5 Live Music Musts - December 11, 2015
Friday, December 11, 2015
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
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The Blackstone River Theatre Christmas Celebration is this Weekend
Some top local artists and a couple of big national acts are featured this week on “5 Live Music Musts.” Time to get out and enjoy the nice weather!
Blackstone River Theatre Christmas
It’s a two night event in Cumberland this weekend when the Blackstone River Theatre celebrates the season with holiday shows Saturday and Sunday evening. The shows features song, dance, carols and spoken word and includes performers Cathy Clasper-Torch, Robbie O'Connell & Rose Clancy and Russell Gusetti. Tickets are $20 in advance and $24 day of show. Music begins Saturday at 8PM and Sunday at 7PM.
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The Neighborhoods at Met Saturday
Boston’s Neighborhoods were all the rage in the late 70’s and early 80’s playing rock and roll when it wasn’t all that much in vogue. They played with the Ramones and Cheep Trick and opened for David Bowie on his world tour in 1987. Check out their hit “Prettiest Girl” from 1980 – it’s a great rock song with a new wave vibe – and it’ll stick inside your head all day! The band plays an all ages show at The Met in Pawtucket Saturday night. Neutral Nation and The Parkwoods open at 9PM. Tickets are $15.
Robert Randolph at Narrows Center Saturday
Robert Randolph, one of the best Pedal steel guitar players in the world, will be playing the Narrows Center for the Arts along with his Family Band Saturday night. Randolph grew up in the Pentecostal Church; his influences include gospel, rock, and soul. The band has made numerous TV appearances and played major festivals in recent years. The Narrows show begins at 8PM Saturday night and tickets are $50 in advance, $55 at the door. Bluesman Mark Small opens.
Joe Silva at The Garage Sunday
RI singer songwriter Joe Silva is a well known musician who has toured extensively and played with numerous bands including Joan Jett and Extreme. (Perhaps most significant, he once sang the National Anthem to a full house at Fenway Park.) He’s just released a new book, “A Journey Through a Dream,” about his struggle to make it in the music industry. It’s available here. While you’re at it, check out Blue, his CD released last year. And catch his Sunday night session from 7-11 at The Garage on Manville Hill Rd. in Cumberland before he heads out on tour next month.
Frank Turner at Fete Tuesday
Next Tuesday December 15th, head to Fete Music Hall in Providence for English singer-songwriter Frank Turner and his band The Sleeping Souls. Turner recently released an acclaimed new album, Positive Songs for Negative People. It’s an early show with openers Rebuilder and The Homeless Gospel Choir starting around 6:30. Tickets are $27.50 in advance, $30 day of show. And head back to Fete Thursday Dec. 17th for a solo acoustic set with noted performer Eric Hutchinson.
Related Slideshow: The 2015 Local Music Scene
Rhode Island is home to a thriving community of musicians, including many nationally recognized performers. For Black Friday, GoLocal Music Critic Ken Abrams has compiled some of the best local albums of 2015. We've got releases in a variety of formats - including CD, vinyl, cassette and digital. Check out our slideshow, find out more about some great local artists, and then go "Buy Local Music!"
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Brown Bird
Critically acclaimed RI band Brown Bird released Axis Mundi in April, their final album due to the untimely death of co-founder Dave Lamb. While fighting leukemia in 2013, Lamb along with musical partner and wife MorganEve Swain wrote and recorded the brilliant album. Its folk based, with compelling stories backed by Middle Eastern melodies with a rock beat. You can find it in a variety of formats at most area record stores.
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The Copacetics
Reggae/Ska band The Copacetics released their self titled album earlier this year. The album is a lot of fun as are their concerts around the state all year long. Check it out here and find it at record stores around the region.
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The Schemers
It was a big year for one of RI's greatest rock band of all time, The Schemers. First, they were inducted into the RI Music Hall of Fame and then they released a new album, The Last Beach. Its an album rich in the Schemers classic sound with a heavy dose of Americana. You can find it in local record stores or order it online here at Emerson Torrey's Satellite Studios web site.
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Jazz - Abate and Woods
A major release is coming in January from internationally recognized sax man and RI resident, Greg Abate. He's joined by lengendary tenor Phil Woods, who passed away recently, and recorded his final live album at Chan's in the summer of 2014. Click here for the pre-order and check out Whaling City Sounds in New Bedford for more great jazz.
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The Red Pennys
The Red Pennys are a honky tonk Rockabilly band with a foot stompin' sound. Check them out tonight at Nick-A-Nees in Providence and then look for their 2015 release Taking Flight at What Cheer Records or your favorite record store. You can also find it online here.
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Josh Grabert
Josh Grabert's stunning acoustic recording from last summer is a thing of raw beauty. Grabert, who also plays in the award winning rock band Torn Shorts, recorded The Shred Sessions in a backyard studio during the brutal winter of 2015. You can find the album here. (photo: Michael Civoli)
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The Dust Ruffles
The Dust Ruffles are a pop/rock band from RI known for their catchy songs featuring four part harmonies. Their recent EP Romeo, is available in digital format here. You can also check Copper, a solo album recently released from guitarist Tammy LaForrest, here.
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Chris Monti
Singer-songwriter Chris Monti released his supurb blues-based acoustic album Box Guitar this fall. You can find the CD here or a digital version here. You can hear selections from the album at his 40th birthday bash Friday Dec 4 at Nick-A-Nees.
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Eat Crepes
Eat Crepes is an synth centered indie pop band from Warwick who just released a new album Escrepe Artist. Their sound is bright and upbeat - check out the digital version of their album here.
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Consuelo's Revenge
Consuelo's Revenge is a Providence based collective of musicians who just released a high energy album Mercy. They're a hard band to categorize - gypsy folk with a helping of neo-soul, or as the band calls it Amouricana. You can find the CD at "In Your Ear" records in Warren or online here.
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