Minority Leader Morgan Requests Info on Dunk's Performance Following GoLocal's Review
GoLocalProv News Team
Minority Leader Morgan Requests Info on Dunk's Performance Following GoLocal's Review
Morgan is a Republican candidate for governor of Rhode Island.
In her letter, Morgan sighted GoLocalProv’s story on the Dunkin’ Donuts Center.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAs GoLocalProv reported, “In Providence, the Dunkin’ Donuts Center goes dark this summer hosting fewer than five events and in Boston, at the TD Garden, the building is rocking literally all summer and into the fall with the biggest names.
After the college graduations, Providence’s premier event venue hosts only a food event, a “Conversation with Bill Clinton” scheduled for June 15, and an August appearance by Banda Ms de Sergio Lizarraga. The rest of the summer the building is closed.”
Read Morgan’s Letter Below
“A recent GoLocalProv story highlighted, once again, the problem with our current management of the facilities. Except for a handful of events this summer, all three buildings will be empty. Despite that, the overhead, salaries and other expenses will continue to be paid.
Four years ago, the Republican Policy Group studied the RICCA. At that time, their marketing plan was superficial, at best. The staffing levels, salaries, and benefits were unnecessarily high, and they were not making enough money to cover operating costs, let alone the debt service of bonds issued 30 years ago, for what was promoted at the time as a self-sustaining venue.
Since that study four years ago, which highlighted the deficiencies and recommended solutions to maximize use of the facilities, the Center has received an additional $135.7 million from taxpayers. It appears that, except for a few minor changes when the spotlight was shining on them, management has done little to restructure their operations. Four years ago, RICCA was on track to spend $750 million before the bonds were retired. RICCA ended fiscal year 2017 with a net deficit position of ($54.7) million and $184.6 million in bonds payable. Nothing seems to have changed that expensive reality.
We have beautiful facilities that should be competing with regional convention centers for business, like those in Boston and Hartford. The others are busy, but our lights are dark. I want to understand what our Board and managers have done to correct the situation. They should have a robust, professional marketing plan and be engaged in actions that remove barriers to shows and events, as well as, in capturing more business. It is unacceptable that for the entire summer, minimal events are scheduled. Three months with barely any events, but plenty of costs.
Management of the Dunk has struggled to maintain safe conditions during basketball games. This has put players at risk and has caused a black eye, not only for the facility, but also for our state. These glaring failures could have a deleterious impact on future bookings. What actions did the Board undertake in light of poor staff performance?
I am requesting a complete report from the Convention Center Board, detailing changes they have made in the four years since our study. I have also asked for the current marketing plan. I want to know how, or if, they are using an improved marketing plan. What actions have they taken to reduce costs, reform detrimental regulations and increase bookings?
Four years ago, the Republican Policy Group sounded the alarm on an underused and costly complex. From the level of taxpayer support and the insignificant summer bookings, it appears nothing has changed. When is the Board going to get serious about maximizing the value of the Convention Center Authority? I am awaiting their reply.”
25 Must See Spring & Summer Concerts in New England - 2018
May 9
Jackson Browne at PPAC
Providence, RI
Hall of Famer Jackson Browne is coming to PPAC in May.
In his career, Browne has sold over 18 million albums in the U.S.
He is known for songs such as "These Days", "The Pretender", "Running on Empty", "Lawyers in Love", "Doctor My Eyes", "Take It Easy", "For a Rocker", and "Somebody's Baby" and others.
Browne was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Songwriter's Hall of Fame in 2007
May 25-27
Boston Calling 2018
Boston, MA
Boston Calling, the first New England music festival of the season kicks off in downtown Boston on the weekend of May 25 to the 27.
The festival features performances from Eminem, The Killers, Jack White and more.
May 26
Jason Aldean at Xfinity Center
Mansfield, MA
Jason Aldean brings his "High Noon Neon Tour" to the Xfinity Center.
Aldean is celebrating the release of his eighth album titled "Rearview Town."
In his career, he has seen 19 singles reach #1 on the on either the Hot Country Songs or Country Airplay charts with "Why", "She's Country", "Big Green Tractor", "The Truth", "Don't You Wanna Stay" (a duet with Kelly Clarkson), "Dirt Road Anthem," among others.
In 2017. Aldean won the Entertainer of the Year Award at the ACM Awards.
May 28
Latin American Music Festival at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet
Providence, RI
A celebration of Latin culture that showcases the music, art, food, and dance styles of countries like Mexico, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Bolivia, Puerto Rico, and many more.
The festival will be filled with live performances from dance groups, musicians, and vocalists who are ready to put on a show.
June 6
Imagine Dragons at Xfinity Center
Mansfield, MA
Imagine Dragons is bringing their "Evolve Tour" to the Xfinity Center this summer.
