FirstWorks Announces New Date of July 19 for first Free Summer Beats Concert Featuring Belize-based The Garifuna Collective
Providence, RI—FirstWorks, a Providence-based nonprofit dedicated to connecting art with audiences, announced today that due to international passport issues for The Garifuna Collective from Belize, their FirstWorks Summer Beats concert planned for Sunday, June 25, 2023 has been moved to a new date Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the Roger Williams Park Bandstand.
This is the fourth summer of partnership between FirstWorks and Roger Williams Park Conservancy to offer free concert series featuring world-class artists in an extraordinary setting. Two Summer Beats concerts are offered this summer,
The Garifuna Collective now on July 19 and Brooklyn’s Red Baraat on July 23, 2023.
WHO: The Garifuna Collective
WHAT: FirstWorks Summer Beats Concert
WHEN: New date: Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Roger Williams Park Bandstand, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence RI
HOW: Free and open to the public.
More information on free FirstWorks Summer Beats concerts at firstworks.org
WHY: This multi-generational music ensemble is the living embodiment of a unique Afro-Caribbean heritage. As representatives of the Garifuna people, a distinct language and cultural diaspora spanning the Central American coastline, these musicians harness the indomitable energy of their African and Indigenous ancestors. Their irrepressible, positive energy inspires a joyful celebration at each performance.
About FirstWorks
FirstWorks is a non-profit based in Providence, Rhode Island whose purpose is to build the cultural, educational and economic vitality of its community by engaging diverse audiences with world-class performing arts and education programs.
Since 2004, FirstWorks festivals, performances and programs have attracted more than 700,000 participants. During its 2022-23 season, FirstWorks produced over 40 arts education events reaching over 2,400 Rhode Island youth.
Virtual Learning online platforms furthered FirstWorks educational reach and have so far engaged over 100,000 views from students, educators, and families.
FirstWorks is the founding partner of PVDFest and has collaborated with the City of Providence to curate and produce the City’s free, signature arts celebration since 2015. In June 2022 the three-day festival drew 115,000 people downtown t
o experience local and world-class artistry across nine stages, resulting in deep economic impact within the City of Providence and generating over $3 million in total expenditures. The festival has employed over 4,000 artists since its beginning. Embracing collaboration,
FirstWorks has fostered over 90 community partnerships across business, social service, government, arts and education sectors. Visit https://firstworks.org to learn more.
About The Garifuna Collective
The Garifuna Collective has performed in over 30 countries across five continents and was part of the most celebrated global albums of all time: the critically acclaimed “Wátina,” recipient of the Womex and BBC World Music Award and voted the Number One World Music Album of All Time by Amazon.
The powerful sound of the two traditional Garifuna drums – the Primero and the Segunda – sparks feverish dance floors over a foundation of ancestral beats. Driving maracas, turtle shells, guitars and swinging bass grooves blend with powerful call-and-response vocals to tell stories through music, dance, and traditional costume.