Blackstone River Theatre is Praiseworthy
The accolades keep coming for Russell Gusetti, and rightly so. As founder and executive director of the Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland, RI, he is celebrating the 25th anniversary of what many consider to be one of New England’s most beloved acoustic music venues.
It was Russell who salvaged an abandoned building ready for demolition and painstakingly turned it into the cultural gem that it is today. Thanks to his passion, commitment and unbridled enthusiasm, Blackstone River Theatre is today a year-round gathering place for art and culture in the town where Russell was born and raised.
This winter, the Town of Cumberland passed a resolution declaring January 21 to be “Russell Gusetti Day,” for his “immense contributions to the arts and cultural environment.”
And the Office of Rhode Island Governor Daniel J. McKee bestowed a Certificate of Recognition, praising Russell on his “unwavering commitment to the mission of Blackstone River Theatre, including the presentation of the performing and visual arts, offering art education, and persevering and supporting the diverse traditions of music, dance, and visual arts.”
Gusetti is humbled by the accolades and shares the credit gracefully with the community of artists and audiences who he’s met along the way, but he’s not one to rest upon his laurels. The 2026 calendar of live concerts is more robust than ever, filled with the finest acoustic performers from the Celtic world as well as innovative acts in bluegrass, blues, Cajun, Swedish and world music.
Add to that regular classes in music, dancing and stone carving, plus community events marking holidays and seasons, and you get the sense that the Blackstone River Theatre is ready to take on the next quarter century. Congratulations Russell!
Enjoy articles like this?
Join our mailing list and have the latest sent to your inbox.
