Outdoor Entertainment

What is an urbanite to do when his dreams of summer include lounging in the grass with a frosty drink in hand? Thanks to the Rhode Island Historical Society, there’s a cheaper option than booking a trip to Nantucket. In fact, their Concerts Under the Elms (held on the lawn of the John Brown House) are open to the public for just $10. Granny Squibb’s iced teas are available for purchase, along with food and treats from City Gyro and the Cupcakerie.

Director of Development and Public Relations, Kathy Klees Clarendon, describes the series with excitement. “The concert series is in its 17th year and honestly it’s magical,” she says. “The lawn takes up a city block. People bring their chairs, their wine... Some show up early to claim their spots and have their dinner. As the night goes on the sun sets, and you can see the city in the background.”

“A ton of families come and it’s wonderful to watch the little tiny children dancing out in front of the stage. Even my 13-year-old son has been caught dancing to Duke Robillard, and you know what teenagers can be like!” she says with a laugh. The audience ranges from tots to seniors; since the venue is outdoors, the music never gets too loud for sensitive ears.

Kathy says that they have several crowd favorites that come back every year. “Duke [Robillard] is one of them,” she explains, “but this year he’s not going to be able to be with us because he’s gone out on tour with Bob Dylan!” Kathy’s favorite performer has been Car- los de Leon, a Latin jazz artist who hasbeen around for decades. “His music is so intricate and exciting – you just can’t sit still,” she says. Kathy and a co-worker have selected six fabulous bands to per- form for the 2013 season.

June 27 – The American Band: This symphonic concert band comprises over 50 musicians and has a long history extending back to 1837. Expect traditional works as well as popular marches and songs.

July 11 – Carlos de Leon Latin Jazz Band: Carlos is a Latin jazz master, trumpet player and vocalist. He and his orchestra have perfected a unique sound that incorporates salsa, merengue and other Latin music.

July 18 – Atwater-Donnelly Band: This highly acclaimed husband and wife duo strums traditional American folk and dance music that appeals to all ages.

July 25 – Swings ’n Strings with Al Basile: Singer/songwriter Al Basile is a master cornet player who brings a bit of 1960s Memphis to the East Side of Providence with his mellow brass styling’s.

August 1 – Magnolia: Magnolia has been delighting the crowds with its high-energy Cajun music since 1989. The band consists of twin fiddles, an accordion, guitar, bass and rich vocals.

August 8 – Pendragon: Embracing Celtic-inspired music, Pendragon performs roots music with a contemporary edge. The band is currently celebrating its 30th year.

Feel free to bring a picnic and some chairs or to purchase food on site and have a seat in the grass. As Kathy says, “It’s fun, it’s relaxing, it’s a beautiful location. It’s all the best things about summer on the East Side.” $10 non-members; free for members and children under 12. 6:30pm. 52 Power Street, Providence. 331-8575 x133.

For the fourth year in a row, the City of Providence is partnering with WBRU to bring some of the hottest bands from around the country to Waterplace Park. Head downtown on Friday nights this summer for the 95.5 WBRU Summer Concert Series. Every show is all ages and family friendly – just don’t expect mellow sounds. According to Program Director Wendell Clough, bands have been chosen to jump start the summer weekends.

“I have been fortunate to have Mayor Angel Taveras and Lynne McCormack support the types of artists that WBRU can bring in,” Wendell says. “The stage at Waterplace Park sets a perfect backdrop for Friday nights.” Here he describes the lineup:

June 7 – New Politics: “A European Import from Denmark, supporting their second release on RCA records, featuring the single ‘Harlem.’ New Politics have played the market four or five times before, but this is the first free show.”

June 14 – Torn Shorts: “Torn Shorts, from Barrington, stormed the stage at the Met in April, and rode off with the winner’s crown in the 2013 WBRU Rock Hunt.”

June 21 – 1975: “The band is from Manchester, U.K. and was an eye opener at SXSW in Austin.”

June 28 – The Neighbourhood: “The Neighbourhood hit the top 10 on the national alternative chart the first week of April with their single ‘Sweater Weather.’ The band of tattooed teens and 20-somethings from Los Angeles made their Providence debut at The Met in January.”

July 5 – The Mowgli’s: “The Mowgli’s also hail from Los Angeles, even as their top 20 single is called ‘San Francisco.’”

July 12 – Cold War Kids: “Cold War Kids is easily the biggest name on the slate this year. Having released four albums in nine years, the band has enjoyed five American Alternative Top 40 hits.” Free. 7:30pm. Waterplace Park, Providence.

Experience the enchanting side of Providence by attending this year's annual WaterFire - June 8, July 13, August 10 & 24. Bring your family to make lasting memories with the community of Providence as it gathers to watch the city light up from Waterplace Park to Memorial/South Main Street Park just minutes after sunset. Attendees can enjoy the 80 beautiful braziers (lit up along Providence’s three rivers), watch talented performers and take a stroll around the side streets. Merchandise is available in WaterFire’s store to show your city pride (located on Canal Street), and food is available by multiple vendors. Catch June 8’s event as WaterFire celebrates Gaspee Day, sponsored by Textron Charitable Trust and Rhode Island Hoteliers. Donation upon admission is suggested for each event. Five dollar donations at the Luminaria Station allows you to light a lantern with a special dedication message of your choice. Times of sunset are listed on WaterFire’s website for each event. Make sure to check it out. $5 donation suggested. Located at Waterplace Park, Providence. Sunset-12am.