The Newport Jazz Festival is back! Founded 70 years ago, the historic festival at Fort Adams State Park begins Friday, August 2, and runs through Sunday, August 4. With over 50 performances on the schedule, every fan has their favorite. Below are my “Six Picks” for 2024 with an important reminder – like last weekend’s Folk Festival, you can’t go wrong at Newport. You’ll find exceptional, groundbreaking, original music on every stage all weekend long.
Friday: Correct me if I’m wrong, but at 100 years of age, Marshall Allen is the oldest musician ever to play at the Newport Jazz Festival. He returns to Fort Adams leading the Sun Ra Arkestra, a musical collective that has been at the forefront of the Afrofuturist jazz movement for decades. Allen, who served with the Buffalo Soldiers in World War II, takes the Fort Stage Friday at 12:30PM.
Friday: Jazz innovator Kamasi Washington returns to Fort Adams, after canceling last summer due to illness. The critically acclaimed musician has the sax chops to rival John Coltrane and is at the forefront of the movement that integrates hip-hop and jazz. He plays twice this weekend, first with his band on Friday at 6:30 on the Fort Stage and then Saturday with Robert Glasper and Terrace Martin in Dinner Party at 6:30.
Saturday: 24-year-old Samara Joy returns to Fort Adams for the third year in a row, behind critical acclaim and her dual victory at the 2023 Grammy Awards where she won for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best New Artist, a rare feat for jazz musicians. Joy, who pays homage to those who came before, is a gifted performer. Check out our 2022 interview with Joy here, when she first played the festival. Don’t miss her set on the Fort Stage Saturday at 3:25.
Saturday: What’s Elvis Costello doing at a jazz festival? Well, he’s already played the Newport Folk Festival (2015), so why not invite the former punk rocker back to Fort Adams. As you may be aware, Costello, who is married to jazz great Diana Krall, has always been a part of the jazz world, appearing with the Mingus Big Band as early as 1983, and sharing the stage with Tony Bennett more than once. Of course, what he decides to do at Newport is anyone’s guess. He plays the Fort Stage Saturday at 4:55.
Sunday: Icelandic artist Laufey’s stated goal is to “bring jazz and classical music to my generation.” She’s off to a good start, as her critically acclaimed debut album, Everything I Know About Love, became the most streamed jazz album on Spotify in 2022. The 2024 Grammy winner for “Best Traditional Pop Album,” the release showcases her brilliant arrangements, compelling phrasing, and elegant vocals. Catch her on the Fort Stage Sunday at 3:25.
Sunday: Let’s hear it for festival Artistic Director Christian McBride, who has shaped the direction of the festival since moving into the role several years ago. His leadership, and efforts to diversify the program is a big part of the reason the festival now sells out in advance. The acclaimed bassist returns with his Jam Jawn featuring pals Dianne Reeves, Fred Wesley, Steve Jordan, Russell Gunn, Christian Sands and more. Jam on Sunday at 5:55 on the Quad Stage.
Bonus Picks:
The Kids are Alright: Although it may seem cliché to say it, but if jazz is to survive as an art form, it’s up to the next generation to keep it fresh. So be sure to check out the developing chops from acts including the URI Jazz Collective, RIMEA Jazz All Stars, and the Newport Jazz Camp at the Foundation Stage all weekend. Check the official app for times and further details.
The legends: Don’t miss sets from jazz greats including Kenny Barron, Stanley Clake, and Buster Williams, among others. Between the three of them, these artists have played with literally everyone in the jazz world over the past 50+ years.
New to You: As any veteran festival-goer will tell you, every year you’ll discover a musician or two (or a dozen) who are “new to you.” With over 50 acts playing over three days, and a lot of newcomers scheduled to perform, you’ll have no trouble getting turned on to a new artist. Be sure to walk around and explore the festival!
More “don’t miss” sets: Brittany Howard (Friday), who joins the exclusive club of artists who have played both the folk and jazz festivals, Cuban rhythms with Cimafunk (Sunday), hip-hop beats with Robert Glasper, supergroup vibes with Dinner Party (Saturday), and “Newport at 70” (Sunday), where we expect rising stars to pay tribute to those who played the festival in its early days.
Tickets are available: Although officially sold out, festival tickets are available on the official waitlist. Click here for details.
