As we suffer through the infamous dog days of summer, with stifling heat and humidity, we’re thankful that music venues around these parts at least have air conditioning and a great place to stay hydrated while indulging in a drink or two ice cream
If you’re looking for a great night out, you can sample a variety of musical genres on stages throughout Providence in August, from hip-hop to reggae to punk rock, R&B and funk. To keep you informed and keep things cool, here are five shows happening in town that you should know about.
Garage-rockers Gymshorts at Fete
Where: Fete Music Hall, 103 Dike St. See the article : Piedmont Players present The Sound of Music.
When: August 10, 7pm (all ages)
Sometimes we need some amped-up rock music to get us through the middle of the week, and Gymshorts will provide that in the Fete Music Hall lounge. Led by Sarah Greenwell on guitar and vocals, this noisy, surf-oriented garage rock act is one of many talented bands to emerge from the Providence music scene in the 2010s. Local soul shredders -prog Bochek will be opening the show, so come early for a double dose of quality music.
Hip-hop duo Method Man & Redman at The Strand
Where: The Strand Ballroom & Theater, 79 Washington St. See the article : The Education Fund receives a grant for a new music program.
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 like “Blow Your Mind” and “Rockafella.” Their biggest hit together is “How High,” which also shares a movie of the same name in which they both starred, and when they reunite 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. Read also : Four Tet wins a royal battle over streaming music.
Information: (401) 383-5858, facebook.com
One of the best things you can do on a Monday night in Providence is stop by The Parlor for Foundation Mondays. The showcase of reggae music has developed since the venue opened a decade ago, and Bud Runner, with 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 get there early.
Jam, funk and rock from Guess Method, The Q-Tip Bandits and Smug Honey at Askew
A triple threat of talented bands will be coming to Askew towards the end of the month for an enjoyable experience. Both Guess Method and Smug Honey are South County-based funky acts with unique progressive and jazz leanings. Boston band The Q-Tip Bandits offer a mix of rock, R&B and funk, so it’s pretty obvious that you need to get your dancing shoes on before you arrive.
Grunge rock from Bully at Columbus Theatre
Where: Columbus Theatre, 270 Broadway
When: August 31, 8 p.m. (All ages)
Ever since I first heard “Milkman” in 2014, I’ve been hooked on Alicia Bognano’s garage rock group from Nashville. It’s a force of nature with its songwriting, angst and lyrics that are both melodic and amplified. Bognano’s approach to music is something that should 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 him and his band when they arrive in town.
