Classical + Classic Rock In Newport This Week

Classical + Classic Rock In Newport This Week

Chris Isaak is a road warrior. The part-time actor/full-time musician has been performing live for almost 30 years. (Would you believe he played his first East Coast show at the Rat in Boston in 1985?)  And while he is known best known for his sexy 90’s video “Wicked Game,” his latest project pays homage to the roots of rock and roll.

In an interview with GoLocal last week, Isaak recalled his love for early rock, the inspiration for his recent release, “Beyond the Sun.” It’s a tribute to the great artists who have recorded at the legendary Sun Studios in Memphis. The music has wide appeal–Isaak noted, “Johnny Cash is loved by so many people; young and old, punk, and yuppie. It was the first shot of rock 'n roll and it sounds FUN!” He went on to remind us “that sometimes people take music too seriously…this music isn't stuck on itself–it's fun!”

All in a day's work

He’s the consummate entertainer, and clearly enjoys touring. Taking pride in his band and live shows, Issak mentioned that he once wore a 35-pound mirrored suit and gets a kick out of dressing like Liberace on stage. True to his small-town roots, he’s a hard worker–“You gotta give people your best, they drive a long way and pay hard cash for a ticket...they deserve the best you got.”

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Isaak has become a leading interpreter of “roots rock” and is frequently called on to contribute to compilation albums. His enthusiasm is contagious–it’s not hard to believe he still enjoys playing ”Wicked Game” in concert. He performs Wednesday night (tonight) as part of the Newport Sunset Music Series. The show starts at 5:45 PM with opening acts Allysen Callery and Cara Brindisi.  A few tickets are still available.

The Newport Music Festival

The internationally renowned Newport Music Festival gets underway this weekend. The Festival brings critically acclaimed classical artists to Newport each summer, where they perform in spectacular venues, including several Newport mansions.  There are over 60 concerts in the series, with a focus on chamber music, vocal repertoire, and Romantic-era piano.

Highlights this year include a six-concert Verdi/Wagner series, the popular Morning Mozart series, and the Klezmer Conservatory Band at the Breakers. There are American debuts by major artists and also several 11:00 AM Children’s Concerts. The festival runs from July 10 to July 28. Click here for all the details  on the Newport Music Festival.