5 Live Music Musts - September 12, 2014
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
5 Live Music Musts - September 12, 2014
As summer festivals segue into fall fests, we’re featuring some great outdoor music on “5 Live Music Musts.” Read on for some of the best in area music this weekend.
Spirit Family Reunion at Slater Park Fall Festival
Tomorrow, the Slater Park Fall Festival in Pawtucket has Newport Folk favorites Spirit Family Reunion appearing. The band goes onstage at 3PM with their kicked up “old-timey” sound that will have you up dancin’ and stompin’. Be sure to stay for a special outdoor performance of “Pops in the Park,” from the RI Philharmonic Orchestra. The festival is an offshoot of the Pawtucket Arts Festival which continues through the month of September.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTFusion Fest in Warren
Saturday it’s the annual Fusion Fest in Warren. The event is sponsored by 75 or Less Records, a RI music label with tons of talent. Artists scheduled to perform include Bob Kendall, Mark Cutler, Bill Keough, Coma Coma, Six Star General, Swampbirds, Foul Weather Friend and more. The music starts at Noon and continues all day at Burr’s Hill Park in Warren from till 7PM. There will be vendors, food trucks and more to benefit the Fusionworks Dance Company.
Roy Bookbinder at Lilypads
Folk troubadour Roy Bookbinder will be appearing Saturday at Lilypads in Peacedale. The veteran singer songwriter has been touring nonstop for over 45 years since he first learned the Blues from the legendary Rev. Gary Davis. We promise you’ll thank us for recomending this show. Boston based blues man Michael Tarbox opens at 7:30 PM – tickets can be found here for only $15.
Hiroya Tsukamoto at Sandywoods
One of our favorite venues for folk and roots music is Sandywoods in Tiverton, where emerging and veteran artists can be heard every weekend. Tomorrow night features guitarist Hiroya Tsukamoto from Kyoto, Japan. Tsukamoto combines Eastern and Western elements and is heavily influenced by the Nueva Cancion movement, pioneered by musical legends Victor Jara and Violeta Parra. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door – show begins at 8PM.
Chris Issak at the Z
Sunday, the Zeiterion Theatre in New Bedford has one of the coolest cats on the planet, Chris Issak. Isaak is touring with his band on the heels of his recent release Beyond The Sun, recorded last year at the renowned Sun Studios in Memphis. Known for his hits “Baby Did A Bad Thing” and “Wicked Game,” he’ll charm the socks off ya’! Tickets start at $45 for the 8PM show. The Mystix open.
Best Fall Festivals and Fairs of New England
The Big E
Known as the cream of the crop of New England fall festivals, The Big E is the largest agricultural event on the east coast and the sixth-largest fair in the nation.
Not only does The Big E have the usual: food, entertainment, and amusement park rides, but it also boasts the Avenue of States.
The fair has a replica of each statehouse in New England. Inside each replica, experience what makes the state unique. Stop by the Lego exhibit in Connecticut and taste the maple syrup in Vermont.
Top off the day with a visit to the circus.
King Richard's Faire
Knights, kings, queens, jesters, and peasants! All are invited to King Richard's Faire.
The longest-running renaissance fair in New England includes jousting, acrobats, minstrels, and a royal court.
This recreation of a 16th-century marketplace is spread over 80-acres.
Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival
The event consists of dragon boat races for professional and amateur teams as well as the opportunity to learn about Chinese culture.
Watch fiberglass dragon boats race for the top prize. These boats were a gift from the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Experience the Lion Dance and compete with the family in a Chinese dumpling eating contest.
Photo credit: Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
Newport International Oktoberfest
Spend Columbus Day Weekend on Newport’s downtown waterfront.
There will be two Biergartens brimming with frosty heads of seasonal and international beer varieties.
