Jazz follows folk in Newport this weekend

By Don Fowler
Posted 7/27/16

Some of the world's greatest jazz musicians arrive in Newport this weekend, following on the footsteps of a sold-out Newport Folk Festival. While tickets are still available for the Jazz Festival, you couldn't buy one for the Folk Festival,

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Jazz follows folk in Newport this weekend

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Some of the world’s greatest jazz musicians arrive in Newport this weekend, following on the footsteps of a sold-out Newport Folk Festival. While tickets are still available for the Jazz Festival, you couldn’t buy one for the Folk Festival, which sold out before the lineup was even announced.

I remember the days of Joan Baez, Woody and Arlo Guthrie, Judy Collins and Pete Seeger, when folk music was easy to categorize. Today, the music styles vary widely from acoustic to loud, electronic backup bands and even a touch of rap.

The good news is that the festival has attracted thousands of young fans, who from all appearances were orderly and appreciative of the music, even after waiting in long lines to get in, as security was extra tight.

My highlight came early, as the Texas Gents played the first set in the Quad tent, bringing up two “old timers” to do three-songs sets, and then sending the crowd into a frenzy by introducing a third surprise guest: Kris Kristofferson, who sang his three biggest hits.

Having heard Rita Coolidge a few weeks ago at the Courthouse for the Arts, my nostalgic trip down folk lane was complete.

I’m looking forward to this weekend, where an older crowd will gather to hear the likes of Chick Correa, Norah Jones, Gregory Porter, Angeleque Kidjo, along with a number of up-and-coming jazz musicians.

Arrive early, bring plenty of water, a hat, and sun tan lotion. While there is a breeze blowing off Narragansett Bay, and can still get very hot.

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