Keynote address by George Wein on March 21, 2014
On March 21, 2014 George Wein gave the keynote address on the Day 2 of African American Music in World Culture: Art as Refuge & Strength in the Struggle for Freedom conference. We would like to thank him for his continued support of the African American Studies Program.
Jazz Impresario George Wein is considered to be as much a legend as his festivals. Through his company Festival Productions Inc., he has spearheaded hundreds of music events annually since 1954 when he produced the first Newport Jazz Festival – an event that started the “festival era,” according to jazz critic Leonard Feather. He followed this with the Newport Folk Festival in 1959. Later, he pioneered the concept of sponsor association with music events. In 2012, Wein received the APAP Award of Merit for Acheivement in Performing Arts.’