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Photos by Nat Squatrito
Fourth of July Celebration
Bristol, Rhode Island 's
America's Oldest Continuous Fourth of July Celebration
Fourth of July Celebration
2023 Summer Concert Series
Independence Park
Tuesday, June 20 - Monday, July 3, 2023
OFFICIAL LINE-UP
Day 1 - Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Introductions
Welcome to the 2023 Summer Concerts Series Opening Night. We are exciting for the talented musicians in this year's lineup.
7:00 p.m. - 88th Army Band
The 88th Army Band, as part of the Rhode Island Army National Guard, has
the primary responsibility to provide Musical Support across the state. The Band has a long and proud history of service to our State and Country. Instituted in 1892, the band performs a wide range of music from patriotic, classical, contemporary, big band swing, country, and the latest top-40 hits. Their Pop Rock The 90 minute concert this years will feature three performances; 1) FlexWinds, a windowed group; 2) Down Range Rhythm, a rock group; and 3) the Coyote Brass Band.
Concert Sponsors: Brian Cunha & Associates/Roger Williams University/ DeWolf Tavern
Day 2 - Wednesday, June 21, 2023
6:30 p.m. - East Bay Wind Ensemble
The East Bay Summer Wind Ensemble was organized in June of 1976 by Founder and Conductor, Lt. Col. Steven Grimo (former Commander/Conductor of The United States Air Force Academy Band) of Bristol, R.I. as a non-profit, educational community music program to offer residents of the East Bay area of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts a chance to become actively involved in cultural activities. EBSWE held the first performance of what became the Bristol 4th of July Concert Series on July 3, 1976 on the steps of Colt School. Now in its 48th year, the ensemble is currently led by Mr. David M. Marshall, who is now in his 18th year as the organization's President and Director. The ensemble's Assistant Conductor is Mr. Ted Rausch, Director of Bands at Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, RI where the group runs its rehearsals throughout the summer. EBSWE performs a wide variety of concert repertoire including musical genres spanning from Patriotic to Broadway, Movie Music to Traditional and Contemporary Symphonic Literature. Each summer the group performs throughout the East Bay area giving community musicians a chance to advance their instrumental music skills in a concert band setting, while entertaining audiences at beautiful outdoor venues.
7:45 p.m. - Sentimental Fools
“Sentimental Fools” has been performing together since January 2018. What started off as weekly Friday night jam session, slowly evolved into a more serious approach to playing so commonly heard classic songs and applying our unique characteristics to them. We perform classic, fun tunes from all genres from the 60s to the 2000s. Folk, Rock, New Wave and a touch of Grunge, and Contemporary. We have been performing at local restaurants and taverns in Southeastern Massachusetts/Rhode Island area since August 2018 with memorable performances at Newport’s Broadway Street Fair and Westport Animal Sanctuary charity event, etc.
Concert Sponsors: Brian Cunha & Associates/Roger Williams University/ Bank 5/ F&S Electric/Navigant
Day 3 - Thursday, June 22, 2023
6:30 p.m. - Keats and Company
Keats and Company is a Bristol-based Grateful Dead tribute band led by Justin Keating, affectionately known as Keats. Known for their unique spin on classic Grateful Dead tunes, Keats and Company has quickly become a staple in the local music scene. Formed in 2015, Keats and Company has been delighting audiences with their fresh take on classic Dead tunes, infusing their own personal style into every song they play. Their live performances are known for being high-energy and full of surprises, with each show featuring a unique setlist that keeps fans on their toes. Their passion for music and their commitment to the Grateful Dead's legacy make them a must-see act for any fans of classic rock and jam band music.
7:45 p.m. - Colby James and the Ramblers
Accomplished singer-songwriter Colby James has consistently earned an outstanding reputation as one of the most acclaimed and truly gifted artists
to appear on the live stage. As the front man for his band Colby James &
The Ramblers, Colby along with his band members Heather Church (violinist), Jason Pacheco (percussionist), James Raiola (rhythm guitar), and Leigh Gilbert(bassist), have delivered powerful performances at some of the most popular concert halls in the region including Boston City Winery, The Narrows Center, The Spire, and The Zeiterion Theatre. As local musicians who enjoy performing to their hometown fans, Colby James is very proud and grateful for the opportunity to perform at this year’s Bristol 4th of July Concert Series.
