Live music returns to the Ocean State

Live Music Returns

If there’s a theme to the 2021 summer music season, it’s “Get Outside”

As indoor theaters and music venues continue to make post-pandemic plans, outdoor sites around the state are ramping up for live music this summer. Of course, given continued restrictions, it’s not exactly zero to 60. But after more than a year without live music, concerts ranging from large festivals to local pop-up shows have returned.

PICNIC THURSDAYS

Enjoy bands on an outdoor stage at this year’s Concerts Under the Elms series in Providence hosted by the RI Historical Society. Pre-order picnic boxes of charcuterie and bevvies to enjoy with live tunes. Guests are welcome to bring their own chairs and coolers. Registration is limited and required. RIHS.org/buy-tickets

BILLY ON THE BEACH

The Misquamicut Drive-In Theater, a popular seaside spot in Westerly, has Rhody’s own Billy Gilman playing on July 3, and The Lords of 52nd Street, the original Billy Joel band, scheduled for August 5. MBADriveIn.com

FESTIVAL FUN

The state’s premium festivals – Newport Folk and Jazz – are returning to Fort Adams State Park under a modified format. The Folk Festival (July 23-28) will be spread over six days (instead of the usual three), with smaller crowds and COVID health and wellness practices in effect. Organizers are essentially running a pair of mini-fests, described as “two unique three-day events of surprise performances, storytelling, and workshops.” The Jazz Festival is scheduled to run from July 30 to August 1 and feature “three intimate days of amazing Jazz performances and surprise collaborations.” Expect crowds to be smaller at both events. NewportFolk.org, NewportJazz.org

GLOBAL SOUNDS

FirstWorks Live returns with music on the lawn at Roger Williams Park. Genres ranging from global jazz to Americana and hip hop will take the outdoor stage throughout the summer, with RI-based Latin jazz master and trumpet powerhouse Carlos de Leon performing July 18. Bring a lawn chair for these free concerts happening through September. First-Works.org

MUSIC IN THE PARK

At Bold Point Park in East Providence, general manager Katie Spaziano is looking forward to welcoming patrons back to the outdoor venue along Narragansett Bay. “We are very excited to be getting back to live entertainment and we know that many Rhode Islanders have been patiently waiting for us to re-open,” she remarks. A season highlight will certainly be country duo Brothers Osborne on August 1. Spaziano explains that more shows will be added. “We are hard at work putting together the upcoming season and ensuring we are following local operating guidelines.”

A late summer favorite, the Rhode Island Folk Festival (formerly Providence Folk Festival) returns this year after a pandemic hiatus in 2020. The free event takes place on Sunday, August 29 at Larissa Park in Rumford. LiveNation.com

RHYTHM RETURNS

The annual Rhythm and Roots Festival held in Charlestown is also in the planning stages for Labor Day Weekend with several major acts already confirmed. Announced performers include John Hiatt and Rhiannon Giddens. RhythmandRoots.com

Big Kenny of BIG & RICH performing at Country Fest at Ballard’s