Dates announced for 2011 Newport folk and jazz fests

As if the weather outside wasn't enough to make you already miss the summer, George Wein today announced the dates for his 2011 Newport folk and jazz festivals.

Folkies will descend on Newport, R.I. from July 29 to 31, and the jazz weekend follows suit from August 5 - 7. More info, including early lineup and ticket on-sales, is on the way.

"We will announce additional information in the coming months, but we wanted to make sure that music fans throughout the area and around the world have the 2011 dates on their calendars," said Wein in a statement. Wein has produced the jazz and folk festivals since their inceptions in 1954 and 1959, respectively.

Highlights at this this past Newport Folk Fest included Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes, Andrew Bird, Elvis Perkins, O'Death, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Swell Season, Levon Helm, Felice Brothers, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings and Providence's What Cheer? Brigade, who spread the rolling brass party over the entire weekend.

Click here for the Phoenix's comprehensive coverage of Newpork Folk, including photos, video and on-site recaps, and also check out Phoenix arts editor Jon Garelick's notes from Newport Jazz.