Blog Posts

Newport Jazz Festival Among Winners of DDCF Leadership Grants

5/18/2016

FIVE JAZZ FESTIVALS AWARDED $1 M IN TOTAL TO SUPPORT THEIR CONTINUING SUCCESS

New Leadership Grants Program Recognizes Five Jazz Organizations Nationwide
In Effort to Strengthen the Future of the Jazz Field

Newport Jazz Festival (Photo credit: Douglas Mason)

NEW YORK, NY, May 18, 2016 -- The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (DDCF) today announced the five jazz organizations and related festivals receiving grants totaling $1 million through the Leadership Grants Program for Jazz. This new initiative offers flexible funding over two years to support the self-defined, long-term goals of organizations that have demonstrated excellence in and sustained commitment to the field of jazz. The overall objective of these grants is to support the foundation’s long-standing goal to buoy the vibrancy of the jazz field by bolstering the long-term viability of its most critical organizations.

Belgian Jazz Festivals Celebrate in New York City with a Live Show

5/10/2016

Belgian Jazz Festivals Celebrate in New York City with a Live Show
Featuring the Low Countries’ Music and Food

Gent Jazz Festival Takes Place July 7-16
Followed by Jazz Middelheim August 12-15

Bureau of Atomic Tourism (Photo credit: Roger Laute)

New York, NY, May 10, 2016 – New York’s musical melting pot is about to get a jolt of European energy thanks to two Belgian Jazz Festivals that are being celebrated in the Big Apple on May 25 with a concert and culinary event at Le Poisson Rouge, the Manhattan jazz club located at 158 Bleecker Street. The concert will celebrate the Gent Jazz Festival (July 7-16) now in its 15th year and the 35-year-old Jazz Middelheim (August 12-15) by showcasing some of the musicians who will appear in Belgium later this summer. Hosted by Sven Gatz, the Flemish Minister of Culture, Media and Youth, the phenomenal performances from four of Belgium’s jazz bands will be matched by a tickling of the taste buds, a sampling of culinary delicacies created by Belgium’s two-Michelin starred chef Viki Geunes.

ALFI Records Celebrates the Magic of Movie Themes on Dreamtime

4/29/2016

**ALFI Records Celebrates the Magic of Movie Themes on Dreamtime,
New CD by Label Founder Albare to be Released on May 6**

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, April 28, 2016 – ALFI Records salutes the magic of the movies on its latest release, Dreamtime (#724131549824), the new CD by label founder and master guitarist Albare. With liner notes by music journalist/author Will Friedwald, Dreamtime, will be released on May 6, 2016 just in time for Mother’s Day.

Label mate Joe Chindamo teamed up with Albare to handle composing, arranging and conducting duties while also playing piano. The idea was to set an audio dreamscape much like the spell cast by a movie with a great story. This musical journey recreates in sound the images people have when they remember these classic films.

BRIDGEFEST – A NEW BEGINNING The Celebration of Local Music in Newport Moves to Newport Festivals Foundation

4/28/2016

BRIDGEFEST – A NEW BEGINNING
The Celebration of Local Music in Newport Moves to
Newport Festivals Foundation

NEWPORT, RI, April 28, 2016 – The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County (ACA) announced at its 24th Annual Meeting Thursday night that it has transferred rights to its popular BridgeFest music festival to Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc.

“Each summer for the past seven years, BridgeFest has supported, promoted and celebrated our many local musicians, showcasing their extraordinary talents. It has been a pleasure seeing the four days of music that bridge the gap between the iconic Folk and Jazz Festivals grow into such an eagerly anticipated summer event in its own right,” said Nancy McAuliffe, President of the Arts & Cultural Alliance.

“However, it became readily apparent to our Board of Directors that the purpose of BridgeFest overlapped with many of the recent Festivals Foundation initiatives, especially its educational events for young people and families and growing support for local musicians. The world-renowned success of both the Folk and Jazz Festivals now allows for programming well beyond the original two weekends.”

The Newport Folk Festival® takes place July 22-24 followed by the Newport Jazz Festival® July 29-31, with BridgeFest between the two events.

