Newport Jazz Plays Through Rough Sunday Weather

The spirit of the 2011 Newport Jazz Festival did not waver on Sunday, despite strong winds and heavy torrents of rain throughout the day. Real jazz fans continued meandering from the Fort Stage to the Quad Stage and the Harbor Stage throughout the day. The weather finally calmed down by mid-afternoon, even though most attendees at that point already had soggy shoes and clothing completely soaked.

The performance by Mingus Big Band in the morning was hit hardest by the rain, at times coming down horizontally, forcing band members to put on rain jackets and cover up their instruments with blankets.

Pianist Hiromi and her band Trio Project excited the crowd at the Quad Stage with an electrifying performance after a half hour wait to dry off band equipment. Through the frustration of many concert-goers wondering how they would make it through the rest of the day, some with busted umbrellas, Hiromi, wearing bright red sneakers and her musing smile, fired up her band and brought a captivated Jazz Fest Founder George Wein to the stage.

Singer Angelique Kidjo and headliner Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue brought the crowd to life later in the day at the Fort Stage.

Did you brave the weather for the final day of the fest? Share your story in the comments below and upload any photos to our gallery.