Institutions in Transition: Newport Jazz Festival

George Wein produced his first Newport Jazz Festival in 1954 at age 28. Today, as part of the non-profit Newport Festivals Foundation, the jazz festival continues in stride alongside its folk counterpart, under the leadership of Jay Sweet and Artistic Director Christian McBride. George has said his motivation in his ninth decade of life is to see the festivals flourish beyond him. In this conversation, he’ll share the stage with Jay and Christian and discuss leadership transitions, succession planning, and how the brand he established 65 years ago not only endures, but flourishes.  

Moderator: Jason Olaine (Jazz at Lincoln Center). Panelists: Christian McBride, Jay Sweet (Newport Festivals), George Wein (Newport Festivals).