“Newport Festivals Foundation is excited to support the community through this important cultural endeavor. We are pleased that the ACA, which presented BridgeFest for seven years, is entrusting this great tradition to our Foundation,” said Jay Sweet, Executive Producer of Newport Festivals Foundation. “In 2016, we’ll take a look at programs that have been part of BridgeFest and explore opportunities with other local groups. In addition, we will continue to produce our free family concert at Fort Adams on the Wednesday between festivals as well as add some other surprises.”

For more information on how to be a part of BridgeFest 2016, visit the web site at www.newportbridgefest.com.

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Jazz á Vienne Announces Lineup for 36th Annual Festival

4/14/2016

Jazz á Vienne Announces Lineup for 36th Annual Festival Featuring
Diana Krall, Chick Corea, Kamasi Washington, Seal, Esperanza Spalding, Buddy Guy, Cécile McLorin Salvant, José James, Pink Martini, James Carter and More

Vienne, France – The 36th edition of the Jazz á Vienne festival takes place June 28 – July 15 with an 18-day celebration featuring jazz, blues, funk, gospel, dance, film, literature and a wide variety of events for all ages. Located on the Rhone River in southeastern France just 20 miles south of Lyon, the beautiful city of Vienne also boasts historical monuments, museums, markets, fantastic food and much more.

The 2016 festival presents Diana Krall, Chick Corea, Randy Weston, Kamasi Washington, Seal, Esperanza Spalding, Buddy Guy, John Scofield/Brad Mehldau/Mark Guiliana, Gregory Porter, Cécile McLorin Salvant, José James, Pink Martini, James Carter and John McLaughlin. Other artists include Chic featuring Nile Rodgers, Lisa Simone, the JB’s (the original James Brown Band featuring Martha High), Joyful Gospel Singers, Beth Hart, Dayme Arocena, Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles, Robin McKelle and many more musicians from around the world.

For more information, log on to www.jazzavienne.com.

# # #

Photos L-R: Chick Corea (credit: Chick Corea Productions); Diana Krall; Kamasi Washington (credit: Mike Park)

Christian McBride Appointed Artistic Director of Newport Jazz Festival

3/10/2016

Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc.™ Appoints
Bassist Christian McBride
As Artistic Director of
Newport Jazz Festival®

Christian McBride performing at the 2015 Newport Jazz Festival (Photo credit: LaNita Adams)

George Wein & Christian McBride backstage at the 2009 Newport Jazz Festival (Photo credit: Michael Weintrob)

NEW YORK, NY, March 10, 2016 – For the first time in its 62-year history, the world-renowned Newport Jazz Festival® will have a musician other than pianist/producer George Wein as its artistic director. Multiple Grammy-winning bassist Christian McBride has been named artistic director to work alongside, and eventually succeed, Wein as the festival’s music curator, it was announced today by Wein, chairman of Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc.™ and producer of the Newport Jazz Festival since its inception in 1954, and Jay Sweet, the Foundation’s executive producer.

Rounding out the production dream team is Danny Melnick, 25-year veteran of Wein’s organization, who will move up to producer from associate producer.

ALFI Records Re-Issues Darryn Farrugia's "Seeds"

3/9/2016

Darryn Farrugia’s “Seeds” Available Now
on ALFI Records

NEW YORK, NY, March 9, 2016 – Joining ALFI Record’s recent crop of CDs is “Seeds” from Melbourne-based drummer/composer Darryn Farrugia. The eight-song re-issue of mostly Farrugia originals is available now.

Farrugia learned his craft as a child by playing along to pop records by Tom Jones, Neil Diamond and Elvis Presley. As a teenager, he discovered jazz and found his true musical calling. This led to studies at the Victorian College of the Arts at Melbourne University, followed by additional studies in the United States. His wide ranging list of credits include recording sessions for movie soundtracks, advertising jingles and gigs with some of the world’s best known stars such as B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Eartha Kitt, Jackson Browne, Petula Clark, Hugh Jackman and Olivia Newton John. He was the drummer for Australia’s comedic TV show “Hey, Hey It’s Saturday” and has written instructional books exploring various groove styles of drumming called, “Groove Perspectives.”

