SOLD OUT! Kevin Doyle’s Roscommon Soles – “Health to the Ladies!”

As of 12/30 we are sold out! Call in a reservation to get on our VERY SHORT waiting list but do not send a check unless we return your call to confirm!
 
Kevin Doyle’s Roscommon Soles, funded in part by a grant from Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, are excited to debut their newest show, themed for the New Year – “Health to the Ladies!” Titled for a traditional Irish jig, the concert of dance, music, song, and story celebrates the contributions of historic Rhode Island ladies to the arts and to the special season that celebrates all the holidays to come. Their influence was felt nationally and locally, from vaudeville to the age of radio and television, and on dance stages or in concert halls and recording studios. This celebration of families and their ladies features Kevin Doyle, National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow; Mary Lee Partington, regional vocal award-winner/NCTE inaugural Teacher of Excellence; Sheila Falls, American & All-Ireland fiddle champion and director of Gaelic Roots at Boston College; Torrin Ryan, multiple All-Ireland medalist and first on uilleann pipes; Tim Keohane, noted guitarist/vocalist of traditional Irish folk and popular repertoire; and a cameo dance appearance by The Dancing Doyles – Maureen Doyle & Shannon Doyle. Josh Kane, original cast member of Roscommon Soles, performs on flute and whistle and draws on his early training in step dance to infuse the tunes with the rhythm and roots of tradition.

TOBY WALKER

Or call in your reservations for our January 22, 3:00 p.m. matinee concert with Toby Walker to 401-725-9272.

Internationally and nationally acclaimed Toby Walker has been hailed as a roots music fingerstyle guitar virtuoso and songwriter who has toured the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada and Europe. Blending the styles of blues, ragtime, country, bluegrass, old-time jazz and rock, Walker has developed his own style and as such received numerous awards, including being the 1st-place recipient of the International Blues Challenge Award in Memphis and the NY Music Award for best instrumental CD. Walker has also been inducted into the NY Blues Hall Of Fame. Walker is also a nationally recognized guitar instructor, having taught at Jorma Kaukonen's Fur Peace Ranch, The Swanannoa Gathering, and the Guitar Intensive in Maine. Walker also has eight instructional DVDs on Happy Traum's Homespun Music Instruction. Toby’s passion for blues, rags, folk, and other traditional American music drove him to leave an apartment crammed full of recordings, books and instruments for the Mississippi Delta, Virginia and the Carolinas where he tracked down some of the more obscure – but immensely talented – music makers of an earlier era. He learned directly from Eugene Powell, James "Son" Thomas, Etta Baker, and R.L Burnside, among others.

FELLSWATER

Or call in your reservations for our January 28, 7:00 p.m. matinee concert with Fellswater to 401-725-9272.

Fellswater is a dynamic 7-piece Celtic music ensemble based out of Boston playing a wide range of music from traditional to modern compositions, drawing from the music of Scotland, Ireland, Brittany, Canada and beyond. Fellswater has delighted audiences at the New Hampshire Highland Games, Blackstone River Theatre, Boston Celtic Music Fest, The Burren Backroom Series, Club Passim and Colonial Williamsburg. Overseas events have included performing at Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. The band features Kyle Forsthoff on bodhran and percussion, Elizabeth Ketudat on fiddle, Sarah MacConduibh on Irish flute, whistles and fife, Andrew McIntosh on Scottish smallpipes and border pipes, Chris Myers on vocals, guitar, and octave mandolin, Diane Myers on vocals, and David Cabral on cello. Always a great time!

J.P. CORMIER

Or call in your reservations for our February 4, 3:00 p.m. matinee concert with J.P. Cormier to 401-725-9272.

John Paul "J.P." Cormier is a Canadian bluegrass/folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. At the age of 5, JP began teaching himself to play the guitar. At 9, he won his first guitar competition against 30 other players 4 times his age. By his mid teens, he was playing a variety of stringed instruments, including the fiddle, mandolin and banjo. He recorded his first album of bluegrass instrumentals at 16, which led to 10 years of living and performing in the US. His time there included many memorable nights at the Grand Ole Opry with artists such as Waylon Jennings, Earl Scruggs, Bill Monroe, and Vince Gill. Since returning to Canada, J.P. has released over a dozen award-winning albums. His impressive body of work has earned him a loyal fan base, 13 East Coast Music Awards, and one Canadian Folk Music Award. This will be the Blackstone River Theatre debut for this amazingly talented musician – prepare to be blown away!

KITTEL & CO.

Or call in your reservations for our February 11, 7:00 p.m. concert with Kittel & Co. to 401-725-9272.

