Jazz reigns in Newport

By Don Fowler
Posted 8/4/16

For the first time in years, the Newport Jazz Festival sold out last Saturday, with over 10,000 fans flocking to Fort Adams, causing major traffic tie-ups in the City by the Sea.

The three-day …

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Jazz reigns in Newport

Posted

For the first time in years, the Newport Jazz Festival sold out last Saturday, with over 10,000 fans flocking to Fort Adams, causing major traffic tie-ups in the City by the Sea.

The three-day festival had an eclectic lineup of young and veteran performers on four stages, with the Quad stage (a huge tent inside the fort) gaining in popularity in recent years. It is where I first heard the incredible 9-year-old pianist Joey Alexander doing things with a keyboard that most adults couldn’t do.

Joey was back for a full set, backed by a terrific drummer and bassist, playing standards and complex songs that he had written. I couldn’t believe that I was listening to a now 10-year-old until he nervously talked to the audience, his adolescent voice cracking.

Also tearing up the Quad stage was Butler, Bernstein and the Hot 9, a powerhouse New Orleans big band that blew the roof off the tent.

On the Fort Stage, under the hot sun, the crowd enjoyed the Chick Corea Trilogy, Norah Jones and Gregory Porter, offering three great sets.

The rains held off Sunday, and although not a sellout, a large crowd enjoyed a multitude of jazz, capped by that wonderful, inspiring African singer, Angelique Kidjo.

George Wein, founder of the feast, was everywhere, stopping for selfies in his Weinmobile and seeming to enjoy every minute of it.

Now if the Newport Police could figure out a better traffic pattern for getting in and out of town, we would have the perfect festivals next year.

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  • richardcorrente

    This type of venue would be perfect for Rocky Point in my opinion. As Mayor I will explore this type of marketing because a visitor to Warwick can easily become a tax paying resident. In the last ten years Warwick has lost 5,800 taxpayers and 4,666 businesses. The more we attract "visitors" the more we will attract home buyers and new businesses and the taxes they pay will lower the taxes needed from the rest of us. Our tourism needs to be from within the state boundaries. We need "Welcome to Warwick" signs and magazines. We need Christmas decorations at City Hall and we need events like this to attract new taxpayers.

    Avedisian has raised taxes every year for 16 years in a row. That hasn't attracted anyone! As Mayor I will "cut taxes - cut spending" and promote Warwick to increase our taxpayer numbers resulting in lower taxes on each of us.

    I have spoken to the very talented George Wein on several occasions and I will bet he would jump at the chance to have a similar festival at Rocky Point. It would certainly be a win-win situation with great exposure for our City.

    Enjoy the rest of your Summer.

    Richard Corrente

    Endorsed Democrat for Mayor

    Wednesday, August 17, 2016 Report this