We’re celebrating some extraordinary women during March, National Women’s History Month, individuals who have made their mark from the sports field to politics and government, from the courtroom to the board room. We’ll be introducing our readers to some individuals they may not know, and others they do. What they all have in common is […]
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Posted inArts & Culture
Women’s History Month: Meet Miss Johnson and Miss Wales
Many women have played prominent roles in Rhode Island education, from teaching to founding what has now become a prominent university with campuses in Providence and North Carolina. As WUN celebrates National Women’s History Month, we’ll introduce several women who have played significant roles in our area, from the sports field to politics and government, […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Interview: Meet Mark Stickney, Founder of Historic Music of Newport
Newport’s contemporary summer music scene is dominated by three internationally known festivals: Newport Folk, Newport Jazz, and Newport Classical. But the city’s musical heritage runs deep. Live music on the island is a tradition going back almost two hundred years, when classical musicians and military bands entertained summer visitors and year-round residents. One organization working […]
Posted inNews
What’s up in Newport this week: Aug. 6 – 11
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island, this week/weekend, Tuesday, August 6 – Sunday, August 11, 2024. This story will be updated throughout the week as we learn of events, meetings, and listings, so please check back often. Do you have something to add to this list or […]
Posted inNews
What Sold: A look at 35 home sales across Newport County (July 29 – August 2)
As we move into the second week of August, we are starting to feel a slight shift in the local real estate market. Overpriced inventory is resulting in longer days on market average and an increasing number of homes are experiencing price adjustments. Pairing that with an optimistic forecast on interest rates, a tough week […]
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 […]
Posted inCity & Government
Gubernatorial race on – at least at the cash register
The calendar may say Rhode Island’s gubernatorial election is two years away – but make no mistake it is gearing up, and the cash register is ringing. Gov. Dan McKee and his Democratic rival, Helena Buonanno Foulkes, both had very productive second quarters, each raising about a quarter of a million dollars from hundreds of […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Newport Jazz Festival 2024: Jazz is alive, well, and thriving – Day 3 recap and photos
Jazz music as a popular art form has been declared dead more than once. But America’s original art form has endured, resurrected on several occasions, each time characterized by a slight change in direction. The core essence of the genre – improvisational music played collaboratively among a group of well-trained musicians – remains at the […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, News
Thousands brave the heat for 70th anniversary of Newport Jazz Festival
NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) — A capacity crowd of about 10,000 people braved heat and humidity to witness the 70th anniversary of the Newport Jazz Festival, one of the largest music festivals in New England. The festival, which ends Sunday, is also one of the biggest multi-day jazz festivals in the world. It has brought legions […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
From Weekly Gig to Newport Jazz: Sunday Jazz’s remarkable journey
Leland Baker and his Sunday Jazz ensemble performed at the Newport Jazz Festival, featuring musicians he met through various configurations in the New England area. All members of the ensemble have played with Baker at the Courtland Club, a Providence cocktail bar. “We’re definitely so honored and grateful to be here on this sacred ground,” […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Trumpeter Riley Mulherkar talks about Newport experience and debut album
Riley Mulherkar is a trumpeter, community activist, and 2020 recipient of Lincoln Center’s Emerging Artist Award who played Newport Jazz on Saturday, August 3. His debut album, Riley, has been described by DownBeat Magazine as “über hip, modern yet timeless.” What’sUpNewp spoke with Mulherkar after his set on the Harbor Stage. “This place is really […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Newport Jazz Festival 2024: Classic jazz and new beats – Day 2 recap and photos
Day two at the 2024 Newport Jazz Festival saw a continuation of a trend that began on Day one. That trend saw both new and veteran acts bringing their A-game to the historic happening at Fort Adams State Park. The 70th annual festival saw another banner day, with rising stars blending in brilliantly alongside several […]
Posted inNews
Bike Newport founder highlights growth in Newport Folk & Jazz Festival cycling
Bike Newport is experiencing a steady flow of cyclists at the Newport Jazz Festival, with 350 bikes counted on Friday, according to Bari Freeman, Executive Director and Founder of the organization. While the numbers are lower compared to the Newport Folk Festival held last week, which saw up to 1,800 bikes per day, Freeman says […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Newport’s Drift Cafe rides wave of success into Newport Folk & Jazz Festivals
Drift Cafe, a Newport eatery, is participating in the 2024 Newport Folk & Jazz Festivals with a pop-up booth, offering festival-goers a taste of its menu options. Rob DePaula, owner of Drift Cafe, spoke with What’sUpNewp about the cafe’s involvement in the event. “We’ve known about this festival forever, obviously, because it’s one of the […]
