Okee dokee folks… AS220 is celebrating 40 years, and 40 years ago I played my first real gig at AS220 in Providence. Up until then, I had only performed in front of people at a couple of house parties and when I auditioned for “The Gong Show” at Warwick Mall, but I don’t count those. I discovered AS220 in the listings of the Providence Journal. I called the phone number and booked a date. It was that easy. AS220 was (and is) an unjuried space and basically let anyone perform. Artists were paid one dollar. I may actually still have that dollar! The show that I did that night consisted of me playing my original songs, solo as well as a few numbers with a friend – we had an informal duo. In addition, his wife did some performance art and we were part of that. I can’t really remember what we did, but I think there was an ironing board involved. Somewhere there is video. The space was located at 220 Weybosset St in Providence. If that address sounds familiar, it’s where The Providence Performing Arts Center is, although at that time I think it was still called The Ocean State Theatre. AS220 was on the 3rd floor and I vividly remember having to haul all my sound gear (it was BIG and heavy back then!) up the stairs because the elevator didn’t work. That gig was the first of many at AS220. I played solo, with Fuzek-Rossoni, and in many songwriters in the round shows at AS220. Their location moved around Providence in the early years, and I played at them all before they finally landed on Empire St. Most of the shows I did at the Empire St locale in recent years were with The Empire Revue or The Rhode Island Songwriters Association’s Songwriter in the Round events.
Nowadays those series are held at other venues and it has been a couple of years since I have played at AS220. The organization has grown immensely over the decades and offers a lot for musicians and artists. Their space has come a long way as well. Back in the beginning it was run-down rooms with holes in the wall, but now it is a well-maintained, and often remodeled, multi-use space. Thank you to AS220 for helping me begin my forty-year (so far) musical journey! Read on…
If you’re into “pickin’ and a grinnin’” then the Ocean State Bluegrass Festival is for you! The festival happens August 15-17 at Frerichs Farm in Warren, RI. The event includes bluegrass jamming, an open mic on Friday night, workshops, a concert with bluegrass bands on Saturday, a “Band Scramble” on Sunday, camping, and food throughout the weekend. The Saturday night line-up includes: Eugene Tyler Band, J.M. Clifford Band, Four Bridges, and Rusty Rails. On Sunday there will be a “Band Scramble,” a tradition at bluegrass festivals. In a “Band Scramble,” anyone who plays an instrument (at any level) is invited to participate. Musicians put their names in a bucket for the instrument they wish to play. Names are drawn to make up bands that may include a bass, a banjo, a mandolin, a fiddle, a guitar, a dobro, and singers. These impromptu bands will come up with a few songs that they will perform on stage. For more, Scrugg on over to ribluegrass.org
This Summer, Blithewold in Bristol presents the Music at Sunset Concert Series every Wednesday night from 6 – 8pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic dinners, chairs, or blankets to augment their enjoyment of these outdoor concerts on the 10-acre lawn. Please note: Due to limited space in their parking area, preregistration is required. Coming up: Aug 6: Sweet Wednesday – folk music duo from Boston; Aug 13: Bay Swing – traditional swing, jazz, bossa nova, and the blues; Aug 20: Colby James & the Ramblers – rock, blues, and country; Augt 27: The DMB Project – Dave Matthews tribute band. And just to add a little icing on the summer they have an additional show on Sunday, Aug 10 with Another Tequila Sunrise – Eagles tribute. For more, hedge over to blithewold.org
The Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River is hosting free “Summer Evenings in the Park” with live music, arts, crafts, and food every Wednesday night. This all takes place from 5:30 – 8:00pm at various parks around the city. Aug 6 – Southcoast Brass Band at Maplewood Park; Aug 13 – Louie Leeman at North Park; Aug 20 – 6L Camino at Kennedy Park; and Aug 27 – The Khourys at Lafayette Park. For more about the shows, squeeze over to The Narrows website! narrowscenter.showare.com
We all need to step it up in the protest music department! Songwriters, get writing and send them in. I know it’s summer and there is fun to be had, but if we don’t speak up and out then this may be the last good American summer there is. Have you noticed that common courtesy and playing by the rules has dwindled? America is fading fast! The Mango Moron needs to go!
Speaking of songwriting, the Rhode Island Songwriters Association (RISA) is holding a workshop on Melody, Harmony, and Lyrics with ASCAP award-winning and multi-platinum selling songwriter, Joe Doyle. He has had songs recorded by Reba McEntire, Alabama, Dan Seals, Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, and many more. Doyle is a RI native who lived in Nashville but has recently relocated back to his home state. The workshop will be held from 1 – 5pm on Sunday, Sep 6. For more, compose an email and send it to: RISongwritersAssociation@gmail.com •
That’s it for now. Listen to my podcasts at motifri.com/rootsreportpodcast and find my concert photographs at motifri.com/fuzeksfotos. Thanks for reading and listening. johnfuzek.com
Photo: Southcoast Brass Band