NEWS:
Monday, December 1, from 7-9 pm, the Quahog Quire is back at The Parlour for our monthly pub sing.
Come on out and sing with us. This is a unique experience. We have a large repertoire of songs, but also invite you to sing along, or bring a song that we can sing along with.
The Parlour is at Third Street and North Main in Providence.
For those who are not familiar with the Quahog Quire, our appearances a cappella and participatory. We sing songs that are meant for singing along — work songs, hymns, songs with choruses, call and response, other things that make it easy to join in, even if you may not know the verses. We also invite anyone to bring a song to sing, and we will do our best to sing with you. Our singing and harmonizing are very much improvisation, though we do have an expansive repertory of songs. It’s a lot of fun — come and sing with us!
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Saturday, December 6, from 5 to 7 pm, WS Monroe & Matteo Casini will do an early show at The Parlour in Providence (3rd Street & North Main). This is a rare chance to catch the two of us together, which happens only once or twice a year. (If you would like a sample, there are a few live recordings of us on my Bandcamp site: notably, “Riding Down the Coast”, “Cindy”, “Lovely on the Water”, “If I Can’t Do It”, and the duo version of “Providence”.) You can also see a recording of a shorter set that we performed at the Sandywoods Showcase Open Mic in Tiverton, RI, on April 22, 2025. (Thanks to Gary Fish and Luce Cabral!)
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November, 6-9, I’ll be attending the annual conference of the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) in Albany New York. I will be performing in some of the private evening showcases there, and will have more detailed info later.
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My first full-length CD (If I Could Hide the Way I Feel) is available for download at Amazon. You can also stream it on Spotify, YouTube, ITunes, and other sites. I also have physical CD’s which you could purchase from me at shows, or order through my Bandcamp site.
Just search any of those sites for “ws monroe”
You can also download it on my Bandcamp site. (I get more of the money if you download it there instead of Amazon.)
Or buy it directly from me when I’m playing somewhere.
The Bandcamp site also has songs not on the CD, including some songs I’ve written more recently.
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Past performances:
2025
November, 6-9, I’ll be attending the annual conference of the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) in Albany New York. I will be performing in some of the private evening showcases there, and will have more detailed info later.
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Monday, October 6, from 7-9 pm, the Quahog Quire is back at The Parlour for our monthly pub sing.
Come on out and sing with us. This is a unique experience. We have a large repertoire of songs, but also invite you to sing along, or bring a song that we can sing along with.
The Parlour is at Third Street and North Main in Providence.
For those who are not familiar with the Quahog Quire, our appearances a cappella and participatory. We sing songs that are meant for singing along — work songs, hymns, songs with choruses, call and response, other things that make it easy to join in, even if you may not know the verses. We also invite anyone to bring a song to sing, and we will do our best to sing with you. Our singing and harmonizing are very much improvisation, though we do have an expansive repertory of songs. It’s a lot of fun — come and sing with us!
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On Thursday, 18 September, I will be playing at the Armory Farmers Market, at Dexter Park in Providence. This is from about 4 to 7 pm.
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The regular weekly music at the Hope Street Farmers Market, at Lippitt Park in Providence. Saturday, 6 September, will feature the Quahog Qafé. This is an offshoot of the Quahog Quire, but with instruments, and a much expanded repertoire. Take a break from your shopping for local eats, and treat yourself to some fun music! The market and the music run from 9 am to 1 pm.
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I’ll be singing in the monthly pub sing of the Quahog Quire on Monday, September 1 at The Parlour, in Providence, RI, from 7 to 9 pm. Come on out and sing with us. This is a unique experience. We have a large repertoire of songs, but also invite you to sing along, or bring a song that we can sing along with.
Since this is Labor Day, I hope we will feature (more than usual) work songs, union songs, and all such.
The Parlour is at Third Street and North Main in Providence.
