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SUMMARY:Silkroad: Behind the Music | Virtual Artist Talk
DESCRIPTION:Exploring “American Railroad” with Wu Man & Sandeep Das\nModerated by Anthony Cheung\nVirtual Artist Talk: October 30\, 5 PM \nJoin Silkroad artists Wu Man and Sandeep Das—virtuosic performers and composers for “American Railroad”—for a glimpse into the creative process behind this groundbreaking project. “American Railroad” presents a sonic tapestry of the past\, evoking the often-overlooked contributions of Indigenous and African Americans\, as well as Chinese\, Irish\, Japanese\, and other immigrant communities who laid the tracks that transformed a nation. This creative conversation will be moderated by composer and scholar\, Anthony Cheung. \nFormat: Watch the 40-minute streaming talk and Q&A below.\n\n \nWu Man and Sandeep Das will perform at The VETS on November 9th as part of Silkroad Ensemble’s “American Railroad” concert tour this November. Thank you to our presenting partners! \nNov. 7: Quick Center for the Arts. Fairfield\, CT\nNov. 8: Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. Barrington\, MA\nNov. 9: The VETS\, presented by FirstWorks. Providence\, RI\nNov. 13: The Colonial Theatre. Keene\, NH \nABOUT SILKROAD\nA Grammy Award-winning musical ensemble\, Silkroad is a collective of artists representing dozens of nationalities\, traditions and ideas\, who use music and art to demonstrate how great beauty can emerge from great difference. The Ensemble strives to engage difference\, sparking radical collaboration and music with a purpose\, for a more hopeful and inclusive world. \nABOUT WU MAN\nWu Man belongs to a rare group of musicians who have redefined the role of their instruments\, in her case\, the pipa\, a pear-shaped\, four-stringed Chinese lute with a rich history spanning centuries. Not only is she recognized as the foremost pipa player in the United States\, but she is also celebrated as an accomplished composer\, educator\, and one of the most prominent instrumentalists of traditional Chinese music. She has premiered hundreds of new works for the pipa\, while spearheading multimedia projects to both preserve and create awareness of China’s ancient musical traditions. Her adventurous spirit and virtuosity have led to collaborations across artistic disciplines\, allowing her to reach wider audiences as she works to cross cultural and musical borders. \nABOUT SANDEEP DAS\nA Guggenheim Fellow\, Sandeep Das is one of the leading Tabla virtuosos in the world today. Since his debut concert at the age of 17 with legendary Sitar player Ravi Shankar\, Das has built a prolific international reputation spanning over three decades. He has collaborated with top musicians\, ensembles\, and orchestras from all over the world\, and his original compositions have been performed in 50+ countries. Das is the founder of Harmony and Universality through Music (HUM)\, a nonprofit organization in India that has promoted global understanding through music performance and provided learning opportunities and scholarships for visually-impaired children with artistic potential since 2009.  His most recent project\, Transcending Borders One Note at a Time\, launched in 2020 to widespread international acclaim\, and seeks to harness the power of music to create positive social change. \nABOUT ANTHONY CHEUNG\nAssociate Professor of Music\, Brown University\nComposer and pianist Anthony Cheung writes music that explores the senses\, a wide palette of instrumental play and affect\, improvisational traditions\, reimagined musical artifacts\, and multiple layers of textual meaning. Described as “gritty\, inventive and wonderfully assured” (San Francisco Chronicle) and praised for its “instrumental sensuality” (Chicago Tribune)\, his music reveals an interest in the ambiguity of sound sources and constantly shifting transformations of tuning and timbre. His music and commissions have been performed at festivals around the world. He was a co-founder of the Talea Ensemble\, performing as a pianist and serving as artistic director. The recipient of a 2016 Guggenheim Fellowship\, he has also received awards from the American Academy of Arts and Letters (Charles Ives Fellowship and Scholarship) and ASCAP\, and first prize in the Sixth International Dutilleux Competition (2008)\, as well as a Rome Prize from the American Academy in Rome (2012).
