5 Live Music Musts - June 12, 2015
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
5 Live Music Musts - June 12, 2015
We’re nearing the official start of summer, and the live music scene is really heating up. Check out our picks for the “5 Live Music Musts” this weekend.
Providence International Arts Festival
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe inaugural Providence International Arts Festival this weekend brings some top notch musical talent to the Creative Capital. Among the performers are Grammy winning world music star Angelique Kidjo, Cuban Jazz artist Pedrito Martinez, and RI Hip Hop legend Chachi Carvalho. We’re also excited about the One Providence Experience Saturday at 6PM with Low Anthem, Gymshorts, and Ravi Shavi. There’s tons of activities, musical and more, all weekend long. Most are free – click here for details. And check out the GoLocalProv slide show featuring more highlights here.
Kings X at Narrows Center Friday
Kings X is a hard rock power trio that incorporates elements of funk, soul and blues. They’ve played arenas and stadiums with everyone from AC/DC to Pearl Jam. Tonight’s a great chance to see the band in the comfortable confines of the Narrows Center for the Arts. Tickets are $50 for the 8PM show. It’s almost sold out, click here for tickets. And for a change of pace on Saturday, head back to the Narrows for GoLocal favorite Ronnie Earle and the Broadcasters.
Kingsley Flood at The Spot Friday
Head downcity tonight and catch one of the best indie roots-rock bands around at The Spot in Providence. With influences ranging from Bruce Springsteen to the Avett Brothers, Kingsley Flood has been featured in national outlets like Rolling Stone, NPR, and MTV. Cousin Earth opens with music starting around 9PM and a late set from Straight Up closes the show. Tickets $12.
POA at Ocean Mist Friday
The forecast calls for a perfect beach day and a perfect beach bar night. Tonight the Ocean Mist in Matunuck has Planet of the Abts, a band that fuses rock, blues and pop and a side project from members of Government Mule. POA is releasing a new album this summer, All Things the Valley. Before the show, catch the band at a special in-store appearance at Looney Tunes in Wakefield at 5:30. Mystic, CT based 100 Watt Sun opens at 8:30. Tickets are $15.
Dave Matthews Band at Xfinity Saturday
On Saturday, The Dave Matthews Band arrives in town for what has become an annual event each June. This year, “An Evening with the Dave Matthews Band” will include two sets, acoustic and electric. The show is close to a sell-out so waste no time in getting tickets here. Show begins at 7PM – Tickets start at $54.
Top Free Summer Concerts in RI
Waterplace Park
Modern rock sounds dominate the Waterplace Park Summer Concert Series sponsored by the City of Providence and WBRU. Great acts like Lovejoy, St. Motel (pictured), Life in Film, and 2015 WBRU Rock Hunt winner Public Alley are scheduled on Friday nights starting July 17. Click here for the complete list of shows.
Downtown Sundown Series
The Downtown Sundown Series is like an outdoor coffeehouse with a focus on area singer-songwriters. Its held at the Roger Williams Memorial in downtown Providence Saturday nights starting June 20. There’s great line up scheduled including up and coming songwriter Ian Fitzgerald, Dan Lilley, Cardboard Ox (pictured), and Allysen Callery (who may even play her set regular "Sundown"). Click here for details.
Wickford Summer Concerts
Families are encouraged to attend the WIckford Summer Concert Series which begins on Tuesday June 16. All concerts are at the town wharf and artists include Nancy Paolino and the Black Tie Band, The RI Rednecks, and the White Eyed Lizard Band (pictured). Shows begin at 7PM and run until August 11. More information here.
Garden City Concerts
The Garden City Shopping Center in Cranston hosts a popular Wednesday night series every summer which features some of the best artists around. The series emphasizes oldies, R&B and Jazz. This summer, check out The Barons, Red Hot Horns, and Dan Morretti and the Hammond Boys (pictured). Click here for the complete list of performers.
Carolyn's Vineyard
Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyard has two music series this summer. On Sundays from 1PM-4PM, its world class jazz with performers like the Steve DeConti Trio, and the Doug Wolverton Trio (pictured). Thursday nights from 6PM-9PM, check out modern rock, folk and more with artists including Jesse Dee, Jetty, and Amy and the Engine. Note: There is a $10 parking fee for these shows with a $10 credit which can be used toward the purchase of a bottle of estate wine. Details here.
Blithewold Mansion
The Blithewold Mansion and Arboretum in Bristol is the site of a Wednesday night concert series featuring some great talent. Performers include Atwater Donnelly, Superchief Trio and the Copacetics (pictured). Shows begin at 6PM. Note: $7 charge for members, $10 for non-members. Full schedule here.
Newport Vineyards
In addition to Shakespeare, Yoga, and wine-tasting, Newport Vineyards has a Saturday afternoon series of area folk artists scheduled. Performers include the Ed Pepe Trio, Joanne Lurgio (pictured), and Organic Pickers. Music runs from 1PM-4PM on Saturdays through July 18. Click here for details.
Narragansett Town Beach
Friday nights will be rocking at the Gazebo across from Narragansett Beach right through Labor Day weekend. Several top cover bands including Abbey Rhode (pictured) , Big Cat Blues and Foreverly Brothers are scheduled to perform. Click here for the full schedule.
RI Philharmonic Pops
There are numerous free and inexpensive classical performances around the state this summer. The highlight has to be the annual 4th of July concert at India Point Park with the RI Philharmonic Pops Orchestra. The Pops also play Narragansett, Bristol and Pawtucket later in the summer. Click here for more.
