about
Based in Providence, Rhode Island
Carolyn & The Cable Car Crew blends funk, rock and soul into high-energy, feel-good live shows. Their music lifts up the crowd and takes them along on a shared journey through a vibrant, tie-dye skyline — a ride fueled by rhythm, soul, and community.
Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Carolyn Smith, the band rolls with Jake Wiggins on guitar, Kameron Harrington on drums, Justin McAdams on bass, Norman Rivera on rhythm guitar (and bass), Bernaldo Cruz on alto sax, and Dave Pirri on keyboard.
Born out of open jams and late-night hangs, Carolyn & The Cable Car Crew has quickly built a name for themselves in the New England music circuit in a year’s time. They gained notable momentum in early 2025 after participating in the Strangecreek Battle of the Bands and going on to perform at Strangecreek Campout 2025. Additionally, they have made festival appearances at Troutstock, Wormtown Music Festival, and the RI Seafood Festival.
Offstage, they’re just as passionate about supporting their local scene — you’ll often catch them in the crowd, cheering on fellow artists and keeping the party going. Whether it’s at a brewery, a music club, or summer festival, Carolyn & The Cable Car Crew provides big energy and good vibes.
Hop on the Cable Car and let’s get funky!
MEMBERS:
CAROLYN SMITH
Band leader and vocalist Carolyn Smith has been a prominent face in the Providence scene for many years now. She started performing in 2016 and created her own booking and promotion company in 2018 known as Myth Smith Productions. She's booked over 400 shows during that time. Even acting as The Parlour Providence's talent buyer from 2023-2024.
This carefully built network helped her to bring together the members of the Cable Car Crew. She took the steps to qualify the band for StrangeCreek battle of the bands and canvassed over 500 votes to reach the finals. She has since graced the stage of multiple festivals around the east coast always bringing her unparalleled stage presence and voice powerful enough to rip the paint off the walls.
Outside of the band Carolyn works full time and attends college where she has been pursuing a certification in travel tourism and hospitality. She has even been asked to join the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.
Previous projects you may have seen Carolyn perform with in the past include Peerless Paupers, Obsidian State Of Mind, Red Ed & The Undead, and Fearless Godiva.
Jake Wiggins
Jake Wiggins is a genre bending guitarist with jazz, funk, rock, and metal influences. He has played his fair share of gigs around the New England scene at venues such as Blu on the Water, The Landing (Newport), and Paynes Dock on Block Island. He also has performed at festivals including both the Wormtown and Strange Creek, and also the Lowell Folk Festival. When Jake isn’t performing, he spends his days as a Lab Technician at the Thomas C Slater Center which is the first and biggest dispensary and cultivation facility in Rhode Island.
Norman Rivera
Stormin’ Norman Rivera is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and songwriter whose musicianship and stage presence have made him a fixture in the New England music community.
Based in Providence, Rivera is best known for his work with Carolyn & The Cable Car Crew, as well as his collaborations with several other regional acts spanning genres from rock and blues to funk and improvisational jam.
Justin McAdams
Justin McAdams is a bassist, singer, and songwriter based out of Pawtucket, RI.
Justin draws influence from a large palette of music with a love for the weird.
Since 2020, he has performed with bands including Melon, Collie, Blue Drew and the Magoos, and currently with The McAdams Brothers. Justin has spent much of his time as a musician playing psychedelic rock, blues and country and writing original music, with multiple releases out with these projects and upcoming album “Whiskey Business” by The McAdams Brothers.
Since joining the Cable Car Crew he has been honing in on the sounds and rhythms of funk and r&b, making a pivot to another untapped passion.
Kameron Harrington
Kameron Harrington is a dynamic and versatile drummer who thrives in the pocket of high-energy, funky grooves.
He became active in the music scene in 2020, co-founding Everyone Disagrees with guitarist Brody Lagerstrom. This experience laid the foundation for Kam’s evolution as a performer.
In 2024, Kameron joined Carolyn & The Cable Car Crew after connecting with vocalist Carolyn Smith, sparking major growth in his playing. He adapted his style to the finesse and funky vibe of the Crew. Immersed in the local scene, he fell in love with high energy late-night gigs, spontaneous jam sessions, and adventures at music festivals like StrangeCreek Campout and Troutstock.
Dave Pirri
Dave Pirri is a Rhode Island-based musician whose sound blends the heart of blues and soul with the edge of classic rock and alternative influences. A multi-instrumentalist on keys, guitar, and vocals,
Dave studied classical and jazz music at the University of Rhode Island, earning a degree in Music Education while diving into live performance. Over the years, he’s played with several local acts including Carolyn & The Cable Car Crew, Whiskey Strings, and The Sharp Dressed Band, bringing his easygoing energy and versatility to every stage.
Dave has performed at well-known New England venues such as Captain Nick’s and Payne’s Dock on Block Island, earning a reputation for his soulful presence and dynamic musicianship.
Bernaldo Cruz
Bernaldo “BJ” Cruz is a saxophonist based out of Providence, RI with over a decade of experience on his instrument - performing across New England since 2018. Specializing in alto and tenor saxophone, BJ brings a soulful blend of jazz, R&B, funk, blues, and pop to every stage he plays. In addition to saxophone, he also plays flute and piano, adding depth and versatility to his musical expression.
He’s performed at festivals and venues such as PVD Fest, Wormtown, and StrangeCreek. BJ performs weekly with the Blake Newman Group at the Lizard Lounge and anchors the house band at Harmony Café every Thursday with energetic blues and funk sets.
Beyond live shows, he records sax parts for local artists and develops his own original music—blending genres with passion, precision, and heart.