Feeling Alright: A Health Fair and Unity Concert Comes to The Met
I called Don Culp expecting only to get some background info about “Feeling Alright: A Health Fair and Unity Concert,” slated for June 11 at Hope Artiste Village and The Met. By the end of the conversation I was so pumped about this event I had to call everyone I know.
Don and Russell Gusetti (a founding member of Pendragon) are co-chairs of Tune in and Tune Up (TI&TU), the new healthcare initiative of the RI Music Hall of Fame. The idea for TI&TU came from a long-time dream of Don’s: to blend health and wellness into the fabric of the musical community that he was part of. That dream grew into a reality when RI Music Hall of Fame (RIMHOF) board members, many of whom are musicians themselves, joined forces. It became their mission to bring healthcare options and preventative awareness to Rhode Island’s musicians and artists, a notoriously underserved community.
Don Culp learned the hard way that rock ‘n’ roll may never die, but the musicians who give their lives to it are mortal. Endless gigs on the road, sleep deprivation and club life wore out his body faster than he’d have liked. At 55, he faced hip deterioration, exacerbated from years of martial arts and drumming. Without medical intervention, it could have been the end of his career. “When you’re young, you think you’re bulletproof,” he said. And in terms of sheer — though fleeting– resilience, that’s true. What young musicians don’t realize is that you can suffer the consequences of the lifestyle long after the party is over. Unfortunately, healthcare after the fact can be too little, too late.
As a group, musicians and artists have always lingered on the fringe of mainstream medicine, and their health has suffered. In 2013, before the Affordable Care Act was passed, an online survey by the Future of Music Coalition and the Artists’ Health Insurance Resource Center showed that 43% of respondents had no health insurance, more than double the national average. The main reason given was cost, but for self-employed artists, the confusing gauntlet of options and a lack of understanding of assistance also played a significant part. The RIMHOF assembled a committee that spent more than a year researching ways to utilize their resources and develop initiatives for health awareness that would better meet the specific needs of the art community. In fall 2015, TI&TU began building a user-friendly website for artists at tuneintuneup.org. Their plans focus on developing more health fairs to educate and increase public awareness, not just for musicians, but also for families and the community at large.
The Buddhists say that when your intent and purpose are firm, the universe will come to your assistance, and funding for this effort seemed to fall magically into place. In 2014, the first Unity Concert to benefit TI&TU at the Ocean Mist in 2014 featured a dazzling collection of musicians rockin’ for the cause, including Roomful of Blues, John Cafferty, Steve Smith & the Nakeds, and Rudy Cheeks. The concert was so successful, they released a live CD, generating enough sales to set the stage for this year’s celebration.
“Feeling Alright” will feature a free public Health Fair from 1 – 4pm. The first 250 guests will receive a free TI&TU logo bag, the better to gather information and offers. Exhibitors and presenters include doctors, advocates, holistic & alternative healers and martial artists. Whole Foods will offer samples of healthy delicacies to pique taste buds, and the Providence Zen Center will offer food for the soul. Every 15 minutes, a guest lecturer will take the stage to present key issues in health and wellness. Ever wonder about that ringing in your ears (it’s probably tinnitus) or how the sleep deprivation of clubbing affects your brain cells? It is a guarantee that someone will be able to answer your questions here. TI&TU wants you to tune in to better health and wellness.
The concert at The Met, from 4 – 9pm, opens with a truly unique act, “The Rock’n Docs,” a band composed entirely of RI physicians. Next, the funk & soul of “Take It to The Bridge” take us to the headlining act, The Tune In & Tune Up All Star Band with the Fabulous Tunettes and the Famous In Tune Horn section. Don tells me, “There are no egos here. Every performer really believes in what we’re doing.” And those believers generate a powerhouse of talent. Duke Robillard, John Cafferty, James Montgomery, Steve Smith, Becky Chace, Michael Antunes, Philip Pemberton, Gary Gramolini, Rudy Cheeks, Mark Cutler, Chris Vachon, Brian Minisce, Emerson Torrey, Bill Light, Marissa Licata, Steve Malec, Adrienne West and Ron Lewis will be giving it all they’ve got. This concert is a tribute to every luminary who has been lost; it is an effort of hope, that we may never lose such brilliance needlessly again.
This event is a gift. Open it.
Both the fair and the concert are family-friendly. Tickets for the concert are available in advance at themetri.com/events/feeling-alright-a-uniter-event and at the door.
Sensational Summertime EDM Happenings
If you’re a fan of electronic dance music, kick-ass theme parties or both, you’ve got a lot to look forward to this season in Rhode Island.
Coming up on Wednesday, June 7, Grammy-winning EDM-pop DJ/producer duo The Chainsmokers are taking their “Memories: Do Not Open” arena tour to the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence. We know them best for their recent pop hits, but based on reviews from earlier in the tour, people who go to this show can expect to hear mostly older Chainsmokers beats, and the staging/production is gonna be on point! Every ticket purchased online includes a copy of The Chainsmokers’ forthcoming debut album. For more info and to get tickets, visit dunkindonutscenter.com/events.
Then on Sunday, July 2, DJ and producer Prince Fox is spinning a “Tikki Beach”-themed event at Paddy’s Beach Club (located on Misquamicut Beach in Westerly). This all-day, 21+ party will be the final “Sunday Funday” for the summer. To purchase tickets, visit tinyurl.com/kx48r7t.
And it will only get better from there! For the rest of the summer, Tight Crew’s got us covered as far as fan-fucking-tastic dance events go. It feels crazy to be saying this, but on July 18, they’ll celebrate the 10-year anniversary of terrifically Tight events, a tour and much more! Tight Crew’s anniversary party is happening in Smithfield.
