The Roots Report: Starry-Eyed for Ringo
Ringo Starr & His All Star Band comes to PPAC for a nostalgic night of classics
Okee dokee folks … To my knowledge, a Beatle has only come to Rhode Island three times since the British Invasion of the ’60s (George, once and Ringo, now twice). I have been fortunate enough to be in the audience two out of those three times! Ringo and his All-Starr Band played to a sold-out house at PPAC on Sunday, June 15. The All-Starr Band is basically the greatest cover band of all time. Ringo lines up notable performers and they play a fun-filled set of songs by Ringo, The Beatles, classic covers, and each of the band members play a few of their own hit songs as well. This, the12th incarnation of the All-Starr Band in 25 years, included Todd Rundgren (guitar), Greg Rolie of Santana and Journey (organ), Steve Lukather of Toto (lead guitar), Richard Paige of Mr. Mister (bass), Greg Bissonette of David Lee Roth Band (drums), and Mark Rivera on vocals, sax, keys and percussion. The evening kicked off with Ringo singing his version of the Carl Perkins’ song, “Matchbox.” He then went straight into his signature song, “It Don’t Come Easy.” A little self- deprecation was used in the intro for the next song: “This is Wings, it is from my 2012 release that I think two people bought!” Finally, for the fourth song of the evening, Ringo ascended the elevated, center stage platform to play the drums and the “song rounds” began. Starting with Rundgren, the band members each took a turn performing one of their hits. The two-hour show included such classics as: “I Saw The Light,” “Bang The Drum All Day” and “Love is the Answer” from Todd Rundgren; “Kyrie” and “Broken Wings” from Mr. Mister; “Hold The Line,” “Rosanna” and “Africa” from Toto; and “Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen” by Santana.
This was a fun show for ALL ages. It couldn’t be anything BUT fun. Most times the audience was singing along with the band. How can you hear “Yellow Submarine,” “Photograph” and “A Little Help From My Friends” and NOT sing? Ringo commented as the band started playing “Yellow Submarine,” “If you don’t know this one you are in the wrong venue!” The lighting was fun as well-projected spinning stars, peace signs and flowers kept the back wall busy. Besides Ringo, Rundgren seemed to be having the best time in the band. He has a long history in music and is a veteran of the All-Starr Band, having been part of it in at least two other versions. Greg Rolie was a fine addition to the group mostly because of his membership in the legendary group Santana. His vocals were strong and his contribution on the B3 organ was subtle but tasteful. To me, Richard Paige and Steve Lukather seemed like odd choices for an All-Starr line-up. While Toto certainly had hit songs and Lukather is a great guitarist, he didn’t really have the “STARR POWER” of previous members of the band. He often started singing a song and handed the higher parts to Paige or Mark Rivera to handle. Lukather did channel his best Santana solos during “Evil Ways,” “Oye Como Va” and “Black Magic Woman.” His contributions to the night, “Rosanna” and “Africa,” seemed to drag on longer than needed, though “Hold The Line” held its own. I think of Richard Paige and Mr. Mister as more one-hit-wonders than legendary. OK, MAYBE they had a hit and a half. It was back in the hey-day of MTV. “Broken Wings” and “Kyrie” seemed very dated in sound compared to the rest of the night’s numbers. I do think one of his song choices of the evening, “You Are Mine,” a new song he was debuting, was out of place in the show. While the piece was enjoyable, it didn’t seem a proper fit for anyone but Ringo to play new material. As band members, Paige and Lukather are both solid players, but just seemed out of their league.
If you ask most people who their favorite Beatle was, most would reply Paul or John. Ringo would usually hold up the bottom of that list. Not mine. Ringo hovers around third/maybe second. I am scorned when I say that my ranking is George, Ringo/Paul then John. I vacillate on Paul because I liked Wings. Ringo may not be the best musician or the most popular Beatle, but he is truly a great entertainer. At 74 years old he can play a two-hour show and he still has the energy to literally do jumping jacks during the last song. It is obvious from his presence on stage that he sincerely loves what he does. He is even comfortable messing up a song — which he did! He started playing “Don’t Pass Me By” on piano and botched it a bit and then went on to just singing it. Planned or not, he showed that a Beatle is human. He seems to have his hands fixed in a permanent peace sign when they are not otherwise occupied. He is a purveyor of peace and love. One of the newer songs he performed, “Anthem,” delivered that message. He wrapped up the evening singing a portion of John Lennon’s (Plastic Ono Band) “Give Peace A Chance.” He ran offstage as the band played on and then took their bows without Ringo. Surely he was already on his way to the hotel.
While McCartney may sell out stadiums, I would rather see Ringo in a venue such as PPAC. The sound was not too loud and relatively clear, though at times the vocals did seem a bit buried behind the music. But that may just be me; I am super picky about that. Just about every seat at PPAC has a good view of the stage. You don’t have to watch or are distracted by a Jumbotron. Having those at stadium shows is great, but you can always stay home and watch TV. I don’t think attending a show at a stadium or arena can even compare to a show in a more intimate and comfortable setting such as PPAC. For me, Ringo is the obvious choice to see when it comes to a Beatle. I think that having the opportunity to see any Beatle live is something that is hard to pass up. Every real music fan should see one. There are only two left and they are getting old, so hurry. If you weren’t at PPAC for this show you missed out on a great one! The standing ovation from the audience will attest to that. Ringo certainly does get by with a little help from his friends … his famous and talented friends!
That’s it for now. Thanks for reading!
John Fuzek, johnfuzek.com Album Of The Week: Cretin Stompers’ Looking Forward To Being Attacked
A great underground punk jewel, you might have to rummage through your local record store to get a physical copy, but once you listen to Looking Forward To Being Attacked the search will be all worth it.
Have you ever heard an album that is so weird and creepy sounding that it’s absolutely brilliant? There’s a cool shoegaze punk act called Cretin Stompers out of Memphis and I recently stumbled upon their debut album, Looking Forward To Being Attacked. Billy Hayes, Big Muff and Alex Gates have joined forces to start a band that sounds like a combination of My Bloody Valentine and The Sex Pistols. It’s one of the most inventive musical projects I’ve heard in a long time. With Hayes’ resume consisting of playing with the late Jay Reatard and Gates being the guitarist of San Diego surf punk act Wavves, you shouldn’t expect anything less than a mind-blowing album. Good thing Cretin Stompers’ debut lives up to the hype.
Those who know me know that I have an affinity for the fuzzy stuff when it comes to music. The interesting thing about this album is the high-pitched chipmunk-esque vocals on most of the tracks mixed with loud guitars and powerful drums. It’s almost as if the Pixies took acid, tried sounding like The Flaming Lips and Cretin Stompers was the end result. A great underground punk jewel, you might have to rummage through your local record store to get a physical copy, but once you listen to Looking Forward To Being Attacked the search will be all worth it.
Governments are mishandling tax money, there’s mass protesting everywhere, and there’s another militia working on taking over the entire Middle East. If your outlook on the world needs a little brightening, take a gander at the top tracks off of my Album Of The Week.
