Memory Lane

Name: Memory Lane
Start: 2026-05-30T19:00:00-04:00
Location: Providence College / Smith Center for the Arts - Ryan Concert Hall

Schedule

Sat, 30 May, 2026 at 07:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Providence College / Smith Center for the Arts - Ryan Concert Hall | Providence, RI

WSO completes its 59th Season with a great program of orchestral pops selections through the ages in partnership with the UNLIKELY STRUMMERS. With original works for orchestra, a set of ukulele ensemble selections, and three original composed pieces for orchestra and ukuleles, musical selections will span popular genres from the 20th Century in a nostalgic nod to toe-tapping, memorable works that bring joy to all who perform and listen. Join us as the WSO strolls down MEMORY LANE!
With series sponsorship provided by Bank Newport with additional support from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the City of Warwick, WSO and the UNLIKELY STRUMMERS will travel Rhode Island with this great live music “mix-tape” led by Music Director CATHERINE GAGNON. Our premiere performance takes place:
SATURDAY – May 30, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Providence College / Smith Center - Ryan Concert Hall:
Eaton Street, Providence, RI
Concert Admission: Optional/Suggested Donations at-the-door: $15-$20 per person with children 12 welcome and free
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Fully accessible with FREE parking.
The program includes:
Broadway Showstoppers
Beyond the Sea (La Mer)
Carnival of Melody
A Salute to the Big Bands
West Side Story - Selections for Orchestra
Sunny Side of the Street
Rainbow Connection
Harvest Moon
California Dreamin'
Puttin on the Ritz
Ain't Misbehavin
I Got Rhythm
Now entering their tenth year of performing together, the Unlikely Strummers are a group of ukulele players from southern Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island. They have opened for ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro, shared the stage with pop icon Peter Asher as well as Irish fusion band Gadan on their 2026 North American tour, and been featured on ABC's Chronicle. Their performances demonstrate that the ukulele is a surprisingly versatile instrument suited to almost any genre, from 1920s standards to early rock-n-roll, and from country to contemporary top 40s hits.
Established in 1966 by George Low as a continuing education opportunity through the Warwick Public Schools, the WSO is a non-profit regional orchestra with a diverse membership. Catherine Gagnon is WSO’s fifth Music Director, and under her guidance, the WSO presents five to eight concerts annually. With accessible programs WSO presents music representing the changing interests of our community including pops selections, the music of film and Broadway, popular works, and traditional orchestral repertoire. WSO strives to balance concerts with pieces that are recognizable along with those that can develop our audience’s understanding of and appreciation for classical and contemporary music.

WSO values its role in the fabric of the musical community of Rhode Island performing in both traditional and unconventional spaces. Our expanding membership of amateur adults, high school and college students, retired professionals, music educators, and life-long learners are dedicated to the social, spiritual, and cognitive benefits of presenting and attending live performances. The WSO aims to provide an outlet for continued musical development for all our participants, serve as an artistic asset within our community, develop and diversify our audiences through a variety of programs and collaborative partnerships with both musical and non-musical organizations including charities, non-profits, and service agencies. Our membership believes that music brings people together, and a concert can be more than just a concert.