Posted inMusic & Entertainment

Newport Classical opens chamber series with prize-winning Poiesis Quartet

Newport Classical will open its 2025-2026 Chamber Series on Sept. 12 with a performance by the Poiesis Quartet, a rising string ensemble that has won multiple national competitions in recent years. The concert, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Newport Classical Recital Hall, will feature the quartet performing Beethoven’s Op. 59 No. 3 alongside contemporary works by […]

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Audrain Collection sweeps Pebble Beach Concours with three class wins

The Audrain Collection of Newport claimed first, second and third place finishes in separate classes at the 74th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, showcasing the museum’s commitment to automotive preservation on one of the world’s most prestigious stages. The collection’s 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Brewster Ascot Phaeton took first place in the Rolls-Royce Phantom […]

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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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Newport Irish-American women’s group to celebrate 125th anniversary

The Newport Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 1 will celebrate its 125th anniversary in September with a series of public events highlighting the organization’s community service and Irish heritage. The group, one of the largest and oldest LAOH divisions in the country, is a sisterhood of Irish-American Catholic women with 240 members dedicated to […]

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Two artists explore ancestry and memory in dual Jamestown Arts Center exhibitions

JAMESTOWN, R.I. — Two solo exhibitions opening Sept. 12 at the Jamestown Arts Center will examine themes of ancestry, cultural memory and perseverance through distinctly different artistic lenses. Pittsburgh-based artist DS Kinsel’s “Bohemian Ossuary” and Providence-based artist Becci Davis’ “Bloodstone + Home” will run through Nov. 8, with an opening reception and artists’ talk scheduled […]

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Things to do in Newport County this weekend: Aug. 15 – 17

Newport County residents and visitors have an exceptional array of activities to choose from this weekend, with cultural celebrations, equestrian events, and historical programming taking center stage. The three-day Hellenic Fest at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church runs Friday through Sunday, offering authentic Greek food and music. Meanwhile, “A Weekend of Coaching” brings equestrian enthusiasts […]

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Veronica Bruno: Newport gallery report—the breadth of shows at Redwood Library and Athenaeum

There were so many gorgeous shows that opened throughout Newport over the summer. But in this report, we’re focusing on the shows that dazzled each of the gallery spaces at the Redwood Library and Athenaeum, right next to the Newport Art Museum. The breadth of exhibits on display really is a testament to the organization’s […]

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‘Jaws’ returns to Newport with 4K restoration, week-long screenings at The JPT Film & Event Center

The Jane Pickens Theatre & Event Center at 49 Touro Street will transform Newport into Amity Island for a Labor Day celebration of Steven Spielberg’s classic thriller “Jaws.” The weeklong event runs Aug. 29 through Sept. 4, featuring a nationwide 4K restoration of the 1975 blockbuster that helped define the summer movie season. “We needed […]

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MÃE Organization for the Homeless serves Rhode Islanders-in-need with basic human services

Native Rhode Islander Tuni Schartner is sometimes referred to as “Rhode Island’s Economic Gardener.” She earned this nickname due to her personal mission of “helping businesses thrive, and to help the Rhode Island economy grow; always focusing on the greater good.” Since graduating from URI, Schartner has held community-driven leadership roles all over Rhode Island, […]

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Little Compton celebrates 350th anniversary with parade, music Saturday

LITTLE COMPTON — Little Compton will celebrate its 350th anniversary Saturday with a parade and day-long festivities that organizers say are “worth the 50 year wait.” The LC350 Parade will begin at 11 a.m. from the intersection of West Main Road and Peckham Road, continuing along Meetinghouse Lane and The Commons before finishing at Richmond’s […]

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Charter Books, Newport Historical Society to host historian Randall Balmer

NEWPORT — Charter Books and the Newport Historical Society will present an evening with historian and author Randall Balmer on Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Richard I. Burnham Resource Center. Balmer, the John Phillips Professor in Religion at Dartmouth College, will discuss his newly released book “America’s Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State” […]

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Newport Classical offers three free concerts for families this fall

Newport Classical will present three free concerts designed for families and children from August through October as part of its Community Concerts Series presented by BankNewport. The Grammy Award-winning Akropolis Reed Quintet will perform Saturday, Aug. 23, at 4 p.m. at the Newport County YMCA, 792 Valley Road, Middletown. The interactive concert will feature selections […]

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‘Shattered Ice’ Rhode Island premiere at The JPT Film & Event Center to spotlight mental health awareness

On Friday, Aug. 15, Newport’s historic The JPT Film & Event Center will host the Rhode Island premiere of Shattered Ice. This award-winning narrative feature has been gaining national attention on the film festival circuit. Presented in collaboration with Newport-based mental health advocacy brand NOSOLO, the evening will blend powerful storytelling with a shared commitment […]

