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 8 of the Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series!
Beginning Friday, June 12th, sounds of the season will be gracing us on Fridays from 6-9pm at River Island Art Park, located at 95 Bernon Street in Woonsocket. Each Friday evening through August 21st 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 weekly free, public events that transform River Island 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 8 years of #free, #livemusic in our community. Keep reading for the complete lineup and a snapshot of each artist!
2026 Lineup!
June 12-Shayna Steele (Soul, Blues, Jazz)
A powerhouse vocalist known for her versatility and commanding stage presence, Shayna Steele brings a genre-blending sound that seamlessly fuses soul, jazz, and blues. Her dynamic career has spanned global stages, from the Monterey Jazz Festival to collaborations with Snarky Puppy at the North Sea Jazz Festival, cementing her reputation as one of today’s most in-demand voices. In 2023, she debuted her solo symphony show, American Diva, with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Grammy-winning conductor Jeff Tyzik. She has since performed with more than 100 symphony orchestras across North America. Her impressive résumé includes collaborations with artists like Chris Botti and Moby, as well as contributions to major film and television soundtracks such as Hairspray, The Bourne Identity, and Sex and the City 2. A seasoned performer, Steele has graced Broadway stages in RENT, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Hairspray, while also lending her voice as a backing vocalist for stars like Bette Midler, Rihanna, and Kelly Clarkson. As a solo artist, she has released four studio albums, with RISE reaching No. 2 on the U.S. iTunes Jazz charts and No. 1 internationally. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Steele continues to inspire as both a performer and educator, leading workshops and teaching vocalists around the world. We’re also excited to announce that this evening’s event includes a Community Collaborative Fair in partnership with BCBSRI and WHSCDA.
June 19-Lizzie No (Americana)
With the release of her debut album, Hard Won, in March 2017, singer-songwriter, harpist, and guitarist Lizzie No established herself as one of the most exciting new voices in indie folk music. Billboard magazine called the album “simultaneously understated and fervent.” She followed up the release with “Sundown,” a benefit track supporting Black Lives Matter. No embodies a range of characters in her music, from the handsome egoist in “Narcissus” — which Rolling Stone called a “crisp alt-rock gem” — to a broke songwriter waiting for her big break in “Pity Party,” to a bitter and isolated rocker in “Loyalty,” ranting that the crowd has left him behind. Inventive arrangements, written in collaboration with co-producer Nick Rapley, elevate the record to shimmering heights, alternating between swaggering grooves and intimate clarity. Lizzie has toured with Iron & Wine, Adia Victoria, Ron Pope, and Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, and has showcased at festivals including Newport Folk Festival, AmericanaFest, South by Southwest, and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. Classical arrangements of her songs have been performed at the Louisville Orchestra’s Festival of American Music and the Downtown Chamber Series. She is also a winner of the American Songwriter Magazine Lyrics Contest.
June 26-Kaleta & Super Yamba Band (Afropop)
We’re thrilled to host this Friday’s event in partnership with Summer of Soccer as we celebrate the excitement and spirit of the International Soccer Tournament! Brooklyn’s Kaleta & Super Yamba Band is fronted by Afrobeat and Juju veteran Leon Ligan-Majek, a.k.a. Kaleta. The singer and guitarist from the West African country of the Benin Republic spent his adolescence in Lagos, Nigeria, where Afrobeat was born. Kaleta’s guitar chops earned him decades of touring and recording with Fela Kuti, King Sunny Adé, Lauryn Hill, and more. Based in New York City, Kaleta has led Super Yamba Band since 2017. Their debut album, Mèdaho, released by California indie label Ubiquity Records, draws on the group’s shared reverence for the raw, psychedelic sounds that captivated Kaleta as a music-loving child in 1970s Benin. Mèdaho means “big brother,” “elder,” or “teacher,” and is dedicated to Kaleta’s late brother, Ligan-Ozavino Pascal, who introduced him to funk and soul music at an early age. The album was included on Bandcamp’s “Best Albums of Summer 2019” list, and two of its songs were chosen for the ABC/Hulu series High Fidelity, starring Zoë Kravitz.