For those who are not familiar with the Quahog Quire, our appearances a cappella and participatory. We sing songs that are meant for singing along — work songs, hymns, songs with choruses, call and response, other things that make it easy to join in, even if you may not know the verses. We also invite anyone to bring a song to sing, and we will do our best to sing with you. Our singing and harmonizing are very much improvisation, though we do have an expansive repertory of songs. It’s a lot of fun — come and sing with us!
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I will also be volunteering (with my wife) at the Philadelphia Folk Festival, from Wednesday thru Sunday, 13 to 17 August. I first attended this festival in 1969, and every year after for several decades, volunteering since 1975. But I’ve not been back since 2011 (I think), so I’m very much looking forward to it. We’re not on the bill, but we will be camping with old friends in the campground and playing music every night after the concerts. If you are planning to attend, please reach out. Take a look at the line-up in the link above, if you’re interested.
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On Tuesday, 15 July, I will be providing the music at the Woonsocket Farmers Market. This is in front of the Bank of America Building, John A. Cummings Way at Clinton Street, in Woonsocket, RI. While I have played at other Farm Fresh farmers markets in Rhode Island, this is my first time at this one, and I am looking forward to it. The Market runs from 3 to 6 pm.
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A happy 4th of July to everyone! If you are worn out from the boom and bang of fireworks by the end of the weekend, come and bathe your ears in the mellifluous sounds of the Quahog Quire, who will be doing their regular monthly sing at The Parlour in Providence on Monday, 7 July. We are on from 7 to 9 pm and would love to have you come and sing with us, or just listen (we won’t MAKE you sing, if you don’t want to).
The Parlour is at Third Street and North Main in Providence.
For those who are not familiar with the Quahog Quire, our appearances a cappella and participatory. We sing songs that are meant for singing along — work songs, hymns, songs with choruses, call and response, other things that make it easy to join in, even if you may not know the verses. We also invite anyone to bring a song to sing, and we will do our best to sing with you. Our singing and harmonizing are very much improvisation, though we do have an expansive repertory of songs. It’s a lot of fun — come and sing with us!
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Saturday, June 7, is the date of the third annual PVD Porchfest! This time, I will be hosting a venue at 50/52 Boylston Avenue, on the East Side of Providence. Porch Fest runs from noon to 6 pm, with performances on porches, lawns, driveways, and elsewhere throughout the East Side. You can find a schedule, map of the sites, and list of performers on the Porchfest site.
The line-up at 50/52 Boylston Avenue will be:
1:30-2:00 WS Monroe (and friends)
2:15-2:45 Rebecca Barclay & John Steele
3:00-3:30 Pete Avitable
3:45-4:45 The Quahog Qafé
Porchfest is free, but we ask that you contribute tips for the performers.
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On Monday, June 2, the Quahog Quire will be back for its monthly sing at The Parlour, at Third Street and North Main in Providence. We invite anyone to come and sing with us. 7 – 9 pm.
For those who are not familiar with the Quahog Quire, our appearances a cappella and participatory. We sing songs that are meant for singing along — work songs, hymns, songs with choruses, call and response, other things that make it easy to join in, even if you may not know the verses. We also invite anyone to bring a song to sing, and we will do our best to sing with you. Our singing and harmonizing are very much improvisation, though we do have an expansive repertory of songs. It’s a lot of fun — come and sing with us!
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Sunday, June 1, there will be a fundraiser for Stone Soup Coffeehouse. Stone Soup has been a venue for acoustic music for more than 40 years, housed in various places in Providence and Pawtucket. Currently, the shows are at The Music Mansion at Meeting and Congdon Streets on the East Side of Providence, which is where the fundraiser will take place. I have been volunteering at Stone Soup for the past dozen years or so, doing sound when I can. See the Stone Soup site for details and line-up.
Lots of other good music coming there next season. Check it out!
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On Saturday, May 31, I will be playing with the Quahog Qafé at the Hope Street Farmers Market, in Lippett Park, in Providence, RI. Lippett Park is at the juncture of Hope Street and Blackstone Boulevard, and the Farmers Market runs from 9 am to 1 pm every Saturday from May through October. They have different music every week. (We will play there again on September 6.)
