2024 was a truly monumental year for Newport, R.I.’s music scene. As both of the Newport Festivals Foundation’s crowning achievements in the summer live circuit celebrated landmark anniversaries—65 years for Newport Folk Festival and 70 for Newport Jazz Festival, the standard-setting originator for all American music festivals–the historic grounds of Fort Adams State Park welcomed an unbelievable cast of performers. More than 110 high-profile artists assumed the spotlight over the combined six days, cultivating an unforgettable experience for all those in attendance; today, beyond the memories, the nonprofit organization offers something else to take home from the events.
Furthering its mission of producing impact-oriented artistic celebrations, the Newport Festivals Foundation has announced auctions for the official artist signs seen around the festival campus. These iconic placards are one-of-one, hand-drawn keepsakes created by Nan Parati, the festival’s official sign-writer of more than 30 years; all 109 of the pieces are signed by the respective performers. Among those items listed are signatures from André 3000, Mavis Staples, Elvis Costello, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Beck, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Joan Baez, The War on Drugs, Dinner Party (with Kamasi Washington, Terrace Martin and Robert Glasper) and many more.
All proceeds from the auctions will benefit the Newport Festivals Foundation’s music education and artist relief initiatives, which support the cause of preserving musical traditions and advancing innovative new forms for the future. Bid on Newport Folk Festival signs here and Newport Jazz Festival signs here.
For more information on the Newport Festivals Foundation, visit newportfestivals.org.
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