Okee dokee folks…It’s unofficially summer. The Memorial Day Weekend starting gun has been fired. I hope that you’ve done some eye stretches and are ready to read the marathon list of summer music and fun that I now bestow upon you all. I feel like a teacher that gives homework to their students at the end of the year just to dash the hopes of having an assignment-free vacation. My “assignments” are entertaining and supportive. Go forth and listen to as much music as you can this season. Enjoy yourselves. Support the local, regional shows and local venues. Buy your tickets EARLY! (The Newport Folk Festival is SOLD OUT. It has been since soon after they went on sale about month ago. “Fa-ged-a-bowd gettin’ tix ta dat”) There are PLENTY of other events that can more than make up for the lack of Folk Fest tix. Read on. I have included as much amusing stuff (musical and otherwise) as I could find and remember this time around. There will be a test.
Downtown Series
Ready. Begin. OK, this isn’t music, but it’s cool! The Downtown Sundown Series is already underway with Shakespeare’s As you Like It, directed by Bob Colonna and presented by The Rhode Island Shakespeare Theater (TRIST). Admission is FREE. Takes place outdoors at Roger Williams National Memorial,282 North Main Street,Providenceat8pmevery Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday thru June 17th. Dial (401) 331-6118 more info. Check down the column a way for more Downtown Sundown Series activities.
The Hunger
The Hunger Task Force, a joint initiative of the Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale and theURIFeinsteinCenterfor a Hunger Free America, holds its Sixth Annual Community Hunger Awareness Day event on Thursday, June 7th. The event will take place at Marina Park inSouth Kingstownfrom5-7pm(rain date is June 14). Performing at5pmis internationally renowned country blues singer and guitarist Paul Geremia. Paul has 11 albums to his credit and has headlined venues throughout theUS,CanadaandEurope. The Westmoreland Street Jammers close the show with their signature big sound including three lead guitarists and a full complement of vocalists. These veteran musicians have rockedSouthCountyat community events, private parties and nightclubs since 2006. The event is free of charge, but attendees are asked to bring donations of non-perishable food to contribute to the Community Hunger Awareness Day food drive. Pizza and ice cream are being donated by local vendors and will be served free while it lasts. Look for the sign, Marina Park is located right off of Route1 inWakefield.
Vacancy @ theGreenwich
Besides having the weekly Open Mic, Open Jam and assorted Friday night bands at the Greenwich Hotel, they have added the (semi) weekly Songwriter Sessions on Thursday nights. On June 7th, you can catch Bob Kendall and Brian Shovelton; June 14th brings in Keturah Burgess, Tammy LaForest, and Earl Faria; June 28th: Johnny Provo and TBA; July 12th: Brian Minisce and TBA will all perform in the window onMain Street. Music starts at9pmand keeps playing untilmidnight. For more, check in at www.facebook.com/greenwichhotel
Padding the Stats
Music at Lily Pads closes out its season with two great shows. On Friday, June 8th, enjoy an Evening with Jonah Tolchin and Friends. Tolchin celebrates the release of his latest disc, Criminal Man. Jonah is joined by Haunt the House, Allysen Callery, Dan Blakeslee, Shea Vaccaro, Ian Fitzgerald, and Eric and Sandra Lichter. On Saturday, June 23rd, witness the genius that is JP Jones. This troubadour has been making music for more than three decades; crafting 13 highly personal albums with more than 150 songs reflecting his life experiences. JP will be joined by jazz guitarist, composer, and music educator Steve DeConti, as well as special guest: teacher, actor, surfer, singer and crafter of songs, Matt Fraza. Both shows begin at7:30pmand are held in the sanctuary of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County,27 North Roadin Peace Dale. For more, float on over to www.musicatlilypads.org.
RISA Women Rule!
