NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) _ Grammy-winning bassist Christian McBride has been named artistic director of the Newport Jazz Festival as impresario George Wein (ween’) moves to secure his legacy at the festival he founded 62 years ago.
The Newport Festivals Foundation, which also runs the Newport Folk Festival, announced on Thursday that McBride will work side-by-side with Wein and take the reins for the 2017 festival.
McBride is a bassist, composer and educator. He has played regularly at Newport for years.
The Newport Jazz Festival was the first of its kind and has hosted some of the most famous acts and memorable performances in jazz.
Wein is still actively involved in both the jazz and folk festivals at age 90 and has been moving to put them on firm footing for the future.
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