Bridgefest Folded into Newport Festivals Foundation

NEWPORT, RI—The popular BridgeFest summer concert series has been absorbed by the Newport Festivals Foundation—George Wein's nonprofit that encompasses the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals.

The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Newport County announced Thursday night that it had transferred the rights for BridgeFest to NFF after "it became readily apparent to our Board of Directors that the purpose of BridgeFest overlapped with many of the recent Festivals Foundation initiatives, especially its educational events for young people and families and growing support for local musicians," said Nancy McAuliffe, president of the Arts & Cultural Alliance.

Now, McAuliffe said, "the world-renowned success of both the Folk and Jazz Festivals now allows for programming well beyond the original two weekends."

Jay Sweet, the recently-promoted executive producer of Newport Festivals Foundation, said that the consolidation of effort will help enhance BridgeFest and the free family concert at Fort Adams on the Wednesday between festivals will continue.

"As well as some other surprises," Sweet said. "In 2016, we'll take a look at programs that have been part of BridgeFest and explore opportunities with other local groups. In addition, we will continue to produce our free family concert at Fort Adams on the Wednesday between festivals as well as add some other surprises."

BridgeFest was founded in 2009. This year, it will run from July 25 to 28.

The popular music festival has served as its name implies: a musical bridge in the four-or-so-day period between the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals in July.

The Newport Folk Festival runs July 22 to 24. The Newport Jazz Festival is July 29 to 31.

BridgeFest has given a platform for local musicians and helped bolster the City-by-the-Sea's reputation as an epicenter for live music every summer, bringing concerts and various programs to the public.

"Newport Festivals Foundation is excited to support the community through this important cultural endeavor. We are pleased that the ACA, which presented BridgeFest for seven years, is entrusting this great tradition to our Foundation," Sweet said.

"It has been a pleasure seeing the four days of music that bridge the gap between the iconic Folk and Jazz Festivals grow into such an eagerly anticipated summer event in its own right," McAuliffe said.