Posted inNews
New protected Bike Lane improves safety during Newport Folk Festival
A new protected bike lane on Harrison Avenue significantly improved safety for cyclists attending the Newport Folk Festival, with organizers considering making it a permanent feature for future events. The dedicated two-way bike lane, implemented through collaboration between Bike Newport and local police, addressed safety concerns on a steep section of the road where cyclists […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Jazz Festival 2024: This is not your grandfather’s festival – Day 1 recap and photos
The 70th Anniversary of the historic Newport Jazz Festival kicked off on Friday August 2 at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI. A sellout crowd saw a warm summer day usher in cool vibes that rained down on musicians and attendees. Good feels were abundant. There was great jazz of course, but there was […]
Posted inReal Estate
On the Market: A look at 41 listings in Newport County hosting Open Houses this weekend (August 3 – 4)
Welcome to this week’s edition of On the Market, where we spotlight the best opportunities for homebuyers in Newport County. Open houses are invaluable for those looking to explore the market and see what’s available firsthand. In today’s competitive real estate climate, where options can often be limited, open houses offer a unique chance to […]
Posted inNews
Newport Jazz Festival opens doors to Newport’s youth
The Newport Jazz Festival is expanding its student outreach program, offering free tickets to Rogers High School seniors for the second consecutive year. Dan Swain, Director of Development and Programs for Newport Festivals Foundation, says the initiative aims to cultivate lifelong jazz fans among the younger generation. “We started last year offering any senior student […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Newport Folk & Jazz Festival’s Family Tent evolves with local nonprofit partnerships
The Newport Festivals Foundation is enhancing the family experience at its Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals with a revamped Family Tent featuring local nonprofits and hands-on activities for children. Dan Swain, Director of Development and Programs for the Newport Festivals Foundation, says the idea for the new format emerged about two or three years ago […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Aquidneck Land Trust to host a wild bee walk and talk at Spruce Acres on August 3
The Aquidneck Land Trust is hosting a walk and talk event at Spruce Acres Farm all about wild, native bees and other pollinators. The walk, which takes place on Saturday, August 3 at 10 a.m., will be led by Casey Johnson, a research associate at the University of Rhode Island Bee Lab. George Christie from […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Street Project: Film screening and panel to address safer streets in Newport
A film screening and panel discussion aimed at promoting safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists is coming to Newport on Aug. 13. The event, organized by Ride Island, will feature “The Street Project,” a documentary examining unsafe street designs across the United States. The screening will take place at 6 p.m. at the JPT Film […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Playful Husky pup seeks experienced owner for new adventures
Meet your new best friend, Uce – this week’s adoptable dog of the week. Uce, an 8-month-old Siberian Husky, is currently available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals Animal Care and Adoption Center in Middletown. “Meet Uce, a young, playful, and curious dog who is full of life and energy. His smart and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
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. […]
Posted inCity & Government
No agreement in Newport school dispute
A mediation session, the third, between Newport teachers and the administration over the layoff and displacement of 20 percent of the school faculty, ended without agreement on Tuesday. It had been characterized as perhaps the final mediation session in an effort to resolve the dispute. “We were unable to reach agreement yesterday (Tuesday),” said Jennifer […]
Posted inCity & Government, News, People & Profiles
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain provided updates on teacher contract negotiations, school construction, and plans for the upcoming academic year during her monthly virtual conversation with What’sUpNewp on July 31. Newport Schools Near Full Teacher Placement After Layoffs The Newport School District is close to fully placing teachers following recent layoffs, with only six […]
Posted inThings To Do
“Six Picks” Newport Jazz Edition – Don’t miss these sets at the historic festival this weekend
The Newport Jazz Festival is back! Founded 70 years ago, the historic festival at Fort Adams State Park begins Friday, August 2, and runs through Sunday, August 4. With over 50 performances on the schedule, every fan has their favorite. Below are my “Six Picks” for 2024 with an important reminder – like last weekend’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture
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 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
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 […]
Posted inCity & Government
Exploring 2024-25 vision with Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain on Wednesday videocast