The trinity of the high pitched vocals, loud guitars and powerful drums is excellently exemplified on “Project: Object.” Each time I listen to it part of me wants to be freaked out, but it’s a truly wonderful track that puts me in a blissful mood. A punk rager to the fullest extent is “Adult Child;” the guitars definitely have that trademark shoegaze effect with raw energy upping the ante. If I had to pick any hit single off of Cretin Stompers’ debut, it’ll be “Eye Of The Storm.” There’s a nice pop aesthetic that pleases the senses while also being very catchy. Another great tune is “Cowboy From Mars,” a total rocker that has a lot of soul and blues tones.
There have been no tour dates announced by Cretin Stompers so unfortunately, who knows when and where they’ll be playing next. Hopefully they’ll come play in the New England area or even better, they’ll hit up a venue in a Providence soon. Until they come and raise hell in your hometown, grab a copy of Cretin Stompers’ Looking Forward To Being Attacked. It’ll give your ears that rock ‘n’ roll fix they’ve been craving.
Cretin Stompers’ BandCamp page: cretinstompers.bandcamp.com
Album of the Week: Troop of Echoes’ The Longest Year On Record Listening to a brand new album from a band you haven’t seen play in ages is a lot like running into an old friend. Track by track, you catch up on things while seeing how much they’ve changed over the years. Hopefully, they impress you with every note. This is where the long-awaited new album from Providence experimental alternative jazz-rock act A Troop Of Echoes comes in. The Longest Year On Record shows that this amazing quartet of musical visionaries is back and here to stay after a little hiatus, and the timing couldn’t be better. In Providence the quality of music, art and creativity is at an all-time high, and A Troop Of Echoes’ new album reintroduces them to the local consciousness in the most emphatic way possible.
With the luxury of local sound engineer Graham Mellor (who has worked with the likes of Gov’t Mule and ZZ Top — no big deal) assisting in the recording process, there’s no wonder why the production on The Longest Year On Record is so good. The raw, sonic riffs from Nick Cooper’s guitar give the grit while Peter Gilli makes it smooth on sax and Dan Moriarty exudes sheer power on the drums. Add the solid bass licks from Harrison Hartley and you’ve got one hell of a band. Top it off with a few violins and cellos and you really have something special. The new album from A Troop Of Echoes never ceases to astound me with the depth of each song. Think of it as a trifle — each layer is something different, but all are equally delicious.
I’ve seen a few weird things lately: people wearing boots as hats, a restaurant named after a piece of revealing underwear, and drivers cutting people off without a care in the world. Okay, the cutting off thing isn’t really that weird since people in Providence see it every day, but I think you’d catch my drift. To take a break from the weirdness around you, dive into the top tracks off of my Album of the Week. Even if you like keeping it weird, you should still give it a shot. Anyways, here goes something:
Gilli starts it off with his sax on “Arecibo” and then a wall of sludge comes crashing down from Cooper’s guitar to do some serious brain-melting. The baroque pop of “Kerosene” is magnificently pleasant on a track that includes a xylophone, violin, cello and a full horn section. The starting number on the album, “Manifest and Legion,” can almost make your head cave in when Moriarty unleashes hell on the drums. I only named a few, but don’t you worry; The Longest Year On Record is one of the best albums you’ll ever hear coming out of The Creative Capital.
A Troop Of Echoes will embark on a tour of the midwest United States and parts of Canada starting with a super-duper secret nine-band show at the band’s practice space in Providence on June 14. They’ll be joining fellow Providence indie act Taperstries at Club K in Baltimore the following night, and will close out the tour at AS220 in Providence with Hannes Buder, Dylan Sevey and The Gentlemen, Bored With Four and Headless Nixon on June 24. If you go to any of these shows, grab a copy of The Longest Year On Record. Once you press play on this bad boy, you’ll never want to stop listening.
A Troop Of Echoes’ Website: atroopofechoes.com
Toy Soldiers Take Over the Columbus
It’s not every day that a band like Philadelphia’s Toy Soldiers comes along
Philadelphia troubadours Toy Soldiers, along with Quiet Life, came to the Columbus Theatre on June 8 to give the people of Providence some late-night entertainment. The intimate show took place upstairs at the Columbus Theatre, a small space that makes it feel like you’re watching bands perform in your living room.
The show kicked off with a set of songs from bluesman Mark Milloff of local group the Cannibal Ramblers. Backed by an impromptu band made up mostly of members of the other acts, Milloff sounded like a preacher possessed by the power of the blues. He hadn’t even met the other musicians before, but the set went very smoothly. “This song is gonna have a stop somewhere … we’ll figure it out,” he instructed at one point. The set became more like a sprawling jam session with the tunes fluidly blending together.
Next up was Quiet Life. The Pacific Northwest has exported a number of successful indie folk bands like Blind Pilot and Fleet Foxes, and Quiet Life seem right at home in this kind of company. Led by frontman Sean Spellman, the band is right at home playing rockabilly, up-tempo tunes (lead guitarist Robert Jenson is a fret board wizard), but the most powerful moments of the show came with more acoustic, straight-ahead folk tunes, including the showstopper “Shaky Hand.” Spellman commented at the surprisingly appealing atmosphere of the Columbus, formerly a pornographic movie theater. Toy Soldiers took the stage after a brief intermission, and it looked like they were having a great time performing. They brought it back to 1971 with a powerful cover of Harry Nilsson’s “Early in the Morning” first performed by Louis Jordan. Their amped- up version of this mellow tune was exactly what you’d hope for from a band like Toy Soldiers. “Heart in a Mousetrap” explored classic country tropes (“you’ve got my heart in a mousetrap, you’re like a brick thrown at my head”) with tasteful background licks from guitarist Matt Kelly. “Tomorrow is Today” began with a slow, wistful intro then built into a salsa feel, with impeccable drumming from Domenic Billet. Frontman Ron Gallo’s voice is instantly recognizable and sounded like a kind of rock ’n’ roll crooning.
Toy soldiers released their excellent album The Maybe Boys in 2013, combining the energetic blues- rock of the Stones with the organ-laced sensitivity of The Band. Surprisingly, the band only played a few songs from the album during their hour-long set, which is probably a testament to their prolific songwriting ability.
One of the highlights of the show was experiencing the camaraderie between talented guys who clearly enjoy each other’s company; throughout each band’s set, various members of the other groups joined in onstage. Both drummers were playing together for most of the show, and Toy Soldiers bassist Bill McCloskey played with Quiet Life almost the entire set.
In the age of electronic music sensory overload, it’s great to see bands that can still take it back to their roots. These two acts with bright futures made staying out until after midnight on a Sunday night totally worth it.
