Newport Concert Series At The Newport Yachting Center To Feature Disco, Pop, Soul, Blues And Rock in July

The 2014 Newport Concert Series at the Newport Yachting Center is featuring a line-up in July that promises to satisfy a variety of musical tastes. Set to appear are: KC and the Sunshine Band on Wednesday, July 9th; John Hiatt & The Combo and The Robert Cray Band on Saturday, July 12th;An Evening with YES on Sunday, July 13th; Barenaked Ladies on Friday, July 18th; The Machine performs Pink Floyd With the Interstellar Laser Show on Friday, July 25th.  Tickets are still available for all the shows by visiting www.newportwaterfrontevents.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000.  The gates for all of the concerts will open at 5:30 p.m. followed by a local musician on The Point Stage.  Music on the Main Stage will follow at 7:00 p.m. for all the concerts except for the YES show when music on the Main Stage will start at 6:30 p.m.  The Newport Concert Series is currently underway and will continue through October at its unique waterfront venue in downtown Newport.

Known for helping to change the sound of modern pop music, KC and the Sunshine Band was one of the most progressive bands of the 1970s.  The band’s leader, Harry Wayne Casey – KC for short – developed a unique fusion of R&B and funk along with a Latin percussion groove which resulted in an impressive string of #1 hits, including “Get Down Tonight”, “That’s The Way (I Like It)” and “Shake Your Booty”.  In fact, in 1975 KC and the Sunshine Band became the first act since the Beatles in 1964 to score four #1 pop singles in one 12-month period.  Three of the singles also crossed over to become #1 R&B hits as well.  Since its formation, the band has sold over 100 million records, earned nine Grammy nominations and won three Grammy Awards and an American Music Award for Best R&B Artist.  KC and the Sunshine Band’s opening act has yet to be announced but local pop-rock singer-songwriter, Heather Rose will grace The Point Stage.

One of America’s finest singer-songwriter musicians, John Hiatt’s songs have been covered by hundreds of artists, including Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello, Bon Jovi, Bob Dylan and Jewel.  Most notably, Rosanne Cash took his tune, "The Way We Make A Broken Heart" all the way to #1 on the United States country charts in 1987 and Bonnie Raitt brought “Thing Called Love” to #11 on the charts in 1989. Hiatt’s twenty-two studio album releases include the Grammy nominated Walk On in 1995 andCrossing Muddy Waters in 2000.  In 2008 he received Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting.  His most recent album release is entitled Here to Stay.  Elected to the 2011 Blues Hall of Fame by The Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee, bluesman Robert Cray and his band are back by popular demand thanks to memorable performances at the 2007, 2009 and 2011 Newport Concert Series.  After winning the distinguished W.C. Handy Blues Award in 1985, Cray’s fourth release, Strong Persuader, earned the first of his five Grammy Awards a year later while the crossover single, “Smokin' Gun,” gave him wider appeal and name recognition.  By the early 1990s, Cray’s name was immediately associated with his soothing, soulful voice, crisp guitar work and modern blues sound.  Cray’s latest release is In My Soul.  There will be no opening act due to the double bill and local blues and roots singer-songwriter and guitarist, Ed McGuirl, will get the music started on The Point Stage.

The band YES, the original pioneer of progressive rock, will perform two of its classic albums in their entirety during the show: Fragile and Close to the Edge plus an encore of their greatest hits.  The band has achieved worldwide success with a history spanning 45 years and 20 studio albums. The current YES line-up consists of singer Jon Davison, bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Steve Howe, drummer Alan White, and keyboardist Geoff Downes.  Best known for its chart-topping hits, including “Roundabout,” “Long Distance Runaround” and “Starship Trooper”, the group is distinctly popular for its expansive songs, esoteric lyrics, elaborate album art and live stage sets.  Syd Arthur, the British psych-rock quartet, will be the opener and local singer-songwriter and guitarist, Steve Allain, will be featured on The Point Stage.

The multi-Grammy Award nominee and seven-time Juno Award winning Barenaked Ladies formed in 1988 in Scarborough, Ontario, right outside of Toronto.  The band’s first album,Gordon, was released in 1992 and was met with much success with tracks including “Enid” and “Be My Yoko Ono.”  Following the release, the band began to see success within the United States and worldwide.  Over the years, BNL has released a number of chart-topping hits including “If I Had $1,000,000,” “Pinch Me,” “The Old Apartment,” and many more.  In addition, they also are the musical masterminds behind the theme song for the hit show “The Big Bang Theory.”  The band has sold over 15 million records and continues to actively tour worldwide. BNL’s latest CD release is entitled Grinning Streak.  Elliot Brood, a highly acclaimed Canadian alt-country band, will open for Barenaked Ladies and local singer-songwriter and guitarist, Bob Kendall,will get things started on The Point Stage.

The Machine, America’s top Pink Floyd show, has forged a 25-year reputation of excellence, extending the legacy of Pink Floyd.  Known for performing a diverse mix of Floyd’s extensive 16-album repertoire, the New York-based band focuses on making every show an authentic experience for their fans with stellar musicianship, dramatic lighting and video and passionate delivery. The band’s most recent album release is entitledSymphonic Side of the Moon.  There will be no opening act as The Machine will start at 7:00 p.m. with one intermission.  Joe Auger, a local pop and rock singer-songwriter, will begin the night on The Point Stage.

The Newport Concert Series at the Newport Yachting Center has 13 remaining concerts to-date: KC and the Sunshine Band on Wednesday, July 9th; John Hiatt & The Combo and The Robert Cray Band on Saturday, July 12th; An Evening with YES on Sunday, July 13th; Barenaked Ladies on Friday, July 18th; The Machine performs Pink Floyd With the Interstellar Laser Show on Friday, July 25th; 3 Doors Down Acoustic – Songs From The Basement on Friday, August 1st;Boz Scaggs – The Memphis Tour on Wednesday, August 6th;Gregg Allman with Special Guest Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band on Sunday, August 10th; Josh Turner’s Roughstock and Rambler Tour (presented by Ariat) on Thursday, August 14th;The Beach Boys on Saturday, August 16th; Alanis Morissette Live – Intimate & Acoustic on Thursday, August 21st; Blues Jam With Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band on Sunday, August 31st; and Chris Young With Special Guest Courtney Cole on Saturday, September 20th.  In addition to the Newport Concert Series, the Newport Yachting Center will host the Newport Waterfront Reggae Festival on Saturday, August 9th and theNewport Celtic Rock Festival to take place Saturday, August 23rd.

The Newport Yachting Center is located on the waterfront in the heart of historic downtown Newport on America's Cup Avenue.  The venue features a covered concert tent and ample open air space with stunning views of Newport Harbor.  Guests can enjoy “The Point”, a dockside waterfront bar and lounge with a full line of cocktails, wines, imported beers and micro brews, before, during and after the shows.  Julian’s Omnibus will offer concert-goers a fun, eclectic dining experience along with rooftop seating to fully appreciate the panoramic Newport views.

For more information on the Newport Concert Series at the Newport Yachting Center, please visit www.newportwaterfrontevents.com or contact Michele Maker Palmieri, General Manager at the Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf on America’s Cup Avenue in Newport, at (401) 846-1600, Ext. 222 or via email: mmaker@newportyachtingcenter.com.  To receive future 2014 Newport Concert Series announcements, sign up at newportwaterfrontevents.com, become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/waterfrontevents or follow Newport Waterfront Events on Twitter at twitter.com/newportevents.  Also, share photos on Instagram at instagram.com/newportevents.com.