Where there′s Jazz that is where we′ll be every chance we get. Newport is known for its great Newport Jazz Festivals. We have followed the jazz festivals to Newport, Saratoga, NY, and Hampton, Va. This one was held August 13–14 at Newport, Rhode Island′s historic Fort Adams State Park. There was plenty of food, vendors, and jazz lovers in attendance which brings out the traditional festival atmosphere. The all–star roster included trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, pianist–vocalist Patricia Barber, bassist Dave Holland, avant–garde jazz trio Medeski Martin & Wood, and saxophonist Joshua Redman to name a few.
On Saturday we were entertained on the JVC Jazz Stage by: Wynton Marsalis Septet, Stanley Clarke, Bela Fleck, Jean-Luc Ponty, Charles Lloyd Quartet with Geri Allen, Reuben Rogers & Eric Harland, Patricia Barber, Medeski Martin & Wood, Jon Faddis Quartet, "Gillespiana" with David Hazeltine, Kiyoshi Kitagawa & Dion Parson & special guest Slide Hampton. At the Pavilion Stage we enjoyed McCoy Tyner Trio featuring Charnett Moffett and Eric Gravatt with special guests Ravi Coltrane & Terell Stafford, Saxophone Summit featuring Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, & Michael Brecker with Phil Markowitz, Cecil McBee & Billy Hart, Carla Bley & Lost Chords with Steve Swallow, Andy Shepherd & Billy Drummond, T.S. Monk Sextet with Winston Byrd (whom I met at Cecil′s), Dave Jackson, Bob Porcelli, Helen Sung, Willie Williams and introducing Rachael Price, Brad Mehldau. The Guitar Stage: Kurt Rosenwinkel Quartet, Mark Whitfield Trio featuring Donald Edwards & Reuben Rogers, The Newport All–Stars featuring Howard Alden, Warren Vache, John Allred, Nicki Parrott, Frank Wess and Leroy Williams.
Sunday on the Jazz Stage was Roy Haynes′ 80th Birthday Celebration featuring Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Gary Burton, Joshua Redman & Christian McBride plus Roy Haynes′ Fountain of Youth Band with Marcus Strickland, Martin Bejerano & John Sullivan; Dave Brubeck Quartet with Randy Jones, Bobby Militello & Michael Moore, Steps Ahead (2005) featuring Michael Brecker, Mike Mainieri, Mike Stern, Steve Smith & Richard Bona, Chick Corea Trio with Christian McBride & Jeff Ballard, Dave Holland Big Band with Robin Eubanks, Josh Roseman, Jon Arons, Taylor Haskins, Alex "Sasha" Sipiagin, Duane Eubanks, Chris Potter, Antonio Hart, Mark Gross, Gary Smulyan, Steve Nelson, Nate Smith, and the Joshua Redman Elastic Band. Appearing on the Pavilion Stage were Don Byron Ivey–Divey Trio featuring Jason Moran & Billy Hart, Gary Burton′s Generations with Julian Lage, Vadim Nesolovskyi, Luques Curtis & James Williams, Joe Lovano with the Hank Jones Trio featuring George Mraz & Lewis Nash, The Cannonball Legacy Band featuring Louis Hayes, Vincent Herring, Jeremy Pelt, Vincente Archer & Rick Germanson, Matt Wilson′s Arts & Crafts with Terell Stafford, Gary Versace & Martin Wind. The Guitar Stage featured Bill Frisell Trio with Joey Baron & Sam Yahel, Larry Coryell, Russell Malone & Benny Green Duo and Julian Lage & Taylor Eigsti Duo.
We stayed at the beautiful Oceancliff Resort located on scenic Ocean Drive in historic Newport over looking the Narragansett Bay. Our suite accommodated six with a full kitchen and balcony. On the other side of the bay they were setting up for an outdoor wedding which turned out very nice. They were married at the edge of garden overlooking the Bay and had the reception under several tents on the grounds. It′s a good thing because it started to drizzle a little. I′m sure that when we return to Newport for the Jazz Festival, we will be staying here again.
Across from the hotel was the "Playboy Bunny" shop and a place called the "Liquid Addiction Surf Shop". It was a most enjoyable week with the family and meeting everyone. I really had a nice time. We will probably return to Ft. Lauderdale one day to enjoy the beach and the sunrise on a lover′s holiday.