Just when we may be feeling some post-Labor Day blues, thinking that summer’s over, well, it’s not! On Saturday, September 9, Tight Crew is back for more fun in the sun. They’re throwing a Super Mario Sunshine party at the Windjammer in Westerly. Past Tight Crew events there included Adventure Island and Under the Sea 2. Based on those awesome parties, it’s likely that Super Mario attendees will once again get to use the venue’s bumper cars, rides and arcade. There will be three different areas of lighting, deco and sounds. And as always, guests are encouraged to dress in costume/ Mario-esque gear. For more info and to purchase tickets for both Tight Crew events mentioned here, check out tightcrew.net.
Ladies and gentlemen, mark your calendars!
Is This Jazz? Summertime Jazz Guide
With a growing number of weekly sessions and plenty of new shows popping up each month, Rhode Island is quickly becoming a beacon in the Northeast to see killer live jazz. Since most locals are looking for excuses to get outside after a harsh winter, let’s start with a quick refresher on all the regular gigs happening around the state that will fill up your summer weeks.
The world class John Allmark Jazz Orchestra, which features some of the finest players from around New England, will be back at The Met on June 5, playing brilliant arrangements of the best jazz out there as part of their monthly residency. If you don’t want to make a Monday trip to Providence, head on down to The Fifth Element in Newport to check out the Groove Merchants playing a selection of contemporary jazz, funk and soul music. Lead by the incredible trumpet player Doug Wolverton, this is a perfect summer night for all those who love fantastic music and delicious food. On Tuesdays over at Murphy’s Law in Pawtucket, you can find bassist Joe Potenza and drummer Ben Ricci hosting “Groove E Tuesday,” where each week they feature a new musician to sit in and play a wide range of jazz and blues music. These two have developed a stellar rapport with each other and have found a way to rotate in new talent each week to keep it fresh and exciting without sacrificing an incredible sound. Also on Tuesdays, down the road at Ten Rocks, is a great Jazz Jam run by keyboardist Jhony Keys who, besides being a brilliant instrumentalist, is an outstanding band leader who leads his ensemble through a great first set before opening up the stage to allow other musicians to come up and sit in. Then on Thursdays, make the trip back down to Newport and head by Norey’s to check out their World Class Jazz Night, which features a weekly rotating cast of great bands. To end your week on a high note, head over to Arias on Sundays to experience their cast of talented musicians as part of their Allarys At Arias series. If you’re looking to play, you can always go by The Parlour, which features a jazz jam on the third Sunday each month, or check out Murphy’s Law, which has a dynamite blues jam that goes down weekly. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, go by Tea In Sahara on the last Sunday each month for Jeff Platz Quartet’s Modern Sound Series featuring brilliant creative music icons and up-and-comers from around the area. Now that you have your week scheduled, here are a couple more one-off gigs to round out your calendar. On June 24, over at Chan’s in Woonsocket, you can catch the Brian James Quartet, a local jazz fusion outfit from Providence. According to their website they play “high energy music [that] incorporates elements of jazz, rock, funk, R&B and fusion.” Head to chanseggrollsandjazz.com for info on tickets. Of course, in writing a summer guide to jazz around RI it would be incomprehensible not to include the latest edition of the historic Newport Jazz Festival, taking place from August 4 – 6 at Fort Adams in Newport. This year’s gargantuan lineup features Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, Maceo Parker, Snarky Puppy, The Roots, the Branford Marsalis Quartet, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Henry Threadgill Zooid, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, the Christian McBride Big Band, Jason Moran’s Fats Waller Dance Party…check out the entire roster over at newportjazz.org because to be honest, this is one of the most stacked lineups I have ever seen assembled for this festival.
Surely there are things I missed, so keep your eyes out for everything going on around the state, and I’ll see you out around the next hang!
Happening Around Town:
The John Allmark Jazz Orchestra; Mondays @ The Met (Pawtucket)
Is This Jazz?; First Friday, bimonthly @ AS220 (Providence) isthisjazz.tumblr.com
Allary At Arias; Sundays @ Arias Lounge (Providence)
Groove Merchants; Mondays @ Fifth Element (Newport)
Jazz Jam;Tuesdays @ Ten Rocks (Pawtucket)
Groove E Tuesday; Tuesdays @ Murphy’s Law (Pawtucket)
Parlour Jazz Jam; Third Sunday each month @ The Parlour (Providence)
World Class Jazz Night; Thursdays @ Norey’s (Newport)
Jeff Platz Quartet’s Modern Sound Series; Last Sunday each month @ Tea In Sahara (Providence)
To add your listing please email [email protected].
Ben Shaw is a local composer and performer. Find him at ahueofshaw.tumblr.com or on Twitter @ahueofshaw.
A Musical Summer in Newport
The musical culture of Newport has attracted tourists from all over the world for decades. The Folk and Jazz festivals at Fort Adams State Park along with the Yachting Center’s Celtic Rock Festival, Reggae Festival, Summer Comedy Series and Summer Concert Series have been favorites of Newport’s tourists and locals alike. The City by the Sea has never been boring for music lovers. However, following years of fun, music and food, the public lost the Yachting Center. In 2014, the Newport Harbor Corporation sold the land to invest further in their ever-expanding restaurant and hotel operations, according to WPRI Eyewitness News. Walking down America’s Cup Avenue at night is now, by comparison, a practically silent venture.
After expressing this grievance to Steve Lepre, he quickly pointed out that Newport’s music scene has never been boring, regardless of the time of year. As I walked down the street in the rain with the promoter and sound engineer of Jimmy’s Saloon, we discussed the current state of things. Steve argued that tourists don’t have to limit their visits to Newport to only once or twice a year in order to hear great music. “You have to remember that Newport pubs didn’t just start hosting live bands after the Yachting Center closed. This has been going on since the 1970s.” Bob Dylan’s revolutionary electric performance in 1965, the Newport ska punk scene, Big World and Throwing Muses are just a few things that came to mind. “Tourists don’t have to go to Fort Adams or another big venue to see a national act. Awesome bands play more often than you think, if you know where to go.”
