Just months before jazz lovers return to Fort Adams State Park with picnic blankets and open ears, the Newport Jazz Festival is setting the tone for its next chapter.
Fresh off two GRAMMY wins, drummer, producer, and bandleader Nate Smith has been named the festival’s new Artistic Director. Beginning with this summer’s event, taking place July 31 through August 2, Smith will help shape bookings, guide artistic direction, and support the Newport Festivals Foundation’s year-round education work. He steps into a role previously held by Christian McBride and, before him, founder George Wein.
The appointment signals both continuity and evolution for the storied festival, now entering its 72nd year. Newport Festivals Foundation Chairman Bruce Gordon says Smith’s vision struck the right balance between honoring jazz tradition and pushing its boundaries forward.
“We were looking for someone willing and able to honor the rich traditions of jazz, staying rooted in what the genre is at its core,” Gordon says. “At the same time, we needed someone we could count on to push the envelope, keeping the music fresh and forward-looking. That person is the remarkable Nate Smith.”
For Smith, the role feels personal. A longtime performer at Newport, he approaches the opportunity with both reverence and curiosity. “With humility and gratitude, I am thrilled to accept the appointment as Artistic Director of the legendary Newport Jazz Festival,” Smith says. “I hope to help foster a more personal connection between fans and artists, in an effort to ensure that our beloved music continues to thrive.”
Known for collaborations with artists ranging from Norah Jones and Jon Batiste to Brittany Howard and Childish Gambino, Smith bridges jazz’s underground roots with mainstream reach. His recent album LIVE-ACTION earned GRAMMY recognition for Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Arrangement, reinforcing his reputation as both innovator and connector.
Beyond the stage, Smith will support the Foundation’s broader mission to nurture the next generation of musicians through education programs, artist partnerships, and community initiatives. Learn more about the Newport Jazz Festival and its education initiatives at newportfestivals.org.
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