Okee dokee folks… I hate to beat a dead horse, mostly because I am an animal lover, but it is imperative that folks get out on November 6 and exercise their right to vote. We are in dark times, people, and it is getting darker. If it gets much worse, we may never be able to find light. Of course, this all is completely contingent upon you being in favor of positive progress rather than a fan of the regressive and oppressive policies of the fake tan twit and his minions. If you have been brainwashed by Dumb Fux (Fox) news, then please just go about the day in your bubble of bullshit as you normally would, and stay home staring at the tube. It is time to TRULY take America back from these wingnuts and stop the insanity and move FORWARD. Remember, this is just phase one; hopefully we finish the job in November 2020. Women and millennials, we are REALLY counting on you! Don’t forget that on November 4 we set the clocks back and on November 6 we take OUR country back! Read on…
The Pump House Music works in Peacedale has lots of great music coming up, and they’ll give you the chance to learn how to play an instrument. They will host a series of weekly ukulele workshops on Thursday evenings from 7 – 9pm, beginning October 18. The aim of the workshops is to introduce players of all levels to the fun of playing ukulele, and each session will be led by experienced ukulele instructors. The sessions are designed to be flexible and provide participants with the level of instruction best suited to their playing ability. “Uke For All” Workshops are free, but donations are welcome. And of course, if you want to just sit back and enjoy live music at the Pump House you can. On October 19, hear Josh Schurman and David Furlong, on October 20 is Cowboy and Lady, and on October 26 is Tish Adams with Bluz U Can Use. If you want to play a bit of music, then the monthly Open Mic and Potluck Social happens on October 27. For more, “jumping flea” to pumphousemusicworks.com
Twenty some odd years ago I was at a music conference in Memphis. I was sitting on the floor next to a piano when a woman walked by wearing a fringe jacket just like I had. Of course I commented on it, and she and I have been friends ever since. That woman was Kerri Powers. Kerri is an amazing blues performer and has been blazing a trail through the music circuit, wowing audiences with her powerful voice and guitar chops. Despite devoting much of her youth to songwriting and performing throughout the New England coffeehouse circuit, she married, had a child and put her music aside for many years. After overcoming a difficult divorce and losing confidence in her abilities as an artist, Powers returned full-force. Her 2014 self-titled EP release landed her at the #1 spot on Roots Music Report‘s List of Top 50 Folk Albums of 2014, and she followed that up with Starseeds in 2018. This is a collection of originals and covers that showcases her seemingly whiskey-soaked vocals and authenticity as an artist. Powers will be performing as part of the Common Fence Music (CFM) Series at Hope and Main in Warren on October 19. Opening the show is Steve Delmonico. CFM is also presenting the 2nd Annual Fall Moon Festival. Last year’s show was such a hit that CFM’s Erin Young has made it an annual event. This year the show will feature singer-songwriters Mark Erelli, Caitlin Canty, Maya de Vitry and Peter Mulvey. This event will take place on Saturday, November 3, at the Casino Theatre (Newport Tennis Hall of Fame) at 10 Freebody Street in Newport. For more, lob over to commonfencemusic.org
The Moody Blues are one of classic rock’s mainstays. They have made music that has and will endure for generations. One of the main contributors to the band, bassist John Lodge, who is currently on a solo tour, will be making a stop in Rhode Island at The Greenwich Odeum on October 21 with his 10,000 Light Years Tour. Lodge penned such hits as“I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band),” “Ride My Seesaw,” “Isn’t Life Strange” and many more. I had a telephone chat with John Lodge the other day and you can see our interview at motifri.com/johnlodge. Also coming to the Odeum are The Smithereens with Marshall Crenshaw, Bettye Lavette and Vanilla Fudge. For more, slide zone over to greenwichodeum.com
If you are a guitar player or love guitar music, then the Courthouse Center for the Arts in Kingstown is the place for you on Friday, November 2. “Generations” will be a celebration of the guitar through the hands of three local guitarists. Dennis Costa and Steve DeConti are both veteran guitarists and are well known to South County and RI audiences. The trio is completed by a member of a younger generation of players, Victor Main. They will all be accompanied by jazz pianist Kent Hewitt. Steve DeConti is a composer and multi-instrumentalist who has performed with virtually all of the finest musicians in RI and with many others from MA and CT for the past 40 years. Dennis Costa has been performing a wide variety of styles, including classical, jazz, folk, ragtime and Latin, for more than 50 years. Victor Main is a passionate performer and teacher at Pump House Music Works. Pianist Kent Hewitt has been a mainstay of jazz and popular piano in Southern New England for many years. This combination of talent ensures a moving and mesmerizing evening of guitar music. There are lots of tribute shows coming up at the Courthouse Center including tributes to Tom Petty, The Doors, Linda Ronstadt and Chicago! For more, strum on over to courthousearts.org
That’s it for now. Thanks for reading. JohnFuzek.com