Leading the resurgence of live music in Newport, Jimmy’s Saloon has actively participated as both a host and an educator. In 2015, Jimmy’s partnered with Collective Thought Media and launched “Straight from the Stage,” a series of interviews exploring the history, influence and goals of Newport’s musical community. Sid Abruzzi of the punk band Big World shares stories about the national acts that have come through Newport over the years. Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, Twisted Sister, the Ramones, The Dictators and the New York Dolls have done sets at the Hotel Viking, the Newport Hotel (formerly the Electric Elephant), Festival Field and other, smaller venues. Many of the musicians interviewed reminisced about their favorite events and spots in Newport, all highlighting live music’s communal effect. Lead singer Craig Ferris of We Own Land sums it up when he says, ”Live, local music is basically the heartbeat of any town.”
Over the last five years in particular, Jimmy’s Saloon has carried the torch for live, local entertainment. Not only do they host national acts like The Silks, The Viennagram, Sibinnac and Anklepants, but they also have a constant rotation of local bands. Jimmy’s does not discriminate against genres; IONEYE (Steve’s solo project), Chronovore, Oak Lonetree, Hellbound and the Cannibal Ramblers have all taken to the stage here and have yet to disappoint. Encouraging all musicians to perform, Jimmy’s also hosts an open mic night on Thursdays called Ocean Mic. Like all open mics, it is a fantastic opportunity for local artists to meet and jam with other musicians; but what sets Ocean Mic apart is its patronage and participation. I’ve been to other open mics where the house band just plays the whole time and there’s a handful of people at the bar. At Jimmy’s, they like to keep the line-up diverse and rotating; and, according to Mr. Lepre, sometimes the musicians, comedians and freestylers you see at Ocean Mic can really surprise you, and they might even give your Friday-Saturday headliners competition!
Along with Jimmy’s, other venues have been taking up the call for live entertainment. The Parlor Kitchen & Bar on Broadway hosts an open mic on Wednesdays and is a frequent venue for bands like the Ravers, Whisky Fyre and Folsom, the Johnny Cash Tribute. Buskers, Midtown Oyster Bar, Hotel Viking, Noreys, the Wharf Pub and Pour Judgment have many acoustic solo acts come in on weekends and weekdays alike, including Sean Rivers and Betsy Listenfelt. If live jazz is your thing, head over to the Fifth Element on either Sunday or Monday night to catch acts like the Groove Merchants, and be sure to visit Sardella’s Italian Restaurant on Wednesdays. The Fastnet Pub even has a live traditional Irish session every Sunday night and a live blues band every Monday. As Steve said, you will never run out of options or have an empty day of the week, if you know where to go. Since the 1970s, Newport has been a hub for creativity, comedy, great shows and festivals, and original music. The city is looked upon amicably by locals and touring musicians alike as a place with great energy and patronage. Unfortunately, many also view the entertainment scene as part of Newport’s bygone days before it became about the mansions, beaches and restaurants; however, people like Steve Lepre want to tell both travelers and locals that it’s far from being a thing of the past. Live, original music is alive and well, and venues like Jimmy’s and the Parlor are there to make sure it is here to stay.
The Newport Yachting Center Lives on in East Providence
Let’s throw the clocks back and reminisce about the Newport Yachting Center, which became the epicenter of music and cultural activity on the Newport Waterfront. Unfortunately, in September 2014, the center was sold due to various complications within the community, specifically noise.
The following summer, Waterfront Productions, which previously operated the Newport Yachting Center, came up with the ingenious idea to bring a similar experience to the people of Providence at India Point Park in Fox Point.
“Our whole goal was to find a venue where we could do something similar, even if it was a smaller season,” said Michele Maker Palmieri, founder and president of Waterfront Productions. “We wanted something where we could have a lease on space and have some flexibility to have a little bit of a semi- permanent situation.”
However, India Point Park is a public place and Waterfront Productions only had a lease for the property to conduct a few major events per year, including the Waterfront Reggae Festival and the Blues & BBQ Festival. So the India Point solution didn’t create a permanent performance venue.
In 2015, Palmieri glanced across the river and saw prime, undeveloped waterfront property in East Providence. This property, Bold Point Park, was to become Waterfront Productions’ new home for the next three summers. In a 18-month process, Waterfront Productions acquired a three-year lease for the space from East Providence.
“Both are very similar in terms of views and accessibility,” said Palmieri when comparing India Point Park and Bold Point Park. “What Bold Point Park has for us is more flexibility in terms of … having a venue set up for a week.”
The goal with Bold Point Park, for Palmieri, is to create an experience around the events, utilizing the property to develop a sort of three-dimensional assault on the senses that will have fans coming back for more.
This summer, the events outnumber those of last year at India Point Park, with the return of both the Reggae and the Blues & BBQ Festivals, as well as Oktoberfest! and appearances by The Beach Boys on August 9 and Railroad Earth on August 24. However, for next year, Palmieri is going full steam ahead with plans for a bigger and badder season. “The goal for next season is to be booking shows and starting as early as Memorial Day weekend, if possible,” said Palmieri (this year’s season runs from August to October). “[We want] to get it to the level we were at in Newport when we had a summer concert series.”