Led by acclaimed violinist Jeremy Kittel (formerly of the Grammy-winning Turtle Island Quartet), Kittel & Co. (“Kid-dle and Koh”) inhabits the space between classical and acoustic roots, Celtic and bluegrass aesthetics, and folk and jazz sensibilities. Some of the greatest musicians in the incredible acoustic scene, the members of Kittel & Co. have collaborated with Béla Fleck, Sarah Jarosz, Chris Thile, and Yo-Yo Ma. Together, Jeremy Kittel and mandolin phenom Josh Pinkham, transcendent guitarist Quinn Bachand, bassist Jacob Warren, and hammer-dulcimer wizard Simon Chrisman coalesce into a singular voice that’s thrilled audiences from the Telluride Bluegrass Festival to A Prairie Home Companion. “[Kittel & Co.] takes the string band tradition to marvelously rarefied levels of collective virtuosity…. thrillingly spontaneous” –Times UK. Grammy-nominated Kittel & Co. will get your toes tapping and lift you out of your seat. Don't miss this incredible evening of music!

STEFAN COUTURE and the MOONDOG / COLD CHOCOLATE

Or call in your reservations for our February 17, 8:00 p.m. concert with Stefan Couture and the Moondog and Cold Chocolate to 401-725-9272.

Stefan Couture and the Moondog will redefine your idea of an acoustic duo with a sound so big it feels more like a band than it does a duo. A melting pot of Stefan’s soulful modern folk and great songwriting fused with the dynamic 12 string guitar of Matt Nolan. Stefan’s songs are written with heart and uses lyrics that are personal, yet completely relatable to all at the same time. True poetry of the human condition, Stefan’s music is like an old friend that captures the same type of spirit as troubadours like Tom Petty and more modern songwriters such as Ray Lamontagne and Ryan Montbleau. Nolan’s virtuosity on the 12 string can be heard in the first few notes. He doesn’t play these songs, but explores them with emotional, spacey textures touching on elements of blues and psychedelia. Their chemistry together is evident, making audiences wonder if they’re telepathically communicating with each other while they touch both your heart and mind. They are currently performing throughout the northeast and are currently working on an EP titled, “A Brief and Binding Light."

Cold Chocolate is a genre-bending Americana band that fuses folk, funk, and bluegrass to create a unique sound all their own. Featuring Ethan Robbins on guitar and Ariel Bernstein on percussion,  this duo from Boston is impressing audiences throughout New England and beyond. Punctuated by tight harmonies and skillful musicianship, and with a focus on songwriting, Cold Chocolate has quickly gained recognition for their original music and high-energy shows. The band has shared bills with Leftover Salmon and David Grisman, and regularly performs at venues and music festivals up and down the East Coast.

Cathy Clasper-Torch and Shelley Katsh / Torrin Ryan and Amy Law

Or call in your reservations for our February 26, 3:00 p.m. concert with Cathy Clasper-Torch & Shelley Katsh and Torrin Ryan & Amy Law to 401-725-9272.

Multi-instrumentalists Cathy Clasper-Torch and Shelley Katsh bring years of music making as well as friendship to a virtuoso collaboration of musicianship and spirit. Their repertoire, as heard on their CD, "From the Inside Out" is infused with both the sublime and lively – melodies ancient and contemporary – played "straight from the heart." Clasper-Torch performs violin, cello, erhu and piano with a diverse range of RI-based bands and musicians, and has recorded on over 3 dozen albums. Cathy has also been the fiddle instructor at Blackstone River Theatre since 2006. Shelley Katsh, on piano and accordion, performed klezmer and Hassidic music with Fishel Bresler and a range of Boston-based klezmer musicians for 20 years. She accompanies and sings with several Rhode Island musical groups and is the Music Director of The Miracle Project-New England.  

Torrin Ryan, of Attleboro, Mass., has grown up at Blackstone River Theatre having performed solo and with many groups over the past 12 years. Ryan specializes in the uilleann pipes and has gone on to win five All-Ireland medals in Ireland competition including being named the 2013 All-Ireland champion for slow airs on uilleann pipes. The Irish bagpipes, with air pumped from a bag squeezed by the elbow rather than blowing into it like Scottish bagpipes, is recognized as one of the most difficult traditional instruments to master. Torrin also performs on tin whistle and flute. He is joined today by fiddler Amy Law and they will join Cathy and Shelley at the end of the concert for a set of tunes together! Amy Law is an Irish fiddler, step dancer, and Sean-nós dancer who has been playing music since the age of 3 and performing for almost as long. A San Diego native now living in Southeast Mass., she is a student of renowned Seattle-based Irish fiddler Dale Russ. Amy has been inspired by Dale’s unique style as well as many of the great Sliabh Luachra-style fiddle and accordion players throughout the decades.

BILL HARLEY and THE COMMENTS

Or call in your reservations for our March 4, 3:00 p.m. concert with Bill Harley and the Comments to 401-725-9272.

Bill Harley is well‐traveled, well‐read, well‐educated, well‐spoken and well‐loved. Accompanied by his guitar, his songs and stories, both original and traditional, are a celebration of our common humanity. A two‐time Grammy winner and an inductee of the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame, Bill is outrageous, unpredictable and genuine with songs and stories about growing up, schooling and what it is to be human — our connections with one another and with the planet we share. Recognized by audiences and peers as one of the finest performing storytellers in the country, his work has influenced a generation of children, parents, performing artists and educators. Bill tours internationally as a performing artist, author and keynote speaker from his home in Seekonk, Mass. He'll be joined for this adult concert by Marty Ballou on bass, fiddler Rachel Panitch and Dick Reed on accordion. He’ll do a wide collection of his songs including some from his recently released recording “Walking Each Other Home” in addition to songs from some of his favorite songwriters, and a few stories underscored by these great musicians. From coyotes to trespassing through the suburbs to environmental disasters the size of the biggest little state, there will be something for everyone!

