The John McKenna Quartet will perform at the Newport Independent Music Festival concert series Sunday, Aug. 3, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the King Park Gazebo.
McKenna, a saxophonist, composer and music educator, teaches at the University of Rhode Island, UMass Dartmouth, Roger Williams University and the Community College of Rhode Island. The New England musician has toured major festivals in the United States and Europe with artists including Joe Lovano.
His recording credits include Larry Goldings’ “Big Stuff” on Warner Bros. Records, which featured Bill Stewart, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Idris Muhammad. McKenna has performed with bands led by Tootie Heath, Red Rodney and Mulgrew Miller.
McKenna has released three albums under his own name, most recently “Portraits,” featuring Bruce Barth, Anthony Santor and Victor Lewis.
The quartet’s repertoire spans classic jazz standards to contemporary compositions.
Local musician Bill Killian will open the show. Killian performs acoustic guitar music inspired by rhythms from around the world.
NIMFest celebrates local and regional artists in a family-friendly atmosphere. The concert series runs through Aug. 24, with performances scheduled each Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at King Park Gazebo, 125 Wellington Ave.
The Aug. 10 lineup features the Diane Blue All-Star Band and Meera Raphael. DownCity Band performs Aug. 17, followed by Guess Method and Helena Rose on Aug. 24.
All concerts are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Parking is limited, and organizers recommend carpooling. Alcohol is not permitted in the park.
Rain dates in September are possible if necessary.
The New England Music Organization and North End Entertainment present the series with support from the Hamilton Family Foundation.
The New England Music Organization is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting musicians and fostering music communities across the New England region through advocacy, education and performance opportunities.
For more information, visit www.NewEnglandMusic.org and www.NorthEndEntertainment.com.