Rose Island is an 18.5-acre sentry in Narragansett Bay just south of the Newport Pell Bridge. It has had numerous lives and is currently a popular tourist venue. There are two National Register properties on the island: the lighthouse and the remains of Fort Hamilton. This article is about the lighthouse. The lighthouse was built […]
Arts & Culture
A look at What’s Up in arts and culture in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.
Posted inArts & Culture
Tim Jones – Sour Grapes: Climate Change
Here’s this weeks Sour Grapes; enjoy!
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Say cheese! Mac-N-Cheese Smackdown winners announced
The Newport Marriott was immediately bustling and busy as the doors opened for the seventh annual Mac & Cheese Smackdown during the Newport Winter Festival. Tickets were the key to entry as well as the way to cast a vote for Best Mac & Cheese. Tasters were faced with choosing one out of twelve local […]
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Museum of Newport Irish History lecture to explore Irish music’s impact on identity
The Museum of Newport Irish History will present the fourth talk of its 23rd Annual Lecture Series on Monday, February 24 at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom. Dr. Scott B. Spencer, Assistant Professor of Musicology at the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California, will give a talk titled “Traditional Irish Music […]
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The Legendary Wailers featuring Junior Marvin to headline 2025 IYRS Summer Gala
The International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) is gearing up for its annual Summer Gala on July 12, 2025. The event, taking place at 449 Thames St. in Newport, aims to raise essential funds for the school and its students. Guests can look forward to an evening filled with cocktails, dinner, auctions, and live music from […]
Posted inHistory
Today In Newport History (Feb. 22, 1994): ‘True Lies’ Filmed in Newport
True Lies, the 1994 American action comedy film written and directed by James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Arnold, Art Malik, Tia Carrere, Bill Paxton, Eliza Dushku, Grant Heslov and Charlton Heston, was in the midst of filming in Newport, RI in February of 1994. Of the many locations that were used […]
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The Breakers introduces timed ticketing to manage crowds
The Preservation Society of Newport County is implementing a new timed ticketing system at The Breakers mansion to address overcrowding concerns and enhance visitor experience at the popular historic site. Starting Monday, February 24, visitors to The Breakers must select a specific date and time for their visit, with entry slots available every 30 minutes […]
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‘YachtDoc Bash’ to celebrate 15 years of newportFILM
Tickets are now available for newportFILM’s YachtDoc Bash, a celebration marking 15 years of documentary film programming. The event is set for March 1 at OceanCliff in Newport. Inspired by the sold-out screening of “YACHT ROCK: A DOCUMENTARY” last November, the bash encourages guests to dress up in yacht rock-inspired outfits. The night promises food, […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Comedian Paul Mecurio, bringing people together, one show at time
Comedian Paul Mecurio’s show Permission to Speak is all about bringing people together. In his one-man show, Mecurio brings audience members on stage for a conversation. The ensuing discussion explores themes that all audience members share—joy, pain, heartache, and the successes and struggles that make up the human experience. And while that’s happening, Mecurio find […]
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Orchestral program, historic photography talk coming to Rosecliff in March
Orchestral music from the 19th century and photography from America’s Gilded Age will be presented at Rosecliff in March as the Preservation Society of Newport County continues its winter and spring educational program series. The Gilded Age Orchestra of Newport will take the Rosecliff ballroom stage on March 6 starting at 6 p.m. for a […]
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Tom Rush: Reflections of Bob Dylan; his newest album; and discovering new and talented singer/songwriters
Rolling Stone magazine credited legendary singer/songwriter Tom Rush with ushering in the era of the singer-songwriter. That was decades ago, and Tom is still at it, discovering new talent that he showcases on his Rockport Sundays, broadcast from his home in Southern Maine. We recently talked with Tom, reflecting on a career that spans more […]
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Movies and TV shows casting in Rhode Island
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities’ Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of […]
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As Real as it Gets – Jason Isbell provides a clinic in great songwriting in solo concert at PPAC
