Newport Jazz Fest 2023
Three days of sun, surf, and jazz at Fort Adams, Rhode Island for one of the most storied music festivals in North America.
The 2023 edition welcomed an eclectic lineup of artists who picked up the torch of tradition, honoring the history of the genre, while sometimes turning it on its head. The stars aligned with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Jon Batiste, and Herbie Hancock headlining, while a host of established greats and next-best-things opened. Ladies and Gentleman and all you Gentle People, it’s the Newport Jazz Festival.
With Joe Russo’s Almost Dead headlining, the first night was on course for a rocking conclusion. Throw in Branford Marsalis to make sure the closer remains in tight dialogue with the jazz tradition. The living legend saxophonist was a late add after Kamasi Washington fell off the slate. The rich just get richer, while Julius Rodriguez and Angel Bat Dawid open up new horizons.
No rest for headliner Jon Batiste. The Saturday night closer just sewed up a slot at the Newport Folk Festival earlier in the summer. Now he was back for the end of night jazz sendoff…
Elder statesman Herbie Hancock closed the festival with a nod to the musical innovation that keeps the jazz tradition vibrant. Diana Krall and Samara Joy wow the crowds at the Fort and Quad Stages.
Sunday Recap of the sights and sounds at the 2023 Newport Jazz Festival.