On “Seeds,” Farrugia wrote all of the album’s eight songs, with the exception of “Just Another Rumor,” which was composed by Colin Hopkins. The drummer, who also performs on keyboards on this release, brings together a Who’s Who of Australian session players to join him in this masterpiece of fusion. His cohorts in sound are: Luke Howard (piano), Colin Hopkins (piano), Craig Newman (bass guitar), Alex Pertout (percussion), Ben Robertson (bass), Jonathan Zion (bass), Leonard Grigoryan (guitar), Glenn Cannon (guitar) and Gavin Pearce (bass). Special guests include Mike Stern (guitar), label mates Phil Turcio (piano) and Joe Chindamo (piano), with additional assistance from Ross Cockle (mix engineer), Ethan Cooke and Patrick Bettison (harmonica). The late saxophonist Bob Berg also joined the band on two tracks.

Norah Jones Set To Perform At Both Newport Folk Festival And Newport Jazz Festival

3/2/2016

NORAH JONES SET TO PERFORM AT BOTH
NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL AND
NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL THIS JULY

Nine-time Grammy Award winning singer and songwriter Norah Jones will perform the rare feat of appearing at both the Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival on consecutive weekends this July. Demonstrating her versatility and wide appeal, Norah will make her first-ever solo appearance at the Folk Festival on Saturday, July 23 having previously performed at the 2014 festival with her band Puss n Boots and as a special guest with the legendary singer Mavis Staples. The following weekend Norah will make her first-ever appearance at the Jazz Festival on Saturday, July 30.

ALFI Records Releases "Axel Tosca"

2/25/2016

ALFI Records Releases Eponymous Album by
Pianist Axel Tosca

NEW YORK, NY, February 25, 2016 – ALFI Records celebrates the release of “Axel Tosca,” a nine-track album of contemporary jazz with a global reach, composed and performed by Axel Tosca, the Cuban-born, New York-based piano virtuoso. Special guests on the album include Jeff “Tain” Watts (drums), James Genus (bass), Luisito Quintero (percussion) and Ron Blake (saxophone/flute). Release date: March 25; Pre-order date: February 26

Governor Gina Raimondo and George Wein Announce Newport Jazz Festival Assembly

2/9/2016

Governor Gina Raimondo and George Wein Announce
Newport Jazz Festival Assembly
To Bring Music to Elementary Schools
in Rhode Island

NEWPORT, RI, February 8, 2016 – Newport Jazz Festival Assembly, a new performance series presented by Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc.™, Inc. will bring music to elementary schools throughout Rhode Island beginning this week, it was announced today by Governor Gina Raimondo and George Wein, Chairman of Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc.

The series, funded by Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. with support from the Estate of H. Stewart Ross, will connect professional musicians to schools with minimal or no music programs to present jazz concerts for students who may not have had the experience of attending a live concert. Each Assembly, which will introduce students to the music presented at the Newport Jazz Festival®, will be 35-40 minutes long and will consist of oral presentations, question/answer sessions and several musical segments that will span the timeline of jazz history, including Dixieland, Big Band, Bebop, Fusion, Cool and Modal Jazz.

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Newport Jazz Festival Among Winners of DDCF Leadership Grants

FIVE JAZZ FESTIVALS AWARDED $1 M IN TOTAL TO SUPPORT THEIR CONTINUING SUCCESS

New Leadership Grants Program Recognizes Five Jazz Organizations Nationwide
In Effort to Strengthen the Future of the Jazz Field

Belgian Jazz Festivals Celebrate in New York City with a Live Show

Belgian Jazz Festivals Celebrate in New York City with a Live Show
Featuring the Low Countries’ Music and Food

Gent Jazz Festival Takes Place July 7-16
Followed by Jazz Middelheim August 12-15

ALFI Records Celebrates the Magic of Movie Themes on Dreamtime

**ALFI Records Celebrates the Magic of Movie Themes on Dreamtime,
New CD by Label Founder Albare to be Released on May 6**

BRIDGEFEST – A NEW BEGINNING The Celebration of Local Music in Newport Moves to Newport Festivals Foundation

BRIDGEFEST – A NEW BEGINNING
The Celebration of Local Music in Newport Moves to
Newport Festivals Foundation