The Rhode Island Songwriters Association (RISA) proffers its ninth annual “Women of RISA” show at the Church Street Coffeehouse inWarren. This show was started by RISA member Jan Luby because I (yes, me) inadvertently booked all MEN at a RISA showcase at Stone Soup the prior spring. This year’s offering of lovely sirens spotlights Tracie Potochnik, Katherine Quinn, Nellie Walcoff, Carolyn Waters and host, Jan Luby. The Church Street Coffeehouse is located at theFirstUnitedMethodistChurchonChurch StreetinWarren. Fore more, worship over to www.churchstreetcoffeehouse.com. RISA/AS220 Songwriters in the Round shows continue all summer on the second Sunday of every month from6-8pm. It’s a unique opportunity to hear four different songwriter’s takes on the same theme. The June 10th program presents host, Joanne Lurgio; Lisa Couto, Ross Robinson, and Ronnee Ringquist. For more about all RISA events, compose your way over to www.risongwriters.com.
Small Wonders
Nestled past the Fantastic Umbrella Factory gardens, attached to the Small Axe shop is the one of the best kept secrets around, The Small Axe Café. Every Sunday from2-4pmyou can hear live acoustic music out on the patio (weather permitting). The Fantastic Umbrella Factory is just off Route1 inCharlestowna little pastNinigretPark. Head down and grab a bite to eat before or after shopping or beach-going and take a stroll through the garden near the Small Axe. Don’t forget to say hello to the animals! The Fantastic Umbrella Factory is located at4820 Old Post RoadinCharlestown. Scheduled to perform so far this season are: June 17th-Joanne Lurgio, June 24th-Diamond Eyed Jacks. For more about this series; chop, chop, chop over to: www.facebook.com/smallaxeproductions.
Bluegrass@ The Wood
If you’re down at the beach on a Sunday and want to hear some great music instead of sitting in traffic on the way back, pop over to the Wood River Inn onMain StreetinRichmondfor “Sundays at the Wood.” The first Sunday of the Month is always the Motif Award winning Open Mic. So bring an instrument and play a song, or three. The remaining Sundays are saved for scheduled talent. roster rotates between The Rank Strangers; Mike Boulay and friends; and The Bubblin’ Crude. For more, forest over to: www.facebook.com/pages/Sundays-at-The-Wood or punch in: 401-539-9800
Narrow Music
One of my favorite venues to play and to see music is theNarrowsinFall River. I always say that they should open a Bed and Breakfast there because they have so many back to back to back great shows! This summer is no exception. Head out across the Big oleBragaBridgetoFall Riverfor some of the best music anywhere. June 7th: America’s Jewish Troubadour-Kinky Friedman, June 8th: Fred Eaglesmith’s Traveling Show, June 12th: Blues guitarist Robert Cray, June 15th: Aoife O’ Donovan of Crooked Still, June 16th: the electrifying guitar player- Ronnie Earl, June 17th: traditional and contemporary music with Tim O’ Brien, June 21st: The 40th Anniversary of the Flatlanders, June 22nd: acoustic guitar veteran Pierre Bensusan, June 27th: The legendary Jefferson Starship, June 28th: Jimmie Vaughan and the Tilt-A-Whirl Band featuring Lou Ann Barton, July 12th: Chuck Prophet and the Mission Express, July 13th: Royal Southern Brotherhood featuring Cyril Veville, Devon Allman and Mike Zito, July 26th: a cappella with the Persuasions, July 30th: cellist/singer-songwriter-Ben Sollee, August 3rd: spiritual sounds with The Lee Boys, and August 15th: Ruthie Foster, and August 17th: Albert Lee and Hogan’s Heroes. For more, taper to: www.ncfta.org
Chan’s Eggrolls and cool music
If you’re looking for some A/C to get out of the summer heat and would like some Chinese food to go with it, then you’re reading in the right spot. Chan’s inWoonsockethas a packed summer schedule to keep you cool and full. On June 9th The Chili Brothers bring their roots-rich, funky-good music to Chan’s. June 23rd, don’t miss the “Live at Chan’s” recording session with Blues legend, Luther “Guitar” Johnson & the Magic Rockers as they get their mojo going and make the night a rockin’ combo plate. For more, fortune your way to: chanseggrollsandjazz.com/calendar.htm
Urban Legends
On Saturday, June 9th (rain date June 10), the 5th Annual Urban Pond Procession will start at Mashapaug Pond (behind Job Lot on Reservoir Avenue) at 9:45am and arrive at the Temple to Music, Roger Williams Park at 11:45am. You can park at theTempleto Music at9:15and take the shuttle bus to Mashapaug Pond. For more, proceed to www.urbanpondprocession.org.