The group is known for songs such as "On Top of the World," "Amsterdam," and "Warriors."
June 7 - 10
PVDFEST
Providence, RI
Live music, dance, food, and visual art installations transform the Providence. Dozens of music performances play over a four-day event. Multi-art installations take-over of public spaces, parks, and outdoor stages in the heart of Providence, Rhode Island. Artists from across the globe perform.
June 15
Paul Simon at TD Garden
Boston, MA
Formally one half of the legendary duo "Simon & Garfunkel," Paul Simon is bringing his solo tour to the TD Garden.
Simon has earned sixteen Grammys for his solo and collaborative work, including three for Album of the Year (Bridge Over Troubled Water, Still Crazy After All These Years, Graceland), and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
June 15
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill at Mohegan Sun
Uncasville, Ct.
Music legends Tim McGraw and his wife Faith Hill are bringing their Soul2Soul World Tour to Mohegan Sun this summer.
The tour is one of the highest grossing tours in country music history.
Tim McGraw
McGraw has won three Grammy Awards, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards, 11 Country Music Association (CMA) awards, 10 American Music Awards, and three People's Choice Awards.
He has sold more than 75 million records worldwide.
Faith Hill
Hill has won five Grammy Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, six American Music Awards, and several other awards.
June 15 & 16
Zac Brown Band at Fenway Park
Boston, MA
The Zac Brown Band is returning to Fenway Park for their "Down the Rabbit Hole Live" tour to Fenway Park.
In their career, the band has charted 16 singles, 13 of which have reached #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs or Country Airplay chart.
Their hits include, " "Chicken Fried", "Toes", "Highway 20 Ride", "Free", "As She's Walking Away", "Colder Weather", "Knee Deep", "Keep Me in Mind", "Goodbye in Her Eyes", "Sweet Annie", "Homegrown", "Loving You Easy", and "Beautiful Drug".
June 21
The Wailers at Greenwich Odeum
East Greenwich, RI
In honor of Bob Marley, the Wailers are continuing to tour and celebrate his legacy.
There are more than 250 million Bob Marley & The Wailers recordings sold, including 1977’s Exodus, anointed Best Album of the Century in 1999 by Time Magazine, and “One Love,” named Song of the Millennium that same year by BBC.
June 22
Dave Matthews Band at Xfinity Center
Mansfield, MA
The popular rock band makes their return to the Xfinity Center in Mansfield this summer for one show.
Expect some new material, exploratory jamming, and hits like “Crash,” “Ants Marching,” and “What Would You Say," among others.
Dave Matthews Band has sold over 60 million records worldwide.
July 6
Luke Bryan at Fenway Park
Boston, MA
Country music star Luke Bryan is coming to Fenway Park.
Bryan released his latest album titled "What Makes You Country," on December 8 of 2017. The album features the hit single "Light it Up."
To date, Bryan has sold more than 7 million albums and 27 million singles worldwide.
Bryan, who's career who began in 2000, is best known for his number on singles " I Don't Want This Night to End," "Drunk on You," and "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye."
July 19
Chris Brown at Xfinity Center
Mansfield, MA
Chris Brown is bringing his “Heartbreak on a Full Moon Tour” to the Xfinity Center.
Brown has sold more than 100 million albums and singles worldwide, making him one of the world's best-selling music artists.
He has won several awards, including 14 BET Awards, 5 Billboard Music Awards, and 5 Soul Train Music Awards. According to Billboard, Brown has the seventh most Hot 100 entries on the chart with 87.
July 21
Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers and Los Lobos at Indian Ranch
Webster, MA
Hornsby's music has been recognized on a number of occasions with awards, including the 1987 Grammy Award for Best New Artist with Bruce Hornsby and the Range, the 1990 Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album, and the 1994 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance
He also collaborated with Grateful Dead and was a member of the band from September 1990 to March 1992, playing over 100 shows during that period.
July 21 & 22
Foo Fighters at Fenway Park
Boston, MA
The Foo Fighters are bringing their "Concrete and Gold Tour" to Fenway Park for a two-night stay.
The Foo Fighters recently released their ninth album titled "Concrete & Gold," which reached #1 in the U.S.
Over the course of the band's career, four of their albums have won Grammy Awards for Best Rock Album. Overall, they have sold over 12 million copies in the United States alone.
They are known for songs such as "Best of You," "Learn to Fly," "Times Like These," and more.
July 27 - 29
Newport Folk Festival
Newport, RI
The Newport Folk Festival returns this summer with a lineup that includes “The War and Treaty,” “Twain,” “Lucius” and more.
