FirstWorks Live – Music at Roger Williams Park

August 15, 2021 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

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Join FirstWorks and Roger Williams Park Conservancy for a journey from global Jazz to Americana, from hip-hop to sounds from the mountains and rhythms of the sea, from 1:30 – 6:00 enjoy the sounds of the Caribbean at the Bandstand!

PVDFest Ideas Panel Discussion: The Legacy of J’ouvert in Carnival
1:30-2:15 PM Roger Williams Park outside of the CasinoJ’ouvert, pronounced “jou-vay” from the French patois, is a traditional festival originating in Trinidad and Tobago but is celebrated throughout the Caribbean. Meaning “dawn” or “daybreak,” J’ouvert celebrations begin in the early morning and commemorates the emancipation of slavery. Historically, this festival occurs in August, but it has become associated as a pre-carnival celebration over time. As part of PVDFest Ideas, Etienne Charles (Trinidad), Gabriel “David” Alexis (Trinidad), and Becky Bass (St. Croix / Providence) will discuss the legacy of J’ouvert from its Caribbean origins and its integration into Carnival celebrations.

Workshop: Carnival Music
2:15-3:00 PM, Roger Williams Park Bandstand

Join Etienne Charles and his band to explore the music of Carnival. Take the time to learn about instruments, rhythms, and how it all works together to have a more immersive and informed listening (and dancing) experience during the band’s performance at 5:00 PM!

Workshop: The Steel Pan from J’ouvert to Carnival
4:00-4:45 PM Roger Williams Park, outside of the Casino

Two-time New England Urban Music Award winner Becky Bass (St. Croix / Providence) is known for her euphoric steel pan playing, soulful voice, and powerful stage presence. Bass will discuss and demonstrate the journey of the steel pan and its place in J’ouvert celebrations to the modern Carnival. Attendees are welcome to bring their percussion instruments to participate in this interactive workshop.

Performance: Providence Drum Troupe
4:00-5:00 PM Roger Williams Park, near the Bandstand

Born from the pandemic, this troupe of acrobats, fire-arts, stilt-walkers, hoopers, lasers and dancers from near and far create funky beats with positive interactive energy demonstrating that living in harmony with one another is not an antiquated notion.

Headline Performance
ETIENNE CHARLES • Creole Soul • August 15, 5:00-6:00 PM
Roger Williams Park Bandstand [map]

If any single musical artist today can embody the rich spectrum of Caribbean musical traditions, it is Etienne Charles. This Trinidad-born jazz trumpet master defies easy categorization. The New York Times hailed him as “an auteur” and JazzTimes described him as “a daring improviser who delivers with heart-wrenching lyricism.” Charles is a student of pan-Caribbean music, as fluent in the riffs of New Orleans second-line brass as he is in the many rhythms of the islands.

As both a bandleader and sideman Charles has worked with some of the finest talents in jazz today, and played with legends like Roberta Flack, Wynton Marsalis, and “the grand master of calypso” Lord Kitchener.Charles and his band bring “Creole Soul” and the sounds of his newest album “Carnival: The Sound of a People Vol. 1” to the FirstWorks Live stage, leading an excursion into the varied acoustic sounds, grooves, chants and rituals of his native Trinidad & Tobago Carnival. https://www.etiennecharles.com/

In the event of rain, Etienne Charles’ concert and related Carnival events will take place inside the Roger Williams Park Casino. Space is limited, first come first served. Masks are strongly encouraged for indoor events.*

FirstWorks and Roger Williams Park Conservancy are committed to following the State of Rhode Island’s guidance on COVID-19 precautions. Patrons are encouraged to view the latest state guidelines at reopeningri.com as guidance develops.

*To best protect others, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends that you continue to wear a mask outdoors in crowded settings and indoors near unvaccinated people you don’t live with. RIDOH also recommends that you continue to stay at least three feet apart from unvaccinated people you don’t live with.

Details

  • Date: August 15, 2021
  • Time:
    5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
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Open post by rogerwilliamspark with ID 18071880074386137
Tomorrow, Safer Communities for Justice hosts Peace Day in the Park! Join them for an afternoon of unity, healing, and community connection. Enjoy live performances, inspiring speakers, family-friendly fun, and a day dedicated to bringing people together in peace and solidarity. Visitors will also have the opportunity to visit the Peace Bench, dedicated to survivors of violence and presented by Safer Communities for Justice. Bring your family, friends, and positive energy as we stand together for unity, hope, and safer communities for all. 🕊 Peace Day in the Park 🌳 July 18, 12-4 PM RWP Boathouse Free and open to the public!

Etienne Charles and his band showed us a fantastic time last Friday showcasing Gullah Roots! We were so thrilled to partner with @firstworksri and @pvdparks to bring you the first Summer Beats concert of the summer here at RWP!

Shout-out to @melaine.mp3 and @jpittswiley for hosting an inspiring Creative Conversation with @etiennejazz before the show!

Get ready for another night of dancing when The Groovalottos are in town next Friday, July 24, at the Boathouse Lawn. 💃

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Open post by rogerwilliamspark with ID 17902092534462186
Etienne Charles and his band showed us a fantastic time last Friday showcasing Gullah Roots! We were so thrilled to partner with @firstworksri and @pvdparks to bring you the first Summer Beats concert of the summer here at RWP! Shout-out to @melaine.mp3 and @jpittswiley for hosting an inspiring Creative Conversation with @etiennejazz before the show! Get ready for another night of dancing when The Groovalottos are in town next Friday, July 24, at the Boathouse Lawn. 💃

The first Gentle Yoga in the Park session is this evening! 🧘

Yoga with Ellary Gamache (@ocean_state_ellary) takes place every Monday at 6 PM starting July 13. Bring your yoga mat, comfy clothes, and open mind to relax in the shade of the historic Sycamore tree in front of the Betsey Williams Cottage. This 18+ class intends to be an accessible, inclusive, and welcoming space for all bodies – no experience necessary!

Free weekly classes take place Mondays through Sept. 7 (except Aug. 31), weather depending; no sign-up needed. Follow us for updates!

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Open post by rogerwilliamspark with ID 18134936716579937
The first Gentle Yoga in the Park session is this evening! 🧘 Yoga with Ellary Gamache (@ocean_state_ellary) takes place every Monday at 6 PM starting July 13. Bring your yoga mat, comfy clothes, and open mind to relax in the shade of the historic Sycamore tree in front of the Betsey Williams Cottage. This 18+ class intends to be an accessible, inclusive, and welcoming space for all bodies – no experience necessary! Free weekly classes take place Mondays through Sept. 7 (except Aug. 31), weather depending; no sign-up needed. Follow us for updates!
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1000 Elmwood Avenue Providence, RI 02907

The Roger Williams Park Conservancy is a private, not-for-profit organization, and is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal EIN (tax ID) number 47-4414743.
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