This may be the dog days of summer, but for school administrators they are days filled with planning for a new school year, which in Newport begins September 6. Superintendent of Schools Colleen Burns Jermain joins WhatsUpNewp for her monthly videocast tomorrow (July 31) at 1:30 p.m. And there’s no shortage of subjects to address. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Folk Festival artists Steve Poltz and John Craigie reflect on their Newport Folk Festival experience
John Craigie is an L.A.-born singer-songwriter who infuses comedic storytelling into his performances. He’s been compared to Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, and he has collaborated with artists like Jack Johnson, Gregory Alan Isakov, and the Shook Twins. Seattle Newspaper The Stranger has called Craigie “…the lovechild of John Prine and Mitch Hedberg with a […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Kamasi Washington, headlining the Newport Jazz Festival on Friday, August 2
NOTE: Portions of this story were originally published in May 2023. Kamasi Washington exists on the cutting edge of jazz. He is the avant-garde, who along with a group of fellow visionaries, is setting the tone in the jazz world. Like Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Ornette Coleman, Washington’s music transcends what came before, pushing […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
From Bike Stage to Harbor Stage: Palmyra’s Newport Folk Festival journey
Palmyra, a folk band, performed at the Newport Folk Festival on Sunday, marking their third appearance at the event. The trio has played approximately 150 shows and recorded a new album in the past year. “We’ve been keeping busy, for sure,” said one of the band members during an interview with What’sUpNewp on Saturday. After […]
Posted inReal Estate
What Sold: A look at 21 home sales across Newport County (July 22 – 26)
As we move into the third week of July, we are starting to feel a slight shift in the local real estate market. Overpriced inventory is resulting in a longer ‘days on market’ average and an increasing number of homes are experiencing price adjustments. Properties priced appropriately continue to sell quickly, with sellers gradually realizing […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport this week: July 29 – August 4
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island this week/weekend, July 29 – August 4, 2024. This story will be updated throughout the week as we learn of events, meetings, and listings, so please check back often. Do you have something to add to this list or an upcoming […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Stage Hopping at Newport Folk
I spent three wonderful days at the 65th Annual Newport Folk Festival and here’s what went down. Day 1 William Prince opened the festival at The Harbor Stage. His voice is so rich and calming that it lowers my blood pressure. He sang “Goldie Hawn”, a gorgeous tune for his fiancée, and He also gave […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Newport Folk Festival 2024: Conan and Friends wrap up 65th annual event – Day 3 recap and photos
The 2024 Newport Folk Festival is in the books, and oh, what a time it was. The 65th anniversary of the historic festival closed out on Sunday, July 28, with an all-star set led by musician, podcaster, and former late-night host Conan O’Brien. Sprinkling in a bit of comedy as a light rain fell in […]
Posted inColumns
Gerry Goldstein: Mum’s the word on what’s driving GOP lackeys
Many decades ago, when I was a college student convinced I knew everything there was to know, in a conversation with my father I labelled someone a hypocrite. Dad stopped me in my tracks. “That is a very loaded word,” he said. “Take care how you use it.” Ever since, I’ve been wary of rushing […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport school dispute heads to what may be a final mediation session
With the opening of school just over a month away, the dispute between the Newport teachers’ union and school administration is still unsettled, with a third and perhaps final day of mediation scheduled for Tuesday, according to Jennifer Azevedo, deputy director of the National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI). “We are scheduled for a third […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Rising Folk trio Oliver Hazard talks about Newport experience
Oliver Hazard, a band from Waterville, Ohio, made their Newport Folk Festival debut on Jul. 27, 2024, opening the day’s performances. The trio, consisting of Michael Belazis, Devin East, and Nate Miner, expressed their surprise and gratitude for the reception at the festival. “It was amazing. We didn’t expect many people to come,” one of […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
From Baton Rouge to Newport: Britti’s Folk Festival journey
New Orleans-based singer Britti is making her debut at the Newport Folk Festival, performing on a bicycle-powered stage. The artist, originally from Baton Rouge, is set to showcase her unique blend of musical styles on a stage where audience members pedal bicycles to generate power for the amplifiers. “I feel like I’m in a dream,” […]
Posted inNews
Newport Folk Festival 2024: High energy at Fort Adams – Day 1 recap and photos
65 years since it was established by the late George Wein, the Newport Folk Festival still knows how to “rumble.” The festival got off to a great start Friday, July 26, with beautiful weather and a diverse line up of new and established stars in folk music and beyond. The Fort Stage opener, Medicine Singers, […]
Posted inNews
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, visits Newport and The Great Elephant Migration
