In partnership with Levitt AMP, NWBRV aims to bring communities together and nurture Rhode Island’s musical ecosystem by prioritizing investment in a variety of unique artists. With this in mind–get ready to kick off your summer nights with Season 7 of the Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series!
Beginning Friday, June 13, the sounds of the season will be gracing us every Friday from 6-9pm at River Island Art Park, located at 95 Bernon Street in Woonsocket. Each Friday evening through August 22nd will showcase a local opening act, followed by a touring headlining artist.
We couldn’t be more excited to announce the release of our hot upcoming lineup for this summer’s Music Series! Join us for these free, public events that transform River Island weekly into a hub of activity, complete with food trucks, vendors, kid-friendly fun, and a bar courtesy of Ciro’s Tavern!
We’d like to extend a special thank you to the Levitt Foundation for sponsoring 7 years of #free, #livemusic in our community. Keep reading for the complete lineup and a snapshot of each artist!
2025 Lineup!
June 13 – EhShawnee (Salsa)
Shawnee Taveras is a Dominican-American singer-songwriter and media personality living in Providence, Rhode Island. Taveras was born in Santo Domingo in 1993, moving to Rhode Island when she was young. She started her music career in Providence in 2007, by participating in El Festival de La Voz. Shortly after, she performed at festivals and concerts across the region. She has also performed throughout the Dominican Republic. Her musical influences include Milly Quezada, Shakira and Juan Luis Guerra. Taveras is a member of the Telemundo Providence cast and has released several singles.
June 20 – Sons of Mystro (Reggae / Hip Hop)
Sons of Mystro has been honing their skills using the violin instead of their voices to express song lyrics since June 2010. With a violin in hand and innovation in their veins, Sons of Mystro isn’t just playing music—they’re rewriting the rules. This dynamic duo has captivated audiences worldwide, sharing stages with reggae royalty like Marcia Griffiths, John Holt, and Barrington Levy, while seamlessly bridging the gap to the new school with electrifying collaborations featuring Beenie Man, Mr. Vegas, and Romain Virgo. Their ability to blend generations of sound isn’t just skill—it’s sorcery. Legends and rising stars alike have been left in awe by their genre-defying arrangements and jaw-dropping musicality. Whether reimagining classics or crafting originals for their highly anticipated debut album, Sons of Mystro doesn’t just cover songs—they elevate them.
June 27 – The Barefoot Movement (Bluegrass)
Since 2011, progressive acoustic band The Barefoot Movement has been recording and touring internationally, winning the 2014 IBMA momentum award, and releasing three studio albums as well as a live album, a holiday album, two EP’s, and a covers collection. While band dynamics have shifted over the years, The Barefoot Movement co-founders and married couple Noah Wall and Tommy Norris currently perform both the music they can make together as a duo, and with a hired band behind them. The result has been a collection of original songs penned and performed by Wall and Norris, joined by many friends and guests, including former bandmates Katie Blomarz (bass), Alex Conerly (guitar), and current touring guitarist Ben Howington.
July 11 – Smith and the Naked Truth (Big Brass)
Rhode Island’s musical legends are back, and they’re bringing the brass! Steve Smith & the Naked Truth have been lighting up stages for over five decades, earning their place in the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame. With a lineup that boasts a powerhouse rhythm section, a sizzling brass ensemble, and the charismatic vocals of Steve Smith himself, get ready to groove to their original tunes like never before. From the heart of Rhode Island to the Levitt stage, the Nakeds are here to show you what it means to bring the big brass energy!
July 18 – Afro-Andean Funk (Afro-Pop / Funk)
Two time Latin Grammy-Nominated Afro-Andean Funk is a groundbreaking band led by Peruvian singer Araceli Poma and American music producer/bassist/composer Matt Geraghty. Their unique blend of Afro-Andean roots, world music, and funk draws on themes of social struggle, shamanic rituals, and indigenous Peruvian traditions. With a mission to unite musical cultures and bring visibility to the Quechua language—the most widely spoken indigenous language in South America—their music bridges cultural and geographic divides.
July 25 – Alexus Lee (Rhythm & Blues)
Providence born Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Educator Alexus Lee lives her life through music. On the stage she dazzles audiences with her soulful storytelling, masterful vocals and infectious grooves and off the stage she shares her love of music through teaching private lessons in voice, piano and songwriting. Alexus’s four octave range, skillful ability for storytelling, and commanding stage presence, have carried her to countless cities, states, and countries around the world. The Berklee graduate has shared stages with world class talents such as Mac Ayres and has been featured in numerous online, television and print publications.
