Need a night out? Here are August's top 5 live music shows in Providence
As we suffer through the infamous dog days of summer, with sweltering heat and humidity, let's at least be thankful that the music venues around these parts are air-conditioned and a prime spot to stay hydrated while indulging in a frosty beverage or two.
If you're looking for a good night out, you can sample a variety of music genres on stages all over Providence in August, ranging from hip-hop to reggae to punk rock, R&B and funk. To keep you in the know while keeping things cool, here are five shows happening around the city that you should know about.
Garage-rockers Gymshorts at Fete
Where: Fete Music Hall, 103 Dike St.
When: Aug. 10, 7 p.m. (all ages)
Tickets: $12
Info: fetemusic.com
Sometimes we need some amplified rock music to get us through the middle of the week, and Gymshorts will be providing that at Fete Music Hall’s lounge. Led by Sarah Greenwell on guitar and vocals, this noisy, surf-leaning garage rock act is one of the many talented bands to come out of Providence’s music scene during the 2010s. Local soul-prog shredders Bochek will be opening up the show, so come early to get a double dose of quality music.
Hip-hop duo Method Man & Redman at The Strand
Where: The Strand Ballroom & Theatre, 79 Washington St.
When: Aug. 20, 8:30 p.m. (18+)
Tickets: $50
Info: thestrandri.com
Both Method Man and Redman are certified hip-hop legends, and anyone who was around in the ‘90s would probably agree with me. The former’s music with the Wu-Tang Clan is timeless, and the latter made his mark with hits such as “Blow Your Mind” and “Rockafella.” Their biggest hit together is “How High,” which also shares a film of the same name that they both starred in, and when they get together on stage, it’s usually a fun time.
Mellow out with reggae from Bud Runner at The Parlour
Where: The Parlour, 1119 North Main St.
When: Aug. 22, 8 p.m. (21+)
Tickets: $5
Info: (401) 383-5858, facebook.com
One of the best things you can do on a Monday night in Providence is to stop by The Parlour for Foundation Mondays. The reggae music showcase has been going on since the venue opened around a decade ago, and Bud Runner, featuring venue owner and operator Gregory Rourke on guitar, will be performing on this particular night. Pauly Danger will be spinning the best in ska, dub and reggae before and after the band’s performance, so show up promptly.
Jam, funk and rock from Guess Method, The Q-Tip Bandits and Smug Honey at Askew
Where: Askew, 150 Chestnut St.
When: Aug. 26, 9 p.m. (18+)
Tickets: $10
Info: eventbrite.com
A triple threat of talented bands will be coming to Askew near the end of the month for an enjoyable experience. Both Guess Method and Smug Honey are funky acts based in South County with progressive and jazzy tendencies that are unique. Boston band The Q-Tip Bandits bring a blend of rock, R&B and funk, so it’s fairly obvious that you should put on your dancing shoes before you arrive.
Grunge rock from Bully at Columbus Theatre
Where: Columbus Theatre, 270 Broadway
When: Aug. 31, 8 p.m. (all ages)
Tickets: $20
Info: columbustheatre.com
Ever since I heard “Milkman” for the first time back in 2014, I’ve been hooked on Alicia Bognanno’s garage rock band from Nashville. She’s a force of nature with her songwriting, her angst and her lyrics while being simultaneously melodic and amplified. Bognanno’s approach to music is something to be appreciated by any ‘90s music fan, especially those who enjoy the sounds of Nirvana and Sonic Youth, and that’s why people should go see her and her band rip it up when they come to town.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: August's top 5 live music shows in Providence, RI