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, made a trip to Rhode Island, in part to promote her latest novel A Most Intriguing Lady at the Ocean House in Watch Hill. The duchess made Newport a stop on her itinerary Thursday, July 25, to visit The Great Elephant Migration that has taken over parts of the Cliff […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Folk Family celebrates return of Newport Folk Festival
It’s hard to find fans anywhere more passionate about music than Newport Folk Festival fans. On Thursday, July 25, a pair of events were organized by members of the “Newport Folk Festival Family,” a Facebook fan group that was started in 2009 and has since grown to over 5,000 members. The afternoon began with a […]
Posted inNews
“A Complete Unknown,” Bob Dylan biopic trailer released – Movie due out in December
Music fans rejoice! The first trailer from the upcoming Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown” dropped earlier today. The two-minute trailer features official footage of Timothée Chalamet, who plays the iconic singer-songwriter, on the Dylan classic “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall,” with accompanying clips of iconic New York City clubs and concert venues. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcNNteP22gQ The […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Woods Hole Film Festival to feature documentary “Linda Perry: Let it Die Here” on July 29
A compelling new documentary, screening July 29 at the Woods Hole Film Festival in Woods Hole, MA, examines the life and career of singer, songwriter, and producer Linda Perry. We viewed an advance screener of Linda Perry: Let it Die Here and found it to be an often-disturbing look at a fearless artist in search […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Classical closes out summer Music Festival series with pianist Lara Downes at The Breakers
Classical pianist Lara Downes returned to Newport to conclude the 55th Newport Classical Music Festival. The closing night concert took place at The Breakers on Sunday, July 21. Attendees who came for the finale of Newport Classical’s summer music series were treated to the glitz and glamor of Gilded Age architecture, expansive ocean views, and […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
“Six Picks” Newport Folk Festival Edition – Don’t miss these sets at the annual festival this weekend
The Newport Folk Festival is back! Founded 65 years ago, the annual event begins on Friday, July 26, at Fort Adams State Park and runs through Sunday, July 28. With over 50 performances on the schedule, every fan has their favorite. Below are “Six Picks” for 2024 with an important reminder – you can’t go […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Concert Recap and Photos: Foo Fighters hit it out of the park at Fenway
One of rock and roll’s all-time greatest bands, the Foo Fighters brought an epic show to Fenway Park on Sunday, July 21, in their first trip to the historic ballpark since 2018. The band played for nearly three hours, powering through a robust set of new music, old favorites, and a few deep cuts to satisfy […]
Posted inNews
What Sold: A look at 20 home sales across Newport County (July 15 – 19)
As we move into the third week of July, we are starting to feel a slight shift in the local real estate market. Overpriced inventory is resulting in a longer ‘days on market’ average and an increasing number of homes are experiencing price adjustments. Properties priced appropriately continue to sell quickly, with sellers gradually realizing […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
StoryCorps launches “One Small Step” to bridge political divide
Since 2003, when David Isay founded StoryCorps, he has been on a mission of finding hope, even at the darkest times. Now, more than two decades later, StoryCorps has just launched One Small Step, a project meant to bridge the political divide. The intent is to produce thousands, perhaps millions, of one-on-one conversations between political […]
Posted inNews
John Pizzarelli celebrates the Great American Songbook at Jane Pickens Theater
Spectacle Live produced another great show at The Jane Pickens Theater on Saturday, July 20, with the John Pizzarelli Trio. Pizzarelli, the wonderful seven-string guitar master, brought along Mike Kern on double bass and the brilliant Isaiah J. Thompson on piano. The trio was sharp as a tack and smooth as butter. Pizzarelli is currently […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Dr. Michael Fine: What’s crazy is that Covid is back
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. But like Freddy Kreuger, Covid is back for a midsummer surge. It’s worse out west and in England, but what happens there will spread here before long. So here we go again. You know the drill. Just a cold for most people and almost no risk for […]
Posted inCity & Government
Candidates set for Newport County elections as deadlines pass
With deadlines past now for local candidate declarations, signatures, validation of signatures, ballot placement, and candidate withdraws – the field for local elections, cities and towns and state legislature, is set. No surprises. Little has changed since individuals declared their candidacies in June. Very few candidates statewide either withdrew by the July 19 deadline or […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Miss Rhode Island Teen 2023 takes on a new role in ‘The Sound of Music’
Mia Daley is spending her summer days going to the beach. Well, close to the beach. Daley will be spending a good chunk of her summer at Theatre by the Sea, appearing as Louisa in “The Sound of Music.” So far, says the East Greenwich actor, “it truly has been such a wonderful experience.” Daley, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Chef Peter Carvelli reflects on culinary honor, celebrating Foglia’s second anniversary