Knick of Good Times
InWesterly, The Knickerbocker kicks it up and gets you over the hump up with no cover, “Let’s Dance” Wednesdays. Starting June 13th, you can hop to such bands as The Cartells, Superchief Trio, High Times and more. Thursdays keep right up with another no cover night. Roots, Rock and Reggae music by acts like Southern Twist, The Cadillac Horns; and Girls, Guns & Glory will keep you moving all summer. In addition to dancing the Knick also offers great concerts for your aural satisfaction. Brooklyn-based songwriter, soul singer and Knick fav, Jonah Smith returns on Friday, July 27th. To keep up with the Knick, knack-patty-whack over to: www.theknickerbockercafe.com
Sandywoods Muse-ings
TheSandywoodsCenterfor the Arts in Tiverton is a relatively new venue that is providing “Tivertonians” with a hub of unique and exciting activity. Located at43 Muse Wayin Tiverton (that’s greaterMassachusettsfor all you Rhode Islanders –just kidding!) the recently entertainment licensed room has a healthy summer itinerary. All but one are Saturday night shows with a7pmstart. June 9th: The Gnomes, June 16th: Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem, June 23rd: Christopher James Farias, June 30th: Gary Fish with Fish & Chips, Thatcher Harrison & the Brush Your Teeth Band, Chuck Williams, and Michael Troy; July 14th: Funny Little Planet, August 2nd: special Thursday Night Show as part of Bridgefest- Forever Young: A Tribute To The Music Of Neil Young; and August 11th: BebeRequin with special guests. Oh, yeah, the part that folks really seem to like – it’s BYOB and food. There’s so much more to Sandywoods than just music. Check it out. For more, dig your toes into www.sandywoodsfarm.org
Towering Times
Thursday nights are ALWAYS happening during the summer because The Towers in Narragansett has some of the best music and one of the nicest dance floors around. Kate Vivian has a passion for music and dancing and it shows in the variety and caliber of bands that she books. The Towers in Narragansett was aMeccafor fun in the ’90s (the 1890s) and it continues be, over 100 years later. OK, deep breath…coming up at the Towers: June 14th: Rhythm and Blues with The B-Sides, June 21st: The Roaring Lions will perform New Orleans Jazz outside in the fountain courtyard; swing, boogie-woogie and smooth sultry ballads on June 28th with the Superchief Trio, on July 5th you can Do-Wop with Reminisce; RI’s own guitar hero, Duke Robillard shows why he is the King of Swing and R&B on July 12th; from RI to Chicago and back again Sarah and the Tall Boys belt out Country Blues on July 19th; July 26th, go and Zydeco with Li’l Anne and the Hot Cayenne band; swing with Eight to the Bar on August 2nd; Thursday, August 9th groove to the R&B with Roger Ceresi’s All Starz; the Skiffle Minstrels contribute Country and Cajun two-step on August 16th, August 23rd there’ll be hot jazz and Texas swinging with Matt Munisteri’s Syncopatin’ Detonators; and finally, PHEW!, the Pine Leaf Boys AND Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys will wrap up the season with a Cajun, Zydeco and Swampgrass blow-out on August 30th. There’ll be lots of sweating and a shimmyin’ so bring your dancin’ shoes and a bandana/towel. The Towers is right across from the Coast Guard House at35 Ocean Road. Yeah, it’s the building that you drive under. Where else can you dance over a road? For more about Towers shows and events, promenade over to www.thetowersri.com.
