Arts & Entertainment

BridgeFest Kicks Off Monday

BridgeFest events run through Thursday, Aug. 1.

Written by Olga Enger 

Monday kicks of the 5th annual BridgeFest in Newport, which “bridges” the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals with four days of musical performances along with film, dance and education.  
The series was officially recognized by the City of Newport, when Council declared July 29 through August 1 “BridgeFest Days in Newport” during Wednesday's City Council meeting. 

“It does fill a void, but it’s also an economic boost,” said Mayor Harry Winthrop. Events are scheduled at venues throughout Newport County, including mansions, beaches, vineyards, parks, libraries and theaters.

“We’re delighted to once again feature our superb local musicians, pairing them up with wonderful venues throughout Newport County,”  said Terry Dickinson, President of the Arts & Cultural Alliance. 

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See the complete schedule here.

BridgeFest 2013 Event Highlight Snapshots:

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Live performances at Queen Anne Square every evening during BridgeFest; the first musical performances in the newly renovated park.  July 29 – Aug. 1, 5 – 8 pm.

“BridgeFest Busking at Bowens” - the first “buskers” to ever play in Newport featuring 20 different musicians playing from 4 – 10 pm nightly on Bowen’s Wharf.

Jane Pickens Theater / A BridgeFest Film fest featuring music-related performances and films: Monday, July 29 - Jackie Henderson’s Empowerment Dance; Tuesday, July 30 - Ain’t In It for My Health – Levon Helm” followed by Greenwich Village: Music that defined a Generation; Wednesday, July 31 – FOLK: The Documentary. Times and tickets at www.janepickens.com

“Live on the Rosecliff Lawn” - A musical performance by James Montgomery & Newport Shoals, followed by Running From Crazy, a NewportFILM movie screening.

Newport Festival Foundations free family concert at Ft. Adams featuring jazz and folk music with Amy Cervini’s Jazz Kids and the Sleepy Man Banjo Boys. August 1, 5:30 - 6:30 pm.

A Sunset Soiree

BridgeFest 2013 kicks off with “A Sunset Soiree” at 6 pm, July 29 at the Sanford-Covell Villa Marina. The event will offer light fare, beer, and wine with music provided by the Panoramic View Steel Band. The evening will also celebrate Common Fence Music’s 20th Anniversary with a special appearance by Miss Rhode Island. Admission is $25 and benefits the Arts & Cultural Alliance. A limited of number of tickets are available.

For a complete schedule of events and musical performers, and to purchase tickets to “A Sunset Soiree” opening night party, go towww.NewportBridgeFest.com.  



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