The Newport Festivals Foundation Inc.™ announced today that it has received a $30,000 grant from the Rhode Island Foundation to stage a third day of music featuring emerging artists and future icons at the historic Newport Jazz Festival® on Friday, July 29, at Fort Adams State Park.
After a two-decade hiatus, it is the third straight year that the Festival has been able to offer a third full day of performances with the Foundation‘s support.
“We are grateful that the Foundation is investing with us again. The support not only brings new and exciting music to the area, but also attracts additional visitors to Newport for longer stays,” said George Wein, Chairman of Newport Festivals Foundation. “The grant also helps to build a local audience and to give young people a chance to experience the festival. We now have showcased dozens of young artists that are becoming known to jazz fans, and we‘re pleased that Friday at the Fort continues to be a perfect platform for nurturing the future of jazz.”
The opening-day performers include Galactic, Kamasi Washington, Tyshawn Sorey & Alloy, Kneebody, The Heath Brothers and the University of RI Big Band. The music kicks off at 11:30 a.m.
“We‘re glad to continue our support of this iconic musical showcase as it introduces emerging stars, creates a new generation of fans and brings more visitors to local hotels, restaurants and attractions,” said Neil Steinberg, the Rhode Island Foundation‘s president and CEO.
The Newport Jazz Festival® presented by Natixis Global Asset Management takes place July 29-31 at Fort Adams and the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino featuring Norah Jones, Gregory Porter, Chick Corea Trilogy with Christian McBride and Brian Blade, Angélique Kidjo, Charles Lloyd New Quartet, Lizz Wright, José James and many others.
For more information and tickets (including specially-discounted $20 student tickets), please visitwww.newportjazzfest.org.
The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. In 2015, the Foundation awarded $41.5 million in grants to organizations addressing the state‘s Rhode Island‘s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit www.rifoundation.org.
The Newport Festivals Foundation was founded by George Wein in 2010 to build and continue the legacies of the famed Newport Jazz Festival® and Newport Folk Festival®. Under the auspices of the Foundation, the Newport Jazz Festival presents performers who respect and honor jazz music traditions, and at the same time reflect the changes in today’s musical trends. Through the establishment of partnerships with local high schools and colleges/universities, the Foundation will present programs to educate young people about jazz music as presented at the annual festivals. For more information, please visit www.
