Jazz lovers and jazz musicians are converging on Newport, R.I., this weekend, as they have been doing since 1954, for what is universally recognized as the jazz festival that put jazz festivals on the map. And, as usual, George Wein, the man who produced the first Newport Jazz Festival and built on its success to create a worldwide music empire, is there.
Last year Mr. Wein (pronounced WEAN) sold his company, Festival Productions. He continues to work for the new owner, Festival Network, and he has been actively involved this year in the JVC Jazz Festival Newport, as his baby has been known for two decades. But he is no longer the man who signs the checks. The words “George Wein presents," once ubiquitous at Newport, will be nowhere to be seen this summer.
In fact, this weekend Mr. Wein's most visible role will be one he has played since long before he became a concert promoter: jazz pianist. His quintet -- called, like all the bands he has led for the last half-century, the Newport All-Stars -- will be among the featured acts on Sunday afternoon.
As a producer, you get pleasure from producing great festivals, but they really have to be perfect. There are always problems -- all the things you'd like to control but can't control. The joy of playing, when you have a rapport with the musicians you're playing with, is as great a thing as I can feel in my life right now.
George Wein
There can be no clearer indication of how things have changed at Newport than the way Mr. Wein's group ended up on the festival schedule. In the past he would have simply booked himself. This year he was invited to perform by Jason Olaine, Festival Network's recently hired vice president for programming, whose responsibilities include serving as artistic director of the company's flagship jazz festivals in Newport and New York.
“We had a slot open on Sunday on the main stage," Mr. Olaine said, “and I said, 'George, wouldn't it be nice if we had you and the All-Stars play?' He said, 'I wouldn't be opposed to it, but if you're going to put me on, do it on one of the smaller stages.' “ (The festival grounds, at Fort Adams State Park, contain one large performance area and two small ones.) But, both men say, Mr. Olaine insisted that Mr. Wein should be, for an hour at least, the center of attention.
“There is a transitional moment this year," said Mr. Olaine, a former record and nightclub executive, “and I thought it would be nice to have George be part of it." But he emphasized that Sunday's performance “isn't a swan song for George," adding, “He'll always be a part of the festival."
