Branford Marsalis To Play Dead With JRAD At Newport Jazz

While Kamasi Washington has canceled a number of upcoming gigs, including an appearance with his own band and with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead at Newport Jazz, festival organizers have come up with quite the replacement. Saxophonist Branford Marsalis has slid into Washington’s slots at this weekend’s event in Newport, Rhode Island.

“Something unforeseen has come up that will prevent Kamasi Washington from performing his planned sets on Friday,” started a note from Newport Jazz. “Kamasi loves Newport Jazz and is looking forward to coming back soon. Fortunately, our longtime friend and certified legend, the one and only Branford Marsalis will be joining the celebration on his own set, featuring Joey Calderazzo, William Ledbetter, and Justin Faulkner, as well as joining Joe Russo’s Almost Dead for a closing set that is sure to be one for the ages.”

Branford Marsalis has a rich history of performing the music of the Grateful Dead. The renowned saxophonist played five shows with the Grateful Dead between March 1990 and December 1994. Marsalis went on to guest with post-Jerry outfits The Dead, Furthur and Dead & Company. On Sunday, he’ll make his JRAD debut in joining namesake drummer Joe Russo, guitarists Scott Metzger and Tom Hamilton, keyboardist Marco Benevento and bassist Jon Shaw, filling in for Dave Dreiwitz.

3-Day Tickets and tickets for Saturday and Sunday are sold out. Limited Friday single-day tickets remain. Purchase Newport Jazz Festival Friday tickets via dice.fm.

Click below for the full 2023 Newport Jazz Festival lineup: