March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of women in all aspects of our society. WhatsUpNewp reached out to successful women in several professions, asking just a few questions. We will run their responses throughout the month. Rep. Lauren H. Carson, D – District 75 (Newport) WUN: What one, two or three […]
People & Profiles
A Bridge to the Future: Irma Valdez – ‘we need love in this world’
When you meet Irma Valdez, you hear in her voice an excitement about the opportunities that her children now have, about a commitment to her country and community, and about appreciation, adulation for a father who more than 20 years ago courageously left the fields of Veracruz, Mexico coming to the United States in search […]
Rescue Me: 5 pets in need of loving homes this week
It’s Friday, which means it’s time again to highlight some pretty awesome (and adorable pets) from the Potter League For Animals. If you’re looking to give the right dog, cat or other companion animal a “furever home”, these five are ready to love and be loved. I am Houdini. I’m a 5-month-old male domestic shorthair. […]
Brian C. Jones: In an age of guilt, are we guilty of being guilty?
FIRST, I FEEL A LITTLE GUILTY writing this. No, I feel very guilty that I’m even raising the subject. You’ve probably got enough to feel guilty about without me butting in. So, sorry. But if you quit reading this, will you feel guilty about not finishing what you started? And if you keep on reading, […]
5 Questions with Ry Smith, artist behind Caleb & Broad’s new mural
After major renovations in January, Caleb & Broad is getting a brand new look. The restaurant’s interior transformation includes a 22 ft. mural celebrating Rhode Island created by local artist Ry Smith. Smith has been hard at work on the piece – his first large-scale mural – since January 31st and is on track to […]
RI Hospitality Association appoints Charlie Holder to its Board of Directors
The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) announced today the appointment of Newport resident Charlie Holder to its Board of Directors. Holder, who has nearly 40 years of experience working in the hospitality industry, is the current operations manager for Midtown Oyster Bar and Surf Club Newport. In 1983, he secured his first position in the restaurant […]
Brian C. Jones: “Charlie’s River” – A Newport artist’s tribute to her longtime partner
For 20 years, they were a couple – talented, devoted partners who individually and together reflected the rich cultural, professional and personal character of Newport, if not Rhode Island itself. Raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Rita Rogers is an abstract painter with a long list of academic credentials and has exhibited in New York and all […]
Under The Dome: Senator Lou DiPalma
With the start of the legislative session, I reached out to the area’s legislative delegation to survey what legislation is important to each of them, the challenges ahead, and their perspective on the upcoming legislative session. Initially, I expected to wrap the answers into a single story. But the responses were so extensive and informative […]
Newport County Dinner Club celebrating 30 years of promoting “Shop Local, Dine Local”
Hard to believe it, but the Newport County Dinner Club has been offering a fine local dining program for 30 years! The Newport County Dinner Club (NCDC) is a membership club that celebrates the pleasures of local dining. Established in 1989, David and Nancy Rosenberg started NCDC to encourage Newport County residents to support local […]
5 questions with Wave Cycle Studio
On November 29th, Newport welcomed its newest fitness business to town when Wave Cycle, an indoor cycling studio, opened at 198 Thames Street. What’s Up Newp recently caught up with Brian at Wave Cycle to learn a little more about their business and indoor cycling. What’s Up Newp (WUN): Tells us about Wave Cycle – […]
Wooden boat brings adventure, work/life balance to NUWC Division Newport engineer and diver
NEWPORT, R.I. —The appeal of a vintage wooden boat inspired Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport engineer and Navy diver Christian Schumacher to plan a 500-mile, four-day adventure on the ocean, where he often finds work/life balance. Hoping to become a first-time boat owner, Schumacher, who works in Division Newport’s Ranges, Engineering and Analysis […]
Fifth generation Newporter achieves Eagle Scout
At a recent Scout Troop 3 Newport Court of Honor, 16-year-old Michael Albert “Mac” Cullen was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. Son of Beth and Mike Cullen, Mac’s connection with Newport runs deep: his grandfather, the late Albert “Mac” McManus, was a 1939 Rogers High School graduate and his great aunt, the late Jane […]
Retired Newport Police Lieutenant named Safety and Security Manager for Preservation Society of Newport County