Ron Gallo will be playing upstairs once again at the Columbus Theatre, along with songwriters Christopher Paul Stelling and Jonah Tolchin on June 27 at 8pm. Red Bandana Fund to Recognize Henry Shelton and Providence Student Union
On June 8, look for the gathering of friends, Rhode Island College educators, progressives, folkies and family members of the late Richard J. Walton, who come to the Red Bandana Award to pay homage and remember him. With his prominent, long white beard and red bandana, decked out in blue jean overalls and wearing a baseball cap, Walton was a dedicated advocate of worker rights and committed to the nurturing of young people as a college professor at Rhode Island College. He gave hundreds of hours of service every month to organizations including Amos House, the George Wiley Center, Providence Niquinhomo Sister City Project, the Green Party and Stone Soup Folk Arts Foundation. The Red Bandana Fund was also created to be a legacy to help sustain Rhode Island’s community of individuals and organizations that embody the lifelong peace and justice ideas of Walton. Through the Red Bandana Fund, an annual financial award will be made to an organization or individual whose work best represents the ideals of peace and social justice that exemplify Walton’s life work. Stephen Graham, a member of the committee organizing the fundraiser, a very close friend of Walton’s and a retired community activist, noted that 12 nominations were received. “There were many deserving nominations, all of which one could make an excellent argument for the award,” he said. “After much deliberation and agonizing, the Red Bandana Fund decided to give not one, but two awards,” continued Graham. “Awards will be given to longtime community activist and hell-raiser, Henry Shelton, and the other to the passionate, unrelenting organizing workers called the Providence Student Union (PSU),” he says, noting that their work embodies the spirit and work of Walton, a well- known social activist in the Rhode Island area who died in 2012. “Richard would have loved the choices.” The Red Bandana Fund celebration takes place on Sunday, June 8 at Nick-a-Nees, 75 South St. in Providence from 4 to 7pm. The event is open to the public and donations are accepted. Shelton, a former Catholic priest and long-time director of the Pawtucket-based George Wiley Center, is known throughout the region for his steadfast commitment to bettering the lives of all Rhode Islanders, especially the poor and disadvantaged. As a longtime advocate for the needy, he has been a fixture on the streets and at the statehouse for decades, advocating for fairness in housing, public transportation and medical care. “It is not an understatement to say that Shelton is the conscience of this state and has been for a long, long time,” says Graham, noting that there was no way Shelton could be ignored. The committee also honored a new generation of young people working to make a better world, added Graham. So, the Red Bandana Fund also recognizes the PSU for its groundbreaking work done in addressing important issues of education in creative and powerful ways. The PSU is an important voice in the debate over the value of high-stakes testing, challenging the NECAP tests as a requirement for graduation, and has forced officials and politicians to address their concerns, he said. “It is their commitment to grass-roots organizing and social change, at such a young age, that has earned them the recognition and thanks of the Red Bandana Fund and for all those fighting for justice in today’s society,” says Graham. Coming up with a name for Walton’s fundraiser was tied to his unique fashion sense and was the idea of his daughter Cathy Barnard and Richard, her brother. Like most people, Richard had a vivid, visual image of his father, who had long white hair and beard, being known for wearing his trademark worn blue jean overalls, a red bandana and Stone Soup baseball cap. After Walton died his close friends came over to his house and wanted one of his red bandanas to remember him. Thus, the red bandana became the perfect moniker and recognition for the annual fundraiser. Says Bill Harley, also on the organizing committee, The Red Bandana Fund is a continuation of Walton’s tradition of having an annual birthday bash – usually held the first Sunday in June, to raise money for Amos House & the Providence-Niquinohomo Sister City Project and other progressive causes. Over 24 years, Walton had raised over $40,000 for these favorite charities, attracting hundreds of people each year including the state’s powerful political and media elite to his family compound located at Pawtuxet Cove in Warwick. “We hope all the people who attended Richard’s parties in the past [1988 to 2011] will show up for the event and you can bring your favorite dish for the potluck,” said Bill Harley, a member of the selection committee. “This is our second year giving the award,” adds Harley. “We chose the awardees from a great list of nominations, and decided to acknowledge both young organizers, and one of our long-time heroes. Too often, the people who are in the trenches working for us don’t get recognized. We hope the Award begins to address that shortcoming.” According to Graham, “Last year’s event was more of a concert and tribute to Walton.” Over 300 people attended the inaugural Red Bandana fundraising event in 2013 at Shea High School, raising more than $11,000 from ticket sales, a silent auction and raffle. At this event, the first recipient, Amos House, received $1,000, he said. Graham says the well-known nonprofit was chosen because of its very long relationship with Walton. He was a founding board member, serving for over 30 years, and board chair for a number of years. For almost three decades, the homeless advocate spent an overnight shift with the men who lived in the 90- Day Shelter Program each Thursday bringing them milk and cookies. Each Friday morning he would make pancakes and eggs in the soup kitchen for hundreds of men and women who came to eat a hot meal. As to getting this year’s Red Bandana Fund off the ground, Harley says, “It’s been a year of fits and starts to make this thing work. I believe that the establishment of this award, and the honoring of people on a yearly basis, will help us build a community here that can transform our culture. It’s a little thing, but down the road, I can envision this award meaning more and more to recipients, and to the community those recipients come from.” Walton touched people’s lives, said Rick Wahlberg, one of the organizers. “Everyone had such an interesting story to tell about Richard,” he stated, noting that the Warwick resident, known as a social activist, educator, humanitarian, very prolific writer, and a co-founder of Pawtucket’s Stone Soup Coffee House “made everyone feel that they had a very special, close relationship with him.” Like last year’s inaugural event, Wahlberg expects to see many of Walton’s friends at the upcoming June 8 fundraiser. He and others attending will view this event as a “gathering of the clan” since those attending will be Walton’s extended Rhode Island family. So, block out some time on your busy Sunday. Come to the Red Bandana Fund event to remember our good old friend Richard Walton, and support his legacy and positive impact in making Rhode Island a better place to live and work. Enjoy the gathering of caring people who come to recognize the advocacy efforts of Shelton and the PSU to carry on Walton’s work. Core participants in organizing this year’s Red Bandana Fund include Bill Harley, Stephen Graham, Jane Falvey, and Barbara and Rick Wahlberg. Other participants include Jane Murphy, Jodi Glass, Cathy Barnard and Richard Walton, Jr. For more information about donating to The Red Bandana Fund, go to soup.org/page1/- RedBandana.html. Alt Nation: Summer Shows
The best of alt rock in Rhode Island all summer
I thought this winter was hard, but this stretch of early April-like weather has been just furthering the frustration of waiting for summer to come again. I’ll let someone else worry about climate change because talking to the people that harp on either side of that debate is just painful. Instead I’m going to crank up my summer playlist, which always starts with The Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Summer in the City,” and go through a list of all the shows coming to the area that I’m excited for! So grab your Del’s, iced coffee, sunscreen, crank up the tunes, and get ready to get dirty and gritty! Stanatron mixes video and music for what should be a night of hypnotic ambient music. The music will be performed by a couple of seasoned veterans, Kraig Jordan and Bob Kendall. The performance includes a 49-minute film as well as Jordan and Kendall performing. The music is a departure from the more conventional songwriting of some their other projects. Think pre-Dark Side of The Moon Pink Floyd but more ambient and less structure. There is a 75-minute LP available now at 75orlessrecords.com.Stanatron will perform June 14 at the Jamestown Art Center. The English Beat return to play West Warwick. Geez, never thought I’d write those words. The English Beat had one foot in the ‘80s new wave and the other foot in two tone ska. They had top 10 hits with a cover of “Tears Of a Clown,” “Mirror in The Bathroom,” and“Too Nice to Talk to.” It’s always a risk with older bands that don’t have much as far as original members, but having seen them several times in recent years in both conventional (Lupo’s) and unconventional venues (The Foundry building), I’ll vouch that The English Beat are still money for a good time. Fun fact about The English Beat is their name changes depending what