Dates and bands announced for NK summer concert series

NORTH KINGSTOWN – As the days get longer and the temperatures begin to soar, it promises to be a hot summer in North Kingstown as the annual summer concert series gets ready to kick off on June 20. It all begins with the unveiling of Community Murals at the Wickford Art Association building on Beach Street. Earlier this year, the WAA put out a call for artists to submit ideas for murals that would decorate the outside of the building, and the response was overwhelming. While only a few were chosen, residents, artists, and music lovers will get to see what those selected came up with.

Following the unveiling, concerts will kick off with a performance by the Paula Clare Band (Old-school blues, R&B, soul) at 6:30 p.m. on June 20. On June 27, “Take it to the Bridge” (Classics to Current Tunes) will be featured. July 3 features the return of the popular fireworks show over the bay, and the music will be provided starting at 4 p.m. by Purple Honey, followed by the Lafayette Band and fireworks. July 11 brings back the annual visit by the Gov’s Own 88th Army Band (Big Band). Purple Honey returns on July 18. On July 25, Country Wild performs contemporary country. On August 1, Neal and Vipers come back for another year playing Blues, R&B. August 8 features REM5, August 15 showcases Narrow River (Southern RI acoustic rock band), August 22 highlights The Dick Clarks, and August 29 presents a 6 p.m. presentation of the Skog/Meland Award, followed by a performance at 6:30 p.m. by Brass Attack (Soul, rock, pop, Motown).

But if that’s not enough to catch your musical attention and get your toes tapping, there’s even more with the summer family concert series. On June 6, the Toe Jam Puppet Band will perform, on July 13 Vanessa Trien takes the stage, on July 20, the Atwater-Donnelly Band performs, on July 27, the Cool Banana Wig entertains, and closing up the season on August 3, the Ants on a log Band will perform. Additionally, a special performance by the RI Youth Theatre will present Treasure Island on August 26 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

All performances are free, and for those who want to grab some food, there will be a host of food trucks at each event. Remember to bring a lawn chair or blanket to be comfortable. 

The shuttle starts at 5:30 p.m. at the NK Town Hall, 100 Fairway Dr. There will be no parking at the beach after 5:30 p.m., only drop-offs. No pets are allowed.