Food, Festivals, & Fine Art 🎨

If you need me, I’ll be mentally lounging under a palm tree, sipping a piña colada somewhere sunny – because it’s National Piña Colada Day, and frankly, anywhere sounds better than here in the rain. But if you’re looking for your own little escape from July’s gloomy weather, you’re in luck. Packed with weekend must-do’s, local happenings, and plenty more to lift your spirits, today’s newsletter is your ticket to brighter vibes.

Weekend Must-Do’s: Fill Your Rhody Weekend with Music, Art, and a Bite of JAWS

tFrom bluegrass jams to fine art to a 50th-anniversary tribute to Jaws, Rhode Island’s weekend calendar is packed. Between Providence Restaurant Weeks, the Wickford Art Festival, and unique concerts and tours, there’s something for everyone to savor. Read the full list online.

^{• By Ken Abrams, photo courtesy of Firstworks}

Newport Live Brings Sunset Concerts to Sanctuary and Vineyards

Newport Live kicks off its fifth annual summer concert series, blending live music with nature at Norman Bird Sanctuary and Greenvale Vineyards. The nonprofit’s outdoor shows feature an eclectic lineup in idyllic settings, celebrating culture, community, and the magic of summer evenings. Read more online.

^{• Writing and photography by Ken Abrams}

^{Presented by Greenwood Marketing Collective}

Tell Your Brand’s Story with Greenwood Marketing Collective

Great branding starts with a great story. Whether you’re launching a new concept or in need of a fresh approach to marketing, finding the secret sauce that makes your audience stop scrolling and engage with what you have to offer the world is a kind of artform. Greenwood Marketing Collective partners with any-sized organization, from tech companies to small, mission-driven organizations, to tell their unique stories with powerful messaging.

“We believe marketing should be strategic, impactful, and – dare we say it – fun,” says founder and owner Courtney Greenwood. If you’re all about bold ideas, conciseness and consistency, making authentic connections, or turning a business dream into reality, Greenwood’s marketing services are the perfect match.

“Through creativity, authenticity, and a deep understanding of what makes your business unique, we build marketing strategies that truly connect,” she explains. Services include impactful launch planning, creating data-driven campaigns, brand storytelling, mapping customer experiences, and optimizing existing marketing strategies. If you’re not quite sure where you are on your marketing journey, hourly sessions can provide clarity to charge ahead with confidence – no contract needed.

Not sure where your brand’s story begins? No problem – Greenwood helps clients dive deep to excavate the backstory behind a great idea. “I make sure you feel seen as a business owner,” she says. “We’ll talk about how you ended up where you are today, and explore the ‘why’ – your reasons for starting the company, why you love it, why you show up every day. Through these conversations, a story emerges that is impactful to the overall brand and messaging, and subsequently, marketing goals!”

She continues, “we do all of this with a spirit of collaboration, inclusivity, and a shared excitement for what’s possible.”

Ready to take the leap with your brand? Visit GreenwoodMarketingCollective.com to get started.

Check Out Our Latest on Youtube: Busting Pet Myths with Rhody Flair

Nick and Jenna tackle some of the most common myths about our furry (and scaly) friends in this week’s episode. From cats and curiosity to what dogs really see, they set the record straight on how to better care for your beloved pets.

Paddlers Take on Rhode Island’s 15-Mile Ocean State Crossing

Athletes from across the U.S. will converge on Narragansett Bay August 9 for the first-ever Ocean State Crossing, a 15-mile open-water race blending endurance, iconic coastal scenery, and charity. Competitors will navigate paddleboards, kayaks, and rowing shells past Rhode Island landmarks while raising funds for ocean and health-focused causes. Read more online.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of RMO PR}