After the three-year leasing period is over in Bold Point Park, Palmieri wants to create a semi- permanent, seasonal event complex that would host concerts on a regular basis, similar to the Newport Yachting Center. This would include leasing a tent and creating the illusion of an established location. “We left it that if all is going well at Bold Point Park, and it’s working for the city and it’s working for us, the residents, and the community, we would consider renewing that lease and having something a little more long-term,” said Palmieri.
You can find the list of RI Waterfront Events at newportwaterfrontevents.com.
Rhode Island PrideFest Returns With Added Entertainment
Rhode Island Pride is celebrating its 41st annual PrideFest event to be held on South Water Street. Under the theme “When We R.I.S.E” (Rhode Islanders Standing For Equality), the volunteer-run organization will hold its nationally acclaimed festival on Saturday, June 17 from Noon – 7pm with the illuminated night parade in downtown to follow. Each year offers a diverse blend of performers and entertainment, with this year showcasing many exciting additions and changes. The festival is proud to offer a heightened focus on local talent.
Providence and its surrounding area is filled with amazing performers who are both LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,and queer) identified and friends of the community. While PrideFest has proudly showcased well-known acts from all over the globe, organizers saw this year as the perfect opportunity to celebrate our local talent. With an entertainment budget that isn’t quite what it has been in past years, and a series of events that caused the festival much delay in planning, the task of coordinating entertainment felt daunting at first. Upon further considering our countless local queer performing artists and allies, the work became much more exciting.
Headlining the main stage is the Providence-based and internationally touring act known as the Downtown Boys. Their radically minded punk rock music has been showcased in Rolling Stone Magazine, The New Yorker, and on “Democracy Now.” With clear messages combating transphobia and heterosexism, and avid promotion of racial justice and immigrant rights, the band was a clear choice to headline the socially conscious and LGBTQ-focused festival.
Also headlining the main stage is local Rhode Island rock band Jodi Jolt and the Volt. Featuring a powerful team of trans-women and gender fluid players, Jodi Jolt is no stranger to Pride and happily returns for their third consecutive year. When asked about the motivation behind the band, front person and band leader Jodi commented, “We have to be badass if we are breaking ground for the transgender community. I established The Volt as a band that is a type of sanctuary for transgender musicians who may not be welcome in other bands.”
Other main stage happenings include additional musical acts such as The Fates, Baby Oil and Vulgarrity, over one dozen drag performers, and more. LuLu Locks will be the festival’s leading host throughout the day, and will be accompanied by comedian John Kelley and drag performers Jacqueline DiMera, Vilet Laboss, and Annie B. Frank. The festival also will feature two curated drag performances for the first time ever, as opposed to isolated numbers. The first will be held at 2pm, hosted by Vilet, and the second will directly follow the rally at 5pm led by Jacqueline.
Not only is this the first year that each performer being featured will be a local act, it is also the first year with an additional stage. The 93.3 PrideFest acoustic stage will be on Planet Street toward the festival’s main entrance. Mx Bisexual 2017 Tammy Laforest will host the stage, which will run between Noon and 4pm. The stage will be headlined by the local folk duo Tammy & Jeana. Additional acts include singer-songwriters Kim Trusty, Jacob Haller, Michael Thomas Coney, Becca Neveu, and poets Sara Dager and Evander Wilson.
Visit PrideRI.org for information regarding Rhode Island PrideFest including vendor and parade registration, and volunteer signups. To stay up-to-date on countdown events, entertainment, and special announcements please visit facebook.com/prideri.
Roots Report: Have I Mentioned I Hate Summer?
Okee dokee folks … Every year about this time I like to voice my general disdain for the upcoming summer months. The other day it was over 90 degrees outside. I really hate the heat. It is supposed to be spring. I like spring. I would like an actual spring. As I write this, it is pouring outside. Again! I haven’t kept track of the rainfall, but aren’t we getting close to biblical amounts?
I have been dealing with a stubborn case of bronchitis for the past month and a half and this dampness is killing me. I thought that a nice sunny day would be good for me, but it wasn’t. The heat was too much outside and inside the air conditioners were cranked up to arctic levels, which isn’t good for my bronchitis, either. I just can’t catch a break! What I guess I am trying to say is ENOUGH! Let’s just have some normal, seasonal weather and a relatively mild summer so we can enjoy the activities that this season has to offer. Here are some suggestions to get you started, but stay tuned because more events will always pop up. Read on…
On June 3, Dusk in Providence will present a pseudo folk festival. There will be a cookout for early arrivals, from 6 – 8pm, with music and bands to follow. Musicians are encouraged to bring their acoustic guitars/instruments for some outside “front porch” style, cookout time, jams. Slated to perform are Muddy Ruckus, Michael Graham Band, Man & Wife, Jeff Bryd, Josh Grabert, David Begin, Seatbelt and Jon Coltrain. For more, sundown to DuskProvidence.com
The Courthouse Center for the Arts in Kingstown has a fairly full schedule of shows on their summer docket: Aztec Two-Step is on June 4, Dan Weintraub is on June 16, and Mando Madness will present a workshop and concert on Saturday, June 24. The workshop is at 4:30 and the concert is at 8pm. “Come on, people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together” at the CCA as they welcome Jesse Colin Young on Friday, July 7. Many other shows, including Scott Kirby on July 22 and Fellswater, Bostons dynamic Celtic music ensemble on July 28, are happening this summer. For a full schedule, gavel over to CourthouseArts.org
Back in the days when I ran the RI Songwriters Association, I would book songwriter showcases for the members. One showcase that I put together happened to have only male songwriters. One of the RISA members (and friend), Jan Luby, gave me a bit of flack about that. To make amends for that one testosterone-fueled show, a new showcase called The Women of RISA was scheduled at the Church Street Coffeehouse. Time has passed and I am no longer involved with RISA, but Jan still books and hosts the Women of RISA concert. This year’s show will be the 15th annual, and lending their songs and voices to the celebration are Morgan Johnston, Gracelyn Rennick, Diane Battistello and of course, Ms. Luby. This takes place on Saturday, June 10, at the Church St Coffeehouse in Warren and closes out their season. For more, gender over to ChurchStreetCoffeehouse.com
The music in Warren won’t stop. The Warren Recreation Department, in conjunction with the Church Street Coffeehouse, presents the 2017 Warren Summer Concert Series at Burr’s Hill Park. On July 9 at 5pm is Tanya McIntyre & the Professors, on July 12 at 6pm is The Patterson-Smith Trio, on July 19 at 6pm is Danielle Miraglia, on July 23 at 5pm is Atwater-Donnelly & The Vox Hunters, on July 26 at 6pm is The Western Stars. Then comes August. On August 2 at 6pm is East Bay Wind Ensemble, on August 9 at 6pm is Chuck Williams, Mike Laureanno and Joanne Lurgio, on August 13 at 5pm is Forever Young, on August 16 at 6pm is JP Jones and on August 20 at 5pm is The Lisa Martin Band.