Jazz á Vienne Announces Lineup for 36th Annual Festival

Jazz á Vienne Announces Lineup for 36th Annual Festival Featuring
Diana Krall, Chick Corea, Kamasi Washington, Seal, Esperanza Spalding, Buddy Guy, Cécile McLorin Salvant, José James, Pink Martini, James Carter and More

Christian McBride Appointed Artistic Director of Newport Jazz Festival

Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc.™ Appoints
Bassist Christian McBride
As Artistic Director of
Newport Jazz Festival®

ALFI Records Re-Issues Darryn Farrugia's "Seeds"

Darryn Farrugia’s “Seeds” Available Now
on ALFI Records

Norah Jones Set To Perform At Both Newport Folk Festival And Newport Jazz Festival

NORAH JONES SET TO PERFORM AT BOTH
NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL AND
NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL THIS JULY

ALFI Records Releases "Axel Tosca"

ALFI Records Releases Eponymous Album by
Pianist Axel Tosca

Governor Gina Raimondo and George Wein Announce Newport Jazz Festival Assembly

Governor Gina Raimondo and George Wein Announce
Newport Jazz Festival Assembly
To Bring Music to Elementary Schools
in Rhode Island

Archives

Categories

FIVE JAZZ FESTIVALS AWARDED $1 M IN TOTAL TO SUPPORT THEIR CONTINUING SUCCESS New Leadership Grants Program Recognizes Five Jazz Organizations NationwideIn Effort to Strengthen the Future of the Jazz Field

Belgian Jazz Festivals Celebrate in New York City with a Live ShowFeaturing the Low Countries’ Music and Food Gent Jazz Festival Takes Place July 7-16Followed by Jazz Middelheim August 12-15​

ALFI Records Celebrates the Magic of Movie Themes on Dreamtime, New CD by Label Founder Albare to be Released on May 6

BRIDGEFEST – A NEW BEGINNINGThe Celebration of Local Music in Newport Moves toNewport Festivals Foundation

Jazz á Vienne Announces Lineup for 36th Annual Festival FeaturingDiana Krall, Chick Corea, Kamasi Washington, Seal, Esperanza Spalding, Buddy Guy, Cécile McLorin Salvant, José James, Pink Martini, James Carter and More

Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc.™ AppointsBassist Christian McBrideAs Artistic Director of Newport Jazz Festival®

Darryn Farrugia’s “Seeds” Available Now​on ALFI Records

NORAH JONES SET TO PERFORM AT BOTHNEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL AND ​NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL THIS JULY

ALFI Records Releases Eponymous Album by ​Pianist Axel Tosca

Governor Gina Raimondo and George Wein AnnounceNewport Jazz Festival AssemblyTo Bring Music to Elementary Schools ​in Rhode Island

Archives

Categories

FIVE JAZZ FESTIVALS AWARDED $1 M IN TOTAL TO SUPPORT THEIR CONTINUING SUCCESS

New Leadership Grants Program Recognizes Five Jazz Organizations Nationwide
In Effort to Strengthen the Future of the Jazz Field

Belgian Jazz Festivals Celebrate in New York City with a Live Show
Featuring the Low Countries’ Music and Food

Gent Jazz Festival Takes Place July 7-16
Followed by Jazz Middelheim August 12-15

**ALFI Records Celebrates the Magic of Movie Themes on Dreamtime,
New CD by Label Founder Albare to be Released on May 6**

BRIDGEFEST – A NEW BEGINNING
The Celebration of Local Music in Newport Moves to
Newport Festivals Foundation

Jazz á Vienne Announces Lineup for 36th Annual Festival Featuring
Diana Krall, Chick Corea, Kamasi Washington, Seal, Esperanza Spalding, Buddy Guy, Cécile McLorin Salvant, José James, Pink Martini, James Carter and More

Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc.™ Appoints
Bassist Christian McBride
As Artistic Director of
Newport Jazz Festival®

Darryn Farrugia’s “Seeds” Available Now
on ALFI Records

NORAH JONES SET TO PERFORM AT BOTH
NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL AND
NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL THIS JULY

ALFI Records Releases Eponymous Album by
Pianist Axel Tosca

Governor Gina Raimondo and George Wein Announce
Newport Jazz Festival Assembly
To Bring Music to Elementary Schools
in Rhode Island