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 […]
What’s Up Interview
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
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 inArts & Culture, Things To Do
TICKET GIVEAWAY: Catching up with Erin McKeown, playing Jamestown Arts Center Nov. 19
The “Women’s Voices” concert series returns to the Jamestown Arts Center with singer-songwriter Erin McKeown taking the stage on Saturday, November 19. (Thanks to Newport Live, we’ve got two pairs of tickets to give away to the show. To enter, e-mail Ken Abrams at mrabrams11@gmail.com by 5PM Wednesday November 16. Please put “Erin McKeown tickets” […]
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, Things To Do
TICKET GIVEAWAY-What’s Up Interview: Marc Ribot, playing Newport’s Casino Theater Oct. 21
This Friday, October 21, the guitar-based duo of Marc Ribot and Sam Amidon will be performing at the Newport Casino in a show produced by Newport Live (formerly Common Fence Music). Both artists are highly regarded session players who tour regularly in a variety of musical settings. (We have a pair of free tickets to […]
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 inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: RI children’s author and musician Greg Lato
A Rhode Island based children’s musician and writer is currently ranked in the Top 10 nationally on the iTunes charts. Adults These Days is a new release from Greg Lato, his second children’s album. It follows the summer release of his second book, Everyone Needs Someone, based on a song from the album. We spoke […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze, playing Greenwich Odeum Thursday, Oct. 6
Another in a series of great concerts is coming to the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich on Thursday, October 6 when Glenn Tilbrook stops by for a solo show. Tilbrook is best known as a founding member of Squeeze, the much-loved new wave band that rode to the top of the charts in the late […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up interview: Ali McGuirk, releasing new album and playing Askew in Providence Sept. 30
Singer-songwriter Ali McGuirk has certainly paid her dues over the years, playing clubs, dive bars, and house shows, while frequently opening for more established artists around New England and beyond. This weekend, McGuirk takes center stage as part of a national tour with a stop at Askew in Providence. The show celebrates the release of […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Eden Casteel – ‘Kahn Artist’
Eden Casteel has been a performer pretty much her whole life. “I was a piano player at the age of four,” she said recently, “and I started voice lessons at the age of 12.” She trained to be an opera singer. “If you haven’t noticed, there’s not a lot of demand for opera singers these […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Piff the Magic Dragon coming to The Vets September 29
Piff the Magic Dragon’s genesis was strictly accidental. “I was a close-up magician,” said the comic magician during a recent phone interview. “I did parties, weddings, bar mitzvahs, but I kept getting fired. I looked too grumpy. I’m not really grumpy, it’s just my face.” Then one day, he was invited to a costume party. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Singer-Songwriter Drew Angus, playing Sound on Sound Festival in CT on Sept. 24
This Saturday, Connecticut singer-songwriter Drew Angus has an intimate little hometown gig … in front of 30,000+ fans! Angus is opening the inaugural “Sound on Sound Festival” which begins at Noon on Saturday, September 24 at Bridgeport’s historic Seaside Park. The festival features several familiar names, music superstars and indie heroes like Stevie Nicks, Dave […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Ringo Starr, coming to PPAC Thursday Sept. 22
(Editor’s Note: Portions of this story were originally published on May 31, 2022, prior to Starr’s canceled June show at PPAC. The rescheduled show is Thursday, September 22.) When you get an opportunity to interview a Beatle, you don’t miss the chance. Even when it’s shared with dozens of other journalists, some on location at […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Michael Timmins of The Cowboy Junkies, playing Narrows Center Sept. 22
One of the more innovative bands in alt-rock history returns to the Narrows Center on Thursday, September 22, when the Cowboy Junkies visit the Fall River venue. Comprised of Alan Anton (bass) and siblings Michael Timmins (songwriter, guitarist), Peter Timmins (drums), and Margo Timmins (vocalist), the band formed in Toronto, Canada in 1985. From the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Patton Magee of The Nude Party playing Greenwich Odeum September 11
