BOARD of DIRECTORS
Cleveland Kurtz, President
Dr. Maxwell Whiting,
VP/Music Director
Sylvia Whiting, Sec/Treasurer
Tom Colantonio,
Instruments for Children
Guillermina Sanchez,
Membership Chair
Board Members
Deborah Moore
Clarice Smith
Paul Williams
Dhana Whiteing
Honorary Directors
Sylvia Ann Soares
Lynn & Elizabeth Pegg
Richard & Donna Pena
Dell Padgett
The Rhode Island Rhythm & Blues Preservation Society (RIRBPS) is a 501(c)3 all volunteer non-profit organization established in 2003 by Edward A 'Prof' Coates and a few dedicated local supporters devoted to preserving and promoting the legacy, heritage and connection of rhythm & blues in Rhode Island.
As a membership organization we offer a variety of community programs and services.
* Preserve & promote R&B through activities, events & education.
* Preserve and promote the heritage & historical connections of R&B music in the evolution of American popular music.
* Improve awareness and acceptance of R&B by the public as a musical art form.
Sign up to hear from us about events, programs, initiatives.
The Southside Cultural Center hosted the Tribute to the Castaleers --- Presented by RI Latino Arts & JCP Collective. The event featured the R&B Preservation Hall Band & company on October 22.
Honoring Dell Padgett & the Padgett Art Series featured the R&B Preservation Band & Everett ‘Grumpy’ Mitchell formerly of Dipsy & the Doodles. Held at Jacqueline Clements Park on September 4th the event was created by JCP Collective. With music, song and history, the highlight was the presentation of three Proclamations to the Rhode Island Rhythm & Blues Preservation Society:
Dell was an original member of the Rhode Island Rhythm & Blues scene when he joined the Castaleers in the mid 1950's as a bass singer. The aspiring teen vocal group moved off the street corner and into the rec center at the Doyle Avenue Grammar School on the East side. In 2014 the group was recognized by the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame as trailblazers for RI artists, paving the way for their success. Their 45s are considered some of the greatest -- and most collectible -- group records of the pre-R&B era.
We remember Dell for his commitment and dedication to the R&B scene in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Rhythm & Blues Preservation Society was honored to receive the Citations from our elected officials.
The African American Museum of RI and YouthBuild Preparatory Academy honored Rhode Island music legend Randy Ashe on November 19 @ RISD Auditorium. The evening was dedicated to ‘Telling the Story of Providence Legend Randall Ashe’. RIRBPS is proud to have Randy as a member of our RIRBPS family. He regularly performs at our events with the smooth sounds of his tenor sax. He often highlights our events with classic vocals and a performance on drums. A class act all around. Congratulations and ‘thank you’ to Randy Ashe for your contributions to RIRBPS, Rhode Island music and the RI music scene.
Join us this season!
Dates to be announced
Please Let us know if you would like 'A Day in the Life' presentation at your venue or function.
'A Day in the LIfe' Musical Series
RIRBPS
12 Kipling Street
Providence, RI 02907
401.461.0012 / rirbps@gmail.com
Donations are tax deductible
12 Kipling Street, Providence, RI 02907
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