Concert Sponsors: Brian Cunha & Associates/Roger Williams University/ Starkweather & Shepley/Crown Collision
Day 4 - Friday, June 23, 2023
6:00 p.m. - Mt Hope High School Singers
Jeff Gonzales, Sonia Bradley, Zelda Hayes/Nate Calouro, Kiara DeRobbio, Casey Ruth Little and on guitar by Joe Ricci.
7:00 p.m. - 7 Day Weekend
Bringing you all the hits from every generation, 7 Day Weekend is truly unique in their brand of fun, diversity and variety. Current Top 40 hits from, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, and the Chainsmokers are just some of the artists showcased on the always evolving set list. If it’s rock anthems you like, 7 Day Weekend will have you singing your lungs out to favorites by Def Leppard, Journey, Bon Jovi up through Third Eye Blind, Sublime, Blink 182 and Fallout Boy. And when you’re ready for some guilty pleasures, 7 Day Weekend has you covered on all bases. Whether it’s a medley of country classics, a mix of 90’s hip hop, or some classic Michael Jackson, Isley Brothers, Grease, or even a surprise or two, you are guaranteed to be on your feet, out of breath, begging for more.
7 Day Weekend has the ability to play intimate venues, large nightclubs, private events, black-tie affairs, weddings (large and small), outdoor festivals and everything in between.
If you're game to sing until you lose your voice, don't mind getting sweaty, dancing up a storm, ready to party like a rockstar, and make some new best friends in the process, come party with 7 Day Weekend!
Concert Sponsors: Brian Cunha & Associates/Roger Williams University/ Discover Newport/Omniseal-St. Gobain/Vigilant
Day 5 - Saturday, June 24, 2023
6:30 p.m. - Kate & the Mongrels
Kate and The Mongrels is a Rock n Roll cover band specializing in the music you love, but haven’t heard in forever! Covering 70s through 90s artists such as Janis Joplin, Heart, Led Zeppelin, Sass Jordan, Triumph and more. Voted one of the top three bands in the Local Bands category of the Providence Journal’s Readers Choice Awards for 2022.
7:45 p.m. - Loose Screws
Loose Screws South Coast's premier high energy country/rock band. Their never-ending exuberance for the music keeps the dance floor bursting while their musical prowess entertains those just wanting to sit back and listen to great music. Their unique blend of today's country, old school, and 90's rock is a must-see experience for all.
Concert Sponsors: Brian Cunha & Associates/Roger Williams University/ Gil’sAppliance/Alert Healthcare
Day 6 - Sunday, June 25, 2023
7:00 p.m. - Changes in Latitude
Changes In Latitudes is the country’s premier tribute show to the Mayor of Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffett. This nationally acclaimed band travels the country with beach balls flying, dancing conga lines, and “Trop Rock” for all. It’s the ultimate beach party that’s good clean fun for all ages. Throughout its ten year history, the band has traveled from Maine to Barbados, and Cape Cod to Chicago. From the Walt Disney Theaters aboard the Disney Cruise ships to the National Hamburger Festival in Ohio, Changes In Latitudes has thrilled audiences with an amazingly authentic reproduction of the Jimmy Buffett concert experience. Don your Parrothead gear and come to Bristol’s “Island
of Margaritaville”.
Concert Sponsors: Brian Cunha & Associates/Roger Williams University/ Reliable Pest Control/ Sunshine Fuels
Day 7 - Monday, June 26, 2023
6:30 p.m. - Gerry Grimo East Bay Jazz
Gerry Grimo & East Bay Jazz has a performing history dating back to its founding in Rhode Island in 1976. Its musical ensemble style is reminiscent of the classic dance bands and show bands of the mid-20th century. In fact, many of the ensemble’s musical arrangements of the swing; Blues; R&B; vocal, and Jazz Classics in its repertoire come from that time period.
