Jay Sweet, here – Executive Producer of Newport Festivals Foundation.
Do you mind if I do something unconventional? I’m just going to be honest and get right to the point: I am asking you for money. We both know that. I’m sure you’ve received dozens of these in your inbox this season. So I’m not going to waste your time with fancy nonprofit jargon.
Here’s the reality: We need your help to solve two problems.
1. The live music industry is broken. I'm sure you’ve heard all about it. Artists ending their tours early, inflation, exorbitant fees, you name it. So what are most festivals doing? They're creating expensive VIP programs and naming their stages after big corporations. But that’s not us. I’m proud to say we’re different. As a nonprofit, we aren’t beholden to shareholders. That said, we’re still facing all the same market pressures and our Festivals don’t break even on ticket sales alone. Which is where you come in. We depend on donations from our community – without them our Festivals simply would not be possible. We’re anticipating production costs to rise roughly $45,000 this year. So, that’s our goal. If 100 people donate $450 to this appeal we’ll reach it.
2. We are failing the next generation when it comes to music education. Since the pandemic, budget cuts have decimated music education programs in America. Even here in Newport, band classes are understaffed and underfunded. This is a real problem, not just for students, but selfishly, for the future of our Festivals. If the next generation isn’t learning how to actually play real instruments, we aren’t going to have artists to put on our stages in ten years.
So we’re stepping up. In 2024, we provided over 2,000 free lessons for students who couldn’t afford them. Unfortunately, as I’m writing this letter, we have a waitlist of students hoping to receive lessons. A $400 donation will allow us to take a student off that list and provide them with ten free music lessons and a free instrument rental.
So there it is, my pitch for your support. No gimmicks or fancy campaigns. And I get it – there are a lot of problems to fix in this world. But if you’re like me and you believe music is worth saving,please consider making a donation. Thank you so much and I’ll see you at the Fort.