Stillen your thirst with Angry Orchard Hard Cider, Blue Moon Belgian White, Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin, Harpoon Cider, Harpoon IPA, Harpoon Octoberfest, Harpoon UFO Pumpkin, Heineken, Hofbrau Oktoberfest, Magic Hat #9, Magic HatCircus Boy, Magic Hat Dream Machine, Leinenkugel Oktoberfest, Leinenkugel Harvest Patch Shandy, Newcastle, Newport Storm Hurricane Amber Ale, Newport Storm Rhode Island Blueberry, Newport Storm India Point Ale, Newport Storm R.I.P.umpkin, Sam Adams Octoberfest, Sam Adams Boston Lager, Sam Adams Jack-O Traveler Pumpkin Shandy, Shipyard Export, Shipyard Monkey Fist IPA, Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale, Shipyard Sea Dog Blue Paw Blueberry Wheat Ale and Strongbow.
Don't schuplattle on an empty stomach by eating plenty of Austro-German cuisine from Schnitzels & Giggles, fresh baked pretzels, spiral potatoes and more.
Photo credit: Rick Farrell of Mojo Photography
Misquamicut FallFest
Before hibernation sets in, spend your last day on the beach at Misquamicut FallFest.
FallFest will include carnival rides from Rockwell Amusements, the International Outdoor Food Festival, a petting zoo, a car show, and live entertainment.
Music Lineup
Mainstage
Friday
5 pm - 6:15 pm: Haunt the House
6:30 pm - 8:15 pm: The Savage Brothers
8:30 pm - 10:45 pm: Who Are You: A Celebration of The Who
Saturday
12 pm - 1:45 pm: Tumblin Dice: Tribute to the Stones
2 pm-3 pm: The Whole Façade
3:15 pm - 4:45 pm: Spirit Shaker
5 pm - 6:15 pm: Roger Ceresi’s “All Starz”
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: The Beach Band
7:45 pm - 9:15 pm: Elliot Lewis of Hall and Oats
9:30 pm - 10:45 pm: Weekend Wilburys: Tribute to Roy Orbison,
Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, George Harrison and Jeff Lynn
Sunday
12 pm - 1:15 pm: The Steamuhs
1:30 pm - 3 pm: Freddy and the Yetis
3 pm - 5 pm: Black and White feat. Erik Narwhal and Gary Gramolini (Beaver Brown Band)
Pawtucket Arts Festival
Now in its 16th year, the Pawtucket Arts Festival lasts through the whole month of September.
Events include theater performances, Louisiana Night, the Pawtucket Film Festival, and the Irish Music Festival.
Blackstone River Party/Taste of the Valley -- Food and dessert samplings from community restaurants at the historic Slater Mill Museum.
Steampunk Soiree at Slater Mill for Steampunk fans, guests, and gear & water wheel geeks. This is an evening of music, dance, spectacle, and merriment under the tent and on the dance floor.
Samfest at Slater Mill offers a concert retrospective featuring the repertoire of American music great, Nat King Cole and daughter Natalie.
Don't forget to see the the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Pops perform at Slater Park. Performance followed by fireworks.
Photo credit: Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
stART on the Street
stART on the Street is Massachusetts's largest arts, music and cultural festival. More than 250 artists and crafters will display handmade goods.
A variety of food trucks are on hand including Vegan and vegetarian options.
Don't miss the street performances, dance troupes, and live music.
There will also be activities and interactive exhibits for the little ones.
New Hampshire Highland Games
Grab your kilt, bagpipes, and head up north to New Hampshire for the largest Scottish festival in the Northeast.
This event features bagpipe bands, Highland dancers, and whisky tastings.
Test your mettle in competitions such as tests of strength, sheepdog trials, Highland Dance, and fiddling and drumming contests.
Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival
Live the high life for the day at the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival.
With tickets starting at $135 and headliners such as Martha Stewart, this is one of the most anticipated food and wine events in the country.
Sample the finest wines on the lawn of Marble House.
Acadia Night Sky Festival
Leave the city lights behind, head to Acadia National Park, and look towards the heavens.
Attend astronomy workshops and take a nighttime boat cruise.
Spread out the blanket and set up the telescope to spy a few shooting stars.