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Hellenic Fest, coaching events highlight busy Newport County week

Newport County residents and visitors can choose from colonial walking tours, live music venues, farmers markets and outdoor activities throughout the week, with highlights including the Hellenic Fest, coaching weekend events and the annual George Washington Letter Reading. The week features daily colonial Jewish walking tours at the Loeb Visitors Center, multiple farmers markets across […]

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RENEWport to host World Café discussion on community, belonging Aug. 19

RENEWport will host its third World Café event of the year on Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 6-8:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Church in Newport. The free, public event will use a structured discussion format to explore questions about community, belonging and strengthening civic life in Newport. Participants will rotate through small-group conversations designed to encourage meaningful […]

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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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Documentary ‘Speak’ screens at newportFILM Outdoors with director in attendance

The documentary “Speak,” which had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, screened Thursday night at Miantonomi Park as part of newportFILM Outdoors’ 15th anniversary season. Co-director Guy Mossman attended the screening and participated in a post-film conversation with Todd Trebour, executive director of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. The […]

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Things to do in Newport County this weekend: Aug. 7 – 10

Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in Newport County this week and weekend. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Thursday, August 7 Things To Do 9 am: Monthly Coffee with the Curator at The Sailing Museum 11:30 am: “The Beauty Molecule” with Nicholas Perricone M.D. at The Brenton Hotel 3 pm: Sakonnet Green Market at Sakonnet […]

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Preserve Rhode Island announces 2025 Rhody Awards, recognizes 10 historic preservation projects

Preserve Rhode Island announced on Wednesday 10 recipients of the 2025 Rhody Awards for Historic Preservation, celebrating projects that utilize historic preservation to strengthen communities, improve quality of life, and address social challenges across the state. The awards recognize achievements spanning from Westerly to Pawtucket to Tiverton, demonstrating preservation efforts that impact communities statewide. This […]

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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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Inaugural Ocean State Crossing brings competitive paddleboard racing to Newport

A common sight at Rhode Island beaches are paddleboarders. The past decade has expanded the paddleboarding scene from a novelty craze to a part of the state’s identity surrounding water activities. Despite the popularity, there have been few opportunities to bring paddlers together in a social and competitive manner. This year, lifeguard veteran Brian Guadagno […]

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71st Newport Jazz Festival concludes with perfect weather, full crowds

NEWPORT, R.I. — The 71st Newport Jazz Festival wrapped up Sunday evening at Fort Adams State Park under perfect weather conditions, capping three days of sold-out performances that showcased everything from high-energy acts to traditional jazz, proving one thing for certain: Jazz music is fun. Friday’s opening day featured a unique educational component as high […]

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71st Newport Jazz Festival opens with student performances, star-studded lineup

NEWPORT, R.I. — The 71st Newport Jazz Festival kicked off Friday at Fort Adams State Park, combining the energy of emerging talent with legendary performers across three days of music that has drawn sold-out crowds to Newport’s iconic waterfront venue. Friday’s opening day featured a unique educational component as high school students from across the […]

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Celebrity chef to headline 20th Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival

Chef Marcus Samuelsson will headline the 20th annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, scheduled for Sept. 18-21 at Rosecliff and Marble House. Tickets for all festival events go on sale to the public today at 9 a.m. at www.newportmansions.org/events/newport-mansions-wine-food-festival-2025. The festival will feature 23 tasting seminars, the Vintner Dinner, Sunday Jazz Brunch, “Conversation with Marcus […]

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Rhode Island Foundation offers $30,000 grants to local visual artists

Rhode Island visual artists have until Aug. 14 to apply for $30,000 fellowships from the Rhode Island Foundation, among the largest no-strings-attached awards available to artists in the United States. The foundation will award grants to three emerging or mid-career visual artists through its Robert and Margaret MacColl Johnson Fellowship Fund. The awards are designed […]

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newportFILM raises more than $375K at 15th Anniversary Summer Benefit

newportFILM raised more than $375,000 at its 15th Anniversary Summer Benefit on July 19, supporting the organization’s year-round documentary film programming and educational initiatives. Hundreds of guests gathered at IYRS’s Restoration Hall in Newport for the organization’s largest annual fundraiser. The event was presented by the Stratus Foundation/FlyAdvanced, with additional support from The Newport Experience […]

Posted inArts & Culture, Martha's Vineyard, Music & Entertainment, News

Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival returns with star power and cultural legacy

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. AP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — No matter the time on Martha’s Vineyard, a shimmering glow will be powered by the star presence of Black filmmakers, actors and tastemakers like Issa Rae, Mara Brock Akil and Michelle Obama who are shaping culture on their own terms. For two-plus decades, the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival has […]