Summertime & Warwick is Groovin’
If you are looking for some music for a summer night then what could be more perfect than the “Music for a Summer Night” concert series inWarwick? The bands play right on the steps ofWarwickCity Halllocated at3275 Post Road. Performances start at6:30and run until8pmmost Thursdays this summer. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy. In case of rain, the concert will be in the community room ofWarwickCentralBaptistChurchright across the street. June 14th: Dave Howard and Neal Vituollo, June 28th: Yvone Monnett Quartet, July 12th: Bill Knight and Frostbite, July 26th: Bobby Justin, August 9th: Joe Esposito, and August 23rd: Reggie Centroccio and the Moonlighters. Besides all that music, they have even more. The Summer Concert Series happens in different locations almost every Wednesday from6:30-8pm. On the schedule starting July 11th: The Driftwoods atOaklandBeach, July 18th Avenue A at Conimiciut Point, July 25th: Dick and Dave atOaklandBeach, August 1st: Vini Ames and Sh-Bop inNorwood, August 8th: Jennifer Minuto at Father Tirocchi field inNatick, August 22nd: The RPMs atOaklandBeach, and August 15th: 5 Flavor Discount at Conimiciut Point. For up-to-date info proceed to: www.visitwarwickri.com
Crosby, Stills, and Nash @ PPAC
More than four decades since David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash first harmonized in Laurel Canyon, and played their first-ever concert as a trio at the legendary Woodstock festival, its members continue a creative partnership that is one of the most influential and enduring in music history. CSN’s music became a cornerstone of rock with their self-titled 1969 debut LP, one of Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” Through changing times, various configurations, and solo careers, Crosby, Stills & Nash have continued to tour and record as “three together.” Head out to the Providence Performing Arts Center to hear the legendary trio on Friday, June 15th. For tix and info suite your way over to: www.ppacri.org.
Summer Solstice @ Diamond Hill
The Blackstone River Theatre (BRT) will present its 2nd annual Summer Solstice Festival at Diamond Hill Park on Route114 inCumberland on Saturday, June 16th, from 11am-7pm (Rain date: Sunday, June 17th). The festival features five entertainment stages, food and craft vendors, and more. Performing will be Aoife Clancy, Fellswater, Archie Fisher, The Forge, Girsa, The Gnomes, Matt and Shannon Heaton, Kieran Jordan and Laurel Martin, NØÍR, Robbie O’Connell, Pendragon, and RUNA. There will be a dedicated stage for Irish set and ceili dancing as well as Irish step dance demonstrations. A children’s stage will feature Keith Munslow, magician Debbie O’Carroll and others. If you don’t get enough of the daytime show and want more or you would just like to hear some of the festival performers in an indoor setting, the music continues from8:30-11:30pmwith an “After-Festival-Music-Session”. Many of the day’s performers will head over to the BRT to keep the music going. For more information ring up 401-725-9272 shine over to www.riverfolk.org
Block Island Music Fest
Hop on the ferry, the Block Island Music Festival takes place from June 12th – 17th at Captain Nick’s, one of BI’s best live music venues. This grassroots festival strives to push the envelope by erasing style barriers in order to create a truly unique and exciting musical atmosphere. The result is a six-day long musical gumbo where festival goers sample music performed by the most talented, “undiscovered” artists currently making music in the northeast. The Block Island Music Festival admission is FREE of charge. The festival is a 21+ years of age and proper identification is absolutely required. To further Capt. Nick’s commitment to providing a unique experience – the music fest barbeque pit will provide FREE food to all festival goers starting at5pmuntil supplies run out for the day. The line-up for the Fest is as follows: Tuesday June 12th: The BI Drummers, Raise The Rent, The Maclean Sisters, The Rivergods, Village Jammers, The Hoolios, and The Folkadelics. Wednesday June 13th: Rob Carlson, Frank Hurd, Other Than Here, Last Charge of the Light Horse, The Dr.’s Fox, Original Jelly Roll Soul, and Boombasnap. Thursday June 14th: Monje Men, Schuyler Iona Press, The Steamy Bohemians, Glenn Roth, School Tree, The Spinning Leaves, and Family Affair. Friday June 15th: Jake Hill, James Tripler, Analog, Plume Giant, Chief Archaic, The Shades, White Chocolate Experience, and Dr. Westchesterson. Saturday June 16th: Glenda Luck, Mark Shelton, Stevie Lightnin’, Feeds, The Ballroom Theives, Kagero, The Mallet Brothers, and The Booze Beggars. The Fest wraps up on Sunday June 17th with Vaux, Reddy Set Joey, Hickory Strings, Walter McDonaugh, TN3, Ocean Transfer, and Chaocity. For more, surf over to: www.blockislandmusic.com. What happens on BI stays on BI. At least you hope so.
