Friday, June 5, 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, a beautiful venue perched at the mouth of the harbor, fills with jazz performers by the hundreds. It is a cool place, with sea breeze and top rate music wafting over the crowds. There are plenty of vendors with souvenirs, crafts, food and drink available. The only warning is to buy tickets well in advance to ensure that there will be some left. There are tickets sold for the opening night cocktail party and concert held at the traditional Newport Casino. Due to the large attendance, the International Tennis Hall of Fame is used there, rain or shine, for these additional options.

For those interested in being part of the non profit organization that supports festivals in the city, contacting Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. Is a start. This group presents a gala each year for an intimate gathering of dedicated philanthropists.

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.

For classicists and chamber music enthusiasts, there is nothing quite like the Newport Music Festival held in the Preservation Society Mansions. Additional intimate venues and stages in surrounding neighborhoods have become the debut spots for more than one thousand classical performers presenting an American debut. Rhode Island has played a distinctive role in supporting the introduction of greats such as baritone Robert Merrill and pianist Claudio Arrau. There has been a classical music presence in the area since 1920, or so.

Bridgefest is the name given to the four day event dedicated to artistic accessibility for everyone. The Arts and Cultural Alliance sponsors this celebration of local musicianship. Families with children are welcomed to hear lively music at local beaches, parks, restaurants and much, much, more. It is a popular showcase of emerging musicians.

Newport, Rhode Island is practically synonymous with summer musical events. Come and feel alive at its great concerts.




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