Newport Jazz Festival Announces Second Wave Of 2017 Lineup

The famed Newport Jazz Festival will be held at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island August 4 – 6. Organizers of the historic event have announced the second wave of acts set to play the festival this August.

Maceo Parker, Evan Christopher Clarinet Road & New Orleans Brass and Rodriguez Brothers have been added to the Friday, August 4 lineup. Rhiannon Giddens, Christian McBride Big Band with special guests and Henry Threadgill Zooid have been added to the Saturday, August 5 lineup. Maria Schneider Orchestra, Jason Moran: Fats Waller Dance Party and Cyrille Aimée are aboard for Sunday, August 6.

“I can’t say enough about my favorite lady, Maria Schneider, who can rightfully be acknowledged as a genius arranger of original music for her orchestra. She’s appeared at Newport three or four times and will always be welcome,” founder/producer George Wein said. “Another large ensemble will also be featured – that of Christian McBride – which represents our new Artist Director’s love for the traditions of big band swing.” McBride added, “We are going to have a ball with the Big Band and our guests. Trust me, the guests will be extra special.”

Both Wein and McBride have a lot to say about Maceo Parker. “This veteran will bring memories of the indomitable funk of James Brown. Maceo always kicks hard and creates an exciting audience response,” said Wein. “Maceo is one of my 10 biggest musical heroes ever,” said McBride. “Much of what I play and improvise, certainly the way I phrase, comes from Maceo. He is the closest person I can think of who has been able to capture the same energy, soul and spirit of James Brown – and he does all that through his horn.”

Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, Andra Day, Snarky Puppy and Cecile McLorin Salvant are among the acts revealed in the festival’s first lineup announcement. Newport Jazz ’17 will also host Hudson, a band featuring Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield, John Medeski and Larry Grenadier. Additional acts revealed today are Vijay Iyer Sextet, Vijay Iyer & Wadada Leo Smith, One For All, Dominick Farinacci, Antonio Sanchez & Migration and the Sean Jones Quintet. Stay tuned for additional lineup announcements.

Tickets are on sale now via the festival’s website. Here’s the lineup as it currently stands: