First Wave of Artists Announced for the 65th Edition of the Newport Jazz Festival®

Powerful pianists, singing storytellers, swinging big bands, a beat scientist and some of the baddest ensembles on the jazz scene make up the First Wave of artists announced today for the 65th edition of the Newport Jazz Festival® presented by Natixis Investment Managers. Curated by Artistic Director Christian McBride, the Festival takes place August 2-4 at Fort Adams State Park and the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino.

The First Wave of artists includes Herbie Hancock, Corinne Bailey Rae, The Bad Plus, Buika, Terence Blanchard Featuring The E-Collective, Sons of Kemet, Makaya McCraven, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Ravi Coltrane/David Virelles, ELEW, Marcus Strickland Twi-Life featuring Smithsoneon, Christian Sands – 3 Piano Erroll Garner Tribute! featuring Helen Sung and Tadataka Unno, Dafnis Prieto Big Band, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Sun Ra Arkestra, Jenny Scheinman & Allison Miller’s Parlour Game, Joel Ross ‘Good Vibes,’ Tia Fuller’s “Diamond Cut,” Sammy Miller & The Congregation and Laurin Talese.

“We’re all excited about this year’s Festival, and this First Wave of artists is just a sample of the great musicians that will grace the four stages at Fort Adams,” said McBride. “From the return of the legendary Herbie Hancock and Marshall Allen leading the Sun Ra Arkestra to the debuts of beat scientist Makaya McCraven, dynamic vocalist Buika and Shabaka Hutchings and his band Sons of Kemet, the Festival has something for everyone. Remember, Friday is just as happening as Saturday and Sunday! Herbie Hancock, Corinne Bailey Rae and more will perform on Friday, so grab three-day tickets if possible.”

A breeding ground for the best and brightest shining stars since the Festival started 65 years ago in 1954, the Newport Jazz Festival celebrates a bevy of award-winning artists, including 2019 GRAMMY Award winners Cécile McLorin Salvant (Best Jazz Vocal Album), Terence Blanchard (Best Instrumental Composition), Dafnis Prieto (Best Latin Jazz Album) and Spanish Harlem Jazz Orchestra (Best Tropical Latin Album).