83 year old George Wein is returning to stage. In 2008, the founder of the Newport Jazz and Newport Folk festivals sold his production company that produces the legendary events, but both events were in danger of being cancelled due to financial issues. Wishing to preserve the legacy, Wein will produce both events on successive weekends this summer.

The Newport Folk Festival began in 1954. Wein had been running a successful jazz club in Boston when he was approached by residents of Newport to put together a festival. In 1959, as the folk revival was blossoming, Wein began the Newport Folk Festival – an event that became an important part of the folk community and inspired numerous festivals in the following years.

The original Newport Folk Festival came to an end in 1971 but would be revived in 1985. Since then, the annual event has become a stage for “name” performers in the folk community, but in 2008 the new producers drew heat when they booked artists whose music was far from the “traditional folk” label.

The direction that Wein will take with both the Jazz and Folk fests has not been made public. Artists are expected to be announced in the next month. Personally, I would welcome a re-introduction of traditonal folk music combined with more contemporary artists who have created their own “folk” community. Without roots, a plant will not thrive.