East Bay Jazz continues to perform throughout New England with a core of musicians that live in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island under the direction and management of Gerry Grimo of Windsor, Vt.​
7:45 p.m. - Eric Bloom Band
Eric Benny Bloom, a native son of Bristol Rhode Island, is a Grammy winning trumpet player for the world reknown funk band Lettuce. Throughout his professional career, Eric has toured North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
He has appeared on many T.V. shows, including the Today Show, the David Letterman Show, and the Conan O’Brien Show. He has also performed with many notable artists such as Wu-Tang Clan, Ziggy & Stephen Marley, Bootsy Collins, Stevie Wonder, Kool & The Gang, Chaka Khan, Chance the Rapper, Dave Chapelle, Run DMC, Dave Matthews Band, Stephen & Ziggy Marley, Solange, Skrillex, and many more.
Concert Sponsors: Brian Cunha & Associates/Roger Williams University/Wayne Electric/Cordeiro Construction
Day 8 - Tuesday, June 27, 2023
6:30 p.m. - Patterson Smith Trio
The Patterson-Smith Trio is comprised of Alan Patterson on drum and vocals; Nick Smith on guitar and vocals; and Ken Patterson on bass and vocals.
The band came together in 1990 and has wowed audiences ever since!
Our repertoire includes blues, jazz, classic rock and originals, and we take pride in our instrumental and vocal arrangements.
7:45 p.m. - Merchants of Cool
Everyone has a favorite band and era. Merchants of Cool are no exception. We choose to Tribute to of the most popular bands in history…Foreigner and Bad Company. Not only are they both chart topping bands with a string of hits, but their songs also bring you back to a time and place that bring back good memories. Merchants of Cool plays all of both band’s hits, plus hidden treasure as accurate as possible. Besides playing all of the hits, Merchants of Cool throw some surprise songs to always keep it interesting. You will experience a show that makes you move and puts a smile on your face.
Concert Sponsors: Brian Cunha & Associates/Roger Williams University/ SkinPros/Nordson/RI Credit Union
Day 9 - Wednesday, June 28, 2023
6:30 p.m. - Alex Jackson
International Singer, Emcee, Impersonator Alex Jackson Entertainer is always the life of the party. A member of the International Performers Union, Alex Jackson Entertainer has received accolades from both party-goers and professional groups alike. Alex Jackson Entertainer's high-energy interactive entertainment is sure to bring pure enjoyment and fun to the stage. You
may have even seen him as a contestant on the X-Factor and a stand by on the Voice.
7:45 p.m. - Bullet Proof
Bulletproof exploded on the New England music scene in 2019. Hailing from Providence, Rhode Island they have quickly established themselves as a powerhouse country rock act cover, social media clips generating thousands of views and likes along the way with a steadily increasing loyal fan base. The boys are bringing an intense and fast pace live show sure to make your boots move! Covering artists like Jason Aldean, Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Luke Bryan, Brothers Osborn, Kane Brown and many more.
Concert Sponsors: Brian Cunha & Associates/Roger Williams University/ Discover Newport/ BankNewport/Alert Healthcare
Day 10 - Thursday, June 29, 2023
6:30 p.m. - Rusty
RUSTY is a garage rock band from Rhode Island covering songs by artists like The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, The Black Crowes, Johnny Cash, the Dropkick Murphys and many more. This is their second consecutive year playing at the Bristol Fourth of July Concert Series. Its members hail from South Kingstown, North Kingstown, Tiverton and Bristol.
RUSTY was born fourteen years ago around a fire pit at a house party when two middle-aged guys started sharing tales of their high school rock and roll greatness. They decided to do what any normal 40 year-olds would do – start a rock and roll band!
What RUSTY initially lacked in talent was made up for in their love for rock and roll, beer, and each other. Those ingredients became the staple of the RUSTY rock and roll sound. "Garage Rock for the Soul" and "The More You Drink, The Better We Sound" are the two monikers the band uses to describe themselves.
Over the years the band has gained a strong local following and played at numerous venues and events throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including One Pelham East in Newport, Whiskey Republic in Providence,
The Tipsy Seagull in Fall River, and the Common Pub in Bristol.
RUSTY is Mike Komorowski (drums/vocals), Eric Marx (lead guitar), John Cerra (keyboards/harmonica/vocals), Kevin McGrady (bass/vocals) and Mark McGrady (rhythm guitar/vocals).
7:45 p.m. - DMB Project
“The DMB Project” has earned a reputation as one of the most electrifying
and authentic Dave Matthews Band tribute experiences in the country.
