As a Rhode Islander, it’s rare to see immense talent come to such a small state. We’re used to shipping up to Boston or Hartford to catch a live show, so it was a real treat to see someone like Declan McKenna come to Providence. The show sold out quickly, and the line along the building to enter was huge. One of the more exciting things about Providence’s small Fete Music Hall is that it’s a very intimate setting. You’ll always be extremely close to the stage and on more than one occasion, I’ve been able to meet the talent outside before the show. Opening for Declan McKenna was Eli Smart, a young singer-songwriter with an “aloha soul.” If the Beatles were Hawaiian, he would be a shoo-in. Backed by long-time friends Jordan Paul (vocals), Hamster (drums), and his own grandmother (bass), Eli ...