If you weren’t at the Providence Performing Arts Center last night, you missed one of the best shows of the year. Yup, already! On what felt like the coldest night of winter, the Alabama-born singer warmed hearts with a solo performance in a show that rivals anything I’ve seen in recent years. Isbell excels in […]
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Sail Newport lecture to explore ‘African Heritage Mariners in Colonial Era’
Sail Newport’s Challenger Lecture Series is set to feature Keith Stokes on February 27 at 6 p.m. Stokes will present “African Heritage Mariners in the Colonial Era,” shedding light on how seafaring offered a path to freedom and prosperity for enslaved and free African men during the 18th and 19th centuries. The talk will cover […]
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Rose Island opens applications for third annual artist residency
The Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust is now taking applications for its third annual artist residency program, which will begin in September 2025. The program will select up to eight artists to spend six nights on Rose Island in Narragansett Bay, working on projects inspired by the island’s environment and history. “After two […]
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The High Kings to perform two shows at The JPT in July
The High Kings are bringing their Irish folk music to Newport this summer. They’ll perform two shows at The JPT Film & Event Center on July 11 and 12, both starting at 8 p.m. Want to grab tickets? They’re going on sale on Friday, February 21 at 10 a.m. and range from $49 to $69. […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up this week in Newport County: Feb. 17 – 26
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County, Rhode Island, this week/weekend, Monday, February 17 through Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Check back often as we update this story throughout the week as more things pop up! Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Community Calendar Monday, February 17 […]
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Black History Month Newport: Places of Worship
Special to What’s Up Newp | The following was written by Keith Stokes. This story was originally published on Feb. 9, 2020. Persons of African heritage have lived, worked and worshiped in Newport since the mid-17th Century. Established as a major slave port, Newport would have one of the largest populations of enslaved and free […]
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‘See You Tomorrow’ – a story of family, caregiving, guilt
Grief, says Iris Bahr, comes in waves – whether it is over the loss of a loved one, or when a loved one loses their memory. It is in a journey, where emotions drift from laughter to tears, where “guilt is everywhere,” where acceptance is illusive. Iris Bahr, an accomplished actress and comedian, recently brought […]
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Black History Month: The origins of Newport’s African Heritage Tennis Club
By Keith Stokes, special to What’s Up Newp. Originally published on Feb. 18, 2021 “If there was a watering-place in America where respectable, refined, and well-bearing-colored ladies and gentlemen have as little reason to feel their color as in Newport.” – Colored American Newspaper, 1886 Newport is internationally recognized for its Colonial Era structures, Gilded […]
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Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians to host Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner
The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians in Newport is gearing up for its annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner on March 1, 2025. This event kicks off the Irish Heritage Month celebrations. St. Augustin’s Hall on Eastnor Road will host the festivities. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with dinner served at 5 p.m. Adult tickets […]
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Black History Month: RI’s Greatest African American Musicians
From Opera to Doo-Wop to Jazz, Black artists have made significant contributions to Rhode Island’s musical heritage. As part of our celebration of Black History Month, we’re introducing you to a few Rhode Islanders who paved the way. For more, check out the videos in the story below and visit the Rhode Island Music Hall of […]
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Black History Month: African Heritage Entrepreneurs in Gilded Age Newport – Andrew J. Tabb
Special to What’s Up Newp | The following was written by Keith Stokes, Vice President of the 1696 Heritage Group. This story was originally published on Feb. 1, 2021. While Newport is internationally recognized for its Colonial Era buildings, Gilded Age mansions, historic landscapes, and rich maritime history, few would know that Newport through the centuries […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
BCUC, Julien Baker & Torres, Waxahatchee join 2025 Newport Folk Festival lineup
The Newport Folk Festival is starting to unveil its 2025 lineup, with Jeff Tweedy, Mt. Joy, and Waxahatchee among the first artists announced. Tweedy is set to perform on Sunday, July 27, as part of the festival’s three-day run from July 25-27 at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island. Mt. Joy joined the […]