5 Live Music Musts - June 26, 2015
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
5 Live Music Musts - June 26, 2015
This week we stretch our coverage of the best area music beyond the Providence area and recommend some great shows in our own little tri-state region. Some big name acts from the past four decades are playing great venues in RI, MA and CT. At last check, tickets remain for all shows – so get out there and party!
One of the greatest rock and roll bar bands ever comes to The Met tonight. The New Rhythm and Blues Quartet, better known as NRBQ will certainly be at the head of the party into the wee hours. Check out their recently released album, Brass Tacks, a high energy tour-de-force. And read more about the band in our interview last December with keyboardist Terry Adams here. Tickets are $20 at the door, music starts at 8PM. Biscuit City opens.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTBarenaked Ladies at Mohegan Sun Tonight
Head to Mohegan Sun tonight for the “Last Summer on Earth” tour headlined by Barenaked Ladies with guests Violent Femmes and Colin Hay from Men At Work. These artists, mainly known for their work in the 80’s and 90’s continue to make new music with Barenaked Ladies recent album Grinning Streak, debuting at #10 on the Billboard 200. You can expect quite a party at tonight at Mohegan. Tickets are reasonably priced starting at $33.50 – show begins at 7:30.
Nas at Foxwoods Tonight
Nasir Jones, better known as Nas, is considered one of the greatest hip hop artists of all time. He’s released 8 platinum selling albums since the mid-1990’s and has won several awards including the BET Hip-Hop Icon award in 2006. In addition, he’s a producer, actor, and entrepreneur, recently establishing Mass Appeal Records. He brings his show to Foxwoods tonight - Tickets start at $35 for the 9PM show.
Rock and Country at Indian Ranch
Indian Ranch is a popular outdoor concert venue in Webster, Massachusetts with a focus on country, rock and blues. They bring in top touring acts all summer long. This weekend festures two big names, 80’s rocker Huey Lewis and the News Saturday and country star Dwight Yoakam Sunday. These are family friendly afternoon shows in the amphitheatre deep in the woods of Webster. Both shows begin at 2PM and tickets start at $42.
Dierks Bentley at Xfinity Center
There’s a hot country show tomorrow night at the Xfinity Center with Dierks Bentley headlining. Bentley’s been nominated for several Grammy Awards and won CMT awards for Top New Artist and Breakthrough Video in 2004. He also won the 2014 CMA Video of the Year award for “Drunk on a Plane.” Several openers - Maddie and Tae, Kip Moore, and Canaan Smith – start the party at 7PM. Tickets available here starting at $45.
Have suggestions for “5 Live?” E-Mail Ken Abrams here.
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.
