The popular New England music educator, performer & recording artist brings
his jazz quartet to the King Park Gazebo on Sunday, September 22nd, from
3 pm to 6 pm. This concert was originally scheduled for August 4th but was
postponed due to rain.
John McKenna, a notable saxophonist, composer & teacher at the
University of Rhode Island, Umass Dartmouth, Roger Williams
University and CCRI has toured major festivals in the U.S. & Europe with
artists like Joe Lovano. McKenna has recorded on numerous albums
including Larry Goldings Big Stuff (Warner Bros.) that also featured Bill
Stewart, Kurt Rosenwinkle and Idris Muhammad. John has performed
gigs & concerts with bands led by Tootie Heath, Red Rodney and
Mullgrew Miller. He has three recordings under his own name, the most recent is Portraits featuring Bruce Barth, Anthony Santor and Victor
Lewis.
John McKenna’s extensive experience and creative vision are reflected in
his quartet’s engaging repertoire, which spans classic jazz standards to
contemporary compositions. McKenna’s expertise and passion for music
shine through in every performance, making the John McKenna Quartet
a must-see act at this year’s NIMFest.
The afternoon begins with a performance by acclaimed local musician
Bill Killian, whose engaging style of acoustic guitar inspired by rhythms
from around the world have earned him a well-deserved reputation in
the Rhode Island music scene. Killian’s opening set will set the stage for
an afternoon of musical brilliance.
NIMFest, short for Newport Independent Music Festival, has become a
favorite summer concert series in Newport, celebrating local and
regional artists in a family-friendly atmosphere. The event is free and
open to the public, inviting music lovers from across Rhode Island to
enjoy an afternoon of live music in one of Newport’s most scenic parks.
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to fully
enjoy the outdoor concert experience. The public is encouraged to
carpool as parking is limited. Alcohol is not permitted in the park. All
concerts are scheduled for 3pm to 6pm, weather permitting.
For more information about NIMFest and to stay updated on the event
schedule, please visit www.NewEnglandMusic.org and
www.NorthEndEntertainment.com.
The free outdoor concert series is made possible by the City of Newport,
New England Music Organization and North End Entertainment thanks
to a generous gift from the Hamilton Family Foundation.
About The New England Music Organization (NEMO): The New
England Music Organization is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
supporting musicians and fostering a thriving music community across
the New England region. NEMO promotes the cultural richness of music
in local communities through advocacy, education, and performance
opportunities.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, September 22nd 2024
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: King Park Gazebo, Newport, RI
125 Wellington Ave, Newport, RI 02840
