One of the most anticipated happenings of the summer in Rhode Island has finally arrived. Back in December, Vanyaland reported on a “world class” seasonal venue putting on concerts in Bold Point Park in East Providence, which promised to bring sounds by the waterfront across the Providence River from Providence’s east side. Recently, the initial dates have been announced and concert goers all over the Ocean State are excited, as there’s a variety of shows to please all tastes.
In a partnership with Live Nation, Newport-based Waterfront Productions have surf legends The Beach Boys performing August 9; the eighth annual Waterfront Reggae Festival bringing the vibe August 12; Buffalo progressive jam act moe. and Americana bluegrass sextet Railroad Earth taking the stage August 24; the Blues & BBQ Festival happening August 26; and Oktoberfest celebrating German culture, beer and food October 7. Headlining the Waterfront Reggae Festival will be Freddie McGregor, Anthony B, Kabaka Pyramid, Junior Kelly, Taj Weekes & Andow and locals Natural Element, Omega Sound and DJ Matik. Guitar dynamo Kenny Wayne Shepherd will be featured with his backing band at the Blues & BBQ Festival.
“We are excited about getting started with our first season at Bold Point Park in August with a diverse mix of outdoor entertainment,” says Waterfront Productions founder and president Michele Maker Palmieri in a press release. “We want to thank the state, the City of East Providence, its residents and all the other groups and agencies who were instrumental in making this unique event venue in the center of Rhode Island a reality.”
Lara Salamano, chief marketing officer for the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, expressed similar enthusiasm: “We are excited that Live Nation and Waterfront Productions chose Rhode Island for their new site. The opening will provide the state with significant benefits, including boosting tourism, spurring development and increasing economic activity.” East Providence Mayor James Briden says the new entertainment spot “will serve as the catalyst for creating the vibrant and exciting destination that our residents have long envisioned for our emerging Waterfront District.”
The open-air venue has stunning views of upper Narragansett Bay and the Providence and Seekonk Rivers while providing great looks of the Providence skyline. It also will be very accessible from all points of the state and beyond and people can also use the East Bay bike path to make their way to the venue. There are more shows that will be announced in coming weeks, so keep tabs on Waterfront Productions’s website and get amped for the summer.
