Newport Live Presents Nellie McKay
Newport Live Presents A Special Evening with Nellie McKay at Belmont Chapel
Newport Live Presents A Special Evening with Nellie McKay at Belmont Chapel in Newport, RI on Friday, September 18
Nellie McKay has released nine albums; won a Theatre World Award for her work on Broadway; co-created and starred in an award-winning off-Broadway hit; and has written three acclaimed musical biographies.
Nellie’s music has been heard on Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, Weeds, and Grey’s Anatomy, among others. She has appeared on TV shows including The Late Show with David Letterman, Conan, Ferguson, and The View and radio, such as NPR’s Mountain Stage.
Newport Live Executive Director, Dick Lynn, offers, “Nellie McKay is incredibly engaging and talented; she played for Newport Live once and sold out. Since the Belmont Chapel offers a very unique venue and an intimate concert experience of 50 seats, we anticipate the tickets going very quickly.”
“The one thing certain about Ms. McKay is the size and range of her talent.” – The New York Times
“Nellie McKay is a genius in the jazz world, able to swirl together cutting comedy and caustic commentary with a voice charming enough to make bitter pills go down like sweet nothings.” – The Boston Globe
“...funny and touching, ceaselessly clever and scarily talented.” – The New Yorker
Spirits of Island Cemetery
Tour times- 5:30 pm, 5:50 pm, 6:10 pm
October 17 th - The Spirits of Island Cemetery
$15 per person; $5 children 5-12
A spirited tour of Island Cemetery featuring some of the remarkable people buried in the site.
Members of The Dirty Blue Shirts return to Island Cemetery to portray some of the notable people buried here. Each member has done extensive research on the person they present and will be wearing clothing styled from the time period. Guest will be guided through the site to spend time at each of the graves and the tour will end in the Belmont Chapel.
This event has three start times; 5:30pm, 5:50pm, and 6:10 pm and will last about 1.5 hours
Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 5-12.
The event will take place rain or shine, so please dress for the weather. Bring along a flashlight to help find your way. Chairs will be set at the midway point of the tour but feel free to bring along a chair you can carry if needed.
A spirited tour of Island Cemetery featuring some of the remarkable people buried in the site.
Members of The Dirty Blue Shirts return to Island Cemetery to portray some of the notable people buried here. Each member has done extensive research on the person they present and will be wearing clothing styled from the time period. Guest will be guided through the site to spend time at each of the graves and the tour will end in the Belmont Chapel.
This event has three start times; 5:30pm, 5:50pm, and 6:10 pm and will last about 1.5 hours
Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 5-12.
The event will take place rain or shine, so please dress for the weather. Bring along a flashlight to help find your way. Chairs will be set at the midway point of the tour but feel free to bring along a chair you can carry if needed.
Yoga in the Chapel
Step into the quiet beauty of Belmont Chapel for an all-levels vinyasa practice designed to help you reconnect with your breath, body, and inner rhythm.
Each class weaves together mindful movement, intentional breathwork, and moments of stillness to build strength, cultivate mobility, and invite a sense of ease.
The historic chapel provides a peaceful setting that naturally encourages presence and reflection, creating an experience that feels both grounding and restorative.
2026 Belmont Stakes Race Day
Step into Newport’s Gilded Age as we gather at the stunning
“Orchard” estate for a festive Belmont Stakes simulcast on dual screens
Norwegian Fiddle Music
Vilde Aaslid, a Norwegian fiddler, will play for 45 minutes take 30 minute break and then an additional 45 minutes. People can wander in and view the Chapel and she would talk about the instrument.
New Deal Horse & Carriage
Enjoy a time travel experience with a horse and buggy ride in our cemetery … a museum of Gilded Age monuments designed by famous architects and sculptors of their time!
Spring Clean-up Day
Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22. To support RI’s Litter-Free Day, we are hosting a volunteer clean-up day on Saturday, April 25th (rain day on Sunday, April 26th). Come join us and enjoy the fresh air and pizza!
Volunteer Clean-up Day!
Saturday, April 25, 2026
9:30am - 12:00pm
(rain date Sunday, April 26, same times)
Please bring a friend, but leave your four-legged friends at home.