Four of Rhode Island’s top chefs brought a taste of the state’s “Classic Coast” to New York City on Thursday, showcasing the region’s evolving culinary scene at a sold-out dinner. The “Cooking on the Classic Coast” event, presented by Discover Newport, took place at Platform at Pier 57 by the James Beard Foundation. More than […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Giusto Chef William Reitzel reflects on Newport’s culinary evolution
Chef William Reitzel of Giusto restaurant in Newport sees the city’s culinary scene evolving beyond its traditional seafood fare. “It’s definitely evolving,” Reitzel said. “I started in Newport about 15 years ago and to the point of where it is today is completely different. It’s not just this tourist destination for clam cakes and chowder […]
Posted inSports
International Tennis Hall of Fame names TeamFAME Headquarters in honor of Hall of Famer Chris Evert
Today, the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) unveiled the Chris Evert Learning Center as the new name for the Canfield House building, which is located on the ITHF’s grounds. Home to the ITHF’s National Junior Tennis & Learning chapter TeamFAME, the building honors Hall of Famer Chris Evert’s contributions to grassroots youth tennis and […]
Posted inNews
Newport Vineyards Chef Andy Teixeira aims to revolutionize farm-to-table dining
Newport Vineyards Executive Chef Andy Teixeira is growing more than just grapes at the 120-acre farm in Middletown, Rhode Island. Teixeira, a James Beard Award semifinalist, is cultivating a sustainable culinary program that includes housing for culinary students, four kitchens, and plans to grow bananas and figs. “We’re trying to be sustainable. We’re trying to […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Yagi Noodles’ Chef Basil Yu: From pop-up to James Beard finalist
Chef Basil Yu of Yagi Noodles in Newport is still processing his recent James Beard Award semifinalist nomination. “It’s still kind of a shock,” Yu told What’sUpNewp at a New York City event on Thursday night featuring four of Rhode Island’s James Beard Award semifinalists. “The list was something that I have looked up to […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Newport chefs dazzle NYC with ‘Classic Coast’ culinary showcase
NEW YORK — Four of Rhode Island’s top chefs brought a taste of Rhode Island’s “Classic Coast” to New York City on Thursday, showcasing the region’s evolving culinary scene at a sold-out dinner. The “Cooking on the Classic Coast” event, presented by Discover Newport, took place at Platform at Pier 57 by the James Beard […]
Posted inSports
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 inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Billy Bragg, singer and activist, playing the Newport Folk Festival on July 27
English folk singer, songwriter, and activist Billy Bragg is no stranger to the Newport Folk Festival. He first played the annual gathering at Fort Adams State Park in 1993, returning most recently in 2017 as part of the “Speak Out” sessions, where he shared the stage with Jim James, Margo Price, and Nathaniel Rateliff. Bragg […]
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 inNews
Middletown, Newport receive $7.5 million in funding for a regional community learning center
Newport and Middletown are among 20 regions statewide that will receive millions of federal dollars to fund community learning centers that Gov. Dan McKee hopes will create “a culture of learning throughout Rhode Island,” and elevate income for hundreds of families. ” The more educated we are, the more income,” McKee said at a press […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Cranston’s Park Theatre introduces staff and announces the 2024 Fall line-up
At a press conference held earlier today, Park Theatre staff and local officials announced the re-opening of the historic Cranston venue. Officials also shared the first round of concerts, including five events scheduled for the fall, with more to be added soon. Media and community members welcomed Brandon Caron, Chief Operating Officer of Lexington, MA-based […]
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, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
What’s in Season: Sweet and juicy blueberries are ready to eat at Almy-Thurston Farm in Portsmouth
Summer berries are iconic. Seen on commercials, social media posts, and countless other media forms, berries scream “summertime” with their vibrant colors and their fun, careless, pop-able eating style. They fit perfectly with coastal summer “vibes” and “aesthetics,” with buckets of berries being sauntered through fields and glass containers of fruit being placed on picnic […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up Interview: Tommy Gardner, aka Tommy Buoy of Yachtley Crew, playing PPAC July 27
Yacht Rock enthusiasts, prepare “sail away” with Yachtley Crew, a band guaranteed to “make your dreams come true.” The band cruises on into the Providence Performing Arts Center where they’d “really like to see you tonight,” (well, July 27), and even better, you don’t have to be a “Rich Girl” or boy to attend. Appearing […]
Posted inBusiness
Boston Fed: News media employment continues to decline, regionally and nationally
While in many sectors, employment continued to grow in New England over the last year, the information sector – mainly local newspapers – dropped nearly 4 percent, far greater than the national average, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s New England Economic Conditions for July. The Federal Reserve, in what seemed a statement […]
Posted inNews
Dr. Michael Fine: What’s crazy about primary care in Rhode Island?
