RI Philharmonic Orchestra presents summer pops
The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra presents its 2021 Summer Pops Concert Series titled A Tribute to the Human Spirit. This free series of concerts will take place at Providence’s Roger Williams Park’s Temple to Music on Wednesday, August 4th at 7pm; Bristol’s Independence Park on Sunday, September 5th at 6pm; and Pawtucket’s Slater Memorial Park on Sunday, September 19th at 5:30pm. Featured music includes works by Smith (arr. Williams), Williams, Shostakovich, Walker, Copland, Bizet, Bernstein, Tchaikovsky,
Ongoing
• After a year-long COVID-19 hiatus, Levitt AMP Woonsocket will resume bringing free, live music to Woonsocket’s River Island Art Park. Since 2018, the free, family-friendly, 10-week music series has transformed River Island Art Park into a cultural hub of entertainment on Friday evenings. With goals of amplifying community pride, enriching lives through the power of free, live music, and creating vibrant public places, the work we do fosters tourism, enhances the resident experience, and is a point of pride for the City. Music includes everything from Zydeco and many more!
After 25 years and the longest tenure in RI Philharmonic history, beloved Summer Pops series Conductor Francisco Noya has retired. Conductor Troy Quinn will be taking up the baton for these upcoming concerts. RI Phil was the first professional orchestra Quinn ever heard; this experience set him on a path to become a conductor. Noya was due to conduct his final Summer Pops series last summer but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the concerts were canceled.
to Mariachi, Hip Hop to Country. Concerts will occur on Friday nights, July 9 through September 17 (skipping September 3) at River Island Art Park (95 Bernon Street), Woonsocket, RI.
• The Rhode Island chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association (RI NEMBA) is sponsoring a virtual mountain bike fun ride at Cumberland’s Diamond Hill Park. The outdoor and online event boasts a fun photo contest and raffle for all ages and abilities with the goals of increasing awareness of Rhode Island’s many wonderful mountain bike trails, raising funds for the local food bank, and boosting NEMBA
Quinn graciously offered to have Noya return this season but the timing did not work out for his schedule. The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra extends greatest thanks to Francisco Noya for his incredible dedication and passion. The Orchestra is pleased to welcome Troy Quinn this summer to lead the Summer Pops series.
membership. Riders can choose from several routes per area ranging from easy family friendly routes to challenging technical routes. The event also seeks to highlight areas off the beaten paths. For suggested map routes, visit www.rinemba.org/events.
• The Providence-Newport ferry is back. The ferry will have seven-day service now through Columbus Day weekend, with service to Bristol through Labor Day weekend. Advance reservations are strongly recommended but tickets are available to purchase at the Providence and Bristol ferry landings and on the vessel at the Newport ferry landing.
The St Agatha’s Senior Citizens Club is alive and well and hope that all members are also doing well. After many months of inactivity, we would like to invite all members to our first meeting tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at 1PM in St Agatha’s Church Hall. New members are always welcome.
The City of Woonsocket hosts a summer car cruise night every Monday from 5:30 to 8:30 at Market Square, 25 South Main St. Live music and food trucks. All classic cars welcome. Free and open to the public.
• On Saturday, August 14th from 10:00am to 1:00pm, the Woonsocket Education Department in collaboration with Thundermist Health Center and St. Jean the Baptist Church will have a Back to School Celebration with free backpacks, food boxes, COVID-19 kits, and vaccines. This event will be a drive-thru event.
• Vocalist Daryl Sherman, Woonsocket native turned New York City resident, is back in Rhode Island for two events in coming days. First is a regular August gig at Greenvale Vineyard, 582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth. The date is Saturday, Aug. 14, from 1-4 p.m., and joining her is pianist Mike Renzi, bassist Dick Lupino and jazz drummer Rick Wells. Admission is $5; visit www.greenvale.com for details. On Tuesday, Aug. 17, Sherman and two other artists with Woonsocket ties are on the roster for the annual Cavalcade of Bands presented by the Providence Federation of Musicians. Sax player Greg Abate, who grew up in Woonsocket, appears with Sherman’s group at 9:15 p.m., and city native Jean McKenna O’Donnell sings with a group, including pianist Renzi, at 7:45 p.m. Music for listening and dancing runs continuously from 5:30-10:30 p.m. performed by a host of artists, from small groups to the Meadow Larks, a 16-piece swing and dance orchestra. Tickets are $20 in advance by calling (401) 785-4333 or (401) 935-3739, or $25 at the door. Proceeds support the federation. Details at www.ProMusicRI.org.