John Pizzarelli will forever be associated with “The Wonder of it All,” that unforgettable jingle from the Foxwoods ad that ran on TV and radio heavily in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. Of course, the Grammy Award-winning guitarist’s career has been about a lot more. He’s most recognized as a leading interpreter of songs […]
People & Profiles
Posted inCity & Government
Ethics in Rhode Island? Common Cause executive director, joins WUN for a live conversation on Thursday
Since its founding in Rhode Island more than 50 years ago, Common Cause Rhode Island has consistently been at the forefront of ethics reform, serving as a significant watchdog over local and state government in Rhode Island. John Marion, Common Cause executive director, joins WUN for a 4 p.m. videocast on Thursday, December 8. We’ll […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Dave Sarazen of Laden Valley, playing Top of Pelham on Dec. 8
This is one of those “see them now, before they blow up” moments… happening Thursday, December 8 when Laden Valley, an up-and-coming Newport band plays a hometown gig at Top of Pelham. They’re even bringing an internationally known star along for the show. Fellow Newporter Elizabeth Beisel, best known as a medalist in Olympic swimming, […]
Posted inArts & Culture, People & Profiles, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Legendary rapper Kurtis Blow, appearing at PPAC Dec. 7 in ‘Hip Hop Nutcracker’
Going to see Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” during the holiday season is a time-honored tradition for many families. Over the past few years, a troupe of singers, dancers, and musicians have put a twist on the tradition in the award-winning production “Hip Hop Nutcracker.” Originally staged ten years ago, the show has grown in popularity and […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport School Superintendent Jermain joins WUN for a conversation on Wednesday
For Colleen Burns Jermain, Newport’s School Superintendent, it has been a challenging time — from the failed regionalization vote to revelations of expected substantial cost overruns for the Rogers High School construction project. Colleen joins WhatsUpNewp at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday) for her monthly live virtual video conversation with us. Is regionalization dead? Or does […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Marie Osmond, performing with RI Philharmonic at the Providence Performing Arts Center Dec. 22
With almost six decades in the entertainment industry behind her, you might expect Marie Osmond to be slowing down a bit. Definitely not the case. In an interview earlier this week, I found the multi-talented entertainer a juggernaut, going strong at age 63, moving forward, and loving life. I caught up with Osmond as she […]
Posted inCity & Government
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Xay Khamsyvoravong, Newport’s next Mayor
Xaykham Rexford Khamsyvoravong, “Xay” (pronounced “Sigh”) for short, joined What’sUpNewp for a one-on-one live virtual video conversation on Friday. Xay was the top vote-getter for Newport City Council At-Large in last week’s election and was chosen among Newport City Council-elect earlier this week to serve as the Chair/Mayor beginning in December. During the 40-minute conversation, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Craig O’Keefe of ‘The Sixties Show,’ coming to Jane Pickens November 20
Put on your tie-dye t-shirts, hop in your VW van and plan on heading on down to the Jane Pickens Film and Events Center on November 20. The Sixties Show is coming to town. The Sixties Show is a multimedia theatrical production built around classic songs from the decade that changed everything. The performance features […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Dick Lynn of Newport Live on ‘Women’s Voices’ series coming to Jamestown Arts Center
A unique concert series is coming to the Jamestown Arts Center this Fall. “Women’s Voices” is a program curated by Dick Lynn, Executive Director of Newport Live (formerly Common Fence Music). The series begins with singer-songwriter Dori Freeman who will be playing Saturday, November 5 at 6:30PM. (Tickets are available here.) Shows run every other […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Lily Meola, singer-songwriter opening for Ray LaMontagne at PPAC Nov. 1
A rising star in the music world will be at the Providence Performing Arts Center next week. That’s when singer-songwriter Lily Meola, fresh off receiving a golden buzzer on America’s Got Talent, opens for Ray LaMontagne as part of his MONOVISION Tour. Although she didn’t win the million-dollar prize on the popular talent show, Meola […]
Posted inArts & Culture, People & Profiles, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Drew Becker, star of ‘Tootsie,’ playing PPAC through Sunday Oct. 30
Drew Becker is just the third person to play Michael Dorsey and Dorothy Michaels. He’s the lead actor in “Tootsie,” the musical playing at the Providence Performing Arts Center this week. Dustin Hoffman originated the role in the 1982 film. Santino Fontana originated the role in the Broadway musical, earning a Tony Award in 2019 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Matt Stubbs of GA-20, playing Narrows Center on Friday Oct. 28
You may not have noticed, but a Providence-based band is at the top of the music charts. (No, we’re not speaking of that part-time Westerly resident named Taylor.) We’re talking about the hard-driving Blues trio GA-20. I spoke to Matt Stubbs, lead guitarist and co-founder of the band last week as he was on his […]
Posted inArts & Culture, People & Profiles, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Tim Brennan of Dropkick Murphys, playing The Vets Friday, Oct. 21
Known for hard-driving Celtic punk-rock, the Dropkick Murphy’s are shipping on down to the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence Friday, October 21. But don’t expect a typical Dropkick Murphys concert – instead of the usual highly-charged show, the Boston-based band will be playing a full night of acoustic music highlighting songs from their new album […]
Posted inThings To Do
UPDATED – What’s Up Interview: Jen Kearney, Boston singer-songwriter releases new album ‘Atlantic’
There are many professional musicians out there who defy categorization. Some boldly refuse to be corralled into a certain genre, an approach that undoubtedly has artistic merit, but sometimes has consequences on the commercial side of the business. Jen Kearney is one of those artists … highly talented, but difficult to classify. Her sound blends […]
Posted inArts & Culture, People & Profiles, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Andrea Gonzalez Caballero, performing at URI Guitar Festival Oct. 21
The 7th annual URI Guitar Festival is returning to the campus of the University of Rhode Island during the weekend of October 20-23. The event brings leading names in the world of classical guitar to the state, as well as musicians who cross over into other musical genres. I spoke with one of those artists, […]
Posted inHistory
Newport Socialite Alice Roosevelt: America’s first celebrity daughter?
