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 […]
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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 […]