Newport Jazz Fest 2016 Brings in Over 24,000 Fans

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Tuesday, August 23, 2016

GoLocalProv Lifestyle Team

Over 24,000 fans turned out for the 2016 Newport Jazz fest that was held at Fort Adams State Park and the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino from July 29 to the 31st. Riding that momentum, the Jazz Fest has announced that the 2017 festival will be held from August 4th to August 6th.

Festival Highlights

Highlights of the 2016 festival included performances by the the Rhode Island and Massachusetts Music Educators Association big bands, at which a $5,000 scholarship was presented by Natixis CEO John Hailer to a student from each band on the stage at Fort Adams.

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In addition, jazz legend Jimmy Heath thrilled the Harbor Stage crowd when he joined the RI big band for a portion of the set.

Other highlights included new works by bassist Ben Williams, pianist Peter Apfelbaum, drummer Tyshawn Sorey and pianist Sullivan Fortner.

Fans took part in the 75th birthday celebration for Chick Corea, who performed with his band Trilogy featuring Festival Artistic Director/bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade on Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

The Festival debut of the saxophonist Kamasi Washington in two different sets on Friday while pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi's saluted to Newport while she celebrated the 60th anniversary of her first Festival appearance at Storyville on Sunday.

The Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander, who gave audiences a taste of Harlem and Kingston in his Sunday afternoon Festival debut while vocalist Angélique Kidjo, had children and adults alike dancing through the crowd to close out the Festival on Sunday, as well as many more memorable moments.

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