Newport Jazz Fest Announces Opening Night Performers

Email to a friend Permalink

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

GoLocalWorcester Lifestyle Team

Newport Jazz Fest has announced that Gregory Porter and Chick Corea Trilogy with Brian Blade and Christian McBride will take the stage for the festival's opening night concert. 

"Our history of Friday night concerts at the International Tennis Hall of Fame has been extraordinarily successful, both in the quality of performance and the continuing growth of our audience. This year's concert will be no exception," said Festival producer George Wein. 

The concert will take place on Friday, July 29 on the Alex and Ani Stage at the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 14 via the Festival web site. 

Wein had this to say on the performers: 

"Chick Corea, who will be celebrating his 75th birthday with us that evening, is an old friend and indelible contributor to jazz piano lore. With him will be bassist Christian McBride and every musician's favorite, Brian Blade, on drums, both of whom were named #1 on their instruments in the  JazzTimes Reader's Poll. 

To round out the program, we will welcome Gregory Porter, whom we also congratulate on his JazzTimes Reader's Poll acknowledgement as Artist of the Year. Gregory has appeared at Newport two times, but this is the first time that our Friday night regulars will have the opportunity to hear him at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. He is the best at what he does. Any of you who remember Joe Williams will recognize the immense talent that Gregory Porter fosters and you will understand why he will be one of the all-time greats."

The 2016 Festival line up also features concerts at Fort Adams State Park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, including Kamasi Washington, Angelique Kidjo, Kneebody, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Tierney Sutton, Darcy James Argue's Secret Society, The Westerlies and more. 

Additional artists playing at Fort Adams will be announced on January 21.

For more information on the festival, click here. 

Related Articles

• Jamie Cullum at CareFusion Newport Jazz Festival
• Don’t Miss: CareFusion Newport Jazz Festival
• 5 Weekend Musts: Newport Jazz Festival + More
• New Orleans Blues and Jazz Festival Returns to Worcester
• Newport Jazz Festival 2015: Friday Highlights
• Newport Jazz Festival 2015: Weekend Highlights

Enjoy this post? Share it with others.

Email to a friend Permalink