Jazz Impresario and pianist George Wein is considered to be as much a legend as his festivals. Born in Boston, he became a jazz pianist in his youth, and while studying at Boston University led a group which played professionally around the area. In 1950, he opened a jazz club and later a record label, both called Storyville. Through his company, Festival Productions, he has spearheaded hundreds of music events annually since 1954 when he produced the first Newport Jazz Festival – an event that started the "festival era." Mr. Wein pioneered the concept of sponsor association with music events, beginning with the Schlitz Salute to Jazz and the Kool Jazz Festival; he later produced events for JVC, Mellon Bank, Verizon, Essence, Ben & Jerry’s and others. read more information