NPR at Newport: Berklee Global Jazz Institute Septet

Christian Li, Matthew Halpin, Hailey Niswanger, Greg Chaplin, Andrew Burglass, Jorge Pérez, and Mark Whitfield Jr.

Photo by Rob Hayes

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The BGJI's Andrew Burglass.

Photo Rob Hayes

The BGJI's Christian Li on the Quad Stage at Newport.

Photo by Rob Hayes

Mark Whitfield Jr. on the skins.

Photo by Rob Hayes

Jorge Pérez, making Newport magic with the congas and cajon.

Photo Rob Hayes

WGBH's (and NPR's) master of the machines, Antonio Oliart, optimizing the BGJI for your ears.

Photo by Rob Hayes

Newport—synonymous with great performances, amazing new talent, and superb coastal weather. This year, we had all three, when the Berklee Global Jazz Institute Septet opened the festival's Quad Stage, inside historic Fort Adams. National Public Radio's NPRmusic.org was there to capture and webcast the festival for the entire world.

Listen to the BGJI's set on NPRmusic.org.

Many thanks to Anya Grundmann, Josh Jackson, Antonio Oliart, Patrick Jarenwattanon, Erik Jacobs, and Steve Charbonneau of the NPR team, and Jason Olaine of George Wein's operation, for all they do to bring Newport to your ears.

And thanks to student pianist Christian Li, who shares his experience—along with video of the festival—on Berklee Blogs.