The Newport Festivals Foundation Inc. has announced that it has received a $40,000 grant from the Rhode Island Foundation to help underwrite the third day of music featuring emerging artists and future icons at the historic Newport Jazz Festival on Friday, July 31, at Fort Adams State Park.
A grant from the Rhode Island Foundation,the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island, last year helped the Festival stage a third full day of performances for the first time in decades.
“We are grateful that the Rhode Island Foundation has chosen to invest in the Newport Festivals Foundation for the second consecutive year to help us not only bring new and exciting music to the area, but also to encourage more visitors to Newport for a longer duration,” said George Wein, Producer of the Newport Jazz Festival and Chairman of the Newport Festivals Foundation. “Over the past four years, we have presented 45 young artists that should become known to jazz fans, and we’re pleased that Friday at the Fort continues to be a perfect platform for nurturing the future of jazz.”
This year, the Foundation awarded $35,000 as part of its grantmaking in the arts and $5,000 through the Thomas DePetrillo and Carol Keefe Fund.
“We’re proud to continue to support this legendary music event as it showcases emerging stars, attracts a new generation of fans and fills local hotels, restaurants and attractions with visitors for an extra day,” said Neil Steinberg, the Rhode Island Foundation’s president and CEO.
Non-stop music, including concerts with Snarky Puppy, John Hollenbeck, Ambrose Akinmusire, Matana Roberts’ Coin Coin, Lucky Peterson, Bria Skonberg, Christian McBride and the University of RI Newport Big Band, takes place on three stages from 11:30 am – 6:00 pm on Friday, July 31.
The Newport Jazz Festival® presented by Natixis Global Asset Management takes place July 31-August 2, at Fort Adams and the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino with Chris Botti, Jon Batiste and Stay Human, Jamie Cullum, Cassandra Wilson, Dr. John, Arturo Sandoval, Jack DeJohnette’s Made in Chicago, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Ms. Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton and many others.
For more information and tickets (including specially-discounted $20 student tickets), please visit www.newportjazzfest.org.