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Customer Reviews for Newport Jazz Festival

Newport Jazz Festival

Read Newport Jazz Festival concert reviews and post your own reviews and ratings.

Average rating:

4.4

(250 Reviews) 250

Rating Snapshot (250 reviews)

5 stars

153

4 stars

3 stars

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238 of 250(95%)customers would recommend this to a friend.

Newport Jazz Festival Fan Reviews - Ticketmaster

Review 1 for Newport Jazz Festival

5 / 5

Cinematic

The International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Fri, Aug 3, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The sun going down as the Preservation Band opened their set.. @

Opening act(s): The Preservation Band @

Posted 08/15/2012

by BeachCats

Location:South Beach, Miami Beach

We attended this Festival inspired by Bert Sterns 1960 doc, "Jazz on a Summer's Day".
The entire weekend lived up to expectations. On this particular night.. the setting, the talent, the people on both sides of the stage..were extraordinary.
I have been a jazz fan for years and this was a real joy to be my introduction to the Newport Jazz Festival.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Fri, Aug 3, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The sun going down as the Preservation Band opened their set.. @

Opening act(s): The Preservation Band @

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Review 2 for Newport Jazz Festival

1 / 5

Jazz ???

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Going to, and staying in the Jazz genre were the 3 Cohens. @

Opening act(s): Missed @

Posted 08/13/2012

by JazzHippy

Location:Connecticut

I've been attending the festival since 1991. This had to be the worst, at least on the Fort Stage. The entertaiment has veered way to far from the Jazz genre. The last band to play (Tedeschi Trucks Band) was no where near Jazz; it was a mix of rock & country western (I felt I got ripped off and the promoters were just looking to fill in that time slot with something; anything). The Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra should have motivated one to stand up and dance, but was completly boring, going no where, non-toe tapping that I wouldn't even consider Jazz Festival entertainment (played a lot of original's that I wouldn't pay a nickle for). I was expecting sounds similiar to Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton etc...

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Going to, and staying in the Jazz genre were the 3 Cohens. @

Opening act(s): Missed @

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Review 3 for Newport Jazz Festival

5 / 5

Newport Jazz Was Rockin'

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Maria Schneider CD signing @

Posted 08/12/2012

by BostonPB

Location:Boston, MA

Kurt Elling, Gil Evans Centenial Project, Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, Ambrose Akinmusire, and John Hollenbeck. Just so much jazz to take in for the entire wonderful day.

Having the reserved seats for the main stage was so worth it. Not having to drag your own chairs from the car to the bus to the event.

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Maria Schneider CD signing @

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Review 4 for Newport Jazz Festival

5 / 5

Fantastic weekend

Fort adams State park @

- Newport @

Favorite moment: Diane reeves. @

Posted 08/11/2012

by jjbbss

For me, good Jazz Festivals (like Newport's) are one of the greatest experiences of a life time. This was my second (my previous one was the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland 20 years back!) and it made me VERY happy for 2 long days . I loved Jack de Johnette's band at the beginning, Diane Reeves was great and Pat Metheny (whom I've seen a couple of times in the past) did surprise me with his renewed energy and warm feeling.
Maria Schneider's orchestra is a real genius, beautiful music better to be appreciated in a closed theatre in view of the subtleties of his almost simphonic approach. Other artists (new for me) that gave me a great time: Rudresh Mahanthappa and Jenny Scheinmman.
Only downside: The absence of more free water to cool us down after an hour or two of direct sun exposure. You should try a few "shower" like systems to help people.

Fort adams State park @

- Newport @

Favorite moment: Diane reeves. @

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Review 5 for Newport Jazz Festival

3 / 5

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

Posted 08/09/2012

by vikingwife

Location:Newport, RI

The only performances we really liked were the 3 Cohens, the Maria Schneider Orchestra,the Gil Evans Centennial Project, and the guitar work of Bill Frisell. The others were either not jazz or were a little too far out for our tastes and didn't have vary much to say to us in musical terms.
While I am a hugh Gil Evans fan, I was also a little disappointed in the lack of balance in the amplification of the various soloists and sections. Some of the soloists did not come through loud enough.. Part of the problem was probably also due to the presence of extraneous noise, much of it in the form of conversation, coming from the area in front of the reserved seating area, where we were seated in the front row. The new placement of the reserved seating section really degrades them; they are not worth the price and we will not get them again.

