Newport JazzFest?

Thinking about Jazz in Newport. I can't call it the Newport Jazzfest, eve though that is what it is, as the name is copywritten and the group that bought it seems to have gone bankrupt or dropped the ball in putting the festival together. George Wein (the original producer/promoter) has stepped back in to make sure we don't go without a festival (as NY did), but its creatig a bit of confusion....

Anyway, here is the deal:

We used to go down early Sat., hit Jazzfest, stay over, hit the festival on Sunday and then head home after. It got so big though that a lot of hotels have a two night minimum stay now, so the last 3 or 4 years the family has been going down on Friday... we spend the day there, hit the pool, etc. Then dinner Friday eve, then go to JazzFest on Sat. for the day. Dinner that night, then JazzFest on Sunday and roll home afterward. We don't have our rooms yet, but I'll try to book them in the next few days. Its pricey (trying not to, but we've paid $450 a night, 2 night minimum before) to stay close by.

Your other options (in addition to doing what we do and biting the bullet expense-wise) are heading down for just one day (either Sat or Sun) and driving home afterward, or staying over but doing so in a hotel / motel a bit further away. You'd get a better price, maybe only a one night stay, and still be able to go to the festival both days if you are interested.

More details:

Get there early (starts around 11, full by noon) if you want a decent view and don't want to be in the weeds.

Bring a blanket and/or folding chairs.

They sell beer there (which I don't drink) but I have heard of people who smuggle in rum or vodka in water bottles...

Food is good and plentiful. Lots of options and usually very tasty.

In the past, there have been three stages, continuous acts on each. I'm not sure they'll do that this year (see below for reason). If you are thinking of a day trip, check out: George Wein's CareFusion Jazz Festival 55 | Newport, RI I think I personally will like Saturday a bit more as its more for the jazz lover. Sunday will be busier though as Tony Bennett will be there, as well as Dave Brubeck (Take 5, you'd know it).

Ticket costs are down as there was some confusion this past year about who would put it together and promote it... The gentleman who did it for years stepped back in late and put it together, but ticket prices have dropped from $50-$75 to $15-$30. I'm guessing that means fewer acts.

That's all I can think of for now, but write and comment if you have any questions...

- E