The Quahog Qafé, is an offshoot of the Quahog Quire, but adds instrumentation to some of the songs, as well as playing instrumental tunes. The Hope Street Farmers Market is a great place to shop for locally grown produce, meat, cheese, seafood and all kinds of other locally made products. Come out and enjoy the market and the live music!
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I will be playing again at The Parlour, this time with Matteo Casini, on Monday, 21 April, from 7-9 pm.
Matteo and I have been playing together for about two decades, in a variety of venues throughout southeastern New England. Don’t miss this rare appearance of this eclectic duo! We play a wide variety of folk music with guitars and mandolin. The Parlour is at 1119 N. Main Street (at 3rd Street)
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The very next evening, April 22, Matteo and I will be the featured act at Gary Fish’s Sandywoods Showcase Open Mic, in Tiverton, RI. The open mic draws a lot of talent from the southeast New England area and runs from 6-9, with the featured act playing between 7 and 7:45, or thereabouts. There is no charge to attend, but they do take up a collection for the featured act.
Sandywoods is a great space for music, located at 43 Muse Way, Tiverton, RI 02878.
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I’ll be singing with the Quahog Quire on Monday, 7 April, from 7 to 9 pm. Come and sing along! Bring a song, and we’ll sing along with you! The Parlour is at the corner of North Main Street and 3rd Street in Providence, Rhode Island. One of Providence’s great venues for all types of music. We are there on the first Monday of each month.
For those who are not familiar with the Quahog Quire, our appearances a cappella and participatory. We sing songs that are meant for singing along — work songs, hymns, songs with choruses, call and response, other things that make it easy to join in, even if you may not know the verses. We also invite anyone to bring a song to sing, and we will do our best to sing with you. Our singing and harmonizing are very much improvisation, though we do have an expansive repertory of songs. It’s a lot of fun — come and sing with us!
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2024
Matteo Casini and I will be part of the celebration of the 12th anniversary of The Parlour on Saturday, 2 November. We do not yet have a schedule for the program, but acoustic acts (like us) will be earlier in the day (or evening). Watch this space, or The Parlour’s website.
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On Saturday, October 5, I will be playing with the Quahog Qafé at the Hope Street Farmers Market, in Lippett Park, in Providence, RI. Lippett Park is at the juncture of Hope Street and Blackstone Boulevard, and the Farmers Market runs from 9 am to 1 pm every Saturday from May through October. They have different music every week.
The Quahog Qafé, is an offshoot of the Quahog Quire, but adds instrumentation to some of the songs, as well as playing instrumental tunes. The Hope Street Farmers Market is a great place to shop for locally grown produce, meat, cheese, seafood and all kinds of other locally made products. Come out and enjoy the market and the live music!
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On Thursday, August 22, I will be playing music at the Armory Farmers Market in Providence.
The Armory Farmers Market takes place on Thursdays in the summer, from 3 pm until dusk.
It is held near the Cranston Street Armory, in Dexter Park (Parade Street at Willow Street).
I may have some friends joining me, but have not yet made any arrangements.
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On Saturday, May 18, I will be playing with the Quahog Qafé at the Hope Street Farmers Market, in Lippett Park, in Providence, RI. Lippett Park is at the juncture of Hope Street and Blackstone Boulevard, and the Farmers Market runs from 9 am to 1 pm every Saturday from May through October. They have different music every week.
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On Saturday, 23 March, WS Monroe and Friends will be playing at Stone Soup. I will have Rebecca Leuchak and Chris Turner, who played on my CD released last year, and hope to have some other guests.
Stone Soup is the oldest folk music venue in RI, now housed at the Music Mansion, 88 Meeting Street, Providence, RI.
Lots of other good music coming there before and after. Check it out!
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2023
Saturday, 16 December, 9 am to 1 pm @ the PVD Farmers Market at Sims Avenue in Providence.
