There are hidden gems everywhere in South County, as the region features plenty of small venues you won’t hear about unless you dig a little bit. If you’re in the mood for some live music, Pump House Music Works is worth a visit because of the high-quality shows this intimate facility attracts.
Pump House Music Works sits in a historic stone building on the outskirts of downtown Wakefield-Peacedale. The venue started as a guitar-making school, later evolving into a music hall hosting open mic nights.
Today, the facility has 125 seats for indoor shows, an outdoor BBQ area for larger events, a full bar, and a small kitchen, ensuring concert attendees are comfortable, fed, and hydrated. There are shows every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening, and the occasional event during the week, so you’ll have plenty of time to check one out. Here’s everything you should know about Pump House Music Works in South Kingstown, Rhode Island.
The Location
One aspect that makes Pump House Music Works such a special place is its location. It isn’t in the downtown area like you might expect, instead sitting in a historic building in a residential neighborhood on the shores of the Rocky Brook Reservoir. The building backs onto the Tri-Pond Nature Center, too, giving you the opportunity to hike through the woods before attending a show.
This quiet location means there isn’t much around Pump House Music Works, although restaurants like Willie’s Place, Flatts Smokehouse, and Jayd Bun are within walking distance. The Whalers Brewing Company taproom and Sons of Liberty Spirits Company are also nearby if you’re searching for a drink.
The venue’s location is idyllic, adding to its unique concert setting appeal. You won’t want to miss out on experiencing it during your South County vacation.
What to Expect at the Venue
You might believe you’re in the wrong spot as you approach Pump House Music Works. After all, the building doesn’t look like a concert hall and has historic homes surrounding it. Rest assured, though, you’re in the correct location.
If you’re attending an indoor concert, the first thing you’ll notice is the period decor inside the building. It’s like stepping back in time, as you’ll feel like you’re attending a show in the Old West.
Once you get situated inside the building, you’ll see the bar. This bar has a selection of signature cocktails, some local beers on tap, all your favorite domestic and import options, and some non-alcoholic drinks, too.
You can get some food at the show, as well, albeit with limited options. Pump House Music Works serves five different kinds of pizza at the moment, although they plan to expand their menu in the near future.
If you have tickets to an outdoor show, the experience will be much different. A stage beside the building hosts some concerts in the summer, and a BBQ sometimes accompanies these events. An outdoor show provides a far more festive atmosphere, so taking one in is highly recommended if you can make it work during your time in South County.
One thing for certain is that you’ll enjoy your show at Pump House Music Works because it’s a unique venue that you won’t find replicated anywhere else.
Musical Acts
Pump House Music Works hosts artists specializing in a wide variety of music styles, so the exact genre you encounter will depend on when you visit. Past performers include Sleeping Turtle, the Bobby Keyes Trio, Tish Adams, Guess Method, Slurp, Country DNA, Leon Trout, and Saddle Up the Chicken, as the venue features local, national, and international performers.
Tickets for most shows are between $12 and $15, and you can purchase them online beforehand or at the door. The doors typically open at 7:00 PM for most events, with the music starting at 8:00.
In addition, the facility hosts a ukulele jam night on Mondays, an old-time jam and electric jam on Tuesdays, and an open mic night on Wednesdays, so you can participate in the fun if you bring an instrument to South County. Admission to jam night is by donation, with $5 being the suggested amount, and the shows are friendly for all ages.
Your South County Music Spot
There are numerous places to check out a concert in South County, but few provide the historical vibes and intimate setting you’ll find at Pump House Music Works. Shows take place year-round and usually last until about 11:00 PM, making this venue the perfect spot to begin a night on the town.
Have a look at the upcoming concert schedule at Pump House Music Works and begin making plans to get to this beautiful venue from your South County vacation rental.