The Earl Knightwood Band at the Rathskeller
The Earl Knightwood Band at the Rathskeller brings New Orleans funk, R&B, soul, and modern blues to Charlestown on Sunday, August 16, for an afternoon performance on the Down Back Stage. The Providence-based band takes the stage at 4 p.m., bringing together veteran Rhode Island musicians whose backgrounds stretch from local hall-of-fame bands to touring and recording work with Clarence Clemons. (Earl Knightwood Band)
This isn’t a tribute band, although you’ll hear plenty of musical history running through the show. The Earl Knightwood Band draws from the groove-heavy sounds of New Orleans, Memphis soul, rhythm and blues, jazz, and funk, with multiple vocalists and a lineup built to move comfortably between those styles.
The Rathskeller is almost as much a part of the experience as the band. Its Down Back venue sits behind the restaurant among the trees, with a stage, outdoor bars, a burger shack, a huge fire pit, and lawn games spread across the grounds. It’s a relaxed setting for a Sunday afternoon show, and guests can come early for lunch before heading out back for the music. (Charlestown Rathskeller)
About The Earl Knightwood Band
The Earl Knightwood Band is based in Providence and describes its musical territory as R&B, New Orleans music, funk, soul, and the bluesier side of jazz.
There’s considerable Rhode Island music history within the group.
Guitarist and vocalist Ed Vallee is a Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame inductee for his work with The Young Adults, the Providence-area band that developed a devoted following during the late 1970s and early ’80s. Vallee later played guitar on recordings and tours with legendary E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons.
Keyboardist and vocalist Frank Rapone is also a Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame inductee as a founding member of Steve Smith & The Nakeds. Like Vallee, Rapone performed behind Clemons during his work outside Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. Rapone and Vallee came together in 2019 to form the current Earl Knightwood lineup.
Meet the Band
Paula Clare handles lead vocals. Before settling in Rhode Island, Clare lived in Chicago and Los Angeles and worked as an actress in film and television. She later returned to music as a singer and songwriter.
Chris O’Donnell handles drums and vocals. His background includes study with jazz musicians Ernie Watts and Jerry Bergonzi, along with work as a drummer and arranger with The Duende Project.
Dave McCarthy brings a classical contrabass background to the electric bass, but his playing with Earl Knightwood moves from New Orleans grooves to Memphis-style soul. His touring experience includes opening dates for Delbert McClinton and Hootie & The Blowfish with Rockin’ Soul Horns.
Guitarist and vocalist Bill Lehourites is another familiar name in Rhode Island’s blues, rock, and soul community, performing with Earl Knightwood as well as Take It To The Bridge and hosting regional jam sessions.
Together, the musicians give Earl Knightwood considerably more range than a straightforward blues band.
The Earl Knightwood Band official website
What You’ll Hear
Expect a show driven more by groove than genre labels.
New Orleans funk and R&B sit at the center, but the band also moves into soul, modern blues, and jazz-influenced material. Multiple singers and experienced instrumentalists give the group room to change direction throughout a set rather than locking into one sound for the afternoon.
For listeners who enjoy the intersection where blues starts getting funkier, soul gets heavier, and jazz loosens its tie a little, this is the neighborhood Earl Knightwood occupies.
A Rathskeller Tradition Since 1933
The Charlestown Rathskeller has a history considerably longer than its summer concert series.
The restaurant traces its roots to 1933, when the property began life as a speakeasy. It has since evolved into a restaurant, tavern, and entertainment destination tucked into the woods along Old Coach Road.
Behind the restaurant is Down Back, the Rathskeller’s seasonal outdoor music venue. The grounds include the concert stage, patio seating, bocce and cornhole, two outdoor bars, a large fire pit, and the Down Back Burger Shack. Concerts run regularly from May into the fall, featuring regional performers along with nationally touring acts.
That history and setting help explain why the Rathskeller feels less like a conventional concert venue and more like somebody built a stage in the middle of a very large backyard.
Seating at Down Back
Seating for Rathskeller concerts is first come, first served and festival-style.
A ticket to a paid performance does not reserve a particular table or seat. The Rathskeller presents both free and ticketed shows throughout the season, so guests should check the individual event listing for admission information.
For the August 16 performance, arriving early also gives you time to have lunch or grab something from the bar before the 4 p.m. start.
Food, Drinks and Lawn Games
The Rathskeller serves lunch and dinner on Sundays, with the kitchen open from noon to 10 p.m.
Guests heading Down Back can also find the Burger Shack and outdoor bars near the music venue. Bocce and cornhole are available on the grounds, and the large central fire pit becomes part of the scene as summer evenings cool down.
Event Details
Date
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Time
4:00 p.m.
Location
Rathskeller Down Back at The Charlestown Rathskeller
Address
489A Old Coach Road
Charlestown, RI 02813
Entertainment
The Earl Knightwood Band
Music
R&B, New Orleans funk, soul, modern blues, and jazz-influenced music
Seating
First come, first served, festival-style seating. Specific tables and seats are not reserved.
Food & Drinks
Available for purchase at the restaurant, outdoor bars, and Down Back Burger Shack.
Amenities
Outdoor music venue, fire pit, bocce, cornhole, and wooded grounds.
Important Notes
The Rathskeller presents both free and ticketed concerts during its Down Back season. Admission requirements vary by performance.
More Information
For more information, visit the event website using the Event Website link below.
For ticket purchases, click on the Ticketing link below.
