Newport Restoration Foundation Hosts Gospel & Jazz Programs at Doris Duke's Newport Home

EVENT DATES: Gospel Brunch July 20th; Jazz After Dark July 31st

“Doris Duke’s love of music extended well beyond her record collection and frequent concert attendance. She was an active participant who sought out jazz and gospel artists to teach her and recorded herself singing and playing piano as a way to improve,” said Kristen Costa, assistant curator for the Newport Restoration Foundation.

THe Newport Restoration Foundation, which was founded by Doris Duke in 1968, will host two music programs this summer at Rough Point, her Newport, RI, home which is now a house museum. View Image 

Newport, Rhode Island, June 16, 2014 - Doris Duke – heiress, philanthropist, art collector and patron of the arts – was a lifelong supporter and student of music. She had a particular passion for jazz and gospel and she explored both genres in depth. So deep was her love of jazz she found the Clover Records label and was known to host jam sessions in her homes. Miss Duke also sang in the gospel choir at the First Baptist Church in Nutley, New Jersey.
 
The Newport Restoration Foundation, which was founded by Doris Duke in 1968, will host two music programs this summer at Rough Point, her Newport, RI, home which is now a house museum.  For the second year Rough Point will host a performance of RPM Voices of Rhode Island, a 65-member choir, and Jazz after Dark, in cooperation with the Newport Jazz Festival creator George Wein.
 
“Doris Duke’s love of music extended well beyond her record collection and frequent concert attendance. She was an active participant who sought out jazz and gospel artists to teach her and recorded herself singing and playing piano as a way to improve,” said Kristen Costa, assistant curator for the Newport Restoration Foundation. “She cared deeply for the arts, especially music, which is most greatly reflected through her generosity in supporting new and upcoming musicians, music education, festivals, and scholarships for music schools. It’s wonderful to have two of her favorite genres, jazz and gospel, here at Rough Point to celebrate her passion for song.” 
 
Gospel Brunch and Concert - Wade in the Water: A Celebration of African American Sacred Folk Song
Sunday, July 20th, 1-5pm
680 Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI 
Savor a Southern-style brunch followed by a performance of a 65 member choir and live musicians overlooking the ocean.  The community chorus RPM Voices of Rhode Island is an experiential educational organization dedicated to the preservation and performance of African American folk traditions through music. Brunch is 1:00-3:00 PM, followed by the concert at 3:00 PM.

Details: www.newportrestoration.org/calendar/details/36723-gospel_brunch  
 
$55 brunch and concert, $20 children 12 and under
$20 Concert only through June 20, then $25 after; $10 children 12 and under
VIP Reception $125
 
The concert happens rain or shine.  Seats provided for brunch ticket holders only.  Concert goers are responsible for bringing their own chairs or blankets.  The program will be held outdoors on the lawn without shade. 

Jazz After Dark at Rough Point
Thursday, July 31st, 5-8pm
680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 
Enjoy an evening of jazz and conversation, in partnership with the Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. and BridgeFest. The legendary George Wein will introduce bassist, Moppa Elliot (from Mostly Other People do the Killing), a 2014 Newport Jazz Festival artist, and Joe Parillo, pianist and head of the University of Rhode Island Music Department. There will be live music by URI music students before and after the discussion. Cash bar. Space is limited for the artists’ presentation so advance registration is strongly recommended. $10, $5 age 12 and under.

Details: www.newportrestoration.org/calendar/details/36730-jazz_after_dark_at  
 
BridgeFest, is a local, live music and education festival, that bridges the gap between the world-renowned Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals. In its sixth year BridgeFest is presented by the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County.  
 
Portions of Rough Point will be open during the programs including the galleries featuring the annual exhibit No Rules: The Personal Style of Doris Duke. Guided house tours during regular operating hours last approximately 75 minutes and include the exhibit; cost $25. Children 12 and younger are admitted for free.  Through November 9, tours are offered 10:00-3:45, Tuesday-Sunday. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.NewportRestoration.org or call (401) 847-8344. 

Rough Point was bequeathed to the Newport Restoration Foundation by Doris Duke upon her death in 1993, complete with all of its contents. It was her express wish that it be opened to the public as a house museum. Founded by Miss Duke in 1968, the Newport Restoration Foundation, a non-profit institution, was formed with the express purpose of preserving, interpreting, and maintaining landscape and objects reflecting Aquidneck Island’s 18th- and 19th-century architectural culture. 

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