Ocean State Sessions, a Rhode Island PBS Original series, features local musicians performing live at various locations throughout Rhode Island.
Premiering back in June 2021, the first two episodes, shot at the WaterFire Center for the Arts, included interviews with several artists as they shared their creative process and the inspiration behind the pieces they performed.
Returning with new episodes beginning Sunday, April 17, the series will continue to showcase local artists and their insights into the music scene.
Episode 1 of Ocean State Sessions will encore Sunday, April 3 at 10:30 p.m., and Episode 2 will encore Sunday, April 10 at 10:30 p.m.
April 3 at 10:30 p.m.
Dave Tessier - playing professionally since 1986, this Providence-based rock musician has performed at venues across New England, New York, and Los Angeles. In this live set, he is joined by his All-Star Band of All-Star Stars.
Victor Main - an award-winning composer, musical educator, and classical guitarist from Cranston, Victor Main has performed at venues like Pumphouse Music Works, the Oneata Guitar Festival, the Aspen Music Festival, and Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall.
Kris Hansen - a singer-songwriter and guitarist from North Providence, Kris Hansen performs original music with an emphasis on lyrical storytelling.
Amanda Salemi - this Rhode Island-born artist, musician, and performer favors a stripped-down acoustic sound, playing both solo and with her band.
April 10 at 10:30 p.m.
Nate Cozzolino - a local singer-songwriter and guitarist, Nate Cozzolino combines intricate melodies with lyrical depth.
Kevin Silvia - recording since 1987, this Rhode Island musician has produced nine albums and played at several events with the Rhode Island Songwriters Association. In this live performance, he is joined by bass player Lindsey Nogueira-Mayo.
Mike Baker - best known as the frontman of Sgt. Baker and the Clones, the multi-talented Mike Baker evokes the gritty sound of the 90s.
April 17 at 10:30 p.m. - Fete Music Hall
Richard Davia - the sound behind The Sound Of Gravity, Davia is an LGBTQ+ indie-rock recording artist whose raw lyrics, pop hooks, and memorable melodies are a true story and sound alchemy.
John Larson and The Silver Fields - specializing in roots-oriented pop, John Larson and the Silver Fields is a band committed to all things melodic with their battalion of guitars and soaring harmonies.
Taylor Brennan - also known as T. Bloodhound, Taylor Brennan is a songwriter, vocalist, and lead guitarist in New England-based rock n' roll band Cactus Attack and a founding member of the Massachusetts Death Metal band Scalpel. He curates a strange catalog of folk songs about heartache, isolation, sickness, and medication.
Chris Monti- musician, songwriter, bandleader, and educator, Chris Monti’s eclectic style reveals his passion for rock & roll, country blues, early jazz, R&B, as well as music from the Americas, Middle East, India, and North & West Africa.
Ryan Jackson - formerly of Cactus Attack, Ryan Jackson is a singer-songwriter from Pawtucket, Rhode Island. His songs have a heartfelt goofiness tinged with melancholy, just like life itself.
Jenn Lombari- a local singer-songwriter, Jenn Lombari brings an acoustic heart-on-the-sleeve indie, emo-rock style to the table.
May 1 at 10:30 p.m. - Providence Art Club& Askew Providence
Nolan Leite- born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, upcoming singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Nolan Leite, has formed his own sound, blending a raw and overdriven guitar tone with catchy and clever lyrics.
Maddie McGill - a singer-songwriter based in Providence, Maddie McGill currently plays with her band, Maddie McGill Band, and as a bar-gigging duo, Maddie McGill & John McCarthy Duo.
Beth Barron - an East Bay singer-songwriter, Beth Barron is a bluesy, sultry songstress and folk musician who delivers her originals with passion, honesty, and a gospel twist.
May 15 at 10:30 p.m. - Aloft Providence Downtown
Terence Sun- a singer-songwriter from Narragansett, Terence Sun grew up trained in classical piano at the age of four and began writing ballads at age 12. His catchy melodic tunes echo the late 2000s, as some of his biggest muses are Tash Sultana, Jeff Buckley, Lana Del Rey, and Amy Winehouse.
Josh Schurman - Rhode Island native, Josh Schurman, has been a singer-guitarist for over 50 years. Performing in coffeehouses, clubs, and concerts throughout New England, the Midwest, and the West Coast, he pleases audiences with his gritty and soulful vocals, drawing on American country blues and folk traditions.
Ocean State Sessions continues beyond broadcast with extended interviews and exclusive insights from the local music scene. Visit here for more details.
WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits high-definition (HD) programming over the air on digital 36.1; Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, and Full Channel 08; Comcast 819HD and Verizon FiOS 18 / 518HD; DirecTV 36, Dish Network 36. Live stream the full schedule within the broadcast viewing area at watch.ripbs.org/livestream.