Picnics & Pops: In Tune With Live Music

If you play your cards right, and Mother Nature co-operates, you can enjoy almost an entire week of great music in unorthodox, al fresco venues here on Aquidneck Island.

There are two great shows to choose from, both free, this evening. Tonight’s Family Night Concert at Easton’s Beach stars Newport’s own Lois Vaughan Jazz on the boardwalk from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Parking is free too.) Bring your own provisions and libations or visit the Easton’s Beach Snack Bar, which stays open late every family night. This might be a good time, if your haven’t already, to check out the Snack Bar’s famed twin lobster roll special: two stuffed lobster rolls served on buttery buns with a side of fries (though my one my friends constantly jests, how do they know they’re twins???) Meanwhile, over at Sweet Berry Farm, enjoy seafaring songs from both sides of the pond, including Irish sea chanteys, all by The Reprobates from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. (this show was originally scheduled for last Tuesday and rescheduled due to rain). Claim your spot in comfort with folding chairs, blankets, food et al. and enjoy the tunes and the view of more than 100 acres of preserved farmland, or, reserve a picnic table and feast on  Chef Scott’s New England Seacoast Dinner (call in advance for this treat: 401-847-3912.)

On Thursday, Portsmouth’s lovely Glen Manor House hosts a free, old-fashioned outdoor pops concert beginning at 6 p.m. The 57-member American Band will open the concert with the “Star Spangled Banner” and conclude with everybody standing for “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Picnics are encouraged so bring your blankets and chairs for this fun, outdoor, informal event (rain or shine). Handicapped parking and chairs for seniors will be available. Directions are available by phoning (401) 683-4177 or by CLICKING HERE.

Friday evening should lead you to Newport Art Museum’s Griswold House, where the First Fridays Series welcomes musicians specializing in all different genres.  This is not to be confused with the NAM’s PM Musical Picnic Series, which are hosted on the Griswold House lawn on the last Wednesday of the month through August. The first First Fridays Series ushers in The Bob Kendall Band from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and admission is $5 for members, and $8 for non-members. As the event is inside the museum, this is is not picnic style, but there will be a cash bar with wine from the fabulous Newport Wine Cellar.

And of course, the Newport Independent Music Festival continues their Sunday afternoon concert series with a variety of artists playing at the picturesque King Park gazebo overlooking Newport Harbor. This Sunday, catch jazz pianist Josh Fialkoff from the usual time, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Picnics encouraged, so bring your own grub, or you can visit Lou’s Hot Dogs & More hot dog cart- while supplies last!