Be ready to rock out this weekend in East Greenwich, but please keep your clothes on … On Sunday, September 11, The Nude Party will bring their modern garage rock sound to the Greenwich Odeum on Main Street. Yes, there’s a story behind the band’s name but that shouldn’t distract from the music. Fans of […]
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 inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Samantha Fish, coming to Rhythm & Roots Festival Sunday September 4
Rhode Island’s Rhythm and Roots Festival is known to support diverse musical styles. Genres from rock to blues, folk to zydeco, and more are part of the mix at the annual event in Charlestown over Labor Day Weekend. One 2022 R&R artist who is hard to pin down to a specific genre is singer-guitarist Samantha […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Jim Weider of The Weight Band, playing Jane Pickens Thursday, August 25
You won’t have to “wait” much longer … another in a line of great concerts is coming to Jane Pickens Film and Events Center later this week when The Weight Band arrives in Newport. Fans of classic rock and Americana won’t want to miss this show. The band just released their second studio album, Shines […]
Posted inArts & Culture
TICKET GIVEAWAY: What’s Up Interview – Jon Pousette Dart, playing Narrows Center Friday, August 19
For a time in the 1970’s, the Pousette-Dart Band ranked among every New England college kid’s favorite live act. With singalong lyrics, tight harmonies, and a soft rock vibe that sounded as good in the dorm room as it did in the arena, the Pousette-Dart Band seemed to be everywhere. They disbanded in the 1980’s, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: The Mulhern Brothers, leading voices on RI radio
Maintaining a long-term career in Rhode Island radio isn’t easy. It’s even more unusual to consider that siblings can do it. Consider this. Brian Mulhern, current co-host of the morning show at Cat Country 98.1FM, and Kevin Mulhern, producer of the Paul & Al morning show at 94 HJY, have been “doing” radio off and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Award-winning RI hip-hop artist Chachi Carvalho, playing Waterfire August 13
A special Waterfire this weekend celebrating communities of color is coming to downtown Providence on Saturday, August 13. Sponsored by Papitto Opportunity Connection (POC), the event is described as “an immersive cultural experience filled with exciting performance artists and locally renowned musicians and singers representing Black, Hispanic, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Latino cultures.” Musical […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Kenny Wayne Shepherd, playing Bold Point with Buddy Guy Saturday August 13
An all-star lineup of blues greats is coming to Bold Point Park Saturday, August 13 when the Backroads Blue Festival rolls into East Providence. Leading the charge is Kenny Wayne Shepherd, who organized the tour featuring blues legend Buddy Guy and recent Grammy Award winner Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, who, at age 21, has taken the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: William Cepeda Afro-Rican Jazz Band playing free concert in Providence Sunday Aug. 14
Another in a series of outstanding concerts is coming to Roger Williams Park in Providence on Sunday, August 14 at 6PM when FirstWorks Summer Beats presents William Cepeda’s Afro-Rican Jazz. Cepeda, a cultural icon in Puerto Rico, was born and raised in Loiza, the heart of San Juan’s “Little Africa.” The trombonist has recorded several […]
Posted inArts & Culture
TICKET GIVEAWAY: We interview Lisa Morales, playing Norman Bird Sanctuary Friday, August 5
Another in a series of world-class concerts is coming to the Norman Bird Sanctuary on Friday, August 5 when Americana singer-songwriter Lisa Morales makes a stop in Newport. We’ve got a pair of tickets to give away to the show courtesy of Newport Live. Just e-mail Ken Abrams at mrabrams11@gmail.com by Thursday August 4 at […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Samara Joy shines at 2022 Newport Jazz Festival
Among the many highlights at last weekend’s Newport Jazz Festival was the Festival debut of Samara Joy, a 22-year-old jazz vocalist who played the Harbor Stage Saturday afternoon. I sat down with the NYC-based singer for a brief chat just before she took the stage. It was her first time at the festival, and Joy, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Actor John O’Hurley, coming to Theatre by the Sea in Wakefield August 1
John O’Hurley tells about a call he got from famed producer Michael Feinstein. “He asked, do you have a one-man show,” said O’Hurley in our recent phone call. “And I said, well of course I do.” He didn’t, but he wasn’t about to say no. Feinstein then asked if O’Hurley would perform that show at […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Maeve Gilchrist of Silkroad Ensemble, playing Newport Folk and Indian Ranch
