Rhode Island Crowd Gets Surprise Vanessa Carlton Performance Before Scotland Match

World Cup fever has taken soccer fans across Rhode Island and Massachusetts by storm and I'm all for the pre and post celebratory shenanigans.

On Saturday, June 13, fans gathered outside Providence’s G Pub expecting an unforgettable sendoff for Scotland supporters heading to Foxboro. What they did not expect was a surprise appearance by singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton, who stepped out and performed an impromptu set that left hundreds of Scottish soccer fans singing along in the middle of downtown Providence.

According to G Pub’s Hospitality and Community Manager Ivan Krsticevic, the appearance was the result of a unique connection between Rhode Island and Scotland. Carlton, who lives in nearby Pawtuxet Village and is promoting a concert in Scotland this summer, embraced the opportunity to be part of the festivities after G Pub connected with her team through contacts at The Scottish Sun. “It was this really unique intersection of Providence and Scotland that was only going to happen once,” Krsticevic said.

A Surprise Performance Nobody Saw Coming

Krsticevic said the performance lasted about 15 to 20 minutes, but the memory will likely last much longer for everyone who packed the streets around G Pub. The city had approved a temporary street closure, allowing thousands of supporters to gather safely before Scotland’s match against Haiti at Gillette Stadium. As Carlton emerged and joined in on the celebration, fans quickly realized they were witnessing something special.

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“She comes out and finishes the last third of the song, and then everybody realizes what’s happening,” Krsticevic said, adding that Scottish soccer fans seem capable of turning just about anything into a singalong. Between spontaneous renditions of “Sweet Caroline,” “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” and traditional Scottish favorites, Carlton fit right into the soundtrack of the weekend with "A Thousand Miles."

G Pub Becomes Scotland’s Home Away From Home

The celebration was no accident. G Pub was officially selected as the Providence fan embassy for the famous “Tartan Army,” the passionate and famously friendly supporters of Scotland’s national soccer team. When Scotland’s schedule included matches in Foxboro, Krsticevic immediately reached out to fan organizers, convinced that Providence would make the perfect headquarters.

Rhode Island Crowd Gets Surprise Vanessa Carlton Performance Outside Providence G Pub Before Scotland Match

“I had a feeling the Scots would realize Providence is closer, faster and cooler,” he said. Planning for the event actually began back in December, with regular meetings involving Providence city officials, public safety departments and even emergency personnel from Scotland to ensure the gathering would be both festive and safe. The result was a weekend that drew thousands of visitors and generated the kind of positive buzz every host city hopes for.

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Krsticevic said one of his biggest priorities was making visitors feel welcome rather than taking advantage of the crowds. G Pub kept its popular $5 beers and even offered bottled water for just $1 despite the hot weather. “We didn’t want to gouge people in 90-degree temperatures,” he said, adding that a little Rhode Island hospitality goes a long way.

I will admit, that as a member of The Providence Rugby Club, Krsticevic's word is true as he and his crew at G Pub have hosted our team numerous times and have been nothing but hospitable.

Sharing Rhode Island’s Stories With Scotland

Beyond the music and soccer, Krsticevic found himself playing tour guide to hundreds of international visitors. He pointed fans toward iconic Rhode Island landmarks, explained that the Providence skyline appears behind Peter Griffin’s house in Family Guy, and even sent many visitors East to explore New Bedford and Fall River’s Portuguese culture. “It’s part of the World Cup spirit,” Krsticevic said. “You get all these people from around the world coming together, sharing stories, sharing songs and just having a good time.”

The Party Is Far From Over

If the scenes from Saturday are any indication, the Scottish celebration in Providence is only getting started. G Pub has continued hosting live Scottish musical acts throughout the week while coordinating with neighboring businesses and venues to keep the festivities going. Krsticevic said the goal is to give visitors a reason to stay in Providence before and after the matches.

READ MORE: Foxboro World Cup Travel Costs Are Shocking FIFA Fans

He is even thinking ahead. If Scotland advances and returns to Foxboro later in the tournament, plans are already in the works for another large-scale street party. If not, Krsticevic is already hoping to welcome another international fan base to the city.

Vanessa Carlton

There's nothing but love in Little Rhody as unexpected performance by Vanessa Carlton turned a downtown Providence pub into one of the most talked-about stops of the weekend.