Waterplace is the Place
WaterplacePark, was once a very cool public place in downtownProvidencebut now it’s squeezed tight between businesses. If only the area kept to the original plan to have a park with a public visitor center instead of a restaurant it would be much better. Nonetheless it’s still a fairly good place for outdoor music at night. Over the summer there will be a few evening performances atWaterplacePark. All are free and start at7:30pm. On June 15th: Delta Spirit, June 22nd: two ofProvidence’s hottest acts, the Silks and the Tower & The Fool; June 29th: The White Rabbits, July 6th: Grouplove, July 13th: Walk The Moon and the series wraps on July 20th with Motif Award Winner Roz Raskin with her band, the Rice Cakes. For more info follow the links from www.providenceri.com to “Arts, Culture + Tourism” to the “Waterplace Park Concert Series” link. Don’t get lost.
Met-i-tate This Summer
This summer, the Met, located in the Hope Artiste Village at 1005 Main Street in Pawtucket, will be featuring a couple of outdoor concerts in the Met Courtyard. On Saturday, June 16th, Deer Tick presents “DudeSmash” an outdoor concert with special guests Alec K. Redfearn and the Eyesores, Doomsday Student, Turbo Fruits, Diamond Doves, Knife Party, Liz Isenberg,BooCity, Atlantic Thrills, Ravi Shavi, Still Suit, and The Quahogs. Doors are at4pm, show at 5. On, Saturday, July 21st, the Chicago-based, Squirrel Nut Zipper alumni, multi-instrumentalist and lyricist Andrew Bird brings his violin and imagination to create an evening of sonic masterpieces under the stars. Doors are at6pmand show is at8pm. Other INDOOR shows you will want to check out at the Met are: Thursday, June 21st: The Bowerbirds, Basia Bulat; Friday, June 22nd: Tab Benoit; Friday, July 13th: it’s the elder statesman of British blues – John Mayall; Saturday, and July 14th: NRBQ, Mark Cutler & The Men of Great Courage. There are so many more but let your curiosity get the best of you and inspect:
www.themetri.com On Friday, July 27th, over at Lupo’s – The Met’s older sister club in downtown Providence, Ingrid Michaelson brings her Human Again tour with special guest George Laswell to the Heartbreak Hotel stage at 8:30pm. Learn all about Lupo’s summer line-up at www.lupos.com.
PrideFest
The PrideFest 36th Anniversary Celebration happens in the heart of downtownProvidencealongSouth Water Street, next to theProvidenceRiveron Saturday, June 16th fromnoonuntil8pm.New England’s second largest Pride celebration features the largest GLBT Marketplace and Business Exposition in the region with a mix of national and local entertainment. The RI PrideFest also features the Kidz Pride Zone, an area specifically created for children, kids and families. The diverse offerings at the PrideFest draw a mix of individuals and families of all ages. Headlining PrideFest 2012 will be a top finalist from The Voice, American Idol, Grammy Nominee and a Broadway Star, Ms. Frenchie Davis. RI Pride’s Illuminated Night-Time Pride Parade kicks off at8:30pmwith a dazzling display of floats, performing artists, marching groups and spectators, and will wind through downtownProvidenceand culminate at the RI Pride Reviewing Stand in front ofProvidencePerformingArtsCenteronWeybosset Street. If in this day and age you don’t know a person who is gay, are related to a person who is gay or are in a gay partnership then I think that you are living in a bubble…seriously…you’re missing out, they certainly know how to celebrate! Open up your world and become enlightened. For more info, proudly march on over to www.prideri.com.
