FirstWorks’ Summer Beats Concert Series Returns to Providence

Categories: CommunityConcertsEvents/What's HappeningFestivalsNews

The Summer Beats Concert Series features global music performances in Roger Williams Park.

News Summary

The FirstWorks’ Summer Beats Concert Series is back, featuring four free concerts in Providence this summer. The events, held at Roger Williams Park, include performances from global music acts such as Las Guaracheras and Elida Almeida. Attendees can enjoy food from local vendors at select concerts, celebrating cultural diversity and community engagement through music.

Providence

The FirstWorks’ Summer Beats Concert Series is set to return this summer, featuring four free concerts that showcase global music performances from June to August at Roger Williams Park. This series is designed to celebrate the cultural diversity of the community and is held in partnership with the Roger Williams Park Conservancy and the Providence Parks Department.

The concert series will commence on Thursday, June 26 at 6 p.m. with a vibrant performance by the all-female salsa sextet Las Guaracheras. Originating from Colombia, this group is renowned for their unique take on Afro-Caribbean rhythms and salsa, often highlighting themes related to women’s contributions in the music industry. Las Guaracheras has captivated audiences around the world with performances in major cities including Barcelona, Madrid, and Los Angeles.

On Friday, July 11 at 6 p.m., the concert series will continue with a collaboration titled “Merging Roots” featuring The William Cepeda and Elio Villafranca Sextet. This performance will take place on the lawn of the Roger Williams Park Boathouse. Both Cepeda and Villafranca are celebrated for their ability to fuse their native musical traditions with elements of jazz, creating a narrative through their melodies.

Food Options Available

Attendees of the July 11 concert will also have the opportunity to enjoy various food options from local food trucks, which will be available at the Roger Williams Park Carousel Village starting at 5 p.m.

The series will feature Pakistan’s Khumariyann next on Friday, July 25 at 6 p.m.. This performance, also held on the lawn of the Roger Williams Park Boathouse, marks part of the Center Stage tour. Khumariyann is well-known for merging traditional Pakistani folk music with modern sounds, aiming to revive and invigorate the music scene in Pakistan.

Final Concert Lineup

The concert series will conclude on Saturday, August 9 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Jenks Park in Central Falls, featuring the acclaimed Cape Verdean vocalist Elida Almeida. Almeida’s musical style incorporates various Cape Verdean genres, including funaná, coladera, and tabanka. Since joining the music scene in 2014, she has gained recognition for her contributions to the cultural fabric of music. This final event will also showcase local talent, including Chachi Carvalho from Pawtucket.

Community Engagement

The FirstWorks’ Summer Beats Concert Series provides an opportunity for the Providence community to engage with diverse cultural expressions through music. Each concert not only entertains but also educates attendees about the rich musical traditions from different parts of the world. The series aims to draw a wide range of participants from the local area, promoting inclusivity and celebration of cultural variety.

Additional Information

More details about the concert series, including additional performance information, can be found on FirstWorks’ official website. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring their friends and family to enjoy an exhilarating lineup of performances throughout the summer.