The 5th Annual Newport Festivals Foundation Gala Celebrates George Wein’s 90th Birthday | Aug. 1st, 2015
(Cassandra Wilson)
Newport Festivals Foundation™ 5th Annual Gala Celebrates
George Wein’s 90th Birthday with Cassandra Wilson,
Michel Camilo and Jon Batiste & Stay Human
NEWPORT, RI, March 2, 2015 – Don’t miss one of Newport’s favorite social events when the Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc.™ returns to The Breakers on Saturday, August 1, at 7:30 pm for its Gala Benefit featuring performances by Cassandra Wilson, Michel Camilo, Jon Batiste and Stay Human, to celebrate the 90th birthday of festival impresario George Wein. Although his birthday is October 3, there’s no telling who may show up to surprise him. Governor Gina Raimondo and Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse will serve as Honorary Gala co-chairs, which Wein says, “is a true indication of what the Newport Festivals Foundation means to the state of Rhode Island.”
“Cassandra Wilson has graciously agreed to perform. Without question, she is one of the finest of jazz singers performing today. To be able to see her in such an intimate setting is a privilege,” added Wein. “Jon has appeared as a soloist at the Gala, but never with his full group. When he starts playing his melodica and strolls through the crowd, the fun he is having will instantly be communicated to you. Michel Camilo, who is one of my favorite pianists, will thrill you with his musicianship and the uniqueness of his style of solo performance.”
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres begin at 7:30 pm, a four-course dinner with wine will be served at 8:30 pm and the evening’s program will begin as the first course is served. Gala tickets are $600 for a single seat with recognition in the Gala program book. ($475 is tax deductible). In addition, patrons can choose to receive a Flex ticket to the Newport Jazz Festival, which can be used on Friday, Saturday or Sunday at Fort Adams. Please visit the Foundation website www.newportfestivalsfoundation.org, for information on how to purchase tickets or tables.
The Breakers, the grandest of Newport’s “summer cottages,” is located at 44 Ochre Point.
The Newport Festivals Foundation was founded by George Wein in 2010 to build and continue the legacies of the famed Newport Jazz Festival® and Newport Folk Festival®. Under the auspices of the Foundation, the Newport Jazz Festival presents performers who respect and honor jazz music traditions, and at the same time reflect the changes in today’s musical trends. Through the establishment of partnerships with local high schools and colleges/universities, the Foundation will present programs to educate young people about jazz music as presented at the annual festivals. For more information, please visit www.newportfestivalsfoundation.org. The Newport Folk Festival® takes place at Fort Adams State Park July 24 – 26 and is continuing its rolling lineup announcement. Artists announced to date include J Mascis, Field Report, First Aid Kit, Leon Bridges, Sturgill Simpson, Madisen Ward & the Mama Bear, Courtney Barnett and Haunt the House.
The Newport Jazz Festival® presented by Natixis Global Asset Management includes Chris Botti and Jon Batiste & Stay Human at the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino, and three days at Fort Adams State Park featuring Cassandra Wilson, Jamie Cullum, Snarky Puppy, Maria Schneider, Arturo Sandoval, Dr. John, Jack DeJohnette: Made in Chicago, Kenny Garrett, Billy Childs, Arturo O’Farrill, Fred Hersch, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Jon Batiste, Kneebody, Hiromi, Michel Camilo, Jon Faddis, James Carter, Christian McBride, Bill Frisell, Mike Stern/Bill Evans Band, Ambrose Akinmusire, Tom Harrell, Pat Martino, Matana Roberts, John Hollenbeck, Ms. Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton and many others.
For more information on the festivals, go to www.newportjazzfest.org or www.newportfolkfest.org.