Live Music Venues in Providence, RI

It’s not easy being Providence. You’ve got Boston to the north, New York – and all those Connecticut cities- to the South (and sometimes, also to the west!). You’ve got that “renaissance” city label that people may buy when they pass the big new mall, but, you’re not exactly considered the Hub of anything or the Big anything. But there’s plenty big going on with music in Providence. Providence has an eclectic population that can’t help but effect it’s music offerings- growing ethnic diversity, a big sampling of college students from places like Brown and Rhode Island School of Design. It’s also got an arena which hosts the globally famous on a regular basis. Whether the city has truly been “reborn” with its last ten years of development is perhaps in the eye of the beholder and dependent on which neighborhood your visit. But if you’re looking for music, it’s there to be found in Providence.

CAN I GET A LARGE REGULAR TO GO? At first blush, The Dunkin Donuts Center (One Lasalle Square Providence, RI 02903 Ph: 401-331-6700) has probably one of the stupider names for a city arena- even in the age where we’re used to stupid corporate sponsor names (witness Mansfield’s Tweeter Center…) Though, the former Providence Civic Center also plays host to the basketball team of Providence College, so maybe “dunk” is a good thing. In any case, The Dunk, as it’s called by some people who are into that kind of nicknaming thing, is located in down town Providence (or as some locals say “downcity”). With 14,500 seats, the center With 14,500 seats, the center hosts major music acts as diverse as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Motley Crue. U2 has played there. (Remember U2’s Elevation tour and the heart-shaped inner circle?

BANDS FIND A (OLD) PLACE TO DWELL…. If it’s the weekend and you want live music in Providence, RI and you don’t want to have to depend on that globe trotting Bono being in town, there’s Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel (79 Washington St, Providence. Box office: 401-331-5876) This is the really big go-to spot for live rock bands in Providence. The music is diverse within the rock genre – a sampling of one month’s schedule runs from a Jefferson Airplane/Starship Reunion to G Love & Special Sauce to a bunch of smaller bands that are probably well-known by people who keep track of these things. You get some hip-hop acts here too, but really, it’s a rock venue. The place was opened in 1974 by a Rich Lupo, a Brown grad and it remains popular with the college crowd. Be among the first 1200 in or you won’t get a seat. Special mezzanine seating is available. Check with the box office for more details.

ALTERNATIVE TO ALTERNATIVE. If you’d prefer something other than the music you’d get at say, Lupos, Hi-Hat at Davol Square (Davol Square, Providence, 401-453-6500) is a small jazz/blues/cabaret venue with things like “Martini night” and “dinner show night,” and in past years, a jazz series. Performers range from the well-known (John Mayall put in an appearance) to the local (The Hi Hat hosted the Ocean State Follies in the past.) Many nights have no cover. Patrons must be over 21 for most shows.