Nate Smith, award-winning drummer and composer who recently won two GRAMMYs for his latest release, LIVE-ACTION, has been appointed the new artistic director of the Newport Jazz Festival.
The news was announced earlier this year by the Newport Festivals Foundation, the organization that produces the festival. Smith succeeds fellow GRAMMY winner and bassist Christian McBride, who stepped down last fall after a decade. McBride was the only other artist to serve as artistic director in the festival’s 71 year history.
One of the most in-demand drummers in contemporary music today, Nate Smith has worked with the likes of with stars like Brittany Howard, Childish Gambino, Jon Batiste, Norah Jones, Pat Metheny, Ravi Coltrane, and Michael Jackson. As bandleader, he has released seven studio albums, including 2025’s LIVE-ACTION which won two GRAMMY awards Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals for the single “BIG FISH” featuring saje.
“With humility and gratitude, I am thrilled to accept the appointment as Artistic Director of the legendary Newport Jazz Festival,” said Smith in a statement. “I extend my deepest thanks to Bruce Gordon and the Board of the Newport Festivals Foundation for this honor, and I’m very excited to work with Jay Sweet and the entire programming team. I’d like to also acknowledge my predecessor, the one and only Christian McBride, who leaves behind some awfully big shoes to fill. I hope to help foster a more personal connection between fans and artists, in an effort to ensure that our beloved music continues to thrive. I eagerly approach this endeavor with my heart and imagination wide open.”
One of America’s first jazz festivals, the Newport Jazz Festival was co-founded in 1954 by Ellaine Lorillard with jazz promoter and producer George Wein becoming the festival’s first artistic director. Going into its 72nd season, The Newport Jazz Festival is produced by Newport Festivals Foundation, which also produces the Newport Folk Festival as well as provides music education and artist relief programs throughout the year.
Smith takes the reins as artistic director for the festival’s 72nd season taking place from July 31- August 2, 2026 in Newport, Rhode Island at Fort Adams State Park.