continent they are on. In Europe they are known as The Beat and when in Australia they are The British Beat.The English Beat, The Stone Unturned, The Copacetics, and Rad Thursdays at Manchester 65, West Warwick June 21. Bob Kendall returns with follow up to his last release, Midnight Flower (75orLessRecords). The new record has a decidedly Americana feel. I like the dark atmosphere on the opening track “Stay.” “Pall Mall Days” has kind of a folk feel, which I dig here. “You Can’t Have Everything” has kind of an Irish folk beat that I could see generating some good sing-a-longs at shows. The optimistic “New Day” is probably my favorite on the line, maybe just for the lyric, “If you lose your mind, don’t let it get to you.” Much of the record seems to be bridging ‘60s stuff like The Byrds with more modern influences like Uncle Tupelo and Wilco. This record is also available through the 75orLessRecords website. The CD release show is at one of the best laid back places to catch a show, The Narrows. The venue installed an air conditioning system last year so one no longer has to worry about being trapped in the sweat fest that old factory buildings can become in late June. Bob Kendall Band and Smith&Weeden will rock The Narrows in Fall River on June 20th. Liberty Fest. The big news here is for the first time ever, Liberty Fest will not be in Smith Hill. Liberty Fest simply had outgrown the neighborhood and the last few years it was touch and go as to whether it would even happen. Not this year, Liberty Fest will happen at… Dusk on Harris Ave. in Providence. The music is scheduled to kick off around 2pm on July 4 and will run all night! The organizers secured some sponsorships that will enable them to continue the tradition of having Liberty Fest completely free! Featuring performances by Cannibal Ramblers, Vudu Sister, Boo City, Denver Boot, Tinsel Teeth, Tapestries, Pixels, Jacques Le Coque. Gym Shorts, Reziztanze, Little Foot, Lolita Black, Paraplegics, M.O.T.O. (no later than 9pm), Thee Fabulous Itchies (after 5pm and no later than 9pm), Swan Point, The Quahogs, Way Out, Beneath the Sphinx, Funeral Advantage, Cavetones, The Frenzy of Tongs, Teazer, Yah beautiful, and Olneyville Sound System. Swamp Stomp returns for the 7th year to North Kingston near the entrance of The Great Swamp. For legal reasons, we can’t divulge the exact location in print, but all that information can be attained by contacting the kind folks at The Roots Hoot that run Swamp Stomp. I’ve never had the chance to attend Swamp Stomp for one reason or another, but no other event has turned me on to so many great bands without ever attending. A partial list of some of the bands that have played past Swamp Stomps that I later discovered includes The Bottle Rockets, Lydia Loveless, Patrick Sweany, and Toy Soldiers. This year’s lineup promises more great times with Ha Ha Tonka (Springfield, MO) and J.P. Harris & The Tough Choices (Nashville, TN) on board as the national headliners. The grounds open at 1pm and it’s pretty much a twangy rock ‘n’ roll picnic in a gorgeous setting. It is the ultimate backwoods yard party. Swamp Stomp returns to The Great Swamp of North Kingston on July 12. fb.com/events/670579096314750 Queens of the Stone Age. The French celebrate Bastille Day on July 14, which started essentially as a prison riot. This year Providence will have their own stoner metal riot with the return of Queens of the Stone Age. One of the best live bands out there somehow still manages to get airplay given the sorry state of commercial radio. Their last album …Like Clockwork was one of last year’s best. I caught them a few times over the years, most recently last December in Boston, and it’s just an audio mesmerizing assault of sound and precision. It doesn’t hurt that Josh Homme can write a hook in his unique uneasy style. If you are not at the beach and like loud guitars, you’d be a fool to miss this! Don’t be a fool. Queens of the Stone Age will rock the Providence Performing Arts Center like it’s never been rocked before on July 14. Electric Six have been my favorite band to go see for about the last decade. Mix KISS rocking pomp with disco and throw in some Talking Heads as a chaser. Electric Six exploded onto the scene with their first record, Fire, in 2001 backed by tunes like “Gay Bar” (YouTube the video) and Danger High Voltage (with the infamous “fire in the disco, fire in the Taco Bell” lyrics and Jack White cameo). Since then the world has changed, but Electric Six has stayed the same as far as never gaining or losing popularity. Electric Six continue to release records annually and built up set lists filled with should-have-been-hits like “Down At McDonnelzzz” (celebrating those afterhours takeovers of fast food joints), “Future is in the Future” (commiserating “if money talks then I’m a mime” and celebrating “karaoke all night long, Macarena till the break of dawn”), and “I Buy the Drugs” (where they provide a PO Box address to send your orders). You won’t find a more charismatic front man in rock ‘n roll than Electric Six’s Dick Valentine. You also won’t find a better live band for booty shaking rock ‘n’ roll. Electric Six, Ravi Shavi, VulGarrity, and Satellites Fall bring the fire in the disco to Fête on July 21. Newport Folk Fest and Deer Tick post-Fest Parties. The last weekend in July is forever reserved on my calendar for the Newport Folk Fest. It’s amazing how the Folk Festival has grown to be so much more than a “folk” festival, incorporating all different types of music. Not to mention adding a third day with a full lineup on Friday. This year I’m picking one non-headliner from each day to check out because there is so much great music going on at once that it helps to have a guide. On Friday I recommend reggae legend Jimmy Cliff. My pick for Saturday is the acoustic barnstorming husband and wife tandem, Shovels & Rope. Sunday’s pick is Lucero, who mix Americana whiskey-soaked blues, rock, and soul to stir the heart. If you can get tickets for Deer Tick’s after party at the Newport Blues Café, grab them! Those are some of the best shows of the weekend. Newport Folk Fest returns to Fort Adams State Park July 25th -27th. Deer Tick parties afterward at the Newport Blues Café. Beck must have enjoyed his time in RI last summer for the Folk Festival because he’s back after not playing the state for probably 15 years before last year. Heck, Beck even hung around town for a few days after the festival and practiced at Lupo’s before heading out on tour. Beck’s touring behind a new album, Morning Phase, which is more of an acoustic album. Beck is really so talented that he can do whatever the hell he wants up there and I’d still go. He still plays the old hits like “Loser” and “Where It’s At,” as well as songs from throughout his career. It’s going to make for some tough choices with the Folk Festival and Deer Tick all happening the same day. Beck hits the Providence Performing Arts Center on July 26th. Everlast. Few in music have had a weirder career track than Everlast, who went from rapping as part of House of Pain on the mega hit “Jump Around” to an acoustic singer songwriter winning Grammys for a Carlos Santana collaboration, “Put Your Lights on.” I still think the coolest thing Everlast did was get into a feud with Eminen that had them dissing each other back and forth in song. Expect the acoustic troubadour Everlast at Manchester 65 and the truth is he is pretty good at that. I even own an album or two. Plus, who would have thought when Everlast was winning Grammys that he’d ever be playing West Warwick? Everlast and Kris Hansen & Big Jon Tierney play Manchester 65 on July 27th. Milltown Fest. This has to be the toughest weekend of choices in RI history. Milltown Fest is rolling into Fête and it makes the list only because Nashville Pussy is playing. Their shows at the old Met Café with their old fire breathing Amazon bassist, Corey Parks, were some of the most memorable I’ve attended. Straight up sleazy white trash rock ‘n’ roll performed to perfection. Nashville Pussy’s newest album, Up The Dosage, stands up to anything in their catalogue. In fact, one of the tracks, “The South is Too Fat to Rise Again” may be my favorite Nashville Pussy tune. Milltown Fest featuring performances by Nashville Pussy, Filth on The Floor and much more will go down at Fête on July 27th. Supersuckers. The self proclaimed greatest band in rock ‘n’ roll, Supersuckers return for what promises to be another night of raucous mayhem. The Supersuckers act doesn’t really change much from year to year, but they do the punk meets outlaw country act well. I do miss the days when Eddie Spaghetti and the boys were more of an unknown and there was some element of surprise to their set. That said, they don’t exactly suck either. By the end of the night it is a safe bet that everybody will be smiling and swaying while singing along to “Pretty F***ed Up”. Supersuckers, The McGunks, and The Skinny Millionaires rock Manchester 65 on August 2nd. Email music news to [email protected] Summer Music Festival Therapy
It’s that time again — as the sun spends more time in the sky and the grass comes back to life, so does the world of music festivals. Magic happens in these places, which is apparent when you witness people congregating to celebrate the music they love and creating a bond through the appreciation they share. Life’s about having new experiences and a festival is a pretty easy one to check off the bucket list. Are you feeling a little lost lately? Maybe a festival is just what you need. There’s an opportunity almost every weekend in the summer, so embrace this amazing chance for music, light and love. You might elevate yourself to a new mindset.
