That's entertainment: Twenty years ago

By Don Fowler
Posted 8/8/18

By DON FOWLER Warwick Musical Theatre was in full swing with Pete Fountain, Collin Raye, Patty Loveless, Gallagher, Julius LaRosa, Pat Cooper, Michael Peterson, Clint Black, Carrot Top and Engelbert opening the month. Rhode Island's own Marilyn Mair and

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That's entertainment: Twenty years ago

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Warwick Musical Theatre was in full swing with Pete Fountain, Collin Raye, Patty Loveless, Gallagher, Julius LaRosa, Pat Cooper, Michael Peterson, Clint Black, Carrot Top and Engelbert opening the month.

Rhode Island’s own Marilyn Mair and Australian pianist Piers Lane were two of many world-renowned artists performing at the Newport Music Festival. Newport also held a festival devoted to the Gibson guitar, closing with George Thorogood. Unfortunately, only 3,000-4,000 people attended, and it was not continued the following summer.

The Ben and Jerry’s Folk Festival featured Lucinda Williams, Cheryl Wheeler, Tom Rush, Janis Ian, Lyle Lovett, Allison Krauss, the Indigo Girls, Donna the Buffalo and many up-and-coming folk artists.

The Newport Jazz Festival celebrated its 45th anniversary with Dave Brubeck, Al Jarreau, Thelonious Monk, Aretha Franklin, Chick Corea, Cassandra Wilson, David Sanborn and others. Those were the days!

Warwick’s Captains Catch had pound and a quarter lobsters for $3.98.

Our review is still on the wall at Thayer Street’s East Side Pockets, and it is still one of our favorite places for gyros and falafels.

Melba Moore gave a free concert at Waterplace Park.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra played at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet

Samuel L. Jackson starred in a tense drama, “The Negotiator.” Drew Barrymore starred in “Ever After,” while Lindsay Lohan played twin sisters in “The Parent Trap.”

Jamie Lee Curtis starred in “Halloween H20,” another in a long line of dumb fright movies. She actually launched her career 20 years earlier in the first “Halloween.”

Former Cranstonian Gail Eastwood Stokes scored again with her sixth book, “The Magnificent Marquess.”

Remember A to Z Theatrical Productions? They had a gala evening of music at their new home at Providence’s Round Top Church, bringing in Broadway star Carl Anderson.

“42” Street” was at Theatre-by-the-Sea.

Forty years ago this month I launched my “Entertainment: Twenty Years Ago This Week” column with news about the Rocky Hill Fair, where admission was $3 back in 1978. Tom Jones and Mitzi Gaynor were at the Warwick Musical Theatre and the O’Jays were at the Ocean State Theatre (PPAC). Sha Na Na was at the Providence Civic Center, where tickets were $7.50-$8.50), followed by Yes ($7.50-$9.50). “Equus” was at Theatre-by-the-Sea.

Back to 1998, John Raitt (Bonnie’s father, I tell the younger folks) starred with Anna Marie Alberghetti in a memorable night at the Warwick Musical Theatre.

The Cranston Community Theatre presented “Bye Bye, Birdie” starring Bethany Lynn Giammarco, a Cranston West grad. Musical director was Bert Silverberg, the chair of the CCRI Theatre Department. Don Babbit, Cranston West drama teacher, directed the production.

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