Bowen R. Church statue.

Forgotten Superstar: Bowen R. Church

In the 1890s, when outdoor brass bands were America's hottest form of music, flamboyant cornet-player Bowen R. Church was its superstar. Described as "the world's greatest cornet soloist" and a "Rhode Island folk hero," he would perform in summertime in Roger Williams Park. His devoted fans would often fight to get front-row seats.

In 1928, five years after he died, a life-size statue of Church, with his walrus mustache, cornet to his lips, was unveiled adjacent to the park bandstand where he'd performed. Like the instrument he played, Church's statue is made of brass.

Forgotten Superstar: Bowen R. Church

Roger Williams Park

Address:: FC Greene Memorial Blvd, Providence, RI
Directions:: Roger Williams Park. On the west side of FC Greene Memorial Blvd, just north of the lake and just south of the traffic circle.

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Potato Head Statue, Providence, RI - < 1 mi.

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World's Largest Bug, Providence, RI - 2 mi.

In the region:

Peggotty - Art Boat Thing, Little Compton, RI - 23 mi.

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