Strangecreek in Greenfield, Mass., is the unofficial start of the festivals in New England. Thousands of people have caught on to this phenomenon over the past 12 years and their connection to this place is a strong one. People come from all around with smiles on their faces and proudly call it their home for four days. They set up camping villages in the woods with like-minded music lovers. Also known as Wormtown, the property has multiple stages with over 80 performers throughout the weekend and late night cabins with performances until the sun rises. An array of vendors sell unique clothing, artwork and jewelry. An eternal bonfire burns the duration of the weekend, keeping the music souls attending the festival warm and together. These are just a few elements that make this event special. Many parts of a festival are amazingly indescribable; you must pursue it yourself to learn more.
Festivals hold a unique energy that can help you find meaning in life. Because music is a natural antidepressant, these getaways are equivalent to a happiness retreat. They’re a form of paradise. When people have a few days to decompress and enjoy themselves, their attitudes and perspectives change. Something changes in us when we dance like no one is looking — being at a music festival lets your soul breathe. People express themselves in the most unique of ways. Festival goers wear wild costumes and adorn themselves with body paint, and you can see your friends’ inner personalities express themselves like never before. Many people enjoy this time so much that they skip sleep to embrace the entire experience. And here’s the funny thing: When people are truly happy they tend to be more open and giving. They loosen their judgments and predispositions. If you go, you may find yourself in the middle of a glorious field bonding with new friends in a blow up pool, while listening to the best music. You might even fall in love for the weekend.
Your amazing moment is out there if you’re willing to let go of what you know as yourself and grab onto the bond that music provides. For many of us it starts with Strangecreek, but it does not end there. Let your soul open itself to something new and come to a music festival. I’ll be right there with you.
EDM: Providence Is Party Central
Club XS : The Newest Hot Spot
Providence is known as party central with club events happening all across town, and the heavily involved EDM scene shows that we’ll be here for generations to come. Every club has its own unique formula that seems to work just fine; some offer a sexy atmosphere, others explore an artsy appearance and let’s not forget the amazing shore nightlife summer offers.
The club phenomena in Providence has been non-stop since the ’70s when NYC was on top of its game and RI was right behind. There were a few very popular clubs throughout the city, like BT Bogarts, one of the first to have a lighted dance floor, and Play Dan and Club 2001 where party-goers could explore their inner disco souls. Today, Providence replicates the best experiences of big city night clubs, like in Miami and LA. We offer some of the best sound systems around and EDM is a hundred times better when it’s loud with a pulsating base driving through your body. It’s an instant formula for dancing. For party-goers, a memorable night is driven by special guest out-of-town DJs and popular local DJs who carry a hefty schedule.
Providence’s newest club, Club XS, opened to huge success on its first weekend. Local DJs already lining up to be one of first to bless the turntables is a definite sign that PVD gained another nightlife spot to influence an audience and further an agenda. As we head deeper into the summer, the club action shifts to our amazing beaches and we tend to get a little nervous around the city — unless you’re Sequel Lounge with an amazing outdoor patio sure to please and breeze everyone. But the city is full of fun and excitement with dozens of clubs to explore. And clubs always seem to offer a top notch menu of exclusive cocktails that you may not find anywhere outside of RI.
Club Highlight:
Club XS, 1 Throop alley, Providence; XSLOUNGERI.com
Sequel Lounge, 178 Atwells Ave., Providence; www.sequelprov.com
DJ Highlight:
Osheen
Offical Numark Artist/DJ and the driving force behind Blinded Records, Osheen, New England’s own veteran DJ and producer, is no stranger to the music culture and electronica house music scene. He began his career in the early 1980s dosing the dance floors of local clubs and rave events in the northeast. When the rave phenomena hit in the early 1990s, he took his skills and signature sound of chugging tribal proper house music out to the masses and quickly became known as one of the premier underground house DJs in the US. The demand kept growing for his talent as a DJ, leading him to the next logical and creative step, the creation of his own music and record label. Osheen currently has numerous remix and original releases on major and independent record labels.
Mike D’s Top 5: Can’t Miss Shows of June From Hip-Hop to 80’s Rock
1. Friday, June 6: Scott Bradlee & Post Modern Jukebox (An Alternative History of Pop Music); $17 advance / $20 day of; 8pm doors / 9pm show; All ages; The Met, 1005 Main St., Pawtucket. Internet sensation Scott Bradlee & Post Modern Jukebox are taking their act off the web and into the clubs and are hitting The Met in their inaugural run. The band takes modern songs ranging from all sorts of pop cultural charts and shows and revises them with styles of jazz, ragtime and swing. Unlike other recent cover gimmicks like Pizza Underground, these guys have the chops to not only hang with the original versions, but in some cases surpass them. My favorites include their Edith Piaf-inspired version of “Sweater Weather” by the Neighbourhood and “Ducktails theme.”
2. Friday and Saturday, June 6 and 7: Roadhouse the Musical; $5; 10:30pm; The Wilbury Theatre Group, 393 Broad St., Providence. This is the most important musical moment in Rhode Island this month, if not in history. Finally, someone had the common sense to put the second greatest movie of all time (Point Break is number 1, duh) to score. That someone is mastermind and running enthusiast Brien Lang who wrote and directed this piece. Who will play John Doe? What will a torn-out heart look like in person? How drunk will I already be at 10:30? Will “The Polar Bear Fell On Me” be a song in itself??! So many questions, only two performances to find out. Cancel all plans.
