The incomparable Nate Smith has been appointed the new Artistic Director of the Newport Jazz Festival. He will work hand in hand with the Newport team to aid with booking, artistic direction, community building and the foundation’s year-round work in jazz education.
Here is what Newport Jazz Festival founder George Wein had to say about Nate in 2019: “Nate is a magnificent percussionist – and each member of his group has to pay total attention to what Nate is doing because the intricacies of his approaches to time are so involved. I spent more than several minutes trying to analyze the time signatures and finally just decided to sit back and enjoy the music, which was astounding. I loved it. Nate Smith is a leader who will make his mark felt on the future of jazz.”
➡️ Link to learn more in @newportjazzfest bio
@natesmithdrums
IT’S ON NOW!
hitting the road a little later this month and into the spring. VT, INDY, CINCY, RICHMOND (!!!), KNOXVILLE, GROTON MA, ALBANY. we’re coming to see you. ALL TIX ON SALE NOW, LINK IN BIO
@b.side.graphics
photo by @ogata_photo
so, it’s wednesday morning…. and my feet are just now touching the ground. my goodness. 🏆🏆🙌🏾❤️💜
Photo by Rankin for the Recording Academy® 2026
@rankinarchive
📣 Newport Jazz update from Nate Smith
Link to join this year’s official fan-to-fan DICE waitlists is in bio @newportjazzfest
#newportjazz2026 #newportjazzfestival
You Need to Hear This Live 🥁
Join us a Piedmont Park to hear @natesmithdrums deliver sound like you’ve never heard before.
Thank you to our friends @bigfishbookingco for capturing this content.
We’ll catch y’all in May
#ATLJazzFest #AtlantaJazzFestival #ATLJazzFestival #AJF26