GUY DAVIS

Or call in your reservations for our March 5, 7:00 p.m. concert with Guy Davis to 401-725-9272.

One of the most gifted acoustic musicians on the planet, Guy Davis mixes light and airy melodies with profound observations about life in a troubled world on his latest album, a tour de force follow-up to "Sonny & Brownie’s Last Train," which earned him and his partner, Fabrizio Poggi, his second Grammy nomination in 2017. The son of Ozzie Davis and Ruby Dee — two of the brightest lights in the Civil Rights movement and foremost actors of their generation – Guy carries forward the songster tradition here, weaving together tunes that invoke images of prejudice, separation, tragedy and discord in a manner that’s both subtle and moving in its simplicity without being overbearing, something a lesser artist would find impossible to achieve. A mix of blues and Americana, Davis penned 12 of the 13 tracks on “Be Ready When I Call You" – a rarity in a career that spans 27 years and 14 albums. A gifted storyteller, his pleasant mid-range voice is more road-worn than ever while his talents on acoustic guitar, banjo and harmonica remain first-class. Don’t miss his Blackstone River Theatre debut!

SOLD OUT! Lúnasa with Daoirí Farrell

THIS SHOW IS SOLD OUT! There are still tickets for the 7 PM show, however! Please call in your reservations for our March 12, 7:00 p.m. concert with Lúnasa to 401-725-9272.

We are thrilled to bring back our friends Lúnasa so close to St. Patrick’s Day for a two concerts featuring special guest singer/bouzouki player Daoirí Farrell. Named for a Celtic harvest festival in honor of the Irish god Lugh, patron of the arts, Lúnasa is indeed a gathering of some of the top musical talents in Ireland. For 25 years its members have formed the backbone of some of the greatest Irish groups of the decade. Bassist Trevor Hutchinson was a key member of The Waterboys. Kevin Crawford, considered to be among the finest flutists in Ireland, played with Moving Cloud and piper Cillian Vallely comes from the same talented musical family as brother Niall, of the Karan Casey Band. Dynamic guitarist Ed Boyd made a name for himself with bands such as Flook, Kate Rusby, and Cara Dillon and is joined by award-winning fiddler Sean Smyth, who performed with Donal Lunny’s legendary Coolfin and accordionist Alan Kelly. Inspired by the legendary Irish group The Bothy Band, Lúnasa uses melodic interweaving of wind and string instruments pairing flutes, fiddle, whistle and pipes in breathtaking arrangements. They are universally acclaimed as one of the best Irish bands in the world and will be joined by Dublin-born traditional singer and bouzouki player Daoirí (pronounced ‘Derry’) Farrell who has been described by some of the biggest names in Irish folk music as one of most important singers to come out of Ireland in recent years.

Lúnasa with special guest Daoirí Farrell

TICKETS STILL REMAIN! ... but we have had to take our credit card processor offline. Please call in your reservations for our March 12, 7:00 p.m. concert with Lúnasa to 401-725-9272.

We are thrilled to bring back our friends Lúnasa so close to St. Patrick’s Day for a two concerts featuring special guest singer/bouzouki player Daoirí Farrell. Named for a Celtic harvest festival in honor of the Irish god Lugh, patron of the arts, Lúnasa is indeed a gathering of some of the top musical talents in Ireland. For 25 years its members have formed the backbone of some of the greatest Irish groups of the decade. Bassist Trevor Hutchinson was a key member of The Waterboys. Kevin Crawford, considered to be among the finest flutists in Ireland, played with Moving Cloud and piper Cillian Vallely comes from the same talented musical family as brother Niall, of the Karan Casey Band. Dynamic guitarist Ed Boyd made a name for himself with bands such as Flook, Kate Rusby, and Cara Dillon and is joined by award-winning fiddler Sean Smyth, who performed with Donal Lunny’s legendary Coolfin and accordionist Alan Kelly. Inspired by the legendary Irish group The Bothy Band, Lúnasa uses melodic interweaving of wind and string instruments pairing flutes, fiddle, whistle and pipes in breathtaking arrangements. They are universally acclaimed as one of the best Irish bands in the world and will be joined by Dublin-born traditional singer and bouzouki player Daoirí (pronounced ‘Derry’) Farrell who has been described by some of the biggest names in Irish folk music as one of most important singers to come out of Ireland in recent years.

OPEN THE DOOR FOR THREE

TICKETS STILL REMAIN! ... but we have had to take our credit card processor offline. Please call in your reservations for our March 18, 7:00 p.m. concert with Open the Door for Three to 401-725-9272.

