Newport Jazz Fest Seeks Sponsorship
Somewhat sad news of late that CareFusion, a health care outfit that works to improve hospital patient safety and care, has pulled its sponsorship from George Wein’s Newport Jazz Festival after just two years. The group also helped fund the return of Wein’s jazz festival in New York City last June.
The company stepped in at a time when Wein was breathing life back into the oldest, most famous, jazz festival that he created in 1954. The company he sold the festival to a few years ago had failed miserably, and rather than see the event die, the octogenarian jumped back into the fray. He did this in 2009 without the knowledge that CareFusion would help. That partnership, which Wein admitted “came out of nowhere,” at the time, was a big. Both the 2009 and 2010 festivals were outstanding events. Great artists, great music. One would expect the same as Wein’s company, New Festival Productions, moves forward booking acts for the 2011 edition of the festival, Aug. 5-7.
[PHOTOS: Top to bottom: The fest; Kendrick Scott playing with singer Gretchen Parlato; George Wein shares a tender moment with Anat Cohen, mid-set; Herbie Hancock in the midst of the dreamy Newport setting; Sign in the downtown Newport--yes, they'll take you there!]
He’s currently soliciting a new title sponsor.
“CareFusion came forward at a very crucial time when my company was facing decisions about the future of this historic event. They understood the worldwide appeal of jazz and tapped into its magic to launch their brand, and we're pleased that jazz helped to make the company a household name," Wein said in a press release. The company also acknowledged its debt to Wein for helping establish its brand.
While it’s sad to see the break, fear not that Wein and staff has their collective noses to the grindstone. Going back to the earliest years of the Newport fest, perseverance has been one of Wein’s best qualities. One might say he’s embodied that. In 1971 he had to leave Newport after over exuberant young audiences--attending after Wein begrudgingly booked some rock music acts-- broke through fencing and engaged in raucous, even equipment-damaging, behavior. Undaunted, he established the festival in New York City, a huge event ever since. He even branched into Saratoga Springs, NY, (stating in 1978) there the festival thrives. (Thankfully, when Wein divested his interests a few years ago, the Saratoga event went to Danny Melnick, a former Wein employee and a capable young producer who’s proven to be a good keeper of the flame).
[PHOTOS: Top to bottom: The fest; Kendrick Scott playing with singer Gretchen Parlato; George Wein shares a tender moment with Anat Cohen, mid-set; Herbie Hancock in the midst of the dreamy Newport setting; Sign in the downtown Newport--yes, they'll take you there!]
Who knows what group will step for ward for sponsorship, but bet on Wein to come through and prevail, one way or another.
“It gave me a new start in life,” he told me prior to his triumphant 2009 festival.
He also explained “Doing a festival is work. It's not easy. It's not calling an agent up and getting some talent and putting a stage up in a field. That's only the surface part of doing a festival. There has to be a meaning, a mission, a dedication, a concept of promotion. It's 24-7."
Recently turned 85, his dedication is unwavering. He even turned in a fine set of music last August, playing piano with an all-star group of players that included Randy Brecker, Anat Cohen and Harry Allen. They played old standards and mainstream stuff which is where Wein comes from. He admits he’s not a great pianist, but he gets the job done with flair.
When it comes to booking, Wein lamented to me years ago that the music seemed to be sliding. Icons like Miles and others were gone.
But in 2009 he spoke of going out more too see young artists in New York city. And the Big apple has MANY, even if they are not marquee names, or “box office,” as Wein noted. He’s fallen hard, for example, for the likes of Cohen and Esperanza Spalding, among others.
“People now are playing the music and they're very good. But they're not the creators. They're not the originators … I think you have to have faith in the music. That's the dedication and new direction I'm going in. I have to make the public realize that when I do groups like Esperanza Spalding, Miguel Zenon, Michel Camilo, Vijay Iyer, the Bad Plus, Rudresh Mahanthappa. All these people are outstanding. William Parker with his Vision group. Joe Lovano .. so much good music out there. It's a matter of not just thinking about the big names. If jazz doesn't sell itself when it's great, it has to overcome those problems. I think we can do it. That's why I think it's a great festival.”
Sure is. The breadth of music and consistent excellence was truly remarkable.
Bet on future editions to maintain that important presence on the jazz scene. Bet on George.
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