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

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Review 6 for Newport Jazz Festival

4 / 5

Great Venue!

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Listening to The mellow Kurt Elling! @

Posted 08/09/2012

by NewportVirgins

Location:Suburban Chicag

The venue experience- from the traffic to the venue to the facilities - was impeccable. The music lineup was less than stellar. Tedeschi Truck Band is not jazz. Going to the famed Newport Jazz Festval was on our "Bucket List" and we are happy to have had the experience.

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Listening to The mellow Kurt Elling! @

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Review 7 for Newport Jazz Festival

3 / 5

A really diverse lineup

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Metheny/Tedeschi Trucks @

Posted 08/09/2012

by Melogeno

Location:Buffalo NY

This was the first time I ever attended this event so I really didn't know what to expect. Let me start with the positives. The music was unique, diverse, and overall fantastic! It is impossible to catch all the acts, following is a review of what I saw. Pat Metheny was out of this world as usual. Every fan of music should catch his act in their lifetime! His electronic multi-layered effects are brilliant, as is his supporting band. Bill Frisell is a Beatles fan and it shows. His Beatle cover renditions were great! James Carter, Maria Schneider Orchestra, the Three Cohens, etc etc were all fantastic. My personal favorites (besides the aforementioned Metheny) were Dianne Reeves (a voice like an angel) Kurt Ellis (a throwback to Mark Murphy, Johhny Hartman, and Mel Torme!), and last but not least The Tedeschi Trucks Band. This group is a must see for everyone. The group's roots are steeped in the blues but stretch out to cover funk, jazz, rock, and gispel genres!
Now for the negatives. We had "Premium" seats bor both days at the main stage, The Fort Adams stage. They weren't very premium, just plain ,hard, folding chairs that were about 75 feet from the stage. There was a large lawn chair seating area in front of the stage. If anyone goes to this event next year don't pay for the reserved seats. Just bring a nice portable chair, get there early, and get a great upfront view. I don't understand the logic of the premium seats, it is a ripoff. The parking is next. I have a permanent disability and have handicap parking privileges but still had to park about a half a mile away and wait for very erratic and overcrowded shuttle bus service. Speaking of overcrowded, the two minor stages need to be expanded. Most people couldn't even get close to the stage area on Saturday, it was like a friendly mob scene.

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Metheny/Tedeschi Trucks @

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Review 8 for Newport Jazz Festival

1 / 5

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sat, Aug 4, 2012 @

Posted 08/09/2012

by Anonymous

Enjoyed only 1 artist over the 3 days. I've been attending this festival regularly since Miles was there in 86. This year there were to many new artist. Last year it was just average. I live in Bermuda and fly up each year specifically for this event. I have many friends who live in Newport who haven't been going recently due to there being no big names. Dr. John's opening act was mediocre, last years opening act was the worse kickoff show to the festival I've seen. The year prior with Jaime Cullum was awesome, and he doesn't do my style of Jazz but he did an excellent show. Now, I know many of the big names have passed on ie Jerry Mulligan, Grover, Dizzy, Miles, Tito & Celia, Ray plus others I've seen at Newport over the years. But please get a better lineup for next year.

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sat, Aug 4, 2012 @

1 of 1 found this review helpful.

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Review 9 for Newport Jazz Festival

3 / 5

did not like line-up at all

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sat, Aug 4, 2012 @

Favorite moment: pat methany @

Posted 08/09/2012

by Anonymous

Location:CT

Need more smooth jazz artists. did not care for line-up. if i am going to sit in the
sweltering heat, i need to hear some cool smooth jazz artists.
Jamie Cullum
Richard Elliot
Rick Braun
Boney James
Brian Culbertonson
Jeff Lorber
Sax Pax, etc. etc.
Eric Darius etc, etc.

