June 27, 2012 - Newport Waterfront Events - http://www.newportwaterfrontevents.com/2012/06/27/bridgefest-2012/

BridgeFest 2012 presents... George Wein and Friends Discussion & Concert on the Sunset Terrace Wednesday, August 1, 2012 5:00pm-8:00 pm Free Admission for all ages! Jazz Impresario George Wein is considered to be as much a legend as his festivals. Through his company, New Festival Productions, he has spearheaded hundreds of music events annually since 1954 when he produced the first Newport Jazz Festival – an event that started the “festival era,” according to jazz critic Leonard Feather. Today, folk and jazz lovers flock to Newport each summer for his long-standing and world famous Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival.

As a result of his diverse contributions to jazz and world culture, Wein has been honored by heads of state, educational institutions and leading publications. His distinguished list of honorary degrees and international awards and accolades are matched only by his talent as an accomplished pianist whose band has featured some of the greatest names in the history of jazz music, and by his long time involvement with philanthropy and the arts.

Immediately following the discussion with George Wein and his friends, recording star Michelle Cruz, awarded Best Jazz Female at the New England Urban Music Awards, and her quintet will entertain with songs from her new album “The Recovery.”

Enjoy an August evening with this respected gentleman of the arts, live jazz, enchanting jazz renderings from Michelle and the stunning sunsets of Newport Harbor, presented by BridgeFest. BridgeFest was created by The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County to BRIDGE the Newport Folk Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival by giving visiting music enthusiasts a reason to stay and locals a reason to celebrate great music in Newport County all week long.

For more information on BridgeFest 2012 and a full schedule of events during the week, visit www.newportbridgefest.com