Sundays in Ninigret Park
Ninigret Park in Charlestown will be once again hosting a Sunday Summer Concert Series at the park just off Route 1. Concerts start around 5 pm and last for about 2 hours. First show is scheduled for June 17th. For a complete listing of performers and scheduled times, pull into www.charlestownri.org. Besides being a wonderful open space to hear live music, the park has an observatory that is open year round to the public on Friday evenings at 7:30pm for stargazing (weather permitting) as well and a Nature Center that provides educational tours and lectures. For more information on either of these facilities gaze over to www.frostydrew.org.
Wheeler Plays Marriage Equality gig
Luna presents a Marriage Equality RI Fundraiser at theRootsCulturalCenterwith Cheryl Wheeler on Friday, June 22nd. I always say that Cheryl Wheeler will split your sides and tug at your heart strings all in one show. She typically sells out the venues she performs, and the unique, intimate location of The Roots Cultural Center is the perfect place to enjoy her music. Don’t wait; buy your ticket today before they’re sold out. From Wheeler’s website: “Listening to her albums you can tell that she is a gifted songwriter with a beautiful voice. Hearing or reading other people’s comments about her you can learn that she is a natural storyteller with a fantastic sense of humor. But until you see her in person, you never really believe what you’ve been told about her. Besides, almost half of the songs she does during her shows haven’t been recorded!”
For more, dig up www.Rootscafeprovidence.com or couple over to: www.marriageequalityri.org
Transfer to Park Theatre
Grammy-Award winning jazz/pop vocal group, The Manhattan Transfer will be taxiing into the Park Theatre on Saturday, June 23rd. The group, whose beginnings hail from a chance meeting in a cab (aManhattantransfer), celebrated their 40th Anniversary in the fall of 2009 with the release of The Chick Corea Songbook, which marked the highly innovative vocal quartet’s first new record in five years. The platinum selling, world-wide chart topping super group, widely renowned for broadening the musical landscape with their innovative, genre defying sound, have won 10 Grammies and been nominated for 17. The Manhattan Transfer is Cheryl Bentyne, vocals; Tim Hauser, vocals; Alan Paul, vocals; and Janis Siegel, vocals. The group remains a major staple both within the jazz community and the mainstream music community, as they continue to enlighten listeners by bringing different genres of music to their ever increasing fan base. The Park Theatre is located at848 Park AvenueinCranston. For more about this show and others, hackney over to: www.parktheatreri.com
Sundown & Songwriters
Bring a lawn chair, a blanket, and maybe even a picnic dinner and sit on the lawn at the beautiful Roger Williams National Memorial and enjoy FREE concerts by some of the best songwriters RI has to offer. Hear In Rhode Island and Roger William’s National Memorial will present several evenings of music over the summer as part of the Downtown Sundown Series. The concert nights are Waterfire nights inProvidenceand the series music starts around7:30pm–usually before they light the braziers. The shows will continue until10-10:30pmand to keep with the Waterfire feel, will, on occasion, have visits from fire spinners -The Grasshopper Fire Collective. Scheduled to appear Saturday, June 23rd: the YAP Kids from New Bedford, WS Monroe, Tracie Potochnik, and Dan Lilley & Scatman; July 21st: Katherine Quinn, Kayla Ringelheim, Joanne Lurgio; and the token male for the evening, Ed McGuirl; Saturday, August 18th: Lisa Martin & Brad Willard, Mark Cutler, Mary Ann Rossoni, and a Fuzek-Rossoni reunion set. There is limited parking available at the park. Lots of street parking and pay lots available. All ages are welcome. Please don’t confuse Roger William’s National Memorial with the Roger Williams Park with the zoo. They are totally different parks on opposite side of the city. Roger Williams National Memorial is located at282 North Main StreetinProvidence’s College Hill Historic District. It’s a small park that you have probably driven by hundreds of times. You can get more info by phoning 401-521-7266 or by discovering (does anyone remember the “DiscoverRI” license plates? If you do, you’re old!): www.HearInRhodeIsland.com and www.nps.gov/rowi.