One of the more innovative acts playing the Newport Folk Festival this weekend could have easily been booked for the Newport Jazz Festival … or even the Newport Classical Music Festival. When it comes to genre, the Silkroad Ensemble, led by Artistic Director and NFF veteran Rhiannon Giddens, is impossible to pin down. The group […]
Posted inArts & Culture
TICKET GIVEAWAY: What’s Up Interview – NFF alum Laura Veirs, playing Newport Vineyards July 21
A Newport Folk Festival veteran is returning to the area for a concert on Folk Festival eve, Thursday, July 21. Laura Veirs is headlining a show at Newport Vineyards in Middletown on Thursday at 6:30PM along with openers Brooklyn songwriter Mary-Elaine Jenkins and Richmond, VA-based Andy Jenkins. Thanks to Newport Live (formerly Common Fence Music), […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Musician Don Chilton, plays on the soundtrack of new film ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’
It might be tough to guess the instrument Newport resident Don Chilton is featured on in the new movie Where the Crawdads Sing. The highly anticipated Reese Witherspoon-produced film has opened in theaters and Chilton contributed to the soundtrack … but not on his usual trumpet. If you listen closely, you’ll hear him playing sea […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Rus Anderson, starring in ‘The Rocket Man Show’ at PPAC Saturday July 16
Rus Anderson didn’t set out to perform a tribute concert to Elton John. And yet, here he is. Anderson came to the United States in 2003 to attend college. The Scottish musician found there was a lot of work in and around Clearwater, Florida. “I played the piano bars, trolled the beach bars, playing Top […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Ballroom Thieves, releasing new album and playing the Newport Folk Festival
It’s no secret that the pandemic almost destroyed the music touring industry. Understandably, some bands gave up during the two-year slowdown, while others hunkered down and made the best of a bad situation. Maine-based Ballroom Thieves were one of those bands who were down, but not out, managing to put together a new album which […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Legendary Singer Judy Collins, coming to Jane Pickens for two shows August 19-20
What do you ask a folk music icon who inspired one of the greatest love songs of all time? That was the challenge as I prepared for a phone call with singer-songwriter Judy Collins recently. I decided to keep it simple … my first question, “Do you prefer Judy or Ms. Collins?” was enough to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Al Ducharme, to be inducted in the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame
When I caught up with Al Ducharme, he was on a cruise ship docked at a private island in the Caribbean. He was on board working as a comedian. “I travel more now than I want to,” he said. Covid has taken away a lot of stand-up performance options. Ducharme’s been a working comedian since […]
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 inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Jim Boggia, bringing ‘Bruce Off Broadway’ to the Greenwich Odeum July 16
A one-of-a-kind show is coming to the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich, RI on Saturday, July 16 when ukulele extraordinaire Jim Boggia brings “Bruce off Broadway” to town. No, it’s not a tribute show per se, and there’s no E Street Band, just one man, playing Springsteen songs remarkably well on ukulele. I spoke the […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Victoria Wasylak, presenting ‘Pitch Like A Pro: Grab the Attention of Music Journalists’ at Passim July 9
It’s an unfortunate reality in the music business… professional musicians can hire the best publicist in the world and still not attract much attention. With over 60,000 songs uploaded to Spotify daily, the odds often appear stacked against aspiring musicians. It can be discouraging for an artist who pours their heart and soul into their […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Gillian Friedman Fox, Executive Director of Newport Classical
Its full speed ahead for the staff at the Newport Classical Music Festival, as the critically acclaimed series returns to traditional locations around Newport next week. The festival is run by Newport Classical, a non-profit that re-branded last Fall to distinguish itself from the other popular Newport music festivals. The 54th annual festival runs from […]
Posted inThings To Do
TICKET GIVEAWAY – What’s Up Interview: Rock legend Dave Mason, playing Greenwich Odeum 6/22