First some good news! The Rhode Island General Assembly passed two bills and created one study commission that helps us start getting better access to primary care in Rhode Island. Bill 2024-S 2716A establishes a primary care training sites program, which has been funded with $2.7 million in the 2025 state budget bill. Bill 2024-S2717A added […]
Posted inColumns
Gerry Goldstein: From Trump, some vitriolic talking points
Of all the hideous traits that darken the soul of Donald Trump, his continuing delight in mocking physical disabilities, including President Biden’s lifelong struggle with a stutter, is among the creepiest. Not to mention that by implication he has mocked some three million other Americans who contend with the same problem, succeeding in life despite […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Katrina Fortier of Lady & the Lovers, playing One Pelham East on Sunday, July 14
A rising star on the music scene who got her start on stage in Newport is returning to town this weekend for a show Sunday night at One Pelham East. Katrina Fortier leads her band Lady and the Lovers to the area for her first visit back since relocating in 2021. “I went to Salve […]
Posted inNews
Teachers’ dispute in mediation tomorrow
Newport teachers and school administrators will meet tomorrow (Thursday, July 11) at noon in a mediation session, both hopeful of resolving a dispute over the layoff of 16 teachers and displacement of 45 others. The session, said Jennifer Azevedo, deputy director of the National Education Association Rhode Island will be held at NEA headquarters. The […]
Posted inNews
Cranston’s Park Theatre re-opening soon – We speak to new manager Sara Shevlin
You may have already heard that Cranston’s historic Park Theatre is scheduled to re-open this Fall. The venue, which has served theater-goers since 1924, has struggled in recent years, partially as a result of recent flooding as well as a slowdown in the live entertainment industry as it recovered from the pandemic. Spectacle Live, a […]
Posted inCity & Government
Councilman’s campaign fines’ case to collections, as Election Board tries to resolve outstanding cases
Newport City Councilman David Carlin III, who is running unopposed for reelection in the city’s third ward, has apparently dodged efforts by the state Board of Elections to collect more than $2,500 in campaign fines, resulting in the Board referring the case to the Central Collections Unit at the Revenue Department, according to Richard Thornton, […]
Posted inElection
Dr. Michael Fine: Will the real Democratic Party please stand up?
In the past week, it has become abundantly clear that the Democratic Party does not have a viable candidate for president, and equally clear that the Democratic Party can’t tell itself the truth and move on for the good of the country. Joe Biden has been a good president. But he’s not re-electable, something everyone else besides […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Homelessness and food insecurity rising rapidly
As homelessness grows dramatically across this country and in Rhode Island, organizations like Newport’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center (MLK Center) are also being challenged to meet the increasing demand among the area’s poor for basic needs, particularly food. Both issues – homelessness and food insecurity – were prominent in reports released recently […]
Posted inColumns
What’s in Season: From bulbs to herbs to salad greens, Long Lane Farm in Warren offers a full summer bounty at their local farm stand
Traveling to farmer’s markets is an excellent way to support small, local farms while getting fresh, in-season produce. The bigger the farmer’s market, the larger the variety of fruits and vegetables available. But traveling to markets is not always feasible for everyone. Other ways to achieve the same results are signing up for CSA programs […]