Sound Session marks its 8th year

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Providence Sound Session 2012 is underway in the capital city.

The musical event will take place from July 10-15. Sound Session has performances from a variety of music genres, ranging from rap, R&B, jazz and more.

Now in its 8th year, Sound Session has made its mark as the summer cultural event in downtown Providence. A new segment for children and their parents, "KID CITY," has been added. This event is in collaboration with Providence City Arts! for Youth, as part of its 20th anniversary celebration.

Focusing on local and regional "Homegrown" talent has become the hallmark of Sound Session under the direction of Roots Cultural Center. In fact, more than 10,000 people attended the 2011 festival, which included some of the most recognized names in the area.

"Throughout the year, Roots has given a select group of talented local artists a chance to perform, something they don't always have an opportunity to do," said Len Cabral, president of PICA.

He continued, "In one weekend, Sound Session will pack in many of these performers, and more. We're thrilled that the City of Providence and the community are as excited as we are."

The streets will be rocking. Stages will be stationed on Westminster Street, from Union to Mathewson, and inside Roots Cultural Center. The Hotel Providence front yard will be the site of "Kid City" as well as Sunday buffet, which is an extension of Roots' Tuesday Night program, "Simply Jazz."

Online: www.soundsession.org