Fresh off two GRAMMY wins, drummer, producer and bandleader Nate Smith has been appointed artistic director of the legendary Newport Jazz Festival, organizers announced.
Smith will serve a three-year term beginning with this year’s festival, set for July 31–Aug. 2 at Fort Adams State Park. He succeeds Christian McBride, who held the role for a decade, and follows in the footsteps of founder George Wein.
The appointment comes after three consecutive sold-out years for the 72-year-old festival, one of the longest-running and most influential jazz gatherings in the United States.
As artistic director, Smith will work closely with the Newport creative team on booking, programming, community engagement and year-round jazz education initiatives through the Newport Festivals Foundation.
Board Chairman Bruce Gordon said the selection process drew a “wide and varied” pool of talent, underscoring that “jazz is alive and well and thriving.” He called Smith uniquely suited to honor the genre’s traditions while pushing it forward. “Nate is family,” Gordon said, noting Smith’s long history performing at the festival.
In a statement, Smith said he accepted the role “with humility and gratitude,” thanking Gordon, the foundation board and programming director Jay Sweet. He also acknowledged McBride, saying he leaves “awfully big shoes to fill.”
Smith said he hopes to deepen the connection between fans and artists to ensure jazz continues to evolve.
A widely respected collaborator, Smith has toured and recorded with Brittany Howard, Childish Gambino, Jon Batiste, Norah Jones and Pat Metheny, among others. Earlier this month, he won two GRAMMY Awards for his 2025 album LIVE-ACTION, including Best Alternative Jazz Album.
In 2019, Wein praised Smith as “a leader who will make his mark felt on the future of jazz.” Now, that future will take shape on Newport’s storied stage.
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