Weekend 401: Stories of incarceration, folk music, classical music, and a timeless holiday tale

An exhibit explores the stories of the oldest continuously operating jail in the country, two classical concerts to choose from, folk music from the Faux Paws and “A Christmas Carol” is back at Trinity Rep

Rhode Island Philharmonic on stage. Musicians in black clothes, violins on the left cellos on the right. A conductor stands in the lower left leading the orchestra.
Courtesty RI Philharmonic
Share
Rhode Island Philharmonic on stage. Musicians in black clothes, violins on the left cellos on the right. A conductor stands in the lower left leading the orchestra.
Courtesty RI Philharmonic
Weekend 401: Stories of incarceration, folk music, classical music, and a timeless holiday tale
Copy

Looking for some tips on what to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered. Here are a few recommendations from Ocean State Media afternoon host Mareva Lindo and producer James Baumgartner.

New Bedford Whaling Museum

‘Bristol County: Incarcerated’ at New Bedford Whaling Museum, through Dec., 2026
Bristol County’s Ash Street Jail claims to be the oldest continuously operating jail in the country. This exhibit explores the history of the Jail, featuring items related to the life of the people who have been incarcerated there, as well as the workers. Ash Street Jail began construction in 1888, so you’ll find things like logs of daily activities at the jail dating back to the 1890s, photos of people booked into the jail in the 1920s, as well as Lizzie Borden’s mittimus from 1892, ordering the sheriff to bring her to jail. They’re careful to point out that being in jail – rather than prison – does not indicate guilt. The majority of people in jail in the U.S. are actually awaiting trial, and can’t afford to pay their bail. That’s the case today at the Ash Street Jail, where, as of this October, 87 of the 118 people incarcerated are pre-trial.

More details about ‘Bristol County: Incarcerated’

Valentin Kovalev - ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ at Newport Classical Recital Hall, Friday Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m.
Kovalev brings a unique blend of virtuosic brilliance and heartfelt expression to his Newport Classical debut. Kovalev presents a program that journeys from Romantic warmth to contemporary vibrancy featuring Schumann’s tender Fantasiestücke, Chaminade’s elegant Flute Concertino, Fazil Say’s vivid Suite, and the spirited energy of Barry Cockcroft’s KuKu.

More details about Valentin Kovalev’s performance

Rhode Island Philharmonic - Beethoven Violin Concerto at The Vets, Saturday, Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m. “Open Rehearsal” on Friday, Nov. 21, 5:30 p.m.
Earl Lee, conductor and Elena Urioste, violin. Also on the program: Jesse Montgomery’s “Overture” and Sibelius’ 2nd Symphony.

More details about the RI Philharmonic concerts

The Faux Paws at The Parlour, 1119 N. Main Street, Providence, Thursday, Nov. 20, 7:00 p.m.
They’re a playful band that pulls from many different styles including elements of bluegrass, jazz and Quebecois music.

More details about The Faux Paws at The Parlour

‘A Christmas Carol’ at Trinity Repertory Company, through Dec. 31
The 49th year of Trinity Rep’s production of the timeless Dickens tale of the perils of wealth and the virture of generosity. It’s different every year, and this production includes some Christmas Magic.

More details about ‘A Christmas Carol’

A Christmas Carol on stage, Bob Cratchit holds up Tiny Tim while a redeemed Ebenezer Scrooge stands beside him with his hand upraised. Nephew Fred stands next to his uncle Ebenezer.
Felese Kparyea as Martha, Jeff Church as Bob Cratchit, Salvador Rivera Scotti as Tiny Tim, Stephen Thorne as Ebenezer Scrooge, and Henry Nwaru as Nephew Fred.
Mark Turek for Trinity Repertory Company

Trinity Rep, Newport Classical and Rhode Island Philharmonic are business supporters of Ocean State Media. Editorial decisions are made independently of business support.

The Judicial Nomination Commission has 90 days to submit names to the governor. The House speaker is often floated for a spot
Mayor argues policy won’t lower rents and could slow housing development
Early skirmishes in the battle for governor of Rhode Island
The hospital’s operator says it plans to keep the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center open, but that it needs to raise more funds to ensure its viability
Revived ‘Riding the Circuit’ program brings real-world clarity on law, life to students
From tips for your gardening and a documentary about book bans to the Greenes of Rhode Island and a book club that meets at a local cat café, here’s what’s happening at the Tiverton Public Library this month