More spruce up tasks connected to our master landscape design plan
Bring garden gloves and rakes for clearing leaves from along fence lines
Bring bucket and small brushes if you can for gravestone cleaning - we have eco-friendly cleaning solution
Pizza donated by Domino’s!!! Get your community service hours done and celebrate Earth Day!!! Sign up below!
The Musicians in the Island Cemetery
The Musicians in the Island Cemetery
Saturday, April 11, 2026
11:00 AM 12:00 PM
Raging Against Oblivion: Art, Money, and Memory in the Nineteenth Century Gilded Age
Professor de la Motte will present two lectures in the Belmont Chapel, the first will be on Thursday, April 9th at 6:00 p.m. and the second will be held on Sunday, April 12th at 2:30 p.m..
Highlights of African American Gilded Age Graves
As the City of Newport became the premier Gilded Age playground in America, a vibrant year-round African heritage community flourished. It was led by doctors, ministers, and businessmen. Some of these men got involved with local and national politics and became key figures in the early Civil Rights movement in America. This tour will visit the graves of some of the many people of African heritage that contributed to Newport’s history …
From Salon to Tango
Join us for our next Puddingstone Musical Salon at Belmont Chapel, where harpist Amanda Romano and flutist Clint Foreman offer an afternoon of musical color and artistry in From Salon to Tango, a program that journeys from the elegance of 18th‑century salons to the passionate rhythms of the modern tango. Bringing together the beautiful sonorities of flute and harp, the duo explores works by J.S. Bach, Gioachino Rossini, Charles Rochester Young, Vincent Persichetti, and Astor Piazzolla.
Very Merry Dickens Carolers at the Belmont Chapel
Belmont Chapel is presenting our 2nd holiday caroling event. Kick off the holiday season in style with hot mulled cider, cookies, and friends. The event sold out last year so be sure to buy your tickets early!
An Evening with Bobby Cowsill
Enjoy a special evening with Bobby Cowsill and meet one of the real-life inspiration behind the hit television series “The Partridge Family”. The Cowsills -- teen siblings Bill, Bob, Barry, John, Susan, and Paul in tandem with mom Barbara -- were one of the biggest pop acts of the late '60s, scoring a series of hits including "The Rain, the Park and Other Things", “Indian Lake, and "Hair," distinguished by their angelic harmonies and sun-kissed melodies. The group's origins lie with Bill and Bob, who as children began their singing careers covering Everly Brothers hits. Given guitars by their father, Navy man William "Bud" Cowsill, the siblings soon recruited younger brothers Barry and John to play bass and drums, respectively. Bobby Cowsill will grace the Belmont Chapel with a solo performance, playing songs and talking about growing up in this unique musical family and what it has been like to be still performing after five decades!
The real-life inspiration behind the hit television series The Partridge Family, the Cowsills -- teen siblings Bill, Bob, Barry, John, Susan, and Paul in tandem with mom Barbara -- were one of the biggest pop acts of the late '60s, scoring a series of hits including "The Rain, the Park and Other Things", “Indian Lake, and "Hair," distinguished by their angelic harmonies and sun-kissed melodies. The group's origins lie with Bill and Bob, who as children began their singing careers covering Everly Brothers hits. Given guitars by their father, Navy man William "Bud" Cowsill, the siblings soon recruited younger brothers Barry and John to play bass and drums, respectively, and as Beatlemania dawned, the teen foursome began performing live at school dances and church socials throughout their native Newport, RI. Soon the Cowsills landed a regular weekend gig at the local club Dorian's on Bannisters Wharf, and in 1965 recorded the single "All I Really Wanta Be Is Me" for the Joda label; the record generated little response, however, but after an appearance on NBC's The Today Show the group signed with Mercury Records, issuing three more singles.
Upon signing with MGM in 1967, The Cowsills added Mom to the band and had their first million-selling single, “The Rain, the Park and Other Things” (usually called the flower girl song) which was magnificently featured in Jim Carrey’s movie, “Dumb and Dumber”. They performed on such notable TV shows as the Ed Sullivan Show, the Johnny Cash show, the Tonight show, Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas, and also had their own NBC television special in 1968. “Indian Lake” followed in the summer of ‘68 and in 1969 they had their biggest hit, the multi-million selling title song from the musical “Hair”. The Cowsills also recorded the theme song for the TV show “Love, American Style” which is still one of the most popular songs they perform in their shows. They were one of the early pop acts to record commercials for television (nationally shown milk ads for the American Dairy Association).