3. Sunday, June 8: Atmosphere performing with Damian Marley; $39 to $55; 7pm; All ages; Blue Hlls Bank Pavillion, Boston. Hip-hop partners Slug and Ant, better know as Atmosphere, finally return with a brand new, back-to-triumphant-form record. Southsiders, their first record in three years, is a great album from start to finish. Many of rapper Slug’s common themes, such as hyper self-awareness and relationships, are present, as well as what seems to finally be contentment with marriage. Check out standout tracks “Camera Their” and front runner for my favorite song of the year so far, the bonus track “Idiot.”
4. Friday, June 20: Littlefoot, Dr Jones and the Shiners, See Through Dresses, Free Pizza; ~$6; 9pm; All ages; As220, 115 Empire St., Providence. Littlefoot and Dr Jones and the Shiners are two of the finest local bands Providence has to offer. If you haven’t seen either of them yet, you are doing it wrong. The openers are both new to me and the names intrigued me. Omaha’s See Through Dresses sound like they are part of the early to mid ’90s RI music scene and would fit in on a small factory show. They’re a perfect blend of ’80s dark post rock and indie pop. Boston’s Free Pizza have a lot going against them before the first listen. I hate the band name. It should be a 311-frat-dude-never-left-Attleboro band. The first song reminds me of Dead Milkmen / Ween and the next song sounds entirely different — early Against Me! vocals with Modern Lovers. It’s all over the place, but doesn’t sound like Bad Head or Dirty Fish, so better than I thought the name would bring. Get there early.
5. Friday, July 4: Sage Francis, B Dolan; $15; 8pm; All ages; Fete, 103 Dyke St., Providence. Did anyone really think Sage was done touring and recording? Five years after announcing a hiatus, Sage is back with his fifth studio album, Copper Gone. I haven’t soaked in the new record yet, but the track “Vonnegut Busy” has been on constant rotation in my playlist and it sounds like vintage Sage. The Sage Francis Copper Gone press conference on YouTube answers all pressing Facebook questions. Fortunately for you, he has love for Providence.
Roots Report: Find Great Music and Then Look for More Music Events for the Entire Summer
Okee dokee folks … I leave it to you to decide where to get your entertainment information, but realize that other papers may overlook a lot of great events. I’m going to try to be as inclusive as possible. My friend Melanie Moore, who can often be seen dancing in her gypsy garb to the music of local bands, wrote, “There’s some great music out there waiting to be found. And when you find it, keep looking because there will be more. Find it. Let it find you. Dance to it, sing with it, feel it, soak your weary bones in it. Let it be your drug. Go out and see a live band you’ve never seen before. Fall into their groove. Feed your soul with their art. One of the best feelings in my world is that first hit of new music moving through my body finding its way to my soul.”
I couldn’t have said this better. I will include as much as I can, but there will always be something else out there to find. In the meantime you can start here. Ready? Begin!
Just June If you wanna kick up yer heels, git yer butt to the College Hill Contra Dance at the Community Church of Providence located 372 Wayland Ave. Elwood Donnelly does the callin’ on Friday, June 6 (ProvidenceContra.com). At The Coffee Depot open mic in Warren on Friday, June 6, the feature is Deanna Merchant and Tom Farley. They close out their season with The Rebel Kellys on June 13. One of my biggest musical influences, Aztec Two-Step, will be at The Met on Saturday, June 7. The show will include Aztec fan favorites, selections from their Simon & Garfunkel Songbook show and their tribute to The Everly Brothers. At The Local Brew Coffeehouse on the 7th, Len Cabral joins Bay Spring Folk for a night of expressive storytelling woven with traditional music. Local Brew Coffeehouse happens at the Bay Spring Community Center on 170 Narragansett Ave. in Barrington (facebook.com/LocalBrew). The 7th brings Bluegrass sensations Cold Chocolate to the Wamsutta Club, 427 County St. in New Bedford (wepecket.com). Also on June 7, at 8:30pm, The RI Songwriters Association (RISA) hosts the final Saturday Songwriter Session before the summer break. This session features Lisa Martin, Junko Ogawa and Annalise Emerick. RISA and The Church Street Coffeehouse in Warren present the annual Women of RISA show on June 14 at 8pm. On the bill are host Jan Luby, Kala Farnham, Kayla Ringelheim, and Amy Herrera (RISongwriters.com). At Pearl Restaurant and Lounge on Charles St. in Providence on June 7, Ursula George celebrates the early 20th century jazz and blues of the women of the black vaudeville era. The Red Bandana Fund is proud to name Henry Shelton and the Providence Student Union as the recipients of the Red Bandana Award for 2014. The Award honors individuals and groups whose work embodies the spirit and work of Richard Walton, a longtime activist in Rhode Island who died in 2012. The awards will be presented on June 8 at Nick-a-Nees, 75 South St. in Providence, from 4 to 7pm. The event is open to the public and is family-friendly. As a longtime director of the George Wiley Center, Henry Shelton is known throughout the region for his steadfast commitment to bettering the lives of all Rhode Islanders, especially the poor and disadvantaged. The committee also recognized the groundbreaking work done by the Providence Student Union in addressing important issues of education in creative and powerful ways. Music will be provided by Mary Ann Rossoni, Bill Harley, Dylan Harley, Phil Edmonds and Chris Thompson (facebook.com/RedBandanaFund).
Melissa Etheridge does her thing, solo, at the Zeiterion in New Bedford on June 9 (zeiterion.org). If you miss Melissa, Sherri Lynne sings the Melissa Etheridge songbook at Deville’s on June 27 (facebook.com/devillescafe). Conquer your trixadexaphobia and get to the Skyline Lounge of Lang’s Bowlarama for Tammy Laforest and The Dust Ruffles, and Justin Davis and Just Express. If you haven’t figured it out, that is Friday the 13th (of June). Tammy is celebrating the release of her brand new CD, Copper. An open mic will follow the show (TammyLaforest.com). Also on the 13th, Voices Under Cover features the songs of Lucinda Williams as sung by the award-winning singer-songwriters Allysen Callery, Heather Rose, Becky Chace, and Tracie Potochnik. This is an encore of last year’s show and will be held at the Courthouse Center for the Arts in West Kingston (HearInRhodeIsland.com). On June 14, Music at Lily Pads presents a special concert featuring the 14-member ensemble Mother Falcon from Austin, The Family Crest from San Francisco, and Brooklyn’s Christopher Paul Stelling. This will be evening of original songs with rich instrumentation and vocals, and bands that bring symphonic orchestration into contemporary music (musicatlilypads.org). Dean Petrella of the Complaints steps out for a rare solo acoustic performance on June 14 at 8pm. The free show will be held at Alibi Café located at 18 Bassett St. in Providence (TheComplaints.com).