UPDATED June 21: We’ve got a pair of tickets to give away to the show courtesy of the Greenwich Odeum. E-mail mrabrams11@gmail.com by 9AM Wednesday, June 22 to win. Please put “Dave Mason Tickets” in the subject line. We’ll select a winner and let you know by Noon Wednesday. He’s got one of the best […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview, Newport Pride’s Sean O’Connor, Pride Weekend arrives June 24
As Pride Month continues, Newport Pride is gearing up for its annual celebration on the weekend of June 24-26. We caught up with event organizer and Managing Director of Newport Pride Sean O’Connor, to learn more about the festivities. “The signature event happens on Saturday, June 25,” says O’Connor. “We’ve got the Newport Pride Festival […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Russell Gusetti, Producer of the Blackstone River Solstice Festival, coming this weekend
Saturday, June 18 marks the return of a highly regarded local music event, the 10th annual Blackstone River Theatre Summer Solstice Festival at Diamond Hill Park in Cumberland. I spoke to festival Producer, Russell Gusetti last week and got the scoop on this year’s event. The Celtic-themed festival has earned a great reputation for high-quality […]
Posted inThings To Do
TICKET GIVEAWAY – What’s Up Interview: Peter Holsapple of the dB’s, playing Creative Options Center Thursday, June 9
TICKET GIVEAWAY – If you would like a chance to win a free pair of tickets to see Peter Holsapple Thursday, June 9, email Ken Abrams at mrabrams11@gmail.com before 1PM on Thursday. We’ll let you know if you’re the winner by 3PM! Music visionary Peter Holsapple is heading to the area for a special show […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Ringo Starr, coming to PPAC on June 12 with his All-Starr Band
When you get an opportunity to interview a Beatle, you don’t miss the chance. Even when it’s shared with dozens of other journalists, some on location at a casino near Toronto and others over Zoom where the chance of your question being selected is unlikely. Last Thursday, May 26, Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: John Stirratt of Wilco, Autumn Defense – Playing Solid Sound Festival this weekend
One of the most innovative music festivals anywhere is coming to MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts this weekend. And while the lineup might not compete for name recognition with headline acts at Boston Calling (also this weekend), the Solid Sound Festival is the place to see groundbreaking music, comedy, performance art and more. The […]
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 inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: We speak to MY FAIR LADY stars Shereen Ahmed and RI native Kevin Pariseau
The Lincoln Center Theater Production of Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY has arrived at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Nominated for six Tony Awards in 2018, PPAC’s latest Broadway hit is running through Sunday, May 15. Earlier this week, we spoke to two of the show’s stars, Shereen Ahmed, who plays Eliza Doolittle, and […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Pete Silva – playing Stone Soup Coffeehouse with Paula Clare May 21
Rhode Island native Pete Silva knows his way around the local music scene. He was a DJ at WHJY for almost three decades, played guitar and sang in cover bands, and is a voiceover artist. He even announced races at Seekonk Speedway for a time. Silva is also a songwriter and recently became a published […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Legendary artist and producer Peter Asher on The Beatles, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt and more
A real-life music legend who witnessed the birth of the British Invasion is coming to town. Artist/Producer/Music Executive Peter Asher has one of the greatest resumes in rock and roll. He’s bringing his songs and stories to Boston’s City Winery Wednesday, May 11, and the United Theatre in Westerly, RI Thursday, May 12. Asher first […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Jesse Lynn Madera playing the Narrows Center Sunday May 1
So what’s it like to be the opening act for a legendary British Invasion band who once had the 2nd #1 single behind The Beatles? I asked Nashville-based singer-songwriter Jesse Lynn Madera that question when we spoke earlier this week. Madera, on tour in Concord, NH with The Zombies, told me she was thrilled to […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: We meet cast members of PPAC musical ‘Ain’t Too Proud’
