slides: Newport Jazz Festival 2015: Friday Highlights

Saturday, August 01, 2015

Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic

The Newport Jazz Festival returned to Fort Adams Friday

The 61st annual Newport Jazz Festival arrived at Fort Adams State Park on Friday.The Friday concert, partially funded by a grant from the Rhode Island Foundation, was added last year to showcase emerging artists in jazz. For more from the Fort, check out our slide show with pictures from GoLocal Music Critic Ken Abrams.

Related Slideshow: Newport Jazz Festival 2015: Friday Highlights

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Ambrose Akinmusire

Trumpter Ambrose Akinmusire is a rising star in the jazz world. He christened the Quad Stage with his quartet Friday opening with "Roll Call for Those Absent." His set included covers and originals like "As We Fight." (Photo: Ken Abrams)

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Bria Skonberg

Trumpeter and vocalist Bria Skonberg was joined by her band The Jazz Compatriots for a rousing set of music. She's another highly regarded new voice on the jazz scene. The band opened with "Hotter than That" as well as classics "So is the Day" and Ellington's "Tea for Two." (Photo: Ken Abrams)

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Lucky Peterson

Lucky Peterson and his band brought some welcome blues to the Jazz Festival. His varied set included "Lucky's Blues" along with popular classics "I Can See Clearly Now" and closer "Proud Mary." (Photo: Ken Abrams)

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Christian McBride

Four time Grammy winner Christian McBride is among the top bass players in the world. He led his trio through a set of jazz classics including "Fried Pies" by Wes Montgomery and "East of the Sun, West of the Moon" by Brooks Bowman. (Photo: Ken Abrams)

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Snarky Puppy

2014 Grammy Winning band Snarky Puppy returned to the Festival this year, headlining on the Fort Stage. The Brooklyn, NY based ensemble got the crowd moving with hits "White Cap," "Binky" and "Lingus." (Photo: Ken Abrams)

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George Wein

Long time Producer and Newport Festival legend George Wein keeping an eye on things. Wein turns 90 in October. (Photo: Ken Abrams)

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Berklee Jazz Orchestra

The Berklee Concert Jazz Orchestra opened the Festival on the Fort Stage. Under the direction of Greg Hopkins, they are one of the best college bands in the nation. Guitarist Mitch Selib of Medfield, MA was featured on several tunes. (Photo: Ken Abrams)