URL:https://firstworks.org/event/silkroad-behind-the-music/
LOCATION:FirstWorks Virtual Stage
CATEGORIES:Educational Program,Season 2025-2026
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251109T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251109T213000
DTSTAMP:20251108T221859Z
CREATED:20250617T140033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251108T221859Z
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SUMMARY:American Railroad: Silkroad Ensemble featuring Wu Man
DESCRIPTION:Experience Silkroad’s acclaimed American Railroad program — now reimagined with an intimate\, powerhouse ensemble of eight world-class musicians led by the internationally acclaimed pipa master\, Wu Man. This compelling program presents a sonic tapestry of the past\, evoking the powerful and often-overlooked contributions of Indigenous and African Americans\, as well as Chinese\, Irish\, Japanese\, and other immigrant communities who laid the tracks for the transcontinental railroad that transformed a nation.  \nThe program highlights thrilling collaborations of traditional percussion instruments from India\, Japan\, and Italy\, alongside the exquisite tonal interplay of Chinese pipa\, guitar\, string instruments\, and of course the unforgettable wild Chinese wind instrument suona and European accordion. With breathtaking musicianship and evocative melodies\, this Grammy Award-winning group challenges conventional narratives\, unveiling a deeply human perspective that redefines the American experience and transports audiences through a cultural and historical odyssey. \nA Grammy Award-winning musical ensemble\, Silkroad is a collective of artists representing dozens of nationalities\, traditions and ideas\, who use music and art to demonstrate how great beauty can emerge from great difference. The Ensemble strives to engage difference\, sparking radical collaboration and music with a purpose\, for a more hopeful and inclusive world. \nGolden Circle / VIP Ticket Info:\nEnjoy premiere seating\, early entry into the venue\, and access to FirstWorks’ exclusive pre-show VIP toast. This special evening celebrates FirstWorks’ long-standing partnership with the Grammy Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble\, who helped to launch the organization’s Arts Education program in 2009. An unforgettable night of world-class music and community connection! 
URL:https://firstworks.org/event/american-railroad-silkroad-ensemble-featuring-wu-man/
LOCATION:THE VETS\, One Avenue of the Arts\, Providence\, 02903\, United States
CATEGORIES:Season 2025-2026
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251205T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251205T210000
DTSTAMP:20251205T170700Z
CREATED:20251103T194737Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T170700Z
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SUMMARY:Le Patin Libre "Glide"
DESCRIPTION:Le Patin Libre (French for “Free Skate”) are pioneers of contemporary skating who defy stereotypes\, transforming athleticism into a means of free expression. Founded in Montréal by former high-level figure skaters\, the company wields ice\, skates and glide as pure mediums of artistic storytelling. \nIn “Glide\,” the skating artists draw on influences from theatre\, street dance\, and tap\, applying all to the ice as stage. With joyful authenticity and no frills\, Le Patin Libre combine the best of their showstopping repertory to create a festive quick dive into their ice dance universe. \nJoin FirstWorks for a free ice-dancing show at 7 PM followed by a public ice-skating dance party with DJ Atlas at 8 PM\, open to all! \nKnow Before You Go:\n \nThis special event is presented as part of PVD Holiday Festival\, a celebration of light\, culture and community taking place December 4-7 in Downtown Providence. For the full festival schedule visit https://www.pvdholidayfest.org \n  \n  \n❄️ Baby\, it’s cold outside. Dress for the weather!\n🅿️ Get parking info for PVD Holiday Festival\n⛸️ The Le Patin Libre performance and the ice-skating dance party are FREE\n🪩 Partygoers can bring their own skates\, or rentals and lockers are available at the venue for a fee.\nVisit the Providence Rink webpage for venue FAQ & ice-skate rental info
URL:https://firstworks.org/event/le-patin-libre-glide/
LOCATION:The Providence Rink\, 2 Kennedy Plaza\, Providence\, RI\, 02903\, United States
CATEGORIES:Season 2025-2026
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260207T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260207T210000
DTSTAMP:20260207T173448Z
CREATED:20251219T165428Z
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SUMMARY:Nomfusi: South African Soul-Diva - CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
DESCRIPTION:2/7/26 UPDATE: Due to the extreme cold and snow-impacted travel/city-wide parking ban\, we have made the difficult decision to cancel tonight’s performance by Nomfusi at the Uptown Theater.  \nTicketholders will hear directly from the Uptown Box Office and will be issued a full refund to their original method of purchase.  \nWe sincerely appreciate all who purchased tickets in support of this amazing artist and her Providence program with FirstWorks. We look forward to sharing highlights from her educational matinee for 500 Providence high school students next week.  \n—————— \nThe soul of Mama Afrika meets the fire of Motown and Soul… in a pint-sized packet of dynamite. With over 30 international tours under her belt\, Nomfusi has become one of South Africa’s most sought-after performers worldwide. Indeed\, there is nothing small about the tiny songstress with the gigantic voice and tons of charm. With sheer will and determination\, she has risen from the squalor of South African squatter camps to some of the finest stages of the world. \nLikened by critics to a young Miriam Makeba with a twist of Tina Turner\, the multiple SAMA and Metro FM Award nominee embraces both her African heritage and the sounds of Soul and Motown she grew up with. Like a purifying wildfire that cuts through the bone\, her cathartic performances have been praised across the globe. \nCo-presented by FirstWorks and the Uptown Theater