I will be performing with my wife, Rebecca Leuchak. This is the Winter market at Sims Ave. Come and hear some music while you stock up your larders.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is at:
10 Sims Ave, Suite 103, Providence, RI 02909-1165**************************************************
Saturday, 4 November, 6-8 pm. @ The Parlour, in Providence, RI. WS Monroe and Matteo Casini. Bill and Matteo have been playing together for about two decades, in a variety of venues throughout southeastern New England. Don’t miss this rare appearance of this eclectic duo! We’ll be opening for A Band of Killers!
The Parlour is at:
1119 N. Main Street (at 3rd Street)
(Notice: The kitchen has reopened at The Parlour)
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Saturday, 21 October, 9 am to 1 pm @ the PVD Farmers Market at Sims Avenue in Providence.
I will be performing with Matteo Casini. This is the indoor market at Sims, and not the outdoor market at Lippitt Park, which is still open in October. Come and hear some music while you stock up your larders.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is at:
10 Sims Ave, Suite 103, Providence, RI 02909-1165**************************************************
On Saturday, 8 July, I will be performing with the eclectic band the Quahog Qafé at the Hope Street Farmers Market in Lippitt Park (at the convergence of Hope Street and Blackstone Boulevard, in Providence, RI. The Quahog Qafé, is an offshoot of the Quahog Quire, but adds instrumentation to some of the songs, as well as playing instrumental tunes.
The Hope Street Farmers Market is a great place to shop for locally grown produce, meat, cheese, seafood and all kinds of other locally made products. Come out and enjoy the market and the live music! The Market runs every Saturday from 9 to 1, and from May through October. They have different music every week.
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If your tastes run along other lines, Rebecca Leuchak and I will be performing with the Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra on Sunday, May 21, at the Church of Saint Sebastian on Cole Avenue in Providence. This is a program of “New Voices,” featuring Jake Runestad’s “The Hope of Loving” and music by violinist and composer Jessie Montgomery, as well as other choral music by living composers. The concert begins at 3:00 pm, and you can get buy tickets from me (or Rebecca), or at RICCO.org. It should be a lovely concert!
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Tuesday, 25 April, Matteo Casini and I will be the featured performers at the Sandywoods Showcase Open Mic Tuesday. The open mic begins at 6:00 pm and the featured act plays from about 7:00 to 7:45. Sandywoods is a great space for music, located at
43 Muse Way, Tiverton, RI 02878. The open mic is hosted by Gary Fish, a musician who has been hosting open mics in a variety of places for at least a couple of decades. Matteo and I have been performing as a duo for almost 20 years, but have not had a major performance together since before COVID, so we are looking forward to getting together again.
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Monday, 24 April, 7-9 pm. @ The Parlour, in Providence, RI. THIS PERFORMANCE DID NOT HAPPEN, DUE TO A SCHEDULING PROBLEM, BUT WE WILL RESCHEDULE SOMETIME NEXT FALL
WS Monroe and Matteo Casini, in their first full-length performance together since the pandemic.
Bill and Matteo have been playing together for about two decades, in a variety of venues throughout southeastern New England.
Don’t miss this rare appearance of this eclectic duo!
The Parlour is at:
1119 N. Main Street (at 3rd Street)
(Notice: There is currently no kitchen at The Parlour, but you may bring food from elsewhere.)
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My CD release event will take place at The Parlour, in Providence, on Monday, March 20!
I’ll be playing songs from the CD (If I Could Hide the Way I Feel), along with some newer songs that I’ve written. I’ll be playing both solo and with other musicians. Copies of the CD will be available for purchase.
The Parlour is at:
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If you prefer another kind of music, my wife (Rebecca Leuchak) and I will be singing with the Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra in a performance of Bach’s St. John Passion.
This is happening on Saturday, March 18, at St. Joseph Church, in Newport, RI, at 7:30. p.m.
Come early (7:30) for a pre-concert lecture by our conductor, Joshua W. Rohde.
And, again, on Sunday, March 19, at Grace Episcopal Church, Providence, RI, at 3 p.m.
The pre-concert lecture will be at 2:30.
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wsmonroe 
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