Blackstone River Theatre moves their Celtic and world music programming outside on June 17 as they present the 7th annual Blackstone River Theatre Summer Solstice Festival at Diamond Hill Park in Cumberland. The family-friendly festival features three music stages, all running continuously, as well as 40 food and craft vendors. Last year saw more than 1,000 patrons attend. Performing will be the Atwater-Donnelly Trio, Kevin Crawford, Cillian Vallely & Patrick Doocey, the Eastern Medicine Singers, Scotland’s Archie Fisher, The Gnomes, The Jeremiahs, Les Poules à Colin, Robbie O’Connell & Rose Clancy, Pendragon, and Torrin Ryan, Kyle Forsthoff & Benjamin Foss. There will also be a dedicated stage for Irish step dance featuring Tir Na Nog Irish Dance. Also returning will be the popular after- festival music session at 8:30pm back at Blackstone River Theatre. For more, ceili to RiverFolk.org
Twin River Casino is always bringing top-notch talent to their event center in Lincoln. The summer schedule includes Peter Cetera on June 30, Boz Scaggs on July 14, The Australian Pink Floyd Show on July 28, Gordon Lightfoot on August 5, Morris Day & the Time on August 18, Draw the Line and Appetite for Destruction: A tribute to Aerosmith and Guns N’ Roses on August 25, and Martina McBride on September 15. For more, tumble the dice to twinriver.com
The Downtown Sundown Series is now in its eighth season. Bring a lawn chair, a blanket and maybe even a picnic basket and sit on the lawn at the beautiful Roger Williams National Memorial and enjoy FREE concerts and events. You’ll hear some of the best songwriters RI has to offer, see performances of Shakespeare and more. The Shakespeare performances have already begun and will continue every Thursday through Sunday night until June 11. This year TRIST (The RI Shakespeare Theatre) is presenting The Tempest. Performances start at 8pm. Experience an “outdoor coffeehouse” with the music of local and regional singer-songwriters. This year, on June 24 is Jodie Treloar Sampson, Andy Pratt, Steve Donovan and Cardboard Ox. On July 8 is Tammy & Jeana, Ed McGuirl and Kris & Tara Hansen. On July 22 is Mary Day & Terry Wood, Kate Mick and Bob Kendall. On August 5 is Mountainess, Glenn Kendzia (Wild Sun), Ian Fitzgerald, and Colby and Keila. On August 19 is Kerrie Powers, Vox Hunters, Lainey Dionne and Ava Callery. Each show begins at 7pm and finishes around 9pm. There is limited parking available at the memorial, but there is lots of area street parking and pay lots are available. All ages of humans and well-behaved canines are welcome. Coming up on Sunday, August 27, is the fourth annual Providence Folk Festival. Mark your calendars, more on that to come! For information about all of these shows, discover HearInRhodeIsland.com or facebook.com/- RogerWilliamsNPS.
Back when I was in high school we had a jukebox in the cafeteria. It seemed like that machine only played two songs: “Like a Rolling Stone” and “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35.” That was the mid-70s and that was when I saw Bob Dylan in Providence for the first time. The legend is now in his mid 70s and he and his band will be at Providence Performing Arts Center on June 21. Don’t miss this opportunity to see him live before he’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” (yeah, tacky, I know). Dianna Krall will “Turn Up The Quiet” on June 18 The Tedeschi-Trucks Band “Wheels of Soul Tour” rolls into Providence on July 7 with special guests Hot Tuna and The Woods Brothers. Elvis Costello and the Imposters “Pump It Up” at PPAC on July 25. For more, don’t think twice to ppacri.org
This year, the 22nd Annual New Bedford Folk Festival takes place on July 8 and 9. The line-up features some of the best in contemporary, Americana, traditional, blues and Celtic folk music and includes Aoife O’Donovan, Bill Harley, Patty Larkin and Catie Curtis. The festival presents 83 shows on nine stages in and around the streets that comprise the Whaling National Historical Park, in a new footprint that has shifted toward upper downtown and the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center. Over 100 performers will be presented in concerts and in the popular festival “workshops,” a musical program unique to the New Bedford Folk Festival. Workshops combine several different artists together with a theme, like “French Canadian Kitchen Party,” among others, for a collaborative, unique, one-time-only performance. Venues include six tented stages, the 285-seat Whaling Museum Theater, the 1200-seat Zeiterion and the intimate “Meet the Performer” area, now located inside Greasy Luck Brewery on Purchase Street. More than 80 artisans will fill the cobblestone streets between the performance tents and venues. For more, Ahab over to NewBedfordFolkFestival.org