URL:https://firstworks.org/event/nomfusi-south-african-soul-diva/
LOCATION:Uptown Theater\, 270 Broadway\, Providence\, RI\, 02903\, United States
CATEGORIES:Season 2025-2026
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260710T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260710T200000
DTSTAMP:20260623T171042Z
CREATED:20260430T054506Z
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SUMMARY:FirstWorks Summer Beats Concerts: Etienne Charles Gullah Roots
DESCRIPTION:Global Jazz with deep American roots\nInternationally renowned jazz trumpet maestro Etienne Charles returns to Providence with his festive big band! High spirits and dancing feet are in the forecast for this free jazz concert inspired by Lowcountry Gullah-Geechee culture and its connections to Afro-Caribbean music traditions. \nOver the past two decades\, Charles has established himself as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary jazz. Since releasing his debut album in 2007\, he has produced eleven critically acclaimed recordings and collaborated with legendary artists including Roberta Flack\, Marcus Miller\, Monty Alexander and Chucho Valdés\, while also touring internationally with the SFJAZZ Collective. A proud musical ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago\, Charles is known for weaving Caribbean musical traditions\, folklore and history into his compositions\, creating a sound that bridges cultures and generations. \nThis performance transcends the concert stage\, integrating big band textures with dancers\, masquerade\, and spoken word to create a multi-sensory experience that celebrates the resilience and vibrancy of marginalized communities. Join us for a concert that brings to life the powerful narratives and rhythms of the African diaspora\, honoring cultural traditions through the universal language of music. \n  \nKNOW BEFORE YOU GO\n \nCome early for a Creative Conversation with Étienne Charles\nLed by Jonathan Pitts-Wiley and Melaine Ferdinand-King • 5:00-5:45 p.m.\nThe conversation will focus on Étienne’s creative process behind the creation of the Gullah Roots album – providing a glimpse into the instrument of jazz as the work of a culture and how it is woven into the American experience. \nThis concert coincides with Food Truck Friday\, an outdoor food truck festival at the Carousel Village located across from the Boathouse Lawn starting at 5:00 p.m. We invite you to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket\, grab some delicious food – and enjoy an evening outdoors with incredible music and community!  \n  \nAccessibility info:\n• The Boathouse Lawn at Roger Williams Park is accessible to all visitors\, including those with disabilities. The area is connected by paved paths. Accessible parking spaces are available nearby\, though access isles vary. There are clear pathways leading to the lawn and surrounding attractions. Some seating options are available\, including park benches. Concerts take place on the lawn\, a mostly flat hard-grass surface. Earplugs will be available on a first come/first served basis.\n• Accessible Bathrooms nearby (at the Carousel Village)\n• For questions about accessibility\, contact Rainy Stanford-Cordaro
URL:https://firstworks.org/event/firstworks-summer-beats-concerts-etienne-charles-gullah-roots/
LOCATION:Roger Williams Park Dalrymple Boathouse Lawn\, 1000 Elmwood Ave\, Providence\, RI\, 02905\, United States
CATEGORIES:Season 2026-2027
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260724T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260724T200000
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CREATED:20260430T054500Z
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SUMMARY:FirstWorks Summer Beats Concerts: The GroovaLottos
DESCRIPTION:Gotcha’ Groovin\, Gotcha’ Dancin’\, Gotcha’ Feelin’ Good! \nThis Grammy-nominated Soul-funk Afrobeats jam band leads the vanguard of the Thump & Soul music scene\, a feel-good blend of soul\, rock\, funk\, hip-hop\, and Afrobeats that can be heard at live music clubs\, lounges\, festivals and concerts across Southeastern New England – “The Sound of a Good Time!” \nTheir live performances are a fusion of soulful rhythms and electrifying stage presence\, promising an unforgettable experience for all ages. \nABOUT THE BAND\nThe GroovaLottos are comprised of Eddie Ray Johnson (Cherokee and Choctaw)\, drums and vocals; Mwalim Daphunkee Professor (Mashpee Wampanoag)\, keyboards and vocals; and Richard Johnson\, bass\, and child prodigy percussionist and MC\, The Z.Y.G.(Mashpee Wampanoag). Their music is an exploration and celebration of the merge between eastern First Nations and West African musical forms that became the blues and funk. They are also the resident production team and session band at Polyphonic Studios in Wareham\, MA. \nKNOW BEFORE YOU GO\n \nCome early for a pre-show Creative Conversation with the band – 5:00 p.m-5:45 p.m\n“The Family Groove” with The GroovaLottos’ Mwalim & Zyg Daphunkee\, led by Christopher Hoyt of FirstWorks. The creative process for any band is a unique experience. For the GroovaLottos\, that process was formed around a philosophy of sharing music\, stories and freely giving themselves over to the groove to become a family.