Autumn is a great time for classical music in New England. Giving way to fanfare and season openers, the 2019-20 season offers many opportunities to hear unique performances of obscure works as well as a healthy serving of familiar favorites. Read on to discover what’s happening this fall. The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra has one […]
Imagine a music festival with virtually no electricity or amplifiers, no sponsors and a resounding message of inclusivity. Imagine it’s happening right here in PVD this fall, with more than 300 brass and drum wielding musicians marching down the street. Sounds good, right? This is Pronk!, our local representation of the many honk fests that […]
Okee dokee folks … I am going to try to set a record today for the fastest column I have ever written. I am hyped up on my elixir of life: Red Bull. Actually, three cans. I am sitting in a friend’s RV backstage at Rhythm and Roots Festival, and I am taking a break […]
In 1914 another of Woonsocket’s famous musical greats was born. Samuel (Sammy) Sherman began his musical career on the violin. He grew up and attended Providence College. Along the way, he switched to jazz trombone, and added his voice to his notable performances. During World War II he served in the 16th Medical Regiment in North […]
RI music fans soon will have the opportunity to experience one of rock’s best-kept secrets. The long-standing, battle-tested band NRBQ, once described as “the best band you’ve never heard of,” will roll through The Courthouse Center for the Arts on August 24 to deliver a night of high-energy music. “We got lucky with this group,” […]
RI’s own Irving Lipson was known for his reed instrument performances throughout New England. He was born on PVD’s East Side in 1902. Irving played mostly tenor saxophone in his early years in several of Providence’s big bands. They performed regularly in Roger Williams Park, and Irving could often be seen soloing at the park’s […]
Happiness — Live The long awaited debut album from Happiness is a demented thrill ride down the rock ‘n’ roll autobahn. For those not familiar, Happiness is a local rock ’n’ roll supergroup consisting of Ian O’Neil, Chris Ryan and Dennis Ryan from Deer Tick combining forces with Rafay Rashid of Ravi Shavi/The Lookers. Despite the […]
Okee dokee folks… Last week I was fortunate to attend a production of the musical Hamilton at Providence Performing Arts Center. I knew very little about the show prior other than the fact it was touted as “epic,” so I did a little research by watching a documentary and a few YouTube videos. After digesting […]
The places typically associated with country music have more southern accents than lighthouses and seagulls. But according to Michael Friedman, the mind behind the inaugural Nashville, RI Music Festival at Mulligan’s Island, RI shouldn’t be counted out as a hub for country die-hards. “This is a demand-driven event,” Friedman says of the new country music […]
Okee dokee folks…This past March I caught Jim Messina’s sold-out show at the Narrows Center for the Arts. A four-piece band of stellar musicians backed up Messina (who sang and played guitar and mandolin) with lush harmonies, guitar, violin, sax, flute, bass and drums. His set included classics such as “Watching the River Run,” “Danny’s […]