Gillian Welch and David Rawlins, 2009 Newport Folk Festival®, © Michael Weintrob

About NFF
Mission Statement
Board of Directors
George Wein, Founder & Chairman
- To maintain the famed Newport Jazz Festival® and the Newport Folk Festival® in perpetuity, to be presented at historic locations, including Fort Adams State Park and other facilities in Newport, RI;
- To continue the Newport Jazz Festival® as it has since 1954 in the presentation of the greatest jazz performers who follow the traditions of New Orleans, swing, bebop and modal as the core and heart of jazz music; and to continue the Newport Folk Festival® by maintaining the excellence of folk artists as it has since 1959, in the tradition of Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and others;
- To realize that jazz and folk music as with any art form, is an ever-evolving cultural expression which encourages and recognizes the freedom of creativity necessary to the growth and continuing vitality of this music;
- To present performers who respect and honor folk music traditions, and at the same time reflect the changes in today's musical trends;
- To present all forms of jazz and folk music from yesterday, today and tomorrow;
- To educate young people primarily from RI and New England, but also from around the globe, about jazz and folk music as presented at the NJF and NFF through the establishment of partnerships with local grade schools and colleges/universities;
- To bring jazz artists from around the world to the festival, since jazz is no longer just "America's music", but has influenced musicians from all over the globe;
- To create partnerships around the world which would invite American musicians under the Newport Jazz Festival® or Newport Folk Festival® banner to their festivals.
About NFF
Mission Statement
Board of Directors
George Wein, Founder & Chairman