Escape the summer heat with cool performances at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center this summer. From rock legends to folk favorites, this year’s “Summer Sizzle Series” includes The B-52s on June 3, George Thorogood & The Destroyers on June 6 (see interview at motifri.com/thorogood), Dave Mason on July 11, Amos Lee on August 1, The Magpie Salute (Rich Robinson, co-founding member of The Black Crowes and two former Black Crowes bandmates — Marc Ford and Sven Pipien) on August 8. September 29 has Brian Wilson presenting Pet Sounds, the final performances with Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin. For more, zzzzzzoom to Zeiterion.org There is always a great line-up of shows at the Narrows Center for the Arts, and this summer has a lot to choose from! Here is just a sample: On June 8 is The Godfather of the British Blues scene, John Mayall. On June 10 is The Garcia Project, June 23 is Richard Shindell, July 13 is the 5th annual Block-a- palooza with NRBQ and Girls, Guns and Glory, July 13 is The Stray Birds, July 14 is Jerry Douglas, July 28 is Sonny Landreth, August 4 is Rickie Lee Jones, August 11 is The Fixx, and August 16 is Marshall Crenshaw & Los Straitjackets. For more, taper to NarrowsCenter.org
The Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Center offers local, regional and nationally renowned live entertainment in Woonsocket all summer long. The Beardogz are performing on July 20, Chicago Tribute Chicago Total Access performs July 21, Moment of Clarity is on July 22, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is on July 23, Kansas is on July 27, The Diamonds is on July 28, Arlo Guthrie is on July 29, Aaron Lessard and His Band are on August 10, Green Day’s American Idiot The Musical is on August 11 – 13, Jack Babineau is on August 18, Bee Gees Tribute Stayin’ Alive is on September 8, and the Paul McCartney Symphonic Tribute: Live & Let Die is on September 16. For more, side by each to StadiumTheatre.com
NimFest at King’s Park in Newport features free concerts all summer long! On June 25 is Cee Cee & The Riders and The Kane Brothers, on July 7 is Los Duderinos and the Lisa Martin Trio, on July 9 is Silverteeth, Randy Robbins Trio and Allysen Callery, on July 16 is Ladies Of Blues and Soul, Diana Blue & Ilana Katz, on July 23 is Barkode, LeMechant and Le Connard, on July 30 is The Gnomes, Thea Hopkins duo and Joyce Katzberg, on August 13 is Down City Band, on August 20 is the Jon Monllos Jazz Band and Debra Mann Trio, and on August 27 is Chelly, Bill & Dyl, Ric & Rory and Anita Mansfield. Shows are from 3 – 6pm. For more, socially mediate to facebook.com/nimfest
The Odeum in East Greenwich keeps the music coming to Main Street! On June 1 is The Fabulous T- Birds, on June 2 – 4 is PGMC Rat Pack, on June 8 is Blue Oyster Cult, on June 15 is Marty Stuart, on June 16 is Joan Osborne, on June 17 is Tommy Emmanuel, and on June 18 is Cowboy Mouth. For more, fe, fi fo, fum to GreenwichOdeum.com
If you need to move your feet, shake your body and sweat a bit this summer, hit a Contra Dance! At Sandywoods in Tiverton, on June 21 is Rich Sbardella calling and music by Floorplay. On July 19 is Dereck Kalish calling and music by Benjamin Foss & The Vox Hunters. On August 16 is Paul Wilde calling, and on September 20 is Tod Whittemore calling and music by The French Connection. The East Bay Contra Dances at the Warren Armory are June 2 with Tod Whittemore calling and music by French Connection. On August 4 is Rich Sbardella calling and music by South County Jammers. On September 1 is Linda Leslie calling and music by Amy Larkin & Benjamin Foss.
Waterfront Productions has announced just a few dates that will be held this summer and fall at a new seasonal outdoor venue located at Bold Point Park on the East Providence waterfront (see story on page XX). To date, the eclectic line-up of concerts and festivals includes The Beach Boys on August 9, the 8th Annual Waterfront Reggae Festival with Freddie McGregor, Anthony B, Junior Kelly, Kabaka Pyramid, Taj Weekes & Adowa and Natural Element on August 12, Moe and Railroad Earth on August 24, and the Blues & BBQ Festival with the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, Robert Randolph & the Family Band on August 26. For more, Tockwotton to RIWaterfrontEvents.com
The Rhythm & Roots Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an expanded schedule of American roots music that features headliners The Mavericks, Rosanne Cash, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and other favorites, such as Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Los Texmaniacs, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, Sarah Potenza and Ian Crossman, Natalie MacMaster, Christine Ohlman and many, many more. The festival is held at Ninigret Park in Charlestown on Labor Day weekend. More than 10,000 attendees are expected, some of whom have brought their families to Rhythm & Roots every year. For more, ZydeGo-Go to rhythmandroots.com
Finally, I had the opportunity to see Spring Awakening by the Wilbury Theatre Group last week. It was a great show (our reviewer agrees on page XX)! You should definitely try to catch a performance before it closes on June 4! That’s it for now. Thanks for reading. JohnFuzek.com
It Does Mean a Thing: Providence Swings
Photo Credit: Tom Hager and Robert Hatcher
There is only one thing that makes Rhode Island a swing state and it isn’t controversial. Providence Swings, a non-profit organization, is where the swinging takes place.
