Friday, May 29, 2015

Come And Hear The Wealth Of Great Music In Newport RI

By Ericka Marsh


The great thing about Rhode Island is that there are plenty of excellent musical events to attend. There are large public fairs and small locales where you can go to listen to the pros filling the air with great sounds. Every genre imaginable is presented year round. With a few tips you can enjoy the jazz and folk that have made the state a definite destination.

The Newport Jazz Festival tops the list of events you definitely must attend to hear music in Newport RI. This is probably one of the longest running events featuring jazz musicians from probably everywhere. It generally runs for three days, and has a lineup of at least a hundred performers. The first one was held in 1954, and it included top performers of the day, such as Billie Holiday, Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, Gene Krupa and George Shearing. Up and coming jazz musicians rounded out the group. There were two completely sold out crowds that year. The venue, Newport Casino was in the news around the world.

Fort Adams State Park is the current venue for the contemporary festival. There are generally over a hundred performers lined up for the concert. The city harbor is the location, with its cool breezes and equally cool jazz floating through the groups of listeners. There are plenty of great seats, but the tickets sell fast. With wonderful things to eat and drink, plus other souvenir vendors, there is something for everyone who comes. Extra options include attending a cocktail party and annual opening evening concert, which have very limited tickets available, but are held in the International Tennis Hall of Fame located at the now famous Newport Casino.

The annual benefit gala which supports the festival activities holds an intimate affair on an evening when jazz greats are performing for the guests. For information about the non profit organization, questions are directed to the Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc.

For folk genre lovers, nothing equals the historic Folk Festival. Begun in 1959, this event always showcased the very top of the field of folk musicians. Arlo Guthrie and Pete Seeger are two of the stellar artists that have performed over the years. The concerts have always been prime musical and social gatherings for those singing statements about life and culture.

Chamber and classical repertoire have not been excluded. The mansions of the Newport Preservation Society are the delightful venues for debut performances of international concert artists. Over a thousand have made their debut in Rhode Island homes, since 1920. Some popular guests include pianist Claudio Arrau and baritone Robert Merrill, to name two. The support for classical music continues year round at intimate venues throughout the area.

The Arts and Cultural Alliance is the sponsor of the annual Bridgefest. This is a lively blend of local musicians presented live at local restaurants, wineries, beaches, mansions, parks and much more. Designed to showcase popular and new performers, these concerts make emerging music accessible. Held over four days, the musical activities welcome adults and children, too.

Come to Rhode Island for music fun. It is alive with great summer sounds.




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