Jazz Fests Boost Musicians, Fans, Local Economies Since the very first jazz festival — at Newport, R.I., in 1954 — the events have been high-profile showcases for musicians. But they can also be important economic engines for the communities that host them.

Jazz Fests Boost Musicians, Fans, Local Economies

Jazz Fests Boost Musicians, Fans, Local Economies

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Since the very first jazz festival — at Newport, R.I., in 1954 — the events have been high-profile showcases for musicians. But they can also be important economic engines for the communities that host them.