PRESS

Official New Release
April 17, 2009
Contact:
Carolyn McClair Public Relations
Carolyn@georgewein.com

FIRST ROUND OF ARTISTS and TICKET SALE DATES ANNOUNCED
for George Wein’s FOLK FESTIVAL 50 ~ AUGUST 1 - 2
and George Wein’s JAZZ FESTIVAL 55 ~AUGUST 7 – 9

Newport, RI, April 17, 2009 — Ticket sale dates and a partial list of artists are set for George Wein’s FOLK FESTIVAL 50 (August 1 – 2) and George Wein’s JAZZ FESTIVAL 55 (August 7 – 9) in historic Newport, RI. Produced by New Festival Productions, LLC, both festivals will include two full days of music on three stages at Fort Adams State Park, plus the jazz festival will kick off with a Friday evening concert at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Among the confirmed artists for George Wein’s FOLK FESTIVAL 50 are festival co-founder Pete Seeger, The Decemberists, Arlo Guthrie, Fleet Foxes, Joan Baez, Neko Case, Judy Collins, Campbell Brothers, The Avett Brothers, Josh Ritter, Gillian Welch, Del McCoury, Iron & Wine, Tao Rodriguez Seeger, Balfa Toujours, Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Tim Eriksen & Shape Note Singers, Langhorne Slim, Ben Kweller and Low Anthem.

Confirmed artists for George Wein’s JAZZ FESTIVAL 55 include Tony Bennett, Branford Marsalis, Etta James, Esperanza Spalding, Dave Brubeck Quartet, Vijay Iyer Trio, Cedar Walton with Lew Tabackin & Curtis Fuller, Christian McBride Group, Roy Haynes Quintet, Joshua Redman Double Trio, Hiromi, The Bad Plus joined by Wendy Lewis, Michel Camilo, Joe Lovano, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Miguel Zenon, Brian Blade & the Fellowship Band and the Rodriguez Brothers.

The complete festival programs will be announced later this month. Tickets for George Wein’s JAZZ FESTIVAL 55 go on sale Thursday, April 23, at 10:00 am at www.jazzfestival55.com.Tickets for George Wein’s FOLK FESTIVAL 50 go on sale Wednesday, May 6, at 10:00 am at www.folkfestival50.com.