Wednesday Evening for Road Work
Lower Thames Street will be closed on Wednesday night to allow National Grid to conduct required maintenance on a gas main.Workers will be excavating the Workers will be excavating the roadway in the area of Thames Street at Young Street beginning at 8 pm, requiring the closure of Thames Street at that location. The roadway […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Deserving Victory for ‘Bequia’ in 2017 Candy Store Cup
Sailors couldn’t have asked for a sweeter experience at the 2017 Candy Store Cup Superyacht Edition. The event showcased some of the world’s most spectacular and technologically sophisticated luxury sailing yachts racing off Newport, R.I. on Thursday through Saturday (July 27-29) and provided three days of wildly varied conditions, courtesy of Mother Nature, as well as a full slate […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up For This Week in Newport: July 31 – August 4
Discover what’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island this week. Newport Bridgefest, a local, live music and music education festival that “bridges” the gap between the prestigious Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals for a continuous 10 days of music in our community, takes place Monday through Thursday of this week. […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Live Music and Entertainment Listings: July 31 – August 4
Discover where to find live music, entertainment, comedy, trivia, karaoke, movies and more in and around Newport this week. You Might Also Like –What’s Up For This Week in Newport: July 31 – August 4 Newport Bridgefest, a local, live music and music education festival that “bridges” the gap between the prestigious Newport Folk and […]