If you are looking for a great outdoor music festival without having to travel hours to find it, The Blackstone River Theatre Summer Solstice Festival returns to Diamond Hill Park in Cumberland on Saturday, June 21. Five stages focus on Celtic and world music, dance and culture. Featured performers include Burning Bridget Cleary, Cantrip (from Scotland), Aoife Clancy, Eastern Medicine Singers (Algonquin drum, song and dance), The Gnomes, Matt & Shannon Heaton, Laurel Martin, Mark Roberts & Kieran Jordan, Robbie O’Connell, the Panache Quartet, Pendragon, Harvey Reid & Joyce Andersen, and Torrin Ryan & Mark Oien. There will also be nonstop Irish step dance featuring Tir Na Nog Irish Dance as well as participatory set dancing with Devine’s Diner. Also returning will be the after-festival music session back at the Blackstone River Theatre at 8:30pm (RiverFolk.org).
The 39th Annual RI PrideFest and Illuminated Night Parade takes place Saturday June 21. Starting at noon on South Water St. in Providence, catch performances that include Poppy Champlin, Heather Rose In Clover, Aiden James, drag queens and more (PrideRI.com). Other Pride-related events will take place at Deville’s in Providence on June 20 with Karyn Oliver, and on the 21st there will be a block party with Sister Funk.
If you want some fun for once in your life, you are in luck. The Schemers will play a reunion show on June 27 at The Met (TheMetRI.com). The 100 Watt Suns and Longshot Voodoo are at the Courthouse Center for the Arts, Saturday, June 28 at 8pm (CourthouseArts.org).
Just July On July 3, check out East Providence’s fireworks and the music of Kicking Hole and Crushed Velvet at Pierce Memorial Field. The 1st annual Bluegrass on the Pawtuxet Festival happens July 4 – 6 at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston. Some of the scheduled performers are Blues Highway, Steeldrivers, Tony Trischka & Great Big World, Pete and Joan Wernick, the Carter Brothers, Suzahn Fiering, The Kropp Dusters, and George Harper. Master class workshops, indoor and outdoor jams, and a farmer’s market are all part of it (AngryLobsterEvents.com). One of your best “bang for the buck” folk festivals around is the The New Bedford Folk Festival. The 2014 festival will feature top contemporary, traditional and Celtic folk music on seven stages from Saturday July 5 through Sunday July 6. Featured among the nearly 50 musical acts are Barbo, Beaucoup Blue, Craig Bickhardt, Benoit Bourque, Kate Campbell, Ronny Cox, Joe Crookston, Chrissy Crowley, Cliff Eberhardt, Jonathan Edwards, Marina Evans, Gail Finnie, Bob Franke, Vance Gilbert, John Gorka, Grace and the RSO, Bill Harley, Matt and Shannon Heaton, Anne Hills, Pete and Maura Kennedy, Mike Laureanno, Christine Lavin, Zoë Lewis, The Murphy Beds, New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Chorus, Chris Pahud, Poor Old Shine, Hayley Reardon, RUNA, Chris Smither, Devon Sproule, Spuyten Duyvil, Art Tebbetts, Steve Tilston, Jeff Warner, and Don White. The festival is located in the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center and the Whaling National Historical Park in New Bedford (NewBedfordFolkFestival.com). Swamp Stomp 7 takes place on Saturday, July 12 in the swampy, back woods of West Kingston with performances by Ha Ha Tonka, JP Harris & the Tough Choices; Girls, Guns & Glory; and Smith & Weeden (brownpapertickets.com/event/666795). Set aside your beach blankets and coolers this summer at the North Kingstown Town Beach and enjoy the Family Summer Concert Series. All shows start at 6:30pm. July 10 is Ben Rudnick and Friends, July 17 is Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys, July 24 is Stacey Peasley, July 31 is Toe Jam Puppet Band (NKArtsCouncil.org). Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche pop into Music At Lily Pads on July 20 (musicatlilypads.org). If you’re into a road trip (3 hours), some camping, and a who’s who of Bluegrass in the Catskill Mountains, then get away to the Grey Fox Bluegrass festival on July 17 – 20 at the Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, NY for Nickel Creek, Del McCoury Band,Carolina Chocolate Drops, Gibson Brothers, Tim O’Brien & Darrell Scott, Keller Williams w/Travelin’ McCourys and more (greyfoxbluegrass.com). From July 25 – 27 it’s the Newport Folk Festival with acts such as Band of Horses, Jimmy Cliff, Nickel Creek, Mavis Staples, and Jeff Tweedy (newportfolk.org). The sixth Annual Newport BridgeFest happens July 28 – 31. BridgeFest is a four-night celebration of local music and musical events at various local venues throughout Newport County “bridging” the world famous Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals (NewportBridgeFest.com).
Just August August 1 – 3 brings back the Newport Jazz Festival with Wynton Marsalis, Trombone Shorty, Bobby McFerrin, Dr. John, David Sanborn and more (newportjazzfest.org). A Blues Barbecue Bash at the Salon Concert Series takes place at the Wamsutta Club in New Bedford on August 2. Featured is Mississippi Bluesman Sherman Lee Dillon (wepecket.com). The AS220 FOO FEST takes place in Providence on August 9 (AS220.org). The best festival (party) of the year is the Rhythm and Roots Festival at Ninigret Park in Charlestown, August 29 – 31. This year’s festival includes Steve Riley and the Mamu Playboys, The Duhks, Sarah and the Tallboys, The Travelin’ McCourys, CJ Chenier, Donna the Buffalo and more (RhythmandRoots.com). There are also some sporadic free outdoor concerts at Ninigret Park. On July 13 at 5:30 it’s David Gerald and on August 24 it’s Forever Young (charlestownri.org).
Just September The first annual Providence Folk Festival will take place at Roger Williams Memorial in PVD on September 7. Catch two stages of music by some of the best local and regional performers (HearInRhodeIsland.com). The 6th annual Sidy Maiga’s West African drum and dance festival, Afrika Nyaga, is bringing musicians and artists from across New England and West Africa to perform. On September 20, Sidy Maiga’s West African drum and dance festival includes a daytime drum circle and African dance that is great for both children and adults. AfriManding and Oumou Sangare will also be performing (afrikanyaga.com).
Summer Series The Downtown Sundown Series is now in its fourth year and gains steam with every show. Performances are free, start at 7pm and run until 9:30pm at Roger Williams National Memorial on North Main St. in Providence. Experience an outdoor coffeehouse! This year’s schedule: In the event of rain, the concerts will be held in the visitor center. On Saturday, June 21 will be Steve Allain, Emma Joy Galvin, Tracie Potochnik, Lisa Couto and Ray Cooke. On Saturday, July 12 will be Kala Farnham, Heather Rose, Kristen and J, and Rank Strangers. On Saturday, July 26 will be Jesse and Jack Gauthier, Dan Lilley and Scatman, Lisa Markovich, and Bethel Steele. On Saturday, August 9 will be Michelle Cruz, Lily Faith Milne, Dylan Sevey, and Vudu Sister. On Saturday, August 23 will be Marc Douglas Berardo, Allysen Callery, Bob Kendall and Ed McGuirl (HearInRhodeIsland.com).