July 10-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 and building a legacy as one of the region’s most enduring rhythm and blues powerhouses. The ten-member ensemble features a four-piece rhythm section, a five-piece brass section, and charismatic frontman Steve Smith, whose vocals anchor the group’s unmistakable sound. Together, they deliver a high-energy blend of rhythm, brass, and soul that has kept audiences moving for generations. From their earliest days to the present, Steve Smith & the Naked Truth have maintained a relentless performance schedule and a vibrant recording career. Over the years, they have shared stages and studios with notable collaborators, including Clarence Clemons, saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, contributing to a series of acclaimed performances. Their reach has also extended to television, with appearances on MTV’s The Basement Tapes and more recently on Family Guy. Now celebrating more than 50 years of live performances and studio work, the band continues to embody the spirit of infectious, brass-driven celebration. From Rhode Island to the Levitt stage, the Nakeds remain committed to delivering their signature “big brass energy.” We also look forward to celebrating the inaugural Woonie Crit on 7/12!
July 17-Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers (Zydeco)
Dwayne (Dopsie) Rubin hails from one of the most influential Zydeco families in the world. Although inspired by tradition, Dwayne has developed his own high-energy style that defies existing stereotypes and blazes a refreshingly distinct path for 21st-century Zydeco music. This singer, songwriter, and accordionist has performed all over the world since debuting his band, Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, at age 19. The Louisiana native writes both the lyrics and music for his songs and describes the upcoming album as soulful with a touch of blues and an old-time Zydeco feel. They also add elements of rhythm and blues, funk, rock and roll, reggae, and pop to their performances, making them a versatile choice for any audience. This indie artist was named “The Hottest Accordionist” in America for his ability to both work the crowd and deliver musical harmony in grand fashion. Dwayne doesn’t confine himself to the stage; he interacts with the crowd, blurring the barrier between performer and audience. Audiences jump to their feet, energized by Dwayne’s musical innovation, charismatic performance, and sheer raw talent. His ability to capture the imagination, heart, and soul of his audience makes Dwayne one of today’s most dynamic performers. This evening will include a CCF Family Night Celebration.
July 24-Crooked Coast (Reggae, Punk)
Crooked Coast doesn’t waste a minute getting to the goods. They cut their teeth in the dive bars and tourist traps of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where they learned to get to the hooks and not stop until last call. Listening to them, you can feel the bright colors of a summer vacationland and the darkness beneath the surface—the long winter waiting around the corner. Through independent hustle, the band has been invited to perform at festivals such as Boston Calling and Beach Road Weekend, as well as touring the United States. Their music has racked up millions of streams, and they were named 2025 New England Music Awards Artist of the Year. Since 2019, they have hosted and headlined their own music festival, Coast-Fest, in Falmouth, MA. Fueled by raw energy and fearless authenticity, Crooked Coast continues to carve its own lane in the industry. Blurring genre lines and building community, they’re proving a band from the edge of the Bay State can make waves far beyond it. Crooked Coast has swept the region with innovative shows and music for years. The Cape Cod band draws inspiration from classic rock, hip-hop, and reggae to create a vibrant, powerful sound that hits nostalgic notes while staying fresh and current. This evening hosts a celebration of Grow Smart RI.
July 31- Sunny Sweeney (Country)
Following your instincts is not as easy as Sunny Sweeney makes it look. A patron saint of broken hearts on the mend, Sweeney comforts the rest of us by being honest with herself—and everyone else. She is her generation’s sly country conscience: warm but stubborn, sad but funny, rowdy but thoughtful. Her new album, Rhinestone Requiem, is a delectable testament to that love, brimming with achingly pretty melodies and grown-up storytelling. It’s also an expertly assembled grab bag of the traditional song structures that have built country music, one three-quarter whirl at a time. If anyone has the bona fides to be country music’s loving, defiant standard-bearer, it’s Sweeney. In addition to releasing five critically acclaimed albums since her 2006 debut, Heartbreaker’s Hall of Fame, she has become a trusted song curator and advocate for other artists as the host of her SiriusXM shows The Sunny Side of Life on Outlaw Country and Sunny Side Up on Willie’s Roadhouse. Born in Houston and raised in East Texas, Sweeney made her home on the road before settling down in the hills of Hendersonville, Tennessee, a couple of years ago. The release of Rhinestone Requiem represents another milestone. The City of Woonsocket will be hosting a special RI250 Celebration in conjunction with this event.
August 7- Tray Wellington (Bluegrass, Hip Hop)
Tray Wellington is an acclaimed banjo innovator whose genre-defying approach bridges folk, bluegrass, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary roots music. Recognized for his fearless exploration of the banjo’s possibilities, Tray has emerged as one of the most exciting boundary-pushing voices in modern acoustic music. His artistry has taken him to stages around the world, from intimate house concerts to landmark performances on Saturday Night Live with Mumford & Sons, as well as premier festivals including Newport Folk Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and Bourbon & Beyond.
