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, […]
What’s Up Interview
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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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, […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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), […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]