Montclair's Christian McBride Named Director Of Newport Jazz Festival

Montclair, NJ - For the first time in its 62-year history, the Newport Jazz Festival will have a musician other than pianist/producer George Wein as its artistic director.

Last week, the renowned music festival named Montclair’s Christian McBride - the director of the town’s own annual Jazz Fest – as its new artistic director.

Danny Melnick, 25-year veteran of Wein's organization, will move up to producer from associate producer, according to a festival news release.

McBride will begin festival strategic planning with Wein and Melnick immediately, and will take the reins for the 2017 Newport Jazz Festival.

• See related article: 2015 Montclair Jazz Festival Will Feature Christian McBride, Jose James, Paquito D'Rivera

"I am very pleased that Christian McBride is available to join forces with the Festival and Foundation," said Wein, "I'm looking forward to working with him as the beacon of the future of Newport Jazz Festivals and continuing to collaborate with Danny to produce some of the world's finest music events.”

“When I first met and heard a teenage Christian McBride in 1989, I knew that he was someone special,” Wein continued. “Little did I know that nearly 30 years later, he would become the special someone to continue my legacy. The Foundation's Board and I feel that the festival is in good hands and these two music mavericks are more than capable to sustain the festival for decades to come."

Sign up for Patch email newsletters here.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com