The International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) TeamFAME middle and high school girls were joined by the Salve Regina University Women’s Tennis Team at the first ever Rally for Her: From Teammate to Leader empowerment event. Launched by ESPN and Tennis Channel commentator and six-time major champion Rennae Stubbs, the event included an afternoon of […]
Veronica Bruno
Posted inArts & Culture
Critically acclaimed ‘Love+War’ cinematographer, Thorsten Thielow, on making the film
A capacity crowd packed the Jamestown Arts Center (JAC) for the newportFILM exclusive screening of “Love+War,” the National Geographic documentary chronicling Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Lynsey Addario’s extraordinary work amidst the world’s war-torn zones. Newport film fans were offered a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on the making of the documentary by hearing from the cinematographer Thorsten Thielow […]
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Marcus Samuelsson brings message of heritage and community to Newport Wine & Food Festival
Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson (“Chopped,” “Top Chef Masters”) headlined this year’s Newport Wine & Food Festival, and his Conversation event proved to be one of the big highlights of the late summer. The intimate talk took place at Rosecliff, culminating the festivities. Gathered guests were treated to a rare opportunity to hear directly from one […]
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ITHF Induction highlights: Tennis Wave at Bowen’s Wharf was awesome!
Serena Williams’ cameo during the International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction (ITHF) ceremony may have had the lion’s share of attention (for good reason! Amazing!!), but there were a few other events that were major standouts this year. The Induction Celebration kicked off with the Tennis Wave event on Thursday that transported a temporary tennis […]
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Tennis Hall of Fame closed out a momentous Induction with Serenapova and a rockin’ concert
Every International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) Induction Celebration is special and it’s a huge privilege to see these icons of the sport honored right here in Newport. This year’s event was different, separating the celebration from the tournament, and placing it later on the Newport summer calendar in August. But ITHF delivered a show-stopping […]
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2025 Tennis Hall of Fame Induction: Maria Sharapova and Bryan Brothers talked about the sacrifices made for their careers
The International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) will be inducting three legends in the sport on Saturday, August 23, with Maria Sharapova and doubles icons Bob and Mike Bryan being celebrated for their legacy in the sport of tennis. All three achieved the career Grand Slam, winning all four majors. Sharapova was the 10th women’s […]
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A beautiful tradition: Dignitaries commemorated reading of George Washington’s letter
In a time of divisiveness, the reading of General George Washington’s 1790 letter to the Hebrew Congregation at Touro Synagogue brought solace to the capacity crowd who came to honor the 78th annual reading in Newport. On Sunday, Newport once again honored one of the most enduring civic traditions in the area: the reading of […]
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Tennis Hall of Fame’s revamped Induction Weekend to feature fan celebrations, celebrities and concert
This year’s International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) Induction Celebration will have a distinctive look and feel from past ceremonies. After the ATP’s decision to offload several 250 tournaments—the Hall of Fame Open among them—ITHF took the opportunity to retool its Induction Weekend, which had occurred on the second to last day of the tournament. […]
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So ‘Gilded Age’: Iconic images from Newport’s Weekend of Coaching
It was like a scene out of HBO’s “The Gilded Age,” with historic horse-drawn carriages traversing along Bellevue Ave, Ocean Drive, and stopping by several of The Preservation of Newport County’s (PSNC) mansions. For three days, the “Weekend of Coaching” graced the streets and mansions with impeccably preserved 19th-century coaches, each drawn by four magnificent […]
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Watching ‘The Gilded Age’ at The Elms: A thrilling way to take in the explosive finale
The Preservation Society of Newport County (PSNC) treated local fans of HBO’s “The Gilded Age” to a special screening of the Season 3 Finale Sunday night, August 10. And what a marvelous locale it was for fans of the series: amidst the backdrop of the Russells’ Newport “cottage,” The Elms, stood a giant screen big […]
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Christine Baranski marveled at her family ties to the Gilded Age during talk at The Elms
“The Gilded Age’s” Christine Baranski cuts a much more elegant figure than her character, Agnes Van Rhijn, in real life. Resplendent in a stunning black power suit, a fab wavy blonde bob, a striking brooch, and Christian Louboutin heels, the Juilliard-trained actress held sway during her talk at The Elms lawn Thursday evening, August 7. […]
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“French in Newport” kicked off NHS’s exciting Revolution250 foray
Last month, the French arrived in Newport’s Washington Square thanks to the Newport Historical Society (NHS), in collaboration with the Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary National Historical Trail. Historical 18th-century re-enactors took over the square to give demonstrations of woodworking and cider making. There were Colonial tea tastings (the Peach was my favorite), others got their Colonial […]
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Kenny Loggins takes Newport by storm!
