King Park will be filled with the beautiful sounds of Gospel music on Saturday, August 13, 2016 as the Come Alive Gospel Music Fest celebrates its 5th anniversary. The soulful music of soloist Kenneth Robinson and the Community Baptist Church Gospel Choir of Newport will lift the audience with their powerful sounds. Performances this […]
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 inNews
Obituary for David Wolfenden
David Wolfenden, age 77, of Newport, RI died Thursday, July 21, 2016 at The Heatherwood Nursing And Subacute Center in Newport. Mr. Wolfenden was born May 26, 1939 in Newport, RI. He is the son of the late Brelsford and Marion (Hartley) Wolfenden. David is a graduate of Rogers High School and The University of […]
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Obituary for Donald J. Stuehler
Donald Stuehler, 51, died on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI. He was the son of Josephine (Cosentino) Stuehler of Portsmouth and the late J. Donald Stuehler. Donald graduated from the University of Southern New Hampshire with a degree in Marketing. He was a loyal member of Red Sox Nation, he enjoyed […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Wallace B. Shepherd, Jr.
Wallace B. Shepherd, Jr, 69, of Portsmouth, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 25, 2016 at Newport Hospital. Wallace was the son of the late Wallace B. Shepherd Sr. and Margaret (Martin) Shepherd. He was the husband of Debra Marie (Capodilupo) Shepherd. Wallace earned his BS in Electrical Engineering from Case Western Reserve and his […]
Posted inArts & Culture
NJF Presents Solo Piano Concerts at Storyville, Toshiko Akiyoshi Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Performing at Newport Jazz
The solo piano setting, the most intimate and intimidating format in jazz, demands a mastery of rhythm, melody, harmony, dynamics and orchestration, with nowhere to hide. And when you are called to play solo piano on a festival stage – especially one as significant at the Newport Jazz Festival – your ability to capture, hold […]
Posted inArts & Culture
In Photos: Day 1 of 2016 Newport Jazz Festival
The first day of the 62nd Newport Jazz Festival started with (plenty of) rain and (plenty of) great jazz music from emerging musicians and artists. Berklee Global Jazz Institue Workshop Band opened up the festival under heavy rain on Friday around 11 a.m., but by the time they wrapped up their set and Peter Apfelbaum’s […]
Posted inFood & Drink
5 Craft Beers To Drink This Week in Newport (July 29 – August 4)
Sarah Fimple is the Beverage Manager at The Wharf Pub on Bowen’s Wharf in Newport, RI. Fimp’s Fave Five is back, Fimp’s Fave Five is here to tip you off on five new and/or great craft beers that are worth picking up at the liquor store, searching for around the city or stopping into The […]
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Podcast #158: Chat with Colleen McGrath about 11th Annual Movies On The Rocks Series at Ballard Park
Friends of Ballard Park’s 11th Annual MOVIES ON THE ROCKS series kicks off on Wednesday, August 3rd. Four movies will be shown in the quarry meadow off of Hazard Road in Newport on Wednesday evenings during the month of August. Colleen McGrath joined me on The Open Forum from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. today to […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Art Museum Awarded $21,468 Grant from RISCA
Newport Art Museum has been awarded a $21,468 grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) as it announced its first round of grant awards for the 2016-2017 season. Grant recipients in 2015 reported that over $134 million was spent by arts organizations and artists in that year in projects funded by the State Arts Council. […]
Posted inThings To Do
Movies On The Rocks Returns To Ballard Park on August 3rd
Friends of Ballard Park’s 11th Annual MOVIES ON THE ROCKS series kicks off on Wednesday, August 3rd. Four movies will be shown in the quarry meadow off of Hazard Road in Newport on Wednesday evenings during the month of August. A short provided by the Rhode Island International Film Festival will be screened prior to […]
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Obituary for Lorraine Mello
Portsmouth, RI – Lorraine (Almeida) Mello, 79 of Portsmouth, RI, died on July 27, 2016 at St. Elizabeth Manor in Bristol. She was the wife of the late William Francis Mello. Born in Bristol, RI on November 26, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Maria (Rebello) Almeida. Mrs. Mello was a […]
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Obituary for Jean F. LoPiano
Jean F. (Kilcline) LoPiano, 88, formerly of Willow Avenue, Middletown, RI, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2016 at the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua, NH. She was the wife of the late Fred John LoPiano and the late John J. Mahoney. Born in Woonsocket, RI on October 3, 1927, she was the […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Enforcement Of Old Law Has Moped Owners Reeling
An effort by the City of Newport to resurrect a never used law to require mopeds to occupy regular car parking spaces, is being met with strong resistance from many of the city’s moped owners. If enforced some moped owners are promising to disrupt city parking by an “Occupy Newport” protest, according to informed sources. […]
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Podcast #157: Newport Festivals Foundation Family Concert Musician Alastair Moock
Alastair Moock, a Grammy-nominated and award-winning musician, joins Frank Prosnitz and I today (Wednesday) on WADK (1540 AM) in advance of his performance tonight (Wednesday) at the Newport Festivals Foundation annual family concert at Fort Adams. The family concert comes during Bridgefest, the annual event that serves to connect the Newport Folk Festival, hugely successful this […]
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Newport Police Department Seeks Public Assistance in Identifying Possible B&E Suspect
The Newport Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in trying to identify the following suspect. The person in questions is a suspect in a potentical Breaking and Enterting complaint that occurred on July 21, 2016. If anyone has any information they are encouraged to contact Detective Jason Head at 401-845-5756.
