5 Live Music Musts - August 7, 2015
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
5 Live Music Musts - August 7, 2015
Providence Waterfront Reggae Festival Saturday
The Providence Waterfront Reggae Festival will most definitely bring good vibes to India Point Park tomorrow. It's the Festival's first year in Providence; it was previously held at the now defunct Newport Yachting Center. Several top acts are scheduled - Steel Pulse, Yellowman, High Hopes Band, The Copacetics and Mighty Mystic who we interviewed here. Tickets are still available for $40, $50 day of show. Music begins at noon.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTRickie Lee Jones at Narrows Center Sunday
Tomorrow night, there's a rare chance to see one of the great singer songwriters of all time. Known for quirky vocals and hard spun lyrics (often about the seedier side of LA), Rickie Lee Jones made a splash in 1978 with her big hit "Chuck E's in Love" from her eponymous debut album. She's been busy touring and recording ever since, and has just released a new album, The Devil You Know. Tickets to Sunday's show at the Narrows Center are $55 in advance, $60 at the door. Show starts at 8PM.
Rock and Jock Charity Concert Sunday
Also Sunday, there's a great line up for a great cause at the Crown Paza Hotel in Warwick for the Rock and Jock Charity event. The show features two inductees to the Rhode Island MusIc Hall of Fame Show, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band and Steve Smith and the Nakeds. Also performing will be Wally Palmer of the Romantics, Skip Martin of Kool and the Gang, and The Temptations Review. The music begins at 7PM at the Crown Plaza - Tickets are $35 and it is a 21+ event.
Road House Review at The Met Tonight
We're not exactly sure what to expect here, but the Road House Review sounds like it could be a lot of fun. Check out The Rhode Island Road House Review with Road House the Musical, Smith and Weeden, along with Jay Burnt and the Orphans at The Met tonight. Music starts at 8:30, tickets are $10.
Foo Fest at AS220 Saturday
Finally, don't miss the annual AS220 Foo Fest tomorrow, when Empire Street in downtown PVD comes alive with over twenty top bands. Musical innovators Deerhoof headline and local artists Death Vessel and Low Anthem will be there as well. The event is a favorite for artists and families - there's something for everyone - from the Providence Anarchist Book Fair to Necronomicon Providence - click here for details.
Newport Jazz Festival 2015: Weekend Highlights
Cassandra Wilson
Cassandra Wilson hit the stage with a $100 bill and a crack band behind her. Her show was a tribute to jazz legend Billie Holiday who was born 100 years ago. Wilson strode through several classics including “You Go to My Head,” “These Foolish Things,” and “Billie’s Blues.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Pat Martino
Pat Martino is a veteran jazz guitarist who hung out with legends Wes Montgomery and John Coltrane as a teenager in Philadelphia. He brought his Organ Trio to Newport featuring organist Pat Bianchi. Their set didn’t disappoint; the band played originals “Mac Tough,” and “Inside Out,” as well as the Montgomery classic “Full House.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Hiromi
Hiromi returned to Newport this year playing the Fort Stage Saturday. A native of Japan, Hiromi came to the United States to study at Berklee College in 1999. The dynamic pianist led her Trio Project through several original compositions including “Warrior,” “Dreamer” and “Alive.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Jon Batiste
Jon Batiste is a jazz artist who’s hit the big time. His enthusiastic performance demonstrated why he was chosen to be the band leader on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. His diverse set Saturday included the jazz classic “Love for Sale” as well as “If You’re Happy and You Know it” and the “Star Spangled Banner.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly joined Jon Batiste and his band Stay Human throughout the weekend. The saxophonist leads her own band as well and is part of a recently released documentary film about the late sax player Frank Morgan. (Photo: Ken Abrams)
Lisa Fischer
Lisa Fischer may be best known as a backup vocalist with the Rolling Stones. But she shines brightest with her own band Grand Baton. She rocked the house with her 1991 Grammy winning single “How Can I Ease the Pain,” as well as a couple of re-arranged Stones classics, “Jumping Jack Flash,” and “Wild Horses.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Tom Harrell
Legendary flugelhorn/trumpeter Tom Harrell and his quintet played to a full house on the Harbor Stage. He’s played on over 260 recordings during the course of his 40+ year career. The band played Harrell’s original compositions including “Delta of the Mile” and “Journey to the Stars.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Kenny Garrett
Kenny Garrett is one of the leading saxophone players in the world today. He began his career playing with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and later played with Miles Davis. He won a Grammy in 2010 for his collaboration album Five Peace Band. Saturday, fans heard “J. Mac,” “Happy People” and “Wayne’s Thing.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Irvin Mayfield
Irvin Mayfield and The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra closed the proceedings on Saturday with a lively set of spicy classics. Jazz, rock and pop came together for hits like “Angola,” “Overjoyed” and “We Will Rock You.”The Grammy winning artist is a tireless advocate for the city and music of New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Brandon Ross
Brandon Ross, lead guitarist for Cassandra Wilson, has played with other jazz stars like Bill Frisell as well as mainstream artists including Joan Osborne. He had solos on several numbers including "With a Little Moonlight," and "All of Me." (Photo: Ken Abrams)
RIMEA Jazz Ensemble
Every year at Newport, the Rhode Island Music Educator's Association takes part in the festivities with the RIMEA Senior Jazz Ensemble. The band features some of the best high school students in state led by conductor Willie Hill. Their set included selections from jazz greats John Coltrane, Joe Henderson and John Scofield. (Pictured: Nick Schmidt on guitar.) (Photo: Ken Abrams)
Scott Robinson
Scott Robinson fronted his doctette on the Harbor Stage Sunday. He was overshadowed physically (but not musically) by his contrasax, a gigantic instrument that makes the stand up bass seem like a violin. (Photo: Rick Farrell)
John Faddis
John Faddis led a three trumpet attack Sunday on the Quad Stage with the help of his able band and fellow horn blowers Sean Jones and Marquis Hill. Faddis, who is known for playing some of the highest notes possible on the trumpet, impressed with originals and covers including the Miles Davis classic "Seven Steps to Heaven." (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Dr. John
New Orleans ambassador Dr. John got the party started at the Fort Stage on Sunday. He returned to Newport after illness forced him to cancel last year. Fans rocked to hits "Jockamo," "St. James Infirmary" and "Goodnite Irene." (Photo: Ken Abrams)
Joey Alexander
12 year old Joey Alexander is a child prodigy who has made a huge impression on the jazz world. With film crews in tow, he entertained those present with jazz classics "Footprints" and "It Might as Well be Spring." (Photo: Rick Farrell)
MMEA
Massachusetts Music Educators Association Jazz Band (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Jon Lampley
Stay Human trumpeter Jon Lampley (Photo: Ken Abrams)
James Carter
Award winning saxophonist James Carter (Photo: Rick Farrell)