On the cusp of the sold-out Newport Folk Festival, Newport Polo was the outdoor backdrop for the world premiere of a documentary on Kenny Loggins, “Conviction of the Heart.” A packed crowd filled up Glen Farm for the chance to hear from Loggins himself, as well as the film’s director, Dori Berinstein, in a pre-screening […]
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Audrain’s Youngtimers event exhibited retro vibes, with a special appearance by Jay Leno
“I’d like to thank the universe for this wonderful weather and great breeze,” said Donald Osborne, Audrain Automobile Museum’s Consulting Director (and recent former CEO), about the clear skies. Osborne was on hand at the Youngtimers event to oversee competition between the classic cars of tomorrow: those hot wheels from the 1980s, 1990, and 2000s. It wasn’t […]
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Sam Waterston returns to Rosecliff 51 years after ‘The Great Gatsby’ filming
Celebrated actor Sam Waterston sat down with NBC News’ Chief Environmental Affairs correspondent, Anne Thompson, at Rosecliff mansion on Wednesday, July 9, as part of Preservation Society’s David B. Ford Family Lecture series, “’The Great Gatsby’ Revisited: An Evening with Sam Waterston.” “The Killing Fields’” actor returned to the gilded halls of Rosecliff—“The Great Gatsby’s” […]
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Preservation Society shows off the elegance of The Carriage House at opening party
When I got an invitation to the opening party for the renovated Carriage House at The Elms, I was expecting a tasteful affair. That’s what the Preservation Society usually does. However, what I encountered far surpassed my expectations and certainly bodes well for the future of dining experiences at the revamped Elms restaurant. “This was […]
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American Cruise Lines christens ‘American Patriot’ at Fort Adams on July 4th weekend
Serendipitously for Independence Day weekend, American Cruise Lines (ACL) celebrated the official christening of its newest coastal ship, “American Patriot,” on July 2 at the historic Fort Adams State Park in Newport. The ceremony followed up the cruise industry’s return to Providence just last month, which featured American Cruise Line’s “American Liberty.” The Providence celebration […]
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Preservation Society kicks off the Newport social calendar with “fairyland” Flower Show
Preservation Society’s Flower Show officially launched Newport’s fashionable social scene last weekend with a kaleidoscope of color and creativity that took over Rosecliff mansion on Bellevue Ave. The Newport Flower Show: “A Floral Fair” was blessed with glorious weather all weekend and crowds flocked to view the creative selections that represented a joie de vivre […]
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More Than Bunnies: Hunt Slonem on faith, preservation, and his two Newport shows
Hunt Slonem is constantly on the move. A prolific artist, the septuagenarian is always working, has tons of projects going on, and continues to find creative wonder in nature. One of the most iconic contemporary painters of our time, Slonem’s signature bunny artworks are seriously sought-after pieces in the art world. His colorfully featured butterflies, […]
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Rosecliff premieres Richard Morris Hunt exhibit this weekend
The new exhibit on Richard Morris Hunt’s (1827–1895) life and work offers an unprecedented look at his Gilded Age legacy, manifold life, and cultural influences. Just walk down Bellevue and view the Tudor-style buildings, and you can see his influence everywhere. We had the opportunity to preview the exhibition at Rosecliff, with Chief Curator Leslie […]
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Veronica Bruno: Newport gallery report
Newport, RI has a pretty vibrant gallery scene. Dwarfed by perhaps Providence, we feel that the intimate art galleries throughout Aquidneck (and Conanicut Island) don’t get quite the attention that they deserve. Maybe it’s just that there’s so much to do here—especially during the popular summer season—that these art house gems can sometimes get lost […]
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Sold-out Rosecliff forum unites experts to save Newport’s iconic trees
Earlier this month, more than 200 passionate community members filled the ballroom at Rosecliff mansion to hear from local experts on the challenges facing Newport’s urban forests and arboretums, specifically the causes and treatment strategies for beech leaf disease (BLD). The free forum, “Iconic Trees of Newport II,” brought together an impressive coalition of tree […]
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Veronica Bruno: The elegant, stunning transformation of ITHF’s museum
On Wednesday, May 14, the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) has officially reopened its museum after a multimillion-dollar renovation, funded by a portion of the $12M Tennis Forever Capital Campaign. These were the first renovations to the ITHF Museum since 2015, unveiling a modernized tribute to the sport’s most iconic athletes and historic moments. […]
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Veronica Bruno: My favorite tour is back: ‘Inside The Gilded Age’ private tour at Newport Mansions
“The Gilded Age” private tour is back this weekend and I couldn’t be more excited. I attended the last one and concluded that it’s my absolute favorite tour. The excursion is a dream for fans of the beloved HBO series, now heading into Season 3. Meticulously curated, it’s a behind-the-scenes experience that instantly transports you […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Great Gatsby: A special 50th anniversary screening that was filmed right here in Newport
The Jane Pickens Theater (JPT) Film and Event Center is a beloved gem rich in culture and history, right in the heart of downtown Newport, R.I. In what has become an annual tradition, the venue will be presenting a special screening of the 1974 “The Great Gatsby,” starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, on Dec. […]
