slides: RI’s Best Summer Concerts

WBRU Summer Concerts

For the third straight year, the City of Providence, 95.5 WBRU and Dunkin’ Donuts will host a free summer concert series at Waterplace Park. Groups play every Friday night at 7:30. Don’t miss GroupLove, an up-and-coming American rock band from Los Angeles.

GroupLove performs on Friday July 6, 7:30pm, Waterplace Park. Free Admission. For more, click here.

Photo: Macsteckler

Kid City at Sound Session

Sound Session has made its mark as the summer cultural event in downtown Providence. “Kid City” is a new segment this year for children and their parents. Miguel Almestica and Joe’s Backyard Band (pictured) have fun lively performances planned. Don’t miss the Percussion workshop for Kids and Families.

Saturday July 15, 4pm, Hot Providence Stage Arena, $7 for adults, $3 for children under 12, children under 5 free. For more, go to www.soundsession.org.

Classical Smackdown

American pianist Frederic Chiu brings his unique and engaging “Classical Smackdown” series to the Newport Music Festival. Audience members vote for their favorite composer as Mr. Chiu and Festival artists pit Russian Sergey Prokofiev against composer-of-the-year Claude Debussy in a hall of fame battle. There will be three Smackdowns: one for children, one for chamber enthusiasts and one for pianofiles.

July 14-16, 11am, The Elms Tent, Newport. $37 (concert only), Concert & Box Lunch Following at 1pm for $50. For more, go to www.newportmusic.org.

Ingrid Michaelson

This indie-pop singer and songwriter stops in Providence for her Human Again Summer 2012 Tour. Her newest album, “Human Again,” opens with "Fire," a lively orchestral powerhouse that sets the tone for her new musical exploration. The concert will include beautiful string arrangements, emotional piano-led ballads and intimate acoustic performances.

Friday, July 27, Doors open 7:30pm, Show 8:30pm, Lupos, Providence. $22.50 Advance, $25 Day Of, $35 Reserved Mezzanine, All Ages. For more, go to www.lupos.com.

Photo: marshillonline

Snoop Dogg at Lupo's

College kids won’t want to miss Snoop Dogg’s performance in Providence. Lupos will fill when this rapper takes the stage.

Tuesday, July 31, Doors Open 8pm, Show 9:30pm, Lupos, Providence. $35 Advance, $40 Day Of, $45 Reserved Mezzanine, $350 for VIP Package (Includes GA Ticket, Individual Photo or Autograph Opportunity with Snoop Dogg & Merchandise Item with Snoop Dog Accessories). All ages.

Photo: Eva Rinaldi

Ocean State Pops

Old-fashioned and excellent, Rhode Island's only pops orchestra brings light classical music, movie and show music, marches, and other selections to Little Compton Town Commons. Come with a picnic and a blanket and stay to watch the fireworks that follow the show.

August 4, 7pm. Rain date August 5, Veterans Field, Little Compton. For more, go to www.osspo.org

Reggae in Newport

Don't miss world-renowned artists Barrington Levy, Junior Marvin of Bob Marley’s Wailers (pictured), The Thunder Band and others. Newport’s favorite local reggae band, The Ravers, will kick off with a free performance outside of the gates before the festival begins. Island-inspired vendors, artisans, food and drink complete the all-day celebration.

Saturday, August 11, Gates open 12pm, The Ravers’ free kickoff performance begins outside the gates at 10:30am, Newport Waterfront. $35 Advance, $45 Gate. No reserved seating, re-entry is allowed. For more, go to www.newportwaterfrontevents.com.

Photo: Eva Rinaldi

Blues & BBQ

National, regional and local blues artists will rock the Newport waterfront for a full day of soulful tunes, awesome ballads, cold brews, and a delicious pig roast. The masters of the Blues include Taj Mahal (pictured), John Lee Hooker, Jr., Shemekia Copeland, Marcia Ball, and Joanne Shaw Taylor.

Saturday, August 18, Newport Waterfront. $45 Advance, $55 Gate. No reserved seating, re-entry is allowed. Children under 12 free with an adult. For more, go to www.newportwaterfrontevents.com

Rock 'N' Roll Marathon

This half-marathon in downtown Providence attracts everyone from avid runners to the state’s biggest rockers. Runners love the upbeat atmosphere with live rock performances all along the 13.1 miles route. This year at the finish line, don't miss the Billboard chart-topping pop duo Karmin, taking the stage.

Sunday August 19, locations throughout Providence, Karmin performs at the State House finish line. For more information, go to http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/providence.

Celtic Rock

The brand-new Newport Celtic Rock Festival celebrate today’s favorite contemporary Irish music. Don’t miss Eileen Ivers, The Town Pants, Screaming Orphans (pictured) and Tartan Terrors, and a new headliner this year, Gaelic Storm. Come experience lively Irish step-dancers, spirited pipe & drum bands and traditional pub fare.

Saturday, August 25, Newport Waterfront. Tickets $30 through August 24, $40 Gate, $60 Exclusive tickets, No reserved seating, re-entry is allowed. Children under 12 free with an adult. For more, go to www.newportwaterfrontevents.com.

Rhythm and Roots Festival

Get your last gasp of summer music at this festival during Labor Day weekend.

The host band, The Pine Leaf Boys, the four-time Grammy nominees, bring high-energy rock ‘n’ roll that will make you want to dance to the beat. The festival also features numerous bands that have been Rhode Island’s favorites for years.

Friday August 31-Sunday September 2, Ninigret Park, Charlestown, RI. For more, go here.