Five Fun Things to Do in RI This Week

NEWPORT, RI—Friday night dances on the 40 Steps are part of many family stories. The 40 Steps, as most tourists know, are on the Cliff Walk at the bottom of Narragansett Avenue. Today, they're a vantage point for a scenic view, but back in the day, Newport's Irish, many employed at the mansions, would congregate there.

1. 40 Steps Back in Time to Dance

On Sunday, at 3 p.m., weather-permitting, the Irish dancers return to the Cliff Walk. Expect a chorus, live music, and demonstrations of traditional steps. (It should be decent weather, but it might be best to bring an Irish sweater to don because, according to the weather forecast, the heat wave is over at least for now.) Narragansett Avenue, Newport, Free.

2. Classical Gas?

Also at 3 p.m., Concerts at the Point will present the Claremont Trio in a program featuring piano trios of Beethoven, Smetana and contemporary American composer Sean Shepherd, three true masters of the form, at 3pm on Sunday 26 February at the Westport Point United Methodist Church.

Formed in 1999, the Claremont Trio consists of twins Emily Bruskin, violin, and Julia Bruskin, cello, and Australian pianist Andrea Lam. Their career as a trio has been meteoric, with critical acclaim coming for performances world-wide, and recordings that include Beethoven’s Triple Concerto and Trio Op. 1 Nr. 1, Mendelssohn Trios, Shostakovich and Arensky Trios, American Trios as well as a collaborative disc with clarinetist Jonathan Cohler.

Courtesy Photo

Westport Point United Methodist Church, 1912 Main Road,Westport Point, MA Tickets $25 general admission; $10 students.

3. Peter Pan Jr: A Musical

At 4 p.m. on Sunday, the Rhode Island Youth Theater production of Peter Pan Jr. features students from across the state, including Molly Wren (Peter Pan) of East Greenwich, Sydney Wright (Tinkerbell) of Greenville, Sean Ryan (Captain Hook) of Wakefield, Jenny Tilden (Mrs. Darling) of Barrington, Thomas Simonetti (John) of East Greenwich, Jake Rademacher (Mr. Darling) of Warwick, Brady Cardone (Michael) of North Kingstown, Sadie Swanson (Wendy) of East Greenwich, Zoe Boulmetis (Nana) of Charleston, and an ensemble of talented students.

East Greenwich High School, 300 Avenger Drive, East Greenwich. Tickets $12 at the door

4. Live Music at the Bliss

Also on Sunday, at 6:30 p.m., Bliss Four Corners Congregational Church will host their ‘Live Music @ the Bliss’, with“Funny Little Planet’. It's described as "Electric, Eclectic and Unexpected" with John Toste, Clem Brown, Mike McKenney and Bruce Gavin. Opening Act: Gary Farias. We’ll pass the hat for the performers. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Bliss Four Corners Congregational Church, 1264 Stafford Road, Tiverton, Free

5. David Cassidy Live at the Greenwich Odeum

David Cassidy was in the news recently for announcing his battle with dementia. However, he is performing at the Odeum on Friday, March 3. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8. Tickets cost $47 to 67.

Main Photo Caption: Dances at the 40 Steps in 2004 Photo Credit: Margo Sullivan