From the incredible musicianship of this 6-piece band, to the soulful lyrics and toe-tapping Jams — “The DMB Project” really delivers on all aspects, while exploring and recreating the entire Dave Matthews Band song catalogue.
Concert Sponsors: Brian Cunha & Associates/Roger Williams University/ Wayne Electric/Coastal 1 Credit Union/Crossroads Restaurant
Day 11 - Friday, June 30, 2023
6:30 p.m. - Jon Tyler
I'm born and raised in Bristol, and have been playing music in town since the late 90's. I enjoy playing area establishments, and my material is based on music that I grew up with, and I am passionate about ...
7:45 p.m. - Downcity Band
DownCity band is an eight-piece band fronted by a dynamic male and female duo that is both talented and energetic. The Rhode Island based band is celebrating its 10th year of playing fun, high energy, danceable music all over new England. It is hard to hear the band and not get up on the dance floor. The band is comprised of musicians with decades of experience performing with local and national artists all over the country. The makeup of the band is keyboards, guitar, bass, drums, trumpet, and saxophone.
DownCity band has a very diverse, wide ranging set list of music and are equally at home playing hits from the 70’s and 80’s as well as top radio hits from today’s musical favorites. They are the two-time winners of the WeddingWire “Couples Choice” award and have also won the Newport Life Magazines “Best of South County” award two years in a row.
Concert Sponsors: Brian Cunha & Associates/Roger Williams University/ Bank 5/Massey & Associates/ Navigant
Day 12 - Saturday, July 1, 2023
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7:00 p.m. - Back In The Day
Is an international touring Rock N’ Roll 80’s tribute band originating in
Boston, MA. BITD is made up of 5 veteran musicians who’ve been around
the music scene for over 30 plus years. BITD has performed is some bigger outdoor festivals in the North East of the United States along with casinos
and nightclubs.
BITH has also performed on Norwegian Cruise Line Ships such as the Breakaway (Western Caribbean), Getaway (Baltic/Western Caribbean) & Jade (Mediterranean. Relive the music of Journey, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, STYX, Boston, Loverboy, Whitesnake and others.
Concert Sponsors: Brian Cunha & Associates/Roger Williams University/ Discover Newport/ Washington Trust/Carl Benevides
Day 13 - Sunday, July 2, 2023
6:30 p.m. - Liz Spencer Group
The Liz Spencer Gro9up broke into the local music scene in late 2021, quickly gaining a following and rising through the ranks of live performance venues to secure top spots among fairs, festivals and nightclubs within their first year. Described as a Southern Rock band with Country leanings, the band, led by Nashville recording artist Liz Spencer, leads the audience through several decades and genres with powerhouse vocals and expertly crafted tunes which are artfully tailored to their own signature rock style. With 60 years of combined experience and a growing catalog of original music to back them, the Liz Spencer Band is well on their way to securing their place among the top live bands in the New England area.
7:45 p.m. - David Clark's "All About Joel"
David Clark’s “All about Joel” is a musical tribute conceived and presented with a tremendous amount of detail by Long Island veteran signer/piano player David Clark. He continues to gain attention and popularity across the country with stunningly accurate piano playing, lead vocals, and an eerily similar stage look to the Piano Man himself while engaging the audience with wit and humor. Having been a part of the Long Island & NY area music scene since 1985, he has carved out a solid reputation as a piano player, signer, and performer at countless private events and concerts around the northeastern tri-state area and beyond. All of these experiences have led him to the present day – staying connected to his piano/vocal roots and his childhood hero by presenting a tribute to the music he loves, from the very singer/songwriter/performer who inspired and motivated him at the age of 10 years old to pursue a life of music…. Billy Joel.
Concert Sponsors: Brian Cunha & Associates/Roger Williams University/ Wayne Electric/Daponte Landscaping/Navigant
For all inquiries email: info@july4thbristolri.com
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Concert Series Committee
​Patti Nenna
Co-Chairperson
Tammy Majowski
Co-Chairperson
Concert Vending
Donna Chabot
Co-Chairperson
Ana Motta
Co-Chairperson
Contact Us
Bristol 4th of July Committee
General Chairman: Chuck MacDonough
Email: bristol4thchair@outlook.com
General Inquiries
Email: info@july4thbristolri.com
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Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 561
Bristol, RI 02809