Posted inNonprofit
“No Place Like Home” exhibit is raising awareness about the growing homeless crisis in Rhode Island
In partnership with the RI Coalition to End Homelessness (RICEH) and Newport Housing Hotline, the Overlap gallery in Newport opened its “No Place Like Home” exhibit, centering around the theme of homelessness, on Saturday. 54 artworks were selected in an array of media and styles, with each artist interpreting what “home” means to them. Homelessness […]
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Cellist Seth Parker Woods’ delightful visit at Thompson Middle School
We are heavily into the Newport Classical Chamber series and this month has brought two fantastic artists to the City by the Sea: opera singer Markel Reed and cellist Seth Parker Woods. Both artists also visited Newport County classrooms where they led special performance workshops. I caught up with cellist and GRAMMY-nominated Woods, who worked […]
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International Tennis Hall of Fame hosts intimate Q&A with Wimbledon Champion Pat Cash
As a lifelong passionate tennis fan, I’ve seen my fair share of awesome matches. Several stand out, and Pat Cash’s exuberant win over Ivan Lendl at the 1987 Wimbledon is one of them. So of course I was thrilled that the Australian player was headlining a talk at the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) […]
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A conversation with Jacques Pépin: Cooking, happiness, and bringing people together
The Jacques Pépin conversation event at the Newport Wine and Food Festival was understandably sold out this year. For gourmands, who wouldn’t want to listen to the television personality talk about his 75-year experience in the industry? It was an incredible treat to hear from Pépin and his daughter, Claudine Pépin, about his career and […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Newport Vineyards’ 7th Harvest Festival proved the perfect way to usher in fall
Newport Vineyards couldn’t have asked for a more glorious weekend to kick off their seventh Harvest Festival. Under clear skies of blue, wine fans had the opportunity to savor all kinds of tastings from the treasured vineyard, including reds, whites, rosés, beers and ciders. They were peppered throughout the immense indoor space, accented by several […]
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Christie’s Americas’ Chairman Emeritus, Stephen Lash, is bringing his love of ocean liners and the era of art deco to Redwood Library
Stephen S. Lash has been an avid collector of artifacts from the great ocean liners from the art deco era of the 1920’s and 30’s. Having served at Christie’s for over 40 years—including his current stint as the Chairman Emeritus—the Boston native has developed a discerning eye for art, the sea and architecture. Lash was […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival: A step above the rest, and where you can find the selections in Rhode Island
There are Wine & Food festivals; then there is the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival set amidst the stunning backdrop of Rosecliff on Bellevue Ave (Newport’s “Millionaire’s Row”). Considered one of the most beautiful houses in the world—and it’s certainly my favorite in Newport—Rosecliff has provided a formidable presence in the filming of the […]
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Newport Classical opens an exciting season with a stunning program by Merz Trio
The Merz Trio kickstarted Newport Classical’s season at the Newport Classical Recital Hall at Emmanuel Church in downtown Newport, Rhode Island, on Friday, and they brought the audience to their feet with their closing piece by Johannes Brahms. Comprised of Brigid Coleridge on the violin, Julia Yang on cello, and Amy Yang on piano, the […]
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Newport Classical Chamber Series opening this Friday
Newport Classical wrapped up its extremely popular Newport Classical Music Festival, an integral part of the area’s bustling summer tourism season. While the influx of seasonal visitors may have left the island, Newport Classical is determined to continue bringing classical music to the community, and it’s a program that locals have embraced. Where so many […]
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‘Wild Imagination’ at Rosecliff is a fascinating collaborative effort with many of Newport’s organizations
At an elegant ceremony at Rosecliff, Preservation Society of Newport County unveiled their latest Gilded Age exhibit, “Wild Imagination: Art and Animals in the Gilded Age,” housed in the upstairs galleries of the Stanford White-designed Rosecliff, a home inspired by the garden retreat of French kings at Versailles, the Grand Trianon. Wild Imagination explores the […]
Posted inThings To Do
Last weekend for short-season houses at Preservation Society
If you’re like me and you loved HBO’s The Gilded Age, you probably recognized several of the houses from the series that featured Newport as its glittering locale. Well, a few of those houses are part of the Preservation Society of Newport County’s short season and closing soon. This weekend is your last chance to […]
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Patriotic American Liberty cruise ship christened at Fort Adams with elegant ceremony
The City by the Sea was treated to the unveiling of a new cruise ship, the U.S.-themed American Liberty, which graced Fort Adams State Park on Tuesday with a ceremony that featured the musical trio, the Victory Belles, wonderfully reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters. The ceremony included officials from Sail Newport and Fort Adams, Charles […]
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Details on how the Newport Historical Society will transform Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House into Center for Black History