Newport Police Lieutenant (Ret.) Frank Rosa Jr. was named Safety and Security Manager for the Preservation Society of Newport County today. Rosa completed 25 years service with the Newport Police before his retirement. He begins his duties December 9th.“Frank Rosa Jr. is an invaluable new asset for the Preservation Society,” said CEO and Executive Director […]
Podcast: A conversation with Chuck Flippo, General Manager of Loeb Center
When Ambassador Loeb developed the Loeb Visitor Center a decade ago as a gateway to Newport’s Touro Synagogue, the nation’s oldest synagogue, he did so as not only in celebration of that institution, but of religious freedom everywhere. Its centerpiece is the famed letter from George Washington. Its importance today is as a powerful statement […]
NUWC Division Newport engineer achieves work-life balance by helping others during emergencies
Opting to work as an emergency medical technician in one’s free time might seem like an odd choice for finding work-life balance. For Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport engineer Gary Huntress, though, years of helping others has given him a sense of peace and purpose. “The paramedics in an ambulance are just like […]
Podcast: A conversation with Doug Key, Founder of Rogue Island Comedy Festival
More than seventy comedians are headed to Newport this week to participate in Rhode Island’s only stand-up comedy festival. They are all heading for the City-By-The-Sea to participate in the 5th Annual Rogue Island Comedy Festival. Frank Prosnitz from the What’sUpNewp Crew caught up with Doug Key, Founder of the festival, this week to chat […]
Podcast: A conversation with Colin Kane, Founding Partner of Peregrine Group
Colin Kane is a founding partner of the highly successful Peregrine Group, real estate advisors and project managers. The company has offices in Newport and Rumford, Rhode Island and Boston, Massachusetts. Our conversation ranges from the impact of climate change, liquor licenses, a proposed moratorium for construction in what is being called Newport’s innovation district, […]
Creating stained glass helps NUWC Division Newport executive analyst find work/life balance
By NUWC Division Newport Public Affairs Of the hundreds of stained-glass designs Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport employee Laurie Dutra has crafted, she has kept only three. The bulk of them weren’t broken or lost; rather, they were gifted. She spoils everyone in her personal and professional network, on birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries and […]
Podcast: A Bridge To The Future – Al Kamara, Rising from poverty in Liberia
Al Kamara was born in a tiny impoverished village in Liberia — no utilities, no running water, no schools, no hospitals. One of 21 children, his mother arranged for his “adoption” by a businessman at the age of 10. He entered a world where he would learn to read and write, travel with “foster parents” […]
Podcast: Opening Act – Paul Wayne
For more than 30 years Paul Wayne has been the opening act for many top stars, including Jay Leno, Patti LaBelle, Richie Havens, and so many more. He shares his story, songs, and anecdotes about his experiences over what has been a very successful career.
A conversation with Newport Jazz Festival Artist Michael Mwenso
Michael Mwenso has come a long way to Newport Jazz. He’s a native of Sierra Leone, spent most of his childhood in London and later moved to New York City. His band, Mwenso and the Shakes’ calls Harlem home, although members come from far and wide, including South Africa, Jamaica, Madagascar, France and Scotland. Mwenso […]
Liz Cooper, Ruston Kelly, Cedric Burnside, and Madison Cunningham share their thoughts on playing Newport Folk Festival for the first time
The Newport Folk Festival is known for recruiting the best folk, blues and roots artists every summer. The Festival also excels at discovering emerging talent. Indeed, established stars like Brandi Carlile, Hozier, Amy Ray and Dawes got a boost from Newport Folk early in their careers. This year, we had a chance to speak to […]
WhatsUp Interview: Cimarron at Newport Folk Festival
Which band travelled the farthest to the 2019 Newport Folk Festival? The answer would probably be Cimarron, a band that travelled all the way from the plains of Eastern Colombia. We spoke to band Director Carlos Rojas Hernández via e-mail (and google translate) to learn a little more about this unique act. 1. What are […]
Podcast: A conversation with Ron Carter ahead of his appearance at the 65th Newport Jazz Festival
Ron Carter is perhaps the most influential bassists in jazz history, with some 2,500 albums to his credit. From 1963 to 1968, he was a member of the Miles Davis Quintet, was named Outstanding Bassist of the Decade by the Detroit News, Jazz Bassist of the Year by Downbeat magazine, and has earned two Grammy […]
