Question – what is there to do in the four days between Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival? Answer – Newport BridgeFest!
Unless you live in a box, you likely already know about the annual Newport Folk Festival (July 27-29) and the similarly famous Newport Jazz Festival that follows just four days later (Aug 3-5). What you might not be as aware of is the festival that fills that four day space between the two more well-known events: BridgeFest!
Newport BridgeFest runs from July 30th to August 2nd, “bridging” the days between Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals. BridgeFest was founded in 2009 as a way to provide a musical continuance for those musicians in town for both festivals. Over the years, it has come into its own, providing a space for both Newport’s own musical community and those visiting for the festivals.
BridgeFest is held in various locations around Newport with the majority of the events either free or asking a small entrance fee.
BridgeFest 2018 Schedule
July 30
2pm to 3pm – Sea Shanties with Mike Goddard
6pm to 9pm – Busking at Bowen’s featuring Panoramic View
6:30pm to 8pm – BridgeFest Hors D’Oeuvres Cruise with The Mike Fischman Bluegrass Duo
7pm to 8:30pm – Live Music with Tim May
July 31
3pm to 5pm – Live Music with Rory & Ric & Friends
6pm to 9pm – Busking at Bowen’s featuring music by Daisy Briggs
6pm to 10pm – Live Music with Dave Manuel and the La Forge All Stars
6:30pm to 9pm – Live Music with Farm Dog and The Geezers
8pm – Newport to Nashville Songwriters Showcase featuring Retro Country Experience
August 1
10am to 11am – Musical Celebrations – movement and music by Christopher Kavi Carbone
2pm to 6pm – Growers’ Market with the Newport String Project
4pm to 6pm – Friends of the Waterfront Concert featuring Alan Bernstein Jazz
6pm to 8pm – Local Bridges: A Celebration of Rhode Island’s Music Community with Girls Rock! RI, the Copacetics, and Special Guests
6pm to 9pm – Busking at Bowen’s featuring music by Aidan Keating
6:30pm to 9:30pm – Captain Blood Party with live music from The Little Compton Band
7pm to 10pm – An Evening Of Jazz with vocalist Joanne Rodino, guitarist John Monllos, bassist Steve Johnson, and drummer Stefan Griffin
August 2
6:30–8pm – BridgeFest Hors D’Oeuvres Cruise with The Lois Vaughan Jazz Duo
6pm to 9pm – Busking at Bowen’s featuring music by Daniel Pelletier & Matt Fehr
8pm to 10pm – The Greg Abate Uptown Jazz Quintet
Newport BridgeFest 2018
July 29 – August 2, 2018
Visit Newport BridgeFest online for more information. You can also follow the event on Facebook.
Newport Lodging
Whether you’re here for the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals – or any time – your best bet for Rhode Island lodging is, as always, Newport County B&B’s! Top-tier amenities, delicious breakfasts, and an insider’s knowledge of the area can make all the difference. Book your Rhode Island getaway stay today!