Based out of Lincoln, Rhode Island, Providence Swings is part of a Lindy Hop revival that has “lasted longer than the original dance craze,” according to Susan Glatzer of 2017 film Alive and Kicking. This film, in theaters since April, depicts the history of swing dance, where Swing Queen Norma Miller credits the music for dancers’ ability to excel at the kicks, spins and lifts. In an interview with NPR, Norma Miller modestly explains that people associate her with this dance era because she has “outlived all of the dancers from that period.” She, like all active swingers from Rhode Island to the West Coast, is adamant about keeping this genre of dance alive. The film references dancers who have gone off their anti-depressant medications as a result of dancing, and who swear by swing dance as a way of life. On an historical scale, swing dance, and specifically, the Lindy Hop, are credited for bringing the US out of The Great Depression during the Harlem Renaissance. So it stands to reason that Providence Swings can hurl joy into individual lives in New England.
One can start off with a sneak peek by watching the all-female dance troupe Divine Providence and the Rhody Hoppers (aka Lil’ Rhody Lindy Hoppers of Providence Swings) at the Sweet Little Variety Show on June 8 at Aurora at 8pm. If you’re busy that night, head to the weekly Bread and Butter Jam at 85 Industrial Circle in Lincoln. On that night, the Lindy 2 class begins at 7pm, then there is the Bread and Butter Jam that begins at 8:15pm.
One can feasibly have one’s cake, butter and jam, and eat it, too (especially with all of the calorie- burning exercise) by going to Sweet Little Variety Show on June 8, then to providenceswings.com to sign up for a Tuesday or Thursday class, then to the Bread and Butter Jam at the headquarters in Lincoln or at the Narragansett Towers on August 3 with Lloyd Kaplan. The event at Narragansett Towers is described as a field trip for the weekly Bread and Butter Jam, which begins with a beginner lesson from 7-8pm at 35 Ocean Road, Narragansett. Then there is outstanding, energizing, inspiring, knee-slapping, toe-tapping music by Lloyd Kaplan all night.
For those who missed seeing the Providence Swings recent performance at WaterFire, there is an excellent opportunity to enjoy them on July 15 when Divine Providence performs a half-time show for the Providence Roller Derby game at Thayer Arena in Warwick. It will be exciting to see how two very different genres of hearty exercise — roller derby and swing dance — complement one another. Other weekend events scheduled at Providence Swings are the Moonshine Rhythm Club (September 9) and the Live Lindy Harvest (November 4) also with beginning lessons and live music and dance throughout the night.
Weekly classes regularly Tuesdays and Thursdays at Providence Swings: 85 Industrial Circle, Lincoln. Weekly Bread and Butter Jam Thursdays at Providence Swings: 85 Industrial Circle, Lincoln. Providence Swings performance at Sweet Little Variety Show, Aurora, Providence, 8pm June 8. Providence Swings performance at Providence Roller Derby Game, Thayer Arena, Warwick, July 15. Bread and Butter Jam field trip at Narragansett Towers, 35 Ocean Rd, Narraganset, August 3. Beginner classes from 7-8 pm, live music and dance all night with Lloyd Kaplan. Moonshine Rhythm live music all night, September 9 at Providence Swings: 85 Industrial Circle, Lincoln. Live Lindy Harvest, Providence Swings, November 4, 4-9pm.
Mike D’s Top Five Can’t Miss Shows of June
1. June 1 – 4: PVD Fest; PVD; pvdfest.com for specific details. PVD Fest is back. Thursday starts with a conference, and leads to a dance party at The Steel Yard. Friday has film screenings, Latin music, Oakland’s arial dance act BANDALOOP and Providence spoken word activist Christopher Johnson. Saturday is the day when PVD lives all over downtown with tons of musical showcases. There will be stuff everywhere from Roger Williams National Memorial Park (the one near the first Harry’s) to Empire Street. AS220 on Empire has the most interesting of the showcases when Armageddon Shop presents stoner doom metal act Pallbearer, a long overdue return from hiatus from Providence’s Lolita Black, and ’70s metal riffin’ revivalists Demolition Boys. The showcase is free and cut off when at capacity, so get there early! On Sunday, the party moves to the West End for a day-long series of events at the Armory on Cranston St. Lots of other bars around town will have outdoor events and bands on the weekend. The Rosendale has blues and rollers The Silks Friday night outside and next to Lupo’s, for example. Regardless of what you decide to do, make sure you leave plenty of extra time on Saturday to walk around and catch stuff you don’t expect to see.
2. Saturday, June 3: Boo City, Natural Element; 8pm doors / 9pm show; $10; All ages; Alchemy, 71 Richmond St, PVD. Looking for a party that’s not outside in the madness? Maybe the best dance party downtown on June 3 is at Alchemy. Long-time PVD act Boo City are the Warwick Mall of the Providence music scene; they have something for everyone. They feature two strong and different vocalists, Moon Bain and Tai Awolaju, and an all-star band behind them that walk around funk, soul, reggae and wherever the fuck else they feel like. Boo City is always a great time. Sharing the bill are Natural Element, Providence reggae fused by way of hip-hop, jazz and funk. Alchemy is a great spot to catch live music. Davey Moore and his crew are doing a great job of supporting the local music scene.
3. Tuesday, June 6: Deep Shred Series Finale with What? Cheer Brigade, Math The Band; 10pm; $6; All ages; AS220, 115 Empire St, PVD. I have no idea what Deep Shred Series is. I went to the site and clicked “the about,” and it told me info is coming “ASAP.” In the event page, they name drop being on hiatus like Fugazi; perhaps they owe us nothing. Anyway, two of the best Providence live acts on a Tuesday. What? Cheer Brigade have a new album coming out on Don Giovanni Records titled You Can’t See Inside Me, one disc of studio records and the second disc of remixes of their material (I can’t wait to hear Javelin’s take). The record drops on June 16! And between What? Cheer Brigade members and Math The Band The Band the gear, the show will be packed before anyone gets there, so make sure you get there early to get in.
