Black History Month celebrations, figure skating and so much more close out February events

Will Richmond, Newport Daily News
·4 min read
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It may be the middle of winter but there is plenty to do around Newport this weekend.

In addition to all of the Newport Winter Festival events taking place and the last few days of the Burger Bender the options to stay busy include Black History Month events, along with live concerts.

The reality is there's so much going on that you could plan an entire, almost non-stop weekend of fun with a variety of different happenings. And we can help.

Check out these Newport County events and even something you might travel a little farther for.

Visit Newport Art House

On Sunday, from 3-6 p.m. at the Newport Art House's new space in Innovate Newport, enjoy some representative work from artists in the Newport Art House Community! During Black History Month, Newport Art House is featuring the work and talents of local Black artists as well as other artists who paint prominent Black historical figures. The event highlights some of the talented people living in Newport County and is an opportunity to meet the artists, see and support their work, learn about some of the fascinating history of Newport. Guest can also tour the new space, enjoy some bites from a local Black-owned eatery and meet some folks who enjoy the arts as much as you! The event is free and open to the public. Come peruse and purchase the art for sale to support the artists as well as NAH, try out some community art making, and enjoy some live music.

Check out a piano concert

Michael Campbell returns to Jamestown on Sunday for more light-hearted fun on the piano. His program samples piano music of all kinds that audiences might have heard between 1890 and 1940, “The Golden Age of the Piano.”

The 2 p.m. concert at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 87 Narragansett Ave., Jamestown, is sponsored by Norma J. Cummings in conjunction with the Jamestown Community Piano Association.

Campbell was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. After graduation from the Naval Academy, played with the United States Naval Academy Band. While earning his MM and DMA degrees in piano at Peabody Conservatory, he was active as a commercial musician, assisting such artists as Angela Lansbury, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Bob Hope, Redd Foxx, Ethel Merman, and Don McLean. His repertoire covers three centuries of music, including a broad variety of 20th century American music.

The concerts are free. Donations for piano maintenance and performance support are appreciated.Masks are not required, but are strongly encouraged.

For more details, call 423-0515.

Movie and a concert

For Black History Month, the RI Slave History Medallions presents the award-winning documentary film “Bonnie Blue: James Cotton’s Life in the Blues” on Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Casino Theatre, 10 Freebody St., Newport.

the RI Slave History Medallions presents the award-winning documentary film “Bonnie Blue: James Cotton’s Life in the Blues” on Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Casino Theatre.
the RI Slave History Medallions presents the award-winning documentary film “Bonnie Blue: James Cotton’s Life in the Blues” on Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Casino Theatre.

Cotton, a virtuoso harmonica player, who brought the blues to worldwide prominence has been screened internationally and co-produced by James Montgomery. A live performance follows the film by the James Montgomery Blues Band with special guests Beehive Queen, Christine Ohlman and singer Kara McKee from The Voice. Doors open 6PM with free appetizers and cash bar. Tickets are $40 available online at Eventbrite.com, RISHM.org website, or at the door.

Figure skating demonstration

Head over to the ice rink at the Newport Harbor Island Resort on Friday from 7 to 8 p.m. for a free inaugural figure skating demonstration starring National Competitor Jun-Hong Chen, collegiate National Champion Heidi Munger and more.

Heidi Munger performs during the ladies free skate at the 2019 U.S. Figure Skating Championships at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Friday, January 25, 2019.
Heidi Munger performs during the ladies free skate at the 2019 U.S. Figure Skating Championships at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Friday, January 25, 2019.

The complimentary show and celebrate the season with world-class figure skating hosted by Brad Vigorito of BV Skating and sanctioned by US Figure Skating.

Stick around after the show for a public skate with the stars, hot chocolate, and more.

Twilight movie marathon

This all-day movie marathon at the Stadium Theater in Woonsocket includes back-to-back showings of Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn parts one and two all for $26. Are you team Edward or team Jacob? Join other Twilight lovers to laugh, cry, scream, and shout for all your favorite twilight moments. The nostalgia is real and now you can experience it one more time!

Movie ScheduleTwilight - 10 a.m.New Moon - 12:30 p.m.Eclipse - 3 p.m.Breaking Dawn Part One - 5:30 p.m.Breaking Dawn Part Two - 7:30 p.m.

In addition to concessions and pub being open, pizza will be available for purchase. Admission allows re-entry all day.

This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: What to do in Newport County weekend Feb. 24-26