Best Places For Live Music
NIGHTLIFE by Katie Saltzburg, GoLocalProv Correspondent
Best Places For Live Music
Put down that iPod (for a minute). Nothing beats listening to live music, whether it's tucked into a small jazz club or crowding the stage at a rock and roll palace. GoLocalProv puts its ear to the ground and brings you the area's top live entertainment spots, from places with a distinctly local feel to clubs that draw acts of international reputation. Whatever you're in the mood, you can hear it. Here.
Newport Blues Café Recognized as the ‘Best Live Music Venue’ by the Providence Phoenix, Newport Blues hosts music stretching from rock and blues all the way to reggae. The New York City style café/nightclub is known for capturing both local and national musicians. Don't miss their annual music festival. Music 7 days a week from 10pm to 1am from May-Sept, weekends off-season, 286 Thames St, Newport, 841-5510, www.newportblues.com
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
Tazza This hip café showcases creativity varying from live jazz and blues to digital media productions and fashion shows. An easy-going ambience makes Tazza appealing to 20-somethings, and the artsy bar scene really wheels in the local talent. For a truly local event, don't miss Open-Mic Night every Sunday. Music 7 days a week, cover charge $5-$10, 250 Westminster St, Providence, 421-3300, www.tazzacaffe.com
RiRa The over-21 crowd interested in the pub scene (not to mention the Irish jig) gathers at RiRa, a Downcity bar that hosts live music every Thursday. The communal, cozy pub also features Irish music sessions every Sunday at 5:30 pm to up the Celtic quotient for the native demographic, not to mention weekly drink specials that really attract a crowd. Music Thurs after 9pm, Sun after 5:30pm, 50 Exchange Terrace, Providence, 272-1953, www.rira.com
The Narrows Sometimes it's worth the drive across the big bridge. This versatile arts center is widely known for outstanding folk music, and with good reason. Add an art studio and open mic nights, and you may find yourself commuting more than you ever thought. The Narrows Art Festival (in September) is a great place to bring kids. Music after 8pm various days of the week, tickets range from $10-$80 (children are half-price), 16 Anawan St, Fall River, 508-324-1926, www.ncfta.org
Chans Craving an egg roll and some really funky jazz? Chans restaurant in Woonsocket houses a jazz lounge that features blues and folk as well. Chans get some of the best acts that hit the state, so keep an eye on their schedule. And for local flair, don't miss their open mic on Sundays. Music weekends, occasional weekdays, tickets $10-$40, 267 Main St, Woonsocket, 765-1900, www.chanseggrollsandjazz.com
Let's Rock and Roll
Lupos Steering away from the usual jazz and blues scene, Lupos showcases high-profile rock and alt bands at its legendary hard-rock club setting complete with seats up above and a standing-room-only mosh pit near the stage. The demographic is young and noisy, but don't be surprised to see parents and teens catching the Raconteurs together. Music generally 7 days a week, tickets $10-$45, 79 Washington St, Providence, 331-LUPO, www.lupos.com
Down By the Bay
Wheel House The college crew may dominate some nights here, but the alluring water views draw older music-lovers as well. The typical music played most nights is in the punk and rock realms, but the bar is open to all types of local and national bands. Native Rhode Islanders love the venue’s location… you may be surprised who's sitting next to you, during that raw punk guitar slash. Music weekends, tickets $5 for 21+ and $10 for 18+, 294 Great Island Rd, Narragansett, 284-0264, www.wheelhousetavern.com
Good Ol' Community Folk
Common Fence Point Traditional, world, and folk rule the roost at this 50’s style dance hall. Locals in the know bring their own food and drink for everyone to share (you can bring your own alcohol, no corking fee). This local gem tucked away off the freeway as it rolls into Aquidneck Island offers a homey concert feel… a communal and pleasant atmosphere for any folk aficionado. Music Sat at 8pm, tickets $12 - $35, 933 Anthony Rd, Portsmouth, 683-5085, www.commonfencemusic.org
Photo: Judith Tate
The 201 The eclectic beats of indie-rock blend with 80’s classic and Brit Pop at this new Downcity spot. The club setting, artsy and modern, feeds the appetites of urban hipsters and music lovers. The gigantic dance floor just sweetens the deal. Music Sat, 201 Westminster St, Providence, 454-4581, www.the201providence.com
The Cultural Experience
AS220 A watering hole for creatives, this laid-back center offers performance space to all kinds of local artists. Live musicians that play at AS220 range from singer/songwriters to punk, rock and funk. Between sets, the scene that spills onto the sidewalk on Empire St. is a whole extra live show. Music nightly until 1am, 115 Empire St, Providence, 831-9327, www.as220.org