In 2025 the Cowsills are stronger than ever and their harmonies still ring true. They are still performing and bringing musical joy to all of their audiences. They signed with Omnivore Recordings releasing their first album in 30 years called “Rhythm of the World” and have since released earlier albums like "Global" and "The Cocaine Drain Album". Still touring and performing and going strong after 5 decades the Cowsills harmonies continue to soar and the family continues on its long legacy of providing joy and entertainment to all who come.
An Evening with Bobby Cowsill
Enjoy a special evening with Bobby Cowsill and meet one of the real-life inspiration behind the hit television series “The Partridge Family”. The Cowsills -- teen siblings Bill, Bob, Barry, John, Susan, and Paul in tandem with mom Barbara -- were one of the biggest pop acts of the late '60s, scoring a series of hits including "The Rain, the Park and Other Things", “Indian Lake, and "Hair," distinguished by their angelic harmonies and sun-kissed melodies. The group's origins lie with Bill and Bob, who as children began their singing careers covering Everly Brothers hits. Given guitars by their father, Navy man William "Bud" Cowsill, the siblings soon recruited younger brothers Barry and John to play bass and drums, respectively. Bobby Cowsill will grace the Belmont Chapel with a solo performance, playing songs and talking about growing up in this unique musical family and what it has been like to be still performing after five decades!
The real-life inspiration behind the hit television series The Partridge Family, the Cowsills -- teen siblings Bill, Bob, Barry, John, Susan, and Paul in tandem with mom Barbara -- were one of the biggest pop acts of the late '60s, scoring a series of hits including "The Rain, the Park and Other Things", “Indian Lake, and "Hair," distinguished by their angelic harmonies and sun-kissed melodies. The group's origins lie with Bill and Bob, who as children began their singing careers covering Everly Brothers hits. Given guitars by their father, Navy man William "Bud" Cowsill, the siblings soon recruited younger brothers Barry and John to play bass and drums, respectively, and as Beatlemania dawned, the teen foursome began performing live at school dances and church socials throughout their native Newport, RI. Soon the Cowsills landed a regular weekend gig at the local club Dorian's on Bannisters Wharf, and in 1965 recorded the single "All I Really Wanta Be Is Me" for the Joda label; the record generated little response, however, but after an appearance on NBC's The Today Show the group signed with Mercury Records, issuing three more singles.
Upon signing with MGM in 1967, The Cowsills added Mom to the band and had their first million-selling single, “The Rain, the Park and Other Things” (usually called the flower girl song) which was magnificently featured in Jim Carrey’s movie, “Dumb and Dumber”. They performed on such notable TV shows as the Ed Sullivan Show, the Johnny Cash show, the Tonight show, Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas, and also had their own NBC television special in 1968. “Indian Lake” followed in the summer of ‘68 and in 1969 they had their biggest hit, the multi-million selling title song from the musical “Hair”. The Cowsills also recorded the theme song for the TV show “Love, American Style” which is still one of the most popular songs they perform in their shows. They were one of the early pop acts to record commercials for television (nationally shown milk ads for the American Dairy Association).
In 2025 the Cowsills are stronger than ever and their harmonies still ring true. They are still performing and bringing musical joy to all of their audiences. They signed with Omnivore Recordings releasing their first album in 30 years called “Rhythm of the World” and have since released earlier albums like "Global" and "The Cocaine Drain Album". Still touring and performing and going strong after 5 decades the Cowsills harmonies continue to soar and the family continues on its long legacy of providing joy and entertainment to all who come.
Princess June Concert
Belmont Chapel and Island Cemetery are presenting a Princess June Concert on October 10 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm.
Princess June is a mystic folk trio from Rhode Island composed of singer/songwriters Myah Strauser, Griffin Keeffe, and Telli Quinn. With an emphasis on rich three-part harmonies and uplifting lyrics, their songs are cosmic lullabies for the soul.
They get their inspiration from groups like the Mamas and the Papas, Simon and Garfunkel, Fleetwood Mac, etc. Join us to hear this unique and inspiring group.
Online tickets Sold out! A limited number may be available at the door.
