Newport Jazz Festival Opening Night August 3, 2012

Founded in 1954, the Newport Jazz Festival® was the first jazz festival in America, and has been host to numerous legendary performances by iconic historic figures and contemporary geniuses. Historic moments since its inception include performance by Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane and Miles Davis. Referred to as a Mecca of jazz, the event draws thousands of people from all over the world to Newport, Rhode Island, a city which is famed in its spectacular coastal scenery and awe-inspiring architecture.

The festival is currently is held over the course of three days at two of Newport's historic landmarks: the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino and Fort Adams State Park.