Young musicians to perform at Jazz Fest

The Newport Festivals Foundation (NFF) is committed to supporting music education, specifically in the areas of jazz and folk music, through free workshops, school performances and concerts for young people.

NFF also makes arrangements for young people to attend the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals at a reduced rate, or in some cases for free.

Attending a live music performance can change a life. Many of the artists who appear today mention the importance of attending the Newport Jazz Festival when they were young.

The 2012 Newport Jazz Festival presented by Natixis Global Asset Management is set for August 3 – 5 at International Tennis Hall of Fame and Fort Adams State Park.

Artists include the New Orleans pianist Dr. John, guitarist Pat Metheny, vocalist Dianne Reeves, the soulful blues of Tedeschi Trucks Band, legendary drummer Jack DeJohnette in a 70th birthday celebration, pianist Jason Moran, Maria Schneider Orchestra with a piece newly-commissioned piece to debut at the festival and more of the world’s hottest established and emerging jazz artists.

Produced and co-founded by legendary Jazz impresario George Wein, the Newport Jazz Festival first brought jazz fans from around the world to Newport in 1954. Five years later, in 1959, George and his friend the great folk singer Pete Seeger, introduced the Newport Folk Festival

The brains behind the concept of corporate-sponsored festivals, Wein is no stranger to working with companies to present great music. Last year and for another two years, the Jazz Festival is partnered with Natixis Global Asset Management who not shares the joys of jazz, but also a mission to highlight young jazz performers. 

High School students performing in the Rhode Island Senior All State Jazz Ensemble will be performing at the festival.  They are representing all of RI, and have the opportunity to perform on the same stage and festival as jazz legends.

The group will be performing Saturday August 4 at 11:05 a.m. on the Harbor Stage. Tickets are available at www.newportjazzfest.net

Members include:
Metro Narcisi, conductor; Rachel Hill, Ben Pallant, alto saxophones; Chase Ceglie, Andrew Nicastro, tenor saxophones; Steven Jacquard, baritone saxophones; Paul Spetrini, Nathan Ward, Dan Andsager, Jacob Greenberg, Walker Harris, trumpets; Lily Pavao, Fred Crudale, Aaron Schwartz, Willy Gutman, trombones; Elizabeth Marcotte, vocalist; Andrew Wynsen, piano; Erik Broess, guitar; Jonathan Elyashiv, bass; Jesse Ray Leich, Peter Craig, drums; Toni-Annette Silveira, manager