We couldn't be more excited to present the R.I. debut of the amazing trio Open the Door for Three on St. Patrick's Day weekend! Open the Door for Three is fiddle player Liz Knowles, uilleann piper Kieran O’Hare, and Dublin-born singer and bouzouki player Pat Broaders. Their music is a rare combination of unearthed tunes from centuries-old collections, newly composed melodies, fresh arrangements of songs old and new, homages to the musicians and bands they grew up listening to, and the unmatched energy of a trio of good friends playing great Irish music together. Liz, Kieran, and Pat have been mainstays of the Irish music scene around the world, having distinguished themselves over the last two decades as soloists with Riverdance, Cherish the Ladies, String Sisters, Anúna, and more. As a trio, they have played to a wide range of audiences from Irish festivals, to concert halls, to pubs. They have performed at Carnegie Hall, at L'Olympia and the Palais des Congrès in Paris, in theatres from Shanghai to São Paulo, and even in a bullring in Mallorca. Most recently, they have been featured at The Kennedy Center’s Ireland 100 festival, the Celtic Colours festival in Cape Breton, at The Milwaukee Irish Festival, and in The Masters of Tradition series in Bantry, County Cork, Ireland. Not to be missed!

Máire Ní Chathasaigh and Chris Newman

TICKETS STILL REMAIN! ... but we have had to take our credit card processor offline. Please call in your reservations for our March 25, 3:00 p.m. concert with Máire Ní Chathasaigh and Chris Newman to 401-725-9272.

The celebrated virtuoso partnership of Máire Ní Chathasaigh – “the leading figure of Irish harpers” (Scotland on Sunday) and Chris Newman – “one of the UK’s most staggering and influential acoustic guitarists” (fROOTS), has brought its special musical vision to venues large and small in 22 countries on five continents. Shows are a breathtaking blend of traditional Irish music, hot jazz, bluegrass and baroque, coupled with striking new compositions and Chris’s delightfully subversive wit. Chris was  named "Male Musician of the Year” in the 2019 Live Ireland Awards. Gradam Cheoil TG4, the national Irish-language TV station’s Award for Irish Traditional Musician of the Year was presented to Máire in 2001 “for the excellence and pioneering force of her music, the remarkable growth she has brought to the music of the harp and the positive influence she has had on the young generation of harpers” at a televised ceremony in the Cork Opera House. The Gradam is the highest, most prestigious honor for a traditional Irish musician and Máire was the first harpist recipient.

Väsen – Duo

TICKETS STILL REMAIN! ... but we have had to take our credit card processor offline. Please call in your reservations for our March 26, 7:00 p.m. concert with Väsen to 401-725-9272.

After 30 years Väsen has moved into a new phase. Olov Johansson and Mikael Marin continue as Väsen, but now as a duo with exciting new material. With Roger Tallroth choosing to leave the band for new projects, Mikael and Olov have refined their sound and their stage presence to the extent that today they are quite unique. With their playful and perfect interplay, they seem to have telepathic communication as musicians, now touring and recording exclusively as a duo. Olov Johansson plays nykelharpa, a bowed, 16-string instrument related to both the hurdy-gurdy and the fiddle and unique to Sweden. In 1990, Olov became world champion of both the modern chromatic and older historical nyckelharpas at the first-ever Nyckelharpa World Championships at Österbybruk, Sweden. He is an inspiration for numerous young performers who have taken up the instrument in the last decade. As always, Mikael Marin’s five-string viola adds richness to every tune. The word väsen has several meanings – spirit, essence, noise. This talented Swedish duo conveys the essence of Swedish traditional music with a joyful noise that is designed to raise your spirits. 

RUNA

TICKETS STILL REMAIN! ... but we have had to take our credit card processor offline. Please call in your reservations for our April 1, 8:00 p.m. concert with RUNA to 401-725-9272.

Celebrating its 14-year anniversary as a band, Celtic-American roots group RUNA continues to push the boundaries of Irish folk music into the Americana and roots music formats. Interweaving the haunting melodies and exuberant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco and blues, they offer a thrilling and redefining take on traditional music. Earning them the reputation as one of the most innovative Irish folk groups of this generation, RUNA consists of vocalist and step dancer, Shannon Lambert-Ryan of Philadelphia, Dublin-born guitarist, Fionán de Barra, Cheryl Prashker of Canada on percussion, Jake James of New York on fiddle, and newest member Tom Fitzgerald of Canada on mandolin and vocals. The group has been honored internationally, winning Top Group and Top Traditional Group in the Irish Music Awards and three Independent Music Awards including Best LIVE Album, Best World/Traditional Song, and Best Bluegrass Song. Seeking to preserve and continue a traditional culture in a modern age, RUNA creates the backbone of its signature roots sound from the musical and geographical diversity of its individually established band members. Always a Blackstone River Theatre fan favorite, we are thrilled to welcome them back!

Rock Hearts – CD release!

TICKETS STILL REMAIN! ... but we have had to take our credit card processor offline. Please call in your reservations for our April 8, 8:00 p.m. concert with Rock Hearts to 401-725-9272. See info on a Bluegrass Jamming Class offered 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. below!