Coldbrook Roadtrip (well for Rhode Islanders)
If you’re up for a 90-minute drive to hit a festival with over 90 musical acts then the Camp Coldbrook Music and Arts Festival from June 22nd through June 24th is right for you. They are boasting “a new main stage and sound system, Silent Disco is included in the ticket price (not sure what that is), new food; new mind, body and soul workshops, and new landscape art and decoration designed to blow minds”. There are a ton of acts that I’ve never heard of but it all sounds fun. Music includes: Rubblebucket, Fennario, Twiddle, Higher Organix, Lespecial, The Soul Panacea, The Stampede, Nights Without Television, The Andrea Belanger Band, and many, many more… For info, warm over to www.campcoldbrook.com
Four Corners & BYOB
This summer theFour CornersArtCenterin Tiverton will host TWO outdoor concerts on the lawn of the Meeting House located at3850 Main Road. TheFour CornersArtCenterwas founded in 1993 to promote the arts at Tiverton Four Corners and the surroundingCoastalVillagecommunities. The Center is located in the historic Soule-Seabury House, built c. 1800. The site includes over an acre of landscaped grounds which are used for exhibits, concerts, outdoor dance, sculpture, theater, and a variety of other special events. The first concert on June 24th will be Red Eye Flight and friends. Right now the “friends” are “mysterious friends” but they will be announced at a later date. The next performance will be from Kate Grana on July 29th. Both shows begin at5pmand tix may be purchased at the door. TheFour Cornersfolks encourage you to bring a picnic dinner and BYOB is up to you. For more about concerts and activities take the square root to: www.FourCornersArts.org
Every summer, a big white tent transforms theNewportYachtingCenterinto one of the premiere concert venues inSouthern New England. Al Salzillo books some of the best shows to come throughRhode Island. Once again he has packed the next few months with a boatload of music. The Newport Sunset Music Series and a medley of festivals take the tunes to summer’s end. The gates open early and members of the RI Songwriters Association play the courtyard stage (CS) until the main stage openers begin. Friday, June 29th: Ziggy Marley, Headhsine, CS-Glenda Luck; July 6th: Badfish-A Tribute to Sublime, CS-Spogga Hash; Friday, July 13th: Los Lobos, Santa Mamba, CS-Whalebone Jackson; Saturday, July 21st: David Cassidy – a 70’s Flashback!, Ace Aceto, CS-Emma; Friday, August 3rd: Lyle Lovett, CS-Joanne Lurgio; Saturday, August 4th: Cowboy Junkies, Pousette-Dart Band, CS-Katherine Quinn; Friday, August 10th: Classic Rock Rewind!
Featuring original Woodstock performers/Grammy award winners: Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Leslie West of “Mountain”, Rick Derringer, and Savoy Brown’s Kim Simmonds, CS- Dan Durand and Henry Peters; Friday, August 17th: k.d. lang & The Siss Boom Bang, Lera Lynn, CS- Jess Powers; Friday, and August 31st: The Fab Four- The Ultimate Tribute with ‘Ed Sullivan’, CS-Greg Lato. Saturday, August 11th: Newport Waterfront Reggae Festival-Ravers, Mighty Mystics, Taj Weeks & Andowa, Bushman, Junior Marvin of Bob Marley’s Wailers, Barrington Levy; Saturday, August 18th: Newport Blues & BBQ Festival-Joanna Shaw Taylor, Marcia Ball, Shemekia Copeland,John Lee Hooker Jr., Taj Mahal; Saturday, August 25th: Newport Celtic Rock Festival – Tartan Terrors, Screaming Orphans, Town Pants, Eileen Ivers, Gaelic Storm (plus step dancers, pipe bands). That big tent is going to hold a lot of music. For more about all of the goings on that theNewportYachtingCenter, sail over to: www.newportwaterfrontevents.com/sunset-music-series.