His newest project, Heart on the Table, represents a bold new creative direction, blending folk storytelling traditions with contemporary rhythm, improvisation, and hip hop influences. The project explores themes of resilience, identity, mental health, and connection while challenging audiences to rethink the boundaries between genres. Alongside his traditional bluegrass work, audiences can expect a special hip hop-inspired performance showcasing this exciting new chapter in Tray’s evolving sound.
August 14- Domenic Marte (Latin)
Domenic Marte (also known as Domenic M or D. Marte) is a Dominican and Puerto Rican American singer, songwriter, and producer best known for pioneering the Bachata Pop genre. He rose to prominence in 2004 with his debut single “Ven Tú,” which peaked at No. 7 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart on April 30, 2005, and remained on the chart for 34 weeks. With a career spanning over two decades, Marte has released multiple bilingual albums, blending traditional bachata with Latin pop and R&B influences. He has charted more than 15 times on Billboard’s Tropical charts, released the first fully English-language bachata album, and earned nominations from Premio Lo Nuestro and the Billboard Latin Music Awards. As of 2025, his music has been streamed in over 162 countries, with more than 22 million Spotify streams for his hit “Ven Tú” and 27 million for his debut album Intimamente. Overall, his catalog has surpassed 330 million Spotify streams, including 283 million for For the World, 28 million for Intimamente, and 9.4 million for Deseos De Amarte, making him one of the most streamed independent bachata artists in the digital era. This evening is presented in collaboration with Woonsocket’s Inaugural Puerto Rican festival to be held later in August.
August 21-Bermuda Search Party (Alternative, Indie)
Unapologetically energetic and uplifting, with a live show that has been described as a “celebration of life,” Bermuda Search Party has emerged as a vibrant act that continues to touch audiences’ hearts while getting them up on their feet. After meeting in college and cutting their teeth in the Boston DIY music scene, the band recorded and released their self-produced debut LP, Melancholy Flowers, in 2022. Dynamic yet intimate, Melancholy Flowers features the vocal stylings and songwriting of guitarist Leo Son and bassist Claire Davis, along with smooth, soaring trumpet and trombone from Maclin Tucker and Hoyt Parquet. Since then, the band has played hundreds of stages across the country, traveling from coast to coast and appearing at festivals including Boston Calling, Summerfest, SXSW, and Treefort Music Festival. They returned to the studio in September 2023 with producer Eric Palmquist (half•alive, Tate McRae, Bad Suns, Hunny) and signed with Nettwerk Music Group to release their sophomore album, Fools On Parade. The band toured in support of the record throughout 2025, culminating in four Boston Music Awards nominations for Live and Pop Act of the Year, Video of the Year for “Olivia,” and Album of the Year.
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 ($5000+): RISCA, Summer of Soccer
ALBUM LEVEL SPONSORS ($2500+): Eastern Bank, Sonia Lindsey Giving Fund, Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative
EP LEVEL SPONSORS ($1000+): Woonsocket’s America 250 Celebration, Beacon Mutual Insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI, Citizens’ Bank, Complete Site Solutions, Nation Wide Construction, Centreville Bank, Milford Federal Bank
DEMO LEVEL SPONSORS ($500+): Autumnfest, Beacon Charter School, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Boys & Girls Club of Northern RI, Daisy & Co. Floral Boutique, Dean Bank, Mancieri Real Estate, Mitson Law Associates
FRIENDS OF LEVITT: Apex Technology group, Carol Nasuti, Johanna Pabst, Nancy and Raymond Benoit, Nancy Giambusso, Pineda’s Outdoor Living, Timeless Antiques, Wendi Kotal, Meg Rego
The Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series is supported in part by the Levitt Family Foundation, which partners with changemakers and nonprofits to strengthen the social fabric of communities in America through free, live music in outdoor public spaces. Presenting high-caliber talent and a broad array of music genres and cultural programming, Levitt concerts are welcoming, inclusive destinations where people of all ages and backgrounds come together. In 2026, the Levitt Family Foundation is supporting over 900 free concerts in 90+ towns and cities across the country, bringing joy to over a million people. In addition to supporting free concerts, the Foundation is dedicated to advancing vibrant music ecosystems through partnerships, field-building initiatives, and research.
Learn more at levitt.org
