The Blackstone Team Summer 2023 Playlist

Have you ever wondered what we’re listening to here at The Blackstone Team? Now is your chance to find out! Dive into the enchanting shores of Rhode Island with our Blackstone Team Summer 2023 playlist!

Here at The Blackstone Team we all love music! We came together as a team to put together a list of what we’re listening to this summer. Whether you’re headed for a drive down Ocean Avenue in Newport or having a picnic in Prospect Park in Providence, our playlist is the perfect blend of songs for all your RI summer adventures.

Click HERE to download our Spotify Playlist.

Curious what songs each of our team members chose? Read below to find out!

Robert Rutley:

‘The runner up to this year’s Eurovision competition was Finnish singer Käärijä. I don’t need to know the words, but the song “Cha Cha Cha” is beautiful and addictive nonsense. I’ve also been revisiting music from the 80’s this year, a genre that I didn’t pay much attention to at the time: Hair Bands and Glam Metal. I think Twisted Sister personified the fun spirit that broke into popular music. Irreverent, message-less, maybe even stupid, but a fun example is “I Wanna Rock”. Lastly, someone has to mention Beyoncé and “Summer Renaissance” channeling Donna Summer, Lips, INC, and Todrick Hall. This is a summer anthem. I’m not sick of Beyoncé yet, how could you be?”

Robin Lake:

“Back to December (Taylor’s Version). 2023 is the year of Taylor, so how can I not include one of my favorite T-Swift songs?! Ive also selected Someone to You – Banners. Love the melody, easy to sing loudly in my car! Forever – Mumford & Sons. This is my “feels” song that I listen to when I’m moody.  Slow start and then picks up and puts me in a great mood. Dear Theodosia – Hamilton Soundtrack. This has been on my most played list every year since the soundtrack came out. It is my go-to musical number, so I had to include it.” 

Ben Guglielmi:

“Summertime – Fresh Prince and Jazzy Jeff. Reminds me of the summer I lived on Block Island – bonfires and sharing a beach house with my workmate friends. Lovely Day – Bill withers. Just a cool carefree vibe. Impossible to not be in a good mood listening to this one Last night – the strokes. Puts me in the mood to get on my motorcycle or have a high life at hot club – two fav summer activities.”

Nelson Taylor:

 “My wife and I have been going to the Newport Folkfest every year for over a decade. I love to find new music. And I find new bands I love every year. Three bands I learned about through Folkfest were In the Night- Charlie Crocket, Beautiful Strangers- Kevin Morby, Avant Gardener- Courtney Barnett.”

Amy Barrett:

“Climb on Your Tears – The Paper Kites. My husband is a musician and always has great playlists with new music. This was a song he introduced me to this summer. Kodachrome – Simon and Garfunkel. I grew up in the 70’s and listened to Simon and Garfunkel with my parents. Still love them years later. When the Stars Go Blue – Ryan Adams (not to be confused with Bryan Adams)… This is just one of my all time favorite songs.”

Kelsey Gonsalves:

“Im going with Club Tropicana- Wham!. I’ve always been a huge George Michael fan and I just watched the Wham documentary on Netflix. This song will definitely put you in a summertime mood. Rollercoaster by the Bleachers is the perfect song for a drive down the coast with the windows down. Lastly, Everywhere- Fleetwood Mac. Always a classic and you can never go wrong with Fleetwood Mac.”

Ben Kean:

“Like The Weather: Every Rhode Islander can attest to planning a day with all sunshine only to be ruined 5 min later by bad weather. Sublime: It’s officially summer when you hear this song at Ocean Mist. Mexico: No explanation needed.” 

Will Sherry:

“Johnny Cool Man By: Toots and Maytals, Ripple-Jerry Garcia, and Send Me on My Way-Rusted Root.”

Julien Jonfelix:

“Bob Marley-Could You Be Loved, Mura Masa- Firefly, Fireboy DML-Peru, Wizkid-Essence, Montell Jordan-This Is How We Do It, and Mark Morrison-Return of the Mack.”

Katie D’Amico:

“Lose yourself- Eminem, Holy Grail-Jay Z and Justin Timberlake, Crazy in Love- Beyoncé ft. Jay Z.”