Bassist Christian McBride has been named artistic director of the Newport Jazz Festival. His appointment marks the first time in the festival’s 62-year history that a musician other than pianist/producer George Wein will serve as artistic director. McBride will work alongside, and eventually succeed, Wein as the festival’s music curator.
Danny Melnick, 25-year veteran of Wein’s organization, will move up to producer from associate producer.
According to a press release, “McBride will begin festival strategic planning with Wein and Melnick immediately, and will take the reins for the 2017 Newport Jazz Festival.”
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