Beloved Rhode Island festivals Newport Jazz and Newport Folk have been cancelled in accordance with state guidelines surrounding restrictions of large gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The festivals' executive producer Jay Sweet elaborated in the following heartfelt statement:
As devastating as it is to write these words, it's balanced with a renewed sense of, well, HOPE. It's Rhode Island's motto for good reason, and it's also the feeling our festival family, constantly exudes when we come together in good times and perhaps more importantly, in difficult times as well. This community is truly unlike any other in music, and I believe we can emerge from this adversity stronger and more connected than ever before.
Passes for this year's editions are fully refundable or can be deferred to 2021. Ticketholders may also choose to donate all or a portion of the time to support artists displaced by COVID-19. The foundation has launched a new fundraiser in support of their displaced artists called Newport Festivals Musician Relief Fund.
Newport Folk was scheduled to take place this year from July 31 to August 2, while Newport Jazz would have taken place from August 7 to 9, both at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI.
See the festivals' announcement below.
The festivals' executive producer Jay Sweet elaborated in the following heartfelt statement:
As devastating as it is to write these words, it's balanced with a renewed sense of, well, HOPE. It's Rhode Island's motto for good reason, and it's also the feeling our festival family, constantly exudes when we come together in good times and perhaps more importantly, in difficult times as well. This community is truly unlike any other in music, and I believe we can emerge from this adversity stronger and more connected than ever before.
Passes for this year's editions are fully refundable or can be deferred to 2021. Ticketholders may also choose to donate all or a portion of the time to support artists displaced by COVID-19. The foundation has launched a new fundraiser in support of their displaced artists called Newport Festivals Musician Relief Fund.
Newport Folk was scheduled to take place this year from July 31 to August 2, while Newport Jazz would have taken place from August 7 to 9, both at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI.
See the festivals' announcement below.
