Jazz follows folk at Newport festivals

Don Fowler
Posted 7/30/14

Jazz takes over from the Folkies at Newport’s Fort Adams this weekend, and what an incredible lineup awaits lovers of the music art form.

Those of us who were fortunate enough to have tickets …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Jazz follows folk at Newport festivals

Posted

Jazz takes over from the Folkies at Newport’s Fort Adams this weekend, and what an incredible lineup awaits lovers of the music art form.

Those of us who were fortunate enough to have tickets for the sold-out Folk Festival were treated to a variety of artists, from the rock style of Houndmouth to the pounding bluegrass beat of Trampled by Turtles.

I go back to the days of Dylan, Baez, Seeger and Guthrie, so this year’s lineup was a bit of a culture shock. Groups with names like The Oh Hellos, Reignwolf, Puss N Boots and Trampled by Turtles with their alternative styles offered something quite different for this veteran festival-goer.

John C. Reilly, one of my favorite character actors, was joined by two talented “friends,” singing a bunch of good old folk songs. Colorado folk singer Gregory Alan Isokov (strange name for a folk singer) had the best voice of the day, wowing the crowd with his talent, as did veteran Jeff Tweedy.

The festival closed Sunday night under the threat of a thunderstorm that passed us by, allowing the incredible Mavis Staples to celebrate her 75th birthday, belting out some old standards (“I’ll Take You There”) and bringing up just about every performer still in the area for a rousing finale.

Festival tickets sold out in May this year, even before the lineup was announced, so keep your eyes open for announcement of ticket sales for 2015

Newport Jazz Festival

Tickets are still available for the Jazz Festival this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Friday offers a unique opportunity to see some of the emerging artists of the genre, performing on three stages.

The festival opens at 12:30 with our own URI Festival Big Band. On Saturday the Festival opens with the RI Senior All State Jazz Band.

While there are a number of upcoming jazz performers, many of the veterans will be there, including Wynton Marsalis leading his Lincoln Center Orchestra on the main stage at 3:25 Saturday, followed by the incredible Trombone Shorty at 5:10.

We will miss the great Dave Brubeck, who performed at more Newport Jazz Festivals than anyone, but his legacy will continue with a performance by the Brubeck Boys at 11:30 Sunday morning. The great Mingus Band follows on the Fort Stage, followed by Dr. John.

Over on the Quad Stage, 88-year-old legend and festival founder George Wein will join with the Newport All Stars in a performance that can’t be missed.

David Sanborn and Gary Burton, two of my favorites will be there, along with many other veterans.

The festival closes Sunday evening with a performance by Bobby McFerrin.

So don’t worry, be happy, and enjoy a pleasant weekend of jazz overlooking the bay in Newport.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here