Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
In Memoriam: Al Foster, 1943–2025
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
The lineup for George Wein’s Jazz Festival 55, which takes place at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, R.I., from Aug. 7-9. The festival, which had been in danger of ceasing to exist under Festival Network, was taken over by festival founder Wein and his new company, New Festival Productions. Tickets for the outdoor weekend shows went on sale on April 23, and the Friday night tickets will go on sale on May 13.
On Aug. 7, Etta James and the Roots Band will perform an 8 p.m. show at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. On Aug. 8-9, the music shifts to Fort Adams State Park.
The Aug. 8 lineup includes: Mos Def; Branford Marsalis Quartet; Joshua Redman Double Trio; Esperanza Spalding; Cedar Walton All-Stars with Lew Tabackin & Curtis Fuller; Hiromi’s SonicBloom; Ernest Ranglin; Vandermark 5; Christian McBride; Vijay Iyer Trio; Marsalis Music Presents Miguel Zenón, North Carolina Central Big Band, Branford-Joey Duo, Claudia Acuña.
The Aug. 9 lineup includes: Tony Bennett; Dave Brubeck Quartet; Roy Haynes Fountain of Youth Band; Michel Camilo; Joe Lovano UsFive; The Bad Plus with Wendy Lewis; Conversation with Christian McBride; Millennial Territory Orchestra; Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band; Rudresh Mahanthappa’s Indo-Pac Coalition; Rashied Ali-Charles Gayle-William Parker’s “By Any Means”; Alfredo Rodriguez; The Rodriguez Brothers.
For information on the festival, go to jazzfestival55.com, or call the festival hotline at (401) 848-5055.
Foster was truly a drummer to the stars, including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson.
Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
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