The weather isn’t the only thing heating up this season, as we just released 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 Wednesday, April 27th at Ciro’s Tavern, drew a crowd of over 50 concert goers, despite rather unseasonable weather.
“So many showed their commitment to the series at last month’s release party,” said NWBRV Director of Resource and Communications Meg Rego. “Even with the windy conditions, people gathered to hear music from Rhody favorite Back Rhodes, enjoy complimentary appetizers and to hear the 2022 lineup!”
As the vocals of Back Rhodes members Jesse, Ed and Chris reminded Woonsocket of the joys that music can bring, the Woonsocket 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 The Adam Ezra Group to Steve Smith and the Naked Truth.
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!) Pop, Reggae, Americana and Zydeco. Artists will travel from as far as Austin, Texas 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 17 through August 19 at River Island Art Park in Woonsocket.
2022 Lineup!
June 17
The New Respects (Rock/Soul)
A Nashville, TN-based, high energy, throwback rock and soul group. This act is known for bright, feel-good tracks stacked with lush harmonies and propulsive beats that get all ages up and dancing. The New Respects will also be touring the country this summer as the Levitt National Touring Act. In addition to visiting Woonsocket, they’ll travel to 6 other venues, highlighting the collective impact of the Levitt network and common mission to build community through music.
June 24
Adam Ezra Group (Americana)
Boston-based band formed around guitarist and singer Adam Ezra. Ezra, known for performing barefoot. The group focuses on community, and the belief that making music together is itself, a form of grassroots organizing, capable of nothing less than changing the world. Adam Ezra Group was scheduled to perform in Woonsocket during the 2021 season, but the early arrival of Adam’s daughter postponed this performance to 2022.
July 1
Grace Pettis (Folk/Country)
Austin, TX-based singer-songwriter, Grace Pettis is the winner of many of the nation’s most prestigious songwriting contests, including NPR’s Mountain Stage New Song Contest. She’s the daughter of a songwriter and poet and song-writing comes naturally to this esteemed artist with a powerful voice. Interestingly, across the industry women only make up 20% of chart topping musicians, 12% of songwriters, and 2% of producers – this artist sought to alter these stats, and her most recent album was produced entirely by female or non-binary musicians and production team.
July 8
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 15
Making Movies (Cumbia)
These genre-busting troubadours bring an eclectic fusion of rock, cumbia, and spoken word to the stage. The two pairs of brothers with Latin American Roots are known for their contagious Afro-Latin rhythms, socially-conscious messages, and heartfelt performances.
July 22
Curley Taylor and the Zydeco Trouble (Zydeco/Blues)
Hailing from the heart of Creole country, Louisiana, Curley’s soulful bluesy vocals and the band’s hard driving zydeco beat blend to create their unique style of zydeco and blues that keeps audiences dancing. “It’s always a party when Zydeco Trouble comes to town.”
July 29
High and Mighty Brass Band (R&B / Hip Hop / Funk)
NYC- based brass band, keeping crowds energized with their unique blend of R&B, hip hop, Afro-beat and New Orleans-style funk. High and Mighty Brass Band entertains crowds with original music and their take on current and classic cover songs.
Aug. 5
Gina Chavez (Pop)
This multi-ethnic, Austin, TX native is a queer, Catholic, internationally-acclaimed Latinx pop artist who is redefining Latin music in Texas and beyond. A 12-time Austin Music Award winner and Latin Grammy Nominee, Gina Chavez holds awards as 2015 Musician of the Year and 2019 Best Female Vocals. She has more than a million views on her NPR Tiny Desk and a 12-country tour through Latin America, the Middle East, and Central Asia as a cultural ambassador with the US State Department.
Aug. 12
Wesli (Reggae)
This Haitian Canadian musician is most noted for winning the Juno Award for World Music Album of the year in 2019. Born troubadour and committed artist, Wesli’s groove machine fuses afrobeat, reggae, and Haitian rara into an energetic and irresistible performance.
Aug. 19
Remember Jones (Pop)
One of a kind soul/pop singer, storyteller and bandleader with a throwback vibe and authentic energy. His original music and creative, theatrical event have played into countless packed and sold-out clubs and theaters throughout the US.