August 1 – Chris Pierce (Soul)
At a young age, Pierce developed a rare hearing disorder called Otosclerosis that led to the loss of hearing in one ear and partial deafness in the other, a setback that would deter many young musicians forever. The reality, however, fueled Chris’ passion and determination all the more, forcing him to re-learn almost everything he had known prior to his condition. To Chris, music was, and still is, an unconditional companion. Pierce has also performed worldwide headlining tours and has performed with Neil Young, B.B. King, Steve Earle, Seal, Al Green, Allison Russell, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Rodrigo y Gabriella, Jill Scott, Keb’Mo, Blind Boys of Alabama, Aaron Neville and others.
August 8 – Sweet Lizzy Project (Cuban Rock)
A Rock band from Havana Cuba, Sweet Lizzy Project plays electrifying big stage pop-rock with a modern sheen and classic rock heart. Diaz is a lightning bolt of a front woman; her lyrics are boldly vulnerable, and her vocals range from seductive soft tones to rafter-rattling high tones. Her creative partner is world class engineer/producer, songwriter, background vocalist, and dazzling lead guitarist Miguel Comas. Diaz and Comas are joined in Sweet Lizzy Project by talented guitarist and bass player, Wilfredo Gatell, and skilled drummer Angel Luis Millet.
August 15 – Terrance Simien (Zydeco)
For over 40 years, two-time GRAMMY award winning, 8th generation Louisiana Creole, Terrance Simien, has been shattering the myths about what traditional Zydeco roots music is–Black American roots music born of the African American/Black and mixed race French speaking Creoles of South Louisiana. Simien leads a highly skilled Zydeco Experience band with long time band member, close friend and creative collaborator, Danny Williams. Band members include Stan Chambers, Ian Molinaro-Thompson, Michael Christie and Noah Boshra. Simien has become one of the most respected and accomplished artists in American roots music today. He and his band mates have performed nearly 10,000 concerts, toured millions of miles to over 45 countries during their eventful career.
August 22 – Hermitage Green (Irish Folk/Rock)
Hermitage Green are an Irish acoustic folk rock band. Formed in July 2010, the band primarily feature on the Limerick music scene. Formed in 20210, Hermitage Green are made up of brothers Dan and Barry Murphy, Darragh Griffin, Darragh Graham and Dermot Sheedy. The band released their debut EP The Gathering in 2012 before releasing Hermitage Green – Live At Whelans the following year. Electronic synths, sampled drums, and didgeridoo have become a huge part of their sound. They have toured in Ireland, the UK, and Australia.
Since 2018, the free, family-friendly, 10-week music series has transformed River Island Art Park into a cultural hub of entertainment on Friday evenings. With goals of amplifying community pride, enriching lives through the power of free, live music, and creating vibrant public places, the work we do fosters tourism, enhances the resident experience, and is a point of pride for the City.
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
Thank you to our Sponsors!
The series is organized by NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley in partnership with the City of Woonsocket, Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative, and O-N Radio Worldwide. This series would not be possible without the generosity of national and local sponsors. Thank you for your support! Your tax-deductible donation will be directly invested into the 20 talented musicians brought to the stage in River Island Art Park.
PRESENTING SPONSOR: The Levitt Foundation
GRAMMY LEVEL SPONSORS ($2500+): Navigant Credit Union, Olly’s Pizza, RISCA, River Falls, Sonia Lindsey Giving Fund, Woonsocket Head Start
ALBUM LEVEL SPONSORS ($1000+): Beacon Charter Schools, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Complete Site Solutions, J B Liquors, Milford Federal Bank, Nationwide Construction, NeighborWorks America, Papitto Opportunity Connection/Leadership RI, Senators Murray & Thompson, Representatives Phillips, Casey & Brien
EP LEVEL SPONSORS ($500+): Apex Technology Group, Bank Newport, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Boys & Girls Club of Northern Rhode Island, Mitson Law Associates, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, Neighborhood Property Management, PosiGen, World Insurance
DEMO LEVEL SPONSORS ($250+): Andreoni Law Offices, Bally’s Twin River Casino, Buxton Hollow Farm Natural Products, Lamagna Law Offices, Mancieri Real Estate, Mayor Christopher Beauchamp, Oak Street Health, Pineda’s Outdoor Living, Woonsocket Teachers Guild
FRIENDS OF LEVITT ($25-$249): Bob & Jane Bouchard, Carol Nasuti, Clarisse Dexter, David DiPardo, Meg Rego, Nancy and Raymond Benoit, Nancy Giambusso, Timeless Antiques, Vision Associates
The Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series is supported in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, which partners with changemakers and nonprofits across the country to activate underused outdoor spaces through the power of free, live music—bringing people together, fostering belonging, and invigorating community life. Presenting high- caliber talent and a broad array of music genres and cultural programming, Levitt concerts are welcoming and inclusive destinations where people of all ages and backgrounds come together.
In 2025, the Levitt Foundation is supporting 650+ free concerts in 50+ towns and cities with a total audience of nearly 1 million people. In addition to supporting free concerts, the Levitt Foundation is dedicated to advancing equitable music ecosystems through research and partnerships. www.levitt.org.
