The music scene in the seaside city of Newport, Rhode Island, is a fairly interesting one. In addition to those certain summertime folk and jazz fests highlighting the calendar each year, there are great venues like Jimmy’s Saloon, The Parlor Bar & Kitchen, and The Newport Blues Cafe showcasing great live music on the regular. There are also people like Tweed Leisure’s David Passafiume, pictured up top, keeping the scene alive. Along with booking Friday nights on a monthly basis at Jimmy’s Saloon under the Tweed Leisure brand, Passafiume also fronts the indie folk act Icky Woods, as well as drumming for eclectic rockers Los Duderinos, which play at the craft beer bar Pour Judgement every Sunday evening. Passafiume has a lot of passion for live music, arts and culture in Newport and his dedication never goes unnoticed.
So he would be your man if you had to pick somebody to put together a festival featuring live music and comedy — and have it take place in a diner, of all places. That’s exactly what’s happening with the first edition of Leisurefest at the greasy spoon Mel’s Cafenio on the night before Thanksgiving this Wednesday. Featuring singer-songwriter Andi Belle, Silverteeth’s Bill Bartholomew, experimental twee poppers Eastern Phoebes, shanty blues duo Warbler Roost and comedian Doug Key among others, there’s going to be a wide array of talents gracing this little old timer’s joint on Broadway. Artists are also welcome to bring some of their work to showcase during the festival as well.
There’s going to be standard diner fare along with vegan options at a very affordable price so those who arrive with an empty stomach will be rewarded. It’s also a BYOB event, so bring a six pack to indulge in (if you’re over the age of 21 of course).
Leisurefest is open for everyone to attend and a small donation to the artists will be asked of attendees. Is there a better way for the folks over on Aquidneck Island to spend their night before Thanksgiving than at a festival with a cornucopia of music and laughs? Us here at Vanyaland don’t think so.
More deets on the flyer below…