If you haven’t heard, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations is one of the season’s biggest hits. Running through Sunday at the Providence Performing Arts Center, the musical has earned enthusiastic reviews both nationally and locally. We met a couple of the stars of the show earlier this week at […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Rickie McKinnie of The Blind Boys of Alabama, playing RI April 27
Music fans … here’s a little test for you … What popular act is generally considered the longest-running band in America? The Beach Boys, The Four Tops, The Rolling Stones..? (yeah, we know they’re British). If you guessed “None of the Above,” you’d be correct. In fact, The Blind Boys of Alabama are the longest-running […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Blues musician Selwyn Birchwood
Real music comes from the soul, believes singer-songwriter/guitarist Selwyn Birchwood. “The music that I enjoy is music that comes from people’s souls, it comes from people’s actual experiences rather than imitating what other people have experienced,” he told me in a recent interview. “Music is more authentic when people are putting themselves out there. You […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Colin Blunstone of The Zombies
Who doesn’t love the Zombies? Their songs are timeless, you know the words by heart … 60’s hits like “Tell Her No,” “She’s Not There,” and “Time of the Season.” Although those classics might seem a lifetime ago, The Zombies never stopped playing … in fact, they’ve undergone a career resurgence in recent years. “We […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Musician Ben Shaw releasing new album ‘Seven Songs’
Back in May, 2019, I had a brief moment of uncertainty when I received an email from RI-based musician Ben Shaw. I knew Shaw as a sax player, but he was sharing his latest single at the time, “Sailboats,” his first release as a “singer-songwriter.” With a click of the mouse, I heard a well-crafted […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Theresa Caputo, coming to The Vets April 10
“What I do is absolutely crazy,” says Theresa Caputo. “It’s insane. I sense, feel, say things to people that freak me out.” We chatted on the phone recently, in advance of the Long Island Medium’s show on April 10 at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence. Caputo is arguably America’s best-known medium. “I can connect […]
Posted inFood & Drink
What’s Up Interview: Jamie Buscher, co-founder of RI Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Action Committee
When the #metoo movement swept across the country in 2017, women everywhere recognized their shared experience of discrimination, harassment, and abuse in the workplace. With female actors and musicians leading the way, many women in other fields began to share their stories. In 2021, the craft beverage industry faced its moment of reflection. It was […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Guthrie Trapp, playing Jane Pickens with John Oates Saturday March 26
A talented musical duo you won’t want to miss is coming to Newport’s JPT Film and Events Center later this month. You’re probably familiar with half of the duo, but the other artist performing that night may not be a household name. John Oates is well-known as the co-founder of Hall and Oates; Guthrie Trapp […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: RI guitar great Duke Robillard releasing new album ‘They Called It Rhythm & Blues’ Friday March 18
Legendary guitarist and RI native Duke Robillard is not one to slow down. He’s been celebrated for his skills and has played with many of the all-time greats over the course of his 50+ year career, recording around 100 albums as leader and sideman. Robillard’s talents were recognized when he won the coveted W.C. Handy […]
Posted inNews, People & Profiles
What’s Up Interview: A Ukrainian native shares her story
Olga Fedorenko, a nurse practitioner at a primary care office in Warwick, came to Rhode Island from Ukraine in 1991 to be with her partner, who had been living here for a year and a half at the time. They married, became citizens, and raised two kids who are now 28 and 20. But Olga’s […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Interview: Musician Joe Potenza of roots-jazz band Evening Sky
There’s a special album release party happening Saturday, March 12 at the Parlour in Providence that you won’t want to miss. (Note: This early show begins at 5 PM.) With a quartet of area players steeped in jazz and other genres, the band Evening Sky occupies a unique place in the music world. The band […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Interview: Comedian Lewis Black, coming to The Vets Saturday, March 12
“We are literally living in an age when black and white TV would make so much sense,” says Lewis Black. The comedian is coming to The Vet’s in Providence this Saturday with his “Off the Rails” tour. He’s got his finger on the pulse of the day’s news. “This county has really moved so quickly,” […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Steven Feinberg, Executive Director of RI Film and TV Office