Formed in 2013, Rock Hearts brings together five veteran musicians from Southern New England who love to sing and pick bluegrass, old country tunes, and seek out newer tunes from other genres to “bluegrass-ify.” Since the release of their well-received debut in 2020, "Starry Southern Nights," they have experienced tremendous success on the national bluegrass charts and were selected as one of 20 Official Showcase Bands at the 2021 IBMA World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, NC. Their videos have amassed 250k views and the band has been featured in magazines including Bluegrass Unlimited, Bluegrass Today and the Bluegrass Situation. Tonight will be the CD release of “Wanderlust” – their debut project with The 615 Hideaway Record Label. Joe Deetz’s career on banjo spans over 40 years. A New England Bluegrass Boy with Joe Val, Joe has also worked with Back Eddy and many others. Alex MacLeod grew up in bluegrass. With a classic leading voice and rock-solid rhythm guitar, Alex has served as front man for several bands in the region including Northern Lights and Southern Rhode. Billy “BT” Thibodeau boasts an undeniable bluegrass pedigree and he brings his high tenor and lead vocals, along with his rock solid mandolin and guitar playing to Rock Hearts. He cut his teeth with his dad, Sam Tidwell and Uncle Bob in the Kennebec Valley Boys. Rick Brodsky is a multi-instrumentalist and a regular on the CT / New York bluegrass scene. Austin Scelzo was introduced to various fiddle traditions at Mark O’Connor’s early Berklee String Camps. He created the Bluegrass Coffeehouse, and launched the Connecticut Bluegrass Music Association.

Blackstone River Theatre is also hosting a Saturday Bluegrass Jam Class on April 8, 11:30 am-5 pm, with fiddler Austin Scelzo, preceding the Rock Hearts CD release concert. All bluegrass instruments welcome! Register through April 6. Read flyer for full information and registration: https://wernickmethod.org/event/as-2023-04-cumberland

Hanneke Cassel – CD release!

TICKETS STILL REMAIN! ... but we have had to take our credit card processor offline. Please call in your reservations for our April 15, 8:00 p.m. concert with the Hanneke Cassel Band to 401-725-9272.

Effervescent and engaging, Boston-based fiddler Hanneke Cassel’s fiddle music fuses influences from the Isle of Skye and Cape Breton with Americana grooves and musical innovations. Tonight's concert will celebrate the release of her new CD, “Infinite Brightness.” Hanneke has performed and traveled across North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Hanneke’s music is a blend of the contemporary and traditional, described by the Boston Globe as “exuberant and rhythmic, somehow wild and innocent, delivered with captivating melodic clarity and an irresistible playfulness.” Her incredible trio tonight features Keith Murphy on guitar/vocals, and Tristan Clarridge, a former 5-time Grand National Fiddle Champion, on cello. Newfoundland-born guitarist Keith Murphy began absorbing his native musical languages – folksongs, ballads and dance music – from an early age. A proficient multi-instrumentalist, he has long applied considerable energy to the rhythmic side of music, becoming a valued band member and highly sought-after sideman on guitar, mandolin and foot percussion. Tristan Clarridge founded the Bee Eaters with sister Tashina and switched to cello in the pioneering bluegrass-new folk sensation Crooked Still. He has toured with Mike Marshall, Bruce Molsky and Cape Breton fiddle phenomenon Natalie Macmaster.

É.T.É – Québec traditional music

TICKETS STILL REMAIN! ... but we have had to take our credit card processor offline. Please call in your reservations for our April 30, 7:00 p.m. concert with É.T.É to 401-725-9272.
 
Awarded the OPUS prize for “Discovery of the Year 2017-2018” among many other accolades since their debut album in 2017, this trio is quickly winning over the hearts of listeners worldwide. É.T.É are Élisabeth (fiddle, step-dancing, vocals), Thierry (bouzouki, podorythmie, vocals), and Élisabeth (cello, vocals). The word été in French means summer – a fitting tribute to how their original, lively take on Québec traditional music is infused with a new vitality. With lovely vocal harmonies, deep groove, and rich instrumentation, É.T.É are an explosive trio on stage, transforming the nostalgia of a kitchen party into an unforgettable show experience that celebrates the joie de vivre of Québecois culture. We are thrilled to host their first Rhode Island appearance; there are no Boston-area shows on this tour.

SEAMUS EGAN PROJECT

TICKETS STILL REMAIN! ... but we have had to take our credit card processor offline. Please call in your reservations for our May 6, 8:00 p.m. concert with Seamus Egan to 401-725-9272.