July 26, 27 & 28
Taylor Swift at Gillette Stadium
Foxboro, MA
Taylor Swift is coming to Gillette Stadium for three shows this summer as part of her “Reputation” Stadium Tour.
Swift is the winner of 10 Grammy Awards, five Guinness World Records, one Emmy Award, 21 Billboard Music Awards, 12 Country Music Association Awards, eight Academy of Country Music Awards, and one Brit Award.
She is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 40 million albums—including 27.8 million in the US—and 130 million single downloads.
She was named Time Person of the Year in 2017 as part of the “Silence Breakers.”
August 3-5
Newport Jazz Festival
Newport, RI
The 2018 Newport Jazz Festival will run from August 3 to August 5 at Fort Adams State Park and the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
The festival will show off over 50 individual jazz ensembles on four stages including performances at the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Fort Adams State Park.
The festival will feature artists such as George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Roy Hargrove, Alicia Olatuja and more.
August 5
Jay Z & Beyonce at Gillette Stadium
Foxboro, MA
The tour is the second one that Beyonce and Jay-Z have done together following 2014's On The Run tour.
Jay Z
Jay-Z is one of the best-selling musicians of all time, having sold over 50 million albums and 75 million singles worldwide, while receiving 21 Grammy Awards for his music.
He holds the record for most number one albums by a solo artist on the US Billboard 200 with 14.He has also had four number ones on the Billboard Hot 100, one, ”Empire State of Mind,” as the lead artist.
Jay-Z married Beyoncé in 2008. As a couple, they have an estimated net worth of $1.16 billion.
Beyonce
In her career, Beyoncé has sold an estimated 100 million records as a solo artist, making her one of the best-selling music artists in history.
She has won 22 Grammy Awards and is the most nominated woman in the award's history.
Beyonce is also the most awarded artist at the MTV Video Music Awards, with 24 wins.
Forbes ranked her as the most powerful female in entertainment on their 2015 and 2017 lists, and in 2016 she finished in sixth place for Time's Person of the Year.
August 9
Jimmy Buffett at Fenway Park
Boston, MA
Escape to Margaritaville with music legend Jimmy Buffett at Fenway Park. Buffett will be joined by Huey Lewis and the News.
In his career, Buffett has released 30 studio albums, eight of which are Gold Albums and nine are Platinum.
He won his first ever Country Music Award (CMA) for his song "It's 5 O'clock Somewhere."
August 10
Billy Joel at Fenway Park
Boston, MA
For the fourth consecutive year, rock and roll legend Billy Joel will play Fenway Park.
Billy Joel released his first hit song, arguably still his biggest hit, Piano Man in 1973 and since has become the 6th best selling recording artist and the third best selling solo artist in the United States.
Joel was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992 and then the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.
August 11
Journey & Def Leppard at Fenway Park
Boston, MA
Legendary rock bands Journey and Def Leppard are combining to bring a huge show to Fenway Park.
Def Leppard is one of only five rock bands with two original studio albums selling more than 10 million copies in the U.S.
Overall, they have sold more than 100 million records all over the world.
Journey has sold over 80 million albums worldwide, earned 19 top 40 singles and 25 gold, platinum and multi-platinum albums, and has headlined multiple sold-out stadiums.
August 12
The Beach Boys at Indian Ranch
Webster, MA
The legendary Beach Boys are returning to Indian Ranch this August for a concert that you don't want to miss.
The group had over eighty songs chart worldwide, thirty-six of them US Top 40 hits (the most by an American rock band), four reaching number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The Beach Boys have sold in excess of 100 million records worldwide.
August 24 & 25
Kenny Chesney at Gillette Stadium
Foxboro, MA
Kenny Chesney is bringing his "Trip Around the Sun" tour to Gillette Stadium with special guest Dierks Bentley.
Kenny Chesney has already performed at Gillette Stadium more times than any other artist and broke 9 attendance records during his 2015 Big Revival Tour.
Chesney has recorded 20 albums, 14 of which have been certified gold or higher by the RIAA, produced over 40 top 10 singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay Charts, 28 of which have reached #1.
August 3o
Rhythm and Roots
Charleston, RI
21st Annual Rhythm and Roots Music and Dance Festival Every Labor Day Weekend at Ninigret Park Best Festival for Music.
Every Week
Live Music at GoLocal LIVE's Alex & Ani Lounge
Providence, RI
Be sure to stay tuned to the Alex & Ani Lounge on GoLocal LIVE where you will see some of the best local musicians in the state perform.
To date, local stars like Allysen Callery, Mickey Lamantia, the Billy Harpin Band and others have all taken the stage at the Alex & Ani Lounge.
Stay tuned all Spring and Summer to check out the performances.
Click here for past performances
