The Newport Jazz Festival kicked off its 2017 festivities with a full day of music at Fort Adams State Park, followed by an evening concert with Rhiannon Giddens and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at the International Tennis Hall Of Fame.
Although Friday is the lightest attended day of the three-day annual festival, those who were on hand for the daytime performances were full of energy, dance and appreciation of the music being performed.
Highlights included the classic vocal sounds of Cecile McLorin Salvant, the smooth voice of Leslie Odom, Jr., the cool vibes of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones and the funky rhythms from Maceo Parker. Strong performances from the Jimmy Greene Quartet and warm vocals from Naturally 7 rounded things out.
Rhiannon Giddens served up a soulful performance at the International Tennis Hall of Fame later in the day, followed by a crowd please performance by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue that had the crowd up on their feet from their first note.
Scroll down for some photos from Day 1 of the Newport Jazz Festival Presented by Natixis Global Asset Management.
Photographs will continue to be added as we receive photos from our photographers this evening.