AS220 in Revue
AS220’s Empire Review will be keeping the capital city sufficiently entertained this summer on the first Sunday of every month. This show is always chock full of brilliant sketches from funny makers, The Sparkling Beatniks. As always the show is hosted by musician/storyteller Keith Munslow. The Review features sizzling music by the Superchief Trio-Rhode Island’s largest trio, more special guests and general devilment. Seriously, don’t miss these shows. Get there early for a good seat, and enjoy the pre-show shenanigans! For more info, lampoon over to www.as220.org.
Taking it FURTHUR
What could be better than baseball? In my opinion, ANYTHING!!! But in this case it’s Furthur. On July 5th, McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket will be used for good instead of boring as Phil Lesh and Bob Weir from The Grateful Dead along with Jeff Chimenti, John Kadlecik, Joe Russo, Sunshine Becker, and Jeff Pehrson bring their music to the outfield of McCoy. The Pawtucket date is the first stop on the Further Summer Tour. Gates open at 5pm and show starts at 7. For further Furthur information go beyond to: www.furthur.net
ConserFest Rules
Hop on the BI ferry again for yet another cool festival. The folks at ConserFest work hard to advocate for local natural environments by boosting community and visitor/tourist awareness through a celebration of music. The festival began as a way to help conservation organizations to raise awareness about local environmental issues on Block Island and turned out to be a rocking day of music! I played this festival last year and it doesn’t get much better than performing on the beach in front lots of beachgoers and the Atlantic Ocean. And, they have pretty cool merch that all benefits the cause. This year’s Conserfest happens on Thursday, July 12th from 11am until 1am at three different locations. From 11am until 4pm, The Beach Stage presents Xenia Dunford, Boo City, Glenda Luck, Derek Teichert, Mark T. Small, Ebb First, and Little Other. The Summer Deck Stage, 4:30-6:30pm, features Margaret Glaspy and Matt Odebashian. Last, but not least, the Main Stage wraps up the day of music with sets by The Silks and The Ross Livermore Band. If you’ve never been to BI, what are you waiting for? This is one of the best reasons to go. For more about the fest, ship over to: www.conserfest.org
SummerFest in Great New Bedford
Coming in as still one of the best bangs for your festival buck is the 17th Annual Greater New Bedford Summerfest Folk Festival. Weekend Passes are a bargain at $25 in advance (Saturday and Sunday only). The July 6th-8th
Music feast will feature the best in contemporary, traditional and Celtic folk music in theWhalingNationalHistoricalPark. Featured among the nearly fifty, nifty, musical acts are Peter Yarrow, Patty Larkin, Catie Curtis, Melissa Ferrick, Garnet Rogers, Peter Mulvey, Pete and Maura Kennedy, Dala, Annalivia, Zoë Lewis, Jeremy Kittel and Nathaniel Smith, Cassie and Maggie Macdonald, The Boxcar Lilies, and Seth Glier. Summerfest has gained a reputation as one of the finest folk festivals in the country. The festival also features a high quality crafts show and food will also be available including the world famousNew Bedfordscallops. The festival opens on Friday evening, July 6th with a special evening concert featuring Peter “Puff, the Magic Dragon” Yarrow, Annalivia and Women in Docs. Peter Yarrow’s talents as a creative artist—both with the legendary trio Peter, Paul & Mary and as a solo performer—are frequently directed at using music to convey a message of humanity and caring. Performances by the Celtic-Appalachian group Annalivia and the folk-pop Australian duo Women in Docs round out the evening. On Saturday, July 7th and Sunday, July 8th, between11amand9pm, the New Bedford Summerfest expands to seven stages in the National
