Tower of songs
Local acoustic songwriters continue their collective quest for world domination, this time in South County at the Towers in Narragansett, where a slew of extra-talented musicians will present the fourth annual “Evening of Ocean State Songwriters.” Produced by Hear in RI and the Rhode Island Songwriters Association, this year’s lineup features DEAN PETRELLA (of the Complaints), PAUL PASCH, BUDDY CAVALERI, PATTI DEROSA, BILLY MITCHELL, JOANNE LURGIO, and JACKIE O’BRIEN (of Illustrious Day). MCing the in-the-round night will be JOHN FUZEK AND MARY ANN ROSSONI. Admission is $10; the show runs from 7:30 to 10 pm. Proceeds benefit the RISA, Hear In RI, and Friends of the Towers, all of which are non-profits. For more information, go to www.risongwriters.com or call 401.782.2597.
Celtic + reggae
Musically speaking, they’re not all that close, but on the entertainment radar, Celtic and reggae musics are near the epicenter of great fun. They both have colorful cultural trappings, and they promote peace, harmony, and great vibes. Those interested in soaking up both will have a hard time choosing between the two great festivals on July 22 and 23. The BLACKSTONE VALLEY CELTIC FESTIVAL takes place across the border in Sutton, Massachusetts. Now expanded to two days, artists include Enter the Haggis, Teada, Robbie O’Connell with Aoife Clancy, Pendragon, Jodee James, Halali, the Worcester Kiltie Pipe Band, and more. Go to blackstonevalleycelticfestival.com or call 508.234.9090.
The OCEAN STATE REGGAE FESTIVAL is also happening on Saturday and Sunday at Ninigret Park in Charlestown. Artists include Israel Vibration, Glen Washington, Lambsbread, Nasio Fontaine, the Itals, and King Yellow. Go to www.oceanstatereggae.com for the 411.
Wandering eye
In New Bedford at the New Wave Café, there’s a massive heavy rock festival through the weekend. Day One includes HOLY COW, BEYOND THE EMBRACE, RISE, POLARIS, KREAGEN, APS, HYPERSOLID, ASYTOLE, DRINKFIST, BLIGHTED TOUCH, THY WILL BE DONE, HERETIC’S FORK, STOIC, SOMA CITY, REFLECTIONS OF MORTALITY, and SLIGHT OF MIND. Day Two brings REBECCA CORREIA, VIENNAGRAM, KENAZ, EMBRANCE, CHRIS EVIL, RESERVE, MINDSET, MINDFOLD, PROCURE, RUN LIKE HELL, THE HIDDEN, and DARKBUSTER, which is pretty much all the good rock bands southeastern Mass. can muster on two loud stages. The show is 21-plus. Call 508.984.0080.
