Mos Def added to lineup for George Wein’s Jazz Festival 55

Mos Def, Claudia Acuna and Ernest Ranglin have been added to George Wein’s Jazz Festival 55, set for August 7-9 in Newport, RI. Other additions are Vandermark 5; Branford-Joey Duo; North Carolina Central University Big Band; Millennial Territory Orchestra; Rashied Ali, Charles Gayle and William Parker’s “By Any Means”; and Alfredo Rodriguez.

There are two locations for the festival: International Tennis Hall of Fame and Fort Adams State Park. Appearing at the International Tennis Hall of Fame on August 7 are Etta James and The Roots Band for the opening night event.

Appearing at Fort Adams State Park on August 8 are Mos Def; Branford Marsalis Quartet; Joshua Redman Double Trio; Esperanza Spalding; Cedar Walton All-Stars with Lew Tabackin & Curtis Fuller; Hiromi’s SonicBloom; Ernest Ranglin; Vandermark 5; Christian McBride; Vijay Iyer Trio; Marsalis Music Presents Miguel Zenón, North Carolina Central Big Band, Branford-Joey Duo; and Claudia Acuña will perform.

The August 9 lineup at Fort Adams State Park features Tony Bennett; Dave Brubeck Quartet; Roy Haynes Fountain of Youth Band; Michel Camilo; Joe Lovano UsFive; The Bad Plus with Wendy Lewis; Conversation with Christian McBride; Millennial Territory Orchestra; Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band; Rudresh Mahanthappa’s Indo-Pac Coalition; Rashied Ali, Charles Gayle and William Parker’s “By Any Means”; Alfredo Rodriguez; and The Rodriguez Brothers are scheduled.

Tickets are available for the August 7 opening night concert on May 13 at 10 a.m. Tickets for the August 8-9 shows are already available through the festival Web site. General admission tickets also can be purchased in person at the Visitor’s Center at the Newport County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau located at 23 America’s Cup Avenue in Newport, RI.

General admission tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. Tickets for adults are $69 in advance and $75 on festival weekend, if available. Children ages 3 to 15 years old can gain entrance for $15 each day at all times, and children under 3 are free.

A limited number of adult two-day passes will be available for $125. Reserved seating is available in the Gold Circle for $100, or $85 for general reserved seating. Ticket prices do not include applicable service fees.

On-site festival parking is $12 per vehicle in advance; $15 on festival weekend.