Bridgefest Jazz Comes to Middletown Tonight

How does a traditional New England summer feast cooked atop hot rocks followed by cool jazz in a local vineyard sound for tonight?

Bridgefest spans Aquidneck Island and crosses into Middletown Thursday, Aug.5, 2010, the final day of the four-day arts and music series meant to serve as a cultural connector between the Newport Folk Festival last weekend and Carefusion Jazz Festival this weekend.

The picturesque Newport Vineyards on East Main Road will set the stage tonight for cool jazz performed by the Lois Vaughan Trio. A performer for more than 24 years, Vaughan's repertoire is broad, encompassing jazz, Latin & standards, and classical music, as well as swing, classic rock, disco, reggae & Motown.

Set amidst 60 rolling acres of vineyards, such an event would be reason enough to visit the Vineyard.

But vineyard owners Paul and John Nunes also lined up a traditional, old-fashioned McGrath's New England clambake that, of course, will be offered with wine from the vineyard. Cooked over hot rocks and seaweed, the traditional New England style clambake menu includes Rhode Island clear broth chowder, lobster, barbecued chicken, mussels, steamers, salad greens, corn on the cob, chourico and watermelon.

Wine tasting and chowder will be served from 6-7 pm, with dinner scheduled for 7 pm.

This is the first year the vineyard has hosted the jazz show and owner John Nunes says more similar events there could be in the works for as early as October.

"It's nice to offer these events to our community," said Nunes. To would-be guests, he added, "Come enjoy the sunset in our beautiful vineyard setting. Enjoy the shows and a little wine!"

The cost is $68 per person, or $58 without lobster. Advanced reservations are required. Call 401 848-5161 to RSVP or email info@newportvineyards.com