4. Friday, June 9: Twin Peaks, Ron Gallo, GYMSHORTS; 7pm doors / 8pm show; $15 advance / $17 day of; All ages; Fete Lounge, 103 Dike St, PVD. I caught Chicago’s Twin Peaks not too long ago with Wavves, and was definitely impressed with their live performance. They live on the more psychedelic/power pop end of the recent garage revival spectrum. Ron Gallo also sorta finds his band’s music in the end turn of the ’60s MC5 loving punk and psych timeframe. Ron has been to Providence a couple of times with his old Philly band Toy Soldiers, and is currently based out of Nashville. And it’s a Providence homecoming for his drummer Dylan Sevey (nice guy, internet lightning rod). While being stoned might be right for the last two bands, I don’t recommend it because Providence’s garage thrashers GYMSHORTS might push you into a panic attack. Check out their track “You Olneyville Once,” which might be the best song title of 2016, or perhaps ever.
5. Saturday, June 24: Johnny Gates & The Runaway Saints, Troy Ramey, Emily Correia; 7:30pm doors / 8:30pm show; $12 advance / $14 day of; All ages; The Met, 1005 Main St, Pawtucket. It’s been a long venture for Johnny Gates & The Runaway Saints, and this year has been a big jump. The band started off over a decade ago as The Invite. After years of making inroads here opening for many national acts at the Living Room and Lupo’s, the band (with a push from a major label) left the small state for the bigger confines of the Nashville music scene. While they loved it there and made tons of friends and inroads working with other musicians and songwriters, it still wasn’t a perfect fit. They soon left for Los Angeles, a better-suited house of their brand of indie radio rock, but a very difficult place to make it. After a year or so of trying to make ends meet, members Jaime Jarbeau and Matt Scanlon ended up moving back to Nashville and RI, but Johnny stayed out in LA. Then came a lightning bolt: Johnny found his way onto “The Voice” where he was adopted or whatever they call it by Gwen Stefani and made some serious noise on the show. Johnny comes off as super talented and humble and the nicest guy in the room, which I can assure you is genuine. The guys have been working hard forever, and deserve all the acclaim they get. This show will be a great welcome home for the guys after a year of making some serious noise abroad.
Also worth noting: June 1 — Russ @ Lupo’s; June 5 — Warpaint @ Fete; June 7 — Foster The People @ Lupo’s; June 8 — Southern Culture On The Skids, Thee Itchies; June 9 — Vanna (final area appearance) @ The Met; June 9 — Roots Of Creation, The Skatalites @ The Ocean Mist; June 9 — Tiny Diamond (CD release), Kid Mountain, The Quahogs @ Aurora; June 10 — The Worried, Party Pigs, Pyramid @ The Parlour; June 16 — Royal Street (CD release) @ Fete; June 17 — AFI @ Lupo’s; June 22 — JOHNNYSWIM @ The Met; June 22 — Leiko, Hallelujah The Hills, John Faraone @ The News Cafe; June 22 — Kurt Vile @ Columbus Theatre; June 23 — Rise Of The Valkyries 2; June 23 — Sizzla @ Lupo’s / Roxy; June 24 — Downtown Sundown Series w / Jodie Treloar Sampson, Andy Pratt, Steve Donovan, Cardboard Ox @ Roger Williams National Memorial; June 28 — Weak Teeth (last show?); June 29 — Aimee Mann @ Columbus Theatre
Album Of The Week: Land Of Talk’s Life After Youth
Montreal musician Elizabeth Powell has a captivating style. Her band Land Of Talk has a fuzzed-out rock sound that touches on both shoegaze and alternative. Her lyrics are poetic and personal, while her voice adds an operatic dimension that’s spellbinding. Land Of Talk’s third album, Life After Youth, which came out on May 19, encompasses all of those qualities and more. It’s a fantastic record that shows a revival of Powell’s songwriting and the band itself.
Life After Youth is the result of Land Of Talk getting back together after going on hiatus in 2011. Powell initially wanted to take a break from touring, but then it became a struggle to get back on track after she lost her demos due to her laptop crashing beyond repair. The suddenness of the circumstance put her at a loss and brought her musical drive to a painful halt. Reuniting with original Land Of Talk drummer Bucky Wheaton helped Powell get out of the rut, and it started the path toward the band creating their latest album. It’s an amplified, emotional cavalcade — a very visible outlet for Powell releasing a decade’s worth of angst.
Music can be therapeutic for both the player and the listener. The player clears their mind as they strum, make a beat and produce a sound, while the listener finds satisfaction and clarity through what they hear. It’s quite a beautiful thing when you think about it. Life After Youth is the epitome of that, which gives it meaning beyond the album itself. For a closer look, let’s take a dive into my top tracks off of the Album Of The Week.
“Yes You Were” heads right into a riff at the start. It’s an interesting opening track for the album in the sense that there are no frills and it has a raw structure. Anchored by a downbeat, “Inner Lover” has a smooth tone and a minimal structure that highlights Powell’s vocal talents. Another great example of Powell’s singing is “This Time.” The track is a bit catchy and there’s a pleasant feeling that comes with it.
Land Of Talk will be embarking on a tour in June that’ll be starting at O Patro Vys in Montreal on June 12. The following night, New England music fans can check out Powell and the band at Brighton Music Hall in Allston, Mass. Other notable dates for the band include a spot in the Sled Island Music Festival in Calgary on June 24 and the Wolfe Island Music Festival located in the Ontario town of the same name on August 12. When you get a chance to check out Land Of Talk live on stage, grab a copy of their new album. It’s an invigorating one that gives off all of the right feelings.
Order & Buy Life After Youth via Land Of Talk’s Bandcamp: landoftalk.bandcamp.com/album/life-after- youth; Like Land Of Talk on Facebook: facebook.com/landoftalk