Enjoy Food Trucks And Free Concert At Roger Williams Park

The Rhode Island Foundation and the city of Providence are inviting the public to a free concert by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra at the Temple to Music in Roger Williams Park on Wed., Aug. 7, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“Community is the core of our work. That begins where people come together to share experiences. There is not a better spot to celebrate Rhode Island’s amazing spirit than in one of the state’s best-loved gathering places,” said Neil D. Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO.

Conducted by Francisco Noya, the 60-piece orchestra will play two 45-minute sets with a 20-minute intermission. The program will feature rousing standards, including the Star Spangled Banner, the 1812 Overture and music from “Star Wars.”

In addition to the concert, a caravan of food trucks will be at the Temple to Music. The trucks will serve everything from burgers and authentic Asian street food to ice cream and waffles from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

“Wonderful food, fresh air and space for thousands of music lovers on blankets and lawn chairs. It should be another spectacular evening,” said Steinberg.

Parking is available throughout Roger Williams Park and there will be a secure area to leave bikes at the Temple to Music. Details are posted on the Foundation’s website at rifoundation.org.

This is the fourth straight year the Philharmonic will perform in Roger Williams Park. When the Foundation first brought the Philharmonic to Roger Williams Park to celebrate its Centennial in 2016, the orchestra had not performed at the Temple to Music in more than a decade. An estimated 7,000 people attend last year’s performance.

“Although we envisioned the Centennial concert as a one-time event, the performances have been so successful and were enjoyed by so many that we decided to bring the Philharmonic back for a fourth year,” said Steinberg.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Working with generous and visionary donors, the Foundation raised $114 million and awarded $52 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities in 2018. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.