“Princess” Alice Roosevelt Longworth, daughter of U.S. president Theodore Roosevelt and Alice Hathaway Lee Roosevelt, is sometimes regarded as the first American celebrity. Known for her staunch independence, escapades, wit, and nonconformity, Alice cemented a place for herself in history beyond that of a president’s daughter. In her lifetime, Alice attended thousands of dinners, balls, […]
Posted inArts & Culture, People & Profiles
Concert Review and Photos: Rhythm and Roots Festival Day 2 – We interview festival organizers
Story contributed by Andy Smith CHARLESTOWN – Chuck Wentworth had just checked his heart rate at about 3 Saturday afternoon. “Normal sinus rhythm,” he announced. “At this point last year, I was at the opposite end of the spectrum.” Wentworth, founder of the Rhythm & Roots Festival, a South County fixture on Labor Day weekend, […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
Newport woman selected for statewide minority leadership program
Niko Merritt of Newport is one of just 31 people statewide selected to participate in the Rhode Island Foundation’s Equity Leadership Initiative. The goal is to help build a pipeline of leaders of color for positions of influence throughout the state. Merritt is the founder and Executive Director of Sankofa Community Connection. Besides having worked for […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Seth Rudetsky, coming to Theatre by the Sea Monday July 11
Sirius Radio’s Seth Rudetsky, one of the hosts on the Broadway Channel, brings his “Big Fat Broadway Show” to Theatre by the Sea on Monday, July 11. If you’ve heard him on Sirius, you know how quick-witted and talented he is. If you haven’t heard him, tune in. He’s a wealth of behind-the-scenes stories about […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Bob Mould, playing the Greenwich Odeum Thursday, May 26
Bob Mould may not be an everyday name in popular music, however, he is frequently cited as a major influence on several well-known bands. In his case, acts like Nirvana, Soul Asylum, Foo Fighters and countless others have referenced Mould as a fundamental influence on their sound. We’ll call him a punk “influencer,” if there […]
Posted inCity & Government
Mayor Napolitano will join What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Tuesday
There’s no shortage of major issues facing the Newport City Council as it prepares for a busy tourism season, and perhaps a busier election year. Newport Mayor Jeanne Marie Napolitano joins What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation tomorrow (Tuesday) at noon where we’ll explore many issues. Update – Mayor Napolitano wasn’t able to make […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
Review: ‘Incomparable Grace’ succinct, absorbing look at JFK
By ANDREW DeMILLO Associated Press “Incomparable Grace: JFK in the Presidency” by Mark K. Updegrove (Dutton) This cover image released by Dutton shows “Incomparable Grace: JFK in the Presidency” by Mark K. Updegrove. (Dutton via AP) Nearly six decades after his assassination in Dallas, President John F. Kennedy and his legacy remain an obsession for […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
Review: Actor Viola Davis bares soul on way to ‘Finding Me’
By DOUGLASS K. DANIEL Associated Press “Finding Me: A Memoir” by Viola Davis (HarperOne) Brutally honest and honestly brutal, actor Viola Davis looks back on her childhood like the victim of a disaster still dazed by the experience but remembering every terrible moment. Her alcoholic father routinely beat and bloodied her mother. Viola and her […]
Posted inNews
NPT HAUS diversifies Newport music scene with high-energy techno
Earlier this year, local cousins and house music enthusiasts Katie Marie Benisch-Egan (she/her) and Kelsey Morgan (she/her) launched NPT HAUS, an event production company focused on building an inclusive community grounded in a love of house and techno music. Their first dance parties at Bar and Board Bistro’s Leopard Lounge this winter were a smashing […]
Posted inNews, People & Profiles, Sports
Opening Day at Fenway Park: Meet two MLB players born in Newport
With the baseball season underway, it’s a good time to look back at some of the ballplayers who hail from our area. There have been over 100 MLB players born in Rhode Island, including two born in Newport. In addition, eight managers, including Woonsocket native Rocco Baldelli who currently skippers the Minnesota Twins, were born […]