It’s hard to think of an artist in traditional Irish music more influential than Seamus Egan. From his beginnings as a teen prodigy, to his groundbreaking solo work with Shanachie Records, to his founding of Irish-American powerhouse band Solas, to his current work as one of the leading composers and interpreters of the tradition, Egan has inspired multiple generations of musicians and helped define the sound of Irish music today. As a multi-instrumentalist, he’s put his mark on the sound of the Irish flute, tenor banjo, guitar, mandolin, tin whistle, and low whistle, among others. As a composer, he was behind the soundtrack for the award-winning film "The Brothers McMullen," co-wrote Sarah McLachlan’s breakout hit, “I Will Remember You.” As a bandleader, Solas was the pre-eminent Irish-American band of their generation for decades, continuously renewing Irish music with fresh ideas. As a performer, few others can make so many instruments or such wickedly complex ornaments seem so effortless. Music comes as naturally to Seamus Egan as breath, but his mastery of the tradition is only one facet of his plans to move the music forward. He’ll be joined by Owen Marshall on bouzouki, mandolin and banjo and guitarist Kyle Sanna who has shared the stage or studio with many of today’s virtuosos, including Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, and Chris Thile.

OLD BLIND DOGS

TICKETS STILL REMAIN! ... but we have had to take our credit card processor offline. Please call in your reservations for our May 13, 8:00 p.m. concert with Old Blind Dogs to 401-725-9272.

Old Blind Dogs have long been at the forefront of Scotland's roots revival, fusing dynamic percussion, polished vocals, soaring fiddle and stirring pipes. The current band line up has been settled for several years now and consists of four of Scotland’s finest traditional musicians at the top of their game. Original member Jonny Hardie (fiddle/vocals) is joined by Aaron Jones (cittern/guitar/vocals), Ali Hutton (pipes/whistles) and Donald Hay (percussion/vocals) and collectively they comprise one of the hottest live tickets on the traditional Scottish music scene today. The musical evolution of Old Blind Dogs began in Aberdeen in 1992 with roots that grew from the eclectic music scene that flourished there. Four musicians from very different musical backgrounds came together to create a full-time professional touring band with the aim of showcasing the rich tradition of songs and tunes of the North East of Scotland on an international stage. As recent inductees to the BBC ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards ‘Trad Music Hall of Fame’ Old Blind Dogs celebrated 30 years on the road in 2022 by launching their 14th studio album "Knucklehead Circus,” a joyous, uplifting album full of energy and intoxicating rhythm on which ‘OBD’ continue to innovate within their tradition while faithfully revealing its essence.

Solstice Festival is CANCELED - No rain date!

Blackstone River Theatre has made the difficult decision to CANCEL Saturday's scheduled Summer Solstice Festival due to the impending forecast of all-day rain. Despite our intention, there is no rain date on June 18.

This decision is not made lightly but we hold the safety of our performers, volunteers, sound techs, vendors and you, our patrons, as our top priority. The risk of damage to valuable instruments, crafters wares, sound systems, and our own equipment from all-day inclement weather is not acceptable to our organization. We apologize for any disappointment but hope you will enjoy Father's Day on Sunday and visit us for one of our many incredible concerts presented year-round. Thank you. 

AFTER-FESTIVAL MUSIC SESSION – Sold Out!

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT as of 6/14. Thank you! Gather for BRT's after-festival music session Saturday evening, 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. at Blackstone River Theatre itself, featuring almost all of the performers from the 2023 Blackstone River Theatre Summer Solstice Festival! The intimate setting lets you relax with food and your favorite beverage while Festival performers unwind and begin an evening of music and conversation that will make your Festival experience all the more memorable. The atmosphere is designed to create a casual environment of friendly banter just like that found in a local pub. Complimentary light fare will be available as part of the ticket price. A cash bar will also be available.

Doors will not open for the session until 8:15 P.M.
NOTE: This is a CLOSED session featuring only performers from the 2023 Solstice Festival.

Blackstone River Theatre is located at 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, R.I. • (401) 725-9272

CHORO das 3 – Music from Brazil

A TAKE IT OUTSIDE CONCERT! Call in your reservations for our June 25, 4:00-5:00 p.m. concert with CHORO das 3 to 401-725-9272. This will be the first of four OUTDOOR CONCERTS held on Sundays behind the theatre building – chairs provided! We move inside Blackstone River Theatre in the event of rain!

BUY TICKETS ONLINE VIA SQUARE!

Choro das 3 is a family-based trio formed by sisters Corina (flute), Lia (7 string guitar) and Elisa (mandolin, clarinet, banjo, accordion) in 2002. Eduardo, the father of the three sisters, tragically lost his life to Covid early in the pandemic, before vaccines were available in Brazil. Eduardo was the band's percussionist from its founding. The sisters have resolved to continue as Choro das 3 and they play every song in their father's memory. The music they play is Brazilian instrumental music called Choro which is a form of urban jazz native to Brazil that shares a similar feel with New Orleans jazz or ragtime or bluegrass. Choro das 3's mission is to revive the Choro tradition in Brazil, where they join several other young people in rediscovering this music. They have released 11 albums and have been touring in North America, Europe and Brazil for the past 21 years. Choro (''cry'' or ''lament'' in English), in spite of the name, often has a fast and happy rhythm, characterized by virtuosity and improvisation. Like the Jazz in USA, Choro had influenced all the Brazilians genres, including Samba, Forró and Bossa Nova. Choro also has some characteristics of Baroque music, with its extremely creative and melodic counterpoints. Since 2013 Choro das 3 has yearly played in the USA. Their appearances at Mike Marshall and David Grisman’s Mandolin Symposium led Marshall to say that Choro das 3 plays “. . . some of the most inspired and inspiring music . . . the highest level of musicianship and presentation . . . the highest quality of Brazilian Choro music that can be heard any place today.”

