Art, music and love: 4 events not to miss this weekend in Newport County
There's a decent chance you have some plans lined up for this weekend.
Sure, the New England Patriots aren't in the Super Bowl, but as the most-watched television show every year, you'll probably still be watching – even if it's just for the commercials or to catch a glimpse of Taylor Swift.
You may even be planning to celebrate Valentine's Day ahead of the Wednesday holiday and you've got the dinner reservations all planned out.
But why stop there? Across Newport County events are happening offering everything from the arts to comedy to shopping for chocolate.
Take a look at these four and start making your plans.
Aquidneck Island High School Art Show
Aspirations: The 2024 Annual Aquidneck Island High School Art Show in Memory of Rosemary Day and accompanied by a special exhibit, "Works on Paper: by the late Anthony Quinn In collaboration with the Anthony Quinn Foundation, supporting Art in Education will hold an opening reception on Friday from 4-7 p.m.
The 2024 Annual Aquidneck Island High School Art Show, hosted by the DeBlois Gallery, 134 Aquidneck Ave. Middletown, honors its originator, the late Rosemary Day, a devoted Middletown High School art teacher and member of DeBlois Gallery. Rosemary firmly believed in her students as practicing artists who should have the opportunity to exhibit their artwork in public. In this spirit, DeBlois Gallery, bringing together the hard work of high school art teachers, art students, and private donors, continues the tradition of the annual show that Rosemary Day started over 20 years ago.
Participating schools are the Met School, with teacher Cara Willi; Middletown High School, with teachers Lucas Lundgren and Christin Woolbright; Portsmouth High School, with teachers Nancy Brandley, Krista Hook, Mel Olsen (High School Show Coordinator), and Jordan Silveria; and Rogers High School, with teachers Hope Lowe and Barbara Wunderler-Selby.
Free admission and parking. For more information visit debloisgallery.com
Rev. Robert B. Jones Sr. performance
Newport Live presents a captivating celebration of the Blues, Black History Month, and the enchanting storytelling prowess of Rev. Robert B. Jones Sr. at the Jamestown Arts Center on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Jones has been a professional musician for over four decades, a leading blues educator, a nationally recognized storyteller, and an ordained minister with over 20 years of pastoral service.
At the heart of Rev. Robert Jones's message is a celebration of cultural diversity, emphasizing the importance of not just tolerating but embracing our collective stories. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Rev. Jones has mesmerized audiences across the United States, Canada, and Europe with his award-winning skills on multiple instruments, including guitar, harmonica, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, and ukulele.
Tickets are available online at jamestownartcenter.org/events or newportlive.org for $35.
Valentine's comedy
Editor's note: This event has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Comedian Doug Key brings some sexy pre-Valentines Day stand-up comedy followed by a fun audience participation dating game! Plus a live performance from singer/ songwriter Alex Kehm this Saturday from 7-9 p.m. at the Ragged Island Brewing Company, 54 Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth.
Jay Whitaker will be the headlining comedian and will be joined by Colleen Genevieve and Josh Goldstein.
Tickets are $30 and seating is limited! Tickets can be purchased online at rogueislandcomedyfest.com
Valentines Chocolate Specialty Market
The weekly Tiverton Farmers Market transforms into this special event with vendors experimenting with integrating chocolate into their products. In this unique chocolate-centric event, local vendors will showcase an innovative range of chocolate-inspired products that extend beyond the traditional boundaries. This creative culinary adventure presents an opportunity for chocolate lovers to see how various products can be enhanced with the beloved cocoa treat.
From the food to the ambiance, the entire event will pay homage to all things chocolate. Discover some unique, mouth-watering combinations in the process. The Valentine's Chocolate Specialty Market encourages the community to explore and appreciate chocolate in a fresh new way while providing local businesses with a platform to showcase their creativity.
The market is open Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Tiverton Middle School, 10 Quintal Drive.
Attendance to the event is free and it is open to the public, making it a fantastic family outing option for Valentine's weekend.
Visit tivertonfarmersmarket.com/popup-events for more information
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: 4 events not to miss this weekend in Newport County