\n \nThis concert coincides with Food Truck Friday\, an outdoor food truck festival at the Carousel Village located across from the Boathouse Lawn starting at 5:00 p.m. We invite you to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket\, grab some delicious food – and enjoy an evening outdoors with incredible music and community!  \n  \nAccessibility info:\n• The Boathouse Lawn at Roger Williams Park is accessible to all visitors\, including those with disabilities. The area is connected by paved paths. Free parking available in the Roger Williams Park Zoo’s main parking lots and along the roads within the public park. Accessible parking spaces are available nearby\, though access isles vary. There are clear pathways leading to the lawn and surrounding attractions. Some seating options are available\, including park benches. Concerts take place on the lawn\, a mostly flat hard-grass surface. Earplugs will be available on a first come/first served basis.\n• Accessible Bathrooms nearby (at the Carousel Village)\n• For questions about accessibility\, contact Rainy Stanford-Cordaro
URL:https://firstworks.org/event/firstworks-summer-beats-concerts-the-groovalottos/
LOCATION:Roger Williams Park Dalrymple Boathouse Lawn\, 1000 Elmwood Ave\, Providence\, RI\, 02905\, United States
CATEGORIES:Season 2026-2027
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260814T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260814T200000
DTSTAMP:20260806T140351Z
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SUMMARY:CANCELED: FirstWorks Summer Beats Concerts: Spain's Pedro Pastor
DESCRIPTION:Due to unforeseen USCIS administrative delays in the visa process\, Pedro Pastor y Los Locos Descalzos’ six-city 2026 U.S. tour has been canceled. The canceled performances include the upcoming FirstWorks Summer Beats concert scheduled for Friday\, August 14\, 2026 at 195 District Park in Providence. \nFirstWorks remains committed to presenting groundbreaking international artists. We are in conversation with Pedro Pastor’s management about securing a new performance date in 2027\, once the visa is secured. \nWe thank all of our supporters and audience members for being a part of FirstWorks Summer Beats 2026. Stay tuned for our next chapter – PVDFest 2026 returns on September 18 and 19 in Downtown Providence. The People’s Festival of Art\, Music and Culture. \n\nPedro Pastor represents and leads a new generation of singer-songwriters in Spain. At just 31 years old\, and with six albums under his belt\, he has performed over 700 concerts across 17 countries with his band\, Los Locos Descalzos. \nAt once sophisticated\, danceable\, and powerful\, his music straddles Latin America and his home country of Spain. Pastor’s lyrics are a hymn to change and rebellion\, to love and learning\, to fusion and blending as the primary source of musical and human development. His style combines African music\, cumbia\, flamenco\, funk\, and Latin American folklore without losing the power and essence of the singer-songwriter and its message. \nKNOW BEFORE YOU GO \nCome early for a Creative Conversation on Arts and Activism • 5 PM\nFeaturing: Pedro Pastor\, Tony Mendez (Power 102.1 Poder 1110 Radio) and poet\, performer\, and cultural organizer Sussy Santana \nAccessibility info:\n• 195 District Park is accessible to all visitors\, including those with disabilities. Read the park’s FAQ’s here.\n• The event area is a grassy lawn connected by paved paths. There are clear pathways leading to the lawn and surrounding attractions.\n• Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Limited portable seating will be available\, first come-first served.\n• Port-a-potties will be available. There are also public bathrooms available at The Guild Beer Garden.\n• Metered street parking is available along the west side of the park on Dyer Street and along the east side of the park along South Water Street. There is also nearby paid parking at South Street Landing Garage at 330 Eddy St\, Providence\, Rhode Island 02903.\n• Earplugs will be available on a first come/first served basis.\n• For questions about accessibility\, contact Rainy Stanford-Cordaro
URL:https://firstworks.org/event/firstworks-summer-beats-concerts-pedro-pastor/
LOCATION:195 District Park\, 260 Dyer Street\, Providence\, RI\, 02903\, United States
CATEGORIES:Season 2026-2027
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260918
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260920
DTSTAMP:20260821T153849Z
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SUMMARY:PVDFest
DESCRIPTION:The People’s Festival of Art\, Music and Culture\nMayor Brett P. Smiley\, the City’s Department of Art\, Culture\, Tourism and Producing Partner FirstWorks once again host PVDFest\, Providence’s signature outdoor arts festival\, September 18-19\, 2026. This year’s festival returns to the beating heart of Downtown\, animating the streets of the Creative Capital with astonishing performances\, art installations\, parades\, artisan markets\, and world-class cuisine. Discover a vibrant\, cultural experience unlike anything else in the region.
URL:https://firstworks.org/event/pvdfest-2026/
LOCATION:Downtown Providence\, 25 Dorrance Street\, Providence\, RI\, 02903\, United States
CATEGORIES:PVDFest,Season 2026-2027
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