Welcome to a (mainly) classic rock weekend on “Six Picks,” our weekly column highlighting Rhode Island’s best music. This week, we’ve got the original Jam Band, a woman who asked a famous question, and a top selling Jazz chanteuse kicking off a big month at PPAC. Details below.
Joan Osborne at Greenwich Odeum Friday
Superstar Joan Osborne is of course known for originals like “One of Us” and “St. Teresa.” But she’s also probably the leading interpreter of Rock and R&B with notable covers of the Rolling Stones, the Funk Brothers and others. Now, she’s re-imagining the songs of Bob Dylan, in a live setting and on an album expected to be released in September. Check out her show of mostly Dylan covers Friday night at the Greenwich Odeum. And look for my review of the show over the weekend here on WhatsUpRI.
Grateful Dead at Fenway All Weekend
Taper alert – Two classic shows await this weekend in a classic space when Dead and Company play Fenway Park Saturday and Sunday. The original Jam Band has been re-invigorated with the addition of guitarist John Mayer, who brings his own style to the space once occupied by the legendary Jerry Garcia. Reports from the tour are all positive, these will be epic shows! Tickets still available – details here.
Toto at Twin River Saturday
The legendary 70’s rock band Toto is in town Saturday night at Twin River. The band which has sold over 40 million albums with well-known hits like Hold The Line,” “Rosanna,” and “Africa.” The touring band features founding members keyboardist Steve Porcaro and guitarist Steve Lukather, widely respected musicians in the industry. Tickets and further details on the Twin River show available here.
Solstice Festival in Cumberland Saturday
Saturday brings a celebration of Celtic and world music to northern Rhode Island. The 7th annual Summer Solstice Festival at Diamond Hill Park in Cumberland brings together a number of artists that stretch the boundaries of traditional music. Headliners include the Atwater-Donnelly Trio, Quebec’s Les Poules à Colin and Pendragon. Details of the day-long event here.
Jesse Liam at The Purple Cat Friday
RI native Jesse Liam and his band are playing an album release show Friday night at the Purple Cat Winery in Chepachet. Liam is touring in support of his fifth CD, Come on My Way, a new six-track EP which features originals and three of the band’s most-requested covers – Bruno Mars’ “Just The Way You Are”, Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” and a Bob Marley medley. Details here.
Rock at PPAC This Summer
Its Rock and Roll season at PPAC with upcoming shows from Bob Dylan (next Wednesday June 21), and then Tedeschi Trucks Band followed by Elvis Costello next month. We’re planning to cover those shows later this summer. But first, stop the presses for Jazz great Diana Krall who arrives in town Sunday night. We previewed her show earlier this week – click here for details.