The Newport Concert Series (formerly the Newport Sunset Festival) keeps upping the ante and bringing in more great shows! Every year local performers play the Point Stage (PS) as the opening, opening act. Get there early to check them out. On June 19 will be Dierks Bentley with Lisa Martin at PS, on June 20 will be Ziggy Marley with Louis Leeman at PS, on July 6 will be KC and the Sunshine Band with Heather Rose at PS, on July 12 will be John Hiatt and Robert Cray with Ed McGuirl at PS, on July 13 will be Yes with Steve Allain on PS, on July 18 will be Barenaked Ladies with Bob Kendall on PS, on July 25 will be The Machine (Pink Floyd tribute w/ laser show) with Joe Auger at PS, on August 1 will be Three Doors Down with Emma Joy Galvin at PS, on August 6 will be Boz Scaggs with Lisa Couto & Ray Cooke at PS, on August 10 will be Gregg Allman with Dean DePalma at PS, on August 14 will be Josh Turner with Tracie Potochnik at PS, on August 16 will be the Beach Boys with Joe Silva at PS, on September 20 will be Chris Young with Michelle Lewis at PS. More shows will be added (newportwaterfrontevents.com).
Newport Rocks the Fort at Sundown. On Thursdays there are free concerts on the north lawn at Fort Adams in Newport. Starting at 6pm and ending shortly after sunset, talented musicians and other performers from Newport and beyond will share their talent. On June 19 is Red Eye Flight and Peter Warburton; on June 26 is The Steamahs; on July 3 is The Conversation and Sundown Big Cat Blues; on July 10 is James Ragland, Anne Marie and Rich Davis; on July 17 is We Own Land and friends; on August 7 is Andy & Judy, Matt Bruneau & Leslie Grimes; on August 14 is Acoustik Nyte and Black Jade; on August 21 is Lisa Couto & Ray Cooke, Ed McGuirl and company; on August 28 is Triple Threat Blues Crusade; and on September 4 is The Merge & Friends. Each evening will be hosted by local comedians and other talents. The concerts will include casual food from local vendors as well as alcohol service ([email protected].)
Summer Mash On the first Tuesday of every month, from 7 to 10pm, an open mic is held at Sandywoods Center for the Arts in Tiverton. Other highlights at Sandywoods this summer include on June 7 – The Tarbox Ramblers; on June 21 – Allysen Callery, Ryan Lee, and Lys Guillorn; on June 27 – Debra Mann Quintet; on July 4 – Laurel Casey; on July 5 – Little Compton Band and Four Bridges; on July 23 – Village Harmony; on July 26 – Session Americana; on August 2 – Aine Minogue; and on August 22 – Jen Chapin (sandywoodsmusic.com).
The Mediator Stage keeps going all summer with host Don Tassone. Features are as follows: June 5 – Jim Tata; June 12 – Joel Greene and Deep Waters; June 19 – Bill Nottage; June 26 — Bob Fitzgerald; July 10 – Charlie Cover; July 17 – Fred FJ Round Two Meltzer; July 24 – Kari Tieger; July 31 – Tammy Laforest; August 7 –TBA; August 14 – Athan Phynix; August 21 – RISING Student Songwriters; and August 28 – Rick & Hannah Mariotti (facebook.com/mediatorstage). The Greenwich Odeum presents Kind of Blue – A Tribute to Miles Davis on July 12 and Jim Carpenter with the Hoolios on July 19. The Odeum is located at 59 Main St. in East Greenwich (TheOdeum.org).
The Towers in Narragansett keeps a summer tradition of dancing near the ocean alive every Thursday night until September. It starts June 12 with Eight to the Bar, on June 19 is The Revelers, on June 26 is The Superchief Trio, on July 10 is Reminisce, on July 17 is James Montgomery, on July 24 is Li’l Anne and the Hot Cayenne, on August 7 is Roger Ceresi, and on August 21 is Firecracker Jazz Band. Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys will do their annual show at the Towers. Check website for the date (TheTowersRI.com).
Every Sunday till someone tells them to stop it’s the Return Of The Son of the Classic Open Mic with Host Joe Auger. It happens Sundays at 7:30pm in the Fatt Squirrel (formerly The Century Lounge and The Roi) at 150 Chestnut St., Providence. The Northwest Farmers Market at the Peterson Farm (just past Stick’s Tavern) on Route 44 in Chepachet will host music performances during the market hours of 11am – 2pm. Artists such as Dan Lilley, Malyssa Bellarosa, Jacob Haller and more can be heard among the fruits and veggies. The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) has some great shows to lure you inside on a hot summer night. The legendary Ringo Starr brings his all-star band to PVD on June 15, Crosby, Stills and Nash are back on July 15, Beck odelays in on July 26, and Jackson Browne plays a solo, acoustic show on August 20 (ppacri.org). On the lawn at the Meeting House of Tiverton Four Corners Arts, it’s their Concert and Food Truck Summer Shows. On June 29 is Smith and Weeden with The Little Compton Band, on July 27 is Kate Grana & Friends and on August 3 is WindSync (FourCornersArts.org). Also, the 27th annual Tiverton Four Corners Arts & Artisan Festival takes place at The Mill Pond location on Saturday, July 19 with music by Gary Fish, the Little Compton Band and other local favorites (ArtsandArtisanFestival.com).
At Manchester 65 in W. Warwick on June 13 is Melissa Ferrick and Mary Ann Rossoni; on June 14 is The Toasters, w/ Oshun Roots, Bad Larry, Sweet Babylon; on June 15 is Simone Felice w/ Able Thought, Brian Recupero; on June 21 is The English Beat, w/ The Copacetics, Rad, The Stone Unturned; on June 22 is Mary Day Band, Jury; on June 26 is Jamestown Revival, The Wind & The Wave, Kris Orlowski; on July 13 is Maggie Rose, Michelle Cruz; on July 27 is Everlast; on August 1 is Tyler Ward w/ Gary Palumbo, Christina Holmes, Como Brothers; on August 9 is Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad; and on August 15 is Bobby Carlson & Stones River (Manchester65.com).
At Chan’s in Woonsocket: June 7 is Popa Chubby, June 13 is New Orleans Trombonist Glen David Andrews, June 14 is Jon Butcher Axis Celebrating the Music of Jimi Hendrix, June 19 is Curtis Salgado, June 20 is Chris Thomas King, June 21 is Dennis Gruenling & Doug Deming Band, June 27 is Brian Maes Band, June 28 is Joe Moss, July 11 is Jimmy Thackery & the Drivers, July 12 is Sue Foley & Peter Karp, July 18 is Commander Cody, July 19 is Fat City, July 26 is Duke Robillard, August 1 is Chris Cain & Debbie Davies, August 7 is Tinsley Ellis, August 8 is Roomful of Blues, August 15 is Matt Schofield, August 29 is Reverend Raven & The Chain Smoking Altar Boys, and August 30 is Coco Montoya (ChansEggRollsandJazz.com). Every Sunday afternoon at Small Axe Café, located on the grounds among the emus, chickens and goats at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory, you can catch live music performed by local artists such as Ed McGuirl, Dan Lilley and others (facebook.com/smallaxeproductions). The Empire Revue at AS220 keeps you laughing all summer long with great music and comedy skits every first Sunday of the month. On July 6 they celebrate their 8th anniversary (AS220.org).
If I missed anything, it was not intentional. I will keep you updated over the summer. If you would like me to consider something for my column, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. That’s it for now. Thanks for reading!
John Fuzek www.johnfuzek.com