Posted inCity & Government, News
City of Newport Announces Extension of Due Date for 1st Quarter Tax Bills
The City of Newport has announced the extension of the due date for 1st quarter tax bills from August 5, 2016 to end of business day on August 10, 2016. Penalties and interest will not be charged for any tax bill received by or postmarked as of August 10, 2016. Tax bills can be paid in […]
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Photo & Video: Coyote Trots Through Newport on Wednesday Morning
For at least the second time in the last week, a coyote was spotted walking the streets of Newport during daylight. Keith Mayes spotted the coyote on Curry Avenue around 6 a.m. on Wednesday morning, the coyote then took a left on Bedlow Avenue and then a right on Broadway, according to Keith. Just last week […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Interview with Newport BridgeFest Musicians AnamCara – Kartrina Fortier and Collin Van Pelt
Collin Van Pelt and Katrina Fortier, two free spirited music loving singers, make up the local duo that is known as AnamCara. AnamCara is their take on the Celtic spiritual belief of Anam Cara or “soul friend”. Anam Cara , is “a person to whom you look as the person to share, confess and reveal the […]
Posted inNews
Man Dies at Salve Regina University While Taking a Break From Walking Cliff Walk
What’sUpNewp has learned that a man died at Salve Regina University on Monday. A current student at Salve Regina University provided us with the following e-mail that was sent out to the University Community by President Sister Jane Gerety on Tuesday night. I would like to take a moment to reflect on a situation that […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
SSV Oliver Hazard Perry Passes Final Tests; Teen and Family Voyages Set for Summer
The 200-foot Tall Ship SSV Oliver Hazard Perry caused heads to turn last week while she completed drills on Narragansett Bay under full sail and in brisk breezes. The drills, as well as inspections, have been required by the US Coast Guard in order for the ship to qualify as a Sailing School Vessel under USCG […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Video: Kris Kristofferson and Margo Price Perform “Me and Bobby McGee” at Newport Folk Festival
In case somehow you missed it, Kris Krisofferson returned to Newport for the first time since 1969 over this past weekend to surprise the Newport Folk Festival audience on the Museum Stage on Friday and on the Quad Stage on Saturday. While Fridays performance was more intimate and emotional, as he followed a performance by […]
Posted inThings To Do
Tickets Are Now On Sale for 2016 Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival
Tickets are now on sale for festival events! The Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, one of the East Coast’s most sophisticated and anticipated events, returns for its 11th year from September 22 – 25, 2016. Signature events include the Bordeaux Dinner on Thursday evening, the Wine & Rosecliff Gala on Friday evening, Grand Tastings […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’sUpNewp Will Host a ‘Jaws Summer Party’ at Jane Pickens Theater Tonight
Join the What’sUpNewp crew on Wednesday, July 27th at Jane Pickens Theater and Event Center for a Summer Party that will include live music, local vendors, Narragansett Beer and live music with The Teledynes! What’sUpNewp has partnered with Jane Pickens Theater to host this night that will include local live music, local vendors, a screening […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
A Superyacht Tradition Lives On With the ‘Candy Store Cup’ This Weekend
From July 29-31, several of the world’s largest and most glamorous sailing yachts will race for the inaugural Candy Store Cup Superyacht Edition in Newport. Newport Shipyard and Bannister’s Wharf have consolidated the Newport Bucket and Candy Store Cup to create this fabulous superyacht event. “Initially, the Candy Store Cup was a quick race around […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Tickets Still Available for Friday and Sunday of 2016 Newport Jazz Festival
Newport Jazz Festival Tickets for Friday and Sunday at Fort Adams Still Available While Supplies Last Tickets are still available for Friday and Sunday concerts for the Newport Jazz Festival® at Fort Adams State Park and the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino. On July 29, don’t miss Friday at the Fort, made possible […]