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Home / Creative Placemaking / Kick Off the Season at the Levitt AMP Woonsocket Band Release Party and Inaugural Battle of the Bands

Kick Off the Season at the Levitt AMP Woonsocket Band Release Party and Inaugural Battle of the Bands

May 1, 2026 by Holly Abney

Spring is in full swing—the only thing missing is the music! However, how long does our team here at NWBRV ever let Woonsocket stay silent for…

We’re kicking off the 2026 Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series with a night that brings it all together—our annual Band Release Party and the inaugural Battle of the Bands.

For the first time ever, Levitt AMP Woonsocket will host a truly epic Battle of the Bands, giving local artists a new opportunity to earn their spot on the Levitt stage.

As our annual Levitt AMP Woonsocket Summer Music Series has continued to grow, so have the numbers of local acts excited to perform on the brand new stage in River Island Art Park. Our inaugural Battle of the Bands will take place on May 7 from 6-8pm at Millrace, 40 South Main Street, and feature amazing local acts in one unforgettable night—with one winner punching their ticket to this summer’s Levitt series on Friday, July 10th!

The winner will be selected in old-school fashion, with 40% of the vote generated through an applause meter and the remaining 60% from audience vote. Attendees will have the chance to vote for their top two favorite bands-but you need to be there in person to cast your vote!

Not only will attendees get to participate first hand in landing a local band that coveted Levitt Stage spot (and $500 to boot!), battle goers will also be the first of our city’s music enthusiasts to learn who the 10 bands heading this summer’s Levitt Concert Series will be.

Combining the annual Levitt Band Release Party with the Battle promises an unforgettable night to all in attendance. What to expect – each act will perform a 15 minute set, or about three songs. The event is of coursed emceed by the one the only Inphynit the Ghost, and Adam Brunetti Production is taking care of professional sound, lighting and making sure the acts have what they need to put on a show!

Come hungry and ready to stay awhile. Full House Q will be on site serving up incredible food, and the bar by Ciro’s Tavern will be open throughout the evening.

And the night doesn’t stop at 8pm. All are invited to keep the energy going at the official after party—karaoke at Ciro’s Tavern starting at 9pm.

We’ve always seen Levitt AMP Woonsocket as more than just a music series, it’s a platform to bring the community together through free, live music. Each year, we hear from more and more incredible local artists who want to be part of the Levitt experience. Battle of the Bands is an exciting new way to open that door even wider. It gives more musicians a chance to share their original work, connect with new audiences, and earn a spot in front of hundreds at a Levitt concert. At the same time, it invites the community to play a direct role in shaping the lineup.”

NWBRV’s Director of Resource Development & Communications Meg Rego

Everyone in attendance is encouraged to get engaged with Levitt. Become a sponsor, a “friend of Levitt,” a volunteer, or a vendor at the series.

Whether you’re a musician or a music lover, Thursday May 7 will be a fun, high-energy way to kick off the season and be part of something special.

Be sure to block off May 7th to join us at Millrace, located at 40 South Main Street, Woonsocket, to play a role in the upcoming sounds of summer–and get that sneak peak we all want into this summer’s Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series!

Battle of the Bands Lineup!


Crash Space, Electric Pop/Dance

Crash Space is a high-energy space pop duo from Providence, RI, blending electronica, trip hop, and classic pop. Formed in 2024, they quickly made waves with their debut album Space Mom (2025) and a 2026 Motif Award for Favorite Electronic Act. Their live shows deliver a full-band feel through looping and layered vocals, pushing beyond what you’d expect from a duo. Fans of Portishead, Air, and Massive Attack will vibe with their atmospheric sound, while the soulful vocals channel hints of Amy Winehouse and Adele. With lush synths, groove-driven beats, and experimental textures, Crash Space brings a fresh, genre-bending edge to any lineup.

Honeycomb Lately, Acoustic Rock

Honeycomb Lately is a Rhode Island rock trio with an origin story as eclectic as their sound—a glassblower, photographer, and chef who met at an ice cream shop and started making music. Blending the laid-back spirit of ’70s folk with the edge of ’90s alternative rock, they deliver a style that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Their live shows are packed with energy and variety, from anthemic singalongs like “BABYDOOMER” to alt-country ballads like “Cappuccino,” plus reimagined covers like All Along the Watchtower that hit with new relevance. Fans will find plenty to love in their mix of thoughtful songwriting and danceable pop-folk grooves. After selling out their debut EP release show in Providence in late 2025, Honeycomb Lately is quickly carving out a place in the New England music scene.

LONGSHOTT, Punk

LONGSHOTT is an energetic punk rock band hailing from Rhode Island, formed in the vibrant early months of 2024. The dynamic lineup features the talented Madison Banigan, known for her fierce vocals and electric stage presence; Judah Lysik, whose skillful bass guitar riffs and innovative songwriting bring a fresh edge to the genre; and Coleton Brooks, providing a relentless rhythm on drums that drives their sound forward. Together, they are gaining momentum in the music scene, captivating audiences not only with their infectious new releases but also through their engaging interactions within their growing social community. As they continue to evolve, LONGSHOTT is carving out a distinctive niche in the punk rock landscape.

The Octopus Haberdashery, Eclectic Folk

The Octopus Haberdashery are a small but versatile collective of multi-instrumentalists, shaped heavily by the improvisational spirit of the jam scene. Rooted in musical exploration and live spontaneity, the group moves fluidly between instruments and styles, building each set around energy, feel, and connection rather than rigid structure. Their performances weave together a wide-ranging selection of covers alongside a growing catalog of original material, reimagined through a jam-influenced lens.

YONKS, Alternative Rock/Blues Rock

YONKS is a fierce, female-led rock band from Providence, RI, carving out their own lane with a bold blend of blues rock and pop they call “cowgirl rock.” Drawing inspiration from Paramore, Linda Ronstadt, Alanis Morissette, Mazzy Star, and Amy Winehouse, their sound balances grit, melody, and attitude. Their live shows channel that energy into something real and immediate—hook-driven songs, raw emotion, and an unapologetically authentic stage presence that connects fast and sticks with you.

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