Summer in the city: while we may not have beaches, we've got free fun – and lots of it. In particular, we've got a lot of free concerts happening throughout the city all summer long, and free music is our favorite kind of music.
Burnside Park Beer Garden Music Series
There’s no better way to relax after a long week at work than with a beer and some great music in the park. The Burnside Park Beer Garden Music Series fills Downtown with a live performance after work every Thursday until August 30. The beer garden is open from 4:30-7pm, and the band goes on at 5:30. There are plenty of lawn games to play, and food trucks will be selling their delicious wares close by.
June 28: M.A.K.U. Soundsystem. This group pairs Afro-Columbian rhythm and their particular punk-jazz style to have you begging for more.
July 5: DJ Save 1. A Providence native, he's known for his talent for spinning soul, funk and Latin music from his extensive collection of 45s.
July 12: The Holmes Brothers. They will sing to your soul in three-part harmonies – and blues, gospel, country and R&B tunes, as well.
July 19: Dustin Wong. The levels and layers to Wong’s guitar solos are complex and, some say, hypnotic.
July 26: Khaira Arby and Her Band. These desert blues musicians will fly in all the way from Timbuktu to play here, so don’t miss it.
August 2: Janka Nabay and the Bubu Gang. Bubu is fast-paced dance music originating from Sierra Leone, full of intoxicating West African grooves.
August 9: The Famous Winters. Relax with a beer and enjoy the local talent of this bluesy indie rock band.
August 16: The Jes Powers Project. This curated collaboration of local musicians features the sultry vocals of frontwoman Jess Powers at the center.
August 23: BebeRequin: A band of two displaying their pop/folk/“gypsy” charm.
August 30: Live Bait presents “True Stories from Real People.” Laugh, cry, and cheer for these six minute tales from Providence natives.
West Side Thursdays
West Side Thursdays is continuing its summer music series this year. The concerts will take place in Dexter Park from 6-8pm every Thursday in July. There is a farmer's market at the other end of the park, as well.
July 5: The Moga Band. MOGA Band began in Liberia over 30 years ago, and continued to play their cultural music after moving to RI in 1981.
July 12: Chachi Carvalho and the Thr33 Piece Suit Band. Chachi and co. will be pumping the party up with their hip-hop beats.
July 19: Boo City. Their music is a mix of styles from the two accomplished songwriters in the group, which means you could hear anything from reggae, to country and blues, indie rock, or retro soul.
July 26: Lindsay Adler Band. A unique and eclectic fusion of songs and instrumental music from many lands and traditions.
WBRU Dunkin' Donuts Summer Concert Series
Every Friday from June 15-July 20, WBRU and Dunkin’ Donuts are hosting the Summer Concert Series at Waterplace Park, delivering some of the best in both local and national rock acts in a spectacular setting.
June 22: The Silks; The Tower and the Fool. The Silks open for The Tower and the Fool, both local bands with strong followings.
June 29: White Rabbits. Formed in 2007, this group has released over seven short albums in the last five years.
July 6: Grouplove. Their groovy indie pop will have people dancing in the streets.
July 13: Walk the Moon. This Cincinatti band arrives toting a new CD and a hit single, “Anna Sun,” named one of the “30 Summer Songs Every Man Should Listen To” in Esquire magazine.
July 20: The Rice Cakes. The Rice Cakes won this year's WBRU Rock Hunt with the unique brand of power trio rock.
Outdoor Music Series at Grant's Block
Kick off your weekend with live music at the downcity sound stage every Friday night in August from 6-8pm. Grab a bite and a beer from the outdoor bar and grill as you enjoy music from the best local talents in the city.
August 3: TBD.
August 10: Ravi Shavi. This rock n' roll band has perfected revolutionary rock, pop-punk and new-wave music.
August 17: Tevellus. Universal influences give this Mediterranean Gypsy Funk jam band a unique sound.
August 24: Kolour Kult. Inspired by 80's era pop, their fresh spin on electronic music will have you dancing in no time.
August 31: Mighty Good Boys. This one-of-a-kind rock band plays a pleasant mix of alternative, new-age and rock n' roll music.
September 7: TBD.
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