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sat, Aug 4, 2012 @

Favorite moment: pat methany @

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Review 10 for Newport Jazz Festival

4 / 5

Kurt Elling - yeah!

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

Favorite moment: His rendition of "Golden Lady" @

Posted 08/08/2012

by blanche33

Location:Boston

Yes, we came, we saw, we listened, but we were blown away by Kurt Elling. Here's a vocalist who clearly loves what he does and draws you in with him. I wanted to jump up on stage and join him but alas I have a feeling that woudn't have been the incredible show that it was. His unusual phrasing, voice range and choice of music put this act on the map. Hey, plus the man's got moves!

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

Favorite moment: His rendition of "Golden Lady" @

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Review 11 for Newport Jazz Festival

2 / 5

Newport Jazz Festival Blues

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

Posted 08/08/2012

by JazzCrit

Schedule for the Festival was announced too late. Reserved seating was advertised in a misleading way. No mention in any of the advertising that the reserved seats are only for one stage and that all reserved seats are in the sweltering hot afternoon sun.

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

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Review 12 for Newport Jazz Festival

5 / 5

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sat, Aug 4, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Diane Reeves introducing her band and talking to a vendor from Kenya where I had travel to as well! @

Posted 08/08/2012

by SSSpike

Location:Cape Cod, Massachusetts

My first visit ever and let me tell you, the staff was plenty and very helpful. Well organized event all around!

And then there was the wonderful music....Diane Reeves and Pat Metheny were a dream. Sunny weather, good people neat vendors! Wonderful time all around!
Thank you!

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sat, Aug 4, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Diane Reeves introducing her band and talking to a vendor from Kenya where I had travel to as well! @

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Review 13 for Newport Jazz Festival

3 / 5

Times, they are achanging

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Diann Reaves coming on stage, the Drum solo by Pat Methany's guy @

Opening act(s): The Berkley International was awesome @

Posted 08/08/2012

by Bigputt

Location:General Admission to the right of main stage both

First of all, I am an old timer who still loves jazz the way we used to hear it. I commend NFF for showcasing new, young musicians but I did not enjoy the first 3 acts on Saturday. Things changed when Dianne Reaves came out. I remember her first time at Newport years ago and my running out to find her Cd soon after. Loved her and still do. Pat Methany was, as usual amazing (to us your word.). He has a great group and the best, the tightess drummer at the festival.
I mentioned to my friends that the trombone player showed courage in playing at Newport. The sounds and energy from last year's performance by Trombone Shorty was still resonating in the atmosphere. Now that was an AMAZING SET. There was no Trombone Shorty or anyone near this year.
I shuold have mentioned that because my partner has difficulty walking, we stayed at t he main stage all day.
Sunday was better. The Berklet International Group was outstanding. I believe they shoul be placed near the middle of the program because they have progressed away from being an opening act. I enjoyed them more than the later sets.

I thought that the Truesdall group was excellent also. Overall Sunday was the better day,
The shuttles buses and the greeters were very good and much appreciated although it took awhile to get out of the #4 lot on Sat.

One thing disturbs me though and that is tha absence of Black bands and musicians this year. The numbers may have been drifting downward for some time but I still want to bring it to producers' attention. We did notice it. At first, I wondered if there are still any godd black bands around nowadays. Then I looked in the courtesy copy of Downbeat that was given out at the Info desk. There are still quite a few of them around. NFF is in competion with alot of festivals and ii may be a problem getting two or three but I hope there is an effort to due so. After all, who wouldn't want to play Newport?

Looking forward to next year
Thanks, George Wein for all you have done, are doing and will do for Jazz.

