Newport by bus

As an enclave of the newly gilded during the Gilded Age, the town of Newport, Rhode Island was Â somewhat privileged by its relative isolation. The easiest ways to get to this promontory during the 1890s may have been by making a fortune in railroads, or by yacht — the old town (dating from 1639) has long been considered sailing capitol of the U.S. In some circles, though, it’s better known as home to the Newport Jazz FestivalÂ starting in 1954.

In its early years the Newport jazz fest broke some race, class and entertainment barriers, but during the past decade it’s become cost-prohibitive for New York jazz fans who can hear most of the acts without leaving town and paying exhorbitant rates for the weekend’s lodging. So this year, the festival fights back with chartered buses offering day trips starting in and returning to Manhattan or Brooklyn for a single fee that includes price of the entry ticket.Â

It’s about a four-hour ride from New York to Newport, not much fun navigating frlm the thruway I-95 through commercial avenues into the town itself, then trailing in slow-mo through residential streets to arrive at Ft. Adams State Park. So I think it’s a mark of near-genius (or at least thoughtful creativity) that the WLC Entertainment GroupÂ is offering a round-trip, from 6:30 am to midnight, by luxury bus, snacks and party favors available on board, one fest entry included for $200.

That may not sound like a great bargain until you count up the alternatives. Then you’ll find it is. And considering that the JVC Jazz Festival Newport lineup this year is stellar — Saturday Aug. 9 featuring Aretha Franklin, Wayne Shorter, the trio of bassist Charlie Haden, pianist Ethan Iverson and guitarist Bill Frisell, the quartet of bassist Dave Holland, pianist Gonazalo Rubalcaba, tenor saxophonist Chris Potter and drummer Eric Harland, among others; Sunday Aug. 10 the great tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins, Grammy Award winning pianist Herbie Hancock, Argentine composer Guillermo Klein y Los Gauchos big band, trombonist Fred Wesley with Soul Live, and pianist George Wein — best known as the visionary behind the modern jazz festival — it may seem like an affordable day in the country, on which you’ve left the driving to them.

This is NOT a paid promotion, nor am I receiving a free trip to Newport (full disclosure: ten years ago I used to edit the JVC Jazz Festival program books). But for tickets and more information, visitÂ www.jazzjourneytonewport.bravehost.comÂ or call (718) 230-3108 or (401) 847-1567. For a clip of what Newport was in 1958, here’sÂ Anita O’DayÂ as captured in the film Jazz on Â Summer’s Day). I’m on the lookout for jazz and beyond occasions to recommend in the city itself, too, but Â half a century later this fest can still be fun.Â

howardmandel.com
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