NORTH SMITHFIELD – It is the third year that Burrillville resident Rob Greyfox organizes a summer concert series at The Island, inviting the public to enjoy live entertainment by the water every Friday night at the private club.
And in 2021, he’s secured a full lineup of bands from across New England, with shows beginning on Friday, May 14, and running through October.
“I’m excited about all of the shows coming up,” Greyfox told NRI NOW this week.
Greyfox, a longtime music lover who has worked at concert venues across the country for more than 30 years, began the series in 2019, creating a free weekly music series focused on his favorite genre: jam bands influenced by music from the 1960s and 70s.
Situated beside the Slatersville Reservoir, The Island is a members-only club with a boating dock, home to the North Smithfield Fly Fishing Club six days a week. But music fans have flocked there in recent years to start off the weekend with live, outdoor entertainment – and an expansive view of the lake and sky.
The small recreation club, built in 1960, has an indoor and outdoor bar, and is seated on four acres of land.
When other outlets were closed in 2020, the shows continued at the outdoor venue, with visitors distancing and wearing masks.
In past years, Greyfox has found businesses to sponsor the series and cover his costs, plus a fee for the bands. This summer, concert goers will have to pay $15-$20 gate fees to cover costs.
“The bands need (to be paid) and the production company needs funds to operate fully,” said Greyfox, who sets up his own professional sound system and lighting equipment under a covered outdoor pavilion for the shows.
The fun starts this weekend with Keturah’s Dream, a band that describes itself as “a mix of rock, R&B, a little funk and a good dash of Fleetwood Mac,” followed by pop and hard rock cover band VooDoo Vixen, playing hits from 80s, 90s, 2000s and today.
Shows start at 6 p.m. at 1600 Victory Highway, and end around 10 p.m.
Below is the full lineup of Friday night shows, released through late August.
May 21: Northeast Groove with Edge of Dreams
May 28: The Good Vibe Tribe & Michelle Murphy of Gansett State of Mind
June 4: A night of blues with Johnny Edwards & Greg Hodde
June 11: Keats & Company, & Underestimated Prophet
June 19: Young Rust, a tribute to Neil Young & Smug Honey
June 25: Skull & Roses, a Grateful Dead tribute band with The Deadheads of Mass
July 2: Desert Rain & Dewpoint
July 9: Something is Forming & The Tone Shifters
July 16: Mystic Dead & Lobsterz from Marz
July 23: Groovin Confusion & So Many Rhodes
July 30: Sunset Creature & John Spignesi Band
August 13: Rebel, a tribute to David Bowie & the Rolling Stones
August 27: New England’s Who tribute, American Who & Johnny Edwards Wild Combo, a tribute to Jimi Hendrix