The Newport Historical Society (NHS) announced on Monday its $4.5 million Voices Campaign at the oldest surviving home in Newport, the National Historic Landmark building, the 327-year-old Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House at 17 Broadway. Alongside Senator Jack Reed, State Representatives Lauren Carson and Marvin Abney, NHS Board President Douglas Newhouse and Executive Director Rebecca Bertrand spoke about […]
Posted inSports
Exciting Ida Lewis Distance Race a chance for veterans and new skippers to perform over 24 hours of distance
Over the weekend, over forty racing teams took part in the 2024 Ida Lewis Distance Race presented by Bluenose Yacht Sales. Over the course of a straight 24 hours, race participants started out south of Pell Bridge in Narragansett Bay’s East Passage on Saturday, Aug. 16, along picturesque vantage points of Jamestown and Newport shorelines, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Wet Paint was a fun affair, a complete celebration of the area’s passionate art community
Newport Art Museum’s (NAM) Wet Paint celebrated its 31st anniversary over the weekend and it was a marvelous celebration of art pieces from the area’s notable artists. It’s also an egalitarian event, with artists of all levels participating in the big fundraiser for the museum. On the one hand, some of New England’s renowned artists […]
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Newport Art Trolley and Gallery Night: An exciting, but developing initiative
On Thursday night, I checked out Art Trolley and Gallery Night in Newport, a fairly new event with the purpose of providing a platform for the many galleries throughout the City by the Sea. Managed by the Newport Artists Collective, the effort is meant to bolster the thriving Newport art scene in ways that artists […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Music & Entertainment
Middletown’s DeBlois Gallery celebrated 40 years: Fortyssimo
Situated in a prime location right at the entrance into Newport, on Aquidneck Avenue near Easton’s Beach, the DeBlois Gallery just celebrated 40 years with champagne toasts and lots of great conversation among Aquidneck Island’s and Southern New England’s artists. Previously located on Bellevue Avenue, DeBlois weathered the move to the accessible location next to […]
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Legendary folk hero Joan Baez made several stops in Newport recently
Joan Baez made several appearances in Newport as of late. The folk icon touched down among familiar ground at the Newport Folk Festival over the weekend, starting out with a lowkey poetry reading of her newly released debut poetry book, When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance, which had released this past April. […]
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Inaugural Newport Design Week was a glorious tribute to Newport’s enchanting architecture
You would never have guessed that Newport Design Week was in its first year. Even with the packed crowds at the Newport Folk Festival, Newport Design Week managed to sell out, with fans of interior design attending events among the architecturally stunning buildings of Salve Regina University. Headlined by legendary names in design such as […]
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Isaac Bell House opens for guide-led tours on the weekend after extensive restoration work
After a multi-millionaire renovation project, Preservation Society of Newport County opened up the Isaac Bell House, one of the best surviving examples of Shingle Style architecture in the country. We joined a guide-led tour on Sunday on the opening weekend for the elegant landmark home, designed by the firm of McKim, Mead and White for […]
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Week in Newport: International Tennis Hall of Fame shines
The Tennis Hall of Fame Open and Enshrinement Weekend was a tennis fan’s dream last week. Coming just after Wimbledon concluded, Newport paid homage to the greatest of the sport in the revered grounds of the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF), with legends of the game Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Andre Agassi, Stan Smith, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Classical’s Music Festival closing weekend with pianist Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner
Julliard phenom Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner was one of the highlights of Newport Classical’s last weekend of the Music Festival, in his first solo concert with the organization. He put on a display of classical works mixed in with pieces that paid homage to his Mexican heritage. All of which was a delight to the packed audience […]
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ITHF Inductees talked about their life stories, including some surprising connections among them in their press conference before the induction ceremony
On Saturday former doubles world No. 1 Leander Paes, broadcaster and promoter Vijay Amritraj, and renowned journalist and writer Richard Evans will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF), the ultimate honor in tennis. The three Class of 2024 honorees sat down with ITHF co-Presidents Patrick McEnroe and Kim Clijsters (via Zoom) […]
Posted inSports
ITHF announces a revamped tennis tournament that will bring women back to competition in Newport, along with some interesting scheduling choices
Tennis fans in Newport, RI were pretty disappointed that the Tennis Hall of Fame announced that 2024 was going to be their last year as an ATP 250 tournament. But fear not, tennis competition is not leaving the historic grass courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF), and will remain a summer staple […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Living history left an indelible mark in Newport with Lafayette, Rochambeau, and several re-enactors representing the French contribution to America’s independence
Costumed re-enactors took over Washington Square Park and the Colony House in downtown Newport over the weekend. Despite the dismal weather, the rain cleared up by the afternoon, allowing plenty of locals and visitors to experience living history thanks to the Newport Historical Society, National Park Service Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail, and the Alliance Française, […]