Free concert offered at park
Rhode Island Philharmonic will play public outdoor concert
PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Foundation is inviting the public to a free concert by the Rhode Island Philharmonic at the Temple to Music in Roger Williams Park Fri., Aug. 4, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“Community is at the heart of our work. Community starts where people come together for shared experiences. We couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate the spirit of community than in one of the state’s bestloved gathering places,” said Neil Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO.
The Foundation brought the Philharmonic to Roger Williams Park to celebrate its Centennial last year. It was the first time the orchestra had performed at the Temple to Music in more than a decade.
“We thought last year’s Centennial concert would be a one-time event, but the night was so successful and enjoyed by so many we decided to bring the Philharmonic back again,” said Steinberg.
The 60-piece orchestra will play two 45-minute sets with a 20-minute intermission. The program will include rousing standards like the Star Spangled Banner, the Stars and Stripes Forever and the 1812 Overture.
For the first time ever, the concert will be paired with the park’s regular Food Truck Friday event, which will move to the Temple to Music for the day. Fifteen food trucks are expected to serve everything from B-B-Q to tacos beginning at 5:30 p.m.
“Great food, fresh air and room for thousands of music lovers on blankets and lawn chairs. It should be a spectacular evening,” said Steinberg.
Even though the event is free and open to the public, the Foundation has arranged for Rhode Island Public Radio to broadcast the concert live on RIPR.org or 88.1FM, 89.3FM, 91.5FM, and 102.7FM.
The concert comes as the Foundation’s multi-million-dollar campaign to restore Roger Williams Park continues. The work includes improvements to the park’s entrances, new signage and repairs to the Museum of Natural History, the Bandstand and the Casino.
Founded on June 13, 1916, with a $10,000 gift from industrialist Jesse Metcalf, the Foundation’s assets have grown to nearly $900 million. Over the past five years alone, the Foundation has awarded more than $180 million in grants.
The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. In 2016, the Foundation awarded a record $45 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information about the concert in Roger Williams Park, visit rifoundation.org.