ALLYSEN CALLERY

A TAKE IT OUTSIDE CONCERT! Call in your reservations for our July 23, 4:00-5:00 p.m. concert with Allysen Callery to 401-725-9272. This will be our second of four OUTDOOR CONCERTS held on Sundays behind the theatre building – chairs provided!

BUY TICKETS ONLINE VIA SQUARE!

Allysen Callery is a self-taught singer songwriter from Bristol, R.I., whose delicate, mesmerizing sound has been compared to classic British folk artists like Sandy Denny and Nick Drake. A favorite on the Rhode Island folk scene, her music has found its way overseas and has been embraced by listeners in the UK and Europe. 2020 saw the release of “Ghost Folk” an album which made Folk Radio UK’s coveted Top Albums of the year, and Austria’s Guteshoerenistwichtig named it “album of the year saying: “Somehow she seems to come from somewhere else. Traveled through the clouds or gone through the stones. Her music is neither spooky nor eerie, but rather surrounded by a kind of positive mysticism and a familiar strangeness, radiating charm and a generous flair.” Allysen is Winner of 2023 and 2022 Motif Magazine RI Favorite Folk Act, 2022 and 2019 Winner of the Motif Music awards for Best Female Vocalist - Americana.

GOLDPINE

A TAKE IT OUTSIDE CONCERT. Tickets available at the gate or call in your reservations for our August 13, 4:00-5:00 p.m. concert with Goldpine to 401-725-9272. The forecast is now improving, so we will hold the concert OUTSIDE Blackstone River Theatre as originally planned!

ADMISSION AT THE DOOR, CASH OR CHECK!

Through a chance encounter in Nashville back in 2006, Benjamin and Kassie Wilson were sure of each other from the start. “Kassie knew she was going to marry me from the first time she saw me… and she was right,” Ben gloats. Formerly known as 'My One and Only' the duo has reimagined their “southern-soul,” “curious-grit” and emotionally honest lyrics into the duo Goldpine. Goldpine is folksy and falls within the Americana genre but their musical arrangements are very innovative and eclectic. Touring since 2016, they have been lessening the gap between music and the audience by disclosing their stories behind the lyrics at every venue along the way. Recent winners of the 2022 Rocky Mountain Songwriter Contest and finalists in the Kerrville Folk Fest 2021 New Folk Competition, the duo's bold harmonies are clearly a channel for their highly charged songwriting. This will be their Rhode Island debut!

Shanty Sing with Bully in the Alley

With showers in the afternoon forecast we are deciding to move inside Blackstone River Theatre itself. Join us for a Shanty Sing at 4 p.m. – lyric sheets will be provided! 

ADMISSION AT THE DOOR, CASH OR CHECK!

A Benefit Shanty Singalong for Blackstone River Theatre:  Bully in the Alley - Tiny, Knotty Jane, Mouse, Smoky Pete, Ammo, and Syren - are a crew of singers and storytellers based in southeastern New England who have a lengthy collective history of performing at Festivals, Fairs, Seaports, parades, and historic re-enactment events across the United States and Canada. They have recently joined together to share their love of music and traditional shanties in an interactive performance, with a piratical flair, that is sure to get your toes tappin’ and hands clappin’! These shipmates invite you to bring your voice and your enthusiasm to support Blackstone River Theatre with a Shanty Singalong!

KERRI POWERS

A TAKE IT OUTSIDE CONCERT! Call in reservations for our Sept. 10, 4-5 p.m. concert with Kerri Powers to 401-725-9272 or pay at the gate. This is the last of five OUTDOOR CONCERTS held behind the theatre building – chairs provided! Moved inside if rain is probable.

BUY TICKETS ONLINE VIA SQUARE!

Drenched in the emotions of blues, folk and country music, roots singer-songwriter Kerri Powers uses her dramatically dark voice to mine the depths of romantic heartbreak and broken dreams in the edgy narratives of her songs. A native of rural Massachusetts, Powers sings the blues with such authentic, down-home grit that you might well think she's from Mississippi. Besides being a consummate chronicler of disappointment and despair, she can also morph into an impishly naughty rebel with a cause, a Mark Twain-like trickster whose wry words and phrasing can also celebrate joy and hope. Says John Apice, of No Depression, “I don’t know where this young lady came from but it’s got to be a secret place. This is not the kind of singing and performing that can be easily taught. It has to be in your spirit, in your blood and the fact that she is from the Northeast is going to confound the artists down South, in the Delta, in Memphis, Clarksdale, Austin, and Nashville.” Kerri will perform plenty of great new songs from her soon-to-be-released album "Love is Why.”

NOTE: We are working on implementing a new website AND a new ticketing system. Until it is fully ready, you can reserve tickets by calling 401-725-9272 and pay by check or cash. You are NOT be able to purchase tickets by credit card for the Fall/Winter season at the moment. All ticket pricing below includes all service fees.

