To say I’m excited to be going to Newport Jazz Festival 2024 is a huge understatement. I’ve only been once, about 30 years ago, and this is the first time I’ll be at all three days. And OMFG, what a packed three day schedule it is. It’d be virtually impossible to see every act, or even every one that I’m interested in due to the short sets with overlapping times. Nevertheless, this is one that will keep me boppin’ from the Friday start with Chief Adjuah to the closing crescendo with Nigel Rodgers & Chic. In lieu of covering every single act that I’m interested in, as I do for many festivals, I’m gonna show my planned schedule and hit the highlights. I’ll have more coverage after this incredible journey is complete!
Friday August 2
Chief Adjuah is up with an early (12:15 noon) set on opening day which says a helluva lot. I’ve seen this two-time Edison Award winning and multi-Grammy Award nominated trumpeter just once at the GroundUP Music Festival 2020 and looking forward to seeing what he cooks up this time. And special props to my friend Weedie Braimah who I believe will be on the djembe with Chief!
Sun Ra Arkestra is a group I’ve never seen before so my excitement is high to get my funky groove going with them. Sun Ra was a cosmic force and the Arkestra carries on his tradition of cosmic futuristic jazz with a big band theatrical performance. Ready for take off!
Moonchild is a supertalented duo (with additional support musicians) that I caught live once at GroundUP Music Festival 2022 and I’m keen to see them again. Their music and vocals are absolutely beautiful.
Galactic is a NOLA funk band, and one of my favorites over the last 25 years. They are so much fun and Ben Ellman is such a badass on baritone sax. Stanton Moore is probably the most entertaining drummer to watch, popping out of his seat crashing the skins for dramatic flair. Of course the rest of the band is absolutely amazing as well and Jelly Joseph on vocals always brings the house down.
Cory Wong is a blistering guitar player and his band is one of the highest energy acts on the planet. I could go on about the incredible horns, rockin’ rhythm section forever. I’ve seen him grow his success and fan base over the years, pump out an incredible amount of high quality albums and always remain a super-nice person!
Kamasi Washington is THE saxophonist of this generation. His music is transformative and spiritual and there hasn’t been a show of his that I’ve attended where I’ve haven’t shed some tears — it’s just that impactful. His latest album “Fearless Movement” (reviewed here) is a masterpiece. This will be a highlight set!
Saturday August 3
Theo Croker is an award-winning, Grammy-nominated trumpeter and vocalist. I’ve only listened to his stuff and watched videos, having unfortunately missed his last visit to Atlanta. I’m stoked to see him kick off the Saturday festivities.
Nicole Zuraitis is another new act for me. She’s a Grammy-winning vocalist and pianist out of New York and highly touted. I’m ready to be wowed!
The Legacy of Wayne Shorter is, perhaps, a once in a lifetime experience being performed by four masters Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, Terri Lyne Carrington and Ravi Coltrane. I’m psyched for this one, having never seen Wayne Shorter while he was alive. Of course I know his music well since he was an integral player with Art Blakey, Miles Davis and of course a founder of one of my all-time favorites, Weather Report!
Lianne La Havas is an up and coming British singer and I really dig her Tiny Desk show. Another must-see Saturday set!
Anat Cohen, is widely acclaimed as one of the world’s leading clarinetists and I can attest to that, having seen her perform three times prior. Her sets are always high energy entertainment and this is one of my top picks for Saturday.
Samara Joy was one of the highlights of the Atlanta Jazz Festival 2023 and I’m hoping to get a closer view this time in a little bit cooler weather. I’m sure it’ll be cool either way.
Ghost-Note are my homies, no question. The funky group was founded by Rober “Sput “Searight and Nate Werth of Snarky Puppy fame and they bring the party wherever they go. Their latest album “Mustard n’Onions” (reviewed here) is a blistering wave of spicey dishes served just right!
Acid Jazz is Dead is a project of Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad. I caught them live in Atlanta one time with a different project and it was one of the best shows of recent years. Being a huge Acid Jazz fan, I’ve got a huge hunber pang for what they’re cooking up here.
Stanley Clarke is one of the most accomplished bassists of my lifetime, maybe ever. I first came to know him as the bass player in Return to Forever 50 years ago, then with his 1976 album “School Days”. So now I’ll get to cross another one off my bucket list – seeing him live for the first time!
Dinner Party with a low-key name will be a high-note finale Saturday. Featuring the triple threat of Robert Glasper (who I’ve seen once in Detroit), Terrace Martin, and Kamasi Washington together, this Dinner Party will be a gourmet experience.
Sunday August 4
The Messthetics will open up on Sunday. All I know is that Wikipedia describes them as “jazz punk jam” and that’s intriguing enough for me.
Cimafunk is an amazing performer of AfroCuban funk. He’s got James Brown-like dance moves and energy a great voice and a funky as hell band including killer horns! I’ve caught him a couple of times now and he’ll bring the house down.
Meshell Ndegeocello will be a first time set for me as well although I just missed her at another festival. She blends multiple genres including jazz, funk, hip-hop and more so I’m very curious to check this set out.
Laufey was cued up for me by my son, as one that I should check out. After seeing her YouTube videos, some of which (like the Tiny Desk Concert) have multimillion views, I can say this is one of the sets I’m most looking forward to. She’s an Icelandic (yup) singer that is hugely popular and bringing young fans to the genre!
Robert Glasper will have his own set on Sunday and I expect he’ll have some special guests with him as well. He’ll pump up the crowd for the home stretch on Sunday.
Christian McBride’s Jam Jawn is, perhaps, another one-time only, sleeper set since it will feature Dianne Reeves (been a fan for 40 years), Steve Jordan, Russell Gunn (amazed the crowd at recent ATL Jazz Fest, Fred Wesley (of James Brown fame) and Christian Sands. It goes without saying that McBride is an amazing bass player on his own so this will be a sure climax for the whole fest.
Nile Rodgers and Chic will bring the house down. This is another bucket list set and I imagine every single attendee will be up on their feet dancing the whole time. FREAK OUT time baby!