Spirits of Island Cemetery
Spirits of Island Cemetery, 2024
Tour times- 1, 2, 3 pm
Step into Island Cemetery and experience history! This special event brings to life some of the people buried here who were important in the time in which they lived. Members of the Dirty Blue Shirts will portray individuals from the past both in spirit and appearance. Their extensive research of the lives of the people will be shared during the tour. The 1.5-hour tour starts at the Warner Street entrance to the cemetery and ends in the Belmont Chapel where you’ll be greeted by August Belmont.
Three tour times are available, please register for the time you wish to join the tour (1 pm, 2pm, 3pm). Adult tickets are $30, children between the ages of 5-12 are $15. Be sure to go to top of page to access your cart for check out after making your selections below.
A spirited tour of Island Cemetery featuring some of the remarkable people buried in the site.
Members of The Dirty Blue Shirts return to Island Cemetery to portray some of the notable people buried here. Each member has done extensive research on the person they present and will be wearing clothing styled from the time period. Guest will be guided through the site to spend time at each of the graves and the tour will end in the Belmont Chapel.
This event has three start times; 5:30pm, 5:50pm, and 6:10 pm and will last about 1.5 hours
Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 5-12.
The event will take place rain or shine, so please dress for the weather. Bring along a flashlight to help find your way. Chairs will be set at the midway point of the tour but feel free to bring along a chair you can carry if needed.
Newport Strings Pocket Concert
The Newport Strings will present Pocket Concerts (formerly known as One to One), personalized micro-concerts that pair one musician (occasionally two) with an individual or small group audience for an engaging performance experience at the Belmont Chapel on September 21 starting at 10:00am and ending at 1:00pm.
The Pocket Concerts feature musicians from the Newport String Quartet, NSP’s resident ensemble, as well as phenomenal guest artists from throughout New England.
Audiences will enjoy 15 minute concerts in an array of unique settings at The Newport Art Museum, Belmont Chapel and even, a Secret Garden Room! The Newport Strings Project encourages you to enjoy several concerts throughout the day.
Puddingstone Concert
A Long Walk Through the Night
As the summer winds down, we look toward the next concert in our 2025 programming. On September 7th, violinist Lun Li will perform at the beautiful Belmont Chapel—a piece of history in the story of Newport that will undoubtedly be a perfect setting for this special talent. Li is an award winning player who sets out to offer creative, stimulating, and innovative chamber music in unique settings that produce incredibly special concert experiences for audiences here and abroad. This salon features three paintings by Alastair Dacey that beautifully complement the repertoire’s theme of perpetual motion and timelessness, inviting the audience to experience the dynamic flow and movement not only in music but also in visual art as their eyes travel across the canvases.
For more information and tickets, please visit https://puddingstonemusic.org/event/6173612/731993987/a-long-walk-through-the-night
Gravestone Restoration Workshop
"Based in Westport, Massachusetts, TNT Gravestone Solutions LLC provides repair, restoration, and cleaning of historic gravestones. We are also available to teach gravestone cleaning and repair workshops, and complete gravestone repair assessments.”
Interested in helping to maintain the gravestones in our historical cemeteries?
Join us on August 23rd at 9AM - 3PM for a free workshop to learn the secrets of gravestone restoration from cleaning, repairing and resetting.
Rain date - August 30.2025 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Register below.
As Above So Below
About the Artist: Juditta Musette is a multidisciplinary artist based in Newport, Rhode Island. Her practice spans painting, music, illustration, and performance. Known for her surreal imagery and emotionally vibrant style, Musette’s work invites viewers into imaginative worlds that are both whimsical and profound. She approaches each painting as a spontaneous act of exploration, layering symbolism, gesture, and craft into each piece.
Belmont Stakes Race Day
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Volunteer Clean-up Day
Join us for Clean-Up Day at Island Cemetery Newport ! Help preserve and beautify our grounds. We look forward to seeing you!
Guided Tour
Notable people from the Gilded Age to modern times are at rest in Island Cemetery’s picturesque landscape.
Stroll our site or take a tour!
Guided Tours -$15 per person
Hear about important people and monuments and visit inside the Belmont Chapel.
Wreaths Across America (Dec. 14)
Island Cemetery Clean-Up hosted by the Surface Navy Association Newport Chapter and the VFW
Holiday 2024
The Island Cemetery invites you to the 2024 holiday event featuring the Victorian Singers presenting traditional Christmas carols.