MATTHEW BYRNE

You can call in your reservations for our September 16, 8:00 p.m. concert with Matthew Byrne to 401-725-9272 and pay by check or cash at the door or BUY TICKETS ONLINE VIA SQUARE. Ticket pricing includes all service fees.

Matthew Byrne was born into a family of Newfoundland music makers and his repertoire is heavily influenced by his unique musical lineage. This tradition thrives on the song – the weaving of a great story with a beautiful melody – and Byrne's music reminds us how satisfying traditional songs can be when stripped down to these basic elements. Since bursting on to the trad scene in 2010 with his debut recording, “Ballads," Matthew has swiftly earned his place as one of Canada’s most authentic and vital traditional voices, backed by his masterful guitar playing. Storytelling through song is a fundamental duty of traditional music. Matthew's latest recording, "Horizon Lines" is a collection of traditional material from both sides of the Atlantic; the CD won "Traditional Recording of the Year" at the 2018 Canadian Folk Music Awards. Having received this distinction for a second time, Matthew Byrne continues to establish himself as one of today’s most authentic and vital traditional voices. 

RYAN YOUNG

You can call in your reservations for our September 17, 7:00 p.m. concert with Ryan Young to 401-725-9272 or BUY TICKETS ONLINE VIA SQUARE. Ticket pricing includes all service fees.

Making his Rhode Island debut, Ryan Young is a traditional fiddle player from Scotland bringing fresh and inventive ideas to traditional Scottish music. Young's traditional fiddle playing will take you on an emotional journey and lift your spirits as he’s joined tonight by guitarist Matt Heaton. Ryan graduated with a Master of Music degree from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and he continues to draw drawing international attention. A 2022 MG ALBA Musician of The Year nominee, Ryan brings new and exciting ideas to traditional Scottish music. His debut was recorded with four time Grammy winner Jesse Lewis (who has worked with the likes of Bela Fleck and Yo Yo Ma) and launched at Feakle Traditional Music Festival in County Clare, accompanied by renowned guitarist, Dennis Cahill. His fiddle playing brims with fresh melodic ideas, an uplifting rhythmic drive, and a great depth of dynamics. Ryan was twice a finalist in the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards and twice a finalist in the prestigious BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of The Year. He was awarded ‘Up And Coming Artist Of The Year’ at the Scots Trad Awards in 2017 and nominated for the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2018. Don't miss this amazing artist on the rise ... reviews and reactions to his concerts are off the charts!

SUPERCHIEF TRIO

You can call in your reservations for our September 23, 8:00 p.m. concert with Superchief Trio to 401-725-9272 or BUY TICKETS ONLINE VIA SQUARE. Ticket pricing includes all service fees.

Having emerged from a subterranean honky-tonk venue, Superchief Trio has continued the tradition of good-time music and barrelhouse hijinks. In 2008, Superchief Trio grew to five members adding guitarist Tom Ferraro and bassist/vocalist Steve Bigelow. Playing bass tonight will be celebrated R.I. jazz bassist Joe Potenza. Tom has been a staple in many RI bands, including The High Rollers & Stormin’ Norman & The Hurricanes. With the addition of these great players and the original lineup featuring Keith Munslow on piano and vocals, Pam Murray on vocals and trombone, and drummer John Cote, the band finds itself careening down new musical highways and back roads, amassing an ever-expanding repertoire of tasty original songs and cool cover tunes. In more ways than one, Superchief Trio has truly become the largest trio in Rhode Island … and beyond!

EILEEN IVERS with unIVERSal roots

You CAN call in your reservations for our October 1, 7:00 p.m. concert with Eileen Ivers to 401-725-9272 or BUY TICKETS ONLINE VIA SQUARE. Ticket pricing includes all service fees. 

Grammy®-Awarded and Emmy-nominated, Eileen Ivers continues to push the fiddling tradition boundaries from a folk music staple to a powerfully beautiful and intensely driving world stage experience. Ivers was the groundbreaking musical star of Riverdance, a founding member of Cherish the Ladies, and she is one of the most awarded All-Ireland Fiddle and Banjo champions ever. Eileen’s new album, “Scatter the Light” was originally released on March 13, 2020, at the start of the pandemic. It was re-released in 2022. Ivers has been called "the Jimi Hendrix of the violin," by The New York Times. Her recording credits include over 80 contemporary and traditional albums and numerous movie scores. A 9-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, Eileen is hailed as one of the great innovators and pioneers in the Celtic and World music genres. Eileen’s band, Universal Roots, connects music, cultures, stories and emotions that tie us together …celebrating the fact that we are more alike than dissimilar. The ensemble features Buddy Connolly (button accordion, whistles, piano, vocals), Lindsey Horner (upright and electric bass, baritone sax, vocals), Dave Barckow (lead vocals, percussion, guitar), and Colin Forhan (guitar, banjo, concertina), joining together with Ivers on fiddle, mandolin, banjo, bodhran, and live looping.