We are absolutely thrilled to announce the release of our hot upcoming lineup for this summer’s free and family friendly Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series!
The band release party that took place on Thursday, May 4th, at Chans Restaurant in Woonsocket was nothing short of a smashing success, as the lineup was announced during the intermission of a performance by Providence-based R&B, soul, and jazz singer, Alexus Lee, during the free, public event.
“So many showed their commitment to the series at this month’s release party,” said NWBRV Director of Resource and Communications Meg Rego.
While the vocals of Alexus reminded Woonsocket of the joys that music can bring, our city’s music scene came alive for the first time this season. The band release party had everyone marking their calendars far into the summer, as the 10 week long concert series boasts headliners ranging from local big brass legends Steve Smith and the Naked Truth, to the Zydeco sensation Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, hailing all the way from New Orleans, Louisiana.
Over the last few years, the Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series has become the place to be on Friday nights. Residents have personally told me that they consider it to be the best arts event they attend all summer!”
NWBRV Director Meg Rego
The acts range in musical genres and include (but aren’t limited to!) Reggae, Ska, Zydeco, Celtic Rock, and Blues. Artists will travel from as far as Los Angeles, California to perform at weekly concerts complete with food trucks, local craft vendors, and an on-site bar provided by Ciro’s Tavern. Concerts will occur Friday nights from June 16 through August 18 at River Island Art Park in Woonsocket.
2023 Lineup!
June 16
Kiki Valera y su Son Cubano (Son Cubano)
Son cubano is one of the most popular musical styles in Cuba and Kiki Valera is one of its foremost exponents. Over the last century, this style of traditional Cuban music has contributed to many other musical genres, including Jazz, Cha Cha Cha, Mambo, Salsa, Songo and Timba. Cuban son is the music that made the Buena Vista Social Club worldwide stars in the late 1990s but Kiki Valera comes from a family of musicians whose involvement with Cuban son pre-dates the BVSC by decades.
June 23
Annika Chambers & Paul DesLauriers (Blues)
Both on stage and in their privates lives, these two internationally acclaimed artists share incredible chemistry! Their first introduction in the historic Orpheum Theatre lobby during the 2018 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee left a lasting impression on the now married duo. Canadian Blues-Rocker Paul DesLauriers and acclaimed American Soul-Blues singer Annika Chambers have unified their artistic destiny and we can’t wait to see it fulfilled on our Levitt stage this summer!
June 30
Steve Smith & the Naked Truth (Big Brass)
Nothing says Rhode Island like Steve Smith and the Naked Truth. With an almost 50 year musical history in the state, and a well-earned position in the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame, The Nakeds are returning for a fourth season on our Levitt stage. Though known for their covers, this show will feature their original songs. The ten-man unit consists of a four-piece rhythm section, a five piece brass section, and lead vocalist, Steve Smith.
July 7
Kyshona (R&B)
With the background of a licensed music therapist, the curiosity of a writer, the patience of a friend, the vision of a social entrepreneur, the resolve of an activist, and the voice of a singer, Kyshona is unrelenting in her pursuit for the healing power of song. Kyshona blends roots, rock, R&B, and folk with lyrical prowess to uplift the marginalized and bring awareness to the masses. A match made in heaven for River Island Art Park!
July 14
Angie K (Country)
Born in El Salvador, Angie K offers a bit of Spanish flair to her on-stage presence as a Country music artist. Shaking up Nashville with her fresh blend of hard hitting country with a nod to her Latin roots, Angie K was recently named to the 2023 class of CMT’s ‘Next Women of Country’ after scoring 3 back to back #1 music videos on the channel’s 12 Pack Countdown. Angie has shared the stage with artists like Big & Rich, Tanya Tucker, Sammy Kershaw, Trace Adkins, Melissa Etheridge, and Jake Owen–and we couldn’t be more pumped to add Levitt to her resume!
July 21
The Young Dubliners (Celtic Rock)
With a thirty year history as one of the world’s leading Celtic Rock bands, this rock/Celtic fusion act brings a high energy show everywhere they go. In recent years the Young Dubs have appeared twice on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live, released music featured in the hit TV show Sons Of Anarchy and toured extensively as both headliners and openers for artists including Collective Soul, Jethro Tull, Johnny Lang, Los Lobos, Chris Isaak and many more. Join us in welcoming them to Woonsocket this July!
July 28
B2Wins (World Music)
Pronounced B-Twins, this high energy entertainment group captivates audiences worldwide with its unique renditions of crowd favorites and engaging, uplifting live shows. Led by charismatic Twin brothers from Brazil, they combine a plethora of genres into a feel good performance that is equal parts rock concert, dance party, jam session and vacation for the soul.
August 4
Girls on Grass (Rock)
A four piece, no frills rock unit, the New York based group takes a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to songwriting. The partnership of singer-guitarist Barbara Endes and drummer Nancy Polstein lightly sketches faded, slice-of-life vignettes in funny, whip-smart lyrics combined with simple melodies that always leave listeners wanting more.
August 11
The Agents (Reggae / Ska)
For the past 20 years, The Agents have proven to be a band that can’t be ignored. The group’s logo proudly displays the skyline of Providence, Rhode Island, where the band is from. “The small town with the big sound” is how The Agents like to think of their hometown. The band takes their energetic blend of ska, rock steady, and reggae throughout the U.S.A., and thankfully land this summer in Little Rhody for a night!
August 18
Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas (Zydeco)
Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, this group brings its own unique take on the regional South Louisiana music to all corners of the globe. With a home in the Louisiana hall of fame, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Zydeco Music Association, this group is coveted as one of the top Festival Bands. Keepers of the Zydeco Flame, they are committed to keeping their Creole Heritage alive!
Sponsors: This series would not be possible without the generosity of national and local sponsors. Those interested in sponsoring the Series please visit www.neighborworksbrv.org.