You may have already heard the good news. HBO’s The Gilded Age, partially filmed in Newport, has been renewed for a second season. But that’s not the whole story when it comes to the film industry in Rhode Island. Earlier this week, I spoke to Steve Feinberg, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Film and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Alex MacLeod of Rock Hearts, bluegrass band playing BRT in Cumberland March 12
Here’s your chance to see an up-and-coming RI-based band before they hit it big. Although their name might imply rock and roll, the Rock Hearts are all about classic bluegrass harmony, anchored by veteran musicians at the top of their game. The band is playing the Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland Saturday, March 12 at […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Iconic rocker Bruce Cockburn, coming to Narrows Center March 2
One of rock and roll’s most interesting artists is coming to the Narrows Center in Fall River on Wednesday, March 2. Bruce Cockburn is not an easy musician to classify, with a range of songwriting credits from the folksy “Wonderin’ Where the Lions Are,” to the forceful peace anthem, “If I Had a Rocket Launcher.” […]
Posted inArts & Culture, People & Profiles, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Jazz pianist Greg Murphy coming to the Narrows Center Saturday Feb. 19
When it comes to jazz music, Chicago native Greg Murphy isn’t too concerned about being constrained by genre. He’s perfectly comfortable leading his band on classics like the Coltrane-inspired “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” while also adept at jazz takes on popular hits from his youth, like Seals and Croft’s “Summer Breeze.” Murphy’s trio, including bassist Paul […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News, People & Profiles, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Choreographer Patti Wilcox of “An Officer and a Gentleman” – at PPAC Feb 18-20
Patti Wilcox was pretty cheery when we chatted recently. “I’ve just arrived in Detroit and it’s great.” When I pointed out that “Detroit” and “great” don’t often appear in the same sentence, she laughed. “It’s a good tour city, and it is the home of Motown, so…” Wilcox is part of the creative team that […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
What’s Up Interview: Mike Reilly of Pure Prairie League
One of FM radio’s most iconic songs is one that was almost never a hit. “Amie” was first released in 1972 on Pure Prairie League’s second album Bustin’ Out. Other albums followed as the song became a favorite “album cut” on the radio, until it was finally released as a single in 1975. It became […]
Posted inArts & Culture, People & Profiles, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Stephane Wrembel Playing the Knickerbocker Friday Feb. 11
“Winter is when nature dreams, it’s like nature is asleep and dreaming,” muses guitarist Stephane Wrembel. “I always found that winter is very romantic in a very subconscious way. Everything is bare and we need to be reborn. I think dreams are fabricated then.” Deep thoughts from one of the world’s great guitarists, Stephane Wrembel, […]
Posted inFood & Drink, People & Profiles, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Lisa McCurdy of RI Brew Fest – Coming to Waterfire Arts Center Saturday Feb. 5
Where can you find over 50 local and regional breweries sharing their bounty this weekend? At the Rhode Island Brew Fest, of course, returning to the Waterfire Arts Center in Providence after skipping last year due to the pandemic. We learned more about the 2022 Festival from Lisa McCurdy of Gray Matter Marketing, one of […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles, Things To Do
What’s Up Interview: Shawnn Monteiro playing Chan’s Saturday, Feb. 5
Jazz singer Shawnn Monteiro is returning to Chan’s Saturday night after a 20-year absence from the legendary venue famous for “egg rolls, jazz and blues.” The show comes on the heels of her new release You Are There, an album of jazz standards featuring Monteiro on vocals fronting two stellar studio bands. I spoke to […]
Posted inArts & Culture, People & Profiles
What’s Up Interview: Doug Woolverton, playing Miles Davis tribute Valentines shows Feb. 12 -13
Among the many great musicians who call Rhode Island home, Doug Woolverton stands out from the crowd. The trumpeter has played with nationally known artists like Aretha Franklin, Warren Haynes, Roomful of Blues, and most recently, blues keyboardist Victor Wainwright. Woolverton and his band will be playing a special Valentine’s show at the Updike Room […]