COLLEGE GUIDE: Best Spots for Live Music

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Friday, September 07, 2012

Jeffrey Starr, GoLocalProv Contributor

Listening to great live music can be a surreal experience no matter if it’s in a massive arena or a cozy corner bar. No matter what type of music you love, you will be sure to find a place near your college that is just right for you. So forget about work, school or any other troubles you might have for a night and lose yourself in the music at one of these great music venues.

Newport Blues Café, Newport (good for Salve and RWU students)

The Newport Blues Café wants us to make sure that they are way more than just the blues. This iconic part of the Newport nightlife hosts a wide array of the best musical acts around, both local and nationally known. The best rock, blues, reggae and much more can be found here at this acclaimed café and nightclub every weekend. And don’t forget the terrific food at the restaurant to boot. 286 Thames St, Newport. 401-841-5510. www.newportblues.com

Lupos Heartbreak Hotel, Providence 

This historic concert hall, though it has been moved several times, has lasted since the '70s and has hosted some of the most famous music acts around. Although it started as a place for blues, jazz, rock n’ roll and country it has shifted in focus and now often hosts the best rock, alternative, pop and rap artists. The venue includes standing room only and a balcony. 79 Washington St, Providence. 401-331-5876. lupos.com

AS220, Providence 

AS220 is a different than the rest of the entries on this list. It was created with the specific intent of advancing the arts in Rhode Island by giving a creative platform to those who need it. Concerts are just one of the ways the organization accomplishes this mission. Numerous concerts of a wide variety of different types and other artistic events are held every week. The complex has an indoor and outdoor stage. Every year, the venue hosts Foo Fest involving 12 hours of live music and other artistic activities. 115 Empire St, Providence. 401-831-9327. www.as220.org

RiRa, Providence

This Irish Bar hosts late-night music every weekend after 9 pm and from 5:30 to 8 on Sundays it hosts Irish music sessions maintaining its authentic Irish origins. DJs also frequent the joint and the weekends provide a raucous atmosphere for those looking for a good time. There is obviously plenty of food and drink available. 50 Exchange Terrace, Providence. 401-272-1953. www.rira.com

The Spot Underground, Providence 

The Spot Underground in Providence has won numerous awards for its ability to entertain its patrons. The venue hosts countless artists of all sorts every week. Every Tuesday is free and involves open mic sessions followed by featured bands. Musicians are encouraged to network with other bands and fans. Every Wednesday is free as well and is a night for funk music. But that is not all. Musicians ranging from electronica to R&B , Hip Hop, and jazz can also be seen. 15 Elbow St, Providence. 401-383-7133. www.thespotprovidence.com

Fete Music, Providence

Fete is a boutique live music venue that hosts national, regional and local acts and is designed to connect fans and musicians and contribute to the cultural well-being of the historic Providence neighborhood in which it is located. The venue hosts all types of music with the goal of spreading art and culture to revitalize the community. 103 Dike St, Providence. 401-383-1112. www.fetemusic.com

Narragansett Café, Jamestown (good for Salve and URI students)

The Narragansett Café has been called the best place in Rhode Island for live music, and bands play every Friday and Saturday night. And starting Super Bowl Sunday, Blues Sundays return. 25 Narragansett Avenue, Jamestown. 401-423-2150. www.narragansettcafe.com

British Beer Company, Bristol (good for RWU students)

The British Beer Company has locations in many areas of New England but the one in Bristol is one of the best. The best live acousticized concerts in New England can be seen every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the venues modeled after British pubs. And with all British pubs, you can expect some great food with some great music. 29 State St, Bristol. 401-253-6700. britishbeer.com/local/bristol

Oak Hill Tavern, North Kingstown (good for URI students)

This cozy house of barbeque has great food, great beer, and most of all great music. There is live music every Saturday and Friday starting at 9 pm and Sundays at 4 pm. The wood paneled floor and wooden seats at the bar create a rustic, western style vibe, and lends itself to a casual atmosphere for good times and good music. 565 Tower Hill Rd, North Kingstown. 401-294-3282 .www.oakhilltavern.com

Effin’s Last Resort, Smithfield (good for Bryant students)

This unique, fun and rambunctious establishment was already mentioned as one of the best places in Rhode Island to get a beer because of its incredible atmosphere. But one of the main reasons for this incredible atmosphere is the great live music you can see at various days throughout the week and weekend. The music is great and comes in a wide variety and the bands always put on a great show to fit in with a resort that includes everything from a full-service Tiki Bar to an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Of course there is plenty of dancing and drinking as well. 325 Farnum Pike, Smithfield. 401-349-3500. effinsri.com

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