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Morning Notes: Air Quality Alert issued for Washington, Newport Counties due to elevated ozone levels

Good morning, Newport! 🗓️ Today is Wednesday, July 30, the 211th day of 2025. There are 154 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has issued an air quality alert for Wednesday, warning that ozone levels will reach unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups in Washington […]

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Rising seas, vanishing voices: An Indigenous story from Martha’s Vineyard

“This story was originally published by Grist. Sign up for Grist’s weekly newsletter here.” When former Grist fellow Joseph Lee tells people that his family is from Martha’s Vineyard, an island off the coast of Massachusetts, they invariably look confused about what it means to be from a popular vacation spot for U.S. presidents and […]

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Things to do in Newport County this week and weekend: July 28 – Aug. 3

Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in Newport County this week and weekend. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Monday, July 28 Things To Do 10 am: Free self-guided tours at Eisenhower House 3 pm: Jamestown Farmers Market at Jamestown Recreation Center 3 pm: Newport Gulls versus Danbury Westerners at Cardines Field 5:30 pm: Seaside Sips with […]

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Morning Notes: Community rallies behind Middletown resident battling cancer through GoFundMe, Newport Gulls game tonight

Good morning, Newport! 🗓️ Today is Friday, July 25, the 206th day of 2025. There are 159 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know A GoFundMe campaign supporting Middletown resident Jake Cathers in his battle against Stage 4 pancreatic cancer has raised $38,584 toward a $45,000 goal, with 273 donations from community […]

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Morning Notes: Tune into MVYRADIO this weekend to hear select Newport Folk Festival performances

Good morning, Newport! 🗓️ Today is Thursday, July 24, the 205th day of 2025. There are 160 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know  MVYRADIO will offer comprehensive coverage of the sold-out Newport Folk Festival, which runs Friday through Sunday at Fort Adams. The festival will provide the Martha’s Vineyard-based station with […]

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Newport Classical announces 12-concert Chamber Series for 2025-2026 season

Newport Classical announced Tuesday a 12-concert chamber music series running from September 2025 through June 2026, with tickets going on sale to the public July 29. The fifth annual Chamber Series will feature world-class musicians performing Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at Newport Classical Recital Hall on Dearborn Street, the organization said in a press […]

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Irish fiddler Eileen Ivers to return to Newport for Christmas concert

Irish-American fiddler Eileen Ivers will return to The JPT Film & Event Center Dec. 13 for a Christmas concert titled “Joyful Christmas,” Spectacle Live announced Tuesday. The 7:30 p.m. performance marks Ivers’ second consecutive December appearance at the Washington Square venue, following her 2024 show. She has performed in Newport multiple times over the years. […]

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Exquisite arts and antiques take center stage at 18th Annual Newport Show

Art enthusiasts and antique collectors will have the opportunity to browse stunning collections from 40 exhibitors at The Newport Show, returning for its 18th year to benefit the Newport Historical Society and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County. The annual showcase, which has become a cornerstone of Newport’s summer social calendar, will take […]

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Over 1,300 runners celebrate craft beer and fitness at ninth annual Newport Beer Run

More than 1,300 runners laced up their shoes Saturday for the ninth annual Newport Beer Run at Fort Adams State Park, combining a scenic 5K race with craft beer sampling in one of Newport’s most popular summer events. Christopher Collett of Providence dominated the men’s field, crossing the finish line in 14:51 to earn the […]

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Heidi List Murphy reimagines List Academy of Music to engage seniors and veterans in the healing power of music

Heidi List Murphy has been making music and teaching music for over 30 years. Born into a musical family, she is a trained pianist, music teacher, and mid-career home healthcare provider. Since founding List Academy of Music (LAM) in 1993, she has helped more than 8,000 Newport County families to pursue, and often achieve, their […]

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The JPT heats up summer with enhanced film screenings and live events

The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center is offering a lineup of enhanced film screenings with post-movie discussions, live music, and themed parties throughout July. “It’s hot in Newport this summer, and there’s no better way to cool off than catching new and classic flicks while supporting local businesses,” said Alex Whitney, General Manager of […]

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Sakonnet Vineyard celebrates Little Compton’s 350th Anniversary with Summer Concert Series and Folk Festival

Little Compton’s historic Sakonnet Vineyard is rolling out the red carpet this summer to celebrate the town’s 350th anniversary with a series of musical events that blend community spirit with the vineyard’s scenic charm. The celebration kicks off with the LC350 Summer Sunset Music Concert Series, featuring two free outdoor concerts. On July 23, bluegrass […]

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