​​2026 PVD Cello Fest!

PVD Cello Fest returns to Providence on May 8 and May 9, 2026 for two days of performances, workshops, improvisation, folk music, jazz, contemporary music, and music from the Arab tradition. The festival brings together local and visiting musicians for concerts and informal daytime programming across several Providence venues, including AS220, Providence Public Library, CHOP Restaurant at PPL, and Community MusicWorks.

This year’s festival features Grammy-nominated cellist and composer Naseem Alatrash, who will lead a workshop on the fundamentals of Arabic Maqam for string instruments and close the festival with percussionist Tareq Rantisi. The weekend also includes original songs, experimental music, old-time music, free improvisation, viola da gamba, contemporary string music, and a performance by String Power!, Tom Swafford’s string group.

Schedule

Friday, May 8

AS220 Main Stage
115 Empire St, Providence, RI 02903

7:30 PM
Jake Sokolov-Gonzalez, Eden Rayz, Prior Panic, EDT, and Chris Tate perform original songs, jazz, experimental, and improvised music.

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Saturday, May 9

Providence Public Library
150 Empire St, Providence, RI 02903

10:00–11:30 AM
Fundamentals of Arabic Maqam on String Instruments with 2026 guest artist Naseem Alatrash, Grammy nominee and composer. Open to string players of all levels. No background in Arabic music is required. Registration: https://provlib.libcal.com/event/16636645

11:40 AM–12:00 PM
James Perretta performs a set of viola da gamba.

12:00–12:25 PM
Roseminna Watson and Esther Rogers perform contemporary and original music for violin and cello.

12:25–12:45 PM
Sophie Chang performs a set of folk music.

12:45–12:55 PM
Zan Berry and Isabel Castellvi perform a set of free improvisation.

1:00–2:00 PM
Old-time jam with Sammy Wetstein, open to the public.

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Saturday, May 9

CHOP Restaurant at Providence Public Library

2:20–2:35 PM
Rob Bethel performs a solo improvisation.

2:35–2:55 PM
2025 Cello Fest featured artist Sammy Wetstein performs.

3:00–3:30 PM
The afternoon culminates with String Power!, Tom Swafford’s string group, performing pop, jazz, and original tunes.

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Saturday, May 9

Community MusicWorks
1326 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02909

7:30 PM
PVD Cello Fest concludes with a performance by Grammy-nominated cellist and composer Naseem Alatrash and percussionist Tareq Rantisi. Naseem will present music from his latest album, Bright Colors on a Dark Canvas, along with selections from the Arab music tradition.