Newport Jazz Festival announces first big names

Kamasi Washington, Chick Corea and African vocalist Angelique Kidjo are among the first headline acts announced for the the 2016 Newport Jazz Festival.

Published 22nd Dec 2015

Critically acclaimed tenor saxophonist Kamasi Washington, Chick Corea and African vocalist Angelique Kidjo are among the first headline acts announced for the the 2016 Newport Jazz Festival.

The Festival runs from July 29th to 31st 2016 in America’s smallest state, Rhode Island, and will also include confirmed appearances by vocalist Tierney Sutton as well as special commissions from saxophonist Peter Apfelbaum & Sparkler, drummer and multi-instrumentalist Tyshawn Sorey & Alloy, pianist Sullivan Fortner and his Quartet and bassist Ben Williams & Sound Effect.

Newport Jazz Festival was established in 1954 and has hosted most of the greatest jazz musicians and produced countless classic live recordings. The full line-up will be revealed in January 2016.