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Diann Reaves coming on stage, the Drum solo by Pat Methany's guy @

Opening act(s): The Berkley International was awesome @

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Review 14 for Newport Jazz Festival

5 / 5

Preservation Hall and Dr. John owns the house.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Fri, Aug 3, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Dr. John playing Glided Splinters @

Opening act(s): Preservation Hall is a delight in seeing where all American music started @

Posted 08/08/2012

by JDM1954

The night of music at The Casino was well thought out. Each band presented it's style of jazz with enthusiastic joy, power, and honesty. Each band complimented each other. What they played on Friday is just what Jazz is. It was a great kick off the whole weekend of music.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Fri, Aug 3, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Dr. John playing Glided Splinters @

Opening act(s): Preservation Hall is a delight in seeing where all American music started @

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Review 15 for Newport Jazz Festival

1 / 5

sucky seats

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

Posted 08/08/2012

by muledilly

Location:Newport RI

For once I get a decent seat, only for a big suprise, they move the seats way back from the stage. Us people who buy seats for top dollar get pushed back so the blanket bugs get better seats bull. Sorry but the line up was weak. I personally went to see Tedeschi Trucks Band, maybe seeing a few good jazz bands can't say that I did.

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

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Review 16 for Newport Jazz Festival

4 / 5

Preservation Hall Jazz Band was fantastic!

The International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Fri, Aug 3, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The PHJB tuba player dancing while playing - there was a man really having fun. @

Posted 08/08/2012

by Robby22

Location:CT

PHJB was the show - each musician a virtuoso giving it his all.

Doctor John just mailed it in. In fact, the only thing on his mind was getting away - two of his staff were overheard talking about how "Mac" said one of the two guys would be fired if he "went past 10:51." He didn't - they got him off by 10:45.

But great venue as always and the PHJB made it all worthwhile.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Fri, Aug 3, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The PHJB tuba player dancing while playing - there was a man really having fun. @

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Review 17 for Newport Jazz Festival

4 / 5

Newport Jazz

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

Favorite moment: 3 Cohens @

Setlist: Jason Moran @

Posted 08/08/2012

by ExpoSitor

Location:Delaware

30 extraordinary acts of which I could only see 5. Loved them all but I could have used more traditional jazz from any of them.

$125 premium seats were a squint away from the stage and blocked by large beach chairs with awnings. Don't buy these seats until NJF move premium seats up with no possibility of blockage.

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

Favorite moment: 3 Cohens @

Setlist: Jason Moran @

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Review 18 for Newport Jazz Festival

4 / 5

real musicians

The International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Fri, Aug 3, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The entire venue @

Opening act(s): Preservation Hall Jazz Band performed at their highest level @

Posted 08/08/2012

by snakeone

Location:Chicago/Cleveland

Thoroughly enjoyable evening, fun people, great food, great adult beverages!!!!!

The International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Fri, Aug 3, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The entire venue @

Opening act(s): Preservation Hall Jazz Band performed at their highest level @

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Review 19 for Newport Jazz Festival

5 / 5

Newport Jazz Festival Was Fantabulous!!

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sat, Aug 4, 2012 @

Favorite moment: James Carter Organ Trio w/ Rodney Jones featuring great synergy with a guest vocalist!! @

Opening act(s): Enjoyed Jonh Ellis & Double Wide also Darcy James Argue's Secret Society @

Posted 08/07/2012

by Pamotu2u

Location:Deptford, New Jersey

Enjoyed the Newport ambience and the general good vibes of the venue. Enjoyed all of the acts presented that I saw. Due to the simultaneous scheduling and 3 different stages I didn't see each act but definitely saw the ones that I really wanted to see. Excellent food vendors and crafts.

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sat, Aug 4, 2012 @

Favorite moment: James Carter Organ Trio w/ Rodney Jones featuring great synergy with a guest vocalist!! @

Opening act(s): Enjoyed Jonh Ellis & Double Wide also Darcy James Argue's Secret Society @

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Review 20 for Newport Jazz Festival

4 / 5

SUSAN AND DEREK=GREAT--BILL FRISELL WONDERFUL

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

Posted 08/07/2012

by stillerbee

was hoping Pat Metheny would have captured the crowd FIRST OFF with some of his classic works........Sunday--needed more liveliness---like the OLD DAYS ! DAY had some lackluster on main stage
GREAT people and music on the other stages---BIG CROWD !
QUAD STAGE FANTASTIC SETTING--MUSICIANS (BOTH DAYS) AND GREAT BREEZE!

Fort Adams State Park @

- Newport @

, RI @

- Sun, Aug 5, 2012 @

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