January 1
Discover Newport Presents:
Newport Polar Bear Plunge
Easton's Beach
175 Memorial Boulevard,
Newport, RI
Noon | 401-846-0028 | discovernewport.org
Celebrate the New Year with a plunge into the waters at Easton’s Beach at 12-Noon. Every New Year's Day for charity the Newport Polar Bears invite anyone crazy enough to join them for a swim in the Frosty North Atlantic Ocean. The charity this year is as last year, A Wish Come True. All proceeds from the swim and at the after swim party at the Atlantic Beach Club at the east end of Easton's Beach.
January 6, 13, 20, 27
ICC Presents:
Set Dancing with Cait Bracken
Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
6:30 pm | $5 donation at the door | Adults (16 & up)
781 821-8291
irishculture.org
Every Monday throughout the year (except Holidays), the ICC presents set dancing with Cait Bracken at 6:30pm. Set dancing is a form of social dancing which has been popular in Ireland for over 150 years. Sets are danced by four couples in a square. No previous dancing experience or partner required! No registration required for this class.
January 17
Rockport Music Presents
Global Journeys Series:
Yacouba Sissoko & Mike Block
Shalin Liu Performance Center
37 Main Street, Rockport, MA
978-546-7391 |
$20 - $26
7:30 pm | Buy Tix
rockportmusic.org
Hailed as “one of the bravest, most intriguing musicians on the American fusion scene.” (Gramophone), Mike Block was acclaimed by the New York Times for his “vital rich-hued solo playing”, and “a true artist… a sight to behold” by Salt Lake City Desert News. In addition to solo performances, Mike touring bands include Biribá Union, Mike Block Trio, duo with Indian tabla player Sandeep Das, and a West-African fusion band with Balla Kouyaté. Since 2005, Mike has been a member of the Silk Road Ensemble, founded by Yo-Yo Ma, with which he earned a 2017 Grammy® Award.
January 9
Rockport Music Presents
Part of Education & Community Engagement:Soggy Po Boys
Shalin Liu Performance Center
37 Main Street, Rockport, MA
978-546-7391 |
$15
7:00 pm | Buy Tix
rockportmusic.org
The Soggy Po Boys spread the good news of New Orleans music across the northeast and beyond, playing at concert halls and street corners; music festivals and burlesque fest.
January 18
BRT Presents:
Atwater~Donnelly Trio
Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street,
Cumberland, RI
3:00 p.m. | 401 725-9272
$23 or $25 at the door | brtri.org/concerts
Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly return with Cathy Clasper-Torch on fiddle, cello and vocals to present an engaging concert of traditional American and Celtic American folk songs, a cappella pieces, hymns, poetry, dance tunes, and original works. Elwood and Aubrey blend unusual harmonies and play guitar, Appalachian mountain dulcimer, Irish tin whistle, harmonica, old-time banjo, bones, limberjacks and other musical surprises.
January 22
Irish American Partnership (IAP) Presents:
Nollaig na mBan Women's Leadership Celebration
The Boston Harbor Hotel
70 Rowes Wharf, Boston
irishap.org
Last January 2024, the IAP welcomed the United States Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin in a conversation with BBC News Chief Presenter Caitriona Perry. Ambassador Cronin shared her story and reflected on her remarkable career. Check back for details on the 2025 proceedings. Nollaig na mBan [Women’s Christmas] is held each year in January throughout Ireland to celebrate women’s leadership within the family and community. The IAP commemorates this tradition by highlighting impactful Irish and Irish-American female leaders.
January 26
BRT Presents:
Dave Gunning & J.P. Cormier
Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street,
Cumberland, RI
3:00 p.m. | 401 725-9272
$25 or $28 at the door
brtri.org/concerts
Two songwriters, interpreters, guitar players, and singers at their peak. It’s the power of the song. It’s two friends, brothers, uncompromising performers, making the album of their lives. There couldn’t be a better time to discover Gunning & Cormier, and the power of Two. Guitarist J.P. Cormier pictured.
January - March
Boston Harbor Hotel Presents: Boston Wine Festival
Boston Harbor Hotel
70 Rowes Wharf, Boston
888-660-WINE or 617-330-9355
bhh.com | bostonwinefestival.net
The Boston Wine Festival is surely one of Boston’s finest winter traditions. Join the BHH on Opening Night. Check back for 2025 dates. This walk-around tasting event will feature wines from around the world and exquisite food prepared by Boston Harbor's Executive Chef David Daniels. Enjoy live music and re-connect with your festival friends! The evening will be.a feast for your eyes and your palate!